baby {boy} wishlist.

[Here is my boy wishlist I created two days before I knew we were actually having a boy. Also, I have already made first boy purchase! A super adorable Mad Boy cowboy pj set and a Bambino Land comfy outfit via Zulily.]

With each consective baby you realize what you need and really don't need {which is quite a bit}. But you also learn that sometimes it's okay, and even better to invest in a piece that is more durable and will last through multiple kids (or have good resale value or keep as a keepsake).

That's where I am at. Thinking about what I really do need/wish  for baby #3, our BOY!  I would rather have less and love, love the baby items. Then buy something because it's on sale. [Don't get me wrong, I am a true sucker for sales.]

I received so, so many blankets for the girls. Blankets are great- for play, laying on, picture backdrops, swaddling, and of course keeping warm. Most of them are however, pink. This time around I would love to get some Aden and Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets for my little man. [These aren't over the top screaming boy, but I love the orange and grey combo and think they would be perfect.]

Amazon, $40

If it has cowboy print on it, I'm all for it. I love this blanket- which makes a great playmat too!

Etsy, Peppermint Pinwheels, $35



Now, I know babies do not need shoes until they are learning to walk and even then I'm a fan of soft sole ones like Robeez. But, I can't resist these adorable mustache booties.

Etsy, Charlie's Giraffe, $20

I love looking at baby carriers and slings. There are so many beautiful, well-crafted ones out there. And hello, they work magic. I'm thinking this time around, I might need a couple of new ones, like this gorgeous floral blue and orange ring sling, it's a great price too!

Etsy, Zmunki, $45

I've been coveting an AngelPack Carrier for a while now, ever since my cousin, Erin, raved about one. I just haven't been able to justify buying one because I own an Ergo, which I absolutely love. The Ergo is super comfortable, easy to use, and works with babies all the way up to 40 lbs (Audrey can still be worn!). But the downfall to my Ergo is it isn't very compatible for babies less than 3 or 4 months without the newborn insert (which I don't own and can get rather toasty-- I will be having a summer baby).  I think the AngelPack has the extra head support needed for wee little ones. And not to mention the fabric!? Gorgeous. When I bought the Ergo, I had in mind that my husband would use it (which he certainly does), so that means the look is pretty basic. I'm ready for some super cute! I love the Cherry Blossom print.

AngelPack, $139

I'm so excited to be shopping for boy clothes! I like the challenge of finding unique boy pieces, that aren't all sporty {the hubs is all about the sports, it's already a funny discussion on how to dress our boy}. I love this sleeper gown I found, these are terrific for those middle of night diaper changes.

Etsy, Aimee Sharp, $18

There are so many adorable and SAFER teething toys out there. I could get lost on Etsy looking at all the beautiful handcrafted wooden ones. And I think my boy needs this one.

Etsy, Teeth Me, $8

There is my first wishlist. I'm sure to create more- ha! Tell me, if you have a boy, what is an essential, must-have? Brands that last?

P.S. We have a name! Some of you that know me well, know the name already. I'm looking forward to sharing it very soon! I'm thinking I should get Audrey on video saying it.

small style.

Hi ya, friends! I didn't mean to be m.i.a for the last couple of days but between mickey mouse pancake making, rock painting, house show cleaning, traveling about 13 hours over the weekend, work meetings, and the usual beauty shop play, the days have been pretty jammed packed. I must say, though, I'm so excited that it is September. I loooooove the fall. And although it's not technically fall yet, I always go out and buy a nice smelly fall candle on the first of September, and today will be no exception. Oh, and I can't wait to buy mums. [A very sweet reminder of my mama. Oh, how she loved those flowers.]

I'm happy to say, I'm back, linking up with the lovely Morgan over at Mama Loves Papa for Small Style Thursday. Audrey has entered the I'm going to dress how I want stage, which I didn't think started till way later, but apparently two is the new ten. Somedays it's a Snow White costume or a towel on her head as Rapunzel's hair. [Not even kidding. Like a hooded baby towel. She will wear it everywhere too. Like she owns the place in it.] Almost every morning the first thing she wants to do is go to her closest and pick out a dress [she has a lot of dresses, but it is usually one of the four chosen ones.] But yesterday, watch out folks, I had a teeny tiny say in her outfit. Like, I talked her into leggings instead of a dress.

Audrey is wearing:

Jean vest: thrifted

Shirt: H&M

Leggings: Gap

Shoes: TOMS

Hairclip: Zuzii via Etsy

This past week, Naomi got a very early first birthday present in the mail, and I couldn't resist giving it to her. Check out her left arm. See that sweet little bracelet? Audrey received one for her first birthday and now it was Naomi's turn. It is engraved with Naomi Fae, and has a pearl bead on it. Audrey still wears hers, hasn't taken it off for, ahem, almost two years. Talk about high quality! I bought Naomi's from the same store as Audrey's, called Sophie's Closest on Etsy. I wasn't paid or compensated to write about this little store, but I love the bracelets, so I wanted to share.

