Zutano!

After giving birth to Freida at 4.8lbs, I drove myself (and those around me) nuts about finding some clothing that would actually fit her. We scoured the stores for preemie clothing, and came out with outfits that were still much too large, and cheesy to boot. It seemed even the smallest of preemie clothes were made too wide or too long, and she was swimming in everything. I remember wishing she had just one cute thing to wear when people came to visit, or when I took her out for walks... One night, in a wave of frustration over her tiny body, I took the preemie hat from Gap off of her head (it kept sliding over her nose anyway), and cut into it with a scissor! I got out a hotel-grade sewing kit and started to sew up a new seam, making the hat half it's size. :) Eventually, I learned that since I swaddle her all day anyways, all I really needed were cute swaddle blankets - what she was wearing beneath them made no difference. When she was about 6 months old (and fat!), I discovered Zutano and their Itzy Bitzy line. Preemie clothing in adorable prints, available in soft cotton and organic threads. Too bad it was too late.

Anyways, this time around when my OB told me my baby was likely to be around 5-6 pounds I made sure to pick up some preemie clothing from Zutano before delivery. Hudi was born 5.13lbs, and has been living in her Zutano basics since she came home from the hospital.

I love the fresh prints, bright colors, but most of all - I love that they're made to fit!!

Redefining: Clean Laundry

By now we all know about the many dangers of toxins lurking in our household cleaning supplies, and for the most part - it's as easy a problem to fix as a trip to the health food store. But what about when it comes to something you just don't want to part with and can't seem to find a substancial and satisfying replacement?? For me, this was dryer sheets and the way they make my laundry soft, static-free, and subtly scented. Don't get me wrong, I haven't exactly been using bounce sheets since the day I read the news about them being choc-full of cancer causing synthetics, but I have been on the market for a greener variety since then and have only now come up satisfied! Method Baby Squeaky Clean Dryer Cloths are amazing!! They're softening, static-reducing, fresh-scent inducing, and most importantly - they're safe. I'm obsessed with the "rice milk + mallow" scent and have been freakishly inhaling fresh loads of laundry since birthing baby Hudi. It smells just like a newborn baby should - of sweet sweet milk and earthy florals - I swear, you'll be hooked! Plus, it's all just extra goodness on the scale - the real important thing here is to lessen your household toxins - start with the worst of the bad guys; your laundry methods.

P.S. I'm loving these star swaddle wraps I got from aden + anais! I know they're not super-girly, but I've been on a serious star-stint and haven't been able to turn down anything 5-pointed! Some other star-themed goodies I'm currently coveting? These totally rad superstar tights, hollywood glam hair via this headband, star-struck by kids in scarfs (I was recently inspired by my little buddy Sima B. and her fashionable neck accessory! :)), and this really retro elbow-patched sweater!

Flash Sale Favorites

Hey there! Just spotted a few things on some flash sale websites that I thought I'd share with you all today... Firstly, Gilt is featuring a wide selection of kids shoes by Livie & Luca (I blogged previously about them here.) - these soles with soul are wonderful for little walkers, and make for a perfect back-to-school pair of shoes!

Meanwhile, over at Zulily - summer is in full swing! Check out a slew of the most super-cool organic threads for kids from Boys&Girls.

And Fab.com is selling modular lunch boxes by OOTS! Use the "bento" method to up the ante on lunchtime!

Enjoy the steals!!

Sisters + Previous Purim Posts

Due to my current condition (confined to my home, determined to rest and recover) as a new mom (while it's the most wonderful state to be in - nuzzling a newborn bundle all night and day - I admit I am going a little stir-crazy), I am so glad that I have had Freida's Purim costume hanging idly in her closet since October! :) I happened upon a charming little bumble bee costume on clearance post-Halloween, and knew I'd likely be housebound post-birth by the time Purim came around, and I was grateful to find a perfectly non-handmade getup for my dress-up-loving 3 year old.

So thankfully, I'm immensely relaxed about Purim - and all the DIY's that can come with it! :) Sending my husband on a quick run for some chocolate rocks (to go at the bottom of 4 plastic planters for Freida's "flower" Shalach Manos she'll be giving her little friends at Gan) is the one and only thing on my Purim to-do list. Which leaves me ample time to cultivate a loving bond between Freida and her brand-spanking-new little sister. Naturally, Freida's been emotional over the changes and novelties that have entered our home... she had a few temper tantrums, and is generally acting like a hormonal teenager - seriously PMS all day long. The slightest offense can send her whimpering and weeping all the way to her room - door slamming behind her. It's awfully endearing, and rather adorable - but at times it makes me sad about how much emotion she must be dealing with in order to get her to that point. Thankfully, her sister gets to see a much brighter side; Freida has been amazing with the new baby! I guess she figured she can take out her frustration on me and leave the baby out of it (thank God!!). She's gently and affectionate and protective, and an all-around great big sister, and I'm just entranced by watching the bond between them unfold...

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/37824410]

On the blog front, I'm feeling kind of guilty that I'm not doing much for Purim and have virtually nothing to share with you all, I thought I'd go through some of my old Purim posts and link them here for you - all on one page:

- Tea-time in a jar.

- Crayon molds make such a cute addition to a child's Shalach Manos!

- A few funky ideas to inspire a last minute costume.

- Prep your toddlers to avoid costume fright.

- Easy DIY Purim puppets.

- A flaky and delicious Hamantaschen recipe.

- Shalach Manos in a jar.

- A cheap, easy, and adorable child's Shalach Manos concept.

- Breakfast cupcakes in a jar. (I know, get over the jar!)

- Insanely adorable "sushi" cupcakes! (by Chani of Pleasant Cakes)

- Easy "indian princess" headdress DIY.

Hope all your over-the-weekend Purim planning goes swimmingly! Joy to the happy holiday!!

BabyFroo

This is where we were a week ago, today. In total awe and gratitude over the birth of our new beautiful baby girl, Yehudis.

While she looks like quite a chunkster in this post-birth photo, she only weighed-in at 5.13 :)

And it's the most precious 5 pound bundle on earth.

While Freida adjusts to her new baby doll sister (she is over the moon about the baby, not so much about the changes), and I rest up here at home while bonding with the sweetest big-eyed, button-nosed little lady, I just wanted to let you all in on the birth of our newest family member, and let you know that, thank God, we are doing just great!

For now, my mom is here taking care of us - feeding me nonstop and spending an impeccable amount of time playing with Freida and giving her heaps of much-needed attention. I've been sleeping and sleeping and trying my best to stay off my feet and listen to my mothers orders. :)

I really want to write up the birth story (as well as finally write up Freida's birth story), and post a few pregnancy posts that have been sitting in my draft box for over a week! I hope to do so as soon as I'm up for a bit more screen time, but for now I'll just leave you with a few pictures of the new baby, and a promise to write more about it all later...