Meet The Essential

As a LILLEbaby Ambassador, I got to try out this super gorgeous carrier. All the hard work is worth it in this ambassador business;)

So a few months ago I was able to get into an awesome program as an ambassador for LILLEbaby. At first I was just so excited to be a part of these awesome ladies and try out carriers. Little did I know these amazing carrier would become my new obsession. My poor husband is always hearing about the next best carrier that they come out with. Like Pokémon, I've got to catch them all!

Back to the Essential, because that's why we are all here, right? This carrier is a freaking beauty... When I got it out of the box my heart exploded with giddiness, and I immediately sent Reece (Mr.Awesome) a text freaking out. He said "Yay! Now I get to use the black airflow." He gets me.

This carrier is my dream.

So what do I like?

The Bells and Whistles:

-Print. Duh.

-Padding under baby's legs. Pretty cool. I am not sure if the padding is on any of the other carriers because I only have an airflow Lille that is mesh. So, the padding is new to me, and I really appreciate it.

-Big pocket

-Big hood

-Durable (a workhorse)

-100% cotton but not hot at all

- I feel like it fits my short torso better for some reason.

-Low Price point! $89.99

What I miss in this carrier compared to my complete:

-No lumbar support. Honestly though, I think they were trying to keep this carrier at a low price point which is why the lumbar support isn't included. They do sell them separately and your other LILLE lumbar will fit this one. Lumbar is $27 and can be purchased HERE.

-The hood clips on with loops. They are kind of irritating when you are in a rush or when you are standing on a rock with a fishing pole in your hand and trying to hook them. Not a deal breaker for me though :)

-No neck support (I think that's what they are called). I don't mind though because my son always rests on me anyway. He doesn't really like the support snapped up in the airflow.

-4 positions instead of 6. Including no front facing.Again, we only use 2, so it doesn't bother me.

-Lastly, The clips don't have padding under them.

This carrier impressed me for such a low price. It's beautiful a carrier and it will last me a long time. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of my airflow but I love the sturdiness of it. I'd most likely wear the Essential when I am at the grocery store, fairs, farmers market...etc. Airflows are for hiking;)

My real life picture with the LILLEbaby.

I hope all of you are having an amazing day! I hope to check in more soon. Be on the look out for my Airflow post and my comparison posts of the essential and airflow! If you are interested in buying one of these gorgeous carriers you can buy through the link below (through my affiliated link) or go to directly to LILLEbaby .com

https://lillebaby.com?rfsn=129390.ec454 <------Affiliated link.


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Etsy/Shop Series: Drooly Scrumptious

 

I wanted to take a second and talk about this Etsy shop because I am in LOVE with this scarf. We got this scarf last winter, and yes I am just now getting to write out this post. I can't believe in this photo my boy was about to turn one, and now he is almost two! Holy, time flies! Anyway, this is such a great product... and I am not even being sponsored by this shop. Let's just say, last year this warm and soft scarf was worn by my son on the daily. It's STILL so soft! They come in many different prints and are so durable. Want to know something else super cool? My son can STILL wear it this winter. The length of these scarves are perfect, and make it easy to wear more than just one winter.

 

Go check her out HERE because not only does she have scarves, there are awesome bibs too!

 

Working Hard on Labor Day

I know Labor day was quite awhile ago, but I really want to get these photos up here on little ole' Housel Happenings. So, you have been warned that this will be a photo heavy post, mostly of Jude climbing rocks like a pro.So, what does the Housel Clan do on Labor day? BBQ? nah. We take fishing trips. Fishing trips where you drive about an hour down a really rocky dirt road, and THEN hike down another mile. The views are totally worth it though.

We spent a lot of time just climbing rocks because apparently that is my 18 month old child's new favorite thing to do. He gave me about 80 grey hairs that day. I was thoroughly impressed by his skill though! I really can't wait to see what he does when he is older! I hope you can sense the amount of sarcasm ^

This kid impresses me every day. I was pretty nervous to let him just do his thing without hovering. I was very close by, so I just decided to see what he could do. He was climbing up and down these rocks like a pro! Funny thing is, he didn't get hurt at all when we were out there. Maybe a bruise or two from a tumble he took, but other than that? Nothing! He waited till we got home that night to slip and bang his head on a metal bed frame... Seriously? Anyway, Reece caught a few fish and I even got out on the lake in the pontoon boat.

