As the founder of Valleybrink Road, a Los Angeles–based floral design and luxury gifting company, Barrett’s Instagram feed oozes with beauty, littered with recipes you want to replicate and flower arrangements you wish you could make.

When Barrett and I originally met, just after she had her first son, Costa, I was instantly smitten by her bright nature and easy style. Now pregnant with her second, we found time to catch up on a recent trip to LA, to chat cravings, c-sections, and caffeine.

Of course on my way out I asked if her pregnancy were a song, what would it be? She answered, Bruce Springsteen, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, because, quite literally, Costa has it on REPEAT all day long! @valleybrinkroad

Due date | April 16th | Boy

Right now, morning’s are all about Costa. It typically begins with his little voice saying, “Mommy, wakey, wakey”, followed by a piggyback ride to the kitchen before I try to escape to the bathroom and pee. Ha! After which we’ll get breakfast started with tea and coffee. Costa loves being in the kitchen, so he helps me scramble eggs, make smoothies, or whatever else we are having that morning. When we finish it’s always a race to get him ready for school and out the door. Andre usually drops him off so I can get ready and head to work.

Three years ago I would’ve said NO without skipping a beat, but since having a child—especially one who’s a true morning person—I’ve come to embrace the early hours. I try my best to get up with a positive attitude so we can enjoy the morning together.

True Botanicals Smoothing Eye and Lip Balm

I’ve been using Kerstin Florian Ginger Body Oil all over my body and bump, and am super pumped about the HATCH MAMA belly oil AND the belly mask!  I also recently discovered a botanical facial oil called Arch Glow that’s been doing wonders for my skin.

I learned that women should keep their turmeric consumption low while pregnant…good to know since it’s EVERYWHERE and in EVERYTHING these days. Apparently it’s better to consume in cooked foods, but preferably not as a high-dose supplement.

IS Clinical Cleansing Complex Face Face Wash

IS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum

Arch Glow Face Oil

IS Clinical Youth Eye Complex

Control Corrective Sunscreen SPF 30

True Botanicals Smoothing Eye and Lip Balm

IS Clinical Cleansing Complex Face Face Wash

Control Corrective Hydrant Stabilizer

Arch Glow Face Oil

IS Clinical Youth Eye Complex

IS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion

True Botanicals Smoothing Eye and Lip Balm

I stay away from caffeine while I’m pregnant. I generally opt for a cup of decaf Chai or a Cardamom Almond Milk Latte instead.

The 2nd time is so different from the first. The first time is all afternoon naps, prenatal yoga, and tea with friends. The 2nd time around you hardly remember you’re pregnant as most of the time you’re chasing after a toddler!

Tired but excited about this next chapter for our family.

Lots of walks.

Exhaustion and an achey back.

My 2nd trimester has brought me a burst of energy that’s wonderful and very much appreciated.

Citrus

I eat a pretty balanced diet. Lots of fruit, salads, pasta, and soups with pregnancy.

Cara Cara Oranges

Yep! I feel like it’s only 9 months…I can do it.

I’m having a scheduled C-Section. I have a bad back from a car accident when I was younger, so I’ve always known I’d have to have C-Sections with my babies.

I love my pregnant belly and my boobs haven’t really changed that much, yet.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Each day is a new chance to make a change, have a better attitude, or start something over.