Friday, March 28, 2014

Must Haves for Spring and Summer... Baby Edition!

Can you feel it?

Can you feel it getting warmer? Maybe the trees are greening up a bit? Maybe you're getting cabin fever for the 100th day in a row?  I'm sure you're ready to enjoy nice weather and the beautiful outdoors!!!  Well, we are definitely feeling it over here (….not to brag, but we've felt it all winter long…) and we have been spending A LOT of time outside and are gearing up for our first pool season! That's a tad scary to think about in my "post-baby eyes." That's not the issue.. Anyways, I thought it would be fun to show you some really cool stuff I've come across and have fallen in love with and use almost on a daily basis!

First Up…



Spring Diapers and Bibs


We use The Honest Company diapers and wipes (We do the monthly bundle) and love everything about them! Can you really find a cuter diaper than this? I mean c'mon! They come out with seasonal patterns which always gets me giddy! They are chemical free and I must say that we have NEVER (knock on wood) had any sort of diaper issues or rashes! They are SOFT, gentle and safe for the babies booties, not to mention WAY TOO CUTE FOR THEIR OWN GOOD! Why even bother with an outfit when it's hot outside- just let em' run around in these cutie patooties! 

Bibs.. We are going full swing with eating solids in the Barnsley household! You already do enough laundry, so why get those cute shirts and onsies dirty when you can just snap on this adorable bib? We have used the Aden and Anais bibs since day 1 because they cover their complete front/neck area! They are PERFECT! So, I was shopping at BuyBuy Baby and came across this adorbs pattern from Aden & Anais/Zutano!!!! It's the Burpy Bib and you will die when you see how cute the patterns and colors are! I LOVE bright and fun, so these make me happy! You know when you spoon the baby food into your child's mouth and it gets everywhere? Yah.. Me too! The softness of this bib makes it so easy to wipe their little faces off without being scratchy and rough! 




Cutest Backpacks EVER


I've been on a hunt for a small backpack for the little guy.. We are going to be traveling more and more and I need him to have his things in his backpack, end of story. If you know me, I need organization for everything.. I always loved seeing my cute little first graders with their Pottery Barn Kids backpacks, and I love this store WAY TOO MUCH so looky what I found??? Let me tell you… THE COMPARTMENTS in this bad boy are just making my heart pitter patter as we speak! They are abundant and perfect for keeping all the little things in their own little spaces! :) So many cute styles to choose from and for $7 bucks you can personalize it! Too cute.. I love it and we will be traveling everywhere with this little thing! 




Sunscreen!


So, I have to admit.. I'm not one of those that research the heck out of everything to find the best and most safest thing out there.. Call me a bad mom but seriously? I don't have time for that.. What I do have time for is texting my friend Courtney who lives in Hawaii and practically lives outside and at the beach everyday.  She never steers me wrong and I have loved everything she recommends.  SO.. who better to ask about good sunscreen!!!!!!???? These brands have been around for YEARS, I'm sure they are just fine to lather my baby up! So, after many afternoons in the backyard, these sprays have protected Ollie's little white boy skin like a charm! Target always seems to have good deals on sunscreen lately, Costco sometimes carries a double pack and you can always use your $5.00 off coupon at BuyBuy Baby! Keep those babies and kids protected people! Nothin like babies+sunscreen smell!!!! Ummmm….



Babiators Sunglasses


Do you want to giggle as much as I do when you see this picture? Maybe it's because..

1. Baby sunglasses are almost the cutest thing known to mankind
2. What a genius idea and invention
3. I die laughing when I see these on sweet Oliver's little face because immediately I think about the baby in the Hangover movie… ! 

These are not cheap people! In fact, I actually got them as a gift and maybe never would have spent that kind of money on them before I had a kid.. However, we live in the desert, the sun shines 99% of the time and you only have one pair of ojos to last you a lifetime! They are stylin', your kid will be the coolest one at the party in these and their eyes will thank you for all eternity! They are 100% UVA & UVB protected lenses! Babiators are GENIUS I tell you, genius! Invest in them today!!!
You'll LOVE THEM. 



Gymboree Bubbles


I know what you're going to say…. Stop.. don't say it! Bubbles are bubbles right? 
umm.. A BIG FAT NO! This was new to me too, don't feel bad! Gymboree was giving these out awhile back and I just tried them for the first time and HOLY COW! They are like magic bubbles.. They float for a long time, they don't POP right away and they can be touched and moved! In other words, they are perfect for kids! Kids want to watch bubbles longer than one millisecond! These are what you want!! They are MAGICAL I tell you! 
Fun times with bubbles and the backyard, here we come! 




SUN hats


At a Spring Training game!!!!


This is the Flap Happy sun hat and it is UPF 50+ and comes in so many fun patterns! I have always loved seeing babies with big ol' floppy sun hats on, and now Ollie is one of them! :) You can stuff one of these super light hats into your pool bag or diaper bag and they'll never come out all wrinkled! I love the straps you can tie under their chins for the windy days! We love this hat and love how cute Oliver is in it! The big bonus is that it covers their entire face and neck! It was created by a native Malibu mom, so you know it's good stuff and meant for the sun! 




Swimsuits


Here's my secret.. Consignment stores!!!!! They have swimsuits and they are in great shape, hardly worn, super nice brands and totally worth it! I'm not about to pay $20 for a pair of trunks that Oliver will grow out of in a few months.. Not going to happen! What I'll do is, buy them at $4.00 each, go home and launder those bad boys and call it a win/win for everyone! I found some nice Pumas, Gap and Janie and Jack trunks the other day… I bought a couple different sizes so we'll have one on hand when he outgrows the others.. (I know consignment stores scare some people, but don't let it! They are worth the scavenge!) 




