Baby's first Christmas Presents

Monday, November 24, 2014

I participate in a few online mommy groups and one question that continually pops up is, what are you going to buy your baby for Christmas? It is a stumper since baby likely won't remember it anyway and doesn't need much at this age. However, there are a few items that I think make great gifts for tiny humans.

Kayne and I made a trip to Hobby Lobby this past week in search of something of the handmade nature. We came across wooden building blocks and a fun family activity was born.

Kayne and I got to work painting the blocks in our own signature styles. Our hope is that one day these blocks will get some good life with kid architecture and that Rayna appreciates the thoughtfulness and love that went into making them.





Soon after that, we went in search of a special box to put the blocks in. Which led us to find some matching artwork for her room, including a wall hanging with the lyrics to one of the songs I always sing to her. You are my sunshine. So, now we have a fun little cohesive look for her room, whimsical peaches, blues, arrows and chevron. Not too overtly girly or juvenile as I'm not a fan of princesses and frill. (This may be a gift that's more for me than her, but I couldn't justify the full expense unless it was a gift either way).



A few other ideas I have....Every year, I've purchased coin sets from the current year from the US Mint for Kayne. I plan to do the same for Rayna. This is a gift that they won't appreciate until they're older, but I think it makes a neat yearly present. Savings bonds, other handmade items like quilts, a special Build A Bear from the family, and personalized piggy banks and other treasures also come to mind.

What are some other good Christmas gifts for babies?

Maternity Leave Favorites

Friday, November 21, 2014

What I love most about maternity leave, of course, is adding a new family member to love. It's crazy how a person that's been rolling around in your belly takes human form. At first they're a complete stranger, but slowly morph into the person that you know and love most.

But there are other parts of maternity leave that are most special. I crave sundown, a time when we all nestle in, wearing pj's, catch up on new episodes of Big Bang Theory and old Christmas favorites, and eat dinner together. We have a great nurturing bedtime routine, with baths, lavender massages, swaddling, stories and quiet music. I just love that time with them.

Hot chocolate, popcorn and Wizard of Oz




I'm also beyond blessed to have a little girl that's pretty easy to please. She loves to watch me work out in the mornings and listen to the shower. See that? I'm actually able to work out and shower, a few luxuries I know I cannot take for granted since it know many mom's don't get the opportunity to do one of those things, let alone both.

She's content watching me do TurboFire


I'm also blessed with a pretty good sleeper. With such a content baby, I'm able to work on some projects that I didn't get to with a 40hr workweek. Like this plaid quilt for my little boy. Whenever the baby is content in her bouncy chair, I've been able to stitch a row or two. My hope is that it will be near completion when I go back to work. After all, tis the season for cozy blankets.



When Rayna fell asleep in her car seat the other day, I stuck around at the coffee shop to catch up on some reading for my personal training ceu's. I love our snuggle time, but I also enjoy those few moments when I can sneak away and work on something I'm passionate about.




It's all too difficult to think about returning to work in one short week, but I'm surely enjoying this little routine we have going here and these precious moments with our littlest family member.