Nesting – Finding A Place For Baby To Sleep

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Baby Bassinets

We are just weeks away from having a new little baby joining our family and with that we need a spot for them to sleep. The thing is there are just so many options. The only thing I know that we won’t be doing is buying a new crib until we move into a new space. Our current home is just too small for a crib and let’s be honest if this babe is anything like the last two they won’t be regularly sleeping in a crib until at least a year (or even later).

So we had an Arm’s Reach Mini Co-Sleeper with Alder and while we liked it and even included it in our newborn favorites post I have to say that I am not quite sure it is what I want to buy again. Why won’t I buy it again? Honestly because I would prefer something a little more aesthetically pleasing. Functional, great quality and worth the cost? Yes, but it’s kind of ugly.

So now the big debate is on what should we buy?

I’ll be honest as I prepared this post and went back through my list of options I really narrowed down what I liked based on look, cost and functionality. I’ll include the semi-finalist at the bottom of this post and please let me know if there are any others I should check out. 

Chicco Lullago Travel Crib:  This was actually on my lust list back when Alder was a baby but at the time it wasn’t available in any US shops. Now you can find it on Amazon, at Target and tons of other retailers.

  • Price: $99.99
  • Size: approx 30″L X 15″W
  • Portability: Easy to move around the house however not really travel portable
  • Length of Use: up to 20lbs; approx 6 months or until baby can pull themselves up
  • Reviews: This gets positive reviews for the most part. People really love the size, the portability and it’s sleek. Things to consider though is that it folds in the middle which may be uncomfortable for baby, you will need to buy sheets, and you will most likely want to purchase a mattress pad to go on it.

Moses Basket + Stand: A moses basket, specifically this one from Plum + Sparrow, is high on my wishlist it’s just convincing Neil that it’s worth the cost. I love the look of it, I love that I can take it from room to room and that it can be used as a safe place to put baby down whether it’s to sleep in our room at night or in the kitchen while I cook. I just love it. I also see it as a great basket for the kids playroom to put all their stuffed animals and baby dolls in once baby #3 grows out of it. In addition to the basket a stand is a must to go next to the bed.

  • Price: $185 + shipping + stand
  • Size: 36 x 22 x 27 inches; about half the size of a pack n’ play
  • Portability: Easy to move, packs up and can travel with it.
  • Length of Use: 3-4 months, 20 lbs and/or when baby can roll over, push up or crawl. Whichever limit comes first.
  • Reviews: Overall moses baskets are popular and this specific basket from Plum + Sparrow is well loved across the blog world right now. I love that every basket is handwoven and unique. The biggest con for this option is the cost + the length of use.

DockATot: The DockATot is probably one of the hottest baby products on the market right now and for good reason. The DockATot helps when it comes to safe co-sleeping. Considering I know that we will be co-sleeping this is on the must buy list rather than I really wish we could have this list.

  • Price: $185
  • Size: 18 inches wide x 29-34 inches long [29 inches with clasps closed and 34 inches with clasps open]
  • Portability: Easy to move and can travel with it.
  • Length of Use:ages 0-8 months old or 5-22Ibs.
  • Reviews: Everyone loves it. That’s basically it.

Other Options:

This post is NOT sponsored however there are affiliate links included. 

[Child-Led Learning] Gardening For Preschoolers

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garden

Spring has finally sprung here in Portland and we are spending as much time as we can outside these days. One of Edith and Alder’s favorite outdoor activities to do is dig in a bit of empty garden bed that we have in our front yard. They dig and look for worms and slugs or plant seeds that they find. There interest in plants, digging and having a garden of their own has me seeking out tools and books to help facilitate their interest.

1. Garden Tools – Little tools perfect for little hands to help dig and plant.
2. Garden Gloves – These are not essential but are a fun little extra to make your preschooler feel like a real gardener.
3. Garden Water Bottle – You could opt to go for a small watering can but these little succulent water bottles are the perfect size for little hands.
4. Little Pizza Garden –  Growing your own plants always feels like such a great accomplishment but even better what if all those plants you grew could then become the ingredients for the perfect pizza? This little pizza garden kit has everything you need just add dough and your preferred cheese (or in our case cheeze)!
5. Seeds Starter Kit – This seed starter kit contains a few more interesting vegetables. They will provide your preschoolers garden with a variety of colors, textures, and flavors while also exposing them to new veggies.
6. Too Many Tomatoes – This rhyming book shares the story of grandpa’s garden and it’s abundance of tomatoes. Such a fun and engaging story.
7. How Things Grow – Curious about how things grow? This book will answer your preschoolers inquiring mind.
8. Peek Inside The Garden – This lift-the-flap book takes you through the garden where under each flap you’ll find a variety of creatures who live in the garden.
9. Pop-Up Garden – Take a trip through the garden with pop-ups of birds, butterflies and flowers.
10. Secrets of The Vegetable Garden – This shine-a-light book is a favorite at our house. Grab your flashlight and go on an adventure to find out just how your garden grows and who lives in the garden.

