baby update

Last week Jason reminded me that it’s been a while (3 months) since I sent him a decent photo of Jr.  Shortly there after, I read a great article on Craft.  It was called How to: Beautiful Baby Photos.  Often times with great photos, baby or no baby, its all about timing. Even though some of the advice is pretty basic it was well worth revisiting.

So, Friday night after work.  Ian was fed, happy and we had great light in the backyard. It was the trifecta of photo-ops and since he loves being outdoors I decided it was GO TIME!  Within just a few minutes I had some great shots.  I think I have enough to make one of those cool stop-motion flip books you know the kind….wait, I’m getting ahead of myself.  Anywho, here’s my favorite pic out of the bunch.

I was hoping for a repeat performance the next day but our timing was off.  Ian had been fed, the light was good but he just wasn’t happy. Rut-row…that’s Scooby Doo talk for bummer!  Anyway, he still looks cute in his fedora. 

It’s hard to believe he’s 7 month old already.  My goal is to take some decent photos once a month and at the end of his first year put a book together.  Since his 1st birthday will be this December we’ll see how that goes!

Wow, where has the time gone?  It feels like just yesterday that I was posting the first photo of Jr. and now over 2 months later, I’m preparing for the daunting task of returning to work.

That’s right, my 12-week leave is almost over.  I’m excited, sad and nervous to return but it’s a choice that I have made.  I love what I do and know that my work is appreciated since getting a promotion before going on maternity leave.

It’s such a blessing that we have family close by and that my Mom will be able to watch the little guy for a few weeks before I go back full-time.  The company I work for has a “phase-back” program.  It allows new Mom’s to return to work part-time for four weeks in order to make an easier transition.  It’s a wonderful perk!

Before long, I’m sure that I will be back to my crafty ways.  Mostly making cute kid stuff I’m sure but for now here’s a look at the ever changing little man.

Well, he’s here and he showed up on his due date no less.  The man is punctual!  Ian David is just over a week old and we’re thrilled to bits!  This photo was taken before we left hospital by a professional photographer that works on-site. Pretty genius idea really.  Anyway, the whole family is doing great and we’re looking forward to spending our first Christmas together. Wishing you and yours a happy holiday!

www.Bellababyphotography.com

Wow, have the days since Thanksgiving just flown by!  Jr should be here any time and until then I’ve been craftin-it-up with some easy projects that can be completed in just a few hours for obvious reasons.

First up are these adorable crocheted loafers.  The pattern is by Hook Candy.  They work up really fast and make a great holiday gift for any new mom or mom-to-be.  The yarn I used is Red Heart’s new Eco-ways and the little buttons are genunie leather for an added dapper look!

For my niece, I whipped up this cute little reversible apron to go with some Easy Bake Oven accessories I purchased for her this Christmas. The fabric is part of the Wild Thyme fabric line by Carolyn Gavin.  Since my niece is only 8 I’m pretty sure she’s not reading this (I hope) so I thought I would share a pic before it gets wrapped.  The classic apron pattern is free and can be found here.  I made the child’s size but there’s also measurements for an adult size.  It was another quick and easy project.  The “B” monogram was made with felt and hand-stitched to the front before sewing.

My current and probably final craft project for a while is this knitted basketweave blanket.  Also a free pattern found on Lionbrand.com its being made with Vanna’s Choice in Silver Blue and Linen.  I chose to alternate the colors to make it a little more interesting. It’s only 18 by 24 and will make for a nice small car seat blanket.  Which given the impending winter will come in handy.

What are some of your favorite quick and easy craft projects this holiday season?

• download Joe Dirt

Here’s an interesting vantage point. Most of the time I can’t see my feet.

Wow…Fall is here already?  Summer came and went in a flash.  So with only 10 weeks left to go I’m trying not to stress out over baby preparation.  That’s why I’ve dedicated the whole month of October to turn our office into a nursery for Jr.

Furniture has been ordered and delivered, paint samples have been selected and the crib quilt is well on its way to being completed. I can see how it’s going to look in my head and with the help of my idea book I know it will come together in no time.

Images & projects from my idea book.  Not to worry, the ugly flowered chair is getting reupholstered download Invasion, The Lonely Street movie download

We don’t have ton of storage space but what we do have is being underutilized.  I hope to have some before and after pics to show at the end of this month.

Until then things maybe quiet around here but I will have a couple of small projects to share once they get to their intended owners.

Bye for now!

Since finding out a few weeks ago that we’re having a boy many people have been asking us about baby names and I’m reminded of a funny post over at Failblog.org.  It’s a site that makes me laugh on a daily basis.  Anyway, it is important to remember that although a name is just a name it stays with you forever!  Case in point.  Poor kid! 

 Image courtesy of http://failblog.org

For some bizarre celebrity baby names click here to check it out Cracked.com top 20 list. 

Okay, so I’m not talking about some obscure Highlander reference.  ”Which won the award for best movie ever!” - Ricky Bobby. I’m talking about the first baby movements that are often called “quickening.” 

Those first movements were felt today and I have to admit it was pretty cool! I knew right away what was going on since I had read about it.  Also, based on the location of the movements I knew they weren’t the after-effects of this mornings bacon, egg and cheese muffin.  If you know what I mean!

Anyway, that said I’ve been grinning from ear to ear all morning.  If there was a thought bubble over my head right now it would read “do it again…do it again”  but alas the movements were short lived for today at least. 

That’s what’s going on in my world at the moment.  Only a couple more weeks before we find out if its a boy or a girl. I’m too impatient to wait till the birth and I’m not a big fan of surprises. Lame, I know!