My Baby Shoes

When I went home to Pennsylvania a few weeks ago, my Mom sent me back with some of my old clothes and shoes.  I'll have to take some pictures of the clothes sometime.  There are some adorable dresses my Great-Grandma made and a few coats that I wish still fit me.  For now, I'm dying over these 3 pairs of shoes!

This pair was my first pair of shoes.

And I am in LOVE with these little moccasins.  They are just Rilo's size right now!

This pair of high tops are on display in Rilo's room until she gets a little older.  They are killer!

So much more meaningful and special than my usual thrift store finds! 

Kenziepoo: Turn this room into an outfit

I love this regular feature over on Kenziepoo.  Each week she selects a gorgeous image of a room and then selects children's clothing that mimic the style, colors and feel of the room.  It doesn't help that she finds the most darling kids clothes.  Sometimes I wish I could get the outfits in my size.

{images}

See more posts, with links to the clothing sources here.

Cloth Diapering: My Experience So Far

About a month ago, I decided to make the big leap into cloth diapering.  I thought I would share my experiences with it so far.  Now if you have no interest in hearing about diapers and baby poop, or you know all about them already, please feel free to skip this post and enjoy the first weekend of September!  I know this isn't my usual post content, but I thought it might be of interest to someone out there.

{Rilo wearing a GroBaby shell with snap in soaker pads}

The intent of this post is not meant to imply that my way is the best or only way, but is mainly just an informative post on something that is not so mainstream (though it is gaining in popularity).  The only reason I had even heard anything about cloth diapering was because I knew a few friends (hi Alexis and Stacy!)  who had been using CD's with their kids.  This sparked my interest and I began doing some reading and research during my pregnancy.  I wanted to CD, but I just put off making the final jump until Rilo was about 5 months old.  Now I am by no means any type of expert, in fact, I'm just figuring out my likes and dislikes and getting my routine in place, but can I tell you that already, I love it!  And in my reading on forums, blogs, etc., I have yet to read about someone who didn't love it.  I mean, I'm sure they exist, I just haven't found them yet. 

Here are the reasons I decided to switch in the first place:

• One word: Blowouts.  Rilo started having blowouts every.single.day.  I think our sheets got washed in the last few months more than in the 2 years we've had them.  No matter size or brand, she just starting having blowouts.  I am happy to report we have not had one in the last month!
• I was getting really grossed out by the amount of diapers we were throwing away.  They would just pile up in this trash can we had specifically for diapers and the trash can always seemed full.  I also found out that diapers can take over 100 years to actually decompose and that just added to my bad taste for disposables.  Eww, landfills are gross enough, but thinking about the billions of diapers just sitting there seeping...Okay I'll stop now. 
• One day, I saw these weird gel-type things on Rilo's bottom and looked online to see what they were. I started reading up on what was in diapers and I started feeling uncomfortable with what was touching her cute little tush.
• MONEY.  Diapers are expensive!  Cloth diapers require an initial investment ($100 to about $300+, depending on what kind you use) but then, that's it!  We've already spent a few hundred dollars on disposables and she's only 6 months old.  But her one size cloth diapers will last until potty training and then we can even use them for our next baby as well.  You can end up saving thousands! There are lots of sites that can break it down for you in terms of cost.

 {Rilo modeling her chunky body and a diaper cover over a prefold with a Snappi}

Rest assured, these are not your mother's cloth diapers.  No need for safety pins!  These days, they can be pretty similar to disposables in shape and style, depending upon what type you use. There are lots of different types of cloth diapers so it can be overwhelming to start.   I really liked the way this site helps break it down for you and answers a lot of FAQ's.  Types and brands are also very parent and baby specific, so I decided to do a trial through Jillian's Drawers.  I was sent a few different brands of all of the different types of CD's to test out.  If after 21 days, I didn't like them, I could send them back for a full refund -$10 for shipping.  Pretty great deal!  I actually have found that I like pretty much all of the different types.  I think I prefer All-in-One's (most like a disposable) or Pockets, but I don't mind using prefolds (like big burp cloths), which I thought I would hate.  You have lots of options on colors, patterns, etc.  They are pretty darn cute and I love the puffy bottom look!  I have always despised having Elmo or Winnie the Pooh (as if she even knows who they are right now anyway) on diapers so these are a nice change. 

