Eight & Nine Month Baby Favorites

Now that I have a baby on the move, her favorite toys have changed a bit.  

She now loves things that can move or that she can pick up, throw or crawl all over.  

My house is always cluttered with toys and I wouldn't have it any other way.  

Learning Walker 

A friend let us borrow this and it's a huge hit.  She loves walking with it and playing with it as well.  

Alphabet Train 

AG loves riding on this, pushing it around and playing with all the blocks.  She can entertain herself for  a good thirty minutes with this toy.

Bear Roller Coaster 

This toy was a great price and AG loves it.  

Dance and Play Puppy

This toy annoys me but AG loves it.  Her favorite thing is pushing it over and hearing it say "oppsey". 

Alphabet Mat 

Not only is this fun for AG to play with, it's a great addition for the house. 

We put this down in the areas that she plays and she plays on them.  

They are easy to clean and AG loves popping the letters in and out.

Elefun Ball Popper 

We've had this toy for a while now.  She loves to push the button and let the air blow on her face.


What have some of your favorite baby toys been since your baby started crawling and walking?

For my past posts on our monthly favorites, go here.  

Who I Am...52 weeks of blogging

Good Morning and Welcome Monday.
This past week has been a blur.
We have a lot going on around here, some of which could be big changes.
With that and getting back in the groove after vacation, I've been blah lately.
I'm hoping this week will bring a little normalcy.
Starting out with blogging, a sleeping baby at 6:30 and a run will hopefully get us off on the right foot.

Today, I'm joining Becky for her new blog series, 52 weeks of blogging with a purpose.



I'm Leah.  I'm a wife of three years to D and mom to a ten month old baby girl, AG.
I was a former teacher, now a work at home mom.
I blog about the things I love and the daily happenings in our life.
Here, you can find tutorials, recipes, baby favorites, book reviews...
 and lots of pictures of my sweet family.

{A little more about me}

I'm the kind of girl who....

...makes a to do list every morning. It has to be on paper so I can have the satisfaction of crossing things off. 

...can't walk out of Target without spending way more than I wanted to.  

...talks to my mom three times a day. She is my best friend and the first one I go to for advice. 

...overanalyzes everything.  I worry too much and like to be in control.  That way if it's broken, I can fix it. 

...took a year to get pregnant and suffered two miscarriages before my miracle was born. 

...loves sending cards in the mail.  I love making others feel special. 

...goes overboard for celebrations, especially birthdays. 

...can find any excuse to throw a party at our house.  

...loves and looks forward to every holiday, although Christmas is my absolute favorite. 

...doesn't shop without a coupon of some sort when it comes to clothes. I tried with groceries and it was just too much work. 

...takes things personally.  I'm working on this everyday.  

...is constantly trying to be a better person.  A better wife, mom, sister, friend, daughter, etc.  I want to the best role model for my daughter. 

...never puts myself first.  As long as those around me are happy, I'm happy. I do need to take more time for myself everyone once in a while, but it's not a priority for me. 

...rarely cooks the same recipe twice.  I have a recipe and DIY blog so I am always trying new things.  

...can decorate a classroom but not a house.  I just don't have the eye for it.  

...I watch way too much reality TV. 

...I can find any excuse to treat myself to Starbucks. 

...I love the fall. It's my favorite time of year and something I'm always looking forward to. 

...I'm always trying to eat right but have a killer sweet tooth, and it often wins the battle of eat this or that. 

On Father's Day...

To my love on your first Father's Day....

When I was growing up I dreamed of getting married and having a family. 

You made both of those dreams come true. 

I knew you would be an amazing father. 

And you are just that. 

Amazing. 

I couldn't ask for more in a husband or in a father for our daughter.  

There isn't anything you won't do. 

Whether it's waking up every night to help me. 

Or coming home from a long day of work and jumping into dad mode. 

You don't miss a bath time and soak up the {rare} moments AG will snuggle.  

