Why I love my: Target baby doll food set
Image source: Target.com
C’s absolute FAVORITE thing right now is Baby, her baby doll. Baby goes everywhere with C, and poor Pato has been kicked out of his nighttime snuggling spot to make room for her. Baby enjoys endless pushing in her stroller, being covered by blankets and patted to sleep over and over again all day, and lots and lots of C kisses (it’s pretty much the cutest thing ever). At C’s last check up, her pediatrician let us know that playing with a baby doll is pretty much the best prep ever we can give her for being a big sister, so we are beyond happy that she loves Baby so much! To make sure activities with Baby stay interesting, I picked up a little play feeding set and magic bottle and sippy cup for her at Target. This gift is a huge mommy win, and has quickly jumped to the top of the Baby accessory list. C loves feeding Baby breakfast, lunch and dinner, and I was so impressed that she actually knew what to do with the feeding set. Y’all, she even shakes the bottle to prepare it before giving it to Baby. What a great little mommy she is!
Image source: Target.com
I’m so excited that we have this toy and can continue to encourage C to take care of Baby so when little sis (yes, it’s another girl!) joins us, C can feel important by “helping” with her own baby.
Is your little lady into baby dolls? What baby accessories are at the top of your list?
Summer is here!
Um, how is it almost Memorial Day weekend, y’all? 2013 is really flying by, and I can’t believe its time for swimming, grilling and outdoor fun again. No complaints here!
There are a ton of fun, summery things to do with the family in the ATX, but last weekend we found a new favorite: the Liz Carpenter Fountain at Butler Park. C couldn’t get enough of the splash pad fun, and I know we’ll be regulars for the next few months.
Photo courtesy of Gordon McGregor
It took little lady a bit of exploring before she was ready to let loose amongst the fountain streams, but once she figured out that it is fun to run around in the cool water on a hot day, she was in love!
Photo courtesy of Gordon McGregor
C and her sweet pal were beyond precious playing in the water together. They loved feeling the water on their hands and waiting for another stream to pop up.
Photo courtesy of Gordon McGregor
And lesson learned for mom — when your toddler is playing in a fountain, you are playing in a fountain, too! Next time I’ll have to whip out the maternity swimsuit (yikes), or wear something that will dry a little faster than denim shorts. I’m glad I avoided white that day!
What are your favorite spots for fun in the sun in Austin, or your city? Tell me all about it in the comments.
Book club: The Dinner book review
Image source: BostonGlobe.com
Y’all, something amazing has happened. I hope you’re sitting down for this…I actually read a book! After a 3-month period of life craziness, I was finally able to sneak in a few extra hours this month to make my way through The Dinner
“It’s a summer’s evening in Amsterdam, and two couples meet at a fashionable restaurant for dinner. Between mouthfuls of food and over the polite scrapings of cutlery, the conversation remains a gentle hum of polite discourse — the banality of work, the triviality of the holidays. But behind the empty words, terrible things need to be said, and with every forced smile and every new course, the knives are being sharpened.
Each couple has a fifteen-year-old son. The two boys are united by their accountability for a single horrific act; an act that has triggered a police investigation and shattered the comfortable, insulated worlds of their families. As the dinner reaches its culinary climax, the conversation finally touches on their children. As civility and friendship disintegrate, each couple show just how far they are prepared to go to protect those they love.”
SPOILER HATERS, BEWARE!
Wall Street Journal has dubbed this book, “A European Gone Girl.” While in my opinion, Gone Girl it is not — GG is the best book I have read in the past year — The Dinner is still a great read! This is one of those books that you can’t put down until you find out how it’s going to end, and because it’s not too long but still manages to pack lots of juicy drama and suspense, it’s the perfect escape for a rainy weekend. Further musings:
The “big reveal” was a bit of a letdown for me. Don’t get me wrong, the horrible secret that the 15-year-old boys (and their parents) have been hiding is pretty horrible, but I have to admit that when I finally found out what happened, my first reaction was “that’s it?” Maybe I have watched too many episodes of CSI, or am desensitized by the disturbing stories on the nightly news. Or maybe, the way the author built up the big secret was a little misleading. Either way, I was left with kind of a ‘meh’ feeling about it all.
