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?

(partial) mobile recap.

California drive-thru

I had a few images uploaded from my phone to my Flickr account, and so I'll just take a quick sec to post them here while I edit through several hundred photos from last week. I did try to get a mobile pic of Lil in her finery, but it was cold and rainy, and all I could manage was a pic of her fuzzy sweater. So here are a few that are ready to go, and many more to come!

This is actually from before we left. Lil spent a long day in her very hip bear pajamas, which fit both our west coast destination, and her current sleep schedule (of course, now that we're back, the jet lag hit her hard, and she's slept most of the day and night).

Here is Lil all dressed –and bundled– up on the way to Cousin Katie's wedding. The short drive gave her just enough time for a cat nap, and she behaved remarkably well throughout all the festivities. Lil loves her some princess dresses, and was definitely enamored with the stunning bride.

In our final moments in Santa Cruz, Lil got one last cuddle from the beautiful, talented Aunt Sarah. Lil definitely enjoyed the mountain climate, and dressing for the Doon. All that fresh mountain air does her good, adds a little color to her cheeks, and allows for more cozy-comfy styles. Lil was missing her lumberjack flannel, but lover of accessories that she is, she sported her lumberjack babylegs around the house. Next time Lil will be all about the warm flannel, a pair of Wellies, and a warm cardigan. Mama will make a country girl of her yet.

80's baby

With a milder stretch of weather lately, dressing in layers became ever more the necessity. Since Lil was traveling en carrier, the very best method is a pair of BabyLegs over or under some pants, a bodysuit (usually long-sleeved), and a sweater or jacket topped off with a little hat of some kind. This way she's not overdressed (Mama's body heat keeps her pretty toasty), and she still fits in the carrier. Maybe with the leggings and the burgundy legwarmers, and the denim jacket Lil looked a little 80's-inspired. 

she's a maniac on the floor

I guess that wild asymmetrical hairdo isn't doing anything to give her a modern edge, is it?

why did you dress like that, mama?

little lilly upchuck

We were all set to go down to Caribou today to see some friends at the big babies play group. Lil had on a great outfit, a little pink, a little sparkle, and just enough sass. Mama had her bunting from last year all set to keep Lil nice and bundled on the long walk. Lil seemed to be ready for a little snooze anyway, and the fresh air would do her some good. Then in mid-wail, Lil let loose a mouthful of carrots, salmon, and puffs all over her outfit, somehow missing Mama completely.

Here's what Lil was going to wear:

oh. i forgot the pink shoes

And this is how she ended up:

Pretty similar, I admit. The fuzzy sweater is a staple in Lil's cold weather gear. When she's all zipped into her bunting bag, nothing could be cozier. Whatever cold or tummy ache or teething problems she's dealing with finally melted away, and she rested that troubled little head for a good, long time (while Mama enjoyed a well-deserved snack and a beverage at Tuffet. Yay).

getting sleepy...

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

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.

save the giraffes (for Lil)

don't turn your back on this lil giraffe

It's true.  There is a giraffe-print obsession taking place in the House of Lil.  But how can anyone really blame us? The fact is, giraffe on a baby is the cutest thing EVER.  So we'll take giraffe onesies, giraffe legwarmers, giraffe dresses, leggings, socks, sweaters, hats, headbands, whatever, what-have-you, if it's giraffe, we want it.  This is the only time in Lil's life that she'll be able to pull off a head-to-toe animal print, so let's do it right.  If you would like to contribute to our "Brooklyn Serengeti" campaign, visit us on Facebook, or like Everyday Lil via the button below.

giraffes have long legs, too

And we wouldn't turn down a nice giraffe-print scarf, or hair-calf pumps for mama, either.

the prints and princess

Lil can rock an animal print like no other baby on the planet.  This fall is all about giraffe, so today we  broke it out with a new, super-sized and super-bold bodysuit and some chocolaty BabyLegs.  Lil's going to hit this trend hard and fast, and Halloween could even feature a giraffe coup de grâce.  By then Mama could possibly get the giraffe obsession out of her system by Lil's first birthday.

simply delicious

a tasty treat

There's something about a baby in some food-inspired gear that makes my sweet tooth start to ache!  Whether it's wholesome fruits and veggies, or indulgent cakes and candies, babies make good eats look great.  Lil put this idea to work today in her newly inherited cupcake onesie and "brownie" Babylegs.  Even though the saying "she looks good enough to eat" didn't originate with my Lil, it definitely applies.  I had to count those fingers and toes at bedtime just to make sure I didn't nibble them all up.

better than a Hostess any day

it's... super mega naked baby

super mega naked baby scales walls...

Lil was in a serious funk today.  Not surprising, since it was a perfectly gorgeous day for a walk.  There was definitely something toothy going on, so we laid low.  So low, in fact, that clothes became optional.  I did manage to get some super girl Babylegs on her, so when she stretched out and rolled around it was if she took flight... sort of!  

... and soars through the clouds...

... with her sidekick, little fish...

and watches over all those earthbound souls.

A little whining and a few tears hardly even penetrated the sweetness of Lil.

doctor, my baby's covered in spots...

Big day for Lil, as we got all dressed up for her 2-month well check. And fret not, she is indeed quite well. She grew 1 1/2 inches in 5 weeks, and packed on another pound. She's now measuring 24 inches from head to toe, and weighing in at a slim but solid 11 pounds, 6 ounces.  The doctor gave her a little slap on the behind because he was so impressed with her infant physique!  Must be all the time she spent around doctors in her early days prepared her for all sorts of bedside manners. 

Behold her physical prowess!

For her pre-outing outfit, I pulled out this super adorable polka-dot top with a fuchsia rosette detail, a matching pocket diaper from FuzziBunz, and these awesome cowprint Baby Legs. You may be noticing a theme here- cute top, cloth diaper, baby legwarmers.  We've found what works, and we're going to work it till the end... or at least until Lil outgrows it.

This baby knows how to accessorize.  Our awesome neighbor (not the techno-blasters that live downstairs) gave us a beautiful gift basket of handmade goodies from Borealis Babies.  And wouldn't you know it,  Lil just happens to look good spitting up on that burp cloth!  

If you can't carry a handbag, why not match your music cube?

a star is born

Lil and I are awaiting the arrival of our good friend Beth Anne Pilger, owner of Pilger Designs in Charlotte, NC. When a fashion designer comes calling, Lil needs to be looking- and smelling- her best.  So our day started out with a bath in the kitchen sink.  Today Lil was pleased with her bath, and didn't shed any tears.  I think she actually liked the pitcher of water I dumped on her.

But on to the good part! A little star-covered blouse- which used fit like a tunic on her- and a matching cloth diaper cover are all this girl needs to be a super star.  The Baby Legs legwarmers are function and fashion rolled into one.  Lil's accessory of choice today, though, is a muslin swaddling blanket from Aden and Anais.  I'm sure their muslin blankets and sleepwear will be great for this summer.