Say Hello To My Little Friend


This is the first vacuum I've ever purchased.  All the rest have been hand-me-downs.  (Thank you very much family & friends!)  We keep them until they blow.  But THIS one is awesome!!  (Only $60) and it's the perfect green.  I looked it up on Real Simple and it sounded like a good one so we got it.  (It's the Eureka Optima)

I've never loved a vacuum so.  Have you ever seen Overboard?   You know when she's sucking up the mess on the table with the vacuum?  Yep, that was me yesterday sucking rice up with the green machine until I caught myself. 


What fun a good one can be!  ;)
But what I love best about it, is that it puts this poor{colicky} little guy..

... to sleep:

Amen...  We actually burnt a part of the carpet beause it had been running for hours when we all fell asleep.  Oops not smart. 
We've since started using a baby white noise CD.  My favorite's the rain.
Happy  weekend!!
xoxo,
lauren

70 comments:

Angelica said...

Oh my goodness, that picture of your adorable little guy on that gorgeous couch just kills me! I bought those same pillows from Ikea - they were a great deal. I'm glad you found this perfect use for your vacuum. I'll file it away for future reference.

Ann-Michelle said...

Thanks for the recommendation. I spent $400 on a Dyson (omg), and it picks up dust but not anything large enough to see. The big stuff just gets thrown around. Drives me crazy!

Jane said...

Hi there I have used white noise cds for my children for years - it really works. Also piano like Mozart (not for silly intellectual reasons but just because babies love the melody). I really feel for you having a baby with colic. It is very challenging. xoxo

Kelly Green said...

Hang in there - we had a colicky man too!!!! Not much fun but just do what you have to to get through it! if it's the vacuum then go right ahead.......KG

Leanne said...

Oh, he's so sweet (sleeping and cryng). I hope he outgrows his colic soon.

Tina said...

LOVE your new perfect green vacuum cleaner Lauren!! But the highlight of your post is that darling little bub and his big brother there in the background behind the vacuum!:) Your sweet boys are just gorgeous, Lauren:) Hope Justin's colic gets better soon. Thank you so much for sharing these sweet pics. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend ~ Tina xx

Tracy Watier said...

Congrats on finding "the thing" that works! For my baby, it was a "smooth jazz" radio station playing in the nursery almost non-stop. It worked in the car too... still does! She's 19 now and when we travel together, I know I can get some quiet time if I switch to that station. Chills her right out!

Barbie said...

Hi there, I hate to be one that offers unsolicited advice, but I feel for you so I'll just mention an idea. Have you tried going off milk or giving him a non-milk formula? My husband and I both had colic as babies and our baby ended up having a milk allergy (among others). Milk can irritate sensitive systems.

Anyway, I love your blog, your style, and your professionalism. You're awesome. What a sweet little one. (And are those real paper whites? Pretty.)

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

I first was sooo colicky! She had a really bad case of reflux. Cried for hours. It was so hard. Hopefully your little one grows out of it soon.

He is adorable!!!

xo,
cristin

Sami said...

This post makes me want another, um baby not vacuum. ;)

Your little guy is so sweet. I've done the whole vacuuming food off the table thing too...my hubby looked at me like I was nuts.

Sorry about the colic, hopefully he will grow out of it soon.

Sami G

The House That A-M Built said...

Oh my heart stopped when I saw your little darling on the sofa. I remember those days so vividly... hang in there... and enjoy your gorgeous new vacuum cleaner! A-M xx

pve design said...

My daughter wants a baby sister (not happening) and I want a new vacuum! Too bad we are not nearby, we could swap for a few hours. (even if he is a boy!)
pve

Catherine Peart said...

Ha ha, I used to rock my baby in the laundry room with the dryer running. Worked like a charm! That photo of Justin on the couch just kills me - he is gorgeous!

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

One of my good friends burned out the bathroom fan and a hairdryer when her little one was a newborn. I know you have boys....but if you throw away the cover maybe it is ok? Every nap or bedtime I play my daughter the "Disney Princess Lullabies" CD. It is so relaxing and does the trick. I'll admit it put me to sleep in the early days.

alison giese Interiors said...

