Open for Business

I'd toyed with the idea of leaving my shop closed throughout the holiday season, but I just can't stay away that long. So I'm happy to announce that my shop is officially back up and running. For now, I'm offering my most popular items from past seasons...classics, if you will. Still not sure if I'll be adding new designs to the holiday collection this year. Only time, and the cooperation of a tiny person, will tell. And to kick off the holiday shopping season, I'm offering free shipping on all orders today.

Excuses

If I tried, I could come up with a million different excuses as to why I'm not a better blogger these days. But here's my main reason:

I just can't resist all her warm, snuggly baby goodness...and that's all the excuse I need.

P.S. Remember Ashley? She took these photos, too. It's so nice to have talented friends. :)

Bright Spot

Just a few lovelies in yellow to brighten up your Wednesday:

from Giant Dwarf

from holly stalder

from Lost and Fawned

Emergency Chocolate

{Because every girl loves chocolate; I just like mine wrapped in wit.}

Just after Charlotte was born, my sweet father had the foresight to send me some Emergency Chocolate. He knew that I'd have a few challenging days ahead adjusting to life with two children, and dealing with B's new rotation. And then came that fateful day of my first breakdown. You know what? The Emergency Chocolate made it all better. I'm not sure if it was the chocolate itself, or just knowing that I have someone wonderful who's thinking of me. But all I can say is that I'm glad he sent backups...because you never know when a meltdown's gonna strike. I'm just glad my dad knows the remedy.

Check out some of my other favorites by Bloomsberry:

I Love You

Bearable

November Obsessions

I'm attempting my first week back at "normal" blogging; although I'm still in the process of discovering my new definition of normal. There are a few things that have contributed to making me feel a bit more human the last couple weeks; and it's fair to say they've officially become obsessions. So let me pay tribute to things that have given me sanity lately:

Scented Candles

What's more "normal" than filling your home with beautiful scents and soft, flickering light? My all-time favorite candles are these gorgeous Voluspa numbers. But lately I can't get enough of the classic fall/winter scents by Slatkin & Co.

Arrested Development

Um, have I been hiding under a rock or something? This show is hilarious!

A good laugh is the perfect way to end the day.

J. Crew Art Tees

I've been a long-time fan of J. Crew's art tees...but now that I can officially wear non-maternity clothes, I can't stop thinking about these. In my opinion, they're the perfect new-mom solution. Casual, and washable; yet still something pretty and unique.

Oh, and my snack of choice these days: Trader Joe's Gingerbread Men. Cute and tiny, and partially covered with white fudge. I can't find a picture of them yet...but next time you're in; pick yourself up a box and start feeling that holiday spirit.

P.S. I've missed visiting all your blogs...it's like losing touch with some of my most reliable friends. So I'll be back to visit you soon. Oh, and all the images for this post are linked within the description.

Have a great week!

The List

Today's my birthday. I'm 29.

I've made a list of 30 things to do before I turn 30, just to help me get the most out of this new year in my life. Kind of like new year's resolutions, for my new year. Just a list of completely do-able things to keep me motivated. I figure if I share it with you all, I'll actually have to be accountable for it. I'll keep you posted on my progress throughout the year. So with that, here's "The List."

30 Before 30

1. Read the unabridged David Copperfield

2. Learn to make caramels

3. Practice patience

4. Decorate the family room

5. Stand up for myself

6. Take a dance class

7. Write more thank you notes

8. Improve my photography

9. Go to bed earlier

10. Start doing yoga again

11. Host a great party (or two, or three)

12. Do a monthly service project with the kids

13. Give my shop a makeover

14. Give my blog a makeover

15. Complain less

16. Make healthier meals

17. Become a better listener

18. Hold weekly family activity night

19. Catch a fish with Hudson

20. Support independent businesses

21. Be more thoughtful

22. Pray with sincerity

23. Do something nice for myself once a week...without feeling guilty

24. Actually complete a sewing project

25. Drink more water

26. Spend more time outdoors

27. Plan weekly themed educational activities for the kids

28. Take another cooking class with B.

29. Keep fresh flowers in the house more often

30. Write down something I'm thankful for every day

Have a happy weekend!

xo

{photo here}

P.S. Sorry for all the self-absorbed blog posts as of late. Next week, I'll get over myself, and get back to normal. ;)

Charlotte's Story

I know some of you have been wanting more details on how Charlotte entered this world. So for those of you who want the labor story, here it is.

I woke up Halloween morning feeling more uncomfortable than usual, but being three days away from my scheduled induction I just brushed it off. Hudson had been so excited for Halloween that I didn't want to disrupt the fun by running off to the hospital until I was completely sure. This is how we spent the day:

After the Halloween party was over, I decided it wouldn't hurt to swing by the hospital and get checked...just in case. At the hospital, they told me my contractions were really irregular, but at 1-3 minute intervals. And I'd dilated a whole whopping centimeter from my exam three days earlier. After learning how fast my labor was with Hudson, they decided to keep me to see what would happen.

While I moved into the labor & delivery room, B took Hudson downstairs to get him all ready to spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa's. While I waited for B to return, my labor really took off. I went from a 3 to a 5 in the time he was gone. Then it was time to discuss my options: 1) get an epidural, then break my water or 2) break my water and see what happens. This is where I found myself in a predicament. My labor with Hudson was so fast that I didn't have time for an epidural. I knew that if I told them to break my water there'd be no going back. This time, it was more scary for me because I knew exactly what was coming...especially if I went without the epidural. I seriously considered getting the epidural this time, but at the last minute I said, "Fine. Just break my water."

