Elegance Redefined » Kids

At my parents’…

Rachel Hagen — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:08:15 +0000

Mick is in China this week on business (did you know Zinch opened an office out there?), so I thought it’d be the perfect opportunity to hang out with my parents this week. Ever since June they’ve been empty nesters, so of course my mom jumps at the opportunity to hang out with me and her new grandson.

What is it about being at your parents’ house that makes things so good? I don’t cook. I don’t clean. I sleep in. Swim in the morning. Do an activity during the middle of the day. Take a loooong afternoon nap. Wake up. Hang out. Eat dinner. And Swim again. Yes, I’m still taking care of Sammy. He has now joined me in this daily routine. Making it even better.

Today we gathered up the all the local Decker grandkids and went to the Phoenix Children’s museum. My mom was being a fun grandma and played with the kids in the playground…only to get herself stuck.

No mom, you can’t go out the way you came. I was getting claustrophobic just looking (laughing) at her.

I was surprised to see that they had an Infant Play Area. So I excitedly took Sam over to check it out. I was expecting to see some really cool ceiling fixtures or a lot of black and white decorations. Nope. Just these industrial-looking mushrooms to plop the babies on. LAME. He lasted about two minutes. I lasted one. On to the cool wall of CD’s.

For dinner everyone came over. It wouldn’t be a Decker summer without a BBQ and swimming. I love it when my family gets together just to eat and swim. My dad is getting savvy with his TV system and he had pictures of past vacations playing on the TV. It was nice to look back and reminisce about fun trips while munching on fresh, cold watermelon.

I took Sam swimming for the first time this evening. He loved it! The water here is so warm it was like a giant bathtub. I took pictures, but I look chubby and white. And I’m vain and don’t want to post them. Just trust me, Sam looked really cute in his little swim trunks all relaxed.

To end the perfect day I actually got to chat with Mick a little online. He misses us and we miss him; but we’re making the most of being away from each other. He’s learning and loving the startup life, and I’m getting a much needed vacation. I’m now relaxing in my bed with our family dog right beside me. Her breath smells. And she’s being ultra stubborn and moving right back next to me whenever I shove her away. I’m trying to have Sammy’s grunts distract me from her bad breath. But it’s just not working. Oh well, at least I have a cuddle buddy for the night.

Cousins

Rachel Hagen — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 16:20:01 +0000

We’ve been in Utah all week, giving Sam the opportunity to meet his cousins. Pictures to follow once I get a breathing second. In two weeks Sam and I will get to meet my little niece. Look at her! Already studious like her parents:

He’s here!!!

Rachel Hagen — Wed, 26 May 2010 01:15:49 +0000

Introducing Samuel Michael Hagen. Born May 19, 201o. Good thing this little fella came ELEVEN days early, cause I can’t imagine a day less without him. Because he came so early, I was/am pretty unprepared. I hope you don’t mind me taking blogging a little light for the next little while as I’m still trying to recover, recuperate, and adjust to life with Sam.

SF Baby Shower

Rachel Hagen — Fri, 14 May 2010 16:24:36 +0000

A week ago was my beautiful baby shower. I’m so lucky to have made friends here and to have such a strong support group. The host, Tracy, did a fabulous job with the food and drinks…

and games…

{sadly, this is the only picture I have of me and the host…}

there were some great gifts given…

like these adorable Uggs. These will be perfect for the cold SF summers.

All three of us are due within three weeks of each other. It has been really nice being able to talk with someone else who’s going through the same pregnancy process. I can’t wait for all our little ones to play so we can have fun play dates!!

This was taken at one of the aforementioned girls’ shower, but these are some of my close friends here in the city. V and H, you girls are great! :)

I had a blast at my shower and was literally showered with great company and much needed gifts for our little guy. I never thought I’d have such a strong support group after just recently moving to a new area. The girls here are great. Thanks to all who came!!!

PS. Ashley and Kelsee, I’m still waiting for those pics from the AZ shower…

Glamorous Nursery

Rachel Hagen — Tue, 11 May 2010 16:40:55 +0000

While browsing Project Nursery I came across this nursery. Appropriately titled Glamorous Nursery. Everything seems perfectly in it’s place…a little too perfectly if you ask me. While the overall design might not be my particular style, there are some elements that I liked.

The ceiling is quite beautiful. And I always think it’s great to have something on the ceiling in nurseries to give the babies stimulation.

I thought this idea for a changing table was quite clever. Ahhh to have that much storage…

And my favorite: this trash pull for the diapers. It’s such a nice way to hide that mandatory diaper pale.

6 weeks

Rachel Hagen — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:39:35 +0000

Only six more weeks left to go!! I’m getting excited to meet this little fella. My oldest sister was born six weeks early…talk about reality hitting you. Once my mother brought that to my recollection I’ve started to panic. The primer is on the walls, and this afternoon it will be the prettiest “Heavenly Blue” you’ll ever see. As for now, here are the belly bumps many of you have been asking for. All in my work-out glory…

Red, blue, and stripes

Rachel Hagen — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 20:22:01 +0000

Anybody else spend way too much time browsing through the Sartoriolist’s site? I love how he finds everyday fashions from all over the world. Like this lady from Moscow. That red coat with the bright blue building is stunning.