Oh, he's so precious! Avery was colicky (although I wouldn't admit it at the time!), and I remember hearing about vacuums soothing babies - strange.
Glad you got a winner in your green machine, and that the colic stretch is short.

Ginger@cottageonrosewood said...

Lauren, you probably get advice all the time. My 6 month old had what I thought was colic for 2 months. He cried almost constantly and NEVER slept. Finally my doctor diagnosed acid reflux. We gave him prevacid and NO MORE CRYING AND HE SLEEPS. Ahhhh. It can't hurt to check. BTW...oh so sweet on the couch. He's adorable.

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Two things: I love the picture of Justin on the sofa...so cute and funny. And, that your vaccuum matches your house! :)

Wishing you a good(quiet?)weekend!
~Rebecca

My House, My Garden said...

Oh, Lauren, I used to put my son in his crib -- he was colicy from 4 pm to 9 pm every evening BAD -- and would leave the vacuum running in his room just so I could eat dinner. That was 18 years ago! It was a life saver!
Vikki

tarheel said...

oh, your baby is too much- I love him on the couch!!

Kristin said...

Hi, Lauren. I just found your blog yesterday and love your beautiful home! I'm waiting for some extra time this weekend to read your archives! Just wanted to let you know that I went through the colick with all three of my boys and finally with the last found a solution. I know you probably have gotten a ton of advice; I did to. But if you're breastfeeding and are open to trying something dramatic, email me and I'll tell you what I did. My children's pediatrician even sends her hard-core colick cases to me for support! Hope you get some rest this weekend and enjoy these early weeks with the little one. Kristin
kristincathey@bellsouth.net

Anonymous said...

So sorry about Justin being colicky! Hope he feels better soon.

I have a love affair with my vacuum too - it's a Bissell Lift-off Revolution with Pet Attachments. A-ma-zing.
-Lisa

Anonymous said...

So sorry about Justin being colicky! Hope he feels better soon.

I have a love affair with my vacuum too - it's a Bissell Lift-off Revolution with Pet Attachments. A-ma-zing.
-Lisa

Mary said...

I just read all of the comments left behind from other mothers of colicky babies. It's amazing the things we try to get our babies to sleep. Running a vacuum...now that's a first! HA
Loved the picture of tiny Justin on the couch.

Anne said...

What a funny story!

And when I'm vacuuming our hardwood floors, I always take a swipe at the kitchen table and chairs. Boys are messy. There are always crumbs everywhere. I figure it's another hard surface ... right? Growing up, my mom used to vacuum our dog to ease the shedding (so she said). That poor dog.

MFAMB said...

umm...my palms are sweating and my heart is beating abnormally fast...that's how much i LOVE to vaccuum. and my vaccuum is knocking on death's door and not NEARLY as cute as the green machine.

and i don't even have carpet. and only ONE rug.

"Yeah, that works..!" said...

What cutie pies you have. But not so cute when colicky, lol! I used to put my son in a little tabletop baby seat (those great little padded canvas numbers) and then place him on top of the dryer. Got my laundry and his naps taken care of at the same time! Worked like a dream!
ps: don't mean to get too personal but if you are nursing, staying off dairy helps the colic tremendously

Unknown said...

I am dying for a new vacum, I can't wait to get the green machine!!! ha! Your new little guy is perfect, what a little sweet pea. congrats!

Emily A. Clark said...

BH&G needs to use THAT sofa picture! Priceless.

Kathysue said...

Aaaaah! he is beautiful and look at him sleeping what an angel. I had to laugh about the carpet,sorry! Oh what we will do to get the baby asleep. Remember the commercial of the couple driving around to get the baby asleep? Hillarious. I really am sorry about the carpet, honestly,Kathysue

Melissa said...

I understand your love. I love my Dyson more than words. Have you tried meds for reflux yet? We had a "silent spitter" and the meds (after cutting dairy, eggs, wheat, soy and CHOCOLATE! from my diet) were a lifesaver for us, although it took a month to work.

Tammy@InStitches said...

He looks so sweet ! I never thought about using the vacuum.

lindsey said...

