It was so hot that I took over Richie's kiddie pool to cool off. He didn't mind at all. He's such a good babe. 

Richie loved these little mini flags. He walked around with them almost all day. 

Gender Reveals are such a fun, creative and exciting way to get your family involved in revealing the sex of your baby.  They are so popular today but many people don't know how to plan one especially without knowing the sex themselves. Today, we are explaining the key steps in planning your own. 

Around 16 weeks, your doctor will be able to offer a blood test that will determine the sex of your baby. You tell the doctor and all the nurses in the office that you do NOT want to know the results. Instead, ask them to write down the sex of the baby and seal it in an envelope. One thing that is very important to note: tell them to make the result CLEAR. For example, have them write the sex of the baby on just a plain piece of paper instead of enclosing the actual report from the lab. The report can be very confusing and you want whoever you choose to read the letter to pick the appropriate colored balloons (or whatever props you choose) and plan a successful reveal.  

This is a tough one because you want all your close friends and family to be surprised but you do need one person that you really trust to know the gender first and help plan the actual "reveal" part of the party. 

Before the event starts, make sure you’ve setup a way to document the event. If you have a nice budget, you can hire a professional photographer or videographer for the event. Alternatively, assign one of your friends to take photos. Or, be creative and grab a Polaroid. Have guests write well wishes for the baby on the back of the Polaroid shots as they come out of the camera.

We used a tripod for the video and assigned my mother-in-law to take the photos. 

The entire point of a gender reveal party is to work your way up to one big moment to reveal the gender. We chose to use confetti pops (pictured above). We gave the job of popping them to my husband's nephews because we knew it would be a super fun way to get them involved. Here are some of the most popular ways to reveal the baby’s gender:

• Bake a cake with the with either pink/blue color inside (you can give the envelope to a local baker or to a trusted friend, and they can make or pick up the correct cake)
• Have a friend put pink or blue helium balloons into a sealed box; open the box and let the balloons fly out to reveal the baby’s gender (if you want to be fancy, you can use a trunk or chest)
  
• Get a piñata and fill it with blue or pink items inside, based on the gender of the baby (this one is particularly popular if you already have kids, or if there are going to be lots of kids at the party)
  

We couldn't be more thrilled to announce that our family is growing. Our little babe is so excited to be a BIG BROTHER and to have a lifelong best friend. 

My husband and I are over the moon excited but also nervous about this new beginning we are about to embark. We will be sharing our journey with you, including everything from our gender reveal, how we will prepare for baby number two, getting Richie ready to be a big brother, how we'll get two babies to fit in one room until we purchase another home, and the overall, emotional roll coaster we'll experience along the way. Hope you will follow our journey and possibly learn something through our experience. 

Those cute little thermal leggings Richie is wearing are from Jojo Maman Bebe, a U.K. based clothing company we fell in love with the moment we opened the first package. The fit was perfect, the fox on the tush was beyond adorable, and come on, baby thermals - amazing! I never had to worry about him being cold when we were outside and they easily fit under his clothing. Richie was just five months old in the photo above and since then, we have purchased a ton of different items from the all-weather, nautical inspired clothing brand.

From rain boots and winter hats to sweaters and jumpsuits, we have never been disappointed. Here are a few reasons we are obsessed:
​
The clothing is stylish and trendy
You'll see everything from Nautical designs, and classic blue gingham to dainty embroidery and smocking. You'll will also love it just as much as your children do. In my opinion there are a ton of brands out their making cheesy children's clothing and it doesn't need to be that way. You should be able to dress your child in fashionable items that are affordable and well-made. This brand offers just that.

The quality is outstanding
Even after many wears, I was able to save and store away all of the items I purchased for the next baby. Also, washing their clothes never comprises the fit. A huge bonus in my book.

The apparel is comfortable
Richie is always able to move around with ease and comfort. I'll admit was hesitant about the snow and rain boots but he was able to walk in them without an issue. 

Another one of my favorite things about that brand is that they have such festive and beautifully made clothing for Christmas. The sweater vest Richie wore to visit Santa, his Christmas morning pajamas and the adorable cashmere jumpsuit he wore for our family photo shoot were all purchased from JoJo Maman Bebe. 

We couldn't wait to get Richie out into the snow in his new boots (pictured below) which are fleeced lined for extra warmth and super easy to get on. Next year, we'll get another pair and will likely get his winter coat from the brand as well. 

On the site, you'll also find maternity clothing, nursery items and gear, as well as gifts and toys. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

We just received some gorgeous new Spring items from JoJo Maman Bebe which we will be sharing on our Instagram page so be on the look out for those.

​Happy Shopping, Mamas! 

