Easy Mealtime with Baby Dipper (& A Giveaway!)

Little J is one independent dude, especially at meals.  He refuses to be fed by anyone.  While this is a good thing, it usually gets pretty messy.  If you have a toddler yourself then you know that mealtime can be great or disasterous depending on which dish you use.  If it's too light they pick it up and spill everywhere.  If it's too deep, they tip it up to get a good angle and you end up with a Spagetti O covered child (or carpet).  There's also the slippery bottom.  I can't tell you how many times Little J has gone chasing his bowl all over the table while trying to get a good spoonful.

When selecting tableware I usually opt for sturdy, nonskid products that are easy for uncoordinated hands to use.  There are tons of brands out there, and I'm pleased to say that the Baby Dipper bowl and utensil set is perfect for Little J.

My amazing kid

Lately I've been noticing something different about my son.  It's not some big obvious change, rather something subtle that's been creeping up and I just finally realized what it is.  My baby isn't a baby anymore.  This is a bit bittersweet, as I know that the more independent he gets the less he will need me.
I'm really excited at every milestone he passes, and seeing his face light up when he learns something new is better than anything, but part of me wants to keep him young forever.  He needs my help less and less each day.  He feeds himself at the table, he puts on his own clothes, he brushes his own teeth, and it's only a matter of time until he doesn't need me to cuddle him to sleep anymore.  I love this little guy with all my heart, and I really am proud of the amazing kid he's becoming, but the selfish part of me needs him to stay tiny just a bit longer so I can learn how to let him grow up.

  

     

Wordless Wednesday

Pint sized Picasso

Review & Giveaway: Smush Tush

                                         

By now you know how much I love cloth diapers.  Besides being a great financial option and lowering my impact on the environment, they're just so darn cute!  I usually spend a great deal of time browsing Etsy for ones that catch my eye, and when I came across Smush Tush I fell in love with all of their unique prints.  This shop carries regular diaper covers, pocket diaper covers, newborn diaper covers and two kinds of absorbent inserts.  Covers and inserts are sold separately, but they're still extremely affordable!  These are just a few of my favorites.

                    

Pregnancy Update: 34 weeks

Remember when I used to talk about the time flying by with this pregnancy?  Well I think I jinxed myself.  Now, being in the final few weeks, it's creeping.  Slowly.  I'm tired of being pregnant at this point, and I want to meet my baby girl!  As far as preparation, I've got most everything done.  All her clothes are clean and put away, her little nook in our bedroom is all set up and stocked with extra blankets and a few diapers, and we've purchased almost everything we need.  Sorry for the phone picture this week, I didn't feel like dealing with the DSLR.

First Haircut

Little J has some seriously cute hair, but lately it's been pretty out of control.  I wanted to let it grow enough to put behind his ears, but it's so curly that it just looks messy now!  There's also the heat.  We're about to start having 90-100 degree days and I don't want him to be miserable under a ton of hair, so last week I decided to get his hair cut.  I Googled kids' salons in my area and decided on Snip Its.  If you've never heard of it you should check it out, this place is perfect for toddlers.  It's bright and fun, and if it's your child's first haircut it's 100% free!

Here's before.  I'm really surprised that he sat there and didn't fuss at all, it's usually really difficult to get him to sit still for more than five minutes.  He was such a good boy.  I must  admit, being the emotional pregnant lady that I am, I wanted to cry.  My little baby is growing up!
   

Taking care of Mom on Mother's Day (& a Giveaway!)

Thank you Molly Maid for sponsoring this post. Be sure to take care of yourself and Mom this Mother’s Day! #MollyMaid4Mom

Mother's day is right around the corner, and if you're like me then you're probably looking forward to a nice day of relaxation and family time.  When I was growing up Mother's day meant giving my mom some flowers or a card and going out for a fancy lunch.  Now that I'm a Mother, this day has new meaning to me.  It not only gives me a whole new respect for my own mom, but I also know what an incredible honor it is to be one myself.  I don't need gifts or breakfast in bed to feel special, just being able to hug my son is reward enough for me.  I'll have to admit though, I could use a hand now and then!  I'd love to be able to just hang out with my family and not worry about the dishes piling up, mopping, or keeping everyone fed.  Moms need a break sometimes, and Mother's Day is the perfect time to give them one while showing them just how much they mean to you!         
There's nothing more fulfilling in the world than having children, but sometimes we tend to forget about ourselves while trying to give the best to our families.  Lately I've found myself struggling to even keep track of my very basic tasks and my home is suffering from it.  This year all I really want is a good house cleaning.  I can't tell you how hard it is to maintain my home while being eight months pregnant and trying to entertain a very active toddler.  At this point I'm lucky if I even fold the laundry!  Sure, flowers and brunch are nice,  but what mom wouldn't love a to be given a break from her domestic duties so she can spend quality time with the people she loves the most?  I know I would!  Are you wondering what you can do to make this year special for you mom?  Give her the gift of a Maid Service for the day.