a lesson on long necks

 We took an early stroll on this beautiful morning with our friends Erin and Kim. It's so nice and quiet in the neighborhood early in the day, it's hardly like the williamsburg-bushwick we are used to. Also, it goes to show that schools should stay in session year round, for 10 or maybe 12 hours each day, with no open-campus policy for lunches. But only until Lil starts school. I don't think I could bear to be without her for that long.

Speaking of long, Giraffes are big in baby wear these days. Whether you're looking for cute cartoon character, photo-realistic screen print, or just a bold pattern, giraffes are here to stay. We like them. Lil's cap features baby gap's boy giraffe with detailed stitching, a soft neutral bodysuit with a sweet baby giraffe, and her new giraffe-print babylegs. By putting them all together, we've found a great way to feature a animal theme without going head-to-toe in a matching set. It also justifies purchasing everything with a giraffe (or owl, duck, ladybug, bear- whatever suits your fancy), that way you don't risk the faux pas of mixing animals.

"owl" fly away...

posing with her fishy wrist rattle

 Lil just loves her her treetop play space.  Mama loves dressing her up and photographing her on it!  We spent the greater part of the day in Manhattan, lunching, shopping, and perusing the farmer's market with our dear friend, but Lil did get some play time in the morning.  Since her baby gym features a chime-y owl, I thought it this embroidered tank from baby gap was appropriate.  

wait mama, what's with the hat?

I was thrilled to see that Lil is growing into her Jellyfish diaper from Green Sprouts.  When it was featured in mid April, it was still a bit big on Lil.  But now the diaper, and the wool karate pants that serve as a cover,  are fitting her perfectly.  This is another great diaper made from organic materials by a work-at-home mama.  This diaper is completely adjustable in size, and I'm sure Lil will be wearing it until she's out of diapers for good. 

that's chime-y owl, top center, and singing birdie, top right

 Miss Lil is finally feeling some relief from her first tooth.  We are waiting on baited breath for the next one.  Anyone want to bet on when that will be?

Coming soon to Everyday Lil: New Guest stars, and semi-formal wear for some big upcoming events! 

rockabye baby, on the treetop

It was a lovely day, so lovely that Lil and Mama ended up staying in and taking naps. We found our sunny spot and took a nice snooze shortly after these pics were taken.  Lil was dressed for a warmer day, anyway.  And there's no place warmer than her mama's arms.

playtime has reached a whole new level

With her new activity gym from Skip Hop, Lil can finally get a full work out.  She practices her tummy time, reaching, gazing, and lots of laughing.  She's dressed in a little ruffle-rump sunsuit with Trumpette Tea-Drops socks.  Don't tell Papa about the socks.  When Mama went to pick up the activity gym, she could not resist.  Taking into account some of Mama's whims, it may be that this outfit, while still unseasonable, was chosen because it coordinates so nicely with the squirrel.

much fun was had today!

babes will be babes

is this outfit gender bending?

For the first time in nearly eleven weeks, Lil took an afternoon nap (longer than 25 minutes) on her own! I took this opportunity to take pictures and post our blog early.  Lil was very comfy in her organic cotton tee from imps & elfs, which lets everyone know what mama is repeatedly pointing out: that Lil "IS NOT A Boy."  I know Lil does a lot of gender-neutral dressing, but even when she's head to toe in fuchsia she is often called a he.  Her GroVia diaper cover also goes either way, even Jerome Giraffe was unisex, until we assigned his name.  I couldn't believe her blue penguin pacifier was also considered "boy." I don't think it really matters what Lil wears, but I do wonder why we always assign a gender to baby things.  When our grandparents were growing up, boys and girls often wore frilly gowns.  Back then, babies were just babies.  In this day and age, frilly gowns aren't necessarily appropriate for any baby, boy or girl, but we ought to let infants be infants, and stop worrying if their outfits don't reflect their gender.

35 minutes into nap time, and still sound asleep

sunday, sunny sunday

Nothing too special for Lil this mother's day, though we did take a little stroll through the neighborhood.  Lil sported a reversable sun hat and stripey babylegs- both are baby carrier necessities!  Lil loves to ride facing forward in her Beco. She lives by the motto "see and be seen."

our silver lining

sparkle toes

Our first Mother's Day came a little early!  Just as we woke up Papa suggested going for brunch.  Since outings usually take a bit of planning and brunch is best when you arrive early (when you've got a stroller), we had to shake a leg!  Lil's new spring romper- this soft little smocked number with metallic stripes and flutter sleeves- worked perfectly with her denim jacket and sun hat.  For the first time, Lil was dressed and ready to go in less than ten minutes.  These funny little sparkle socks were the right way to finish today's look.

We headed down to Sel de Mer on Graham Avenue for some eggy fare and a couple mimosas.  They were lovely enough to accommodate our stroller with some extra space in front.  Lil took advantage of her good view for people watching while Mama and Papa enjoyed our meals.  Afterward we strolled to the most awesome bakery ever, The Blue Stove.  There is nothing like homemade tarts and scones for a pre-Mother's Day treat!  Thanks li'l Lil!!

where's my mimosa?