Tag Archives: baby

Pictures of the Day Our Baby Turned Into a Toddler

11/19/2014 R.C. Liley 4 Comments

Phew, we survived her first birthday! Better yet, so did she! There were more people around than Avery was used to and way too much going on, but she eventually warmed up to the crowd.

The cake, being the first time she’s had sugar, might’ve helped a little. Her cake was actually a pumpkin brownie recipe I used as a base but cut out some of the sugar called for and used stevia in place. This is what we served as dessert to our guests and no one said they didn’t like it, so that’s good, right?

We are still in recovery mode after the long weekend, so I’m cutting it short and just making this a photo dump of the big day. Enjoy!

You spend hours creating my cake, I'll reduce it to rubble in under a minute! — You spend hours creating my cake, I’ll reduce it to rubble in under a minute!

Ummm, dad, your nose is in my eye and both of you are in the way of my cake!

While demolishing her cake, it suddenly hit her......"I'm one!!!" — While demolishing her cake, it suddenly hit her……”I’m one!!!”

It only makes sense to be in your birthday suit, opening birthday gifts, on your birthday, right?

Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies for the guests. We had a lot left over!!

Seriously, anything that lights up is an instant win!

Going Mom opens gifts, I write who they were from, Avery plays with wand and paper. Sums up most of the party!

I hope she always feels this way about sugary food!

We made cake from the chocolate pumpkin brownie batches I baked and Kelley used Greek yogurt for icing and blueberries for the "1" — We made cake from the chocolate pumpkin brownie batches I baked and Kelley used Greek yogurt for icing and blueberries for the “1”

Fun times indeed! Hoping to post a follow up with a quick summary of events and more photos of the fun Avery has been having with her new toys. Maybe she’ll even be walking by then. Hmmm, how long have I been saying that now???

Life, Parenting

“Your Eyes”: A Poem to my Daughter

07/26/2014 R.C. Liley 4 Comments

After looking at the most recent pictures I took of Avery, I can’t get over how beautiful her eyes are. I’ve been enthralled by their brilliance since she was born, and I’m ever so grateful the magnificent blue hue is still with her.

Inspired by her beauty, I decided to write a poem. I’m not an experienced writer by any means, much less at poem writing, but it doesn’t stop me from trying!

So, Avery, when you are old enough to read, I hope you appreciate my attempt at writing a poem to you. Beware, this probably won’t be the only one!!

Your Eyes

When I look into your eyes,

it comes as no surprise,

the beauty that they hold

will endure as we grow old.

Filled with endless wonder,

there must be a spell I’m under,

since every time I look,

they absorb me more than the greatest book.

Even the bluest of oceans can’t compete,

with your gorgeous eyes that knock me off my feet.

Your enchanting stare,

and crazy hair,

fill mommy and me with pride,

and a love we will never hide.

Avery, your eyes are perfect in every way,

and they allow you to experience new things each day.

Mommy and I know we’ve done right,

as we watch you grow morning, noon and night.

Just remember you must be wary,

your blue eyes will have many guys asking you to marry,

but that’s a long time from now,

so I won’t have a cow.

Mommy and I are a little fearful,

that your striking peepers will prevent us from giving you an earful.

How could we possibly get mad

when to us you can do no bad?

Please don’t take advantage,

and do things we cannot manage

since your brilliant eyes,

could cover your deepest lies.

I could go on forever,

but my words I need to sever,

as you are waking from your nap,

and it’s time to walk our lap.

Have you ever written a poem even though you lack the experience? Was it to a loved one or just for your own?

Life, Parenting

5 Pet Products You Can Use for Babies

06/28/2014 R.C. Liley 3 Comments

We have a full blown crawler on the loose! Geez, once they catch on to something, they waste no time doing that something for-ev-ER!

I know we asked for it, but of course we weren’t actually prepared. Avery is crawling everywhere and anywhere she can.

Before, we could set her on a blanket after changing her diaper as we go wash our hands in the bathroom next to the nursery, now she just crawls to us while in the bathroom!

Guess I’ll be vacuuming and mopping a lot more now!

Yep, I love watching our little girl being so proud to move around more, but that means I really have to watch her. It used to be fairly easy when all she could do was roll and maybe thrust, but now if I take my eyes off of her for a second, she might be across the room or climbing something dangerous.

The other day I was vacuuming in another room while she was on her blanket playing in the living room when all of the sudden the vacuum just turned off. I went back in the living room to see she had crawled and yanked on the cord. She was nowhere near the socket (thankfully!), but needless to say, no more cords around when she’s down!

We have a gate for babies ordered and on the way, but I’ve been wanting something else that’s portable to bring into the garage for when I work out or when we go to G-Ma’s. In my search, I kept seeing pet playpens show up, and at first I just waived them off, but then I started thinking; maybe that would work for babies too!

This mode of thought led me on a search for other pet products that could double as baby products too. The only downside might be that you’ll have a jealous pup to deal with. Here are my top 5 “baby” items that might have you heading to your nearest pet store.

1. Pet Gate – I know, this one is obvious, and most are even marketed with “for baby/pet” wording, but it’s in pet stores and is highly recommended for both baby and/or pet. I’m sure many use these gates to keep their babies and pets separate…..for their pets’ safety!

2. Chew Toys – Teething baby? No problem! Of course, make sure the material is safe and not coated in anything toxic to babies. Here’s a great rope chew toy made with all natural materials and dyes, and the product description even mentions it’s great for teething puppies. Hey, puppies are babies too! Plus, your child is sure to love having a cute snowman to chew on.

3. Portable Pet Playpen – The reason I started looking for other baby products posing as pet items, some of these look and transport better than ones specifically for babies.

This one on Amazon costs about $45 after shipping, but the Summer Infant Portable Playard is $99.95.

Both have carrying cases and setup in seconds, but the pet playpen weights less than half of the Summer Infant one. Just saying…

4. Toy Ball – Every baby should have a toy ball; they’re great for developing motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Why not a ball made for dogs? This one I found online from Only Natural Pet is eco-friendly with all recyclable materials, mint-scented, and easily washes clean. Plus, there is a glow-in-the-dark option which I think a baby would enjoy more than a pet and it’s made in the U-S of A!

5. Pet Beds – C’mon, you can’t say you’ve never looked at those cozy beds with plush side bolsters and seriously considered trying to curl up in one. How cool would this be for your baby and/or toddler? They would love it! This one from Only Natural Pet is eco-friendly, resistant to liquid, dirt, and oil, and reduces the spread of bacteria and allergens. I think it’s better than our mattress!

Of course there are other pet items that might work for babies like leashes and harnesses, but I’m not sure how safe that would be.

So, next time you’re looking to get something for your growing baby, consider perusing the aisles of the nearest PetSmart before heading to Toys ‘R Us. If you have a pet and what you buy doesn’t work out for your baby, at least you know it won’t go to waste.

Have you ever let your baby play with or use a pet product?

If not, would you ever consider doing so?