You need these blankets.

This is Adalyn.


This is Adalyn swaddled in her Aden+Anais lion blanket.

You need this blanket.

You know I'm a little into baby products. Like, a lot. And when I find one I love, I love to share it with you. I couldn't not share this product with you. It is my absolute favorite.

These blankets are made of Muslin and seem like a bizarre material, but they are perfect in every way. They come 4 to a pack and can be bought at Target. My princess owns the jungle pack, because I'm not a fan of lots of pink.

Now, while they are marketed as blankets, let it be known that they serve MANY more purposes. Guys, I use these blankets all.day.long. Cripes, how did I survive without them for the first four months of her life?!? And now, without further ado, let me share the glories of these blankets with you:

-Blankets. Obviously we use them to cover her up. Perfect in every way for swaddling - they're the only blanket large enough to swaddle her now. Cool enough for spring & summer and can be layered for winter months.

-Nursing cover. 6-Month old kids aren't into being covered up while they nurse. Heck, who wants to eat under a blanket anyway?! Her arms flail and she will throw her blankets off when we nurse. These are the ONLY blankets I can NIP (nurse in public) with and the best part? They're thin, so she no longer turns into a big sweaty mess while she eats. Whew.

-High chair cover. Um yeah I've not bought a high chair cover for restaurants. Maybe I'm cheap. But for now I throw a blanket on the high chair and sit her in it, so she isn't touching any yucky germs. This also goes for shopping carts.



-Kleenex. Yeah, I totally wipe her nose with an A+A blanket when I'm in a pinch.


-Mat for diaper changes and play time. I lay these in public restrooms and such when I need to change a diaper. They wash easily in cold water, so it's perfect!

-Sun shield. The sun is bright now that spring has sprung. If she's asleep in her car seat, I throw a blanket on top to shield the sun from her. Light enough to be breathable, yet perfect for blocking harsh sunlight.


Did I mention that they can be squished up super small to fit in a diaper bag with ease?! They are PERFECT. You and your baby need these. Especially for nursing. Without these blankets, I'd either have to nurse without a cover and be brave or nurse in a bathroom or car and hide. Neither of which are options to me, really. That's how important they are to me.

Now skip on over to Target, my second home, and buy some for your little love. Thank me later :)


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Parent Confessions!

I usually always hold Adalyn during her naps to extend naptime. I'll fully admit that I love (and NEED) those breaks. Plus it's sweet cuddle time with my little nugget. Win win situation.


My latest guilty pleasure is watching the Kardashians during said nap times. I can't help it. I just can't.

One time last month, I let Adalyn fall out of her swing. I was standing right next to her, literally, and it happened in a flash. She cried for about 20 seconds and then was all smiles. I never told anyone except Mark; I was ashamed.



I use that Munchkin baby masher gadget to occupy Adalyn while I get things done. Today, a chunk of banana in the mesh bag won me 30 minutes to order 292 photos from Shutterfly. Score!

I may or may not often take bites of Adalyn's baby food. Who knew that Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal or Banana Pear Oatmeal could be so good?!

When Adalyn wakes up at the crack of dawn, I sideline nurse her (is that what it's called?) and don't move a muscle in hopes that she falls back asleep for a while. It always works.

I am too attached to my baby to leave her in the church nursery. Sorry, but this deployment has resulted in Adalyn and I forming a tight bond and are very attached. She would do great in there, as she will let anyone hold her. But me? I would be missing her so much that I probably couldn't concentrate on the sermon. Don't judge.


Ahh, now that feels better!

5x7 Folded Card

Sweet Love Mother's Day 5x7 folded card

Find unique Mother's Day cards at Shutterfly.

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Some Thoughts

I've almost given up all interest in blogging. I don't know why, because I love to write. But I do feel like every ounce if creativity left me in December when my better half boarded the plane for deployment. Now? I feel like I have to scrape my brain for blogging topics.

Oh well. I'll soldier on.

Ad seems to get "easier" with each passing day. I love it. She now eats baby food, "plays" with me, and is (maybe?) making the transition a from 4 naps to 3 naps per day. Which means an earlier bed time! 730 is now when we hit the hay. Yes. WE. We still bedshare and I love it more than ever. I'm completely unaware of how often she eats at night, but she most definitely eats multiple times still. Fine by me, because I don't really wake up to notice! So once she drifts off to sleep, it's Mommy Time:

(cue transition)

Which brings me to now! I'm blogging on our new iPad. We aren't the type to run out and get the latest technology. But this? SO AMAZING! we got it to Skype with Mark, and it has proven to be a very special tool for us. Now, he can travel with us to the table to watch her eat; the nursery to watch her play; outside to watch her swing. I love it.

We are almost to the 2-month mark. I feel like it will never end, though a small bit of my optimistic side is hopeful that these last 9 weeks will go quicker. I can't imaagine him coming home. Seriously, WHAT is it like to have a partner in parenting?!? It's been so long since I've had a hug or a cuddle or a hand to hold. But it's been even harder for my husband. I know he would give anything to kiss Adsalyn just once.

Did I mention thaf we now have a home? No? Well, oops! We do! I've faxed lots and lots of papers and already have our address. I am extremely Excited for us to live together again. Holy crap I want to wash my husband's underwear, cook him spaghetti, and pick up his green military socks. I am beyond thrilled to resume my duties as his Queen Bee!!!


I'm reading through the book of Exodus now on this nifty little iPad app of mine. Too cool.

I think that's all for today.

What a day.

Today has been so hectic. Full of energy. Full of excitement. I am two notches above "exhausted" and can't wait for bedtime tonight.

Today was our photoshoot with MckMama!


Today we got off to a rocky start but made it to Nashville and headed to the Cheesecake Factory. We all ordered yucky salads, which we did not eat.

Today we left the restaurant too late and had to rush (!!!) to Centennial Park - where we parked farrr away.


Today we ran with our babies and realized, yet again, that we are w.a.y. out of shape, but we made it!! Had a wonderful photoshoot with MckMama. She is totally awesome and we hopefully got some great shots. We took some of her sitting up, laying on her Ally Zabba blanket, with Gray, and with me. I can't wait to get the CD!

Today we headed to Green Hills. We walker forevvver and only actually went in to about 5 stores. We were actually so tired that we stood at an elevator for 5 minutes and couldn't believe it was taking SOO long to open. Until we realized that we never hit the elevator button. Wow.


Today we waited a lifetime for a table at the Cheesecake Factory (again) so we could get cheesecake. Me? I got Reeses cake cheesecake. It was a beautiful thing, y'all. I'll never forget it.





Today I nursed without a cover for the first time in my life. I got to the point where I simply do not care, and I thought it would be unfair to make Adalyn sweat under a blanket, as it was really hot. I pulled my shirt down well; no one gave me a second look. Sweet.


Today I left Green Hills without a single shopping bag. My husband will be proud! But truthfully, I didn't see anything to buy.

I am so, so excited to see her photos!!! What an awesome day!! And meeting MckMama?? Completely and totally awesome. She is great and very sweet. She looked at Adalyn's photos and knew all about her sitting up -- how sweet!! She couldn't believe Ad could sit straight as a stick already, ha! What a fun day!!!

And now? Rest!!!



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