The toddler stage brought a new set of changes + challenges. We began potty training. We moved Em out of her crib and into a toddler bed. She began day care.
These are the little things that helped us with the transition.

1] Name Bubbles - Essential for day care. All of her clothes + shoes need to be labeled. These fabulous stickers go through the wash over and over and can be removed very easily when needed.
2] Crib rail
– Em started climbing out of her crib very early. We decided to convert her crib to a toddler bed. However, although Em’s crib converted it wasn’t ideal at all. She was so young that we knew she would easily roll out of her converted crib. So, we put the mattress on the floor instead but she spent most of her nights on the carpet after she’d roll off the mattress. Finally, we discovered this crib rail. Now, she’s in her converted bed. This rail keeps her from falling out and helps her to climb into bed on her own.
3] Built-in toilet seat
– There are a ton of potty options out there. We opted for a small floor potty to begin the training process. Then, we moved to this built-in seat. It’s made of wood so it’s very sturdy. It’s has a quiet + slow close lid. And it keeps our bathroom a little more clutter free.
4] Travel cot
– Once Em outgrew her Arm’s Reach Co-sleeper
, we looked for another alternative and found this travel cot. It’s awesome. Inexpensive. Lightweight. Folds up. Has a cover/sheet. And best of all? It’s very low to the ground in case she were to roll out.
5] Toddler pillow + pillowcase – Once in her toddler bed, we figured she was ready for a sheet + pillow. Finding a set was not easy. I stumbled upon this toddler pillow + case at Pottery Barn. It’s the perfect size.
6] Aden + Anais swaddlers
– These muslin swaddlers are still getting lots of use. They make the perfect lightweight + breathable sheet/blanket for her toddler bed.
7] Aden + Anais bib
– I love these bibs. They are big to catch the food mess. And, they snap instead of velco which means less hair tangling.

A new year means new shoes. These are the ones that have been on Em’s feet this spring + summer.
1 / An everyday shoe
- Em goes to day care twice a week and they require the kids to wear a full shoe with heels + toes covered. Since we loved the Pediped Originals
, we moved up to these. At first, we were unsure which to go with – the Grip ‘n’ Go
or the Flex
. Technically, the Grip ‘n’ Go come after the Originals. However, after trying them on in the store, we quickly realized Em was ready to go straight to the Flex because she was such a confident walker. These shoes go with everything and have held up extremely well!
2 / Knock around shoes - I resisted Crocs for a while.
What made me come around? They are so easy to put on + clean. These were the first shoes Em could put on by herself. They also are the only shoes we found that she can wear without socks and not get blisters.
3 / Sandals - These are super cute sandals with interchangeable bows. As much as I adore them, we’ve realized that all the sandals we’ve tried – including these – give Em blisters. So, we stick with Crocs and use these for special times like pictures.
4 / Water shoes - With frequent trips to the lake house + swimming pools these were a must. They fit well and held up all summer.
In the fall, we plan to get a pair of black Pediped Flex
shoes to finish out the school year and to use as her holiday shoes. We also plan to buy another pair of Crocs when she outgrows her current pair. We should be able to get by with just two pairs of shoes since it will soon be too cold for sandals + water shoes.
Previously – em approved // infant shoes age 1
September 21, 2012 // Comments Off

In a couple of weeks, Em will get her first haircut! It’s just a trim but I’m a little nervous and for a silly reason. Her hair is straight except for the ends which spiral into the sweetest curls. I just hope the curls get to stay and they don’t cut them all off. We shall see!

We’ve just updated our shop to include this anniversary card set. Previously available individually, now you can purchase the first – fifth year cards and save! I think these would make a lovely wedding gift for the letterpress loving couple :]
September 6, 2012 // Comments Off

Our last morning in Portland, we rose super early and headed out again to try Voodoo Doughnuts. This time, we were in luck! There was no line.

After our tasty sweet treats, we took a shuttle to the airport. From the air we spotted these two mountains peeking through the white cloud blanket.

Bye bye, Portland!
Previously – our itinerary / day one / day two / day three
September 4, 2012 // Comments Off

We started out the day thinking we would grab breakfast around the corner at Voodoo Doughnuts. Unfortunately, so did everyone else! The line was crazy long. We ended up finding a little bakery nearby instead and vowed to try again super early the next day before our flight back home.

After, we walked down to Old Town Chinatown…

and made our way to the Lan Su Chinese Garden which was a lovely oasis that seemed out of place in the middle of modern day Portland.

There, we stopped in The Teahouse and enjoyed dumplings and Gongfu style tea.

After, headed to the the river to get a glimpse of Portland’s famous White Stag Sign. It was larger that I expected it to be!

We made our way through Portland Saturday Market and stopped by our hotel for a little down time.

That night, we enjoyed dinner at Little Bird. With the bill, they gave us mini macaroons that were about the size of a quarter! Such a sweet + unexpected treat.
Previously – our itinerary / day one / day two
August 30, 2012 // Comments Off