five on Friday

oNe. For a birthday party I hosted a couple of weeks ago, I made my very first sangria! I was so excited to use this "vino" carafe from Crate & Barrel. I think I will now be making sangria all the time!

tWo. I was happy when I saw this on pintrest because it made me realize maybe I'm not the only one who does this! When I get a text message...lets say at work (I'm not supposed to have my phone on me, EVER) so you better bet I'm not responding right away. I have a thirty minute lunch break and between clocking in and out, heating up my food, going to the bathroom and scarfing my food down...the thirty minutes is gone! And then I have an over hour drive on my way home, which I will not text on and then I'm home at 9 p.m. where I eat, get ready for bed, say hello to my husband and fall asleep. Sometime during that time I thought I already responded...which sometimes is not the case! Whoops!

tHreE & FoUr: My parents got Easton a cozy coupe for this birthday (it stays at their house) and every time he sees it, he is entertained for awhile. I love it!

My #4 is that I love that my baby dances on que. All I have to say is "dancy dance" when there is music and if there is no music all I have to do is sing "Hot Dog" from Mickey Mouse and he just goes for it! So stinkin' cute!

fIvE: As someone who has never been completely comfortable nursing in public (partly because I have a nursing ninja and likes do be doing acrobats while nursing) I find it so funny that the public gets so uncomfortable when someone feeds their child... Seriously walking around the mall these days and seeing 13 year old girls with their butts hanging out of their shorts and see through white shirts, and then some poor mother trying to feed her infant with a cover to "protect" passerby's.  I saw this cartoon and literally laughed out loud.

So my 12 month old almost sleeps through the night. About 14 (yes 14) days ago I decided our little nighttime up all night days were over. My boy has never slept consistently, sometimes up twice, sometimes up every 45 minutes and was still going strong on this at 12 months! And let me tell you, those up every 45 minute sessions and waking up to go to work = no bueno. I've tried every approach I could think of and research. From the Baby Whisperer's "shoosh and pat", to Dr. Ferber's "7 minute checks", to 3 nights of "extinction" and nothing worked. And I was frustrated beyond belief. 

When we brought Easton home from the hospital I was told to set my alarm for every two hours during the night to breastfeed, I will not be doing this with the next baby (unless of course they are way underweight). At the beginning I responded to every little noise this kid made and hearing him cry was gut-wrenching to me. We didn't even think about moving him to his crib until he turned 4 months. With baby numero dos, the second they start sleeping longer stretches, it will be time for their own crib! And at 4 months when the Dr. says they can go about 8-10 hours without eating during the night...I will believe them, otherwise I will be stuck at 11 months nursing 5 times a night...again.

 So what did I do? I realized his crib is safe for him. I realized he eats 3 meals, plus snacks, 2 bottles and nurses 2 times a day. I realized he isn't teething or sick. I realized that in a year I haven't slept for over 5 hours at a time, and It was showing. I realized that I, yes I made my boy a bad sleeper because I haven't taught him how to sleep or to soothe himself. And I realized, I wanted my boy to feel good and get adequate sleep for his growth and development.

So one day I decided I would put him to sleep and when he wakes up after 6 a.m. I would get him and we would start our day. And yes the first night was terrible, I wanted to rescue him so badly. And then the second, third, fourth and so on I stood strong. And on the 8th night he still woke up once (where did this kid come from?) but only fussed for 3 minutes and slept, until 7:45 am (almost 12 hours). He may or may not wake up a couple of times...but he has learned to "soothe" himself back to sleep after a couple of minutes.

So what have I learned? Obviously sleep does glorious things in a household and we almost have our nighttimes figured out! This is one happy mama here!

Cowboy Country

This summer we are taking advantage of many aspects of our community like the beaches, pools, parks, free concerts and today, The Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo. I have seen posters for this event for the past couple of years and always wanted to go...and finally we went! Easton is at the age where he can't just stay around the house everyday and be entertained. I think this will be an annual event for our family. I mean what kid doesn't love horses, cows, funnel cakes and BBQ?

 We went with my brother and my sista-in-law. I was amazed by all of the events...but mostly the acrobatic women who came out first. Incredible! Flips and other crazy things while a horse is running full speed? It was just amazing to see. 

 Lots of American pride here, which is always nice to see! Easton did great sitting in the stands for over 3 hours. Lots of music, clapping and animals to keep him busy!

5 on Friday

1. I am been finding so many yummy looking baking recipes and it makes me want new prep bowls. Like these beauties from West Elm. Fortunately Unfortunately I already have mixing and prep bowls, so I myself wont be getting these, but a girl can dream!

2. With all the Fall hype going on these days, I try my best to not wish the summer away. I love bath & body works Fall candles, but this Farmstand Apple mason jar candle will be perfect for September. It makes you think fall, but still has the fresh smell of the end of summer.

3. This babe had his one year appointment this week. Weighing in at 23 lbs, standing at 32 inches tall (holy cow) and his head is still above 100% but finally slowing down (thank the Lord). 

4. This week I started making Easton's first Yearbook, which will hopefully take less than a couple of months to complete! But I was browsing his newborn photos and it made me so happy to have these below. The photographer was the kindest, sweetest little gal and really knows how to snap a photo.  

