Baby's First Christmas - In Four Parts

This year, we decided to do Christmas a little differently. Instead of racing around town, trying to fit everybody in on Christmas Day, exhausting ourselves, and feeling more stressed than festive, the Hubs and I chose to keep Christmas Eve and Day to ourselves. A little selfish? Not at all! As a child of divorce, I've been sharing Christmas my whole life, and I always swore that when I had my own family, I was just gonna stay home. And it was better than I could have hoped! (Not counting the too-warm weather...would it kill Mother Nature to send some of that chilly weather this way?!)

Kid's Chair | Alligator 

You can see that Baby Tuna's enthusiasm on Christmas Eve was just out of control.

Part One
The bambino had us up bright and early (ok, maybe not bright - the sun wasn't even up yet!), so we snapped a few shots of her checking out some of her presents. Her reaction was priceless!

We wanted to wait until the sun had come up a bit before opening presents, so we enjoyed some snowman pancakes (don't worry, Z didn't get any of the chocolate chips or faux bacon) and OJ. This was Z's first taste of daddy's pancakes, and I wish I had gotten a shot of her wolfing them down. She loved them!

Z spent the next half hour tearing into her presents, but she surprised me...it wasn't until that evening that she became truly interested in the wrapping paper itself. She just really like her presents and spent the day playing with all of them. It was so wonderful!

Little Red Car

Crazy Animal Magnets

Some good friends of ours gave Z the most amazing little piano. My little musician crawled right up to it and started pounding playing like she knew exactly what she was doing! I'm so excited that this little munchkin is so musical!

Piano

The three of us spent the entire day in our Christmas pjs, eating cookies, and enjoying a stress-free, totally relaxing, amazingly wonderful baby's first Christmas. It. was. perfect. And I really can't wait for next year when we get to do it all over again!

Part Two
The next day, we headed north to see our families. Z met her cousins for the very first time at the Hubs' parents' house. We were a little worried that she may be overwhelmed by all of the new faces, but she loved all three of her cousins, and they were all so good with her! The babe was especially taken by her cousin Aria, which she demonstrated by climbing her. I think Aria was a little nervous at first, but was so gracious and wonderful and let Baby Tuna sit in her lap and pass a bow back and forth. It was such a great moment!

Part Three
The next morning, we had breakfast with my dad and step-mom, which meant chowing down at our favorite hometown breakfast joint, The Blueberry Muffin, and more presents for Z. She had done such a great job the night before ripping open the paper and playing with the bows, but on this morning, she was in more of a climbing mood!

Part Four
The final Christmas installment happened at my mom's house, where we had been staying. Z opened a few more presents and we spent the rest of our time relaxing, feeling lazy, and watching the babe play with her new loot. I'd say Santa treated her well!

Ball Ramp | Zany Zoo Activity Box

While we were there, we also got to see a few old friends, the kind that don't live too far away, yet we don't see nearly enough. Now we are back at home, enjoying as much family time as we can before the Hubs heads back to work in the New Year. We hope all of you had a restful and festive holiday, and that you have an amazing New Year!

Month Ten Update

Double digits! Say what now?! Baby Tuna hit the big one-o a few days ago...ten months!

Believe it or not, this pic was the best of the bunch; and the only one where she wasn't out of focus, full of tears, or crawling out of frame. I fear our once easy, always smily, monthly photo sessions are a thing of the past. 

Weight: 19.04 lbs (48th percentile)
Length: 26 ¾ in (Ready for this? 17th percentile!)
Incidentally, her head circumference of about 18in is in the 88th percentile. She's one step away from bobble head status!
Sizes: Still wearing size 2 diapers (although the next shipment from Honest Company will be size 3), still fitting in 3-6 month clothes, and still swimming in a lot of her 6-12 month stuff. The leggings and jeans fit in the length, but the waists are big and a lot of the shirts/onesies are huge! It really depends on the brand.

Sleep: Unpredictable as ever. Most nights she zonks right out and sleeps like a champ, other nights she cries for a while. There was a period where she was falling asleep standing up, arms locked in a kung-fu grip and head down on the rail. Her knees would buckle as she drifted off, but that kid refused to let go and lay herself down. If I'm honest, it was pretty impressive. Thankfully we've moved on from that.

