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.

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.