As a new mom, this was one thing I found to be a difficult task-- finding the perfect diaper bag. Something I quickly realized was that
1. it needed to be a backpack and 
2. its nice when your husband can also use it 

I have a done a lot of research on diaper bags so here is my list of a few favourites: 

This is the backpack I have been using for most of my maternity leave. Its small, but has a lot of storage, and it doesn't look like a diaper bag! Plus it's machine washable! 

Who doesn't love everything from Lulu? This backpack has a built in pocket for "sweaty gear", or a great spot for dirty clothes/diapers

A lot of my purses are from Mat & Nat, so this was an obvious choice. It has a roomy interior with a top zipper, and it is 100% vegan leather

For those looking for a tote, this is your bag. It has convertible straps that allow you to wear it as a backpack, and zip up at the top

This backpack is super cute, and has 10 pockets, easy access magnetic flap, and straps that allow you to wear it three different ways

This is the diaper bag I started off with. I love the stylish, modern look it has and how it is also practical. It has 12 pockets, zips up easily at the top, and has a strap to wear many different ways

During this season, we have a lot going on which means a lot of different books to celebrate. There is Liam's birthday, Earth Day, Easter, and Mother's Day. The books are representing each theme in their own way. 

You can also find our list of Valentines Day Favourites here. 
Do you have any other favourites you add to your Spring collection? 
​

1. We are the Gardener's

What they say:
In We Are the Gardeners, Joanna and the kids chronicle the adventures of starting their own family garden. From their failed endeavours, obstacles to overcome (bunnies that eat everything!), and all the knowledge they've gained along the way, the Gaines family shares how they learned to grow a happy, successful garden. As it turns out, trying something new isn't always easy, but the hardest work often yields the greatest reward. There are always new lessons to be learned in the garden!

2. Mother Teresa

What they say:
Part of the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Mother Teresa, along with her message of love and charity.

3. Little Tree

What they say:
A heartfelt ode to the challenges of growing up and letting go.

4. Jane Goodall

What they say: 
Part of the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the amazing life of Jane Goodall, the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees.

5. Happy Birthday to You

​What they say 

6. Peter Rabbit:

What they say: 
Join mischievous bunny Peter Rabbit as he explores Mr. McGregor's garden and finds a heap of trouble in this enchanting edition of Beatrix Potter's classic tale.

7. Are you my Mother?

What they say:
A baby bird has a number of adventures while looking for its mother after falling out of its nest.

8. Here we are

​What they say:

9. Everything is MAMA

What they say:
Everything is . . .
​MAMA!
Jimmy Fallon, one of the most popular entertainers in the world and NBC's Tonight Show host, was on a mission with his first children's book to have every baby's first word be DADA. And it worked! A lot of babies' first words were DADA. However, everything after that was MAMA

10. Anne Frank

What they say: 
​In this book from the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Anne Frank, the writer whose diary captured the hearts of the public.

I have always loved children's books, and as a teacher I found myself always at Indigo. Now that I have Liam, I can finally use the excuse of a "two for one deal" whenever I buy a book! 
Each season/holiday I have been decorating our book wall to match the season or holiday we are currently in. 

Our book shelves are linked here, and here, and you can see more of our book walls @tasetofhamilton 

2. Love from the Crayons

What they say: 
Ring in Valentine's Day--and love--with the New York Times Best-Selling Crayons! This charming new title featuring everyone's favourite colouring crew is the perfect gift for that special someone on Valentine's Day--or any day of the year.
Love is yellow and orange. Because love is sunny and warm.
Love is purple. Because it's okay to love outside the lines.

3. Invisible String

​What they say: 
​This heartwarming picture book for all ages explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between us, and opens up deeper conversations about love.

4. In My Heart

What they say: 
​Sometimes my heart feels like a big yellow star, shiny and bright.
I smile from ear to ear and twirl around so fast,
I feel as if I could take off into the sky.
This is when my heart is happy.
Happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness . . . our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel as light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. In My Heart explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside.
​

5. I Wish You More

What they say: 
​Wishes for curiosity and wonder, for friendship and strength, laughter and peace. Whether celebrating life's joyous milestones, sharing words of encouragement, or observing the wonder of everyday moments, this sweet and uplifting book is perfect for wishers of every age.
​

6. I love you Through and Through

What they say: 
I love your hair and eyes,Your giggles and cries...A toddler and his teddy bear illustrate a young child's happy side, sad side, silly side, mad side, and more!

7. I Like Myself

What they say: 
​High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves - inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.

8. Love you Forever

What they say:
A young mother holds her baby, and while she sings to it she rocks it back and forth. And through her life, and the stages of his life, she holds her son and rocks him back and forth as she tells him that she will love him forever.

9. Guess How Much I Love You

What they say:
How much does Little Nutbrown Hare love his daddy? And how much does Big Nutbrown Hare love him back? The cherished tale of boundless affection is ready for boundless sharing in a durable board-book edition for the younger set.

In the last year we learned that the only thing you can expect with young kids is the unexpected. So when mom plans a full on Notorious B.I.G party, we shouldn't have been surprised when life threw us a curveball. 
Since I started planning this day out awhile back, I had a few things already made, so instead of letting this day just roll by with no excitement, we decided to throw the party with just the three of us..and let me tell you, it was still "sicker than your average" . 

This was our welcome sign. I created it on Canva and then had it printed at Costco! Almost everything I made for this day was created on Canva and printed at Costco, so the budget was really low!  

Our invites were also made on Canva. The main font was "EDO". 

Our monthly photo wall didn't go as planned, as all of the photos I printed have been held captive at Costco since the quarantine. Instead I just hung up 12 photos that I had of him laying around the house! 

The cake was made by Pastrybynikki and it turned out better than we imagined! The little Biggie crown on top was the perfect extra piece! Luckily she was still able to make this for us and dropped it off on our porch. 

We had originally planned for SaffbyJess to create a balloon feature for us, but had to cancel because of COVID19. To compromise, I purchased a Balloon Arch Decorating Kit from amazon prime and balloons a friend gave me to create my own. It wasn't as fabulous as Jess' would have been, but it worked for our 3 person party! 
The wall decals were created on my Cricut and I used black vinyl with transfer tape to put it on the walls. 

Even though this party wasn't how we planned, we still saw family on Facetime and spent an amazing few days celebrating just the three of us! Like I said before, this day was Sicker Than Your Average.