As of right now, she's doing much better than she was, so we're calling sleep training a success. If we could just get her to stop waking up at 6 am! Naps, as always are a different story. She's taking longer naps, some almost two hours, but is usually still tough to put down, and sometimes she needs to be rocked. I think that's just the way it's gonna be.

Diet: After a few very messy and frustrating meals, I discovered that our little music lover is a much better eater when we listen Pandora or iTunes Radio. This kid loves her some Vampire Weekend and Two Door Cinema Club and will start dancing around in her highchair when she hears a song she likes. Momma couldn't be any happier! I'm just counting the days till I can take her to her first concert!

Her favorite eats are still green peas, chunks of cheese, anything with kale blended in, and tater tots. She's recently tried black beans and Cheerios (in the same sitting, actually), and cinnamon toast, all of which she loved, as evidenced by the yummy moaning sounds she made while wolfing them down. We've got to find more finger foods that she can try, and soon!

We've also cut her down to three bottles a day (from four) which is way more convenient for Momma and Daddy. She takes 5-6 oz in morning, 7-8 oz after lunch, and 7-8oz before bed. She also chugs water all day long, and we're working on using a straw cup. She loves drinking from our Tervis cups, but the ice kind of freaks her out, so the water usually ends up running down her shirt. 

Milestones:
Teeth: We officially have two bottom teeth, and judging by the drool, finger chewing, and fussiness, more are on the way any time now.  We also started brushing her teeth, which she loves! And, with the arrival of teeth comes the joys of biting. I'm fairly certain that she isn't aware that she's gnawing on my arm, but it's something we've got to find a way to stop before any top teeth show up. Ouch!

First attempt at getting a pic of the choppers. A little blurry, perhaps, but that crazy tongue kept obstructing my view!

There they are! 

Bathtub: For many, many months now, the babe has been bathing in her whale tub in the big bathtub. Then she grew. So we got a cute cushy whale mat (notice a theme here?) and gave the big tub a go. So far, so good. I was a little worried about keeping her from trying to swim around, but as long as she's got some toys, she's usually content to stay on the mat and splash around in the bubbles.

Waving, Clapping, & Pointing: I wish I had some good pictures/video of these. Z is just figuring our waving, so it usually looks like she's just holding her hand out, but she's got pointing down pat. I'm not always sure why she's pointing, or at what, and I haven't been able to get her to point on command yet ("Where's Scout?"). Now clapping, that's her favorite, and she does it all the time. She'll even clap to the beat when she hears a song she likes. That might be a coincidence, but I've seen it more than once, so who knows?!

Standing: Well, not really, but the Hubs was really impressed and thought I should include it as a milestone. Last week, Z had pulled up and was holding on to my bent knee and shoulder as I sat on the floor. I have no idea how long she was standing on her own, but I eventually realized that she wasn't holding on anymore. It must have dawned on her at a about the same time, cuz she sat herself right down. She's only done it once, so I'm not sure it counts.

Now for all of the extra cuteness...I just can't resist sharing!

I wish the exposure on this shot were clearer, but I just love it anyway! Reading a bedtime story with Daddy by the light of her Christmas tree.  Just. the. best.

"Oh nothing. Just having a convo with my best girlfriend, Abby, over a bowl of Cheerios. The usual."

If you follow me on Instagram, you've seen a few shots now and then showing Z's love for NBC News anchor Brian Williams. She smiles every time he's on the screen. Last week, he was on Sesame Street and I thought her head was going to explode from sheer joy. She made a bee line for the TV and did her best to get as close to BriWi as possible. No matter how many times I pulled her away, she just kept crawling over there. This kid is so funny!

Well, with just two short months till the big birthday, we're trying to decide how to celebrate. Do we keep it to just family, or invite a few other folks (and a couple of kids, too). How did you guys celebrate your kiddos' first birthday? Big partay, or quiet family affair? 

The Halls Have Been Decked

Holy smokes! Christmas is just around the corner! We've been so busy around here, it feels like December is just flying by. I'd love it if December were 60 days long so that we could enjoy the season for twice as long. There are just too many holiday movies to watch and cookies to eat (not that I've had one second to bake any) for one little month.

I started decorating for Christmas the minute Thanksgiving was over. And we picked out a perfect tree for Z's first Christmas that weekend.