We originally made this ginger bread cookies for Santa but Richie decided that Old St. Nick would be just as happy with chocolate chip so we've had nothing but crumbs left.

His fascination with our snow globes was nothing short of magical. If only we could see the world the way they do. 

This is our little spot in the morning. He waves goodbye to his Dad out the window then we sit and have a drink. He has his juice and I have my coffee. Here he is trying to tell me a story. I’m not sure what that story is but his animated facial expressions, hand gestures and blah blah blahs are at an all time high. He has also been sharing his food and really won’t stop holding it out until you eat it. It’s very cute that he wants to share but we are all, “no thanks, kid.” Especially when it’s a half eaten snack covered in slobber. ​

I was lucky enough to nurse my baby just 30 minutes after he was born. I’ll never forget it. They laid Richie on my chest and my husband and I stared at him for a good while then he ran out to get all of our family members in the waiting room. While he was gone, Richie kept moving his way up my chest and to my breast. I looked at the nurse and said, “Oh my God, I think he is trying to nurse.” Then BOOM, all the things I learned in my breastfeeding class popped into my head. I was like, “I got this. I’m going to feed this baby right now.” And I did, just like that. It was a gift for it to happen so natural and easy for me.

My goal was to nurse for an entire year. That didn’t work out. Welcome to #momlife. Things don’t always go as planned. Fine. I did however; nurse Richie exclusively for 9 and a half months then slowly introduced formula before completely stopping at 11 months when I started him with whole milk. I’m so super proud of that but I will likely do a few things differently the next time around. Here’s what I learned that I think will help me to nurse for a year and maybe even beyond with my next baby.
 
For more on breastfeeding, check out my posts on The Biggest Breastfeeding Myth and My Favorite Breastfeeding Foods. 

Handle one day at a time 
Something about that 9 month mark made me feel like I just couldn’t take anymore. I needed a break. It was then that I also took my first short trip away from Richie and my husband for my sister’s bachelorette party. While I was gone, my husband had to use my entire stash of frozen breast milk. It was gut wrenching. The thought of having to pump again to build it back up was nauseating. I enjoyed nursing but loathed pumping.  Had I just relaxed and took one day at a time, I would have recovered from that feeling but instead, I went out and bought the formula.
 
Find ways to introduce Dad
I didn’t do this – at all – which is why I was so exhausted and run down and over it. When you nurse, you are solely responsible for feeding your baby. What I should have done was use my stored breast milk and have my husband feed him one bottle a day (probably best to have done at night) so that I would have had a break and got some well deserved rest. It was a total rookie mistake. I wanted to take it all on and the truth is, I loved nursing him and I’m also a control freak but after awhile, I was just worn out. Had I let my husband help earlier, I probably wouldn’t have burned out so quickly.
 
Wait until 6 months to introduce solids
Unless your doctor advises otherwise, I would suggest waiting until 6 months to introduce solids. I was so excited, because Richie is my first, to introduce him to purees and cereal. I couldn’t wait to see his reaction to different foods, sit him in his new highchair, and prepare food for him. What I didn’t realize was that he would nurse less because of it and in return, my supply would drop. I was able to continue to nurse him but it was harder to get extra milk from pumping. Prior to solids, I was making so much extra.  
 
I also didn’t realize how much more work I was adding to my already busy schedule. If your baby is gaining appropriately and it is safe, my suggestion is to wait so that you can nurse longer.  
 
Forget dieting
Different women may have different reactions to dieting and exercising when nursing but for me (and a bunch of other Moms I have spoken to), it completely affected my supply. I was still making milk but not nearly as much as when I ate more calorie packed foods. For example, I was dieting then one night I cheated and had pizza. That night, I woke up completely engorged. Calories helped with my supply. Big time.
 
Also, as a very personal side note, that was another reason I wanted to be done with it. I was vain and hated the fact that I couldn’t drop the last 10 pounds because of nursing. I regret that now. The weight doesn’t matter. I won’t care about this next time around. You are lucky to be able to go through this phase at all – having a baby and nursing them is a gift. My vanity got in the way.
 
Enjoy it
I enjoyed it very much. I was good at it. I loved the bond we shared but what I didn’t know was how fast it all goes even though everyone was saying it. When you are exhausted and can’t see straight, you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. There is an end and the newborn phase goes FAST (just not while you are in it). For my next, it will easier because I now know that the first year flies by and you inevitably miss those sweet tender (and insanely exhausting) moments when you have breast milk all over you, haven’t showered, and are a walking zombie. Trust me. You will.

