Weird mom things

There are a couple of mommy things that I thought were absolutely ridiculous before I actually became a mom. I thought that "mommy and me" type workouts/yoga was straight up silly, but when I realized that babies need constant supervision, and hate to be alone, it all made sense why these workouts exist. And just watch how cute this video is.

Another thing I was skeptical about: teething necklaces for moms. I just thought it was silly until I realized that I can no longer wear necklaces because Gwen will rip it off or bite it. But hey, these necklaces are made for just that! And look how cute this one is!

source

Any other ones you moms can think of?

Ladies Celebrating Ladies

Galentine's Day! Arizona blogger style. 

I was so stoked when I first found out about the Galentines themed meet-up. I had celebrated G-day the last two years with friends, and I was getting a little bummed knowing that I wouldn't be able to celebrate with those friends since we moved. But how great is it that I was able to party with new friends this year?? What I loved about this event is that we were all paired up with another blogger for a gift exchange. We had to blog stalk them to discover their interests and get a gift based on that. Is that not the best idea? 

It's not Galentine's Day without waffles. We were treated with Waffle Love! Oh that Biscoff spread. And that whipped cream. We also had chocolate covered strawberries. 

Sam ... Jenna ... Melanie

Jen

Trissa

Chrissy

Trissa ... Brittany ... Melanie ... me ... Lydia

I always get a little nervous before these type of events, but I always surprise myself with how easily I'm able to talk to others. Maybe it's just because I already felt like I knew a few of these gals through their blogs. It was just a great Saturday to curl my hair, actually wear some makeup, and get out of the house. I felt so refreshed coming back home to my responsibilities as a mom. I'm excited to hang out with some of you again and to see what's in store for the next meet-up. 

A huge thanks to Camille, Kayla, and Chrissy for planning this whole thing. 

All photos thanks to Lydia of Photography Hill. 

Finally Another Happy List

Long time, no blog. Why is that? Baby. And laziness. And teething. I've been meaning to post another happy list for a couple of weeks now-

Girl Scout cookies! Hello! I should have bought 5 boxes of Thin Mints, because really. 

Still loving my free book from Chatbooks. Want a free one as well? Use this code: AAM437N4. No really, who wouldn't want a free book of their photos? 

How cute are these pajamas? Baby Gap knows what's up.

I had the opportunity to participate in a Girls with Glasses music video. Gwen too, naturally. 

Valentine's Day was low-key and relaxing. We picnicked. 

A friend lent us this seat. It is so convenient for this baby that can't sit up on her own. 

Ryan's dad came for a short visit last Monday-Tuesday. 

We were at friends' house for dinner last week and they had this baby doll. 

I went to another Arizona blogger meet-up! The theme was Galentine's Day. For now I will just say that it was oodles of fun. I'll post a lot more about it later this week. 

Diner date. Why would anybody ever eat anything besides breakfast food? People are idiots. 

Other happy things-

- I finally found the protein bars my midwife suggested I buy a long time ago. They're in the refrigerated section with all the yogurt at Sprouts. When I spotted them, "At Last" was playing over the speakers. My love had come along. 

- I babysat a 7 year old who taught me about geography and chess. 

- News of family and friends coming to visit next month! It's going to be so good. 

- New boots.

- Gwen was babysat by someone other than family and she was well behaved. Win!

- Cactus socks. 

- My sister-in-law is in labor as I write this! I'll have another niece very soon.  I'm hoping we can visit next month. 

Throwing it back

I don't mean to toot my own horn, but these two videos are the cutest things I've ever been involved in. Hah! I meant to post these videos earlier today for V-Day, but ya know, life. Enjoy! Or enjoy again, if you're a long time follower.

  valentinesday from taraphotographics on Vimeo.

Into the Dark from Beverly Houpt on Vimeo.

p.s. I miss my bangs! look at how perf they are. 

Five Months

Happy 5 months of life to Gwendolyn. 

She is rolling around like nobody's business and kind of scooting herself towards toys and things she wants to touch. She's much more grabby, and teething seems to be bothering her lately. She doesn't have as many meltdowns as she used to when riding in the car, now. She's still not taking a pacifier- maybe I should just give up by this point, right? It's just that she likes to suck on our fingers sometimes before falling asleep, and it would be nicer if she would take the pacifier instead. Has anyone developed a finger-like pacifier?? These are things I actually yearn for. 

We're still not sure what her hair color will be. Right now it looks like a mix between ours- so a light brown. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'm excited for next month when I'll introduce her to solid foods. Sure, the diapers will be worse, but it'll be nice to feed her other things besides my milk. I enjoy nursing her and I've been super lucky to be able to do so, but I'm ready to cut back. 

Gwennie, baby, we just adore you. It's ridiculous.