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Jul 27
We've been using this gym since month one. Today, babe rolls away from the gym, but she also bends it into a mini tent. The mirror continues to make Lily laugh.
The Old School Approach to Baby Toys
This is the latest toy I picked up for Lily. It's her first ball and holds just the right amount of her attention before she needs to move on to the next project.
My mom tells me stories of me playing with spoons, sticks and other random household items. It's those stories, coupled with seeing my nephew grow up, that shaped the way I look at baby toys. When I was asked what I wanted for Lily, I asked for books, older clothes and everyday items. Toys were on the list, but I knew that filtering in a toy here or there was better than inundated Lily with options she may grow bored of.
Here is the breakdown of what Lily's been playing with since birth.
Sophie and Chan Pie Gnon
These chew/teether toys continue to make Lily squeal. After her 5:30 am change and playtime, this dynamic duo keeps Lily occupied while I get her bottle ready. Both were gifts!
"Tortuga"
I can't find this image online, but Lily's in love with her musical turtle. Comes in handy during car rides.
Exersaucer
I just bought this gizmo about a month or so ago. Lily is old enough to understand the ability to both bounce and spin. When I'm cleaning the house or cooking dinner, I can get 30 extra minutes with Lily bouncing around.
Baby Gym
Add in your standard, cute, fuzzy stuff animals and teething ring and that's it, folks. We have a happy, healthy, inquisitive little baby who loves those bright colors and sounds. At the end of the day, however, nothing beats playing 'peekaboo', singing songs and making insane funny faces to your little one.
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Jul 17
Future Moms: Why I Don't Buy Into Baby Clothes Extreme
Lily is a little doll. She truly is. Everyone spots those big eyes of hers, then comment on the way her lips tense up when she's examining a new item. I could easily dress Lily up in new dresses and rompers on a daily basis. There are tempting baby clothes sales from Target, Old Navy, GAP and Macy's ALL the time. By tempting, I mean fabulous pants for $3, dresses for $10 or band t-shirts that are more for mama, then for Lily. Three bucks here, 10 bucks there, it adds up. Let's face it, all baby clothes are for us, not the kids, right? :)
Here's the rub, most babies are the comfiest in elastic, cotton pants and a simple onesie. Most of the time, Lily hangs around the house in this uniform, or, we change things up with shorts or just the onesie. Within an hour of a change, our little princess either spits up, over drools or licks her clothes (she is a master dress licker) to a fine pulp. That little had-to-have outfit I just picked up at the Crazy Insane Boutique was worth a photo opportunity for a family member, that's it.
As of this writing, Lily is 7 months old and the BULK of her wardrobe were gifts from family and friends. Oh sure, I pick up things here and there, but I am thankful to have a deep set of clothes to choose from. I also have an older sister who was kind enough to save my niece's clothes for Lily. Score. The sad part? Lily grew SO fast that there are a handful of outfits she is yet to wear. I spend weekends going through the baby closet sorting the following categories:
- Wear now
- About to outgrow
- Get ready to circulate in
- Store in old clothes stack
Because a good portion of Year One's Wardrobe is set, I'm trying to stop buying random clothes and look towards the future - when I'll need a new season's worth of coats, pants, sweaters, etc. Of course, I plan on having my daughter rock some cute winter gear, but I'm not going to go nuts buying things that will never see the light of day.
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Jul 17
Now that Lily can sit up, the playpen is a cleaning moms best friend
Finally! A Place to Stay Put for mama to clean
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Jul 11
I may live in a big city but I still use the outdoors to dry clothes in the summer. Best method:)
How Mamas an Babas Dry Laundry
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Jun 27
Just Us Girls
I didn't know how I'd do, but I did it. Six nights with babe while Michael was at a conference. I didn't think twice about it - Michael is a wine savant. Spending 6 days in Washington wine country with other winos was exactly what he needed to not just get away, but learn a thing or two.
I worked full time from home while I had someone watch Lily in the other room. In total, I had a new sitter, my mother in law and good girlfriend watch Lily while I worked and ran weekend errands. Many of you may think, so what? Of course, this is what any mother should do, I agree with you. The difference is, I've never had so many days with Lily alone, while working full time and taking care of the house full time, since she was born. I've written about the importance of having a strong partner in child rearing and these last six days prove it. Perhaps it's also because we are leaving Chicago for a week and the work doubled with laundry and packing. Either way, I haven't been this tired since I came home from the hospital. I managed to order, have delivered and assemble a new exersaucer for our little jumping bean. I met a another gal pal mom and her daughter for lunch. I went from changing diapers, to nap time, to cleaning the house, to blogging, to folding clothes, to beginning to pack for a five day trip, to cooking dinner, to buying groceries, to managing to drink all of my husband's beer on the balcony (sorry, babe). Though these last days were challenging, I finally got to spend consecutive days, at home, with my daughter. I fell into her rhythm and she into mine. I upped her solid intake (she's not a fan of sweet potatoes) and tested out her new exersaucer. I absolutely love that these firsts were mine, not her father's. Since the end of February, many of Lily's firsts were seen by her Daddy. With me at the office, I tend to miss out on new things, but Michael is always there to record things for me. Half the time, I know he doesn't tell me certain things, so I can see them for myself. That's another reason why I love him so much. I probably let Lily sleep on my shoulder more than she should. That's Ok. She let me smother her face with kisses more than she'd like. Tomorrow,I head back to the office and this weekend, Lily will be be bonding with her Baba and Dedo. Even with the bags under my eyes and tank top full of drool I'm currently adorning, I wouldn't change these last six days for anything. I do, however, miss my husband. Here's to his red eye bringing him home safe and sound.Comments [0]