The protagonist is not likable. If there is a comparison to be made, this was the aspect of the story that was most like Gone Girl for me, and I enjoyed this perspective in both novels. By the end of the book, I was pretty disgusted with Paul, and very disturbed by his wife, Claire. Yet, there are pieces of each of them that are relatable, which creates an interesting internal struggle as you make your way through the story. As readers, we’ve typically been trained to love and/or root for the main character we’re following, and it’s an interesting change to feel opposite emotions.
If you’ve read The Dinner and want to throw in your two cents, give me a shout in the comments! And, if you have any suggestions for next month’s Book Club, I’d love to hear those, too — I don’t want to jinx my June book-reading time by putting a poll here this month.
Until next time, fair readers!
The Dad Department: Brian and Ainsley
After a bit of a hiatus, it’s time for me to shake off the Dad Department cobwebs and get this column rolling again! I love learning more about the special dads in my life who have graciously shared their stories with me (and you, fair readers). And, I’m glad to be back this month with another sweet and adorable pair — Brian and Ainsley. Brian is one of my favorite people in Austin, and offers a unique perspective on fatherhood as a single papa to a tween. Ains spends her summers in the ATX with her dad, and school year in North Carolina with her mom. Brian makes sure to stock up on extra love from his little lady during holidays and vacations to get him through their time apart, and is getting ready for another fun-filled summer. I’m so excited that he stopped by today to tell us what’s on his mind!
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What’s your favorite kid-friendly Austin activity? Hands down, it is Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Ains loves going swimming at Barton, taking a picnic lunch and enjoying the water. We have a game where we have to see who is willing to dunk their head first – inevitably, she is braver than I. Beyond the Springs, last year we found a love for the Zilker Hillside Theatre. As Ains gets older, I make it a point to expose her to culture outside of “tween-pop”, and the summer shows at Hillside are perfect for that. Our first was “Footloose”, and I’m excited to see what we will share this year!
What’s your favorite thing about being a dad? Being a dad is something that gives me a feeling like nothing else in this world ever has, or ever will. It’s a bundle of feelings that you can’t easily put a label on and say “it’s called —-“. Knowing that you are responsible for such a beautiful person, and responsible for molding them into an amazing adult is scary at times, but something you know you will devote every ounce of your being to do “right”. Being able to be the rock to someone who doesn’t fully understand how she is the center of my world is pretty awesome. Hugs, bed time reading, and daddy/daughter time can’t be beat, either.
What’s your most memorable dad moment so far? 11 years in, it’s tough to pick just one, so I’ll work to keep the list short.
Daddy Delivery Nurse: The day Ains was born, NAMC had a hospital full of baby activity, and we were far from the only ones expecting a bundle of joy that day. The nurse left to go get the doctor and let her know Ains was ready to join us… but Ains couldn’t wait, so I was the lucky one to be the first to hold her, thanks to being the delivery guy!
Disney World and the Disney Cruise: It really is the most magical place on earth, and even at 3 years old, the wonders and magic we experience will be with us always. It was Ains’ first time to have a “fancy” dinner where she got to dress up and interact with other families, experience new food, and learn the phrase, “Thanks Dad, but I think that is an acquired taste.”
Surprise Camp Trip: Ains is quickly entering that tween phase where Dad is cool, but not cool enough to be around with when you’re hanging with your girlfriends, or God forbid – boys. Ains had a 5th grade leadership field trip this past winter, and I surprised her by flying to NC and being a chaperone. Getting to see her in her element with her classmates and friends was almost as priceless as getting to have a dance with her, even though all her friends were there. Leaving camp and being dubbed “the best dad ever” by her and her friends is something I will never forget.
