Happy Half-Birthday!

Today is Hayden's half-birthday...he's one and-a-half!  Just thought I'd do a little update post focusing on Hayden and what he's up to at this point.

Words:

Da-da

Ga-ga

Zeee

Buh-Buh

Awwwww duu (all done)

mmmmmbob (mom...I think)

Grrrrrr (grunting noise)

Wassss sat? (what's that)

Fears:

Birthday Candles (see video below!)

Packing Tape

Garbage Trucks

The Blender

Favorites:

Red

Oranges (cuties especially)

MILK

CHOCOLATE (he doesn't get it much)

Peanut Butter...sound like his mom?

Blankets (not one in particular, but he likes to have one handy)

What's he's doing right now:

Resting his head on mommie's tummy

Banging two objects together to hear the sound they produce

Dancing ONLY during the end credits of movies or tv shows

Cuddling with mom and dad in bed on Saturday/Sunday mornings

Trying to climb in/out of his crib

Reaching to pull items off of the cabinets and table (knives, food, etc)

Physical Stats (he doesn't have his dr. checkup till Aug. 20):

24lbs

Tall enough to reach a CUPCAKE on our counter-height table!

6 teeth with 2 more about half-way through

A video from tonight ( I have another that won't load.  I'll try to load it to facebook):

My Ikea Purchase!

Remember when I told everyone I had received a $100 gift card from Ikea for using my Ikea Family Card?  I asked my friends on Facebook what I should get with the card.  Well, we actually went to Ikea and bought something, but I couldn't tell anyone what it was!  Here's the big reveal:

The Sundvik Crib in Gray/Brown.  The crib retails for $119 and with tax it came to $127.  That means we paid $27 for it!  I was surprised by how sturdy the Ikea cribs are.  Everyone has only good things to say about them!  In person, the crib  is gorgeous!  I personally think that we're having another boy (which would be nice because we could use all of Hayden's clothes for the baby in the same seasons he used them.  YES!).  Paul thinks we're having a girl.  (Same as last time!)  This crib is great because it's perfect for a boy, but I think it could suit a little girl very well!  I can totally see a gorgeous, soft coral pink and soft turquoise with it, or a sort of mustardy yellow.  Let me show you what I mean:


Here's the yellow:

I'm in love with the yellow curtains and crib.  Not in love with her accessories!  This picture is from  the blog "Chezerbey".  

Here's some coral/turquoise action:  

I like this Moroccan stencil, but I think I would want it to be bigger.  Also, I would want more of a turquoise than this blue color.  

Refreshing.  Visit the creator's blog here.  

If baby #2 is a girl, I'd probably go with a watered down version of this picture and the previous.  What does everyone think?  Comments.  Please, lol.  


Also...I don't know what I would do for the nursery if we had a boy.  Are there any pictures of nurseries you've seen and loved?  I would love for you to share them with me!  Let the planning commence.  

Upcoming Adventures

So this is a crazy post for me to write, but the Kirby family is going through a lot of changes this year!  For one, I've decided to quit the Mary Kay business.  It's been such a fun adventure and I've made a lot of friends through it, but it's time.  With all of our upcoming events, I know that my business will be put on the back burner and will be neglected.  


Secondly, I'm going to be going back to school in September!  I'm taking two classes online through BYU Independent Study to finish my degree.  When all is said and done, I'll graduate from Brigham Young University-Idaho with my Bachelor of Science degree in English with an Emphasis on Professional Writing, and a Minor in Child Development.  WHEW!  That's a lot.  I can't wait for it to be over---my education has been drawn on waaaaay too long!  Another thing to cross off my list.  


The biggest change we'll be making will be happening around Valentine's Day...Hayden will be a big brother!  I am 9 weeks, 6 days.  I have been hiding my morning sickness from friends, fellow church members, and family now for some time... SURPRISE!  