There are so many things to love about fall - the beautiful colors of autumn leaves, the crisp smell of the air and the excitement of putting together new (warmer!) outfits. Our favorite way to curate our autumn wardrobe is L A Y E R I N G.  
​
Layering is about pairing together different types of clothing to create a warm but thrown together look that seems effortless but stylish. I'm pretty sure it all started in the mid-90's when the Olsen twins were throwing on mountains of bohemian fabrics, coats, and long scarves. A decade later and its still on the fashion agenda. Toss in the confusing up and down climates of fall and we're left wondering how anyone expects us to dress for weather that can run from 50 degrees in the morning to 70 by late afternoon. 
​
There is a secret formula that layering involves and we've complied three looks in partnership with Cuddl Duds to help navigate through the transition of seasons as well as some tips for layering this year's most coveted styles. A quick tip: You'll find that Cuddl Duds long cardigan and a  black turtleneck  are key, long-wearing purchases (both can be found at Kohl's). 

Nothing is more versatile than a black turtleneck! Take this classic and pair it with a swear, leather jacket, and a heels for a chic weekend look. Toss on a pair of boots for a quick warm-up option.

A long sweater is a great addition if you are looking for a warmer option on a night out. A  sweater dress paired with a cardigan and knee-high boots will keep you toasty as you are on-trend. Tie the whole look together with a belt for an emphasized waistline and a simple everyday style. Add in tights, leggings, or even jeans for colder temperatures.

Sometimes layering for fall’s fluctuating temperatures can feel a little bulky. Streamline your look with an office ready neck sweater over a blouse, slim cut pants, a blazer and pumps to stay warm without layering up too much. 

You can find Cuddl Duds at Kohls. They have partnered to offer you $10 off when you spend $40 or more. 

​My son did not sleep for more than 4 hours at a time until he was 10 months old.
Why? Because I co-slept, rocked him to sleep and breastfed him.
 
I did try to put him in his crib at 7 months but the truth was, I couldn’t hear him cry. He is my first baby and I’m so insanely dedicated to him being happy all the time. I just could not bear it. Aside of being painfully exhausted, here’s when I knew it had to change.
 
While I was talking to the pediatrician at Richie’s 10-month well visit to the doctor, he kept throwing his pacifier on the ground to get my attention. The doctor noticed it. A little while later the conversation of sleep came up. The doctor asked me how he was doing and my answer was, “Well, he doesn’t sleep much because he is teething so when he wakes up crying, I just bring him into bed with me.” The doctor looked at me and said, “Teething isn’t going to wake them in the middle of the night. He isn’t sleeping through the night because he is playing you. He knows you will come in and get him. I see what he was doing here a few minutes ago, throwing the pacifier to get your attention. He is very smart. He can and should be sleeping through the night at this point. You need to let him cry it out.”
 
I was annoyed. Why is he telling me to do this? How can I let him cry? My mother had told me to do the same thing. Why was everyone telling me this? It seemed totally inhumane but the more I evaluated the situation and thought about it; the more I realized that the doctor was right. I would rock Richie to sleep when he woke up in the middle of the night and if that didn’t work I’d just quit and bring him to bed with me. I was doing all the wrong things. But I still couldn’t understand how in the world I could let him cry it out.
 
So, I called my Mom and she said that being a mother isn’t just about the sweet, loving and easy moments but also about the hard, challenging and tough ones. Which was exactly what this was. It was going to be harder for me than it was for him. It was my job to do this even though I didn’t like it.
 
I had to understand that Richie was very aware of what was going on. He was crying because he knew I would come in to get him, not because something was wrong. He was fed, his diaper was dry and he was healthy. He was crying because he was mad that I was leaving him in the crib to go back to sleep on his own. It was important that he learn to put himself back to sleep and although hearing him cry was SO super hard for me, I had to realize that part of my job as a mother is to be uncomfortable sometimes and to teach him to do things on his own so he can be independent in ways that are important. Like, SLEEP. We all wake up throughout the night but we learn how to put ourselves back and that’s exactly what he needed to learn. By letting him cry, I was teaching him that he needed to learn to self soothe. It was the HARDEST thing in the world to hear my baby cry but I also knew he was physically and emotionally ready for it. It wasn’t something I could have done at just four months.
 
I started with his nap and on the first day, he cried for three hours straight. I cried with him – kid you not. As I watched him on the monitor, my heart broke, I felt terrible but I knew he was exhausted. He was going to do this! I couldn’t give up! He stood up in crib, cried, sat down, stopped crying, cried again and did this over and over until he eventually feel asleep on his own. That night, he cried for an hour and each day, it got easier and easier. It took a solid week for him to just lay in the crib quietly until he fell asleep alone. And guess what? He now sleeps 12 hours straight. We do our nightly routine, lay him in the crib and he falls asleep on his own.
 
The hardest thing I had to do ended being the best thing because my husband and I have the bed to our selves, have time to spend with one another before we get real rest – finally.

