Today I was able to make Ava bug's baby food in bulk for the first time. I had originally planned to do this when she was six months old, but with PCS'ing to Fort Hood, and now Fort Lewis, time just didn't allow for us to do that. I think I made her food on a weekly basis at first, but then I'd be back to steaming and blending before I knew it. This time around I am making food for 1-2 months in advance. I am so excited to have a healthy, organic stock in my freezer. Today was the first time I actually looked for coupons in our local paper, in order to save on a "making baby food" shopping trip. My savings were 22 percent and just over twenty dollars. The items I bought will last well over three months worth of baby food for our girl. I'm pretty impressed with myself. 

Today I decided to make an organic chicken dinner for Ava. I added some broccoli and carrots to this mix too. The second type of meal I made was pears, bananas, and cantaloupe.The third meal I made consisted of chicken, cauliflower, and rice. Justin loves helping with stuff like this, so he steamed pretty much everything. The only thing that has really changed from having a six month old to an (almost) nine month old would be the consistency of the foods. It's definitely a lot thicker now than it was when we started off. I think I'd mentioned in a previous post that we'd started giving bug finger foods. We still give her finger foods when we are on the go, or sometimes for a snack in the middle of the day. Those snacks are all organic, and they are pretty tasty. I'm still really glad we made the decision to make our own baby food with Ava. The savings have been ridiculous, and the organic variety is much better for our growing girl. Even with the steamed water, all those minerals she gets are great. It's been weird to think that our baby food making days will soon be over in the next few months. This phase goes by so quickly, but I'm enjoying it so much.

 ♥- Leilani

Citrus Lane Box 2!

Today we got Ava's 3 month box for Citrus Lane. I actually paid for this box and it cost me $9.00 We got some goodies in this one today!

• Cleo's Alphabet Book from Barefoot Books. The pages are filled with bright colors and bold images. This will help Princess A's eyes to track and focus on objects
• Little Stacker from Rich Frog. Stacking is a major milestone. This is a soft and cuddly alternative for Ava. We don't have to worry about her getting poked with a hard surface (found on a traditional stacker) This is lightweight, easy to grab and soft enough to satisfy the urge to teethe. 
• Baby bottle Strap from Ah Goo Baby. (we usually don't use bottles with Ava) This strap puts an end to that not-so-fun-game- of "see me throw, watch mom pick it up. It says It can be attached to just about anything. Stroller, shopping cart, cart handle, etc.
• All Natural Hand Sanitizing Wipes from CleanWell. This is BY FAR my favorite product in her box. I've used them twice today already. They are biodegradable wipes that are made with a special formulation of thyme oil that kills germs naturally. Alcohol-free and safe for sensitive skin. You can use them to clean messy faces, grimy hands, and small scrapes. You can even use them in an emergency diaper situation. 
• Calendula Diaper Care for Diaper Rash from Weleda This product apparently does double duty as a protective barrier and soother, even for the worst rashes. Formulated with Calendula flower extract,breathable beeswax and zinc oxide to provide instant relief. 

These are all the tangible items that were in Ava's box this month. SUPER pleased! Especially with the wipes. 

I will write a review of all the products I have received from this company, from Ava's last box, and this box. If you are willing to try natural,organic, and a not so traditional approach with your kiddos. Give Citrus Lane a try. Click on the link I provided and you get $10.00 right off the bat! 

Where has the time gone ?

In just two days my little girl will be four weeks old. I've been reminiscing about the day she was born and I can't believe how different my little sprout is. Her weight is probably the most drastic change. She is sitting at about 7 lbs right now. Her skin has changed and the newborn dry, peely, skin has diminished. We started doing tummy time with Ava on her play mat this week; She is already showing great milestones for a three week old. She can move her head from side to side, she lifts her head, and she's got some decent head control going on for being such a new baby. A few of the things in Ava's four weeks of life that I have either fallen in love with, or found essential would be:

• This giraffe is a nifty tool. It plays four different types of sounds to help your baby calm, sleep, relax, or play. We only use the sleep option because it is a substitution for the "shhh" sound we use when starting the "5 S's" to soothe Ava to sleep. It works wonders and we allow it to play throughout the night.

Cloud B Gentle Giraffe

• I've used my boppy nursing cover several times. When we have guest over, or when we are in public, I always use my cover. I can peek in and see Ava while she's nursing, and I have complete privacy. I'm never nervous about anything being revealed or exposed with using this cover. It also has this handy clip on top of the cover that you can move to remember which breast you last nursed from. 

Boppy Nursing Cover

• California baby products! A huge thanks to Laura for the baby gift. I love the natural and organic shampoo and lotion from this company. It leaves Ava's skin and her hair soft and smooth. Our biggest consistency we've had for our parenting style has been natural and organic as often as we can. I'm glad we've found a line the entire family can use.

California Baby

• Drying rack!  A new buy, but I can't see Justin or I diapering Ava effectively without it. Anyone who reads my blog, knows I cloth diaper. In order to maximize the best wear out of Ava's cloth covers, inserts, shells, etc. I have opted not to dry them in our HE dryer. Hang drying just ensures that they aren't getting as damaged or worn as they would from the dryer. These can be bought locally and they are super affordable. 

So far these items are my "loves" as of right now. I'm excited to see what else becomes apart of our daily needs with Ava. Some of the other things we are busy with this first month of her life are:

1. obtaining her confirmation of birth from the hospital
2. obtaining her birth certificate
3. obtaining her social security card
4. Enrolling Ava in DEERS
5. Enrolling Ava in Tricare

We've been pretty proactive and on the ball with all the things you have to do when having a new baby. The military provides their own set of requirements and deadlines when you have a child as well. Thankfully, I have a husband who is anal about getting things done. Especially with us traveling in just a little over a month. Tricare only keeps your newborn covered for sixty days after birth. It's vital that you make sure you enroll your little ones so they are always medically covered.