Happy Birthday, Atticus Clay!

Yesterday at 7pm Atticus turned two.  We were busy with birthday festivities and I didn't get a chance to write.  To think that two years ago he was like this:

October 2010

... And that one year ago he was like this....

October 2011

... And now here he is like this...

October 2012

... it completely boggles my mind. 

I wish I could compose something heartwarming or poetic about how wonderful it is to see him grow from a cuddly baby into his own person.  But all I can think of is how much I love this little person and all the tiny, wonderful joys he blesses me with every day.

Atticus, you are Mama's special boy and I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.  Happy Birthday!

Hello, Autumn!

Most Sundays I have some "mom time."  A cafe and a book for a few hours for this introvert mom to recharge her batteries.  Every once in a while this is flipped;  I stay at home and Sam takes the kids out.  This is my favorite mom-time mode.  Today was all about celebrating autumn:  some baking during nap time and some soup and reading while the kids and Sam are out.

I know it is blurry, but this was too cute.  Atticus was making soup for his Rupert Bear while I threw split pea soup in the crock pot.

I found some plates for our "friend Thanksgiving" this year.  Even better -- 50% off!

This afternoon is overcast and grey.  Perfect.

Baked a cranberry upside down cake during naptime.  I'm having friends over for dinner tomorrow and I knew I wouldn't have time to bake after work.  Oh yeah, that kickin' owl tea towel was also 50% off at JoAnn.

Split Pea soup for a nutrient dense snack.  Recipe coming tomorrow!

New warm, bulky yarn!

Of course, a big mug of milky Irish Breakfast tea and Harry Potter.

Now I'm off to do the less glamorous mom tasks (i.e. dishes). 

That's What's Up

Hope started her first day of 7th grade on Friday

She isn't the only one moving up.  Atticus has left the toddler class and moved to the two-year-old room.

My Ghost Hunters book freaking rocks.

Atticus is still attempting to steal Daddy's coffee.

On Saturday we took Atticus to "touch a truck."  He was wowed!

Sam has more chalk art at the coffee shop.  Brazilian inspired street are and a Guatemalan worry doll for Inman Perk's single origin blends. 

And a Costa Rican Victory mask

That's what's up around here.  My home life is so happy right now.  I've pushed the mean girl drama at work out of my brain and I'm focusing on all of my joys.

Dear March, I Love You

Dreadful February is over.  February is my least favorite month and thank goodness it is short.  Thankfully the last few days were awesome and I love ending on a positive note.  I've had a pretty rad 1st day of March as well. 

There's been reading (finished TWO books yesterday), family time, friends, coffee, thrifting, yarn shopping, hair dyeing, knitting group fun, book organizing*, and general peace and happiness.  I even spent some time with Hope but I have no photo documentation (Hope forbade photos because her "hair was weird").

Just a tidbit of what I've been up to:

Playing outdoors with Atticus.  He is learned to say "bird" last week and enjoys watching and listening for birds and tonight he said "moon".  He stretched his little hand up to wave to the moon. 

Thrifted finds:  a cardigan, a lizard brooch, and a board book.  Not pictured: clothing for Atticus and Hope.

More thrifted finds!  A scrapbook that will be my wedding album and a small book nest that will be decoupaged in the near future.  Not pictured: a cap and thrifted print for Sam.

Yarn!  I found this delicious purpley tweed yarn -- love the flecks of turquoise and gold with the purple!

New eye makeup, a brow wax, and a box of hair dye can make a mom feel like a million dollars.

Tomorrow -- a hair trim, some tattoo touch-ups, lunch with my honey, and a bit of reading before the weekend begins.

Happy March to all!

*bookshelf organizing will be discussed in a later post -- I want to go all nerdy on it.

The Great Blogcation Debacle

It is a very good thing I went on a Blogcation last week. Not because I necessarily got any rest or relaxation... no.. last week was HORRIBLE.  I had a sinus infection, bronchitis, pinkeye, and Atticus was teething and vomiting from sticking his fingers down his throat.

Picture this.... Monday I was sent home from work due to a violent cough (yay sinus infection turned bronchitis).  I woke Tuesday morning with my right eye swollen shut from pinkeye.  I resolved to stay home in bed and sleep while the kids were at school.  Then Atticus puked.

There I was, lumbering around the house.  Coughing.  Right eye shut.  Nose running.  Unshowered.  One or both boobs hanging out from constant nursing.  Chasing a gleeful toddler who discovered a penchant for vomit.  Tuesday afternoon was a bit better; after Atticus napped and I read Charles Dickens with one eye open Atticus and I played.  He is quite fond of "line things up on the window sill" game. 

Things looked better after Tuesday.  Mostly because I tried to rest.  I read a little on Wednesday afternoon.  I skipped my knitting group to go to bed early on Thursday.  I took Friday off and spent time with Hope (she was out on holiday), exercising, stitching, and napping.  I napped on Saturday and then enjoyed Hope's birthday party.  Sunday it was back to work.  Not a lot of reading, but a whole lot of tea, exercise, and napping.

Okay.  This week WILL be better.  I did, however, finish the softies for Atticus' class.  I made 8 (one for Atticus and then one for each of his classmates).  I didn't get them done until Friday as I thought it best to not stitch things for toddlers whilst suffering from pinkeye.

On to a new week, filled with cautious optimism.

