Charlie: Seven Months

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(As of his 6 month visit, he was. . .)

Weight: 14 lbs and 11.5 oz 

Height: 26.25 in
with a 44 cm head circumference

Clothes:

Still growing into his six month clothes-he's a long guy, but his waist isn't very big so bless his heart, he's having a hard time filling out his pj's and other clothes!

Sleep:
Teething is torture for babies AND Mamas, it's no joke.
He had been doing really well with his sleep, but now he has a really hard time going down at night and is waking at least once during the night.
I just feel so bad and know that once the first one breaks through, hopefully it will get better!

Schedule:
Charlie thrives on his Moms-on-Call schedule!
We haven't switched over to the seven month schedule yet, completely but he's still doing really well with his naps and eating times.

Health:

Charlie had his six-month checkup at the beginning of April & his doctor said he was a really healthy guy! She was impressed that he made it through his first six months with no ear infections and no bigger illnesses, and I was happy about that. She said he was a little light for his age, but didn't really see any problems with it so we're happy all around.

Crying:

Very little crying for this guy!
Of course having his shots upset him & his routine some, but he bounced back quickly and has been pleasant ever since. He doesn't even fuss too much with his teething, just at night.

Likes:

Being outside! Any time Charlie is fussy or upset, just taking him outside and sitting in the grass to play for a little while really makes him happy.
Petting Forrest, this month is the first month where he's really actively paid Forrest attention and it's so sweet.
Sitting up/sitting in the buggy at stores/sitting at the table in a high chair (he loves being a big boy!)
Babies! He went to visit a friend who just had a baby and he just wanted to love on Cooper, it was precious.
Eating what other people are eating (he wants to try EVERYTHING)
Drinking water out of a grown up cup or glass

Dislikes:

Getting those stinkin' shots! They really upset our little man this time around.
Trying to sleep while teething

Milestones:
Sitting up solo for longer periods of time

Places You've Gone:
To Mrs. Tori's to have your 6-Month pictures done
To Emiliano's 9th birthday party!
To the Pediatrician for your 6th month checkup
To see the Easter Bunny!
On a date with Mommy & Daddy to Birmingham to Buy Buy Baby, Field & Stream, Chuy's, Lilly Pulitzer, and Shoppes at Grand River Outlets

Mama & Charlie's Favorites:

Tommee Tippee Easi-Roll Bibs

I picked these up from TJ Maxx for a steal & they have slowly become our favorite bibs. They wash so well, roll up really conveniently for taking to go in the diaper bag, and cover a good area of Charlie. They're really durable as well.

Gerber Peach Puffs

I actually picked these up for Charlie's Easter basket, because I knew he'd be closer to actually crawling by Easter (it's going to happen ANY day now, y'all!) but we broke into them early and now we keep some in the diaper bag in case we need a distraction. The peach flavor smell (& taste!) so yummy!

Shark Onesie

These are on super sale at Old Navy right now, so I couldn't not mention it.

It's the perfect weather right now for Charlie to start just wearing a casual outfit like this bodysuit during the day when we're just chilling. I love the little sharks!

Snack Cups

These are an absolute must for keeping Charlie's puffs in the diaper bag.

They keep the snacks secure, but make it pretty effortless to just grab one or two out of the cup without having to unscrew a lid, etc.

Put on Your PJs, Piggies Book

I always try to share a book that Charlie & I enjoy with you each month and this one has been so fun!

Christopher has actually taken over reading bedtime stories to little man on most nights and so I always try to pick out a farm related book to make it a little more enjoyable for Da-Da.

This one is about three little piglets that are reluctant to go to bed, and this book makes them realize that bedtime isn't so bad after all. Right now Charlie doesn't have much say in bedtime, but I bet this story will be one he loves for years to come!

Turn & Learn Driving Toy

I actually picked up this driving toy at a consignment sale that I went to and when I pulled it out the other day, Charlie just loved it!

It makes all kinds of sounds and has lights and music, he loves to try to drive the tractor or truck when we're at the farm so this is his way of having his own way to drive.

Outdoor Packable Blanket

My mom & sister picked this up for me from Wal-Mart and y'all...this is going to be a game changer for us!

The blanket is really big, has a waterproof bottom and an easy to wipe off (yet soft and comfy) top layer, it zips up to carry easily, and even has a pocket on the front to carry your phone, a book, or some toys.

