Taking Flight

Friday is a big day for our family.  The first time we're flying with both kids.  Up until I was about 5 months pregnant we flew quite a bit with Bea.  Her first trip was at 4 months to San Diego followed by an 8 hour drive up to the Bay Area a few days later.  She's always been a pretty good flier.  It was definitely easier before she could crawl and then walk, but she still surprised me at how well she handled it all.

Bea's first flight

It's been awhile since our last flight so this time I'm going in prepared (at least I hope so).  I've been doing my research online and have come up with several things to (fingers crossed) keep her occupied.  The first thing I'm doing are making several toddler activity bags.  This is another project I found on the blogs Chasing Cheerios and The Rigney's through Pinterest.  For this trip I'm doing felt boards, matching color shades, stickers, crayons/markers and paper.  

Shapes Felt Board 

 Face Felt Board

Matching Colors

Stickers

We're also adding in some downloaded episodes of Sesame Street, an Aquadoodle that Bea received for her second birthday (thank you Isabel and Theo!), and plenty of snacks.  This should be enough to take us through the two flights and one layover that we have.  

Heather

Sugar and Spice

A few months ago I stumbled across a blog through Pinterest called Play At Home Mom.  It's a blog devoted to play based learning and they have a TON of great ideas of things you can do with you kids or that your child can do alone.  I've been slowly assembling a list of all of the projects I want to try out with Bea and I've also been making another list of items to get for her for this type of play.

Today after her nap I decided to try out the first one.  This one was titled Sugar and Spice and basically it was allowing your child to use glue to make pictures with spices.  I chose marjoram, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves but you could really use anything.

This was the first time Bea had used glue and at first it was a little tricky for her.  Pretty soon she figured it out and then the fun began.  She literally played with this until we ran out of spices, which was about 30 minutes.  I think if I would've had more she would have definitely played longer.  She told me halfway through the project that she was "makin dada picture".  And here it is

As we start exploring other projects I'll make sure and write about each of them.

Heather

Happy Birthday Cake

Bea turned 2 on Friday and we threw a party for her on Saturday.  I had been saving party inspiration images from Pinterest for weeks and spent the week leading up to her party trying out different DIY decorations.  We ended up doing a mix of DIY and store bought items but I think the overall result was a very cute and girly 2nd birthday party.

It actually ended up snowing about 6 inches the night before/morning of her party and while I was nervous that people would decide to stay home everyone turned up!  Here's a picture of Bea enjoying the snow earlier that day.

She cried and cried when it was time to come in but I think the promise of having "Happy Birthday Cake" later in the day made up for it.

Happy Birthday Baby Bea!!!!

Heather

Beauty Must Haves

Image via Bonzai Aphrodite

This winter has done a number on my skin.  Dry face, hands, you name it and it's cracked and peeling.  A few months ago I read somewhere that coconut oil was good for dry skin.  But since I have a new baby  (yep, I'm going to milk that as long as I can) and a toddler I didn't have the time (ie, forgot) to hunt it down.  

Then a few weeks ago I was in Trader Joe's and what did I see on the end cap but coconut oil.  At $5.99 a jar I decided to pick one up and try it out.  

The oil itself reminds me of Crisco so I just used my fingers to rub a little bit off and put it on my face and neck.  The next morning my skin looked much better, not completely void of dryness, but not as scaly as I had been.  I've been alternating using the oil with my regular lotion at night because I'm nervous that all of a sudden I'll break out , but so far so good.  It's been about 2 weeks and I only have a little dry skin left.  

Such a great buy!  Hopefully they'll continue to stock it (although at this rate my jar will last a lifetime).  

Heather 

Party Planning

Bea turns 2 on Friday and we have a party planned for her on Saturday.  I spent last weekend buying supplies and I have a few ideas on how I want to decorate.

The invitations were pink with a little green so I'm using pink as our main color.  I thought it might be easier to do a color theme over an object.  Plus, this girl LOVES pink so I know I can't go wrong.  I've been scouring Pinterest for ideas and have come across so many great ones.  You can check out my entire inspiration board here.

The tablecloth and balloons look easy enough and tonight after the kids are in bed (which will hopefully be on the early side) I'm going to attempt the garland.  I have a feeling that even if I can replicate it that it will take a while to complete so I'm trying to be proactive on this one.  I'll let you know what happens!

Heather

Book Mobile

When we lived in Brooklyn our apartment was across the street from a Barnes & Noble so you can imagine how much time we spent there looking for new books for Bea, checking out magazines for me, or just having a coffee in the Starbucks.  I came across On The Night You Were Born right around Bea's first birthday and was so happy to discover that the author, Nancy Tillman, has several children's books.

