Smunchie is WALKING

 Smunchie is trying to walk!  At just shy of 16 months, she has been cruising along furniture for a loooooong time (about 6 months).  Slowly but surely, she is gaining confidence in herself to walk unassisted.  She still bumbles and stumbles a lot but she can make it across entire rooms now without any help.  It seems like she's just a little apprehensive about moving that far away from the ground.  Wonder if Lil G has anything to do with her anxiety?

Here she after walking from the couch to the chair, getting her congratulatory kisses from Tutu <3 br="">

First Slumber Party

 Last weekend, Lil G had his very first sleepover! He filled up his sticker chart and his reward was getting to have his friend, "J" over to watch a movie and sleep together in the tent.  The two had a blast and did great throughout the night.  Greg stayed downstairs with the dynamic duo, while mama and Smunchie slept upstairs.  Everyone actually got a good night's sleep!

The next morning, the two kids played together outside.  Lil G and J are so sweet together.  Here he is helping her put on the rollerskates.  They are really two peas in a pod!

Sewing for Sarah: Swedish Inspired Arpon

 My big brother is getting married and to the sweetest girl in the world! For a recent shower, I decided to make Sarah a Swedish inspired apron.  I'm pretty happy with the result, which has no exposed seams and which I made without a pattern!  My inspiration was the Urban Chic Apron pattern, by Sugar Pie Chic.

 The apron is made of two patterns of duck-cloth, for easy washabilty and no need to line.  It has a pleated skirt and a drawstring neck. 

The tiebacks are folded and topstitched, allowing for Sarah to wear the apron tied in the front or the back (no raw seams here).  The bottom contrast fabric is sewed with a French seam, to eliminate fraying.

First time painting

 A couple of days ago, Smunchie got to paint for the first time.  She was so stoked to use watercolors, just like her big brother!  She opted to not paint with the brush but instead, used her hands and face.  It worked well!

Sewing for my Sweeties: The Adelaide Romper

 There's something about having a little girl that got me sewin'. I have always loved to make things but the outfits and patterns for little girls are just so cute!  This newest creation is probably one of the most involved patterns that I have made in awhile.  Probably since my wedding dress, truth be told! But, it turned out very cute and I can see myself making it again sometime. 

It is a halter-style romper, with piping and contrast pockets. 

 It has cute detailing on the back, complete with smocking. The leg trim and the contrast collar/tiebacks make the outfit (I think). I'm pretty proud of the fact that I managed to get the crotch-snaps installed!

Playing at the Nature Preserve

 Last weekend, we went to the local nature preserve, to celebrate one of Lil G's friend's birthdays.  He and his buddy, "J" are very close and he was so excited to help her ring in her fifth birthday!  He had a blast playing in the creek, on the swings and going on a nature hike.  Smunchie also had fun, splashing in the creek and eating her cupcake.  We are so blessed to have such great friends, a great place to play and great weather on that fabulous day.

 Above: Lil G pushing his friend on the swing.  Below: Splashing in the creek

 Smunchie was excited when she found a bucket to scoop and dump sand.

 Above: Lil G kept telling us that he was making "macaroni and cheese" in the creek.

 There was a nest of baby birds in the covered bridge at the preserve.  Lil G was in awe of the little guys.

Wordless Wednesday