I've recently gotten in the habit of giving Cheech choices. Lemme explain. When I was pregnant, I was perusing through a children's clothing store when I noticed a mom hold up two different dresses to her baby girl. "This one, or this one?", she asked. The girl, who couldn't have been more than 12 months, took a minute to study each dress, then extended her hand to reach for the one she wanted. I couldn't tell if I was more amazed that such a little person was already showing signs of likes and dislikes, or that her mom had even thought to give her the option. I vowed to do the same once my little one came along.

Here's why. When I was a kid, I pretty much wore what my mom wanted me to wear, played with the toys my mom picked out for me, and did the things my mom chose for me to do. I never got the luxury of options. I'm not trying to make my mom out to be the bad guy here, I just believe that it never would have occurred to her to do it any other way. And honestly, I think that's most parents out there. When you're the one doing all the purchasing, until your child becomes very vocal about his/her opinions, why wouldn't you pick out what you like? So, I ended up the little girl with super long ringlets, and always, ALWAYS in a dress with some sort of mary jane-type shoe. But that's not me, AT ALL. I've preferred short hair for most of my life, my favorite color has been blue for as long as I can remember, and my mom still cringes at my incredibly foul mouth. Just because I came from her, it does not mean I am her.

With Cheech, I want things to be different. I am fully aware that she is her own person, with her own interests, and as new age-y as this may sound, I want her to always confidently express herself and feel comfortable picking out the things she likes. I want her to be aware of what makes her her, and not me or her dad. So when I took her shoe shopping about a month ago, I grabbed two completely different styles. A super cool "Chameleon" pair that would have been my first choice, and a pair that never in a million years I would have chosen for her, the "Tasty Treat" style. I watched as she carefully looked over each shoe and reached out for the Tasty Treat. I'm not gonna lie, I was kind of bummed she didn't go for the Chameleon. I took the Tasty Treat back, switched hands, showed them to her again, and asked, "Are you sure??". Tasty Treat it was.

I don't know about your babies, but my baby grows out of her PJs like nobody's business. I don't know what it is, but they just don't last us. Considering she wears a clean pair EVERY SINGLE night, this is quite the inconvenience for us. I've decided to stop putting her in footies because those seem to fit for the least amount of time, and I've found that she sleeps MUCH better when she goes to bed in two piece pajamas anyway (it really is peculiar how the tiniest adjustment can make such a difference). Seeing as she doesn't really get *seen* in her PJs, I'm not exactly keen on shelling over the big bucks (or even the medium bucks) for them. As long as they're comfortable for her, I really don't care what they look like. But when my friend, Hannah, showed me some ridiculously adorable sleepwear she picked up from Old Navy for her daughter Stella, I knew I had to pay them a visit. Affordable AND cute? I have to say I'm impressed.

P.S. The pair in the picture is on sale in the actual store. ;)

These pretty cute looks from ESP no 1 are on sale at the mini social today. (MAN I have been loving their sales recently, see kai run, baggu....) I have some credit so I am tempted to pick up a top or pair of jeans, but I am also hesitant. Although they are available in baby/toddler sizes they don't have any modeled by them. What do you think? Will these look as good in a mini size?

Nature Baby asked Jamie and I to review a few of their pieces, and after looking through their website, I could barely contain my excitement. If you've been reading this blog long enough, I'm sure you've noticed that J and I are huge fans of dressing our little ones in stripes, and Nature Baby just so happens to have a plethora of striped baby and kids clothes to choose from. And you know what else? They have an Organic Wool line, and I have been dying to get Cheech into some wool after so many of you have suggested it. All I can say is, yeah, wool is AMAZING for keeping babies warm.

When I opened my package of goodies, I was astonished at the beautiful quality of Nature Baby's clothes. I've been donating most of her clothes as she grows out of them, keeping just a few memorable and sentimental pieces, and these are definitely going to go in the "for keeps" drawer once she's too big for them. I love their simplicity and the fact that they can be layered and paired with just about every other article of clothing she owns. That dress? Come on! It doesn't get much cuter than that, now does it? We've only owned the clothes a few short weeks, and she's already worn everything multiple times. These Nature Baby people, they get it.

Here's a peculiar question for you. Where can I find baby pants that are wide enough in the booty department? Being a latin girl, Cheech has a latin booty, and I have the HARDEST time finding pants that aren't leggings or made of some sort of jersey fabric. Those are fine and all, and I do love them because of how comfortable they are, but they just don't seem to be keeping her warm enough for our afternoon trips to the park.

I tried buying her some flannel and fleece lined pants from a couple "big brand" stores, but I kid you not, when it came to pulling them over her booty, well, they just WOULDN'T go. I guess I can buy her a bigger size (Like I did with those H&M overalls she's wearing in the photo), but then they end up being way too long for her. Not only do I not want to constantly have to roll up her pant legs, but seeing as she's been cruising for almost two months and just yesterday she started trying to stand up without holding onto anything, I imagine that walking isn't more than a few months away; I'd like to keep her chances of tripping to a minimum.

Now, I know that Cheech's body type is pretty unique in the spectrum of baby figures, but if any of you have come across baby pants that happen to provide some extra space for a little junk in the trunk, please spread the word.

It's starting to feel like a lifetime ago that Cheech was a newborn, and about two lifetimes ago that I was madly searching through baby sites and blogs to figure out exactly what she was going to need. I know that at some point on this blog I had made mention of writing regular posts about the absolute baby necessities, but I'm a new mom, and if I've learned anything in the past 9 months it's that new moms can't always do the things they intend to do. Now, however, a family member of mine is expecting a brand new baby, and since I told her I'd help her out with the must-haves and the must-have-nots, I figured I'd share the list here too.

As hard as I did try to keep my baby gear fairly streamlined, I still ended up with a bunch of stuff that was completely useless to us. I think this is somewhat unavoidable considering random gifts you'll be getting from friends and family members, and the fact that all babies are SO DIFFERENT that it's impossible to know the products that work best for them until they actually come along. So although this list does have specific brands, it consists of items that I have found to be highly successful amongst other moms I know. Here goes...

Must Haves

Aiden + Anais Swaddles

Don't even bother with other swaddling/receiving blankets, because these blankets reign supreme. We have a set of the Classic and the Bamboo, and they were both such lifesavers. First off, they are the only swaddles I'd come across that were actually big enough to properly swaddle a baby. Cheech got over conventional swaddling pretty quick, but we used these to modify swaddle her (arms out) for a few months. They're light and breathable, but still manage to keep baby warm. They're also great for diaper changes when you forget your changing mat, and perfect for blocking the sun out of strollers without creating a pitch black cave.

Baby Soy Kimonos

Those first few months, Cheech didn't want ANYTHING pulled over her head. I found myself favoring all her kimono-style onesies and tops to avoid a baby-panic attack every time we dressed her. My favorite ones, BY FAR, were by Baby Soy. Super soft cotton in solid colors that are actually very lovely... how can you go wrong? I was obsessed with her Baby Soy Kimono Top; She only had one, but I kid you not, she wore it until it was a crop top on her.

Boppy Newborn Lounger

This thing SAVED us (I wrote all about it here). In fact, we had a regular Boppy, and I can count the number of times we used it on one hand. I had developed pretty severe carpel tunnel due to pregnancy that tok months to clear up. My doctor suggested that I prop Cheech on a pillow and lay next to her during feedings instead of holding her, because my condition was so bad. Had it not been for the newborn lounger, that wouldn't have exactly been the easiest thing to do.

Dr. Brown's Bottles

Since Cheech became a bottle-fed baby by the time she was a month old, bottles were serious business for us. Before she was born, I was concerned with making sure we used glass bottles, but not much else. I quickly learned that a "cool-looking" bottle does not necessarily a good bottle make. I had two issues when it came to bottle-feeding with Cheech. Once was that she was extremely gassy, and the second was that she liked to take her sweet ass time polishing off her bottles. I found that the flow on most of the nipples I tried resulted in 30- 45 minute feedings... and that was when she was only taking about 2 1/2 ounces at a time. The Dr. Brown's bottles were the solution to both my problems, and I've never looked back. The day we started using them, I noticed she was getting much less tummy aches, and feedings were starting to move along a little more efficiently. She still eats like a bird (rarely takes more than 3-4 ounces at a time), but at least she's getting them down in about 15 minutes. HUGE improvement. Oh, and look, they come in glass.

Ergo

OK, so it took four months before Cheech warmed up to the idea of being toted around in a carrier. But after about twenty crying fits in her Ergo, I am happy to say that she FINALLY reformed. Baby wearing is AWESOME; I love it, Cheech loves it, and it's safe to say that it has made our life so much easier. It's great (and about a million times easier than a stroller) for running just about every errand, going for walks, and lending a helping hand when Cheech is dealing with some serious separation anxiety (pretty common as of late). I plan on wearing her for years to come, and of all the carriers I've tried, the Ergo is hands down my favorite.

Gerry

"Gerry" is actually just the name we gave this sweet little guy. There's a sheep version too, if that's more your style. Bottom line: It doesn't have to be Gerry or the sheep, but do yourself a favor and get a sound machine. Your baby will sleep SO MUCH more soundly. I'm pretty sure it was one of the first things I suggested to Jamie, and they ended up using an industrial fan. Whatever works, works. We also have an app on our phones and our iPad... that's how strongly I believe in the power of white noise when it comes to babies. We still use Gerry for traveling, but we're currently using this machine at home.