 Naomi is wearing:

Shirt: hand-me-down from Audrey, Old Navy (Don't you just love the lace on the sleeves?!)

Leggings: Misha Lulu

Hair Clip: Zuzii

Big Tush:  BumGenius Cloth Diapers

toesy-woesy covers.

I think my girls may only know toes as toesy-woesies. I especially love when Audrey repeats what I say to Naomi in her try-to-be-baby-voice like Naomi, where are your toesy-woesies? There they are! I really should get it on video.

Anyway, I have been obsessing over baby and toddler shoes lately, to cover those sweet toesy-woesies when fall comes.Too many cute ones. Everywhere. I want them all in my size too!

(Click on the picture for source.)

I ordered a pair of these Sanita clogs for Audrey via Zulily using some credit.

 They came in the mail on Friday and are absolutely adorable!

Yellow. Ruffles. Need I say more?

Pink Minnetonka's. Audrey would flip. And so would I.

Obviously, Naomi needs a pair of moccasins for the fall too. I'm thinking 1st birthday present, perhaps?

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I was not compensated in anyway to share these lovelies, I just couldn't resist sharing the cuteness.

i've got my eye on you.

I haven't bought hardly anything for little Naomi. That's what happens when your second child is another girl in the exact same season of the first.

But I did some "window" internet browsing on etsy the other day and came up with some lovely things that I am dreaming to buy her.

Organic Ruffled Lace Infant Hat

Bird Bib

Knit Butterfly Headband

Brown Bird Onsie

Bowtiful Bloom Headband

Organic Onsie Altered Couture

Wannit. All. Isn't hand-made stuff the best?

P.S. I'm not being asked to write about any of this. Nor am I receiving anything for it. Although, I wouldn't complain if I did.

diaper and wipe clutch.

I'm still nesting. But I can feel myself slow down a tad. I'm trying to get all these crazy projects done that are in my head before I just want to crash before the baby comes. Have I mentioned I only have about three months left? I'm wondering how much bigger I am going to get, because the belly is so there.

Anyway, back to nesting. I got out my sewing machine the other night. And made a diaper and wipe clutch. I was inspired by my own diaper clutch that I received as a gift when Audrey was born (thanks, Sooze!). It is basically a small bag that holds a couple of diapers and travel-size wipe case. It is perfect for your purse/diaper bag to help you stay organized. Well, I wanted to make one of these handy things for my friend who is about to have a baby any day now.

So out of some vintage fabric napkins (three to be exact) I made this bag:

[Side note: In case you are wondering, I consider myself a novice sewer. I don't use patterns or make templates. I may have had my sewing machine for say, 8 years or so, but sadly, I am still a beginner. Whew. I'm glad to admit that.]

I already gave my friend the bag. I was going to wait and give it to her as a "hospital" gift, but I was tempted to keep it for myself so I had to get rid of it fast too excited about it.

I also ended up making a couple of more. Some I'm going to sell at the Art Fair in November and some I'm going to give away as gifts for all my lovely friends having babies soon.

Etsy Won.

After much deliberation and research I have finally bought Audrey's first birthday presents from us. Remember the list? Um, yeah, I ended up not buying anything from it. (Except the hat idea, but not from my original choice.) So feel free to use my awesome ideas, since I am not. Ha.

Etsy was my pick to find unique items for her. I purchased this beautiful sterling silver bracelet from Sophia's Closest. Obviously, it won't have "Bella" on it, but it will say "Audrey Rose." And have the October birth gem on it. Isn't it lovely?

We also bought her a hand-knit hat from Aura Knits. I went with this hat with recommendations from Steph over at Adventures in Babywearing and because I follow her daughter' blog. I can't wait to get it in the mail, I love that it has a rose on it, so appropriate for my little Audrey Rose.

That's it. Two things. I am cutting myself off from any more gift buying for her. She doesn't need much. But I feel like these are both practical [Don't argue with that. You know a one-year old needs a bracelet and adorable hat.] and memorable.

1st Birthday Gift Ideas.

I have been thinking about what I want to get Audrey for her first birthday. [Which is only about a month away- eek!] I am putting a lot of thought into it, because well, I think her birthday is a celebration. I am so blessed to have Audrey and I want to celebrate. I don't buy her a lot of things. When I do it is usually second-hand one way or another. We didn't even get her anything for Christmas last year or Easter or Valentine's Day. You get the point. But for her birthday, I want something special for her.

Here are some great gift ideas I have found in my search for Audrey's birthday present...

Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug at Amazon. All of a sudden Audrey has been into climbing and trying to ride things. This would be perfect to scoot herself along. It has won numerous toy awards, so it must be good.

Bath Designer Toys and Scrubbies by Boon Inc., but is sold at Target. There's no doubt, Audrey loves bath time. However, lately, she has been getting tired of her toys. I mean, who can blame her, she has had the same pile of bath toys for the last year. I think she would love this set of cool, hip bath fun.

Robeez Soft Soles Classic MJ Bow Black by Robeez. Shoes as a gift? Most definitely. Audrey has a shoe fetish. No, seriously. And these are just plain cute. The soft sole is important since she is learning to walk. These would pair up nicely with much of her wardrobe too. Of course, I would be ordering the size up to 12 months- Audrey has some tiny cute feet! Touch and Feel Baby Books at Amazon. My little bookworm LOVES to read. One of the first thing she does in the morning and after naps is point to her basket of books. Sometimes she even hangs out in her crib for 10 minutes looking at them all. She especially likes the ones that you can touch and feel. Some of her favorite themes in books include: other babies, cats, dogs, and other animals. Learn-to-Play Piano by Melissa & Doug. This is on the more expensive side, but I think it could be a great investment. ['Maybe one day Audrey will become the next Mozart' investment. Just kidding. Sort of.] Audrey has a plastic piano that she is borrowing from a friend right now and LOVES it. This might be a good next step up for her.

The Safe Sippy by Barefoot Kids (A local store for me!) A sippy cup might sound like a funny gift idea. But if you know Audrey, then you know she LOVES to drink water. I could just picture her getting all giddy about a new sippy cup. And this one is straight up safe, wash after wash. Not to mention really cute.

Wooden Roller, Sorter, Stacking Ring Maker by Land of Nod. Any of these toys would be great for a one year old. Audrey loves to push/roll things. These are durable and made out of natural, non-chemical materials- definitely a plus!

Here are some fun birthday gift ideas from Etsy...

Crocheted Flapper Beanie by ZJohnson. With the cool weather approaching that just means adorable head coverings for Audrey. I love that you can custom order this hat with specific colors and size.

Tunic Dress: Pink Vintage Loopy Roses by Illia Designs. Need I write more? This dress shouts adorableness. It would be perfect in the fall with Baby Leggings.

Wooden Name Stool by Timeless Puzzles. This would be great because 1) it gives Audrey an early start on learning the letters in her name 2) she loves to take things apart right now 3) she is starting to climb on things.

Now the hard part. I have decide which one to get her. I am going to try to stick to just one or two things. Which one do you think would make a great gift? Do you have any other gift ideas to share?

Baby "Essentials"

Do you feel like there is a baby boom right now? Because I do. Which means, lots of baby showers to attend to or just a sweet gift for the second (third, fourth, fifth, or even sixth) child. I was thinking about the things that I have enjoyed as a mom. You know, those baby things that just seem to make life a tad bit easier or more joyful. And I wanted to share. Some of things may not seem practical and may not be on your list of "essentials," but it is my list. And here is that list...

*Trumpette Mary Jane Baby Socks. Love them because they are just so darn cute and don't require any shoes. And I am not kidding, I think Audrey wears a pair almost everyday. Look closely at the picture and you will see those adorable socks. See, even when it is almost bed time, she still has them on!*Hooter Hider. Yes, it is exactly what it says it is.

*Sophie the Giraffe. I have mentioned this amazing little toy before. It seems somewhat pricey for a toy. But totally worth it. Made from natural rubber. We don't leave home without it. And comes in a super, cute adorable box- perfect for a gift!*Kangeroo Korner Sling. Especially love it because I don't have to tie anything to put it on, just slip it over, put baby in, and you are off!

*Wet Bag. I always have one in my diaper bag to put anything dirty in (clothes, diapers, burp clothes, you get the idea). I love that I don't have to worry about getting everything else dirty and I can just throw it all in the washer. [P.S. I don't have that exact wet bag, but I wish I did, who knew wet bags could be so stylish?]

*Wall Decal. Okay, this really has no purpose for baby, except sheer cuteness for the room. We have little bird decals hanging in Audrey's room above the crib. And another one above the light switch. (BTW- that is me 9 months pregnant). I kind of want to decorate my house in decals, because they are just that cute. Etsy.com is the perfect place to find them. Warning: if you start looking, you may not be able to stop!

Baby Leggings. So convenient for changing. And stylish for boys and girls. These make awesome gifts! (BTW- that is Audrey at 2.5 months, and in case you were wondering, that is a crystal Colts bloomer she is wearing)

My list could go on. But I think I will stop there. Got any input? What is a great baby gift or something you couldn't live without?