The relationship you two have melts my heart day in and out. 

I can't wait to see it`grow over the years.  

I know you will have an unbreakable bond and she will always be daddy's girl. 

I love you so much and thank God for you each and everyday.  

To my dad....

You are and will always be the first man I loved.  

You've taught me so much over the past 29 years. 

From how to love, how to play sports, how to get back up when you're down and so much more. 

I couldn't imagine a better role model in my life. 

And seeing you as a papa...another dream come true.  

AG is so so lucky to have you in her life and by her side.   

I love you oh so much.  I will always be daddy's little girl. 

10 Months Old!

Dear Sweet AG, 

You are now into the double digits, TEN months old! We are on the first birthday countdown and I'm not too sure how I feel about it.  I love watching you grow each and everyday.  But at the same time, I wish I could go back in time a bit to your itty bitty days and snuggle you more.  I have a feeling this is the way I'll feel about you from here on out, it's probably the way all parents feel.  

You continue to be such a happy go lucky baby. You always have a smile on your sweet face and can instantly light up the room.  You love being around people, especially other babies. We go to Gymboree twice a week, which you love.  You are obsessed with mirrors.  You make faces in them and love to blow bubbles.  You are such a fun baby to play with.  You have the best laugh, it's contagious.  You also love to be outside.  We sit out there a few times a day and you wave at the cars as they drive by.  

At home, we have what your dad calls, a baby prison set up.  In the living room we have a big area that is completely blocked off.  All your toys are in the middle and there is nothing you can get into (wallflowers, plugs, cords, etc). This is where we spend most of our days, you can sit and play for hours.  This makes life for mommy and daddy much easier and you don't seem to mind one bit! 

Your learning more and more each day.  You now say mama, dada, nana and Hi.  You love to wave and on a good day can sign "more".  You're standing and doing a great job pulling up and down on things.  You are walking with a walker but have no interest in taking any steps on your own.  You have four teeth and chew on everything.  Getting your top teeth was definitely harder than your bottom. You love to have books read to you and turn the pages as you go.  You've figure out how most of your toys work and spend hours taking things apart and putting them back together.  

Needless to say, you continue to amaze me each day.  There is no where I would rather be than home with you, experiencing all of the firsts.  You bring out my biggest smiles and melt my heart day in and out.  I love your sweet hugs, when you rest your head on my shoulder and your slobbery kisses.  I can't wait to see what changes month 10 will bring and look forward to many more firsts this summer.  Every time I lay you down in your crib I thank God for you, I know how blessed I am.  I will never ever take this job as mommy for granted.  

Mommy and Daddy love you to the moon and back sweet ten month old girl!

Love, 

Mommy 

FEED:

4 hours during the day.  All mommy's milk. 

Oatmeal & fruit in the morning, veggie, fruit and puffs for lunch and a carb, veggie and fruit for dinner.  

Sleep: 

This month was the best sleep month, hands down. 

You sleep through the night, going down at 8 and getting up between 7-8. 

You take two naps a day, they range from 1-2 hours. 

Weight: 

about 18 lbs 

Length: 

about 29 inches

Diaper Size:

Size 2 Huggies Snugglers

Clothes Size:

3-6 months &

6 months 

Hair Color:

Dark Brown

Eye color:

Hazel 

Funniest moment this month: Rolling Over for both mommy and daddy.  Your nana taught you this while we were on vacation.  You bury your head in the carpet, have the biggest smile on your face and roll from side to side. It's adorable.  

Milestone: Walking with a walker! 

