blankie bliss

Here is adorable Kate getting acquainted with her new minkee cuddle blanket. Such amazing technique! With great skill, she combines her determined, double-fisted grab with a full frontal mouth attack. Brilliant. Ahhhh, the sweet comfort and softness... Thanks for the pic, Chloe!

a glowing testimonial

"I just wanted to write a quick email to let you all know what a pleasure you've made it ordering through your company. I was so impressed with your personal service and the quality of your product. I ordered a toddler pillow for my son, Austin, and it's absolutely adorable. I appreciated the time you all took in the lovely packaging and the hand-written note on my receipt, as well as the coupon towards my next order. In a world where competent and friendly customer service is sadly lacking (and frankly being ignored) I applaud your dedication in every way to those you serve. Thank you, and I will be a repeat buyer! -Jill, Decatur, IN

(Austin's funky farm toddler pillow)

...wanna hear more? visit our testimonials page, and feel the love!

Thanks again, Jill, for taking the time to write.

ready for spaghetti

It's dinnertime at Lily's house. For some serious spaghetti slurping, mom whips out Lily's new sassy shop girl toddler bib and says "bring it on!"

Backed with thick terry velour, our full-coverage toddler bibs are easy-care machine washable, and are designed to fit ages 18 months - 3 years.

Functional, hip, and stylish? Sure they are. And fashion-forward toddlers like Lily know the truth: you're never too young to look a little fancy for spaghetti night.

day dreamin dayna

Many thanks, Julianna, for sharing these great pics of darling Dayna and her new pillow! (oh my, those curls! love em!) Her super cute hot pink/soft pink pillow combo was a special request, and turned out so fab I decided to add hot pink minkee to our regular product line. It's been a huge hit ever since, and looks amazing with so many colors...my other faves: try pairing it with orange, lavender, chocolate or butter yellow. Yummy!

Also gaining in popularity is our Classic Script embroidery font shown here. You can see more samples and view all our fun embroidery options on our personalize it! page.

pillow possibilities

Ahhhh, the many uses of a Dillyhearts ultra-soft minkee toddler pillow.

Here is adorable Rylee with her personalized
minkee wild leopard print pillow, who first found it was
a comfy place to sit while opening Easter basket goodies.

Then, a super squeezable, hugable, snuggly place

to hang out and giggle.

Finally, at the end of the day, how sweeet it is to have a cozy spot, just the right size, to rest your head.

Thanks Jennifer & Rylee, for all the great pics!

rodeo gal

Olivia Belle is ready for some serious drooling in her pink western bandana bib. And thank goodness! It's the perfect stylish accessory to protect her matching western applique'd onezie and faux suede fringe pants! This adorable gift set was custom made just for her. Take a peek at our custom gallery, and if you have a special themed gift in mind, don't hesitate to email your request. Yeehaw!

frosting fest

Here is sweet Delia, the birthday princess, celebrating her first birthday in style in our super cute first birthday bib. You'll find our birthday bib on our special occasion bibs page. More to come soon! Check it out!

sarah jane on what's new

Sarah Jane is a stay-at-home mom with
three children who writes a parenting
column for a local newspaper. We will be
posting her columns regularly on our blog.
Enjoy!

Not long ago I visited my old workplace where someone asked me the harmless question, “what’s new with you?” Although it’s been years since I left work to raise my children, this question still makes me fidget.

What should I say? My mind spins through a cycle of potential answers but they all seem embarrassingly mundane. Honestly, this week I was delighted to learn that peanut butter washes off sunglasses quite easily. And last week I suffered a terrible shock when I discovered the green Teletubby was not Dipsy but actually Tinky Winky! How could I have been wrong for so long?

Instead of offering these truths, I default to the polite answer, “not much, how about you?”

For me, the hardest part about being a stay-at-home mom is trading a life full of adventure--or what now seems like adventure--for the daily monotony of washing dishes, managing laundry, and returning toy debris to its proper location.

I know these years will fly by. Soon the school bus will wisk away my children and leave me awkwardly or blissfully alone. But it’s hard to shelve my dreams and plans, even temporarily, and as my friend Scott says, “learn how to be truly selfless.” Sometimes I want to put on a crisp pair of pants, hop into a car without crumbs or carseats, and dash off to the airport where I board a plane toward some exotic destination, or say, Milwaukee-- I don’t care--just to be alone and be me. Me! Me! ME!

But if I simply change my attitude, I could appreciate life’s smaller moments. A day managing five loads of laundry was also a day discovering potato bugs in the backyard. A morning of wiping jam off ten fingers was also a morning when my daughter said to our cat, “we missed you at the swimming pool yesterday!” It’s these moments that color my days but are often forgotten among the mayhem of feeding, clothing, bathing and otherwise raising three small human beings.

Anyway, that’s enough about me. What’s new with you?

sarah jane on play dates

“Wouldn’t it be great,” I used to say to my coworker Michelle, “if we both got pregnant, left work, and stayed home with our babies?”

“Yeah,” agreed Michelle. “We could sleep in and, meet at the park, and chat.”

