instant toddler

In the past week, it seems like Kaya has instantly transformed from a baby into a toddler. She’s been showing off all these new skills that seem to have come out of nowhere.

She’s learned to climb into the toy box (which is really an ottoman) all on her own. It’s one of her favorite hangouts now. (please notice her amazing hair! it’s getting so long!)_MG_9303 She’s suddenly obsessed with her stuffed kitty. He goes everywhere, and if she doesn’t have him, she’ll try and borrow someone else’s stuffed animal (thankfully all her baby friends are willing to share)! She even likes to hold Kitty while she nurses now._MG_9288 I also noticed a molar starting to poke through last week… and she took a few steps on her own! She’ll only do it if Michael and I are very close by, so she isn’t walking on her own yet. I haven’t managed to get it on video since it’s so short-lived._MG_9306 She’s even tried to say “night night” (it sounded like “nigh nigh”) and will sometimes say “hiiiii” or “heeey” (but only when she feels like it)._MG_9305How can just a few days change so much?

goals for september

It’s September 8th, and I’ve already started working on my goals… I just haven’t actually posted them!

Here’s how I did for August: (do I win a prize or something for 100% completion? No? The real prize is in  completing the goal you say? Hmm.)

1. Deep clean my refrigerator. I really don’t know why I dread this so much… It wasn’t that bad and took hardly any time at all.
2. Plan Kaya’s first birthday photos/outfit/cake.
3. Complete one “crafty” project.
4. Finish editing Kevin and Tori’s wedding photos. Can’t wait to show you these!

And here’s what I hope to do in September:

1. Do ab workouts 3 times per week.

2. Try 3 new recipes. We are in a beef taco rut lately… and there are so many delicious fall foods just waiting to be eaten!

3. Practice working with fondant (and hopefully use it for Kaya’s birthday cake).

4. Take Kaya’s first birthday photos.

5. Make a few decorations for her party and her birthday outfit.

6. Plan our family photos.

7. Decide on Halloween costumes.

kid tested, mom approved: mommy & me craft

When I saw that the topic for “Kid Tested, Mom Approved” today was a craft, I honestly had a little bit of a hard time coming up with something. I really wanted to give Kaya the chance to create something, but at 11 months old, it doesn’t seem like there’s a whole lot she can really “make”.

I thought about it for a few days and decided that we would finger paint. I whipped up some paint using this recipe, taped a piece of paper to the kitchen floor, and let her make a giant mess.fingerpaint3082013 I suggest you wear only a diaper junky clothes for this activity too. Just because you’re not the one painting doesn’t mean a messy little monster won’t grab all over you with her blue hands.fignerpaint1082013 Eventually she just started painting the floor…fingerpaint2082013 After all the blue paint dried (which really didn’t seem to take that long after I cleaned up the floor and Kaya had a bath), I mixed up orange paint and put some on both of our hands so that we could make “mommy and baby” fishies.

I know it’s not going to be in a museum anytime soon ever … but I think I’ll cherish this forever.mommymefishfingerpaintartlabel

kid tested, mom approved: the style file

I’m linking up with some awesome ladies today to talk about baby style!

For our family, it’s all about saving money while still looking cute, so I’m going to share a little of my experience on shopping without spending a fortune._MG_6839-2textCarter’s is definitely my number one favorite place to shop for Kaya. They really have a great variety of outfits, and their clothes seem to be the most true-to-size. They also last really well despite all the crawling, food spills and diaper leaks that tend to happen with a baby. The best part? Usually they have some sort of sale going on, and if you pair that with a coupon code, stuff is pretty cheap. I’ve bought brand new outfits for less than what you’d pay for them used.
IMG_20130726_132244We also love The Children’s PlaceEverything is of really good quality, and I’ve found a bunch of great things on clearance. $3 jammies, tops and dresses? You can hardly beat that! It’s good to plan in advance when you see a good sale- I have things saved away for her to wear next year!IMG_20130609_193452 _MG_5644-2

Also, don’t be afraid to buy used. There are some stores that specialize in buying and selling used kids’ clothing, so check if you have any in your area! I’ve found things that are brand-new there (like jammies and snowsuits) that cost so much less than if you bought them at the original retalier. Even clothes that were used can look new, since babies don’t wear anything for very long in the grand scheme of things. I especially like to buy Kaya’s more formal dresses there. The one she wore to Kevin’s wedding cost $6.50! (and I found the perfect pair of gold Old Navy sandals to match for 50 cents, but she hardly wore them all day, so no picture of those…)_MG_8118

what being a mom looks like

_MG_2894-2Motherhood looks like an anxious baby waiting to start the day at the break of dawn.
A smile bigger than the universe, just because her two very favorite people came to greet her.
It looks like a bear hug, and then a new diaper.
Cracker crumbs and bananas covering sticky little hands (and anything they can reach).
Toys are scattered all across the floor, but she’d rather hold a real set of keys.
Her little arms reaching out for me when she’s tired or bumped her head.
Tears streaming down her cheeks because nap time should have already started, but she was too busy playing.
It looks like my own curly hair that’s a little straighter at the ends from tiny fingers stroking it as she falls asleep.
Eyes fluttering deep into dreamland.
It looks like peanut butter all over.
More playing and a lot of laughing.
A dance party for two (and a dog).
More snuggles and more sleeping.
A blanket outside with toys and books strewn over it.
Dirty little hands and feet from crawling around in the grass.
A slobbery kiss.
It looks like a race to the front door when Daddy comes home.
Playing chase down the hallway.
Big smiles.
Food everywhere and water dripping down her chin because she’s still learning to use a sippy.
It looks like Daddy changing her into pajamas.
One last hug.
More nursing and snuggles until her little body melts into mine, warm with sleep.
A kiss and an “I love you more than anything” before tucking her in.

Motherhood looks a whole lot like LOVE.

(and if you could see my heart, it’d be the size of the moon)

Linking up with Becky today!