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!

image via

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!