Diaper Bag Help -- Spring 2013!

Please note: Sorry for the delay in the post. I forgot to schedule it when I wrote it last night and then the day got away from me. 

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I am in need of some suggestions for a great diaper bag for spring and summer 2013. I am forever obsessed with bags (and blankets, but that's another post) and I'm in the mood for something new and fresh for the new season.

Let me first show you what bags we've used in 2012.

The Dad Bag - this bag was perfect for winter with an infant and for dad anytime. But as Daredevil grew, so did the size of his things and only the necessities fit well in here. So this became the dad bag, for when Daddy and Daredevil go out alone. It works great for that and the basics are always inside. Plus, it's masculine and easy to carry to boot.

The Big/Everything Bag - this is my go to bag for traveling (especially for flights) because there is a spot for everything and there is a zipper on top to secure everything that's overflowing necessary inside.  However, too many bottles and sippy cups have been spilled inside leaving it stained no matter how I attempt to clean it.

The Hands-free - I loved using my Petunia Pickle Bottom. I used it a lot in the summer because he only wanted to be worn regardless of where we were (zoo, mall, grocery, church, etc). Strollers? What are those? (Luckily, he's better now). So anyway, I'd wear the PPB as a backpack, strap Daredevil in the Ergo on my front and still have hands free for important things (like paying for things, taking pictures and finding his teether). Overall it was a really good bag.

And what bags we are currently using... yes, bag(s)...

The Purse - love it so far, but usually I just use a small clutch thrown into the diaper bag (see below).

The Diaper Bag - fits a lot less than the PPB and the Coach above but since Daredevil requires less to be entertained, the bag is primarily back to basics now.

The Camera Bag  - this bag doesn't usually go out with me but it holds my precious camera equipment. It is built for cameras and lenses. I love that they have a safe place to reside, and I always know where everything is.

So, have you seen any neat bags lately? The only requirement is that I want a side pocket for his sippy cup. I do not want a backpack. A plus would be if it could go cross-body and on the shoulder. I'm thinking about a new Vera or another Coach bag, but I just don't seem to find any anywhere that seem to be just right. If you have seen any, please please please let me know.

And because no post is complete without a picture of my Daredevil. Here he is playing at the library!

Have a fantastic weekend! I'm praying that Monday finds my family healthy as a horse!!

Bebe Kisses

Are baby kisses not the absolutest best thing ever? I mean, seriously, they are. Daredevil started dishing out kisses around 6 months. They are the best. Ever. Period. It's the cutest thing, too.

Of course he won't give them out on command but when he does give one, you get one... whether you want it or not. His kisses consist of big, open mouth kisses on your mouth or cheek. Mr Tech Guy and I get them the pretty regularly but you never know if it's your turn. The other day, he decided to kiss Gammy via FaceTime on the IPad. It was hilarious. The only folks special enough to get a FaceTime kiss (so far) are Bubby A-man, Gammy and Aunt S.

For this Valentine's Day, I decided to return the favor! Kisses all around!

It was all fun and games until it wasn't!

Even upset, he's still the cutest.

Garden Planning!

What better thing to do when it is blizzarding outside than to snuggle up inside with a cup of french vanilla cappuccino and a special little guy for some extra special playtime?

Since this momma is still sick, Daredevil got to help me do everything. He helped me make breakfast, lunch and dinner, unload and reload the dishwasher, make the bed, sort laundry, fold laundry, etc. He is such a big boy helper! We also played in his ball pit a lot, his "farm" a lot and read lots of fun books... especially his new Pony book. Mr Tech Guy couldn't wait to give it to him (Thanks, Laura).  Not gonna lie we also chilled on the couch and watched Mickey a couple of times so I could rest.

In addition to all this, I started thinking about what we should plant in our garden this year. So far, every year I've gardened, I've planted a lot so that when everything is ful grown I can barely get to it all. This year, my goal is to space out them more and grow veggies that Daredevil will eat even though they may be expensive at the supermarket or in our CSA boxes frequently. I've heard tastebuds change around 18 months and I want to desperately keep my Daredevil eating a variety of fruits and veggies. I've also read that kids who help garden or grow their own food has a better interest in eating said food. So hopefully, instead of just growing what's pricey in stores, by making things that Daredevil likes to eat and eats a lot of, he will continue to love veggies past the big 18 month hurdle!

Question for you guys: What purple veggie should we grow this year? I've grown purple beans, bell peppers, cauliflower and tomatoes in the past. I'm thinking radishes or beets? Anything else that we should do? I want to show Daredevil all the colors of the rainbow in what we grow but I don't know about the purple. Got any ideas for me that I'm forgetting?

So, anyway, I chose to garden at a community plot (10x10) that we are given through Mr Tech Guy's company. It is awesome! They provide the water, the compost (that we contribute to), hay, tools (but I usually bring my own) and other things I'm forgetting. You can set up your plot anyway you want. Each year I do this, I get better and learn new tricks. This year I'm trying a new way to stake up my peas and beans that will hopefully spread them out a bit and make it easier to harvest them. I'm also trying new tomato stakes that will hopefully support my big beefs better. Another thing I'm working on it spreading the produce farther apart so that even during harvest Daredevil can get in there with me to help me pick our yummies.

I just learned that my good friend M and her family will be getting a plot, too, so that'll be fun to go out there together and let the kids run while we work. Or swap watering duties here and there this summer. I'm excited!

