What a crazy couple of weeks. Violet has been going through another growth spurt. She's kept me busy by being constantly tired and fussy. Since she has been in my arms most of the time, there hasn't been any time for blogging. She seems to be over the spurt and back to her happy self now, so hopefully in the next few days I can whip something up.
Here's a photo of my sleeping beauty:
She fell asleep while I was folding laundry, so I set her next to me and propped her up with some of her daddy's clean undies. I thought it was fitting since her onesie said, "Daddy Loves Me". Someday soon hopefully I'll have photos of her smiles and awakeness and not just sleeping pictures!
Pages
Eye Candy
Via
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
P.S. We'd really appreciate your continued support in the Bump's nursery contest. Violet's nursery has made the top five finalists. You can vote FIVE times per day until August 8th (but I think you may have to wait a bit in between votes). Thanks so much!
We Made It!
Thank you so much to all of you for your votes! Violet's nursery has made the top five finalists. You can now vote FIVE times per day until August 8th (but I think you may have to wait a bit in between votes). We'd really appreciate your continued support!
As you can see, there are five beautiful nurseries now in the running, so we can use all of the votes we can get!
~Lauren & Violet
As you can see, there are five beautiful nurseries now in the running, so we can use all of the votes we can get!
~Lauren & Violet
Beco vs. Ergo
So in part one of our search for a structured carrier, we tried out the Bjorn and decided that although Violet liked it, we didn't want to start scheduling regular visits with a chiropractor. In round two, we compared the Beco carrier with the Ergo.
Appearance:
We definitely preferred the streamlined look of the Beco carrier to the slightly more bulky appearance of the Ergo.
Ergonomics:
Both carriers have a waist strap (unlike the Bjorn), which makes them much better on the back. I would compare these more to a hikers backpack and the Bjorn to a Jansport - which would you rather use to carry ten plus pounds?
Cost:
Comparable to one another with the Beco coming in at $140 and the Ergo at $120 respectively. Definitely more expensive than the $76 Bjorn, but we figured that those chiropractor visits would make the Bjorn infinitely more expensive in the long run anyway.
Baby Comfort:
Both carriers have an available infant insert, which Violet would need, but while the Beco's was included, the Ergo's was separate at an additional $25, making the prices almost exactly equal. The Ergo infant insert, while comfortable-looking, seemed to add additional bulk to the carrier, while the Beco's did not.
Length of Use:
Both carriers have both a front and back carry option, which meant they would be useful much longer than the front-carry only Bjorn.
In the end I think we would have been happy with either but decided to go with the more streamlined and compact Beco. We couldn't be happier with our decision, as both Violet and our backs love it!
We try to take Violet for a daily walk in the evenings, and she loves to look up at the trees and sky. Most of the time she falls asleep in the carrier before we make it back to the H-Haus, which is no small feat, as she is a sleep-fighting champ!
Do you own a structured baby carrier like the Ergo or Beco?
We'd love to hear your opinion on it!
Appearance:
We definitely preferred the streamlined look of the Beco carrier to the slightly more bulky appearance of the Ergo.
Ergonomics:
Both carriers have a waist strap (unlike the Bjorn), which makes them much better on the back. I would compare these more to a hikers backpack and the Bjorn to a Jansport - which would you rather use to carry ten plus pounds?
Cost:
Comparable to one another with the Beco coming in at $140 and the Ergo at $120 respectively. Definitely more expensive than the $76 Bjorn, but we figured that those chiropractor visits would make the Bjorn infinitely more expensive in the long run anyway.
Baby Comfort:
Both carriers have an available infant insert, which Violet would need, but while the Beco's was included, the Ergo's was separate at an additional $25, making the prices almost exactly equal. The Ergo infant insert, while comfortable-looking, seemed to add additional bulk to the carrier, while the Beco's did not.
Length of Use:
Both carriers have both a front and back carry option, which meant they would be useful much longer than the front-carry only Bjorn.
