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HOMErandRuth

~ A blog about design, decor and lifestyle

Category Archives: Baby

I’m Back… And what I’ve been up to…

18 Wednesday Mar 2015

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Baby, Life, My Family

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Tags

anxiety, Baby Connect, daughter, Family, love, maternity leave, momlife, newborn, Nordstrom Rack, post-parturm, rest, shower, swaddle, Swaddle Designs, valentines day, workout

Well friends, I’m back… did you miss me?  I’ve missed you! Baby Zoe is 7 weeks old today, and I’m feeling the need to reconnect. What have I been up to for the last 7 weeks? Well, here are some highlights…

Valentines Day Picnic

image

In one of Zoe’s (and my) first real outings, we decided to take advantage of the California “winter weather” with a Family Valentine’s Day picnic at the park.  It was the perfect way to celebrate the day, and it felt absolutely fabulous to get out of the house with a change of scenery 2 weeks after Zoe was born.


Shower (AKA mommy time)

Spa Bathroom || HOMErandRuth.com

Picture via my ‘Lovely Loos’ Pinterest Board

I’m sure all you other moms out there can relate, but now, more than ever, I have a true appreciation for the alone-time a simple shower can bring.  It’s not exactly a day at the spa, but these days, it comes pretty darn close. It’s a time with no crying kids (at least I can’t hear if they’re crying) when I get to be alone with my thoughts.  I’ve always done my best thinking in the shower (like all of the blog posts I haven’t had any time to write), and I truly relish the “me time”.

P.S. No this is not a picture of my actual bathroom… but wouldn’t that be nice?!?


Baby Connect App

image This is a glimpse at my daily life.  Literally, it’s a screenshot of my phone. I look at this app at least 100 times per day (almost as much as my Instagram feed, which has turned into my primary connection to the outside world)… but I digress.  I don’t use all of the features, but it’s the best for keeping Zoe on somewhat of a schedule when it comes to feedings.


Swaddling

image It took a couple of days, but both I and my hubby have officially re-mastered the art of swaddling.  Zoe has already managed to un-swaddle herself a couple of times (this kid seems to have super-human strength… or at least super-baby strength).  And how adorable is this Swaddle Designs blanket?  The best part is that I got it for a bargain price from Nordstrom Rack.


Thank You Notes

Free Printable Thank You Card || HOMErandRuth.com

Free Printable Thank You Card via Chicfetti

I didn’t have a baby shower for Zoe because, let’s face it, I have more than enough baby clothes and baby toys already and since I kept all of Keira’s stuff.  We were pretty much set. But, of course I have the bestest friends in the world so they’ve been showering both Zoe and Keira with gifts which is a perfect excuse to get new stationary.


QT with big sis

image As I’m sure all of you 2+ times moms know, making time for baby #1 is one of the more challenging but super important things to do when baby #2 first joins the family.  For Keira and I, nighttime story time is a big thing. When I was working, that was really my only quality time with Keira during the week, so it’s become “our thing”. Other things we like to do are going on walks, just she and I, and having our very own dance parties (hence this blurry but adorable picture).


Rest

rest

artwork c/o Alexandra Nelson via Design Love Fest

As any working mom can attest to, maternity leave is somewhat like a ticking time bomb… each day that passes is one less day you get to spend with your precious babe(s), and one day closer to going back to work.  This can cause A LOT of anxiety.  I find myself stressing over all of the things I want to get done before it’s time to go back to work.  Right now I’m really trying hard to live more in the moment, relax and let myself rest and enjoy this time.


Workout

FullSizeRender-4So… I’ve pretty much done nothing in the form of exercise since I was 5 months pregnant… and I’m okay with that.  But now I’m starting to think about getting myself back in shape.  Not sure if this goes along with my “rest” mantra above, but I do believe exercise can reduce anxiety and stress.

I’ve been looking to Pinterest for some good post-baby work out ideas.  Do you know any?


Well, that’s most of what I’ve been up to.  I hope to check in again soon.

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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Welcome Baby Zoe

02 Monday Feb 2015

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Baby, Life, My Family

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Tags

Baby, daughter, happiness, Life, love, mom, mommy of 2

Well folks, as you may have noticed I haven’t posted a blog update in a few days… and for good reason.

I’m happy to say that we welcomed our second daughter Zoe Rose Grahan on 1/28/15.  We’re so happy to have this wonderful, healthy, beautiful addition to our family.

Zoe Rose Grahan

I’ll be taking a little hiatus from the blog to get settled into my new role as a mommy of 2.  If you want to know what I’m up to in the meantime, follow me on Instagram.

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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10 Whimsical Cushions for Kiddos

27 Tuesday Jan 2015

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Baby, Decor, Uncategorized

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Tags

animal pillows, etsy, kids cushions, nursery, stuffed animal, stuffed toys, whimsical

So, clearly I have baby and kiddos on the brain.  And as I continue to await Baby #2’s arrival, I’ve become slightly obsessed with redecorating Keira’s nursery.  Keira & Baby #2 will be sharing a room, so I have the perfect excuse to change things around (even though Baby will be in our bedroom for the first couple of months).

First it was Rag Dolls, and now, I can’t get enough of these whimsical pillows. They’re all over Etsy (and I love supporting all my Etsy peeps), but even some of our bigger box friends have some adorable options.

Here’s a round-up of my top 10 picks…

10 Whimsical Cushions for Kiddos || HOMErandRuth.com
1. Stuffed Cat – Dancing in the Rains (Etsy) | 2. Pink Cat Face – Clairey Lou Creations (Etsy) | 3. Unicorn – The Fox in the Attic (Etsy) | 4. Happy Cloud – The Land of Nod | 5. Pink House – Plumed (Esty) | 6. Lady Lamb – Anthropologie | 7. Yellow Hippo – Levchenko Dolls (Etsy) | 8. Yellow Cat Face – Sleepy King (Etsy) | 9. Whale – Big Stuffed (Etsy) | 10. Apple – Anthropologie

Aren’t these fun!  Which one is your favorite?

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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Inspiration for a DIY Nursery Mobile

09 Friday Jan 2015

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Baby, DIY, Nursery

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Tags

Baby, girls bedroom, mobile, no-sew DIY, nursery, paper DIY

Now that I’m on my pre-baby #2 maternity leave, I have a little bit of free time on my hands.  So I got to thinking… this is the perfect time to try my hands at a little bit of Pinterest-inspired DIY.

Of course, I have almost no sewing skills, so I’ve been on the hunt for some no-sew simple DIYs. I’m thinking of making a mobile for the girl’s room and I came across these paper-based DIYs that could make for a super cute mobile.

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Source: My ‘Now That’s Crafty’ Pinterest Board

Do you have a favorite?  Any DIYs you’re looking to try?

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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Stinkin’ Cute: Rag Dolls

27 Tuesday May 2014

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Baby

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

cat, cute, elephant, handmade, mouse, plush toy, rag doll, stuffed animal

My how time flies… my little Keira has already gotten to the age (13 months) where she’s obsessed with dolls and stuffed animals.  She always wants to hug them and kiss them (so cute!) and she has to have 2-3 to cuddle with at night.

Feeding into her obsession (that’s what moms are for, right), I’ve started to come across some adorable handmade rag dolls that are just too stinkin’ cute.

Here are my current top 5 picks.

Elodie Doll on homerandruth.com
Cloth & Thread :: Elodie

Candy Kirby Designs Rosa Doll on homerandruth.com
Candy Kirby Designs :: Rosa

Mini Boheme Doll 14 Mouse on homerandruth.com
Mini Boheme :: Doll #14 Mouse

Lassandaliasdeana rag doll Marilyn on homerandruth.com
Las Sandalias de Ana :: Marilyn

Lucky Ju Ju Cate Lovie Doll on homerandruth.com
Lucky Juju :: Kitty Girl in cream

 

Now the challenge is narrowing down to only 1 to buy for Keira (I mean, I can’t spoil her :)).  What’s your vote? I’d love to hear.

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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All That Glitters is Gold-Dipped

16 Friday May 2014

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Baby, Decor, DIY, Furniture

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

antlers, bowl, DIY, feathers, flatware, gold, gold-dipped, shoes, table

Lately I’ve been completely obsessed with all things gold-dipped.  That touch of gold adds just enough glamour – transforming an ordinary object into something fabulous. The best part? Many times it’s a simple DIY project!