What do you admire most about your baby mama? Steph is just an amazing mother and co-parent. She puts Ainsley’s health and well being first, all day – every day. She’s gone the extra mile to be trained as a nutritional coach, and in doing so ensures that Ains keeps her body as healthy as she does her mind, and that both get the attention and nurturing needed for the best growth a parent can give their little (if I can still call her that). She also joins me in ensuring that Ains is a well versed member of society. Kids are blank canvases, and with the prejudices and views that can create rifts in society and skew the social growth of our littles, being a positive guiding force for love and acceptance is one of the greatest things she can help champion with me on.
What’s on your mind today? Oh dear – middle school. Middle school is coming up next year, and it keeps me up at night. It’s the step out of being “a kid”, and that first step into being a young woman. It’s also the age where kids with less positive influences in their lives can start be the same on others, which means I have to work harder at being the influence my kiddo listens to, makes choices from, and still admires. It’s the age where kids can be mean, and knowing what an innocent, caring, and unjaded girl Ains is, I don’t want to face the day she calls and is upset because of the “mean girls”. No matter what, she’ll always know that Daddy is here for her.
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Thanks for popping by and telling us more about your journey as a dad, Brian! I’m sure you’re counting the days until Ains gets here. If you want to keep up with Brian and Ainsley on a regular basis, you can find him on his blog.
My Top 5 Baby #2 Must Haves
Now that I’m planning for baby #2, I’m excited to have some experience under my belt when it comes to shopping. Registering and stocking up on supplies in preparation for C’s arrival was super overwhelming, to say the least. We did tons of research, got a bunch of stuff that is awesome, and a bunch of stuff that I don’t even remember is in my house. I’m excited to purge and add a couple of new things to my baby arsenal in anticipation of welcoming another wee one. And now that I’ve been through it once, I know exactly what I want:
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Image source: Amazon.com
An ERGOBaby. We really didn’t use our BabyBjorn much with C, mostly because all of us seem to enjoy outings in a stroller better. However, when we did whip it out, I found it a little awkward when she was a wee tot – she could never seem to get comfortable. And, it was no longer usable once C reached about 9 mos. due to her size, giving us a pretty short window when it was actually a good fit. I have heard nothing but awesomeness about the Ergo Baby, and since they can be used up to 45 lb., we could still be using it for C right now! I am definitely getting one of these for Tiny so I can tote him/her around and still have my hands free to tend to my toddler/life maintenance. Now to decide a color hubby wont refuse to wear…
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Image source: Amazon.com
A video monitor with a pan/zoom feature that can be controlled from the handset, like the Summer Infant Baby Touch
. Now that C is older, she moves around in her crib quite a bit at night. When we got our current monitor, we opted for one that did not have an option to control the video view from the handset to save a little cash. Now, we really wish we had this feature, because she is all over the place, and sometimes we find ourselves monitoring her feet or the top of her head. Because we will need a monitor for #2 as well, I’m thinking we’ll go for one that offers this feature plus a dual view. And when C transitions to a toddler bed sooner rather than later, the pan/zoom feature on this particular monitor will definitely come in handy! I am excited for the day in many moons when I get to watch both of my babes sleeping happily on the monitor while I enjoy a glass (or 3) of wine. Ah, the little things.
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Image source: Amazon.com
A jogging stroller for 2, like the BOB Sport Utility Duallie. Don’t get me wrong, I couldn’t be happier with our UPPAbaby Vista. It’s
beyond awesome, and the whole family loves it. We chose it over a jogging stroller because we thought we would do a lot more walking and strolling around town than jogging with C, and we were right. However, when I’m done having baby #2, it’s going to be time to really start working on my fitness. Because I have negative time as it is, I figure that throwing both babes in a jogging stroller and going for a run is going to be one of the few ways I will actually be able to get some exercise. Plus, it will be fun for the kiddos (I hope).
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Image source: Amazon.com
A proper high chair. We started C with an Inglesina Fast Table Chair, which we love(d). And then we moved her to a simple IKEA high chair, which we also love(d). Until she started to be able to climb out of and/or stand up in both, rendering them completely inusable after only a relatively short time in use. Now she sits happily in a booster seat, but during our recent trip to California, C tested out her cousin E’s more substantial high chair, and really seemed to love it. There was no climbing or squirming at all, because the high chair was more of a “throne” that felt like a real chair. This is definitely a must have for our next baby.