5. With the crisp mornings and cool evenings it is making me excited to sit by this fire pit (made by my handy husband). We have coffee by morning and wine by evening and it is oh so relaxing! (well it used to be, before Easton thought it was his duty to organize the fire-pit glass)

Fall Bucket List

With cool crisp end of summer mornings I can't help but get excited for the Fall season. In no way do I want to rush these precious summer days and I know that living in sunny California I have months left of them. I beginning to plan crafts and recipes! This Fall season will be so fun with a little one around (last year he was a little gushy newborn and didn't get to try my homemade applesauce or even stay awake long enough for trick or treating). My sister pal created our family bucket list!

crafts: http://myblessedlife.net/2011/09/fall-kids-crafts.html

caramel apple: http://www.thedailymeal.com/caramel-apples-0#_a5y_p=826518

pumpkin recipe: http://spoonful.com/recipes/pumpkin-spiral-cake-with-cinnamon-cream-cheese-frosting

I think it is safe to say that Easton will be decked out the entire month of October! Hopefully it gets cool enough for these outfits I have in mind. Have you visited Old Navy's website? They have jammies, and socks, and even skeleton hoodies! 

Beach Babe & Baby Talk Link Up

Can you just imagine being this excited? 

Kennebunk, ME

I am still holding strong with my Beach Must Haves List from the beginning of the summer. If I could pack a de-sander for beach bums I would! Who knew how much sand could collect in a swim diaper!

At the end of July we vacationed in New England. Easton of course loved the soft waves of the Atlantic ocean. We made this beach session happen with not one beach accessory! A bath towel, a swim suit for the babe, and diaper! Imagine that. 

Easton's One Year Favorites

Favorite Gifts For A One Year Old

For months before Easton's first birthday friends and family have asked what Easton wants for gifts...this is a hard question to answer! Everyone did a great job and he loves playing with everything he received! And boy does he stay entertained for awhile with all of these.  Of course I had to ask for one thing, the skip hop owl backpack, I think it is just the cutest! Now onto filling out thank you cards to show our appreciation! Goal is to finish by the end of this week!

5 on Friday

numero uno: Remember when I did my cork board tutorial? Well sadly that is where this project ended, until now...Finally it is being used in my little "office" space (aka corner of my guest bedroom!

numero dos: This past Wednesday night my SIL hosted a stella & dot party. It was a great night away with wine, appetizers, good company and of course amazing jewelry and accessories! Here are my purchases, which will go perfect with a fall wardrobe!

numero tres: Has anyone gotten a free trial of the honest company products? Holy moly was I excited when these babies arrived! I can't wait to trial them all to decide if I will becoming a monthly membership holder!

numero quatro:  Tonight I am having a little celebration for my mama! It is her birthday tomorrow and I want her to feel special. Hopefully we can pull it off. She does so much for our little family and Easton is obsessed! 

here is Gramma letting Easton get his first feel of the Atlantic

numero cinco: Well Gap has launched their baby Halloween collection and I am obsessed! I want it all for Easton! Some of my favorites are below.

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Reading Nook

What we started with...

- Rocker from a home consignment store,  husband says, "perfect, it's blue!". Which is where the lesson of denim versus teal came into play. I had hopes to recover the rocker so that it would fit better with our theme and thanks to my amazing mama, it did!

- Ikea shelves and frames

- Anthropology "E" jewelry hanger and a little stuffed elephant

Throughout the past year I have filled his shelves with meaningful items. The Letter "E" as made by his aunties for his baby shower. The bunny was a gift from his grandma for his first Easter. I made a little canvas painting before her was born. And then all the books have been gifts from his shower and birthday. 

Before becoming a Mom one of the things I dream of is rocking my baby and reading before bedtime. We are working on this one. Easton is very busy and is still learning how to "sit" for nighttime stories. 

 I found all his nursery fabric on varies website and purchased it for all the accessories of the nursery. Burp clothes, blankets, pillows etc. 

The most tedious project of all was recovering the lamp shade! I originally purchased this lamp from home goods when we first purchased our home and LOVED it. But when it came time to re-create the room into a nursery, I knew a floral lampshade and a baby boy don't really have the same feel. 

After the DIY lampshade battle and the pillow cover, I was in love! Now that we have been using it daily for a year, I am still so very happy every time I see it!

One of the best parts of this rocker is the side pockets! Great for pacifiers, books and bottles! 

Birthday Part 2

 I printed out a bunch of instragram photos and shaped them in a "1" on the kitchen table. It is amazing to see how much growing happens in one year. 

For favors each kid got a sailboat, which was in a little water filled pool in the yard. All the kiddos loved playing with them at the party, it was very entertaining! 

Easton's First Birthday

The party planning has ended and Easton is a full year old. Who knew a one year old's party could be so fun! We invited family and some close friends. We had a backyard broil for dinner and the kids played and ate cupcakes for dessert. I planned a 4 o'clock party since I remember bringing Easton home  from the hospital last year and pumping the AC because it was incredibly hot. Luckily Southern California had beautiful weather this past weekend. 

Part 1

 I made a triple layer smash cake (red, white and blue layers), white frosting and of course a cute washi tape straw cake topper. We had straws with little "ahoy" flags, also made from washi tape. The napkins were also made to go along with the nautical theme! 

 We used his regular high chair, made a banner "ONE", my mom made a bib for his cake eating festivities, and since this kid LOVES a good balloon, we got a "1" for his highchair. Our kitchen chalkboard was used for his current stats and loves. 

I thought maybe I could have a piece of cake, but I was wrong, he demolished the whole cake within seconds! 

Easton's Birthday Sneak Peak

 The big birthday party went off without a hitch! Here are a couple of sneak peak pictures. Hopefully some more will be up by the end of this week! 

 The Entrance sign

The birthday boy's chair

Enjoying his birthday cake

 Some goodies

The favors