Christmas at School + Our Teacher Gifts

I loved celebrating Leo's first Christmas at school. 

For weeks they would be pretty "secretive" about the songs they were practicing for their big performance - so I had a feeling something pretty darn cute was in the works. 

On Wednesday morning, my mom, Drew, and I, headed to the school to watch the cuties do their thing.

All of the kids did so great - they sang like 4 or 5 songs - and I was so excited and proud to watch Leo.

He wasn't the loudest, and was normally about a line or two behind everyone, but he did so great and was so proud of himself when it was over.

 

 

We took pictures, decorated some cute crafts, and then had snacks before the day was over. I brought little snowman cheese sticks which was a super easy, and somewhat healthy themed snack.

For the teachers, I worked with a local friend who pours honey to make them each little honey jars as a thank you for the year. 

Easter Basket Goodies!

For Easter this year, I've got my eyes on filling baskets with summer things that both Leo and Drew "need". 

We decided to get Leo a scooter - a few of my girlfriends recommended this one because the handles actually turn right and left - so I'm hoping he can get the hang of it pretty quickly. 

I also decided to order him this indoor sand as an activity for us for the summer. It looks like a perfect patio project - but the reviews claim that it really isn't a huge mess. 

Drew is getting a new LL Bean tote. I haven't ordered it yet (which I need to like today in order for it to get here in time), but I'm not sure if the small is big enough, or if the medium is too big. I'm leaning towards just getting the small one, but if you have a strong opinion, will you let me know so that I can get this silly thing ordered! 

She also grabbed these two cute dresses for a few occasions we have coming up (both from Gap Kids).

And that's pretty much it. They'll both get a new book, some candy that I can steal, some bubbles, and I'm sure will be spoiled by both Grandparents.

My Favorite 10 Things (for baby #2)

This past weekend I was helping my girlfriend get her registry in order when she asked me what my favorite baby things were.

Now that I'm a month into having two, I've got my list of things I swear by .... some that I registered for when I was pregnant with Leo, and some that I've learned about along the way.

Here are my top ten favorite things that you should seriously think about stocking up on.

The Rock and Play 

 

- a few people have sent me notes about the Dock a Tot and if I was using it or why I wasn't, and that's truly just because a. it's expensive and b. I don't see a purpose for our needs. We have 4 Rock and Plays (two at home, and one at both grandparents) and I swear by them. I like that they're on an incline, I like that they fold, I like that they're affordable, easy to clean, and both of my babies have slept great in them. 

The Lectrofan  

I have the Dohm sound machine too, and that's actually the one that I prefer to sleep with myself, but the Lectrofan gets LOUD and it can drown out ALL of the noise. If you have a loud dog, or loud toddler, or loud husband.....go with this one!

The Ubbi Diaper Pail 

We're still going strong with this one two years later. It has my vote as far as diaper pails go.

The Miracle Blanket 

Remains my favorite - and while they're expensive - I'm reusing all of Leo's for baby Drew, so they've held up well. I would highly suggest having at least two. We transitioned out of the Miracle Blanket with the help of the Magic Merlin Sleep Suit - but we haven't used it on Drew yet and likely won't for a few more months.

WubaNubs  

You need 3. And bring one to the hospital too.

MotherLove Nipple Cream 

 This one is by far my favorite and something I would suggest grabbing, bringing to the hospital, and keeping near by for the first 3 weeks.

PiyoPiyo Nail Scissors  

 these may take some getting used to because they're small and baby nails are SO small but they're what I've used for Baby Drew from the day she came home and what I use for Leo too. These are one of my favorite things to include as a gift for new mom friends because they turn out to be one of those things you never could've dreamed you needed so badly.

The Solly Wrap and The Ergo 360 

baby Leo! 

 

 I'm using both everyday. If I need to fold laundry with Drew, or if I'm playing with Leo I prefer the Ergo because it's sturdier and I don't have to worry about readjusting the baby. We also have taken walks with Drew in the Ergo and Leo in the stroller, and i's a great option. I love the Solly too for quick cat naps when we're hanging out at the house. It's light and really comfortable for both of us. I'm a big fan of baby wearing, so I would recommend both, but you could probably get by with just the Ergo 360 (with the infant insert).

These bows from Kenzie Baby Bows 

 

A reader of my blog owns this shop and sent me two bows to try out - and no joke, they're our favorite bows that we own. I have a huge box of bows that we were gifted or that I bought while I was pregnant, and these are the only two bows that fit Drew's head (and her head is in the 75% tile!). They're perfect for new babies, come in tons of darling colors and patterns, I believe are the perfect sized bow, and are incredibly affordable. Current orders over $25 ship free, but regardless, they normally ship for less than $4! Check out her shop here, or come back on Friday to enter the giveaway to win one!

