V started kindergarten yesterday, which is mind-blowing. It's been a busy couple of weeks of shopping, attending classes, visiting her new school and meeting her teacher. We have tried to pump her up for the start of school and she seemed excited to go to a new school and make new friends. Yesterday morning we walked her to the school bus stop, because she wanted to ride with her friends in the ... Read more
Affordable Spring Fashion Finds for the Family
** This post is sponsored by Walmart.com but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. If we start dressing like it's spring, will Chicago temperatures get the memo? I am daydreaming about going on vacation to somewhere warm and tropical, like Florida or Hawaii, but I'll settle for more sunshine and less rain. I recently picked up a few spring items for my daughters and myself. We ... Read more
A’s 8-Month Update
This has been a major month in terms of milestones for Addi. She has changed so much in a short time, and this phase has become my favorite so far. I love watching her do new things and learn every day. Sleep: After waking 3-5 times a night every night since she turned 4 months old, we decided it was in our family's best interest to attempt to teach her to fall asleep on her own. It's been less ... Read more
Adelina’s 7-Month Update
Every baby update I've read starts with disbelief about the child growing so quickly. You can go ahead and insert that statement here about Addi. As of today she is 7 months old! She's so much closer to 1 now and I can't handle it. I haven't posted an update since she was 4 months old, so I wanted to share a bit about how she's doing now. Sleep: Addi is still waking up at least three times a ... Read more
Why Brookfield Zoo Is Worth A Visit
There are certain Chicago area spots that are worth repeat visits. For us, Brookfield Zoo is one of them. You don't need to have children to enjoy a day at Brookfield Zoo. In fact, we often see adults roaming the grounds with a beer in hand and not a worry about keeping a kiddo entertained. My brother- and sister-in-law visited over Labor Day weekend and Graham and I thought we might have some ... Read more
How I Organize My Baby Changing Station
** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! I like for all areas of my home to be neat and organized, and that's become a challenge with two kids, but at least my diaper changing station is in order. When Addi was first born we weren't even sure we would buy a baby changing ... Read more
Flora Family Photo Session
** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! Graham and I have a tradition of taking photos around the time of our wedding anniversary to document our life together. It's been so fun to capture the changes to our family: Over the past four years we've gone from just the two of us ... Read more
Adelina’s 4-Month Update
I can't believe how quickly four months have flown by. Adelina just had her four-month pediatrician appointment and as I drove to the office I wondered where the time went. Addi is such a happy and sweet baby, and I have really loved seeing her change these past several months. Adelina's Four-Month Update: Sleep: Adelina started sleeping through the night just before turning 3 months old. She ... Read more
My Breastfeeding Struggles
In the third trimester I spent much of my time watching YouTube videos on what to expect in labor and delivery. I also read countless blog posts and made a list of what to pack in my hospital bag based on dozens of videos I had seen. But there was one area of parenthood I didn't learn much about: breastfeeding. I had heard both that it was "natural" and that it was challenging. I wondered if I ... Read more
Baby’s First Outing With the Binxy Baby Shopping Cart Hammock
** This post was sponsored by Binxy Baby. All opinions and photography are my own. I tried to be as minimal as possible when registering for and purchasing baby items because we don't have a lot of space in our Chicago apartment for excess infant gear. I searched for infant items that are efficient and can make life easier in the city. Also, because we chose a convertible car seat that can ... Read more