Fashion Fridays - It's All About Accessories

This week I had so much fun dressing Lillian, and I made sure to take pictures of almost everything she wore. This week she wore a lot of her accessories, and they are precious.

On Saturday Lillian watched the Carolina game with her Daddy. Here she is in her Gamecock sweat suit...yes she looks like a boy, but a cute one at that.

Lillian wore her beautiful fall smocked dress to church on Sunday, and one of her new hats was a perfect addition. She got many many comments at church on both her dress and hat.

Sunday afternoon we both changed into our lounge wear. This cute onesie says "Daddy's lil' dear."

Lillian looked so precious during tummy time Sunday afternoon I just had to grab my camera. I just kiss those chunky cheeks all day long.

Monday was Mother/Daughter day and we had so much fun. I probably changed her 5 times throughout the day. Here is another one of Lilian's accessories...this bear hat is from Yellowstone National Park.

Here is another new hat, and this one is my absolute favorite. I have to say I think pink is her color...good thing.

Later on Monday I dressed Lillian in this hilarious outfit. I put her in her "this is my little black dress" onsie and added every red accessory I could find....leggings and shoes.

Red flower head band...

And now a tutu. Apparently I forgot less is more - ha. Can you tell Lillian L-O-V-E-S her hands. They are constantly in her mouth.

Here is Lillian in some of her Thanksgiving gear. "Thankful for Mommy"

Here are some more fun leggings of Lillian's that she wore today....and she's eating her hands again.

I can't believe how big she is getting. Every day she grows and grows.

Not Spoiled, Blessed

I have heard from a few people that I could be spoiling our baby, and the thought has crossed my mind a few times. Being a first time Mom, it's hard to know if what I'm doing is right. I'm sure all first time Mom's feel this same way (at least it will make me feel better if some do). I am always reading books, and asking people close to me their advice and what they have done, but sometimes a "mother's intuition" is what's best. If you read my blog while I was pregnant you know that I often posted things from http://www.babycenter.com/. I continue to check out their website for tips and advice. I came across this article about spoiling babies, and I thought it was interesting and helpful. Check it out...

Question: Should I worry about spoiling my baby? If I lavish love and attention on my baby, will I spoil her?

Expert Answers - Sandy Bailey, certified family life educator
No. Young babies are completely spoil-proof. Your baby needs all the care and attention you can give. Ignore the advice of well-meaning relatives who think babies need to learn independence. Instead, listen to your parental instinct — that inner voice that tells you to comfort your baby when she cries."Spoiled children" have learned to use negative behavior to get what they want. But your baby is too young to purposefully manipulate or annoy you. She cries to communicate her needs, whether they're for a snack, a dry diaper, or a little cuddling with Mom or Dad. When you respond quickly to your baby, you're building her sense of self-worth. You're also establishing a foundation of trust that can last for years to come.If you give your baby prompt attention, she'll feel more secure and less anxious, giving her the courage to explore the world on her own. And once she understands that you take her cries seriously, she'll be less likely to cry for no reason. In the long run, responding quickly to your baby's needs will make her less clingy and demanding, not more. By the time your baby is 6 to 8 months old, she'll be paying close attention to cause and effect — noticing, for instance, that her bowl falls when she drops it from the highchair. She'll also start to see a direct link between her actions and your responses. At this point it's okay to set some limits. If your baby starts crying to get something she doesn't need, hold your ground and give her a hug when she calms down. Similarly, give hugs and praise for good behavior and gently redirect her when she's doing something hazardous. The right blend of love and guidance will eventually help your child understand her place in the world. But for now, your focus should be on giving her as much attention and comfort as you can. No matter how much you give, it's not more than she needs.

[from http://www.babycenter.com/]

This is so great for me to read. I know some people don't agree, and think that babies should establish independence early, even at 2 1/2 months old, but this is what Clay and I have decided to do. I have to admit every time I hear Lillian's little cries from her nursery in the middle of the night or in the morning a part of me moans out of exhaustion, but most of me is excited to get to see her sweet face and know that I am meeting one of her needs whether it is to feed her, change her diaper or just to be held. I always send praises up to God for this wonderful gift of being Lillian's mother, and thank Him for our mother/daughter bond that is starting to strengthen. There is nothing like going to her crib and looking down at Lillian giving me the biggest toothless grin just because I went to her when she needed me. I know Clay feels the same way too. We are truly blessed.

I do remember just one year ago praying and praying to God for a family, and I pray for all women who one day want to start families of their own. It's hard when you see everyone around you having babies and nothing is happening to you. For us...I know God used the 6 months we tried to conceive to strengthen our marriage, and waited for the right moment so that Lillian would be just the way she is. Thank you God!

Show Us Your Life - PETS

Today on Kelly's Korner is "Show us your Pets." Of course I have plenty to say about our two sweet dogs Boone and Bailey.


Boone is one sweet boy. Clay got him while we were dating in Nov. 2000 and it was love at first sight. He was this chubby little yellow thing that was snugly and loved us so much. I was at the College of Charleston at the time, but he would spend a week at a time with me ever other month. Clay and Boone are best buds, and he takes good care of our family.

Bailey is our sweet girl. She is one of Boone's daughters, and was born the night of the Clemson/Carolina game in 2002. Clay gave her to me for Christmas that year. She spent the last semester of college with me in Charleston and then after we got married in 2003 we were a family of four. Bailey wants attention 24/7, thinks she is a person (probably because we treat her like one) and is very loyal.

