I wear my sunglasses at night: Scarlett dancing

We went to Central Market for dinner last night and enjoyed live music by Bus Stop Stallions on the patio.

Scarlett was surprisingly timid at first, but eventually made her way to the dance floor. Of course, once there, she needed to make sure her shades were on properly before she could start jamming.

Where did she learn that Stevie Wonder impression??

DaddyD and BabyT

classic daddy-baby-sleeping-snuggling picture

Earth Day 2012: Try Compostable Diapers

Cloth diapers are the most eco-friendly, but they can be difficult. More power to the mammas who use them. I tried with Scarlett, but with frequent leaking and staining clothes, I eventually gave up. It was never easy or quick to change her and (here's my vanity) I didn't appreciate the extra bulkiness of them.

I struggled, though, because I really really wanted to make an eco-friendly diaper choice. What do the statistics say? Oh yeah, SIX THOUSAND "disposable" diapers PER child end up in landfills FOREVER. Ick!

Luckily, I found a fantastic green alternative: compostable diapers!

They work just like traditional disposable ones, but are fully biodegradable and are made without chemicals, plastic, chlorine, baby seals, etc, etc.

image via

We have tried a few different brands, and Nature Babycare is the best. The diaper is softer than traditional disposables, fit is great, breathable, made from natural and renewable materials, and can hold Scarlett sleeping 12 hours without a leak.

image via

 The Nature Babycare tag line is perfectly accurate: go green without giving up performance. 

There is only a small price difference from traditionals, and you can order in bulk from amazon for extra savings. Plus, you have that extra piece of mind for your child and the world (yay!). Nature Babycare products are also sold at stores like Whole Foods and diapers.com. I'm sure you can find some near you!

So this earth day, give compostable diapers a chance!

And let me know if you tried them!

{Another easy change is to use biodegradable wipes. These are usually less expensive or the same price as traditionals.}

Working out: tummy time for Tripp

Auntie K: toddler stylist

Auntie K came to visit for a few days to meet Tripp and help me out while David was out of town. Sadly, she couldn't stay forever!

Per usual, auntie K dressed Scarlett to be the coolest kid on the block. And special props to my aunt Maureen, who handed down the rad tshirt from her young girls to Scarlett.

Come back asap sister!! We miss you too much already!!

Art City Austin and Kid's Block: this weekend!

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We just returned from Art City Austin art festival downtown. It was super cool and I'd definitely recommend going. Tons of artists from around the country showcasing their art for sale on Cesar Chavez Street and 1st Street Bridge. Pretty views of Town Lake. Beautiful day for walking around with the kids in the stroller. 

PLUS - they have an interactive kid's block, where local organizations host a variety of art projects and activities for the chilluns to enjoy. Scarlett painted a rock!! And played with life size foam puzzle pieces, which was pretty neat. 

While I would have loved to buy a painting that was well out of my price range, I scored two reasonably priced but very unique and beautiful pieces of jewelry from Austin artist, Edson Enriquez, of Limbo Jewelry. If you can't make it to the art fest this weekend, you can find his awesome designs in his showroom at 305 East 5th Street or buy online. 

images from limbojewelry.com

Hope you can make it out and enjoy all the beauty and art there!

Have a great weekend!

Happy Easter!

(A few days late. Obvs. But let's be honest, I've never been on time for anything.)

We spent Easter in east Texas where David's grandparents live. Pete and Opal enjoyed seeing their great-grandchildren while I experienced my first home-made fried chicken, which was amazingly delicious!

Scarlett found exactly ONE egg in the community Easter egg hunt, and was quite confused by the whole experience. I, for one, was surprised (but thankful) she wasn't running around grabbing eggs out of other children's baskets. Maybe (most likely) next year.

I attempted to color eggs, but only got so far as hard-boiling them. Whoops! Maybe (most likely not) next year.

