Mamma Monday: More Compassion - Less Comparison

Hello Mammas!  I hope that you all had a sweet weekend with your littles.  Ours was one for the books. Baby Vivian Louise started to walk!!! She had been standing for a few seconds and even trying to move her feet but nothing significant.  Saturday she decided to go for it and now she's off on her own two feet.  I'm a very proud Mamma!

Milestones are sweet and special.  You cheer them on with each and every new thing and beam with joy at their successes.  They can also cause you to compare, compete and feel left behind when you see other children doing things before or better than yours (thanks social media for putting it in our faces from a million different angles).
I couldn't wait to post the video of Vivian Louise walking across our living room to me! To share such an awesome moment with friends and family who love her and us brought lots of happiness.

Now, she did this at 14 1/2 months.  We see a lot kiddos that are walking before their first birthday.  And I feel like she's surrounded by giants because she's so tiny.  Not to mention she's not a good eater.

And gracious the comparison among us Mammas! Some work, some have husbands home every night, some have family support nearby, some have nannies, and some have multiples.
God has a purposeful plan for each of us full of blessings. #truth
I encourage us all to be grateful in ALL things. I promise we all have more than we deserve.

Mammas I'm here to tell you I struggle with this every. single. day.
Mr works over 200 hours a month in the ER, most of which are night shifts. I haven't been in the corporate world for over a year and I'm constantly a domestic failure.
But I give thanks for his service heart and his hard work to provide. I cherish the time I do have with him.  I often stare at my suits hanging in the closet but that salary can't compete with her sweet smile. And cooking and cleaning don't define a good wife or mother. So I put the negativity in a box and enjoy the life I've been given.  There will be new chapters, lots of change and I'm positive I'll be shocked by how it all turns out.

Listen here. We all have a plate full of challenges.

BUT...

Your baby is made perfect, in the image of God.  We are all created uniquely with our own talents. And will do things in His perfect timing.

Vivian Louise's Dress

They say it takes a village.  I couldn't agree more! It's the love, encouragement and grace from others that has made this Mamma life more beautiful.

So let's be a village that encourages.  Cheer on other Mammas and their children's successes because you have your own successes just around the corner.

Your family is yours and you protect it, love it and nurture it.  Don't go looking into other houses.

Comparison is the thief of joy while compassion gives kindness.

Dress Beautifully in Compassion

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Vaca Vibes

TGIF! Gals, it was warm and rain free this week (except for today) but honestly I welcome today's rain. I know I know, I've been so sad about the rain this year but I've been working so hard in our yard this week that I need a break. I'm sore all over! Vivian Louise absolutely loved playing outside this week.  The fresh air and sunshine truly did us good :)

I have vacation on my mind 24/7.  We have another 2 1/2 months until we are toes in the sand but I'm mentally packing now! I am beyond giddy about showing baby girl the ocean for the first time!

So here are some of my favorite vaca finds for the week for you & your mini:

Ruffle Dress

Love the light and airy feel of this dress! And the unique lavender with pinstripe.

Gingham Jumpsuit

Obsessed with this baby blue! It's in my closet and coming to a post asap!

Hopefully that will give me a little fix since I can't wear it yet in real life.

Stripe Sweater Blazer

Nautical, yes please!

Shorts

So much yes for the 5" leg!

Beach Cover Up Dress

How easy breezy to put this on over your swimsuit and move around with ease (and with a babe on your hip #reality)

Baby Swimsuit

I love the long sleeves on this to cover her precious skin from the sun.

Eyelet Floppy Hat

Pretty and practical to shade her.

 Dress Beautifully for Spring & Vacation

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Infant Toys

Happy Monday Mammas!

One of my favorite things to buy Vivian Louise is toys (second to dresses, naturally).  It surprised me but seeing her play with toys is so much fun!
The big smiles and excitement she has for them while joyful, they are also a big part of her development.

We use them for tracking, tummy time, coordination and even working on her noggin shape.

Some of the key things I look for in toys are bright colors, size for her to hold on to, noise/crinkle components, and cuteness :)

I happen to receive several hungry caterpillar toys at my baby showers and from just a few weeks old Vivian Louise has LOVED them.  She was able to see the big red head early so I began quite the collection (I'm embarrassed to tell you just how many she has). She even has a caterpillar backpack that we use to carry her toys in when we go places.

Almost all of our play time is on the floor so that she can use her body to move.

Here are a few of our favorite toys ...

Her lavender sleeper is part of a 3 piece set (zipper is awesome)

I love them so much that I've purchased them in every size.  She's still in the 0-3 month. 

Glow Seahorse - I registered for this and it's been a go-to every day!  it plays the sweetest music and she loves it! We take it everywhere, even on our strolls.

Oball - She holds this ball and eats it every day.  It's one of our top 2 toys.

Caterpillar Crinkle Book - Our #1 Fav! She holds it, crinkles it, eats it, stares at it, basically obsessed with it.  When ever I need to cheer her up it's a winner. The crinkle is MAGIC!

Clown Chime Ball - This is a classic toy. We use the clown to help with tracking, meaning following with her eyes and moving her head.  It makes a chime sound when you shake it, the head spins and the arms move.

Noggin Stick - This toy is also great for tracking and encouraging her to look/move her head where we want it.  The head lights up and changes colors when you shake it.  It rattles and has a mirror on the end.  She can now hold it and eat it.

Music Box - This box lights up when the music plays.  She loves the sounds and it is also good for tracking.

Rings- These are awesome for tummy time.  They can 'rake' use their hands to grab them and drag them.  They're also great for hooking onto things (carseat, stroller, bouncy seat) so she can play with them.

Rattle Socks- these are the jam! They're like tap shoes and help her find her feet.  She moves her legs with gusto when she wears them! I take lots of videos.

Books - It's never too early to start reading to your kiddos but they are also great to prop up for babies to look at during tummy time.

While I never imagined I'd be spending my days at 35 playing on the floor with toys, it's better than any great day in the office! 

Dress Your Baby's Play Time Beautifully with Fun Toys

XOXO Sarah Louise