Baby Proofing...

Well I am working today on task #2 from yesterday's To Do list. Baby Proofing. This is especially important right now as Ava is really starting to crawl fast and is a very curious baby! I know that they say you can't baby proof everything, but I am going to try! And I am going to try to do it without making my house look like a daycare. Wish me luck!!!

So here is my plan of attack. I have ordered this storage ottoman to replace the coffee table. It will help hide toys and be soft if little bit hits her noggin!!! :)

I have also ordered one of these to cover our fireplace hearth. It is curved and not a usual shape, so a standard cover or edge guard wouldn't work. This is a pricey item, but I think worth the cost. I hope it is. I will review it later for you....

This is what I am working on today. I love UGlu. It is one "As Seen on TV" item that really works. Now I don't think I will be hanging any heavy pictures with it. But I got it in the As Seen on TV aisle at walmart to hold down my bathroom rug. And I have started using it under lamps and things in the living room. It really holds well! As long as you don't have to repeatedly stick and unstick, I think it will do the trick!




A flatscreen TV guard. We have two flatscreen TVs here at the Brewer's. (not counting the flip-down one in the kitchen). One is in our bedroom, mounted to the wall. The other is in the living room. We have it in a tall armoire. But I am still going to lock it to the wall. Too many children die every year from heavy flat screens falling on them! People- LOCK YOUR TV TO THE WALL!!!!! Locks are available online or in Babies R Us stores!

Outlet covers. Ugh. the cheap ones don't work well, and the good ones are WAY expensive! SO my solution- I have a mid-range one for the outlets I don't use often. And I have easy (but $$$) for my outlets I use on a regular basis. We all have our "go to" outlets, don't we?!?!

This is the power strip cover that I have over the strip in Ava's room. I need to get a second for the one in our bedroom. It is great! Super easy and fast to install, and not too difficult to take off to plug or unplug things.

Ava hasn't started standing in her crib yet, but I know the time is close. And I also know that she will chew on her crib as she does everything else. The plastic guards are not always right for the different cribs. Ava's bed has thick (like 2-3") rails on the top, and the sides are curved so the traditional guards won't really work well. But check this out! They make them for the sides too. And they come in all sorts of fun colors and patterns. And if you are crafty and can sew, how easy would this be to make!? You could even use your bedding fabric (if you had your bedding made) or get an extra matching quilt for your store-bought bedding, and make one! EASY and practical. And cute. My kind of combination!!!

I bought these and the flat side pieces that match for our side table in the living room. We will see how they do.....

This is a new type of cabinet lock that I just bought today. Now they are expensive. But they are NO DRILL!!! That is HUGE for me because we just redid our kitchen and I was a nervous wreck putting on the hardware! I don't want to drill into them again! It works with a magnet. That is really all I know about the mechanics. But this is really important to me. Because while I do believe in teaching children where they are and are not allowed to play, I also believe in taking precautions. A family member (who is of the opinion that you should teach kids to stay out of cabinets and not lock them) had his toddler grandson drink toilet bowl cleaner! Hello!?!?

So those are my baby proofing strides thus far. What are your best baby proofing tips???? Help a new momma out! LOL!!!

Happy New Year! Now Let's Get Crack-a-Lackin'!!!

WOW! Can you believe it is 2011! I just can't get over how quickly time flies by as an adult! Mind boggling! Well I posted a few weeks back about my goals and resolutions, so I wanted to tell you about progress I am making (and not making)...

1. Weight. Not much progress there. Yet. But I am striving to eat healthier, and to be more active. AND my friend Jillian Michaels is on her way to my house (in the form of two very painful sounding DVDs) and I am resolved to do them at least 5 days a week during Ava's nap time. So wish me luck and keep me accountable, peeps!!! Together, I can loose weight! HAHA!

2. Financial. I am still working on this one. It is a hard one. But I think I have done really really well! We have had to buy a few big things recently, and a splurged on my sweet honey a couple of cool birthday gifts that he will love me forever for. But other than that, I have done really well I think. I even changed the location of Ava's first birthday and saved us $350!!! Whooohoo! More on her party in a moment....

