Hal the Friendly Alligator from Finkelsteins has become a favorite companion for Joshua. Hal has been appearing in Joshua's monthly pictures for growth comparison. 

We have some hilarious, and some very sweet out takes from our monthly sessions to share with you, and a few shots from daily play time. 

A plug for Finkelsteins- totally worth the crazy price tag. 

Beginning with the 5 day old pictures... sleepy. Maybe a little grumpy.

I think this may have been the first moment Joshua really saw, er.. met, Hal.

One month photo shoot, not too sleepy, just a sweet yawn.

And we fly!

One month picture.

Two month photo shoot. 

I thought the photo shoot was over, then I looked down and this was happening:

Hal's nose tastes fuzzy.

Two month photo.

Play time with Hal, from just a few days ago. 

These beautiful and playful smiles have been around for a long time now, but they're so sweet and the moments are so precious I've just enjoyed them rather than trying to snatch them in a picture with my phone between Joshua's face and mine. But here I've finally captured a few.

Arrgg! We're pirates.

I think this is my favorite picture of all time. I plan to get it printed and framed. I am so thankful for this precious little guy. His personality is every bit as sweet as his smile.

I love my home to be organized. I probably love it too much. But it makes me feel more peaceful when all the things are in their proper places. I put that trendy robin's egg blue Ikea utility cart on my registry and some friends were sweet enough to purchase it for me! I originally planned to use it in Joshua's bedroom, but space is already tight in there and I instantly realized that I could use it to corral all the baby stuff that was floating around the mid level of our town-home. I like living in a town-home for many reasons, it challenges me to not have too much stuff, to use my space well, and the stair climbing is good for my rear end. At least that's what I tell myself. However, there are some things that I really need to have on the main level of our home at all times and can't possibly run upstairs to grab every time I need them- books for impromptu reading sessions (my current favorite is McElliott's Pool by Dr. Suess, and Joshua is loving The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats), a blanket, Joshua's little summer jacket with the bear eared hood, my baby wearing wraps, and a few favorite toys. The cart has wheels so it's super nice to have right next to the couch, I can just pull it over and grab whatever I need. I was able to fit all the little baby stuff that had been occupying my entire kitchen table onto it with ease and I think it looks nice to boot.

On a side note, the life and work of Ezra Jack Keats is worth reading about. One of the many aspects of The Snowy Day that I love dearly is that little Peter is living and thriving in an urban setting. Such a simple book with beautiful illustration and profound messages.

Well, it's been a long time since I've blogged anything. Life has moved on, changed, etc. Most notably, my husband and I have adopted our first child, Joshua Calvin. He is such a sweet little guy and we love him dearly! He's come along after so many prayers. One of the things I love about adoption is seeing how incredibly the Lord works to bring a family together. So many tiny, intricate details went into our story, I'm always amazed and very humbled. We were thankful to meet our handsome little man only a few hours after his birth, and we have had a wonderful, encouraging experience with his birth mommy and her sweet family. They have been so loving and supportive toward us and we look forward to years of friendship with them.

I don't have lots of time because the 'lil guy needs lots of attention right now, so consider this a brief introduction to Joshua. Literally, I'm typing with one hand right now as he's asleep on the other half of me. (Then he woke up- right now is now is a day later and he's snoozing)

My friend Vickie of the Apple Crate came and shot some beautiful pictures for us.

Joshua was pretty unhappy at the start of the shoot. It was naptime. But we managed to nab a few good ones before we needed the pacifier and snuggles. 

He makes this exact face whenever I kiss him.

Oh, my heart.

Joshua says, 'and then, mommy put a bear hat on me'.

Hello, friends!

  It's been a whirlwind getting ready for the Indie Craft Experience, which is now just two weeks away. Two weeks, people. Who's excited? (me, me!) Be sure to come out and see me and my fellow vendors at Ambient Plus Studio June 28 & 29, from 11-6 each day. You can get directions and info here. And from the flyer below. Don't you love the yellow cheer?

Since it's been a little hectic getting ready for this event, I've taken a few minutes to take a break and check out some of my fellow vendors, and let me tell you, this is going to be an AMAZING event! So much talent and fun packed into a beautiful loft, you surely won't want to miss out. 

You can see the entire vendor list here yourself. King of Pops is going to be there, and I've never had a bad King of Pop experience... no.... quite the opposite. Fresh, vibrant, fruity yumminess awaits you as you browse isles of handmade loveliness. 

Anyway, as I said, I took some time to go through the vendors and I'm now attempting to narrow down my shopping list. (yes- even though I'll be there as a vendor- I still become super excited about what I'll want to buy for myself) I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you.

This is at the very top of my list- it's such a fun idea, and my notebooks and writing space are terribly important to me, so why not welcome one more to my world. The vendor is Roundabout Shop. 

Here's another little lovely by The Woolberry Press. 

Amy's mugs are beautiful. I love the colors and smooth, silky finish. Amy Robertson Ceramics

I don't know what rock I've been living under, but I was just introduced to So Worth Loving by my friend Andrea. (thanks, dlf) They'll be at the event as well, and I love the heart of their mission. 

Check out Morgan Blake Photography. She's inspired. 

And last but certainly not least, I'll be wanting some bath salts for some much needed relaxation after it's all over. Thanks for a little something to look forward to, The Soaking Tub. Sweet Red Hibiscus Botanical Soaking Salt. 

Happy Saturday!

As you may have seen through the rest of my social media, my world has been taken over by ICE- the Indie Craft Experience! I am so excited to again be part of their Pop-Up Shop, and for the first time ever to be part of the Summer ICE Craft Market event!!! But seriously, I now have no free time... yipes. 

My 'lil brain has been flooded with plans for inventory, swag, display, and set up details. 

An outline of my thoughts:

Inventory~ need roughly double my current stock. Oh. my. goodness!! (so excited!!)
Swag~ 250 bags to the first ICE atendees each day = 500 (500 needed pieces of swag from me!!), oh wait- plus the  150 for the Pop-Up Shop swag = yikes. Especially considering that up 'till this point, I have always handmade my business cards. I like having that personal touch. However, I had to decide between making business cards and making inventory- inventory wins! I found a gal who has designed and is printing adorably cute business cards for me. I like them so much it made me feel better about not making all of them myself.
Display~ will be AMAzing! Keeping the details secret for now.

Yesterday was the first day in quite a while that I had nothing on the calendar. Knowing I wasn't going to need to leave the house, other than to walk the dog, I got up early, wore no makeup, barely got dressed, and simply tacked back my short hair morning bedhead with a big stretchy band. Beauty.

As I started the day, I took a few snapshots around my workspace. You'll be able to find these items at the ICE Summer Craft Market, June 28 & 29!

lots of druzy!

this one won my heart... because... it looks like a heart

sunstone, glittery!

potato pearl necklaces

murphy loves it when I'm working, 'cuz he gets to sit on a chair and look out the window

bamboo coral- gorgeous, striking red color-  to be made into pendant necklaces

my papery pals

a little inspiration.. to be hung on the wall someday

I love the morning light in my dining room/studio. Hope you enjoyed this peek into my work!

Here's the info for Summer ICE & the Pop-Up Shop. Hope to see you there!