Is your preschooler into gardening? Share your favorite resources and tips on how you get them engaged in gardening. 

This post is NOT sponsored however there are affiliate links included. 

We’re Expecting and We’re Having A …

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ultrasounds

BABY!

Yes for the third time we are not finding out the sex of baby #3. While we might not be finding out it doesn’t mean we aren’t a bit curious so just like every other pregnancy we are turning to some old wives tales for predictions.

The Predictions Based on Gender Prediction Charts and Old Wives Tales:

Time of Conception: No idea .

Cravings: GIRL
It is said that if you crave sweet it’s a girl and if you crave salt you’re having a boy.  While I haven’t had any crazy cravings I have been happy to indulge in vegan soft serve and I did have a week where I couldn’t get enough watermelon.

Dreams: No dreams.
I haven’t had any gender specific dreams yet. I know that that when I was pregnant with Edith I didn’t start having any until my third trimester.

Sleeping Preference: GIRL
I have read that you prefer sleeping on your left side, you’ll have a boy and if you prefer your right side a girl. I prefer my right and always have and just find myself always switching to my right side.

Morning Sickness Severity: GIRL
Apparently extreme nausea or nausea that lingers all day means you are having a girl. This was the most extreme nausea I have ever experienced. From weeks 4-18 it was pretty much non-stop but even now at nearly 25 weeks I still have my days.

Mathematical Formula: BOY
You add your age (3+1) to your due date month (6) to your conception month (9). Odd equals boy, even equals girl. Mine adds up to 19.

The Bump Chinese Gender Predictor: BOY
I used the chart on The Bump. This one is based on your age not your lunar age.

Chinese Gender Predictor: GIRL
This test takes your Chinese Lunar Age into consideration.
Woman’s Birth Year: 1985 Month: 8 Day: 28 Time Zone: EST
Conception Year: 2014  Month: 9 Day: 25 Time Zone: PST
It’s a girl! (Chinese Age 32 at Lunar month 8)

Mayan Table: GIRL
Age of conception [ODD] + Month of conception [ODD] = Girl 

Hands- Soft or Dry?: Inconclusive 
Neil says my hands aren’t dry but they aren’t soft.

Citrus: GIRL
Apparently if you’re craving citrus, you’re having a girl.

Skin: GIRL
Apparently if your skin breaks out expect a girl. Well my skin has been TERRIBLE.  

High or Low?: Inconclusive 
I have no idea. I have also read that where you carry is based on your body type, whether you have a good set of abs before conception and pregnancy #. Since I don’t have abs and I’m on pregnancy #6 it’s hard to tell. 

Nature’s language:  GIRL
It is believed that nature communicates with humans through forms. In this case, if the mother’s womb is round, it is a girl. If it is pointed, it is a boy (source). I am feeling like I look pretty round so I guess girl?

Heart Beat: GIRL
Is Baby’s heart beat faster than 140 beats per minute (bpm)? It’s a girl. Less than 130 bpm? It’s a boy (source). Heart beat has consistently been above 130 bpm.

Gut Feeling: I want to say girl but honestly I’m always wrong. I was convinced Edith was going to be a boy and that Alder was going to be a girl .

TOTALS: 9 Girl, 2 Boy, 4 inconclusive.

What do you predict we will have? 

 

Sources:

  • http://www.home-remedies-site.com/boy-or-girl.htm
  • http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/photos_popular_pregnancy_myths
  • http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-baby/gender-prediction/old-wives-tales/
  • http://content.thebump.com/sitelets/chinese-gender-chart/
  • http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/

Cirque du Soleil | TORUK – The First Flight | PDX

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Photo: Errisson Lawrence Costumes: Kym Barrett © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

Photo: Errisson Lawrence Costumes: Kym Barrett © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamed of seeing Cirque du Soleil. Every time we made a trip to Disney World I would beg my parents to take me and as I got older I would then hope that we would get tickets for a show when they passed through Montreal, but alas neither ever happened. When I heard that Cirque du Soleil TOURK was coming to Portland I again was hopeful for tickets and so when I was asked to share this event with you and host a giveaway (see below) and that I would also receive tickets for myself I couldn’t pass it up!

TOURK inspired by James Cameron’s record-breaking movie AVATAR. I’ll be honest I have never seen Avatar and it’s not for my lack of interest it just has yet to be crossed off my ‘to watch’ list. So to say I’m excited is an under statement.

