Today Harper and I have been on the Great Swimsuit Hunt 2009.
I'm 35 and a new mom. I can no longer wear two pieces in public. (Truth be told - I probably should not have been wearing them for the last 5-8 years but who doesn't try to hold on to their youth?)
But I have had a lot of invites lately to go swimming and I really want to be able to take Harper plus I need a suit for later this summer when we go to the beach. But I have a real bone to pick with the retail industry. Why do they put out swim suits in like February and then in June/July when you really need one - there are none to be found? We went to T J Maxx, Target, Old Navy and Belk and the WELL was dry. I refuse to pay more than about $20 for a suit so my choices are limited. I finally ended up at Wal-Mart and found two that work fine. I'm not a swimsuit model but hopefully I won't repulse any other swimmers.
I promise I am NOT paid by Sonic or Wal-Mart .......these are just my two places. I can't get away from either one.
In other news - is it just Arkansas or are you being overtaken by flies? We have a consistent 2-3 flies in our house no matter how many I kill a day and they are sending me to the looney bin. I can't stand flies.
Harper Brown has been just a delight today. She has been so happy and sweet and smiley - I think I've kissed her a million times today. She is getting a lot easier and I have never loved anything as much as I love being her mom. Just this week she has started reaching for me. If someone is holding her - she will reach out her arms to come to me. Or if she is in her exersaucer - if I come to her - she reaches out her arms to me to pick her up. It may sound like something little - but to me it's EVERYTHING. She knows I'm her mom and she wants to be in my arms!
I have passed up rice cereal and moved on to applesauce and she LOVES it. She ate a TON tonight. She has been sleeping 4-5 hours at a time instead of 2 so I am so happy! I plan to make her baby food but she and I are going to be on the move a lot in July so I will probably wait until August to start.
The "LOTness" of it All
1 year ago
163 comments:
Hey Kelly! Thought I would leave a comment since there aren't many yet!! One thought about the whole Mommy in a swimsuit thing...usually everybody is looking at how cute the kids look in their suits, they don't noice Mommy :) Maybe that will make you feel better...sure makes me feel better. Target.com has a GREAT coverup dress for us...it strapless and the part at the top is ruffly (love anything with ruffles)...not too ruffly, but enough to be really cute. That is what I've been sporting at the beach and pool this summer. Love it!! Just go to the coverup section of target.com to find it.
And yes...swatting flies in Mississippi to!
Love ya!
Shannon
I made all of Addison's babyfood. Its is sooooo worth it and easy! But for on the go...Happy Baby Frozen organic baby food is really easy too!! I loved the steamfresh bags...just microwave and then blend!
Back in the day, I used to make my son's cereal using applesauce and just a touch of breast milk. He loved it!
She is SO adorable! And growing so quick already! I am going to Vegas in a few weeks and I'll be with Bonnie at her DR appt when she finds out what she is having :) SO EXCITED!
Glad Harper is sleeping better for you and I'm sure you look great in a swimsuit-do they have Ross there? It's like a TJ MAXX store sometimes they have cute stuff too. They have them all over Texas, but I never saw any in Little Rock. Hope you are having a good week! Love, Becky
kelly you would look fabulous in a paper bag!! and so would harper :)) you two are so pretty! hope you enjoyed the sun.
I'm right there with you on the swimsuit issue!!
I LOVE the big bows you put in her hair, Oh, if I only had a girl ;)
It must just be Arkansas-- I've barely seen a fly in Kentucky this year. But I have been to the pool a lot and trust me, you would look waaaay better than some of these women who are large and in charge... and in bikinis. I can't decide if I should be envious of their self esteem and 'I don't care' attitude or feel sorry for them if they think they are still hot mamas!
I think the same thing about swimsuits! Two babies later, my body is not what it was. Even though I weigh less, things aren't in the same place. Check JC Penny's. You can buy online and return to the store. Great prices and choices!
We are in VA and flies are everywhere here too.
I skipped the rice cereal for my second daughter and opted for the oatmeal cereal. I used it to mix in with the applesauce. It thickened it a little and was a litte more filling. Neither one of my girls liked the rice cereal.
When my girls reached for me it truly gave me a feeling that was totally overwhelming, impossible to describe but the most amazing feeling. I totally know what you are feeling!
This is my first time commenting but I love reading everyday!!! I have been praying for Harper since before her birth and I love being able to relate to you as a mother and also as a woman searching on a daily basis to continue and improve her relationship with the Lord.
Evie has started reaching out too. I thought it was my imagination but it must be real if you are seeing it too.
Kelly, I think this is like my second time commenting and I have to tell you Harper is so adorable and she is at that age that she is so loveable and cute enjoy as they grow so fast. Enjoy it I miss these days for sure.
As for the baby food I never made my own but boy I wish now I did.
flies EVERYWHERE in Indiana :( ughh soooo annoying!
glad harper likes the applesauce-- much better choice then CEREAL! come on the girl knows what she wants :) hehe
i totally get ya on the swim suit thing-- who buys a swimsuit in feb unless they are going on a beach vacay-- and then you can't hardly find a cute one in june!
I am so with you on the swimsuit. I will have t checkout Wal-Mart, but unbelievably we do not have one near us.
You're little princess is precious. I so want a little girl to dress her in bows and pink :)
Harper is so cute!! I just love to read all your posts. I found a cute one piece swim suit at Ross. Its by Nautica, you might want to look online. Old Navy did have some cute one pieces, if they don't have them in the store try online if you know your size. I also like VS one pieces. They are always very classy but cute. Good luck in swim suit shopping.
Adorable pictures of little Miss H!!
I just avoid bathing suits altogether. Haven't had one on since 2006.
I love how you explain how Harper makes you feel. Isn't being a Mom just the most rewarding and amazing experience?? You feel everything so deeply.
My kids weren't big fans of rice cereal... they preferred oatmeal.
