Getting festive with Picket Fence Boutique // $50 giveaway

We've been getting festive around here and I realized the Holidays are so much more special when it's a Baby's First Christmas! Am I right? Something about the newness of everything makes me want to strive a bit more, you know? Not that Clark will remember it, but those pictures will last a lifetime. I've been introduced to a new online boutique, Picket Fence and it has kicked up my cheer even more! This post is sponsored by Nakturnal. As always, all opinions are my own.

They carry popular kids lines like Kickee Pants and Tea Collection, housewares & gifts, and some women's apparel and accessories that are just gorgeous! I've rounded up my favorite Christmas items from Picket Fence below!

Was it any surprise what I got for Clark?! I'm all about that jumper life recently.

I mean, c'mon, people! How cute is he?!

To bring someone else some holiday cheer, there's a $50 gift card up for grabs! Enter the giveaway by uysing the Rafflecopter below. Giveaway runs from Monday, December 11th through Friday, December 22nd. Winner will be notified via email. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Another favorite way to spread cheer can be found here! Kinsey's Package from Santa is on it's way and I'm so excited to see her open it!

Only TWO MORE WEEKS til CHRISTMAS!!!

   

   

Growing up Clark // three month edit {+ giveaway!}

Bless you baby who still continues to sleep well and wake up happy.

I had a sad realization about how fast Clark is growing. The story- it was a blow-out-a-day kind of week so laundry was piled up and the only jammies available were size 6 months. “Oh, lets just try these out.” They freaking fit lengthwise. I wanted to bawl.

Height guesstimate 25 inches

Weight guesstimate 16 pounds

I got a solid laugh out of him while kissing on his sumptuous cheeks. It almost sounded like a cry but he was smiling, made it even more entertaining.

Tummy time has begun, halfheartedly. My thing is having hardwood floors makes it seem mean to put him face first onto them. And of course I can't find the mat we had with K & B (insert eyeroll emoji here) so a halved blanket has been the sub. He lasts a decent amount of time. I just don't want him to be behind on rolling but also just want to hold him all the time. #conundrum

See that little tongue? He's been playing with it and drooling. I'll let you guess which of those two things I find cute. Guess its time to begin playing the is he teething/not teething game.

Clark's been sneezing and it literally sounds like "AHHH-chooo", it's great. And very loud.

This kid loves bath time! He's discovered kicking the water and goes to town paddling away with the most serious expression on his face. Has me laughing and soaked.

Gear-

(For mama)

Spray N Wash- remember the blow out week above? This miracle in a spray bottle saved me, my sanity and Clark's darling clothes. I suck at getting stains out but with this I don't need to scrub.

Little Unicorn backpack- this back pack holds a b u n c h of gear! My mistake though is making it too heavy, haha.

nursing bra- I've been on the hunt for a new nursing bra. I don't have any qualms about the ones I have currently but you never know whats out there that's better unless you try, right? When I was given the chance to try a Coobie nursing bra, I figured it was a sign. I liked the soft structure of the bra (no underwire for me) and the ease of use of the snaps. I didn't like the sports bra design (not a fan of putting on/taking off by pulling it over my head) but it was comfortable on.  All in all, I was pleased! Give me a year and I'll be trying out their bralette which is too pretty!

Now it's your turn to enter to win a Coobie bra of your choice below using the Rafflecopter widget! I'm giving away TWO so there will be TWO winners! Because it's nice to give yourself a gift too :) Giveaway runs from Thursday, December 7th through Wednesday, December 12th. Winners will be notified via email. Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

But since I love you all here is a coupon code too! Save 30% on Coobie Seamless Bras at Shop Coobie Use code: USFG

(for baby)

cradle cap brush- you'd think I would have known about this miracle brush two babies ago. Its completely cleared Clark's bout of cradle cap, the trick is to catch it early so it doesn't build up and get unmanageable. 

Itzy Ritzy car seat cover- we're getting into germ season this helps ward off sick + nosy people.

Summer Infant car seat insert- since its been cold I added this to the car seat. Bonus the headrest actually supports Clark's head and I think also keeps him comfortable longer.

shawl collar jumper- just darling!

bear sweater- he would wear this all day every day if it was up to me.