HIGHLIGHTS

Week 37

-Celebrated Mother's Day

- Ate watermelon, strawberries and cantaloupe 

-Started standing for longer periods of time

-Started finger foods

-Getting better with sign language

Week 38

- Had your first playdate at the pool

-Walking with your walker

-Ate Honeydew Melon

-Ate rice and veggies

Week 39

-Had your first visit to the ER (for daddy)

-Love to play peek a boo

-Love watching out the window

-Started saying HI

-Celebrated Memorial Day

-Celebrated Aunt Keri's birthday 

Week 40

- Tried eggs for the first time

-Spend a few days with nana and papa 

-You copy everything you see 

-Climbing all over everything 

-Ate bread for the first time 

-Your top outer two teeth came in (fangs)

-Started picking your nose (sticking your fingers in your nose)

Keys Getaway 2013

Well our first vacation away since AG was born has come and gone.  This past Wednesday we headed down south about 5 hours to Islamorada, in the FL Keys.  It was a weekend we had been looking forward to, yet had been a little nervous about.  When we first planned the trip, we thought we would bring AG with us.  Then as the trip approached, we decided it would be nice to have some time together (with friends).  So my mom and dad came and stayed at our house and took care of the baby.  They both bet that we would come home on Saturday, a day early.  And even though I may have brought up leaving early to hubs once or twice, we didn't.  We survived our first weekend away and honestly, really enjoyed ourselves.  

This is the third year we've vacationed at the beach house. 

We went back in 2010 & 2011. 

The weekend was all that we had hoped it would be.  The weather ended up being gorgeous. Our mornings were slow.  Coffee, a game of Banana Grams and stories of the night before filled the room.  Our days were spent on the beach.  We played corn hole, lounged on our chairs in the shallow water and consumed more frozen drinks than I could count.  Evenings were spend with appetizers at the house and either hubs grilling or eating out. Late nights were spent playing games and laughing until we cried.  

It was the perfect weekend that will be talked about for years to come.  

This was our view for the long weekend.  

Absolutely gorgeous.  

Dinner the first night. 

Hubs and I.  

Paradise 

Corn Hole

High tide in the morning. 

Another gorgeous day. 

What?  

Your husband doesn't walk around flexing for pictures?

Our last night and sunset. 

The Wives

 The Husbands

Dinner our last night.  

This was our view as we left at the crack of dawn to get home to our baby girl.  

We missed her so much and are so grateful for my parents.  

June Goals & May Recap

{1} Create the invitation for AG's birthday.  I have a few ideas of what I want it to look like.  I also found some fabulous digital paper that I will be using for the invitation.  I know I need to get them done soon because I have to order them to be printed and get them out at the beginning of next month.  Ahhh.....this birthday is going to be here before I know it! 

{2} Take AG to the pool and swimming once a week.  We're starting swimming lessons soon but I need to be better about taking her to the pool.  It's at the front of our neighborhood and has the best kids area.  I'm hoping to host a lot of playdates there this summer with all my teacher friends! 

{3} Make five new dinners and get back to menu planning.  I've been doing a great job cooking at night.  We rarely eat out on the weekdays.  But, I've been making a lot of the same things.  Fish with broccoli, stir fry and turkey sausage and peppers.  I've also been really slacking with my Simply Made  with Love page and need to get some new recipes posted on there! 

{4} Make a summer bucket list. 

{5} Create a cute gift for D's first Father's Day.  I've pinned a few things and have a few ideas.  Hopefully they turn out as cute as planned! 

{6} Make AG an outfit for the 4th of July.  I've already made her a few shirts but I really want to make her a cute romper outfit.  It will be my first one, can't wait to see how it comes out.  

 Now, lets take a look back at my May goals:

{1} NO SHOPPING! Semi-Accomplished.  Hear me out on this one.  I bought three things this month.  One for AG and two for me.  I stayed out of Target until the 25th of the month, which is a HUGE accomplishment for me.  So overall, I did a good job on this one.  My bank account thanks me (as well as my husband).  

{2} Cut back on sweets. Accomplished.  I cut out a lot of evening desserts.  Replaced my afternoon coffee with flavored water and didn't do much baking this month.  

{3} Complete three DIY projects for AG's birthday party.  Accomplished.  I made cupcake toppers, food tents and shared the printables I created with you all.  

