newborn essentials part two

Babies = stuff. Sometimes really, really cute stuff. Sometimes stuff that just makes it easier to get through the day. Here's part two of what the lady baby is using. (Part one is here.)

1. Nappy bag. Until I was around 36 weeks pregnant I was planning to skip the whole nappy bag thing and just use an oversized handbag. Then I saw a mama at our local mall with a black Skip Hop Duo hanging neatly from her stroller handles and I knew I'd found my bag. It has nifty compartments to hold wipes, nappies, changes of clothes, wallet, phone, keys etc and comes with a portable change mat. Made from super hardy canvas, it has an appealing unisex utilitarian look. But the best thing about it is the removable messenger strap. I can take off the strap and clip the bag straight onto the stroller handles -- no slipping off! With the advice of the teen I chose the red one to match the red Bugaboo Frog pram we nabbed on eBay.

Skip Hop Duo Nappy Deluxe Nappy Bag in red, on sale for approx $55.95 AUD plus postage from Moo Said the Cow.

2. Swaddle. I am hopeless at swaddling babies. The preschooler was wrapped (very ineptly) in a swaddle that fastened with Velcro. The teen wasn't swaddled at all. This little miss is lucky because now Love To Swaddle Up are around and I can just zip her into one every sleep time with no fuss. Because she was a summertime baby we've used the Love to Swaddle Up Lite which has been perfect even on sweltering nights as the fabric is lovely and thin.

Love To Swaddle Up, from approx $39.95 AUD plus delivery from Love To Dream.

3. A place to sleep. Which in this lady's case is an Amby Baby hammock. We chose this hammock for the preschooler and the lady has inherited it. She loves it. It's supposed to be particularly good for colicky babies (which she isn't) but it's very cosy and light and the swinging motion is meant to replicate the swaying sensation similar to a pregnant mama's walk. It doesn't take up too much room which is a bonus with two kids sharing a teeny space. Wee ones can sleep in it for around 9 months.

Amby Baby Hammock, from approx $298 AUD plus delivery from Amby Baby Hammocks.

4. Stroller. We bought a Bugaboo for miss baby but I had to mention the Maclaren because it has served us so well with the preschooler. He was able to ride in it from day dot, it's incredibly sturdy, yet light and easy to fold up. I love the Bugaboo's cosy pram capabilities but it does drive me batty any time I want to adjust the seat or heaven forbid -- put it in the car. No such nightmare with the Maclaren. The Ryder model pictured (that we used for the preschooler) isn't available anymore but the Techno is also fabulous.

Maclaren Techno Stroller, on sale from approx $450.46 AUD plus shipping from Babyland SA.

5. Bumbo. She's not quite big enough for it yet but if she's anything like her super-curious big brother she'll love sitting up amongst the action rather than having to lay back on her baby blanket.

Bumbo, from approx $54 AUD plus delivery from Go Toddler.

meet the mama : elle from cherry and me

My life BC (before Cherry), was quite social, spontaneous and creative. I worked in an art gallery and ran my own graphic design business, Elleski Design. I loved heading out to art openings, trying out new trendy bars and catching up with friends in the evenings.

Now our day usually starts in our garden with breakfast, while Cherry feeds our pet chickens and I catch up on my favourite blogs on the iPad. Then we’ll load up the pram and stroll down to one of our local cafés to meet up with friends.

I'm surprised how quickly babies grow and develop. It’s amazing looking back at photos from only a few weeks ago and seeing how much Cherry has changed. Before I had Cherry I didn't know too much about what to expect and I’m glad I didn’t read any books. Ignorance is bliss! My husband and I learned on the job.

If had to give advice to other new mamas I would say, don’t be too strict with routines. Looking back I spent too much time worrying that Cherry wasn’t sleeping when she was meant to, rather than when she wanted too. Just look for the signs and your baby will tell you what they need.

The hardest thing for us is getting up on a Sunday morning after a big night out. Sleeping in is the only thing I miss. I love my new life.

I've set up my blog, Cherry and Me, to keep the creative juices flowing. I’m very lucky I can spend time with Cherry at home and plan on making the most of our time together. The best parenting advice I've been given is, 'Love the other parent'. Enough said!

baby : 10 weeks

This here is one determined little lady. I'll place her on her belly and pop a toy just out of her reach. She arches her back, pedals her fat little legs, and cranes her wobbly head in the toy's direction.

It's fascinating watching her get more coordinated. I've also found myself making up funny rhyming songs for her which she loves. She gurgles along with me, smiling and cooing at my silliness. Oh, this little lady just fills my heart with joy. Which is lucky because she's still quite keen on waking up all through the night.

I'm surprised by how much she enjoys tummy time. The preschooler always seemed quite offended when I popped him on his baby belly.