In addition to three meals a day, most toddlers have two snacks and its important that you offer them a broad variety of food that will help them get the vitamins and minerals they need. Plus, the transition from purees to finger foods -  and ones that are easy to eat - can be a ton of work so we've listed some quick, easy and healthy snacks to make your life easier. 

Fresh Fruit 
There is nothing better than fresh fruit. Its packed with vitamins, minerals and full of fiber. Most young toddlers, like my son Richie, can't use a fork or spoon just yet but want to hold food themselves so that they have control. Richie loves when I hand him a banana to chow down on. A thin slice of watermelon on the rind is another one of his favorites. It's even great for his gums when he is teething so I always serve it cold. 

Plum Organic's Teeny's Fruits 
These tiny soft bites contain a full serving of fruit, are non-GMO and organic. They are packed in tiny little bags that are BPA free and can easily be thrown in your diaper bag.
​
HappyBaby Superfood Puffs 
These fruit, veggie and grain puffs are packed with vitamins C, E, B12 and are made with whole grains. They also have 20mg of Choline to support brain and eye health. They are USDA organic, non-GMO, and the packing is BPA free. They come in many healthy flavors. Richie's favorites are Purple Carrot & Blueberry as well as Sweet Potato & Carrot. 

Cheddar Cheese 
Full-fat dairy is important for all toddlers under the age of two and cheese is a fantastic way to get a serving of it. We love Land O' Lakes individually wrapped cheese sticks because they are super small and easy for Richie to hold and eat while we are on the go. ​

I'm a fanatic about cleaning and organizing my home. Many think it is impossible to keep your house in order with a toddler but I'm here to tell you it is completely possible. One great way to do this, is to get your kids involved. For example, Richie loves to take things in and out of containers so I will play a game with him to put them back if he has taken them all out. Sometimes, I have to start the process myself by putting them back while he watches then coax him to join but shortly after, he does, then while he is busy putting them away, I can clean something else. 

Like all toddlers, Richie is always under my feet wanting to do what I do so another example is that when I'm mopping, I have him join in. I've listed a few other ways to get your toddler involved in cleaning but first, let me tell you about this great mop we discovered. ​

The Wonder Mop has microfiber grip strips that lift up to 20% more dirt and work 'wonders' (pun intended) on my tile and wood floors. It also has a power wringer so that you are able to remove more water from the mop head allowing your floors to dry faster so you can be back on them sooner. This is especially helpful with a young toddler like Richie since he is just learning to walk. Another plus is that you can wash the mop head up to 50 times. I can't tell you how often I throw out mops because of built up bacteria. Same thing with sponges. I'm constantly switching them out, so the fact that I don't have to constantly buy a new mop is a huge bonus for me. I just throw it in the washing machine and boom, I can use it again without the worry of old grime. 

We bought our Libman Wonder Mop at Walgreens but they are also available at Lowes, Walmart and Home Depot. 

You can get a $3 coupon just by signing up for The Libman Company's newsletter. 

The brand is also hosting a Back to School Pinterest Giveaway. To participate, just pin your must-have cleaning products and enter to win a Libman prize pack.  

Tips for Cleaning with a Toddler

Start Them Young 
Richie is just about 13 months old but I have already started to teach him to clean up after himself and to help me around the house. Toddlers catch on quickly so you can teach them that they are an important part of making the household run smoothly and neatly by setting these expectations early. 

Set a Limit on Toys
Cleaning up is easier when there is less clutter. We keep the toys under control by only having a set amount out for Richie to play with. For his birthday, he got a ton of new toys but we only opened a few and the rest got stored away. In a month or so, we will take a new one out and continue to do this when we think he wants something new to play with. However, one toy will come out and an old one that he is bored with will go away. 

Make it Fun
We put the music on when we clean so we can dance and sing while we do it. ​Or I tickle him along the way. Anything to make it less mundane. When he gets older, we will most likely need to incorporate a game or chore list that we can check off but the idea is to make it feel less like a chore and more fun. 

Praise Them for a Job Well Done 
Be encouraging and thank them for their effort in helping. We say good job over and over while Richie is putting away his toys so he knows he is doing a good thing. This will resonate with them and they will want to continue to help. Soon they will even feel pride in their accomplishments. 

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When it comes to food, the transition from baby to toddler is a big one. Breastmilk or formula and purees turns into a full on schedule that includes bottles of milk, snacks, sippy cups and meals. Meals become finger foods, not purees, and ones that are easy for them to chew. Safety is really important which can make the process a little stressful. It is also a ton of work. I admit that it was rough in the beginning and my creative juices definitely weren't flowing. But now that I have put some time into the transition, I've got a nice schedule and database of recipes, snacks and on-the-go ideas.

