Friday, July 8, 2011

Baby Shower Gift Idea ~ The Diaper Cake



















Earlier this summer, a perfect opportunity presented itself for me to make what I've been wanting to try my hand at for awhile - a diaper cake!

Diaper-cakes have always fascinated me, from the very first time I laid my eyes on them. They are so unique at baby showers, and which mom-to-be wouldn't love having her nursery stocked with diapers? ;)

I found this tutorial on youtube particularly helpful, but I am sure there are many other similar tutorials you can find online. The nicest thing about a creative project like this is that you don't have to use exactly the same supplies someone else tells you to. For instance, this tutorial suggested using an empty milk bottle in the core of the cake, but I used a bottle of sparkling juice and a plastic bib (to extend the height of the cake) instead. So long you have the basic concept about tying individual diapers in rubber bands and surrounding the core of the cake with them, your options are limited only by your creativity.

Basic supplies I used:
3 packs of diapers (in Size 1 and 2)
Cardboard for base of cake
1 bottle of sparkling juice
1 plastic bib
Large Rubber bands
Hair rubber bands around each diaper (so the mom can re-use them later!)

I decorated the cake with:
3 rolls of ribbon
flowers
hair bows
3 stuffed animals
1 rattle
shoes
bath supplies (travel size)
2 onesies
2 pacifiers
foam stickers

My cake turned out taller than I'd initially anticipated, because I purchased more diapers than I thought I would need. Better too many than too few, right? ;)

My mother-in-law, with whom I consulted on this project, suggested I use them all by fanning an extra layer of diapers in between two tiers of the cake, to break up the monotony.

The best thing about having made this diaper cake?
Seeing my cousin's face light up in a smile when my husband brought it in. :)

~ Mrs. Arcfide

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

"Painting Pictures of Egypt"

. . . great song about psychological inertia.

~ Mrs. Arcfide

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

From Father's Day . . .

Since I recently shared some pictures that we took Mother's Day,
I thought I'd be fair to Aaron, and post some pictures from Father's Day as well. Hee!

Kissing on command is sometimes a hit and miss with Mikaela.

She loves kissing on the lips, though, and thinks that's the ONLY place for kisses,
so watch-out if you're not part of the family. Lol!


Her newest camera pose.
I wonder where she got that from . . .

And again . . .

~ Mrs. Arcfide

Monday, June 13, 2011

Friday, May 13, 2011

Friday, May 13th in Pictures

The Program

The Graduate

The Graduate with Graduate-in-the-making.
;-)

The past 22 months "homeschooling" myself through college will always be remembered fondly as some of the most happy, challenging, and productive days of my life.

I'm thankful for my school, and for the generous scholarships they've awarded me.

I'm thankful for my husband, who has been my biggest fan and cheerleader the entire journey.

I'm thankful for my toddler, who reminded me often that Family is my priority when she comes near to gently close a textbook.

I'm also thankful for all my extended family, who believed in me, encouraged me, and inspired me to do well.

And my greatest thanks to God, for the greatest Gift - and every gift I have - from Him.

May the next year-and-a-half be as it has been, in the past.

Junior Year, here I come!!

~ Mrs. Arcfide

Monday, May 9, 2011

Mother's Day Family Pictures Fail

#1) It was a windy day. My hair lost its parting.

#2) So far, so good.
But Mikaela wasn't paying attention!

#3) She didn't want to stop playing with rocks.
A meltdown ensued.





I guess someone was just in need of a nap.

At least, we got some decent pictures of Mikaela enjoying the outdoors,
before the waterworks began. :)



We may not have been picture-perfect, but at least, we had Fun!!

~ Mrs. Arcfide

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Every toddler's mama needs an SLR


. . . that is, if your toddler can't be still for longer than two seconds - like mine. ;-)

I LOVE how I'm able to capture the adorable expressions on my active little one, even as she's constantly moving, bobbing, climbing, running, and flashing that cheeky grin.

My old point-and-shoot would have frustrated me, with its slow shutter speed, and inability to capture these wonderful snapshots, fleeting poses though they be.

I hope you guys are enjoying the sunshine and the rain, as much as we.

Oh, and your little ones' wet, muddy baby bottoms too. :-)








~ Mrs. Arcfide

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Not your typical Baby and bottle sight

Mikaela: "More Ginger ale, please!"

I just had to snap a picture,
before rescuing my little climber from the edge. ;)

~ Mrs. Arcfide