Invitations: Owl Baby Shower and Sprinkle Shower

I recently received my first request for an invitation project from a totally unexpected person (friend of Brian's from high school).

I was completely shocked and honored when she reached out to me via facebook. I had a ton of fun designing, printing and fulfilling two invites for showers she was hosting.

Her first shower called for an Owl theme, where she requested natural colors and a vintage feel.

I think the owl sketch graphic made this invite, but I equally love the dot background. I also love tea-length invites. Of course, we continued the theme to the envelopes and spiced up the address labels.

 Ivory #10 envelopes with a side enclosure.

The second invitation was for a "Sprinkle Shower." I didn't know what this was before she told me, but I guess they are fairly popular. She gave me free reign of the design, so I kept it simple, yet fun and cheery. I love that the dots mimic a "sprinkle."

5x7 Invitations placed in teal envelopes from Hobby Lobby

Lately

It's official, I've turned into a once-a-weekish blog poster.

No longer are the days of having hours upon hours to blog, read other blogs, watch reality TV, or run a simple errand without rushing. Most days I feel like I am running around like a crazy person.

Life of a mom. Of only one kid. I'm pretty terrified of what it will be like when we have more kids someday. Yikes.

I thought I would be able to crank out some blog posts in the midst of these record-breaking snow storms (12 inches last Thursday, 8 more today and counting) and being stuck at home, but a rambunctious toddler made other plans for my day.

Luckily, I really enjoy his company.

We're stuck inside again today, and are still rockin' our pj's. Not Christmas ones like last week, but pj's nonetheless.

Lately, we've been dealing with some toddler troubles. Teething, those damn molars, pink eye, daycare kids share everything, more biting incidents, it seriously keeps me up at night, and tantrums, watch out - my kid will scream...over nothing.

But today, I'm not talking about my kid issues. I'm relishing over our recent trip to the zoo.

We took advantage of the beautiful warmer weather a few weekends ago and the family pass Gammy gifted to us for Christmas. The best part? Gammy, Don and Big Nana came to KC to join us for the day!

I've been to the zoo once before, but only for a couple hours. C was only 8 months old, and it was a hot summer day when your make-up literally melts off your face.

This time was different. We covered more ground. The Kansas City zoo is pretty spread out, right?

The zoo now has two polar bears, not just one. They were pretty entertaining.

Last time we went to the zoo, we visited Australia. This time, we headed for Africa.

At times, we were unsure how much Carson could see or if he really enjoyed it, but he was pretty chill the entire day. 

I'll take a content toddler in a stroller any day and call it a win!

He was very uneasy about his first carousel ride, but warmed up to it once it started moving. He gave his fan club lots of smiles who were waving and smiling from the sidelines.

Funny story that happened towards the tail end of our zoo visit. We stopped at the polar bear exhibit one last time before exiting the park. As Brian was holding up Carson to see the bears through the glass, he felt something wet seep through the sleeve of his shirt. Sure enough, big boy's diaper had leaked.

So I took him to the bathroom to get changed and made the executive decision to not put his extremely wet jeans back on. I mean, who wants to sit in their own pee? Now, wouldn't you think a responsible mother would have an extra pair of pants in the diaper bag?

I didn't. Mom of the year I tell ya.

So I did the next best thing I could think of and wrapped a thin receiving blanket around his legs in the stroller. Well, Big Boy just thought it was absolutely hysterical to keep kicking the blanket off and exposing his skivvies to everyone.

He would kick it off. And laugh. I would put it back on. Now repeat that process about 27 times as I'm trying to find my family and leave the zoo.

It was pretty funny. But I received some stares. Why yes, I like to bring my kid in public with no pants on.

Pants or not, the Zoo was a success! We're looking forward to going back in the spring and visiting the penguin exhibit coming fall 2013.

I seriously love Kansas City. There is always something new and exciting happening.

My little, Old Man

There's something so old man-ish about a baby wearing a onesie with jeans.

(in a cute way of course)

 In this case, a little, old man wildcat.

Or maybe it's the beer potbelly.

Or the loafers.

 

"C'mon mom, Vans are so not old man-ish!"

I remember he wouldn't give me a real smile on this random day.

  Instead, I got a screaming, little, Old Man. 

Oh, to know what they are thinking at this age.

Happy Heart Day

I once told you I hated Valentine's Day. I still do. Sort of.

Except for last year, when a special 3-month old and I (plus a fur baby) scored some of my all-time favorite pics while making a V-day card for Daddy.

Oh, and a few years ago when I actually had time to make dinner for my husband and find ways to shape our food into hearts (wow, I'm such a weirdo).

This year, Brian and I stayed true to our annual Valentine's Day boycott. We grilled burgers (so fancy!), had a glass of wine and cuddled up on the couch to watch Flight.

I'll admit, my attitude about this holiday has slightly altered. Thanks to a two-and-a-half foot tall little person.

Pics from the Valentine Party at his school

Who knew having a kid would do this to me?

I had so much fun making Carson's Valentine treats for his class this year. In typical style, I just wasn't ok with doing something ordinary.

My goals were a toddler friendly treat, and a cute tag with a saying that played off the treat.

So, I went with an easy throw-it-together-yourself trail mix in small snack-sized Ziploc bags.

