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The Danielson Circus

For Kendall's first birthday party, we decided pretty early on that we were going to do a Circus theme. We always joke that our house is a zoo, or the "Danielson Circus", hence the theme. I was very lucky that I found a ton of paper goods on the $2 rack at Michael's in June, so I swooped them up, and the planning took off from there.

I bought these invitations - Modern Circus Invites

 

 

These were my inspiration pins - Circus Party. I must say, "God Bless Pinterest" because I got a ton of ideas and DIY tips.

 

I found these adorable banners on two different sites.

 

Cirque de Bebe banner

 

For Kendall's first birthday party, we decided pretty early on that we were going to do a Circus theme. We always joke that our house is a zoo, or the "Danielson Circus", hence the theme. I was very lucky that I found a ton of paper goods on the $2 rack at Michael's in June, so I swooped them up, and the planning took off from there.

I bought these invitations - Modern Circus Invites

 

 

These were my inspiration pins - Circus Party. I must say, "God Bless Pinterest" because I got a ton of ideas and DIY tips.

 

I found these adorable banners on two different sites.

 

Cirque de Bebe banner

 

Kendall's Lust List

Just a few items Kendall I am lusting over for her birthday...

how cute is this tent? I can just picture it in her playroom, out in the backyard, etc as a reading corner, make believe fairytale corner, safe haven...

I love any of these for her playroom also. If only they made adult sizes as well... the whole family could have one!

 

this water table would be pretty awesome for summer next year.

 

I know I am getting ahead of myself, but how cute is this kitchen? This is just for inspiration- totally something Papa Anderson can build... Although he should probably start now for Christmas 2014!

Just a few items Kendall I am lusting over for her birthday...

how cute is this tent? I can just picture it in her playroom, out in the backyard, etc as a reading corner, make believe fairytale corner, safe haven...

I love any of these for her playroom also. If only they made adult sizes as well... the whole family could have one!

 

this water table would be pretty awesome for summer next year.

 

I know I am getting ahead of myself, but how cute is this kitchen? This is just for inspiration- totally something Papa Anderson can build... Although he should probably start now for Christmas 2014!

Showering Baby Jack - Travel Theme

My sister Katie and her husband Justin are having a baby boy in just a few short weeks. Baby A's name is Jackson (Jack) Didrik A... and we all can't wait to meet him! Since my sister and J are such big travelers (both for work - lucky! and pleasure), they decided to them Jack's nursery around "travel". They have this crib and this bedding, and these letters above his crib. They also have some great airplane hangers also from Pottery Barn Kids, and a few other decorative pieces they picked up at Home Goods, Cost Plus, etc. Jack's nursery is just perfect for the little traveler he is sure to become.

In keeping with their Travel theme, my mom and I decided to theme our shower for Baby Jack around travel as well. Here are a few pictures to give you a better idea ...

Compass that is now in Jack's room

Who wouldn't want mini alcohol bottles as part of their shower favor? The tags have a "J" on one side, and "Thank you" with baby booties on the other.

T.V. mix and homemade caramel corn to go with the mini alcohol bottles.

The super sweet piggy plane bank for Jack

Décor for the food table

Luggage tags courtesy of the airport for the silverware  

We could not be happier with how the shower for Jack turned out. I am a big believer in the little personal touches that make each event special.

My sister Katie and her husband Justin are having a baby boy in just a few short weeks. Baby A's name is Jackson (Jack) Didrik A... and we all can't wait to meet him! Since my sister and J are such big travelers (both for work - lucky! and pleasure), they decided to them Jack's nursery around "travel". They have this crib and this bedding, and these letters above his crib. They also have some great airplane hangers also from Pottery Barn Kids, and a few other decorative pieces they picked up at Home Goods, Cost Plus, etc. Jack's nursery is just perfect for the little traveler he is sure to become.

In keeping with their Travel theme, my mom and I decided to theme our shower for Baby Jack around travel as well. Here are a few pictures to give you a better idea ...

