Saturday in the Park...

Hello Family!

So another beautiful week is passed us by. The summer is in full swing here in the Chi. Saturday here was so perfect the weather Cool Breeze sunny just a beautiful day. It reminded me of that song "Saturday in the Park I think it was the Fourth of July." Only it was the 8th of July. Of course the song is by one of my favorite groups Chicago.

Anywho Zion'Joy and I were able to get out and experience what summer is like in the Chi. So this was our first day really out being out all day about 6 Plus hours from afternoon to early evening. Baby girl did just fine of course like a new mom I was worried. There really wasn't any need to worry. I over-packed, like that commercial that says first baby you have everything and goes off and  leaves the baby in the house. Then when she gets to her second baby she's Old Pro. New moms huh?

So Facebook has this wonderful group called over 40 and Pregnant and raising babies. It's one of the best groups out there all I said I needed some help and some of the more experienced moms gave me help of a list of things to pack which was great and I don't have to worry about anything. I packed it all in one big bag and off we went. Zion Joy was as her name reflects Joy she slept she rested she enjoyed the music it was just all around a good day. Music food family friends and good times.

So these are outfits very simple but it's always impactful. My Fit consisted of a beautiful dashiki print dress a green head wrap tennis shoes because I have yet to buy sandals for the new sizing of my feet. As always my sunnies and my long leather earrings which I will have to put up until baby is old enough. Of course she tried to pull them and pull them but we worked it out and they look good so I had to go for it. Zi"joy had on this beautiful onesie the arms were a flutter sleeve it was like a short thing so very cute with polka dots green polka dots and of course we had other onesies for her but just very very lovely. Again this kid's wardrobe is amazing thrifted.

As usual, all are welcome and I hope this post finds you all well.

Humming to myself the song by Chicago

Saturday in the park,
I think it was the Fourth of July
Saturday in the park,
I think it was the Fourth of July

People dancing, people laughing
A man selling ice cream
Singing Italian songs
Everybody is another
Can you dig it (yes, I can)
And I've been waiting such a long time
For Saturday...

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

24 Comments

  • bridgie replied 6 years ago

    Absolutely delightful!

  • skylurker replied 6 years ago

    You look fantastic, from green headscarf to red laced shoes.
    Baby's sooo cute in her polka dots, turquoise polka dots, apple green polka dots...super happy combo.

  • Joy replied 6 years ago

    What Skylurker said. What a happy sight you both are!

  • rachylou replied 6 years ago

    Looking good! Zion Joy is looking very serious. Love the play pen thingy, lol. So what baby gear were you packing? Packing is always an interesting subject!

  • Ledonna N. replied 6 years ago

    Joy, Skylurker& Bridgie thank you all so very much it was a happy day.

    Rachylou I can't believe the baby gear conversation is part of my life but it was really nice packing for everything so here was the list.

    One quilt, two swaddle blankets two burp cloths, two bibs, two pair of socks, three onesies, 10 diapers two packages of wipes a bunch of disposable little bags for said diapers. Ziploc baggies because ziplock baggies for said diapers and baggies. Four bottles of powdered milk, two portable water bottles with baby water. Baby toys two each and one pacifier. One bottle of sunblock lotion apply liberally and generously except for hands and face.
    Two sun hats in case one gets lost. Baby pop up tent and portable umbrella that's the white thing that sitting behind us. that was pretty much it for baby. I just carried her in my hands cuz people like to hold her family mostly. Strangers I try to be cautious of that but, she's a good baby most babies are so. The good news is that she slept all night long so we had a good day out. We had a good day out and we got home before the mosquitoes cuz that's a whole nother set of worries. I truly felt like I was packing for a weekend getaway but it was so much fun next time I know what to pack and how to pack it. I need one larger bag cuz with baby gear I don't even carry a purse anymore I carry a baby bag and a little wallet easier that way but we have a gear baby bag and then we have a kind of a more dressier baby bag backpack that I wear. I like that We truly had a picnic cuz I sat on the ground and my sister bought her the cutest baby chair with straps. Anyway thanks for asking it was cool.

  • replied 6 years ago

    I had to laugh at your packing list.  You ARE well equipped and certainly very organized.  Of course, you both look fabulous.  

  • JAileen replied 6 years ago

    You really look great, especially considering you just had a baby. ZJ looks so intent in #3. I love that about babies. My college roommate loved Chicago and played them during all of our waking hours. Luckily I like them, too!

  • Ledonna N. replied 6 years ago

    JAileen thank you babies can really throw some intense looks and some really really happy looks. I love capturing her moments. I don't know why I just keep referencing Chicago song. They are really good though.

    Sterling I'm glad you could get a laugh oh my God first time Mama. I just want to make sure I had enough of course I felt well prepared. I was funny looking carrying all that stuff the back of my head.

  • Kate replied 6 years ago

    I love the group Chicago too—and now I'm going to be humming that song for the next 24 hours!

    I think the tennis shoes with their red laces look fab with your beautiful dashiki print dress., Ledonna. I'm amazed at how alert and yet totally unfazed Nugget is by all the hubbub around her. She obviously enjoyed her day in the park with Mama.

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 6 years ago

    This is just flipping adorable! The picture of you two sitting next to her little tent is so sweet <3. You look beautiful in what you're wearing--people might even notice you and look away from baby for a second, lol.
    Zion Joy: is someone a Lauryn Hill fan? I loved that CD.
    That is a lot of stuff to schlepp! Soon you'll see what things you and she actually need, and can drop off the other stuff. It's different for everybody. The important thing is, you and she got out and enjoyed the day!

