The LSAT is done and I am back to just “normal” life with two kids and a part-time jobby job. Wheee! I woke up this morning feeling free. The main reason, not just because of the LSAT being behind me (at least for now), is because it’s Summer: hot, humid, fun SUMMER. And, this Summer, I have new happiness to enjoy:

1) Long hair = ponytails! Ahh, the ponytails I have missed and the hot necks that have resulted…

BEFORE (i.e. Last Summer)

AFTER (as of last weekend):

2) I am not pregnant this summer so….

yummy….

3) Certainly not least but really FIRST (including Davis, naturally) is Anna Banana. You know she came to live with us starting in October. Here she is on her first swim…in her first bathing suit…looking as excited as birthday cake (as usual, yes, even at 1am):

I LOVE her expression. To me, she is saying, “I AM SO FREAKIN’ EXCITED I CAN’T STAND IT!!! AHHHH!!!

Do you SEE my sunglasses bathing suit? DO YOU SEE IT?!”

The suit sans babe (thank you, Ragsland!):

Her little chunky legs and arms CRACK me up in this get-up.

…which is a nice segway to my real point for today: baby bathing suits and such ROCK. Here are a few more I can’t wait to get her body in:

Rikshaw Design

That’s right, there’s no top to this one.

Scandalous? NON (well, not if your a baby). Darn cute? OUI (again, only if you are a baby).

Mini Boden…duh. Classic. Baby. Classic baby!

And, my baby in pink frosted Wayfarers (Children’s Place)? YES.

I’m partial to the ones she already has, too:

I mean, SASSY.

OK my people. I will be blogging more and more during these “days of freedom” so keep coming back!

Adrianne

]]> http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/lambchop-news/i-spy-summer/feed/ 0 http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/life/living-faaar-from-the-hospital/ http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/life/living-faaar-from-the-hospital/#comments Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:00:38 +0000 adrianne http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/?p=4881 Today I have my 38 week doctor’s appointment. We will confirm or postpone my already scheduled induction date (Oct. 25th). I have to say, I am leaning towards postponing. A part of me really wants this baby girl to come from spontaneous labor. I have been seriously considering the postponement since last Thursday. That being said, I wonder if the universe is trying to steer me towards induction…Since then, I have noticed certain “signs” that living an hour and a half (with no traffic on a really good day) from the hospital may not be in my favor. In other words, living in the country has its advantages and disadvantages:

Advantage = lots of land/fields in which to play soccer, sled in snow, let your children run wild.

Disadvantage = no proper place to deliver a baby within 75 miles. Oops!

Ok so here are the “signs” I have noticed since last Thursday:

1. Two people randomly telling their “almost didn’t make it” birthing stories…unsolicited…one includes not making it at all. Yikes!

2. A lady telling me how her father had to deliver a baby in the field yesterday. I’m not kidding. No, he is not a physician. He is a farmer. His comment was, “I’ve done a lot of things but I’ve never had to do that before.” DOUBLE yikes!

3. On the way to a false alarm visit to the doctor, it began raining cats and dogs and traffic came to a full stop on the interstate. Read: very real possibility of having baby girl on I-64. NOT okay.

4. There are slower drivers in my area on a regular basis, it’s true. But lately, everywhere I go and every time I go anywhere in the last week the people in front of me drive 40 mph in a 55mph zone….all the time…with tough passing situations (read: two lane country roads abound).

5. Large farm equipment magically appears in front of me (not just a tractor…a combine) going 20 mph in a 55 mph zone. Combines, if you didn’t know, take up the space in both lanes of the two lane road, thus, thwarting any passing attempt. S.T.U.C.K.

Above is a stock photo. Below is an actual photo of this happening to me yesterday.

Look closely at the green mass in front of the cars. Yep. Combine.

Funny or what?! So, what am I to do? My doctor will give us more information this afternoon and I’ll let you know!