Compass that is now in Jack's room

Who wouldn't want mini alcohol bottles as part of their shower favor? The tags have a "J" on one side, and "Thank you" with baby booties on the other.

T.V. mix and homemade caramel corn to go with the mini alcohol bottles.

The super sweet piggy plane bank for Jack

Décor for the food table

Luggage tags courtesy of the airport for the silverware  

We could not be happier with how the shower for Jack turned out. I am a big believer in the little personal touches that make each event special.

Traveling with a Little One

Last month we headed up to Portland, Oregon to celebrate the wedding of my cousing Tracy. We obviously decided to fly, since spending 8-10 hours driving with a little one sounded miserable. We left Friday late morning, and flew home Sunday late afternoon. These are just a few tips I discovered when traveling with a little one. Shout out to my girl Bri over at sweetbabyaddy.blogspot.com for some helpful tips as well!

TIPS:
* Time your flights accordingly. We flew up to Oregon during Kendall's morning nap, and flew home from Oregon during her afternoon nap. She slept on me and it worked out perfectly.
* check in early for your flight. We flew Southwest, and were able to do the family boarding in between the A and B boarding groups. It worked out great for us!
* have all your documents, tickets, etc easily accessible. I had everything in a folder in my carryon, so when we got to the ticket counter, security, etc, it was all right there for me!
* check your carseat as luggage and take your stroller to the gate. We opted to check Kendall's carseat with our luggage and kept her in her stroller. We have this stroller, and it worked like a dream. Kendall stayed in her stroller up to security, David carried her through while I got all the bags on the security belt, they pushed her stroller through the alarm think, I walked through, packed our bags back on the stroller, and off we went!
* Take your stroller to the gate. Kendall stayed in her stroller up until we were about to board. David carried her on and I broke down her stroller, where we then checked it at the gate. It was up and ready for us when we deboarded after the flight. You do take on the liability when you check your stroller and carseat, but it was well worth it for us to have it in the airport.
* Take off and Landing. I know this is the part that every parent dreads (i know i had a little anxiety over this part of the flight!) but if you are prepared, it is relatively painless. I had a two ounce bottle for Kendall to take during take off AND landing, had a pacifier for her during the flight, and planned on her napping for most of it (which she did!).
* ask your hotel for a crib or pac N play. This was one less thing that we had to pack, and made traveling that much easier.
* take something to drown out the hotel noise. we brougth a portable sound machine, and it worked wonders drowing out people stomping walking down the halls.
* last but certainly not least, BE FLEXIBLE! no matter what, their schedules get messed up, everyone wants to hold them, etc. Kendall napped in the car, her stroller, on me, in her pack n play, etc. In the grand scheme of things, a few days off their schedule isnt that bad. We fell right back in to our routine the minute we got home. With that being said, do try to keep some things normal for them, like their bedtime routine. we still did bath, lotion, book, nursing, bed. that way, she knew it was time for night night, and slept pretty well while we were there. 

Last month we headed up to Portland, Oregon to celebrate the wedding of my cousing Tracy. We obviously decided to fly, since spending 8-10 hours driving with a little one sounded miserable. We left Friday late morning, and flew home Sunday late afternoon. These are just a few tips I discovered when traveling with a little one. Shout out to my girl Bri over at sweetbabyaddy.blogspot.com for some helpful tips as well!

