Baby Girl + Thanksgiving

On November 5 Maggie turned one! I can hardly believe I have a one year old--I have photos of Maggie popping up in my FB memories. It's surreal. We had a quiet day with some photos, a Moana viewing (of course), and a little Chick-fil-a lunch and smash cake. Update: she is not a fan of cake, just like her Mama.




Since it is the season of giving, I thought I'd share just a few of our (and Maggie's) absolute favorites, day to day:



Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller

First, this stroller. I cannot adequately express my gratitude for this stroller. I've never used another, but the jogger style wheels, lightweight and simple design, combined with the fact that I can collapse and expand it easily by myself in a busy parking lot constitute a winner in my book. Plus, it's just over $100 right now, and I believe it was listed at an even lower price when we registered for it, which seems pretty reasonable these days.




LectroSound White Noise Machine

Next up, this white noise machine from Amazon. This does not provide particularly soothing sounds for slumber (in my opinion), but provides a very generic white noise that keeps Maggie asleep pretty soundly during two naps a day and through every night. She still wakes once during the night or early morning hours, but we all get to sleep much more soundly with this little miracle machine.


Skip Hop Stack Pour Buckets

The bumblebee bucket from this set is our favorite for bathtime at the moment. Maggie will hand it to me again and again so I can "make it rain"--there are small holes in the bottom of each, which allow the water to drip through more slowly in a shower. Otherwise, her favorite bath toy is a simple nail brush I've had forever. She enjoys putting it in the bucket and removing it again. Go figure.





This is the high chair we have, and I absolutely love it. Again, simple, lightweight, easy to maneuver and clean, and I love that it grows with Maggie. We have used every configuration already--I love that it can be tall at the dining table, short in the living room or outside, a separate table and chair set for crafts, etc. In my opinion, it's everything I want in a high chair, for around 50 bucks.


BABY CARE Reversible Giraffe in Love Playmat

This is not a necessity, but I do love this playmat. I bought it after seeing Nikki Phillippi's mat in her son Logan's room and I'm not mad about it. It's almost an inch of extra padding, reversible, easy to clean, for indoor or outdoor use. We've taken it outside to play on and it stays on the floor in our living room--very nice for mamas who have had two epidurals in their spine or just can't crawl around on the floor like they used to.



Aside from diapers, clothing, Disney+, and sippy cups, that's a nice little roundup of the "tools" we use on a daily basis. A few extras that could be fun little gifts for the upcoming holidays:




Woodland Friends

This sweet little trio is a new addition to the fair trade collection available for kiddos from Trades of Hope, a company that invests in women around the world, selling the goods they make to help them rise out of poverty. It's a great cause and a unique gift for littles this holiday season.



Turtle Backpack

This little turtle backpack is my other favorite from TOH. What a great way to support other women and their children while providing a beautiful way for your child to carry all their treasures with them to Grandma's (or even from their bedroom to the living room). 



I am a Trades of Hope partner now, and I would love if you chose to click any of the above links, which do take you to my partner site (tradesofhope.com/emilyhardee), to shop. But really, just look into Trades of Hope, even if you don't shop my link. They have wonderful gifts for everyone on your list and the purchase of anything on the site helps provide healthcare, freedom, groceries, and general hope to women and families striving to create a better life for themselves and their children. Truly a gift this and every season.

As a shameless plug, you can also check out JacobJewelry.etsy.com to find earrings and accessories handmade by yours truly. I will also be offering gift cards in the shop very soon if you are hesitant to pick out something specific for a loved one--give them the gift of future small business shopping!

I hope you all find ways to enjoy your Thanksgiving if you are in America--gather with loved ones outside or do a drive by. However you are able to see those you care for. It may be a strange and difficult time, but we still have so much for which to be grateful and our family will be doing our best to celebrate that.



Best,
Emily 








 

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