dearbaby:

Dear Everly,

You have always been a daddy’s girl. From the very start, really. I’ve had the great honor of protecting you, singing to you, loving on you and providing for you - but so often, when you feel sick or sad or just need some extra comforting, it’s daddy that…

I cannot be the only person who thinks Melissa needs to establish a career in creative writing. She has such a beautiful way with words. Observing, through her blog, how the Jordan family is growing is one of my favourite things about the internet world. That I can be privy, in just the smallest way, to some of the most beautiful moments in life… moments that I can’t wait to one day experience with my own children.

dearbaby:

I am always hungry for smart tips and advice from other moms on things that work to make their daily life run a little more smoothly. With that in mind, I wanted to share 3 inexpensive items that have been helping us avoid major battles at meals, bath time and bed time lately.

1.DINNER TIME: The funny face plate!

Remember those magnetic wooly face toys from our childhood? This plate is like that but with your child’s meals! I love using this plate to make Everly’s dinner look entertaining and appetizing. She has been much more willing to eat veggies or proteins that normally go untouched if I disguise them as a beard and fluffy eye brows on the funny face plate.  I found this one on a discount website but a similar version is available here!

2. BATH TIME: Glo-sticks in the bathtub! I originally saw this idea on Pinterest and thought it was brilliant. I’ve found packs of glosticks at Target for $1, so we try to stock up! If Everly ever refuses to take a bath, we just flip off the lights, toss a few in, and she’ll beg us to get in. Works every time!

3. BED TIME The Star turtle! This little guy was a present from Santa and he has been an AWESOME addition to Everly’s bedtime routine. We recently transitioned her into her big girl bed and turning on the Star turtle at bedtime has made her excited to crawl beneath the covers each night. She also loves changing the star colors from green to purple to orange and I like that it has a timer that turns it off after she falls asleep. He provides a sense of comfort and entertainment once we leave the room. We’re really loving this little guy!

Do you have any tools that aid in your daily routine with your toddler? We’re learning that adding a silly song or dance to almost anything we do makes Everly a more willing participant. It’s all about keeping them engaged and curious! Share your secrets and successes!

Love,

M

SO CUTE.

gypsy-soul:

chloeatkin:

warm fuzzies:

A few years ago, my friend Jillaire shared with me a wonderful parenting idea. I implemented the system soon after with H, and we’ve just started it with J as well. I thought I would share it with all of you, because it can be very effective.
Pictured above is H’s “Warm Fuzzy Jar.” Whenever H does something nice of her own free will, we give her a “warm fuzzy,” which is just a colorful pom-pom. She then puts the warm fuzzy in a jar in her room. When this jar is filled, she can redeem it for a prize. We usually make the prize something we can all enjoy together—bowling, a trip to the zoo, lunch at a restaurant, etc.
The pom-pom is simply a tangible “thank you” to acknowledge a child’s kindness. She cannot receive one for doing something she has been asked to do, nor can she ask for a warm fuzzy. “Mom, if I put your plate on the counter can I have a warm fuzzy?” Nope. No deal. It has to be something she does just to be nice, like reading a story to her little brother, or setting out forks and napkins when I’m hurriedly preparing dinner…something that makes us feel “warm and fuzzy” inside. Oh, and once a warm fuzzy is given, it cannot be taken away. (Except after a full jar is redeemed for a prize. Then the jar is emptied back into the pom pom bag.)
It has definitely helped H see that helping others can make her feel good. It also helps remind Hubs and me to recognize her good deeds. Such a great idea. Thanks again, Jillaire!

I can’t remember how I first came across this, but when I did I couldn’t wait for Iain to get home from work so I could tell him about it. We both agreed it was adorable. Ava is most definitely having a warm fuzzy jar when she’s a little older.

 What a great idea. 

(via sweethomestyle)

wow. just wow.

dearbaby:

Naming a baby is serious business. It’s gotta be something that they won’t hate you for when they’re 17 (Sorry to my grandfather who suggested Gertrude)

It can’t rhyme with something horrible that mean kids at school will use against her, and it should sound nice in your ears, and look nice when written out in cursive.

We’ve had this little girl’s name in our back pocket for as long as I can remember. As soon as we got the news, we started calling her by name immediately… no discussion needed.

We’re not sure if we’re going to call her Ever, Evie, or Veda yet - but we LOVE her name.

Everly Veda Jordan.

You are ours, and we are yours little girl!

Love,

M

I fully agree with Melissa. I’ve been tossing baby names around in my head for as long as I can remember (which girl hasn’t?) and my boy’s input is well appreciated too. It would be amazing if one day we could even mimic a beautiful video like this in order to announce our baby’s name! It’s just wonderful, isn’t it? So wonderful it makes me cry.

iheartbaby:

Woodland Creatures Mobile

$90. From Pink Perch here

so beautiful! just the kind of thing i’d look for.

iheartbaby:

little boy neck tie $22 by thebelle&thebeau

here

 all the more reason to have a baby boy.