I'm also very picky about what I give Richie to eat. 90 percent of what I feed him is organic, all-natural and always dense with nutrition. I read labels like its my job. If I don't recognize an ingredient and if it has too many, I don't purchase it. So, discovering a new snack that is healthy and easy is more exciting to me than finding an amazing fall jacket, ah #momlife! 

Recently, we discovered Outshine's Simply Yogurt Bars. Here's why they are our new obsession:

• They are made with real fruit and no GMO ingredients. 
• The bars have real yogurt in them and feature all the right live and active cultures that a yogurt should - S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, Lactis, B. Lactis, and L. Acidophilus. These good bacterial strains act as probiotics. Eating probiotics regularly can help with digestion and offer a level of protection against detrimental bacteria. 
• They are tasty; creamy, sweet and refreshing.
• They are easy to hold, so you just need to unwrap and serve. 
• They are soft and easy for the babe to eat. 
• My husband and I eat them too.  
• They are inexpensive and you can get a 75 cent coupon here. 
• A whole bar will keep Richie busy for awhile so that I can get something things around the house while he snacks.  A total win!​
  
  

One quick thing I will note. The bars do have a little sugar in them so my suggestion is to give it as a snack earlier in the day. I usually give it to Richie after lunch or as a mid-morning snack. 

Outshine Simply Yogurt Bars come in many flavors but our favorite is strawberry.  

You can purchase these bars with ​75 cent coupon at Stop & Shop, Martin's Food, and Giant Food Landover. 

We purchased them at Stop and Shop. You can find a coupon for the bars here. 

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My husband bought me a great camera just after the babe was born because he knew how much I enjoyed taking photos and capturing our memories together. It is one of the best gifts I've ever received so for Richie's first birthday, I really wanted to take his Cake Smash photos myself. It is such a big milestone and leading up to it I was a mess - very emotional that he wasn't going to be a little baby anymore - so this was a great way to distract myself. Plus, I want Richie to have these when he is older and know that they were a gift from me. 
​
Here's the step by step process of how I did it. ​

Pick your theme 
I, personally, think your theme should have meaning and represent something nostalgic. It makes it all the more special. I decided to go with a nautical theme because Richie was born in August, we live near the beach and its one of our favorite places to go as a family, and his birthday party was hosted at my in-laws which is on the water. We spend a lot of time at their home as well so the theme was an organic choice. 

Pick an outfit to match your theme
I decided to put Richie in a bow tie, diaper cover, and a birthday hat. There were plenty of beautiful options for first birthday outfits on Etsy but I knew he would wear it once and that it would get ruined from the cake so I decided to go the less expensive route. I ordered the matching bow tie and diaper cover on Amazon. The hat I purchase for like 2 bucks at Party City. I'm all for an amazing outfit to photograph your babe in but since he would be mostly bare, I didn't feel it was worth spending the money.

Get a photography backdrop
I went with vinyl for Richie's backdrop but some prefer muslin or paper. The most important thing to look out for is one that not only has a backdrop for the wall but also flooring. That way, you can sit the baby on top of it as well. These backdrops range anywhere from $30 -$100. The one I purchased was $40. 

Props/decorations 
A backdrop won't be enough for the shoot. You'll also need decorations for the set up. The different accessories add layers and more depth to the photo. I purchased most of the accessories on Amazon, a few from Wayfair and Homegoods. The decor elements I purchased went with my theme. These included seashells, anchors and a fishing net. I also bought a ONE banner with a nautical theme from Party City to hang across the top of the backdrop.  I repurposed these items for his birthday bash a week later so they didn't go to waste.

The cake 
Most bakeries are savvy and know all about cake smash photos but in case they do not, let your bakery know that you need a miniature option and the cake should match your theme. For Richie's, we had it customized with an anchor and chose blue tones to symbolize the ocean.

​You'll also want a cake topper, not candles for obvious reasons - they are dangerous and you don't want to risk your babe getting a mouthful of wax. 

Set-up
You should have everything laid out the morning or night before so you can play around with the set up. You also don't want to be doing it last minute.  Make sure the set up is complete so you can put the baby down just before you start the shoot. You'll also want to set your camera on the tripod with the frame and settings in line with the shot. That way, you just have to click. 

Get your baby at the best time of day
You want your babe to be in a good mood for the photos so pick a time of day that he or she is most happy, not when they are tired or hungry. Richie is a little more sleepy after his first nap and much more smily and active after his second so that's when we decided to do it. He also had a belly full of breakfast and lunch so dumping all that sugar into his system wasn't as aggressive as if it were empty. 

Perfect example, here is Richie tired and over the cake smash at the end of the session. 

