Love Letters: Seventh Month of Ella

Our little Ella,

Today you are seven months old. Petite wrists and ankles. Twinkling blue eyes. Chubby cheeky smile. And sassy squeals. I think you’ve found your volume for this family.

Although you smile at everything, it takes a little time to find comfort with new faces. You now voice your dislike of the changing table. Wince at your brother’s diving kisses. Babble to your toys, alone in a room. And giggle when feeding crackers to the dogs.

Every day you wrinkle your nose at new finger foods. But have found a particular appetite for cheerios, crackers, peas and fresh peaches. The sippy cup is your least favorite. But, you’ve dropped a couple bottle feedings without a whimper.

Lately, we’ve watched you wiggle to learn new moves. Eager to crawl, you’ve mastered every method except. Squirming. Rolling. Bending. And twisting. Any move to explore a room.

You love your brother. Watch him constantly. Participate in play. And won’t protest when he steals toys. Unless you’ve taken a special fancy. At times you prefer to just watch. Not be messed with. But if only you could tell Jack. He just can’t stop kissing you. Oh, siblings.

You’re regular with a schedule, but will change course for family activities without a fuss. Nap at the beach. Bedtime bottle two hours late. You’re fine. As long as you’re with us.

My favorite is when I come home. Your smile bigger than your face. Your entire body curves around my neck. Happy grunts. And tiny finger squeezes. A Mommy’s Girl for now.

So happy seven months, Miss Ell. Our easy-going little girl. Thanks for melting my heart every day. And making us all smile.   

Dad Gifts in a Hurry

I like to get creative and thoughtful with gifts. But usually little holidays, birthdays and special occasions creep up. Typically, I’ll remember the approaching date a week ahead. Leaving a little window for invention. And a large hole for simple, quick and rush delivery.

Here’s a round up of some easy, yet unique Father’s Day gifts I stumbled across while searching for our perfect present:

Photo source: Cherished Sentiments, Etsy.com

Hand-Stamped Guitar Pick

Personalize a copper guitar pick with your kids’ names, birth date(s) or message. Also comes with a leather key chain case. And the whole package is only $25. Don’t forget the rush delivery.

Photo source: Abesmarket.com

“Date Night” or “Love Me Long Time” skin care

Abe’s Market sells Code SC, an all-natural skin care line “for hippies, hipsters and every man in between.” The line features other products such as “Distinguished, My Ass” and “We’re Getting the Band Back Together.”

Recycled Race Car Tire Flip Flops

Yep. The soles are made from salvaged race car tires and bike tubes. Eco-friendly too.

Photo source: amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com

Tie-Riffic Father’s Day

Dress up his beer and baked cupcakes with these free Father's Day tie-inspired printables. 

Anniversary Inspired Gift

Actress Tori Spelling gave her hubby a collage of gifts based on traditional anniversary gift for seven years of marriage. For example, we’re on the fourth year. That means linen/silk. The kiddos and I could use a linen-based canvas to create a picture. Hands and feet. Brush strokes. Hearts. Creativity flowing.

25 Things a Dad Should Show His Son

Some warm and fuzzy inspiration for all those amazing dad's out there. Happy Father's Day!

My hubs fishing with his mini-man.

1. Tie a tie. It’s the start to his life as a man.
2. Go fishing. All boys should know how to fish. Plus it’s an essential memory for fathers and sons.
3. Watch a sporting game. Football, baseball, soccer, hockey or other. As long as he learns to appreciate the sport.
4. Ride a bike. Because all his friends will know how.
5. Change a tire. Makes all the difference.
6. Shave. Nothing more smile-worthy than a dad teaching his son to shave. Even if his son’s only five.
7. Play catch. Boys are born with the instinct to throw balls. So its only natural that dads share the technique.
8. Treat girls. His preschool girlfriend, prom date, future wife, sister or mom. He should always be a gentleman.
9. The difference between a screwdriver and a Phillips. He’ll need this to survive.
10. Build a fort. In the trees. Under the table. Or both.
11. Throw a football. Because all real men can, right?
12. Ice skate. Or roller skate. As long as he learns the technique.
13. Build a fire. It’s a man thing.
14. Polish his shoes and iron a shirt. One day he’ll have a real job. And he’ll already  look the part.
15. Cut the grass. Ah, the duties of a husband.
16. Enjoy a hobby. Golf, racecars, monster trucks, football or dirt bikes. As long as he sees the value of following a pastime.
17. Care for a pet. He’ll want a frog, dog, snake or similar pet. And he’ll need to learn the responsibilities that come with it.
18. Fix something. The car, a broken toy, the dishwasher or whatever. He must see that things can be fixed. And shouldn’t always be replaced.
19. Make a paper airplane. Because it’s a boy thing.
20. Whistle. While you work.
21. Drive a car. It’s just what men like to do.
22. Play in the mud. Then wash up well. It’s important to have fun getting dirty, but it’s just as important to appreciate cleanliness. 
23. Achieve happiness. Teach the importance of setting and reaching goals. And to always be himself.
24. Build a Pinewood derby car. Because he’ll never forget it.
25. How to be a good dad. One day he’ll have his own kids. And he’ll know just what to do.