We had a really good day besides the bumps and bruises. Oh and the sunburn... Totally worth it though.

 



New Beginnings

Where did I leave off... Oh right, Jude's first birthday which was almost a year ago. Seriously? Who knew I could take such a long blogging hiatus. We were vlogging for almost that entire time, until we moved to our new home. Here we don't have internet unless we use our hotspot. Hotspots alone were not enough to upload long daily vlogs. So here I am again, blogging. I actually missed this community which is why I gave my blog a face lift (when am I not giving my blog a face lift?).

So, I think I will be back here for good mostly because I need a space for my thoughts, and a place to record our memories. Also, I tend to stick to pictures nowadays instead of videos because HELLO I am the mother to a crazy WALKING toddler. A boy toddler to make things worse. I can't complain though, because he helps me shed the pounds.

Wait... what was that? You wanted an update on our lives? Well if you insist!

As I mentioned before, we moved to California mostly to be closer to family. It has been a life saver for us to have so much family and friends. Not only for rides, babysitting, but we also get to enjoy more hiking and fishing with them too!


We do a lot of this kind of stuff all the time too. Other than that, Reece still works the same job. 2 years! That's some commitment! I recently started nursing school. The Certified Nursing Assistant course if you want to get technical, but this is the first class of many. I have lot of anxiety over it all, and I just can't believe that I am actually going to school. Like Reece always says though, I am like a blood hound after something I want. I believe that's probably pretty accurate.

Other than that, we are just trying to really live out our lives. One adventure after the next. I am glad to be back. Hopefully this post finds you in good spirits!

 



#NYCBigBold

Its been awhile since I received a Vox Box, and so when I got the email that I was in for this box, I was freaking excited. One because, well... Free stuff. Two, because I REALLY needed some new mascara. I also have been on the hunt for a eye liner pen like the Big, bold, and Precise. There is nothing I hate more than searching for a holy grail product, because you waste so much money in the process! Insert awesome #NYCBigBold Vox Box.

 

Honestly, these two products are my holy grail of mascara and top eyeliner. There is a bit of a learning curve with both. The mascara puts A LOT of product on the brush when you pull out the wand, but I learned that if I scrape off all the excess and put it on, it gives me the perfect look.  I absolutely love the mascara, and to me it has great packaging. Now, for the eyeliner, OH... my...goodness. This stuff is the best. It goes on perfectly. I haven't mastered the winged look yet, but I am pretty sure I can with this bad boy. When this stuff goes on, It goes on smooth. Its not too liquid, and it stays on all day long. I am pretty impressed! I will definitely be buying this two products on the regular.

 

"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."

Jude's new room!

Hey there! It has been awhile! I am just popping in to do a little update, and to show y'all Jude's new room. He's not quite ready for a big boy room, but we were able to make his nursery exactly how we wanted it this time since we moved into the new house. That's right! A new house! We moved out to California to be closer to family. Reece is still working in Reno and commuting, but we decided it was best to be in California, so that I would have help with Jude when I go back to school. Life is pretty busy since we have moved here, and we definitely have become more social with dinners, game nights, and just general hanging out with close friends and family. We love it! I will do a house tour one of these days, but for now check out Jude's new room! Can't believe we will probably re-do this room in a year or so for his big boy room. When did my baby become almost a year and a half??

 

 

(Snow globes and fox from his first birthday. We need to get a little shelf for them. For now they sit in the window)
 
 

Woodland Party

And just like that. Jude is one. The gifts have been opened, the cake has been smashed, and even a bath was taken. I can't believe it. I literally cannot wrap my mind around how fast these last 12 months have gone. Enjoy the photos while I go figure out my life.

 

 

12 months

 

What in the world? TWELVE MONTHS. You are a whole year. We are now reaching toddlerhood, and stepping out of baby. I can't tell you how thrilling and sad it all is at the same time. Being a parent is literally THE best thing I have ever done. In this past year, you have taught me patience, given me more love than I ever thought I could hold in my heart, and have filled a hole that we didn't even know was there. I love you so much my boy! This month you;

-Learned how to clap your hands

-Started picking up your drink by yourself when you want to take a drink

-Pulling yourself from tummy position to sitting up on your own

-Scooting backwards in crawling position

-Began the Army crawl phase

-You have more expression in your face (the scrunchy face)

-and you take bites of food instead of just shoving it all in your mouth.

