On The Move: Lobster for B

Babies require a lot of stuff; more stuff than I ever realized. In the arena of seating we have a total of 8 items that range from a contoured pillow (The Boppy Lounger) to a motorized bouncer (InGenuity Auto Bouncer). B enjoys 5 of those options, with a possible 6th dependent on his mood. At a mere 7.5 months old he has outgrown 3 of these already.

"Real food" quickly changed seating options; an upright position and wipe-able/washable surface is necessary. So Dad and I researched and debated high chairs. We decided on the OXO Seedling and it is fantastic...see last week's post for some details.

But Dad and I like to get out of the house! While the old wooden restaurant high chairs are a great standby, we wanted something of our own that was easily portable. So the research began again and we landed on phil&teds lobster. 

I spent weeks eyeing this chair until my aunt was in town and we stopped by Swaddle to droll over their inventory of everything baby related. Before I could make it to check out B's great aunt swooped in and made the purchase (hugs and kisses to Aunt Andi). We used it twice THAT DAY! It has quickly been added to the home departure list.
  

B hanging at G-pa's.

Not one to be excluded from the fun. Cahaba Brewing has picnic tables perfect for the lobster.

I would say we have successfully used the lobster at 70% of locations attempted, including - Cheesecake Factory, Cahaba Brewing, Red Zone Sports Bar, Beef O'Brady's, Slice, Five, Habaneros, Cocina Superior and Saw's Juke Joint. At all of these locations multiple people have approached us to ask what the chair was and where they could purchase. 

Pros:

• Folds and includes a slim carrying bag (total weight is 4 lbs)
• Easy installation to compatible table
• Weight limit of 37 lbs
• Includes tray that is dishwasher safe and sanitary
• Safety straps/harness 
• EXTREMELY sturdy

Cons:

• Restaurants like funky tables, it won't fit everywhere
• Seat is hand wash only and does have crevices 
• Frame could use cushioning or head rest 

Where's my marg? 

Date Night Dinner, hold the vomit

To save money and spend more time with B, Dad and I like to have dinner at home on the weekends. But it has to be something good...we eat a lot of chicken and vegetables during the week so we need a change of pace. Last Friday I went to Publix with nothing particular in mind. Luckily they had New York Strips on sale. Couple those with some little rose potatoes, asparagus, a quick salad, some wine and we have a Date Night Dinner! 

I use DAK's spices in almost every meal I cook. They make awesome blends that are SALT FREE and the owners live here in Birmingham! The steaks were seasoned up with some DAK's Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pepper and Steakhouse blends. I also added a pinch of kosher salt.

Yummmmm. Sophie was jealous. 

For the potatoes, I added 1-2 tbsp. of Herb Oil (also made in Birmingham). This stuff is good enough to drink and really great with bread or any other starch. I also added some Herbes de Provence because it is Dad's favorite. We wrapped these up in foil and threw them on the Weber with the steaks and asparagus (not shown). 

Mini potatoes are cute and fun to eat!

B joined us for dinner, as he usually does, but wasn't feeling his green beans so I tried some Yo-Baby yogurt. Evidently he was trying to tell me he wasn't hungry because he proceeded to projectile vomit on my house slippers. We learn something new every day. 

Friday's Lesson: all high chairs should have wheels. I missed the second projectile by inches thanks to my quick reaction and our spiffy rolling high chair. 

"MA, NO MORE FOOD!" said B in his OXO Seedling high chair provided by G-pa Steiner.

Needless to say, bath time was quickly followed by ice cream for Mom. Good thing Publix had a Haagen-Dazs BOGO!