I had a revelation recently. My kid dresses better than I do. Her clothes are so cute, and I don't think it's simply because they're tiny. Really, I always try to pick out "fashionable" outfits for her. Is this ridiculous? I mean, I even put a head band on her when she's home with the nanny all day. A bit extreme maybe?

Now, I like to think that I try to be trendy and fashionable, but most of the time I default for something comfortable, or an "old favorite." My "uniform" is a sleeveless top, cardigan, and straight leg pants. I did mix it up a bit this season, and bought some colored pants from LOFT, and I really do love them. They were a good find, and give me some variety from my typical black or grey pant with some color.

I remember when my sister and I were younger, and my mom would take us shopping. She never bought herself anything. We would always tell her "but mom, you deserve it" or "you never buy yourself anything." She would always just brush it off, and we'd continue on the spree to fill our closets with new goodies. I never understood that until now. She really is a great mom, and while I always felt that she deserved more than what she would ever do for herself, I hope to be just like her one day.

Yes, I might focus more on making sure Noelle looks cute, but I'm ok with that. She deserves it, and one day she'll teach her daughter the same thing, just like my momma taught me.

My whole life I've wished I had different hair, and earlier this week, like a strike of lightning, I decided to just accept it. I'll back up, and start somewhere near the beginning.

My hair genes should be curly. My mom has curly hair, my dad has curly hair, and my sister got a beautiful combination and has wavy hair. Me, not so lucky. Pin straight. For as long as I can remember I've wanted to be able to have voluminous hair that will curl. Nope, no volume here. Regardless of how many volume maximizing hair products I use, it's flat.

Through the elementary and middle school years there were a lot of perms. Without fail, after a couple of weeks, my beautiful curly locks had hung themselves straight. Bless my mom for getting me all those perms even though she knew it would never stick.

Thank goodness photos were not digital then!

Then, I think in seventh grade, The Rachel was introduced to the world. Off to the salon we went for a new hair cut that was meant for straight hair. The problem though with The Rachel is that you actually have to be able to do your hair. Well, some seventh grade teeny boppers might have the patience and skill to do this, not me (and let's be clear, I still don't). So, it grew out and that was that.

Let me repeat, thank goodness photos were not digital then!

Fast forward to my twenties, and I eventually learned how to use a straightener to curl my hair, kinda. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't, and it's not a quick process so most of the time I simply do not have the patience. So, I conceded to my hair being what it was, and just learned to live with having poker straight hair. I even cut my long hair up to my chin (and then some once) a few times to try and find a "better" style than long straight hair.

That's about as curly as it gets folks. That probably took me an hour.

But, there's always a silver lining, right? Our water heater went out on Sunday, and was replaced on Tuesday. Why am I telling you this? Because thanks to my long, straight, no fuss hair, I can go days without washing it, and it never looks any different! No product needed means no product to try and wash out in ice cold, no water heater, water. Woo hoo! Finally a reason to thank my lucky stars for my hair.

This is my hair hours after a shower, no blow dryer, or any sort of hair products were used.

I always wished that Noelle would get Dave's curly hair (yes, even hubby has curly hair!), but from where I'm standing, it's lookin' pretty darn straight. One day I'll explain to her why this is a blessing in disguise.

In my 'Noelle's Fourth Month' post, I mentioned that she likes giraffes. Somehow in all of our coordinating, decorating, and buying things in the theme of owls and birds, a giraffe snuck in there, and now it's her favorite animal.

First, for being such a brave girl at her two month check up, Nene and Da got her a plush giraffe rattle from the Wynn. She totally loves this toy. I had originally named him Mr. Raffe (I'm not creative), but soon that changed.

Noelle's buddy Mr. Raffe

Two months later, before our vacation to Florida (keep staying tuned, I will post about this), I decided to get Noelle a new toy to entertain her during our flight. Every kid has to have a Sophie Giraffe from Paris, right? I found a deal for a Sophie + giraffe Wubbanub (pacifier) and was sold!

Giraffe Wubbanub is a soothing companion during takeoff

Sophie from Paris in Florida

Mr. Raffe soon became plush Sophie, and giraffe Wubbanub did too (well, he's just Sophie).

Eating Plush Sophie's ears

Eating Sophie from Paris' ears

While plush Sophie is a rattle, Sophie squeaks when you squeeze her. To make our lives more chaotic  squeeze Sophie when Halas is near, and he'll grab her by the neck and claim her as his! Not to worry, she gets thoroughly sanitized before she's returned to Noelle, and she puts Sophie right into her mouth. Luckily Halas hasn't made it too far with her! Plush Sophie also gets a good bath on a weekly basis since Noelle likes to eat her ears. Sophie (of the Wubbanub variety) is the calmest of the three, and only hangs out with Noelle at bedtime. However, he can be found being used as a helicopter to try and propel her right out of her crib at night : )

Playing with both Sophies

Plush Sophie is a great cuddler

Wanting to get in on the giraffe theme myself, I couldn't resist these $20 shoes from the Gap!

This summer I can assure you we will go to the zoo so Noelle can see a real live giraffe in person. And, don't look at us funny when we refer to them as Sophie, ok?