Tank's 1st Year

Why do they have to grow so fast?  It seems that the second time around things go much faster.  I decided to take a picture journey with Tank and it's crazy how he has grown into a walking, talking, mind of his own toddler.  I get baby fever just looking at these.  I never imagined how much life changes when children enter our lives and I wouldn't have it any other way.

If you can't see the video above just click here.

So, to all the Mommies that miss the sleepless nights and newborn cries... my heart goes out to you.  I truly am one those crazy ones.  

Organization Tips/Tricks

I am always looking for ways to simplify the day to day things I do as a Mommy.  Throughout this journey some things have worked and some have not.  That is why when I do find something that has been successful I love to share it.  Here are a few things that help keep my sanity,  for the most part.


You can find one of these over the door shoe things at just about any store.  I went the inexpensive route and found mine at Walmart.  It is made out of canvas and the pockets are mesh which I like because they have a tiny bit of stretch.  Originally, I kept complete outfits for Tink when my mom watched her in the beginning because I always found she got creative with the baby's outfit selections. So, to keep it fast, simple, and coordinating, I loved this option.

Now that Tink is developing an opinion on some days and doesn't want to wear what I select, she is given the choice to pick something in a pocket.  It's working out well.  With 24 pockets there is plenty of room to prepare 2 weeks worth of outfits and still store some shoes.  This is a great time saver for any working parent and it takes the guess work out.  As I fold the laundry I coordinate outfits to slide away.

This was a big one for me.  My lovely sister has blessed my child with a wide selection of hair accessories.  Thanks sissy!  For a while I didn't know how to organize/display them for easy selection.  After keeping them in Ziploc bags for while I discovered this nifty jewelry organizer at a bargain store.  You can clip them on or slide into the pockets.  It is double sided and has pockets of many different sizes.  I just love how everything is displayed and it makes the selection process much quicker.    

I have gone through a fare share of diaper bags and when I had one baby the cute ones seemed to work ok.  With two kiddos now I find that I need my hands a lot more so I opted for a hands free approach.  Between two sets of diapers, wipes, snacks, sippy cups, etc. I always drove myself crazy with multiple little bags.  So, I found this backpack on clearance recently and figured I'd give it a try.  Sorry, practical won over cute and I might add that I like love it so far.  It is lightweight, has many pockets/compartments, and water resistant.

Two smaller pockets in the front for quick access items like cell phone, paci, etc.

I keep my wallet here along with the kids snacks and cups.  Has plenty of room for more.

Diapers and Pull-Ups along with some wipes.  I can even fit an extra change of clothes for both.

This is what it looks like with pockets open.

Here all pockets closed.  It's not bulky like I thought it would be and fits nicely in the stroller basket.

So there you have it.  This is what works for me and maybe can work for you also.  Good luck!

Tink's Room

With the hype we have been giving my son's room I don't want to forget how awesome it was to get my daughter's ready.  It's was so special and brings back those great memories of when she was so tiny and loud.  It was so exciting to know that we would soon have a little person occupying this big old house with us and that the sounds that we were so used to would no longer be.  Isn't that what it's all about anyway?

We wanted to stick with bright happy colors and that is why we went this route.  We figured that since it took us a little bit to get pregnant with Tink, by the time #2 would be on the way we could transition her to a more "girlie" room and use the same nursery for #2.  It didn't quite work that way since I got pregnancy with Tank when Tink was 11 months.  What happy planning we did!

Before

During

Done Painting

Adding Furniture

Details

This is my favorite thing from the room.  I made a stencil a painted stitches all along the trim and windows in the room.  In though my belly was big and heavy at the time I was determined.

Just a Little Artwork

We couldn't find this rug that went along with the bedding we found on clearance so I thought it would be great to paint it onto a huge canvas.  I was happy when it was done because it tied everything together.

Tink's Room Today

As much as I try to avoid the pink fru-fruness I can't deny that pink makes her room more girly and it's ok.  I've learned to embrace it.  It will definitely take a more girly atmosphere once I change out her curtains and add some other things down the line.

Getting this room together was a great adventure full of memories, emotions, and experiences.  I can't wait to see how this room grows with her.  So happy that the occupant of this room has come into our lives and we feel blessed every single day.

Update - Boy's Sports Room

I have mixed feelings about Tank's room being completed.  I know that it was definitely time to give him his own space but Mommy misses him already.  My little man is getting big and I am just enjoying him so much.

What a fun project this was!  Now that it is complete I love the finished space.  With time we plan to add a rug and few pieces that will just make the room more him.  Check the beginning stages of this room here.

Close up of what's between both windows.

Close up of what's to the right of the door above.

Check out these details that we love.

Repurposed my daughter old bumpers to fit Tank's room.  Check out how here.

This is a Build-A-Bear outfit that was on a teddy at my sister's baby shower.  Thought it would be cool to put it in a shadow box.

As soon as you open the door, this is what you see on the wall.