starting solids

Quinn started solids (more like mush) when she was five months old, so I guess I am little late with this post.  The pediatrician said that six months is the recommended age but that we could start earlier if we thought Q was ready.  I decided we would start when Quinn began to stare me down whenever I would eat in front of her.  :)

 

We started with breakfast every morning about ten minutes or so after her bottle.  The menu...just rice cereal mixed with pureed baby food (we started slow with mainly bananas, prunes and pears).  By the way, prunes really helped with some of the "back up" that we encountered at first. ;)  I was surprised with how soupy the rice cereal consistency was mixed with breast milk/formula!  Again, these are considered "solids."  Quinn would only eat about 2 tablespoons MAX at first (most of which didn't even make it near her mouth!)  Now, at six months, we are adding a meal in the late afternoon (5/5:30 pm), and trying more vegetables.

 

Organic?  Store bought vs. homemade?  Apparently, I'm one of those parents who isn't much of a health nut, because 90% of Quinn's baby food has been non-organic and from the jar.  Yes, these are the big debates you go through as a new mom.  And, I am choosing to relax on this one.



1/2/3/4

The whole baby food thing was really fun at first, but now it feels like a bit of a chore because it's just SO MESSY.  You definitely want a waterproof bib that you don't have to put in the wash after every meal.  We have just normal little baby bowls, but I am kind of wishing we bought the ones with the suction on the bottom so that Quinn can't play/throw the baby food off the high chair.  I also want to try this freshfood mash and serve...way more convenient for those of us who are too lazy to make our own baby food ahead of time!  And, these Gerber rest easy spoons are convenient too. 

 

fresh food feeder

The fresh food feeder works great for serving fresh food.  I put a cold banana in this one when Q was a little fussy with teething issues.  She didn't end up eating much banana but loved nawing on it!  My niece also loved hers when she was little.

 

I hope this baby food talk is helpful, and MIGHT take ten minutes off from the twenty that you will spend staring at all of the baby food options in baby section at Target. ;) 

butterscotch bundt cake

I made my very first bundt cake this weekend!  I have wanted to try one of Mix and Match Mama's bundt cake recipes for a while now, but couldn't justify making a whole cake for just the two of us to eat.  When he invited friends over for dinner this past weekend, I decided it was a good time to go for it and try one out!  Butterscotch is usually not my favorite, but it didn't seem to matter with this recipe!  It was delicious.

The ingredients were pretty simple to gather up.  Notice the clearance sticker on the butterscotch instant pudding...hmmm...not a popular pudding, I guess? 

I have had this bundt cake mold for over three years and have never used it!   I was missing out.  I wish I had a picture of us enjoying the cake with vanilla bean ice cream, but we were too busy eating and talking.

I was a little disappointed that this cake didn't come with a frosting recipe (like the other bundt cake recipes), but it was SO MOIST that frosting was totally unnecessary!

Check out more of Mix and Match Mama's bundt cake recipes here.  They are really FUN and easy to make!

five fact friday

1-I went to coffee with myself last weekend.  It was amazing.  I enjoyed the solo time to recharge (I am definitely more of an introvert!).
2-Look who can sit up all by herself?!  She is getting better and better at it.  A few moms I know told me that their baby started crawling at this age.  I'm already trying to get as much done as possible now, because my productivity is going to take a nose dive once this girl is on the move!
3-Quinn and Aunt Kelsey had a Skype date.  We love her!!!  (I think Quinn might look like her when she gets older.)
4-Q sat in the high chair at a restaurant for the first time.  Of course, it was at Chipotle ;)
5-Just a glimpse of what I have been working on this week.  Let's just say it involved a lot of fabric.  The rest will make sense in the coming weeks!

Happy, happy Friday!

Linking up with Lauren from H54F!
 

hospitality gift for a new mama

 striped fabric caddy-Home Goods / personalized tote / other storage caddies

 

Babies everywhere!  It must be the stage of life I am in right now!  I confess I am not the best gift giver.  But, I sure do love receiving creative and practical gifts!  My lovely mother dearest (that's what we call my mom when we are sucking up:) put together this basket for a close relative that recently had the cutest little baby. 

There are so many things you could do with a basket like this.  Maybe add in a face mask, scented candle, or...lanolin (haha...new mama joke, sorry).

Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas, Mom!  I had to include this pretty picture, whether you like it or not ;)

for the record

I really appreciate getting feedback on the posts I write, whether it's from good friends, family, another blogger, or even someone I don't know at all!  The readers who have met me in person have the advantage of knowing a little context when they read my blog.  They know my personality, my passions, my strengths, and my weaknesses.  However, I often worry about the reader that does not have that context to go off of. 