This pregnancy kind of feels like deja vu for us.  We found out we were pregnant with Hayden June 9th, 2010, and he was to be due February 12th, 2011.  With this baby, we found out we were pregnant on June 20th, and he is expected February 14th, 2013.  WEIRD.  We couldn't have PLANNED it this way!  I'm guessing baby will be early (Hayden himself arrived Jan 31st--almost 2 weeks early), so there is a possibility they COULD share a birthday.  Winters are just awesome for our family!  Paul's birthday is 11/5, then there's Thanksgiving, Christmas, my birthday (12/30), New Years, Hayden's birthday, and then the baby's. All within 2 months.  I swear we don't plan things this way! 


I did go have an ultrasound today, but they didn't give me a picture of the baby.  LAME, I know.  My doctor sent me to this place because he doesn't do ultrasounds in his office.  This place is not really equipped for pregnancy ultrasounds.  They are a breast cancer type of facility, so they do a lot of mammograms and things.  It was super awkward and the technician almost forgot to actually show me the baby, and take the baby's heart rate.  I love my doctor, so I'll be talking to him about going somewhere else for ultrasounds.  I was not impressed.  So anyways, that's why I don't have a picture for you. 

Hayden goes to the zoo...aaaaand other places, too!

Auntie Angela and cousin Emily came to visit Hayden last week.  I got to keep Emily overnight and have some fun with her---see the pictures!

Notice the binkie in his mouth AND hand.

Before Emily came over, Hayden decided he needed his shoes on.  It's been 100 degrees on average here, so he's just been roaming around the house in his diaper.  Hayden now has some sort of shoe fetish where he HAS to have shoes on.  I couldn't find his Adidas soccer slides on this particular day, so Puma tennis shoes it was!

Emily, Hayden and I went to the park early in the morning.  Our cinnamon rolls that we were going to have for breakfast weren't going to be ready for about 45 minutes, so we had some time to kill.

Emily LOVED climbing through this thing.  No idea what it's called, but she loved it.  I made her hold her position at the end so that I could get a picture...she almost fell on her face!  Whoops.

Then I had her climb the spider web for me.  She was loving it.

My little man 

Hayden started shaking these things like crazy--he thought they were the coolest thing in the whole world!

Here's my boy with the slides.  He used to be so afraid of them, but now he'll whine to get on them!  I'm working on the whining, but this is such a huge step.

Emily on the monkey bars.  Some lady was at the park with her kids.  Her oldest asked, "Mom, why are they called monkey bars?"  I was SHOCKED by her answer.  "When we get home we can google it, honey,".  REALLY?!?  Serious?  Take a look at this picture and there should only be one reason behind the name of the monkey bars.  

Ang bought Hayden a roll of Color Wonder paper and markers.  I was so happy about it because he needs work on his fine motor skills, but at the same time, I don't want to have a HUGE mess on my hands every time we work on it.  So the solution...these mess free markers and paper.  Emily helped him color.  Later on,  Hayden bit off one of the heads of the markers.  Wamp waaaaaaaamp :-/

Later on we went to the zoo.  It was about Hayden's nap time and he fell asleep in the car.  Hayden NEVER sleeps in the car.  EVER.  Not since he was like...8 months.  It was good because the zoo proved to be a little overwhelming for him.  

Hayden loved seeing the animals--I think the zebras, hippos, and giraffes were his favorites.  Near the end ouf our time though, he was hot, tired, and ready to go home!

Just some peacocks we saw along the way.

There are more pictures of the zoo....somewhere....


I think I'll end with a video of our shenanigans of tonight.  Hayden and Paul were playing with the pillows and  hitting each other with them.  Hayden was going CRAZY!  He was having so much fun so after a while I finally grabbed my camera to film the fun.  Unfortunately, by the time I got the camera, the fun was starting to wind down.  Enjoy anyway!

The Moving Sequence: We're here...now what?!?

(This is the 8th post for Bailey's Moving and Storage ipad 2 Giveaway.  Click here to learn more about the contest.)

What's the first thing that you do when you move?  You've arrived at your new location--pulled into the driveway.  What now?  There is a sequence!  Behold:

The Moving Sequence

Start unloading.  It all starts with unloading.  Unloading actually goes a lot faster than packing, so wipe your brow!  The...harder parts are over.  

Keep an eye out for key items.  You'll want to set up your bedding first!  If you don't, at the end of the day when all your items have made it inside the house and have been sorted into rooms, you're not going to want to stop and set up a bed.  And if you have little ones, they'll need naps.  Their real beds will be so much better than pack-n-plays.  So set up your beds--sheets and all!

