a very scary giraffe

scarrrry giraffampire!

Lil's first Halloween costume revealed: A baby giraffampire! That would be half giraffe, half vampire (the Mama half being giraffe, the Papa half being vampire). Now, if you're wondering where the inspiration for such a get-up came from, you only have to look back a few weeks to when Lil's fangs appeared. She was looking more creature-ish at that point, and her giraffe costume was in doubt. But then her parents got the idea to make her a vampire giraffe, complete with fangs, a cape, and even a victim! But how does a giraffampire come into existence (and a baby one at that)? Enter Mama and Papa. Obviously the giraffampire's parentage is the missing piece of the puzzle.

mama giraffe and her baby giraffampire

the giraffampire family

Lil managed to get quite a bit of use from her giraffampire ensemble. Sunday, our friends Lindsay and Rafi hosted the first ever fall-winter-2010/2011 Baby Halloween Party! Oh. My. Goodness. Cuteness abounded! Imagine a room full of 6-12 month-olds all dressed up in the most adorable and clever Halloween costumes ever. There was Benjamin as the strong man, Leo as Curious George, Georgia as the pumpkin, twins Oscar and Lionel as aliens, Evelyn the egg, as well as several ladybugs, a bumble bee, and an astronaut. There were a bunch more, all cute (Agnes as baby Yoda), and well worth the trouble to wrestle Lil into the giraffe suit, apply my own make-up, and convince Papa to put product in his hair. I think next year we might try something simpler. Like a kitten costume. Or maybe more complicated, like a wolf pack. Who knows!

this was my buddy, but I ate him

i waaaant to drink your miiiiillllk

On Hallows Eve, we went to hang out with our Brooklyn-based cousins for a little trick-or-treating. Carrol Gardens is a great area to trick-or-treat. Everyone hangs out on their stoops and hands out candy, and most of it is pretty good too. I think Lil's cousin got a few full-sized bags of m&m's, chips, pretzels, lots of chocolate, and (mama's favorite) at least a dozen rolls of smarties. Lil is too young for all that candy, but I am certain it went to a good home. Afterward, we relaxed with some soup and conversation and allowed the sugar rush to come to a crashing end. Lil giraffampire arrived home late in the evening, all tuckered out and ready for a long snooze.

lil with her cousin, maddie the murdered

a giraffampire cuddle

I think Lil had a good time, although I wonder whether or not she knew she was in costume.

awesome aunts, nice nieces

so this is not Christmas

Today was supposed to be about carving pumpkins, drinking cider, and eating caramel apples with our friends at Tuffet, but Mother Nature had something to say about that.  After hours of slushy snowfall, the only friends to brave the elements and meet us at our spot was Lil's very own Auntie Em', and The Boy.  Who else would trek through ankle deep slush, unseasonable cold, messy sidewalks, and the weekend L train for some face time with Lil? But that's what aunts do- they dote upon their nieces, taking every opportunity to spend they day with them, and occasionally spoil them with beautiful and frivolous gifts. Speaking as an aunt, nieces are a special treasure, adding a little sweetness and a little sparkle to our lives. You go through your daily routine, and suddenly realize there is a special little person out there who adds a title to your name every time they speak it, who thinks your pretty and cool regardless of how old and dotty you are, and who loves every thing you do for them no matter how small.  The mere existence of that special little girl in turn makes you special. Undoubtedly, having a daughter is the nicest thing your sibling will ever do for you.

Today is also the birthday of one of Mama's aunts and her cousin– another niece– who spent their special day together in warm sunny Phoenix. Aunt Maggie has never been one to disappoint a niece, and along with her sisters, provided Mama with the perfect blueprint to Aunthood. Most importantly, Aunt Maggie's loyalty to her title transcends generations, and although they haven't met in person, she is Lil's biggest admirer. There may be some who dispute this claim, but I'm willing to bet they all share the distinction of Aunt.

After peeling off several warm fuzzy layers, Lil's special pre-Halloween outfit was revealed! Batty BabyLegs and a shimmery embellished tunic (to celebrate Aunt Maggie's birthday) were paired with a great pair of sweater knit leggings, and the poison-and-purple socks kicked a little color into the mix. What was especially lovely was how Lil coordinated with Aunt Em's simple, cozy outfit. Funny, Mama was close to putting Lil in a gray thermal with black leggings. Now that would've been cute!

