Baby + Mama: Ten Month Update

Mama update:  I'm still keeping up with Soulcycle and core exercises on the weekends with Kayla Itsines.  I've been slacking off on the Kayla Itsines mostly because I started having foot pain again.  The exercises in the routines rely on a lot of jumping that sometimes hurt my feet.  I had this foot pain about three years ago and it has to do with me wearing a lot of flat shoes when I was in my 20s.  I am going to acupuncture for it, which is helping. I need to see a reflexologist to pin point the issue instead of relying on cortisone shots like I had in the past. I don't want to become reliant on a practice that will be not so good in the long run. I am not so sure my foot pain came back from carrying Juniper, but I think it has more to do with my job.

Juniper update:

1. Juniper felt snow for the first time. We went to Mammoth, put her in a snow suit and let her crawl around. She even tasted the snow. Thank goodness I brought her sunglasses because it was really bright.

2. She sat in a grocery car for the first time.  I know what you are thinking, "you are a such a germ-a-phobe." Yes, to a certain degree I am weird about germs, but I think that it was time she experience how to accompany me while shopping without putting out my back. I also bought her the best bib in the world. I initially started using the oxo foldable bib, which is good for traveling; however, I wanted to have a bib that was super easy to clean.

3. She eats on her own, sometimes.  A part of me was afraid of the mess and that she would choke, but I had to let go of this fear.  I alternate between letting her eat and spoon feeding her out of convenience.  She is in love with anything flavored with chicken. 

4. She likes hanging out in a sling.  She has become slightly clingy. I read that this is normal, so in order to appease her, I have her in the sling while I cook and do errands around the house. 

5. She started pointing.  She wants to know the name of everything lately.  She is very interested in Herbert (our bichonpoo) and what he does. She always tries to taste his food and play with his toys. 

Baby + Mama: Eight Month Update

Mama update: The struggle is real! Both staying and home and going back to work are definitely challenging. Nevertheless, I think going back to work is, even more, a delicate juggling act.  I have to plan my day more than I did before I had Juniper.  On another note, my lost hair is growing back and I have a bad case of baby hairs sprouting up. It's super annoying to see all of my tiny hairs pop up; however, I am glad it is growing back.  I am going through a strange hair phase right now. I am not sure what to do with it as I transition into a new head of hair. Also, I am struggling to find the time and write lately. I've been so busy that I would rather catch some zzz's; even though I am behind, I am making an effort to document tidbits of each month for myself and for Juniper.

Juniper update:

1. She's a crawler: She finally made her frog hops into actual crawling.  It took a span of about two weeks for her to fully understand how to crawl. It was so magical seeing her become mobile.  On the other hand, it made me feel heartbroken because she was starting a new phase and I selfishly want her to remain tiny forever.  All in all, she is a fast and efficient crawler.

2. She has more hair on her head: Juniper has been pretty bald up until now. She is still on the bald side, but has more hair. I could probably make a tiny ponytail with the mini-mullet in the back of her head. Just kidding. Her eyebrows are more full and she has the most desirable eyelashes.

3. Juniper has been more picky about foods: Initially, she loved eating beans; however, now she doesn't want anything to do with them.  She prefers fruits, squashes, and potatoes. She really likes snacks too. We are feeding her Happy Baby Organic Superfood Puffs for snacks and I like how they dissolve in her mouth.

4. Juniper has become quite the giggler: Juniper loves to laugh and finds me particularly funny. She especially thinks Herbie (our bichonpoo) is hilarious when he goes spastic and runs around like a madman.  It is such a joy to hear her laugh and it completely makes my day.

5. Juniper went hiking and went on a trampoline for the first time: We took her to Eaton Canyon for her first hike and she loved it. I was really paranoid about her getting too much sun, but luckily she had a sun hat.  She also attended her niece's birthday party and we jumped on the trampoline with her. It was my first time on a huge trampoline since tearing my ACL in 2012.

DIY: Double-Tier Shelf w/ Wooden Beads

Before Justin and I moved into our house, we were in desperate need of a shelf in our bathroom and craft room. Since I had the time, I was on a mission to figure out how to make a swing shelf I saw at Anthropologie. I knew that I would not make an exact replica, but one that was more simple and fitted to my liking.  Then, I had this idea that I wanted to make two shelves with some playful accents. I originally saw the design from this Scandanavian blog post.  I couldn't quite make out the directions, but the pictures surely helped. I even added baby pictures of Justin and I in her room, ha!

*MATERIALS

• red oak planks (divide the large plank in half; our planks ended up being roughly 1" x 7" x 48")
• wooden beads
• string
• nail hooks (make sure to get two)
• drill
• level

DIRECTIONS

1. Drill 1/2" sized holes in all four corners of both wood pieces.

2. Measure 1 inch away from both edges of all four corners and mark a pencil/pen mark to help you with the drilling location.

3. Drill your hole in an area that will allow for wood particles to fall on the floor, like the edge of a counter.

4. Sand down any rough edges around the holes.

5. Cut your desired length of string (2). We cut 2 pieces of string, both 10 feet each.

6. String 5 wooden beads through 1 strand of string. If you are having trouble getting the string through the bead, you can always tape the edge of the string to allow for a smooth slide.  Decide how many beads you want to distribute for each side. Put each edge of the string through both holes on one edge of the shelf.  Repeat this process for the other edge of the plank.

7. On the plank with the two strings, figure out the distance you want to hang the shelf on the hooks, flip the plank upside down, tie knots (about 2 knots so that it does not go through the hole) to secure the top plank. and put as many beads as you want for the second plank. We chose 3.

8. Install the hooks on the wall. Make sure you use anchors! Use a ruler with a level to make sure your shelf is not crooked and draw points for where you want your hooks to go in the wall.

9. Hang the shelf. Adjust the knots accordingly.

ITEMS ON SHELF

1.  Unicorn doll (I also love this one too!)

2. Triangle book by Mac Barnett

3.  P.F. Candle Co. Juniper Candle

4. Llama (similar here)

5. Embroidered hoop with name

6. Frame (part of set)

7. Clay rainbow

OPTIONS

*You can decide how long you want your string to be and the type of beads and how many you want. Also, you have the power to decide what hooks you want to use as well.