In the end I think we would have been happy with either but decided to go with the more streamlined and compact Beco. We couldn't be happier with our decision, as both Violet and our backs love it!
We try to take Violet for a daily walk in the evenings, and she loves to look up at the trees and sky. Most of the time she falls asleep in the carrier before we make it back to the H-Haus, which is no small feat, as she is a sleep-fighting champ!
Do you own a structured baby carrier like the Ergo or Beco?
We'd love to hear your opinion on it!
One Last Chance!
This week is the finalist week of the Bump's nursery contest. Two finalists will be chosen by vote from all of the amazing nurseries in the contest, and we'd greatly appreciate your continued support by voting for Violet's space. You can vote once per computer every 24 hours here, and today is the last day! Thanks so much!!!
~Lauren, Violet, & Moe
A Colorful Modern Nursery
Recently, Kate wrote to me about her nursery:
Hi Lauren!
I have loved your style ever since I found your blog via Making It Lovely! I am currently 5 months pregnant and am stumped on my nursery design. So far we have the crib (Classic from Oeuf) and that's it. I know that I want neutral walls, lots of color in the furniture and decor, and girly but modern. No frills - just pretty colors. I also love elephants but I don't want it to look too theme-y. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Kate
Modern, pretty pops of color, and no frills? Sounds delectable! Here's what I came up with:
Paint - Behr Magnolia Blossom
Print - The Pajama Squid
Crib - OeufNYC
Elephant - etsy seller rabbitsmoon
Curtains - Urban Outfitters
Lamp - Crate & Barrel
Rocker - Urban Outfitters
Rug - Urban Outfitters
Dresser - Land of Nod
Mobile - Clever Tomato
Fabric Penant - Clever Tomato
Crib Fabric - etsy seller RockyTopDesign
Hi Lauren!
I have loved your style ever since I found your blog via Making It Lovely! I am currently 5 months pregnant and am stumped on my nursery design. So far we have the crib (Classic from Oeuf) and that's it. I know that I want neutral walls, lots of color in the furniture and decor, and girly but modern. No frills - just pretty colors. I also love elephants but I don't want it to look too theme-y. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Kate
Modern, pretty pops of color, and no frills? Sounds delectable! Here's what I came up with:
Paint - Behr Magnolia Blossom
Print - The Pajama Squid
Crib - OeufNYC
Elephant - etsy seller rabbitsmoon
Curtains - Urban Outfitters
Lamp - Crate & Barrel
Rocker - Urban Outfitters
Rug - Urban Outfitters
Dresser - Land of Nod
Mobile - Clever Tomato
Fabric Penant - Clever Tomato
Crib Fabric - etsy seller RockyTopDesign
Only 2 Days Left!
We'd really appreciate your
This week is the finalist week of the Bump's nursery contest. Two finalists will be chosen by vote from all of the amazing nurseries in the contest, and we'd greatly appreciate your continued support by voting for Violet's space. You can vote once per computer every 24 hours here from the today til the 20th. Thanks so much!!!
~Lauren, Violet, & Charlie
This week is the finalist week of the Bump's nursery contest. Two finalists will be chosen by vote from all of the amazing nurseries in the contest, and we'd greatly appreciate your continued support by voting for Violet's space. You can vote once per computer every 24 hours here from the today til the 20th. Thanks so much!!!
~Lauren, Violet, & Charlie
Your Daily Reminder...
Don't forget to
This week is the finalist week of the Bump's nursery contest. Two finalists will be chosen by vote from all of the amazing nurseries in the contest, and we'd greatly appreciate your continued support by voting for Violet's space. You can vote once per computer every 24 hours here from the today til the 20th. Thanks so much!!!
~Lauren & Violet
This week is the finalist week of the Bump's nursery contest. Two finalists will be chosen by vote from all of the amazing nurseries in the contest, and we'd greatly appreciate your continued support by voting for Violet's space. You can vote once per computer every 24 hours here from the today til the 20th. Thanks so much!!!
~Lauren & Violet
Four Days Left...
