Bump

Well, perhaps not so much of a bump as a mountain.  Seriously.  Could this belly be any bigger??

I'd been holding off on sharing the belly pictures Melissa recently took for me as Sarah & I also had sister pics taken.  However, those images have yet to arrive in my inbox & I am anxious to share.  

Channing is obsessed with his little brother.  There are many, many belly pats and belly kisses.  We take turns feeling each other's tummies to see who's baby moves the most.  For the record, Channing's always wins. 

It took a little bribery to get him to take this image.  It's awfully cute though & I'm sure if you asked, he'd tell you posing for it was worth the five York Peppermint Patty Bites he was rewarded with.  

And then there's this last image.  I've been all a-tizzy with sewing project after sewing project getting ready for this wee one.  Our collaborative quilt is just awaiting it's 'made by...'patch.  It's lovely as you can glimpse here.  This picture was only partially posed.  I love this green chair.  I love the natural light that fills the nursery in the afternoon and early evening.  I find myself drawn to this corner for hand sewing and book reading and Pinterest gawking.  

Soon.  Very soon.  I'll post images of us rocking a wee babe in this very spot.  

Yea!

(A very special thank you to Melissa for taking the time to take these pictures.  XO!!)

It's Electric

We came together as seven women should, taking great delight in the unknown and the unexpected.  The anticipation was electric right up to the moment the key turned in the lock at the Shangri La, our home away from home.  We had arrived.  Nieces Trip 2011.  Nassau, Bahamas.  

Aunt Kris did her utmost to ensure we would want for nothing during this week.  She lavished us with unending generosity, no detail left unattended.  We ate.  We drank.  We took in the sights.  There were a few terrifying moments involving the jitney (bus), the (not so) lazy river and a shark or two.  There were many more moments where that relaxed feeling overcame us and we slipped into that place of total contentment.  

Enjoying a pool-side drink at the Atlantis.  Needed to settle our nerves after our not-so-lazy river ride.

Collecting shells and walking along Jaws Beach, the site where the movies were filmed.

The view from the top of the Queen's Staircase.  Part of our island tour courtesy of Chef Marci.

There were several of us who never showered in the house.  Nope. Not once.

For one bliss filled week, we lived in the sunshine, swam in the sea and drank in the wild air.  We've now returned.  Renewed.  Refreshed.  Reverently grateful for the time we shared.  

Sew Lovely

It happened almost all at once.  One timid knock at our door announced the arrival of Melissa and Baby Theo.  Really, I don't think she could have balanced one more thing in her hands-a sewing machine and all its related necessities, Theo in his car seat, his diaper bag.  Is that it?  I don't know.  I didn't even say hello, just scolded her for not asking for a hand.  Funny because I know darn well had roles been reversed, I would have lugged all of that to the door on my own too.

Kathy, Kelli & Megan arrived in the middle.  I no longer recall in what order.  They brought their machines as well.  A sewing basket.  A purse that looked like a basket.  Five steaming cups of tasty goodness from Caribou Coffee.  Pumpkin latte anyone?


Ellen, not having been to 'the red house on the left,' was the last to arrive.  Mapquest, Google Maps and the like do not yet know our location.  That's OK though.  I talked her in through the last few blocks via cellphone and at last our group was assembled.  Sewing Club.  (Since a GPS cannot find our location on a map, does that make our club super secret?)

Month one.  Aprons.  In roughly three hours, five determined women with all levels of sewing ability whipped up as many aprons.  The tutorial we followed can be found here.  Theo napped & awoke as happy as ever while Channing & Megan entertained themselves with only a few reminders of 'please share' and 'no pushing' or 'there are enough for you to each have one.'

Can't wait to see what our next meeting brings.  We'll be taking turns choosing the project and bringing the treat.  You know we can't get together without involving food.  I made not one but two apple crisps for our first meeting.  WM, WC & I ate a mini one last night just to make sure the crisp was Sewing Club worthy.  It was.


Darling, aren't they?  

Or should I say 'sew cute!'?