Have someone help you for the execution 
You'll need help executing the photo. I had my sister, brother-in-law and husband help me. My husband and brother-in-law stood behind me to get Richie's attention for the camera and my sister was there to protect the cake and make sure he didn't knock it over before I got some pictures. And thank goodness she was there because he did knock it over and she caught it just before it was ruined.  My suggestion would be to do the same. Have someone close by to help then a person or two behind you so you can get a few shots of the baby looking at the camera.

Good luck, friends. Drop a line below if you have any questions. 
​

We've discovered a new service that is both convenient and affordable: two of our favorite things. It's called Crate Space and we are obsessed.

Crate Space is the first-ever fixed price shopping platform that allows you to choose 5 household items for $29.99 (+ free shipping) each time you shop, no matter what items you choose. The site offers more than 500 items and features everything from cleaning and bath & body products to baby essentials and medicine. 

We tried it out and saved a whopping 52% on Gillette razors for my husband and myself, Pampers baby wipes (a package of 3), an 18 ounce Aveeno body wash for the babe and Dove deodorant. These are pretty big ticket items that would cost double in the store. Our order arrived the next day, another great perk of signing up for this service.  

The box our items arrived in were neatly packaged and the baby wash had a protective sticker over it so that nothing would leak out. Richie is obsessed with opening up packages so allowing him to do so with this one was completely safe. 

We recently learned about this great gifting site called, IncrediBundles and we are obsessed. The company designs adorably chic reusable storage containers and fills them with the newest toys, books and products on the market. They even categorize their products to address a specific area of an infant’s development for the baby's first year and beyond, making your shopping experience easy. 

For our first box, we created our own bundle by navigating through the site's offerings. We decided to fill our box with some great developmental toys since Richie is on the move these days and keeping him occupied is a must. 
​

 We chose the following toys to include in our Customized Bundle Box: 

• Crocodile Creek 5" Vehicles Playball 
• Green Sprouts Stacking Cups Set 
• Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Activity Lion
• Skip Hop Zoo Stack and Pour Buckets

The Skip Hop Activity Lion is a perfect toy for multi-sensory play. Richie loves it so much that we clipped it onto his stroller so he has it every time we are out.   

Richie loves his new play ball. He pushes it around the living room then crawls after it, helping to build his hand and eye coordination. He also gets a ton of exercise chasing it around which means better sleep for him (and the whole family). 

He is dying to get those buckets out of the packaging but we are saving those for the beach. The company that makes these, Skip Hop, markets them for bath use but we are going to use them for the sand instead.

​Richie is only 9 months and most of the beach buckets on the market are geared toward toddler use. They are too big and bulky for Richie. What we love about these is that they are small. Perfect for Richie's little hands. 

Richie loves when we show him how to stack things then unstack. This really simple activity is a great learning opportunity for babies. We knew he'd love these Green Sprout Stacking Set. The cups have draining holes on the bottom that are animal shaped - perfect for the bath and beach. 

Something else that is really fantastic about Incredibundles is that for every purchase made the company makes a donation to children in need. I love purchasing from companies who give back and Incredibundles has become my go to destination for gifts for new parents. They make it so easy to send a gift. You can select from book, bath, and sleep bundles. They even offer diaper bundles and a year of toys bundle. 
​

What I love about babywearing
Babywearing has been a big part of child rearing in many cultures for centuries and has become more popular in the Western culture over the past few decades. By doing a little research, you learn that there are many reasons why it is good for you and your baby. My personal favorites are:

• It’s a great practice for keeping your baby happy and it helps build a stronger bond between mom and baby.
• A carrier can go more places than a stroller can. Crowded places, on hikes, public transportation, etc.
• Once the baby is more aware of the world, it gives them a better view of their surroundings. I love to put Richie on as I prepare dinner. He loves to look at all the colors of the vegetables and I’ll talk to him as I do so he learns. We also have dance parties when I’m wearing him.
• I find it challenging as a new mom to find time to exercise, but if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go for a brisk walk with your baby in the sling, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and weightlifting.
• It helps babies that can’t sit up on their own, the opportunity to do so. We are always trying to find ways to keep Richie off his back since he is too young to sit up on his own, crawl, or walk. Babywearing can be a great alternative to tummy time.
• I find that Richie digests his food better when I put him in the carrier after I’ve nursed him.​

​Finding the right carrier 
I was on a mission to find the most comfortable carrier for Richie and I because I have a far walk to my car garage and there are many steps up to my doorway. It didn’t and still doesn’t feel safe to carry him all that way without the support of a carrier. I also need to have free hands so that I can carry packages in when my husband isn’t home.  
 