The midwife broke my water at exactly 10 pm. The minute my water's broken, the contractions get stronger and more intense. I was still fine for another 15-20 minutes...but definitely more uncomfortable. Then comes the transition phase. The fear is almost paralyzing for me. I get so scared that I'm not going to be able to do it. I know exactly what's coming and I know there's nothing I can do to stop it. Before I knew it, it was time to start pushing. There was one point when I made eye contact with B. He looked at me and said, "You're doing great." And I believed him. I pushed through five contractions and Charlotte was here. Everything went so perfectly.

The one recurring theme throughout my wait for Charlotte is patience. I waited for Charlotte for nearly two years. I had to learn patience when things didn't go exactly my way again and again. At the time it was hard, but now I realize I'd do it all over again just to have her here. And now as I'm adjusting to new motherhood all over again, I need to remember to have patience with myself. It's OK if my house isn't immaculate all the time. It's OK if Hudson has to watch a little extra TV now and then. It's OK to make dinner out of a box every once in a while. It's all part of the blessing; and I'm here enjoying each little moment.

How to Avoid Going to Bed

Hi guys. Hudson here. Even though I'm only 3, I'm an expert in a lot of areas. Avoiding bedtime is one of them. So kids, gather around. Here are some of my best tips on how to stall bedtime.

Sure, we've all tried the following:

I need a drink.

I'm scared of the dark.

One more story.

I need to use the bathroom.

But now I urge you to think outside of the box...get a little creative. The more creative the better; pretty soon those parents of yours won't stand a chance.

So here we go. After your parent(s) officially tuck you in, listen closely for their footsteps to retreat down the hall. When you're certain they're gone, tiptoe quietly out of bed. Scan every corner and crevice of your bedroom for spiders or any bug-like creature. Don't forget to check the ceiling. If you find something, Score! You've just earned yourself a trip downstairs.

After the intruding pest has been taken care of, then it's time to move onto the "sweet and sentimental" attack. Go back downstairs, tilt your head sweetly to the side and say, "Mom, I just wanted to check on you." Then give her a hug and kiss. She'll probably tell you to go back to bed with a big smile on her face as you've just succeeded in melting her heart. Next, take her a present. I usually take one of my favorite stuffed animals. Go downstairs and say, "Mom, I want you to have Teddy." Again, she'll be putty in your hands. She may start getting frustrated by this point, so it's a good idea to back off for a while. Try reading some books, or plotting your next approach.

My most recent success (pictured above) was when I found some drawing paper and pencils that Mom had so carelessly left in my room. I made a lovely portrait of Teddy, a growth chart for my sister, and I even spelled my name. Mom loves it when I write my name...so I knew I'd get her with this one.

That's just scratching the surface of my avoiding bedtime knowledge. But it should at least get your creative juices flowing. And if you use all these approaches in one night, you've easily earned yourself a full hour of awake-time. Don't hesitate to email me with questions or suggestions. I'll be here all week, folks.

P.S. The day before my sister was born, I came up with the newest in my arsenal. Sneak to the office, grab a permanent marker. (Permanent being the operative word here) And draw your very best picture ever on the back of your bedroom door. Priceless.

Cooking with Hudson

My mom likes to cook. I like to help her. Once she shared some summer salad recipes with you. But she forgot to tell you about the awesome help I gave her. So today, I'm giving you my version. Since this is our first cooking adventure together, I'm going to start with some of the basics. I present to you my first installment of "Cooking With Hudson."

1. Always cook barefoot.

2. Mom doesn't like a messy floor, but I think it adds character to the kitchen.

3. I'm a big believer in "I can do it myself." So I took the liberty of adding the cranberries to the salad:

Once the floor is a mess and the salad looks like this, mom will be distracted for a while. The best thing you can do at a time like this is run off with the brown sugar, and eat it in your favorite hiding place:

The End.

Introducing, My Guest Blogger

While I'm adjusting to life with two kids, I've enlisted the help of a special guest blogger, the new Big Brother at our house: Hudson. He'll help me by posting for the remainder of the week. Then I'll be back in action (sporadically) starting Monday.

To help you get to know him better, here's a little interview I did with him recently:

Hudson, what is your favorite color?

Red.

What is your favorite food?

Sushi

Sushi? What kind of sushi?

Um, with cheese.

What do you like to do for fun?

I like throwing balls at Daddy.

I like to play baseball.

I like to play football.

What do you like to do with your friends?

We like to have birthday parties.

What are you good at?

I'm good at catching baseballs.

I'm good at typing, but I don't know how to do it.

What do you like to do with your Mom?

I like giving her kisses.

What are you going to do with your little sister?

Rock her in the rocking chair.

Charlotte

Charlotte Louise Williams

October 31, 2009

10:37 pm

6 lb. 13 oz.

We adore her.

Charlotte decided that Halloween would be her birthday. After a fun-filled day of decorating, Halloween music, pumpkin carving and a Halloween party, I decided I should swing by the hospital. My labor was fast and she was here before we knew it. We're home and doing great. In my wildest dreams I never imagined I'd feel so good right after giving birth. But we're just enjoying our time with Grandma here to help, and getting to know our sweet new addition.

I'll be back later with some new pictures. All of these were right after she was born. She's not quite so swollen and wrinkly any more. :)

P.S. Thanks for all of your encouragement. She was definitely worth the wait.