First Haircut at the Magic Kingdom

We took our 1 year old to get his first haircut last weekend. They really do a great job with kids at the Harmony Barber Shop in the Magic Kingdom. A combination of a sticker trick, toys, and a lot of patience make this a stress free enjoyable experience. Plus they get a little Mickey Ear hat that says First Haricut, and a certificate. The cost for the First Haircut is $18 (tips are cash only) 

Passport Photo Attempt

It's been taking me days to get a good shot of this one year old crazy monkey for his passport. I tried at home first, and couldn't get him to sit. I took him to CVS, and after we waited 15 minutes for the clerk to become available, she said he was too short. I stood him up on a really tall stool, he made a really weird face biting his bottom lip, she shot one picture, and her little point and shoot camera ran out of batteries. So back home we went. I set the camera on the tripod and just stood him up in front of the white wall. I clicked as many times as I could as he tried to run up to the camera. Now, the passport photo guidelines state "With a neutral facial expression..." mmm, yeah... that's not gonna happen.  

I'll let you know if the smiley face gets the approval seal!

Update on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 12:25PM by Zig & Zag

Yep! The smiley face got approved. Now we are going to have to book some sort of international travel. Kid friendly international suggestions welcome.

Kellan's Accurate Sketch

The other day Will did a quick sketch of Kellan. I thought it was very accurate. His hair's always sticking up in the back and his (litttle) big toe flips back when he's sitting. 

The next day I walked by and noticed Owen had "fixed" the sketch. Kellan's leg was a little red from doing the one legged crawl (he pushes with one leg and kind of drags the other one) Now the sketch is totally accurate!:)

Week One Photo Class

I've been having so much fun with my "homework" photoshoots that I thought I'd share. I found these photography classes and signed up for the Babies, Toddlers, and Kids online mini course. I really should have taken Photo 101 and Photo Workflow first, but I'll just have to do those next. 

I initially had looked for some photo classes locally, but, if you have little kids like I do, you might know that going out on your own is not necessarily easy. If you want to improve your photo skills and are in a similar situation check out Nicole's Classes. It's all online, so you don't have to leave the house. You'll have homework and get some really good feedback. 

We went to Celebration this past weekend and I did my second week homework photoshoot. It was Owen this time. I'll share those soon! I hope everyone had a good weekend! BTW, did anyone get to go paint at Anthropologie on Sunday? (I didn't find out about it until Saturday night, so I just put it on the Facebook page)

Baby Gear we Love

1. Stokke Tripp Trapp - We've had this high chair for 4 years now and I couldn't be happier with it. It's beautifully designed, doesn't take up space, it's easy to clean, allows us to all eat at the table together, and you can continue to use it for years.

2. Bumbo Seat - Owen loved this seat as a baby, and Kellan loves it now. I think he feels like someone is holding him. I place it in front of his big brother while he's playing, and he gets distracted enough to let me cut his nails.

3. Baby Jogger City Select - I don't own this stroller, but I do want it. A lot of us don't want to think about a stroller for 2 while we're expecting our first child. However, a lot of us do end up having another child and facing the need to purchase the dreaded double stroller. I keep seeing the Baby Jogger City Select on the street.  It's a great invention that seems to be an all around solution. It is, of course, pricey, but had we chosen something like this when we had our first boy we wouldn't be having to buy a whole new stroller now.

Blood Tests...

These pictures are of the Quest Lab on Maguire, OcoeeOk, this is NOT a fun thing to do in the Orlando area. But unfortunately, there comes a time in every parent's life when the pediatrician will hand you an order for a blood test. Usually at the baby's 9th month appointment. Our first order was for Quest, so I took my baby to the Quest Lab closest to our house at the time – the one on West Colonial. They couldn't get his vain, so it was a long and traumatic experience. Not to mention, I didn't find that lab at all pleasant, especially for a baby. So, the next time we had to go get a blood test I took my boy to the Arnold Palmer Hospital. What a huge difference! It only took a second and Owen never even realized there was a needle in his arm. Going to the hospital was a bit more of a hassle. They don't take appointments there, so there might be a long wait sometimes. But, I still think it's completely worth it.

Now, if I had to take my child to Quest I would go to the one on Maguire in Ocoee. It's new, very clean, and I've never had to wait longer than a few minutes. I did all my pregnancy screenings there, including glucose tolerance, and I have to say, I love this lab. Especially when Janelle is there. She's on top of things, and she's super nice.

