Our weekends...lately

 We've been having some great weather on the weekends, lately.  So, of course, we've been taking full advantage of that, and having lots of 'family time/fun.'  My favorite kind of day.  :)
We went to the zoo Memorial Day weekend, had a few picnics at BIL/SIL's house, and lots and lots of walks down to the beach.  Heaven! 
I'll let the pictures do the talking.

 

 {Just hanging out, watching an intense game of Cornhole}

 I have a bunch of other pictures of my phone, but for some reason my email isn't working.  I'll be doing an Instagram picture dump soon, so I'll add them in then. Happy almost Friday!!   

 

Hello? Is this thing still on?

:::Blows dust off blog::: Is anyone even out there anymore?  If you are... hiiii!!  I miss you all!! I miss my lil 'ole blog, too.  My little piece of the internet that's 'mine.'  I think about it, and all of you!, all the time.  But, of course, time just seems to fly by, and there aren't enough hours in the day.   I'm going to try and slowly make my way back here.  I really need to keep this updated.  I look at this as a little virtual scrapbook/baby book, and I need to do it for Isabella.  I love looking back and reading everything that was going on months/years ago.  I have the worst memory, so this is the only way I remember what was going on at certain times.   And, obviously, way too much a lot of time has gone by, so I don't know if I'll update everything that's gone in the last 2-3 months.  I may just jump in and start from today.  Just so ya know.  ;) Here's a little peek at my peanut, being a goof, as usual!   

11/12 months old!

(I started writing this post over a month ago, and finally finished it tonight -- Bella's 13 month birthday! And, apparently I published the unfinished draft of it last week, and didn't realize it...oops!)  Miss Isabella Grace, I honestly cannot believe I am sitting here writing your twelve month post. You are officially ONE. YEAR. OLD. *cue tears* I feel like you have grown and learned SO much in the past two months. It's amazing. Some days, you come home from daycare with some new trick you learned, and it's like you've been doing it your whole life. I can't get over it.  Here are all the new and exciting things that have been going on since your ten month post (if I can remember them all!)... ~ You are officially on all table food now! Such a big girl. You have a breakfast/lunch/snack at school (aka: daycare) during the day, and then dinner at home with us. And girlfriend, you can EAT! I'm honestly amazed at how much food you fit into that little tummy. But, you love your food...just like you're mama. ;) ~ We are down to nursing only twice a day now, in the morning (I actually still pump in the morning on weekdays, since it's so early) and before bed. The rest of the day you're getting regular whole milk (organic at home). The only time you get a bottle is in the morning with Daddy. At school you actually drink your milk out of little cups! I can't get over it. It's too cute. But, at home? You are stubborn when it comes to drinking your milk out of a sippy cup. You'll only drink about 2oz or so out of a sippy before you toss it on the floor and won't touch the rest. ::sigh:: We're working on it.  ~ Unfortunately, the last time you were weighed was in mid-January, so I don't know your exact weight right now. (Bad mama!) But, back then, you were 17lbs. even. My little peanut! But, you have your one year appointment in April, so we'll see your exact stats then! ~ You are officially in 12 month clothes. Almost all of your 9 month clothes have been packed away, and you're in either 12 or 12/18 months. I remember the days when I used to look at those clothes and think that they'd never fit you. Now, some 12 month shirts don't even fit over your little buddha belly! Ha!  ~ You're learning sign language at school, and your sign 'more' all. the. time. It's seriously one of the cutest things I've ever seen. Except, you don't do it exactly correct...you have one hand/palm completely open, and the other hand points to your open palm. It's hard to explain. I'll have to try and get it on video! ~ You are a crawling machine now! You aren't walking just yet, but, you can go from one side of the room to the other in .2 seconds by crawling. It's too funny. ~ You're always standing up and walking along EVERYthing! The couch, coffee table, tv stand, kitchen cabinets. If there's something for you to grab on to, you're pulling yourself up on it. And, you've recently started standing un-assisted for a few seconds at a time lately, too! I think you're finally realizing that you have a little more balance than you think you do, and you feel like such a big girl just standing there all by yourself. You have this look on your face every time you do it, like 'TA-DAAA!' I'm sure you'll be walking in no time. ~ You're still in size 3 dipes, and we've switched you to Pampers Cruisers diapers. You were leaking through the Luvs at night, so we decided to try Huggies Snug & Dry instead. Ugh, those were horrible! Your diaper wouldn't even be full, and you'd leak out of the side. It took just one time of you sitting on my lap and leaking out all over my leg for me to be done with those. Walking around a birthday party with a pee stain on your leg isn't the most glamorous look. Just sayin.
  ~ You say a few words now...Mama, Dada, ball ('buh'), uh-oh. You understand so much now, too! Even thought you can't say many words right now, you definitely know what we're talking about when we say it to you. You point to your head and nose when we tell you to; you pick up your socks when we say 'where's your socky??'; you get all excited when I say 'where's Bailey/Roxy/Fozzie Bear??' When I say 'more', you immediately do the sign for more. You amaze me each and every day with how much your little brain soaks in.  ~ We've officially retired your infant car seat and you're finally in your big-girl car seat! Even though you still fit fine in the infant seat, I just couldn't lug you around anymore. ;) I think you like it even better now, though. You can see more! ~ You are such a smart little lady. When we say "Where's your head?" or "Where's your nose?" you point to each one. And, thanks to daddy (and the movie Old School), we've taught you 'earmuffs!' haha And, you do it so well. ;) ~ You seem to have your own little language, though. You're favorite thing to say is 'ah, DA!' You point to absolutely everything and say that. I wish I knew what it actually meant. :) ~ You have six teeth now! It's like you went from no teeth, to six teeth, in a month. Crazy! You have four teeth on the bottom now...with one that just popped through the other day. And you still just have two teeth on the top, with one or two more about to break through any day now.
 Bella, you are such an amazing baby, and I honestly don't know how we got so lucky to have you. You've been such a blessing and I cannot imagine my life without you. I cannot wait to see what this next year brings, and to watch you learn and grow every day. XOXO, LOVE YOU!! Mama & Daddy 
         

