Welcome to Anna's self-proclaimed magic A-frame, situated in the heart of lush Portland, Oregon!

“As soon as I saw the real estate listing, I knew that it was my spirit home. The floors were rotting, there was an aroma of cat urine in the air, and the walls were hues ranging from lime to neon to black, but she had such lovely bones! We bought ‘our magic A-frame’ almost three years ago, spent four months getting her livable, and have been happily fixing her up since then.”

“Eclectic, colorful, tactile, and global–a plant-filled mini museum.”

“Keep only treasures that you love and that have a story. Much of my furniture belonged to my grandparents or was thrifted over the years. All of our rugs and textiles were purchased while traveling, so each one has a memory and story.”

Anna wears a Mara Hoffman dress. Ava wears a Xirena dress. Lilith wears an Ulla Johnson dress.

“My partner, Srijon, is an incredible artist. He paints and creates large installations. He recently made a magical painting for our future child's nursery of a unicorn in a flower field. I can’t wait to see the way that painting will continue on with our daughter throughout her lifetime. I have an amazing vintage McGuire sofa and chair set that was my grandma’s that I love. It’s upholstered in bright yellow and orange floral, and I remember spending time on it as a child in her old home in Atherton.”

“With the new baby, I am envisioning trying to keep toys in either the nursery or our TV room, although I know from experience that it's easier said than done! I plan to turn our office nook off the dining room into a play kitchen/art space for our daughter-to-be, Inez, once she’s toddling around.”

Plants and art that tell a story in every nook of the house!

“There’s never a dull moment, that’s for sure. As soon as you get used to one stage, they evolve to the next. It’s been really fun having older kids and experiencing those moments of friendship, hanging out, watching the same TV shows, listening to their pop music in the car, first concerts, boy talk, make-up, and fashion. For me, it’s incredible to see them grow up and realize that I not only love this person, but I also really like who they’re becoming and will cherish their friendship forever. I have a wonderful friendship with my mom now. We talk on the phone every morning, and knowing that the same outcome could happen with my daughters makes getting through the rough teen days easier.”

“Starting over! My girls are so amazing, and I’ve been so lucky to have such healthy, creative, and intelligent kids. I’m a little nervous about starting fresh with a new little person and a new little personality. I hope that I can muster up the patience to deal with sleeplessness and tantrums again.”

(Swoon!)

“The love! People tell you how much you’re going to love these little humans, but until they arrive into your arms, you really have no idea. The protective mama-bear emotions you feel are so crazy, and the unconditional love is so strong. Thank goodness, too, because there are definitely trying days full of tears in both the baby and teen stages!”

“Not really, but I truly admire single mothers! I have been a single mom, and it can be an incredibly challenging and lonely experience. Of course, it’s also filled with reward and self-discovery, but single moms really deserve some serious props!”

“My parents were quite traditional. I grew up in a small town with simple activities and means. My mom loved being a mother, and I think that I have set my standards quite high as a result. I am much more liberal with my outlook and parenting, but I still go back to my roots and try to teach my girls basic morals, respect, and manners.”

“Ava and Lilith have their own rooms, which very much represent their personalities. Ava’s is pale lavender and has a romantic, feminine feel equipped with a keyboard, ukulele, and lots of photos of friends. Lili’s is aqua and red and has a sewing table, slime-making station, and superhero posters! I’ve had so much fun turning our guest room into a nursery for Inez. It’s very colorful and graced with treasures from our trips to Bangladesh and Morocco.”

“Ava and I took an impromptu trip to Paris last summer, just the two of us. She has framed photos from that adventure in her room, and I love remembering that special time we had together. Lilith is quite the artist. I love all of the drawings and paintings that end up on her walls.”

“My name is a palindrome, so I was wanting one for my first baby as well. Ava seemed perfect, and her middle name is Monet, after the painter, of course. But, my grandmother’s name was Claudie, so there was reference there, too. Lilith is such a strong female name. We call her Lili for short, and I just liked the middle name Novelle. Our new baby girl will be Inez, a name that I’ve loved ever since seeing the Wes Anderson movie Bottle Rocket years ago. Since my partner is half-Bengali, we wanted a Bengalese middle name. It was going to be Krishna, but then we found the feminine form in Krishnanda.”

“We’ll all sleep in, then I’ll get up and make a nice breakfast where I’ll probably bake muffins and squeeze fresh orange juice. We will eat together and talk about our day—school or social plans. Later, we might get to spend time in the backyard or walk around a cute Portland neighborhood. We'll have dinner at the table, with more conversation, then homework. It’s a simple daily life together.”

Anna wears a Masscob dress.

“I am thrilled to have three girls. Three is my favorite number, and it just feels right! We were sure this baby would be a boy, but I was secretly relieved when the ultrasound tech said, ‘I definitely see girl parts!’”

