Name: Mariliana Arvelo
Neighborhood: Bushwick
Occupation: Photographer (owner of Stylish & Hip Kids Photography!)
Baby’s Sex: Girl

How would you describe your pregnant style?
Easy and stylish. I’ve been having fun getting oversized dresses that I can keep wearing when I’m back to my normal weight. I do enjoy tighter stretchy shirts with a skirt though. The dresses often hide my belly, and sometimes I like it out there.

Have you had any challenges learning to dress your body during this pregnancy?
On some of these super hot summer days, I wish I didn’t have to wear anything. Coping with the heat has been a bigger challenge than figuring out what to wear. That has been much harder than I ever imagined.

So far, what has surprised you most during your pregnancy?
This is my first baby, so everything is a new experience, and it all feels like some crazy miracle. I’m thankful for every second of this pregnancy, even the moments that are not so pleasant.

What are you most looking forward to sharing with your baby?
I’m a professional kids photographer, so I know the kids world pretty well, and I’ve met many amazing moms and babies. I can’t wait to see her wearing the awesome clothes we have from Lulaland, eating off of funky plates from Rice, and playing in all the fun city parks, like the slides out on Governor’s Island. We will party a lot together. 🙂

What’s your top 5 registry essentials?
Since we were able to get a lot of hand-me-downs and freebies, we decided not to have a registry. Instead, we’ve asked our friends to donate to help the Children’s Magical Garden in the LES provide free summer camp for city kids and to the Children of Ma’s Ashram and School in Omkareshwar, India to help them complete their school’s facilities. But here’s what we have and can’t wait to use:

Travel Crib Light from BabyBjorn
Blankets from Noe & Zoe
Knotted gown from Electrick Kids
Many books that have cool stories with gorgeous illustrations like Alice’s adventures in Wonderland illustrated by Andrea D’Aquino
The Bugaboo Bee
And the super cute bow ties from Lululuvs

Mariliana is wearing:
The short dress is from Lemlem (similar style here)

Photography by Catalina Kulczar.


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