This was seven years ago. We carpooled together, sipping Caramel Macchiatos en route to a long day in a dot.com cubicle.

Motherhood would be our ticket to freedom! A baby would be our cover, an excuse for lazy mornings and carefree afternoons. We could sip Frappuccinos on the beaches of Lake Washington and watch the jet skiers whiz by. Our babies would goo and gaa while we vaguely wondered what we used to do on Tuesday afternoons.

A baby would be an endearing accessory to a life of leisure

Ha!

Within a year after the dot.com boom went bust, Michelle and I were both unemployed and pregnant. We both had daughters. But somehow our new “life of leisure” keeps us so occupied that we only meet about twice a year.

And honestly, that’s all we can handle.

Our first joint outing was to push strollers along the Burke-Gilman trail. What could be more tranquil?

Many things, apparently. Perhaps even an afternoon in a dot.com.

We were a walking war zone. Every few feet there was a sunhat tossed, sunglasses flung, and crying to be resolved. Backs arched and fists flailing, my twin daughters howled with outrage at the sun in their eyes and their inability to nap. Michelle’s daughter required constant snacks to remain in the stroller. Irritated bicyclists yelled, “ON YOUR LEFT” as we blocked the path.

Walk. Stop. Walk. Stop.

Worn out, we returned to our cars and drove separately to the Starbucks drive-thru. Then we waved goodbye through our car windows.

Our next outing was to the playground. My girls were then three years-old and Michelle had a toddling son as well.

“So how’s it going?” I said as I ran away to catch my daughter teetering on the high steps.

“What did you say?” Michelle said as she hoisted her daughter onto the swings.

“I said—CAREFUL ANNIE! You are TOO HIGH!”

“Push me! Mama push me! Push me!”

“Ryan! Ryan! Come back! STOP! RYAN STOP!”

Forty-five minutes later we hugged goodbye. Hot and tired, I remembered all the things I wanted to ask Michelle…as I drove home.

Last summer we strategically planned to meet at the beach. That way, we figured, we could sit and chat while our children were busy scooping, pouring...doing beachy things.

We arrived at Mukilteo State Park, hugged hello, and unloaded the sand pails, scoops, sunhats, towels, and diligently applied the sunscreen. This time, our brood totaled five including my baby boy.

Michelle and I sat down on our towels. Our kids sat down with us. They looked at the beach with confusion.

“I’m hungry,” her daughter said.

“I’m cold,” my daughter said.

“This is not working,” I said.

So we changed plans and drove up the hill to 92nd Street Park. Our three daughters played peacefully a few feet away on the playset. They didn’t need our help. Her son sat happily munching on crackers. My baby boy slept in my arms.

And finally, Michelle and I got to talk.

****************************************************************

Sarah Jane is a stay-at-home mom with three children who writes a parenting column for the Mukilteo Tribune. We will be posting her column regularly on our blog. Enjoy!

sweet amelia

Here is sweet Amelia modeling her fresh and funky cocoa daisy bib. We have only one bib and burp set left in this adorable print, so if you love this style, add it to your shopping cart before it's gone!

Thanks Jill, for sending in this great pic!

caleb's cookies

Mixing....pouring...stirring....

Does your preschooler love to help in the kitchen? Here's a great pic of 2 year old Caleb, putting his tools apron to good use.

Ideal for baking, play dough, art projects and more, our washable play aprons feature front pockets, durable binding ties, and a velcro closure at the neck with a fun button accent.

We'll be adding lots of new styles in the coming months, just in time for holiday baking. Be sure to check back often for the best selection.

introducing sarah jane

This week, Dillyhearts welcomes columnist Sarah Jane. She's a stay-at-home mom with three children who writes a parenting column for the Mukilteo Tribune. We will be posting her column regularly on our blog. Enjoy!

SarahJane goes Bang Bang

When I first tried to tell my husband I wanted to write a parenting humor column, the conversation didn’t go as planned.

We were in the minivan, returning home to Mukilteo after a weekend at my mother’s house. Our young daughters were in the backseat, supposedly occupied with their Barbie dolls so we could engage in meaningful uninterrupted conversation.

Although I know better than to corner a man with serious conversation in a moving vehicle, I was yearning for a tender discussion of my future career plans. Specifically, how to merge my experience as a stay-at-home mom with my desire to become a writer.

“So about my writing…” I said.
“Yeeesss?” Joe replied. I could almost hear his eyes roll as if I had mentioned my bid for the next presidential election.
“Well, ever since the writer’s conference I’ve been—“

“—BANG BANG!” says Daughter #1, “I put my BANG drum on my BANG window and BANG BANG!”
“NOOO!” says Daughter #2, “NOOO bang bang. I don’t want the bang bang. I want to doctor you!”

I continue a little louder, “—you see, what I really want to write about is—”
“What the heck is wrong with the CD player?” interrupts Joe. “I turned it off and now it says ‘Track 1’ and then it switches to the radio.” He glares in the rearview mirror. “Annie! How many pennies did you put in the CD player? Did you put two in there?”