Other notables: A lot of Aden & Anais muslin blankets, a sturdy diaper caddy if you have two floors (I like this one), Zutano booties, Bamboobies, and the Boon bathtub. 

Would love to hear your favorites/thoughts too! 

Mother's Day Recap

I decided on my birthday last week to take Leo to Color Me Mine to do some Mother's Day crafts for Leo's Grandma's and Great Grandma.


What I learned about Color Me Mine with a one and a half year old, is that it's not something you want to do solo. Thankfully my cousin Gia came to help assist, and without her, we would have probably walked right out the door.

Thanks to Gia, I got to enjoy the entire process, and Leo had a lot of fun doing it. We lasted for about 40 minutes and he really liked playing with the paint and paint brushes, and didn't entirely hate getting his hands painted either.

We made coasters for my mom, a vase for Joel's mom, and a little trivet for my Grandma. They were all ready before Sunday and made for darling Mother's Day Gifts.

The Saturday before Mother's Day, I had spent the entire day (and night), downtown with two of my girlfriends. We've made it an annual tradition to try and get away around this time (last year was Mexico) and I always think a little time away makes you return so much more refreshed. 

We left the city really early Sunday morning, and when we got home, Joel had a bunch of gifts on the table along with a huge brunch ready to roll for me and my family.

For Mother's Day, Leo got me a helmet for our new bike and trailer and an oil diffuser and essential oils. 

 

Around 11:30 my family came over, we had mimosas and brunch (blueberry french toast overnight bake, an egg and sausage casserole, bagels and lox, fruit and donuts!), opened a few presents and just enjoyed each other's company.

 

I am so thankful to have my mom and my Kuka in my life, and even more thankful that Leo has them too. They've truly taught me how to be a mom and they're both role models to me every single day. 

 

I ended up sneaking away after brunch (which Joel not only cooked but cleaned every last thing....he's good.) to take a much needed nap right when Leo went down too. 

After nap we decided to break out the new bike trailer and hit the road for a little family bike ride.

 

It took Leo a little time to get used to the helmet, but once we started moving he was happy as clam. I have a feeling we will be riding all summer long.

Sunday night our friends from LA were in Chicago and were able to spend the night with us. I am so mad we didn't take one picture, but we had a blast having them, ordered pizza, let our kids play together, and after like one glass of wine, everyone went up to bed before 10pm. We're getting old.

It was a pretty packed day, but felt relaxing and indulgent all at the same time. Joel and Leo were good to me, and I am so, so, so thankful that I get to be a mom.

Easter Basket Goodies

 

With an Easter basket that cute, it cannot just make one appearance on Easter morning, so our new tradition is going to be that the basket is magically filled with goodies come Easter morning!

I'm anxiously waiting to capitalize on Leo as an excuse for buying Reese's Easter Eggs....but until then, I'm going to try and fill his basket with a few things he actually "needs". 

1. Leeman needs some summer clothes! I like these linen rompers from Carters because they're darling, easy to wear, and inexpensive so I'm going to stock up on a few.

2. I've heard this is the best teether out there. A few mom's in our story time every week have said that its literally their number one "must have", and since Leo sticks his hands in his mouth every 12 seconds, this might be a nice change of pace for him! 

3. I have a Holiday book obsession. I've got an entire box filled with goodies, and I like adding a few to the collection every chance I get. I remember as a kid the special books that would come out only at the holidays, so I want to try and build up Leo's holiday library too.

4. Right now, Leo's favorite toy is the activity laptop-y thing that came with his V-Tech sit-to-stand pusher. It lights up, makes noises and has a bunch of different things he can play or press. I'm almost tempted to bring that big old thing on the plane ride since it keeps his attention so well, but my girlfriend said this travel toy does a good job too. It's a lot smaller and pretty cheap, so I'm going to give it a whirl.

5. I think we get back from Chicago, Leo is going to start solids (he'll be 6.5 months!), and I'm going to introduce the sippy cup then too. I've read good reviews about this one, but I'm open to suggestions if you have a favorite.

6. And.....since we are going to be doing Baby Led Weaning, we need full coverage. This bib is by Bumpkins, and hopefully will eliminate the need to do laundry three times a day.

How to spoil new parents...

We've had so many people shower us with love and gifts over Leo's arrival, its been incredibly humbling and eye opening. 

