Easy DIY Child's Silhouette

I have always loved old-fashioned silhouettes of people. In fact, my original logo for my boutique, Lucy & Lloyd featured a man and woman's silhouette.

After Maddux was born, I considered hiring someone to do his silhouette, but I had a hard time finding an artist who was within my price range. I wondered if it was something I could pull off on my own, and after doing a little research, I found this great tutorial. Still, I couldn't seem to find the time to sit down and actually create something. With a one year old, it felt a bit overwhelming.

Then, my super crafty sister-in-law Megan posted this on her blog, and I was sold. Last week, I finally sat down and created my silhouette, and I absolutely love it!

Here is what I did:

1. First, you will need black acrylic paint. I bought two, unsure of how much I would actually need, but I only ended up using about half of one bottle.

I used a foam paintbrush, but I'm sure any kind would work.

2. I found a profile picture I had taken of Maddux and sent it to Walgreens to be printed off on photo paper. I chose 8 x 10.

3. I used some very fine manicure scissors to cut out his silhouette. I was extra careful to preserve as much detail as possible, in particular his curls and eyelashes.

4. I then started the process of painting the cut out silhouette, using long, even strokes.

5. I let each layer dry before starting the next. I wanted it extra black and thick, so I ended up painting 4 layers.

6. After the silhouette was completely dry, I mounted it to a piece of scrapbook paper that I liked, using double-sided scrapbook tape. The frame is a record size frame that Nate had that I repurposed. It is actually a little too big, so I may go back in and make a black, scalloped border. I'm also thinking about adding his name to the bottom. 

I really love how this turned out! It was super easy, and we now have a cute piece of handmade art that captures Maddux's sweet one-year-old profile.

Baby Favorites

I thought all you needed after having a baby was a handful of diapers and a car seat. Boy was I wrong. There are so many things you can buy for your baby, both absolutely necessary and not. Luckily for me, I had a handful of friends who had already taken the plunge and a mother who had given birth eight times to help me wade through the sea of baby gear. And some things I figured out on my own ;). Here are a few of the items that helped me make it through my first year of motherhood.

Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper

I cannot say enough about this bassinet. Nate and I knew we wanted to keep Maddux in our room for at least the first three months. I was nursing and wanted the convenience of not having to get out of bed every three hours throughout the night. But we also didn't necessarily want Maddux sleeping in between us every night. This co-sleeper turned out to be the perfect solution. It pulls up right by the bed and can be adjusted to the appropriate height. It can also be secured and attached to your bed so that the baby is safe. He gets his own space and we get our own space. 

Maddux ended up sleeping in our room for the first four months. It was such a great experience, and I have to admit that we were a little sad to see him go to his nursery.

Sophie Giraffe Teether

Maddux loved this teether. It was seriously like catnip. And he's not the only one. Everywhere I go where babies are around, I see Sophie peeking out of diaper bags, lounging in strollers or sticking out of the mouths of drooling six month olds. 

Sadly, I have not seen Sophie around our home lately. We think she may have jumped out of the car somewhere around Santa Monica when we were there on vacation a few months ago. Hopefully she is lounging on a California beach, soaking up some rays.

The First Years Travel Booster Seat

Since we do a lot of traveling, this booster seat has been perfect. It's lightweight, easy to use and most importantly, super easy to clean.  Since there is no fabric, a quick wipe down is all you need. Or for a bigger mess, you can throw the detachable tray in the dishwasher. You can strap Baby in, and there are also straps to secure the seat to any chair. When we're in a hotel room or at a friend or family member's house, it's great to have a safe place to put Maddux, where he can sit and eat a meal or a snack. Plus, you really can't go wrong with the price tag.

Hanna Andersson Organic Sleeper

I'm pretty much in love with anything Hanna Andersson. This Swedish inspired, Portland bred designer has everything from fun to functional, with all things pretty in between. These sleepers have been great. I love how they zip straight up the middle. Who wants to try and snap a zillion snaps on a squirming baby at two in the morning? Sadly, Maddux has recently outgrown his sleepers. I think I'll have to stock up here on our trip up North next week!

Baby Bjorn Classic Carrier

Ah, the Bjorn. I absolutely loved mine. Within a few days of his birth, we had Maddux strapped into his for walks around the neighborhood. At first, he was so tiny his head was completely hidden. It was fun to measure how much he had grown by how much his head popped out from the top of his Bjorn. As he got older, I turned him around so he could see the world as it passed by. And he loved it! He would kick his chubby little legs and start giggling like crazy. I also really loved keeping him close. It seemed so much more personal than keeping him in a stroller all the time. And it traveled well, which was perfect for us. Maddux saw so much of the country in that Bjorn: from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Pacific Ocean. I'm sad that he's outgrown it.