But let's focus on what the holiday is really all about...dressing your kids up in Easter outfits. Scarlett wore a j.crew crewcuts floral dress and Tripp wore his first big boy outfit, a babygap collared button down and khakis. Loved em both!

Happy Easter! Hope you enjoyed a beautiful and happy weekend with your families!

Tripp's first couple weeks

Wow! He's already been here for three weeks. It seems both like it's only been an instant and like he's been with us forever at the same time. He's a pretty perfect baby; likes to eat a lot and is sleeping almost 5 hours at night. And seriously, he doesn't cry! At two week check up, he weighed 9lbs 6oz and was looking great. We've had lots of visitors and help which has been greatly appreciated. I'm feeling very lucky that things have been going so smoothly.

Here are some pictures of Tripp's first few weeks. 

In my motherly opinion, he's just pure sweetness. 

Don't you agree?

Scarlett meets Tripp

When Scarlett met Tripp, it went surprisingly better than expected. Remember, I've been very nervous about her reaction and adjustment to the baby's arrival. For the first meeting, as the veteran L&D nurse/best friend maux suggested, I was not holding Tripp when Scarlett entered the room. Instead, she came and sat on my lap and snuggled with me for a few minutes. Then daddyD brought the baby to her. Somehow she knew that this baby was special. She immediately fell in love with him and hasn't stopped saying "baby" since. Here are a few pics of her excitedly holding Tripp for the first time. And of course, we have a sweet video of her kissing him too. (I guess all the "be gentle" practicing with her dolly is paying off! Fingers crossed it continues!)

All of us couldn't be happier about our new family of four!

Her little hands rubbing his head...I melt!

(um, and it's also very surreal to see a picture of myself with my TWO children!)

IT'S A BOY!

Our new little miracle has arrived! And it's a boy!

Welcome to the world Francis Scott! 

He is named after his paternal grandfather and great-grandfather. He is the third generation Francis Scott, so we are calling him Tripp for short. And, he was born on his maternal grandmother's birthday. 

Tripp arrived on March 19th, a week ahead of his scheduled c-section and two weeks ahead of his due date. His birth was an unplanned but successful VBAC (still in shock about that!). He weighed exactly 9 pounds and was 21 and 1/4 inches long at birth. 

We are so happy and feeling wonderfully blessed. We love you little man and are so grateful you are in our lives!

Hill Country Blue Bonnet Family Photo Shoot (gone awry)

We just returned from a lovely few days at David's parent's ranch in the hill country outside of Austin. The whole family was there: two grandparents, three siblings, two daughters-in-law, three grandchildren, and two dogs. It's a popular time of year to visit because of the blooming bluebonnets aplenty. What a perfect opportunity for a family portrait, one might think.

Think again.

Our Family Shots

 Grandkid Shots

 Sam's trying hard to smile through his tears

The girls are making no effort whatsoever

 Scarlett's just screaming

and Clara's starting with her famous pre-cry lip-curl

 slipping...

 sliding...

and...we're done here. 

good news is the bluebonnets themselves were beautiful

and hopefully we got at least one semi-decent whole family shot

Happy Spring from our family to yours! 

photo credits to NanaSue, Uncle Stephen, Aunt Christine, friend Walter or yours truly

things for when mom and baby come home from the hospital

Before her baby was due last august, my friend emailed me and asked, 

"what are some items to have at home when mom and baby return from the hospital?" 

This is what I wrote back to her based on what I used most the first week or two at home. Since I am gathering these things for myself again this week, I thought I'd share with other moms-to-be. 


Ha, I didn't even think of anything for baby!  All you need for baby are diapers and swaddle blankets. I guess I'd have some burp cloths too. The baby is fine; here is what you need for yourself!