Lightweight and BREATHABLE clothing! 


Remember, we live in Arizona? We are already sweating and babies and kids get hot too! One of my favorite brands that makes the softest children's clothing is Peek or Little Peanut! Again, I don't pay full price.. I search for these things like they are treasure at Kid to Kid or Puddleduds- some of my favorite re-sale shops! These shorts would have cost about $20-30 I bet… I got them for $7!!!!! Can't beat it! I'm sure they were worn like 2 times too!  




Beach/Pool Tote


I went on a different kind of hunt for this bad boy. I was wanting a big bag for the many pool and beach days in the years to come! Jesse would laugh at me if he reads this.. He'll say that he highly doubts that I didn't have a bag designated for the pool… Well.. I did.. But, it was just for me, so it was smaller..  More family members = more things to tote around! Right? Ok, so again.. I reached out to my Hawaiian girl Courtney and came across this guy! It's from LL Bean and it's huge! It is ready to hold towels and sunscreen galore! I loved the fun colors they had and the size options too! Something for everyone! There is an even bigger one than this that I almost got but the color choices of this size won me over! I got the Large! It's super sturdy and will be around for a long time I'm sure! Now, I AM willing to pay $40-$50 for a durable bag I'll reuse and reuse all the time! Think about it.. Pool, beach, sports games, travel, picnics, the possibilities are endless! :) 


Outdoor Blanket


Super cute carrying case!


Disclaimer: I grabbed the above picture from google… I wanted to show you how much space my favorite outdoors blanket provides! Look at all the kids and stuff! These are THE BEST! They come in all kinds of fun patterns and are packed in a convenient carrying case! They are good for the grass and picnics or even at the sandy beach! Everything just shakes right off, nothing gets trapped and it's machine washable! We are on this all the time in our backyard.  The bottom is a solid color and it's just about the most comfy outdoor blanket I've ever come across! This is also one of those things worth the money because it will hold up, be used all the time and will become a necessity for anything outside! It's made by Tuffo and oh yah, it's water resistant! SCORE!!!!!

Even with my 6'4 hubby and baby on it, there is STILL plenty of room!
Another genius idea! 
Enjoy!!!! 
That's what life should be about anyways, right? 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Signs of Spring..

Lately…
I've been noticing the little things…

The beauty. 
The  little tiny "perfects" that God has created. 
The colors and the smells
The budding and blossoming..
It's Springtime! 

Which means we are outside all day long! 

Laying in the grass and playing with our pups.


Feeling the fresh air and sunshine on our skin


Enjoying life from this perspective.





Drinking from the hose. 


Admiring the love of my life.

Sunbathing… in the corner 


sweet Brixie girl and her honey brown eyes.


Smelling the smell of babies and sunscreen. 


Feeling happy to be outside. 

Busting out the shades…

And figuring out how to keep them on…

Curiosity. 








If you could only smell the sweetness of this rose..

Blossoming fruit trees and the bees! 



my favorite. :) 


Comfy clothes. 

Smiles and Giggles




It's a mole! It's a freckle.. It's a….

FLY????
hahah (I love capturing things I had no idea I even captured in a picture!) 

Stealing Mommy and Daddy's heart.
It's what you're good at buddy.

Blossoms.

Bird Watching...

New Life. 



Happy Spring from Arizona! 

7 Months Old!

So.. well actually, Oliver will almost be 8 months old.. But anyways, let's get back to doing a 7 month post and in a week (I hope) when he is actually 8 months, I'll do his 8 month update..

A lot has been going on lately! A lot of firsts and exciting new changes in the life of little Ollie! Around the 7 month mark he:

* Started flipping from his back to his tummy (and is so proud when he does..)
* Went to his first Spring Training game to watch the Diamondbacks and Rockies
* Got his first TWO teeth!!! And they are SHARP!!!!
* LOVES his multigrain cereal in the mornings! He eats a full bowl full.. (Probably because your Momma craved cereal all pregnancy long..)
* We've been outside enjoying this beautiful weather and going on lots of walks with friends.
* GIGGLES all day long!
* Always watches his puppies walk around and gets BIG BRIGHT eyes when they bark.. He even started doing a "wwwwoooo" sound when he sees them.
* Tried his first real foods! We started with banana- his tummy did NOT like it! We tried a little applesauce and he gagged… Then we went to something more bland and did avocado.. HE HATED IT! :)
* Went to his first Kindermusik class with Miss Brenlie and had a great time.. until he fell right asleep on Mommy's shoulder on the last song.

Oliver, you are getting to be so much fun and Daddy and Mommy just love watching you grow! You're genuinely a happy baby and are so content! You're so curious about everything, you love playing with everything and teeth on anything you can get your hands on.  I love spending my days with you and capturing every single moment in your little life right by your side. What a blessing you are!

Gam and Papo got Ollie this sweatshirt for Valentines Day and I loved it!
He totally should be the little mascot for Tim's Place in Albuquerque!  

Take this, MONKEY!
AND THIS! 
And then.. I'll pull your head offf!

Ok… Maybe I love you...
                                                                                                                                                                                 
Sweet boy. 
 


                          



Getting used to the high chair….

If this is applesauce…. NO WAY! Not gonna eat it Mom!










Happy little guy! 

Those eyes…

Loves to play with his Daddy


Playin' in the backyard has become a daily activity


Am I lucky or am I lucky? C'MON!!!!!


His expressions crack us up!~


Giggle Monster.


Take 1

Take 2

Take 3

Take 4

Oliver.. You have officially stolen our hearts.. We love you so incredibly much buddy.