Harper's New Friends...

Are coming soon!!!! I'm so excited for another baby boom that is going on around me!!!

Harper is about to get a BUNCH of new girlfriends! I'm so excited since most of my friends have boys!!

Here's a few of the little bumps I am allowed to share about... :)

 Harper, Jordan, and Baby Avery Nicole

Harper, Katharine, and Baby girl!

Harper, Mandy, and Baby Kalyn Avery


One of the best things I think is picking your baby name.  A fellow blogger the other day wrote a post on how she ended up with her kid's names.  I just love hearing baby names and think it is just so fun to see how you and your hubby came up with the name! Wouldn't that be a fun link-up?!  I've always said that I would get pregnant again just to use my other names I have stored up!!!

the {medical} box

A few have asked me to tell about this little box...so here ya go!

I keep all of Harper's 'medical' items in one box.  I think it's SO much handier than trying to find a bunch of stuff in the cabinet. Plus, it's all in one place!  But that might just be my teacher-mentality: everything needs to be in a bin or a ziplock baggie!  I used my cricut to put the little ambulance on, but if you don't have one, you could just purchase a scrapbooking sticker or a hospital item and place on there!

I also gave a version of this to a friend for her baby shower gift. I think it's a great idea, as we really didn't own too many of these items until it was too late so to speak and Brian was out at Rite Aid or BRU getting items after the fact!  We also took this handy thing on vacation and it was great!

What's in it?
*Thermometer



*Baby Rub {put on bottoms of feet if has a cold, we rub it on H's chest each night to help with KY allergies}

*Pedia Care {you can use this more than tylenol for a young age}



*Boogie Wipes {totally LOVE these, so soft on their tiny nose}


*Baby Orajel


*Little Ones Saline drops {great for stuffy noses}


*Highlands Teething Tablets


*Mentholatum {rub on scrapes to help heal faster}


*Teething brush/massager {every baby needs this!}


*A+D Ointment

*Desitin {we use this nightly...just in case!}


*Johnson and Johnson Nighttime Lotion


*Johnson and Johnson Vapor Wash {great for colds!}


*Dr. Brown's teething paci {looks so weird, but hits even the back molars!}



What are some of your favorite go-to products when your baby isn't feeling like herself?!

Babies, Babies, Everywhere!

Lots of new babies have been born in the past couple of weeks! I'm so happy for my friends!

Remember my team-teacher Mary? She held those babies in for 4 whole weeks of bedrest! They came healthy and happy, and too darn cute!
Yay for Genevieve and Marielle!

how pretty is this family?

My old roommate, Jamie, had her little baby, Stella! What a cutie!



Look at this little beauty! Although this little one's Momma and I aren't close, we work together and I just had to share the picture! Another gorgeous baby Stella!

My cousin Hope had her baby just a few days ago! Welcome baby John Parker! I can't wait to meet you in person!



Now, just praying for my sweet pregnant friend and a few very close friends of mine who are waiting for their prayers to be answered for a little baby.

Harper's Verses

So,  I've been looking for a while for a few core verses that I want to pray on a daily basis for Harper.

These will obviously change as she gets older, but for now I felt like I needed something to keep me accountable.  I was looking for key scriptures from the Bible that I want Harper to know throughout her life.

 So, I decided for now to focus on these:
*find peace in Christ
*find hope and comfort in Christ
*find her beauty through Christ
*find joy and happiness through Christ

I compiled my list of about 20 down to just a few that I could honestly say I will be able to read on a daily basis and make a conscious effort to pray each day. I think I'm going to print one off and put on my mirror in the bathroom and place one on my desk or on my plan book at work.  I was telling Brian about it and he loved the idea, so I'm hoping he'll join me in this effort; again, making it a little easier for two slightly crazy parents to focus on something small, yet so big. ;)

Some of these verses almost seemed too mainstream for me, but they were definitely the ones that I kept coming back to when I was focusing on the list of things I wanted to pray for. Maybe that will make it easier to memorize and pray throughout the day??!


If you'd like a copy of this, I'd be happy to email it to you.  I made the photo on Picnik and just printed it on paper at home. You could always print it as a picture or on a canvas - something I'll do in Harper's future when she's old enough to start learning and memorizing her own "life" verses. I pretty much kind of love this idea {hehe}, so if you want a different version or a boy version, send me your scriptures and I'd be glad to make you one. :)

Shopping List

Ok Ladies, after several emails, I've decided to list some of my favorite sites/stores to purchase Harper's clothes from! I love buying her clothes. I honestly feel like I'm a little kid again dressing up my baby doll! Of course, I'm not rich, so I've got some steals and deals to help you dress your baby like you are rich {ha!} but just remember, I choose to spend money on her clothes and that is not important to everyone...so no nasty emails please! :)

All Time Favorite Stores:
Little English &  Bella Bliss
Little English - provides clothes that are very southern and have a classic style to them. I love these clothes. But, they are SUPER expensive. So, here's how you can purchase all you want on a budget. 1) "like" them on Facebook. They post every few days about a warehouse sale as well as deals or sales going on at their website.  Currently, they have 50% off all Fall/Winter clothing. So, buy stuff for next season. It's kid clothes. Noone knows if your child is a 'season behind'. And if they do, you probably shouldn't be their friend. :) Also, I know if you live local to Lexington, they have a warehouse sale here twice a year that is AWESOME. But you must try and go the first day to snatch up everything! Luckily, this time I was on maternity leave, so I went as soon as it opened!!
Bella Bliss - this is a local store to Lexington. {sorry ladies} But it also has classicly made clothes and are high quality. They, too, have a warehouse sale twice a year.  This is the only time I can really afford these clothes.  Luckily, the last sale they had I knew what I was having so I was able to purchase lots for Harper! Same thing as above, "like" them on Facebook and join their mailing list to know about steals and deals and sales!
Both these places also have ADORABLE boy clothes.  I mainly know about these places from my Sis!


Smocked Clothing Auctions
Ok, I LOVED smocked clothing. It is just so sweet and classic. But not everyone does, and that's ok! But if you do, you need to check out these sites on Facebook and 'like' them. It's such a rush!! They post the most adorable smocked clothing and you 'bid' on the outfit amongst tons of other people! Then, you wait, and see if you won!! It's so fun but addictive!! My sis and I have won lots and we've even been able to get the kids matching outfits!
Smocked Auctions
My Bella Bums
Shrimp and Grits Kids (this isn't an auction, but it's cute smocked clothing)

Smockadot Kids {I loved this site b/c the prices are cheaper, but they did me wrong on an outfit - giving me the wrong size than I ordered and I wasn't able to have Harper wear it - so I can no longer bid on here just out of principal! But, it is a good site!!}
There are several sites like this on FB, but these are my all-time favs and the ones that I think have the best selection with the best prices.

Brands
Some of my favorite brands of girl {and boy} clothing are:
Petit Ami
Anavini
Vive la Fete
Peaches N Cream
Bailey Boys
Claire & Charley

Best Deal Site
Ok, if you don't Zulily, you are really missing out! It's free to join zulily.com and they send you an email daily about new deals on classic clothing! They also have awesome toys and things for Mom's {clothing, purses, accesories, etc.}, but I like the clothing and toys the best.  They are mostly always at least 50% off on this site. They use brands like the smocked ones above, Ragsland, etc. It's awesome. Plus, I see really cute clothing all the time that I had no idea about!
TheHairbowCompany.com  They are awesome. Beautiful petti skirts and pretty hairbows for hardly anything! "Like" them on FB to see their daily deals.
The Monogrammed MOB on FB. You buy/sell clothes that have been monogrammed for whatever price you want. I've bought and sold and it works great!

Favorite Local Stores
Besides Bella Bliss, I LOVE Baby Bundles. They are the most adorable clothes ever. Again, if you 'like' them on FB you can find out all kinds of secret sales and new items. 
Ladybug Landing is an upscale consignment store that only takes pricey brands. After you have a kid, you realize those super nice clothes only get worn once or twice, so it's nice to buy and sell clothes there!
The Front Porch carries Mudpie brand. You can always get 10% off when you pay with cash, and if you sign up for emails they send lots of 20% off coupons! I also like to purchase Mudpie at My Baby Pie.


Favorite Catalog Collections
I love Kelly's Kids clothing with the classical mix & match quality. So, join their mailing list and buy things when it's at the end of the season for 50% off. Or, host a party and get free earnings! PS- I'm hosting a party for Kelly's Kids in March that I'll be posting on my blog! :)
Matilda Jane - same thing. The clothes are just so adorable with the ruffles and mix/match, but you've got to buy smart to afford it all!
RagsLand - great store with clothes similarly looking like Kelly's Kids. They are on Zulily a lot, too!
Persnickety - WAY expensive, so you've gotta find it in a store and then on sale!

Don't Overlook...
Target! They have super adorable girl clothes and they are getting better with boy clothes all the time! Also, online they have a Target Boutique that has even cuter clothes for boys and girls! Plus, everything is very affordable!
Baby Gap also has some of the cutest clothes EVER! If you have a card, you can purchase clothes on Tuesday's for 10% off! Every Tuesday! Even off sale items!
Gymboree gives lots of coupons in the mail and they usually have cute clothes for daily wear!