Don't get me started on swimsuits;) I finally bit the bullet and bought one from Land's End online. Not an easy thing, buying a swimsuit online.
She is such a cutie!
Flies are everywhere here in TX too. Ugh. Hate them.
I HATE bathing suit shopping with a passion. I am pretty good about shopping with the retail seasons though. Just today I went to Gymboree and Janie and Jack to buy their new fall lines. :O It was 100 degrees outside the store and I was inside buying long sleeves and pants for my kids. haha!
As always, Harper looks so sweet. I know it melts your heart when she reaches for you. I love that too!
Harper is so sweet!! What a cutie!! It's amazing how fast babies grow, isn't it!!
Like you, I hate to pay more than $20 for a swim suit. I wanted a new one piece this year and found a nice speedo at Sam's Club for $19.99. It is halter top, but a little lower cut thant I like, but since I just swim at my friend's house with all of our kids it works. They have other styles too.
Here i Indiana we have lots of flies too!
Flies have taken over here in Alabama too. I found a tip online that really works.
I made three lemon and clove pomanders and hung them by the door we most often use. I also bought two basil plants and also put them by the door.
Apparently, flies do not like the scent of lemon, clove or basil because the population of these pesky bugs has been drastically reduced at my house.
I figured Harper would not go for rice cereal. I have a 1-year-old who acted as though I was feeding her poison when I tried giving it to her.
Lola has gastrointestinal issues so apples don't work so well for us, but she loves pears. Even at 1 year old, she will still eat pears mixed with organic whole-grain oatmeal.
Congrats on finding a swimsuit. Just be glad you're not a fat girl looking for a flattering suit. I weigh 241 pounds so anything at Wal-Mart in my size fell into the "old nannaw at Palm Beach" category.
I finally wound up paying a small fortune to purchase a nice, flattering, solid color tankini from Lane Bryant. I thank the Lord in Heaven for that store because without it I'd have nothing to wear.
I gave my kiddo mashed bananas with breastmilk first and bananas are still her favorite food!
Good luck on finding a new swimsuit. I totally agree at how hard it is to find a swimsuit during the summer, it is always like that here. In February, it is just too freaking cold to think about buying one...crazy retailers!!!
Harper is getting big! I know how happy you must feel to have her reaching out to you. Savor those moments...
In NC, we don't have too many flies...it's more gnats and mosquitos and it's annoying! Hope your flies don't send you to the looney bin, we would all miss your posts...lol.
First, I want to see the swimsuit! And second I joined technorati and wrote your first review about your blog! All good stuff! I love these pics of Harper. So cute xxxx
Mine never would eat rice cereal alone--I mixed it with applesauce and he liked it alot!
You're not alone with swimsuits...I'm preggo again and feel the need to apologize to the other swimmers. Me and my big ole' self. hahaha!
You should check out this website....
http://www.limericki.com/
They have some REALLY cute modest bathing suits.
The flies are OUT OF CONTROL!!! I wish I only had 2-3 at a time. I feel like there are tons in my h ouse...ugh!
We have been taken over by the flies here too. WAY more than we remember in the past! It's driving us nuts as well! ha
Our daughter loved it when we moved on to applesauce, but I mixed it with the cereal to get in the grains and she loved it just as much.
I agree with you about the whole swimsuit thing bc there was no way I wanted to even think about one when it was still so cold out. I broke down and ordered a tankini(with skort bottom) from Land's End and love it. It fits well and they have great mix and match. Plus all the suits are 50% off right now and it ends up being not much more than Target's. Good luck!
Yay for baby food! I never gave Chase just rice cereal but mixed it with baby food. It made it thicker and easier to spoon.
The flies are overtaking us as well! But we live in Arkansas too so I'm curious to know if it's just us too!
Harper is adorable!
Hey girl! Haven't commented in a while but still read faithfully : ) We have flies here in Atlanta too... is it the heat? I just found a dead one under one of our floor lamps~ yuck!
Anyways, just going to mention~ have you tried baby oatmeal? Bella was not big on rice cereal at all, so instead we mixed applesauce and baby oatmeal and it worked great! Plus, I think the carbs make it even more filling.
Glad that it sounds like you're having a good summer! Take care!
Have you tried LL Bean online? Or Lands End? They both seem to be more mom friendly.
I'm sure the suit will look great. Do you guys have a GAP outlet anywhere near you?? I have a cute brown tankini I got there for 9.99 for the top and 9.99 for the bottoms. It fits the bill for chasing 3 kids at the pool and plus it was cheap!!
BTW, my kids never really liked the rice cereal as well. We moved on to other thing and they did great. I also made my food and avocados were a big hit with all of them.
My kids would not touch the plain rice cereal. I basically started out with the banana rice and that did the trick for at least a month. I have been putting off the swimsuit search for 2 weeks...this is not making it any easier :-)
I was on a mad hunt for one who secured my girls in that was a 2 piece. I looked at walmart with no luck, I went to a place here called Ross, I got a nice one for 16 dollars that fits great. :)
I meant wasn't a two piece, that didn't tie around my neck..too much weight haha
Ok Kelly...I went to Sonic today and asked them for the Pina Colada slush and she acted like I was crazy. So i said, ok, can I have the WHITE coconut with pineapple.."sorry ma'am, we don't have that here..." UGH! I was SOOOO looking forward to my Pina Colada happy hour. BUMMER!! Those have to be my favorite things in the world! Maybe it will come to Texas soon...I can only pray.
Aaron has two swim parties this week. I finally broke down and bought a new suit (at Wally World). I haven't bought a suit in about 10 years....I'm not a real big swimming pool fan,
I'm sure you found the two cutest suits in the store.
Good for you on making your own baby food. I did it for #1 and now I'm doing it for my 4 month old. I have a cool electric puree machine especially for baby food and I love giving him (and I gave her) fresh fruits and veggies. Then when #1 got older I started making her own 'cereal' (multi grain kind) with rice, flax seed and oatmeal. To this day she prefers it over any store brand. It's so easy and convenient and cost so much less. You'll see that when you puree your own bananas - they look a whole lot different than the bananas in a jar at the store. Enjoy your swim time. I opted for a tankini and a towel wrapped around my waist for all our swim play dates :o)
I just had to post as I have now what I call my mommy swimsuit. I bought it the summer after my first child was born and haven't changed it yet and that was three summers ago. And second of all I am having the same problem with flies here in South Carolina. My cats are going crazy trying to catch them! Love your blog!
I hate swimsuit shopping!!!! We have a million flies and I bought these 3D fly cathers to hang in the garage to try to catch them around the door we come in a lot. I spent like 15 minutes hanging them three days ago and there are seriosuly only two flies and some other kind of bug on there!!!! So much for all those claims about how the flies wouldn't be able to resist it!!!! ha!
What--no pics of you in your swimsuits? :)
I loved it when my girls started reaching for me. Melt.
kelly,
i use to mix rice ceral and applesauce together, in fact i use to use rice ceral and mix into all the baby food, just to make it thicker!
harper is very blessed to have you as her mother!
Hi! I have a 6 month old little boy and I've been making all of his baby food. A website that has been very helpful to me is www.wholesomebabyfood.com. It is full of information on how to make your own baby food, including recipes and when you should introduce certain foods. Just thought I'd pass it along!
I don't even want to think about finding a one-piece after I have this baby! I'm hoping that I can still wear a two piece, but it probably won't be next summer, but we'll see!
My daughter has that same outfit!! So cute!! And I can't wait for my Gracie to start reaching for me. She's still got a few months before she starts that though. I know it has to be a great feeling!!
Hey girl! I found your blog a day after Harper was born and then my baby girl was born 1/20. I love looking at what she is doing and seeing how we compare. We are on the more voluptuous side! I am also a PK and I relate you so much. I enjoy reading all your ramblings and check for updates daily! I have a fly remedy...fill a gallon sized ziploc with water half way and then hang above the door/entry. The flys think it's a spider web or something. We learned this while on vacation in OK. It seemed to work!
Kelly,
It's so funny you talk about Sonic and Walmart so much, I live in a small East Texas town and everytime I get the boys in the car my oldest asks, "Mom are we going to Sonic or Walmart?" And the answer is usually.... both!
-kelly
You need to come to TN and be my shopping buddy! Sounds like we have a lot in common (not spending over $20 for a swimsuit) and I have an addiction to Sonic! I love their Raspberry Tea. Of course you have to go during Happy Hour so you can get the huge Route 44!
Just wait until Harper is old enough to tell you she love you. If you think it's awsome that she reaches for you...oh my! Hearing her say she loves you, hugging on you, and wanting to spend time w/you will put you over the moon!
I am in need of a new swim suit as well! My daughter and I have swim lessons with a few neighbors in August and I do not want to wear a 2 piece!
My neighbor actually went looking last weekend and tried a bunch of stores and ended up at wal mart and said she found a bunch! I think I will head over there tomorrow!!
swatting flies in Chattanooga - NOT FUN! I found a swimsuit at TJ Maxx by Jansen that was only $19.99. It's red one piece (I totally sport it with a black skirt) with the whole gathering around the tummy look to conceal flaws.
we've had horrible flies out here in cali this year too. i thought it was just us? and whoever made up that myth that flies only live like 24 hours should be shot! i've had one in my bathroom that hides from me and he's been there for a week! :)
One I feel your pain as far as swimsuits go!! Two....try using a little applesjuice in the ceral to sweeten it just a tad. My little one didn't get any juice at all...except in his ceral. It worked for us. I would even add a little applesauce to it sometimes.
yes I agree swimsuits and shopping for them post baby totally stink.
Harper is SO PRECIOUS! AH!! Glad to hear she is liking food. Kinley didn't and still doesn't care much for cereal by itself, but dipped in some fruit and she's great! Also glad to hear you and Harper are getting a few more zz's!
Kelly, I understand exactly how you feel!! Once my baby started looking for me when I called his name or someone else picked him up - it just melted my heart (and still does)!!
Glad to hear Harper loves Applesauce and is sleeping more!! Harper, tell mommy to try some cinnamon in your applesauce after a while for some extra yumminess!!
Kelly, I haven't had a chance to read everyone's comments so I don't know if this was mentioned yet but Land's End has some GREAT swimsuits! They are fashionable but not itty bitty bikinis. I found two on Ebay brand-new for about $25 each!
I bought my first one piece this year at WalMart and it was 18 bucks and WAY cuter than the 2 pieces some of my friends are wearing! More power to us mama's that learn when it is time to cover up and not show what people are putting on display! :)
I love Harper's little dress! I've scene that a billion times at Walmart and keep meaning to buy it for my baby girl too.
I went bathing suit shopping this past Sunday (Of course I have waited to the weekend before I go to Hawaii because I thought I would have lost a few lbs by now...not so much) and it was so depressing. I finally found a suit that I liked and of course it was the only one not on sale at Macys. So, I ended up getting a Nike tank that looks like a regualar tankini that has a built in support for the not so perky boobs after breastfeeding two kids. Anyways, I just thought I would share my swimsuit frustration. Harper looks adorable in those pics!
Kelly - target has a baby food making kit that is less than $30 and well worth every penny. I used it for both my kiddos. It has recipes, freezing pans, and a place to record babies reactions to food. It is full of info. Just a thought.
The best part is when she says, "Hold you". My guess is that my 3 children all meant "Hold me". They all said it!!!
Harper is so precious in her little tinny, weeny suit! SO precious and adorable :)
About the swimsuits, I saw the ones at Wolly World and they were actually cute :0 I went to O.N. a few weeks back and their suits were SO LOW in the back...but reasonably priced too. Happy Shopping!
