long hair

Dad is also pretty talented at getting it to stick straight up... I tried mimicking this today, no such luck :)

compact diaper changing kit

+ =

I've wanted to make something like this for a while, but it took me a while to figure exactly what I wanted... I almost made this, because it just so stinking cute and it incorporates the idea of having two kids in diapers. (But I like using the little lid on the wipes case, that these cute cases cover- practical always wins over cuteness for me) I also really like all these ideas: here, here and, here that make it more convenient to carry altogether. As she says, it helps so you don't have to juggle everything (diapers, wipes, changing pad, sanitizer, diaper cream) and a kid with blowout diaper.

So without further ado... here is where the real credit is deserved
Diaper case: http://mudpuddlesanddaisies.blogspot.com/2010/03/diaper-clutch-tutorial.html
Changing Pad: http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2010/02/tutorial-baby-changing-pad.html

With the diaper case, I didn't use the clear vinyl, because I wanted to be able to throw it in the wash without worrying. I used really thin but really stiff fusible interfacing (instead of batting).
I pulled some of the things out to give you an idea of how much it holds: 4 diapers(Huggies size 4), Huggies wipes case, hand sanitizer and 4oz diaper rash cream(not shown, under sanitizer)

For the changing pad, I used a thicker vinyl (on the inside) instead of laminated fabric (since joanns doesn't carry it). And although, I followed her measurements pretty closely, the velcro closure measurements didn't quite work on mine (not sure where I got off), just pin it and test it before you sew it down. I added a few things to make it easier to hold and wrap around my diaper case (if you notice the velcro pieces on the thick brown ribbon, one is small and the other a lot wider, it is to account for a full diaper case vs. an almost empty one)

Here is my cute model, showing it off.

Happy Mother's day

Claire I were spoiled with yummy food- all made by dad: Blueberry pancakes for breakfast, Greek Turkey Burgers for dinner (pictured below), and cookies for dessert. Thanks honey for working so hard to make my day wonderful!



I love this movie about choosing to be a mom. It is so true! Being a mom is the toughest job I've had, but it is by far the most rewarding job as well!

18 Months

This little cutie turned 18 months this last week. Which means Nursery- a class for little ones at church. We actually took her last week and she loved it. Unfortunately she got a runny nose and so we didn't take her this week. But are excited that she loved it so much!

Bean Musuem

It was free Pretzel Day last Monday. So we went to the mall and got a snack with our friends...

We then went to the Bean Museum.

(left)Here is Thomas and Claire. Claire was holding on really tight to Thomas- so cute! (right) Claire loved the big cats

...and loved following Thomas

(left) Getting in a good run before nap time (right) Taking a break for a hug

Thanks Paige for taking us in your sweet new ride! We are going to miss you guys this summer!

Graduation

Jason graduated with his Masters in Applied Social Psychology! So my parents asked, Can Claire serve two masters? (Now that Jason and I both have our masters :))

3 siblings, 3 different degrees, 1 graduation ceremony- perfect! We attended Tim, Jason's older brother's ceremony: a) its at 8am and interferes least with nap time= happier kids= happier moms b) his college is much smaller and therefore has a shorter ceremony than an open enrollment FHSS graduation c) we got to watch Tim being hooded for getting his PhD in Computer Science

(left) Here is Jason and Amy, Amy got her bachelors in English and a minor in Art (right) two cuties playing with grandma

(left) lounging during the ceremony (right) brothers + Claire... Claire was a little daddy deprived and didn't want him to let go of her...such a sweetie

(left)Very proud parents and grandma with three graduates (right) They should be models for the different types of cap and gowns :)

siblings + Claire and Nate

And here is Jason using his new graduation present! We got it for a pretty sweet deal... go here to read more.

Swinging

Our neighbors have a fun swing set that we went over to play on.

Some cute pics of the girls: claire and ava

and gracie

Clarie loved the swing! I love how she smiles big even when she slides off the swing. These swings were perfect to learn how to swing on. She actually was getting how to lean forward and then back. Such a smartie, just like her dad :)