Finding balance

Once again, it's been almost a month since I've last blogged.  And, I'm struggling here, people...I really am. I know you've probably heard/read this many times over the past couple of weeks.  Blog-land and Twitter talking about finding balance.  Trying to juggle everything -- work, mom duties, wife duties, house duties, etc, etc, etc.  It's HARD.  And lately, it's really been taking a toll on me.  Hence why I haven't blogged in forever.   The Hubs and I had a long talk one night last week, and it really hit me how much time I spend online.  Twitter, Facebook, blogging...you know what I'm talking about.  It was getting a little out of control.   And, it really got me thinking. WHY am I so worried about checking FB/Twitter, and why aren't I on the floor playing with my baby girl instead??  Seriously?  She's only this age for such a short period of time, and I really need to start getting my priorities straight and soaking up every moment with her that I can. So, that's what I've been doing.  I started a 'No Computer' rule for myself.  While Isabella is awake, all my time/attention goes to her.  No matter what.   And then, after she goes to sleep, it's husband/wifey time.  That's a whole other issue.  We've gotten into such a rut lately.  We eat dinner, and then he watches his shows and I either sit on my computer, or go in the other room and watch my shows.  It's gotten bad, and it's finally coming to a stop.  We're spending more time together, being husband and wife.  Cuddling.  Talking.  Playing games.  All that stuff that we used to do all the time when we first started dating.  I didn't realize until now how much I missed all of that.   It's just so easy to fall into a 'blah/boring' routine, and that never ends well.  So, we're working on it.  It's not always easy, and sometimes that means I don't have much time to myself...but, it's worth it.   And, unfortunately, that means my blog has but put on the back burner.  I'm not sure for how long, but I really am trying.  I miss blogging a lot...especially all the friendships I've made along the way.  And I hope to be back at it, full time, soon!  

The Nail Files

I'm sorry I've been such a crappy blogger this week.  It's been one of those 'I'm-SO-exhausted-I-don't-even-want-to-shower/clean/blog' weeks, and all I want to do when I get home from work is sleep.  I hate that.  My eyes have literally been burning by 5pm every night, and I have to fight myself to stay awake to do dishes, clean, and take care of all of the house crap. Anyways, so that's why I've been MIA.   But, I have my picture ready for this week's 'Nail Files' post!  I've slowly over the past year or so become quite obsessed with nail polish.  I don't know why.  I don't really even paint my nails that much, but, I love buying new colors.    