“MAMA!” says Elise, “MAMA! I dropped my Barbie doll! Get it, get it!”
Twisting my body backward I fumble blindly for her doll, my cheek wedged against her carseat while she whacks her ladybug boots against my head.
“I bang you with my boots, Mama! BANG, BANG!”

When I straighten, Joe has stuffed a CD in the player which seems to resolve his problem. There is silence between us. I wait for him to resume our conversation, to prompt me to continue where I left off, to ask questions and investigate the depths of my feelings…

More silence.

“Are you interested in what I have to say?” I can’t believe I’m pandering. “Not really. Between this CD player that won’t work and the girls yammering in my ears, I’m just waiting for you to get your point.”

I sulk for a while and just when I decide not to mention him in the acknowledgements of my yet-unwritten-but-destined-for-success novel, he adds, “If you want to write, you have to put on your helmet and get in the game.”

Fast forward two years. I’m still a stay-at-home Mukilteo mama, now with three children, but today I debut as the writer of this column. So if you have a dream, I hope you too will take heart, have courage, and put on your helmet and get in the game.

heart talk

As many of you know, Dillyhearts is proud to support The Heart Center at Seattle Children's Hospital with ongoing donations - a portion of every website sale is donated each quarter. (See our heart-felt giving page for more information.)

A recent article on one of my fave blogs, 5 Minutes For Mom, tugged at my heart and I just had to share it with you! Visit mamanista.com to read Baby Diva's story, enter a great contest, and help spread the word about congenital heart defects.

Be sure to visit her page at the American Heart Association to learn more. Happy Birthday Baby Diva!

[More Info]

mums the wurd!

Many thanks to Laura and Amy for the super write-up of our brand new Toddler Bibs on mumsthewurd.com. Don't let the name fool you! This fun new shopping blog is dedicated to revealing the ultimate in hip and stylish products for babies, kids and parents. These gals know their stuff, and they want to share the best of the best with you! Each featured item is carefully tested, often by their own busy tots. Check out their tooooo cute kiddos modeling their sassy new toddler bibs from Dillyhearts.

And be sure to click on their contest page, for their upcoming giveaway featuring our funky and fabulous Blue Zoo Tooth Fairy Pillow.

take me out to the ball game

Baseball is a big deal at our house. Huge, really. Let's just say that our son's first word was "ball" and he's never looked back! T-ball, Little League, select, and now the high school team. And, since our kids are 10 years apart, our daughter has been going to her brother's games since she was 2 weeks old.
For us, family vacation = baseball tournament! That being said, we are heading out to our longest tournament of the year next week.

All Dillyhearts orders placed June 27 - July 1 will be shipped the week of July 2nd.

Not a huge delay, but something you should know in case you're planning for a shower gift. And for all you other baseball fans out there, check out our new Seventh Inning baseball bibs and burps. Classic vintage style, perfect for your own little sports guy.

it's in the bag

Great style, that is! Introducing our new line of trendy bags, handmade in the USA, by ByKimLane DESIGNS. Fresh, fun, contemporary and fabulous! Diaper bags, diaper clutches, tween totes, and more.

yummy bibs

We've added some yummy new bibs to the site this week. Full of whimsy and charm, our handmade baby bibs can handle all the drips, drool and frosting your baby can dish out. Sure, they're loaded with style, but don't be afraid to use em! Topstitched and backed with thick, plush terry velour, they are designed to last. So go ahead, get messy baby! We've got you covered.

cool droolin'

New burp cloth sets are here, with more on the way! Our big burpies are 14x17, handmade and topstitched, featuring 100% cotton prints with thick plush terry velour backs. Soft, durable, and machine washable. Large enough to use as a soft infant changing pad, these hard-working baby basics are featured in hip and stylish duos for you and your little one.

hand-picked ~ handmade

New at Dillyhearts! Our stunning collection of handmade and hand-painted gifts, created in the USA by other indie designers and work-at-home moms. Each item has been carefully selected to compliment our signature Dillyhearts product line. These beautiful ceramic gift tags are the perfect "something extra" to add to your gift. We are delighted to support other work-at-home moms - there are so many talented moms out there! Be sure to check back often. We will be adding more lovely creations in the months ahead.

in the spotlight

Celebrity style? You bet! Check out the great review of our Eiffel Tower bib and burp set at Celebrity Baby Clothes. This fun blog will keep you up-to-date on the most fabulous, luxurious baby gear on the market, and will give you the inside scoop on the latest products used by celeb moms and their pampered little ones.

more pillow talk

Our soft and snuggly toddler pillows caught the attention of the style savvy moms over at Cool Mom Picks. Take a look at their review, and be sure to check out our testimonials page for all the great comments from our happy customers. Offered in ultra-soft chenille, cozy fleece, and coming soon, our cool summer cotton styles...simply dreamy!

bohemian bliss

Anna and baby sister Tessa look adorable in their stylish Bohemian Dilly Dresses. Normally offered in size 6-12 months, we created custom sizes for these girls to match - size 4 and size 3-6 months. We love custom orders! Please visit our customize it! page for more information. Thank you Liz, for sharing this sweet photo!