Wasamatter?

Today my darling daughter will not sleep. I don't know why. All of my hopes of cleaning up have been squashed. I'll get her to sleep and then as soon as she realizes I'm not holding her she's a squalling mess. Right now she is sound asleep for the first time for longer than 2 minutes and it's because she nestled soundly in my neck. Keep in mind it's 3:00pm! I'm whooped!

Here is a two minute snooze thanks to her chickie towel:



I'm just so happy right now because she's happy and asleep:)

Meanwhile in my search for great recipes I came across the best blog! I love it and it has so many pictures! Introducing...The Pioneer Woman. I'm addicted and everything looks absolutely amazing. For instance:



Decadent chocolate milk

ps in other Matilda news, I got my first real smile yesterday. It was amazing, but none since:( Also, she is noticing more and more around her. Here she is looking at her birdie and heart:



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Hip Mobiles at Modern Nursery

Hip and nursery do not often go hand in hand, but I found the cutest and most stylish mobiles at Modern Nursery. Here are some of my favorites:











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Natural Child Birth

Duh-duh duhhhhh. So, lately I've been thinking a lot about natural child birth and being a woman and conquering my fear of giving birth. I've been doing some research by talking to friends, watching documentaries like

The Business of Being Born,
and I just ordered a book my friend Becky recommended called

Natural Childbirth: The Bradley Way.
My friend Jodi also gave me a book to read about water birth called

Choosing waterbirth: Reclaiming the Sacred Power of Birth.
I have known only a few people to actually deliver naturally and it just astounds me that the percentage of women getting c-sections in America continues to rise. Just today I had a customer ask me if I had scheduled a c-section. WHAT?! I'm not Britney Spears. Here are some revelations and statistics for you to devour:
-C section rates have risen to more than 29% in 2004 and continue to climb
-The United States has the second worst newborn death rate in the developed world
-Midwives attend over 70% of births in Europe and Japan, but that figure totals less than 8% in the US
-The US spends twice as much per birth as any other country

I don't think I want a home birth because it comforts my American soul to be in a hospital, but I don't want to use drugs or be confined to a hospital bed if I want to move around. I just want to have a healthy delivery and a healthy baby. I truly believe our bodies were made to do this and that the more we interfere with the miracle of life, then the more room we have for error. God designed us purposefully.

If anyone has any advice or experience I would love the comments. Please email a link to this post to anyone you think might have some feedback for me.

A girl can dream

As a future parent I am trying to be as conscious as a can about making responsible choices. I am trying to use as much vintage as I can (the easiest way to be green is to reuse!) and as eco-friendly as I can. Here are a few of my favorite things, as well as a recent purchase!

I love Haba, they are based out of Germany and they use natural materials, which are great for your baby! I just purchased this adorable pacifier clip:



Shop HABA

some other favorites:


Blossoms Pram Chain


Lisa and Rosa teething ring


Ballino grasping toy

Haba toys are not only beautiful to look at, but are functional and absolutely safe for your child. Haba toys are made from hard wood, stained with non-toxic colors and finished with a protective, saliva-resistant, water based varnish for long lasting protection. With a huge variety of Haba toys to choose from we are sure there is something suitable and fun for you child.

BornFree Bottles are all the rage with all the plastic scares.


Shop Bornfree

BornFree™ specializes in producing smart and safe baby products.
BornFree™ has developed a range of products baby bottles, cups and accessories that is totally free of the potentially dangerous chemicals Bisphenol-A (BPA), Phthalates and PVC.

BPA is a known estrogen mimicker that is used in the production of polycarbonate plastic.
According to researchers, BPA may cause developmental and neurological problems if it leaches from plastic. Reports suggest that small amounts of BPA may leach into food or beverages stored in polycarbonate containers, especially when the contents are heated.

In addition, BornFree™'s cups and bottles feature the unique BornFree™ venting system, designed to reduce colic and ear infections.

Another brand I really love is Under the Nile. They have to cutest organic clothes, blankets, toys, and more!

Here are some favorites:



Crib Blanket



So cute!



Veggie crate

Shop Under the Nile

The Little Seed is a great source of all sorts of great products!



Shop The Little Seed

I'm a HUGE fan of Dwell. We have Dwell bedding in our room, the Camelia bedding. I love their prints.





some of my favorite things:


Dots, diaper tote



Charlotte bedding



Hooded towels

Shop Dwell

So, happy browsing. You can tell I'm more interested in the girly things, but have no fear there are plenty of great boy options. The more I weed through the junk to get to the good stuff, the more I want to share. Happy Mother's Day to all of you!!!

Best Laid Plans

So, after consulting many organization guides and do it all friends I am trying something new. On Sunday I actually planned out my meals for mon-fri and made a grocery list! Novel idea, huh? I was in and out of the grocery store in 30 min and had my first meal ready last night. I made the most delicious Roasted Shrimp and Orzo Salad from the Barefoot Contessa At Home cookbook.


Amazon.com


You, too can have your very own onion goggles!



Where's my hand model when I need her?



This is one of my favorite summer time meals, click here for the recipe!

It is no secret that I love the Contessa. I have loved every one of her recipes that I've attempted and I imagine myself in the Hamptons each time I do so.

In other news I have been feeling baby Matilda more and more and I love it.

In other, other news I must get back to Gossip Girl! Little J wore an Anthro sweater tonight!!


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