A simple round-up of the week’s favorites and some lovely things I’ve found online to share.
Fave Photo:
This week, he pulls himself up. Cautiously yet bravely. He’s fallen over a few times with wails that follow. Or gotten himself stuck, whining for someone to come rescue him. I watch this whole process, so amazed by the instinctive nature of babies (or grown-up humans because it’s really all the same, you know). They’re born to explore and push limits and yet they know that there are consequences–that exploring just a little further might lead to danger. And yet they explore anyway, bracing themselves for the fall that might follow–even though “fall” isn’t even a concept understood by them yet. I mean, ten months ago he was swimming in a bubble protected from the world. But somehow, he knows. He stretches just a little further, grasping the edge of the bed for dear life, wanting to make it to the toy crate but knowing that venturing another step could lead to a bloody lip. But he goes anyway. And I’m cheering from the sidelines because I’ve been there. Scared yet interested. Cautious yet inspired. Go buddy! Explore. Check it out! You’ll never know what it’s like unless you test it out. And yes. You might get a bloody lip in the process. But it will be okay. You’ll get back up and you’ll try again. Go, go, go. It’s worth it. Explore your world, little guy.
Fave Instagrams:
Fave Links:
1.) “If you have a preconceived notion of how something should be, you will always be disappointed.” This is true art.
2.) And you may have seen this on the Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox News or about anywhere on the planet this week, but seriously…happy feel good stuff. My friend, Jessica of Momma’s Gone City‘s puppy project. I had the pleasure of meeting her this year in New York. Her baby Beau and her new puppy Theo have made a habit of cuddling up together every day for naps, and America got a whiff of it and fell in love. Follow #theoandbeau on Instagram and see the wave of puppy love that followed her inspiration. Pretty cool stuff.
And finally, more fave gifts for the holidays this year.
For baby and little kids.
1. Slayed by everything in this mama’s shop. Unisex Gingham romper from Mabel Retro. The varsity jacket? Amaze.
2. Beautiful shop–all handmade goods made in Seattle. Love the different tones in this maple, cherry, walnut puzzle. From Manzanita Kids.
3. We love our Manhattan Toy sqwish rattle. As pretty as it is entertaining for babies. And a beautiful gift.
4. Jungle Art Cards for Baby–we’ve displayed ours on walls, tucked them in toy bins and tossed them in play piles on the floor and they’ve held up great. Captivating and artsy.
5. Love the simple colorful design of this Janod xylophone pull toy–not just a toy but a keepsake.
1. WonderFoam USA Photo Floor Puzzle Map–got to play with this at a local toy store last week, and it’s fabulous.
2. Our Homeschool group used to have social Friday meet-ups at the roller rink, but our skates were never this cool. Love these classic roller skates for girls. What I shouldn’t tell you is that they make this same skate in a ladies’ size. Uh-oh. We might just be gettin’ some cheesy mother-daughter twinsy style on up in here.
3. Classic. Beautiful. Handmade. Everything you love about a good toy. Twig Creative NAILED IT with their mini wooden camera, available in several colors and styles. Santa brought us one last year, and we love it!
4. I admit, I want this little wooden espresso machine from Janod for me as much as I want it for my kids. The little accessories–I mean, come on!
5. New to the world of boy toys, I’m so excited to create a little car and truck world for our boy. We’ve decided to slowly build Dash a Plan City collection. They have an amazing selection of wooden cars, trucks and city accessories–all consciously made with regards to quality and the environment.
I’m over at All Parenting sharing about our Thanksgiving Grace traditions.
Feeling inspired to settle into family this weekend and so excited for next week’s holiday and cozy days to come. Holiday freak flag is whippin’ in the wind. More twinkly lights to come.
Have a wonderful weekend, friends.
Kelle, I am SO excited this makes two post in one week I have been the first to comment! 😄🙏🙏 little blessing ! Love those pictures and can not believe he is standing already, Nella’s picture is just precious!
