Like Marilyn Monroe said, "Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world!" I couldn't agree more. But the search for the right shoes for a new walker to a now running toddler has been SO CHALLENGING! With all the hype and controversy out there about the importance of letting developing feet go barefoot, I was (and still am) shocked to see how common really stiff toddler shoes are. We let OBG go barefoot as often as possible, but we do put shoes on her when we are out and about to protect her feet (from hot bricks, broken glass, dog poo!!, etc.). When she's barefoot, she runs ...
3 Perfect Gifts for Dad from Little Ones
Father's Day is less than a month away, so the hunt for the perfect gift has begun! Here are my top 3 picks: Customized Book: My Dad Loves Me We gave this adorable book to the hero of our story last year for Father's Day, and it has been a big hit! It's very simply customized with names, plus a title page with room for a photo and short little note. So so cute. Order it here. DIY Father's Day Treat Jar For the man with a sweet tooth, have your little ones help you customize a treat jar (to be enjoyed only by him) with all of his favorites. Ours would be full of German ...
Gentle Sleep Coaching for an Active Baby
Isn't Friday the 13th funky? I can't decide if weird things happen because I am looking for them, or if the day is really just whacky. Today, I'm happy to announce that one thing that is NOT whacky in our lives is OBGs sleep (FINALLY!!!!). She is sleeping from about 7 pm-6:30 am every night without wake ups. Or if she wakes, she quickly puts herself back to sleep. Hallelujah!!!! How Did We Get Here?! When it came to OBGs sleep, we thought she was the easiest and most genius baby in the world when she seemed to sleep train herself at 2 months. She just fell asleep at 8 pm one night, woke ...
No Sew Tutu How To in 2 Steps
Tutu How To in Two Steps ... say that 5 times fast (ha!). I've made MANY a tutu in my day, and there are so many ways to approach this! My favorite/quickest go to is done in two super easy steps: Here's What You Need Tule. I prefer to buy rolls of tule 6" wide because it makes for way less cutting than if you were to buy tule by the yard. I used about 50 yards of tule for this one (you can order here on etsy or pick up at any craft store). Scissors Ribbon or elastic waist band. If you use the elastic waist band like I did for this one, you will need hot glue or hand stitch to ...
DIY Winter ONEderland: A Party for a December Baby
I'm not gonna lie, one of the most exciting things (for me) about having kids is the perfect excuse to plan fun, etsy'd out, parties. Adults just don't get into tutus and themed party props without a little one motivating the celebration (and cheers to you exceptions, ahem San Franciscans, Bay to Breaker participants, etc!!). That said, I started dreaming up ideas for OBG's first birthday long before she was born. My husband looked at me like I was insane the first time I asked him, excitement and concern in my eyes, "WHAT on earth will we do for her first birthday?! It'll be in winter!" I was ...
5 Tips to Pull Your Look Together in 2 Minutes
As a new mom, one of the first things to fly out the door was my appearance. I'm lucky if I have time to wash my hair, let alone my clothes! And what's the point of washing either when it'll be about 2 seconds until I get baby mess (spit up, poop, or whatever slimy food they are snacking on) in my hair and on my shirt?! I'm happy to report balancing life has gotten much easier as OBG has aged. Most days I am in clean clothes and have showered within the past 24 hours (granted, the shower was probably not alone). Okay, maybe I just appear to have showered and appear to be wearing clean clothes ...
Breastfeeding Woes and Tips for Survival: Part 1
I was so surprised to find out how challenging breastfeeding can be. I didn't give it much thought before becoming pregnant, but once I was, the horror stories began pouring in. Difficulties latching, inverted nipples, infections, babies reacting badly to mom's diet, painful cracked nipples, etc. Not to mention everyone's opinions on the formula vs. breastmilk debate, or whether or not it's appropriate to cover up your ladies while feeding your babe. As with all parenting-related things, I've decided it's best to not decide what others should be doing. Do what feels best for you, and don't ...
4 Ways to Take Excess Sugar (but Not the Fun) Out of Halloween
Halloween candy protocol has changed so much since I was a kid. We barely knew anyone with a known food allergy, and my mom certainly wasn't taking our Halloween candy away. I love(d) her for that! But we did have to check wrappers to ensure no punctures (remember the poison scare?!). So now that I'm a mom and faced with heaps of health knowledge that our parents didn't have in the 70's, how do I balance the need to keep sugar out of my kids diet without taking the fun out of Halloween? I'm sure those of you with known food allergies struggle with the same question. Here are a few ideas I've ...
How I Lost All My Baby Weight in 4 Weeks
Okay, I'm going to go ahead apologize now – the title of this post is a little misleading! I DID in fact lose all of my baby weight 4 weeks after birth, but it took 9 months to do so. I stayed active my entire pregnancy, which was key to quickly shedding those pregnancy lbs. I never stopped moving. And breastfeeding probably helped a tad ;) First, let me say, after your baby is born, try not to worry about squeezing back into your skinny jeans for at least a couple of months. You've been through so much physically and mentally! You're a rock star. And you probably aren't sleeping much. Give ...
To Doula or Not To Doula: 4 Tips to Consider
To Doula or not to Doula?! We struggled with this question for quite some time. So long in fact, that when we decided we should hire one, they were booked solid! Thankfully a spot opened up with our first pick (phew). Thank you, Universe! What's a Doula? If you haven't heard this term before, think of a doula as a birthing coach. They will do anything humanly possible to help you achieve the birth plan you have envisioned. They will advocate for you (but not make decisions for you), treat your pain with pressure point massage, endulge your senses with essential oils and aromatherapy, ...