Back in the day before early mornings, long work hours and loads of laundry and dishes - I had extra time to do fun creative DIY crafts. Because I want to be that mom that's involved and creative and messy and most importantly FUN, I'm making time with my baby to do these things!
Last weekend after breakfast, Kingston and I started on some DIY Valentine's.
(because this will be all over your baby, the highchair and yourself)
1. Use your washi tape to draw your design on the card stock
2. Dab on paint sporadically across the card stock
3. Tape the card stock to the highchair and let your little one go to town
4. Let dry, remove tape and give away!!
We plan on folding these in half and sticking them in the mail to send to all our loved ones far away. This DIY was super simple, super inexpensive and the boy LOVED playing in the wet/messy paint. Sensory play is beneficial at any age - but I'd say 6 months is the perfect time to start!
I've said it once and I'll say it over and over and over again ... I LOVE dressing a boy! Styling my little boy into a little hipster man is one of my favorite things to do. It all started during those first few months during those middle of the night nursing sessions. My bloodshot/sleep crusted eyes would spend so many minutes looking on Instagram and Etsy for inspiration. From the beginning, I was never going to be one of those moms who dressed their boy in dogs or lions (unless its modern/graphic etc.). As of today I'm following 783 'people' on Instagram and if I was to guess - 400 of them are handmade business's tailor to the little people. Needless to say, I'm as obsessed with online small business shopping as Olivia Pope is with drinking her fine wine.
{Did you catch the returning episode of Scandal last night!? It was a good one!}
I plan to do some shots in the shirt/pants/shoes and then some topless with the hat and tie/bowtie. Hopefully I can also get some of him with mamas smooches too!
I can't wait to see how this outfit turns out in photos. People probably think I'm a little crazy/eclectic with Kingston's style but my goal is to start some trends!
He's still our little chameleon baby with his eyes changing color from blue to green. Whatever color he wears dictates what color his eyes are going to be for the day. I love it! His strawberry birthmark on the crown of his head and back of his neck are both still there but are lighter than they were at birth. His hair is growing in more and more and it's a dark brown color but he still has a bald spot on the back of his head. He still has the biggest jowls West of the Mississippi - but is growing more into them. I'm starting to see more of myself in him (especially throughout his eyes) but he still primarily looks like his daddy.
Clothes: 6 month pieces fit the best if he's in separates but if it's an outfit that is all one piece - 9 months work the best. We have a long baby!
Diapers: He is still in size 2 disposable diapers but is soon going to grow out of them. I'm still working my way through the same package of diapers we purchased last month with more then half a box still to use. Hopefully he doesn't grow out of them before we can use them all!
Shoes: Kingston is still wearing the heck out of all of his 4.5'' moccs. He kicks so much these days that these are the only ones that stay on.
Eating
Little man is still eating like the champ he is. During the week - Kingston nurses between 530a-630a before school, has 3 6oz bottles while at school usually at like 9 noon and 3, nurses right when I get home at about 530 or 6, and then right before bed at about 8.
We were trying to wait to introduce solids for a little while longer but Kingston was fascinated every time we ate and he started showing tons of interest in our food - reaching, grabbing and chewing air. We started with rice oatmeal during the evening 'dinner' session followed by a nursing session and just yesterday we tried peas. Again, just like the champ he is - he was definitely ready for it. The first few bites he knew exactly what to do with it. I need to do a little more research - but I plan to just do a 'dinner' food session before incorporating it at breakfast and lunch time. This week I also plan to break out my baby bullet and whip up some tasty veggies for the boy.
I'm still pumping at work - always 2 times a day but I try and make it 3 times a day. Things are super busy and I can't always sneak away but I'm still able to come home with 12-14oz a day which is nice! When time allows I'm going to make some lactation cookies to bring to work to see if it can help increase my output during those times. Ideally, I would love to pump 18 oz at work because that's what he eats while he's a daycare. That way I'm not breaking into my freezer stash quite yet.
Sleeping
Kingston is still sleeping awesome at night - usually 8p-6am. He's been out of his swaddle for about a month now and it hasn't really affected his sleeping other than him moving all over the crib and waking up in random positions.
He also does an awesome job at putting himself to sleep at night. We put him in his crib awake - he does a little talking and a little moving and he is out within 5 minutes. He also does this after his morning nursing session. He goes right back to sleep and always on his own.