~Elyse
Harper looks so happy in her photos! Yay!
I didn't read through all of your comments, so you may have gotten this advice already or already just know it. But one very helpful thing my pediatrician advised with my first is that I start with vegetables instead of fruits. This is because of the natural sweetness of fruits, they will learn to appreciate the taste of the vegetables first, then the fruits are an added bonus. Just a thought....
I love the pictures of Harper! She's beautiful!!
Love,
Tonya
i could not agree with you more about the bathing suits!! Why are they so expensive and why are they all gone when you need them?
I am loving the drool. She is adorable!
Also, I never did the cereal. My son & daughter hated it. I once in a while added it to green beans to thicken them up. Other than that I stuck with the jar food, reg soft fruit (pears are great) and yogurt.
I agree with your swimsuit issue! I still haven't bought one but it's on my to-do list for tomorrow. Oh, how I dread it, and we're not even headed to the beach this year! How sad is that?
I didn't stick with cereal long with our first son either, and his first food was applesauce, too. He couldn't get enough of it! It will be fun to hear what else Harper likes!
Harper looks so big in that first picture! Such a doll!
Now that Harper is eating food more sleep is in your future! My baby girl didn't care much for cereal either but if I mixed it with applesauce or bananas she was all about it. That lasted about two weeks and then I transitioned her to just stage 1 baby food. Once the baby food started, she started sleeping around 10+ hours a night!
The swimsuit issue I TOTALLY AGREE! I mean it is like trying to figure out which stretch marks to cover up! It is totally annoying! I love the dress Harper has on; my Berkley has the same one-from Wal-Mart right?! I totally love Wal-Mart for her clothes! I remember when it used to be so UNCOOL to buy Wal-Mart clothes,but they have really cute stuff for infants and I can't say that I mind the prices either! Sweet baby girl and her reaching for you is the absolute best feeling in the world!
God Bless-
Diana
I'm in Oklahoma and I just noticed that our flies aren't bad at ALL this year. But the mosquitoes are terrible.
Hi, Kelly! Harper is so precious. I can't believe how she's growing. Try mixing a little cereal into her applesauce so she gets the cereal but still has mostly the taste of the applesauce. You can gradually add more cereal and see how that works. Enjoy!!
Just wait until she gives you a hug/kiss or says "momma" or even "wuv eeeww"(love you)! Oh my heart just melts when I get those sweet little words from my precious Hadley!!! I still remember the 1st time she squeezed me tight. It was amazing!
Four babies later and I still LOVE that feeling I get when they reach for me!
Oh and yes, the flies are horrible in Georgia also.
I always say the cutest thing about my swim suit is my cute cover-up! And I also must say I bet you'll look adorable. Wal-Mart is the first place I look for suits. Their sizing doesn't seem to be so much geared toward size 0 teens.
I hate bathing suit shopping! Ick!
I thought I would introduce myself because I have a bit of a random reason for reading your blog.
I am a 22 (almost 23) year old single girl (on the prayer list!). I don't even remember how I first heard of your blog but first started reading it when Harper was in the hospital. Well, in the fall (with a leap of faith) I am moving across the country to work as a nanny for my brother, and I know NOTHING about babies! When I take over the daily care of the babies I will be watching they will be just about 3 months old so I love reading about your daily stuff and the developmental things that Harper is doing!
Oh my goodness! The flies are horrible! Everyone that I have talked to says that it is the same way at their house so that made me feel better bc I thought it was just us. Ugh! I am constantly swatting flies all day long and I don't get where they are coming from. So you are not alone on that one. LOVE the pics of Harper, she is too stinkin cute!
Kelly-
I had to hop on over to our Sonic today to try the White Coconut and Pineapple Slushie you suggested. It was YUM-O. I sucked it down so fast (Large size) I had goose bumps. Our Sonic put fresh pineapple and actual coconut in along with the flavorings. Thanks for the great suggestions.
Hi Kelly...this is your "new friend" from Katy, Tx! ha ha ha...
As I was reading your post I thought I was about to scroll down and see pictures of you modeling your new bathing suits. I was thinking, "Man, this woman is B-Rave!"
I won't bore you with all the horrible details of my swimsuit issues. Gee! Swimsuits are from the devil.
Oh...and are you neighbors with The Duggars...sinc you live in Arkansas and all? tee hee
Lisa
I haven't read any comments, so maybe this has already been suggested- I've had 3 kids and I found Land's End to be awesome for swim suits. I used the virtual model and the suit has been fantastic!
You ought to see if she'll eat mashed up banana and avocado- that's an easy one to do on the road.
I always get Laila's swimsuits at The Children's Place - very cute and quite reasonably priced.
The best book I found for making baby food is The Baby Blender Book by Nicole Miller. It has been awesome and she is an incredible little eater.
2 words for you kelly... LANDS END! i love the suits there & they are very mommy friendly! they are all on sale right now so it's a great time to buy. also, they are a little more than 20 bucks but you will seriously get at least 5 years out of it. i always go with classic black & i just ordered brown too! hope you check it out.
love your blog & love reading about your dear harper!!
dixie
i got a swimsuit at lands end overstocks for a total of $12. it was a skirt bottom and separate top. sometimes you can find pretty good buys there but they don't always have the size you need which is frustrating.
i plan to make tess's baby food too. but i did buy some applesauce and bananas to start with. do you have a good site where it tells you how to do all the stuff?
The flies are bad here this year! It must be this Arkansas heat! We have gnats coming up our drains and swarming the kitchen so I googled this morning ways to get rid of them. I hope it works!! Miss Harper looks precious as usual!
Happy fly swatting,
Ashley
It is not just Arkansas! We in Texas are invaded with flies as well, and they drive me bonkers. They seem to follow me around to every room in the house. Not a fun gift of summer...
Precious pictures of Harper! Glad to hear she is a happy girl.
