What's Charlie Wearing Wednesday

Today Charlie is supporting the non profit organization, Zimbags. Zimbags is a local organization that is effecting global change, employing Zimbabwean women and paying them fair wages in an effort to extend their shockingly low life expectancy. Read more about their mission for change here.

Charlie is wearing one of her three Zimonsies, a Gerber onesie featuring a design made by a woman in Zimbabwe.

Her skirt and leg warmers (as well as two of the Zimonsies), were a gift from Meghan, one of the happy bag elves behind Zimbags.
The skirt is Circo brand, and the leg warmers are Babylegs...which are awesome.

One last thing, since Charlie has been wearing these every day for the last week:

Since Charlie's feet are her new favorite toy, I can keep her occupied for endless periods of time by using these Lamaze feet rattles that my little brother got her for Christmas. I highly recommend these to and new moms.

Animal Parade

I just discovered the website I Heart Faces

They do weekly photography challenges, and I thought it would be fun to join in. Here is my submission for this weeks challenge...faces. I love this funny squinty little face. Charlie is working on some teeth, so that tongue is always sticking out lately. Adorable.

Made By Me Monday

Occasionally the things I make don't turn out quite like I envision...here's an example of a dud.

This "baby hat" was supposed to be a sweet tiny hobo hat to see baby peepers peering out under. I chose red because it really makes Charlie's eyes pop (and because I only had red, pink and black to choose from at the time). But, seeing as how this was my third knitting project and I wasn't fluent in the terminology, it didn't go as planned.

What it was supposed to look like:

Here's what I got:

A giant, Alice in Wonderland type hat, with a backward pocket.

Doesn't Charlie look thrilled with her present? Yeesh.

Now that I'm more competent about thing such as gauge and bulky vs. baby yarn, I may reattempt...we'll see.

Does this make me a terrible mother?

I think it might.

Anthropologie Wishlist

I received my Anthropologie catalog in the mail yesterday, and entertained myself for awhile redecorating my home in my head. Here's some of the things I would love to have if money were no object:

In the kitchen:

Owl cookie jars:

This little bird and grapefruit sugar bowl:

This awesome milk jug/measuring cup combo:

All the while, wearing this pretty dress...I mean apron:

In Charlie's Room:

I'm in love with this mushroom pouf:

Which we would sit on while reading these beautiful children's classics:

On me:

A pretty one piece to cover up excess belly and C-section scars? Yes please!:

A sweet dress just in time for Easter:

Around the house in places yet to be determined:
These adorable poppy hooks...maybe in the kitchen to hold aprons, maybe in the doorway for coats or keys:

This beautiful pendant light. Probably in our living room to replace our current "boob" light that came with the house.

What are your favorite Anthropological finds?

What's Charlie Wearing Wednesday

Those of you who've known me awhile know my affinity for Barbie. I bought two Barbie tees at Old Navy soon after finding out Charlie was a girl. I waited impatiently for her to be big enough to rock them, and I'm happy to tell you, the day is here!

The breakdown:

BudsButtonsandBows headband - won through Etsy contest

Old Navy Graphic tee - $5

Carters longsleeved white onesie - gift

H&M jeans - gift

TJ Maxx Pink ballet slipper socks - set of 6 for $5.99

She's so excited about her shirt - obviously she'll be a Barbie fan too.

Five Months Old!

I can't believe my little lady is 5 months old already! This time last year, I was only getting used to the idea of being pregnant, and now I have this big girl!

Currently Charlie is:

• An observer of all around her. She gets so distracted in social settings, she forgets being hungry or tired and just watches quietly.
• Enjoying exploring all the decibels of her voice. Screaming in such a high pitched tone only dogs can hear is a favorite.
• Rolling over, but only for me. No one else has been given the privilege of seeing this trick.
• Making it clear that her favorite place to sleep is on, or next to, me.
• Wearing pants that are either too short, but fitting at the waist, or to big at the waist, but long enough.
• Chewing on her fingers and pacifier at the same time, all the while talking.
• Mastering the art of pulling a wad of spit up out of her mouth and draping it on me.
• So happy and smiley.
• My favorite.

