Well, it’s that time of year again…time for our annual Father’s Day portrait. We like to pretend it’s a surprise every year but it’s pretty much expected. This year might be my favorite yet…maybe because the picture is finally complete!
Can’t wait to watch these three grow together over the years…
Happy Father’s Day everyone, especially to the daddy of these lucky kiddos! xo
(PS scroll down for the fun flashback collage starting with our first pic in 2012! Q was just 10 months old!)
I can’t even believe I’m sitting here typing this…with sweet Baby Max right next to me! I’m still in complete shock that he is actually here and that my list-making and planning for his arrival are now over. Of course, with his birth comes a whole new set of lists and must-haves- that’s right: Newborn Essentials!
Now that I’ve had two weeks to adjust to having a newborn back in the house, I thought I’d share the MOST important items that have made the transition easier and let’s be honest- have kept me from losing my sanity!
And Lastly,
Well, there you have it- my list of Newborn Essentials. I have so many more little favorites but these are the items that are currently saving my life. If you have a newborn or are expecting- I hope this helps you out, even just a tiny bit! 🙂
When Cubby was born, we were asked what we were giving Q as a “Big Sister Gift”. (Categorize this under: Babymoons and Push Presents. Also known as the “We Were Clueless” Category. More here.)
After some blank stares and some quick googling, we ran out to the nearest toy store and surprised Q with her very first tricycle. She was so thrilled…it almost helped her forget that her new baby sister cried bloody murder 24/7. Almost. (We love you, Cub Scout!!) 😉
This time around, I wanted to be prepared. I wracked my brain thinking of something the girls don’t already have…something they could save, something that would always bring back the memory of when their baby brother was born. It took a lot of internet…I mean, SOUL searching – but this is what I came up with… (pictures below)
I wasn’t really planning on having a brand new shirt made for Q this time around, so I kind of tossed the idea of the “Big Sister” shirts altogether. That is, until I was browsing my favorite consignment shop and found this pink “Big Sister” shirt staring in my face from the racks…it’s the SAME designer, in Q’s exact size…in a consignment store!!! I pretty much knew it was meant to be! Plus, they will go SO perfectly with baby boy’s “Lil’ Bro, Yo” onesie from the fabulous Swanky Shank! I’m already planning the photo shoot in my head! 😉What do you think? Have any other great ideas of anything I can add to their “Big Sister” packages? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!
So when Q was born, almost 6 years ago, and I was a brand-new, first-time mommy, I realized a few things very quickly in those early days at home alone:
So, that first week at home, I marched myself right upstairs to Q’s beautifully decorated (and completely UNused) nursery and collected every last baby item that was so neatly and tidily put away and labeled in appropriate drawers and bins, threw all of it into a laundry basket and plopped that basket right on the couch next to me. It was like a hermit/hoarder’s paradise: baby in lap, and everything I/she could need right at my fingertips!
Over time (and more babies) I learned to plan a little better in advance and spend more time on the practical necessities and less on making my newborn’s nursery bookshelf look pinterest-ready. (Ok, fine-so maybe my OCD nesting got the best of me and I spent a liiiittle bit of time on The Pin as well.)
Anyways, when Cub was born, I had my newborn basket all set up and would bring it with me from room-to-room (aka my bedroom to my living room) each day. However, I quickly remembered how “tired mom brain” works and would often get all set up on the couch for the day only to realize I had left my basket of essentials in the bedroom. LIFE. ALTERING. TRAGEDY.
This time around I’m really catering to my laziness and creating a little essentials basket for EACH room that I plan on spending any significant time in. I posted all about my baskets on my Instagram stories the other day but I’ve had a few people ask about them so I figured I’d compile all my basket items together here.
The great part is, that most of this was purchased right from the comfort of my very favorite store: Living Room Couch (aka, the best invention ever: Amazon Prime). I think only 2-3 of these items were purchased from outside sites. So yay! The good news is, if you’re expecting, you can start your basket shopping right NOW…while still in your pjs!
Hope this is helpful! ALL items are linked below, because I respect and appreciate your fellow laziness. Solidarity, sisters!
