tiny dancer (video)

Seriously, how is it possible that out of the 258 previous blog entries about a baby dressed up in cute outfits, none are entitled "tiny dancer?" A bit surprising, but there aren't that many entries about dancing. I've been patiently waiting for the perfect burst of movement from our subject, and this weekend she delivered. After playing countless hours of reggae and hip-hop–plus some folk-y stuff thrown in for good measure–Lil began moving those feet in ways that would make Jennifer Beals proud...

A few moments later she worked her way up to dancing in circles. Now she can make herself very dizzy and fall down. It's endlessly entertaining for both of us...

It became clear that she was in need of a twirly dress. A day or two later I pulled out a cute summer frock that had been gifted to her last summer with the hope that it would fit this summer. It certainly fits, and it's gorgeous, and it twirls.

She's just warming up for all the fun we're going to have at this weekend's big wedding (where Mama gets to be one BIG bridesmaid)! Unprecedented cuteness will be blogged next week!

a room of her own

boundaries are just out of reach

After 10 months, 3 weeks, and 4 days, Lil finally has her own room... more or less. Instead of sharing with Mama and Papa, she now rooms with Papa's computer, record collection, and some books. But she has enough space to sleep, get dressed, read a story, and crawl around. Mama and Papa stood by as Lil explored her new space, and we held our breath waiting for Lil to break something, or possibly herself. There's still a few less-than-safe areas (under the desk), but for now they're simply blockaded with a box and a chair. 

I hope there's enough room left to work in the "office."

Lil's layered look was inspired by the brisk chill that's finally graced our fair city. Her fall dress is beefed up with an organic cotton onesie, and the ruffled argyle BabyLegs are covering a pair of knit tights. Since there's no sign of snow (yet), Lil is still able to sport a pair of Fancy Nancy MaryJanes from Cousin Jos. We are still looking for some good first-walker snow boots. I still have no idea how one learns to walk on icy sidewalks. Anyone know if they make baby-sized crampons?

westward expansion continued

this gorgeous day in Northern Cali finds us heading to the Monterey Aquarium to visit some fishes and sea creatures with Cousin Josie and baby Liam. No one could be more excited than Papa, though! He's anxious to spy on some cephlopods. Lil and cousin Jos agreed to wear pretty dresses and leggings. Josie's dressed in a bold floral, while Lil is keeping her city girl vibe in a black and white frou-frou frock. These two girls are sure to get more attention that any of the aquatic beauties in the Seymour Center.

7 months of lil love

wonder-full

Mama's about to cry.  Everyday we see li'l Lil grow bigger and become more amazing, and everyday we think "this is the most amazing day of Lil's life!" and the next day, something more amazing happens.  Soon enough there will be far less Firsts, and the daily happenings of Lil will become far more routine.  Somehow I doubt this child will ever have a mundane existence.  In the humdrum world around us, Lil will always be a fire-starter.  Please don't take that literally.  Please.

On her 7-month birthday, Lil dressed in this litter Mediterranean-inspired shift dress from Baby Gap. Like the ancient Greeks, my little Persephone didn't care too much for footwear.  She said it tastes better than it looks.

every shoe obsession's gotta start somewhere

five months

Well, Lil is five months old today!  How about a side-by-side comparison:

Today

One month ago

What do you think? Is she bigger? More mature? More prolific?

I really don't have much to say about today, or about Lil's outfit.  We went out.  The dress is from Gap.  Lately the only thing I care to do is stare at this baby. Be warned: from here on, this post contains gratuitous images of Lil. I apologize, and I understand if you stop following this blog.  But it can't be helped.  In my world, there is very little else that truly matters.

top model posing

still posing

the Face

delightful delovely

Lil went to bed early tonight, tomorrow is our first swimming class! Stay tuned...

commencement extravaganza

I was thinking of starting a legacy at the New School with Lil, but after attending the commencement ceremony at Wesleyan University, I think I've changed my mind.  They put on a good show, and Lil got to cop her first squat on a grassy hillside.  The sky was a bit too gray, but her floral print tulle-lined dress brightened things up a bit.  I think Lil now understands the value of a liberal arts education, and I'm certain she spent part of the day contemplating infinity.  

Lil is very proud of her Aunt Em, and loved all the nice girls she met in Middletown, CT.  Mama's glad she has so many smart young women to look up to.

Aunt Em and the sleepy Lil

There were new family members to meet too! Lil finally laid eyes on her great-grandmother ("little grandma") Dorothy, and the fabulous (great) aunt/ master sweater knitter Gayellyn, and we made it a four-generation event.  How cool is that?

lil chillin' with little grandma

purple pain

One little tooth is causing Lil a great deal of hardship! This has resulted in a string of very bad days, and a baby who says, "no pictures!"  After three outfit changes, Lil finally settled for this little purple prairie dress, striped Legs and a rose diaper cover from Thirsties.  These covers are nice and lightweight and soft, so Lil doesn't stick to anything while wearing it. The white trim reminds me of real Jockeys. It's a good thing babies don't look ridiculous with their skirts up. 

                       

Today we're introducing Lil's new friend, Jenny Giraffe.  She's could be Jerome's new love interest.  Stay tuned...

f-f-f-frownie face, f-f-frownie face

vintage-inspired, or just old-fashioned?

I am surprised they still make baby clothes with the Peter Pan collar.  I first encountered it on a few of Lil's hand-me-downs, and I just figured those were items from several years ago.  But as I was shopping some trendy baby shops I noticed girls' and boys' layette still featured this frivolous, dated style.  I know that every so often designers will show the Peter Pan in women's wear, and when they do I ridicule it and make jokes about Popeye's Olive Oil.  On baby wear, I usually have a different reaction: I flashback to the days before Polio vaccinations, when it was preferred that children be seen and not heard.  

Alright, that may be taking it too far.  Instead I'll say that this look is vintage-inspired, it's classic baby girl fashion.  The soft pink rosebuds are really sweet with the drop waist, and I can't deny that the Peter Pan is not just darling, it really is the perfect detail for a simple silhouette.  And besides, it functions like a mini bib!

I won't grow up

She did look pretty sweet, even walking around the hipster capital.  We were hanging out at the coffee shop sippin' iced coffee, and all those cool chicks took one look at Lil and started to coo.  It just goes to show that classic baby is a sure thing, no matter the crowd.

dress by Ralph Lauren

Every infant's favorite friend, Sophie Giraffe!

waiting for spring

'Tisn't the season, apparently.  Another gray day, another day with nothing better to do than laundry.  Lil's closet has several spring dresses just waiting for sunny weather.  But at the rate she's growing, she'll be too big by the time they're wearable.  So I pulled out this sunny little t-shirt dress and bathed Lil in some natural light.  At least cloudy days are good for something.

another lazy afternoon

Dressed for special guests

Grandma, Grandpa, and Auntie Em came for a visit today, which required a bit of extra flare. Who else could pull off red and fushia polka dots with striped tights?

Thanks to Deb Y for the dress!

Yesterday, lovely day.

Friday was the first lovely day of the year, and it's still technically winter.  It's is kind of amazing to experience 70-degree days at this time of year.  Fashion wise, it makes me a bit sad because there are wintery outfits that are too big for Lil, but will be too small when it gets cold again. I was glad to have a couple short sleeved dresses though! I added a little white cardi to this ensemble, would you believe it was size 6 months!
We headed out to Manhattan (Lil was in her Beco), down to Soho to visit our friends at Lunessa. Lil may still be a little young for fine jewelry, but mama sure isn't!  It turned into a long day, but we both enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine.