I Like Stumps Quite A Lot

In December, my friend Dara dropped off a bunch of stumps at my house from some fallen trees. I was in Utah at the time, so it was quite the happy surprise when I got home. Well, since December, they had been sitting in the backyard since I was too pregnant to move them. Now that my brother is here, however, I was able to have him haul them to the front step a couple of weeks ago. Stumps + some succulents. Darling.

And I had to show off my new sandals. Cause I mean...come on.

Bike

For Mother's Day, John gave me the bike of my dreams! I didn't expect to be able to get this bike for a few more years, so it was especially exciting.

I have an orange baby seat for Violet once she's big enough to ride. John got a bike, too, with a seat for William. Those two guys go riding often to run errands or just for fun. I'm looking forward to the day when all four of us can ride to the park together! Our bikes are from Public Bikes. They've got quite the stand-up company over there and I really could not be more pleased with everything about them.

Oh yeah...

So here's the baby I made. Violet Elise was born on 4/4/12 at about 6:30pm. She was born at home, which was an incredible experience. Nothing can beat it! Violet is now 8 weeks old and is so sweet. She's very strong and curious and alert to everything going on around her. William loves her to pieces and is always giving her kisses and holding her hand and asking if he can "pet the baby". They are ridiculously cute together. Here are just a few of the many, many photos we have of this sweetie.

Waiting

The backing fabric has been ordered. Can't wait to get this quilt sandwiched, tied and bound!

Baby Girl Quilt

Just about two months left until this human comes out. I feel a little overwhelmed with everything I need to get done before then. I thought I had plenty of time! And then suddenly all the time was gone.

Bought this fabric and pattern while in Utah at Christmas and just started working on it this week. I'd be done already if I didn't keep taking naps. Ha!

It's coming together very quickly and easily and the fabric is so lovely to gaze upon. Not sure if I'm going to tie this quilt or send it to be quilted -- kinda don't want to spend another $100...but we'll see.

Finished Gifts

The gift making is done! I took it easy this year by only making a couple things. I'll share more about these after the holiday...





I am surprised to realize December is basically already half-way over. Time is completely out-of-control lately. Only 4 more months until I suddenly will have two children. Can't wrap my head around it!

Finally Some Cheer and Holiday Spirit

Until yesterday, I was pretty ambivalent about the upcoming holiday season. So I forced myself to make a little advent garland and we got the Christmas decorations out. After cleaning and decorating a bit I'm feeling very festive and looking forward to celebrating. Yay!

I'm quite pleased with how I decorated this year. I did everything much more simple and clean than usual. Instead of just decorating around all of the every-day decor, I removed everything and just used the Christmas decorations. Like, duh.

We're going to a Christmas tree farm tomorrow to cut down a tree, go on a hay ride and have some hot chocolate. I'm going to wear boots and a scarf and pretend my 3.25 person family is on a Christmas postcard. It'll be fantastic.

*Please excuse the blurry photos. My house is dark. I used my iPhone. If I bother waiting for better photos it'll never happen. Cause I'm lazy like that.