Photo: Errisson Lawrence Costumes: Kym Barrett © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

Photo: Errisson Lawrence Costumes: Kym Barrett © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

So what is TOURK all about?

Narrated by a “Na’vi Storyteller” and populated by unforgettable characters, TORUK – The First Flight is a mythical tale set thousands of years before the events depicted in the film AVATAR, and before any humans ever set foot on Pandora. Through cutting edge visuals, puppetry and outstanding performances, this family-friendly show transports you to the world of Pandora in a visually stunning live setting.

When a natural catastrophe threatens to destroy the sacred Tree of Souls, Ralu and Entu, two Omaticaya boys on the brink of adulthood, fearlessly decide to take matters into their own hands. Upon learning that Toruk can help them save the Tree of Souls, they set out, together with their newfound friend Tsyal, on a quest high up in the Floating Mountains to find the mighty red and orange predator that rules the Pandoran sky. Prophecy is fulfilled when a pure soul rises among the clans to ride Toruk for the first time and save the Na’vi from a terrible fate.

Take a look for yourself- doesn’t it look magical?

Date of Shows:

Wednesday, December 7 at 7:30pm

Thursday, December 8 at 7:30pm

Friday, December 9 at 3:30pm and 7:3pm

Saturday, December 10 at 4pm and 8pm

Sunday, December 11 at 1pm and 5pm

Location:

Moda Center, Portland, OR

Tickets Can Be Purchased:  https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/portland/toruk/buy-tickets/

Also take advantage of the family four pack ticket offer and save on 2 adult and 2 children tickets.

http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/123078/2114288/notap?did=f4pk

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Out of This World | Stylish Littles| Cat & Jack for Target

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Getting a two and a four year old to stand next to each other for a fashion photo is like herding cats. I can’t help myself though because these kids ooze style and I just have to capture it. This day they wanted to wear [or rather Edith wanted them to wear] matching outfits. As you can see Edith is pretty jazzed about her new Cat & Jack Solar system outfit and I have to agree they are pretty awesome.

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I have always been in love with Target kids clothes but to be honest the quality matches the cost. I tend to buy things in doubles if I really love them or the kids do because they get worn out so quickly. However, since the introduction of the Cat & Jack line I feel like the price has stayed the same but the quality is better than ever. Things wash better, the leggings don’t wear out as quickly and they have some pretty amazing designs. Overall big fans and how cute are these two?

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Who else is loving the Cat & Jack line? What other kids brands are you into? 

This post is not sponsored we just love Target kids clothes. 

We Live In World Filled With Books

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If you were to enter our home right now your would be greeted with piles of books. Our car? Well you can’t even see the floor most of the time because it is covered in books and I wouldn’t dare to leave the house without a stack. You can never have too many books- am I right? It’s the one thing that I just can’t say ‘no’ to when my littles request a new book. I know, I know we could just stock up on books at the library but let’s be honest I should have my library card revoked and with all the library fees I think I’d rather just buy new books.usborne-on-the-train-3

Our days revolve around books whether we are reading together, the kids are reading alone or they are doing a wipe-clean workbook.  Edith even goes to bed with a blanket of books. Since we buy so many books I have become particularly picky about what books we have at home. For me they need to be engaging, interactive and high quality. If they are also informative that’s a great bonus.

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Lately we have been focusing on themes of books so we have all of our Fall books out including our newest favorite Secrets of The Apple Tree. We also have been on a big space kick because of the space exhibit at OMSI  that’s going on right now. Edith requests that we read Questions and Answers About Space almost daily while Alder is loving On The Moon.

I’m trying to figure out what our next theme will be but I’m guessing it will be trains or construction.

What books are your kids loving lately? 

The above links are for my Usborne Consultant page (I do it to fuel our book addiction). If you would like to join me I am having my launch party on Thursday October 20th at 5pm PST/8pm EST. These parties are lot of fun and the best part it’s on Facebook so you can go at our own pace and you don’t even have to put on real pants. Plus there is a raffle for a free book that you can be entered to win just for RSVPing and commenting. So come join us! Just comment below (use the best email for me to add you to the party or shoot me and email lindsay@naturallyfamily.com to let me know! 

Puddles & Ponchos

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rockin-baby-rain-6

Fall has officially hit Portland which means that the rain is coming too. I have to say I’m a bit excited because I really love rainy days and puddle stomp walks. I love seeing the changing leaves floating in pools of water and I love to stay home and curl up on the couch with the kids and watch a movie.