Now, I think the thing that most people worry and wonder about is washing them.  I'm still waiting on the rest of my supply of CD's in the mail, so I have to wash pretty much every day right now.  That will reduce to around every 2 days once the rest arrive.  I don't know about you, but with the three of us, that's about how often I do laundry anyway.  And maybe it's just me, but I would much rather throw in a quick load of laundry then have to pack up and go to the store for diapers or send Adam on a panicked midnight run to pick some up.  Since she is pretty much just breastfed right now, her poop is water soluble.  The diapers go in a kitchen-size trashcan with a special liner.  When it's time to wash them, you can throw them in, trash can liner and all.  I do a cold soak/rinse, and then a regular wash.  Then you can tumble dry on low or hang them to dry.  Did you know the sun is magic?  It bleaches out any stains that may still remain!  I haven't had any issues with smell either, like I did with disposables.

Once she starts eating more solids and her waste becomes, well, more solid, we will probably place in a biodegradable, flushable liner.  You just flush it down the toilet, much like toilet paper, and wash the diaper as normal.  Pretty easy peasy I think.  Plus, as it turns out, if you check a box of disposies you will find directions to flush solids (who knew?).  You can also buy a diaper sprayer that attaches to the side of your toilet to spray off the diapers if needed.  When I'm out and about, I have a cute wet bag that I can place the diapers in that keeps in the smell and moisture.  The bag can also be thrown in the wash.  For longer outings (like flying at the airport), I've just been using disposables. 

I honestly do not find them any more difficult than disposables.  And Adam has been cloth diapering with me like a pro!  I think he loves it too.  As I said earlier, I would rather throw in one more load of laundry then have to go out and buy more diapers, so for me, the laundry step is actually a win.  I now have to hold myself back from going too crazy buying all the cute patterns and colors, so that they remain a money saver!  All-in-all, I have no complaints.  I love how soft they are on her bottom.  I love that we're saving money.  And I'm no crazy green girl, but I like that we're doing our small part for the environment!

This option is obviously not for everyone!  It would be especially hard if you do not have a washer and dryer in your home...I can't imagine going to the laundromat so frequently!  And for working parents who use daycare or a sitter, you may not have the option to CD.  (Though if you are wanting to CD, be sure to check with your sitter/daycare.  I've read quite a few stories where after showing a daycare how easy it was to CD, they happily went along with it.)  What it essentially comes down to, is personal choice and preference, as do most parenting issues!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section or by email and I'll be happy to respond.  Or I can send you links to places with better answers than I might be able to provide!

Kid's Chair

I love when people come up with new ways to use old stuff.  How creative is this kid's chair made from old frames?  Seeing these kinds of projects always makes me take a second look at thrift items.  Full tutorial over on OhDeeDoh.

Ruffle Bottom Onesies

This may be one of the easiest sewing projects yet, but they turn out so cute. It mainly requires 3 steps: cutting strips of fabric, basting/gathering and then sewing on the strips. If you want a great tutorial, with 3 different ways to make these, check out the blog Crap I've Made.

{This is straight out of the dryer. Don't mind the fact that I need to iron it a bit so it doesn't look so lopsided...when it's not so bunched it looks normal!}

Here's a picture taken from Crap I've Made that shows how cute they are on little bottoms.
Can't wait until the little girl fits into hers! I plan on making a few more since they are so easy!

Hart + Sew

My friend Stacy has the sweetest vintage baby/toddler clothing Etsy shop, Hart + Sew. I just received this adorable little yellow sweater for Rilo's Easter outfit. I'm debating on using a dress she already has or sewing one...I'll have to see what I can come up with!



Stacy's shop has lots of girl AND boy vintage clothes. Check out these adorable little saddle shoes! So cute.

You can check out her Etsy shop here and her blog here.

I have a couple of sewing projects, a recipe AND the bathroom lined up to post for this week! Can't wait to share!

Baby Week

Continuing with my theme of "baby" all week long, I thought I would share two things I love right now. I think these onesies are absolutely adorable. I love the fun fabric choices.

{images via Lee Marie}

I'm also loving these adorable books. My friend Whit, gave me "In My Nest" for my baby shower. Now I have 2 others in the series. They really are such sweet little books and I love that each of them has a finger puppet. Around here, you can find them at Costco, but you can also find them on Amazon.

