Sleepy Sweetie

Typically, LJ wakes up on her own in the mornings, then plays quietly in her bed for a bit while I finish getting ready. Around 8 or 8:15, she'll start jabbering or fussing, sometimes I can even hear her standing and shaking her bedrail. For a couple mornings in a row recently, though, I had to get her up earlier than usual. I snuck into her room, and she was just so darn cute and cuddly I had to grab the camera. It's so rare that I actually get to see her asleep, that I had to soak up the moment and make it last.
I was shocked to find she still had her blanket over her at this point! I always assumed she kicked it off pretty early in the night. She did, however, manage to grab her pillow. I always have it in the bed, but never really put her on it. I was pretty much just using it to keep her from getting stuck against the hard end of the bed, but apparently she has better uses for it! Thanks, Grandmamma, for the pillowcase!
I LOVE the butt-in-the-air position in these. It's the classic adorable toddler sleep pose!
Irresistible.

Feelin' Grinchy

Wardrobe

(Dress from a consignment sale- $6, with shirt)

I dress Lila funny. It's a fact. Knowing is half the battle, right?

(Coat a gift from college friend Amy, FREE!
matching polka dot cords, yard sale- $1)

Other parents at school laugh at me. It's ok! They at least do it to my face, and not behind my back.

(Dress, gift from Aunt B- FREE! to us
Shirt probably yard sale- $1ish
Tights- WalMart- $2
Shoes- borrowed- FREE!)

I know I've covered this before, but it's kind of become and obsession, so I need to discuss it further. Dressing kids cute does NOT have to be expensive. It doesn't even have to be hard, or time consuming. I love the thrill of the hunt. I go to yard sales, consignment sales, and thrift stores looking for treasures. I've learned the brands that are worth spending a bit more on, and the ones that aren't worth the trouble. I've learned what to look for in a Craigslist ad to see if it's worth my time.

(Outfit, yard sale- $4
Socks, Target- $1)

People look at me incredulously, and ask why I would put such things on my child for daycare. Kids get dirty at daycare!! But they dress their kids in Carter's clothes that cost 3-4 times what I pay for an outfit. If Lila ruins something at school, we just throw it away! Clothes are meant to be used! (But first we try a little Dreft stain spray, then some time bleaching out in the sun. Both work miracles!)

(Shirt, consignment clearance- $2
Skirt, consignment- $3
Tights, Payless- $3
Shoes, a splurge! $15, but a high end brand that would typically run $40)

So, make fun all you want, but you won't take my fun away! I'll dress Lila silly and Shabby Chic as long as I can. I know the day will come when she'll want to wear nothing but jeans or sweatsuits every day, but for as long as I can, I'll keep up the crazy outfits and "dressy" clothes for every day!

And, if there's anything I love more than bargain kids' clothes, it's taking pics of m'girl! She's getting harder and harder to take a decent picture of, but I persevere!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Somebody's been busy!
Well, yes, of course Lila Jane has been busy. Aunt B reminded me of that just tonight. Lila Jane is always busy.
But someone else has been busy, too! Grandmamma!! Grandmamma Crouch has been VERY busy making some absolutely amazing dresses for my busy girl! Lila was absolutely the best dressed kiddo at her Valentine's day party at school today!
She's too busy to get a very good picture of these days, but this dress is just amazing! It has a heart shaped pocket, eyelet lace, and red rickrack trim!
And...there are already three more dresses from Grandmamma here ready to model soon! Thank you so much, Grandmamma! We are SO very blessed to have these dresses, and so very blessed to have you to make them for us!