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Since moving to the PNW we have swapped our snowsuits and snow boots for rain gear and since we wear our rain gear for 8 months out of the year we tend to like to have a bit of fun and variety.  I also love having heavier raincoats for colder days but nice light coats or in the case ponchos that can be layered or worn on a warmer Fall or Spring day. I also love these ponchos because they fold up into themselves and easily fit in our day pack.

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I have to admit that these photos are little old and that Edith has sadly grown out of her boots but it’s perfect timing because Alder just grew into them. Now I am debating do I get her the cats, the stripes or the bugs? Too many good choices.

What E & A are Wearing:

Ponchos c/o Rockin’ Baby

Boots c/0 Rockin’ Baby

Reading Wednesday | Usborne Books On The Train

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usbrone books on the train
The other day someone asked how many books we have at home and as I ran through all of our books in my head I realized we have TONS! They flood Edith and Alder’s bedroom, the live on shelves, in boxes, in bags and in the car. We have so many and they all get read. It also made me think about the books we have and the ones that we love both old and newly discovered. Since I love to discover new books I have decided to share our favorites with you weekly. So every Wednesday we will feature a new book.

Reading Wednesday - Usborne Books On The Train -

This week we are talking all about trains! I don’t know about you but Alder is really into things that go right now so this train book has been perfect. The best part is you get to pair it with a flashlight, which every child loves. Each page has a question or a prompt and when you flash your light behind it reveals the image. For example when you shine a light behind the box cars you can see what they are carrying or what passengers are doing on the train.

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[Direct link http://bit.ly/OnTheTrain]

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Below I have shared a sneak peek into the book – enjoy!

Who else has littles that are in love with trains right now?
What is one of your favorite books right now?

If you are interested in learning how you can earn free books just by talking to a few friends and sitting on your couch let me know!

*This post is NOT sponsored however it does include a consultant link.

PDX Summer Nights & Cool Moon Ice Cream

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mydesign

One thing that I have come to learn this summer is that some nights you need to skip bedtime, grab ice cream cones and head to the park. We grabbed some cones for sorbet from Cool Moon Ice Cream and headed to Jamison Square. We ate, we climbed, we played and we left sticky, tired and happy as can be.

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This is your reminder to have fun, break the “rules” and enjoy life. 

Broadway In Portland | The Lion King

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image007image008Run don’t walk to your computer and go purchase your tickets to The Lion King at Keller Auditorium because you’re not going to want to miss this amazing performance. Lucky for you this is one broadway performance that will be spending three weeks in Portland so you have ample time to go and enjoy an evening at the theater.

13 Lioness Hunt. ©Disney. Photo by Joan Marcus

I have always dreamed of seeing The Lion King on broadway because The Lion King was easily my favorite movie for a short period of my life and I had the bedroom comforter set to prove it.  I was lucky enough have this dream fulfilled and to attend Thursday nights performance and I was blown away in just the first five minutes of the show. The theater came to life as animals pranced through the theater and the powerful music sang to my soul. If you have ever seen photos or press videos of The Lion King on broadway then you already know that the costume work is incredible but nothing can compare to seeing costumes and the performers all dressed up; especially those performers who are up on the high stilts dressed as giraffes (my favorite animal of the night).

When it comes to performers Mark Campbell who played the roll of “Scar” was absolutely amazing and completely embodied the roll. I have to say my favorite character of the night was the uptight and incredibly comical bird Zazu played by the amazing Drew Hirshfield. Of course we can’t forget about Rafiki probably one of the most beloved characters from The Lion King and Buyi Zama did a wonderful job as Rafiki.

13 Lioness Hunt. ©Disney. Photo by Joan Marcus

I know I have shared a number of Broadway In Portland performances on this blog and I feel so incredibly lucky to do so. There is just something magical about the theater and while my littles are still a bit young for the theater I can’t wait to share it with them as well and I hope that those of you who are reading this also consider giving yourself and your children the theater experience. The Lion King I think is the perfect place to start. It is something for both children and adults alike and is such a special performance to bond over and start a life long love of the theater.

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TICKET AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Disney’s THE LION KING will be at Portland’s Keller Auditorium for a four-week engagement. The schedule for the Portland engagement is:

Tuesdays                                           7:30pm
Wednesdays                                     7:30pm
Thursdays                                         7:30pm
Fridays                                               7:30pm

Saturdays                                          2:00pm and 7:30pm
Sundays                                            1:00pm and 6:30pm

*There will be a special 1:00pm matinee performance on Thursday, August 11.
For information on ADA seating, please call the Portland Opera Box Office at 503-241-1802 or emailboxoffice@portlandopera.org

Tickets can be purchased:

www.BroadwayInPortland.com,
Portland Opera Box Office: 503- 241-1802 or toll free at 866-739-6737
Portland’5 Box Office: 800-273-1530, All TicketsWest locations

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