TIPS:
* Time your flights accordingly. We flew up to Oregon during Kendall's morning nap, and flew home from Oregon during her afternoon nap. She slept on me and it worked out perfectly.
* check in early for your flight. We flew Southwest, and were able to do the family boarding in between the A and B boarding groups. It worked out great for us!
* have all your documents, tickets, etc easily accessible. I had everything in a folder in my carryon, so when we got to the ticket counter, security, etc, it was all right there for me!
* check your carseat as luggage and take your stroller to the gate. We opted to check Kendall's carseat with our luggage and kept her in her stroller. We have this stroller, and it worked like a dream. Kendall stayed in her stroller up to security, David carried her through while I got all the bags on the security belt, they pushed her stroller through the alarm think, I walked through, packed our bags back on the stroller, and off we went!
* Take your stroller to the gate. Kendall stayed in her stroller up until we were about to board. David carried her on and I broke down her stroller, where we then checked it at the gate. It was up and ready for us when we deboarded after the flight. You do take on the liability when you check your stroller and carseat, but it was well worth it for us to have it in the airport.
* Take off and Landing. I know this is the part that every parent dreads (i know i had a little anxiety over this part of the flight!) but if you are prepared, it is relatively painless. I had a two ounce bottle for Kendall to take during take off AND landing, had a pacifier for her during the flight, and planned on her napping for most of it (which she did!).
* ask your hotel for a crib or pac N play. This was one less thing that we had to pack, and made traveling that much easier.
* take something to drown out the hotel noise. we brougth a portable sound machine, and it worked wonders drowing out people stomping walking down the halls.
* last but certainly not least, BE FLEXIBLE! no matter what, their schedules get messed up, everyone wants to hold them, etc. Kendall napped in the car, her stroller, on me, in her pack n play, etc. In the grand scheme of things, a few days off their schedule isnt that bad. We fell right back in to our routine the minute we got home. With that being said, do try to keep some things normal for them, like their bedtime routine. we still did bath, lotion, book, nursing, bed. that way, she knew it was time for night night, and slept pretty well while we were there. 

Summer Lovin'

We have been having so much fun with the babe lately. She is 9 1/2 months old now, and such a little love! She is a busy little girl, and quite fun, though exhausting at times! We love every minute with her (even teething hell because it means she is that much more cuddly). We have had a busy summer so far, and have lots more to look forward to.

At her nine month check up, Kendall was in the 50th percentile for height, weight, and head circumference. She is developing right on track, and her ped doesn't think she has a dairy allergy (remember the yogurt drama?), but rather a sensitive tummy. So, we will wait a while, and try again at a later date. In the meantime, she loves chicken and turkey, veggies, and lots of fruits, as well as puffs (they count as a food group for baby's don't they?). Her crib is officially on the lowest setting since she has been pulling herself up for the last two months. She loves getting in to mischief, and always goes for the objects she isn't supposed to. Baby proofing will be in full force over the next two weeks.
Kendall is loving all the time she gets to spend with Daddy since he is off for the summer. I used to be a bit envious (who are we kidding, green with jealousy is more like it!) at the summers that David got off, but now I love that they get that time together. We have been beating the Sacramento heat with lots of time in the pool, hanging outside, and BBQs galore.
This past weekend we celebrated the fourth of July, had David's brother visit for a few days, and then celebrated Dave's birthday and my bestie Anna's birthday as well with a wine tasting trip. Lots of fun and sun for us lately, and much more to come over the next two months!

 

Four Generations

Danielson Family Reunion

Big girl trying to stand on her own

BIL visit

Fourth of July

 

 

Watermelon mess

Loved the fireworks!

We have been having so much fun with the babe lately. She is 9 1/2 months old now, and such a little love! She is a busy little girl, and quite fun, though exhausting at times! We love every minute with her (even teething hell because it means she is that much more cuddly). We have had a busy summer so far, and have lots more to look forward to.

At her nine month check up, Kendall was in the 50th percentile for height, weight, and head circumference. She is developing right on track, and her ped doesn't think she has a dairy allergy (remember the yogurt drama?), but rather a sensitive tummy. So, we will wait a while, and try again at a later date. In the meantime, she loves chicken and turkey, veggies, and lots of fruits, as well as puffs (they count as a food group for baby's don't they?). Her crib is officially on the lowest setting since she has been pulling herself up for the last two months. She loves getting in to mischief, and always goes for the objects she isn't supposed to. Baby proofing will be in full force over the next two weeks.
Kendall is loving all the time she gets to spend with Daddy since he is off for the summer. I used to be a bit envious (who are we kidding, green with jealousy is more like it!) at the summers that David got off, but now I love that they get that time together. We have been beating the Sacramento heat with lots of time in the pool, hanging outside, and BBQs galore.
This past weekend we celebrated the fourth of July, had David's brother visit for a few days, and then celebrated Dave's birthday and my bestie Anna's birthday as well with a wine tasting trip. Lots of fun and sun for us lately, and much more to come over the next two months!

