"Big Sister" Gifts

Over the past week I have been asking for suggestions and scouring the internet for "Big Sister" gift ideas. Mike and I both agreed that we wanted to get something "special" for McKinley, but being that she is only 2 years old, what really defines "special" for a 2 year old? Also, she just had a birthday and got plenty of new toys.

Originally I wanted to get her a piece of jewelry, but I quickly realized I wanted something she could enjoy now without me constantly saying "Don't pull on that", "Don't chew that", "Don't lose that", etc.

A new baby doll seemed like the perfect idea except she already has three (which she loves), and I didn't think a fourth would be that "special".

So, after much thought, we finally picked a few special "Big Sister" gifts and here they are...

(click on the picture & it will link you directly to the item on amazon.com)

 

"Big Sister" Books:

There were lots of  "big sister" books to choose from. I chose the following 2 books based solely on the online reviews. Once these arrive in the mail, we plan on opening them immediately and reading them to M hoping this will help prepare her for the arrival of a little sibling.

Outfit for the Hospital:

This was definitely not a necessity, but once I saw this set of scrubs they were too cute to pass up. Also, McKinley will love getting to wear a new outfit to the hospital and the best part...it can double as her Halloween costume!

Doctor's Kit:

Of course you can't wear scrubs to a hospital without having your own Doctor's kit! We will give her this once she has met the new baby. Hopefully it will keep her busy for at least a few minutes:)

Puzzle Book:
This is something to keep her occupied while she is at the hospital for her visits. She will get to open this during her second visit.

Diaper Bag:
This will be the one gift she will open once we come home from the hospital. We thought it would be the perfect thing to keep her busy and make her feel included while we are taking care of the new baby.

A Very Pinterest Christmas

Here is a post that I recently found. I guess I forgot to post it right after Christmas. Better late than never!

I absolutely love to give gifts that are handmade and/or sentimental. When I joined Pinterest I knew this would be my go to place for handmade gift ideas. So here are some of the personal gifts that were given this past Christmas.

Photos on Canvas:
Now that we have a child, gifts for the Grandparents are easy...pictures! But I didn't just want to give them plain ole' pictures in a frame, so when I found this tutorial on Pinterest I knew it would be perfect.

The black & white canvas is 12x12 and the color canvas is 8x10.

Camera Strap:
I was super excited when I found this tutorial on Pinterest. I knew this would be the perfect gift for my mom. It was such an easy project that I made two. Every woman needs options!

Washer Keychain:
It seems that Dad's are so hard to buy gifts for, especially my Dad. So when I saw this tutorial on Pinterest I knew I would have something unique for our "Bubba".

Lucky Penny Keychain:

I made this keychain for Mike. Unfortunately, when I found this on Pinterest it wasn't a tutorial, it was a link this Etsy shop. So with a little help from my dad I winged it and came up with a very sentimental gift. The bottom copper disc says "Lucky Us" and there is a 2003 penny and a 2011 penny. The 2003 penny represents the year Mike and I were married and the 2011 penny is the year McKinley was born.

Baby Showers Galore: #3

Baby Shower #3: Nashville

This shower was thrown by two of my long time Nashville friends, Karen & Liana. Both lovely ladies I met while working at Blue River Canyon. All the guests at this shower were old Blue River Canyon co-workers/friends and some of my boot camp buddies. Being that I haven't worked at BRC in over a year and haven't attended boot camp in 8 months, it was so nice getting to see everyone and catch up. Oh, the cake and gifts weren't bad either:)

The Sweet Hostesses and the Pregnant One!

I had such a wonderful time and was surrounded by such great and loving people. Thank you to everyone who made this such a special day!

Baby Showers Galore: #2

Baby Shower #2: Searcy

The following weekend after the Otter Creek Shower was my baby shower in Searcy. This shower was very special to me for a couple different reasons. First, there is something very comforting in coming home and seeing people and faces you have known since you were a little girl. Second, the relationships that the Johnson Family and the Organ Family have with these people/families are life long relationships that will be cherished forever.

This shower was hosted by 7 wonderful women (one of whom is not pictured) who generously gave up a Saturday morning to shower this baby with gifts:)

After the first two showers McKinley is going to be one of the best dressed kiddos ever! And I still have one more shower to go:)

Baby Showers Galore: #1

Baby Shower #1: Otter Creek Church

A couple weeks ago the four ladies in my life group hosted a shower for McKinley and me at our church. I have known these ladies for several years and cherish each one of their friendships. They all did such a great job to make this day very special!

The food and decorations were perfect!

The Baby Blessing!

Reading of "You Are My I Love You", Singing of "Bless My Daughter", and a prayer over our family. This was an absolutely beautiful way to start a Baby Shower!

What a wonderful day! I am very blessed to be surrounded by such great family & friends. I am thankful to know that McKinley will be raised around such love and great examples.