Next make sure you can locate your shower curtain, rod, and towels.  Hang those up in the bathroom.  Throw the over-night bags you packed for everyone in each respective person's closet.  Finding clothes and toiletries in the morning will be that much easier!  Find the toilet paper and throw a roll in the bathroom as well.  You're gonna need it.

Did you bring a cooler with food from your fridge?  Transfer that to the fridge now.  Depending on how much ice is left in the cooler and how hot it is outside, you might have to do this immediately.  If you've moving in the dead of winter, you can set it aside with no worries.

I then start to worry about the kitchen.  Everyone will be hungry.  It's just a matter of time!  Unpack essential kitchen equipment--aka spoons, knives, forks, cups, bowls, and plates.  Even if you just have cereal for a snack, you'll be glad that you found these ahead of time.  

Forget where you packed the dishes?  Might have to make a run to the store for some disposables!

Once those things are done, do whatever the heck you want!  I like to get the bathrooms set up, move to the kitchen, and then put clothes and bedroom things away.  In the mean time, Paul is putting the living room furniture into place and making sure we have internet/power.  I try to call ahead of our move and set up a time for internet to be hooked up.  This is a great idea because, in our last move, the dish company couldn't come out for a week, and the internet company couldn't come for 2 weeks!  Being a SAHM, I was bored out of my mind.  Call ahead!

Overnight Bag Must-Have's

(This is the 7th post for Bailey's Moving and Storage ipad 2 Giveaway.  Click here to learn more about the contest.)


You know you have to pack an overnight bag when you move, right?  If you said "no"...oh honey, you've got some reading to do!  Your bag should contain clothing and shoes that will be comfortable for your move, as well as things that you will need at your fingertips.  Read the rest of this post for the complete list!  NOTE:  this list is for an adult.  Obviously for a child the list would include more.

1. Clothing.  I always pack something that will be comfortable to travel in (for as many days as it will take you to get to your location), something that will be comfortable to move furniture in, and an extra outfit.  You never know what could happen!  
2. COMFY shoes.  Seriously...if you're wearing heels...
3. An outfit for church.  We usually move on weekends and, if you're going to try to make it to church, you've got to plan for it.  That means find a dress that is a great traveler (no ironing necessary), stick it in a dry cleaning bag, and roll it up.  Read more about WHY the dry cleaning bag HERE.  Bring some flat shoes and you should be good to go!
4. Toiletries.  The RIGHT ones.  You don't need your economy sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner for this trip.  Either find smaller versions in the travel section at Wal-Mart, or buy a few travel bottles and dispense your favorite shampoo into it.  NOTE:  anytime you're packing a liquid, pack it in a Ziploc.  Don't chance it.  You know what they say--Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, SHAME ON ME!  Also, you're not going to need a curling or straightening iron.  Bring a small hairdryer, hair pick, and hair elastics.  Messy buns, braids, and ponytails will be your best friends.  If you need makeup, go light.  A tinted moisturizer and mascara will do you fine.  If you want to go the extra step, bring concealer.  That's IT!
5. Toiletry bag:  Now Ziplocs are fine, but sometimes finding a great toiletry bag makes all the difference.  I use the Travel Roll-up Bag by Mary Kay for every day organization, but it makes trips and moving SO nice.  It has 4 plastic pockets that Velcro on, and a hanger to hang on a curtain rod or towel bar.  Everything is in one place and NEVER gets lost.  Click HERE to go view one.  
6. Shower Curtain and Rod:  EVERY SINGLE TIME WE MOVE....we realize there is no shower curtain or rod in the house.  We always leave our rod behind.  So, when your husband wakes up to go to work in the morning and realizes there's no way to shower, it makes things REALLY special.  I remember when we first got married.  We came back from our honeymoon and CRASHED.  Before the trip, we moved everything into out apartment, but hadn't unpacked yet.  Paul had to go to work in the morning.  We couldn't find his clothes, let alone a shower rod and curtain!  He showered anyways and got water all over the floor which I then got to clean up.  Do yourself a favor to be prepared:  buy a new curtain liner that has been packed by the company into a tiny little package.  Pack it in your overnight bag.  If your shower curtain is small enough, pack that as well.  If not, set it on top of your bag in the car.  You will thank me later!
7. Pack a towel.  Again, ease of showering in the morning will be life-changing.  
8. Chapstick.  You never need it until you need it.  Know what I mean?  I pack them in my Mary Kay Travel Roll up Bag, or put one in the pocket of each pair of pants I bring.  
9. Reading Material.  I always pack something to read.  Always.  So whether you're packing your kindle, favorite paperback, or a magazine, put SOMETHING in.  
10. Computer.  As soon as you get to your new place, you'll want to hook this up and get internet and  cable going.  It will act as a good reminder.
11. Chargers.  I can't tell you how many times my heart has DROPPED because I thought I forgot a charger, or couldn't find it for a few days after a move.  Do yourself a favor--pack them in your overnight bag.  You'll need them.  