Charlie loves to hang out outside and so we just spread this out underneath a pear tree in our yard and hung out yesterday, he loved it!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Ten on Tuesday [No.57]

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ONE
I think I say this every year, but this year I mean it more than I ever have before...
I don't think I've ever been more ready and excited for Spring than I am this year!
I absolutely thrive on being outside, and being able to be outside also means more time with Christopher...so I'm so thankful that Charlie loves being outside as well & that the weather is finally cooperating and making it possible for us to play!

We spent some time outside this week just playing in our front yard and I had to take the opportunity to snap some sweet pictures of Charlie in this vintage Carters bubble that I found at a consignment sale.

And this one below was taken after spending the day out and about, he just looks like such a big boy with that long, shaggy hair (that we have to get cut soon, because it cannot be tamed!) and his t-shirt and shorts.

TWO

Has anyone else been following March Madness?
I'll be honest, I only slightly kept up with how Auburn played all season long, but I knew they did well. When they made Sweet Sixteen, my husband and I got really into following along & we cheered them on up until they faced Virginia Saturday night in the Final Four.
Y'all-it was such a heartbreaker!
But I really enjoyed watching them and getting to "know" Coach Bruce Pearl more, I'm just blown away by the type of man and Coach he is.
I can't wait to follow along next season!

THREE

Have you ever heard of the organization Be The Match?
I watched Hoda & Jenna yesterday morning and was actually tearing up at a story of a little girl who needed a bone marrow transplant & was able to have her life saved by one single donor, the only donor on the registry that matched her. It was absolutely beautiful!
I encourage you, if you aren't on the registry and are willing to go to the website where I linked it above and ask for them to send you a swab so that you can be registered, too.

FOUR

I'm about 75% sure that I've talked about Red Land Cotton on the blog before, but just in case I haven't-they're an Alabama based farm/company that grows cotton for all of these beautiful heirloom products like sheets, towels, etc.

At our last Young Farmer's Convention I bought a towel set at our live auction and have loved them ever since trying them for the first time-they're so luxurious (& currently on sale!)

Well, while perusing their website I found that they do baby bedding and I'm SO tempted to pick up this beautiful sheet, crib skirt, and heirloom baby quilt set while it's in stock and on sale-it's just so beautiful and I'm sure the quality is impeccable.

FIVE
On Friday night, I was craving a local restaurant's buffalo chicken pizza, so Chris & Charlie and I went out and enjoyed a fun night out as a family of three.
The restaurant is at a marina on the lake and so it's always fun to go look at all the boats (Charlie's eyes were SO wide walking through the showroom) and then having dinner with a nice view.

This is also the very first restaurant we ever took Charlie out to eat at & now it's the first one where he ever sat in a big boy high chair. He's growing up so fast and I love it so much (this is my favorite age so far) but I also just wish it could somehow slow down, just a little!

SIX
Spring decor is in full swing around our home!
I don't really go "all out" for seasonal decor, with the exception being Christmas, but I do love adding small touches.
This dough bowl was a silent auction purchase at one of our conferences & so I added a Hobby Lobby ticking stripe table runner, moss eggs from Hobby Lobby, wooden eggs from the Target Dollar Spot, and of course one of my Rae Dunn mugs 😉
It's just fun to add some simple touches, and being poultry farmers-we can leave the eggs out all Spring!

SEVEN

If you don't follow Carly over at Carly the Prepster then you should!
She's witty and her life in the North East couldn't be more different from my life, but that's why I love reading about her experiences.
This outfit post that she shared was giving me all the feelings-that skirt is absolutely on my Lilly After Party Sale wishlist!

EIGHT
The first Tuesday of each month, my ladies' philanthropic group meets and each month has two different hostesses.
April was my month to co-hostess and I enjoyed it so much!
My co-hostess, Mrs. Donna decorated the tables beautifully-the lavender was the perfect touch for Spring and I brought the program, explaining Christopher & I's win as Outstanding Young Farm Family for 2018 and how as a woman, I am an advocate for agriculture.
Christopher & I also spoke last Wednesday morning at a local elementary school for a career day and that's another thing I enjoy SO much!

NINE
Just the other day, I convinced Christopher to ride to the pasture with Charlie and I just to check cows and have a few minutes of downtime.
We strolled around and checked on all the mama's and their little ones & the best part is always coming up to the top of the hill as we're about to leave and checking out the view from what will one day (hopefully!) be our back porch.
Y'all, I dream about this place.
I love this place SO much and cannot wait to wake up to this each morning.
Also, peep the cows (those little black sprinkles at the tree line) they're the best part of the view.

Okay, I lied-this is the best part of the view. My boy looking up at his Daddy beats everything else.

TEN

I didn't want this week's Ten on Tuesday to pass without sharing one of Charlie's six-month photos with y'all, even though I'll be sharing more of them in his next monthly update!

