We are just a little behind with our monthly favorites, but things sure have changed around here! We are rocking all new toys (much thanks to Christmas), more toddler gear & certainly a whole new world of food.
As I mentioned to some of you on Instagram, Harper is eating all of the food we eat now. I wouldn't say that we necessarily went the traditional way or even the "baby lead weaning way"... we were just sorta winging it with a little direction from our pediatrician. Harper started baby cereal/oatmeal at 4 months, transitioned in fruit & veggie purees at 5 months, added in "puffs" around 7 months when she started crawling. Shortly after that I started to transition to similar, less expensive substitutes, like cheerios or regular natural applesauce.
The direction from our pediatrician was that once they are crawling with their belly off the ground & appear to be picking things up with their fingers instead of their whole hand, you can start them on solids. Just making sure that everything is easy to chew (even with no teeth, they can mash with their gums/tongue!) AND small enough that they would not choke. The very first "real food" that we gave her was steamed broccoli. I steamed the shit out of it. She could barely pick it up without it crumbling. We moved on to green beans, bananas & blueberries. Then, I cut up pasta into very small pieces & fed it to her (meat included!) and she LOVED IT! Now, we just kinda test everything. Some of her current favorites are mac n' cheese, peas, tender pieces of chicken & most recently grilled cheese! Yes, I still have a heart attack EVERY TIME we try a new food... but I guess that's what parenthood is all about? :)
Although our favorite lists should probably include cords, door stops, mascara & the cat's tail.... here's the acceptable list of things we're working with...
Britax Marathon Convertible Carseat
- I know this was on our last month favorites post as well, but I can't stress enough how amazing it is to have upgraded to a bigger bucket (as my husband calls it). Especially if you plan on roadtripping anytime soon & don't plan to take the carseat out (because let's face it, that shit is heavy)... give your little guy or gal some extra room while they ride! :)
- I know this was on our last month favorites post as well, but I can't stress enough how amazing it is to have upgraded to a bigger bucket (as my husband calls it). Especially if you plan on roadtripping anytime soon & don't plan to take the carseat out (because let's face it, that shit is heavy)... give your little guy or gal some extra room while they ride! :)
Parum Pum Pum Drum
- We sometimes can't believe how much she loves this toy. She smooshes her face up against the lid, holds the straps in her hands while she claps & dances to the sound of all the little noisemakers inside. This was a big win! We did take away the drumsticks for now though, she wanted them in her hands at ALL times, and with her just learning to walk, we just knew the outcome wouldn't be good.
- We sometimes can't believe how much she loves this toy. She smooshes her face up against the lid, holds the straps in her hands while she claps & dances to the sound of all the little noisemakers inside. This was a big win! We did take away the drumsticks for now though, she wanted them in her hands at ALL times, and with her just learning to walk, we just knew the outcome wouldn't be good.
Beaba Utensils
- Perfect for when you start feeding your kids the things that you eat. Those little, shallow baby spoons result in a giant mess. These are perfect for cut up spaghetti, casseroles, etc.
- Perfect for when you start feeding your kids the things that you eat. Those little, shallow baby spoons result in a giant mess. These are perfect for cut up spaghetti, casseroles, etc.
Where the Wild Things Are
- My child is definitely a wild thing, so this book is obviously very fitting. But basically, books in general are on the favorites list in the last few months. Finally Harper is more interested in us reading them than her trying to eat them or rip the pages. Just in time for her first birthday, where we plan to spruce up her little library!
- My child is definitely a wild thing, so this book is obviously very fitting. But basically, books in general are on the favorites list in the last few months. Finally Harper is more interested in us reading them than her trying to eat them or rip the pages. Just in time for her first birthday, where we plan to spruce up her little library!
Skip Hop Bath Spout Cover
- For your little fishy who now swims in the big kids tub! Harper is WILD in the bath tub these days, she slips & slides all over the place, so this thing is a lifesaver.
- For your little fishy who now swims in the big kids tub! Harper is WILD in the bath tub these days, she slips & slides all over the place, so this thing is a lifesaver.
LeapFrog My Discovery House
- Probably the most entertaining kids toy yet. Harper got this as a Christmas gift and plays with it non stop. There are so many little gadgets & sounds to entertain her, she even claps at this toy!
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- Probably the most entertaining kids toy yet. Harper got this as a Christmas gift and plays with it non stop. There are so many little gadgets & sounds to entertain her, she even claps at this toy!
You can check out all of our month by month favorites by clicking the Monthly Favorites link at the top of the page! :)
In other news, I seriously cannot believe that Harper is ELEVEN MONTHS old today. I would still like to know how this happened.
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She seems so grown up & independent. She is making great progress on walking & she even started saying IZZY when our cat comes in the room! Talk about mind blowing to hear your kid say their first word other than mom or dad. Whoa.
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Her silly little playful self is also getting harder to take pictures
of. I guess instead I capture cute moments like this, her reaching out
with both slobbery hands to grab my hair. Which she then puts over both
of her eyes & squeals.
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I love this little wild thing with all my heart. Even if she wont kiss me. Damnit.
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Seriously...where has this year gone!? Love that she's talking and almost walking! And I want that drum!!
ReplyDeleteShe is so cute! Good to know about the carseat, we are getting ready to upgrade soon! Love your posts!
ReplyDeleteWe love the Beaba spoons and forks too! They are awesome! Love her outfit in these pictures, it's too cute! I can't believe Harper's almost a year old. It seems like just yesterday you were posting about her arrival!
ReplyDeleteSo cute! We have an Izzy too (small, cat-like dog). Love your post! They'll be great to look back on once we have a little one!