I made every bit of my son's baby food and didn't regret any of the time and effort it took. He still loves his fruits and veggies!
you're just noticing the flies more b/c you are home :) I have the same problem here and have every year. They are more rabid during the day and can't wait to follow you inside. I hate the things but have found no solution. Not hanging bags of water, not fly paper... not sure if the nasty smelling liquid really works b/c it smelled so bad it was worse than the flies.
I had to get my "Mom" swimsuit at Target on their website. It's a one piece number with a skirt. I just think of it as a swimdress :o) And it's good to know that surpassing rice cereal is okay..I have a feeling Evy Kate will skip right to applesauce too!
That's so great that Harper is reaching for you! I loved when Samantha first did it. Her new thing now (almost 17 mos) is bringing me a book and then sitting down in my lap for me to read it to her. So cute!
Samantha didn't like the rice cereal, either. Have you tasted the stuff? It's pretty nasty! We switched to oatmeal and still mix applesauce with it. You can mix other baby fruits in too, like pears, peaches, bananas, etc. It's a great way for her to get the whole grains and iron and other nutrients from the cereal w/out sacrificing taste. Good luck! :-)
I can't stand not being able to find a suit in the middle of summer. Sometimes I swear they would make more money if they left them out all summer long! It's taken me several weeks to find the right swim suit. While I still consider myself young, I HAVE had four kids. And well, most of us know what it looks like after that many. I may be slim looking but by no means am I going to be wearing a band-aid around my chest! This year I had to break down and buy my first mom-suit. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. But it IS still a dress. Well, it looks more like a little sun dress so it's not too bad. And considering I will be wearing it around a bunch of people from church I think it's perfect.
Making baby food is SO much fun! If you haven't already, check this website...it's great-http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/
I am 31 and a mom of 3, and I wear a tankini. Top is like a tank top, it is long and meets up with my bottoms, but still a 2 piece. Got mine at Gordmon's(used to be the Half Price Store) I also found a Speedo at Sam's club for $22 this year. Mix some rice cereal with applesauce. This is the only way my kids would eat it and it fills them up!!
I am 36-year-old mom who still wears bikinis...and so does my 34-year-old SIL (who has had three kids). Our philosophy? If ya got, flaunt it! Sure, our bodies aren't perfect but they still look decent and compared to most the people we see on the beach, we look awesome! You look great so buy what you want - being a mommy doesn't mean you have to dress like a nun.
-J
You'll love making baby food and it's just too simple and easy. I use babycubes. They fit nicely into a tray and you can mark on them what is in them. The cheapest place is onestepahead.com. I hope they still have them because they just came out with their own freezer trays! Get a 15% coupon code at retailmenot and it knocks off the shipping costs!
I was in NWA two weeks ago to help my sister in law with her new baby, and I thought the flies were going to carry the new, wee little one away. One of my biggest concerns was that the flies weren't landing on him! You're right, they are HORRIBLE this year!
Harper looks adorable today, by the way!!!
I couldn't agree more with your frustrations with the retail industry. Last year we were trying to find my nephew shorts in August and you would have thought we were crazy by the looks the sales people were giving us. I have already gotten 2 winter clothing promotions!
She is really starting to look like you...apart from the whole drool thing. :)
Hi Kelly,
I've "stalked" your blog for while but never commented. I have emailed your blog to several friends and we enjoy seeing what Harper is wearing and what cute bows you have to match!
I'm thinking about making my own baby food as well- let us know how that goes...I'm sure you will!
Not many babies like plain rice cereal. Have you tried mixing some with the applesauce for texture?
I have 4 children and have usually made most of our baby food except for when we're holidaying, special treats or occasionally trying something new.
Two of my tried and true baby dishes are pumpkin and potato blend- first mash then put through a metal strainer; and stewing apples without sugar.
Happy eating Harper!
Claire
Ok so isn't swimsuit shopping the worst! First of all they cost a TON and second of all there are SO many that are for a size 0 but a not a "normal" size mom who has given birth! Hope you and Harper are having a great week! Thank you again for the prayers!
oh, I hate swimsuit season! and it is so annoying that they put them out so early and when you really need them, they are nowhere to be found. you can find more online but you never know how they will look!
as for baby food, you should try mixing the applesauce with breastmilk and cereal. That way she is getting the iron fortified cereal and yummy fruits all at once! I made my own baby food and it is so much easier than you think. I just did once a week and froze it. wholesomebabyfood.com has amazing tips and recipes! highly recommended!
Sorry- another comment! Swimsuit shopping can be horrendous!
In Australia, everyone worries about skin cancer, and since we were dressing our girls in rash shirts ( a lycra swimming T-shirt )and long board shorts (surf shorts- I don't know what you call 'em over there!), for sun safety and modesty, I thought I'd follow suit to set a good example and have never regretted it.- Sooo much more comfortable, and you don't have to worry about getting sand you-know-where!
Claire
In Miami we are being taken over by mosquitoes!!! My little Matthew has about 6 bites on his little body....We can't leave our house without being swarmed!!!
Glad you found a bathing suit.
Hi Kelly, I just recently started my own blog and soon began following yours, its ALWAYS full of great stuff, (Harpers pictures and cute clothes you report on are my favorite) but your post today was so sweet, it left me really inspired, hopeful, and looking forward to motherhood! God Bless =)
I was at our Ross (Tulsa) and saw two really cute ones. One was navy and white full piece and one was a black one. I think the navy and white one was Anne Klein! It was also $9.99.
Glad you found a couple of good ones at one of your favorite shopping spots! I'm sure it wouldn't matter what you wore it would look GREAT!
So thankful that precious drooler you have is eating well and I'm sure you are loving her 'reaching' for her sweet Mama!
