A COOL NEW FIND

The wall above Little Bean's crib was a blank canvas for far too long. I had been searching for something to hang that was safe, versatile and fun, and now thanks to my friend Maggie, I found the perfect piece!

It is a puffy frame designed by Ashley Olson and created by the Working Class Studio, a program that showcases art and design pieces by students, faculty and alumni of SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design. The idea is to use it to frame a cork board, picture, chalkboard or a lightweight mirror, but I prefer it be left blank and seen as a piece of art itself.

Take a look at the online shop for more cool finds from very talented artists. 

THE LITTLE MOUSE KIDS LOVE

Maileg is a Danish design company that creates sweet and whimsical children's toys that delight every age group. For Christmas, Little Bean got the Big Sister mouse in a box. She loves taking her mouse in and out of the box, and sometimes the box even ends up being her bracelet. Monkey was quite enamoured with the little mouse so he recently got Big Brother mouse, which he totes around everywhere. With additional accessories and friends to collect, the opportunity for imaginative play with these little characters is boundless.

FLEETING BABYHOOD

My friend Jacquie forewarned me that your second baby grows up so much faster than your first. I never imagined that statement could be so true. 

Little Bean is now six months old and I find myself feeling incredibly nostalgic for her babyhood. To be honest, I started feeling this way when she was just four months old. She's such a delight with her huge smile that lights up her whole face, her new found belly laugh and her absolute adoration of Monkey. Perhaps it's because I know she will be my last baby, or perhaps it's because of her engaging disposition that I want to hold on to precious day-to-day moments. 

Monkey's babyhood was sweet and seemed to move at a steady pace. I welcomed each stage of development, eager to see what was next. Now, I feel like I'm pining for Little Bean's babyhood and it's not even over. 

READY FOR BABY

I'm 35 weeks pregnant today. I feel like the final countdown has begun until we meet our little girl. The nursery is ready, the baby clothes are washed and folded, a double stroller has been purchased (gulp!) and so now we just wait.

Monkey is excitedly making big plans for her arrival. He's going to teach her how to walk, run and talk. He's going to cuddle for stories and share his smoothies with her. And, he's convinced he's going to sleep with her and carry her down the stairs.

I too am making big plans for her arrival. I'm thinking of ways to maintain Monkey's daily routine, involve him in the care of the baby and encourage him to be a big helper. I'm brainstorming activities and crafts in advance for the coming cooler months when getting outside with a newborn isn't always possible.

Needless to say, when the baby joins our family it will be a steep learning curve for Monkey and me. He will learn about the baby's limitations and I will learn how to manage the needs and wants of both my kiddos. For now, I will continue to focus on how to make this transition from singleton to sibling as easy for Monkey as I can. Wish me luck!

(Photos from the baby's nursery)

CURRENTLY LOVING: SALTWATER SANDALS

Saltwater Sandals are the best for kids -- this is the second summer that Monkey has been running around in a pair of the Surfers. Well-made and versatile, these sandals can pound the pavement, run through wading pools, spend the day at the beach and even clean up in the washing machine. One word: amazing.

And, they are so durable that I couldn't help getting a pair of the grown-up Original Sandal in navy blue for myself.

(Images via Saltwater Sandals)

CURRENTLY LOVING: THESE BONNETS

How adorable are these wooly bonnets by Patouche? I admit that I have a slight obsession with them ... Monkey has two. Here's a secret, Planet Kid in Toronto is having a very good sale this weekend where you just might find a bonnet for your little one (among other very cool things)!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2012: FOR THE KIDDOS

And now, some gift-giving inspiration for those special little ones in your life ...

