The Mall

[ste_noni]

We had a great day at the mall yesterday. We drove an hour to Durham to go to Southpoint to engage in a bit of retail-based happiness. It was actually a great day. Ellie slept the entire time, except when I changed her diaper and fed her. I think she was getting over whatever she had last night. Joe pushed the stroller around and we (mostly window) shopped all afternoon.

We looked at all the news Macs and Nanos in the Apple store. (So cool!) Our one splurge of the day was a Airport Express so we can get the Air Tunes going. Then off to A Children's Place where I got Ellie a snowsuit (which she needs for walking in the mornings) and s $5 sweater. We also looked at Baby Gap and Gymboree but even their sale stuff is way too expensive. I guess I've been spoiled by the 2nd hand store. I did get a pair of jeans since my post-pregnancy ones are way too big (yay!) Also, Joe got a watch, since his old one broke, and a cool blue velvet blazer. And we had pretzels and ice cream (separately).

In all, it was a very nice day.

eta: I almost forgot. Adventures in rice cereal can be seen, starting here. I had been planning on holding off another month (she just passed 5 months) but she's so interested in our food that it seemed like a good time to try something new.

Comments

[cindywrites.livejournal.com]

I always thought of Baby Gap and Gymboree clothing as gift-clothing. It's beautifully made, and those items we did get from there lasted through all three children (provided I took care of stains in a timely fashion), but they outgrow things so quickly during infancy (and really, always) that I could never justify the expense.

I just looked at the rice cereal pictures. I already well and truly knew Ellie was a beautiful child, but her face in that first picture is truly one of the most beautiful shots I've ever seen of any baby.

My pediatrician explained the purpose of feeding during infancy as this: just to get them used to it, before they get stubborn, and fussy. What she really needs right now is your breast milk, but this teaches her a new skill, and gets her used to other tastes and textures. I think picking up on the cues she's sending you is just the way to do it.

I'm glad you had a nice day.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

I always thought of Baby Gap and Gymboree clothing as gift-clothing.

This is so true. I always bought baby gifts there before Ellie was born. So much of their stuff is so cute, but I can't imagine spending that much of my money now that I know how long she will wear it.

[vwbug.livejournal.com]

Oh, she is just such a cutie. I so wish I could have taken you up on getting together last night. Stupid space thing. Someday we'll have to "meet."

Glad you had a nice day. Must be nice to have those "normal" days every once in a while, huh?

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

I agree - you are in/near Boston, right? I've never seen that part of the country.

[cashmerepett.livejournal.com]

That just sounds like an awesome day!

She just keeps on getting cuter!!

I'm pretty much wedded to The Children's Place, Target and Old Navy for buying new clothes for O. My twin sister usually gets him Gap or Gymboree stuff for gifts.

I have gotten a few nicer things off of Ebay but I've noticed that I pretty much have to buy a new wardrobe every six months or so (supplimented with gifts, of course) I tend to stay away from Baby Gap.

My ped said we should follow the baby's cues for solid feeding--if they're feeling adventurous and love the stuff earlier, go ahead and try new things. They eat so little of it that it doesn't make a big difference--but it sure is fun to watch!

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty much wedded to The Children's Place, Target and Old Navy for buying new clothes for O.

Yeah, I like Old Naby a lot - they have cute, but basic stuff that matc hes with lots of other stuff.

[fufaraw]

What an adorable little girl! And I'm so glad you all had a great day yesterday.

As long as my friends' kids were outgrowing their clothes every other week, they kept the mutual swap-closet and the local upscale consignment stores in business. Brand-new brand name clothes were regarded as gift items.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think I will save my babyGap purchases for gifts. A few people have given me stuff and it makes me worry about giving it back to them. I love the swap idea - then I would feel like I was contributing instead of just receiving.

[serasempre.livejournal.com]

Goodness she's a pretty baby. I'm glad you had such a good day.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[casperflea.livejournal.com]

If you're ever up this way again on the baby clothes hunt, there's a Carter's outlet right across from the airport exit from I-40. Most stuff is 50% off retail and I have no idea why since it isn't factory seconds and is current season stuff.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

That is so good to know. I try to make it up to that area once a month or so. Maybe I'll get more specific directions from you next week.

[amy37.livejournal.com]

Wow! So pretty! And I love the face -- exactly a "And just what is *that*?" look.

I can't do BabyGap anymore. Too expensive, and they've gotten too "fashionable" in my opinion. You can't rely on just getting the basics there anymore -- everything's got a dog or a snowflake or what you have on it, and everything needs to be mixed and matched with their own things.

I'm with you on resale shops, and with Cashmere on Children's Place, Target, and Old Navy. They're pretty much the only places I buy clothes for Sara. How I miss my friends at home who gave me so many wonderful hand-me-downs!

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

I agree when it comes to the whole "fashionable" thing. I got a bunch of 2nd hand Old Navy stuff that doens't have so much "stuff" on it. It's nice to be able to match with other things besides the one outfit.

[jenlp.livejournal.com]

What Cindy said about that first picture - she's just beautiful, and that's a gorgeous shot of her. And the expression of, "Hmmmm.... what's this new delight?" is priceless.

Yay for a fun day.

Blue velvet blazer? Too cool.

[ste-noni.livejournal.com]

I'll tell Joe his blazer is getting favorable reviews. It's such a shame that he has to wear a uniform every day. He has really good taste in clothes (way better than me) but he doens't get to wear what he has often.