I have felt compelled for the past week to write to that reader who has not met me face to face.  Have you ever read a blog (I should add in Pinterest here too) to find yourself feeling totally lame and inadequate?  I think women do this in general with comparing themselves...such a terrible game.  I must say that I enjoy posting pretty pictures of my baby and organized cabinets.  It helps me to see a little beauty in my day and celebrate it.  But, I fear that in doing so I may leave some readers feeling lame or inadequate when that is the last thing I want do.  My desire is to inspire and encourage others through this little blog of mine.

So, for the record, my life is far from perfectly organized.  In fact, it can be pretty messy and confusing sometimes.  My desire is to be refreshingly transparent and genuine, not only on this blog but in my relationships offline too.  In fact, as I type these words I realize that I haven't showered in two days.  How is that for transparency?  Maybe too much?  :) I hope you enjoy reading about our journey and daily musings, and can see that there is a REAL WOMAN behind this blog who is simply trying to see the beauty in the small things and grow closer to her Creator.

Thanks for reading, dear friend!

six months



Quinn turned six months last week!  We are loving this age!  Here is what she has been up to this past month.

monthly milestone sticker

 



Quinn's personality is so sweet and laid back (for now ;).  She loves to smile and make crazy noises.  She is on a much more consistent schedule with napping at almost the same time every day, which has helped mommy relax A  LOT!  It's been fun to watch Quinn learn new tricks like putting her paci back in her own mouth and roll over from her back to tummy.

We love you to pieces, Quinn! 

 

five fact friday

This week was a little different since Matt was out of town for work.  Quinn and I managed to keep busy while he was away.  I have to admit, it was kind of nice not planning dinners this week, but I am looking forward to spending the weekend with my family back together again.

 

1-Quinn can officially put her paci back in her mouth.  It's so cute, because sometimes she puts it in upside down!

2-Iced coffee is a special treat.  Especially after running around Joann Fabrics trying to find something with little success and no one to ask for help.  And then getting to the check out line to find that it was way too long.  And then just leaving all together :P

3-Quinn turned 6 months this week.  She had to get shots which made for a fussy afternoon.  She is playing with her new pal, Violet, in this pic.  Stay tuned for her 6 month picture and update!

4-We had a girl's night.  Definitely don't have those often enough.  I am very grateful for these mamas!  It was nice to have the company.

5-I have one too many projects going on right now.  I am trying to make stationary in this picture.  I usually work on projects during nap time, but I always push it and try to get a little more done after Quinn gets up.  It's not too productive...I should just give that up.

 

Linking up with Lauren from H54F!
 



decluttering the baby cabinet

Since Quinn has started drinking formula and eating baby food, my little cabinet for her stuff in the kitchen has exploded.  I am constantly using this cabinet, so I decided it was worth taking the time to organize it and make my life a little easier.  Plus, I was getting sick of seeing bottles scattered all over my counter.

 Before...

 After!  Organizing is so therapeutic. 

I put all of the things I need on a daily basis on the bottom shelf.  This included formula, bottles, bowls, spoons (in an empty formula canister with the label stripped off!), and medicine (not really for daily use, but in a convenient spot).
On the top shelf I put extras like teethers, extra rice cereal, extra formula, sanitizer bags, etc.
*Where is the baby food?  In the pantry with the canned foods.  Hmm... possibly for a different post?

Now, for the tricky part.  All of those darn little bottle parts and pacis!  I cleared out a drawer underneath the cabinet and put them all in one spot.  Now, if I could just get them from the drying rack and back into the drawer...kind of like folding laundry for me :/
The nursery water ended up in a cabinet below the drawer.  That way it's not on the counter but still  easy to get out.

Let me know if you have some organizing tips for baby stuff.  I would love to hear them!  Oh, and here are some adorable pictures from the impromptu photo session I had with Quinn the other night.

I could eat her to pieces.  Love my sweet munchkin.

ordinary day

Our big trips and events for the summer have passed and now we are looking into the second half of summer with quite a blank calendar.  Makes me a little queasy to think about it.  At my most recent Target trip I noticed that the back to school signs are already up.  The idea of not buying school supplies this year (I resigned from my teaching position in June) makes me even more sick to my stomach.  It's one of my FAVORITE traditions of all time!

 

Needless to say, I have been feeling a little discontent...I highly dislike that feeling.  So, in addition to making the effort to get some things on the calendar, I have been praying that God would help me to find the beauty in the ordinary things.  Here is a glimpse of my ordinary day...

