Snow Day

Yesterday we had a lovely snowstorm, just in time for Christmas.  I think holiday snowstorms are pretty much the only good kind!  We finally took Rilo to play in the snow and we all had so much fun.  I am still on a mission to document our house for the holidays and also show you my wrapped presents, so I'm starting off with this filler post, in hopes I come back later today with more pictures.

 

More over on Rilo's blog!  See you later today!

Happy Halloween

Rilo says "Happy Halloween"! 

Have a great weekend! 

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! 

25

I had such a nice birthday weekend!  Adam surprised me by getting a babysitter (thanks Tianna!) on Saturday night and taking me out to a yummy dinner.  Following dinner, he took me to get some old-fashioned ice cream.  It's always nice to spend time, just the two of us.  We spent Sunday, just lounging around and hanging out as a little family.

Adam is always an excellent present giver.  He got me a new lens I've been wanting, some camera related equipment and this super cool vintage serving piece (that I should've taken a picture of).  Overall, a perfect birthday...so glad I could spend it with Adam and Rilo!

 {Adam knows I love a nicely packaged gift.  I wish I would've taken a picture of the coordinating wrapping paper he used as well.  So thoughtful.}

I also went to the thrift store on Saturday afternoon and scored big time.  I'll share what I got tomorrow.  And don't forget to check out Rilo's blog...my new favorite pictures are up today!

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!

Dress Refashion: Part 2

I finally finished Rilo's portion of the dress refashion.  Originally I was going to make a dress, but after a few mishaps, it turned into a shirt.  It's not quite perfect yet, and needs a few little touches if she's going to wear it again, but I think it's cute.  It has a retro vibe to me.  Reminds me of Grease or something.

Before:

 After:

As you can see in the above photo, I had a little assistant.  Thanks to Josie for her "help"! :)

And in case you missed it, here's a link to Part 1.

Five Months

To see tons of pics and read up on her stats, check out Rilo Jane's blog.

Sorry for the lack of real posts today...I've got a few things I need to get done.  Blog headers, photo editing, party planning, room inspiration boards, and sewing.  Lots and lots of sewing.  And I need to take pictures of the final Rental Redesign makeover!  Phew!  And I'm hoping to enjoy the gorgeous Chicago weather while I'm at it too!

Four Months

Rilo's four month pics are on the baby blog! Plus this gem!

TV Stand before/after coming up later today!

Fourth of July Dress

I was able to whip up a dress for Rilo just in time for the holiday.  I used the pillowcase tutorial again (except this time I didn't have a pillowcase, just some fabric).  I also added pockets from the scraps of the armholes.

I love the Joel Dewberry fabric...perfect for the 4th, but not too themey that she can't wear the dress again.  I also really like the pillowcase dresses because they allow room to grow.  I think she may be able to wear this dress for several months to come!

For more pics, see Rilo Jane's blog.

From a Bed Sheet to a Dress

After a good couple of washings, I turned the Salvation Army bedsheet in to a cute little dress for Rilo Jane.  I don't think I'm quite done with it...I want to polish it up a little bit but I love it so far.  I used one of her other dresses for a sizing guide.  The bottom piece of the dress is from the elastic of the sheet.  I attached it by sewing onto the original seam of the elastic.

I really love the print.  It has dahlias which are my favorite!  I think there is enough material left for a shirt for me!

Favorite Pictures

I just took these pictures of Rilo Jane yesterday and they are my favorite things right now!  Check more out here.

Family Photos

Melanie and I did our picture exchange yesterday.  It was so fun!  I finished my elastic band skirt just in time before the shoot.  I bought more Amy Butler fabric to coordinate with the fabric I used for Rilo's dress.  More on the skirt (plus a little giveaway) tomorrow!  For now, how cute is little Rilo Jane's dress?!

See more photo's on the baby blog here.

Happy Easter!

Hope you all have a great Easter weekend! Let's hope I can finish this little dress in time for our family picture exchange my friend Melanie and I are doing on Sunday!

One Month Pictures

Don't forget to check Rilo Jane's blog to see her at one month old!!


I'm hoping to finish up a few projects I've been working on...a nursery project and a dress based off of an Urban Outfitters dress I saw while in California. Look for a tutorial next week! Hope you have a warm weekend!!

Blogging

In the last few months, I have really enjoyed making blogging a bigger part of my life. I love this blog. This blog is a great creative outlet for me. It keeps me motivated and gives me "deadlines" to finish things by (Or at least try...remember how I thought our bathroom would be done last week?! Uhh, yeahh...oops! Hopefully by the end of this week!)

I also love the little baby in my life and I want to keep family and friends updated on the cutie. BUT, I still want a space that's more for me and my creative needs. I have been going over this in my head for a little while now, and I think I've figured it out.

In order to keep me happy, I have decided to create a separate blog just for Rilo Jane. I will try my best to post at least one photo a day and some videos on occasion too. Since Rilo is obviously a big part of my creativeness right now, she will still appear on this blog (she's too cute not to have some pictures of her on here), but you won't be overwhelmed with baby-ness.

Check out Rilo's blog here. I'll add a button on the side of the blog for now so you can get to her blog. I'm hoping to finish up a slight makeover to this blog that I had been working on pre-baby that will make this site a little easier to navigate.

Thanks for reading and being a part of this blog. And please don't be shy about commenting...I know I have a lot of readers out there that I don't hear from!

Two Week Stats

Rilo Jane is gaining weight like a pro! She was down to 7 lbs. 11 oz. when we left the hospital and is back up to 8 lbs. 8 oz (55th percentile). She measured 21 inches (75th percentile) from 19.5 inches at birth (I don't think the original hospital measurement was accurate though)! The doctor said everything looks great.

Two Weeks

Do I really have a two-week old?! This is going way too fast already!

You gotta love all the flailing arms at this stage.







Love love love this little girl!!

Today is her two week check-up...I'll post her stats when we get back!

We Miss You Gigi

My Mom spent all last week with us. We miss her already!

I love all the little faces of Miss Rilo in these pictures.









Happy Gigi, grumpy baby!

Baby's First Bath

Last week, we gave Rilo her first bath. Here are her reactions in pictures.


The initial shock.

Maybe it's not so bad...

Adjusting.


And liking it! All she needed was some warm washcloths to cover her and she was content as can be!

Family Photos

Saturday we had Sheena Jibson over to take some photos of our new little family. She did such a great job capturing what I wanted: us just hanging out as a family. Nice and classic. I love them! You can check out a sneak peek of a few more on her photo blog.

{images from Sheena}

Before I found Sheena's photo blog, I found her everyday blog. I've been reading daily for a LONG time now...I felt like already knew her even though we'd never met. She has the most hilarious stories, cute kids, great pictures and yummy (healthy!) recipes. She is inspiring me to make lots and lots of homemade bread!