It quickly became one of Bea's favorites and we still read it at least once a week.  It's a sweet little story about how special each child is and how no one is the same.

Bea received two more of Nancy's books over Christmas, The Crown on Your Head and Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You, and I can't wait to read those to her.

Heather

I'm Loving

It rained the entire night here and this morning as I pulled on my black wellies to take Charlie for his two month check-up I started thinking about this pair of wellies that I came across recently on Joules.

I LOVE the purple color and the zipper in the back that reveals a pink lining.  Plus, the added zipper helps if your calves are a little bigger than the standard size.  These will definitely add a bright spot to any rainy or snowy day.  And, as an added bonus, they are on sale right now.

If only we weren't just coming off of the holiday season full of overspending!!!

Heather

What We Wore Wednesday

Today (well, yesterday's) post is more of "What Bea Wore Wednesdays".  Charlie had on the cutest little outfit but decided to spit up on it right before our photo session and since we had little sleep last night I completely forgot to photograph him in something else.  So, here's little Bea

Love the look on her face.  As for her outfit she's wearing a pink Ralph Lauren polo shirt, skinny Gap jeans, a white long sleeve onesie from Carter's, and purple and pink Converse sneakers.  Oh, and she's holding "new baby" (her name), the Blabla doll she received for Christmas.

Heather

Reality Wrap Up

So here we are, Season 107 (not really, but you know what I mean) of The Bachelor.  When this franchise first began you wouldn't find a bigger fan.  In fact every Monday night my roommates (hi Brandy and Patty!) and I had our pre-show ritual of Mexican food followed by the show followed by our break down of the show and in the later years followed by us going onto the message boards.  We couldn't get enough of the drama filled girls and the poor (ha!) guy who had to deal with them and each week send home someone who would inevitably lose her s**t after "taking a moment and saying her good byes".

But in recent years I had stopped watching.  I'm sure part of it had to do with the fact that we moved on, got married, and had kids.  But, I also think that the show had become really bland.  Then for some reason a week ago Monday I decided to watch the newest season while nursing Charlie (don't worry, I'm almost sure he won't be scathed by it).  I have to say, it's either the cream of the crazy crop this season or I'm just tired and anything entertains me.

I mean, between the lesbians, the Carrie Bradshaw wanna be, the pageant queen, the "model", and the manly "VIP" waitress we have the potential for some awesome TV this season.  So, yes, I will be watching!  And tune in, believe me, you won't be disappointed.

Heather  

Friday Faves

Image via Cheap & Chic Nursery

TGIF!  I know this was a short week for a lot of you, but it's been the first week in a long time that I've had the kids by myself.  I've gotten so used to having an extra set of hands around during the day, courtesy of my mother in law, that I had completely forgotten what it was like being solo.  I think we're all starting to get back into our routine and so far there have been no major meltdowns (from the kids or me).

Here are a few things I've found around the web this week that I thought you would enjoy.

Nursery Decorating 101:  http://www.dailycandy.com/kids/all-cities/article/117443/My-Tiny-Nests-Design-in-a-Box-Nursery-Decor

Cozy sweaters from J Crew:  http://www.shopafrolic.com/

Dresser DIY:  http://www.chiccheapnursery.com/2012/do-it-yourself/furniture-revamp-3-diy-dresser-upgrades-to-inspire/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChicAndCheapNursery+%28Chic+%26+Cheap+Nursery%E2%84%A2%29

Have a relaxing weekend!

Heather

Pregnancy Foundations That Work

A dear friend and former O Magazine alum, Jenny Altman, has started a wonderful new site dedicated to all things lingerie, ILOVEAGOOD.  While working at O and doing many of our "real women" makeovers Jenny noticed that most women didn't have a clue about lingerie, shapewear, basically anything that goes underneath your clothes and many would pepper her with questions.  She partnered with Danielle Black and together they have created a go to site for all things lingerie.

I was honored when they recently asked me to contribute a post on my must haves for a new (and second or third or fourth) time mom, so I thought I would include it here as well:

With Bea at the pumpkin patch, Oct. 2010

Since giving birth two times in two years, I’d like to think I have become somewhat of a shopping expert when it comes to foundations for the new (or second time) mom. Here are a few things that I have come to rely on that make life with two under two just a little bit easier:

-A great nursing camisole by Gilligan & O’Malley from Target. I lived in these after the birth of my first child (there she is above!). They are by far the most comfortable camisoles and are extremely affordable.