Of course there are way more places that I shop, but these are just my top favs! :) I know this post is a bit boring without showing you all the sweet clothes, but it was taking forever to paste in pics!!!
So, you all know my love/hate relationship with Facebook. But, I'd stay on FB just to get all these inside deals on baby clothing!
I'd love to hear some of your favorite places, too!!

What to Take...FROM the hospital

I've got lots of preggos reading my blog, so I thought it would be completely necessary to remind you all of what to steal  happen to stick in your extra bag you bring from your hospital stay...

Yes, that's right. Your bill will be through the roof, so you might as well get your money's worth! :)

1. Make sure to bring a larger bag or an extra bag for when you go to deliver your precious one
2. Stick the nasal aspirator that's in your baby's "bed" in your bag and ask for another one. Then take that one before you leave, too. Those are way better than the ones you can buy.
3. Open the drawers under the little bed they wheel your baby around and take it all!!! Hopefully you'll have 2 hospital swaddling blankets, a box of diapers, and a box of wipes.  Stick the diapers in your bag and tell the nurses you ran out... and then take the new ones before you leave!
4. Each time the nurse comes in, ask for another big 'ol green paci.  Chances are your little one will LOVE this paci and this paci alone, and you can get a few for the times when you can't find one!
5. Take the 'pee pads' home.  I have no idea the correct wording for these, but they look like the puppy pads you use to train your dog with. You have to lay on them in the hospital. Take as many as you can, because you can use them in your bed to not get your sheets dirty and you can fold them in 4ths and cut them to take as changing pads when you go out and have to use those dirty Koala Changing stations {you don't want to get your nice pad dirty from the diaper bag}.
6. Booty pillow - if you ask, they will let you take it home. If you don't, just take it anyways! Also, ask for the pillow case for it, it makes it look a little less awkward when you're sitting on the waffle pillow while company is over!
7. Ice Packs - I had one super long, large-and-in-charge ice pack to put, um, well you know where, take it. They do not sell those anywhere! Ask for extra and stick them in your bag! :)
8. Ask for creams to use for diaper rashes and take those too!
9. This is a little TMI, but ask for extra numbing spray and creams you use after giving birth. You will need those so much in the days/weeks to come and it's just easier to have a stash without trying to send your hubby out to find those things!

**10** Eek! I forgot one of the most important things! Thanks friends!!! MESH PANTIES! I told the hubs I forgot this and he laughed saying I'd still be wearing those if I could get them to fit under my pants. Sad, but true. They are remarkable. Ask for many -a - pair.

{Harper's Bag had NOTHING in it to start....}

That's all I can think of right now! Hope this helps!

WILW

Wow! It's been a while since I've linked up with Jamie!

I'm Loving... These cute baby Uggs for Harper sent from Whitney! Thank you! Too cute!!

I'm Loving... This bow I finally made! I know it's not the best, but I was proud of myself! ha!

I'm Loving... That it is Premiere TV week! Although, most of my shows have been DVR'ed so far this week because I can't stay up! ha! But I'm excited to watch! Definitely Modern Family tonight! Woo Hoo!

I'm Loving... That it is already Wednesday! So ready for the weekend and sleeping in!

I'm Loving... Our sweet friends, Maegan, Trent, and baby Collins for bringing us dinner on Monday night! What an awesome surprise to have a yummy dinner after a long day of work!!

I'm Loving... These Santa diapers! HAHA! I think they are too funny!

I'm Loving... This diaper sack for my diaper bag I just ordered off Etsy! Now they won't just be flung around in the bag. I have a serious need for bins and bags in all stages of life!

Thanks for reading!! :)
*PS- for my regular followers... I will not have my Thankful Thursday Linky party up. Sorry!! :(

Baby Bottle Must-Haves

Ok, so my sis found this awesome product...and then it made me remember my co-worker, Kathleen, found these, too! Well, I think some similar!

These little sippy cup and bottle labels are so cute! They are a must have for taking to the sitter's, day cares, or the church nursery!

Here's a few websites that sell basically the same products and they all seem to run around $12.95.

My Precious Kid

Little Piddles

These labels are ok...they say they are dishwasher safe, but I'd be a little leary of this...
Name Bubbles

And of course, when little H gets older, she will be using one of these custom made just for her likeness~
The Craft Store
I imagine like a pink and green polka dot one with her name and maybe a cut-out of a giraffe or something!

Cute Boys :)

Currently, Harper is the only girl-to-be amongst my college friends. So it seems as though she will rightfully get her pick on these cute boys, right?! haha!

Danielle's son, Colton. She's expecting another sweet boy at the end of November!

