We moved

A year ago. We moved almost a year ago into a townhouse. We had been renting at the old house for a few years and decided with the baby coming it would be best to buy something more permanent and babe friendly. Our new home is small but cozy. At times I can't help but miss having a big back yard to garden in and a clothes line to hang fresh linens on. Everything with sacrifice, right? We've decided that we'll stay in this place for a few years and then hopefully buy something bigger. Something earthier where I can maybe have chickens. This morning is a rainy one and I couldn't help but marvel at the way the light spills into this house. We are lucky to have large windows so rarely do we turn lights on.

 Emily our sweet kitty has adjusted to the new home.

I love my large window cil. I've never had much success growing plants indoors until we moved here. The window acts as a fabulous greenhouse.

My terrarium makes me happy. It's so sweet and cheery. And easy to maintain.

Happy Monday! 

Finding our Rhythm.

Finding our rhythm. My little sweet babe is 6 months now. How our worlds have changed. We are still up all night. In bed early. And smiling the whole way through it. I love his sweet baby smell. His soft skin. His fine hair. His personality explodes more and more every day. We know what he doesn't like, what he likes - and what he loves. Right now his favorite thing in the whole world is our sweet pug Charlotte. He loves to giggle and coo at her. He's also quite into his reflection in the mirror. We moved into our own little nest last July - we bought a townhouse. It has been so lovely to sink our toes down into this home - to know we will be here for awhile. Growing, changing - life is wonderful. Not always perfect, or easy - but this life is wonderful.

Thoughts on 3am.

Sleep during the last few weeks of pregnancy has been fleeting. Occasionally I would describe it as impossible.  My wakefulness has become a curious mix of anxiety and excitement. Some nights I feel as though anxiety rules me - and some nights  excitement does. Often curiosity and a mixed feeling of longing send me off to sleep.  Generally I am awake around 3 am to sometimes 6 or so. I have wanted to document how I feel about this pattern of wakefulness for awhile. What better place then here?
    
3 am is lonely. The strangest sort of lonely. I don't think 3 am would be the magical number for everyone - for some it may be 7 am or 11pm (who knows really why these times are the loneliest). My closest guess is because the sky is so dark this time of night. Very few creatures are awake. In my house everyone - inlcuding the cat is in solid slumber. I find this time of night - or I suppose I should say early morning - the most difficult. Distraction is often key.

Most people say this wakefulness prepares you for a life with a newborn. I know it is common. In some ways I feel as though it is another right of passage onto motherhood.  On this morning, as I write this at 5:41 am I am certain I agree.  Some nights I just wish for sleep - deep rest - to prepare my body and mind.

Having now spent so many nights awake and pondering these thoughts I am content that I have somewhere to reflect upon them.  Our lives will be changing so much in just a few short weeks that I try to appreciate and absorb every moment even more. I savor these odd moments of wakefulness. I want to embrace the strong mix of emotions - the high highs and low lows.

We are changing - and evolving. And growing.

I think I will finish my orange juice and fold some laundry. Perhaps in a bit I will give sleep another try.

Lots of love,



P.S. The photograph at the top of this post is indeed me.  I rarely include pictures here of myself, but I felt it fitting for this sentimental post.

Thursday

A lovely day spent folding laundry, drinking tea and starting a new sewing project. 

A return.

I've been absent. Since December. Gosh that is a long time to be away from this space. I love having a space to reflect and share - it is a shame when I become too busy to enjoy it. It has certainly been a busy time in our lives since I last posted.

I haven't shared yet but we are expecting our first babe this April. The task of growing a child has been such a fascinating journey. I often still feel bewildered that we as a species are able to create life in such a way. It isn't always easy, or the loveliest - but it is an amazing experience. One I am so very greatful for. I cannot wait to meet our sweet babe.

I am off work now on Maternity leave. I am so thankful for the time to reflect and rest before the babe comes. I spent today washing and folding newborn clothes. The feeling was inebriating to say the least.