I love you to the moon and back, son.

11 months

 

 

Eleven months.

You have been in this world for almost a year, and at this point life would be so dull without you. This month your sense of humor has come out, and you make your papa and me laugh daily. Playtime now is an hourly thing and that's where you shine in your personality. Its amazing to watch you twirl things around your hands. Seeing you learn has got to be one of the coolest things I am able to witness as your mommy. You have learned how to finally scoot your body across the floor (hoping crawling comes before 1..). You can say yes, momma, papa, no, more, and sometimes you even say your name! Another development this month is learning how to wave! You surprised us all when you waved back at your grandma!

 

You also experienced your first Christmas this month! This Christmas you got to meet all kinds of new people in Texas, and you became more and more comfortable with other people holding you. A BIG milestone because usually you want either Papa or me to be holding you or in sight of you. So proud of my boy! Also in Texas you gained a pound; finally you are 17 lbs.

 

Little boy,  I just cant believe you are almost one.

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you a warm and the merriest Christmas!

Love,

The Housels

49/52

 

"A portrait of my son once a week every week in 2014."

 

This week you celebrated your first Thanksgiving. You ate all the bread and sweet potatoes that you could get in your mouth (of course). Not a fan of turkey though really. It truly is a joy to have you my little boy. You make the holidays even more magical.

I just want to see your cat videos

I am writing right now because I am actually very upset but also very confused by all my emotions. This is a super sensitive topic, and I may get all the hate in the world. I just need to say it. First off, this is NOT a white vs.black issue. I clearly see every bit of racism towards blacks in America. I understand that I will never have to feel the anxiety over letting my boy go out when he is a teenager. For the most part I know he will come home.

Here's the thing, as a white person, I am sick of feeling ashamed of being white. It's ludicrous that I have to feel intimidated by someone of a different color in fear of them treating me like I'm a weak white girl. This has happened to me Numerous times. I have been called racial slurs, and then could easily be turned around to be called the racist. I have numerous friends who are black (weird to me to even single them out that way), and I would stand arm and arm with to defend their rights. So I'm asking when... When do I get to be released from this "shame prison"? 200
+ years ago white people did horrible, unspeakable things which I recognize completely, and here I am today still having to hang my head for it. Isn't this what we are trying to overcome? Don't you want equality? Or just justice for blacks? The point here is not "oh poor me, I'm a white girl who burnt my tongue on my perfectly made starbucks latte boohoo". The point is EQUALITY. I truly want that for you! Can we just all do the same? See, when I see a black person on the street I don't automatically lock my car doors. You know what I do do? Lock my car doors when I see a scary, crack head. Black or white. Please for the sake of our future, stop seeing me as your "slave owner" because essentially that is how you are seeing me... With that same hatered like I am evil or something.


This is all jumbled.
All I want to really say is, I love you. Like Jesus does. I'm literally in tears right now because it truly makes me sad that a young man died. Know that I believe in your struggle and do not compare mine to yours. Know that I understand your protesting (peaceful protests), and that I stand with you. Know that I believe in change, and wish we could be friends to where all those dumb stereotype lines become blurred and eventually non-existent.

I believe in EQUALITY. In every sense of the word.


Random, jumbled up post brought to by Horrible Facebook Statuses and 3AM

ALSO as a note. I'm done with political posts on facebook. I'd much rather see your cat videos

10 months

Ten stinkin' months! I remember really starting to prep for you around this time last year, and just doesn't seem like it has been this long already. Two more months and you will be ONE. Don't mind me while tears start rolling! This month you had many milestones such as:

• Got your first AND second tooth
• Held and drank out of your cup on your own, and learned how to drink from a straw.
• Stood by yourself for a few seconds at a time
• Saying "Mama" clearly alllll the time
• Loving bath time
• Finally put away all your 3 month clothes (although some still fit..)
• Doc says you have amazing muscle ton for your age
• Finally starting to and lift yourself to crawling position, but not very happy about tummy time
• Starting to really have a sense of humor
• Still nursing, but it varies every day. When you teeth more you nurse more.
• You LOVE to play and you LOVE to watch Daniel the tiger.
• Using a plate when you eat!
• Starting to use your spoon a little.
• Rolling everywhere which is HUGE for you because you usually just sit there with your toys. You decided to become a little more mobile all the sudden.