 Oh, and, I picked up this quick drying polish (thanks to my friend Melissa!  How did I not know about this stuff?!), and my nails were dry in like, 5 minues.  No joke.  Isabella was napping, and, of course, she woke up as I was painting my nails.  Go figure.  But, by the time I finished putting this quick dry stuff on, and sat for maybe 5 minutes, it was dry.  I couldn't believe it!

  

So, needless to say, I'm pretty sure I'll be painting my nails a LOT more from now on.  :)   



New look!

What do you think?? It was definitely time for a change, and I needed to add Isabella into my header, of course.  I wanted something simple, but pretty.   I think it's perfect!  :) A big thank you to Katie @ Loves of Life for my new look!  She was very pleasant and easy to work with, so if you're looking for a new design, head on over there!  

The Nail Files

I'm a little late on this, but, I wanted to link up with Tara and her 'Nail Files' post! 

I'm a little obsessed with nail polishes, but not actually painting my nails.  Makes sense...no?  So, anyways, I finally was able to put on my Sally Hansen nail stickers that I bought a week or so ago, and I had to show them off!  ;) 

So, I LOVED the way it looked and how easy it was to apply.  I mean, no drying time??  Perfect!

And then, about an hour or so later, when the stickers started peeling up and wouldn't stick anymore?  Yeah.  That.  Not a fan.

I'm hoping it was just a bad batch or something, because I really do love how easy this 'polish' is.  But, for $10...I don't know if it's worth it.  I'll be sticking with my regular old 'wait-three-hours-for-it-to-dry' polish from now on.  :-/

*Our Love Story*

I'm posting today on behalf of Becky @ From Mrs. to Mama for her latest link-up!  Such a cute idea!

Our Love Story

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?

Our 7 year dating anniversary (holy crap!  7 years already!) is on February 19th.  And, our 3 year wedding anniversary will be on September 6th of this year. 

2. How did you meet? {What's your  "love" story?}

Ha, not very exciting at all, but...he was my manager when I was working at Chili's as a server/bartender.  We were the 'forbidden couple', I guess you can call it, since managers aren't supposed to date their employees.  Something about favortism or whatever.  Which, actually, is crap, seeing that Hubs was harder on me than anyone else we worked with.  Ha!  The nerve.  ;) 

One of my favorite engagement pics

3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}

We've been married almost 2 1/2 years now.  September 6th is our wedding anniversary. 

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding?  If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?

We got married at one of my favorite venues in our state, outside, over-looking a lake, and had about 130 guests at our reception.  So, a pretty decent size wedding, if you ask me.  Now, if it were up to me?  I would've had a destination wedding, somewhere tropical, with just our closest friends and family.  But, unfortunately, we had to make everyone happy.  And, all in all, it was the most perfect day.  :) 

 

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!

Our one and only nickname (that we actually call each other more than our actual names)...Babe.  

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

He's the best daddy to Isabella that I could've ever asked for.  He loves me for ME, and still gives me compliments, even after 7 years!  (Hey, it's nice to know he's still attracted to me, even when I'm feeling like a frumpy, old mama these days.  ;) )  He's pretty damn funny, and knows how to make me laugh...a lot.
 

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?

He actually proposed to me at one of my favorite places on Earth (2nd to Disney World, of course)...Fenway Park...home of the Boston Red Sox!  It wasn't cheesy or anything, like on the jumbo screen...but, it after the game was over, while we were taking pictures, with just us and his brother/SIL there--to document the whole thing, of course.  :)

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

Hm, I'd probably say neither.  He's brought me home flowers on random occasions, that's for sure...but, more often than not, we're usually just relaxing together at home, with a movie and a few beers/glasses of wine.  :) 

Our 1st anniversary

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?
Haha, see answer above.  If we were on a romantic vacation (aka - our honeymoon), I'm definitely a sunset dinner on the beach gal.  But, not for everyday romantics.  

Us before dinner on the last night of our honeymoon

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?