3. Relationship with God. I am really trying to seek the Lord's guidance in all areas of my life, and have been especially working on turning to Him with help on some difficult relationships I have in my life right now. And I think He is changing my heart! I still have such a long way to go, but I know when I feel I can't keep going, He will carry me. And that is such a comforting feeling. I really don't know how non-Christians live life. It would be so sad and hard and scary thinking about being alone in the dark times.

4. Contentment. This is the HARDEST for me. But I am making some strides. Kind of. My biggest issue with contentment is my house. I think my house is lovely, and great. And we (mostly I because we would still have yucky white walls and nasty carpet and tile if it were up to Mr. Brewer) have worked very hard to make it a nice home. But I can't change the size. Or the fact that we are rapidly outgrowing it. Or the fact that there are some uncertainties and situations in our life right now that make it impossible and impractical to move to a larger home. So how am I dealing with this? Well I mentioned in 1. that I had to make some larger purchases recently. Well one of those is a storage ottoman to replace our coffee table. Our living room is overflowing with toys, and so I wanted something that would do double duty. I also ordered some new curtains (I got a deal! Promise!) for my bedroom- I have been wanting some new ones for a while. This doesn't really do much except make me happy. :) And I have a list of things to get done in the next 13 weeks...more on that later too....

SOOOO, I mentioned Ava's first birthday party. Well her birthday is February 11. But we are having it in April, after our "big challenge" is OVER! YAY! So in about 13 weeks. It really seems close when I say it like that!

I have been a planning fool since new years day, when I realized just how quickly it was coming up!!! So I wanted to share some ideas and fun things I am planning!


These are some cupcake cups I found at Michaels, and just loved them! But there is nothing that matches. No plates, cups, nothing! So I decided I was good enough for that challenge, and went with it! So this is my theme, paired with the zebra, and tons of solid colors! I think it will be bright, fun, and OH SO HAPPY!!!


I told you we changed the location...it is now going to be at my sister's house! I am going to make some paper pompoms or use paper lanterns as part of the decor!

I just love these tags! I want to do something similar to these to label the different candy jars and items on the favor table. Instead of making pre-made favor bags, I am going to allow guests (with the help of their parents) to make their own. We have such a wide range of ages that I thought this would be good so that kids could get age appropriate items. I am going to order in bulk from Oriental Trading. Things like silly bandz, pilot rubber ducks, and lots of candy and cookies!

I just love these feather centerpieces!!! Why didn't i think of this for my wedding! They are stunning in white! But I want to do some fun ones (maybe on a smaller scale) for the party.

I have designed the invitation and some water bottle labels too! I will share those in a later post, as I am sure that this party will consume many of my blogging hours!!! HAHA!

I also wanted to just record a list- mostly for myself- of things around the house I want to get done before or shortly after my 13 week "BIG CHALLENGE" countdown is up- and yes I still promise to tell you what the challenge is when I can....

1. Finish the painting that needs to be done in the bathroom.

2. baby proof EVERYTHING!

3. build retaining wall next to driveway/remove flowerbed in back yard.

4. finish wine rack in kitchen

5. take out living room furniture and deep clean floors (something I might do tomorrow if I get brave!!!

6. reorganize garage and ferry items to attic

7. clean out guest room (possibly make it into craft room)

8. clean out drawers and donate clothes I don't wear anymore

Whew. I am tired just looking at that list!

Have a good first work week of the new year!!!

I need something...

I need something. It is a storage building. We have too much STUFF!!! AHHHHH!!!!!!

That is all I have to say...back to my mad cleaning/organizing day....

By the way, folks, I am a hot mess today! Seriously. This makes me nuts...

:)

Prayer Request...

My dear blogger friends...

please say a prayer for my little family- Cole, Ava, and I. We have been going through a very difficult and stressful time this year, and this holiday season is especially difficult on everyone. I will share more about it when I can. Which will be in April. :) But please just pray for peace and patience for our family.

And especially me. I am really struggling with bitterness and anger towards some members of our extended family. I know that this is not what the Lord wants for me and my heart and attitude. I don't want to feel this way, but it seems to be a daily struggle recently. And this is just compounded by the challenges we are facing as a family.