*You might need a specific order form depending on the lab you're going to, so make sure you check with your doctor. You may also want to check on insurance coverage.

Newborn Tips

So, soon we'll be back to doing fun things outside. As of now though, I have been spending a lot of time at home with baby Kellan. Having a newborn to take care of again has made me think of a few tips for future parents...

1. If you're having a boy and are planning on having him circumcised, buy a tube of Vaseline and have it at home for when you return from the hospital. You'll need to use it every diaper change.

2. Have alcohol and cotton balls ready too, or get some alcohol prep pads. You'll use these on the belly button to help the "yucky thing" (that's what my 3 year old called it) fall off. (It's umbilical cord)

3. I don't know about other hospitals, but if you deliver at Winnie Palmer, know that all that's in the baby's drawer (with the exception of the blankets) is yours to take home. DO take the little shirts with hand coverings. Baby's nails might be long from the start and you won't be able to cut them right away. With uncovered hands babies will scratch their faces.

4. Remember newborns don't have a neck. Keep this in mind when shopping for clothes. All those polo style oncies, thick hoodies, and any kind of outfit that's bulky around the neck will just make your baby uncomfortable. The ones with the simple overlaps over the shoulders or bottons on the side shoulder work best.

5. Socks and mittens fall off so easily. If it's cold opt for outfitls that have feet and hands coverings.

Baby's here!

So I've been wanting to post this for the last 2 weeks. I've been busy with baby and recovering from the not fun at all repeat c-section. 

Here's what happened; two weeks ago I went to see the doctor and he thought I was in labor so he sent me to the hospital. I was in denial but still called the husband and off we were. It turns out the doctor was right and the newest addition to our family was born just a few hours later. His name is Kellan and he's a beautiful baby. The four of us have been enjoying our holidays together at home. Starting tomorrow though I'll be even happier. I'll be allowed per doctor's orders to go up and down the stairs. And in 2 more weeks I'll be able to drive! That will make it a bit over 2 months of no driving. Hopefully I'll remember how 'cause honestly can't wait to get out!

Cool Gifts for Kids

Since I'm on bedrest, I've been having to do all my Christmas shopping online. I ran across a lot of interesting gifts for kids, so I thought I would share some. 

1. Twin Baby A/B: If I knew anyone having twins, I'd give them these!

2. Alphabet Baby Teether: I love type, hence I love this baby toy.

3. Create Your Own Puzzle Set: My kid loves puzzles, and he also loves drawing and painting. I love the idea of him being able to create his own puzzle. 

4. Airplanes Box Set: This is not only a really nice looking toy, it also packs up neatly. 

5. Educo My Backyard BBQ Set: Nicest toy grill I've ever seen.

6. Pita Pockets Lunch: Nice play food

7. Animal Alphabet Wooden Puzzle: This is both beautiful and educational.

Bedrest

So I haven't been doing much lately, which explains the lack of posts. A few weeks ago, the baby in my belly started thinking he was big enough and wanted to come out and play. Well, the doctor didn't agree and that's how I ended up on bedrest. I was only 33 weeks, the longer I can keep him in there, the better for him. 37 weeks seems to be the "safe" number. The doctor is actually hoping I make it to 39 weeks, since that's when my c-section is scheduled for. We will see...

This whole thing was kind of unexpected. With my first kid I ended up having to be induced at 42 weeks. So, very different. My life is very different now though. Maybe carrying my sleeping 3 year old up the stairs (35lbs) didn't help. Well, there's nothing I can do now, except for lay/sit on my bottom and overdose on episodes of Parenthood on Netflix. I'm so thankful for my mom, husband, son, and friends, that have been helping out during this. I'm also thankful for my iPad, that has been helping me stay sane. 

* The image above: My son came in my room the other day, grabbed a piece of paper and a pen, and drew this. He said "He's sad. Because he's stuck in the house and he can't get out" #bedrest

Nursery Inspiration

I've been looking for nursery inspiration online for the baby boy to come. Here are 2 of my favorites so far. The one on the left came from the Coochicoos blog, I found them to be a great resource for inspiration. The other one I found through Pinterest and came from the Design Indulgence blog. I love the combination of modern and vintage in the space. 

Oh Boy!

Aha! So that's what's been hiding in my tummy, eating all my cookies! We found out today we're having another boy. What am I going to do now with 3 boys in the house?!!