desert darling: January 2016

Some random things I'm loving this January.

Wildflower by Drew Barrymore. Joe gave me this book for Christmas because he knows how much I love Drew Barrymore, and it's so good! It's just a few essay-style stories she wrote about her life, in no particular order or theme, just random stories she felt like sharing. It's so interesting getting an insight into her life, and I loved learning more about her. It's also the perfect style book for me right now; I can read a chapter or two right before bed and not feel like I have to remember details to keep up. Great, easy read!

A Color Story app. I couldn't wait to have this app since I first heard about it, and downloaded it the morning it came out. And I love it so much. It's a photo editing app by the creators of A Beautiful Mess, and includes a ton of beautiful photo filters, effects, and very intricate editing tools. It comes for free with the essential filters and sample effects, but I really recommend you buy all of the different features, it's so worth it!

Adult coloring books. Yes, I'm into the coloring book trend. They're really "in" right now for a reason! It's so therapeutic and relaxing to just color in these beautiful images. I don't have a ton of extra time right now to color, but I also have an app on my iPad called Colorfy that is a digital way to color in the same type of pictures. The other night after Violet went to sleep I sat in a bath and "colored" on my iPad for about a half an hour, it was amazing!

iPad Mini 4. Speaking of iPads, Joe gave me the new iPad Mini for Christmas, and I'm seriously loving it. I've had the original iPad Mini since it came out, and Joe kept saying I needed a new one, but I kept insisting mine was fine. I'm so glad he got me a new one anyway, such a difference! This one is so much faster and nicer looking, and the charge lasts longer than a few hours, haha! I should listen to him more when it comes to techy stuff.

Marvel's Jessica Jones. Joe is the Marvel/ comic book person in the family. Although I actually really enjoy Marvel movies, I've never gotten as into comic books or super heroes as he is. Well, it was actually my idea to start this show because a few friends of mine who aren't too into superhero stuff loved it. So we started it one night and were hooked after the first episode. We finished the first season last night and it was SO GOOD. I'm surprised I loved it so much because I'm usually not really into action-y type shows like this, but this is up there with one of my favorite shows. I already can't wait for the next season to come out.

Canon Selphy CP910. I bought this little photo printer because I thought it would come in handy for printing out 4x6 photos for Violet's baby book and albums, and it really does. It's super easy to use, you just send a photo wirelessly from your phone and it prints. It's nice when there's a photo I want to add to her book and can just print it out right away instead of sending it out to pick up.

Hunter Boots. I've been wanting these forever, but for some reason wouldn't just buy them. But Joe finally got them for me for Christmas (he did good this year!) and I've been wearing them pretty much every day! Even when it's not rainy, they're so easy to just throw on, and so warm with the Hunter socks! I love them so much and am so glad I finally have a pair!

Anything extra special you've been loving this month?

I can't decide if I want to say that Violet is already two months old because she is growing so quickly, or that she is only two months old, because I feel like I've known her forever. It's a strange feeling! Joe and I constantly talk about how we don't want her to grow up and want her to stay tiny forever, but that we also can't wait for all of the amazing things to come. I guess that's all just part of being a parent!

This month, Violet:

Started smiling a ton! There is no greater feeling than making your baby smile just by talking to them.

Had her first round of vaccines, which was so sad to see her cry, but felt good to know we're taking care of her.

Still is being exclusively breastfed. This month I really feel like we both have gotten the hang of breastfeeding, and I can safely say we both really enjoy it.

Weighs exactly 10 pounds, and is 23 inches long.

Grew out of her newborn clothes and diapers and now wears 0-3 month clothing and size 1 diapers.

Loves car rides, she'll just look out the window until she falls asleep.

Also loves music, being held, and baths.

Developed mild eczema, but hypoallergenic soap and special eczema lotion has made it clear up almost all the way.

Doesn't like being cold or the nose frida.

Started sleeping 5-5 1/2 hour stretches at night, which has been awesome!

It has been absolutely amazing seeing Violet grow, and although it makes me sad that she's not a teeny tiny newborn anymore, it makes my heart so happy and proud to see her grow into a healthy, happy baby.