(feel free to pin)
Items:
Diapering: diapers (I really love seventh generation & earth’s best for non-toxic newborn options. Seventh Generation “Touch of Cloth” were my ABSOLUTE favorite, but they don’t make them anymore. Can we start a petition to bring them back?!), wipes (the only brand I use!), diaper rash cream (love everything about this brand and its EWG rating!), rash cream applicator (best thing EVER- buy a million of these), peepee teepee (are these necessary?! I don’t know. Someone with a boy please fill me in!) Gathre changing mat (these are my FAVS but cheaper alternatives like THIS do the trick, too!), wooden rattle (for distraction as he grows, also because it looks pretty.)
For Mom: bamboobies pads (love because they are machine washable & reusable, although these Medela disposables have my heart as well), lily padz, nipple cream (also THESE gel pads that I didn’t include are LIFE CHANGING…store them in the fridge, trust me.)
Extras: binkies and clips (Loving these two brands!), nasal aspirator (get one that opens for cleaning, for God’s sake. Because, gross. Also these battery operated ones have saved my sanity before. But don’t even get me started on the ones where you suck out the snot through a straw. Just don’t.), hand sanitizer (for after-diaper-business and for all of those dirty, eager paws itching to touch your sweet baby), burp clothes (my FAV brand), newborn mittens (I mean, I have never ever actually used these before but always feel like I’m failing as a parent if I don’t buy at least one pair. These ones look nice. I’m using an unopened pair from when Cubby was born.), Honest Organic Healing Balm (I put that $%^& on EVERYTHING), baby brush (LOVE this super soft one- used it on all my babes…even though they were all bald.), nail clippers (although I technically keep these in my “bath basket”…see below.), extra swaddles (Love THIS brand!), and some extra change of clothes (I really love these simple cross-snap shirts on itty bitty newborns. Especially if you are going to swaddle and/or are having a summer baby. Sometimes I feel like this is all they need under there. Plus, easy access!) Otherwise, I’m ALLLLL about baby gowns. Here are one, two, and three of my fav brands!
Baskets (Got these on Amazon and they are awesome…and a great price!)
*Side Note: I also made a separate “Pumping” basket filled with all of the (dreaded) pumping essentials (i.e. extra water, snacks, breast pump, bottles, burp cloths, nipple salve, nursing pads, etc.), a Bath Time Basket filled with all baby’s bathing goodies, as well as a handy “Postpartum Care” basket for my bathroom. So if you’re wondering where all THAT fun stuff is, now you know. 😉
So, one of my favorite parts about Friday, aside from it being FRIDAY, is scrolling through (ahem, shopping) all the “Friday Favorite Round-ups” on all of my favorite blogs (that’s a whole lotta favorites, right there.)
So I figured I’d jump on the bandwagon because:
1. I’ve found so many awesome things lately, I thought It’d just be selfish of me not to share and
2. I thought rounding up all my favorite things that make me happy, would take my mind off of all the other junk going on.
So here it is, my very first Friday Favorites! Grab your coffee, or wine, or mimosa or whatever beverage suits your time of day and enjoy…
Let’s start with this sweetest little dress from the new Tea Collection. It’s a hi-lo dress, which I love and the pattern just makes me think of spring and happy things. Plus, the little girl in the catalog is wearing Frida braids and playing with a real koala bear, so really, how can I NOT buy this dress? Bonus: There is a matching “baby version” for all those twinning sister duos.
Next, I have only two words for you: ROSE GOLD. Salt Water Sandals are a summer staple in our house, mostly because of their durability and the fact that they can get wet. Well, my friends, SWS just stepped up their game a few notches by introducing their newest color. These are already purchased and sitting in both girl’s closet. Go out and getchu some!
Ok, let’s talk pjs. My girls are on a nightgown kick, which means the only pjs in our house that don’t cause bedtime meltdowns are our nighties from Plain Jane and Kickee Pants. They are both SO comfy and so adorably sweet. Plus, I thought I’d mention that Kickee Pants is currently have a sale on all of their green pjs to get us all in the St. Patty’s Day spirit. And if I can’t drink any green beer this year, I might as well deck the girls out.
Disclaimer: I am totally not sharing this picture just because it features a baby Q & A.
(I totally am.)