  • rachylou replied 6 years ago

    Lol, ALMOST as much as I take along for Lilypup ;)

    Packing baby stuff is fun. I knew this lady once who somehow seemed to have it all miniaturised. Everything was so compact. It was fascinating, her baby bag. Lol.

  • replied 6 years ago

    Glad you both had a fun outing! I love your vibrant style & both of your outfits & the pop-up tent. I'm laughing along with Rachylou because I don't have kids & I pack lots of stuff for our dogs on outings/road trips--feel free to laugh imagining all the stuff I'm packing heading off to sheep herding camp with my Border Collie & our other 2 dogs. (I don't have a pop-up tent, but some dog people do!) You're my statement earring hero--glad you got to wear them before you have to put them away! And I've always loved the group Chicago too!

  • Angie replied 6 years ago

    ALWAYS happy, loving, positive, colourful and stylish. Nugget is a VERY lucky baby. 

  • marianna replied 6 years ago

    How beautiful! I love that little tent thing you have for her. What's that called?

  • Sara L. replied 6 years ago

    I love your outfit with the sneakers.  I think they look perfect with the dress.  Baby looks super cute as always.  It's very true what they say about first time Moms.  I had a huge diaper bag of stuff with Baby #1 and by Baby #3 I was doing well if I grabbed an extra diaper and stuffed it in my purse.

  • Ledonna N. replied 6 years ago

    Sara L.  I'm hoping to get to that point.  With just this 1 lol

    Marianna my sister bought it gently used from a baby resale shop.  I googled amazon and they call it a baby pop up tent.  They have various ones.  https://www.amazon.com/Instant.....F8&am

    Thank you so much Angie I feel as if I'm a lucky momma.  An unexpected blessing always.

    Rachylou & Megan A  I can certainly empathize.  I can see you both now.  It must be a funny sight.  I love my cat and if I could haul her around with stuff I would.  lol I wonder how those mom's and those that own fur babies can pack all that stuff and make it look easy.  Probably by the time I perfect it.  She won't be a baby any longer.

    Fashiontern how right on the money you are with your assessment.  Lauryn Hill "Zion"  was the base for the name I choose before I knew she was going to be a she.  So Zion'Joy it was.  Also that same weekend I heard the song at church the song.  We'er marching up to Zion was sung and the preacher gave a word Zion.  So I figured the universe was confirming itself.  I'm sure we will scale down.  I have another all day event by the lakefront and I'm trying to see what I can eliminate. 

    Kate although her looks are intense we had a great day.  I dressed for both comfort and summer breezes.  That is a great song to hum along to.
     

    Sorry It took so long for me to get back.  Work/Mommy life is a beast. 
     

  • Paula replied 6 years ago

    As an Illinois native, I so remember "Saturday in the Park" by our "Chicago!" These are wonderful pictures, Ledonna, that capture the joy and festivity of the outing.  (And I'll bet the baby DOES love those cool leather earrings!)

  • Barbara Diane replied 6 years ago

    Looks like a wonderful time was had by all. And looking good two. 
    That group sounds wonderful.
    I made the mistake of wearing no earrings instead of studs when DS1 started grabbing for them. Eventually I needed to have my eaers re-pierced.

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 6 years ago

    "My joy, my joy is in Zion!"

    Here's my baby name story: the docs were saying I might not be able to get pregnant, so when I did, I figured that I was Sarah and he was my Isaac. It was just a joke, really. Then he was born and I remembered that she had laughed with delight at the prophecy (the name means "laughter"), and I looked at him and he just was an Isaac. His middle name is Ray, as in ray of sunshine.
    Being a single mama to a babe is indeed tough. It didn't take me too long to learn to just drop other cares and let him fill me for the first few minutes after I picked him up, for a happy reconnection. I tell my son I'm a lucky mama all the time, realized recently that he needs me to tell him why, so now I try to say whatever it was that just prompted me to tell him I'm lucky. I sing the song "Clementine" to him, but with the words "Isaac darling, Isaac sweetheart, oh my darling Isaac mine. I've got you and that's the neat part, oh my darling, Isaac mine". The words just came to me as I was mulling over my recent discovery that I would be a single mama. Even though it's tough, we also get all the rewards, and undivided love.

  • annagybe replied 6 years ago

    Wow! Dang girl you look great. Those earrings & that dress!

  • Jaime replied 6 years ago

    You look fabulous and ZJ has the very best expression of any baby ever in #3.

  • Ledonna N. replied 6 years ago

    Shevia I love the expressions she makes and when I capture them it reminds me of my face.

    Thank you Anna it is so good to hear from you.  I've been missing your essence. 

    Fashiontern that is such a wonderful memory and journey.  Thank you for sharing.  Ah to be a single mamma.  For me at 43 it was an unexpected thing but We are finding our way.  I find myself changing the song to adapt to Zi'Joy also.

    Barbara Diane  Ugh I strongly dislike studs but I will have to purchase some.  I don't want to go through that pain.   I forget to wear earrings most of the time.  We had a really great time.

    Paula alright now let's hear it for Chicago.  Baby had a grand time with them.  She loved the softness.

  • Lisa replied 6 years ago

    Adorable!  Gosh I already see that she's gotten bigger, ack stop growing little one!  They get big too fast, enjoy it.

  • JuniperGreen replied 6 years ago

    That is one of my FAVORITE songs... which, after hearing a street vendor sing outside of Fenway Park, I will forever hear in my head with a Boston accent :D 

    You two look so beautiful and summery and joyful.  Thank you for sharing!!

You need to be logged in to comment