 

Four Generations

Danielson Family Reunion

Big girl trying to stand on her own

BIL visit

Fourth of July

 

 

Watermelon mess

Loved the fireworks!

Picture overload

Totes Adorbs!

Our Blue Eyed Babe

Mother's Day

First Swim

Father's Day

Sushi Date Night

Totes Adorbs!

Our Blue Eyed Babe

Mother's Day

First Swim

Father's Day

Sushi Date Night

Where does the time go?

I have been a pretty sucky blogger lately! Life is just flying be as of late. In the last two months, we have packed up our old house, moved to our new house, gotten 85% situated (still have some boxes left to unpack and pictures to hang, etc), and much more! Kendall is now 9 months old, and is standing, crawling all over the place, babbling and screeching, and all in all, a moving machine! From the time she wakes up to the time she goes to bed she is NON STOP! This has been my favorite stage so far. She is very interactive, and is learning new things every day. Right now she can wave hi and bye, give kisses (open mouth of course!), clap her hands, and give high fives. We are pretty sure she is a baby genius, but doesn't every parent think that?!

I have been a pretty sucky blogger lately! Life is just flying be as of late. In the last two months, we have packed up our old house, moved to our new house, gotten 85% situated (still have some boxes left to unpack and pictures to hang, etc), and much more! Kendall is now 9 months old, and is standing, crawling all over the place, babbling and screeching, and all in all, a moving machine! From the time she wakes up to the time she goes to bed she is NON STOP! This has been my favorite stage so far. She is very interactive, and is learning new things every day. Right now she can wave hi and bye, give kisses (open mouth of course!), clap her hands, and give high fives. We are pretty sure she is a baby genius, but doesn't every parent think that?!

Scary stuff

This morning we had our first "oh shit" moment with Kendall. Not to say we haven't had a few freak outs (what new parents haven't) but this was by far the scariest.
This morning we have her yogurt for the first time. I was a bit hesitant at first, considering yogurt is dairy, but after doing some research and talking to a few friends, it sounded as though dairy in yogurt was fine, because of the live cultures, etc in yogurt. Well, to make a long story short, Kendall ate all the yogurt like a champ. She looked like a little bird taking it all in. About 20 minutes after finishing it, she started coughing and making this weird coughing/choking noise, like she couldn't clear her throat. I gave her a little water, and then all of a sudden, we had projectile puking everywhere. We got her all changed, and she settled down for her nap and about half way through her morning nap, she was super fussy, so I took her out to settle her back down. Then came round two of the throwing up. Poor baby had it all over her face, in her eye lashes, etc. we got her in the bath, and after her bath, noticed she had a rash all over. So off to urgent care we went. She ended up being just fine, but the doctor told us no dairy till age 1. It's a little frustrating! The doctor tells you one thing, baby food packaging says another- how do you know what to do other than follow your gut instinct?! Needless to say, we won't be trying yogurt again till at least 1 year. Today will be lots of snuggles and kisses to keep baby girl happy. XO!

This morning we had our first "oh shit" moment with Kendall. Not to say we haven't had a few freak outs (what new parents haven't) but this was by far the scariest.
This morning we have her yogurt for the first time. I was a bit hesitant at first, considering yogurt is dairy, but after doing some research and talking to a few friends, it sounded as though dairy in yogurt was fine, because of the live cultures, etc in yogurt. Well, to make a long story short, Kendall ate all the yogurt like a champ. She looked like a little bird taking it all in. About 20 minutes after finishing it, she started coughing and making this weird coughing/choking noise, like she couldn't clear her throat. I gave her a little water, and then all of a sudden, we had projectile puking everywhere. We got her all changed, and she settled down for her nap and about half way through her morning nap, she was super fussy, so I took her out to settle her back down. Then came round two of the throwing up. Poor baby had it all over her face, in her eye lashes, etc. we got her in the bath, and after her bath, noticed she had a rash all over. So off to urgent care we went. She ended up being just fine, but the doctor told us no dairy till age 1. It's a little frustrating! The doctor tells you one thing, baby food packaging says another- how do you know what to do other than follow your gut instinct?! Needless to say, we won't be trying yogurt again till at least 1 year. Today will be lots of snuggles and kisses to keep baby girl happy. XO!

