Re-fashion: A Mama's Dress

Here's a project I started before Stephen arrived, and just finished. I started with an old, a-line dress that's been hanging in my closet for ages . . .

. . . and turned it into this!

I love all the ruffles, flowers and feminine details that have come into style! (I've always been a girly girl, just ask my Mom!) Now I'm having fun incorporating them into my wardrobe.

I cut off about 5 inches from the skirt and used the fabric to make cap sleeves and a button placket (nursing friendly ;-). Then I added ribbon and lace from my scrap stash.

Ta da! Modest, feminine, inexpensive and long enough for very tall me. :-)

There's only one problem. Now that I've got it done, it's turned cold and I'm going to have to wear it with a sweater!

Photo credits to my kind and patient Beloved.

Down on Grandpa's Farm

With Stephen turning 6 weeks, we decided we were ready to make the big trip down to Kyle's folks so he could meet his Grandparents. The trip took an extra hour, but he only started to cry the last ten minutes. Good boy Stephen!

Meeting Mimi. I guess I got to busy visiting, because I didn't get any pictures of it, but he got to meet Aunt Gretchen and Uncle Kenny too!

Since Alaina still sleeps in the pack-n-play, Mimi and Papi had a special bed all ready for Stephen - a portable, antique bed.

It was great!

Alaina had lots of fun with Mimi's toys . . . and a few things that were not toys.

Stephen hanging out on the kitchen table.

Alaina loved Papi's hats!

She even got a few of us adults to play dress up with her!

We're looking forward to next time!

Smiles

Out and About

We've had some adventures lately, most of which have involved learning the new dynamics of travel for our family. Not long ago, we decided to take a little one-night vacation at a local hotel. We had so much fun!

Alaina was so excited about the pool that as soon as we arrived she started saying "Swimming? Swimming?"

Deedoo wanted to go too, but we told him he couldn't because he did not have a swimsuit.

Daddy + Mommy + Water = Happiness.

As soon as we got out of the pool, Alaina's request switched to "Pizza? Pizza?" (We had told her we would have pizza when we were finished swimming. She is talking more and more every day.) Boy did we get pizza! It was as big as Stephen!

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  Stephen employed his sweet-and-charming-baby manners, (more on that later) and Alaina was thrilled by the whole experience, so it made for a special time, just us four.
  

Coming soon: Down on Grandpa's Farm

Things I'm Learning

- Life always looks better after a nap.

- Children are one of the most precious tools which God uses to show us how self-centered we are.

- Play pens and paper plates are a boon to Motherkind.

- I can do all things, but only through Christ, who really does give me whatever strength I display!

Happy Monday to all!

Goodbye Sleep

Goodbye Sleep

Now, Sir Sleep, we'll say goodbye,
I will not see you much. I know,
For I can hear a tiny cry
Which tells me that my sleep must go.

But while you're gone I shall posses
A little mouth which cannot bite,
Small fingers grasping tenderness,
And staring eyes, with wonder bright.

The eyes will soon with knowledge glow -
I pray they'll keep their brightness still.
Some teeth will come quite soon, I know,
And fingers grow to toddler's skill.

And so, Sir Sleep, though you'll be missed
And though for your return I'll pray,
Yet still I'll cherish, treasure, kiss
The things I have while you're away.

-G.J. Phillips