Santa's Lap

I swear the holidays just flew by! By the time we were able to get Jackson over to see Santa it was already Christmas Eve! I was SO worried that we were going to have to stand in a super-long line to get him on Santa's lap so we showed up bright and early to wait in line. To my pleasant surprise there were only a few people ahead of us. Jackson absolutely LOVED Santa (which is not apparent from this picture) and couldn't stop staring at him. SO cute!

Review/Giveaway- Charlie Banana Cloth Diaper!

The more I use cloth diapers with Jackson the more I become attached to certain ones in my stash, especially ones that are easy to put on, convenient, and leak-free. Charlie Banana diapers definitely fit the bill! Not only are they adorable, but they are also trim-fitting and extremely high-quality. Both diapers they sent me to review came with two soaker pads- one that can be tucked inside an inner pocket and the other that can be laid on top for when you need extra leak protection (like overnight). These have definitely become my go-to diapers and I've even used them when we're out and about which can be a little tricky with cloth sometimes. Some of the other features I love about Charlie Banana: the extra soft inner cloth, cute colors and prints, their one-piece construction, and the ability to use them from newborn to potty training!

Another awesome feature of Charlie Banana diapers? Their fabulous 2-in-1 system which allows you to use their diapers traditionally or as a hybrid disposable. Each of their diapers comes with a unique front flap that can be used to hold a disposable insert (also sold by Charlie Banana). This option is fantastic for when you're out running errands and don't want to hassle with changing a yucky cloth diaper in a public restroom. I love how they offer options for every taste and preference!

Here are some of the other features that set them apart:

• Smart Side Snaps that allow you to make the diaper smaller and convenient to wrap up the diaper more securely after use.
• Wide Back Elastic makes the diaper more comfortable and gives a trimmer fit.
• Leakproof Leg Casing (really works!) keeps the mess where it belongs.
• Adorable colors and prints!

TO BUY



Had over to Charlie Banana right now and check out their incredible cloth diaper options! I think these diapers would make a great Christmas gift for any new mom or mom-to-be! Also make sure to check out some of the other amazing products they offer including cloth wipes, cloth training pants, laundry bags, swim diapers, and baby leg warmers!

WIN ONE!

Want to win a Charlie Banana diaper? You're in luck! They have generously offered one of my readers the chance to win one!

Mandatory Entry

Head over to the Charlie Banana website and check out all of their cute prints. Leave a comment letting me know which print is your favorite. Don't forget your contact info!

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Giveaway Ends 12/29 at 8:00pm MST

Disclaimer: I was provided with product on which to base my review. All opinions expressed are honestly my own.



My Little Linus

Jackson loooves his security blanket. He must have one with him at all times and he loves to snuggle with during naps and at bedtime. He definitely takes after his mommy! I slept with my baby blankie until I was almost 22 (upon which it dissolved into nothingness). I wonder if Jackson will be the same? Haha!

Books I Love: The Gendarme

The Gendarme by Mark T. Mustian

I have not been able to put this book down for the past two days. I've literally had to ration myself on the amounts I've read of it. It's rare that a books transports you to another time and place as fully as The Gendarme. I picked it up on a whim and now I can't imagine what it would be like not having read it. Some of the words I can think to describe: transcendent, heartbreaking, and overwhelming. Based on the events of the Armenian genocide of 1915, the book describes the forgotten memories of a gendarme and his struggle to place the puzzle-pieces of his lost past in place. Haven't heard of the Armenian genocide? Neither had I. It's one of those dirty secrets that mankind likes to hide in the attic of our minds. I promise, if you read this books you will be changed. Check it out.

Jackson's First Birthday

My baby's first birthday is right around the corner and I've started planning in full force! I'm going with a "vintage sock monkey" theme and plan on making most of the decor myself. I found some great inspiration in etsy, but I think it's a lot more fun to make things myself then pay someone to do it for me! Here are some pics of ideas I'm planning on using:

Highchair Banner

Birthday Banner

Cupcake Toppers

Door Sign

Favor Tags

Invitations

Thank You Cards

I'm not quite brave enough to try my hand at fondant so I'm having a friend make Jackson's cake and these toppers for the cupcakes:

Fondant Cupcake Toppers

How cute is this shirt? I'm going to get it personalized with the number "1" on the back!

Little Man Sock Monkey Tee

I'm so excited to get started on all of the planning! Next up- what kind of food to serve!

Making Christmas Shopping Easier

One of my strategies for saving time and money around the holidays is to shop year-round, especially online. I love finding the perfect present at the best price possible which is a little more time-consuming then just heading out to the mall and buying at full-price. One of my favorite online shopping meccas is CSN Stores. CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from stylish handbags, to counter height stools, or great cookware! I bought several of Jackson's Christmas gifts from their stores and I love how wide their selection is. Plus, they have super fast shipping and an amazing variety of brands to choose from! If you're looking for some last-minute Christmas gifts you should check them out!

Paper Mama Photo Challenge: Eyes

New Holiday Traditions

I can't tell you how incredibly excited I am for Christmas this year! I haven't been this excited in years and I love it! Having a kid makes everything better, especially the holidays. I have so many wonderful memories of holiday traditions my parents did with us and I can't wait to pass these on to Jackson, as well as create some new ones. Here's a list of both the old and new that I plan on doing this year:

Oldies But Goodies
1. Baking and decorating cookies together as a family.
2. Driving around looking at Christmas lights.
3. Playing Christmas music and making a big to-do about hanging up all of the Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving.
4. Hanging ornaments on the tree together.
5. Advent calendars.

New Traditions
1. Sprinkling "reindeer food" on the driveway to welcome Santa's reindeer.
2. Make a new photo ornament each year.
3. Make gingerbread houses.
4. Read a different holiday book each night before bed.
5. Take cookies to the local fire station on Christmas Eve.

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

Landen and Jackson

Here are some of the pics I took of Landen and Jackson for our Christmas card- I'll post the winning card a little later! :) Photographing a squirming toddler is quite the feat but his big brother was very patient and helpful! We got a few good shots out of the million I took and here are a few of my favorites.

Carrie and David

I got the opportunity to photograph my sister and her husband for this Christmas cards this year and we had a blast! We went to our historic downtown and found some great backdrops to use and I think the pictures turned out pretty good for my first "real" photo shoot. What do you think?