Sock Monkey and Friends

"Sock Monkey wants a Friend" decal

When it came time to decorate the nursery, I wanted something impermanent. I like the idea of easily being able to change up Jackson's environment to keep his brain stimulated. Decals will last a year or two and can be peeled off at any time.

I adore this Blik Threadless decal. It's young and playful with a twist. It has 12 parts and took my husband and I about an hour. We marveled at how ours came out just like the one on the web site. We felt so accomplished even though it's basically just peeling and sticking.

I'm still deciding on this decal. He could be the friend Sock Monkey is looking for.

Blik Blowfish decal

This was my third choice:

Blik's A Birth Day Decal

And I'd like to tear down a kitchen cabinet to make room for this one:

Blik's Cookie Loves Milk Decal

Stella!!

Stella McCartney Annie Picnicking Bralette and Briefs

Had my first postpartum checkup today. The Dr. gave me the green light to resume all previous activities...though he said he'd vouch for me if I wanted to tell my husband otherwise.

I bought this delicate Stella McCartney set during my pregnancy. I wish someone had reminded me not to buy lingerie because nursing has changed my anatomy more drastically than expected. Not sure how much my body will return to its original state...for now, the bralette looks hilariously, but wonderfully obscene.

First Memorial Day

Brandy Melville Shorts

Monrow shorts

Trader Joe's Mint Mini Ice Cream Mouthfuls

Mommy stayed cool this weekend with stretchy shorts and Trader Joe's addictive mint minis. These ice cream sandwiches may be contributing to baby's double chin. 

We spent Jackson's first Memorial Day by taking a family outing to Whole Foods. We grilled some sausages and corn on the cob while Mommy and Daddy took shifts eating while the other held fussy baby. He's now 8 lbs. 3 oz., which is in the 15th percentile...among preemies, more towards 50%.

Baby Gift Ideas

Here are some of the great presents Jackson has received:

French teething toy, Sophie the Giraffe, made of 100% natural rubber and food paint.

Tiffany & Co. "piggy" bank, hand-painted in Italy.

Customized book basket. I love knowing what books other kids liked...chances are Jack will like them too. 

Tiffany & Co. spoon with Jackson's initials engraved

Pumped up kicks

Giraffe Rocker

 And the most useful gifts of all...

Homedics Soundspa

This clock has a projector so that you can see the time from anywhere in the room. It's been helpful when I'm trying to keep track of how many minutes Jack has been breastfeeding for. No need for squinting. It also comes with great white noise sound effects, like waves crashing. We think Jackson will be very disappointed once he realizes we don't live near the beach.

NoseFrida Snot sucker

My cousin gifted this to me because her friend, an EMT, says those squeezy aspirators can be harmful. Not to mention their difficulty. This contraption sucks the snot right out. It's noninvasive and don't worry, hygienic too. Just get moral support for the first awkward suck. It'll be fun the second time around.

B&J

Jacquie Aiche alphabet ring

When I received this ring in the mail, my husband asked, "B for baby?" No, the B stood for his name. My husband is my number one. Baby is number 2. My baby will grow up some day, get married and have a family and priorities of his own. My husband and I are partners for life.

Roberto Coin Letter Medallion Necklace

Husband bought me this for my very first Mother's Day. He loves that I have him around my finger and baby around my neck. I love having reminders of how special they are, especially when I'm at the clubs and forget.

Just kidding.

Postpartum Swimsuit

Zimmermann Glasshouse Swimsuit

I haven't purchased a one-piece since elementary school. Welcome postpartum insecurities. I've always been comfortable in a bikini until now. Post baby, I have a mushy pouch and that linea nigra, which has no signs of fading soon. So I bought this gorgeous swimsuit as an easy fix. The cut is retro, the details are feminine and it reminds me of lingerie. It's sexy without being overtly so.

Shopbop

The bathing suit is supposed to look like this on. However, mine stopped at my thighs. I kept looking for a zipper, or some sort of opening to make it possible to fit. I'm just not itsybitsy anymore. I returned it for a larger size. I can't diet because I'm breastfeeding...so I shocked my abdomen by doing what I detest. My first crunches in about 9 months.

Night Owl

Baby owl made from upcycled, felted wool.

I've had an addiction to buying all things owl for quite some time. I try not to tell people...once they know, every gift you get is owl-related, and by the time you're 60, your house has accumulated a life full of owls and you become crazy owl lady. I've asked my husband to dissuade me from buying more. But when I'm alone at home with the internet and no one to stop me from online shopping...weakness happens. Like a true addict, I attempt to hide my owls and disperse them in different rooms of the house to make them less noticeable.

I've legitimized THIS owl purchase by explaining to my husband that it's for Jackson's nursery. Every nursery should have one! The quality and design of this particular critter is amazing...you can tell it was not mass-produced, but handmade with love by Finnish Etsy artist ForMyDarling.

God knew how much I loved owls and gave me a real-life one of my very own...my night-owl of a son.

Just the beginning

Our first purchase as new parents, a Nikon D7000. Like all others, we are obsessed with our child.

I've always disliked surprises. My 4 lb. 12 oz. bundle of joy decided to surprise me at 33 weeks. NOT acceptable. Doctors drugged me with steroids and magnesium and luckily, baby came out remarkably heavier and healthier than anticipated. Everyone prepares you for what to expect with the baby's care at NICU, but nobody provides any emotional guidance for the mothers. I left the hospital empty-handed and hearted, watching the other mommies discharged with their babies in tow. I was a wreck. It took me a few days to accept that my preemie would get better care at the hospital and all of the equipment to monitor him. I went to visit baby 6 times a day at his feedings and provide what the nurses couldn't, his mother's love and a couple nipples. And it turns out that NICU was the night nurse I never knew I needed. The nurses not only helped baby get stronger, but were tremendous coaches to mommy and daddy and made us better parents.

I introduce you to my muse, Jackson. When he's not busy being a baby, he is my supermodel.