the land of the brave (and bold)

hello, summertime.

Memorial Day was a quiet day for Lil.  No parades, no beaches, just Mama and Papa and a lone auntie to keep Lil entertained all day.  No matter, it was at least 90 degrees and sweltering!  Spending the day in air conditioning wasn't a terrible idea.  Before bedtime, Mama and Papa took Lil up to the roof to watch her first sunset.  It was a beautiful ending to Lil's first Memorial Day.

Lil went for a patriotic look today.  I like to think these bold patterns honor the bravery of America's servicemen and women, metaphorically anyway.  In addition to the prints themselves being bold, Lil shows a lot of courage by mixing the block print blue-and-white dress with her red-and-white graphic print BumGenius diaper.  Maybe that makes her some kind of tiny American fashion hero.  Her red and blue Trumpette socks, while not necessarily practical on a hot day, are an homage to every soldier who ever fought in the trenches.  To the combat veteran, good socks are nearly as important as one's rifle.  Lil has no room for a rifle in her toy box, though, so socks will have to do.  It's Lil's way of saying "thank you" to the men and women overseas, especially the mamas and papas who can't be with their li'l ones.

in the land of the free, this babe can be brave.

thank you!!!

double header

We actually had two different outfits today. The first one is a red and yellow daisy set that we inherited from Lia which Lil is about to outgrow in about five minutes.  Unfortunately I couldn't get a good shot of the bum, which has a big flower applique matching the onesie. That, plus the scallop-edging on the pants, really makes this a special little outfit.

Lil ended up changing clothes a couple times before we made it out of the house.  It was a strange day- kind of humid, kind of cool, and quite a bit of crankiness.  When I finally had her ready to go, she didn't want to ride in the stroller.  I carried her in a wrap which just happened to match the little flutter -sleeve crochet dress she wore. When I unwrapped her once we returned home, I couldn't help but snap a few photos.  Since both outfits (and both Lils) are so sweet, I thought I would share both looks.  It's important to remember that between all the fussing and fighting there are these perfect, serene moments that I can share with the world.  (We'll leave the crankiness for Mama and Papa.)

 

        

tangled up in blue

Gorgeous day for Lil & Mama to take a stroll!  We headed to a new natural baby store in the area called Caribou Baby, which was a good half-hour walk from home.  It's amazing that this is the only natural-minded baby store in New York.  There are plenty of trendy designer baby stores in the city, but heaven forbid you want a baby carrier that actually works, or organic cloth diapers, or all-natural baby products. You had no choice but the internet, just like people who didn't live in what's supposed

to be the city that has it all.

blue traveler

 I'm feeling pretty lucky to have Caribou Baby in the neighborhood.  We went in today looking for a new baby carrier so I can wear Lil around the house without a lot of buckles and straps and things.  They have beautiful wraps and slings, and it turns out that the owner, Adriane, is an expert babywearer.  She not only helped me pick out a beautiful wrap from Ellaroo, she also gave me a crash course in babywearing (there's more to it that you'd think). The wrap I picked out is easy and lightweight, comfy for around the house and quick errands.  I chose a beautiful turquoise striped fabric to compliment Lil's eyes.  She loved it and was lost in sleep soon after I tied her in.

She looks great wrapped up in this

We were very lucky to have the company of our good friend Jessica, who little Lil is quite fond of.  It's so nice to have back-up, especially out in public.  Later when we got home, there was a package from our favorite discount online retailer, Zulilly!  This gorgeous organic cotton wrap sweater was in there, along with a couple other Lil goodies. 

teeny houdini

Today's look was inspired by our new Ellaroo Wrap.  I took her new wrap sweater and added her favorite "Jolly Jack" Baby Legs, and one of Bum Genius' artist print cloth diapers.  I'm so glad blue isn't just for boys.

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.

 

Weekend, casual attire

This is as dressed as we got today. Lil wasn't in the mood for clothes.

Diaper by Bum Essentials.