Happy Monday

Cheers,
A

Pillow Fight

Not so long ago I made Elena a quilt.  

Then I made a coordinating one for Stella.

A few nights ago Elena's crib was converted to a toddler bed.

I thought she could use a pillow

I didn't want to buy a full size smother-my-daughter-while-she's-sleeping-because-it's-huge pillow, and the only place I found "toddler" sized pillows was Pottery Barn Kids.

And it is far away.

And I can't be sure that if I went there I would leave with only a pillow.

So...

I channelled my inner octogenarian, and I made one.

And then, 

Because I love them equally, 

I made one for Stella.

I have to stuff it, still.

And because I love you, 

here's a gratuitously cute photo of my girl.

Cheers,
A

Wednesday Wisdom

*The interview for the position in Austin was yesterday afternoon.  I did well.  Now I just wait...

*I wore a cream colored suit.  It was gray and rainy outside.  I felt a little like I should be standing at a courthouse getting ready to marry Ellen.  But my co-workers said it looked nice.  I'll trust their judgement!

*Today makes it official.  I go back to work in one week.

*I have another shoot for HautHaus on Tuesday.  I'm excited to see another of Holly's masterpieces.  I might even pick up my 50mm 1.4 before that shoot.  Provided DRL okays such a purchase....

*Elena is in a toddler bed now.  We took the front rail off the crib last night.  She didn't get out of bed once.  I worry that such behavior won't last long!

*I am itching to make another quilt.  Only this time I want to make a quilted duvet cover, matching shams, and a bedskirt.  I. Am. Insane.

*I am going to knit Stella a stuffed Bunny (pattern courtesy of Debbie Bliss.)  I made Elena a teddy bear, so it's only fair that I make something for Sis.  I have to pick up the yarn today.  Hopefully I can finish it before I go back to work.

*We had our first showing last Thursday, and got our first offer on Saturday night.  After some back and forth the potential buyers ended up backing out.  They weren't aware that it was a short sale situation.  We have since lowered the price on the home, and now under the MLS remarks "short sale" is listed.  Hopefully this will prevent any future confusion!

*I am currently partaking in the 'Special K Challenge.'  I have tweaked it a bit because I am nursing and can't cut my calories too severely.  We'll see if it still works...

*Elena continues to love puzzles.  She is putting together her Thomas the Tank Engine puzzle as we speak.  All by herself.  Brilliant kid.

*I feel truly blessed to live the life I do.  And I thank every single one of you for making it possible.

*I still hate the treadmill.

*And my lovehandles, too.

Cheers,
A

HautHaus: A Photo Shoot

At Nadia's bridal shower last summer I met a wonderful girl by the name of Holly.

Holly owns a design studio called HautHaus.

She, and her partner Amber, do amazing work.

Ah. Mazing.

They asked me to tag along to a couple of homes that they recently designed rooms in so that I could take a few photos for their portfolio/website/blog.

I happily obliged.

Here is their amazing work, captured by my amazing camera. 

Enjoy.

Marvel.

Then call Holly and Amber and have them help you make your home Haut.

I mean it.

Call now.

Don't delay.

Operators are standing by.

Cheers,

A

Wednesday Wisdom

*My brother turned 30 today. Which means I have 13 months left of my twenties.

*This doesn't scare me. Not even a little.

*Our house is officially on the market. I'm hoping it sells. I'm hoping we get an offer. And soon.

*I think Texas is happening. I really, really think it is.

*My mom will be joyfully crushed.  Happy for her little girl - chasing my dreams and living life to the fullest, and sad for the thousand miles that will separate us.

*I am so blessed for the comments you all left for me in regards to the possibility of uprooting my life, comfort, and family for a new job. A new city. A new life.  New everything.

*I feel like we are about to embark on an amazing adventure.

*I'm nervous and excited.

*And scared. Though I keep reminding myself that if we hate it - the city, the job, our new life - then we move back to Minnesota. So really, what's the worst that could happen? There isn't a worst.  No matter what, the decision to move is surrounded by good.  We will miss every single person we are leaving behind.  But we will be back to visit. And often.

*I have 20 pounds still to lose.  This is not good news.

*Thanks to Tiff and Abby, we now have a Nintendo Wii (on loan!).  I'm going to give the Wii Fit a go and see what I think.  I'm hoping I respond better to it than I do to the treadmill!

*I need your prayers for my cousin's little boy. He's recovering from his second surgery in just two short weeks.  Teddy is a champion, and will be fine. Of this I am certain.  But April could use prayers for rest. For comfort.  And for strength.  And since praying isn't so much my thing, I thought I would reach out to those of you who might be better at it....

*Hat season is over.  Spring is springing.

*I am selling a gray hat and matching neckie, and a newborn blue w/snowflake hat.  If you want them, let me know!

*I love you all.

*I'm wearing heels again.

Cheers,
A

Pink Bows

I found an adorable onesie at Gymboree the other day.

White.

Frilly cap sleeves.

A band of tulle around the bottom with a satin pink bow on one side.

Picture perfect.

So I bought it.
I put Stella in it.
And I took some photos.

She thought it was great.
For seven seconds.

Then she was done.

Cheers!
A

(Hat courtesy of Rebecca )