your little pictures

These funny little people just began popping up all over the house.  Any place you can find a bit of paper and a drawing utensil, there is a little person scribbled on paper.  These little people all have different personalities.  Some look like aliens, ET, happy, sad or just plain goofy.  This Momma couldn't be happier.  I wondered if people would begin to appear in her drawings or if quick scribbling would always be her drawing style.  Now, on to letters...

After-baby's arrival favorites...

A friend recently wrote about her favorites on her blog.  I love finding new products through others who have tried them.  So...I thought I would make a favorites list of my own.

After the arrival of our third, I have stumbled upon some favorites that seem to make my day run smoother.  Some are tried and true favorites and others are new-to-me.

1. Noise machine or air purifier 

Honeywell

We got one of these for our room to help the air quality from 2 sweet dogs that like to sleep in our room.  I am convinced that the white noise it makes helps our little one sleep more soundly.

2.Tervis Tumbler

Tervis Tumbler

I love this tumbler for so many reasons:

it keeps my drinks cold

it does not sweat which means I can set it down anywhere and not worry about a puddle

the designs are super fun and colorful

 3. Nike Sport Tempo Shorts

Nike

These are the most comfortable lounging/workout short around.  The elastic waistband is perfect for after pregnancy when your body is in between maternity and regular clothes.

 4. Carseat Tent/Protective Cover

Wendy's Whims

A good friend made me one of these for our new bebe.  They weren't around when my other kids were infants so we just used a blanket to throw over the carseat when we were out.  The problem with a blanket is that it always fell off and needed to be readjusted.  This awesome tent velcros onto the handle of the infant seat and protects the baby from germs and unwanted strangers peeking their nosey heads into the seat to see the baby.  It is a definite must-have!

 5. Muslin swaddle blankets

Aden and Anais

I discovered these wonderful light-weight swaddling blankets with my last baby.  They are the best swaddling blankets because they are so much bigger than most of the others.  The muslin is also light-weight and breathable so I don't worry about overheating the bebe.  They also get softer with each wash.  We love them and my 3-year-old still uses hers for a little cover up during naptime.  

6. Vintage little outfits with pin-tucks, embroidery and lace

I love the styles of vintage baby outfits.  They are full of sweet details unlike baby clothes made today. These are fun to dress the bebe in because they make me feel happy.  Who doesn't love pintucks, lace, puffy sleeves, smocking and beautiful linens?

7. Keurig 

Keurig

Coffee at the push of a button is a must with a newborn!  One-handed gadgets are the best!

finally...a baby for her crib

This big sister couldn't be happier.  

We finally found a real baby to put in the 100-year-old crib her great grandfather made.

welcoming you...

The weeks seem to fly by in a blurry fog when sleep is erratic, schedules have been thrown out the window and little ones need attention and love.  I snapped some here-and-there photos of our first week with our new little babe.  Things have never been busier nor have they ever been better.  It is amazing how the miracle of a new life encircles a family in such rich love despite the chaos that exists when a new family member arrives.

  

This year on your birthday you were overjoyed to be the center of attention during the birthday song.  Your smile lit up your entire face and you giggled with glee.  You were delighted to blow out the three candles on your birthday cake all by yourself.  

You seem to be slightly obsessed with Cinderella after your grandmother told the story to you one afternoon.  Even before ever seeing a Disney Cinderella movie, book or doll, you talked about and played Cinderella.  On your birthday, I was a little embarrassed when you expected your family to bring you Cinderella toys.  I was thankful that you didn't ask them a second time to give you Cinderella things.  We talked about being grateful for the things people bring you, no matter what it is.  I hope this will sink in...  

You have grown so much this year!  You are talkative, vibrant, without fear, wonderfully imaginative and have learned to be gentle with friends and family.  We love you!

How old are you?
(holds three fingers up)

What is your favorite color?
pink

What is your favorite thing to do?
play with Cinderella

What is your favorite food?
ketchup and fries and apple juice

What is your favorite food Momma makes?
Cinderella food

What is your favorite animal?
Radi (giraffes)

Where do you want to go?
Cinderella's castle

What favorite thing to do outside?
play
play what?
play cars


What do you want to be when you grow up?
Cinderella when I grow up


What is your favorite fruit?
strawberries


What is your favorite song?
Daddy's song


What is your favorite book?
Cinderella book

What is your favorite game?
Cinderella puzzle

your day

This month we celebrate you!  We celebrated much earlier than normal to avoid the hot summer temperatures.  Nostalgically, we planned your celebration at the city park Momma played at when she was your age.  We rode the little green train on the same tracks I remember crossing as a kid.  The park hasn't changed much and still bears some of the same play structures I loved playing on when I was little.  You seem to share the same joy over the little train and city park.  You excitedly spoke of this special day ever since your sister had a birthday earlier in the year.  Although it was warm, it was bearable for an overzealous birthday girl who looked so forward to "her" day with sweet friends at the park.

hurling the ball

A while back we decided to take the kids bowling.  I hadn't been to a bowling alley for years and questioned the type of alley that might be suitable for a family with young children.  I thought of old bowling alleys polluted with cigarette smoke, old carpet and people that hung around for days.  I questioned my husband's idea to take the kids but decided to keep my ideas and thoughts to myself and see what bowling with children might be like.

It turned out to be such a fun experience for everyone!  My kids were mesmerized by the balls slowly rolling down the alley to the bright white pins.  Little dances of joy ensued when a pin or two was knocked down.  

  

They only lasted for 1 game but it was a fun morning out for the family.

Only later did I find out about this fun program for kids over the summer.  If you sign up, your kids can bowl free all summer long!  We have been a few times to beat the heat on a hot summer afternoon and have not left disappointed.