He was a little sleepy & isn't always the most smiley when he doesn't know the people around him, but Tori did an awesome job capturing our sweet man.

In this picture he was just done and laid down on the little wraps, but it's the most precious shot to me and I can't wait to get copies and frame it!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Charlie's First Easter Basket

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I love so many different parts of being a Mama, from witnessing his first laugh to spending time playing outside with him, all the way to learning what foods he does and doesn't like.

But one of my favorite parts of being Charlie's Mama is celebrating all of his "firsts"-particularly his first holidays!

My Mama always made holidays special growing up, even if it wasn't a huge deal-special days didn't pass by without a little surprise to commemorate the occasion and I hope to always be that way with Charlie, too.

His first Easter will be no different, obviously!

 Charlie's Basket/ Basket Liner with Embroidery/ Book/ Bunny (Similar)/ Puffs

Teething Crackers/ Toothbrush/ Outfit (Similar)/ Spoons

The first thing I had to decide on for Charlie's first Easter was his basket.

I wanted something timeless & something that I would be able to find a match to a few years down the road if we ever had another baby, so I went to my old faithful...Pottery Barn!

They have the most beautiful baskets and liners and they always seem to have a sale running, just make sure to sign up for their emails-they'll send you codes all the time!

I went with the seagrass option, I just thought it might hold up better being stored than traditional wicker. Then I went with a blue gingham and green embroidery with a classic, all capitals font.

As far as filling it, I knew I didn't want to go overboard-especially because he's still so little, he doesn't need much.

I of course wanted to get him a few things he actually will be needing over the next month or so; more spoons because we go through at least three of those a day, puffs and teething crackers because he's about to graduate to those foods, a teething toothbrush so we can start practicing with that, a sweet bunny because it is his very first Easter, an outfit because I couldn't resist this precious appliquéd jon-jon, and a sweet book to read together!

I think my favorite piece of this entire basket is the book; I Love You, Funny Bunny is so, so precious!

I especially love that it's written from a mother's perspective. It's perfect for Charlie's age range now because the sentences are simple and it's not very long, but it would be a cute, quick read for many ages above him. The illustrations are adorable and I love that the bunnies stay in theme with Easter, but it's also perfectly acceptable to read to him any day of the year afterwards. I just love picking out new books for him to hopefully foster his love of reading, just as my Mama did for me as a little girl!

If you have little ones, please let me know what you put in their Easter baskets when they were around Charlie's age-I would love to hear some more ideas below in the comments!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

This book was provided for review from Harper Collins Publishing. All opinions are as always, my own and have no bias.

Top Ten Recent Amazon Purchases

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Before having Charlie, I occasionally used Amazon to shop for things that weren't easy to find in store or that happened to be cheaper online (I've always been a big fan of purchasing books on Amazon!) But after becoming a Mama, I find myself turning to Amazon for all sorts of purchases!

As you can tell from just these ten items, my purchases are a random assortment of a little bit of everything. The convenience factor is just huge for me and I know it is for so many of y'all as well.

These are ten of my purchases from the past six months that I wanted to share. . .

Jamberry

This book was a favorite of mine growing up (that probably had to do with the page that shows an illustration and words of "strawberry ponies") and I just knew I needed to snag it for Charlie too!

This is a sturdy board book which should hold up well for years to come. I love the sing-songy tone of this book and the beautiful pictures!

Mom's on Call

If you've been reading my monthly updates about Charlie, you'll know that between 3-4 months, I decided I needed help getting his sleep on track and a lot of people recommend Mom's On Call.

I found a sample schedule and dove in...it's made a world of difference! So much so, that I finally bought the book for the other schedules.

It's helped get him (and myself) in a good routine and I'm thankful for it.

It also includes tons of other advice that is helpful for a first time mom like myself.

Quay Sunglasses

These are my favorite go-to pair of sunglasses. The oversized aviator style fit my face really well and I love the mirrored finish. They aren't any cheaper on Amazon, but if you have Prime you can use that (but it's free shipping already, anyways!) 

Felt Letter Board

I guess I'm cheating because I didn't purchase this myself, but this letter board was a gift purchased from Amazon and I use it allllll the time.

I change it up for holidays and even use it to take Charlie's monthly update pictures.

It currently lives in our kitchen with an Irish proverb from St. Patrick's Day ;)

Wireless iPhone Charger

I recently upgraded my iPhone to the iPhone XS and the Verizon store tried to sell me a wireless charger for like $50. I knew that I didn't necessarily have to have one, so I skipped it in store.