Now . . . nap time lately has been a different story. Ever since starting daycare the kid doesn't like to take naps. This past week he has only slept longer than 30 minutes in the car or if he is being held. Every time we go to put him down he wakes up which is super frustrating. I worked so hard the 3.5 months I was off with him to get him to go to sleep wherever and without the need of me putting him to sleep. As frustrating as this new phase is, I'm taking it as him needing extra mama time. I need to remind myself that he's only this little once and it's okay to hold my baby while he sleeps. (I just don't want him to become dependent on it.)
Because of this phase of no sleeping - we've noticed Kingston definitely has a 'sleepy' face. His eyelids start to droop to about a 1/4 of the way open and we see a totally different looking child.
Milestones
He can roll over but chooses not to.
He can sit up for good stretches at a time.
Turning himself in his exersaucer.
He is reaching and grabbing at everything and immediately it comes to his mouth.
He is really starting to chuckle and he smiles so much more.
People watching. He loves to watch the world and hates missing out on stuff. This was definitely in full effect during the holidays and seeing so many new people.
Mama & daddy's bed.
To sit up and play with all of his new Christmas toys - especially the ones that make noise.
Giving mama kisses and pulling mama's hair.
Praying. He constantly has his hands together up by his chest so we are always praying to Jesus when he does this.
Dislikes
Tummy time.
Being held in the cradle position unless he is nursing. He needs to see the world. Being burped.
Words ah-goo
grr
He gargles his spit in the back of his throat and blows spit bubbles by vibrating his lips.
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He is constantly blabbering and he has been making so many new consonant sounds!
Da-Da (doesn't know that CT is his dada but LOVES to say it)
Something that sounds like hey.
Activities
He loves music and his daddy rapping and singing to him.
He has a dog and a lion toy that he's obsessed with their faces.
He is spending a lot more time in his exersaucer and he has figured out how to turn in it.
Misc. Kingston has definitely started to notice his brother Bentley and wishes he would play with him. Bentley still chooses to stay away but I'm sure with the introduction of real food - they will soon become better friends.
Kingston also had his first sickness this past month. We were able to get through 3.5 weeks of daycare without being sick - which after talking to other mama's that seems like the average. I didn't think it was anything other than a cold but we took him to the Dr. just in case. My worst fear is knowing he's sick and thinking he's okay but ultimately missing something bigger. The Dr. said it was a virus and that it would need to run it's course. Basically it was just your everyday winter cold: runny nose, mucusy cough, and diarrhea. He ended up having to stay home from school one day and I was able to get in some extra snuggles. Thankfully he never ran a fever and the virus was able to run it's course. I think after about 2.5 weeks it's finally going away. I'm also happy we made it through Christmas without a sickness. He was passed around to so many people - I was almost certain it would happen. I'm also pretty sure Kingston is starting to teethe. He doesn't have the beginning bumps of teeth yet but he is chomping on EVERYTHING (mostly his pointer finger and his paci) and slobbering like crazy. Soon enough though, I'm sure we will have a little boy with some little teeth.
This past month was Kingston's first holidays. Santa came to visit him at school and before you knew it, Christmas came and went. We had such a good time with all of our family and it was fun to show off our new addition to everyone. Kingston was spoiled with lots of outfits, a few books, a few toys and a high chair. CT's little sister came in from Florida for the holidays and was able to stay with us over some of the break. We are so blessed to have so many people that love our little man.
Also, I wanted to note some nicknames for Kingston from us: the boy, mr and sugar.
This past month has been the BEST month yet. You can tell he knows who we are and he is able to really start interacting with us. CT and I were just talking about how much he grew up this past month. He can sit unassisted for a little while, he is eating real food and his hand eye coordination is 100% better. It really is so crazy seeing him grow up right in front of our eyes and phones. I constantly find myself saying 'slow down baby'. Time is going by too fast and I can't get enough of the time I spend with him. I feel as though I'm doing a really good job of living in the moment and not wishing for the next thing to happen. I'll say it again and again - I love being his mom.
Southeast high school (where Kingston goes to daycare) is having a winter spirit week this week and today is 'Ugly Christmas Sweater' day. Kingston doesn't have an ugly sweater so we had to come up with an alternative festive outfit.