 

I bake for many reasons, but one of them is for comfort.  I am home alone with a baby on a muggy day with little to do besides laundry...so, I bake.  I decided on Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.  I tried using 1 cup regular flour with 1/4 cup whole wheat flour.  I am trying to do the "healthy, whole wheat flour" thing.  They tasted a little heartier than usual, but still yummy.  I also substituted chocolate chips for the raisins (yes, my logic on "being healthy" doesn't make much sense).  Here is the basic recipe if you are interested!

Beacon's rebellion continues with him scattering his food everywhere, which happens to be a new thing.  This picture was taken after I sprayed him with the water bottle for trying to lick the cookie dough on the kitchen counter.  I feel like I am dealing with a teenager. ugh.

I put Quinn down for a nap and walked downstairs to see this.  Nothing unusual here.  Just a lot of baby stuff scattered around.  For some reason, my eyes saw this picture differently in that particular moment.  My heart was filled with joy.  What a gift to have a sleeping baby with all of her cute little toys filling my home.  I know it sounds mushy, but I needed to find joy in that.  It's too easy to take these things for granted.

And, finally, I sit down and enjoy a homemade cookie with a diet pepsi (I know, it's not right.  Matt is a sucker for a good deal, and coke products weren't on sale).  Of course, I had a little appetizer of the actual cookie dough first ;)

When you are at home with a baby, it's easy to feel a little isolated.  I have started posting bible verses around the house and praying the second I feel "off."  God is meeting me in those moments and teaching me how to appreciate even the little things.

traveling with baby essentials: 5-6 months

I flew with Quinn by myself again this month.  It was definitely worth it.  Matt was going to be away for a wedding that he was in, so I figured I might as well go hang out with my family up north instead of stay at home alone with the baby.  Things went pretty smoothly.  The first time I flew with Quinn was when she was three months old.  I did things a little bit differently this time around now that she is a few months older.

These are some items that I found to be the most helpful while traveling with a baby at 5-6 months.  I also answered some more detailed traveling questions below.

1. I don' why, but babies seem to LOVE these simple links
2. The Ergo Baby Carrier is still one of my favorites, and is easy on the back.

3. We just bought this Baby Jogger City Mini.  It's not really for jogging, although I have gone for a short jog with it.  You can fold it up with one hand!!  It's wonderful!

4. I wish I had a Chicco Hook On Chair. We put Quinn in the exersaucer to feed her baby food, but this portable high chair would have been nice.

5. Q's teething got worse while we were away.  I was really glad I packed teething tablets. Seriously, babies change overnight!

6. I always bring single-serve powder packets in case I need them.

7. Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags are a quick way to cleans pacis and bottles.  You can use one bag 20 times!

8. My sister brought this Bumper Jumper when she travelled to Florida with her family.  It's a great  space saving substitute for a big exersaucer or jumperoo.

9. My Dad bought this rattle for Quinn.  A few toys small toys like these were perfect for keeping Quinn entertained on the plane.

10. I bought a car seat travel bag to help carry and protect the car seat since we decided to check it at the airport.  It actually worked out well because my luggage was overweight, and I was able to throw some stuff into the car seat bag to even it all out!

What gear did you bring for carrying the baby?

I brought the car seat (without the base) in a car seat cover bag (some have roller wheels, others you can wear like a back pack) and our new City Mini Jogger with the Ergo underneath it.   Most car seats can be installed without the base.  I prefer to not bring the base because we end up changing cars a lot anyway, and it's just one more thing to lug through the airport.  (Just follow the installation instructions carefully.)  We have a Graco SnugRide car seat, and it installs well without the base.  I chose to bring the big stroller, as opposed to our Snap n' Go, because we planned to be outside a lot and I didn't want Quinn to be stuck in the car seat for walks, etc.  When we got to the airport, we checked our suit case and car seat bag.  I kept Quinn in the stroller until it was time to board.  At that point, I put her in the Ergo carrier so I had my hands free and brought the stroller to the service counter where they gave me a baggage claim ticket.  They went ahead and checked it right at the gate.

What baby items can I buy when I get to my destination?

My mom already has some baby gear at their house, like an exersaucer and crib, which made it a little easier for me to pack.  For a baby that is five months old, it's helpful to have something to keep them entertained.  Luckily, they aren't really on the move yet so it doesn't take much!  My sister used the Bumper Jumper (above) with her little one who loves to jump and wiggle.  The nice thing about it is that it's small enough to travel with.