HALO Organic Sleep Sack

To be perfectly honest, we're all about breaking the baby rules in this house, and Cheech has been sleeping under a blanket with a pillow since she was about 5 months old. At that point she was fully rolling back and forth in her sleep, and fighting me for *my* pillow every night, so I figured she was probably ready to sleep like a big girl. Before that, however, I heavily relied on sleep sacks to keep her warm at night. She only lasted in them for a couple months before she learned how to sleep on her side, and therefore no longer wanted a sleep sack or to be swaddled, but I'd use them anyway on extra cold nights. I'd also like to add that many babies will, in fact, still use sleep sacks well into their toddler years, so they're still a great investment.

PRIMO EuroBath

If you remember, Cheech HATED baths in the beginning. Now, she starts crawling toward the bathroom right around five o'clock every night to remind me that she needs a bath before bedtime. She has become obsessed. Those first few months, we ended up just giving her sponge baths, but right around her third month is when I transferred her to her EuroBath. Ok, so I know it just looks like some giant tub, but it is so much more. One side securely holds younger babies who are still not able to sit up on their own. And by "securely", I mean your baby ain't going anywhere (this is obviously not suggesting you leave the room while your baby is in the tub... you know that, right?). I can't tell you how nice it is to plop your baby in a tub and have TWO HANDS totally free to wash and rinse all those little fat folds. I've never had to worry about Cheech slipping and sliding all over the place in this tub. In fact, even though she's been sitting up for months now, she still enjoys the reclining position because she loves kicking her little heart out in the splashy water. I'm certain I'll be using it until we transfer her to showers.

Trumpette Socks

I'm pretty sure this is the only brand of baby socks that actually STAY ON. Very handy when you're trying to keep extra tiny feet warm.

Must Have Nots

Stroller

Remember my stroller woes? Oh man, had I known what I know now, I would have totally held off on the stroller. Chances are, you'll be able to roll your new baby around in their infant carrier/car seat for those first few weeks, or even months, so no need to rush into purchasing a stroller. My MIL had gifted us a B.O.B stroller before Cheech was born, and we love it now, but it's really not suitable for tiny, little infants. I would say that we didn't actually start religiously using it until she was around 5 months old. Trust me, your baby doesn't need a stroller right away. I'm not saying not to buy a stroller, but I am saying it is something you can wait on until after he/she is born.

Crib

Like Jamie and Ben, Joe and I also co-sleep with our baby. Now, I'm perfectly aware that co-sleeping is not for everyone, but if there is even the tiniest bit of you considering it, skip the crib. We had discussed co-sleeping but honestly, I really didn't think we were going to go with it. But when Cheech was born, EVERYTHING changed. She kind of didn't give us a choice. I don't want to get to into it in this post (I'll save it for another), but Cheech sleeps better when she sleeps with us. So, co-sleeping it is. Don't get me wrong... the crib is great when I need somewhere to put her while I draw her a bath, or need to use the bathroom, but we could have just gone with a Pack n' Play. Remember, your baby will most likely be in a bassinet those first couple months anyway; The crib can wait.

Toys

Yeah, don't even bother... or, at least, keep them to a minimum. Remember, they can't actually play with toys until they're at least 4-5 months old. For those first few months, they're so preoccupied with getting to know their new world, that something as simple as a ceiling fan is about all the entertainment they can handle. Cheech has a teddy bear/rattle that she's had and loved since the beginning, but it was quite a while before she took the time to notice any of her other toys. Books, however, she's always been big on. Babies LOVE to hear their parents voices, so reading to them is a win win in my opinion.

Photo, Anna Hedges

As cute as Cheech's sausage legs look in leggings, they just aren't cutting it now that the temperatures are really starting to drop. I don't like to put her in denim because I find it somewhat constricting (my own hangup, I'm sure). I thought of maybe doubling up her leggings, but I can't imagine that would be very comfortable either. Then I remembered that a friend of mine always has her baby in harem pants, and although I'm not sure how I feel about them for adults, they are so stupid cute on little ones. I have a feeling layering harem pants over leggings is the answer I'm looking for. Now, if only I could buy these already made; Sewing is my arch nemesis.

Help dress this nakid baby! We have been relying on these carter's PJs for bedtime. They are innexpensive, 100% cotton, and we like that they are footed, especially for winter! But they only go up to 9 months, and at 7 months H is rapidly outgrowing them. We need to stock up, as we go through sometimes 2 a night! (We are still having leak issues.) Can you suggest any footed PJs that won't break the bank if we want to stock up on a handfull? (Bonus points for natutal material like cotton or wool, and also anything without garish colors or designs. I know I am dreaming. Why do the simplest baby clothes always cost the most?)