Travel.  Most definitely.  I've been dying to go to many places together, and hopefully we will one day once our babies are a little bit older.  Hawaii, Mediterranean Cruise, Aruba...and the list goes on and on.  

Disney World 2008

Universal - City Walk 2009

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day. 

Nothing too fancy, I'm sure.  I think we're actually going to get a babysitter and go to a nice dinner, and maybe a movie.  Exciting stuff, I know. 

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

I wasn't going to, actually, but, this mama just informed me of a great sale on Lightroom 3 on Amazon!  I may or may not have to beg ask nicely for this.  ;)

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love. 

Open communication, laughter, and affection.  Ok, that's three things, but I couldn't choose just one.  Now, when I say affection, I don't mean sexy time...holding hands, a good hug at the end of a long day, a nice kiss.  It's the little things that keep that spark.  :)

14.  Show us a picture of what love means to you.

One of the first family photos we have together  :)

Random-ish

It's been forever since I've babbled on about random crap stuff.  Wait, don't I do that every day??

Anyways...who doesn't love a little mid-week randomness??   I know I do.  ;)

~  The Hubs bought a new car!!  And?  I loooove it!  He had a Jeep Wrangler 4-door before, which was fine, but not super safe with a baby.  His new ride?  Total family mobile!  Big, roomy, 3rd row seating....all the amenities!  Here she is:

It's a Hyundai Veracruz, and he got it in white.  It's so pretty!  :)  I can't wait to take family roadtrips in this bad boy!

~ So, remember when I quit Diet Coke a few weeks ago??  It's been over three weeks since I've had any soda!  I think that's honestly the longest I've ever gone in my life without it.  Go me.  :)

~  How am I doing with my blogging lately?  I think I've been doing pretty good, compared to last year, at least!  My new thing to help me blog more/better...as soon as I think of something I want to blog about, I log on to my Blogger app and start the post right away.  Even if it's just one sentence, I put it in there so I don't forget about it, and then I add the rest of the post later.  It's been working, so far!

 ~  During my long blogging hiatus back in December, I totally missed my two year blog-a-versary!  December 5, 2009 was my first blog post ever.  I honestly can't believe it's been over two years now since I started this fun little chapter...but, at the same time, I feel like I just started yesterday!  Thank you to all my awesome readers, and for all of you who stuck around through all my ups and downs of blogging.  I appreciate each and every one of you so much.  :)

~  Totally random, but, does anyone else hate showering as much as I do??  No?  Just me?  Let me clarify, I love the feeling of being clean and fresh after I'm all showered, but, I just hate the process of actually getting in the shower and all that jazz.  It's just so annoying to me.  I don't know.  Ha.  I swear I'm not a dirty, smelly girl. 

~  For the first time in almost all the seasons of The Bachelor/Bachelorette (I didn't watch Season 1), I'm not watching.  I'm sorry, Ben just does NOT do it for me.  He just seems so...boring?  Blah?  Just not into it.   And, for the first time ever, I read the spoilers on Reality Steve and know who he picks.  It's kind of fun, too....listening to everyone rant/rave about episodes each week, all while knowing exactly what's going to happen.  I kind of like it. 

~  I'm watching the finale of Tori & Dean right now, and watching the birth of baby Hattie is totally making me bawl my eyes out like a baby.  It reminds me so much of Isabella's birth, and I still cannot believe my baby girl is going to be one already.  And, it makes me want another baby just a little bit more.  ;)

And, with that, Little Miss is waking up from her nap now.  Time to play! 

Only one more day and then it's Friday!

Oh, AND, it's the Superbowl this weekend!  I hope you're all rooting for my Patriots!!  ;)

Noreply-comment@blogger.com

I'm re-posting this post I wrote a while back, since I've recently gotten a few comments and wasn't able to reply back to those people.  :(
 
Have I told you guys how much I LOVE getting comments from you all??  Like, love.  I really do.  I get so excited when my phone vibrates, and I check my email to see it's a comment from my blog.  I get all giddy.  (I'm a dork like that, I know.)

But, the worst part about getting comments, is when I go to reply to that comment, and I see 'Noreply-comment@blogger.com' as the email address.  :(   Boooo.  
 
Sooo, here are the easy! step by step instructions on how to change that!  (Ahem, *Kate*)  ;)

And, while you're at it...leave me a comment!  Please!  I want to hear from you!  Even if it's just to say hi...I don't care.  :) 

You never know, maybe we're meant to be BFF's and you just don't know it yet.  :P

 

1. Click on the Customize link in the upper right hand corner of your screen.

2. Click on the Dashboard link in the upper right hand corner of your screen.

3. Click Edit Profile, which in on the left hand side of the screen next to your profile picture.

4. This will take you to the Edit User Profile screen.

5. Look in the Privacy section.

6. Click on the box that says, "Show my email address."

7. In the Identity section, enter in an email address.

8. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click on Save Profile.

And, that's it!  I hope to hear from you all soon!!  :)

Swing Into Spring!

Errrr...Winter?

We had another unseasonably warm day in the good 'ol Northeast the other day.  And, since I've been dying to take B on the swings for the first time, we finally did!! 

Honestly, you can't really tell from these pictures or video what her thought is on this whole swing thing, but I'm pretty sure she liked it!  Even if she does look like she's bored to tears.  ;-)

See for yourself.  What do you think?

Sorry for the crappy cell phone pics

 

 

 And, a little video to go along with the pictures!

Please ignore my annoying 'trying-get-Isabella-to-smile' voice.  Thanks.  ;-)

(And again, I'm sorry for the sideways video.  I've tried to flip it on YouTube many times, and the changes just won't show up.  :-/)

And, that's that...don't mess with Mama Bear

In case you didn't know, Isabella has been going to daycare since she was about 3 months old. It kills me to send her every day, and I would do anything to be a SAHM, but, it's just not financially possible right now. Hopefully someday.

Anyways, so with that said...

We've been really happy with our daycare choice, and every day I hear nothing but great things from her teachers about how well she's doing, and how much everyone loves her. That makes me one happy mama.

The one issue I've since since day one, though...the school nurse. For some reason, she feels the need to get way too involved in Isabella's daily routine/diet/life. And, she seems to think that talking to me like I'm an ignorant child, rather than Bella's mother, is a good approach to things.

Yeah, notsomuch.

Things started getting stressful for me less than a month after she started going there. This nurse seemed to think she knew my child better than me, and with that, she started telling me that I needed to give B more breastmilk in her bottles that I sent every day.

Excuse me? Am I her mother, or you? Let's get this straight...

And for the next few months, she would bring it up again, and again, and AGAIN.

"I think you should start giving her 4 1/2oz. I think she's still hungry, she needs 5oz. You should probably start giving her 5 1/2 oz."

I drew the line when she told me that she needed 6oz bottles. Apparently she didn't hear me when I told her that B loves to suck. It doesn't matter what it is...bottle, binky, finger...she just has that innate need to suck. Just like many infants do.

So, from the first day of daycare, I made sure to tell her teachers...as soon as she's done with her bottle, you need to give her the binky. She used to drinking at her own pace (from mama), and by sucking down her bottle so quickly, she doesn't realize she's full yet. Hence the binky. After about 5 minutes or so, she's usually completely content, and good to go for another 3 hours or so. End of story.

Well, after I started yes-ing her to death (but really completely ignoring what she was saying and bringing in bottles filled to the amount that I knew was good enough), she finally stopped bringing it up. It only took 4 months or so.

Now? Her latest thing she's been hounding me about since the day B turned 6 months old...giving her rice cereal. Which, coincidentally, the day she turned 6 months old, I said I didn't want her having. I was fine with them giving her the oatmeal/barley cereals they have, but, I just didn't want her having the rice. (It doesn't matter what my reasons are. I shouldn't have to explain myself and defend every decision I make for my daughter. Just sayin.)

Anyways, just like the breastmilk issue, she feels the need to bring it up 392 times, asking me over and over if it's ok if they give her rice cereal.

Apparently I wasn't clear the first 391 times I told her no.

Fast forward to this past Friday...

I walk into her classroom to find two of her teachers changing her diaper/outfit, since she had a blowout and poop was literally up her back. I didn't bat an eyelash, since that's a somewhat usual occurrence around our house (even though it's much less frequent than it used to be.)  But, it comes with the territory of having a breastfed baby.