Blessings always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22
I was on vacation and found the cutest swim suit at T.J. Maxx in Branson MO! It is made by Jantzen and is from their new Glamour collection! You would love it! It is a black and white polka dot one piece and then has sequence all over it! The retail on the tag said $145 and I got it for $29!!! Keep your eye out, Branson is kinda close to you isn't it :)
I absolutely HATE swimsuit shopping. I can never find one that looks good on me that is decently priced. Good for you for making your own baby food. I have done that with my son and I love it!! Also I was going to say have you tried the baby version of oatmeal with Harper. My son didn't like the rice cereal at all. I tried the oatmeal with him and he just loves it!
Ugggg...I hate the swimsuit thing too. But like the one commentor said usually everyone is looking at the cute kiddos and Harper is just that. This is my first comment to leave but I love your blog. You are so encouraging and fun and I have 2 little girls so it is fun to read your Harper stories.
I just found a swimsuit at Old Navy on Saturday, for $10. Gotta love ON sales! It was so cheap, that I picked up an extra suit, for $5, for my little girl!
It is difficult finding the right suit though...I think I tried on 15!
Wal Mart is my place, too. Life in the small town. Good stuff. :)
I haven't noticed too many flies in my area of Ohio.
Oh, I'm already at the looney bin, so I'll be part of the welcome wagon that greets you!! Haha! I have had two (the same two??) flies in my house for the last couple days...and they are making me ANGRY! Grr! I cannot tolerate flies, blech! And I am so there with you on the bathing suit hunt. I despise trying on bathing suits. And one more problem with trying on suits when retailers put them out in Feb...I don't have ANY tan then, and all my cellulite sticks out more! Looks like I sat on a mess of acorns. I'm glad you found a couple suits that work. So sweet about little Miss HBS reaching for you! That is THE sweetest (well, one of) thing that a baby can do! It just makes ya feel so special because she wants YOU, doesn't it! Sweet, precious, tender moments! Soak in them!
Have you ever tried the website modbe? They specialize in trendy, modest clothing. The swimsuits are all on sale right now and are perfect for all of us mamas out there!
http://www.modbeclothing.com/Order.asp?InvDispSubCatId=&InvDispCatId=76&Page=1&rows=1000
Lands End has great tankini's on sale right now! they have Long torso's so they aren't creeping up on you! They are great!
I feel you on the swimsuit! I got mine at Target this year...I got lucky yesterday when I bought my second suit because pickins are slim!
I love reading about Harper's milestones because I feel like Asher is just around the corner because they are only 10 days apart...when he starts to reach for me I KNOW I will cry!!!
I know that swimsuits on Lands End are on sale right now, you might be able to find something cute for a cheap price, and they are modest...I'm thinking about looking on there today. I feel the same way you do about swimsuits...and also floats, I've been ALL OVER looking for this one particular Swimways Baby Boat with a Canopy that ONLY Target sells...well they are all sold out everywhere and don't plan to order more. Time to start stocking for Back to School and Christmas already!!!
And as for flies, YES!!! I have had a ton here in GA in my house too...so annoying!!!
Kelly, I know exactly how you feel on the swimsuit. But, I did find one that I really like at venus.com and only paid $30 shipping and all! Try there you might find something that you like. I just always go for the tankinis, most of the time they don't look like something a MawMaw would wear. lol Good luck with your bathing suit shopping!!
I always mixed fruit with the cereal. Yum!
Luv ya!
Be careful making the baby food after she has already had the canned stuff...most babies won't take the homemade baby food after all they have been eating in the canned things bc the canned things taste better...and if she is starting out with applesauce she probably will nto like the veggies :(...i started my little man out on veggies first and he still loves them...my doc always told me not to start with fruit & i don't think there is anything wrong with moms wearing bikinis lol...i wear one!
oh and from another post you had- your cravings are most likely from breastfeeding, you can still get cravings :) they actually intensify when your breastfeeding!
-Mary
I wanted to tell you that I understand your pain regarding swimsuits....I HATE them! They are horrible and were NEVER meant to be worn by women with curves, let alone ones that have given birth. Anyway, I haven't bought a new swimsuit in YEARS. I flat out refused. However, I suddenly realized that I was missing out on making some real memories with my daughter (now three) since my husband is the one to always get in the pool with her. So, I finally broke down and bought a swimsuit at Lands End. It was horribly expensive, but it is AWESOME! I can't brag enough about it. So, if all else fails, I HIGHLY recommend them....and they are starting to have some great sales.
Hey Kelly! Glad you found a swimsuit. I feel the exact same way and was able to find one on ebay. It'll work!
Mixing applesauce and rice cereal was a favorite of ours and Ella seemed to really enjoy it :) Or like another reader said try using the infant oatmeal. Good Stuff!
I feel like I have really seen some changes in Harper in your last couple of posts! I remember that with mine, it is so bittersweet, but I just love Harper's little expressions. Her little personality is really starting to come through :)
Kelly, I hear ya about the swimsuits in the winter, who thinks to buy one then? And Harper looks adorable as always!
Swimsuit shopping is not fun anymore that is for sure! Oh, unless you have a 3 year old--check out my post about my shopping adventure:
http://2littleirishboys.blogspot.com/2009/03/shopping-for-swimsuits.html
Oh my Gosh!!! We have had a couple flies too! Although we are in Louisiana I still think we are close enough to get worried.. I'm calling the city!
Guess the flies are bad everywhere. They are driving me crazy too!
Isn't being a mom the best? Neither of my kids liked rice cereal. I moved on to baby oatmeal and barley and my son loved both of those. Apparently they are a little sweeter than rice cereal. I mixed the cereals with breast milk (sorry tmi) rather than water. My daughter would never eat the cereals or baby food (other than a few of the fruits). She went almost from breastfeeding to table foods. Good luck!
I have been reading your blog for a long time and love it. Yall are so so cute.
I always love hearing about how much you love Sonic and Walmart bc I LOVE them both too and go to one of them everyday, especially Sonic.