Amanda's son, Trenton

Shannon's sweet boys, Tanner & Grady

Aren't they precious?!

Weekend Wrap-Up!

We had such a fun weekend!! We've been so overwhelmingly busy the past couple of Saturdays that we were excited about having a somewhat low-key weekend!

On Friday we went to an Engagement Party for our friend's Jen and Geoff! Jen is my friend from college, so it was SO MUCH FUN to get to be with all the girls and their guys again! It felt like forever since we all had gotten together! Jen lives in Charleston, SC now, so her wedding will be there in May. So excited for a road trip with all our friends!!  Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures from the night! Can you believe that?! But here is one I stole from FB of the happy couple.

It was a blast to be with everyone! We had a great time!

Saturday was my day to really get some errands ran for the hospital bag!! I needed to get a few of those 'uncomfortable' purchases to bring along with me or have ready for when I return home.  It was a successful shopping trip! haha!  The hospital bag is now officially packed! I have a few things to wash for Harper, so her bad isn't finished just yet. :) I did a lot of researching for the bag, so I hope I don't forget any essentials!

I also went to a fairly new store called Baby Bundles.  They were having their 1 year anniversary sale so I stopped by to get some deals for baby H. Oh man did I get some deals! This store has some seriously adorable (but majorly pricey) outfits for boys and girls! They have Persnickety, Janie & Jack, Smocked Clothing, Bailey Boys, and much, much more.  I got little H some really cute large bows {!!!!}, a cute apple outfit for next year {apple orchard fun perhaps?!}, and an adorable UK smocked dress! I cannot wait to see her in it for football and basketball seasons this year! Mom got her a cute pink and green owl smocked dress for 12 months as well.  My favorite thing is seeing smocked clothing on little ones and thankfully my Mom thinks the same thing as she's gotten baby a lot of smocked outfits from Little English!!

how adorable are the little UK cheerleaders?!

Another very cool thing I purchased is this PadaLily car seat handle cover.  I think this looks like such a great idea! The handle is not very padded, so I bought this little thing to help from getting my arms bruised!! They had lots of colors ~ but I loved this pink and green paisley one!

Oh, and I WON a free photography session and one large hard photo from a very nice photography studio {Holifield's} for just putting my name in a jar!! I never win! I was so excited!! :)

Brian and I also hung a few things on the baby room and washed lots of clothes and swaddlers.  Then we went to the pool for a while and had a fun night in of pizza and renting a movie! 

Sunday after church we went to eat and then I spent some time with the nephews while Brian spruced up our front yard. :) AND, Sunday night we ate Mexican and I ate tacos for the FIRST TIME since I realized I was pregnant!! Probably 8 months! Man-oh-man did they taste delicious!!! It was awesome! haha!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend as well and have a wonderful work week ahead!

Cricut Stuff :)

Here's a few things I've made lately with my Cricut! They are so easy and I think look pretty cute!

Plastic Wear: I liked using plastic rather than glass for purposes of taking food items to tailgates, picnics, child-friendly, etc.  You could do any combo of colors, initials, monograms, pictures, etc!

I used Loop Dee Loo Font cartridge for the letters and then a craft circle cut to make the polka dots.  The paper is vinyl.  I actually gave these as hostess gifts.

This is an iced beverage glass that I used Everyday Paper Dolls cartridge.  The above picture is of a softball girl {it's hard to tell, but that's a uniform I made in pink} and the second picture is the helmet and her initials.  This was a gift for a great and sweet girl I tutored this summer who was all about softball!  I have lots of these cups and I love using them!

This is my favorite thing I made I think! HAHA A personalized Purell dispenser! So, I guess because of my sister or maybe all my friends who have babies, I am very well aware that you need to use some type of Purell or wash your hands before ever touching a new baby! I remember going over to my sister's when Colby was born and it was a rule to go to the Purell first and then come see the baby! So, I thought to myself why not make this little 'new fixture' cute! I have an adorable horse and polka dot purell dispenser in my kitchen, so I got the idea from that! I just took a purell bottle and took off the label.  Then used the Everyday Paper Dolls cartridge to make a baby carriage and then {of course} had to add a little personalization with the 'h' at the bottom.  I ended up using a green bottle and purple vinyl to match her room colors, although we'll keep it in the Family Room! :) I mean, you might as well keep-it-cute!

*If you don't have a Cricut and you like any of the things you see, you can always email me or visit my Craft Store! The Everyday Paper Dolls cartridge has seriously endless possibilities of pictures, scenes, etc! It's awesome!

*If you're visiting from facebook, thanks! I rarely post my blogs on FB anymore, so click on the Home button and read what you've missed! :) thanks for visiting!!