Here are some things that I found were just easier to buy when I arrived to my destination:

Diapers

Wipes

Formula

Baby Food (Quinn is just starting solids, so I didn't need to bring puffs or one of those pouches on the plane.  I did bring some baby spoons.)

What were your sleeping arrangements with the baby?

For sleeping, I always bring Quinn's Sleep Sheep from home.  I think it helps her feel more comfortable in a new place.  I have also heard of bringing a crib sheet from home because it smells familiar to the baby.  We don't especially love it when Quinn sleeps in our room....well, I don't because I wake up to every little noise she makes while asleep!  Most of the time we put her right outside of our room, or if there is a connecting bathroom, we try to get the pack 'n play in there.  The best part about the bathroom scenario is that it's really dark and the fan makes for a nice white noise.

 

I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about traveling with a little baby!  Just post a comment or e-mail me.

 

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charlie coco's giveaway // summer sherbet hair bow



 

This sweet little clip set could be yours!  Amber, from Charlie Coco's, is giving away this "Summer Sherbet" hair bow that can be used as both a hair bow clip or headband.  If you don't have a little girl of your own to adorn this cute accessory with, it would also make for a great baby shower, birthday, or "just because" gift!  I mean, it's FREE, so why would you not enter?!  Check out more of Amber's accessories here. 

Enter to win this hair bow by using the giveaway tool below.  Remember, the more times you enter the better your chances of winning!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

five fact friday

1-The other night I realized how ridiculous my bed time regimen has become.  Since when have I become such an old lady?!  Top off all of my vitamins with nasal spray, a bite guard, and glasses...and, well you get the picture...it's not pretty.
2-I can get Quinn to hold her bottle for about 20 seconds.  We officially stopped nursing about a week ago.  This little girl loves to mess around when she should be drinking her bottle!
3-Am I the only one whose "guest room" has become a laundry room?  This is just a glimpse of all the laundry that I should be doing right now from being on vacation.
4-Quinn is growing.  I think this is the fourth pair of pajamas where one of her big toes is now poking through.
5-I have some fun things to put on the blog in the next few weeks.  One of the more exciting things is a special giveaway tomorrow!  Make sure to check back so you can enter!

Linking up with Lauren from H54F!
 

lake michigan & a wedding // summer vacation

After nearly two weeks of spending time with family and friends up north, I am finally back!  It feels nice to be home, which is a good sign that I was truly able to get rejuvenated while away.  I am not going to even TRY to document all of the fun things we did.  But, here is a glimpse...

Caught up with my best friends from high school at a favorite spot...Rose's.

 This sums up Quinn on vacation.  There was a lot of stimulation!

It was so nice to have my mom around to help with Quinn, especially for the first part of the vacation when Matt wasn't there.

We brought Quinn to the beach for about an hour on most of our days at the lake.  It was very convenient that the cottage was so close to the beach.  Even when Q was napping, there was usually  someone at the cottage willing to keep an eye on her so we could still enjoy the lake and sunshine.

 Grandma Polly stopped by for a day on her way to Chicago!

Papa had neck surgery right before we arrived, so we enjoyed the extra time with him while he was at home recovering .

 

Quinn spent a lot of time with her cousins too.  They are the best! 

Pool time.

We celebrated Gigi's **th birthday.  (Like how I did that, Mom? :)  We went for a low key party this year.  "No major surprises" was the theme as a result of last year's shenanigans.

Matt and I took a mini road trip to Chicago for a wedding.  It was the first time I have ever been away from Quinn overnight.  Gigi did a wonderful job looking after her while we were away.

 

I hadn't been back to the Chicago area since we moved, so we had fun walking around and eating at our favorite places.  While we missed our sweet Quinn, I have to admit it was very liberating to be able to run around from place to place, baby-less.   

THIS was the dessert ROOM at Mark and Ellie's wedding.  Mind blowing!  

Their wedding was beautiful.  The best part...totally Christ centered.  It was so sweet to see these two get married.  We also enjoyed seeing some good college and Young Life friends, as well as some of Matt's family.

 

 

Goodbye, Lake Michigan.  I will see you again soon, I hope!  Speaking of Lake Michigan, did you hear about the three college students who paddle boarded across Lake Michigan?  They started in Milwaukee and ended on Maranatha beach! 

 

Yes, that was the short version of our vacation.

 

I am writing a post on "flying solo part II."  It was a little different this time around now that Quinn is almost six months old.  Let me know if you have an specific questions that I could address!