I am so glad you love motherhood so much, it's the best. We mothers are so blessed.
mcawarren.blogspot.com
Oh my gosh! I just bought my first onepiece this week! I'm 33 and a new mother and I won't even TRY ON the bathing sutis I own. I went to Target and got two. One was $25 and one was $30. I thought they fit nicely and my husband liked them.
Hi, I don't know if you will actually get to this comment or not, but I thought I would give it a try. My son absolutely hated the rice cereal (my 8 yr old sister even attested to the fact that it tasted like cardboard!). So, we tried the rice cereal that was banana flavored and he enjoyed that. Or you could even use the applesauce to make the rice cereal since Harper likes that and just thin it out a bit with formula/breastmilk. Just thought I would pass along my experience if you wanted to try rice cereal again. Harper is a cutie-pie!
Nicole
Bathing suits....one word....UGGHH! That is a word, right? Just looking at them reminds me I'm getting old. But, hey, I just started the 100 push-up challenge today (and 200 sit-up and 200 squat challenge). www.luvabargain.com Crazy? Yes! But maybe the bod will be better than it is now:)
We have no flies in NH. Just huge mosquitoes (from all the rain and NO sun) I am so ready for vacation in NC and lots of sun (hopefully) for 2 weeks.
Love Harper's drool. Too sweet cute girl.
Have a great day!
Hey miss kelly!
just stopping by to tell you (and the billions of people that read your blog) to check out my great July giveaway!
http://elizabethhaley.blogspot.com/
it's super cute!
I totally agree with the swimsuit issue. I have had really good luck with lands end swimsuits, they have some really good sales going on right now. I am glad Harper likes applesauce, I always mixed my kids cereal with their baby food. I think oatmeal cereal goes down better then rice cereal. Good luck and I am so glad you are enjoying being a mommy, it really is the best gig in town.
The pink and orange look great on her!!!
My daughter had applesauce in the beginning too! She loves it. :)
I'm not sure if you're doing the baby food thing in conjunction with your pediatrician but usually there's a general order of introducing foods, and fruit is usually last (or close to last) just because it's sweet. Don't get her used to the taste of sweet fruit before you get her into the veggies. Ck with your pediatrician. My daughter liked rice cereal but refused to eat plain oatmeal. I always gave her oatmeal and banana.
One of our friends showed me something to help keep the flies down. And it is safe. Fill a ziplock with water, put a penny in it and hang it above the doors. This scares the flies, thus keeping them out of the house.
Oh the great swimsuit shop... There is just one thing that helps me in a time like this.
Cover ups. :)
First off -- I just recently found your blog and I love it. You have an awesome family and have been truly blessed. But I've got alot of reading to do to get all caught up.
As for the swimsuits, I'll never understand why stores sell clothing the way they do. I bet by now they have the jackets and coats out and it's in the 100's down here in South Texas. Glad you found some swimsuits at Walmart. I too love that store, but I think it's because it's the only major retail store less than 5 miles from my house -- all the rest are over 20.
She is such a doll...love that little bit of drool! It is so special when your kids start reaching for you. It just warms my heart still to this day.
When mine were infants, I mixed the rice cereal with applesauce and they loved it. I can't wait to see how your baby food making goes. I didn't do that but am very interested in it.
Swimsuits...if you're willing to put in a little more then I would suggest Land's End at Sears. They will last a good many years and there are some really cute designs and colors this year with tankini, skirtini, and shortini options.
Oooooweeee, we have had a horrible fly problem for probably the last 3 or so months here in Texas. They are so gross and we can't seem to get rid of them!!
I feel your pain on the swimsuit issue. I went shopping for one yesterday after my beloved one that I got at Wal-Mart 3 years ago gave out on me! That was my all-time favorite suit :( This time the one I bought came from Dillard's and I thought I would have a heart attack when I saw how much it was! Since I have a horrible time finding a suit that fits I went ahead and got it, but holy cow!!! It better last me a good 10 years! :)
I, too, was on that bathing suit quest last week and found some really cute ones at Target. I didn't want a typical "mommy" tankini with ugly print, instead I wanted something trendy and cheery. I found what I was looking for there. And the best part is, the bathing suits are on sale for $14.99 this week and I was able to get a price match on what I bought- I saved $25! Woo hoo!
Hi Kelly!
I've never commented on your blog before, but I've followed you for some time now. I LOVE reading your blog because I feel like we have so much in commong. My daughter, Annie, was born exactly one week after Harper and was in the NICU for 6 days. It's fun to read your blog because Annie is doing the exact same things Harper is. It's so nice to read what you're going through because it's usually exactly what I'm going through. :) Annie doesn't have teeth yet, but she started reaching for me last week and it's so sweet. She also started cereal last week. She seems to like it, but we're not going to add anything else until we see our doctor in August.
I just wanted to say I love your blog and it's so fun to read! Also--I 150% agree about the bathing suits. It's so hard to find one right now. The 2 I wanted are already gone. Ugh! Oh well. Plus, I completely agree that since we are moms now, we are not allowed to wear bikinis in public. Yuck! I don't want Annie to see pictures of that later and think, "What was my mom thinking." Hehe.
Have fun with Harper this week. I'm off to Sonic to get a drink with Annie. :)
THANK YOU for realizing you need to be more modest now that you're a mom. I go up to my neighborhood pool a lot and see lots of mothers in bikinis, and it's just...not right! I know that one pieces aren't very practical when it comes to using the restroom, but there tankinis are a fabulous invention. You can stay covered and still look fashionable!
Hey Kelly, I am from Tuscaloosa,AL. I read your blog on a regualr bacis. I am so heppy for you and Harper and as well as she is doing now. I prayed so much for her there in the begining. When I was born I had very similar complications. But anyways i just wanted to say we have alot of flies here and we have found this little inventions called the Fly Bag they sell them at Loews, Home Depot and probably wallmart but its really easy you just add water and hang them outside and they collect tons of flies and it minamizes your house flies and your flies outside! I just wanted to let you know of this. Kepp up the great blog and being a great mom which i can see you are great at it already!