So, I don't think I'm in the room for more than ten seconds before the nurse (who was already in the room) says, (in her flustered/annoyed voice):

"Can we start giving her rice cereal, please?!"

I mean, really lady? You do not. give. up. EVER!

She seems to think that by her having a little rice cereal a few times a week, that that will bind her up, and she won't have blowouts anymore.

Seriously? You don't think the bananas/apples/oatmeal and all the other 'binding' foods she eats are good enough? Rice cereal is going to be the magic trick? Please.

At this point, I'm so fuming and frustrated that she's still asking me about this, just staring at me, waiting for an answer. So, I spit out my usual "I'll have to talk to my husband and let you know" line, and run out of there as fast as possible.

Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of confrontation. My stomach was literally in knots all weekend thinking about what I was going to say to this woman today, and how I could go about getting my point across, without telling her off and making things even more awkward.

But, seriously? Who does this woman think she is? I highly doubt I'm the first mom that she's talked to this way, either. I don't know how she's gotten away with it for so long. And? She talks down to the other teachers, as well. It drives me IN-sane. It's like she has to have control, and if everyone doesn't bow down to her and agree with everything she says, then we're all wrong.

So anyways... I swear I have a point, and there's an end to this post soon. 

I ended up talking to her teachers today...who, by the way, I totally love, and are on my side...and they assured me that it's not just me that she talks like this to, and they're not worried about B or anything.  And, of course, just as we're about to leave, The Bitch walks in the room.

So, her main teacher enthusiastically chimes in that B ate great today, and that she tried little bites of pears, apples, and bananas this weekend.  (Instead of purees.)  And, of course, what does she say?  

"Oh, so did you decide on the rice?"   


I looked her right in the eye, and I say...

"Yes.  And, we're going to stick with our original decision of no rice cereal.  Thanks." 

And, with that, she gives me her typical smirk/smile, trying to hide the fact that she's annoyed with my answer.

And, I?  Turned around, and completely ignored her after that.  

I mean, do you think I finally got through to her?!  I mean, this is getting absolutely ridiculous.  Oh yeah, and, my husband and I definitely plan on talking to the director about all of this.  I don't appreciate being talked to the way she does, and, as Isabella's mother, I deserve a little respect.  

The end.  

Phew!   I'm pretty sure that was my longest post of text yet.  THANK YOU, if you got this far!  ;)

Flashback Friday

Where has my tiny baby gone?!  I honestly cannot believe how quickly they grow up! 
Just another reason why I should try for #2 right??  ;)







I hope everyone has a great weekend!  :)

The Sickies have arrived...

It starts with just a little random cough every once in a while, which then turns into a heavy/phlegmy nasty cough, and, a sad, sick little baby.  Breaks my heart.   :(

Isabella's been coughing here and there lately, but it wasn't anything too serious, and I wasn't worried.  But, as of last night?  Yeah, I'm a little worried now for my little peanut.

I'm praying that it's just a little cough and nothing more, but, let's be real here...when it comes to kids, is it ever just a little cough?  Especially when that child is in daycare every day?

:::sigh:::

And, don't even get me started on how unbelievably terrified I am of her getting the stomach bug.  It makes me nauseous just thinking about it! 

Thankfully, we already have an appointment with her doctor today for a weight check, so we'll definitely be having her checked out to make sure nothing serious is going on. 

**fingers crossed**

PS - I'm posting for the first time on the Blogger app i downloaded yesterday.  I hope it looks ok!

PPS - Apparently this app sucks.  :(  FYI. 

Mama's Must-Haves {Baby Edition}

I did a 'must-have' post waaay back when Isabella was just a few months old, and, I haven't done one since.  So, I figured it was about time that I did another edition of my favorite things that I couldn't live without.

I always love when other moms/bloggers do posts like this, whether it's baby things, beauty products, etc...I love them all!  Hopefully I can help another mom out there, since there are SO many baby products out on the market today, with about a million different choices for each product. 

Here are some of my favs...in no particular order:

The Boppy Pillow

Yep, I still LOVE this pillow.  I know most people either love or hate the Boppy, but, I definitely wouldn't be able to live without it.  I still use it every day, multiple times a day while nursing Isabella.  And, the Husband actually uses it while feeding B, too, to keep her propped up. 

