Monthly Archives: January 2010

Handmade Home

Posted on by
1

A while back, I posted a review of a book by Amanda Blake Soule. I also mentioned that I was looking forward to getting her second book and giving it a read. I waited, as I said I would until we got stateside, I put it on hold at the library (our bookshelves are FULL), and waited, patiently, for my copy.

I was delighted when I went over the weekend to find my copy sitting on the hold shelf, just waiting for me. Delighted!

Handmade Home Cover

Just as I did with The Creative Family, I immediately set aside the other books I am reading at the moment (Unconditional Parenting and Teach me to Do it Myself) and gave it my undivided attention. Reading her beautiful words. Looking at her inspiring photographs. And thinking about the projects and the way that I want to fit them into our family life.

The only problem is that I am finding myself wanting it all, all the handmade goodness, right now.

Broadturn Bag

The handmade market sacks, those would liven up a trip to the store.

Potholders

The patchworky potholders, gorgeous!

Rag Rug

Rag rug, a great way to reuse and remember all those bits and bobs.

Slings

Handmade slings, can you ever really have too many babywearing options?

Journals

Journals, made with recycled papers, perfect for all the lists I make.

Beach Blanket

A beach blanket. I am already having dreams about spring and summer days filled with trips to our great lake.

Wool Scrap Garland

A wool scrap garland, this is so up my alley.

Memory Quilt

A miniature memory quilt, made up of old baby clothes, love it!

And so, despite enjoying the book immensely and feeling tremendously inspired by it, I am also left feeling a little, well, impatient. I want it now. I want my home to be filled with handmade, filled with things that have history, stories, memories. Things filled with soul and love. Things that I remember creating.

I know that I shouldn’t feel impatient, after all the author has had YEARS of being an at home mama to help create this for her family and I haven’t even finished my first year yet. I know that it will come, and I know that our home will be, is, starting to be filled in this way. With handmade creeping in, just as quickly as my little hands can make.

I know this. But, I can’t help it, I still want it now.

Share

Lovely Thing #1

Posted on by
2

After having the fabric sitting around for almost two months, the curtains are FINALLY done! (I used a tutorial over here.)

Hanging in Place

I can’t even begin to tell you what a difference they make in our bedroom. They make it look polished (despite the picture books and clothes strewn about).

Love Them

They make me smile. I mean, really, who wouldn’t smile when looking at those big, beautiful flowers?!

Close Up

They keep the light out, thanks to a blackout lining. (Day seems like night, Ewan naps longer, LOVE that!)

And, best of all, they are Lovely Thing #1 on my life list. You gotta start somewhere.

And, with how happy these simple drapes make me, I am feeling inspired to create even more lovely things for our home. More on that, tomorrow, lord willing. Actually, Ewan willing. If he sleeps, I shall write.

Share

Melting

Posted on by
Reply

Total Relaxation

There is a moment, an instant really, when rocking a babe where a transition occurs. A crossover of sorts, when the babe moves from eyes closed, but too close to awake, to deep, sound sleep.

And when you are rocking or walking, without distractions, you can feel it. You can feel that exact moment when his tiny muscles release all the pent up tension. You can see his jaw go slack. You can hear the change in breathing to deep, slow breaths. And his body just sort of melts forming onto mine in a whole different way.

The most amazing thing, perhaps, about this transition is its effect on me. When he releases all of his tension, I can’t help but remind myself to do the same. When his jaw goes slack, I find myself feeling and relaxing my own. When his breathing shifts, I try to do the same. And then, I start to feel just as calm and peaceful as he looks.

As he lets himself succumb to slumber, I find a little more peace for myself. Perhaps it is because it is, sometimes, so hard fought. Perhaps it is knowing that soon, in just a few more minutes, I will also be able to have some rest, whether sleeping or just sitting, as well.

Whatever it is, I love that moment. I relish in it. And I am so glad that sometimes we can just melt together.

Share

The Epic Teething Adventure

Posted on by
2

When we were waiting for the doctor yesterday, Ewan and I made all sorts of trouble in the exam room. We spun in circles on the doctors chair, crawled around exploring every nook and cranny, sang songs, laughed laughs. Even though there wasn’t a toy in sight, and we waited about 20 minutes, it wasn’t a problem. Ewan and I made our own fun.

We had so much fun that when the doctor came in to check him out, the first thing she said to me was, “You know that that isn’t a sick child, right?!”

“I know, I know,” I told her, “but I haven’t slept well in weeks and, well, I just wanted you to check him out. To be sure.”

She did. She looked in his ears, they were clean as a whistle. And then she looked in his mouth.

Not more than two minutes after she walked in she checked two little boxes on the billing form that said “Teething” and “Sleep Disturbance” and sent me on my way, wishing me luck.

And I think I might need it. It seems like it has been weeks, months since I’ve really slept well, but then again, looking through the blog archives here, it seems that it was only a few weeks ago that this all really started. My how sleeplessness seems to make time go so.very.slowly.

In addition to teething, we seem to be in the midst of a major growth spurt as well. Since his last well child appointment, on December 3rd, he has gone from being 17lb. 10oz. to 19lb. 4oz. Growth like that, at this stage in the game, is almost unheard of. That’s nearly 5.5oz. each week, while the average is generally 1.75 – 2.75oz. Maybe he will end up having my figure after all.

Share