This week is the finalist week of the Bump's nursery contest. Two finalists will be chosen by vote from all of the amazing nurseries in the contest, and we'd greatly appreciate your continued support by voting for Violet's space. You can vote once per computer every 24 hours here from the today til the 20th. Thanks so much!!!
~Lauren & Violet
Just a Reminder...
If you haven't already done so today, we'd really appreciate it if you'd
This week is the finalist week of the Bump's nursery contest. Two finalists will be chosen by vote from all of the amazing nurseries in the contest, and we'd greatly appreciate your continued support by voting for Violet's space. You can vote once per computer every 24 hours here from the today til the 20th. Thanks so much!!!
~Lauren & Violet
This week is the finalist week of the Bump's nursery contest. Two finalists will be chosen by vote from all of the amazing nurseries in the contest, and we'd greatly appreciate your continued support by voting for Violet's space. You can vote once per computer every 24 hours here from the today til the 20th. Thanks so much!!!
~Lauren & Violet
Bjorn vs. Beco
So even though my Moby wrap was great, it's a little too hot for the summer. Even with our window-unit air conditioners, the H-Haus is comfortable, but not cool. We decided for both indoor and outdoor use we needed a cooler (temperature-wise that is) carrier. We started out by looking at the three major ones - the Ergo, the Bjorn, and the Beco.
Because we weren't sure if Violet would even like this more structured type of carrier, we decided to purchase the inexpensive and readily available Bjorn from Babies R Us and try it out before proceeding any further:
They assured us that we could return it if she didn't like it, so that put our minds at ease. It was relatively inexpensive at $76 and seemed to be nice and compact. The Bjorn has two straps that go over your shoulders and criss cross in the back, and it can be used as a front facing in and front facing out carrier.
There was no infant insert, which we were unsure about, as Violet was still only a month and a half old. When we tried it out, it was very easy to put on (basically like a Jansport backpack that you wear backwards.) And getting Violet in was a breeze as well. The front of the carrier opens on one side, you place her legs and arms into the carrier, and then close the side.
Violet seemed to be very comfortable and even fell asleep in the carrier! BUT there was one major problem. It was horrible on my back, neck, and shoulders after only about half an hour of use. Fail. (But at least we knew that Violet liked it.) So we decided to return the Bjorn and as promised, BRU took it back and refunded our money. Sorry Bjorn - Violet loved you, but we all know that if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
That closes the Bjorn chapter of our structured carrier search. Stay tuned for Bjorn v. Beco Part Deux next week!
Because we weren't sure if Violet would even like this more structured type of carrier, we decided to purchase the inexpensive and readily available Bjorn from Babies R Us and try it out before proceeding any further:
They assured us that we could return it if she didn't like it, so that put our minds at ease. It was relatively inexpensive at $76 and seemed to be nice and compact. The Bjorn has two straps that go over your shoulders and criss cross in the back, and it can be used as a front facing in and front facing out carrier.
There was no infant insert, which we were unsure about, as Violet was still only a month and a half old. When we tried it out, it was very easy to put on (basically like a Jansport backpack that you wear backwards.) And getting Violet in was a breeze as well. The front of the carrier opens on one side, you place her legs and arms into the carrier, and then close the side.
Violet seemed to be very comfortable and even fell asleep in the carrier! BUT there was one major problem. It was horrible on my back, neck, and shoulders after only about half an hour of use. Fail. (But at least we knew that Violet liked it.) So we decided to return the Bjorn and as promised, BRU took it back and refunded our money. Sorry Bjorn - Violet loved you, but we all know that if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
That closes the Bjorn chapter of our structured carrier search. Stay tuned for Bjorn v. Beco Part Deux next week!
Six Days Left
Don't forget to...
This week is the finalist week of the Bump's nursery contest. Two finalists will be chosen by vote from all of the amazing nurseries in the contest, and we'd greatly appreciate your continued support by voting for Violet's space. You can vote once per computer per day here from the today til the 20th. Thanks so much!!!
~Lauren & Violet
P.S. - You actually have to wait 24 hours from your last vote - Thanks again!