Here are a few of my faves… enjoy!

20130126-222745.jpg1. DIY gold-and-glitter dipped feathers; Ryan Michelle & Ellie Mae | 2. faux deer head with gold antlers; mahzerandvee (Etsy) | 3. gold-dipped flatware; Anthropologie | 4. DIY table with gold-dipped legs; designsponge | 5. DIY gold-tipped baby mary janes; le zoe musings | 6. DIY gold-tipped bowls; vitamini handmade

Any gold-dipped items you’re currently coveting?

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

Original Post: 1/27/2013

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Keira’s 1st Birthday: The Party

21 Monday Apr 2014

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Baby, Entertaining

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

1st birthday, Baby, balloon, birthday, cake, cookies, cupcakes, garland, honeycomb, neon, pink, red velvet, sprinkles, tassels, toddler

Wow… for once I can say I’m happy it’s Monday. Between Keira’s first birthday on Saturday and hosting family for Easter on Sunday… I’m exhausted. In a good way of course, everything was such a good time.

Here are some pics from the birthday party. Enjoy ♥

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Awww… Keira blowing kisses to her fans.

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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♥ Happy Birthday Keira ♥

16 Wednesday Apr 2014

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Baby, Life

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Tags

1st birthday, daughter, happiness, happy birthday, letter, love

A letter to Keira on her first birthday.

Dearest Keira –

A year ago today at exactly 4pm, you came into the world a healthy 9lb, 1oz beautiful baby girl. The doctor placed you in my arms and you laid on my chest.  We spent the next hour staring into one another’s eyes.  I remember being exhausted, and yet I couldn’t look away.  I studied every feature of your face, trying to wrap my head around what the future would hold for you, for us, for our family.  I was captivated by your beautiful big blue eyes, and instantly my heart was filled with joy, love and awe.

Today you turn 1, and today I thank you for giving me the most wonderful year of my life.  I’ve enjoyed every moment of watching you grow.  You’re so young yet you’re already becoming a beautiful little lady. I’m so in love with you…it is beyond words.

Happy Birthday with all my ♥♥♥,

Mom

20140415-224324.jpg

 

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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Here & Now // 9

09 Wednesday Apr 2014

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Baby, Decor, Here & Now, Shopping

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Tags

Baby, baby booties, baby shoes, balloons, basket, blush, Brika, colorful, Connected Goods, Freshly Picked, hearts, matches, moccasins, multi-color, New York Skyline, pillow, pink, storage, straw, Waiting on Martha

Pretty Pillow

In addition to being adorable, this pillow makes me miss New York…


{shop}

Mini Moccasins

I mean… obviously Keira needs these

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{shop}

Fab Fire Starters

Too stinkin’ cute… these matches light my fire

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{shop}

Natural Beauty

The perfect mix of fun and functional

rainbow-dot-large-gourd-basket
{shop}

 

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

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Here & Now // 8

02 Wednesday Apr 2014

Posted by HOMErandRuth in Baby, Decor, Fashion, Furniture, Here & Now

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Tags

chair, chambray, Fab.com, glitter, gold, Land of Nod, mint-green, modern, outdoor, polka dots, teepee, tennis shoes, Van's

What I’m crushing on lately…

Playtime

I’ve decided that Keira needs her very own teepee #spoiledbaby

a-teepee-to-call-your-own-grey-dot
Grey & White Dot Teepee – Land of Nod

 

Old School Sneaks

I couldn’t resist the casual cuteness so I treated myself to these…

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Chambray Dots Slip-On Sneakers – Van’s

Outdoor Seating

It’s mint, it’s modern, it’s marvelous darling

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Lucy Side Chair Mint by Bend – Fab.com

Just Because…

… you can never have too many gold sparkles

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Source: A Complete Life

 

Ciao for Now,

♥♥ Vicky

 

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  • I’m Back… And what I’ve been up to…
  • Welcome Baby Zoe
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  • 10 Whimsical Cushions for Kiddos
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