Adrianne

]]> http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/life/living-faaar-from-the-hospital/feed/ 4 http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/diy-projects/davis-birthday-bash/ http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/diy-projects/davis-birthday-bash/#comments Fri, 08 Oct 2010 11:00:19 +0000 adrianne http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/?p=4775 Hi Everyone,

I completely SKIPPED posting yesterday. I am so sorry! This week, I have been tired. I’ll be honest. And, I found out two days ago that my doctor will induce on October 25th (tentatively). SO…that means I have a little over two weeks before this chick gets here. I am really excited but it is also a little overwhelming! I mean, this is REALLY happening!

Needless to say, I was on the phone with family and friends Wednesday night, hence, the blog priority was knocked down the list.

On another note, I picked up the pictures from Davis’ birthday party! Remember how I talked about the surfboard projects, etc? Well, scroll down to see how it turned out! We had so much fun that day.

My “dudish” sign to alert all three-year-olds to dive in and color. It was a HUGE hit. All the kids actually sat at the table and rocked this project for a looong time!

The surfboard coloring station.

The play-doh station…also a HUGE hit!

What toddler doesn’t love bubbles? I know!

Davis was very proud of his surfboard cake…and, it was totally delicious.

The entire desert table including matching surfboard cookies.

I spy upside down painted pottery trays from last year’s party….click here to see.

The surfer dude pinata. THIS was hilarious! When the kids finally broke it, it broke at the neck…leaving the head hanging from the ribbon. EESH!! We promptly removed the dangling head while the kids were distracted by candy!

Davis…peacefully throwing rocks contemplating his awesome party…

The happy family. No, that is not a fake backdrop…it’s where we live!

The party was a true success. I cannot believe it was a month ago now!

Have a great weekend!

Adrianne

Do you know that feeling? For me, it applies to all major planning events such as a wedding, a big party, the arrival of a wee babe…you plan and plan and work hard to get everything finished to perfection. Then, you are finished…or, it’s so close to the “event” that if it’s not done, it won’t get done and that’s okay. You have no choice but to stop worrying and fussing over everything and just enjoy the moment. That’s where I am mentally these days…even looking like I swallowed a “Crenshaw Melon”:

Yes, very interesting, indeed.

Miss Babe is due in exactly four weeks. She may come sooner or later. Regardless, her room is ready (minus a rug…minor detail…and the mural which I will finish as soon as I post this blog!) and my hospital bag is packed. I know, truly amazing and calming!! So, to keep you on pins and needles…the big nursery reveal will be after she arrives. I have her “top secret” name all over the place in there!

Stay tuned, Choppers.

Adrianne

This pondering has led me to think of many other things that may ease the transition for him. Remember my post on what to bring to the hospital? Well, I left of a VITAL checklist item…a present for our older child from the baby. I am thinking of compiling several small gifts into a tote bag (activities for him while he is visiting in the hospital) as well as one big gift from Baby Girl. Here’s what I’ve found so far:

Hard to read but it says, “Big Brother: Baby’s Idol, Dad’s Helper, Lover of Sports.”

Amazing and genius. Davis and I were going to make these the other night and laminate! From Paper Source.

Match the baby animals to their mommies…seems appropriate!

Courtesy, Land of Nod.

Davis is currently obsessed (not just a little bit) with puzzles. Perfect!

And, last but not least, what little boy doesn’t need monster stickers???

(Last two gifts also Land of Nod…obvie, they have a great gift section, no?)

I am also planning on bringing several family photos to the hospital. Davis will love that I have a picture of him and all of us in there and, it will be a nice thing to focus on during labor, wouldn’t you say?

Anyone have two children with stories to share on sibling adjustment?? Let us all know about it!

Adrianne

Of course, she was a guest on the Oprah show in 2005…we all know that if Oprah discovers you, you’ve hit the jackpot! (Oprah – please have Lambchop Designs on your show!!)

After my research project, I, of course, began browsing on Tory’s website. I stumbled on some super cutie kids things while I was at it:

I only hope to be this fashionable…

This girl is after my own heart. I never met a cardigan I didn’t like!

Yes, this is a girl’s size. Ahhh, wallet, you have it coming to you with this little girl on the way!

All of these yummy girlie things naturally launched a search for mommy goodies to dream about.

I love that this shoe is dubbed “Wanda.” I would wear these when I felt like kicking some you-know-what (and being effortlessly chic in the process)! You know, like a totally sophistie “Ta-Wanda”??