Photo Friday: The Yogurt Monster!

2011 in Pictures

January

 

 

 

 

February

 

 

 

 

 

March

 

 

April

 

 

 

May

 

 

June

July

 

 

August

September

October

November

December

It was really difficult to pick pictures this year.  I have so many good memories!  I hope 2012 proves to be just as rich with joy.

An early Merry Christmas!

After some dreadful days at work and a bout of strep throat last week I decided to take a blog break.  Then I went of holiday vacation.

I found myself missing this blog.  I've had such a marvelous few days.  I feel refreshed and renewed and I'm back to loving my life.  While I want my blog to reflect my real life what I don't want is for it to become a place of constant bitching.   Balance.  And balance to me 90% joy and 10% drudgery.  My 10% blah for this week is that my oven is totally broken and Hope is visiting Grandma and I miss her like crazy.

Here is a list of the wonderful things making this blogging mama smile:

• Saturday:  Breakfast out with Sam and Atticus.  Santa was at the cafe and, of course, Atticus screamed bloody murder.  We did learn that Atticus is nutso for cheesy grits.  Good boy.  A long afternoon nap.  Baking sausage cheeseballs for our friends at Atlas Pizza.
• Sunday:  A trip to my parents' home.  My sister lives about 5 hours south of us and it was great to see her any my little niece Evie Rose.  Atticus was so sweet and hugged Evie every chance he could and Hope, as always, is so great with the little ones.  We opened gifts.  Mom and Dad gave Hope a digital camera, Atticus a car set, and Sam a Michael's gift-card.  I was spoiled --a Le Creuset tea set, a vintage Christmas book, some holiday ornaments, a tea ball, owl pajamas and a cookbook.  Dinner was superb (so. much. food.).  After dinner I helped my brother put together some legos; it is a family tradition.
• Monday:  I cuddled with Atticus in the morning and then we went to my friend Michelle's house.  Her little boy, Eli, is a few months older than Atticus and they had a pretty good time playing.  We were home at lunch and Sam came home from work for the day.  We all took a nap.  Then the boys went to Michael's and I spent some time at Inman Perk reading.  Monday night was spent prepping the rest of the holiday cards and stitching.  
• Tuesday:  A rainy day.  Atticus and I ran some errands in the morning.  We bought Beau Kitty's Christmas gift --a new scratch post and some catnip.  Atticus loved looking at the birds at PetSmart.  While Atticus was napping I stitched and drank too much coffee.  Then I had a surprise visit from friends Catherine and Spencer.  It was so great to see them!  That night after dinner I baked oatmeal cookies with chocolate covered Craisins.
• Wednesday:  I spent the morning playing with my darling little boy.  He fell asleep on the floor while watching Winnie the Pooh and it was precious.  I tried baking browned-butter sugar cookies and that was when my dying oven died.  The repair guy came out and we will need a new oven.  Even that couldn't dampen my mood.  That afternoon my friend Alison and her little boy, Sam, came over to play.  Sam is just a few weeks older than Atticus.  That night Sam stayed home with Atticus and I went out for some coffee for a few hours.  I normally work Wednesday nights and so it is best if I let Sam do Atticus's bedtime routine on Wednesdays so there aren't problems when I go back to work.  
• Today:  Sam was home from work today.  Yay!  We took Atticus out for Thai food and to visit his adopted Thai family:  Grandpa JB, Grandma Na, and Auntie Kik.  Atticus had Tom Ka for the first time and LOVED IT.  Then home for another nap.  Right now Sam and I are out for the evening while Shannon hangs out with the little guy.  Sam is drawing while I write and we've plans for a pasta dinner and seeing The Muppet Movie.  

 In addition I've finished two great books, The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck! both by Brian Selznick.  I'm in the middle of rereading Susan Hill's The Woman in Black.  I've nearly finished a stitching project and I'm about to start some more knitting.  Good times.

Okay, now for a few pictures:

Big Sister helping Atticus.

The Tree!

Halls are certainly decked.

Yes!  Tea set!

I loved looking at this book as a child.  I'm so happy mom bought it for me!

Blurry picture, but such a happy one. 
 

I hope all of you are having a joyous holiday season; I know I am!

Things I'm Loving...

1.  Bright green, thrifted cords

2.  Exciting Rumer Godden news from Virago (Thanks, Verity, for keeping us up to date!)

3.  Baking with apples.  I cannot get enough baked apples and I know I will be making some apple butter soon! 

4.  This autumn cowl (I'm starting it this weekend!)

5.  This be-cupcaked face:

6.  Easy birdfeeders!  

7.  A tattoo-idea.... This vintage owl embroidery pattern on my leg and the ink looking like embroidery stitches.  Whatcha think? 

8.  Made these pumpkin pancakes this week and they were FABULOUS!

9.  Super huge book sale!  I took a peek last night, but I plan on spending tomorrow hunting through thousands of books! 

10.  Lana Del Rey.  Lovin' her!

Happy First Birthday, Atticus Clay

Dear Atticus,

I cannot believe you have been with us an entire year!  You are mama's special blessing and you have brought so much joy into our lives.  You are such a big boy now, but remember that you will always be mama's baby.  Birthday hugs and kisses to you and get ready, because this is going to be a great year!  Happy Birthday, Little Man.

All My Love,

Mama