My bookends

I found these random snapshots on my camera. Max and Greta, my oldest and youngest. Couple of goofballs. Cute goofballs.

 That's all for today!

P.S. I'm so excited to be going to Sewing Summit this year. Only 2 weeks away now.
Anyone else going??

Baby Sister Walks

How could I forget?! I should have mentioned in the May post: Greta is now walking! Cutest thing ever.

The sound cut out halfway through these videos so I added some music :)
Also a peak of our new kitchen in the first video.

Enjoy!

Greta's 1st Birthday//Baby Face Party

My baby is ONE! Can't believe it. Really, I truly can't believe it. I'm not just saying that because all moms say it. Or am I? Well, anyway...


We celebrated last weekend with our cousins. Lucy was having her 9th birthday party so I asked if we could just bring Greta's cupcakes and call it a combo.

the birthday girls

 Sweet! Very nice since I didn't have to clean up the house (read: my sewing mess). Thanks to my sister-in-law Amanda for hosting, especially since she's pregnant with their sixth!

haha, look at me blowing out her candle!

I thought and thought (all year, basically) about the perfect theme for Greta's first birthday. I was always at a loss because I just wanted it to be about HER. So, who needs a theme when you have a darling baby face to celebrate?! I had fun making the baby face cupcake picks and party masks.

I don't take credit for the idea. I originally saw the baby face masks on the amazing blog Oh Happy Day. I have seen the cupcake idea all over the internets, too. Not sure where to credit the idea, though.  

They were so simple to make.
The photos basically explain it but here's a quick
HOW TO:
1. Get a good front-shot of baby's face  & enlarge it 
(I just used Word, because that's all I know)

2. Print on cardstock

3. Cut out and tape onto paint sticks (free at most paint stores!)

4. Giggle and take lots of funny photos at the party.

 

 Wish I'd gotten a better group shot with my real camera. Those are fuzzy phone pics. Oh well!

And I did the cupcake picks basically the same way, just smaller!
I bought some glittery paper for the party hats - just cut triangles and hot glued them onto the face. I had the pom-poms on hand so I just cut them off the string and hot glued them on also. (Have I mentioned I love my glue gun?) I used a small piece of tape to put the toothpick on the back.

 

 

 

After last weekend's party, I took apart the masks & clipped Greta's faces to a ribbon with some mini clothespins. 

The options are endless!

It has been so fun celebrating our baby Greta this week!

Last year at this time...

...I was still waiting to meet my precious baby girl. 
and now look at her. Turning ONE tomorrow.

It's fun to think back on all the details. Feeling my first mild contractions at 10pm on the 12th. Going to the hospital at 6 am on Tuesday morning (the 13th). And Greta was born by 8am. It was exciting and perfect.

 

Read the entire birth story HERE.
It brought back such a flood of memories as I read it again tonight.

I truly love giving birth. And meeting my babies for the first time. I really can't believe it's been a whole year. Feels like yesterday. I will blog about Greta's birthday celebrations soon! We already had a little family party last Friday but I know I can't help but do something more tomorrow, too.

Greta: 11 months

Dear Greta,

I'm sorry I got frustrated when you didn't sleep well last night. Or the night before. Or the night before. 

Well, you get the picture. I think one night last week you slept five hours. And that was nice. But I shouldn't be frustrated by the extra snuggles, and the fact that you just want to wake up and nurse a little.

What's a little sleep when I have such a precious baby girl who needs me? 

I am doing my best to cherish each moment with you.  

Even if I am so super tired.

 These days are flying by so quickly. You turn one next month. And even though you're my fourth baby and I knew it would go fast, I still can't believe it.

 

Seems like just yesterday we were meeting you for the first time. And at the same time, you've been a part of us forever. You are the perfect baby sister for our family.

 
Ruby is always my helper when we take your monthly photos. I nearly forgot this month until she brought me a white onesie and said "Let's take Greta's pictures!"


She loves you so much. She is such a great big sister and I hope you'll always be close. 

 

 

 

The photo below is a bit out of focus, but I love the way you're looking at Ruby. You can see the love in your eyes already.   

Today after school she was excited to see you and while she was holding you I commented, "Do you know how lucky you are to have a baby sister?" 

She responded, "Yes. One hundred percent!" 

  

She's such a little mama to you.

You're lucky to have her.

 

 

And of course we're all very lucky (blessed) to have you.

 

Love, 
Mama.