Lively Happenings: June 2015

I wracked my brain over and over about what to do for my husband this year for Father's Day. And then I thought, okay now I have WAY too many options, so I'd like to share :)

Here's 4 options for you - and you have time for ALL of these before Father's Day, Sunday June 21st!

DIY Projects you can do LAST MINUTE!

Yes, completely last minute projects for all of us that are busy just trying to get through the day and then suddenly realize…oops I need a gift! Here’s a few to inspire you!

From a photo mug to personalized hand and foot prints.

*Remember, when you are doing hand or feet prints, tickle the back sides of the baby’s hand or foot to get them to open them up for you!

Check out these DIY Gifts here
Some favorites from sellers on Etsy

I believe all of these shops are stocked and ready for YOU to get a gift for your dad or husband in time for Father’s Day!

One of my favorites from these sellers is“This is what an awesome DAD looks like tee”. Even more fun… the Train Play Mat T-Shirt. Want something a little different? What about a wooden watch or some delicious popcorn seasonings? Or get him a beard grooming kit (I’m a sucker for my husband when he has a nice soft beard…I know you may want your man freshly shaved – no judgment!)

Enjoy my list here!
Or get them something customized from me!
I hand stamp guitar picks (which can be used or turned into a keychain), money clips, fishing lures, and collar stays.

I’m just asking all orders be in by Wednesday, June 10^th so I have time to make your man something uniquely special from your heart! Check out the options by clicking HERE

4. Lastly, for a SUPER cool gift that comes Man Crates. They come packed up with no extra fluff. It is an awesome box with great products and a crowbar to open it...how cool is that!?

I hope you enjoyed this collaboration! I can’t wait to see what you do for your dad or husband this Father’s Day! Tag me @LivelyHappenings to let me know! I may have to snatch up your ideas as well!

Braelyn Updates
How Old: 9 Months

Medical Updates: She weighs about 17.4 lbs and I don't have her height because I keep forgetting to take it...doy! (was 16.8 at 8 months & 28 inches at 8 months)

Sleep: Well this one has changed month by month. When she was 7 months, in April, she was sleeping like a champ until we 'moved' to the apartment in Louisville. She was then sleeping in a pack n play and had to re-adjust. At 8 months, during the month of May, she was finally taking naps, except for a few days when she cut teeth. She would take 45 min - 2 hour naps two times a day. We've been on a semi-schedule where she wakes up and a little less than 2 hours later, is ready for a nap. After that nap, it's about 3 hours later and she's ready for another nap. Then between 5:30 - 6 we start going through 'night night' routine with a meal, bath, milk & cuddles. She typically goes down around 7 and was staying asleep until just after midnight for some milk & cuddles and then getting up around 6/6:30. VERY recently, she's pushed back to getting up around 2am and then closer to 7am. Back in the early 7 month range though, she was sleeping THROUGH the night - like completely 6:30 PM - 7 am...it was awesome. *sigh*

Clothing/Diapers: She's wearing her 9 month + clothes with an exception of a few 3-6 month pieces that are tops only We are still using cloth diapers. Instead of pinning them, around 8.5 months I was able to start tri-folding them. We haven't moved into the next size up yet in the prefolds. I am going to try to extend the life of these original ones for as long as I can I think.

Milestones: Around month 7 she began to roll from her back to her stomach. Then around 7.5 months, she was scooting. Now at 9 months she's certainly crawling and even very recently began pulling herself up from sitting to standing. She eats lots of different foods...I swear she eats better than I do. She eats oatmeal, quinoa, avocado (doesn't love it but tolerates it), sweet potato, golden potatoes, butternut squash, broccoli, peas, green beans, zucchini, carrots, blueberries, apricots, banana, pears, peaches, and just the other day I introduced plain organic yogurt. I am making all of her foods. I'm currently pureeing them, but she's gotten that pincer grasp going well and will grab foods if they drop on her tray. She also has FOUR teeth, 1 on top and 3 on bottom. I just saw the 3rd on bottom for the first time today, I had NO idea it was coming in! I think I see another on bottom coming gin and possibly the other top one coming in!

Mommy Updates

Postpartum: 9 Months

Weight: Right around pre-pregnancy weight.

Waist/belly My diastasis recti is under control for what I need to feel comfortable working out. I've learned how to engage my core. I don't feel separation if I am engaging my core and still have about the same amount of separation I had at 6 month, 1 finger. My coach told me that could possibly just be my norm, but I never tested it before pregnancy to know for certain.

Best moments as a new mom: Her saying 'Dada' around 8.5 moths is pretty cool. I'm not sure how much she associates it with Neal at this time. She's super talkative and will now interact more with myself and others, clapping and waving and just talking away!

Hardest moments as a new mom: Moving with a baby is tough. So just being patient and realizing I will not be able to get all that I want done because I'm on her schedule is sometimes hard for me as I'm a go getter - I want it done now. So learning to slow down and take everything in smaller steps is my challenge.

And here's some pictures from months 7 & 8!