1.13.2008

Denali anxiously awaits the arrival of her new playmate, or she's just excited about all the new toys in the house and can't figure out why she's not allowed to play with them. I also let Terri give Denali a little trim around the face, but I think it makes her bump into more things around the house.

We picked up a new cubby for the nursery at IKEA.

I'm hoping that this lion becomes the baby's favorite toy. You know that kind that have missing eyes and patches and barely have enough fabric left to keep whatever stuffing hasn't already fallen out.

With all the wonderful blankets that we've gotten so far (this isn't even all of them), I don't know if he'll ever have one that he takes everywhere and wears in (not out) like I hope his favorite lion will.

1.07.2008

Baby Shower

Katie and Gina threw me the most fantastic baby shower! It was so much fun. I am so lucky to have such a terrific group of lady friends!!! :)

New Stroller

Our new stroller came today. Denali fits perfectly!

An education on good Design...

Eames® Molded Plastic Rocker

Charles and Ray Eames

Glide. . .rock. . .sing or sack out. Think long term and rock with an authentic Eames Molded Plastic Armchair Rocker from Herman Miller®. How many gliders have you seen in friend’s living rooms? An Eames RAR is something that can be with your family for years to come, perfectly suited to any room of your home. Unlike other unsightly gliders, this rocker will find a useful place in your home long after those 3:00am feedings are a thing of the past. This is one of those products that perfectly demonstrates how great design can evolve with the ever-changing needs of your family.

The Eames RAR features a sumptuous seat shell that conforms to the body’s shape with graceful armrests made of ecologically friendly, recyclable polypropylene. Experience the ultimate rocking chair experience on the iconic Eames wire base featuring maple runners. Their enduring design and quality construction make them durable performers in many environments and periods in your life. We say rock and enjoy this precious time!
http://www.modernseed.com/eamesrarrocker.html

Few things turn a design-conscious parent-to-be's stomach more than the idea of having to get some fugly rocking chair. Still, you've heard it before, but let me say it again from this side of parenthood: you want a rocking chair. You'll want one so bad, it almost won't matter if it looks like you bought it off a trailer porch in some Appalachian holler.

One classic modern solution--the Eames shell rocker, formally known as the Eames RAR Rocker--has a historical connection to new babies. The original manufacturer, Herman Miller, used to give one to employees on the birth of their child.

http://daddytypes.com/2004/05/30/eames_rocker_the_modern_solution.php

Design Story

New materials, especially those that held promise for doing more with less, fascinated Charles and Ray Eames throughout their careers. Their fascination led to inventive modern furniture, such as the molded plastic chair. Designed in 1948, it was the first plastic chair to be mass produced.

The current models looks exactly the same as the originals. They remain unupholstered, in keeping with the Eameses requirement that materials be expressed honestly and unselfconsciously. In fact, these were the first one-piece plastic chairs to be left uncovered.

At the same time, the chairs are better than ever. For example, the shell is now manufactured using more environmentally friendly, high-impact plastic.
http://www.hermanmiller.com/CDA/SSA/Product/0,,a10-c440-p175,00.html

Description:
Said to be the most significant furniture design of the 20th century, the Eames® RAR Rocker (1948) has been put back into production, with the blessings of the Eames® Office, for the first time in more than 30 years. The RAR now features a durable and environmentally friendly molded polypropylene shell with a deep seat pocket, integrated armrests, high backrest and waterfall seat edge for lounge-quality comfort. The iconic Eames® wire base is set atop two maple runners for a smooth rocking motion that brings enjoyment to nurseries, lounges, living rooms, offices and bedrooms.
http://www.purecontemporary.com/ProductGuide/product/1009540;jsessionid=F89D24BABFA060E73B78A62F5A3EF5BE

Designed in 1948 and first presented at The Museum of Modern Art in the International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture, the molded plastic chair was the first plastic chair to be mass-produced. The current models are an exact reproduction of the originals, with a clean, simple form that is sculpted to fit the body.
http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Eames%20Molded%20Plastic%20RAR%20Rocker_10451_10001_17056_-1_11461_11462_null_shop_