“I think it’ll be so special to see the love that my older girls will have for their baby sister. They are both looking forward to babysitting and helping out. I know that Ava, my oldest, is a little worried that she will be leaving for college in only four years, and that the baby won't know her. I think that it will just take special communication and visits. I am sure that baby Inez will always admire and look up to her big sisters!”

“To choose your battles. There are battles of will at every age, and I think it’s so important to choose wisely. Take a deep breath, or even walk out of the room if needed before blowing up or snapping at an irrational plan of discipline. It’s something I’m always working on, but I think it’s very important.”

“For the tween and teen years, I’ve really enjoyed reading Untangled by Lisa Damour and Girls and Sex by Peggy Orenstein. Once you hit age 10, you’re no longer dealing with simple problems like ‘so-and-so didn’t play with me at recess’. Your kids are facing real-life issues socially, mentally, and emotionally. It’s so important to take all complaints seriously, and these books can help.”

“This one has been very different in the sense that it was actually planned, and I feel like I am a real grown-up now! Don’t get me wrong: my first two pregnancies were filled with love, and my daughters are the best things that could have ever happened to me. However, it’s very different to have babies when you’re 19 and 23, versus 34. I am at a completely different place emotionally and mentally now than I was then; I know myself. I am in a happy, committed relationship, and I am content. That being said, the physical pregnancy has felt slightly longer and more uncomfortable than I remember the first two being. And, pregnancy brain! I have been terribly forgetful this time around.”

“I’m really looking forward to having a home birth accompanied by not only Srijon and my midwives, but also by my girls, sister, mom, and best friend. I am excited to see the dynamic between big sisters with their little sister, and of course, there’s nothing more sexy or heartwarming than to see the man you love love your baby!”

Anna wears a Free People bralette and Masscob skirt. Lilith wears a Gap tank top and Ace & Jig skirt.

“It gets easier and easier as your kids grow up. As soon as they’re in school, you suddenly have a lot more ‘me’ time. Maybe some of that time is simple things driving to pick them up, but it’s still alone time. I look forward to turning on NPR radio each morning and catching up on news after I drop them off at school. Since I started working from home, it’s been much more relaxing. As mothers, it’s so important to ask for help when we need it. Ask a friend, partner, or babysitter—sometimes you just need an hour away to clear your head.”

Ava wears a Free People top and Mother Denim jeans.

“I have fairly dry skin, so I am moisturizer-obsessed. My current morning routine is to rinse with water, then use Josie Maran's Argan Oil with a layer of Dr. Hauschka's Rose Day Cream. I also exfoliate twice a week with Alba’s pineapple scrub. At night, I wash with Evan Healy’s Rose Cleansing Milk and use Aesop’s Damascan Rose Facial Treatment. I keep make-up simple and use Josie Maran’s highlighter wand, mascara, and when I’m feeling fun, red lips with Ilia’s Crimson & Clover.”

“I am a big believer in the old saying, ‘you are what you eat’. As a family, we try to eat organic and healthy, and take our vitamins. But, I think it really comes down to having a happy, content life. Take time for yourself, even if it’s just a walk down to the mailbox or a leisurely bath.”

“I’m a textile collector and addict. Most pieces in my closet are there because they have some sort of amazing embroidery, pattern, or woven quality. I gravitate towards pieces that I know I can wear year after year, and that don’t have a trendy expiration date to them. Feminine, unique, comfortable—it’s like collecting art.”

All the gorgeous tapestries make each room feel like you're stepping inside a new world!

“I definitely underestimated how big the belly gets! I imagined wearing all my long boho dresses the whole nine months, but by month seven, I couldn’t fit into most of them. Suddenly, I had big boobs (for my size) and no waist whatsoever. I’ve resorted to a rotation of four or five outfits—leggings included in all of them.”

“I’ve bought six pairs of soft black leggings that I found at Costco of all places. They’ve become my staple for the rainy months. Also, maternity tank tops from Target are great for layering under all the tops that are now mid-belly length.”

“Show it off! It’s incredible what our bodies are capable of.”

“I wear a lot of Ulla Johnson, Masscob, and Ace & Jig. They’re all comfortable and super special designs that you can wear year after year.”

“One of the benefits of owning my own boutique is that I can walk down to my storage area and find a new dress for any given occasion. I do try to limit my collection due to closet space and money, however. Portland does have some sweet little shops. A few of my favorites are: Yo for baby treats, Field Trip for home and body extras, and Artifact for vintage treasures.”

Beautiful, yet lived-in and comfortable furniture.

And, gorgeous, custom artwork to match.

“I just had my shower a few weeks ago, and it was so perfect! My mom, sister, and best friend from high school threw it. We had mini donuts, cheesecake, a yogurt parfait bar, and plenty of lovely lady friends! It was covered in flowers.”