As you should be…

Um…UNCLE! I need this. Not want. NEED.

Now all I need to find are baby tunics. I have seen them out there with the TB label…maybe this Spring?! As for the business side of things, I find myself ever in awe and just may have to make that phone call.

Adrianne

Picture from Serena and Lily

(See the white fluff on the left of the crib. Yes, that is a light!)

Well, thanks to Jessie at The Gimlet Eye, I found it at Unica Home! And, it wasn’t totally “designer” unaffordable. Score! So, I ordered it….in July. Then, I found out it was back-ordered for five weeks. Five weeks passed and it was still back-ordered for an “indeterminable amount of time” per their customer service. That annoyed me, to be honest. So, another five weeks later…i.e. Friday…I decided to CAN the order. Bummer! But, then, on Saturday, a FedEx van showed up at my house. Low and behold it was my coveted light!! I went to work right away.

Here is the beginning of the project…hanging the light fixture. Yes, I had to figure out how to run the wire along the ceiling and down the wall to the outlet. Ideally, it would be wired through the ceiling but I just am not motivated to have an electrician rip up the nursery ceiling a month before I’m due!

Here is the one of the “fluff” panels. I ordered three. Consider yourself warned if you order this light: it is very small and needs at least three panels attached. I am glad I kept the ceiling fan and used this as an alternative light above the glider. I don’t think it would’ve been big enough for the main light fixture in the room.

When you take this out of the packaging, it’s a little tricky because it’s metal and the small parts tend to grab each other. But, with a little patience and creativity, I got them wrapped around the light and hung!

Here is the final result:

Well, semi-final result! I have to take that painters tape off the cord! Anyway, I was THRILLED with it and, of course, deem it worth the wait. Now, I can focus on what’s left to do: wall decal, birch tree mural (in progress, stay tuned), put all the bedding together.

More tomorrow!

Adrianne

]]> http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/kids-rooms/light-success/feed/ 2 http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/life/recalls-out-of-control/ http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/life/recalls-out-of-control/#comments Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:04:05 +0000 adrianne http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/?p=4584 People: why does it seem like everything for our children is being recalled these days? Every time I turn around, it’s something else. Don’t you feel that way? Isn’t it no less than terrifying? It is especially for me since, for some reason, we tend to buy every toy or piece of furniture that ends up on the recall list…three years later…i.e. the drop-side crib deal:

This is the Sleigh Crib from Pottery Barn Kids we bought for Davis in 2007. They now only sell it in a fixed gate style. Not familiar with this recall? Read about it HERE.

So, the crib thing is a BIG deal, obviously. Well, how about the email I read this morning about FORMULA?!!! WHAT?! I know. Similac is recalling formula because they found insect part contamination. Let me say that again. INSECT PARTS in the formula. Thankfully, they shut down the production line immediately and issued the recall. Read the press release HERE. Still, it makes me nervous to put anything in my child’s mouth! Can you trust anyone to make anything quality anymore?

As I write this, I know I will nurse my baby girl for a while but I also know that she will end up on formula at some point. I’m not trying to start a political debate on nursing vs formula, etc. I believe that whatever works best for the mother (and mother knows best, even a new mommy) is what works. I only say that because I am staring at a can of Enfamil that I bought a week ago in case I have severe trouble breast feeding. Are they next?? (Davis lost a pound in the hospital because I thought he was latching on but he wasn’t…another story for another day. I don’t want this to happen again.)

I don’t know what else to say about this except that we always need to be aware and try to research where our food is coming from as much as possible. It’s a crazy world out there!

Take care of yourselves!

Adrianne

I also have to give credit to Good Night, Sleep Tight. I have mentioned this book before, I believe. I happened to pick it up a few days ago (for the millionth time since having a child) and read that she recommends three-year-olds get no more than 10 1/2 hours of sleep at night with a 1  1/2 hour nap during the day. Enter waking him up 30 minutes earlier in the morning and putting him down for nap time an hour later. So far, it’s working. I don’t want to jinx myself but we are on day five of no insane getting out of bed and running around. H.U.G.E.

Thanks to everyone that gave me advice and input! It really did make a difference.

On that sleep note…I have also had requests to see my newly painted headboard for the baby’s room. Remember these beauties my friend found on Craigslist?

I was going to paint them green, remember? Couldn’t visualize? Well, see below!

Granted, I have not put the bedding together yet (sham on the duvet). YET. We are keeping her name top secret and the duvet has her monogram. I won’t be showing that to you any time soon!! I know…the suspense…

Here’s another shot pre-glider delivery this afternoon. Yes! The glider is here. It resides to the left of the bedside table.

I could sleep in that thing…and will.

(Ugh! Dark pic…hard to get the right light except for at night!)

Anyway, I was super excited about the result. It matches the drapes perfectly and has the pop effect I wanted. It was an easy project, too!

OK! Back to the birthday project tomorrow!

Adrianne

I also know you are wondering which diaper bag I finally chose (remember all of those Diaper Quest Posts? Quest 1, Quest 2). There are so many fashionable ones out there today. I ended up going with the Skip Hop bag in Champagne. The color is perfect for Fall (it will go with anything) and it’s reasonably priced ($89). Couple that with its easy-clean fabric…it’s a “GO” all around.

Love?! Yes. I will probably get one more for good measure…

Anyway, back to the topic at hand…what goes IN the diaper bag? It can hold a lot of stuff so watch out and keep it simple.

1. Three diapers, max. One travel box of wipes.

Three diapers will last you your entire outing if you have a newborn (let’s be honest, you can only be gone for about 90 minutes at a time anyway at first). Three diapers also works for an older baby. Again, you can only be out for so long because of nap schedules (at least for my kiddo). Three diapers even works for a young toddler on one nap a day. If you leave at 8am and don’t get home until 1pm, three usually will suffice. Please note that I always keep extra diapers and wipes in the car in case of emergency. You certainly never want to find yourself sans diapers. That would warrant a 911 call!

Here is an adorable travel wipes case (so much cuter and more flexible than your standard issue plastic deal):

Amy Coe

2. Two bibs, two burp clothes. Try this set from Dwell Studio:

3. An extra onesie (and one for the car):

This would be my son’s preference from Baby Gap, of course!

4. A bottle of water, an empty bottle, and a formula pack (no need for the formula pack if you are nursing, obvie).

I love these clever formula packs from Enfamil:

The water is for you and for mixing formula in the bottle on the go.

I love these Born Free 5 oz bottles. Perfect size! You can even fit two in your bag if needed.

5. A few snacks (for you and baby, if he/she is old enough). By “a few” I mean a 100 calorie pack of yogurt pretzels or a small box of raisins and a small bag of Cheerios.

To be “green” about it all, I love using the Packin’ SMART by Innobaby. They detach from each other so you can use one or two at a time. Put anything you want in there: formula, snacks, extra passies, whatever! Talk about a space saver!

6. An extra passy and your baby’s lovey. You absolutely cannot be without these! (At least, with my babe, I can’t.)

Davis always preferred the Gerber Nuk passies.

And, of course, SkipIt:

7. Your “Hooter Hider” or nursing cover. Since our baby girl will be here in Winter time, I’m simply going to wear mine wherever I go. Cute accessory meets functional nursing cover!

Maternal America

Stylish, or what?!!

8. Your personal items: wallet, lip gloss/whatever, a pen, cell phone, play date cards!

That is all! I am even tempted to (and do on some days) grab my regular, smaller purse for a quick errand.(The purse below is a little bigger than my normal purse.)

Throw in the wipes, one diaper, and a pre-mixed bottle in this bottle case.

(Or, even better, if you are nursing, throw on that scarf and forget the bottle!)

Yes, it matches the bib and burb cloth set above from Dwell Studio. Genius!

For the tiny babes, I always keep my Snap ‘n Go in the trunk to pop on that car seat or my Baby Bjorn for total hands free errands!

For older babies, I recommend a simple umbrella stroller. You can pop it out with one hand and fold it up…like an umbrella. Saves space (I am also a firm believer you do NOT need an SUV to have a kid) and is totally simple.

Loving the sassy green, by the way!

Happy Thursday!

Adrianne