Drafts & Crafts

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Archives for January 2017

Tanner’s (almost) 9-month update

Mommy & Misc

January 31st, 2017 by Drafts & Crafts

Watching Tanner grow is the biggest blessing, but it sure is bittersweet how fast time is moving. How can my baby almost be 9 months old??? 

{Bonnet: Briar Handmade – Skirt: Rylee & Cru}

When I found out that we were expecting our first child, I decided that I wanted to write a tri-monthly updates about our experience. That way anyone who was curious about my pregnancy could be filled in and it would be a great way to keep a personal log. The last update that I shared was when Tanner was 6 months. Since our sweet boy will be 9 months in less than two weeks, I thought it was time for a quick update!

Tanner is learning something new every day. My mama heart bursts each time he accomplishes something. We took a trip to the doctor for Tanner’s runny nose and cough so I know that our ham weighs 22 pounds and measures 29.5 inches long as of today (around the 90th percentile for both)! The newest skill that Tanner has mastered is clapping.. all the cool kids are doing it! It is the cutest thing when he gets excited and claps! Our BIG boy still is not crawling, which I am totally fine with. Sure, I would be proud if he started crawling, but I also know that means much more work for me. Tanner does scoot around and can roll to where he wants to go if he is really determined. He has started to get up on all 4’s more so I think we will have a crawler soon.

Tanner is still sleeping through the night 95% of the time. He does like an occasional 3 or 4am snack. He does not have any teeth, but today the doctor mentioned that she can see a bottom tooth is very close to breaking the surface. With the way Tanner eats, you would not know that he does not have any teefies. At 22 pounds, the boy loves to eat. He wants to eat WHATEVER we are eating. I am loosely following the baby lead weaning technique by letting Tanner try all of the food we eat. Let me tell you, the kid loves carbs like his mama.

Tanner is still being fed breastmilk, but we had a big change this week. We are beginning to mix breastmilk with formula, bottles are now going to be half and half. Tanner nurses first thing is the morning, then I pump twice during the day now (I use to pump 6 times a day). Amen. I just want to get my life back and not be married to the breast pump. Tell me, how are you ladies doing? Anyone else over pumping out there?? I would love to hear about the milestones that your babes are hitting? Big or small, they are all so exciting!!!

Keep in touch,
Dani

 

 

Homemade Stromboli

Kitchen

January 20, 2017 by Drafts & Crafts

Give your loved ones the gift they really want this Valentine’s day, a homemade Stromboli. Sharing a family recipe that always takes the cake.

{Ingredients}

makes 1 Stromboli. appetizer serves 6 people. 15 mins prep, bake 45 mins 

  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced salami
  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced capicola
  • 1/2 thinly sliced mozzarella cheese or 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 remade ball of pizza dough (you can ask for in most bakery sections of any grocery store)
  • 1 beaten egg
  • oregano
  • salt
  • pepper
  • utensil: Rolling Pin
  1. Preheat the oven to 350.
  2. Sprinkle flour on your counter where you will roll out the dough. Sprinkle flour all over your rolling pin as well, so that the dough does not stick.
  3. Roll out the dough until completely flat. Should be able to roll until 12-14 inches in diameter.
  4. Leave 1.5  inches around the perimeter/edges and layer capicola, salami, and cheese. I use about 12 pieces of each lunch meat. Sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper over the ingredients. 
  5. Roll the entire dough long ways. Make sure it is sealed shut and pinch the edges.
  6. Beat 1 egg in a bowl and use it to brush the outside with egg wash. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Don’t know what appetizer to bring each time a new party or gathering rolls around? Don’t worry, this Stromboli will have your back every. single. time. My mom has been making her great-aunt’s stromboli since my father and her got married. I recommend doubling the recipe if you are making it for a party. I can honestly say that I am not sure why I have not posted this recipe sooner. Maybe I was trying to keep it to myself because I don’t want people to know how simple it really is! I wanted to share this recipe in time for Valentine’s day that way you could make it for your loved ones. Hope everyone has an awesome weekend.

Keep in touch,
Dani

10 Tips for Traveling with an Infant

Mommy & Misc

January 11, 2017 by Drafts & Crafts

Before traveling with a baby, I had so many questions. I decided to put together this blog post for any other moms in my position. I also include some helpful tips for flying with a baby for the first time. 

Hope everyone is off to a great 20-17!! I am trying to keep up with a few resolutions myself: cook more, exercise more, and create more blog content. If there are any ideas that you would like me to cover, just let me know! I would love to hear suggestions or any ideas that you would like to see covered on D & C.

