Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Mommy Tips: Washable Crayons!

Junebug is starting to draw on EVERYTHING with crayons! I'd like to scream at the top of my lungs everytime it happens but I realize she's just a baby and I don't want to stifle her inner Picasso if there is one... ya never know. Thank God my friend Myla clued me into the fact that Crayola manufactures washable crayons. Who knew?! I'm still going to try and get Junebug to stay on the paper BUT if she messes up atleast I don't have to suffer.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Mommy Tips: FIRST YEAR MUST-HAVES!























When Junebug turned a year old I started taking stock of all the "things" she had and realized that there were a handful of items that she has used EVERY SINGLE DAY since she left the hospital. I thought I'd share this list in case new Mommies are wondering what are the "must-haves". There are many more things that are needed to get a baby from birth to one BUT i couldn't have lived a single day without the following:

1. Dresser
Invest in a great dresser that serves as a changing table so that when the baby is out of diapers it's still a great piece of furniture. I also prefer this to the rinky, shaky changing tables that are out there.

2. Luna Lullaby breast feeding pillow
Even after I was done nursing, this pillow has been so handy. We now use it every night when Junebug drinks her nighttime bottle and when I was nursing it was invaluable. It's so soft and so comfy.

3. Prince Lionheart wipes warmer
Don't let anyone tell you that a wipes warmer is unnecessary. It's the best! Fill it up with little cotton pads and water and it's a great chemical free way to clean your baby's bottom. Junebug has never suffered from diaper rash and I think this is why. You can also fill it with regular baby wipes from the store or be eco-friendly and use small pieces of cloth.

4. Glider
I love the glider from Serena and Lily but I've also tried the one from Crate & Barrel which is great.

5. Aden and Anais muslin blankets
These are the best swaddle blankets on the market and they are very useful even after swaddling doesn't apply. I don't go anywhere without grabbing one of these blankets. I've used them as a picnic blanket, to shelter from sun, etc.

6. CD player
Music is so important for a baby's brain development. Invest in a nice little CD player and share the joy of music with your baby from the day they are born. Make sure the one you buy has a repeat function. In Junebug's case she sleeps with music on all night which she loves.

7. Orbit Stroller
With so many strollers on the market, I can vouch for the orbit, hands down. We LOVE it.

8. Classical Music
Junebug has not gone one day without listening to classical music. Classical Lullabies is a great disc. She sleeps to it and naps to it.

9. Baby sheep pillow
Junebug has a little pillow shaped like a sheep that sits on her changing pad. I think she has grown very fond of him as she's felt his soft little body under her head everytime we change her diaper.

10. Burp cloths from the Pump Station
I LOVE these burp cloths from the Pump Station. They remind me of the diapers I remember from when I was a kid. These cloths are all purpose and are so yummy.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Mommy's Crazy!

Dear Junebug,
After hosting over 100 people at the house for your first birthday I vowed that next year we're either going to order some Domino's and invite people to the park at the end of the block or invite the Grandparents over for some cake I picked up at Ralphs. But this painting by Will Cotton has me totally having second thoughts. Upscale Candy world... ahhh, yes. I can see it now.
What is wrong with me????
XO
Mommy

P.S. you can blame Uncle Bob for everyone's current obsession with Will Cotton.

Monday, May 31, 2010

My very first baby doll!




Dear Junebug,
When we were at Coachella with your bestie Ruby, you were obsessed with Ruby's baby doll, Boy-boy. She must've gotten the hint because low and behold she gave you your very own baby doll for your birthday (from American Girl). She tried to find one that looked just like you which I thought was very sweet. She also came with an awesome beach outfit - very stylish! But we wouldn't expect anything less from little Ms. Ruby. Your baby doesn't have a real name yet. For now you call her "baby".
XO
Mommy

Saturday, May 8, 2010

The "Glamorous"

Dear Junebug,
I've been working a lot lately. Like, a lot. I promised you early on that I'd be home every night to put you to sleep and be there when you wake up. That hasn't been happening so much and I want you to know that I do feel bad about it sometimes. But I'm so glad that despite all of my juggling work and you... you are the happiest baby alive and the reality is Mommy's gotta work! Mommy's job entails being at photo shoots and video shoots until all hours and flying around on airplanes for a bunch of ridiculous reasons. The whole thing is pretty ridiculous actually (as you can see). I came home from NY the other day after being gone for 4 days and I couldn't believe how much you'd changed! It was kind of fun to be surprised when you came around the corner...you were so happy to see me it made me feel so special. Just know that no matter where I am, you are with me and you are my priority and my everything.
XO
Me
(Mommy on the video set of "Rich")

California Gurls are taking over!


Dear Junebug,
California Gurls are taking over... Hang on to your Lolita glasses it's gonna be a crazy summer!
XO
Mommy

I've got a feeling...

You ready for some skates? XO Mommy

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Mommy Tips: A "proper" Thank You is in order!

Right around the time that Junebug turned 3 months old I gave up on Thank You cards. I know it sounds awful but after 3 baby showers worth of gifts and the barrage of packages that came after her birth I became completely overwhelmed and exhausted with the whole process. The bummer is, I felt so guilty and horrible about not sending proper cards. I'm always so grateful when a gift shows up and to not send a card is just RUDE and not me. So with Junebug's first birthday I was determined to figure out a new plan of action. I decided to write the Thank You card immediately after opening a gift. After all, Junebug doesn't really care about opening gifts. So that's what I did. The first 18 gifts and Thank You's got written... there! done!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Final Party Wrap-Up...
















Dear Junebug,
They came, they partied, they tore it up (literally)... faces were painted, tummies were filled, noise was made, bubbles and balloon animals were everywhere, music was pumpin, Mommy is exhausted...but it was all worth it because it was all for you.
XO
Me

From top to bottom: Russell with cousin Che-cho, Gran with cousin Ridley, Grandpa, Rich with Sloan and Ridley, Auntie Susan, Katy Pizzle, Uncle Travis with Uncle Kyle and Aunt Rebecca, Ruby, Marisa, Jude, Cle-o, "Forever Young" Chris, Uncle David and Uncle Bob, Auntie Ali.

The New Kids on the Block





Dear Junebug,
I have news for you... you are no longer "the baby" around here. You have a lot of new baby friends who came out to wish you a Happy Birthday. Meet Scout (the newest at 7 weeks), Max, Enzo, Charlie and Ridley (in order top to bottom). Be nice to them. Let's learn something new - GENTLE!
XO
Mommy