{vintage blanket gifted by suzanne from mid century cycled. orange knit teddy by happy horse gifted by one of her godmothers. adele the handmade doll by warm sugar. toy cupcake belonging to the preschooler. liam the woodland fox and peony the woodland bear by sleepy king.}

room for two : lived-in floral

Created for Bella and Lily, (a preschooler and a toddler) this room reveals a neat bed configuration that can work well in a square space. With two beds lining opposing walls and an over-sized shared bedside table, the most is made of floor space for play.

Open shelving provides storage and a Paumes-esque, lived-in feel; indeed, Mum, Manda, took inspiration not only from Apartment Therapy (previously Ohdeedoh) and Flickr but also from Paumes in creating this sweet space for her girls.

More details on Bella and Lily's space on Apartment Therapy.

gorgeous mama : katie from grow.cook.sew

If you've been following my friend Katie's blog then you'll have already heard her news: after losing her baby daughter last year, Katie is pregnant as she has been hoping to be for so long.

Congratulations friend. In the baby space place we're all wishing you the best for a wonderfully healthy pregnancy and baby. We have everything crossed for you!

baby : 9 weeks

Bonded. Bonded is how I'm feeling with miss sneezy baby here.

Every time I pick her up and smile at her she smiles back with her huge sweet grin. It lightens my heart. It's like a baby drug. So I smile at her more and more. And she smiles back. Sometimes she lets out a tiny squawking chuckle. It's the best.

When I put her down she looks for me and watches where I go. Where I try to go is to the right of her because she favours facing the left so much she has a big ole flat spot on her little noggin.

Sometimes we have little conversations. They go something like:

mama: Helloooo sweetheart!
baby: Argurgh ooo
mama: Oh, really? And what else?
(baby pauses to consider)
baby: Argur gurgh ooo. Ooo!

And so on and so forth.

Anyway. Thank you so much for your comments and tips on miss baby's sleeplessness. We've had some good days and bad, but definitely more of the good. So you know what I've decided? I've decided I'm not going to talk about her sleeping anymore. For a while anyway. But I may post a list of the best sleep tips I've been given. Because some of them have really helped me, and it's nice to share, right?

{amber teething necklace gifted. bumblee singlet from bonza bratz. wee fisherman pants handed down by the preschooler, made by and gifted by chloe o'reilly. you can find more chloe o'reilly creations at shorties in newtown.}

lil' inspiration : cloudy little day

1. Big Rain Cloud Mobile on branch, approx $47 AUD from The Butter Flying. 2. Blue Ricestorm Soft Wrist Pillow, approx $19 AUD from Noodoll Shop. 3. Raincloud pillow in natural cotton canvas, approx $27 AUD from Pony and Poppy. 4. Simple Clouds wall stickers in white or blue, approx $ 60 AUD from 41 Orchard.

baby : 2 months

dear baby,
now that you're two months old there's something I want to chat with you about.

it's about being a girl.

I want you to know that even though I keep a collection of vogue magazines in the house and even though I love dressing you in florals, and even though I call you a lady, I want you to know that if one day you feel that being a lady or wearing florals, or shaving your armpits isn't for you, then that's okay with me. (I'm not sure if shaving one's armpits is for anyone when you really think about it, it's just one of those weird things... you'll see.)

I want you to know that being a girl is awesome. I want you to know that sometimes people have labels for things because life can be confusing and labels are a quick way to make things seem simpler but it doesn't make them true. I want you to know that sometimes people have ideas about some things being just for boys or just for girls. I want you to know they're wrong. anything is for you.

as your dad would say, the world is your lobster. I want you to know that your dad will say funny things like that but he's awesome. we got lucky with him.

little belle, I want you to know that you can go forth and be whoever you'd like.

and for as long as you need me, and probably a bit longer, I'll be here to help you and to cheer you on.

you're only two months old, so who you will grow to be is still a wonderful mystery, but I do know you will be wonderful. you are wonderful. with you and your brothers in my life I feel like the luckiest mama in the world.

I hope you will feel like the luckiest girl.

{1 month}

room for kids : poppies and linen

Nicole from Little Liberty created this striking space for a wee preschooler.


vibe
Little Red Riding Hood inspired: red, white, forest linen and naturals.

who lives here?
A feisty 3 year-old girl named Alexandra.

décor
Red and white is such a fantastic combination for a little girl's room. It really makes a nice change from all the different shades of pinks that girls usually want. It's bold, strong and fresh and also gives the room a little bit of old world charm. I especially love the combination of reds against a linen fabric - very complimentary! The bed linen and the paper flowers that I stuck above the bed make a real statement.

furniture
This was actually a very small room to work with so I didn't clutter it up with lots of furniture. I basically worked with the existing bed and put a small vanity and stool set in so Alexandra still has a little bit of floorspace to play with friends.

best buy
The custom paper flowers filled the entire wall above her bed and created a beautiful focal point in the room for $100AUD.

nicole's fave
I love the vanity set and matching stool which I covered with linen fabric and then finished off with red ball trim. Super sweet!

top tip
I think the colours in this room really reflect Alexandra's personality. She's quite feisty and strong so I don't think a soft pink room really would have suited her at all. So when thinking about colours and themes keep your child's personality in mind.