Made By Me Monday

A week before Charlie arrived my office threw me a potluck shower. I felt funny not contributing, so I made some little "cigars" for everyone to have.

These were made with:
10 packs of Rolos
Slightly sparkly brown and gold paper
Glue
Pink yarn
Paper Tags
Pink Marker

I just wrapped the Rolos in the brown paper and glued the seam, then cut out a little band from the gold paper and glued that on too. Then I tied a piece of yarn with a paper tag saying "It's a Girl!" around the middle and put them all in a cigar box. Presto! Inexpensive festive shower treat.

What's Charlie Wearing Wednesday

This is what I commonly refer to as Charlie's boy outfit. Despite the tunic style top, ruffles, bow, bear with flower, and polka dots of it all, this is the outfit she was wearing the only time I've ever heard the dreaded words, "Is it a girl? It's wearing blue." Sigh.

Although it is tainted with that memory, I still think it's adorable. The whole outfit is Carters. The top under the blue tunic has two little bears holding flowers embroidered on it, and a little blue bow at the collar, so if she spits up on the first layer, Voila! new outfit underneath.
This is said under shirt:

Bonus shot cause she's so stinking cute. Or, as I was told the other night, she won the genetic lottery. Sweet!

Baby Attack

The joys of baby mood swings. I love how intense her face is in this picture with Auntie Chie.
And the sweet looks on her face with Uncle Chris, Uncle Tim and Papa.

Reaching is her new favorite. And grabbing, as demonstrated by her death grip on Uncle Chris's beard. It works out though, she carried my mail for me the other day.

Somewhere In Time...

I worked on a slide show for my Grandma's memorial service and really enjoyed seeing so many pictures of her with my grandpa when they were dating and newly weds (they met and married within a few months). this was taken at a restaurant/live music show with friends
at the beach. I love her swim suit...Grandpa's is a bit too skimpy though :)

A picnic lunch

Isn't this the sweetest?

Easter Sunday...complete with an Easter bonnet

I'm so glad to know they are now reunited in Christ.

Made By Me Monday

When I saw this tutorial, I couldn't wait to make one. I pulled out my scrap fabrics and some fat quarters, and chose this brown polka dot pattern for my first attempt:
I love how it turned out. My fabric was slightly shorter than what was called for, so it made a smaller Charlie sized flower. With a few quick stitches I added it to an elastic head band that immediately dresses up Charlie's outfits.

She loves to wear it (I assume, since she doesn't yank it off) to church.

Isn't it adorable! Make your own in about an hour. I'll probably make a bunch more, but I have to wait till I'm in an ironing mood...which is almost never.
Again, I'm curious...would you purchase something like this from an Etsy shop? What would you expect to pay?

Happy Birthday to my Original Baby

Today my husband joins me in the last year of our roaring 20's. (Yes he's younger than me, cradle robbing runs in my family. My Grandma had 8 years on my Grandpa.) Our amazing friends Ryan and Meghan are coming over to take care of our tiny, and sending us off to Tim's favorite restaurant for dinner. We are so excited! It's been a l-o-n-g time since we've eaten out. I made a cute colorful "Happy Birthday" bunting rather than pull out the shiny metal birthday banner I bought years ago. I thought this was more fun and personal. It should be a happy night, full of little black dresses, yummy food, laughter, and later games and cake with Ryan and Meg. So excited!

Valentine's Day Revisited

A glimpse at our Valentine's day:

Quick and easy construction paper decor

Charlie's Valentine's present from Nana and Papa

(He tells you that he "Wufs you" and his ears waggle)

Enjoying handmade cards from friends

Wearing red shoes - any excuse

Drinking red wine - any excuse

Snuggling my Sweets


What a wonderful Valentine's Day