I feel blessed that I have gotten to stay home with Tanner since he was born. Since I will not stay home forever, I decided early on that I wanted to take advantage of not working and travel with Tanner. Tanner and I have gone to South Florida to see my parents a few times and to Virginia and DC to visit friends. Traveling alone with a baby gave me some anxiety. I had so many questions for friends who had previously flown with their babies. I decided to create this post in hopes of helping any mamas out there traveling for the first time with kiddos.

  1. Make a list of everything you will need for baby a few days before you begin to pack. I found this helpful that way I did not forget anything.
  2. Pack plenty of their favorite toys so they can feel a part of home while away.
  3. Plan out the babies clothes/outfits to minimize any thinking once you arrive at your destination.
  4. Travel with 7 or 8 diapers and purchase the rest when you arrive to your destination to free up any packing space.
  5. Try your best to stick with your child’s routine if they have one (i.e nap time and bedtime).
  6. I recommend carrying a diaper bag that makes everything easily accessible. I just got this new Babymel diaper backpack from the Baby Cubby and it would have been a dream to fly with.
  7. When flying: Either push your stroller through security or wear your baby. My friends let me borrow their stroller and car seat travel bags. Whether you are going to curb check or gate check the stroller & carseat, I HIGHLY recommend getting these covers. Your items will stay clean because the airport workers do just toss your luggage and bags in the bottom of the dirty plane.I opted to push Tanner since I am not an experienced baby wearer so I figured the airport was not a good place to practice. I also was able to use the room underneath the stroller to store our winter coats since my husband would not be there to help hold things.
  8. When flying: Make sure your child has their own boarding ticket or that “infant in your lap” is clearly marked on your boarding ticket. My friend, Sam, stressed this to me and it still happened. When I got to check in, the guy told me that they would just add Tanner to my ticket at the gate. So after standing in the security line, the TSA sent me back to check in since Tanner was not on my ticket! Also, Bring a COPY of your child’s birth certificate because it is better to be safe than sorry.
  9. When Flying with Milk: If your baby is breastfed, I recommend purchasing a milk cooler so you can pack extra and keep it cold all day. I brought 4 bottles in our Medela cooler and the TSA’s just check it in a separate X-ray machine. If your baby is formula fed, use can pack whatever special water you choose to mix the formula with. You just have to tell the TSA that the water is for the baby.
  10. Last, give yourself plenty of time & grace. Remember it is OK to ask for help too!

Hope these tips help! Safe travels in the new year friends!

Keep in touch,
Dani

Baby Registry Wish List

Mommy & Misc

January 4, 2017 by Drafts & Crafts

I was in the dark when it was time to register for our first child. I created a registry wish list for expectant parents,  filled with some of my favorite items that we use daily.

Happy New Year friends! I wanted to write a post about creating a baby registry for new parents. It is hard to believe it was this time last year that this new mama made Tanner’s registry, like a chicken with my head cut off! Since then, I have had a many friends ask me for some registering advice and opinions on products. Some stores give you a list that is helpful, but there are SO many choices that it is hard to know whether or not you are making a good choice.

I am thrilled to team up with Baby Cubby to discuss registering for a baby. For anyone who has not heard about Baby Cubby, it is a one-stop-shop for high quality and safe baby products. The shop is run by parents who have been in our shoes! They do the research for us, by trying the products and making sure each item is highly rated and safe for our children. The shop even does fun activities like stroller testing to make sure that people are happy with the products they sell. Now that our son is 8 months old, my husband and I have a list of our “must-have products.” These items are at the top of our wish list whenever we try for baby #2. I created this Baby Registry Wish List to share my favorite items with new parents!

*these photos are from BabyCubby.com who sponsored this post. 

Baby Registry Wish List

Baby’s Room

 

Living Room

 

Fun Items for Baby

 

Bath Time

 

Items for the New Mama & Baby

 

I hope this list and items can help give new parents some ideas for registering.  Some other important information to know about Baby Cubby:

  • They have an online blog with great information for parents.
  • They are always willing to help parents since they are not just trying to sell you “stuff”
  • They will price match
  • They have free shipping over $49.
  • They make sure every item they sell is safe for baby.
  • You can get 10% off your first purchase when you sign up for their newsletter!

Please let me know if you have any questions! I wish I would have known about Baby Cubby sooner so I hope you enjoy it! What are your favorite places to shop for your little ones? Wishing you all happy and healthy new year!!!

Keep in touch,
Dani