Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Story time: The one (or two) that got away

Picture this.

At Kohls: ready to leave the store and notice that it is an absolute torrential downpour outside. A sweet woman working there offered to watch my stuff while I get the car. I look for my coat to put on and it is gone.  I wander around the store looking for it (and pushing the stroller). Go to customer service (who were not helpful) (*may have lost my cool a tiny bit with that woman. But she was not helpful at all and could see that I totally had my hands full. It was pouring outside, I'd lost a nice coat, I had a  baby with me and all that goes along with that. All she does is take down my phone number. As if I'm going to leave and come back some other time if they find it. I kinda snapped a little bit.)  I continue to look myself...finally find the jacket. Go out to car and pack up to leave.

It's still pouring rain. Last minute stop at Trader Joes on way home.  I lift Ellery (in carseat) into the car. I start to hear the grocery cart rolling away. It is picking up speed and heading straight for a parked car that is by now only about 5 feet away. I SPRINT way across the lot to grab the cart just in the NICK of time. Bring it back, unload groceries.  Laugh at what that must have looked like to the onlooker.

We love the rain, but will not be going out to run any more errands today.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Cute

Stole this from Carson Family Fun

so cute.



the coloring on this picture is all wrong, and I'm a hot mess... but she is soooooo snuggled and I loved it.

It's Raining, It's Pouring!

Oh how I love a good rainstorm. It's so calming- the last few nights as I've creeped into Ellery's room at 3 am to feed her I cozy up and listen to the pitter patter of the storm outside the window. It's sooooo soothing to me.

 On another note, I am always sorely unprepared for rainy weather. I just this year have a waterproof hooded jacket... that was a big step. And I'm really hoping for some rain boots soon. Ballet flats just don't seem to do much in the 2 inches of water swirling around the parking lots.

However, I am VERY prepaired for inclement weather in our Ford Edge. I absolutely love love LOVE this car. It just had it's 1 year birthday on Thanksgiving weekend.  It is the first car I've ever owned that was brand spanking new. And if I do say so myself...it is one hot mama car. And now I am a mama so that is just perfect, isn't it?  We stayed late into the night negotiating and finally purchasing our car. I was indignant that we should get it with a red bow as advertised but the silly salesman couldn't find one. He thought I was joking but I am still not quite over it. That IS why we buy cars at Christmastime, right?

waiting for the money man to accept our offer
 signing our life away

taking it home (no bow, yes still bitter)

January 2010 - drove allllllll the way to Utah for our ski trip. It was a great adventure vehicle!


one of the cities on our drive home...it was sooooo beautiful after a snow storm


December 2010: weathering a local rainstorm. Perfect for running errands and keeping me and e safe!


You are welcome, Ford. I will except my advertising compensation check in the mail shortly.

** also, as a side note. We want my dad (or anyone) to buy a black Edge and our license plate will say "good twin" and theirs will say "bad twin.' I would almost consider owning two of these bc we love them so much...and then really would be tempted to get black in color. Ha.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

"Future Amy" is becoming more and more... "Present Amy!!"

I baked a chicken last night. Just to prove to myself that I could do it. About a year ago I tried to bake a chicken and it was miserably underdone... Dinner Fail.

We had salmon on salad for dinner and I baked the chicken late into the night... It will make some yummy leftovers all week.

Thanks Rebecca at Desert Dwelling for the recipe!


Do you want it too? go Here

Favorite Things: Baby Edition part II

1) Babylegs

These little cuties are great for the crawler, the frequent diaper changer, or just the baby who looks fab in 70's fashion... "tights" that cut off at the upper thigh make diaper changes easy, prevent rug burn for the crawler, and make a simple onesie a cute, spunky outfit! They have a variety of patterns for both boys and girls...and a few for infants (E is hoping for some for Christmas). They run about $12-15 a pair...but if you "like" them on facebook they have tons of deals. For instance, a Christmas patterned pair is $6 today...








2) Infant Mylicon Drops (we prefer generic store brand)

 Babies have immature digestive systems and frequently get gas pains. Help your baby (and yourself) out by giving her these simple drops with each feeding. They pass right through the system and are of no harm to your baby...they simply help break up any large bubbles making it easier and less painful to pass. Trust me, if you have ever encountered a baby in pain from gas... these will be a must in your feeding routine.  Available at drug stores/Target etc for around $8.