Mary Kathryn Walker
She is such a beautiful baby. When I looked at the picture on your mom's blog of you, I thought, no she does look like you. She does look like scott, but I think her face shape/forehead are yours!
I get bathing suits from Target. I've had mine for a few years!
I forgot to say...I think Harper's looks are starting to change a little, do you think so?
She is so adorable. I am glad she is taking to solids so well. Just wait till she starts saying MOMMY!! If you think her reaching for you is great then that will melt your heart even more!!
Jcrew has amazing suits on sale online ...
My mom always puts out a ziplock sandwich bag filled halfway with water on the doors of their house. She uses tacks to attach it to the doors because they are wood doors. I have yet to see a fly since she started doing this. I have no clue why it works it just does. Hope this helps!!
Check out JC Penny - if you don't have one where you live look on line. The A.N.A. Shirred Tank Rocks! It give me a great figure (I don't have such a great one after having two babies 18 months apart) but is flattering and comfortable. And it's on sale.
http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=50434&CatID=51408&GrpTyp=SIZ&ItemID=16281cd&attrtype=&attrvalue=&CMID=50434%7c50446&Fltr=&Srt=&QL=F&IND=23&cmVirtualCat=&CmCatId=50434|50446|51408
Kelly,
I know what you mean by the bathing suit situation. If you buy in the winter months or early Spring, then you don't have your body where you want it to be at this time. Also, I just don't think about it until the summer months are upon us. I am sure you will look great.
I was in Atlanta last week dog sitting for my daughter and the flies are terrible there too. So bad that there were no fly spray, fly swatters or fly traps at the local Wal-Mart. Now, down here in SE Alabama, we do not have flies, but I think it is because we have horseflies and they rule the airways.
Good Luck and Happy Summer!
Oh, and give Harper a little kiss from me if you don't mind.
~Debbie K.
Bathing suits are from the devil himself. I only wear one when I am pregnant and then I have a god excuse to have a big belly.
I am glad that you found a bathing suit.
i've never left a comment but ADORE your blog ... very uplifting and personal. thank you for sharing your story.
two comments: last year flies were terrible in southern california. i found these odorfree fly things at home depot that you stick in certain places and by your doors. keep them out of harper's reach and maybe they will help?
bathing suit -- victoriasecret.com has some cute one pieces. sounds nutty but they really do and i was pleasantly surprised at the price -- less than $30.
It really does start to get easier...and then they start crawling, which opens up a whole new can of worms! :) My daughter is 10 months now and I remember that feeling of finally feeling like I was able to ENJOY my daughter, not just try to figure her out all the time.
P.S. I put ground up flax in Emersyn's applesauce. She doesn't even notice and it is SOOOO good for babies and adults too. I got the flax from Costco, they might have it at Sam's Club for you. Try it!
Such a drooly little doll baby you have there! I was a baby food making mama too when that's where my girlies were in life. The best tip have for you is to invest in a a hand/stick blender i fyou don't already have one. I used a regular blender, food processor even the baby food maker thingy - hands down the BEST results I ever got was with the hand blender, especially for in the beginning when you need a super smooth consistency. Plus, much easier clean up! Hugs!
Harper's starting to look like such a little girl instead of such a little baby! So cute!
I've always been scared away by Lands End's prices, but I caught a 50% off sale this year and love the suits I got. They are cute but modest which is important when you're a mom of 4 with the stretch marks to prove it!
You should research baby led weaning. You don't have to spoon feed Harper or even bother with baby food. We did it with our son(now 15months) and loved it.
Ok, Harper is beautiful as always! I just needed to comment and say if you are really 35 I want your genes!! Maybe I haven't paid close enough attention to your age here, but you definitely look, at least, 10 years younger. You rock and now I am jealous, haha.
I do not comment as often as I read :). Thanks again for always bringing a smile to my mornings! Here are some thoughts, in case you are interested!
1. It is not just in Arkansas, the flies are bad in NC as well. It is driving me crazy!
2. The swimsuit thing is crazy! My mom and I are always saying that time seems to go so much more quickly now. I think it has to do with retail. They start bringing out clothes/items for the next season way too soon! Yesterday in Target, they had brought out back to school supplies!! Crazy! Also, when you become a mom it does get much harder to find a good swimsuit. I now spend way more than I would like, but modesty has its price, I suppose :).
3. Try mixing a little applesauce with the rice cereal (as long as she is not allergic to the rice cereal). I have always mixed just about anything with the cereal and my babies always liked it :).
Sorry for the way too long comments!
I love the pic of her laying in her bed looking up at you.
Be careful with starting fruits first...babies love the sweet taste and sometimes refuse veggies! :)
I am so happy to read that you are going to make your own baby food. I make my son's baby food and I love it. I know exactly what he is eating. I use Super Baby Food for my baby food bible :) Good luck!
Harper is such a cutie!! I can just tell how much you love being a mommy you sound like momma of the year, just a great mommy!
I thought it was just our house, we couldn't figure out where these flies are coming from, fly swater sits out now, waiting to wack the next. We live in the woods in Maryland and we have terminex come (every three months) and couldn't figure out why we still have them. Only bad thing about (terminex)that is they fly around for a while and then if you don't wack them first you find them dead laying around. So needless to say I'm tired of vacuming these nasty things up. Not sure whats going on, wish I could see it on the news or something. Seems so odd! My parents are in west virginia on a little vacation and apparently they have flies too. So yucky! Glad we aren't the only ones seeing flies we thought there was something wrong in the house! :)
Just a reminder who I am, you got me in touch with Leigh Ann, about my son! Thank you sooo much! She's been awesome and SO much help!
I have found the best place to get swimsuits is JC Penny. They support the places that need it and they are still stylish. There is always sales going on there also!
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