I've been keeping it simple with our holiday decor, partly because I'm kind of tired of some of my stuff, partly because we live in a thimble and too much clutter makes me crazay, and parlty because a curious little tuna I know is getting into everything.

And you know I couldn't resist putting up a little Christmas in the nursery.  It's a tradition in my family for the kids to have a little Christmas tree in their rooms. Each year you get a new ornament, and make some too, to add to it so that by the time you have your first tree as a grown up, you've got a nice collection of special ornaments. Our tree is lousy with ornaments from my childhood, which brings back so many memories each year when we decorate. I love carrying on that tradition with Z!

I couldn't wait to set up a little tree in Z's room at the first chance I got! She already has two ornaments to kick off her collection. The red and silver stars are a set from Target that we got to match the red on the big tree in the living room. I made a festive banner out of glittery scrapbook paper and baker's twine, and made a print for the dresser. With just a little more free time (bwahahahaaaa! free time!!! funny stuff!), Z's crib would probably be decked out in some kind of wash bunting or tinsel garland.

After much deliberation, we picked up the cutest stocking on sale at Pottery Barn Kids. We loved the Baby's First stockings, but wanted one that she could enjoy through the years. I think we found the perfect one! Since we bought it in-store, and not online, we couldn't get her name embroidered, so I made black felt letters to match our other stockings. Maybe someday I'll meet some fabulously talented person who can embroider all of our stockings, but for now, the felt DIY works.

Well, that's how things are lookin' around here. I'm hoping to score big at some post-Christmas sales. A holiday-themed pillow or two, or an advent calendar for next year. The next task on the agenda: some serious baking...if my little helper will let me!

Baby Tuna's Wish List

How is it possible that Christmas is two weeks away?! We've been doing our best to get into the holiday spirit, despite the warmer temps (my apologies to the rest of the country currently under a blanket of snow and ice - but is it too much to ask for some highs in the low 70's/upper 60's around here?!). Having a little one in the house sure helps you get excited for Santa's arrival. And as long as the big guy isn't looking during nap time, I think it's a safe bet that Baby Tuna is at the top of the Nice List.

We've held off on buying any new toys in the last little bit, knowing that Santa would hook Z up. And since she's only recently started getting into actual playing, as opposed to just chewing and drooling on everything, Christmas couldn't be coming at better time! And while there may be a box under the tree that's just filled with old catalogs and tissue paper (this kid loves playing with paper in the worst way!), there will be plenty of fun new toys for her to enjoy. After a lot of research (you know how we are when it comes to this stuff!) here are some of the items on Z's Christmas List.

1. B. Zany Zoo: I've been wishing for this gem for months now, and I'm excited that Z is finally old enough to have fun with it. We have some other B. toys and love them, so I'm feeling good about this one.
2. Octopus Alone: One of Z's favorite books, Little Owl's Night, is by the same author. I love her illustrations and this story is very sweet.
3. Kid O Go Car: I just think it's super cute!
4. JellyCat Cordy Roy Gator: I am obsessed with the JellyCat stuffed animals. In fact, the very first toy I bought for Z was a floppy JellyCat elephant. I think it's time to add another to her collection and, although it's super tough to narrow it down, I think the gator is the winner.
5. Anywhere Chair: I think the Hubs is more excited about this gift than any of the others! He's been wanting this for Z since before she was even born, if you can believe that. And when I found out that the slip cover was machine washable and it was on sale for Black Friday, well, sold! Could it be any cuter? And how can I get one in my size?
6. Boon Bath Toys: We are big fans of Boon and I'm always looking for fun bath toys that won't get too funky. And now that Z has graduated from the whale tub, these should be a fun option for her when she's splashing around.
7. Peek-a-Boo Forest: Cloth books = must haves for paper-eating little ones! And this one is just way too adorable to pass up!
8. Activity Walker: Something else to keep our little noise-making widget busy. And, even though she's not quite ready to give up the speed-crawling yet (thank goodness!), it seems like it will be a sturdy little walker.

I'm totally prepared for the wrapping paper and bows to be the biggest hit on Christmas morning, but these gifts should come in at a close second. Any other ideas for gifts for little ones out there? We'd love to hear it (Z's first b-day is coming up in February, so we're always looking for ideas!).