The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea-so I grabbed one off of Amazon (for less than $15!) and it's worked great. It comes in different colors as well and makes charging my phone even easier.

Thermal V-Neck Button Up Top

This top was my first foray into shopping for clothing off of Amazon.

I always thought the things that were too pricey could be found cheaper in store and the things that were inexpensive were probably terrible quality.

This top is under $20 and now I have four in my closet because they are that good.

There are different retailers (I purchased a similar top from a different retailer and the quality wasn't near as good) but this is the best one I have found.

The price is right and these tops are so cute!

*Note: I also tried the long sleeve version of this top by the same retailer and didn't like the look so it was returned, just noting that for y'all.

Rubbermaid Mop

I fell into the black hole of watching cleaning YouTube videos one day and Jen from How Jen Does It was using this mop and I fell in love.

I have to have different pads and cleaners for our wood and tile floors anyway, so this mop was perfect. It came with the mop, three washable pads, and two interchangeable bottles. I use the Method wood cleaner for the hardwood in our home and the Method tile cleaner for our tile and the bottles just pop in and out easily. The pads have washed really well too!

Vital Proteins Collagen Powder

I have tried a few different brands of collagen since I started taking it (while I was pregnant with Charlie), but when I discovered this powder (it's also available at Target) I settled on it.

There is no flavor, it dissolves completely into my morning coffee, and most importantly-it works.

My hair has been falling out (thanks postpartum hair loss) but it's growing back quickly and my nails look great too.

Boppy Cover

When I was shopping for my baby registry, I couldn't find a decent neutral Boppy cover anywhere!

So, I registered for the plain Boppy and picked this one up on Amazon for less than $20.

It's grey minky fabric and so soft. Bonus? It also double as a great napping pillow for me ;)

Horse Wubbanub Pacifier

Chris and I get asked about these pacifiers almost every single time we go out with Charlie.

Charlie only likes the Soothie pacifiers and so unless he is in his crib, if he wants a paci then he's got a Wubbanub. He has the horse, a cow, and a chicken and they are all SO cute.

Well, that's the latest from my Amazon hauls & don't forget-you can always keep up with what I'm purchasing from Amazon by looking through my Amazon shop here!

What have you purchased from Amazon lately?!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Charlie: Six Months

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My letter board

Weight: 14 lbs 11.5 oz 

Height: 26.25 in
(as of 3-25-19)

Clothes:

Charlie boy is finally starting to really fill out his six month clothes-the length is going to cause us to size up to 6-9 before things fit in the waist...guess he's going to be a tall and slim guy like his Daddy!

Charlie's horse Wubbanub

 Sweet boy is so good about taking naps on the go-even at the National Wild Turkey Federation Banquet...right next to the auctioneer!

 He even napped like a little champ on the charter bus during our farm tours.

Charlie's cow wubbanub

Sleep:
If you don't follow Mom's-on-Call & your little one isn't sleeping...pick the book up!
Since getting Charlie on a schedule, he has been sleeping so, so much better. He has had a little trouble going down for naps since the time change, but he does still take three naps per day (between 30 minutes to over an hour, depending) and he's been going down at night with little fuss...and y'all-we're down to only one wake up if he wakes up at all!
We've slept through the night several times now and he's becoming more regular each week. I'm so proud of our little guy!

 We have had some beautiful Spring weather lately, so playing outside on a blanket has been a fun pastime.

Schedule:
His schedule hasn't changed much since I wrote his five month update;
Now, on a normal day, Charlie's schedule looks something like this.
7 AM-Wake up & nurse
8 AM-Eat some type of solids (some days it's avocado, some days it's sweet potatoes-whatever I have made for him)
8:30 AM-Down for a nap, about 1-1 1/2 hours usually
10:30 AM-Nurse again
11:30 AM-Solids (I try to vary what he eats, I try to have at least two different options in the fridge on any given day)
12:30/1:30 PM- Somewhere between here, whenever he starts showing cues, we go down for another nap usually 1 1/2 or 2 hours.
3 PM-Nursing again
4 PM-Solids again
5 PM-Possibly take another nap here, if he's feeling tired
6:30 PM-Bath time! We take a bath every single night now, but we only wash his hair every other night.
6:45 PM-Jammies and bedtime story
7 PM-Nurse one last time
Between 7-7:30 PM-Down for bed

 Some body found big brother Forrest's foot!

Charlie's shamrock pajamas (currently on sale!)

Health:

Nothing new to report here-he had a little sniffly, snotty nose for a few days but it cleared up really quickly!

 Charlie's fleece sleep sack 

Sweet boy at his first Young Farmer's Conference!