It was definitely a reminder that Spring is around the corner and I enjoyed dreaming of the warm sun and the muddy soil! Can't wait to start planting. Root veggies go in in early April!!

In Sickness and Jury Duty??

We have been sick, sick, sick round these parts. Daredevil caught a cold, which then I caught from him. .His seems to be clearing up and mine has progressively gotten worse. I've already been to urgent care and I may have to return to the doctor. No fun. I am miserable.

I will say that Mr Tech Guy is wonderful and on Saturday I woke up from a three hour nap to find these goodies....

...homemade chicken noodle soup, freshly brewed ice tea and the new Twilight movie! I am so spoiled blessed. Mr Tech Guy and Twin even took Daredevil on a guy date once we woke up so I could continue to rest.

Even with all that rest, I'm still miserable...maybe even getting worse? And, on top of my misery, I had the joy of jury duty/selection this week. It was awful trying to choke back my coughs and sniffle my sneezes. Even the other jurors commented on how horrible I sounded. It wasn't a fun experience. I just kept wanting to get home to nap with my sweet, snuggly Daredevil. Regardless, I'm glad I went and served my duty but I'm glad that it's over. Now, I really need a nap.

Since I had jury duty, Nene came to visit and take care of Daredevil. They had fun playing and going to music class together. We really appreciate her! Thank goodness for grandparents.

We're getting 6-10 inches of snow so we are bundled up for the day (we already have over a foot on the ground)! This could potentially be our last snowstorm of the season... I'm kind of sentimental about it. It's been a fun season with lots of sledding and playing. Daredevil LOVES touching the snow and catching the snowflakes with his tongue. But I am so ready to plant my garden and play outside (without billions of layers). What are you most looking forward to this spring?? I can't wait for open windows and a warm breeze. Reminds me of high school track and field weather, chilly and lovely.

The Proof is in the Puddin'

Our Daredevil took his first steps at 11 months but he never actually "walked" until 13 months... to the day!

Since nearly our entire family lives out of state, no one believed us, so proof was required. Even Gammy said that if there's no footage, it didn't happen.

So here you go interweb users... the proof for your puddin'!

Now he's walking EVERYWHERE. I thought he was into everything when he crawled, but now he's really into everything because he's three feet tall and can reach a whole lot more than before!! YIKES. A whole new round of baby proofing has commenced.

When did your little one start walking? I hear second babes tend to walk sooner, but I think it always just depends on the kiddo!

We're celebrating St Patrick's Day around these parts and gearing up for Easter. Stay tuned!

Fresh!

A new month, a fresh month, the first month of Spring. What better than a fresh blog design and a fresh post?

It has been too long since I've posted, so it's about time! A lot has gone on, as you can imagine. I'll try to fill you in on the important stuff, but for the most part, I'm jumping in right where we are! My son will now be named Daredevil for blogging purposes, and my husband will be referred to as The Tech Guy. I decided that they needed code names in case I become widely famous!

Daredevil is now 13 months old, 99% in height and weight (nearly 3 feet tall!), walking, saying 3-5 words consistently and learning new tricks every day. His nickname is Daredevil because he is fearless! He likes climbing, jumping off of things, falling off things, etc. If there is something that is "rough" for a kid his age, then you can bet that it isn't rough enough for this kid. At music class, the other moms look at me like I'm crazy but it's what it takes to keep him entertained. But, seriously, he is awesome. He is independent, assertive, energetic, loud, funny and oh-so-sweet. I'm still seriously so smitten with him, even now 13 months in. He loves swimming, dancing, playing (especially with others at playgrounds), watching Mickey and exploring. Even his great-uncle Dan commented how inquisitive his is... always learning, inspecting, etc. His favorite foods are sweet potatoes and carrots.

Mr Tech Guy is still great as ever. Even when work is busy, he makes time for us. I still can't believe how lucky I got when we fell in love. He is an awesome husband and dad. Daredevil keeps Mr Tech Guy on his toes though. They have  A LOT in common, so sometimes they butt heads. I can't imagine when Daredevil is a teen! Oh the fun we'll have.

I'm doing well. I'm gathering up a great network of friends and moms. I'm really enjoying spending time at home with Daredevil. Every day I learn so many new things about him. Believe it or not, I've starting cooking lunch and dinner on average 5-6 times per week each. That's a big shift for us, especially for lunch. I actually love it. I'm big into meal planning, grocery shopping every Sunday for the week and sticking to our menu. I even account for gatherings and parties so that I don't leave anything out on the menu. I'm also following the Fly Lady again. I followed her when I was getting my MBA in Indy. She helps you get your house in order by cleaning every day, 15 minutes at a time. I love her! Since Daredevil is everywhere, all the time, I don't want to be cleaning all the time so this way I seem to have more time to play or take him to activities. I started Zumba and I really enjoy it as well. Sometimes I get lost but I feel like I'm finally getting my Zumba groove! We've spent two weeks in Arizona this winter and we'll be returning for two more weeks here in a few weeks. Daredevil and I are looking forward to it. Mr Tech Guy has to stay behind.

I'll be posting every weekday as best I can, officially kicking off next Monday! I'll have some new tips and tricks in store, too! If there is anything you'd like to know more about or questions you have, let me know.

I'll leave you with a sweet video of Daredevil.

Happy Birthday, Dear Owen

My dear, sweet Owen turned ONE yesterday! J made this video for his special day. I was hoping it would last about 3-7 minutes...not 23, but alas, it is. Watch only what you like.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOPiOrmXuZo&feature=youtu.be

Enjoy!