…Delia. I just administered a second round of mom’s milk drops to Delia’s poor red and weepy eyes. Praying that this works and open to advice on proper treatment technique. Currently I drop milk directly into her eyes and dab a cotton round in the milk and gently rub the eyelids. I plan on doing this three times a day till it clears. Anything I’m missing???
Today is rainy and chilly and my kind of day. Husband ordered us some coffee from Sweet Maria’s as an early Christmas treat and I am thoroughly enjoying it as I construct this post.
Yesterday we celebrated our sweet niece’s 9th birthday and the gathering of family was a nice precursor to what Christmas has in store. The highlight for me was baby D saying (more like shouting) Mama for the first time in a room crowded with family. I had been playing with her on the floor and had to get up to throw something away. The minute I left the room she shouted Mama and it was one of the sweetest sounds ever heard…our babe is growing…quickly. Happy rainy Monday to you locals and to everyone I hope that God’s love and mercy is revealed to you in even the smallest of ways!
I think the best part of buying on sale clothing for my children is that I’m not afraid to alter them. I’d probably shy away from cutting up something that I paid full price for unless I got it from a Target, or Old Navy, or the such (but in that case the garment would probably be too cheap to be worth my time in alterations). A good example is this dress I picked up from Gap.
The sleeves engulfed poor Charlotte and just didn’t look cute. I love cap sleeves on her so I chopped the long suckers off and turned it into this much better version ( I didn’t think to try to take a pic of the sleeves so this is the best shot I got).
She wore it to the Thanksgiving celebration we had with my family over the weekend. It was the first time in a looong time that all of us kids (me, my bro and sis and my 4! stepsisters) along with all our kids and spouses got together for a holiday dinner, it was very lovely. Happy Thanksgiving to all and I hope you are able to spend time with your families as well.
Ever since Charlotte’s hair has been long enough to fix into two braids she’s always reminded me of a Swiss miss or German beer wench. That being said, what could be more perfect for Halloween than a Gretel costume! This was made from simplicity 2571 and came together in the two days prior to Halloween, minus the trim on the skirt which was done the day of. Much thanks to my Mom who, without her help, I would never have been able to cut out and construct a costume in such a short amount of time. I took the girls up to my folk’s home in the mountains and we sewed and stayed in our pajamas all day and had a great time. Here’s the result of two sewing machines running simultaneously and sewing into the late evening hours…
…kinda wish she could wear it all the time. I did tell her I’d take her to Disneyland in it so that should be fun. No costume for Delia this year but I’m excited to construct something for both of them next year, especially now that I know my Mom is graciously willing to lend a hand. Happy Halloween!
This is a thought provoking article from the New York Post nonetheless…
The girls and I got back from my folks on Friday after four days of relaxing fun. I did a whole bunch of nothing which included not getting in a car the entire time and actually getting to fall asleep during nap time….lovely. Here’s some pics of our time away from home.
Charlotte enjoying a huge lollipop
Delia enjoying not being set down for four days
Charlotte making friends
Oh, I did do one important thing which was plant Delia’s placenta by my Mom’s lilac bush. Since we are renters I wanted it to be somewhere that we know we’ll be able to visit for the foreseeable future, hence my parents yard…the ideal spot really.
And what a wonderful Easter season it has been so far. Here we are at church for the first time as a family of four and the pic just happens to be our first family photo since Delia’s birth. We didn’t quite make it to church as early as I wanted (surprise, surprise) so Charlotte didn’t get to participate in the egg hunt. But we spent the rest of the day with Linsey and family and the kids got to hunt eggs then so she got a taste of that part of Easter along with a bunch of chocolate. It was a great day and will be very memorable as Delia’s first Easter. Joyous Easter to all, our resurrection hope is fulfilled!
So I’m briefly breaking my Lenten retreat from the blog to announce the arrival of our beautiful second daughter Delia Elise. She was born Monday 3/30 at 9:13 AM weighing 7 lbs 12 oz, 20 inches in length. She is so healthy and mellow in temperament that she’s got us constantly counting our blessings…not to mention that she’s ADORABLE. Big sister Charlotte is a champ. She’s needing more attention than usual but luckily husband is home through the end of this week so she has been well attended to. I’ll update with a brief synopsis of the birth once we get through Holy Week and have celebrated Easter. Until then enjoy the pics we’ve uploaded on flickr….
God’s blessings.
Two years ago today I was in labor with my darling Charlotte. Unbeknownst to me, we were experiencing a serious heat wave. In my warm birthing tub I was oblivious but those attending to me weren’t. Our apartment was probably a balmy 85 and the others were in shorts and t-shirts. A stark contrast to today, two years later, where Charlotte and I are enjoying a quiet day indoors appreciating rain and warm clothes.
As Charlotte and I were walking downstairs today to get breakfast I mentioned her birthday and she immediately began chatting about a party, presents and cake; none of which are taking place today save for a couple of small gifts. It’s just amazing to me that she and I can hold somewhat of a conversation. I thank the Lord for this little person with all her joy and beauty and love…our lives are so much fuller.
Here’s a shot just after breakfast this morning, Happy Birthday my precious Charlotte!
I celebrated my 30th yesterday and I must say it was one of the best birthday’s I’ve ever had. The day started with our family rising early enough to actually grab a coffee before church, but not quite early enough for the doughnut I was craving. Not an issue however because Donna, the provider of coffee and pastries at church, just happened to buy what else but doughnuts! I was really happy. There’s something very nice about attending church on one’s birthday, a great way to start the day. After church we came home, had a light lunch, I baked a cake and took a long nap with Charlotte all the while my love cleaned up the house (who could ask for more). Later that evening Charlotte’s Grandma came over to watch her while Husband and I went to a lovely dinner at The Cat and the Custard Cup. I ate too much but thoroughly enjoyed it. The time alone together was so peaceful and lovely.
I wasn’t really expecting much in the way of gifts cause we don’t usually do much for the adult birthdays around here. But I guess since I jumped a decade Husband thought it appropriate to really spoil me. From Charlotte I got a salad spinner which is a luxury that I’m always saying I want but I never bother buying. Then, while watching an episode of Iron Chef America, Husband got a bee in his bonnet and made me open the next present even though my b-day wasn’t until the next day. I was so excited to find a Cuisinart food processor! Another long wished for item. I really thought there couldn’t be anymore but on my birthday I awoke to a wrapped box and inside I found the Cuisinart Griddler. I’ve been eying this bad boy for months and never imagined that I’d get this and more for my birthday. I guess you can tell my role in the family…pregnant, in the kitchen, shoes optional 
So, here’s what 30 looks like in her 8th month of pregnancy after a huge dinner:
