Joseph: 8 Months

Posted in Oh Baby by

Another month has passed. I cannot believe how time flies by. My little guy is getting bigger and brighter every day.

This month I am on the move. I crawl everywhere . . fast! I also climb up over and on everything that gets in my way. I am timidly working on furniture walking now and mommy and daddy have been scrambling to get the house safe for me. I am doing tons of new things, clapping, shaking toys to make noise, waving “hello” and saying “Hi, Dada, Momma, and Yay!” I am curious and love to investigate everything.

Walter and I have become good friends and he lets me give him hugs, pets, and play with his toys. He also cleans up after me when I’m done eating. He is by best friend.

This month has been difficult because I’ve had a cold, cough, and a double ear infection. Mommy is ready to have a reserve parking space at the doctor’s office. Thankfully, I am feeling better now and I’m back to my silly self.

Movember is Here

Posted in Noble County Gold by

For those of you not in know, Movember is is an annual, month-long event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of prostate cancer and other male cancer initiatives.

Shawn has led a team for the past few years to help “change the face of men’s health” and this year I’ve joined the team to help raise awareness and give moral support. (Obviously, no facial hair growth is going on on my end.)

If you are interested in growning your own ‘stache or beard to fight cancer, you can join team NOBLE COUNTY GOLD, donate to the cause, for start your own!

I’m staying in the picture

Posted in All About Me, Oh Baby by

Last week I came across this article and it really hit home. Wonderfully written, it addresses an issue that most moms deal with on some level: Photographs.

Most moms I know, myself certainly included, avoid the camera because we don’t like how we look in pictures. We are not the perfectly coiffed, pink-cheeked, mom-models that are so often seen in media today. I’m more along the lines of the short pudgy Italian lady in yoga pants and a drool and dog hair-covered shirt with crazy hair and no make up. This does not usually photograph well.

But after reading this article, I realized that this is who I am and that my son will remember me more for my laughter, hugs and kisses, playing, cooking, and just being me. I need to document these times, with myself in the photo, because they will be the mementos that my child will cherish after I’m gone. I know that he might possibly laugh at my crazy hair, but I think that he will focus more on how we both have the same nose.

I promise you, my sweet Joseph, I will grin, laugh, and smile for the camera.

 

Outfitted: Back to Basics

Posted in Fashion by

 

It might be because I am too busy baby wrangling, but I am wanting to just get back to basics. I am craving comfy sweatshirts, jeans, and tennis shoes, but don’t want to look frumpy or sloppy. Here’s my take on what might just become my uniform for fall. Shopping details here.

Finding Time

Posted in All About Me, She's Crafty by

20121016-161311.jpg

“So many projects, so little time.”

I am positively itching to work on some knitting and sewing projects but I just can’t seem to find a free minute to do so and it is driving me crazy. I really need that outlet in my life. It helps me deal with stress and is a way that I can be “my own self” instead of mother, wife, cook, laundress, etc. Now, I enjoy being all of those other things (well, maybe not laundress) but in order to be good at those roles, I also need that creative release. Hopefully, I can figure out a way to find a balance and get back into the studio.

October’s Birchbox

Posted in Fashion by

Yes, I am reviewing my current box in the month that it came!

This month, Birchbox teamed up with the people at Goop to put together a collection of must-try essentials. For those that haven’t heard of the site, it is a lifestyle blog that  was created by Gwyneth Paltrow. It offers exclusive collaborations, delicious recipes, personal travel notes, shopping ideas, wellness tips and much more.

  • Jouer Lip Enhancer – This lip treatment is a great combination of a moisturizing balm and a satiny gloss. It has a faint hint of pink color that flattering to most skin tones. It is supposed to minimize the appearance of fine lines and boosts your lips naturally without that annoying tingly sensation found in so many other plumpers.
  • Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica Eye Cream – I love Kiehl’s products but I have never tried their eye cream before. It has an immediately refreshing, toning effect on the under eye area and keeps skin hydrated without any heaviness. I’d definitely purchase this in the future.
  • Supergoop!® City Sunscreen Serum – Both a moisturizer and a broad-spectrum SPF 30, it fights the signs of premature aging. Built for year-round use, it’s great light enough for layering under foundation but the mattifying formula can also stand alone on the days you’re not wearing makeup. Good stuff.
  • Illume Monogram Candle – This was a small, travel size version. Each is made from 100 percent natural blend of soy and beeswax and infused with a woodsy fragrance of red cedar and vetiver. Smells great and isn’t sweet or fruity like most candles.
  • Bonus Freebie LUNA Bar – These bars a great! I received the LemonZest one and it was delicious. You can purchase them at most grocery stores, so I doubt that I would order them directly.

Anyone interested in signing up for a Birchbox? Please click here so I get points for the referral. Thanks a bunch!

101 Things: 40. Get a library card

Posted in 101 Things by

My library card from when we lived here previously was cancelled when we moved and I’ve been meaning to get a replacement since we got back. I was so excited to find out that I could apply for one online!

The Columbus Metropolitan Library is a treasure. It was named National Library of The Year in 2010. So many great programs and events for the whole family. I’m excited to take Joseph to the story time that is at our local branch. Hope you all are supporting your local library!

Joseph: 7 Months

Posted in Oh Baby by

Seven months have flown by and my chubby infant has turned into a squirmy wiggle worm of a baby boy. Blows my mind.

This month has been one full of growth and development. I am constantly on the move. I can now “army crawl” everywhere and I am quite good at climbing over and around obstacles in my way. I can sit up on my own and I’m already eyeing the furniture to help me pull myself up. I love having mommy chase me about the house to keep me out of trouble.

I now want to play with more interactive toys and love my Grover puppet. I also want to chase Walter, but he is still too fast for me. He makes me laugh and smile whenever he enters the room and I immediately try to go where he is at.

I am still having some trouble with sleeping and napping this month, but I’ve gotten FIVE more teeth (8 total now) this month, so I’ve been quite uncomfortable and cranky. Hopefully, I will get a break before any more come in so I can sleep better.

I’ve also been enjoying more fruits and veggies this month, some new favorites are beets with applesauce, pumpkin, peaches, and mango. I’ve also started eating puffs, which are delicious! I gobble them as fast as mommy puts them out for me. I have also been working on drinking out of a sippy cup. I am pretty good at drinking, but I need a little help to hold the cup.

I am growing so fast, I know I’ll have many more things to share with you next month!

Hungry Little Man

Posted in Oh Baby, What's Cookin' by

20121008-161437.jpg

Joseph’s been eating solids for almost 3 months now and is doing great. He’s got quite the appetite and is always happy trying something new. I’ve done purées of butternut squash, sweet potato, carrots, sweet peas, and beets. We’ve also done avocado, peaches, mangos, and applesauce in addition to rice cereal.

I’ve been making all of his food myself and its surprisingly easy. Cook until soft, purée with immersion blender, and freeze in ice cube trays. I take out a couple of cubes for his dinner when I make his breakfast. Piece of cake.

I’ve also started him on some organic puffs as a first finger food. They melt in his mouth, so they’re easier to chew than Cheerios. He loves them. I’m hoping to continue to introduce some more veggies and try out some other grain cereals as well. Wondering what else I should introduce. Any suggestions?

20121008-162405.jpg