Hope you all have a happy weekend! We'll be catching up on sleep and snuggling our little baby! Next week, I have some inspiration boards to share and hopefully the big bathroom reveal.

Baby Cheeks

We snapped some pictures this afternoon. When we got home from the hospital, Adam surprised me by having our bed set up with the Pottery Barn bedspread I recently posted about. I love how happy it is (Thanks for the heads up about the words on it Alex)! And it makes for a cute background for one cute little baby.

For an 8 pounder, she actually is pretty little. My Mom was surprised when she saw her in person because pictures seem to make her look huge. She is quite the little peanut though!




I just want to eat those little cheeks!


Big yawn!


A quick glimpse of a smile.


And another hint of a smile!





We love this sweet little baby!

We're Home!

Woo hoo...home sweet home! I couldn't have my bottom smashed on that hospital bed anymore! Here are some quick pics we snapped at the hospital. Tomorrow we'll take some nice pictures so you can really see how adorable she is. Have I mentioned she has Adam's dimples? Oh so cute!

This is what I found after I took a shower.

My two favorite people asleep.

A quick glimpse of one of her dimples!

Getting ready to finally go home!

Can't forget the hat!

Rilo Jane Webb

She's here and in my arms right now! Born Feb. 20th at 8:31 pm after a long, but amazing 24-hour med-free labor!! She is 8 lbs. 1 oz., 19.5 inches and such a doll. Pictures and birth story to come soon!!

A Big Thank You...

...to Heather from The Cotorie and to Priscila from Little Miss Heirlooms for featuring my nursery on their blogs! I've used both of these sites for finding inspiration so I am extremely flattered!

Make sure to check out Little Miss Heirlooms. Pricila's blog is a great resource for anything baby/child. She features adorable rooms and products. I actually happened to be on her site at the very moment she contacted me about the feature!

And in case you're looking for some more inspiration, my other two favorite nursery/baby/child sites are OhDeeDoh and Spearmint Baby.

Oh, and I'm really thinking this weekend could be the weekend! I think we're getting somewhere today!

Distractions...

Here is another project I'm going to work on this weekend: Soft baby blocks. You can find this simple tutorial here.

{image via Smile and Wave}

Next week, I'll post all the projects I've worked on this week trying to keep myself busy! Yes, I still have an inside baby...She is taking her sweet time! It's nice to remember there is an end in sight...I won't be pregnant forever! I am really crossing my fingers she comes on her own. We're going for a med-free birth and would really rather not have to be induced. Whether she comes on her own or through induction, at least I know she'll be here sometime next week! Hope you have a great weekend! Think lots of labor thoughts for me!

P.S. Sorry Utah, I guess yesterday's post jinxed us. I'm now watching a lovely little flurry happen outside my window!

For When I Have a Waist Again...

Love this tutorial for an elastic band skirt from Freshly Picked! It seems to be a fairly simple project. I actually have a few thrifted skirts that look very similar to this!


Since I don't have a waist right now, and might not for a little while, I will settle upon making the little girl/baby version of the skirt. So darling! And since I have some waiting time on my hands, why not make several for my baby girl this summer!?

{images via Freshly Picked}

Dear Little One,

Here I am when you were just a tiny little thing.

What's up with my hair?

And here I am now! It looks like you've grown...and so have I!

I hope this is the last one of these pictures I have to post....Maybe you'll be like me and come exactly on your due date! I won't hold my breath though. I think you're coming on your own time and that's okay.

I am just so excited to meet you! I am trying to "enjoy my sleep" as everyone keeps telling me. But really, I think you'll be worth the lack of sleep.

Your Dad is excited too! So excited that while on a business trip to Chicago and Indianapolis a few weeks ago, he stopped by 2 large H&M's. Even though it's his favorite store, he didn't buy one thing for himself. Instead, he came back with all of this...just for you!



He even remembered the little things. Like shoes and socks.


And even matching headbands.
You are going to be one loved little girl!

Patiently (or more like impatiently) Waiting,
Mom and Dad

P.S. Please don't turn out to be a boy. I mean, I wouldn't love you any less, but I'd have a lot of returning to do.

