Link Loves: Newborn

It's been a while since Link as a newborn but I dug deep back in my fuzzy "new mom brain" and came up with this list of things that really helped us through!

1. Halo Swaddle Sleepsack

These are great for keeping his arms and hands still so no face scratching or being startled awake. He really fights it for a few minutes then he calms right down and sleeps much sounder. The zipper opens from the bottom for quick nighttime diaper changes too.

2. Nikon 35mm Lens

I love the 35mm lens because it gives my photos that look where the subject is clear and the background it soft/blurry. It's a good way to fake some photography skills ;)

3. Peg Perego Car Seat and Base

Having a separate car seat base that remains strapped in the vehicle is a must in my books. It's so easy to get Link in and out and it's awesome that I don't have to wake him up during naps.

4. Munchkin Wipes Warmer

It makes a nighttime diaper change less shocking and he remains calm and falls back asleep more easily. I mean who wouldn't want warm toilet paper??

5. Baby Connect App

This app has been a necessity for me, especially in those first few weeks when I was sleep deprived. It keeps track of lots of things like diaper changes, feedings, sleep, doctors appointments and more. My husband also got it on his phone and we can sync our data. 

6. Levana Keera Video Monitor

You can definitely get by with an audio monitor but the video is a great perk! I love that I can peek in on my little guy without going upstairs or disturbing him. It's also great when I'm in the shower and it's too loud to hear, I can keep an eye on him on screen.

7. Jolly Jumper Car Seat Cover

Perfect for Calgary weather, it keeps the wind and cold out. Link stays cozy in his little cocoon and often sleeps through our entire outing.

8. Onesie

These are great underneath the sleep sack because they allow for quick diaper changes, no messing with getting his legs in and out of sleepers.

9. iPad

This one is more for me but my iPad has saved my sanity during night feedings! I can watch Netflix, play games, or surf the web. Anything to keep me alert while nursing in the dark. I turn the subtitles on so I can keep the volume super low.

Five Family Friendly Dinners

There's nothing more frustrating than spending time trying out a new recipe only to have it not turn out! These are some of our tried an true dinners that I know are a safe bet and we will all enjoy. I hope you try them out!

Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti - Lauren's Latest

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole - Damn Delicious

Zucchini Fritters - Sally's Baking Addition

Middle Eastern Spicy Ground Beef - Kalyn's Kitchen

Spinach Asparagus Feta Quiche - And Her Little Dog Too

Our Advent Calendar

I've completed it! I decided to go with a wall hung version as I don't want Lincoln to sneak any of the treats early. The paper bags and kraft paper I had left over from another project so that worked perfectly with my budget. I thought I was pretty clever using a wooden meter stick to hang the bags from, built in holes for hanging! I wrapped it with a wide ribbon and secured it with tape on the back so it can easily be removed later. I normally have two pieces of art on this wall so I just made sure that the screw holes were behind where they would be hidden once they are replaced. I filled my bags with the fillers, added these free printables from Meet Penny and attached everything with staples and ribbon. I can't wait for December 1st to get here!!

 

Advent Calendar Filler Ideas

We celebrate Christmas over several days with our different family members.  Link will have plenty of stocking goodies at the Grandparent's houses so I've decided instead of a stocking at our house this year we will spread it out into an advent calendar. It will give him more time to notice each item and keep it fun throughout the whole month. He's not big into chocolate and candy so he won't be missing that anyways. Here are some of the items  that I'm including.

Books

Stickers

Candy Canes 

(to hang on the tree)

Match cards & Animals

Jingle Bells

Flash Cards

Puzzle

Post-its

Ballons

Window Clings

Cars

Floral Foam & Tees 

(to stick in it)

Finger Paint

Tree Ornaments

Advent Calendars

I love advent calendars! I still have one that I use every year but it just counts down the days so I’m not sure how much my 1 1/2 year old will get it. I’ve been on the hunt for an idea that is toddler friendly but relatively simple. Here are some interesting ideas that I saw along the way.



I adore this, it's so fun and whimsical! You could probably do it with stuff you have lying around the house too.

Blank Goods

I found this on Easy and thought I could do something similar myself with all the leftover scrapbook paper I have.

Polka Stripe Studio

This is just the cutest thing, that car! It makes a great decoration too and won't clash with a modern interior.

Oh Happy Day

Who wouldn't want a bucket of gifts?? This is so simple yet I can see kids being very excited about it.

Workman Family

What did I end up doing? You'll have to wait until tomorrow.....

Welcome to Life Fling!

Since becoming a mom and learning all about the Food Safety licensing here in Alberta I haven't been doing as many cakes. I've decided to change things up a little and incorporate a mix of topics here on my page. Focusing on baking, cooking, kids, DIY, basically just LIFE. Stay posted for more fun tips and photos!