Baby Time! There are SO many new products out now that were NOT around when Ardyn was a babe- I could do a whole post on just baby stuff (lightbulb!)…
Anyways, I have grand plans to “carry” this next babe 24/7- you know, as in baby-carrying with the sweet fabric wrap carrier thingys. It sounds and looks heavenly in my mind, but in reality I’m the mom in the parking lot, playing human origami with several yards of beautiful fabric that is somehow supposed to come together to securely hold my tiny infant. Yeah. So, I have a back-up plan this time. Enter the LaLaBu. You guys, it’s a shirt with a pouch. So all I need to do is know how to put on a tank top (check.) and all of a sudden I’m a human kangaroo.
Sold.
As in, this is literally already in my closet.
Ok, books. Maybe it’s the past-teacher in me (or maybe it’s just the huge nerd dying to get out) but our house is like a library. We’ve got books in every room, categorized by author, holiday, and theme. Then I’ve got boxes of chapter books in the attic from my teaching days that are organized by reading level for when the girls get older. I’m obsessed. But I’m also obsessed with books that are just plain pretty. And these books fit the bill. Ok, so we all know and love BabyLit books, right? (if not, hurry up and go google…we’ll wait.)
Well, did you know that Babylit has these “decade” themed alphabet books now? Cause I didn’t. I bought the midcentury one for Baby Boy’s nursery and it is chalk-full of roadsters and letterman jackets and drive-in movie theaters. It’s basically like Grease the Musical in alphabet book format. Love, love, love. And now I’m thinking I also need the roaring twenties one as well. Ok, I just need all of them.
BlaBla Dolls have a special place in my heart. I bought one for both girls when they were born and they STILL sleep with them every night. Plus, they are just SO darn cute! BlaBla has some new friends out that I’m pretty sure are going to make their way into Easter baskets this year. Plus, Baby Boy needs one or twelve for his room as well…
Ok, call me crazy but I’m a freak about stationary. Everyone in our house NEEDS to always have personalized stationary on hand. Because snail mail and hand written thank you cards never go out of style. 😉
Anyways, I was browsing Tiny Prints to restock our supply and I came across these CUTEST EVER summery thank you cards. Since Q has a summer birthday I’m thinking these are a must have for sure. Otherwise, we’ll be sending all of her friends “thank you for being awesome” mail this summer! Either way, we WILL find a reason to use these….
So this past weekend, Q had her very first sleepover at my sister & BIL’s house. They brought her and Ardyn to a super fun restaurant and then Q got to have her very first (non-grandparent) sleepover. She was SO excited to pack her bag…until we realized that she doesn’t really have an overnight bag of her own. I had to lend her my nice designer rolly-suitcase and made a mental note that a. sleepovers are AWESOME and should occur more often 😉 and b. girlfriend needs her own over-nighter. I found these adorable ones on Pottery Barn and they come in two sizes, several adorable designs, AND can be personalized. My favorite is the aqua mermaids, but both girls insisted on the rainbow one, so I still need to do some negotiating. I’m thinking Ardyn may have some wiggle room…
Anyways, I’m pretty sure these will be Easter gifts for myself…I mean, the girls this year!
Next up are these genius little trays. Please tell me you’ve seen them?! They are called the Snap & Shop and Ladies, I’m telling you…they are going to revolutionize the Target Trip Experience. You basically snap it on to the cart handle, fill it with snacks to fill your little one’s yapper, and viola! A quiet(er) shopping trip experience. Everyone who shops in a store needs one.
This next one’s for the Mamas. It’s no secret that I’ve been a little stressed lately and when I’m stressed I either cry, eat ice cream in the bathtub, or turn to my oils. Sometimes all three at once. Anyways, I’ve got my fair share of diffusers at the house because I’m one of those anti-chemical/toxin freaks and so we use them for EVERYTHING (sickness, sleep aid, in lieu of candles, etc.) but recently I came across the Aria Diffuser from Young Living and it is a game changer. Mostly because it’s just so beautiful to look at, but also because it has a light feature, a sound/music feature, allows you to plug in your own music, AND has a remote control. This puppy is going to be put to some good use, let me tell you. Lavender & Lime are my favorite oils to mix & diffuse for a cleansing/relaxing vibe. It’s a bit pricey, but in my book- if you are an oil lover like me- totally worth it.