And, of course, how adorable is little boy? Just you wait. Our little one will be rocking the stripes, blazer, skinnies with sneakers, and straw hat…

Decisions, Decisions

Rachel Hagen — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:25:25 +0000

Only 8.5 weeks to go!! I’ve been having some serious nesting urges these past couple weeks; unfortunately none of those urges have been to work on the nursery. However, this week reality hit me and I’ve gotten the fire lit under my bum to get this little boy’s room done! I have been brainstorming what I want done in the room. There are a few pieces that we have that are for sure going to be in there…like our reclining wing back we used in our old home office, and a few art pieces.

So here’s my dilemma. I’ve always had the intentions of getting the yellow, Thomas Paul rug; but the more I think about it, the less comfortable I think it will be. I’ve never been a fan of flat weave rugs because I think they’re really casual, and would be hard to vacuum. That never stopped me from wanting this rug for the nursery though…But now I think of playing on the floor with our little guy and can’t help but think it wouldn’t be very comfortable. This week as I was searching for more options, I came across this navy blue, chain link rug. Better criteria for what I’m wanting: wool, hand tufted, and a lot more comfortable to roll around and play on. Here’s the problem: with the navy blue chain link, and the red chair, I’m thinking it’ll look too nautical…something I’m not necessarily wanting. However, I can’t seem to get the rug off my mind. *sigh* What’s a girl to do? Any suggestions? Any mom’s have an opinion? Any design savvy readers have an opinion? I can’t seem to make up my mind…

Tulip Pendant

Rachel Hagen — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:47:08 +0000

Oh I love these! I’m not sure how much light gets through with a felt shade. I wonder if these are too feminine for a boy’s room. they can be interpreted as whimsical right?

Safari Wall Set

Rachel Hagen — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:04:23 +0000

Somehow I’m pulled toward African/Safari things for our little boy’s nursery. For instance, I found this cool vintage, pull down map on craigslist. And then while browsing Wisteria, found this beautiful set of prints. While traveling in Thailand, I got a painting of a mother elephant with a baby elephant that I would someday use in my child’s nursery…never thinking that day would be four years later. I’m trying to stay away from a themey nursery since 1. I’m not really into that sort of thing and 2. it will be our guest room as well. I’m trying to go for a colorful, eclectic look that he can grow into. I’m starting to get to the panicky stage (only 24 weeks), and feel like the only preparation I’ve done for this child is read books. No crib, no changing table, no stroller. Is it normal to feel like I need to do so much so early?

I’d never buy these prints due to their price tag, but aren’t they pretty?

crewcuts

Rachel Hagen — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:44:54 +0000

i know i should enjoy being pregnant. and i do. i know i should enjoy my time with our baby boy as a baby. and i will. but i can’t wait to dress him in cute little preppy clothes.

Vespa Scooter turned Vespa Rocking Horse

Rachel Hagen — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:16:16 +0000

Oh l LOVE this!!

A. Where can I find a miniature Vespa scooter?

B. one that is inexpensive and doesn’t run?

C. How in the world do I convert this into a “rocking horse?”

Minni Mick

Rachel Hagen — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:28:30 +0000

Another reason Mick would want a boy…

I’m not a big fan of the bright, puffy sneakers Mick wears. But I’ll admit, these are just too cute. I guess if you make anything miniature it’s cute. These are by Stella McCartney for GAP kids. Isn’t the line adorable?!

{via Luxist}

Bonnpoint

Rachel Hagen — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Who doesn’t love miniature fashion? And to add scarves, tights, and wool jacket…so adorable. By Bonpoint. They even make little boy clothing cute. Now to get a little boy to wear this…

Isabel Duvet

Rachel Hagen — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:58:10 +0000

Awe…so precious. I don’t know what it is for canopies and little girls, but I’m such a sucker for them. This is from the awesome Serena and Lily company.

Rebecca Galera

Rachel Hagen — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:46:48 +0000

Adorable animal alphabet poster by artisit Recca Galera. It’s a fun way for your kids to to learn French too!

Noa Noa’s Look Book

Rachel Hagen — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:08:41 +0000

Speaking of fall, I’m loving the new fall collection Noa Noa has out. Can’t tell if I like the girls or womens better…

If only…

Rachel Hagen — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:00:51 +0000

I could fit into a size 4…in Crew Cuts.

Bukubuku

Rachel Hagen — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:00:30 +0000

L’Affiche has great finds. There’s nothing like modern children’s French art.

From their website: “Spanish illustrator Bukubuku presents a cute and colourful art print in French. Here, all is full of life and joy, and it’s absolutely natural that raindrops, tomatoes, slices of quiche and hamsters are all merrily giving us broad smiles!”

Delias Bedding

Rachel Hagen — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:00:35 +0000

Have a client looking for bedding for her teenage daughter. Maybe because it’s been since high school that I shopped there, but I had no clue Delias had bedding. It’s pretty fun too.