Sensory Play Ideas | 14 Months

I should title this “Part One” because all moms know this is just the beginning. One of the things I love about motherhood is planning for stages (I find that I thrive on that too). So as Thomas seemed to get bored with everyday activities and his typical baby toys, I am excited to dive into the world of sensory play! I was given great tips from some friends in similar stages (like putting Thomas in the bathtub for water beads because, #messes). Share any of your favorite activities and tips! I am always on the hunt because I am convinced I have the world’s most active 14month old.

Felt Balls and Cups

Sensory Play | Victoria Austin
Sensory Play Ideas | Victoria Austin
Sensory Play Ideas | Victoria Austin
Sensory Play Ideas | Victoria Austin

This was so easy! And actually gave me some time to clean up the kitchen because Thomas could play independently (make sure they don’t put the felt balls in their mouth - choking hazard). Thomas liked stacking the cups, emptying them out, trying to feed them to our dog?, etc.. ha! But I originally found these at Hobby Lobby for another craft project so they were just sitting in office closet. It’s been three days and he is still interested in them… WIN!
As he gets older, we can organize by color and match to the cup.

Water Beads

Sensory Play Ideas | Victoria Austin
Sensory Play Ideas | Victoria Austin
Sensory Play Ideas | Victoria Austin

Okay, these are really cool (even at the brink of 30!). First and foremost, they are small and slightly messy. Thomas can bite into them, swallow them and throw them. So he had to be watched but he had so much fun with them! The mini strainer was fun to use (a cup would work too).. and he loved rubbing his hands in the bin and seeing them bounce in the tub. Full disclosure: he cried (tantrum-like) when we were done and I had to put them away. So he definitely liked them! They sell them in a lot of colors and I am sure online has plenty of options (I found these, Orbeez brand at Target)!
I have a few more tricks up my sleeve for the next week and will update with ideas! I always post to my stories on Instagram so be sure to follow (@victoriaaustindesigns). If you have any ideas, I would LOVE to hear them!

xo,
Tori

Bump Update | 33 Weeks Pregnant

Welp, Another 6 months have passed by before my eyes. Hope I can get back into the swing of blogging this year as I enjoy blogging so much (blogged long before my business came to fruition), and I love sharing updates on work and life here when I don't have time to update my portfolios! But alas, it all takes time, doesn't it? 
We are just a little over 5 weeks from meeting our baby boy, Thomas Anthony Austin! I can't believe we are at the tail end of this 9-month journey. It has FLOWN by. I feel really great, and actually worry that my hormones are finally "right", and will "go back to normal" post-delivery. It worries me because I feel like my emotions, happiness, energy, etc have all been better since getting pregnant. I also wonder if that has to do with diet and a lightened workload? Either way, I pray these feelings stick around!  

Beach Maternity Session | Kaylie Poplin Photography | Victoria Austin Designs

I have my inducing date scheduled. Which bummed me out a little at first, but I have Gestational Diabetes (also bummed me out, and took me by surprise). Although, I don't think I am the healthiest eater, I've never considered myself to have an unhealthy diet. But I am reminded once again that pregnancy does weird things to us women, and for me, one of those things is resisting a little insulin. Overall, my sugars have remained low (a huge relief) with diet and physical activity, but we monitor baby Thomas' heart rate weekly, and have an inducing date to prevent him from "over staying his welcome". :) Anyways, I hope this little bambino comes on his own. But if not I feel prepared and taken care of with my doctor! 

Rosemary Beach Maternity Session by Kaylie Poplin Photography | Victoria Austin Designs

I was torn about taking maternity photos, but had an idea early on that I wanted to do but I really didn't want cheesy photos. I honestly felt so good when I thought of how I wanted them to look and feel that I was so ecstatic to reach out to one of my favorite photographers (and friend) Kaylie B. Poplin Photography.  We were planning to go to Rosemary Beach to celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary (we got married there) and I would conveniently be 30 weeks pregnant during the trip... it just seemed like the perfect time IN the perfect place to document this season of our marriage. But as my pregnancy progressed, and I grew (lol), I started to regret planning these photos, especially because I was hoping to do REAL beach ones, in a bikini and everything. What.
BUT. I am here to say that I am so so so happy I took these! They are exactly what I had in mind when I planned them originally and show the joy and happiness that this season has brought me. I am still shocked at how well Kaylie was able to capture these emotions for me. I truly will have them forever and even plan to add a few to Thomas Anthony's first baby book. I always believe if you FEEL good, document it. Remember it. Use it. It's contagious and will keep the momentum going when you begin to feel LESS good. 

Rosemary Beach Maternity Session by Kaylie B Poplin Photography | Victoria Austin Designs | Motherhood
Rosemary Beach Maternity Session by Kaylie B Poplin Photography | Victoria Austin Designs | Motherhood
Rosemary Beach Maternity Session by Kaylie B Poplin Photography | Victoria Austin Designs | Motherhood
Rosemary Beach Maternity Session by Kaylie B Poplin Photography | Victoria Austin Designs | Motherhood
tori-maternity-rosemarybeach-kayliebpoplin-2-40.jpg
Rosemary Beach Maternity Session by Kaylie B Poplin Photography | Victoria Austin Designs | Motherhood
Rosemary Beach Maternity Session by Kaylie B Poplin Photography | Victoria Austin Designs | Motherhood

Just a few of my many favorites above but you can see more on Kaylie B Poplin's blog, here! I hope these inspire some of you to go head first into pregnancy and do "all the things", the cheesy included. :) I look forward to sharing Thomas' fun baby shower details, darling nursery and maybe even some VAD wedding work here during my downtime. XOXO

Hair: Vivo Salon and Spa (Rosemary Beach)
Makeup: Morgan King Makeup