One Month

My baby was 1 month old yesterday.

I'm going to do my best to catalog monthly photos of him here.  He has definitely chunked-up a bit since he was born--his cheeks are so chubby now!  He is having more alert, awake time and that is fun--he focuses on faces and toys more now, and although he is still not sleeping more than a few hours at a time, his father and I are thrilled with him more and more every day.

Thanks for indulging me :)

XO

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Baby Shoes- Not Always Practical, But So Cute, Right?

**Disclaimer--I promise to calm down with the baby posts once I go back to work, but while I'm on maternity leave, baby is pretty much on the brain all the time.  (And should be, I think).  But, for those of you who aren't impressed or interested with all the baby posts, I just wanted to reassure you that soon I will resume more adult-focused posts :)

But today, baby shoes is on the brain.  Jones received the pair below as a gift--they fit snug even on the tiniest little feet.

from Little Lambs and Ivy on Devine Street

And I just bought these on-line at Gymboree last night--on sale.  Pretty preppy, but adorable little moccasins, don't you think?!.

image via here

Happy Thursday!

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Choosing Cloth Diapers

Ever since I found out I was pregnant I have entertained the idea of using cloth diapers with our baby.  My husband was not on board at first.  He, along with a lot of my family and friends, thought this idea was just me going "overboard with environmentalism" or trying to be "too tree-hugger" and that it was really going to be a lot of trouble and not realistic.

Well, my determination to use cloth diapers has only gained momentum during my pregnancy.  I spoke with people who actually use cloth diapers, (thanks, Conni), and I read blogs that describe others' experiences using cloth diapers--and all accounts are positive.  Cloth diapers have certainly changed since our parents' day--they're really cute now!  And environmentally friendly, and money-saving, and easier on a baby's sensitive skin...

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This last detail is what has sold my husband on giving cloth diapers a try.  The newborn Pampers diapers we have been using on Jones since his birth make his skin red and sometimes stick to his little bottom.

Growing Greens cloth diaper
image via here

So, our journey will begin soon--we just ordered 6 Bum Genius diapers and received some Growing Greens Organic cloth diapers from our registry at KD's Treehouse, as well as a couple Funky Butts diapers.  James is going to make our own version of the "Potty Pail," and then we'll be ready to go.

Here's a great post on cloth diapers from the blog Jen Loves Kev.  This post really helped me figure out what products to use and how the routine goes with cloth diapers--the rinsing, cleaning, etc.

I'll keep you updated on how the cloth diaper experience unfolds for us!

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Bumble Boutique Finds

A sweet, dear friend of ours sent me and James and Jones a sweet card including a Groupon to Bumble Boutique to welcome little Jones to the world.  She said it was the Groupon in Columbia on Jones' birthday, January 26th, and she thought of us when she saw it.  What a clever and fun gift, don't you think!?

[In case you haven't heard of Groupon, click here for more details; it is awesome!  If you're interested in signing up for free, click this link: http://www.groupon.com/r/uu8963308]

James and I took Jones to Bumble Boutique to use the Groupon this weekend--they were having a 75% off sale on some of their winter clothing.  Without further ado, here is what we got for Jones:

A cute "touch and feel" book that has a mirror on the last page, exclaiming: "that's my baby!"

Cute knit outfit that was once waaay out of our price range, but thanks to the 75% off sale, it was a steal!

Zutano summer shirt

Thanks to Ashley for the sweet gift.  And thanks to Bumble Boutique for a fun shopping experience.

XO,
B

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Pizza and Wine

What's not to like about that combination?  There are plenty of amazing local restaurants in Columbia that make this combination even more amazing by making it cheap!

In case you want an amazing pizza and wine deal more than once in a week, here's where you should go and when:

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Tuesday nights: Tombo Grille offers $5 pizzas and $15 bottles of wine every Tuesday.  Click here for other daily specials.

Rosso menu
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Wednesday nights: from 5- 6:30 PM, Rosso offers $7 brick-oven pizzas and $5 wine tasting.

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Thursday nights: Cellar on Greene offers 2 individual pizzas and a bottle of wine for $25.  Plus, Tuesdays are Champagne Tuesdays...half-priced bubblys!

And, just a quick run-down of my other favorite Columbia pizzas...Labrasca's (they have the best cheese salad too, and they'll let you buy uncooked pizzas to "take and bake" later); Pizza Man; and The Whig- $1 slices on Monday nights.  Also, the Village Idiot on Forest Drive has a Monday deal where you buy one pizza, get one free!

Can you tell I'm craving pizza and wine today?

What are your favorite pizza joints and dinner specials in Columbia?

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Caw Caw Creek on Cooking Channel

So, since I am not sleeping a whole lot these days--Jones has his days and nights pretty mixed up, and although we're making progress in finding what works for all of us, I am awake at pretty strange hours.  I have found myself watching a ton of HGTV, Food Network and Cooking Channel.

image via here

A couple nights ago on a Cooking Channel show called FoodCrafters, (which will re-air February 5th at 5:30 PM and February 7th at 12:00 PM, but I caught it at 12:30 AM), SC's own Caw Caw Creek pastured pork farm was featured.  Caw Caw Creek owner, Emile DeFelice, talks about his humanely raised and happy pigs.
 

Caw Caw Creek pork products can be found at the All-Local Farmer's Market and the other local markets listed here, as well as featured in many Columbia restaurant dishes, like the CawCaw Bratwurst Sandwich from Hunter Gatherer, or the Caw Caw Creek Burger at Pawley's Front Porch.

Awesome job, Mr. DeFelice!

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He's Here!

Baby Jones Milledge Hill was born January 26, 2011 at 12:07 AM.  (3weeks early!)   He weighed 6 lbs 12 ozs and measured 20.5 inches long.  We are over the moon for him, and think he is amazing.

James and I have been settling in and trying to sleep when we can.  Jones has been a pleasure so far--a really sweet baby.

Thanks for all the sweet thoughts, gestures, and comments.
XO, Becca

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