Retractable Baby Gate

Ok, where has this gate been all my life?? (seriously though I wish I would have found this gate 4 months ago at least) We just installed a swinging gate at the top of our steps to curtail our little one (now 14 months) from hurtling herself down the steps - but would have much rather installed this!

So many more options for length etc! A little pricey but not too bad!

Check it out at http://www.retract-a-gate.com/retractable-child-baby-gate.html

Delaney's First Birthday Party! Butterflies and cupcakes!

Had such a blast celebrating our little one's first big birthday with everyone! (caution photo heavy post)

Edible rice paper butterflies on cream cheese frosted strawberry cupcakes! Icing recipe from Glorious Treats

Enjoying her smash cake!

Funfetti cupcakes with pink tinted american butter cream frosting - Glorious Treats recipe I used here

Cupcakes decorated with gumballs and edible butterflies

My little cinderella girl :) love!

Lady in waiting before her party guest arrive!

Raspberry pink sherbet punch and lemonade in mason jars with striped straws!

Is it present time yet?

First time using mason jars for cups - loved it!

Baby Shower Flashback

Planning my baby's first birthday got me all reminisce about planning her baby shower! Let's go back in time a little! Goes by so fast!

The Invite & Inspiration - cotton candy pink and blue and Heather Bailey fabric bunting!

Baby Belly Game!
I really enjoyed this part of the shower - was a great way to connect with every person as they came up to and tested to see if their "guess" was right or not. So fun!

Baby Book Cards
Encouraging the guest to bring a baby book instead of a card using a cute poem.

Baby shower Invitation with pink envelope

Diaper Raffle Cards
Each guest was encouraged to bring a pack of diapers and be entered to a raffle for prize!
These diapers lasted us a good 4 months at least!

Baby Shower Name Tags for Mom and Dad
And other honored guests - made these little pins to where on our shirts!

Party Planning: My Baby's First Birthday!

I cannot believe my little one's big first birthday is just DAYS away. How did this happen?! The party planning is well underway. Cupcakes going in the oven soon and more pretty party pictures coming soon! But here's a little sneak peek of the theme - yellow and pink and butterflies!

Gift Ideas for Proud Dads

Click link for oh so many ideas!

(from gifts.com)

Awesome Father's Day Idea = Customized Tie

Customized Tie - very cool!

Cool Craft: Hula Hoop Rug

Found here...

Sip And See

Loving this Sip and See Party idea from Tiny Prints!

Mother's Day Idea - Tea at the Children's Museum

Mother's Day Tea: The Joy of Etiquette at the Indianapolis Children's Museum

 

May 7, 9-11 a.m. or 2-4 p.m.

$10 members, $12.50 nonmembers
Make this Mother's day memorable with a special tea. Practice proper table manners with etiquette experts, and then participate in fun Mother's day activities! Ages 5 and up with a registered adult.

Indianapolis Children's Museum

Loving Baby Gap

Lace trimmed body suit from Baby Gap

Oh my do I love Baby Gap! Granted we only own one official item from there for our a little one - a pair of reverseable pint/pink and white stripped pants that I snagged on sale for $6. But they are one of my favorites! They are made so well, thick and soft fabric - compared to some of the things you can find out there in the $6 range. Granted these pants were originally $14 or so...

And the styles! So cute!!

Bib with Sleeves = Awesome Idea

Why aren't there more of these awesome bibs with sleeves in the mainstream market? I am always fretting over food that winds up on my little ones clothes - we wear a bib but some always winds up on her sleeve. And with my sensitive sniffer I always end up finding the spot and then changing her outfit! But these are nifty and would definitely solve the problem!

Though summer is on the way and sleeves will soon be a mute point as the weather warms up enough to go sans shirt.

Found at A Better Bib

Mother's Day Gift Idea - Customized Stepping Stones

Too Cute! Customized Stepping Stones for Mother's Day!

Travel Toy - Just Add Water

tAgain, where were these cool things when I was younger??

Found here...

Turning Baby Clothing Castoffs Into Art

I am already getting teary eyed at the all the newborn, 0-3 and 3-6 clothes we have been folding up and storing away. Sniff! Baby is already 6 months old! Growing up so fast!

Love this idea found on Cool Mom Picks - very cool indeed!

Hurry Up Summer!

Aqua Leisure Floating Pool Seat - $7ish

Bath Toy Wish List

Adorable bath toy found on the family blog - Babble...love it!

Found here...

Cute but...Sewing Inspiration

These stroller blankets are a cute idea but definitely something I could do to modify blankets I already have at home. Good for a sewing idea though! Thanks for the inspiration!

Valentine Gumball Necklace

Can't wait to make these when my little one gets older! So cute!

Found on At Home w/ Kim Valee

Fab Find: Cover Me

Sorry for the fuzzy pic - but this is a great little multi-functional piece of equipment for new moms! Wish I had one or three! :)

$12 from Milk Smart Mama

Mother Daughter Matching Done Right

Found on Babble

Where Were These When I Was a Kid??

The insoles drain water! Amphibious Kids Beach Shoes

Beachy Baby

Swim socks - protect those tiny tootsies from hot sand and broken glass!

Sun Smarties Beach Play Pen

Learning Tower

Love this! Saving it here so I remember to get one when our little one is a little older! :) There are so many cool things for kids these days!

Found on Little Partners

Info from website:

Features and Benefits

Provides safety and versatility not found with traditional step stools.
Only step stool on the market carefully designed to meet the specific needs of young toddlers 18 mos. +.
Constructed from highest-quality layered birch.
Platform height adjusts quickly and easily to grow with your child from 18 months up to 6 years.
Four-sided railings provide support while your child climbs in and prevents falling when inside the Tower.
Wide 15" X 18" platform lets your child move about without slipping off a step.
Fits flush against counters for safe access.
Carefully finished with durable, non-toxic, lead-free finish.
Meets safety standards for ASTM (F96-30) and Home Playground Equipment (F11-48-98C).
Has been tested to hold up to 500 lb.
Cleans easily with a damp cloth.

The Learning Tower

For children, the world is a magical and curious place. They learn by mirroring Mommy and Daddy with the ultimate goal of being able "to do it myself" and feel like an active member of the family. That's why Little Partners has created the Learning Tower.
The Learning Tower has been carefully designed to provide a secure environment for a child's imagination to be stimulated and blossom. Its design nurtures a child's innate desire to be independent, and to participate alongside his or her parents and siblings.

Wooden Cupcake Stand

Adorable Kidkraft wooden cupcake stand from Kitson! Definitely a must-have down the road when my little one gets a little older! :)

$38 from