Skip Hop Travel Changing Kit

This travel kit has been great for quick, on-the-road changes. Being so lightweight, I can carry it like a wristlet instead of hauling a giant diaper bag around. I think Nate likes it, too because it is a bit more masculine than carrying around a bag.

What are some baby items that you could not live without?

Best Laid Plans

So Nate and I have a running joke that despite being adventurous, fun-loving people, we have yet to pull off an exciting New Year's Eve.

Our first year together, we had only been married for about three months, and had just experienced a very busy year, with lots of travel, lots of parties and get-togethers and lots of spontaneous adventures. We decided to just stay home, which was a first in our adult lives for both of us.

The second year, we had just had a baby and were exhausted. We didn't even make it until midnight. 

And last night, well, we had good intentions at least.

Many months ago, we started joking that this NYE would be the best ever. We were going to get a sitter and go out and party like people without kids. We were going to visit with my awesome aunt who was here from New York City, then head to dinner, where we had reservations with a group of friends, then a party at a home overlooking the city lights. 

Well, naturally, Maddux had other plans.

He started throwing up at Whole Foods, while a group of us were sitting and chatting over coffee. Then again on the car ride home. And once more when I put him in the bathtub. Seven times in five hours. Needless to say, he was pitiful. But in between each episode, he would run around and play. He acted like he wasn't sick at all, which led us to believe we actually might still be able to go out that night. Maybe he had just eaten something that didn't sit too well in his tummy. My parents were going to watch him. My dad is a medical professional, my mom raised eight kids. He'd be in good hands. 

But I was really conflicted. Would I be a bad mom if I went out and left my sick kid? I mean, who does that? We didn't want to let our friends down, but obviously most importantly, we didn't want to let our son down. Should we stay or should we go? The answer to that question came when, after I was dressed in my pretty party dress, with make-up on and hair done, I bent down to pick Maddux up. He ran into my arms and threw up all over me. I mean in my hair and down the front of my dress. Looking back, I can't believe we even considered leaving him.

Thank God Maddux stopped throwing up about 8 pm. He got super sleepy, so we put him to bed. We even managed to watch a movie and kiss as the clock struck twelve.

We spent our night sleeping on a blow up mattress by our son's crib. We wanted to hear him if he started to choke while throwing up. A rookie parenting thing, I'm sure. But I got to bring in the New Year with my two favorite boys, even if we didn't quite have the big night that we expected.

Oh well. I suppose there is always next year.

Maddux's Day!

About six months ago, I started to plan Maddux's first birthday party. After reading so many amazing mommy blogs over the past year, I was really feeling the pressure to do something amazing. I mean, some of the parties I saw were truly phenomenal. 

First, I needed to decide on the theme. Vintage Circus or Race Cars? Bumble Bees or Sing-Along ? Or maybe this one, but in blue. Well, whatever I decided on, I would need to find a way to incorporate these and these.

But as the date drew closer, I realized that my heart just wasn't in it. It's not that I didn't want to give my son a fabulous party. I just realized that I really wanted to have a small celebration, and save the big party for a year when he would remember it. I think I got a little caught up in the idea of planning some massive party that all my friends would ooh and ahh over that I forgot the main reason for the day was to celebrate Maddux's first year of life, and the amazing little guy that he is turning out to be.

So in the end, Nate and I decided to just have a "Maddux Day." First, Maddux woke up to a room full of balloons. We videotaped his reaction, first quizzical, then giggly, then ridiculously excited as he tried to grab them. Nate had the day off work and we just relaxed together and did all of the things that Maddux likes to do: chew on remote controls, chase Jackson Dog around the living room, giggle hysterically at his daddy and bang his blocks together.

We took him out to eat his first taste of meat and french fries. He got to wear his little birthday crown around all day, and smiled at all the people who said 'Happy Birthday.' Then we came home and he got to eat his cake and listen to his mommy and daddy sing to him. And of course I took way too many pictures.

It was a perfect day, and a perfect way to celebrate Maddux's first year of life. Wow! A year already?! But I do have to say I am looking forward to his first "real" party, with all of his friends and family, and maybe a circus animal or two.

Stella McCartney Baby

Ack! I seriously want to dress Maddux in everything from Stella McCartney's Fall/Winter baby clothing line. I just can't get over the cuteness.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy! A year ago today you redefined the meaning of 'love.' We thank God for you each and everyday.