Thank you, and I promise to share with you all about my family's current challenge when I can. I know I don't like to be left guessing!!!!

Rachel

Waiting for Paint to Dry...

I am literally watching paint dry. So instead of wasting my time willing my canvases to dry so I can continue working on them, I thought I would use my time "wisely" and do a little blog post. ;)



I have been thinking a lot lately about our future children. Cole and I would like to have three total. Although if they are all as easy as Ava, I wouldn't mind four. :D Cole is wetting his pants right now. I am starting a new tradition at our house- I found these fun giant felt bags at Bed Bath & Beyond, and I bought one for Ava to lay out each year and Santa will fill it with her toys! Well I had to go there today for something, and I bought two more, just in case we have two more kids and just in case they don't have them again in the future! LOL! I already have names picked out for our next baby...



GIRL: Claire Elizabeth (I have always loved the name Claire, and Elizabeth is my MIL's middle name. Ava has my mom-and my- middle name, so I guess that is only fair).

BOY: Archer Davis (Archer is my maiden name, and Davis is Cole's middle name and a family name for his dad's side).



But I know that future children are not guaranteed...



When I was pregnant with Ava, I knew of three couples that lost baby girls, either after birth or during the pregnancy. Of course, I was scared beyond measure for the health of Ava. Over the last year I have known several people- some close friends, others just blogger friends- that have suffered miscarriages. This just breaks my heart. Ava happened so easily, really much more easily than anyone expected. We were lucky. It shocked me when I found out how many of my friends had suffered the loss of a precious unborn child.

With Ava's first Christmas (and last round of "first holidays") drawing near, I am burdened deeply for those that have lost babies and children. I don't know if I would have the strength to carry on if something ever happened to Ava. I pray each night that she grows to be an old woman and that the LORD will put a hedge of protection around her, and keep her safe. If you have children, hold them close, and thank the LORD each day for blessing your life with them (even if they are being little toots! HA!) And if you have lost a baby or child, or suffered a miscarriage, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. You are stronger than you think, and when you can't go on, the LORD will carry you- you just have to ask Him!

If I don't get a chance to write again before the day- MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!



And because I know you all just LURVE seeing pictures of my precious girl... haha!

My Santa Baby!

HOLL-E-WOOD!!!! Movie star in training!

"Can I get my soy latte and a non-fat muffin puree please?"

Hey Warden. When is my time up?




Happy Girl! She really is like this ALL the time!!!

Bubbles!

Whoohooo! Watch out world! I can MOVE!!!

And I just had to share....few people know that the Brewer family is actually quite the groovin' bunch!!!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Strollin' Around....

Strollers are, in my opinion, one of the best baby/toddler items ever invented. I mean really...right up there with the infant carrier and pacifiers! Obviously, I feel this way, since my garage is now home to FOUR strollers (yes, for ONE child...). Let me explain our stroller evolution...

STROLLER #1: The Jogging Stroller

Our first stroller purchase, while I was pregnant, was a Jeep jogging stroller, similar to this one. I bought it for $50 off of Craigslist. A wise and fruitful purchase, I must say. When I bought it, I was still into running. And although I haven't gotten back into running (YET- see last post), we use this bad boy on family walks around the neighborhood. It comes fully loaded- a speaker system for your ipod tunes, a nice large sunshade, and a multi-function timer/odometer/speedometer. Not too bad for fifty bucks! The only down side is that it will not fit in my trunk. I can get it in my backseat, but it is wedged in there and difficult to load and unload.