1. extra sheets for your bed 

You will be leaking as your milk comes in, and probably having night sweats getting rid of all that excess water you are carrying around, and you'll still have some bleeding. Its all sorts of bodily fluids coming out all at once. Unfortunate, I know. Sorry to scare you, but, it's what happens. Last thing you want to do is clean your sheets everyday. Just get an extra set or two. Seriously. This is the number one thing I wished I'd had coming home from the hospital, and it was not mentioned in a single pregnancy book, blog, website, pamphlet, etc. 

2. lanolin/nipple cream for the boobs

If you plan on or are thinking about breastfeeding, this is necessary for those first few days, possibly weeks. Put on after every nursing session, even if you are not chapped yet. Be preventative about this to avoid pain later. (note added: for more about my breastfeeding experience and unsolicited advice on the topic, click here) 

3. pads and pantyliners 

Regardless if you deliver vaginally or have a csection, you'll have some bleeding for up to 4-6 weeks post delivery. You will probably only need large pads for 5-7 days, and then pantyliners after that. If you ask your post-partum nurse nicely, she might send you home with the large hospital pads and lovely gauze undies for first few days at home! Remember, no tampons for 6 weeks post delivery. 

4. spanx 

I had something like this. anything that holds your tummy in with a little compression feels great. Your abdominal muscles are stretched to oblivion and your uterus takes a bit of time to shrink back down, so it just feels nice to have something snuggling you in. Gives you a little support. (They do sell these thick-velcro-abdominal-wrap-things specifically for post partum support, but they look and feel like a bulky back brace. Also, they seem itchy and hot, and only conducive to wearing a moo-moo over.) I think spanx are great. You'll use it more because its basically like underwear and easy to wear any shirt with it. I affectionately called it "ma girrrdle." (note added: I just bought this nursing tank with tummy control by Glamourmom and think it'll be a good addition to my tummy tucking undergarment repertoire. Austin moms: bought at Special Addition, highly recommend this store for all nursing needs)

Moms: What would you add to the list? 

What did you use most the first weeks home that no one told you you'd need?

SXSW for Kids and Families

Looking for family friendly SXSW activities? Check out THIS pinterest board, curated by livemom.com. (a great website for year round family friendly activities, discounts, mom support, etc for Austin moms)

We'll be heading to this event on Sunday, presented by txmilk.com. (a hip website highlighting stellar moms and their achievements around Austin)

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Hope to see you there. Let us know if you're heading to other awesome events!

Feeling crafty: Austin sewing and knitting stores

The third trimester nesting feeling is definitely kicking in. Besides washing the bassinet sheets, newborn onesies and all my nursing gear for baby prep, i've also been feeling a little crafty lately. inspired by my mother in law who asked me to pick out some fabric for summer dresses she wanted to make for Scarlett, I checked out some local Austin stores and started some projects myself. 

Project 1: Scarlett Summer Dresses

Nana Sue found an old pattern that her mother used to make dresses for her, and then she used to make for her daughter. Now she wants to make some dresses for Scarlett. Yay! I couldn't be more thrilled and loved picking out fabric. the pattern is similar to this with bloomers, and it's reversible. 

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these are the fabrics i picked out from The Common Thread. left top and bottom for one reversible dress and right top and bottom for another. oh, i die of cuteness. and they are organic cotton, bonus! The Common Thread is a great store with delicious fabrics and very helpful and knowledgable staff. they also have sewing classes!

Project 2: baby blanket for baby2

Then I was off to the highly recommended and did not disappoint knitting store, Hill Country Weavers, to pick out yarn for a baby blanket for baby2. I'm using this seed stitch pattern free online from lion brand and picked out machine washable/dryable yarn made by berroco. here's my progress so far. 

Project 3: big sister and little sister/little brother shirts

i saw this on pinterest, but it was sold out on esty, so i figured i'd just make it myself! i found these remnant fabrics in my craft box and think they'll be just right. i'll make one for Scarlett, but will have to make a "lil sis" and a "lil bro" option for baby2. 

I better get working because baby could arrive any day now!

What projects are you working on these days?