If you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time you’re probably gathered that we Spohrs like costumes. Our family and friends know this well. In fact, costumes are the go-to gift for any of us when it’s a holiday/birthday/etc. For my baby shower, I received a bunch of cute little costumes for James. But really, who can resist a tiny baby costume? No one. No one can resist a tiny baby costume.
We aren’t Elf on the Shelf people. Well, I should clarify – we HAVE the elf on the shelf, but we don’t do anything creative with it. I set an alarm to move it every night, and that’s it. We are, however, James on the Shelf people. What’s James on the Shelf? It’s this:
Last month, my mom surprised us with a little elf costume for James. I opened it and was like, “Oh, this costume is too cute to only wear once or twice.” I took some pictures of him in it and jokingly called them “James on the Shelf.” When I showed the pictures to Annie she said,
“Mama, is the James on the Shelf going to come every day?”
When you have a baby like James, how can you not take pictures of him in ridiculous costumes? A lot of people ask me how I get him to smile – it’s easy! I just smile at him first. Seriously, that’s it. The kid is a smiling fool.
I know someday James is going to be like, “Really, Mom? Really?” But honestly…how can I resist?!?!?!
I love that little elf!
Edit: You can see all the James on the Shelf pictures on Instagram.
Jen says:
This is just too cute!!!!
Missy says:
OMG! His face in that last picture is AWESOME! He is just so stinkin adorable! LOVE IT!
shannon says:
THIS is absolutely the cutest thing I have seen. Made my day!!!!
Tedra says:
I’m one of your blog stalkers, I never comment, but I had to let you know that I am seriously laughing to the point of tears at the picture of James with the evil laugh after drawing on his sister’s picture. Love it!!
Kathryn says:
Those are wonderful. I seriously love your creativity! The one where it looks like he drew on Annie’s picture and is cracking up over it is soooo cute! Made me GOL (giggle out loud)
meg...CT says:
Are you kidding me???? CUTEST. THING. EVER!!!!!
Melanie says:
Oh. My. Gosh! LOVE IT!
Polly says:
Too cute:) And wonderful blackmail material when he’s a teenager!
TamaraL says:
Hahahaha!! Every house needs a James on the Shelf!
Johanna says:
So adorable! He has the best smile ever.
Maris says:
James should be a baby model
ColleenMN says:
Driving the car! By the way, however much you spent on the elf costume was too little, it is priceless
Pattie says:
Elf on the Shelf? No, thanks. James on the Shelf? Absolutely. I had to send a link to this post to my friend since we were just discussing our dislike for the Elf. Great timing!
Steph says:
In the picture of James next to Annie’s baby pic, they look so much alike. Adorable! Thank you!
Debbie A-H says:
You are slightly deranged–in the best way possible!
PattyB says:
TOO FREAKIN’ CUTE!! Love his expressions in some of these, too. Definitely pics to bring out to show future girlfriends. Hee, hee!
Shell says:
Those are AWESOME!
Kitty @ LambAround: Life with my Sexy Nerd says:
Adorable! And huge LOL for Rigby’s costume
Jordan Taylor says:
oh goodness. The last one. How do you not kiss those lips/cheeks off?!?! He looks so dang kissable.
Damita H says:
That last picture!! I die! He is so cute!
Cristy says:
Amazing!!!! He’s way more fun than our elf on the shelf.
Michelle H says:
Seriously Heather, I don’t know how you do it! You really need to publish all of these in books. I get such joy out of looking at them and they really brighten my day!
Stephanie says:
Pure cuteness.
Paula says:
These are great. I love that you are a costume family. It really nurtures creativity and using the imagination. You also use this with technology so your kids are really getting an education they can’t get in any public school.
That last picture? It’s gorgeous. I can’t just hear the whirr of your camera as you take shot after shot. I think he totally looks like his oldest in that shot.
Rigby is looking at you like “Really mom? Really?” LOL!
Susan says:
The cuteness here is unbelievable and I laugh every time I look at these, particularly at evil James on the shelf next to Annie’s picture. Thanks for brightening my day and I agree with Michelle, these and the while you were at preschool would make great books.
Molly says:
I now want to have a baby just so I can dress it up and take cute pictures of it in hilarious scenarios all day long–don’t anybody tell me motherhood is any different, I don’t want to hear it! Love these!
Expat Mom says:
Man, I never did anything this fun with my kids when they were babies. Now I want to go back and do it again. That last picture is epic!
Kat says:
This really made my whole day today! He is the cutest baby ever, but seriously the costume thing just brings that to a whole new level!! You really need to make a couple of books out of these!! Or have a whole 2nd site dedicated to these and the “while you were at preschool” pics…. kinda like the son crying site! Keep up the great work and pics! They are awesome!!
Denise says:
This made my day!
wendy says:
love it
Michelle says:
I’m laughing so hard at the photo of Rigby. These are so great.
Lanie says:
I heart James on the shelf!! His facial expression in the last picture look so much like Maddie. Thank you for sharing the smiles!
Lea says:
There is NO WAY you can resist taking these pictures – he is so ridiculously cute!!
jackie says:
That last picture is SO cute I can’t stand it!!! And poor Rigby… hahahahaas. ?
Theresa says:
Sooo cute….the last face is all Maddy Moos looks just like her.
Mary Ann says:
OMG I want one of those under my Christmas tree, he is too cute. LOVE your photos thanks for sharing!
Jill says:
He looks so much like Maddie in some of these! Such a beautiful baby.
Bren R. says:
This is crazy adorable!
Ashli Keffer says:
Glad I’m not the only one that thinks he looks EXACTLY like Maddie!!! So precious! So happy for all of you!