Soaping has also filled my thoughts lately. Awhile ago I had written about selling my soaps on Etsy. I really hope I can return to doing this - perhaps late summer or fall. I've been practicing my cold process techniques as often as possible. I'm trying to refine a perfect base recipe that will be my signature. I've really grown to love a combination of coconut oil, palm oil and olive oil. My latest creation is this lovely soft bar with added finely ground oats and bitter almond essential oil. I made a few special bars for the babe without the ground almonds. Gentle and luxurious.





It feels lovely to be back.

Have a wonderful day!

Take it Slow

Take it slow, take it easy on me.

Feist - My Moon, My Man

Have a wonderful Thursday. Happy Thanksgiving American friends!

Wednesday

I came across this photograph on one of my blog favorites - A Cup of Jo.  For some reason the photo almost took my breath away, I could feel myself letting out a sigh of joy. Cozy sweaters and perhaps a warm mug of tea.

Love, Love.

I keep telling myself I need to get back to posting my own photographs but life has been a shuffle of busyness. I do have some nice pictures stored on my camera that will make it on here. I also need to update the blog banner. All in good time I think.

Have a wonderful Wednesday. Stop to enjoy the little things.

Loves!

Make it Monday

We are having a delightful rainy Monday here. The sun still hasn't come up and the sky is deliciously dark. I've been feeling a little busy lately which is always frustrating. I think I feel most like myself when I'm on top of things. I have the day off which makes this rainy day feel even more special. I'm thinking this morning I'm going to cozy up with some tea and watch the morning news.


In the mean time here are some delightfully cozy things I want to make,

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes from Recipe Girl

Can someone make these for me? Please. Mmmm.

Here are some soaping projects I want to start for Christmas Gifts,

Pumpkin Puree Soap from Soap Queen

 

Christmas Cold Process Soap from Soap Queen

Have a wonderful cozy fall day. Enjoy the falling leaves and changing weather. 

Loves!

Sunday.

I haven't had the blogging zest lately so my posts have been sparse. I'm thinking the coming fall will inspire me once more. I've been sick for about a week and a half with a pesky cold and try as I might - it will not leave. 

So this is my current view right now. Beautiful soft folded towels and tea. I'm not sure how much longer my tush will occupy the couch but I'm certain it will be another hour or so before I stir for some grapes and maybe a banana.


 

Speaking of fall - where is it? Our weather here has been so warm lately. Combined with my cold it has made me extroadanarily cranky. I haven't felt like knitting or sewing or even cooking for ages. I'm praying this zombie like phase I'm in is only a phase.

I hope your weekend has been delightful so far and if you are experiencing this late summer heat I hope it is welcome. I think of sunny swims at a lake or forest summer strolls and how this weather would be better spent.

So much love!



P.S. I have read so many poignant and heart warming blog posts and articles about the 9/11 attacks which happened 10 years ago today and have found it so moving. I remember that day and the feeling in my heart when I saw those towers fall. We will not forget. My heart goes out to everyone that has been affected 9/11.

Days like today put small colds into perspective and make me really think of the bigger picture of life.

Warm Summer Eve

We are experiencing a very late summer here. I remember this time last year my cucumbers were about the size of zuchini's - this year they are about the size of a snap pea right now. Our season started off slow but has picked up and the days here feel as though they are getting warmer and warmer. Today is the last day of my beloved vacation. Work starts tomorrow and real life begins once more. It feels as though the summer has gone by so quickly.

We went away last week with my parents camping/staying in trailers. It was fun but I was again happy to once more come home. I find when we go away our diets kind of crash and I suffer from it greatly. It's nice to be home to lots of fruits and vegetables and my cooking.

I also came home to my bean plants producing. We had a nice crop this year. I'm going to save some of the seeds from these beans and plant some more next year.

The muffins in the top photograph are delicious Blueberry Banana Muffins. I used this recipe from Tasty Kitchen.  I really liked the recipe and it is somewhat nutritious. I think I ended up over cooking my muffins by about 4-5 minutes. I will be making them again though!

I hope your summer has been/was wonderful. I'm starting to really get excited for fall foods (mmm soup!) and the coming of cooler weather. Before we know it the Christmas season will be upon us and after all, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year <3

Loves!