DIY Headbands

I love putting headbands on Gwen (maybe it's because she's lacking in the hair department? hehe), but I can never find any in person, that I like.  I've been meaning to order some online but I just haven't.  Not too long ago, I was searching around on Pinterest, and came across a few DIY instructions for headbands and rosettes.  I went to JoAnn Fabrics the other day and armed myself with all of the necessary tools.  Gwen has been taking some pretty substantial naps lately, so I got to work..

The first one I tried was the double ruffle.  I know, it's seriously sloppy!  But it was a first attempt and I'm calling it "shabby chic".  I plan on doing this one again with different fabric and I'm hoping that I can get it a bit neater next time.

Double Ruffle Headband

It's so hard to make her smile while I'm taking the pic.
lol she cracks me up with her serious model face

This one I kind of just figured out on my own.  I bought fake flowers, but when I took them off the stem,  the plastic piece was too bulky and would've been uncomfortable for Gwen.  So I took the flowers apart and then sewed them back together before I attached them to the headband.  I anticipate making many more of these, all different sizes and colors.  I love the way it came out.

Pink Ranunculus Headband

Donna just gave me a TON of this pink fabric, so I started making these rosettes.  Guess what I'll be busy doing next week :)

seven months

At seven months old, here are some of Gwen's favorite things:

• Board Books.  Especially small ones that she can hold (and chew on) easily.  Her favorite bedtime book is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?".  I usually read 2 or 3 books to her each night, and just about every night, this is the last book that we read.  She loves the bold pictures, the repetition, and she loves helping me turn the pages.  The other night, when I took it out to read, she squealed with delight!

• Water.  Put a water bottle in front of her and she's happy as a clam.  She also enjoys sippy cups, cold glasses of ice water at restaurants, and small cups of water (just a little) to practice with at dinner.  I don't let her drink much of it, but sometimes she's happy just to lick the glass or suck on the water bottle.

• People and Other Babies.  Make eye contact with her (on line at the grocery store, in a crowd of people, walking down the street) and she expects your full attention.  Lately, she smiles shyly, giggles and talks to anyone who gives her any sort of attention at all.  Turn your back on her after you've become friends and she'll yell at you, demanding your attention again.  She's always loved other babies too, squealing, and reaching out to touch them (or poke them in the eye).

• Baby Einstein Music.  A yoga friend of ours burned 2 Baby Einstein CDs for us, and it was probably one of the best gifts we were given. They're magic.  Fussy baby in the car? Flip to CD #4 and within the first couple of notes: insta-quiet.  Anne and Kristen can attest to this during our Maine day trip-al la-constipation.  I keep the other CD in the house and if she doesn't want to nap, the CD goes on and within minutes she's in dreamland.  It's probably not meant to put her to sleep, but it does, and I'll take it!

My big girl is standing unsupported!

Long Island Summer

On Wednesday, Anne, Gwen, Jackson, and I drove down to Long Island for a nice, extended visit.  I've been looking forward to spending more than just a few days there, and we had some really nice weather.  It was the longest time that Gwen has been away from Justin, so we missed him and he missed us, but we got in some regular FaceTime sessions.  The week was full of visits with friends, afternoons at the pool and beach.  Anne, Andrea, Jess and I even took little G on her first wine tasting!

FaceTime with daddy

napping with Grammy on the deck

With Andrea and Jess before we took Gwen on her first wine tasting!

at Paumanok Vineyards

Anne with her friends from CMHS class of '98

We can't wait for the next trip - this time with daddy :)

Annie Annie's Visit

Thats the new name that Gweny gave to her Aunt Annie, how cute :)
With my sis living in the exciting Las Vegas, we don't get to see her very often, but we always have fun with her when she visits.  Anne, Kristen, Gwen, and I and went to Salem for the day and stayed overnight at mom and dad's new condo there.  The next day, we sent out for a day trip to Maine.  Unfortunately, that was around the same time that Gwen had her first bout of constipation, so she wasn't her normal happy self.  It didn't help that it was close to 100 degrees in Maine, either.  Side note: for anyone with a constipated babe, light Karo syrup works wonders (oh, and lay off the rice cereal).   Even with a cranky babe, we had fun walking around the little shops in Ogunquit and we made it to 2 top 10 rated lobster stands and had our fill of delicious lobster rolls.

Salem, MA

Annie Annie at a crazy bookstore in Salem

"roughing it" at the condo

Ogunquit, ME

 

Ordering the first lobster rolls of the day

Anne with her lobster earrings for the occasion

I thought this t-shirt was fitting for her mood.  Of course as soon as we held it up to her,
she started smiling and laughing like crazy.

2nd lobster roll stop of the day :)  Kennebunkport, ME

...and some freshly squeezed lemonade to go with it.

On Tuesday, Anne, Gwen and I met up with Justin and Kristen in Boston for lunch before spending the afternoon in Faneuil Hall.

that tall building is where Kristen works