Are you tired of making the same ole, tried and true pumpkin pie for your Thanksgiving dessert? Don't worry, I've got you covered. I was introduced to this delicious pumpkin cake and I'm sure this one will soon be the new family favorite.
Pumpkin Cake
Cake
4 eggs
1 2/3 cup of sugar
1 cup crisco
15 oz can pumpkin
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
Frosting:
3 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 tsp vanilla
2 cup powdered sugar
- In a bowl, combine eggs, sugar, crisco, and pumpkin and beat until fluffy.
- Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and baking soda.
- Pour into lightly greased flour pan and bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees.
- Let cool, and then whip frosting ingredients and spread on top.
Phew! Thankfully the week has come and gone and I'm so happy that we have a short 3 day work week next week!! It was my first week back to work after 16 weeks off (so naturally I'm looking forward to more time off) and Kingston's first week at daycare. Poor kid hasn't had a nap longer then 45 min in 5 days and his schedule is all sorts of messed up. I'm hoping things get better so my sweet baby can come back to me. He's been super tired = super grouchy.
Anyways . . . .
1. I confess . . . 2 minutes after dropping Kingston off on his first day of day care - I had to call them. I was trying my hardest to get in and out of there before I lost my composure, that I forgot to tell them when he ate last. When I called I promised them that I wasn't calling to check in on him already but they still probably thought I was crazy! It's been a week and I've already sent one note with tips and tricks. Yes - I'm totally that mom. Crazy!
2. I confess . . . I'm debating if I even want to put up a tree this year. Usually I am ALL for decorations and being festive - but since having a baby and all the stuff that comes with him - our apartment doesn't have much room. Is that super grinch-y of me?
3. I confess . . . we are going to look at 13 more houses this weekend (10 looked at last weekend). Maybe we will find one we like enough to put an offer on? Fingers crossed that we find something - we definitely are those people with champagne taste and a beer budget.
4. I confess . . . I had never burnt a meal until I became a mom and since then, I have burnt 3. #isuckatlife
5. I confess . . . I'm afraid that Kingston is going to like his daddy so much more then me because he gets to see him much more often. Since Kingston goes to the daycare at his high school, CT goes down to see him at least once a day - either on lunch or his plan period. Not to mention, they will be off together all summer and every school break while I'm slaving away at work. =( It hurts my heart to think of all the time I spend away from him. I mean come on .. look how sweet he is. Even if he is grouchy because he's tired.
Last year I talked about my extreme dislike for Halloween. Everyone who knows me knows it's not my fave - it never has been and it probably never will be.
I don't like dressing up in costumes.
I don't like scary or demonic movies.
I've always been awful at carving pumpkins. I mean last year I glittered and bedazzled pumpkins because I'm that awful at carving.
You get the gist . . . I'm not a fan.
Even though I don't like it, I'm working on not becoming the scrooge of Halloween. I'm trying to be a good sport and participate in all things Halloween.
I've let CT pick Kingston's costume this year and he is still deciding between a spider and a Chucky doll. Typical guys choices. I'm pretty sure he's leaning more towards the doll, so we shall see what I can come up with!
This weekend we also went to the pumpkin patch to find one for Kingston's 3 month update and a Pinterest project.
Yes it's the same project you've seen everyone post on Facebook and Instagram. You know the one where the cute baby sits in the pumpkin with their legs sticking out of two bottom holes. I've heard a few people say it's been a Pinterest fail so all I'm hoping for is one smile out of him!
Maybe my views on the holiday will change once Kingston gets older and more involved. From the looks of things below, Kingston isn't a fan of Halloween either.
1. Yesterday, CT and I made the dreaded trip to Babies R' Us to return some gifts and to do our registry completion. We got all of our last minute things (minus the monitor which I'm going to order from Amazon) and then I was able to come home and organize - his room, the kitchen, the bathroom ... everywhere. Kingston can arrive any time now!
Super excited about our mamaRoo we got! I turn it on and want to get into it.
I may have googled the weight limit on it ;)
2. We literally have NO plans for today. How sad is that? We can't travel out of town - so we aren't getting together like usual with my family. CT's family waits until the last minute to get together so we haven't heard of anything going on. We could try and find a pool - but I'm cheap and don't want to pay for one and I look like I'm carrying a basketball in my stomach - I might scare the little kids.