1. Deep Into The Forest diorama ($35)
2. Nordic sock slippers ($35)
3. A banjo ($30)
4. Monkey hand puppet ($30)
5. I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen ($14)
6. Modelling beeswax ($30)
7. Nightlight that creates a magical starry night ($180)
8. Blabla Dog ($55)
9. Bat hat ($55)
10. Floor puzzle ($20)
11. Whittle World School Bus Set ($25)
12. Crazy Forts ($45)
13. Angel Wing Sweater ($95)

THE NEW BABY DAYS

This weekend we had a big family lunch with our friends. Monkey was in awe of the three little babies who ranged from eight weeks to seven months old. He was desperate to share his toy train and was perplexed as to why the smallest baby just didn't think it was as cool as he did.

Spending time with these little ones made me nostalgic for Monkey's baby days. Yes, it was a difficult time with little sleep, overwhelming emotions, lengthy nursing sessions and piles of laundry, but it was also a time filled with sweet moments. Looking back now, here are the things that I enjoyed (and that kept me sane!) during those early months ...

1. Living and Learning with Baby. I joined this mommy group through Toronto Public Health when Monkey was three months old. I learned a great deal about babies and, more importantly, I met a group of amazing women who live in our neighbourhood and who I now call friends.

2. Post-natal yoga. I practiced downward dog with Monkey beside me, or in some cases, involved in the poses too.

3. Movies for Mommies. This was one of my favourite things to do. Monkey either nursed or slept while I was entertained with movies like Crazy, Stupid, Love, Bridesmaids and The Ides of March. And if he fussed, it didn't matter since it was just a group of parents who were in the same boat!

4. Library time. The Toronto Public Library offers baby time classes with singing and reading, which is another great way to get out and meet other moms in your neighbourhood.

5. Art Strollers. Monkey and I toured contemporary works at the AGO, strolled through the Distillery District and took a free guided tour of Luminato exhibits. We became cultured one outing at a time!

And now looking back, my most cherished moments from those new baby days were when I'd just curl up with Monkey for a nap or for some quiet time to really get to know my special little guy.

HANDMADE HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

It's the beginning of October and time to get serious about Monkey's Halloween costume. Last year, he dressed up as the main character in Donnie Darko, which is one of my husband's favourite films. It was an easy costume that involved a skeleton outfit, grey sweatshirt hoodie and Adidas shoes to complete the look.

This year I'm determined to make his costume -- it's a fun project that tests my creativity and sewing skills. Here are some adorable handmade Halloween costumes from Martha Stewart to inspire me ...


Little lambs



Spring chicken



Superheros

(Top Image)

OUR FIRST OVERNIGHT TRIP

We reached a milestone this past weekend. John and I went away for our first overnight trip sans Monkey. Friends of ours were married in Prince Edward County, and it was a beautiful day that turned into a very fun evening with cocktails and dancing. But, it was hard to leave home. I had never missed a goodnight kiss or an early morning wake up call in Monkey's short lifetime.

For our little Monkey, it was a different story. He was absolutely fine. He had a blast with an ice cream treat, blueberry pancakes and a lot of playtime with his Omie and Papa. We all survived.

SWEETS IN MODERATION

I used to obsess over what Monkey ate and tried desperately to avoid all forms of sugar for fear of turning him into a rotten-toothed, hyper, delinquent toddler. Well, I recently had an epiphany. I realized that I was depriving my little guy of some of the best treats in the world for kids. Think decadent ice cream, pretty cupcakes, celebrated birthday cake and yummy cookies.

So, I've changed my tune. I will still obsess over giving him organic and unprocessed food at home, but I will also happily give him little scoops of ice cream this summer. There's no way that I could survive without ice cream, so why should Monkey be any different?

(Photo via Flickr)

SWADDLING 101

Monkey loved to be swaddled when he was a baby. It was his cozy cocoon. The muslin swaddles from aden + anais are the best. Muslin is a stretchy, breathable fabric so you can easily wrap your baby snuggly. It is also very durable and the more you wash it, the softer it gets. The whimsical designs are a bonus. Monkey is still attached to his blankets and curls up with one during his naps and at night.

This is a great step-by-step guide to swaddling your baby from aden + anais: