Ella's First Birthday: Bottle brush trees

Grandma Tammi's craft project: Bleached bottle brush Christmas trees.

So this is a simple one but the results are just so perfect to add a fun and elegantly chic look to our winter wonderland. We need about 15 bottle brush trees, in an assortment of sizes from about 4"-12" (the small ones could still be used but medium/large are preferred). These can be found at craft stores, online, or at big lots....according to my grandma ;)

Once the trees are acquired, it's just a matter of bleaching and sprucing 'pun intended'

The bleach mixture is 80% water and 20% bleach. Let trees soak for a few minutes, some longer than others maybe, this would give some color variation. Soaking the tall ones will mean getting creative. I've seen some people soak them in a longer cylinder vase or cup...it's up to you!! ;)

When you have finished bleaching all of them you can choose whether or not to add a little sparkle or flocking, it's time to get creative! :) Overall I'd like then to resemble something similar to the picture below. Thank you and we love you <3

Picture time! September 2014

The Baby Gap Trap

Once you start there is no way to stop. I've gotten everyone completely hooked on on Baby Gap. I mean who wouldn't be, you get boutique style clothing at a great price (they ALWAYS have sales or some kind of seasonal deal) there is no reason to have to pay full price and what you get are some great one of kind fashions for your little one. Sure, there is nothing wrong with Carter, Gerber, or Circo, Cherokee....so on and so on. I just find their color collections to be over used and tired. I love neutrals, and as far as colors I like them to be bold...but also subtle. Here are some of this years fall baby clothes making their way to our place thanks to our very generous GG Barbara and Grandma, Nana, Grammy (still not sure what she wants to be called..) Karla! We love you guys so much.

Ella using her new "partial" chompers

First time trying strawberry chunks! I generally try to stick with just veggies but every once in awhile she gets a fruity treat.

Alternative medicine being put to the test

About 2 weeks ago Ella gave herself a nasty cut near her cuticle that was dumping blood. By the time I had noticed it- she didn't cry or even acknowledge it- there was blood on her clothes, the floor, her toys and her hand was covered. In a panic, I worked as quickly as I could to stop the bleeding and bandage it up that I forgot to clean it out thoroughly. So as it started to heal, a small blister-y abces started to form. Well After dousing it in hydrogen peroxide over and over and trying to drain/ pop it myself with no luck, I took her to the doctor. He prescribed an oral antibiotic and a topical ointment. While I have no problem with the ointment, I was having a hard time with the antibiotics. I totally respect western medicine, I also understand it's value and success. However, I don't like the idea of antibiotics unless it's a dire or recurring situation. I had the prescriptions ordered and ready to pick up but I haven't gone to the pharmacy yet. Instead I had an idea to use tea tree oil!

My alternative method seems to be working. This is the second day I've been putting the oil on with a band aid (as long as it will stay on) and the swelling has lowered quite a bit. The pictures were taken today but it was a whole lot gnarlier a few days ago. We shall see if this method proves satisfactory, I'm giving it another 2 days.

Ella & Stan

We went to Jefferson park yesterday and as always, Ella finds the dogs leash (and the dog). At this point, I'm convinced that it's turning into an obsession. Luckily it makes for some pretty cute pictures :)

Wellness

                                                        "Mommy and me yoga class"

Natural, Organic, Homeopathic, Simple...I know these words get thrown around ALL the time  and I also know that they are sometimes labeled as fads or "not necessary". I can't even tell you how many times I've heard " I grew up eating velveeta, margarine, and spam and I'm fine!" Or "Oh I grew up sitting on the couch, watching a lot of TV and I'm fine!" I think I've even said it myself a time or two. Well "fine" is not optimal. If buying organic and using less chemically rich products means I have a chance at being a little bit healthier, I'll take it!

So I've compiled a list of a few simple changes I've made to make my daughter's life-and mine- a little more simple and much healthier.


1. I grew up on Gerber ...and I'm fine. However, I have chosen to invest in a company that specializes in organic superfood for babies. Happy Family makes the only baby cereal that is enriched with DHA, Choline and Probiotics. DHA and Choline are key in promoting brain and eye health. Also, as far as her other meals, we use as much organic produce as is available and stick to primarily veggie blends. I have some recipes at the bottom of my page.