I have the Janod Espresso Machine stashed away for Christmas this year. I have pulled it out of the box so many times. It is really as cute as you think it is!! My 3 year olds makes my coffee in my keurig every morning, and my littlest makes me coffee in her pretend kitchen all day. I got the mixer too-also just as cute! 🙂
Check that hesitation with determination photo of Dash! Loving that pic of him and your analogy. Also, loving Nella with her rhythm and spunk. We are in a COLD snap here – supposed to last 4 days!
Happy Weekend from Tejas,
Melissa
I always love your recommendations for toys! Just lovely!! Thank you! Happy holiday freak flag flying! Happy weekending!!
But what do the kids actually seem to think of the toys? Yeah, as adults, it’s fun to revisit the novelty but really, do the kids find these stimulating? All I’m seeing are your thoughts/perspectives…
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True Art !😄
❤️,
Sam’s Lackey
Love your Dash analogy about risk and reward. Feeling that myself at 36!
And goodness, that picture DJ Nella just slays me. I saw it on IG and laughed. Saw again here and it’s even better the second time!
You need to make a pop art type T-shirt from that shot and use them for your Nella’s Rock stars Buddy Walk. I’d totally buy one.
That girl is a hoot. Her personality just oozes from pictures.
I love those gift ideas! Especially the USA puzzle! What a great find!
Love the picture of Nella in headphones. That is the coolest expression on her face. She’s definitely rockin’ it.
Love the picture of Nella in headphones. That is the coolest expression on her face. She’s definitely rockin’ it.
Your little man is so adorable! <3 And I love the rollerskates!!!!
Love, love the picture of Nella with the headphones……she is a cutie w/style !
Those look just like the skates I had many years ago! I wonder how embarrassed my kids would be if I got another pair and started skating again?!
Have you seen the original boy/dog sleeping pics? They are on instagram and I think the name is ayasakai. The mom has been taking nap pics of her son with his dog for well over a year and they are just to die for. The family is in Japan.
Love the pic of your baby sleeping. Sweet angel!!
Kelle….
First things first. I love, live, live your Header Picture!! Very creative!! 😉
“I watch this whole process, so amazed by the instinctive nature of babies (or grown-up humans because it’s really all the same, you know). They’re born to explore and push limits and yet they know that there are consequences–that exploring just a little further might lead to danger.”. Not everyone has that!! I had to learn it!! Ask my Mom!! ;-D
–Raelyn
Whoops!!
I love, LOVE, LOVE your new Header Picture!!
There, now I have expressed it twice!! 😉
Great gift ideas…you have excellent taste and your suggestions always promote creativity in your children. Dash is so precious and the picture of Nella rocking to the music is the cutest thing ever!
Love, love, love your photo for your page with the chalk drawing Nella little shoes. Why do they have to grow so fast? Enjoy them and thank you for sharing. Happy Thanksgiving!
cute toys but so expensive 🙁
I love the way you love and live life. Truly inspiring.
I love the way you love and live life. Truly inspiring.
Thank you ever so much for featuring our Janod Espresso machine. Janod is a really nice quality French brand.
The longevity of wood toys is amazing and my now 8 year old still uses all of her kitchen gear – today she set up a “Friends Cafe” with a menu she made up and she served lunch, complete with a latte! So awesome! We left a good tip 🙂
Sue
—
Sue Sinclair, Chief Executive Mom at http://www.raspberrykids.com
I think as we get more seasoned as moms, we can figure out what will actually get played with and what won’t. I think these are great picks. More spendy than your run of the mill, Target picks, yes. But the longevity is more important in my humble opinion. Love your gift ideas.
LOVE
“But he goes anyway. And I’m cheering from the sidelines because I’ve been there. Scared yet interested. Cautious yet inspired.”
Nailed it. Human condition.
Love you. x
http://www.alittlebundle.com/toys/unicorn-head
Thought you might want to get this for your house. 🙂
http://www.alittlebundle.com/toys/unicorn-head
Thought you might want to get this for your house. 🙂
I love that picture of Nella!! Your kids are so precious. I’ve been reading your blog for almost a year I think? I just love it. XO Keep up the amazing work!
Love from Canada!
The roller skates flashed me back to my eight year old self opening up my Christmas present from my parents: roller skates! My sister had a matching pair and we spent the next year racing around the roller rink. Love it!