bug party

 My little boy turned FOUR in July. All he wanted was a BUG party! Here are some pictures from the party:

I made the invitation and other decor using bugs and caterpillar from free download  HERE is the link. 

The cake was very simple, I just put plastic bugs and gummy worms on top and he loved it. 

I found the NETS at Dollar Tree and the BUG JARS were less than a dollar each in on the canning aisle at Walmart. I punched breathing holes in  the top with my cropadile.

The party food was DIRT DESSERT with gummy worms and bugs on top.  We had a bug dig where the kids dug in the sand filled bucket for bugs to put in their jars.

We played games such as:
 'bug, bug, who has the bug?' (like penny, penny)
'build a bug' (like pin the tail on the donkey)
'I have a little bug and he won't bite you' (like I have a little dog...)

The BUG party was super fun and we had a great turnout. The kids seemed happy with their bug jars and nets to take home. :) 

Here are some printouts you can use! 

Car organizer pockets

 Using 1 yard of fabric, I made two car organizers for each of my boys. I bought a half yard of turquoise, and half yard of lime, and used both to mix and match. This fabric is a little heavier than normal, but still only $4 a yard at Joann Fabrics.

 First I cut out the pieces I wanted and layed it out. 

I hemmed all edges under first, then attached the outer pockets, like this one made for little toys.

When the little toys pocket and the pencil pocket was sewn on, I then sewed the bigger pockets on. The top left pocket has 2 pleets in it to make it more spacious to hold a sippy cup or bottle.

 I sewed a thick wide shoelace to the top to hang around the seat, then I ended up safety pinning the sides and bottom to keep it really secure and to save leg room.

baby bibs and burp cloths

 I made these inexpensive burp cloths by using cute fabric on one side, and white soft fabric on the back. I am sorry I do not know the name of the white fabric, but it was $2.49 a yard at Wal-mart. I like the raw edges look, so they were super easy to sew back to back.

 

 Then I made a few sets of washable nursing pads with the same white fabric.

 Here's one of the bibs I made. It also has the raw edges and then velcro on the neck. I just LOVE this Chevron fabric. :)

baby favor jars

We gave these little jars out at the hospital to our delivery nurses, doctor, etc. Also to those who came and visited us at the hospital, and those who brought us dinners. Half of them just said  "Thanks" and the other half said "Thanks for sharing this special time with us!" They are just 2 oz jelly jars, with blue treats in them and cute fabric over the top. They were easy to make and so fun to give out. We were also able to include big brother and let him fill them with candy. 

baby owls

 My new baby's nursery is owl themed. Here are some pics:

 First, the mobile. I wanted owls and in the colors that would match his room. So, I took an old mobile apart and just used the bones of it. (It was an $8 mobile from Ross).

Then, I sewed these little dudes. They are just fabric, with felt eyes and beaks. I stuffed them with pillow stuffing.

I covered the rest of the mobile with fabric and put it all together. 

 Then I made some more owls just like these, but big, for pillows. I used stuffing to stuff the body, but cellophane to stuff the wings so they are "noisy."

Then I made a blanket to match. I put stuffing under the owl and the polka dots so it will be fun for the baby to touch.

Also, I made this banner to pull all the fabrics together. It was super easy. They are each backed with grey fabric so they aren't so flimsy. They have raw edges. 

I had so much fun getting ready for our little owl. 

Favorite Baby Gifts

So since having my first child, Baby gear has come a long ways!  There are so many new baby items that I have really enjoyed on my fourth.   I decided to make a list of my new must haves for babies.  (In no particular order) You will be thanking me next time you need a Baby Gift!!!

First is the Boon Squirt Baby Food Dispensing Spoon.  Just scoop the food into this spoon and you can easily feed your baby on the go or at home.  Bought mine at BabiesRus.

Get this item at Amazon.

Next is the Wubanub.  Pacimals are also similar.  Never  used it but I've heard they are great.
This is also at Amazon.

This is the Nuby Wide Neck Bottle With Handle.  Great for transitioning to sippy cups.  Why weren't bottle always made with handles?
Link to Amazon.  Also at Walmart.

I LOVE the Carters Binky Clips.  Use it every day when we leave the house.  Haven't lost it yet in 8 months!  The Elephant is Super cute.  
Buy it at Carters.

I used a Swaddle Me Blanket every time my baby slept until 8 months.  Love it!  I bought the size Large and it worked the entire time.  Link to Amazon.

I haven't used this either but my Sister in law loves it.  800 plus reviews gave it almost 5 stars.  
Get it here on Amazon.

Robeez shoes are the best for staying on tight.  
Here on Amazon.  Target also has a knock off brand.  

These are more expensive but this is about as cute as it gets for a little boy anyway.
Amazon Link

Love these blankets for swaddling.  Especially for summer because they are lightweight.
Link to Amazon.

I don't have this but wish I would've gotten one.  Really I wish I had invented this.  The description says it all

"Helps sleep-deprived new parents remember baby care details".  What a great idea!

Link to Amazon 

I know a lot of us make our own car seat canopies by now.  This one by JJ Cole is just as cheap as buying your own fabric and I like that the elasticized outer band.  I would never be able to make that right.
Link to Amazon.

This one is more expensive but super cute and I love the windows.
Amazon Link.

This is still my favorite Baby Book.  The magic cycle is to get a baby to EAT, STAY AWAKE, & then SLEEP over and over.  Helps get a baby to sleep through the night as well as keep a routine.  Love it.
Link to Amazon

Love this Crib aquarium by Baby Einstein.  I have a similar one.  

Link to Amazon.

My FAVORITE baby bouncer.  Vibrates and plays music.  Super portable.
Link to Amazon.

I don't have this but has great reviews.

Amazon Link

This is what we use for our Baby Camera.  It links to my smartphone so I can watch the baby from another room or outside.  Also I can turn it from my phone to get a new angle.  Can't tell you how much I LOVE this!  Amazon Link

This sign is my favorite Baby Gift.  Get it Here