Boone and Bailey are like children to us, and a part of our family. They are mostly indoor dogs, and their favorite things are to snuggle with us, ride in the truck and go swimming in the ponds.


Since Lillian has joined our family, they don't get quite as much attention as they used to, but they are adjusting well and take good care of their baby sister.

There's Nothing Like Some Air Guitar and Air Drums

Check out this video...our little one is getting so big. Tonight Clay figured out one way to calm down a fussy baby.

What ever did we do before????

Fashion Fridays From Lillian

Hi! I'm taking over Mommy's blog today, and posting something myself. She is always telling me what she wants to blog about, but I don't think she ever gets around to it because Mommy is always working,washing bottles, feeding me, changing me, playing with me, rocking me, cleaning house and rarely sleeping. I thought I would help her out today and post a little about me. I figured she would want this to be about me since I'm all she ever talks about and Mommy is always telling me how much she loves me and how God has blessed her and Daddy by letting me be their little sweet baby girl. It's obvious they are crazy about me...in fact I think most people are because when I look at people they smile at me and talk to me in this really crazy voice. I don't get it, but I think they are silly and normally smile back.

I'm growing up every day, and I love being able to play. I mean just sleeping all day is sooo one month ago...I mean I am 2 months old now, and I love that some of my day is now spent playing.
Okay okay I know this is supposed to be about my fashions this week. Unfortunately Mommy was really busy this week and since I don't know how to work the camera yet we don't have pictures from every day. I do know that I got some really fun, snugly warm winter clothes in the mail today and I can't wait to wear them really soon. Check them out...

Harper has these hats. Harper and I don't know each other but if we did we'd probably be friends. She smiles a lot too. Mommy reads Harper's mommy's blog and found the hats there.Mommy got me this really warm and snugly fleece jacket. I really want to wear it today, but Mommy says she has to wash it in dreft first...rats!

These are two sweater jumpers that I got, and they look really warm. I have a feeling Mommy is going to try to coordinate her outfits with me when I wear them.

I keep hearing Mommy tell me that shopping is so much fun, and I can't wait until we can go together. It will be our thing.

Enough about my new clothes...here are a few things I did wear this week...

This is a really cozy sleeper that I was supposed to wear one night to bed. I don't get why everyone thinks I'm always sooo cold (when I'm in the house with the heat on). Mommy and Daddy didn't get my subtle hints so I had to pitch a fit to let them realize I was H-O-T. Then this is what I was wearing for the next hour. Ahhh....relief.

As you saw earlier, I am often playing. I also like to make a few phone calls sometimes.

I don't get why so many of my clothes have "ruffle butts." Even this sleeper had them. Whatever!

Hopefully next week Mommy will get her act together and take some more pictures of me, and I share them with you. I'm worn out...I need to take a nap.

Adjusting

Mr. Gallup took Lillian to Mrs. Wanda's early this morning, and I was able to get a few things accomplished before going into work this morning - ahhh.

The past week has been full of adjustments. I have experienced a level of exhaustion I didn't know existed. Now I know what people mean when they say once you have kids you will never sleep well again. I am mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted. Everything is taking the back burner a.k.a. not getting done AT ALL to the day to day things (taking care of Lillian, working, eating, drinking water, taking a shower, and at least telling Mr. Gallup "hi"). Our house is an absolute wreck, laundry is piling up, I have thank you notes to write, things I want to blog about, scrapbooks that need updating, dogs that need long walks and time to play, Christmas shopping to do (start), cooking that needs to be done, books to read, exercising, grocery shopping, and a cook book to finish. I'm sure I am forgetting many more things I need to be doing.

This is my second week back at work and something has been wrong with me ever since. Last week I mysteriously lost my voice, and now have this horrible cough, and today I got mastitis....AGAIN!

Thankfully being back at work has been great. I love my co-workers, and they have helped make my transition back very smooth. Lillian seems to be getting used to going to Mrs. Wanda's. I think she is a little sassafras for Mrs. Wanda (Lillian is used to getting all the attention), and I pray all day that she will be sweet and calm and not give Mrs. Wanda too many problems. I know Kiki and Aunt Carrie loved taking care of sweet pea last Thursday and Friday, it just showed on their faces.

I'm sorry to be complaining so much, but I am humbled by all of this. I realize I can't do everything. If only one other person reads this and it helps them realize too that it's okay if everything on their plate will not get accomplished, then I will be happy.

One thing I know for certain is that God loves me and he will not give me more then I can handle, and I praise God for that. Happy Tuesday!

Fashion Friday's

This is two days late, but I am going to do my best to start a "Fashion Friday" post each week. Lillian has received the most precious clothes, and I have to share.On Monday I wanted her to be in a newborn sleeper just because. Lillian thinks Mommy is silly.

Every girl should have a little black dress, and this is Lillian's - ha. This onesie says "This is my little black dress."

I love these sweet smocked overalls. Of course she poopied all over them in the first hour of wearing them.

This is a very silly outfit...the onesie says "Does this diaper make my butt look big," and this is a ruffle skirt. Very funny.

Go Gamecocks...ready for the game.

Wearing the tutu I made for her months and months ago.