I tried three different types before I found the one that works best for us. Let me tell you, Babywearing can be trickier than it looks and it can seem daunting at first. Most baby carriers have a learning curve and they require practice to become comfortable with them. However, once you’ve chosen the right carrier and learned how to use it, babywearing will become second nature.

The brands we tried 
Ergobaby 
It was important that I could put it on without the help of someone else because I planned to use it when my husband wasn’t home.  This wasn’t possible with the Ergobaby carrier because it has a very hard to reach clip in the back in between the shoulder blades and neck. I have very flexible shoulders and arms but it was still impossible for me to clip it on my own. I also didn’t love how bulky it was. Richie never felt close enough in this carrier. In all the times I used it, he never once fell asleep in it so he was never as comfortable as I would have wanted him to be in it. This carrier was also hard to store because it’s so big. I wanted something I could throw in the diaper bag after using,
 
Baby Kat’an
This wrap was very easy to put on but was very constricting. There are loops to put your arms through then wrap the baby in but because those loops are sown in, it’s hard to have wiggle room for when the baby grows or if you want to wrap it in a different way. It is, however, small enough to store in your diaper bag.
 
Solly Baby Wrap
This is the wrap we liked best because not only is it easy to put on, it doesn’t require the help from someone else. It is super comfortable too – soft, flexible and lightweight. The wrap has a lot of fabric and is super long so it allows for you to really wrap your baby up so he or she feels close and comfortable but it’s not to constricting like the Baby Kat’an. Even though there is a ton of fabric, its very easy to wrap up and store. Another plus!
 
Tips for getting on a carrier 

• Feed your baby before putting them in the carrier. If you attempt to put them in when they are hungry, they will be fussy. They may also attempt to feed off of you because they can smell you and will want to nurse. That’s unless you want to nurse them while they are in the carrier.
• Pacifiers help. Some babies are naturally fussy when getting into the carrier. The pacifier will help soothe them.
• Don’t give up. Some babies fight the carrier. Eventually they will fall in love with it. Richie absolutely loves it. He was a bit fussy in the beginning but now he loves to observe everything I am doing. Usually after 30 minutes or so, he passes out since the movement, warmth from your body heat, and sound of your heart beating help to soothe them to sleep.

Happy babywearing mamas! ​

We baptized our precious little man yesterday and it was super special. He was showered with so much love from friends and family but most especially from his Godparents - my sister and my husband's oldest brother. 

​Richie received his first Sacrament in a ceremony that was very private and intimate. The priest that baptized Richie was kind, soft spoken and had beautiful words to share. I, of course, teared up a few times. The day was just magical.

Richie slept the entire ceremony then woke up when the water was poured over his head. We cracked up because he was super shocked, trying to figure out what was going on. ​

​Afterwards, we celebrated with our immediate family at our home. It was a small gathering – just the way we wanted it. 

Many people have asked me how I get Richie Owen to pose for photos. Yes, the fact that he is a total ham makes it easy but there are a few things tips I can share for capturing the best photo.
 
A Shiny or Glittery Phone Cover
Richie always stares at the back of mine so it’s easy to get a straight on photo of him. If you don’t have one, then I would suggest a small toy that you know they like and will focus on. 
 
Baby’s Mood
Photograph them when they are in the best mood. For Richie, that’s 20 minutes after he has eaten. 
 
Set-up
Set up the picture beforehand. I usually get an idea and start to set it up while he is napping. That’s if it requires a set-up.
 
Funny Noises
The craziest, funniest, silliest noises you could ever make to help get them to smile. Seriously, like no one is listening! Richie cracks up over my craziness and that’s how we score the best photos of him.
 
Natural Light is Best
I try to take photos in the day versus at night. If I’m taking the photo inside, I open up all the curtains.
 
Temperature Control
Make sure the room is nice and warm. This is most important for a newborn. They should always be bundled up and they usually aren’t for photos.
 
Props
Richie isn’t sitting yet so I use props like pillows and blankets when I want to capture him in an upright position. 

Between decorating a nursery, registering for gifts, and getting acclimated to the demands of a newborn baby, the last thing you want to fret over is putting together a baby announcement. Here are a few quick steps I took to put ours together that may help make the process easier.

Photos 
We chose to get professional images taken but newborn photos are just perfect no matter what. Everyone enjoys baby spam! It’s important, however, that the photo is high-resolution, clear and doesn’t have a busy pattern in the background. It is also important that you chose the same theme and color for the photo that you do for the invitation. For example, we chose grey and blue as our theme.

Birth Details
I, personally, think its best to keep the announcement simple to celebrate the beauty of your new baby.
 