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Image source: PotteryBarnKids.com
A comfortable rocking chair. Since C was born, we have rocked her in a beautiful chair that my sweet Dad rocked me in when I was a baby. He passed away about 2 years ago, and my mom generously refurnished it for us when I was pregnant with C. It has been so special for me to be able to sit where he sat so many years ago while I share some of the most tender moments of the day with my little one. As C has gotten bigger, however, this small wooden chair has wreaked havoc on hubby’s and my neck and back. It’s too small to comfortably contain an adult holding a baby – especially a large toddler – and will only continue to get more awkward as my belly grows. I’m thinking that this chair may move to the playroom for shorter story sessions and tall tales about Grandpa, and we’ll get both kiddos more comfortable bedroom chairs like these for rocking and snuggling. I know that my Dad would approve!
So, there you have it folks. What are your go-to baby products? And, what did you learn after having your first kiddo? Let me know in the comments!
What I’m pinning: Tiny’s nursery
In case you missed my big announcement last week, you might want to check it out! That’s right folks, C is going to be a big sis. Now you know the real reason my posts — and especially those that involve extracurricular activities like reading and DIY projects — have been fewer and farther between lately. I’m starting to feel a little like myself again (thankfully!), and can now share all of the baby 2, otherwise known as Tiny, pins I’ve been gathering since I first found out he/she is on the way. There are so many ideas to work through, but I’m starting with the nursery — duh, the fun stuff! We had so much fun bringing C’s room to life, and it’s still my fave room in our house. It will be a blast getting to do it all over again with different colors, ideas and accents to make it unique for sweet Tiny. We don’t know if Tiny is a he or a she yet, so I’m casting a wide net that could work for whoever is in there. No matter what the sex is, I know that the nursery will involve the following:
The color mint. I’m in love with this color right now, and think it could work for either a guy or a gal depending on how it’s used, and what other colors it’s paired with. I’m determined to get it in there somehow!
A soft, neutral space. There are SO many ways to make a baby room fabulous, and so many talented mamas out there who have come up with adorable creations! My personal favorite is to keep things soft-looking and use mostly neutrals or pastel colors for baby rooms. They are so sweet and pure, and I think their rooms should be too. Don’t get me wrong, I love bold and bright nurseries too — like my friend’s amazing yellow and gray one — but for Tiny, I’ll probably try to keep the brighter colors as accent-only.
A fun accent wall. I love all of the chevron, striped, polka-dot, trellis, you name it accent walls out there! We never did one for C’s nursery, and I definitely want to weave this in to Tiny’s room. As part of her big sis prize, C will be getting a little room makeover too (ideas to follow) so she’ll get one too! Time to put hubby to work 
For more nursery inspiration, and all kinds of pregnancy/new baby ideas, check out my New Baby board on Pinterest. What does your little one’s nursery look like, and if you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Why I love my: Brica Travel Booster
Image source: Amazon.com
I recently told you about the joys and woes of toddler-dom at our casa. It’s been challenging transitioning to this new stage in life, but it has also been beyond amazing to see C’s little personality take shape. I’m happy to say that since our toughest time a few weeks ago, things have seemed to calm down (for now), and we’re resuming yet another new normal.
That said, one of the most extreme toddler symptoms that C has been displaying as of late is an unwillingness to sit in high chairs — side note, whoever invented the high chairs with a bar right at foot level clearly does not have children. These chairs are the devil, and when C sits in them, we spend our entire restaurant experience trying to keep her from climbing out and escaping to freedom. Behold: the Brica Fold N’ Go Travel Booster. I purchased this for our recent vacation in attempt to ensure our restaurant outings on-the-go went smoothly, and OMG it’s awesome. C LOVES this little chair, and as a result our dining excursions since its purchase have been a billion percent more enjoyable. We’ve been able to fit it on any chair we’ve tried so far, and it’s sturdy and stays put. This is a must if you have a wiggly wee one who wants to feel like a grown up at meal time.