The Awesome Aunts: Aunt Joni, Aunt Maggie, Grandma Jeanne, GrandMary, Mama (back), and Aunt Annie, 1987

happy birthday Liam and Charlie!

Liam & Charlie, pictured here at 5 months adjusted.

Our favorite twins turn one today!! Happy birthday to our Canadian friends, Charlie and Liam. What a year they've had. Born prematurely and weighing less than 6 pounds combined, it took 70 days to get these guys home to their mama and papa. But now they're big, strong, rollicking lads whose combined weight equals that of a kindergartner! Like Lil, they love plaid, argyle, and chasing the cat. I've got a feeling life's got something special in store for these guys. We look forward to following all their big adventures!

Congratulations to Mama and Papa, too! You've done some fine work.

miss mitts

Putting mittens on a nine-month-old is the equivalent of a baby straightjacket, but I just can't help it. On the plus side, she stopped pulling at her hat and her booties, but on the down side she was unable to play with her stroller buddies Tags and Big Beak. Lil seemed a bit dismayed, plus it wasn't that chilly, so after a few blocks I freed her hands. Lil then took it upon herself to free her ears, and her toes.  So it goes.

video tuesday: Lil's big apple

No, we are not out and about in the big city, seeing the sights or craning our necks upward in search of skyscraper rooftops.  Today's blog title is a bit more literal.  Lil actually took a bite of a big apple, and she very much enjoyed it.  So much in fact, that she wouldn't give it back, forcing Mama to go hungry.  Lil shares her excitement for- and her dismay over losing- her first big apple.

heaps of cute

It was a little brisk for the park, but our babies are pretty resilient here in Williamsburg.  Plus, they're very well-dressed by their mamas.  Today Lil was sporting an old sweater dress, which at this stage fits more like a sweater, and a pair of suede booties from Robeez.  Her knit polar bear cap topped the ensemble with a touch of warmth.

Lil and Evan, right

it's Miss Ivy!

Lil's buddies, Ivy and Evan, met us at the park, and the cooler temps charged these babies' batteries.  They were off and about, crawling and cruising all over the place.  Occasionally, there were some baby pile-ups, collisions, and well-intentioned mishaps, but all in all our wee ones has a wonderful time together.

With their little jackets, jumpers, hats and booties, these little people are not just ready for the temperatures, they look ready for a fashion spread in baby Vogue (does that even exist yet? No? Well call Anna Wintour and tell her the first feature is ready to print! Whatever is she waiting for?)!

weekend update #13

This weekend Lil attended her first 1st birthday party! It was lots of fun for her, as she got to play with some of her baby friends.  This party had a super hero theme, and while Lil forgot to have her full Wonder Woman regalia dry cleaned, Mama did have her super hero baby legs and red mini skirt ready to go!

less wonder woman, more wonderful

Sunday was a quiet day.  Lil went to her last swim class with Papa while Mama stayed home and did virtually nothing.  Papa bragged that Lil was the best swimmer, that she was doing all the best kicking and even blowing bubbles!  After class I met them outside, Lil tuckered out and Papa ready for some snacks.  Lil looked so cuddly in her sweat suit that I snapped a quick cell phone picture.  This was the same suit she wore last weekend, but due to a technical glitch only a photo of the bottoms got posted! So this week you finally get to see the top.

Very snuggly.

measuring up

keep reaching for the stars, lil.

Lil had a check-up at her pediatrician's today. We adore Dr. Julie, she's very sweet to Lil, and always makes her smile. Plus she is very smart and always puts a mama at ease about all those little worries and answers our funny questions about things like baby toe nails,  perspiration, poop... you know, the usual.  Equally as important, Dr. Julie has a great sense of style, and she always wears the best shoes.  At this visit she had on a pair of gray leather riding boots which we will not soon forget.  I love that Lil will grow up with a bright female doctor she can look up to, both as a pediatrician and as a fashion role model.

when you're only half-way up, your neither up nor down

Dr. Julie complemented Lil on her growth chart (just over 29" and in the 90th percentile for height, 17 pounds, 10.5 oz. and 25th percentile for weight), her teeth (6 total, 4 in the last month!), and her social skills.  She also applauded Lil's purple camo tights, and her denim jacket.  It's always nice to hear good things about your baby, but it's nice when her accessories get noticed too.

a lot to be proud of

grin and bear it

Cooler weather is all about layers, especially for a baby who can overheat just by getting too excited watching The Cat.  For little girls it's easy– just add a pair of tights or leggings under a dress, and over a nice looking diaper cover.  Then if the backs of your knees begin to sweat you don't end up all cranky. These pink knit tights came from cousin Josie, although they were  originally a present from Mama for Josie's first Christmas.  I just couldn't resist the little bear knitted on the butt, though on Lil it kind of loses it's charm.  I see her "bear" butt all the time.