Birthday Fun

Family Room Inspiration

Now that we are gearing up for our move, I have been obsessed with looking for new ways to update our existing furniture and decor. Our family room now is a combination of browns, whites, and blues. We love the blue accents that we already have, and were looking to add a few more to the mix. Ikea is an affordable, fun way to do that! Here are a few pieces we have our eyes on (we may have already bought the clock...)

Cart  Clock Chaise

 

 

Now that we are gearing up for our move, I have been obsessed with looking for new ways to update our existing furniture and decor. Our family room now is a combination of browns, whites, and blues. We love the blue accents that we already have, and were looking to add a few more to the mix. Ikea is an affordable, fun way to do that! Here are a few pieces we have our eyes on (we may have already bought the clock...)

Cart  Clock Chaise

 

 

Big News

We have some big news- The Danielson's are moving! Shortly after having Kendall, we realized that our house is not condusive to more than one baby. While we are no where close to having a second baby (I bet lots of you thought thats what "big news" meant!), we are realistic in knowing that once we are ready for baby #2, we will not be ready to have Kendall downstairs by herself while we are upstairs with the baby. So, in December, we met with our real estate agent (if you are in Sacramento, look up Idelle Claypool, she is amazing!), and started looking for a forever home for us and our growing family. We looked for a few months unsucessfully, and then stumbled across this beauty

We were lucky enough to meet the seller, and tell her how much we loved the home and could see ourselves growing in to with our growing family. We put in an offer that evening, and it was accepted! Then came the fun part of putting our house on the market. Luckily, it had become a seller's market, and we had no problems selling. We have since closed on both of the homes, and will be moving in to our new house in May! Meanwhile, we are still living in our first house, and will be there while we have work/updates done on the new house.
I can't wait to decorate a new home and make it "ours"! All of the bedrooms are upstairs, while the living spaces are downstairs. We also have an office downstairs that we are going to make in to an office/playroom. Here are my ideas for it.

1  2  3

We already have the office furniture and just need the curtains and pillows to add some color! I am planning on doing a chalk wall in the room as well so Kendall can draw on it when she gets a bit older. Me too!!

We have some big news- The Danielson's are moving! Shortly after having Kendall, we realized that our house is not condusive to more than one baby. While we are no where close to having a second baby (I bet lots of you thought thats what "big news" meant!), we are realistic in knowing that once we are ready for baby #2, we will not be ready to have Kendall downstairs by herself while we are upstairs with the baby. So, in December, we met with our real estate agent (if you are in Sacramento, look up Idelle Claypool, she is amazing!), and started looking for a forever home for us and our growing family. We looked for a few months unsucessfully, and then stumbled across this beauty

We were lucky enough to meet the seller, and tell her how much we loved the home and could see ourselves growing in to with our growing family. We put in an offer that evening, and it was accepted! Then came the fun part of putting our house on the market. Luckily, it had become a seller's market, and we had no problems selling. We have since closed on both of the homes, and will be moving in to our new house in May! Meanwhile, we are still living in our first house, and will be there while we have work/updates done on the new house.
I can't wait to decorate a new home and make it "ours"! All of the bedrooms are upstairs, while the living spaces are downstairs. We also have an office downstairs that we are going to make in to an office/playroom. Here are my ideas for it.

1  2  3

We already have the office furniture and just need the curtains and pillows to add some color! I am planning on doing a chalk wall in the room as well so Kendall can draw on it when she gets a bit older. Me too!!

Spring Fever

Just a few pictures I'm obsessed with loving from the last few weeks...

Just a few pictures I'm obsessed with loving from the last few weeks...