For those of you who were asking about Cheechy's owl pants, first of all, we LOVE them. Second, they come in lots of styles (for both girls and boys) and are incredibly warm. And third, can you believe how cheap they are? So yeah, we definitely stocked up for the winter.

UPDATE: Shitballs! Jamie just informed me that most of the styles are sold out, BUT they do have lots of new styles. Here's the link. :)

As Celia mentioned, Tea Collection asked us if we would like to review some of their children's clothing. Um, yes please! Actually, the first baby clothing item I remember buying ages ago was a Tea item. It was a teeny tiny onesie for the new addition for the family I was already working as a nanny for. I had never seen such a beautiful mod pattern on baby clothes before! And of course when Henry was born they handed it back down to us. So sweet.

For Henry of course I picked up the western inspired shirt above. We love the colors. Henry you are so manly.

Solid color tees! You know I love me some plain solid kids clothes. You know that, right? Why don't more companies do it? I don't know. Anyways they have a selection of colors in this thick cuddly tee that will be perfect for fall. Ben picked the indigo for Henry.

Baby in a hood! Ack! I think he needs to wear it at the beach to hide him from the wind while his papa gets in an evening surf sess. I wasn't sure about the orange till I got it on him. So dang cute.

I do wish that they made some of the newborn styles in larger sizes. I love the mod patterns and subdued color pallets, and we still wear footed one piece outfits every morning.

Thanks Tea collection! We are a little more ready for fall now! Bring it!

Well this is my first lesson in buying up. If you follow me on instagram you may have noticed these little leggings are our absolute favorite (and I think Wolf & Lucia have the same). I was at the mall the other day and I went to buy the next size (from the baby girl's department at the gap) and sadly, they were no longer available. Kicking myself, and lesson learned.

PS rad mollusk surf shop shirt from Meg.

PS If you happen to see then around somewhere? Do let me know.

Jamie and I came across Tea Collection a while back and we loved it so much, so when they contacted us to do a review of their line of children's clothing, we jumped on the opportunity. I'm sharing some of their super cute baby girl pieces, and soon Jamie will talk about their boy stuff. Like I've mentioned, buying clothes for a girl can actually be more challenging than it sounds. Consequently, I really appreciate that their baby girl clothing doesn't make me feel like I'm dressing L up to look like a big ball of cotton candy.

Seriously, how awesome are that gingham tunic and this little Mexican dress? They're not at all frilly, but still incredibly feminine. Both pieces that I would even wear myself if they came in grownup sizes.

And my favorite striped top! I'm totally considering buying it in the next two sizes up because I'll be so sad when she grows out of this one.

Lucia might need tie dye leggings just as bad as Henry needs a little vintage bandana. I think I'll wait until she's a little bit older so that she can actually partake in the fun, but I'll be dreaming of them until then.

Do please stop over and say hello at The Littlest, where I wrote a guest post about Henry's best vintage goods and where I said the thing aloud that you are not supposed to.

Does Henry need a little vintage bandana (asap)? Yes. Yes, he does.

Birthday boy from Mae Bird.

*update. instead of commenting on posts, Ben sends me his responses via text.

Ben: Henry does not need a lame bandanna. Thank you. Love Husy.

Me: Whaaaaaaat? What if the bandanna was (in your opinion) cool?

Ben: Bandannas have never been cool. Unless your a rancher.

Oh well. He is just going to have to deal with it.

Have you heard about Phoenix and Nola? I am pretty into the perfect tee for Henry, and after Alyson mentioned these, I can't wait to try one! I am thinking about ordering a 1year to see how it fits (since he is already wearing his 6-9 month stuff!) (okay, I also need to try the leggings and cardigans.)

Hop on over to camp comfort, where Roberta (on blogging maternity leave, getting to know her sweet little baby Wylie) kindly asked me to share my summer essentials. Warning; they are baby related!

Look, Baby Gap, all I'm saying is your Boy Sweaters selection is WAY more awesome than your Girls Sweaters selection. What gives?

(Although, this one's pretty cute.)

To be honest I am totally sick of leggings. And I look forward to {soon} not opening the drawer that is full of them for a long, long time. But were I not sick of leggings and still looking forward to a pregnancy full of them, I would be needing these triangles from Mociun like bad. {Maybe if I had ventured away from black leggings more I wouldn't be hating on them so much?}

Since they don't make baby birdwells (damn!) I have been kind of passively looking for a pair of swim shorts for the baby for this summer. I like these ones from Zara, and a steal at 13 bucks. Now we just need to make ito to LA or somewhere before then.... (No Zara in San Diego, annoyingly...)