STROLLER #2: The Travel System

This is our travel "system"...the Graco Elyse. It is an adorable print- we have a matching pack-n-play. And the infant snugride carrier was great! But the stroller is HUGE. Like GINORMOUS! And I have used it a total of 4 times. It is just soooo big. And for the size and mass of the stroller, not very functional. It does have nice parent's cup holders (x2), but that is the best thing I can say. It is really too much of a hassle. Lesson learned. I will say that, when Ava was still in her infant carrier, I LOVED this system. Because if I needed a stroller, I didn't have to get her out and into a separate stroller. The only redeeming quality, in this mommy's opinion. :)

STROLLER #3: The Umbrella Stroller

This is our umbrella stroller- the Chicco Capri. It is a "mid-range" umbrella stroller, I would say. It is nicer than the cheapo ones. The seat is a little more padded. But it is still light and easy to fold. This stroller has served me well over the last 4 months or so. But after using it for a while, there are some glaring problems that were not something I could really fix easily. First, the seat didn't recline more than you see in this picture. Not good if you want a baby to nap on the go. And the sunshade is little more than a joke. Really, it blocks nothing and is too flimsy to be able to rest anything on (something I do often...). The "cargo" area under the stroller is also a bit of a joke. It is too small to really hold anything other than my dirty burp rags. Which is what I used it for. This stroller is now becoming a hand-me-down to my mother (per her request) because this baby just came into our lives...

STROLLER #4: THE Stroller!

Ok, I will admit. I have only owned this stroller for a couple of hours. And haven't tested it in a "real life" situation. But Peg Perego has an amazing reputation (for quality and safety) and I got an AMAZING deal on it! Really, it was a steal! This baby retails from between 350.00-450.00. Any guesses on my price? Less than $130.00, including the optional 18 month warranty! Whoop! I went to Babies R Us looking for a replacement for our umbrella stroller. Something that would steer better than a mack truck and fit our needs better. I had decided on a pretty red MaClaren umbrella stroller. Then I saw this guy. He is neutral, can hold a PP car seat (for future babies) and has all of the options I was looking for. The sunshade is AMAZING, and covers almost the entire seat if needed. I also love that the seat lays all the way down, and is very cushioned for extra comfort! Hopefully there will be some naps in that puppy! HA! It is a little hard to fold until you get the hang of it, but I get better each time I try, so I feel confident that I will get it down in no time!!! Oh, and it folds down to about the size of my Chicco umbrella stroller! How cool!!!

Our Meeting with "The Big Guy"

I wanted to share a picture of Ava's tree. It is the only tree I put up this year (really the only decor I put up...). With everything that has been going on, I just didn't have the time or energy to get the tree and decor out of the attic, put it up, then try like the dickens to keep Ava out of it!!! LOL! She has already discovered how fun tissue paper is. I think I wasted a lot of money on toys this year. She would have been content with the tissue paper! HAHA!!!

I have ALWAYS wanted an all pink tree, and here it is!!! I think I might add some lime Green and maybe purple and turquoise or aqua next year. I don't know. We will see. I also would love to find a bright little tree skirt for it. Ideas on where to find one. They have some at Target that I LOVE, but they are all for big trees...

Her "A" ornament that a little girl and her mommy helped me pick out. They were random strangers. Yeah. That is how I roll...

Ava's Blackhawk ornament. Had to represent Daddy on there! :) They had only a few of these, and I bought them all!!! I really want to do an aviation themed tree someday. Maybe in a boys room. Or I could do a "Our Favorite Things" tree in our bedroom (when we have a bigger house) and do an aviation and theater themed tree! HAHA! I have ALWAYS wanted to have a tree in each bedroom. I don't know if it will ever happen, but we will see. I want to be "that" mom. :)

Cute little helicopter. I just love the whimsy of it.

Yesterday, Ava and I met our friends Amanda and baby Bella at the mall to get the girls' pictures with Santa taken. And Ava LOVED him!!! She was fascinated with his beard and glasses...so YAY! No tears this year!!! We will see what next year holds. Although if her personality stays the same, she is very outgoing and loves people, so maybe we won't have an issue. I can't wait to see it....

This is the photo I picked. The kid scanned through them so fast, and took so many. And I only got to choose one. Ugh. I wanted them ALL. I loved the one where Ava and Santa were looking at the camera, the one where she is looking at the camera and he is looking at her. The one where she is playing with his beard and hat, and he is laughing. They were all precious. But there was a long line of tired moms and anxious children behind me. So this is the one I picked. It'll have to do I guess. :)

Have a wonderful week! Stay warm!