Fawn Over Baby

8/14/13

Pool Time with Baby - Checklist & Tips For Smooth Sailing

Good morning sunshine's! Today I am sharing tips on how to make your pool-time with baby run like a well-oiled machine. At first I have to admit, the thought of packing everything, timing it just right and drudging up to the neighborhood pool seemed daunting. It actually kept me home most days because of the chaotic train wreck that I envisioned every time I considered it. That is pretty much how I approach all outings now that I have baby in tow. I build it up in my mind as being this HUGE, stressful task instead of taking a moment to "dumb it down" (in my mind) and enjoy a fun adventure with my daughter. Now that summer is coming to end (well, the pool hours are), I decided to throw all my hesitations, fears and doubts out the window and take my baby girl to the pool...All By MYSELF!... I know, crazy right?

Here are tips that I found helpful to have a safe and successful day at the pool with baby.

Timing:

I waited until after Kenzie took her morning nap.
While Kenzie napped, I got everything together and packed up the car.
When she woke up, I changed her into her Huggies Little Swimmer diaper , swimsuit and cover-up
I fed her and then we were off! :)

**A well rested and fed baby is key to having a successful pool outing**

What to bring:

Stroller - This helps transport pool accoutrement as well as contain your little while you set up shop. It also comes in handy when baby is ready to catch some Zzzz's. (No need for a pack and play)
Large Beach Bag - you shouldn't need more than one bag. Leave diaper bag at home
I brought a baby float with canopy for McKenzie to sit in. She loved it, however, she was ready to get into the big pool after a few minutes.

What to pack for a 2-hour stay: (you may want to add more if you plan to stay longer (i.e,diapers, bottles & snacks)

A hooded towel for McKenzie
A beach towel for me
Hat for MK (she wouldn't leave it on so it stayed in the beachbag
1 extra Huggies Little Swimmer diaper (Just in case of a messy accident)
Wipes (in case there is a messy accident)
1 extra "day to day" diaper (to wear home)
Aveeno Baby Sunblock Lotion (MK prefers lotion vs spray)
Sippy Cup for MK and water bottle for me (just to keep hydrated)
A few bath toys (We didn't play with these much)

Not sure what to think

Towel time while mommy set up shop under
the umbrella

This floaty was the perfect way to introduce McKenzie
to the water and her surroundings.

She loved the floaty, however, she began to feel antsy
and hot after a while(as it keeps their upper body pretty dry),
so she was ready to jump in!

We glided and bounced around the big pool.
She loved watching me blow bubbles.
Her favorite activity was me sitting her on the edge of the pool,
counting to three then lifting her up and into the water
(sort of like a baby-style dive) We even went under water a few times!
(Counting to three and quickly blowing into baby's face, before dipping them
under, causes them to breathe-in and then breathe out while under water)

Once I introduced her to the steps, it was love at first "sit"!
She loved splashing around and pulling up on the side.

She felt like such a big girl :)

Preparing For Departure:

I "remote" started the car to cool off
I changed Kenzie out of her swimsuit and her "little swimmer" diaper
I put her normal "day to day" diaper on, along with her cover-up/dress

Cover-ups or T-shirts are "a must", as it acts as a barrier against the hot carseat straps.

I then sat her in her stroller while I got dressed and loaded up our things
Then off to the car we went!

Don't you love my "after swim" hair-do?

I hope you feel inspired to conquer your fear of having a "mommy or daddy & me" day at the pool! Just keep it simple. Pack a few necessities and let the water do all the entertaining!

8/12/13

Journey's Shabby Chic Nursery By Erica Mae Photography

Simplistically Shabby Chic! That's what I am labeling this precious nursery, photographed by talented photographer and fellow Texan, Erica Mae Photography! Erica beautifully captured the delightfully dainty details that set the stage for this elegant, yet comfortable baby oasis. Mom, Shelby says that she knew she "wanted the room to have a shabby chic feel to it. Simple, clean and elegant." By mingling beautiful classic vintage pieces with touches of glam, this nursery offers a beautiful space that baby Journey can grow into and appreciate even as a teenager. The most exciting part about this charming design, is that it doesn't have to come at a price! Many of the pieces Shelby incorporated were used as décor at their wedding, which holds a sweet sentimental value to the space. The rest were craigslist, goodwill and discount finds(see item listing below). Even though Shelby was going for a "less is more" look to the room, she continues to add extra touches here and there and has come to terms with the fact that the room may never fully be finished. I get so much joy finding these little nursery design gems that look "magazine" amazing, yet do not cost an arm and a leg to pull off. It's because of these creatively talented mommies, like Shelby, our eyes may be open to the possibility that it can be done in a budget friendly way.