When we lost my Aunt Peggy almost four years ago, I was taught a lesson in "showing up". Our entire community, and then some, showed up for Aunt Peggy, for her family, and for ours....and has continued to do so. I learned that a card goes a really long way and that even the smallest of gestures - like running carpool, or walking the dog - are gestures that are never forgotten.

And I'm back in that humbling seat yet again being shown from friends and family that the outpouring of love, support, and kindness makes everything sweeter.

Now that I've had a baby, it will change the way I help my friends and family who will go on to have the next set of babies, so with that,  I thought I would talk about the three best gestures that we have received and plan to give. 

::: FOOD ::: 

Since my mom was here for three weeks, I didn't have to think about even making my breakfast. My mom had Joel and I eating like kings, and everything she was making, she was freezing the extras. It was a glorious system. But when she had to go back home, I realized that besides freezer dinners, I really had no food that I could eat in a pinch. I was out for a walk with Leo on my first day alone...already emotional from having to say goodbye to my mom that morning....when I got a call that a delivery driver was waiting for me at our building. 

My cousins had ordered Joel and I a huge gift basket of lunches and dinners from an amazing deli here in LA. I honestly started crying in the elevator with the delivery man. Not only was I starving (and hormonal), but I was just so overcome by the gesture. This pack of food gave Joel and I at least three lunches and dinners, plus snacks and dessert, and allowed us to eat healthy, fast, and well.

 

It was over the top amazing and a gesture I'll never forget (and if you live in LA, I couldn't recommend this enough).

::: GIFT BOXES :::

 

The first time I opened up my computer after a week of hibernation, I saw that I had a Facebook message from friends from my hometown. They had started a new business - Care Carton - and wanted to send me a care package to welcome Leo. I felt like it was such a hug from home.....just to be thought of so randomly...was so kind, and the Care Carton was again, just over the top. 

 

A little something for me (bath salt and body balm), and a little something for Leo (black and white muslin swaddle and a book)....all "just because". This little package left a big impact and I plan to use them again for any occasion - birthdays, new adventures, and babies. It's takes the guess work out of putting together a gift basket for friends who don't live nearby.

Kellie, one of the owners (along with her husband Blake), are offering a $5.00 coupon for the next two weeks, just type in TEATIME and you'll get a little discount off your order! Let me know if you take advantage.

Their company's slogan is "A memorable gift made easy" and it truly was just that. 

::: TIME, COMPANY, and WINE ::: 

I think my friends knew how hard it was going to be me for me when my mom left, so all last week I was surrounded by girlfriends popping over to just sit with me and keep me company. Wether it be for lunch, or a coffee break, or even to let me sneak away for a manicure....having the company of friends during the first few weeks of having a newborn was the most comforting hours of my day. 

---

We've been spoiled, and Joel and I truly feel like "To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required" and we've been reminded of that during this season of life.

Hostess Gift Ideas

I've been fortunate enough, over the last few years, to have friends and family host us beautiful  showers for our wedding and now for our baby - and I've spent a lot of time trying to find gifts that attempt to show our gratitude.

I feel like the "perfect" gift for a host is one that is nice and meaningful, but also unique and somewhat custom. Those are always my most favorite gifts to give (and receive!) and I like to think, most of my hosts have been touched by the gesture. 

For one of my wedding showers, my aunts asked everyone to bring a favorite recipe to stock my cookbook. I tried to run with that theme, so I had one of my grandfather's classic recipes printed onto a platter via this shop on Etsy 

Paired with a set of dish towels or an apron, and this gift was the perfect gift - especially considering the shower theme.

Another favorite for shower gifts is a monogrammed blanket. I ordered a few from West Elm and Pottery Barn, and I love the look with the families last name, or initials. It's also one of my most favorite gifts to receive too. I'm not sure who my friend used, but she had our wedding logo stamped into a super cozy blanket that we use all the time. 

 

Champagne is always a hit in my book, but sometimes I feel like it looks like a last minute gift if it's just plopped in a gift bag, so pairing it with custom coasters is my favorite way to show that you put a little extra effort into it.

      

For my baby shower last week in Chicago, I worked with MaidofClay on Etsy to have a vase made with my parents monogram.

Etsy is my go-to. I find great ideas, great prices, and great shops to work with and I have never had a bad experience with anyone I've worked with their to date. 

I've pinned these ideas for gifts to bookmark for future use, too - they beat the heck out of a giftcard.

 

 

Do you have a foolproof hostess gift that you use?