What is your secret weapon for keeping restaurant visits enjoyable with kiddos?
Vacation recap…and a BIG surprise!
Well, hi y’all! We’re back from our vacation to California, and had so much fun! We spent the week hanging with my hubby’s brother and his sweet family, including C’s adorable cousin, Everett, who is only a few months older than her. We also got a chance to see my grandma, and introduce C to her for the first time. What a special, fun-filled couple of days with family we had. Here are some of the highlights:
We were a little nervous about flying with a bona-fide toddler, and our fears were well founded. That said, C was mostly a doll until the end of the flight (see the pic on the right – note different shirt), when we had been in the air for 3 hours. At 14 months, I think we definitely should have purchased a ticket for her, and will do so for all future family trips.
We had an absolute blast taking C to the beach for the first time ever, and she loved it! She and her cousin tooted around exploring the sand and the (freezing) cold water. And, she even kept on her darling sunglasses the entire time…win!
C and E enjoyed dining together on crayons, stickers, and eventually real food.
And isn’t this the picture of pure bliss?! The cousins could have ridden in E’s wagon together 24/7. They were in heaven!
We visited the Aquarium of the Pacific, and saw some super cool sea creatures. I think the kiddos will appreciate this kind of activity more in a few years, but they definitely enjoyed exploring a new place and looking at the sights and sounds.
We introduced C to her great grandma for the first time, and took a dip in her pool. I really don’t think I have ever seen C this happy, EVER. She absolutely loved swimming, and I can’t wait to get her started on swim lessons in the ATX this summer.
Last but not least, here’s one of my favorite pics from our trip – and that surprise…
That’s right folks, Austin City Little #2 is on the way! Now you know the real reason I’ve been slacking on my blogging the past month or so. Now that I’m entering the second trimester, I’m already starting to feel a little less tired and icky-feeling, and I expect to be able to pick back up with my regular series again. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome another wee one to our family, and I’ll be sure to keep you posted along the way.
That’s all for now, lovely readers! Enjoy the rest of your week.
Hello from sunny California!
The cousins enjoying a wagon ride together
Howdy, folks! If you follow me on the social networks, you know that I’m currently on holiday with my little family in sunny California! We’re visiting C’s cousin and his sweet parents, and having a blast. We’re a little distracted with all of the goings on here, so I won’t be resuming my regularly scheduled posting until I get back. But, when I do, I have some exciting news to share with you, and some fun DIY projects in the works.
I’ll see you soon, but in the meantime, don’t forget to follow Austin City Little on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest scoop on what we’re up to. Happy weekend, lovely readers!
Join me for a webinar to discuss child ID theft – today!
It’s not often that my work life and my blog life collide, but in a miraculous turn of events, it has happened! I work for a company in the identity protection industry, and being immersed in the world of identity theft all day sometimes gives me a panic attack about the amount of content and information I choose to share with the world about C and our lives. I’m constantly torn between utilizing the amazing technologies at my fingertips to share and record our family narrative, and worrying that I’m increasing our family’s, and my daughter’s risk of becoming a victim online. I’m doing the best I can to find a happy medium, but it’s a topic on my mind all the time.
If you’re a parent, I’m pretty sure you share similar concerns about your kids safety online – whether they are old enough to use mobile and computing devices themselves, or you share my current predicament. We all have good intentions, but we don’t necessarily know what to do about this issue.
This is why I want to invite you to join me and my fantastic colleagues and partners today at 12pmCT for a free webinar that will address the growing trend of child identity theft and parental awareness. We’ll discuss pretty much everything you see in the infographic to your right — the current landscape of the issue, as well as solutions that parents can employ to begin to gain more control over this scary subject.
Click here to register, and mark your calendar. And if you can’t make it, feel free to contact me for more information about this important topic. Hope to see you there!
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