7 Quick Takes {3}

I'm linking up with Jennifer over at the Conversion Diary today, for 7 Quick Takes Friday!

1. Emmett is dealing with some major separation anxiety lately. He's starting to stand and even attempt a few steps on his own, and we've read that with his new-found freedom often comes increased awareness of his surroundings. Which means he's aware that we're leaving him to go to work each day, and he doesn't like it. Not one bit. He cries and cries when I leave, and I fight back tears of my own. It sucks.

This morning when he noticed I was getting ready to leave, he crawled over to me crying and yelling (yes, baby yelling) for me to pick him up. He squeezed my arms super tight so I couldn't let him go, so I hugged him tight and gave him all the kisses ever. When I tried to hand him over to my sister, he hit my chest and scratched and pinched me and then pulled my hair. Poor guy doesn't know what to do with his frustrated feelings. It's pretty cute, despite the lashing out.

2. After paying our mortgage last week, we were particularly strapped for cash until I received my paycheck yesterday. It was rough. Since yesterday was payday, we grabbed a Groupon and headed to Mellow Mushroom for pizza during happy hour. Emmet loves to be out of the house, and we love to eat out, but we try not to unless we can make it during happy hour. Sometimes it's nice to eat out and feel like we're splurging, especially when we're actually not spending a lot of money. Call me crazy.

Here are a couple of videos from dinner of Emmett's best new tricks and baby-sized pizza:

3. Emmett and I were kinda matchy last night so I made Ray take some pictures of us. I think we look cute but Ray kept saying "Motherboy" the whole time. I didn't let that ruin it. Mom and baby matching fuh lyfe!

Ray made me this gif. Gah I love gifs!

4. After the wedding we went to last weekend, Ray and I walked around the grounds of Val Vista Lakes, where the reception was held. It's really gorgeous. There are pools and a lake and waterfalls and I want to live there now. Anyway it was night time but they have the coolest pool that I can't wait to sneak into with Emmett. It's a beach pool! The floor is sand, and it's really shallow, just like a beach, so Emmett can sit and play in the sand. I'm hoping it won't be TOOOOO hot this weekend so we can go.

Gorgeous!!

 5. Have I mentioned it's hot here in AZ? Like crazy hot. Like so hot I feel my skin burning and expect to see it crackling like pig-skin on an open fire. I basically only go outside to run to my car-turned-oven when I have to go somewhere because good lawd it's hot. I'm a warm weather person, but I have my limits.

I worry about Emmett in this heat for so many reasons. Getting him into the car when we go grocery shopping is scary. We have covered parking at home, but when we're out the temperature inside the car gets outrageously hot, so I really hate putting him in the carseat. Also it's too hot to go outside during the day, but I don't like him being cooped up inside all the time either. So, we are looking for indoor activities at the library and the Y and wherever else we can look. It's going to be a long few months until it cools off in October. Yup, October.

6. It's National Doughnut Day today! Ray says every day is National Some Food Day so he doesn't let me celebrate all of them (we can't have waffles for dinner?? why not??), but I mean come on it's National Doughnut Day! I didn't have time to stop for doughnuts on my way to work, but my sister is wonderful so she surprised me with a visit and a bag of chocolate and regular glazed from Krispy Kreme. Best surprise ever. Definitely made my Friday better. Thanks again, Ci!

7. I've got a really fun giveaway scheduled for Monday! You're gonna want to see this one. Hint: check out this post for a clue!

Have a great weekend!

Growing Up Fast!

Emmett's doing so many new things this week, all at once. It's crazy how quickly he learns new skills, and how quickly he masters them. Too fast Emmett! Slow down buddy! But then again, don't slow down at all.

A few new skills we've noticed this week:

• Standing! He pushes himself to standing like he's been doing it forever. So crazy!
• Taking a couple of steps toward the nearest thing to hold on to
• Learning to feed himself with a spoon. He will take the spoon in his hand, turn it over so he's holding it correctly, and with his other hand, put some veggies on the spoon, and put it in his mouth. It takes some effort, but he's getting it!
• He picks up my phone and holds it up to my ear (note to self, put the phone away more!)
• He picks up the tv remote and points it towards the tv, and then looks expectantly at the tv, waiting for it to turn on.
• He's waving at everyone, all the time. Family, friends, strangers, strangers' dogs.. He loves it.
• He clapped for the first time!
• He's talking LIKE CRAZY, and saying things that sound like full sentences. So funny!

I can't believe how big my baby boy is getting. He's so tall now, and his face has become less baby and more little boy. I love watching him grow and learn!

Birthday Party Pinspiration

Emmett's first birthday is coming up, and I'm really starting to get excited about planning his little birthday party! I've been thinking about his party for some time now, but I haven't done much actual planning yet. I've been dreaming of balloons for days, a Pin-worthy dessert table, and the cutest baby boy with cake on his face and all in his hair. 

Obviously, when I need a little theme-spiration, I go straight to Pinterest. So, here are of few of my ideas!

I love this little elephant cake! I'm kind of obsessed with Elephants, so we have a collection of elephant stuffed animals and little elephant prints in his room. So.. maybe jungle themed? Or vintage circus?

I'm not sure where the party will be yet, but if we have to be outside, these super cute (and easy!) hanging forts will provide a little shade for the littles!

If we stick with the elephant/jungle/circus theme, animal crackers are super cute as snacks for the kiddos. Maybe we'll give them out as favors in bags like these:

These would be pretty easy to make using burlap bags and a cute animal stamp. I'm all about easy crafts! 

I'm not this good, but I do have a certain sister who loves to bake so..... Lucia, how much do you love your nephew..? Or maybe I'll hit up the girl who made me these cookies for my bachelorette party? Rachel..?

Now that's a little "craft" that I can do! This would be so fun as a centerpiece. 

And now, balloons, for days:

So many ways to decorate with ballons. Aaaand I might use all of them..

I love the idea of a little crown for Emmett's party hat, and this one is SO CUTE. I'm trying to throw this party on the cheap, so I might try to make a little crown for him.

I've got a lot of work to do, but oh my gosh it's so much fun! Can't believe my little boy is almost one!

All photos on this post are from Pinterest. Check out my 1st Birthday board for more birthday ideas!