Thanksgiving Recap

Holy lateness! We've been so busy trimming our tree and decking the halls, I've totally been ignoring my little corner of the Web. So here's a quick recap of Z's first Thanksgiving...

Bright and early, we started the day off right: peppermint hot chocolate with tons of marshmallows!

I think I've mentioned before that our town hosts a 5K "Running for the Pies". Some pretty serious runners turn up for this thing, as well as not-so-serious ones. Some are decked out like it's the NYC Marathon, and others are dressed like turkeys, Native Americans, and even a banana. I wish I had gotten some pics of the runners. On the to-do list for next year!

One of our neighbors sets up a tailgate tent in his driveway, brews some coffee and sizzles up a boat load of bacon. As a vegetarian, I only enjoy the scent of bacon, and this year, we bundled up the bambino (it was wiiiindy and cold on Tgiving morning!) and walked ourselves down to Bacon Fest to  chat with neighbors and watch the runners go by. Z spent the time playing bashful with her new friend from down the street, while I was using her little body to keep warm!

We made it home just in time to see the start of the Macy's Parade and put the finishing touches on our table decor.

And yes, that is a monkey finger puppet on the pumpkin stem. He's made his way all over the house, and would you believe not a single person seemed to notice him during our Thanksgiving feast?!!

The weather was so perfectly cool, we threw open the windows and back door. Z was determined to figure out how to get past that pesky baby gate so she could play in the sunshine.

Ugh! That face kills me!!!

Our parents made the trip south for the day, and we had such a delicious meal! Baby Tuna enjoyed her first tastes of mashed potatoes and stuffing.  I'm pretty sure she loved them both!

All in all, it was a wonderful day. After our parents headed home, our little family put on our pjs and relaxed. We have so much to be thankful for!

Friday Favorites

Hey friends! It's time for another set of Friday Favorites!

1. Long time readers of this blog know that I am seriously obsessed with peppermint. It's my favorite flavor (tied with strawberry - though they'd be kinda gross together) and this time of year makes me soo happy. When I heard that the red cups had arrived at Starbucks, I immediately hit the drive through (Have you tried the peppermint brownie cake pops yet? Get your ass down there and get one!).  So when the Hubs, Z, and I were tooling around Target the other day, this lovely package caught my eye (and one or two mysteriously jumped into our cart).

If these puppies can make it long enough with out being eaten, I have grand plans to use them in a post-Thanksgiving cookie or brownie recipe to kick off the official start of Christmas. Mmmmm...

2. Since the Hubs and I have been chowing down on seasonal Oreos for the last two months (thanks a lot most-addictive-cookies-in-the-world!), I've tried to get back into running. Let me add to that by saying that I am a horrible runner. An asthmatic with bad knees and dreams of being a marathoner.  Not really, but I would like to at least survive a 5K. So I started Couch to 5K and got an awesome pair of running shoes at the Nike Outlet.  They may be the most comfortable pair of runners that I have ever put on my feet. After my first run, I think I may have told the Hubs that it was like running on a memory foam mattress. My knees are happy again. Now if my lungs would just get with the program.

Nike Flyknit Lunar1+

3. You all know of my love of Philosophy products, and this is the time of year when I get to use my most favorite! I swap out my regular body wash for Philosophy Peppermint Stick. It smells outstanding! The only thing better than chowing down on candy canes, is smelling like one!

4. Despite the 85 degree temps in SoFlo, my heart is anywhere that cooler temps reside. I am so ready to start wearing jeans and fuzzy socks on the reg, not to mention cozy lounge pants (a staple for any WorkAHM or SAHM). Right now, I've got my eye on these and these from the Gap (maybe with one of these waffle knit tees from Old Navy?). They just look so comfortable and I can almost imagine myself lounging on the sofa near an open window with a cool fall breeze blowing in. Then I wake up and remember where I live, and the fact that I have a 9 month old. Not much actual lounging going on here...but it's nice to dream!

5. Finally, five years ago today, on a day that was just as blustery, but much much colder that this one, the Hubs and I said our I Dos in front of our closest friends and family. I won't go into the mushy details, but I will say that I am one lucky muchacha. So, I'm not sure if my final favorite is the Hubs, marriage, or anniversaries, but all three are pretty wonderful!

Happy weekend!!!