a Life with the Erickson's

happy baby

Kurt, you simply love your dad's voice and are always so happy to see him - especially when he's just come home from work. Your smile and laughter are contagious and we can't get enough of you!

When Luke's cousin Kate volunteered to take some newborn photos of Kurt we jumped at the opportunity. And, if you've ever seen Kate's work you'd understand why. Kurt was only 17 days old when these photos were taken. He wasn't the most cooperative subject to photograph, but you'd never know it by looking at the results. Kate did an amazing job! If anyone needs a photographer (she does more than just newborn photos), I highly recommend Kate. Take a peek at her blog for more info.

Kate, thank you for taking the time to capture those precious first moments for us! :)

Ab Ripper X

That's right people. I just did over 300 "moves" and Kurt was thoroughly entertained until the Roll-Up/V-Up Combos. At which point, I had to pause it and bring him upstairs for a nap. I can't say I was too disappointed that I had to take a break. :)

two months

Yes, it's true. Two months have passed since Kurt was born. Somedays I wish he'd never grow up. He's already changed so much since day one. :( Here's a photo from our day together:

our first garden

On Saturday Luke started the prep work for our first garden! I have to give him a big "thank you" for doing all the leg work because this garden was originally my idea. Unfortunately, I had a headache on Saturday so I stayed home with Kurt while he picked up and laid down the fertilizer and mulch.

As you all know, we're renting our house right now and simply don't have space for a garden here. Nonetheless, we wanted to grow our own vegetables. Thankfully, Luke's great aunt and uncle Phyllis and Bill were generous enough to share their land with us so I have to give them a big "thank you" too!

I'm really looking forward to gardening after work with Kurt this summer. It will be a fun way for the two of us to get out of the house, especially because we don't have air conditioning! :)

Where did this week go?

I'm not sure where the time went this week! Yesterday, my friend Sarah met me and Kurt at jonnie beans for breakfast. She brought along her one-month-old Ava. What a little pumpkin! We were there for over two hours and both Kurt and Ava did awesome! Another major accomplishment... I finally mailed the thank you cards to everyone who made it to my last baby shower. It feels amazing to have that off my checklist! And, who doesn't like receiving a little note in the mail? :)

I started reading Secrets of the Baby Whisperer this week. I'm not finished with it yet, but it was recommended for parents who want to get their family into a routine (not a schedule). It also has advice on getting to know your baby and getting your baby to sleep through the night. Yay! Right now, Kurt will sleep four or five hours for the first portion of the evening and then is up every two or three hours. They say, "a happy baby sleeps through the night." Hopefully, I'll learn something that works for Kurt and we'll all be happy!

Tonight, we are going out for dinner with my mom and dad. I think they said they're paying too! ;) Ha!

Happy Friday to everyone!

happy friday!

What's in Kurt's diaper bag?

1 - Norwex Baby Hooded Towel Set: I don't have the whole set in his diaper bag; just the little face cloth. I use the face cloth as a burp cloth because it's the perfect size and highly absorbent.
2 - Carter's Longsleeve Bodysuits, 4 pack: I couldn't find a link for the bodysuits with the mitt cuffs, but those are the ones we have (thanks Brandie) and love them! These are so great because they prevent Kurt from scratching his face and help keep his hands warm.
3 - Zutano Chocolate Stripe Newborn Hat: my mom bought this hat for Kurt in the 3 month size and it's been our go-to item since day 1. It fits his little 13.5" head perfectly! :)
4 - California Baby Calendula Cream: the doctor mentioned that peeling skin is more common in babies born after their estimate due dates because they spent more time inside. Although we just have to let it run it's course, this cream is very gentle and soothing and seems to help. It also comes in a 4-ounce size.
5 - Bum Boosa Bamboo Baby Wipes: I don't even know where to begin with these wipes. They're simply the best and I feel good using them on Kurt because they're pH balanced, alcohol-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, chlorine-free, and smell absolutely amazing!
6 - aden + anais Organic Sky Blue Swaddle: we actually have a few aden + anais swaddles and a couple blankets. They're all so cute and cozy... and their burpy bibs are pretty amazing too!
7 - California Baby Calming Shampoo & Bodywash: I don't think you could go wrong with any California Baby product! We got a 2-ounce travel size bottle for the diaper bag, but they also sell the shampoo & bodywash in a gallon, half-gallon, 19-ounce, 17.5-ounce, and 8.5-ounce sizes.
8 - Timbuk2 Cookie Tote: last but not least the diaper bag! I love all the compartments and the shoulder strap, which is a must for any diaper bag. It's not too large or heavy; it has enough space for diapers, wipes, toys, bottles, blankets, etc and is definitely durable. Oh, and I got it 50% off so it was a thrifty purchase! :)

baby shower #3

My sister flew in from New York a couple weeks ago to meet baby Kurt and while she was here, she and my mom threw the three of us a baby shower! It was big day full of family, friends, and neighbors all eager to meet the little bundle. We had a great time visiting with everyone and couldn't have asked for a more special day. Baby Kurt is enjoying all his new presents and wanted to make sure his mom remembered to blog about it. :) Thank you to everyone who made the trip to come see us!