Ok, and last but not least, let’s get down to business. Ice cream and me are kind of besties these days (see above). Well, yesterday one of my other besties (<— a real live person this time…I promise. Click the link if you don’t believe me.) sent me the most gorgeous and delicious delivery of Jeni’s Ice Cream. I’m currently on pint #2 which is THIS Ultra Marine Blue that I opened and ate for breakfast this morning. It might be the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted. I promise you need some. Or send some to a friend in need, and then some to yourself just because, well- it’s FRIDAY!!!
That’s it for today. Happy Shopping, friends. And if you’d like to see more Friday Favorites in the future be sure to let me know. Otherwise I’ll just keep spending all the money all by myself… 😉
It’s February, folks! And we are determined not to let Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of six more weeks of winter get us down. Here’s some happiness to get you in the “Love Day” spirit!
We took it upon ourselves to throw a fun little Valentine’s Day party, just to, you know- get in the spirit. But mostly because- cute stuff and donuts.
Hilariously enough, Cubby was obsessed with the sprinkled-mallow pops, Q thought they were “ah-scusting”. There was a copious amount of baby wipes used…in case you were wondering.
And, hello! Can we all just say: Cutest Valentine Idea EVER for the little ladies in your life? We are pretty much obsessed with these hair clips on the daily, but creating Valentine’s with them? Genius!
Cub legit thought it was Christmas morning…
And, I mean…a tshirt with your child’s life motto on it can be passed by. My little Sour Patch kid…. 😉
Garlands and Banners: Pearl & Jane
Valentine’s Hair Bows: Ellia May Designs
Q’s Dress: Handmade Consignment Score!
A’s Outfit: All older/out of stock items from Gap, Zara & Kickee Pants
Valentine Clips: Ryan & Wren
Heart pjs: Gap
Letter Board: Letterfolk Co
Hilarious Tshirt: Chatterboxx Threads
Yellow Bow Headband: Cute Bird Accessories
This is something we’ve been doing since the first year we had Q. It’s a gift Ryan knows he’s getting every year but looks forward to nonetheless. The first year I gave him a cool 8×10 frame for his office with the first picture of Q in it and every year I print out the new version and he replaces it at work. I think we both love seeing how much the kids grow each year, plus it’s relatively easy to execute!
Here’s our newest Father’s Day image along with the collage that I’ve been adding to each year. Now I need to think of a fun way to display them all, because I think that’s half the fun! 😉
Happy Father’s Day to all the awesome dads out there! xo
Ok, So don’t tell my husband I’ve posted this yet because I’d kind of like this to be a surprise for him.
( Ryan, if you’re reading this- go away. K, thanks. Love you. Bye. 😉 )
So, these pictures have become our yearly tradition. Technically he knows he’s getting this photo for Father’s Day, but there’s something about him seeing it for the first time, every year, on his special day, that is just so amazing. (Yes, there are usually tears all around.) There is just something about seeing an entire year pass by in one blink of an eyelid; seeing 365 days of growth and change right before your eyes. He loves it, and I love it.
Sometimes I stress about “doing it all”.
Haha-just kidding. Not sometimes- ALL the time!
You know what I mean- the pressure to get a pinterest-worthy picture at every holiday and birthday, posed the same way every year, photos with monthly stickers and quotes about what they loved most that year, first day of this special event, the last day of another…sometimes its all just too much.
This is my back-up plan, my parachute, my little fireman trampoline-thingy, my “it’s ok if you totally mess up this year and forget to do all THE THINGS” thing. I know that however crazy the year gets and whatever milestones I forget to document, there will always be this- every Father’s Day (for as long as they’ll let me). It’s my yearly photo that always stays the same- everything except nothing at all, really. Look at them! They are two different people, from each other and from their earlier selves. So much has changed and having it all here- in chronological order makes my OCD heart so very happy.
(I have it titled and watermarked in case you’d like to pin it for future reference.)
So, if you’re still looking for a Father’s Day idea this year, I highly suggest something as simple as a new photo of your kiddos for Daddy to put on his desk at work. It’s never too late to start a new tradition! 🙂
Jordan & Co 