-The second time around I made sure to add nursing bras to the mix. I’m not sure why I neglected them before, but I made sure to pick up a few this time around. One of my favorites is the Camille Nursing Bra from Belabumbum. The material is very soft and I love the feminine design. I might be breastfeeding, but I still want to look good! I also love the Molded Seamless Wirefree Nursing Bra from Leading Lady. They have great basic maternity bras that are comfortable and very functional.

-Cardigans are very important. During the first few weeks after birth, all you really do is feed your little one, and until you both establish a schedule, it’s important to have clothing that’s easy to wear. The number one thing I go to are cardigans. I throw one over my cami and I’m all set. Right now, my favorite is the Eden Cardigan from J Crew. I love that it’s a little bit longer (after all, you’ll probably still sport a tummy for at least a few weeks) and that it comes in tons of great colors.

-Burp Cloths might not be something you would automatically think of, but I have to tell you, when you have a little one that is constantly spitting up, this will become your new best friend. The best ones on the market are the Burpy Bibs by Aden + Anais. The soft muslin along with the bean shape covers better than any others. I only have four and need to add a few more to my collection.

-Without a doubt, you are going to be spending many hours in your pajamas the first month or so after delivery. It’s nice to have a pair of pajamas that are stylish and functional since visitors keep popping in and out of your house. I have the Starlit Nursing Cami and Pant from Belabumbum and I love them! The fabric is incredibly soft and it’s nice to have a sleeping cami with the same built-in access as my day ones. After all, who wants to fiddle with a top and then a bra at 2am?

-My mother in law, who also happens to be a lactation consultant, brought me this Hands Free Pumping Bra by Simple Wishes towards the end of my breastfeeding days with my first child. They had just come out on the market and she was given one for me to test drive. What a great idea! Now I can read a book or magazine while the pumping is happening and I have both hands free.

(as seen on ILOVEAGOOD)

What We Wore Wednesday

Today was a busy day in our house.  We hosted one of the playgroups Bea is in for the first time.  It was so nice having everyone come over for a change.  When we moved to NJ earlier this summer I had absolutely no energy to host so it was great to finally chip in and pay back some of the other moms.

Since we start playgroup around 9am I had to bust a move this morning.  Charlie ended up sleeping like a champ last night, waking up once at 5am and then sleeping until 9:30am.  So that gave me plenty of time to have breakfast with Bea and then get us both dressed.

For a short period of time I decided to let Bea pick out her outfits.  We stopped this soon after starting mainly because, well, she's a toddler and I couldn't take her anywhere in the combinations.  However, on those days when I know we're staying at home she's allowed to where whatever she likes (see, I'm not a total control freak).  Today she has on a dress from Gap (which is a little short so it's more like a tunic), lace trimmed leggings from Old Navy, and a pair of fair isle slippers that we found this summer in Cape Cod.

Charlie, on the other hand, has absolutely no say in his wardrobe right now.  Not that he would care, even if he could speak, he pretty much only cares about eating, sleeping, and laughing at us when we change his diaper.  Such a good baby!  He has on a two piece ivory outfit from Giggle's better basics line (this was Bea's when she was a newborn) and a neon orange and gray onesie from Carter's.  I love the fact that Carter's is in on the whole neon trend, there's just something about a white onesie with a neon elephant that is ADORABLE!

Heather

New Year, New Me

As you might have noticed, this is a popular phrase right about now (well, New Year, New You is).  I spent the better portion of 2011 being so exhausted from my pregnancy that I didn't do much of anything.  Now that baby Charlie is here and doing well (we usually only have to get up once every night with him!) I'm going to focus a little on me and that includes a few goals I have set for myself in 2012.

Charles Robert, Born 11-12-11

1.  Start regularly contributing to this little blog I've started
   
I'm really going to make an effort to sit down everyday and write something.  I may not get around to posting it everyday but at least I'll be working on it.  I've started reading tons of blogs during middle of the night feedings and they've inspired me to work on my own.  I've been craving a creative outlet and since I no longer work in the magazine industry where I could indulge in that daily, I'm hoping this will do the trick.  Even if no one looks at it, I can organize my thoughts and "participate" in this wonderful online community.

2.  Finish Bea's room and Charlie's nursery

I've gathered tons of ideas and now it's time to pull the trigger.  Left to my own devices I would research forever and end up in the same place a year from now.  So, I'm going to make it a mission to finish their rooms in the first few months of this year.

3.  Learn to sew

This might seem like an odd one, but it's something I've wanted to do for some time now.  First step is to buy a sewing machine and then enroll in some sort of beginners class because I really know nothing.  In fact, it used to be a fear of mine that while assisting on photo shoots (when I rarely did) that I would be asked to sew a button on and I would have to confess that I had no idea how to do this.

Here's wishing you a Happy New Year and a Happy New You!

Heather