Hopefully we can find some good food and a firework show somewhere!
3. Each night I get the 'tomorrow is Sunday' feeling. You know, the feeling you get when it's the last day off before the upcoming work week. Well, I have off until Tuesday and I love getting the 'tomorrow is Sunday' feeling but then realizing I have more days left in my long weekend.
You feel me?
4. I officially feel really pregnant. I have been so fortunate throughout this whole pregnancy - no morning sickness, no food aversions, no swelling .. but since week 35 this child inside of me has been kicking my butt! I feel like I have the 'waddle' with excruciating pubic bone pain and super achy joints. Hopefully I don't look as in pain as I feel. . . just a few more weeks!!
5. I have the book Baby Wise that was on my bedside table for weeks and as of yesterday it has made it into my purse. I just need to crack it open and start reading it. Any thoughts on it? I've heard great things about it but would love to hear from you other mamas if you have personally experience with it.
Maternity clothes:I just ordered two belly bands (code thefrugalgirls2014 gets you two free bands - all you pay is s&h). Hopefully it's not to late to use them. I have some cute capris and jeans that I'd like to continue to wear. I'm just so cheap these days that I hate buying clothes for this bump. I'll be on the look out soon though for some cute dresses for my upcoming showers.
Stretch marks: No - not yet. I'm keeping that coco butter slathered on.
Belly button in or out: In for now.
Sleep: CT and I have switched sides of the bed the past few nights and it's amazing what a difference it has made. Our knees don't knock and my face is right next to the box fan. It's nice. Hopefully I can continue to talk him into this.
Best moment last week: The 3 day weekend. I love being off work and being able to get so much done around the apartment.
Worst moment last week:Finding my ring finger swollen. Yikes.
Miss anything:My pants buttoning.
Movement:Yes. I love looking at my belly and seeing where he's positioned because of it being lopsided.
Cravings:Sour cream. Krispy Kreme Donuts.
Queasy or sick: No.
Looking forward to:Hearing Kingston's heartbeat later today and hopefully passing my 1 hour glucose test.
Prayer Request: This week I pray that Kingston finds a best friend like I have found in his father. Someone that makes him happy and that can make him laugh, someone that challenges him, and someone that loves him and prays for him.
I can't wait to experience parenthood with CT and I'm counting down the days until we can meet our little addition.
I hope you all had a fabulous Easter!
(My two day hair wasn't really working for me today and I need some practice on how to pose with a bump. I use to wonder why everyone always held their belly - but when I see pictures when I don't - I now know why. It's the most flattering way to not look huge.)
As I sit here and reflect on all the posts and pictures I've seen on Instagram and Facebook this morning I can't help but think...
Do we truly understand the real meaning of Easter?
Maybe I'm just realizing it more now because my news feeds are full of growing families and friends that are new moms - but when has Easter ever been about giving extravagant baskets filled with a ridiculous amount of gifts?
Easter is about celebrating the gift that Jesus has given us.
The gift of Him paying the price for our sins by dying on the cross for us and then being raised from the dead.
CT and I are so excited to announce to the the world wide web that (Lord willing) we will become parents this July! God has truly blessed us with the absolute most perfect gift at the absolute most perfect time. We were able to tell our immediate family at Thanksgiving and our extended family/ close friends at Christmas. It made the holidays that much more special!
If you don't already know, CT and I had been struggling with getting pregnant. Nothing was working. We decide to take proactive measures and we started seeing a specialist. After countless hours of hoping and dreaming, and lots of dollars spent it just wasn't working. At that time we choose to take a break and leave it up to God.
Why didn't we do that from the beginning?... because I'm impatient.
During our break from fertility treatments, the Lord decided to bless us.
His time is never early and never late... it's always perfect!
We are so excited to see where our journey leads.
Of course, with this being a lifestyle blog - be prepared for all things baby!
I've waited so long for this, my mind is exploding with ideas for decor, recipes, fashion ... everything!
PS - Now you know what added to my month long hiatus from the blog! How could I write about what was going on in life and leave this secret out?!
PSS- These announcements were 100% handmade! Photo taken by my sister at our annualpick out the Christmas tree day, edited online adding the working a picmonkey.com and then ordered online at vistaprint.com
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