The mix included pretzels, Craisins, chocolate teddy grahams, cheerios, M&Ms, and marshmallows. (Note: If I did it again, I wouldn't include the marshmallows because the other ingredients sucked all the moisture out of them, making them slightly hard. I'd probably look for yogurt covered raisins.)

I then printed tags with the saying, "I would be so mixed up with you!" and folded them in half. Lastly, I attached the tag to the bags (with the fold at the top and over the clasp part of the bag) with a stapler. The entire project only took me about 45 minutes.

Aren't they so cute!?
 

Carson loved them. He told me.

He also loved opening all his Valentines from all his classmates.

Happy Heart Day! AND Happy Weekend!

"Mom, I got Valentines from every girl in my class! I'm pretty sure Layla, Alex and Leah have a huge crush on me!"

I hope Carson can dance like that...

Is anyone else doing a happy dance like me? It's been a tough week, and I'm exhausted.

It's Friday folks!

For real, maybe it's just too much coffee, but I'm rather giddy today.

I have to work this weekend, wah wah wah, but I'm excited to spend some quality time with my little booger. And teach him how to dance.

I caught this video on Facebook posted by Amber, a sorority sister of mine, and just loved every minute of it. I'm not usually one to click on videos, but I've needed the extra boost lately, and have come across some pretty good ones that just make me smile.

This 6 year-old is amazing. Too, too cute. And gosh, I just love Ellen.

Seriously, can Carson pleeeeeaaaaase be blessed with wicked dance moves someday? I would love it.

Happy Friday everyone! Have a glass of wine. Or Two. I know that's on my agenda for the evening.

TOP | i eat all the snacks I buy for my kid | cheeseball | takin the wheels for a spin

MIDDLE | im not listening ma | his concentrated face | kerry walsh jennings at win for kc

BOTTOM | im sexy and i know it | just stop, you are too grown up | nuthin here just sittin in a drawer

Carson's 2nd {and 1st} Haircut Experience

Carson got his 2nd haircut last week. Which reminded me that I never posted pics from his 1st haircut. What kind of mother am I?

 All photos are from C's first haircut.

Anyways, he was working with the pretty sweet shaggy-fro-mullet look.

Not the best look for a one-year-old. He's got ladies to please my friends.

His hair has definitely reached that stage where he needs it cut at least every 8 weeks. Geez, guys are so high maintenance. :)

Brian didn't get to join me this time around, so it was just me and C headed to the barber shop. And by barber shop, I mean my salon. Barber shop just sounds way cooler. Carson will agree someday.

I wasn't worried at all considering he did relatively well for his 1st haircut. He cried at first, and was unsure of the gadgets, but soon warmed up to it.

Well...his 2nd haircut was not like that. It was definitely the opposite.

I'm talking an all-out wail the entire time we were in the chair. Fifteen, what seemed like forever, minutes.

Carson was sitting on my lap and I tried everything in my power to get this boy to be happy.

Paci? Nope. Keys? Nope. Comb? Nope. iPhone? Nope. Everything I tried just made it worse. And the crying got louder and louder. He did not want Amber, our stylist, to even touch him.

Luckily, he wasn't moving much. Just bawling. He would turn his head away from her, but she could still get in there to take care of that fro.

I received all the stares you can imagine. It was horrific.

All these women there to catch up on their gossip, read about celebrities, and just sit in peace. But nope, Carson had a different plan for these ladies that day.

I was embarrassed. They just stared with that look of "Aren't you going to shut him up?"

I'm sure I was over-analyzing their stares, but it was quite the experience.

I hope the 3rd haircut is better or I'm seeking a kid-focused salon.

Seriously, women need their gossip sessions.

Humpty Hump

Last week, I was feeling recharged.

Six days on a kidless vacation will do that to you.

I was feeling light and airy.

In an stress-free kind of way, not a I'm-feeling-skinny-kind-of-way.

Because I'm pretty sure I gained 10 pounds after vacation and this past weekend.

We had a weekend full of junk food and get togethers. And the Superbowl. And lots of fried food.

But I love fried food. And life is just too dang short to say no to jalapeno poppers.

Last week was awesome. We reunited with our boy after a long, but much needed vacay.

Every moment was cherished. Other than him pooping in the bathtub our first night home.

We missed him. And took every chance to soak up his contagious cheesy smile.

He took a few days to adjust to our once-formed routine.

He hadn't heard the word no in awhile.

And cried when I dropped him off at daycare.

He was touchy for a few days. And pretty needy.

We were just getting back to normal, unaware of this week's hump.

Big Boy had to be picked up from daycare because of a fever.

He was resting on his cot while all the other kids played around him.

He was miserable. He didn't want to eat. He just wanted to snuggle.

Last night he kept us up for three and a half hours.

Fever. Runny nose. Couldn't sleep.

We broke all the rules and pulled him into bed with us.

He was a wiggle monster.

After a trip to the doc, we determined the culprit.

Big Boy's first ear infection.

I'm not feeling recharged this week. It's a distant memory.

Happy Hump Day. Sending wellness vibes to everyone that is sick this week.

Here's a video that brought a smile to my face today. Kids are just too darn cute!