Still, a baby girl in ruffles and pink bows can always be cuter.  So we'll keep the bear-butt tights (the droopier, the better), thanks.

water resistant

There's a soft, misty rain today, the kind that sticks to your hair instead of soaking it, and gives well-moisturized skin a dewwy finish. That's great for fashionistas, not so great for babes. That's why strollers come with these plastic covers. Apparently there are places where people never use them, but in NYC they're a necessity. Since my bubble baby stays dry, she can wear her softest and fuzziest things without a layer of rubber boots and a slicker. The polar bear sweater is from BabyGap. As if Lil needed to be any more huggable.

video tuesday: hey, lil tambourine girl

Everyone needs a little music in their lives.  Here is Lil's debut music video, brought to you by her fabulous Kitten with a Tiara pajamas.

Kitten princess pj's

Kitten princess pj's, a photo by Everyday Lil on Flickr.

weekend update #12: third quarter report

This was the first real autumnal weekend of the season, one that makes you break out a woolly wrap, slouchy hat and knee-high boots.  Lil's grandparents came for a visit, and brought some new handwoven sweaters (yay!) and a crucial piece for Lil's Halloween costume. If you don't know what she's going to be, then you'll have to wait for the big reveal on (or around) the 31st.

Everyone headed out for a nice walk, and a bite at Lil's favorite hangout, Tuffet.  There was lots of yummy stuff for everyone, and the beautiful afternoon sunlight lit up those baby blues like something celestial. The purple plaid blouse may have helped, too.  Those colors always seem to light Lil up, and the teal lining of her hoodie probably didn't hurt none.  Paired with her skinny jeans and a pair of hunter slippers, Lil was ready to pose in a pumpkin patch... or here in Brooklyn, with a few apple pieces.  After a little snuggle in her mama's arms, Lil was perfectly content to let the grown-ups snack on imported meats and cheeses, drink some Octoberfest ales, and sample a preview of Tuffet's "Cider Week" offerings.  Obviously, the season's treats are not just for kids.

§  §  §  §  §

Sunday marked Lil's three-fourths birthday.  At nine months, Lil has a lot to say about a lot of things.  She mimics what we say, and some of what we do, she sits, stands, crawls, and "pets" the cats. She eats all sorts of things (purees, finger foods, and she's still nursing too), drinks from a cup (with or without a sippy spout), goes to swim class, and an occasional "movement workshop."  I have no idea how much she's grown, but we find out later this week! It's been a busy and fashionable three-quarters of a year, and the last quarter promises to finish strong.  We still have outerwear and footwear to look forward to.

Lil didn't celebrate nine months with any kind of well-coordinated outfit.  She didn't go anywhere special or get any presents.  Instead, she spent the morning swimming with her Papa, the cuddled up in a pair of old-fashioned sweats and her favorite tee-shirt, played with her kitties, and took a nap.  I whipped up some a salmon fillet with baby carrots steamed in orange juice for her dinner, and then she got a relaxing soak in the tub before bed. 

Not a bad day for someone approaching toddlerdom.

wrap party

Ava's snack pod catches Lil's fancy.

To celebrate International Babywearing Week, Lil and I went down to Caribou Baby on Friday for a workshop on advanced wrapping techniques.  The mamas all got to check out some new ways to wear our growing babies, and the babies got to check out each other.  Lil bumped into some of her pals, like Ava, who looked comfy in her leggings and boyfriend-style v-neck cardigan. Lil was a little too squirmy to wrap up in her carrier, so she just crawled around the room in those Nicole Miller giraffe-print leggings. Giraffe is slimming, which is important when wearing pound-packing cloth diapers. It must be the only print that doesn't enhance that fluffy bottom.

extra special video tuesday bonus... times two

You are such nice Lil friends that we wanted to share some additional footage with you!  Yesterday Papa joined Lil and Mama on a little outing, and while Mama wasn't looking, they made this little movie.  Hope you like it!

Sounds a little like Lil has been listening to Justin Bieber behind Mama's back.  Not good.