Vendor Credit & Product List:

Photography: - Erica Mae Photography

Dresser - Craigslist find(already painted)

Chandelier - Amazon

Pink Mirror over dresser- HomeGoods

Small Cream/white mirrors over dresser - Hobby Lobby (re-used from wedding)

Chair - Cragislist find paired with a white slipcover from Target(Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic line)

Pillows on Chair - Pier One

Balsa Wood Flowers in boxes - made by Shelby's dad (re-used from wedding)

Lace Wood Shelf - Goodwill find (painted and adhered lace around the trim)

Iron "LOVE" sign - Hobby Lobby (reused from wedding)

Drapes: Half Price Drapes(similar)

Wooden Backdrop behind crib - built by Daddy :)

Crib: Jenny Lind Crib - painted to match dresser

Crib Skirt: Amazon (its a twin size tucked under mattress to be let out when Journey is older)

Crib Bedding: Carousal Design (plurge)

Bunting/Banner hanging from crib - Made by a friend :)

Wall Color: Valspar Almond Oil

8/9/13

Malia's Rustic Glam 1st Birthday Party By Melissa Oholendt Photography

Happy Friday Fawn Fans! Do I have a dandy of a first birthday party for you! Today's party theme is all about the LOVE and talented photographer, Melissa Oholendt captured the lovely details perfectly. As family and friends gathered to together to celebrate the adorable Malia turning one, you can feel the love and joy that went into celebrating this special birthday girl on her big day! With peach, silver, gold and grey mixed with a little bit of rustic flare, Malia's mother went all out to design the perfect party that represented her trendy tot to a tee. There are so many wonderful elements displayed throughout, you will be left feeling incredibly inspired. As you scroll through Melissa Oholendt's flawless photos of all the stunning details, Malia's mom is here to walk us through her impeccably realized birthday party vision.

The inspiration for our sweet little Malia's first birthday party was LOVE. Although we were celebrating Malia's epic milestone, we also celebrated our family and friends who enrich our lives, make us laugh and love our babies. For any get together we host, it is so important for us to make all of our guests feel the love. With Malia's birthday being so close to Valentine's day, I used hearts and arrows as inspiration and incorporated organic elements with a touch of glam (i.e the beautiful tassel garland from confetti systems). The result was a cool girly chic sweet party that perfectly captured her spirit. I pulled much of the inspiration for the party from blogs and party planners I admire, and I also found inspiration in an unexpected place - instagram. Through instagram, I find inspiration and art in everyday living. I am currently obsessed.

As guests entered our home, we asked they write love notes to little Malia. Malia gifted each of the guests, littles and adults, a sparkly mini sequin bando heart pin to wear in gold, silver or red. And additionally, the littles received one of Malia's favorite book, Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You. We always try to use books as favors, because the kids love them and it is something that will be kept forever.

Hearts and arrows were found throughout - from the art we washi taped above the party tables, party signage to the cupcake toppers. The tables were filled with Wood bowls and platter as well as succulents and plants to bring the outside in especially because our freezing cold temps in Minnesota keep us indoors most of the winter. And cream roses in simple jars added just the right touch of girly chic. I wish I was crafty and love the handmade look but since I am NOT, I turned to the next best thing -- Etsy! I worked with so many great vendors to create the look.

We served many filipino and indian dishes half home cooked by my mother and the other half catered. Salty Bird (chocolate cake, buttercream, toffee pieces and coarse sea salt) and Vanilla Bean cake pops and White chocolate raspberry and gluten free snickerdoodle cupcakes filled the dessert table.

Malia wore the cutest little crewcuts navy polka dot bubble skirt with a chambray shirt. The red bando pin made the outfit.

For the kids acitivity, we kept it really simple by incorporating one of our kids favorite activities....dance party! We set out loads of musical instruments and turned on Phoenix radio station on Pandora. What is better than a music and dance party for busy littles to let loose and release some energy?!?!

Big Brother helped birthday girl blow out her candle :)

Love filled the air and the vibe was magical. We feel so lucky to have the best friends and family who care for us and love our children like their own.