Just us - there’s a little of the before, but mostly it’s the after...

bella's inspirations

In typical jennhen fashion, I spent an obnoxious amount of time researching my children's gifts for Christmas.

I don't want to buy gifts just so they can have more to open, I buy gifts that I think they will love and enjoy.

I don't think it's about the quantity, but the quality.

This year, Julien's gifts were way more difficult than Addie's, but Addie's gifts still required way more thought than probably is really healthy.

One afternoon, I was helping Addie dress and undress a small village of dolls when she asked me, "Diaper"?

Being the horrible Mother that I am, I realized that I did not have a drawer full of doll diapers readily available for the 30+ dolls that live in my home.

That is when the search began.

In case you didn't know it, disposable doll diapers are ridiculously expensive.

So, I turned to my trusted Etsy for help.

I searched, and searched, and searched.

and searched.

But

I needed to find just the perfect diapers for Addie's babies.

I kid you not, weeks of late night Etsy viewing took place and that's when I happened upon bella's inspirations.

When I saw the diapers, I knew my search was over.

I ordered ~~four~~ five diapers with matching wipes (a bib arrived as well...)

and

a sleeping bag with matching pillow.

Two business days later, the package arrived at my house.

When I opened the box, Chris was standing next to me (maybe in hopes of a prize for him....???) and he was extremely impressed with the quality and workmanship of the diapers and sleeping bag.

For dolls.

We were so impressed, that I ordered eight more diapers with matching wipes.

Everything from polka dots, to doggies, to kitties, to ballerina kitties adorned the diapers.

I loved the diapers so much that I decided to let Addie give some as gifts

and

then Santa confiscated the rest.

...and on Christmas morning, my sweet Baby Girl was so surprised to receive the new diapers for her babies.

Her babies have been changed countless times.

The diapers have been washed and the Velcro strips put to the ultimate baby changing test

and they look just the same as the day I received them.

As an added bonus, Nancy from bella's inspirations is a remarkably kind woman who puts her heart into making these diapers.

I love nothing more than to find an amazing item, that has been handmade with love.

It makes it that much more special.

If you are shopping for baby doll diapers, baby doll wipes or baby doll sleeping bags, please contact Nancy at bella's inspirations.

You will not be disappointed.

Christmas Eve Animal Invasion

On Christmas Eve, Tucker came to visit.

This made Addie very happy

and wore Rudy out.

Although Rudy was exhausted from chasing after Tucker, he refused to go anywhere except on an available lap,

and mine was available,

for a limited time.

Happy Birthday Cupcake Cake Day!

This year was still as challenging when it came time to decide on a birthday cake.

The cake that I wanted wasn't available because the store was closed for the holidays, so we took Addie to a local bakery.

Upon entering the store, she was on complete cupcake cake sensory overload.

She stood - silently - looking at all the cakes.

We tried to ask the Little Monkey leading questions in hopes that we could get an idea of what she really wanted.

The only response we got was, "Cake".

We know she loves yellow cake with chocolate icing

and

after her miraculous communication over her Halloween Costume,

I knew I couldn't go wrong with ladybugs.

We placed the order and reassured Addie that it would only be a few days before we came back to pick up her cake.

When cake day arrived, she was one super excited Baby Girl and stood watch over her cake until it was time for her celebration.

Julien and I decorated her cake with three of the candles from birthdays past.

Julien insists on lighting the candles...not sure how much I should worry about his desire to start fires.

Oh my.

She had a moment of stage fright.

It only took a second to see what awaited her.

Absolutely priceless.

She had a little trouble this year with so many candles

but after several attempts, we finally managed to get them all blown out

and she wasted no time asking for her piece of cake.

Smart. Smart Girl.

Happy, Happy Birthday to my beautiful Baby Girl!

~~~

December 31, 2013

Happy 7th Birthday Addie!

Charlie's Mom gently suggested that I get to the details of my Little Monkey's Birthday

before I tackle Christmas pictures.

I'm here to please.

My sleepy Little Monkey was all about sitting in her birthday chair.

It's always the little things that she loves the most, and she definitely loved this kitty decoration!

In fact, she made a point of climbing onto the kitty chair throughout the day in order to look at her new outfit

and

to see how many times she could send me into a complete panic.

She turned picture taking into a game.

She was giggling and refused to look at the camera

but then would look at the camera, but refused to smile.

She is a total mess.

I lost count of how many times she managed to climb onto the chair.

From looking at her cupcake shirt, to watching my look of panic, to making funny faces in the mirror, she kept me busy - all day long.

We found a cow to complete Addie's wish list from her letter to Santa.

Mrs. Amy came to visit for Addie's Birthday.

Although Addie doesn't see Mrs. Amy very often, she always loves to spend time with her.

Addie loved her new bracelets

and

gave Amy a big hug and promptly told her "Thank you".

Amy also brought my Little Monkey her very own Monkey scarf.

How incredibly perfect!

The opening of gifts was so much more special this year.

Addie willingly sat in the front of a room full of people and took her time unwrapping her presents.

She looked at each gift and didn't just toss one thing aside and move on to the next.

This was one of our gifts to Addie.

Sure it's cute,

but it's also educational

and

teaching this Little Monkey her age has been a challenge for us each year.

Just about the time she understands her new number, it changes again!

As I handed Addie each present, I made sure to let her know who the gift was from

and this very simple book

made her so very happy!

"Her Julien" was oblivious to his contribution to the gifts, but he knows that Doc McStuffins is a very beloved part of Addie's life right now.

Next up were the gifts from my Mother.

Just like with each gift before and after, as soon as Addie opened her gift, she ran to the giver,

hugged them and told them, "Thank you" without any prompting.

Two new leotards for dance - thanks GaGa!

Addie was having so much fun, it truly was so sweet to watch her!

A new animal book was one gift from my sister and niece and you can tell from the priceless look on Addie's face, just how very much she loved it!

...and if you'll notice, under Addie's new birthday outfit was...a tutu.

She wasn't happy wearing just one outfit, and decided to wear two.

Her precious cupcake shirt and her tutu...and pants...and cuddle duds.

She was one very poofy and cuddly birthday girl!

The very generous gift from my brother and his family was left for last

because we knew once she saw

her new Adora birthday cupcake baby, the ceremonial opening of the gifts, was over.

~~~

December 31, 2013

A Public Service Announcement

In the midst of enjoying this very rare frigid Alabama weather,

don't forget to check in on elderly neighbors and outside pets.

We have a stray kitty that has been trying to stay warm on the open portion of our back deck.

It didn't cost me any extra money and less than five minutes of my time to grab a leftover cardboard box from Christmas and a few items from our emergency kit.

I just couldn't sleep knowing that I had it within my power to help one soul on this chilly night.