2. Ditch the wipes for number one! I realize that this one may cause some small *gasps but I hardly wipe Ella's bum if it's just a wet diaper. Urine is naturally sterilizing and rarely irritates skin. Wiping with baby wipes constantly can actually cause more irritation. What I do is use small amounts of baby powder or give it a minute to air dry, and Ella has never had any kind of diaper rash. With the exception of when she was younger and I did use desitin to heal what was just chaffing but it caused her to get little bumps! If anything, like chaffing or irritation occurs, aquaphor is your best bet!

3. Essential Oils! I am especially stoked about this one (which I have yet to even order) because I can use them too! Young living essential oils has a children's line specifically targeted to aid in the comfort of your little babes.

Blends include

-GeneYus
-Owie
-Bite Bustergz
-TummyGize
-SniffleEase
-SleepyIze
This Collection is a must to any parent practicing homeopathic healing

4. Exercise for me. Entertainment for her. I try to squeeze in a lengthy jog every evening, especially if miss fussy pants makes an appearance. It's a family friendly activity that everyone takes part in. It's a dream scenario, dogs, baby, and momma are all in sync for the hour and everyone is doing their part. Ella's being to view the foreign scenery, relax, and the enjoy the ride. The dogs are on a mission to enjoy all the freedom and variety of being out N' about, and I am enjoying the sweat and sore muscles. It's therapeutic for everyone.

5. Go outside. Being active and happy outdoors leads to happier lives rich with endorphins and good stories. I am hoping that Ella will adopt a love for nature, activity, and adventure outdoors if she witnesses the way I make an effort to do things outside. Just the other night I jogged towards titlow and down to the beach. It was just before sunset, so I didn't have much time before it was too dark to be safe jogging home but for those 5 minutes of rest I wheeled my beast of a stroller down to the rocky beach, let the dogs roam, took Ella out and sat by the edge of the water. Even though she was wrapped in her blanket, I could feel her shaking and kicking her arms and legs out of excitement. The waves rolling in and out, her eyes scanning the nearby shore in awe and joy. It was so beautiful and such a special moment, I would've let her down but those rocks would've found their way from the palm of her hand straight to her mouth. I love; even the shortest amount of time outdoors with my little one.

There are a hundred more ways to make more healthy/ natural changes but these are my top 5 simple ones.

Tumultuous Teething

I was super excited when I noticed that Ella's gums displayed signs of 2 little itty bitty teeth cutting through on the bottom. FINALLY; I thought- I'll get to see how her baby face changes with some pearly whites in the mix. Little did I know how grueling and uncomfortable this process would be. Poor thing, experiencing some hardcore fuss, reluctance to eat, mild increase in temp, and diarrhea. Luckily, she seems to be into her teething toys and -in my opinion- the best weapon in my arsenal of fussing fixers. The Boon pulp feeder

This is by far the greatest thing I've ever encountered on the baby market. Fill this bad boy with crushed ice...maybe add some blueberries or mango for that extra edge and baby is completely satisfied for upwards of 25 minutes!

Some other things we use include Hyland's Homeopathic teething tablets. They seem to help whether it's by keeping her mouth busy or relieving discomfort, I just pop a couple in her mouth every few hours. I also ordered an Amber teething necklace which should be here sometime this week. Excited to see if it actually works.

Anyway, with the help of these remedies, patience, and ......mainly patience. We will get through this. It's been about 11 days since I noticed the little cuts in her gums and now you can actually see two bumpy ridges popping through! I would post a picture but trying to get a picture of an 8 months old mouth open and still, is not the easiest thing in the world. So if you wanna see them, then come visit! ;)

First official post....about 8 months late.

I realize now how delusional my postpartum optimism was. A few weeks into motherhood I had spent a lot of my free time on the internet or reading magazines; absorbing a thousand and one ways to "enrich" or "perfect" the art of parenting. I wanted to use clothe diapers, photo document EVERYTHING, stay up to date on her baby book, and...start a blog (so the future Ella could have a digital diary of her beginning). Oh SO many plans and I was going to do them all and it would be great ...right? Not so much.....I was a little busy with a wonderfully spirited baby bird and a lot of my plans did not exactly pan out. So here I am, 8 months and a little more sleep later, starting my blog, abandoning the cult like Facebook, and focusing on all of what matters (in my world)

1. Ella
2. School
3. Health
4. Work
5. Family
6. Fur kids
7. Friends
8. Bobby pins, Chapstick...and Game of Thrones