Christmas in September???

For those that know me well or even kind of know me, know I LOVE the holidays from Halloween thru Christmas. My husband and I share this love and enjoy shopping year round for Christmas. I don't like feeling overwhelmed when the holidays actually get here, so we make a point to start early. The challenge becomes where to store the gifts. They are usually just thrown in the top of our closet, and we cross our fingers that something doesn't get crushed or lost up there. In years past, I have purchased something and totally forgot about it. I would usually find it the next holiday. I can't be the only one?!?! Well, today I began working on a solution. My first step this year was to create an ongoing Christmas list on my computer. Every time I purchase something, I add it to the list with the name of the person and cost of the gift. I am curious to know how much we end up spending on Christmas every year. With a newborn in the house, we have lots of diaper boxes. I decided to use those to help with storage and organization. You can't beat free. In order to dress them up, I cut off the top flaps and wrapped them in wrapping paper. I then used some chalkboard clothespins I found in the dollar section at Michaels to label each box. I can easily see the labels even when they are in the top of my closet. So far, I have created one for kids that are not my own and one for the fabulous ladies in my life. I plan to make one for each of my boys and a family box for aunts, uncles and grandparents. Check out the finished product below. How do you organize Christmas?

Sweet Dreams Are Made of These

Well, it is hard to believe it has been a little over a month since we welcomed our third son into the world. We have all enjoyed soaking up every minute of this little guy. He is already such a blessing and has completed our family.

Our newest addition has made me start thinking about how different you are as a parent to your first than you are to your third. For our oldest, we registered for everything under the sun and quickly realized we didn't need most of it. Our third, who is just as loved, is wearing all his brothers' old clothes. However, there is one item we bought for Walter that we didn't have for my other boys, and it has been a game changer. My husband and I chose to co-sleep with all of our children while they are little. It's not for everyone, but it feels so natural to me to have your baby within arms reach. Not to mention, it makes middle of the night nursing sessions so much easier. We all know one of the biggest newborn challenges can be getting them to sleep without someone holding them, but Fisher Price now has a solution. The Fisher Price Deluxe Newborn Rock 'n Sleeper is amazing! It perfectly cradles a baby, so they feel as if they are being held. The slight incline is great for helping with any tummy issues baby may have, and the vibration provides the perfect amount of movement. When I first put Walter in it, I will make it rock slightly until I know he is good and asleep. He absolutely loves it and sleeps so well in it. Plus, it makes me rest easier too because I can put it right beside the bed and check on him often. I position it so his head is the opposite direction of mine, so I can easily see his face. I wish this was around for my other boys, but I am thankful to have it now. Trust me, it is $60 well spent!