That it for my list of must-haves.  Do you have any that I forgot?  List them in the comments!

Moving? Pack your overnight bag!

(This is the 6th post for Bailey's Moving and Storage ipad 2 Giveaway.  Click here to learn more about the contest.) 


I don't know about you guys, but when I move, I always have a SUPER hard time packing my overnight bag.  Even when we moved down the street (literally, you could see our old apartment from our new one), I knew I would need an overnight bag mostly for ease of locating a work outfit for the next morning, makeup, and books/homework.  So...here are my helpful (hopefully) tips on packing an overnight bag for your big move!


Pack an extra outfit JUST. IN. CASE.  You might be moving down the street or across the country.  Doesn't matter.  Always pack an extra outfit.  You never know when your baby will decide to get sick on your nice clean shirt, or when you'll spill pop all over your pants in the car.  When Paul and I moved in with his Grandma and Grandpa, we thought it would be for the weekend.  We were supposed to be signing papers on our house and then moving into it.  Yeah, that didn't happen.  We ended up staying there for over 1 month!  I was glad that I had the foresight to back a few extra items of clothing so that I didn't have to go rummaging through boxes of clothes till about a week later.  


This tip comes from Kim of the blog All Things Simple.  I love this--she picks out a complete outfit for her little girl (top, skirt, socks, undies, hair accessories) and packs it into a plastic Ziploc bag.  She does this for each day that she will be travelling and then packs the little baggies into one suitcase.  GENIUS, right?

Amazing idea, right?  And each time you wear an outfit, you can put it back in the bag  so everything stays tidy in your suitcase!

This tip comes from a Flight Attendant featured on the blog The Everyday Minimalist.  For adults, stuffing a whole outfit into a plastic Ziploc (especially the tiny quart-sized pictured above) might not be that practical.  She suggests rolling your clothing (instead of folding it).  Pack sturdy, thick items on the bottom (like Jeans), thin/small clothing goes on top (things like tee shirts and undergarments).  Pack your socks in your shoes, and your shoes around the outsides of your bag.  Any toiletries go on top.  

These are the flight attendant's belongings FOLDED into her bag.  

This is everything ROLLED and packed the way I've described.  See how much better everything fits?!?

Finally I thought I'd end with a tip from the all-powerful Martha Stewart.  It seems like she has good advice for EVERYTHING, plus if you've heard some great tip, chances are that it originated from her.  Anyways, I don't have a link for this one.  I was watching the Martha Stewart show one day and she was talking about how she packs.  To prevent wrinkles, she uses the rolling method (as the flight attendant uses) but first packed her clothing into a bag that you get from the cleaners.  You know those plastic-y, cellophane garment bags?  Those!  You get them for free when you pick up your clean clothes.  Put a dress in it, then roll it up.  Keeps everything wrinkle free for some weird reason!  This would be especially nice if you were moving over a weekend (as most do) and were planning on attending church on Sunday.  

Yup.  These bags.  And they always come with the iconic "We Heart Our Customers" hanger.  Too bad Andy Warhol isn't alive...I'm sure it would have been made into pop art by now.

Stay tuned for my list of must-have's for your overnight bag--it's essential in the moving process.