Nursery Inspiration Board

We are so close to finishing up the nursery. I think I've said that we were going to finish it for the past 3 weeks, but that's okay. Hopefully by next week I can reveal it, in all it's glory! For now, here is a quick peek at my inspiration board. We're going for a mix of modern and vintage, which shouldn't surprise most of you, since that's pretty much the theme of my whole house.

1. I finally decided on a rocker. Thanks for all the comments and emails with your suggestions. I actually went with one that wasn't even on my list. But, it looks really similar to the beautiful green one at a wayyyy better price. And it has pretty good reviews. It should be here this week!

2. I love this Squirrel clock. I have another clock from this same Etsy seller in my kitchen. Hopefully I'll order it soon! You can also see the wall color. A nice fresh green. One wall will have the green and white stripes, as pictured.

3. This is my vintage ceiling light from Ebay. The picture above is actually a before picture. We spray painted the wire brown and put a new cord and chain on it. And now we have a brand new light fixture for under $40. I don't think even Ikea can beat that price!

4. We went with the Babyletto Moda crib. I love the look and love that it converts to a bed as well.

5. If you can see the number 5, it's on the rug. I have loved that Bridget rug ever since it came out, but it has been off of their website for quite some time. We originally ordered a different rug but I wasn't sold on it. I randomly checked Pottery Barn the other day and saw that they had a 9x12 in stock. That would be way too big for the room, but it inspired me to call and see if they could locate a smaller size anywhere else. After much searching, the lady came through for me and I should get my rug today or tomorrow!

6. This is a picture of the main fabric for her bedding. It's My Folklore-Mushroom Forest Chocolate. I actually bought it about a month after we were married. I knew that this was what I would want for a little girl, and I knew it might be gone by the time we had her (and it is!). So we've pretty much had bedding and a name picked out for a little girl since right after we were married. I have a total of about 8 coordinating fabrics, along with the one in the picture that I'm using. I am putting the finishing touches on the blanket/quilt and will hopefully whip up the bumper and crib skirt in a day or two.

7. I've seen this idea around the blogosphere and knew I had to use it in our room. I think it's hard to tell in the picture, but they are bookshelves made from gutters, like the ones on the outside of a house. I'm a huge fan of forward facing books, and this is a perfect way to get the look, on the cheap. And it helps that we randomly have a new piece of white gutter just sitting in our basement, so it's really on the free for us. Adam is going to cut it down and mount it in the room, down at a kids level. That dresser is actually NOT our dresser, but we stripped and painted a dresser set brown and the pieces are finally finished!

8. Here is just one art print for her walls. I wanted to pull a few squirrels from the fabric into the room, but nothing too themey. In fact, it will probably just be the clock and the art print. I think the print is actually meant for scrapbooking or something of the sort?! It only cost $2.50 for the digital file. As for the rest of the art in the room, I'm going to make and print some pieces myself.

And there you have it. I can't wait until I'm able to post pictures with it finished! I just hope it all comes together like I'm imagining it will.

25

Less than 100 days left. I'm actually 26 weeks today, but here is a 25 week pic for all of my fam and friends!
Camera should be returning to me this week! Can't wait to have it back and show you all of the fun new things in our house. Especially the wallpaper in the office...Yep, we finally did it and I am SO pleased!

Allo Allo

I've had a bunch of links saved of things I've loved recently. I'm finally getting around to sharing them. First, I spotted these greeting cards on Oh Happy Day.






Instead of using them as cards, I'm going to frame/hang them in a corner in the office. For only $3.95 a piece, they're a great, inexpensive way to get some art. Check out GreetQ, for other cards.

I've seen several upholstered headboards these days, and they've been tempting me to try it, perhaps in the baby room. I'm considering keeping a bed in there for reading, sleeping, guests, etc.

{via Design Sponge}
Grace is nice enough to include complete instructions on how to upholster the headboard.

{via Little Green Notebook}

You MUST check out this room makeover for these little girls. She gives some tutorials on some of what she did in this room, including the comforter and the window covering. There are lots of other pictures. I love that this room suits little girls without being to "cutesy" or "kiddish". There's no princess bedding, but I think the girls probably feel like princesses in the room.

And lastly, here are some recent pics. The day after we flew into Cancun (which I should put up some pics soon), I acquired a belly. It was literally overnight.