This week is the finalist week of the Bump's nursery contest. Two finalists will be chosen by vote from all of the amazing nurseries in the contest, and we'd greatly appreciate your continued support by voting for Violet's space. You can vote once per computer per day here from the today til the 20th. Thanks so much!!!
~Lauren & Violet
P.S. - You actually have to wait 24 hours from your last vote - Thanks again!
A Colorful Backyard BBQ
We've had a couple of dark, gloomy, and rainy days here at the H-Haus. Don't get me wrong - we definitely need the rain, but I'm missing those bright sunny days, perfect for a backyard barbeque. And since I can't have one, I decided to whip up a fun and colorful mood board:
Floppy hat - Arden B
Dress - ModCloth
Portable Grill - Crate & Barrel
Outdoor plates - Zak.com
Yellow Gingham Tablecloth - FSW
Herb planter - cb2
Candle Holders - IKEA
Sandals - Urban Outfitters
Can't wait for some sunshine and blue skies!
Floppy hat - Arden B
Dress - ModCloth
Portable Grill - Crate & Barrel
Outdoor plates - Zak.com
Yellow Gingham Tablecloth - FSW
Herb planter - cb2
Candle Holders - IKEA
Sandals - Urban Outfitters
Can't wait for some sunshine and blue skies!
Finalist Week!
Thank you so much to everyone for the wonderful ratings and kind comments on Violet's nursery! You've kept us in the 'Highest Rated' category and we very much appreciate it. This week is finalist week. Two finalists will be chosen by vote from all of the amazing nurseries in the contest, and we'd greatly appreciate your continued support by voting for Violet's space.
You can vote once per day here from the 14th (today) til the 20th. A trip to Beaches resort would make a great anniversary gift ;) Thanks so much!
~Lauren & Violet
You can vote once per day here from the 14th (today) til the 20th. A trip to Beaches resort would make a great anniversary gift ;) Thanks so much!
~Lauren & Violet
Happy Fourth Anniversary
Today I have been married for four years to my best friend. It's amazing how time can seem to go so quickly, yet at the same time I feel like we have been together forever.
This year is extra special because I feel like we are finally a real family instead of just a couple. Our little girl has pieces of each of us - my eyes and lips, her daddy's nose and toes. Our relationship has changed so much in such a short time because of such a little person. Now instead of 'honey' I often refer to him as 'Daddy' or sometimes 'Diaper Daddy' (because he does pretty much all of the diapering in this house).
He is such a good father - he can change a diaper in a minute, gives great (warm) baths, sings songs to our babe, and makes her smile and giggle. Even though he is home for the summer with us, he had to go into work for a couple of days, and when he came home she just couldn't get enough of him.
He also takes such good care of me. Because I am breastfeeding, I have her much more often. He gets water for me about a gazillion times a day (because I am constantly thirsty), cooks dinner for us most nights (he is an amazing cook), and hangs out with Violet in the mornings to let me get a little bit of extra rest. I don't know what we would do without him. Kevin - I love you more every day - Happy four year anniversary love!
This year is extra special because I feel like we are finally a real family instead of just a couple. Our little girl has pieces of each of us - my eyes and lips, her daddy's nose and toes. Our relationship has changed so much in such a short time because of such a little person. Now instead of 'honey' I often refer to him as 'Daddy' or sometimes 'Diaper Daddy' (because he does pretty much all of the diapering in this house).
He is such a good father - he can change a diaper in a minute, gives great (warm) baths, sings songs to our babe, and makes her smile and giggle. Even though he is home for the summer with us, he had to go into work for a couple of days, and when he came home she just couldn't get enough of him.
He also takes such good care of me. Because I am breastfeeding, I have her much more often. He gets water for me about a gazillion times a day (because I am constantly thirsty), cooks dinner for us most nights (he is an amazing cook), and hangs out with Violet in the mornings to let me get a little bit of extra rest. I don't know what we would do without him. Kevin - I love you more every day - Happy four year anniversary love!