By Nicole from Little Liberty.

baby : 8 weeks

Just when I think I know all about babies I realise that I don't. This little lady must have read the posts where I described her as contented and mentioned her lovely long sleeping and decided she didn't want to be labelled.

That gorgeous baby that slept for 6-11 hours? Gone. Replaced by this still gorgeous baby who sleeps for 3+ hours. (I'm emphasising the + with hope.)

What have I learnt from this? As the man said, we just have to go with it.

It being the unpredictability of baby ways and all the outside activities that come with family life and three kiddos.

The teen has his pre-season basketball trials (the child is obsessed, I tell you) which means we travel hither and yon to all the games. Family life. It is exhausting but it's also so beautiful. Someone asked if I have help? Definitely not! And I really felt it this week.

The lady herself: this week she's been trying out her little mewing conversations on me and gave her first chuckle-like-coo to the preschooler when he was making big smiley faces at her. So sweet! We've brought out the animal cards, procured a play gym and as soon as I can stay awake for long enough I'm going to wash the preschooler's old baby toys for her.

Have you had a baby that has been a big sleeper then suddenly turned around? How did you get through the sleep-deprived days of early babyhood? I'd love to hear!

{dress gifted to her by her aunt. animal cards by wee gallery gifted to her by her uncle's mum and creator of this lovely space.}

my favourite and my best : koukku teethers

Are these the cutest teethers you ever did see?

Made in Finland from untreated natural maple with crocheted cotton, Koukku teethers come in rings, necklaces for mamas or kids and teething carrots.

I spotted one on Instagram being played with by this sweet baby and promptly sought one out for our wee lady. I also treated myself to the rainbow necklace for mamas so I can accessorise a bit without worrying that the lady is going to break it or choke on it. Win, win.

AND for February Koukku are offering free worldwide shipping. Hoorah!

Koukku teethers are available on Etsy from approx $9.60 AUD.

baby : 7 weeks

7 weeks! It's been a week of firsts for miss baby here. First immunisations (ouch), first Valentine's Day and train ride to the city (lunch date with the dad man), first dinner out (sushi!), first time meeting a wee chap whom I'm sure will be her lovely little friend (his mama and I have known each other since high school and were pregnant at the same time :) and first car accident (boo). Apart from her sleeping pattern being a bit thrown out by the dinner and the needle, this little lady has been smiling, staring and mewing along sweetly. Her little coos sound like tiny kitten mews.

It took four days to get her sleeping pattern back to normal. I've been asked to expand on her settling routine so I'm planning a post where I'll do just that :)

For now I can say that she is one contented little lady. We are super, super lucky and feel so grateful. Every day.

{pink cotton jumpsuit from cotton on kids, similar one here. handmade quilt by tina magee sews. toy cupcake belonging to the preschooler.}

p.s The car accident wasn't bad but it was scary. I cried.

fun stuff : get your fort on

Really need to do this with the preschooler.

happy love day

Whoever has your heart, I hope they're good to you today, and every day.

Love day last year.

image: lovely, love my family print from tuesday morning on etsy.

baby : 6 weeks

My baby can talk! Not really. But she has started making tiny squawking and cooing noises. And the big one -- she has started to smile. Be still my already mooshy mama heart.

She makes you work for it though. On any given hour I can be caught grinning madly at her saying 'hello' over and over again like a demented parrot. And if she's been fed and is rested and in the right mood she'll reward you with a round face of crescent moons or a lopsided smirk. I love her.

But can I tell you something? Sometimes I feel like I'm missing her infancy. Sometimes I feel like I miss her even when she's right there. Crazy, right?

When Monday morning rolls around I get so excited because the boys head off to work and school and it's just the two of us. Sorry boys. I love you too! But I spend so much of my energy thinking about and caring for them...to be left just the two of us? It's such a relief.

This week she'll get her first immunisations. Even though I hate seeing those ginormous needles go into those teeny fat thighs I'll be glad not to have the thought of whooping cough at the back of my mind. I'll also be glad to stop acting like a loony germaphobe towards anyone that so much as sniffles in her direction.

And we're working towards getting a semblance of a routine in place. Right now she sleeps for 1-2 blocks at night and catnaps during the day. I'm trying to pat her to sleep in her hammock instead of having her fall asleep in my arms so we can lay the foundations for her to self settle. Boring but necessary.

Oh, and that little dog? It usually lives by her change mat. She loves staring at the pattern on its behind. I call it Daisy Dog because of the awesome vintage flowered fabric on its reverse side. The preschooler calls it Mrs Dawg.

Preschooler tangent: he's also started calling things 'awrd' which makes us laugh, e.g: 'that's an awrd dawg, mama.'

{cotton jumpsuit in oatmeal from cotton on kids. woollen booties made by a little old lady in Milan and gifted to her by her grandad and step grandma. plushie dog by junecraft.}