Crying:

Hardly any crying from our little man-the most tears come from being overtired. He's just the best!

Likes:
Being outside
Playing in his exersaucer
Trying real foods
Sitting up like a big boy! 

He loved Bow & Arrow as much as Mama & Daddy did-in all seriousness this is where we realized he can (& wants to!) eat real food. We ordered a half chicken and some macaroni and cheese and he had teeny tiny bites of both and gobbled them up!
Dislikes:

He gets frustrated when he realizes that he can't crawl and sit up for long periods of time by himself...he's just ready to be grown up!
When the solid foods run out-he's going to eat us out of house & home as he gets bigger!

Our big guy sitting up all by himself!
Milestones:
Sleeping through the night almost every single night
Eating lots of purees and real foods (has eaten chicken, cheese, noodles, french fries)

Sitting up without support for short periods of time

 Charlie's first time to Mt. Cheaha!

 Charlie approves of Blue Ribbon Dairy chocolate milk!

Charlie's first Cattlemen's Convention!

Charlie's diaper bag (on Chris!)

Places You've Gone:
The Alabama Cattlemen's Convention
Bow & Arrow in Auburn
Mt. Cheaha
Alabama Young Farmer's Convention
-Blue Ribbon Dairy
-Tallapoosa County Sheriffs Girls Ranch
-Whippoorwill Vineyards
Avondale
-Big Spoon Creamery
-Post Office Pies

Mama & Charlie's Favorites:

Parent's Choice Wipes

We've tried a lot of different baby wipes, but some of our favorites are honestly just the Wal-Mart brand wipes, especially for the price! (If price is no factor, we like the Pure wipes too ;)

If you ever see them sell the Sweet Orange Burst scent, better pick those up-they smell amazing and so fresh!

Yoga Sprout Bibs

I bought this set of four bibs at TJ Maxx and they have been the best!

Before these I only had fabric bibs and they were staining and looked horrible with baby food all over them. These just wash right off in the sink and they're really durable plastic. Plus the patterns are really cute, too.

Motorola 5" Portable Baby Monitor

We've had this for Charlie since we got back from New Orleans and put him in his room full time.

I had a sound-only monitor which worked fine, but I really felt better being able to see him.

This has awesome night vision and can rotate all around the entire room, it also can link with additional cameras so if we ever had other children then I can have cameras in each of their rooms.

The only issue I have with it is that the monitor pretty much has to be plugged in at all times or you can't use the video feature, but it's a small thing.

Halo SleepSack

We have a couple of different sleep sack options for Charlie, I find he just sleeps better in his pajamas and a sleep sack. The one pictured is a thinner cotton material and the one he's wearing in one of the pictures above is a thicker fleece-they're all great and have laundered really well. Highly recommend these!

Boogie Wipes

I first learned about these before Charlie was even born-a friend had them for her little girl and I asked what was different about them rather than just plain baby wipes.

Basically, they're made with saline and are much more gentle on baby's nose. They really do make a difference when Charlie has a runny nose, they're really good at getting dried snot off (sorry for all you not-mom's out there reading this!) and anything that makes that process go faster is a win for me!

You're My Little Sweet Pea

If you're looking for a good book to give as a baby shower gift or just to pick up for your little one (maybe for an Easter basket?!) this book is a winner!

It's a really well made book, a tough almost board book with a padded front cover. The pages are beautiful illustrations that almost have a watercolor look to them. I love that the words are to be read in a sing-song, rhyming manner (my favorite). And the message behind it is oh-so-sweet.

My favorite line to read to Charlie is, "Your giggle always melts my heart. You changed my world right from the start. And when your little hand holds mine, I know I'll love you for all time." Talk about all the feels!

Clip Clop Horse Activity Rattle

I picked up this sweet little rattle toy for Charlie's Christmas stocking and it's recently become a big favorite. There are so many different textures and noises on this horsey that it keeps him entertained for a good little while. The rattle is on a ring, so sometimes I'll clip it to his play mat or exersaucer.

Nose Frida Snotsucker

It's pretty incredible how much you care about snot when you become a mom. 😂

In all seriousness, the same friend that told me about Boogie Wipes told me about the Nose Frida and it's one of those things that you say, "Oh, I'll never use/need that" until you do.

I swear by it when Charlie's got a stuffy nose, it works so much better than the bulb thing they give you in the hospital.

Activity Links

Charlie's grandparent's got him some of these plastic chain links and they have become a favorite for hanging toys from his play mat or exersaucer.

He also really just loves to throw these around, they're a pretty basic toy but give him a lot of entertainment!

Until next time. . .

xoxo,