Easter 2013

 This year was an interesting year for us.  Smunchie celebrated her second Easter in her first year of life!  We had a pretty mellow Easter, with an indoor hunt (it was snowy outside) and a meal with Papa and Tutu.  Lil G and Smunchie both got a few gifts and some books.

Lil G posing by his Easter basket, with his new doll diapers and wipes case Mama worked hard this year to give both kiddos some homemade gifts (because homemade seems more special)! Lil G also got a dolly diaper bag, from Mom-made.

 Smunchie also got a homemade gift.....a monster busy box!  She loves to take things out of the monster's "mouth" again and again.

Babywearing Lil G

 Last week, Greg and I were sitting around discussing baby carriers.  Why were we discussing baby carriers, you may ask?  Well, because we're cool that way.  Anyway, after a minute or two, we heard an audible sigh from the other side of the room.  I turned to Lil G and we had the following conversation.
Me: "What's up, bud?"
Lil G: "I've been waiting on my carrier for a long time"
Me: "Your carrier?"
Lil G: "Yeah, my one with the owls and the buckles, for to carry my baby."

And, like that, it hit me.  It came roaring back to me.  The promise made six months ago, to make the little man a soft structured carrier.  The trip to the fabric store, with him in tow, to pick out his desired pattern.  The evening that I spent cutting out the fabric and then the absentmindedness that caused me to put the fabric into a bag and forget about it.  For six long months.

Needless to say, the next few days, I got to work, to finish the project that I started.  Well, I got it done tonight and my oh my.  I had an excited boy on my hands.  A boy who uttered the words, "Oh wow.  It's so beautiful."

Lil G immediately got his baby (who's name appears to be either Gabba or Yeehaw) and strapped her on his back (yes, since the birth of his sister, the baby's gender has changed).  And on his back (or front) she stayed, for several hours.  He only took her down to feed her, or change her, or lay her down for a nap.  He is going to be a great, babywearing daddy one day.

*Please note: There is no babywearing organization or manufacturer that would condone or recommend wearing one's baby while swinging from a chair.

Minnie Mouse Dress

 This was, by far, the easiest "upcycling" that I have ever done.  I am always on the lookout for shirts to turn into dresses for Smunchie.  Well, this one was on Target clearance....for $1!  A steal!  Granted, it had one of those asinine sayings on it (if you love shirts that say things, I apologize for offending you).  Well, that part was easily cut off.  I added sleeves and voila!  A new dress!  The best part--since it was a slim fit Junior's shirt, I didn't even have to redo side seams OR hem it!

Mullet dress

 I finished Smunchie's upcycled "Mullett dress" (as it was affectionately dubbed by Greg).  Basically, a dress that's "business in the front but a party in the back!).

 The bones: an old t-shirt and pair of pants, courtesy of Greg.

 The result!  Super cute!

Cutie Lil Girl

 I finally got around to making Smunchie a pixie hat that fits.  She is such a fun model, even when she's a little under the weather :-)

Bonnet

 Ironically, though Smunchie is in the 90th percentile for head size, it is impossible to find a hat that fits her, that actually shields her head from the sun.  So, I (Erin) decided to make one.  It has flowers on one side and reverses to have polka dots on the other.  A big thanks to Made by Rae  for the wonderful pattern!

And, finally...a baby who is tired of trying on bonnets.

Arts and Crafts

Lately, Lil G has been more interested in doing arts and crafts.  This has been great, since mama loves arts and crafts too!  He is still working hard on learning how to hold the scissors and use the glue, but practice makes perfect.

Fresh

Ever since I have been an adult (i.e. moved into my own home), I have looked for a way to have an herb garden in the house. My husband, knowing this, built me a shelf to house my herbs! He is so clever that he even designed so that it does not interfere with opening the window or closing the blinds!

I found these adorable pots and could not resist getting them. I love our rainbow of herbs, brightening up the kitchen. And, I love the smell of mint that permeates throughout the kitchen/living room area.

Valentines Day

We had a quiet Valentine's Day at home, since G had a runny nose. We did art projects together and, of course, played!!

A Budding Artist

Gavin is currently nursing an ear infection and sinus infection, with a cough on the side. A lot of physical exertion makes the coughing worse, so it has been my quest to find "quiet" activities for him. Thus, painting for the first time occurred. Crazy face with daddy.
Assistance from mommy.
Who needs a brush when you have fingers?
Painted face.
The hand of an artist.
Finished artwork!