“I recently read a quote from Marcelene Cox that read, ‘Parents are often so busy with the physical rearing of children that they miss the glory of parenthood, just as the grandeur of the trees is lost when raking leaves.’ I loved that and find it so very true. It’s so easy to get caught up in the exhaustion and trying of patience, and to forget to relax and enjoy the quickly fleeting moments of childhood. I promise you, they grew up so fast, and soon those first precious moments become the last. Sometimes, it’s worth giving up that nap or skipping school just to spend a little extra time creating a memory together.”

Anna wears a Masscob blouse and Motherhood Maternity jeans. Ava wears an Ulla Johnson dress. Lilith wears head to toe Forever 21.

A dream kitchen!

“Going from one to two was great. Ava was almost four and instead of being jealous, she was so in love with her sister and enjoyed helping out. It was really helpful having two littles that played together; it gave me a bit more space. Two going on three will be very different because of the age gap in our family. I’m hoping Inez doesn't turn into the spoiled little princess baby!”

“It’s really tricky! Srijon and I got together when my girls were six and ten, so they were already old enough to easily call a sitter to go on dates, or have alone time at home, while they were busy entertaining themselves in their rooms. With a newborn, I think it’s critical to plan time away together, even if it’s just grocery shopping without the baby, or grabbing a quick lunch. We are also going to make a nighttime plan. It’s so easy to get grouchy in the middle of the night, and I’m hoping that if we have a plan in place, maybe it will flow a bit easier.”

“My girls and I are vegetarian, so we often lean towards a Mexican cuisine for the protein. I like making black bean and spinach enchiladas or a DIY taco bar for something quick.”

“My girls and I moved to Portland almost nine years ago when it was still affordable; real estate has gotten crazy lately. So, we were able to buy our first home, which was super exciting! The nature here is unlike anywhere else. We can drive 25 minutes east to our favorite waterfall and hike. Then, two hours west there are scenic beaches and dunes.”

“My parents moved here a little over a year ago, and that has been amazing! My sister is here as well. So, yes, I feel very supported. This is the first time that we’ve all lived in the same area, so it’s been really special to get to have those family dinners and holidays together.”

“Yes, we’ve decided to stay in Portland until my daughters finish high school. When that happens, the new baby will be ready to start school, so we will probably reevaluate where we want to be at that time. My in-laws live overseas, and we plan to spend some time there as well.”

“I own an online boutique called Le Souk Le Souk. It’s currently a one-woman show, and I love being my own boss!”

“I opened my first brick-and-mortar shop, Branch Birdie, in 2010. My girls were three and seven, and I was ready to get out of the house and start working again. Branch Birdie taught me a ton about running a business, and during that time, my life took some drastic changes. In 2013, I went though a very difficult divorce and was suddenly trying to balance single-mom life, plus the small-business-owner life. I needed to keep my business going for the financial security, but was feeling the need to rebrand and start fresh. So, in 2015 I opened Le Souk Le Souk, a small collection of female-designed brands that speak to me and where my life has taken me. During that time I also fell in love again, had a teenager on my hands, and was starting to get baby fever. So, I closed up my last brick-and-mortar and went strictly online in the beginning of 2017. I love working from home!”

“The flexibility it provides me as a mother. Plus, it’s wonderful to get to support other women designers who are also doing what they love!”

“I don’t identify who I am with what I do. This way, I feel much more fulfilled (and busy). I work because I enjoy it and I need the income, but my real 24-7 job is caring for my family. That’s the most exhausting and rewarding job!”

“It certainly has. I was 19 and working as a model in New York when I got pregnant with my first, so I stopped modeling and started working at a children’s shop. Then, I went back to school and was working as a pediatric medial assistant when I got pregnant with baby number two. Balancing it all was too time-consuming, so I decided to stay home for a couple years before diving into the retail business.”

“I’ve learned that you can do it all, but someone or something is always going to suffer somehow. I’ve learned to be flexible and that having a happy, healthy family is much more important to me than running the most pristine and perfect web store out there. Sometimes, I just have to take a break and say, ‘Oh well, it’s good enough for now.’”

Hello, Frida!

“Fortunately, my office is just down the hall from my bedroom and the nursery, so I guess I will just respond to emails from bed and have my family help me package orders for the first two weeks or so.”

“Of course! I think it’s something that all moms deal with, and it’s really unfortunate that we, ourselves, and society put so much pressure on being the perfect, do-it-all mother. I had immense amounts of guilt after getting divorced. I think it’s something that I still—five years later—find myself compensating for. When they were babies, I felt guilty just leaving them for a few hours to get a little ‘self time’, but children are incredibly resilient, and we need to remember that happy moms create happy kids.”

“Believe it or not I’ve been toying around with the idea of going back to school next spring!”

For more information on Anna Margaret and her family, visit her here and here.