Finally, a Haircut!

We have been dealing with Link's unruly hair since he was born.

Since we didn't have much going on this weekend we decided to take him to get his first haircut. I was a little bit nervous that he wouldn't look like himself but knew it had to happen sooner or later. I had heard that Giggles in South Trail Crossing was great so that's where we headed. He got to sit in a little car and play with some toys, it didn't phase him at all. He was so good and I think he looks cuter than ever!

The Most Huggable Hedgehog

I can still remember how exciting it was to get all dressed up and go trick or treating. We often made our own costumes and decorations, it got us in the spirit of things weeks in advance. I didn't intend on making Link's costume this year but after scoping out the stores I knew I could do better, (Or at least more unique) without breaking the bank. Hedgehogs hold a special place in our hearts as my husband had one growing up and he was pretty darn cute! So naturally that's what I decided to go with. It wasn't terribly difficult but was quite time consuming, I don't know exactly how many felt triangles I sewed on but probably close to a million. In the end it turned out better than I hoped, I think Link's cuteness really helps too.

Food Truck, finally!

I've been dying eat at a food truck! Since I didn't work downtown I never had the chance to try them at lunch time but on Saturday we saw some at the Military Museum here in Calgary. I promptly swerved took the next exit and we hit up those bad boys. Chicken and waffles seemed like the logical choice and I wasn't disappointed. Crispy, gravy, syrupy goodness!

Sleep, ugh!

We haven't been sleeping great the past week or so, it's really been all over the map. We had been in such a good routine of only waking once to quickly have a bottle but that seems like a distant memory. I have done a bunch of Googling and found out that most babies go through a sleep transition around 4 months. It sucks! Just when I thought I had a good thing, BAM! I think we may have to start sleep training soon as this up every two hours isn't gonna fly.

Link Loves: two months

1. Fleece Blanket

I use this blanket for Link's naps. It isn't too hot and since it's fuzzy it doesn't unwrap when he's wriggling around before falling asleep. 

2. Baby Bjorn Active Carrier

I know most babies love to be snuggled close to their moms but not my little guy. He hated the carriers and wraps until he was strong enough to face outwards. He's still not totally happy unless we're moving but it's nice to have my hands free to get a few things done. 

3. Receiving Blankets

Link tends to spit up unexpectedly so we keep one of these in every room and vehicle! 

4. Sassy GoGo Bugs

These adorable little guys make the nicest sounds, almost like wind chimes. They can be hung on a stroller or car seat for a bit of distraction on the go.

5. Nose Bulb Syringe

I was not looking forward to using this but it's true when they say that it's not as gross when it's your own kid. I don't know if I'll be able to try the one that you suck on, that freaks me out.

6. Bright Starts Bee With Me Tummy to Table
This is by far Link's favourite toy! He loves kick the panel to make the lights and sounds go and I can switch it to automatic if he's too tired to kick. There is a toy panel down low and a cushion for tummy time too so his neck can get nice and strong. And once he grows out of these activities the panels can be put together and their are legs included to make a little activity table.

7. Sun Hat

I don't want to use sunscreen on him yet so a hat is a must on all of our walks, especially when he's in the carrier.

8. Fisher-Price Kick & Play
We originally got this bouncer chair as an alternative for the swing that we could take to Canmore but we ended up using it all the time. Like the play mat it is foot activated but can be switched to automatic as well. I got ours on Kijiji so the vibration feature never worked but it didn't seem to matter. The sound effects are quite cute when it's on kick mode!

9. Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Aquarium

Nap time has become much more manageable since we started using the aquarium. I wrap him up in the fleece blanket, push the button, turn out the light, and shut the door. 90% of the time it lulls him to sleep.

To the Pool!

We were invited to hit the pool with Link's auntie and cousin and I'm so glad we went. I was nervous that it was going to be too cold or that he would cry the whole time but it turned out fine. Cardel Place is perfect because it has a separate kiddie pool that is super warm and only about a foot deep at the deepest side. Link was so relaxed and actually fell asleep! We'll definitely go again. 

Is Sleep in My Future??

Last night Link slept 7 hours straight, ate, and then slept another two hours! It was sooo amazing! It was his 12 week birthday so maybe it was a gift for me on this special occasion but I'm hoping it could become the norm. I'm not holding my breath though as we all know how unpredictable these little guys are.

First Zoo Trip

Today was Link's first trip to the zoo and I didn't even get a photo! He actually slept for most of it, only waking up to eat and do a little shopping at the gift shop. Just like his mom ;) Thank you Grandma for the fun day, perfect for celebrating his 12 week birthday!

Tim Horton's Camp Day 2014

It was Link's first Camp Day today. We were just going to stop by the Marlborough Mall store but ended up staying more than three hours! Some of our friends were volunteering and some just came to visit, it was nice to see everybody. Some hadn't even met Link yet. Hopefully one day we can all volunteer together :)

A Celebratory Walk (and Ice Cream)

It's official, my mom is the proud owner of a cabin in the Crowsnest Pass, so exciting! We decided to get together and celebrate her big news. It was the perfect day for a walk along the Bow River and what walk wouldn't be complete without an ice cream cone from Lics?! Anyone that knows my mom knows she is a sucker for ice cream :) The sun was shining and it was a perfect day. Even the Canada geese were enjoying the weather with their little goslings.