ReplyDeletei absolutely cannot believe it has been eleven months since little harper was born! we have that bath whale too, and we love it! harper is adorable as always :)
ReplyDeleteShe is thee juciest!!
ReplyDeleteWow 11 months already!!! Where has the time gone? I remember reading your blog when your did the weekly chalkboard updates.
ReplyDeleteShe is such a cutie!
Kerry www.ohsoamelia.com
We bought the Discovery house for one of our kids last Christmas and out 18 month old loves it. He plays with it non-stop as well. Even in the middle of the night when we're trying to sleep.
ReplyDeleteAdorable as always!!! Thanks for sharing! Can't wait for the first birthday picks and posts!
ReplyDeletewow, 11 months?!?!? only a month until she's a year! I can't believe it! she getting so BIG, & CUTER & CUTER all the time! I just love her big blues(:
ReplyDeleteHaha! I just found your blog and love it! My baby is 9 months old, so I can totally relate to many of your stories and yes, he won't kiss me either!! He does like to bite me though, and only me strangely enough- maybe I'll just call those kisses to feel better :)
ReplyDeleteSo cute! I am pretty sure she and I have the same shirt on hahah. She looks much better!!
ReplyDeletegreat recommendations, we are only 6 months over here and just started with fruits and veggies, but I will come back and check this out when we need it, thanks!
ReplyDeleteHarper is getting so beautiful!
I was just wondering when your next Monthly Favorites would be coming out! I love all of your recommendations. Can't believe Harper is almost a year old already. She is so cute. Just love all her outfits
ReplyDeleteShe is too cute. When did you stop breastfeeding/pumping?
ReplyDeleteSo cute!!
ReplyDeleteEven though this is my 3rd baby, I totally didn't even think to try grilled cheese with my 10 month old. I saw your pic on Instagram the other day and I made grilled cheese for her today at lunch. She loved it!! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLiz
PINKx3.com
"I steamed the shit out of it." -- I love you. I feel like we are kindred spirits.
ReplyDeleteLol the Discovery house kills us. The birds and the doorbell, haha.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! She has gotten big so quickly! That drum is so fun! Glad she's loving food so much! I also have a nervous breakdown everytime C gets something new and he's still eating purees so I can't imagine when he starts solids!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! I stumbled on it while I was pregnant with my little girl (who is just a few weeks younger than beautiful Harper) and I love to hear your reviews of the toys she loves & things that work for y'all bc I am also winging it with a little guidance from her pediatrician. Y'all are rockstara for taking her on such a long trip
ReplyDeleteI had more to write but this thing wouldn't let me backspace and keep writing but o'well :)
DeleteI so had that Discovery House in my hands several times while Christmas shopping and always put it back, maybe I should reconsider.
ReplyDeleteHarper is so super cute! Love her outfit! I've been following Harper since birth, it is crazy she's 11 months! Ahh! My twins turned 2 months yesterday! Holy cow!
ReplyDeleteXoxo Carly
I know you hear this all the time but she really is a doll!! I can't believe she's almost 1!! I wish time would slow down too! I'm pretty sure I was just preggo 2 days ago, not 6 months ago!! ;) lol can't wait to get that carseat too. I'm so sick of carrying a 12 lb. carseat with a 16 lb. kid in it! Workout completed!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog---and LOVE it!!!!! Another fellow relocated Hawkeye blogger, so rare. My husband and I graduated from U of I and are now in NJ, just outside NYC with our two little boys and girl on the way. Looking forward to connecting!!!
ReplyDeleteJulie
www.thechirpingmoms.com
11 months already!!! She is getting so big and so much cuter everyday! You are such a great mommy. LOVE your blog!!!
ReplyDeleteMarissa
thesimpleswan.blogspot.com
A Mommy Lifestyle Blog
She's beyond adorable!!!!!! My daughter has that drum set. She's 2 now and still plays with it. We've always been huge advocators for children's literacy. One of our favs at that age was "Where's The Green Sheep" by Mem Fox.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe she is going to be one! If you love holidays, birthdays are like a whole new drug. seriously. I'm addicted. too bad they don't come around more often ;)
ReplyDeleteHannah
She is adorable! In one of the pictures of her it looks like she is saying "I love you" in sign language! Love reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteJessica- do you still breastfed? Or has she weaned herself completely? I have a 5 month old that is allergic to dairy. So I don't eat dairy. Looking forward to when she is weaned so Momma can have some CHEESE!!!
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh Harper is getting so big now -- and is it weird I wore that same outfit myself the other day, striped shirt and pink skinny jeans! she's so fashionable haha! xo
ReplyDeletehttp://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
You crack me up :)
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the car seat. Does it come with a base that you can buy for each car to make it easy to transfer from car to car?
ReplyDeleteIn the second to bottom pick you caught her 'signing' I love you...melting into a puddle of ooey gooey baby goodness as we speak :)
ReplyDeleteWhere oh where is your rug from in the pictures with Harper? I am dying for a similar rug for the nursery, so soft and plush, perfect for a reading corner!
ReplyDeleteFirst time commenter! - We also bought the Discovery House for our five month old for Christmas. It is a favorite! "Good night little bird, Good night" haha.
ReplyDeleteadorable! i look forward to your favorites, as my little lady is exactly 2 months behind harper. concealer is our weapon of choice. i think our girls would get into some serious trouble together ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the advice!
ReplyDeleteKatie
godslittlegrace.blogspot.com
we have the drum set too and my son is 4 and still loves this toy.
ReplyDeleteShe's getting so big! I love that bath faucet cover from Skip Hop. They sell the cutest things!
ReplyDeleteOmg, I already wished they made kids clothes in adult sizes, but Harper's outfits are making me die that this isn't done! (And making me a little jealous I don't have a little girl yet ;-)
ReplyDelete