The announcements should include the following:

• Baby’s full name
• Baby’s birth date and time
• Baby’s gender (if the name is not clearly male or female)
• Baby’s weight and length
• Parent’s names

 
Printing Company
We chose to use Simply Impress to print our birth announcements and they came out beautiful. The cards were delivered quickly and packaged in a cute box. 
 
I have used Tiny Prints in the past, they are a bit more expensive but also high quality. There are other companies, like Shutterfly and Zazzle that I don’t have experience using but have heard good things.

Meal Delivery Program
Sorting through menus for takeout or scrambling to look up recipes to cook dinner is NOT something you are going to want or have time to do. We were lucky enough to receive Blue Apron as a gift from my in-laws and it is magical. It’s a company that delivers a weekly shipment of three original recipes and all the ingredients necessary for making them – portioned, packaged, and refrigerated. There are other programs similar to Blue Apron such as Freshology, HelloFresh and Purple Carrot. Whichever works for you but a definite timesaver!

Laundry Service
Even if you have a washer and dryer in your house, this service is fantastic because they not only wash and dry your clothes but also fold them for you. Folding clothes after the third sleepless night will be impossible, trust me. Many local laundry mats offer this service. We use one that is just around the corner from our home. There are even some companies that will pick it up and drop it back off for you.
 
Grocery Delivery
Stop & Shop’s Pea Pod service will make your life easier by delivering your groceries to your door. You shop online, set up a delivery time and boom, they show up with your groceries to your home. It costs $10 for delivery but when you sign up as a new customer, you get 60 days free delivery.
 
Cleaning Service
Housekeeping services can be expensive but so helpful. To cut costs, I set it up so that the company (I use Molly Maid) comes only once a month for a deep clean. That good scrub really helps then its just maintenance from there.  
 
Online Shopping
Amazon Prime is my number one recommendation. It's an online shopping site with fast delivery as well as free shipping and returns. I have used this service almost every single week – sometimes twice a week – to purchase things like diapers, baby wipes; you name it. It’s by far the best site to shop on. You can order something on a Wednesday and it will arrive on Friday. Genius!  

Choosing the Wedding Venue
Vetting locations is the number one step in planning a wedding. We wanted our venue to have meaning and since the vineyards have always held an important place in your relationship, we ended choosing Bedell Cellars. We spent every anniversary celebration at the wineries on the Northfork of Long Island and on our three-year anniversary, Rich proposed there. Since it is truly a special place for us and we both love to be outside (and drink wine!), there was no question that we would also get married there. ​

​The Theme 
Once you have the venue, you'll need to choose a theme. The theme for our wedding was Rustic Chic (ceremony) then Vintage Glamour (reception). The design direction was to begin with a more natural outdoor ceremony setting incorporating elements of rustic charm. The evening transitioned into an atmosphere of romance that resonated a sophisticated and glamorous style. We chose this theme/design by pulling inspiration from Pinterest. We wanted to add the right amount of detail to the natural beauty of the garden, oak tree and vineyard. All of the greenery was in full bloom in August so we already had an outstanding backdrop. 

The Program
Since we worked so hard to craft our own ceremony, we decided to put together a program for our guests. ​I created the one below then had them printed on card stock. They were handing out to guests as they got off the shuttle buses we rented. We had everyone transported from the hotel to the venue so that everyone could drink and not worry about driving. 

Table Decor 
The devil is in the details! This is important to remember when planning a wedding. I tried to think of every single detail I could for each part of the wedding. As far as the table decor, we pulled inspiration from wedding magazines and worked with the florist to create a vintage yet glamorous feel. The tablecloth I chose was Rattan Wheat Cotton in a burlap color. It actually looks just like burlap but is softer. 

The reception took place under the beautiful pavilion. Six Restoration Hardware type wood boxes filled with all local flowers: limelight hydrangea, cafe o lait dahlias, blush pink spray roses, and white snapdragon were placed on each communal table to exude a vintage feel. I also wanted to place tons of candles on each table to add a feeling of romance. Tall glass cylinder candles were placed in between each arrangement, with a scattering of gold votives. The flatware and chairs we chose were gold to add a touch of sophistication and glamour.  
 
The table numbers were ordered with the same card stock as our invitations and we put gold glitter number stickers on them. In addition, we spray painted tall, metal table cardholders gold to match our vintage glamour theme.

The Cake 
We had a three-tier buttercream cake that was soft pink in color and had white pearls in between each layer. At the bottom of the cake there was flower detailing. The cake topper was gold and the cake was placed on a wine barrel for display. The cake flavor was chocolate, the filling was cannoli and the icing was buttercream.
​

 The Wedding Favors 
Our party favors were mini mason jars filled with HOMEMADE strawberry lavender jam that Rich’s stepmother made for us. We decorated the jars with raffia and stickers ordered with the same design as our invitations.  ​