{4} Keep my flowers, herbs and fruit alive! Accomplished.  Can you believe it?  I am shocked.  I have been good about water and the afternoon FL showers have also helped tremendously.  I even have some tomatoes growing! 

{5} Plan mother's day gifts and send them out.  Accomplished.  I may have been making the gift for nana as she was in the living room for our Mother's Day lunch, but I still got it done! 

{6} Organize my closets.  Didn't happen.  Maybe next month.  

{7} Make a list of the 30 Random Acts of Kindness that I will complete by my 30th birthday and do 3 of them. Didn't happen.  I did pin a few ideas and am hoping to make a list while I'm on vacation this week.  

{8} Start waking up earlier. Accomplished.  I wake up between 6-6:30.  I pump, create my files for the orders for the day, eat and get one item/ order finished.  AG wakes up between 7-8 and if it's a running day, we will head out right after she eats.  If it's not, I will do a DVD.  

{9} Recreate 10 Pinspired outfits.  Didn't happen.  I think I recreated two outfits.  I think I'm going to keep this goal for June.  

What are your goals this month? 

Have you tried any new recipes that you have just loved? 

Mommy & Me News

Hi Friends.   

Happy Monday.  

Can you believe it's already June?  

Crazy. 

I hope you all had a good weekend.  

Ours was filled with work for me, homework for hubs, a little shopping and lots of playing. 

All in all, a great weekend.  

Emily and I have decided to make some changes to Mommy & Me Monday.
We've decided to change it from a weekly link up to a monthly link up.
We will post it on the last monday of the month.
We will focus on all of our favorite Mommy & Me Moments from the past month.
So, we hope to see you at the end of the month and will make sure to remind you beforehand! 

{MOMMY & ME}

This picture is of AG and I at our Memorial Day BBQ.  

Of course I didn't remember to take one until the very end of the party, just before AG went swimming in her baby pool.  I love her smile in this picture.  She can light up any room.  I am so very blessed to call her mine.  

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Bye Bye Baby Weight {9 Months Later}

Baby Weight. 

I honestly didn't it think it would be as hard as it has been to lose.  I've said in my previous baby weight posts (one month, two months, five months) that I thought breast feeding meant instant weight loss.  And while I have lost a lot of my weight and I am back in most all of my pre-baby clothes, it wasn't all due to breast feeding.  

Did breastfeeding help?  Yes.  No question about it.  

But my weight didn't fall off.  I had to work.  And I worked hard.

In the beginning I used breastfeeding as my crutch. I either ate more calories because I needed to for my supply or I would justify that extra cookie I ate with the "I'm burning more calories nursing, so I can eat this" notion.  This sabotaged my weight loss. I wasn't gaining weight, but I definitely wasn't losing it.

On the other hand, it was harder with breastfeeding.  In the past when I wanted to lose weight I would cut calories and workout a few times a day like a mad woman.  This just wasn't possible with a baby in tow and keeping my supply up.  I needed to find the right balance.  The balance between keeping my supply, not overeating, making healthy choices and getting my exercise in.

And almost 10 months later I have finally found that balance.  It only took me 8 months to figure out.  Over the past month and a half of making better choices, I've noticed a difference. Today, I am stronger than I was before I got pregnant.  I may not be back at my pre pregnancy weight but I am happy with where I am.  My clothes fit and some fit better than they did before. I'm happy with my progress and I am proud of myself.

Here are my stats and what worked for me.