Johnson's Hand & Face Wipes

I LOVE these wipes!  I'm a huge germ-a-phobe, so I use these wipes multiple times a day....in the morning right after she wakes up, to clean off the sleepies; as soon as we get home after daycare, you know, to clean off all the daycare germies (yuck!); and the many occasions we go out in public, and people feel the need to touch her hands/face.  So, I always make sure I have a pack in my diaper bag.  I know they're a little pricey for wipes, but, they're worth it in my opinion...for peace of mind.  Oh yeah....And?  They smell deliciously like baby.  I love the smell.

Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Jumperoo

Isabella L.O.V.E.S this thing!  It's probably one of her favorite toys yet...out of the 3029 that she already has.  ;)  She's honestly been using this since she was about 4-5 months old, and still loves it to this day.  She was a bouncing machine yesterday!  It really is the cutest thing ever.  And?  This wonderful toy gives this mama many, many minutes to do whatever I please...eat, clean, blog...you know, all the important things.  Hey, whatever keeps the baby happy, keeps mama happy!  ;)

See exhibit A:

(Sorry, I can't get the video turned the right way!  :(  )

  

California Baby Shampoo & Body Wash

After hearing/reading about all of these baby products with carcinogens, formaldehyde, and all kinds of other chemicals that shouldn't be in baby products, or ANY products, I decided we would be better off paying a little bit more, and be comfortable that we were using the best/safest products for our baby.  And, honestly, it's so worth it!  I've had this big bottle of shampoo/body wash since mid-November, and it barely looks like any has been used.  And, Isabella gets a bath every night.  Love this stuff!

Earths Best baby food

Before Isabella was born, I was so gung-ho about making her pureed food.  And, I did make her food for the first few months...bananas, avocado, sweet potatoes, pears, carrots, plums, etc.  But, then, work/life got crazy...and, honestly, I got a little lazy.  I admit it.  

The thing I love about this baby food, is that I know exactly what's in each jar I give Bella. The simple ingredients are right on the jar...Organic Carrots, Organic Apples...and that's it.  No additives or anything crazy.  It makes me feel good knowing I'm still giving her safe/organic meals each day.  And, the best part...she LOVES them!  Every single new jar she tries, she gobbles up!  That makes this mama very happy.  :)

And, that's it for this edition of Mama's Must-Haves.  I'm sure I'll have another post of favorites soon enough, especially when Isabella starts walking and becomes a toddler.  Eeek!

Isabella's first Christmas!

We had such a great first Christmas with our baby girl.  And, for the first time since I was, like, 10 years old, we stayed home on Christmas all. day. long.  Literally, in our pj's ALL day.  It was absolutely perfect.  (Well, other than a little drama from my own mother, but, what else is new?)

And, I'm pretty sure we decided that, after this year, we'll be staying home on Christmas Day from now on.  Besides the fact that it's also my birthday (and I should get whatever I want.  ;)  Kidding.), it really is just too much to drag a baby all over the place in order to please everyone else.  I'm sorry.  If you want to come see us/her, you're more than welcome to come here.  The end. 

My dad and his parents ended up coming over for dinner/gift opening that night, and we all had a great time!  No stress, nothing fancy...it was so relaxing, for once.  Hubs made an amazing meal (what else is new?) and Isabella was spoiled beyond belief by her grandpa.  She loved it!

Here are a few {hundred} pictures throughout the day on Christmas and Christmas Eve, and also a few from the weeks leading up to it...

 Opening her very first gift!

More excited for Fozzie Bear than presents

Opening gifts on Christmas Eve (she did have socks on...she just rips them off now)

Clapping for all her gifts!

Me and my peanut

Being a little mischievous on Christmas morning  :)

Cheeeese!

All her loot! 

Hanging her 1st Christmas ornament with daddy

Blurry, but so sweet

Getting ready to open all of her gifts from grandpa!

Love that silly face  :)

'Stop, Mom!  No more pictures!'

We had such a great holiday this year.  And, I'm even more excited for next year, when Isabella will really be able to get into it and we'll be able to see the magic of Christmas through her.  :)