First Immunizations

We survived our first immunizations! It actually wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Three shots total, two in the left thigh and one in the right. He let out a loud cry but was consoled quite quickly and then almost immediately fell asleep. My poor little buddy was pretty drowsy the rest of the night but luckily that was the extent of the side effects.

May Long Weekend: Canmore

We went on our first mini vacation with Link and boy was it different. I think he had four times his weight in luggage! I don't think it would have mattered if we went to Canmore or Cambodia, I would have packed the same amount of stuff. Our family shared a condo with my mom, brother, sister-in-law, neice, and nephew. There was a rain warning but luckily we only got a sprinkle one evening. Since my birthday is on the 23rd the girls took me for a pedicure. None of us had flip flops so we had to walk back to the condo in those foam ones they give you. We must have been quite a sight "running" across the highway! It was so nice to spend time with my family but it was also nice to be home in our own beds :) 

Jamberry Nails

I am terrible at painting my nails. Well actually it's the drying part that I just can't master. And now with a baby I don't dare paint them because Lord knows there will be screaming or a poop explosion five minutes later. So when I was invited to a Jamberry party I was super excited! I had heard about them but didn't really know how they worked. It turns out they are perfect for busy moms like me. Each nail only takes a couple minutes to put on but the best part is that there is no drying time so if something comes up, and you know it will, you can just stop and finish the rest later. Other pluses are that they come in TONS of fun designs and are very durable! I recommend that you give them a try but it helps a lot if you get someone experienced to show you how. It's not hard but easier if you see it first hand.

Teal Mini Polka 

Fitbit Flex

Do I dare say that spring is here?? I certainly hope so, we are due for some nice weather so we can get out and enjoy it! I am ready to lose this baby tummy and sunshine is a big motivator in my world and I need all the help I can get :) I have had a Fitbit One for a few years but haven't used it since before I was pregnant. I used to be pretty god about remembering it but now a days I'm a bit more forgetful so I decided to try the Fitbit Flex instead. Since it's a bracelet and waterproof I can wear it all the time, even in the shower. I found a black one on Kijiji for $60 and strapped it on for the first time today. I'm not used to wearing anything on my wrist but it seems pretty comfortable so far. As for the stats it's pretty much the same, it can keep track of your steps and calories burned but it doesn't count the floors you've climbed which is a little disappointing. I don't think that it's as accurate either. Being on your wrist it mistakes certain movements as steps, like burping or rocking a baby so it over calculates your calories burned. I wish that they would make a One Model that could be worn on your ankle or around your neck so that I wouldn't forget it. Both models have got me up and moving so I guess that is good. Link and I can't wait for all our walks this summer!

So much for Spring

Just when we were ready to get out there and walk, this happens. It was 22 degrees yesterday and there's a snow warning today. Gotta love Calgary! I guess.

Great Grandma Anne

Link is very fortunate to meet his Great Grandma, she is a wonderful lady. She recently celebrated her 90th birthday and is very happy when Link gets to visit. Spending time with a great grandparent is rare, he's a lucky little guy!

Link Loves: one month

1. Taggies Peaceful Snuggles Swing n Sway

Lincoln's favorite pastime these days is swinging. This swing is great because it swing side to side or front to back, the mobile spins on it's own, and the music is quite nice. I also love the cute colour scheme! The only downside is that it's battery powered.

2. Earth Mama Angel Natural Non-Scents Baby Shampoo

I have had sensitive skin my entire life so I was glad to find this organic unscented shampoo and body wash. It is nice and foamy and comes in a pump that is easily used with one hand. It seems small but each bottle provides more than 300 pumps.

3. First Years BabyPro Bottle Warmer
The water reservoir makes this warmer nicer than most others I've seen. You don't have to measure it out at all just fill it up every few days and your good to go. (I only do a couple bottles per day) You set the bottle type, size, contents (breastmilk/formula/food), and temperature (room/fridge/frozen).

4. Baby White Noise App

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. Advent Classic Pacifier

Link hasn't really caught on to the soother but this is the only one that he will take at all, but it has only been a handful of times.

6. Tommee Tippee Bottles
We have been lucky that the transition to bottles has been easy. He doesn't seem to have a problem going back and forth from breast to bottle. I don't know if it's the shape of these nipples or what but they work well for us.

7. Fisher Price Whale of a Tub

He really loves his baths! The shape of the tub provided support even when he was a tiny newborn. I didn't worry about him sliding down into the water though I would never ever leave him alone.

8. Peg Perego Book Plus Stroller
This was one of the items I did the most research on before Link was born. Strollers are a big investment and there are so many options! I am totally happy with the Book Plus, it it so smooth and turns on a dime. I also love that you can fold it up with one hand and that I don't need an adapter to use it with our car seat. The black on black polka dots add some fun without screaming "baby."

9. Mineral Oil

This is so gentle on his baby skin. He loves his nightly massage after bath time!

New Tim Horton's

Link and Gram

We went to visit my mom and brother at their new Tim Horton's today, so exciting! It's the fourth location for them and the nicest design yet, it even has a fireplace and a TV! I'm so proud of them, they work so hard and I know it will be a success. My brother and I grew up running around my mom's stores so it was neat to take Link. I hope his friends think it's cool that he can hook them up with donuts just like mine did :)

Link Loves: newborn

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.