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New Mom-Approved Swimsuits

It’s hard to believe that Texans are currently celebrating spring break, as we’ve had terrible weather weeks three in a row, and this holiday is normally one filled with sunshine and a whole lot of pool time! Those who know me well are aware that I am not a huge fan of wearing a bikini outside of our own backyard, as I’ve always thought it felt like you were wearing a bra and underwear in front of people whom you wouldn’t normally. I do, however, enjoy a stylish one-piece, which Sasha may or may not make fun of me for. Wearing a one-piece does not have to be ultra conservative, as there are a number of fun shapes, colors, necklines that can add a little sass to your swimwear.

Even if you’re doing your stroller fitness (wink, wink), your stomach may not look as toned as it did prior to having a baby, so a well-cut one-piece or high waisted bottoms can be perfect to hide any of those last pounds your body is still hanging onto. Perhaps you’ve lost all of the baby weight but feel you’d rather not put on your itty-bitty bikini now that you’ve got a new title of ‘mom’ (I think I’ve been years ahead of myself in this category!), well that’s fine, as there are a number of gorgeous one-pieces you can choose from.  I’ve rounded up 18 of my favorite and am sharing them with you today! If you’re reading this on a mobile device, go to the home page and click ‘Shop This Post’ for links to each piece.  

9 Months

9mo5Yesterday, Isla celebrated her nine month-iversary, which means she has now been outside of the womb as long as she was inside. I’m struck with mixed sentiments on the passing of time: Did it fly by? Yes, absolutely. Where did my baby go? But does it feel like Isla has been a part of my life forever? Without a doubt. I cannot imagine life without her.

While every day gets more and more fun, taking non-blurry photographs has gotten more and more difficult. She is constantly on the move, making these monthly pictures a bit of a challenge!

Isla now has one tooth (you can see it popping through above), and another about to break through the gums. She says, “Dadadadada” all day long, and even a few “Papapapa” but no sign of “Mamamama” (go figure!). Her tongue is always, always, always sticking out of her mouth.

Isla’s favorite foods are Plum Organics Puffs, oatmeal, Special K Protein Plus, black beans, avocado, fusili pasta, sweet potato and all Plum Organics puree pouches. She tends to eat naked, as she is a hot mess!

It is now impossible to change Isla’s diaper, as she will flip over mid-change, getting diaper-contents everywhere. Fun times, right? She is wearing 6-12 month clothes, and mostly 9 month outfits (if they exist), except for pajamas, as she’s very tall (or long?). Bows don’t last very long anymore, because she pulls them out and (you guessed it) eats them.

She is mega, mega ticklish (video here) and starts to giggle when I get anywhere near her underarms. She loves peek-a-boo, but mainly when she’s the one hiding her face and revealing it (here and here). Isla loves playing with crayons and her xylophone. She loves bike rides (pulled by Tata) and walking with her Hape Walker. Isla’s most recent tricks include waving and clapping (as of this morning!). She gets so excited when she does it.

Kate Spade’s Girls Line

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This winter, Kate Spade collaborated with GapKids, and I loved everything. I was really tempted to buy Isla clothes for when she turned four, but it felt a little strange, so I held back, with prayers that a similar partnership would happen again in the future. Just last week, Kate Spade New York just announced the launch of its first girls’ collection (I discovered it here on Hook, Thread & Tinker), and I’m obsessed with every piece of it!

The new line includes dresses, rompers, tees, accessories and outerwear, all very similar to the looks for women. There are enough bows, stripes, glitters and hearts to make you extra giddy! I’m sharing my favorite looks today, but really, I love them all to pieces. I’m excited that Kate Spade will also launch a Baby and Layette line later this year. Um, we’re in trouble. Which pieces from the collection are your favorite?

8 Months

Isla celebrated 8 months of life (outside of the womb) yesterday, and while it definitely has flown by, so much has happened during the last 244 days. Eight months is also the length of time that you are aware that you’re pregnant, and ohmygosh just thinking about how long that is makes me want Isla to be an only child!

This is a really fun age, as Isla’s personality is definitely apparent now. While she used to steal her pacifier from my mouth and put it in hers, she now takes it, looks at it, then puts it right back. She even gives all of her food to Belle while in her high chair – so clearly she will forever be a good sharer. Right? Ha. Wishful thinking.
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So, what are some things that make Isla laugh? Peek-a-boo in the sheets when I’m making the bed and she’s still in it, tickling her underarms and feet, filling my cheeks with air and clapping her hands over my mouth to blow it all out – she loves this!, silly voices and my cheerleading jumps (never fails!). Isla laughs and laughs every morning when we do our dance routine to Uptown Funk. She also giggles uncontrollably when she watches videos of herself giggling uncontrollably, which makes me… yeah, you got it – giggle uncontrollably.

Things that Isla loves? Food. Yup, just like her parents! Isla loves sweet potatoes, avocados, berries, rusks, puffs, dried mango and Plum Organics purees. She loves reading before bed and bathtime. She loves going on runs with me (and sleeping the whole time), as well as doing errands during the week. She is obsessed with the Life Time Fitness day care, and has made a few ‘friends’ who are consistently there at the same time as her. She loves getting her feet licked by Belle and walking with her cart and getting pushed on her bike.

Things that Isla hates? Going to bed. What? She was doing so well for the past few months, but as of the last two weeks, she cries and cries and cries. I think it has to do with separation anxiety that is prevalent at this age. She also hates the sound of packing tape (a lot), as well as getting her diaper changed or getting put in the car seat when she’s hungry.

Every night I pray for Isla, and I get excited as I tuck myself into bed, just thinking about seeing her in the morning. It’s so cheesy and cliche, but seeing her tiny little face every day makes me the happiest human alive.

The Best Baby Items on Etsy (Giveaway!)

the best baby items and stores on etsyI love Etsy. The fact that there is now a marketplace for entrepreneurial artisans all across the world to share their unique goods is just amazing to me. What did we do without it?

I have always been a big Etsy fan, but not necessarily an avid shopper. That is, until the moment I found out I was pregnant with Isla. Etsy is the mecca for adorable baby products – bows, leggings, blankets, teethers, birth announcements, baby shower decor, mobiles, etc. I’ve scoured the site over the last year and have ordered a number of baby products – some of which I love to pieces and want to share with you. And what’s even better is that my favorite seven shop owners (Les Petits DarlingsBy George Baby BoutiqueNomad Floral Designs, Smiling Tree ToysBaby Grace HoustonMax & Me, and Happiness Lives Here) have agreed to give away some of their amazing products to one lucky winner of the giveaway below (over a $200 value!). The giveaway ends at midnight on Sunday, January 18. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


the best baby items and stores on etsy les petits darlings

Colorful Leggings & Shirts from Les Petits Darlings

I first came across Les Petits Darlings (Etsy + website) on my favorite Instagram account – @kristygirl of The Benzer Bunch. Her daughter, Livi (Seriously? Could she be any cuter?) has lots of leggings from Les Petits Darlings, and I love them all. I decided to get Isla the cotton candy ones, because I am obsessed with how bright and whimsical they are. I can’t wait to order another pair – and I know I need the crowd pleaser t-shirt for Valentine’s Day. It is insanely cute.

I have to warn you – browsing this site is slightly dangerous, because if you’re like me, you’re going to want everything you see.

Sharon, the owner of Les Petits Darlings, is kindly giving away one of the brand new Valentine’s Day t-shirts to the giveaway winner!

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