48/52

 

"A portrait of my son once a week every week in 2014."

 This week was for milestones for sure. You got your second tooth, learned how to drink from a straw, started holding your own cup, and realized you could go places by rolling. I seriously was in awe watching you learn this week. So much so that I am almost speechless. What a blessing it is to watch and help you grow.

47/52

"A portrait of my son once a week every week in 2014."

 

 

This week has been so much fun. You have been my sweet funny boy. Every time we went out people wanted to talk, play, and even pet your hair to my dismay. ha-ha. I understand though what positive and happy light you have, and its addictive and contagious. Also this week you stood on your own once for a few seconds. You also held your own cup and drank out of it!

46/52

"A portrait of my son once a week every week in 2014."

This photo basically sums up our week. You spent a lot of the week in just a diaper cuddling up next to me. We watched the Hobbit more times than I can count on my hands, and nursed instead of eating solids. I believe you have another tooth on the way, so that probably is why you were sooooo grumpy again. Hoping it pops through soon...

45/52

"A portrait of my son once a week every week in 2014."

 

 

This week your very first tooth really came poking through. It was a very exhausting but exciting time. You play with your tooth all the time now, and it is super funny to watch you do it. You are back to being my happy, loving boy, and I couldn't be anymore happier about it. 

44/52

"A portrait of my son once a week every week in 2014."

 

I cannot keep up with these... Just a few more weeks haha.

You were a little monster this week. We were gearing up for Halloween and decided to play dress up a little bit. You are such a great little model and so good about keeping hats/sun glasses on. You are quite the poser too!

Etsy/Shop Series: This Little Piggy Moccs

 

Here we are again, on a consistent basis. What is this? haha. Anyway, today I wanted to talk about a shop called This Little Piggy Moccs. 

 

One day I was going through all of Jude's clothes to see what fit, and what did not fit. I was doing the usual clean out to take to Once Upon a Child. You know, usual mom stuff.  While going through his hats I realized he had out grown them all. "Crap." I said because in Nevada it can get really chilly and snowy in the winter. So I hopped on the computer scouring Etsy for the perfect hat. I wanted something that would resemble like Reece's hats (adult like) because I LOVE clothes that are miniature adult. Something that slouched a little because how freaking adorable would that be??

That's when I found This Little Piggy Moccs! Their prices are awesome compared to a lot of Etsy shops and so is shipping! When I received the hat, I was so in love. The quality is great. It is a very soft material, and it stretches nicely. The sizing was a little different though. Jude is almost 9 months and this hat is a 3-6, so keep that in mind if you order. I am so happy with this hat though! Jude wears it almost every day. Not only do they sell hats, they sell cute little moccs and leggings that I have my eye on:)

 

Take a look!

 

 

9 months

 

16lbs & 26 inches

 

My nine month old boy. Goodness. You have now been in the world just as long as you were in the womb. You have learned so many new things in that time that it just blows my mind. This month was no different. I would have to say though, this month was all attitude, or what we like to call "personality" changes.

 

-You are becoming more and more comfortable with others holding you besides me or papa.

-You threw your first tantrum that ended up with toast being thrown on the floor. That was fun to clean.

-You have toy time every morning where you watch Daniel the Tiger and play with your toys. Very cool for me!

-You coo and talk in your crib in the mornings now more and more instead of crying to get out.

-You can say "Mama", "more", and "papa" now.

-You roll every where

-You are starting to try and crawl, and you are even trying to pull up on everything...

-You have started to eat some meats now, and basically you eat whatever we have for dinner too.

-We pushed your highchair up to the big table now!

-One of your bottom teeth are really trying to push through. Soon!

 

I am unbelievably proud of you every single day. You make me smile when every thing is going wrong. Thank you for being you baby.

 

I love you.

-Mommy