   

   

The Sea Fairies // Collaboreads {a vintage read}

This month’s Collaboreads topic with Kristin and Rachel was a vintage read and I just so happened to be sitting on a copy of The Sea Fairies by L. Frank Baum that fit perfectly- this title was first published in 1911!

Amazon Synopsis: 

Best-known for his beloved "Oz" stories, L. Frank Baum also fabricated other realms of fantasy for his young readers. In The Sea Fairies, he takes youngsters to visit one of those fascinating places — a kingdom deep beneath the sea. Leading the way are Trot, a very independent and immensely curious little girl, and Cap'n Bill, an old sailor who likes to tell tall tales. 

One day the two adventurers come upon a sea cave where they discover a school of bewitching mermaids who guide them beneath the waves to a magnificent palace. While touring this mysterious watery realm, Trot and Cap'n Bill meet an aristocratic codfish and a bashful octopus, attend an elegant banquet, are taken prisoner by an awesome sea monster, make a dash for freedom, and have loads of other adventures. 

Sure to tickle the curiosity and delight the imagination, this enchanting fantasy, enhanced with 78 of John R. Neill's imaginative original drawings, will charm Baum fans of all ages.

Buy the book here.

Riveting:

Details about the world under the sea and the creatures (real and imaginative) was written beautifully and believable which makes for a good fantasy read.  

Elements:

Baum creates such enduring characters. Trot and Cap'n Bill are a sweet pair, and remind me of when I was growing up and spending time with my Papa; they have that young/old, yin/yang aspect. 

Associate:

I'm a bit embarrassed by this but the TV series Mako Mermaids (which is doubly shaming as I don't allow Kinsey to watch this show anymore and yet it still comes to mind, haha.) I could also see this being a Jim Henson production in the vein of The Labyrinth.

Design:

I've read the entire Oz series but didn't know Baum had written others (call me a lazy researcher) but when I saw this book at a local used book store (for half off!) I got very excited. Having a mermaid on the cover just sweetened the deal.

Stars:

3 out of 5. It was entertaining but fell short of the magic within the Oz series.

   

   

A life, celebrated

It's been a week since my Papa passed away. I think about him all the time. He is sorely missed. My Papa was the best. 

He was my father figure. He taught me how to ride a bike. He bought me my first pair of roller blades and would skate around the neighborhood with me. 

Every time he went shopping at Costco he would bring me back a gift, a book, a movie or a game. If I was lucky enough to go with him we would treat me to lunch from the cart- a polish dog with deli mustard and sauerkraut. 

He shared the things he loved with me. Classical music (I adore Vivaldi), doing puzzles (jigsaws and Wonder Word), reading. He delighted in watching the sun set. The ocean held a special place in his heart.

He made the best beef stew. It was made with love. Everything he did was with love.

He had the best sense of humor and was never afraid to be silly. 

He drove me to swim practice. And to my first job. I don’t remember what we talked about specifically, but I could tell him anything.

I miss hearing his voice. I miss seeing him smile.

Gary grew up in Essen, Germany and was the first born son to Emma and Horace. He had a younger brother, Otto. They were raised on a farm and helped in the fields. He was recruited into the German army and became a prisoner of war. After his release he traveled to Canada and then motorcycled into California. He met and married Joanne in Los Angeles in 1965. A daughter, Denise was born in 1966. He owned and operated a Bavarian Delicatessen, was a contractor to the city and could fix all the things. There is much I don’t know about my Papa but what I do know I will keep close. 

I feel like I have so much more to say about him and yet the words aren't flowing. 

   

   

Christmas gifts with TurnGram

I am the worst at printing out my pictures. Anyone else? I am sitting on a backlog of pictures from 2014- that's two kids worth of pictures that have ever seen the inside of a frame. If you were to visit my house, you'd think we only have Kinsey because she's the only one who is printed, hung and displayed. Talk about mom guilt.

source

And then I discovered TurnGram!

TurnGram is the perfect gift for everyone on your list...from your closest friend to that hard to buy for relative! For a few bucks a month, TurnGram will select photos from your Instagram feed based on instructions you provide and deliver them directly to the door of your friends and loved ones. HOW COOL IS THAT?! 

30 Days Free of the Most Unique Holiday Gift - Get your first month FREE when you sign up for TurnGram today! No coupon code required. 100% money back guarantee if you are dissatisfied with our service in any way. Don't miss out! Sign up today!

And now half my Christmas recipients are crossed off my list :)