3) Front Carrier

Whether it's the MobyWrap, the ErgoBaby, a sling, a Baby Bjorn...you MUST have at least one (but probably more than one) of these. Babies are very comforted sleeping and being next to mom's chest (and Dad's too!). The first few weeks maybe you can lounge around holding your baby all day, watching a Hallmark movie, and eating Bon Bons...but at some point, the meals stop being delivered, laundry starts to pile up, and you are still wearing your yoga pants from last week.  Enter, a front carrier... some babies are more comfortable in one style more than another...and certain events call for one style or another (some are more sporty for the long haul, some cuter).  Either way, stock up on a variety of these ... not cheap, but worth your while!


MobyWrap retails ~$40
This is one long piece of fabric that you wrap around yourself... there are a variety of holds for baby according to what they are most comfortable in and how old they are etc...

ErgoBaby retails ~ $ 105 (or more if you buy organic)
This is a sturdy carrier that can be worn on the front or the back (for an older child). Features a sun shade for a sleeping baby (or paparazzi...hey, we all know a sleeping baby is a magnet for touchy feely women and kids on the go), and an available infant insert to protect a newborn's spine.

4) Hooter Hider (or generic brand nursing cover)
a simple must for nursing mothers on the go. A large piece of fabric drapes over baby while nursing (attached around mom's neck) with a view from above for mom to see what's going on....
retails ~$35



5) ELLERY!!!!

She most definitely wins my most favorite thing "baby edition"...and possibly most favorite thing ever (except I love my husband sooo much...and without him we wouldn't have HER!)

ok... come on now.. is this not ADORABLE!? You have my permission to squeal.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Favorite Things: Baby Edition part I

raindrops on roses. . . and whiskers on kittens!!

These are some things that go on my "give to someone having a baby" list... whether I think they are cute or absolutely necessary...


 1)
Baby Jogger Citi Mini Stroller



While I enjoy being able to steer and turn corners with one hand and the adapter to just set your infant car seat in the stroller, the best thing about this stroller is hands down the ONE STEP fold and unfold patented design. You literally grab a strap that is in the "seat" of the stroller and it folds up like a beach chair. Life (and errands!) instantly become  complicated when you add a baby to the mix. Don't make your "gear" more complicated than it needs to be.

~ amazon.com $239 approx
comes in black, green, orange, red\

(Gorgeous woman not included... unless of course you mean YOU).




 

2) Sticky Picky

These adorable stickers are placed on any white onesies and are a simple, creative way to document how fast your little bean sprouts!! At only $15 they are well worth it.

come on, isn't she the cutest??



3) Medela Breast Pump
"Breastmilk is Best" but breastfeeding isn't always convenient... Whether you plan on going out to work, feeding your baby on a long car ride, or just going out... being able to have your healthy buffet for the babe is made possible with this lovely device.  *disclaimer* you may feel even more like a cow than you do now.  Retails for $279 and is a little pricey. Recommend borrowing a friends' to see how you like it...then purchase after a few months or for your next baby!

 4) Wubba Nub



Pacifiers currently are thought to reduce the risk of SIDS and are an essential piece for your baby to self- soothe. These wubba-nubs are little comfy plush toys attached to pacifiers and give a little extra for baby to hold on to. It can rest on the crib or on baby's chest and is a lot more convenient than the regular paci. They come in various adorable animal shapes...

We chose "kitty" for Ellery and it is her first love. I'm tempted to buy more animals for her Christmas stocking but not sure if we just want to keep it as "kitty" :-) Either way, they make an adorable gift and for only $10 you can buy a few! (online or in boutiques)



5) Aden & Anais swaddle blankets

These cute muslin blankets are the perfect versatile gift. They are perfect for swaddling (thin and a light stretch), great for putting over the carseat as a sunshade when you are out on a walk or in a busy room and don't want the baby bothered, etc etc! They can be sold online or in boutique stores or you can buy a 4 pack at Target for around $30... trust me, well worth it!

And aren't they just so cute hung together?? I only have 4 but I want MORE!




<------ also featuring "kitty" :-)