"I cooked and prepared raw meat?"
"i hunt it, you cook it"
"you shot a chicken?"

her life beautiful said...

Love that it's such a perfect green. Your baby is DARLING!!! AAH, you're giving me "the itch"! See ya next post, Andrea

TMW said...

Oh the colic! My first was colicky---and coupled with my inexperience and insecurity it made for a really rough maternity leave. My aunt told me that just when I thought I wouldn't/couldn't stand it or take the crying/pressure anymore it would ease off. And at about 4 months that is EXACTLY what happened. That time with Conor made me a much stronger woman. And even though it was so trying and so difficult it didn't keep me from having another child. And it was then that I discovered that babies are all different---i'm not sure if she was a dream baby or just NOT colicky---but either way it was a gift. You will make it through the colic and one day look back and be proud of how you made it through. Keep the faith---and now you can keep clean with your green machine!

Kris and Jen said...

Oh the vacuum is the best invention on the planet...am also in love with mine (it's a problem) and your baby is so precious...thank goodness you are on to the CD...For Crying Out Loud has a vacuum track on it and you can put on your I Pod on repeat!ZZZZZ...
Jen

red ticking said...

i never thought s atory about a vacuum could warm my heart... what a darling little bundle... amen. x pam

Katie @ Noodle and Boof said...

Love a good vacuum. When mine finally dies (it's 5 years old and still kicking) I'll have to check this out! Sweet, sweet baby!

nelya said...

Aaaaw, that's all I got for you. Aaaaaaw.

nelya said...

Aaaaw, that's all I got for you. Aaaaaaw.

Caroline said...

Sooo adorable!! And I am in need of a vacuum so thanks for the tip!!!

Splendid Willow said...

Forget the vaccum cleaner (even though I am sure it is terrific!) but your baby is over the top, amazingly beautiful and adorable. (Look at those little fingers!!). I need to tell my 2.5 year old to stop growing so fast! Happy weekend, Monika

http://www.splendidwillow.com

bluehydrangea said...

Lauren, he is just too cute!! I could eat him up!!! If you ever need a break send off to me!

Natalie of TheBusyBudgetingMama.com said...

what a sweetie!! how cute. a good vacuum is always a good thing... i remember when we finally bought a good one..it was so light weight and i actually enjoyed vacuuming!

Megan Lee said...

We got that vacuum for a wedding shower gift and I love it as well. I love the handle and it's so lightweight.

How funny is that? Your little one falls asleep to the loud roar of a vacuum?? Well I guess you'll be able to take him anywhere and he'll sleep :) He's adorable, by the way!

Melissa said...

We got a Conair White Noise machine ($15 on Amazon) - my daughter is 2 and we still use it (we have a small house and she is a light sleeper). The rain setting is nice, but the ocean is my favorite :-)

Wendy said...

I'm sorry...colick is not fun! But he looks so sweet all sleepy in your arms! (And I love that picture of him on the sofa....darling!! Good luck with the noise machine (you're right....it's a much better idea than running the vacuum. LOL!)

simply seleta said...

Thank you for making me laugh out loud today. Needed it!!! I loved this post for so many reasons. Two of which: Overboard is one of my favorite movies and the fact that you bought a vacuum for its color.

LUV. It.

Laurie from Laurie Jones Home said...

You always keep it real, it must be why I enjoy your blog so much! That photo of your baby on the couch is a keeper, it just breaks your heart, poor thing and then him sleeping like an angel, makes it hard to believe he could ever cry at all! I never heard of using the vacuum to calm a baby!

home before dark said...

Priceless! Most babies are jazzed up by sweepers. So glad you got the sleeper. I have two of these puppies (not babies, sweepers). I keep one in my basement workroom and one on the second floor. My only problem with this is the "dust cup". If you have allergies, do empty outside. Other than that, it's good clean fun.

debra @ 5th and state said...

how precious lauren, your children are beautiful!
enjoy these days, if sleep comes your way
fondly
debra

LindsB said...

That picture of him on the couch is hysterical- I mean I feel awful for the little guy and you that you have to hear him crying like that- but its just funny to see him there in the middle of the couch, looking oh so tiny there.

LOVE the new vacuum- love that it goes in your tree house perfectly too- they must have made the color just for you.

white flower farmhouse said...

I have to agree, that is a good looking vacuum. The perfect shade of green too. Your little guy is so darn cute sitting on the sofa. Hope you have a restful weekend, Lori

Gypsy Heart said...

Divine timing! I just looked at one of these a few days ago but didn't have any "word of mouth" recommendations so decided to wait. Thanks so much for sharing!
Sweet baby boy is adorable ~ My grandson used to fall asleep with the vacuum running. Holding him you could just feel his little body relaxing. We all called it the "magic machine" ~ :-)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Lauren
Your little one is so adorable.. the white noise cd sounds like a good idea.. i think maybe i need one!!

Well I have a love/hate relationship with vacuum cleaners lately.. just like you i had always had the second hand variety that never failed me.. when i finally splashed out on a new updated version it was just a huge waste of money.. doesn't suck up a thing.. glad you found something both economical and effective... have a great weekend.. Julie

Maria Killam said...

That is so funny that you were using it for white noise! I need a new vacuum. . . it's one of those things you don't think about buying until it's toast like you said!!

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Ahhhhhhhhh...........what a cute little guy....

I just got a new vacuum too...isn't it thrilling? Mine sounds like an airliner when it starts.........cracks me up every time.

Warm blessings,
Spencer

Windlost said...

Lauren, you are too adorable. Your baby is so tiny and precious -little doll. I bet you are so tired - hope you can have a nice sleep with the wee baby to the rain CD. Sounds lovely. xo Terri

Gosia said...

Der kleine Mann ist sehr süss :) BR from Austria, margaretha

P.S Ich liebe Goldie Hawn ;)

C.J. said...

I so love the way your baby is sleeping, so comfortable, and content. God bless that little gift.

C.J. said...

I just read that the baby is colicky, when my baby girl went through that I took a heating pad and put one big fluffy towel over it and laid her on her stomach. Believe it or not it stopped! Could have been the time for it to stop but I don't think so, maybe give it a try.

Unknown said...

OMG...I to have a pic of my colicky daughter propped up on our couch screaming!! I SOOOO feel for you. I know it doesn't seem like it now, but they do grow up. She's almost 14 and couldn't be further from that screaming baby. As someone else posted, do whatever you can to get through the day. Hopefully you have a support system so you can get away for a couple of hours or take a nap and rejuvenate. Best of luck...

traci zeller designs said...

Ooooohhh, what a sweet little guy! It totally brings back memories. I'd do anything to get my twins to sleep even if it meant burning the carpet! :-)

Danielle@LiveLikeYou said...

That was too funny and the picture of your adorable baby crying on the clean sofa...hysterical. I have a similar photo of my little guy crying, but it was on a hideous faded red hand me down sofa and not a gorgeous green velvet English roll armed sofa. Thanks for the laugh! Your blog, you and your family are just adorable and I am so happy that I found this blog..thanks.

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great machine... but I am SO glad you found a white noise CD for little man! He is so sweet.
~Really Rainey~

vosgesparis said...

what to say about a vacuum .. I have mine for like 20 years I think.. it is yellow (and I hate yellow) but my ids loved it ... I never think about replacing the thing as it still works perfect... but lately I cute all white one and for a second I thought.. is there anyone who is in need for a yellow vacuum so I can have this beaty to vacuum my new white floors..

Unknown said...

Your little guy is adorable!

We have a central vac that I LOVE, after having gone through 3 fairly expensive uprights. The only drawback with the central vac is we store it upstairs in my hobby room and taking it out is a bit more work.

Haven and Home said...

He is sooo cute!!!! I hope you are doing well. I LOVE to vacuum, I find it so relaxing!

Unknown said...

What a doll!! My kids loved the vacuum when they were babies as well. Now my dogs go berserk every time I run it.

3 Peanuts said...

SUch a cute little snuggle bug!

Posey said...

I bought a $400 vacuum form Sears a couple of years ago, and HATE it!!! Have been on the look out for a new one. I have hardwood floors and rugs, do you think it the Eureka Optima would work for me?