Baby Memory Quilt

My baby's first year is coming to a close.  Time for a new chapter.  Part of the process here is letting go of some of her things.  I've been meaning to go through all of her clothes to give away what doesn't fit her. It's really easy to put it off.  Especially because there are so many memories, and I don't want to get rid of her 'baby' things yet. It's so exciting that she's turning 1.  However, it's kind of sad too.  I found this wonderful idea for a memory quilt over at Elle Belle Creative, and thought it would be the perfect thing to do with all of the baby clothes and fabrics I cannot part with.

Top Baby Products

We're just rounding out our first year of having a baby in the house.  It's been so wonderful and fun.  (I'll be honest, it's also been challenging and scary at times.)  Here are some of the products that have helped us this year:

Playtex Binky

 This is the only pacifier that our baby would use. 

Boppy

Oh, we could not have lived the same without the Boppy.  She spent most of her first few months lounging and eating in it, and I always used it for nursing.

Munchkin Disposable Bags

These little bags come in so handy when we we're out and can't throw away a dirty diaper. I love that these are only around $5 and are very portable.

Munchkin Trainer Cup

 I just recently came across this sippy cup at Target, and it is a hit! Other cups were not really keeping the baby interested.  This one has a silicone spout and no valve. It works a lot like a bottle, so she loves using it!

Leap Frog Musical Table

The Leap Frog Learn and Groove Musical Table is a toy that has grown with our little girl for the last 6 months. At first, we took off the legs and set it next to her.  She would pull on a few of the toys and listen to the music.  Once she was standing with support, we attached the legs so she could stand and hold on.  Now she pulls herself up and plays with every part of this toy.  She has never gotten bored, and its motivated her to stand and play.

Medela Pump In Style

Lastly, my most prized possession for the past 12 months: the Medela Pump In Style.  I pump exclusively, so this little baby has never left my side!

Rosemary Focaccia Bread (The 'Fresh & Easy' Way)

One of my favorite places to shop for food is Fresh & Easy.  I am trying to eat healthy (clean, organic, fresh, natural, raw). Especially since my new responsibility of providing food for a growing baby. Check out http://kristensraw.com/blog/ for information on eating raw.  Whatever the new good-for-you trend is, I'm interested.  At Fresh & Easy they have many products already made or ready-to-make that have all natural ingredients with no preservatives.  This week I picked up a package of Rosemary Focaccia Dough.

I'm sure I could have just bought some focaccia bread, but touching the dough and baking it in the oven gives me some satisfaction as if I had made it from scratch.  I'm really not there yet when it comes to cooking/baking.  Trust me, I tried this recipe for homemade soft pretzels that I found at sugarlaws.com, and couldn't quite pull it off.  I'll let you know when I get it right. Looks so amazing!

On to the bread... I followed the directions on the package and drizzled it with olive oil (highly recommended).  It bakes at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. 

I baked it for 10, took it out,  and topped it with shredded monterey jack cheese and spinach. Then I baked it for another 5 minutes.  It was perfectly crunchy on the edges and soft in the middle. This was so much faster and tastier than ordering pizza or even getting out a frozen one. I know...we do both. Any combination of vegetables would be great on this bread.  However, it can definitely stand alone as a side with dinner. 

What's your favorite pizza topping combination?