From the Vault:

Rare footage of Newborn Lil still in the hospital.  This is probably from day 3 or 4.  Guess Mama was too busy falling in love to keep track.

If that doesn't melt your cold icy heart, then the cutest kitten video ever is probably useless.

a lil video on a tuesday

While Mama was uploading one of today's videos to YouTube, she happened to look up and find Lil standing all on her own!  Then she fell right onto her big fluffy butt.  Too cute! It's unfortunate that we don't have it on video, but we did manage to roll the tapes at last week's visit to the neighborhood playground and got some footage of Lil living it up on the swing.  Mama has a lot to learn about videography, like how to push a swing and hold a camera in focus at the same time.  But here is her latest attempt for Video Tuesday.

Enjoy.

summer revival

Lil Bee in her Bee top

Columbus Day is good for lots of things, like parades, sales, no mail delivery.  But this Columbus Day was perfect for sitting on a blanket in the park, surrounded by babies in their last summer outfits.  Lil finally got to wear a signature Bee outfit her grandma J purchased way back when she was a 3-month-old.  Lil almost went through the entire summer without fitting into it, but the warm day was perfect for this set.  A happy bee is always a nice thing to have on your belly, especially when new teeth has you somewhat cranky after hours.

Lil's friend Ivy was looking quite beach-y in her matching hat and diaper cover.  Miss Ivy was quite curious about Mama's camera, Lil's toy, a snack, and a blade of grass.  Good thing for Mama little Ivy is also quite friendly, otherwise we would've missed these great shots...

who else could match their hat to their underpants?

hello there, Miss Ivy

bed, bath and beyond

bath toys, level one

Lil takes to bath time as if it's another dip in the pool.  Even though the water isn't as deep, and the kick-kick-kicking isn't nearly as splash producing, she still has a pretty good time.  Mama makes sure there's always a few toys floating around, a rubber duck here, a squirty sea creature there.  To keep Lil smelling sweet, Mama adds a bit of Baby Bee Buttermilk Bath Soak to the water, which not only smells like lovely heavenly baby, it also keeps her skin supple and soft (it doesn't hurt to add a little to Mama's bath time, either).  The only problem is that it is so hard to find in local stores- even online- that Mama is trying her best to hoard what she does find! So if you live here in the City, and you happen to see some of this at your local natural apothecary (or bodega), please comment below with the address! We will visit any of the five boroughs anywhere in Brooklyn or Manhattan to find this stuff.  It's like aromatherapy for Mama and Baby, especially after a long day of Lil action!

the spa at chez lil

Once Lil is all clean and the bath water is sufficiently splashed out of the tub, it can only mean one thing: Pajama Time.

look who's set to "pajama-dee-bop!"

There is a song and, on occasion, a little dance that must accompany Pajama Time lest Lil melts down into a pile of cranky.  On a good night, she gets a little chamomile and lavender oil baby massage, and some  poudre de miel in her GroVia diaper.  On a not-so-good night, she still gets the powder, but too much kicking Mama in the face can result in a loss of her spa privileges.  I know, I know... Poor Lil.

monkey madness

amazed by animals!

mesmerized by monkeys

Lil had some special visitors over the Columbus Day weekend, so we all headed out to tour Manhattan. Our first stop was not the shrine for Steve Jobs on Fifth Ave, instead we headed to the Central Park Zoo to see some fuzzy (or feathered) creatures. It was anyone's guess how she'd react to animals other than Kitty and The Cat, so we were pleased to find out she was delighted by some marmosets, tickled by the tamarinds, marveled by mongooses, and laughing at lemurs.  She even clapped for a hungry harbor seal!  It may be possible that she just assumes all animals are some form of cat, and there may be some confusion when it comes time to learn animal sounds.  Imagine asking Lil, "what sound does a kitty-cat make?" and she responds "arf-arf-arf," like a sea lion.  Oh dear...

one well-dressed bird

swing set

All this sun and cool air means that Lil can finally get to have some real outdoor fun.  Over at Cooper Park, there is a lovely kiddie playground with enough baby swings to go around.  Lil got her thrills  on the swings as the sun set behind her.  She watched the big kids play on the bouncy bridge, and go head first down the slide.  Next year Lil plans on doing the same, but for now the swing is her playground.

Since these are the cutest photos ever, here's one more (Mama's favorite):

Oh, and one for the road...