Pre-pregnancy Weight: 120

Starting Weight (9/10/12): 140 
End of Pregnancy Weight: 160
Goal Weight: 116

Current Weight (9.5 months post partum): 125 

Total Weight Lost: 35 

Food: I try to cut carbs as much as possible.  In the morning I have egg whites and turkey sausage.  If I run in the morning, I'll have an energy bar an hour before I run and eat a little later.  For lunch I have a meat, hummus and veggies.  I'll have a handful of pretzels if I don't feel full. Dinner varies. Usually it's a fish or lean meat, sometimes I will have veggie pasta, others I'll have brown rice.  Lately, I've been cutting carbs completely from dinner and it's been much easier than I thought it would be.  Snacks are celery with PB, Lara Bars, popcorn, or smoothies.  Dessert and sweets are my downfall.  I've tried to limit my intake to one sweet a day, usually during the day so I'm not eating it at night.  Some days I'm good, others I'm not.  And on the weekends, I eat whatever I want.  Sometimes I really spurge and others I continue to make good choices.  Food is definitely my weakness and will always be a battle for me.  

One thing I will say is now that AG is eating solids, it's helping us to eat healthier. We're both eating more fruit and veggies than ever before because she is.  It's what I have in the house, it's cut and easy to grab, which is really convenient for us.  

Fitness: I workout 5 days a week.  I run every other day and do a Jillian Michael's DVD on the off running days.  I'm also participating in one of the monthly challenges, this one has me doing push ups, planks and sit ups everyday.  When I started running I used the couch to 5K program for running.  Right now, I run just over 3 miles three days a week.  I run with AG in the morning, right after I nurse her, before she eats breakfast.  I don't have a large window of time by the time she's up, dressed and ready to go.  But I make to sure to get it in.  It's the best way to start my day.  

Before AG, I belonged to a gym.  Once she came along I cancelled my membership.  The kids area is not clean enough and I've heard about too many kids getting sick there.  I also couldn't justify spending money on a monthly membership when I wasn't working.  I knew I could easily workout at home, with her.  And that is what I do.  I started out doing P90X.  I've done this program before and think it's filled with great workouts.  But, an hour long workout with a baby wasn't working for me.  I would either spend her naps working out or would balance entertaining her and doing a DVD.  So, I changed to Jillian Michaels.  I had already done the 30 day shred and love it.  I started with that one first.  It's half the time of the p90X DVD and I am just as sweaty (sometimes more) at the end of it.  After I finished the 30 day shred, I bought her Ripped in 30.  Which I also loved.  I do them in the morning and AG plays all over me.  She will sit on me while I do push ups and planks, fly on my knees for sit ups and has mastered her own downward dog on the yoga mat.  

                                      This is me 9.5 months ago. 

This is after delivery.  Probably a few days after her birth. 

This is me today.
  This morning actually, before my run. 
























I will continue to work hard and push myself.  
My goal by AG's first birthday is to be back at my original weight. 

If God blesses us with another child and pregnancy, I will definitely do things different next time (when it comes to food and fitness). 

How did you get the baby weight off? 

If you breastfed, did you find that it fell off?  

Or did you have to really work for it?  

First Birthday Party Planning {Printables}

Miss Avery Grace's birthday party is less than three months away. 

How is this possible? 

I feel like it was just yesterday I was walking through the door with a three day old baby. 

 I just cannot believe that my precious baby girl is going to be one.  

I've been thinking about her birthday since the day she was born.  I didn't want to rush time but I knew I wanted to go big for her first birthday.  

The theme of her party is CUTE AS A BUTTON.  I shared my inspiration board here. 

I've been in party planning mode for months.  

I love throwing and planning parties. 

I like gathering ideas, finding inspiration and then recreating. 

I need months to plan because of trying to make everything myself.  

Even though it takes a lot more time, it saves tons of money.   

And I am all about saving money. 

To make the planning process a little easier and more organized, I created some party planning printables. 

 They've come in pretty handy keeping me on track with everything party. 
I've been checking things off my list and have lots of projects in the works.  
I am so excited about this party and celebrating my soon to be one year old with family and friends.  

There is a link below each image for you to download and use the printables as well.  

Party Information 

Party Planning To Do List 

Guest List 

Party Food 

Party Decorations 

Party Projects 

What did you do for your child's first birthday? 

Did you go totally overboard like me?  

What are some of your tips and tricks for keeping things organized while party planning?