Play Room

One of the things we loved about our new home was the loft area upstairs- we thought it would be perfect for the wee one's and all their chotchkes.
We finally started tackling it and getting things organized- hoping by the time Finn comes, all will be in place...hoping.

BEFORE

AFTER

PS- Check out Jake's kitchen shelves, he added eye hooks to the bottom of them so they can hang their kitchen business- he is so darn creative and adorable!

Still sewing- I think I like this gig.

Yesterday and today I finished up a couple projects- this sewing gig is truly fantastic! I have always been an instant gratification kind of gal, and sewing up a pair of pants in 45 minutes that your kid can wear for a year- talk about INSTANT (practically) and GRATIFYING!
First up- matching pants (seersucker) for Lou, Roo and their new cousin Olivia (we delivered Olivia's to her yesterday, so the picture is only of my two's):

Next up?
Matching skirts for me ladies!
This was the most complex pattern I have ventured on, as of yet, and boy was I intimidated! Luckily I have a Mom who is rather bitchin', and agreed to pop by today for a sewing lesson. Quinny's skirt turned out amazing, and Carter's is half way done- so far so good.

I think it is time for a Finnegan project.

Scallywhompis No More

For those who know me best (or anyone who has met me for five minutes) they know that my memory, focus and organization have never been a strong suit of mine.
I have made no effort in hiding that I am still diagnosed with ADD and when not pregnant or breast feeding, I have medication that makes my life SO much easier- well makes my memory, focus and organizational skills closer to that of a typical human.

With the combination of pregnancy brain, two crazy critters and lack of chemical assistance- keeping bills, appointments and daily to-do's in line had been a challenge.

When we moved into the new house I decided I would find practical and efficient ways to keep my life running smoothly- a few months in and my two favorite pieces have kept me sane, bills sent in on time, and not a-one appointment missed.

The BIG calendar:

Keeping this central in our house has been key for me keeping track of all of our to-do's and meal planning.
I also keep an on-going grocery list, via post it, on the calendar so when I run out of the house to the grocery store, I can just grab my post-it without even thinking.
And my favorite piece...

Our BILL Folder:

I used to hoard all of the mail (un-opened) in a super cute basket- but the cute-ness of the basket never opened my mail and paid bills on time for me (crazy, right?).
Now, the moment we bring the mail in, I open each piece and write down on the binder calendar how much is due, and on what date. I then put the bill in the binder, waiting for the pay date.

Once the pay day comes around, I go online to our bill pay, pay it, and write on the bill how much I paid and when. I then three hole punch it and put it into it's slot.

Being able to see where our money is at each month has made it possible to live on such a tight budget- if I am hoping to buy a book on Amazon (one I had not budgeted for) I can turn to the calendar page and see when during the month we could afford to do so. I never thought paying bills and budgeting would be fun- until I found this binder technique and ran with it.

Aspergers: A Dual Diagnosis

We got word today that after a year and a half, five therapists and a dedicated Pediatric Neurologist putting all of Lou's puzzle pieces together, we have a dual diagnosis:

Aspergers (autism spectrum disorder) with Sensory Processing Disorder.

I can't describe the relief, excitement, hopefull-ness Jake and I felt when we were handed this information: confirmation of what we had been feeling and thinking for a few years now.

While it does seem odd for parents to be "excited" when reaching a label that has, normally, negative connotations associated with it- for us it gives Quinny and our family, a community to grab a hold of, peers for Quinny to relate to, and many more answers for our journey we have been down, and will continue to paddle on.

A label is just a quick way to explain behaviors that are already in place- it gives Quinny a foundation to hold onto when her quirks are being questioned by those around her; many could see this as her ball and chain, we see it as her compass with the promise to empower.

It explains the wiring of Q's brain and how and why she does what she does that sets her apart from the typical child.

We start even more therapies soon, and will be organizing peer play groups- finding other critters in surrounding areas that are on the spectrum. Giving Quinny the opportunity to feel "normal"- to connect with peers who get her gig, will be vital to her self worth and neuro-developmental growth. SO much on the horizon.


So excited to watch this incredible kid do her thing- SO proud to be her Mommy.

Let the Projects Begin

Since I only have about two months of cooking left before Mr. Finnegan joins us, I thought I ought to find some time to get my 'project' list started.
This weekend I tackled burp cloths and prototype pants for all three critters.

The burp cloths were/ are super simple- I have never had a pattern for them, just sew them right on up- this time, I got to use boy flannel (thanks Amber!).



I found adorable kid's pants at a while back and have been dying to make them for the ladies. Now with Finn coming, I thought funky fabulous pants would be much more fun than the normal boy stuff.
I did a prototype today in Muslin, so if I screwed up royally (which I did...a few times) I wouldn't waste too much money. Now that I have worked out the kinks (and more importantly, reminded myself I am capable of doing stuff) I will be making them in many different fabrics and sizes (jersey, denim, cotton, flannel, etc.).


I asked Quinny Lou to model the new duds (for those of you who know Lou well, you know she is NOT one for picture taking- you won't even believe these pics I got of her! GFCF YOU'RE AMAZING! As is Lou, of course):









And lastly, for anyone who has received a sewn gift from me in the past year or so, and noticed the hems and seams being a bit cock-eyed here is why:


My Elf Helpers!
Since I do the baking and cooking while they sleep, I have to find time to sew and craft when they are awake- they get bored of their special projects and want to help Mommy.

No one expect perfectly made, created goodies until the third is three.

Weekend To Do's

We had a ridiculously busy weekend- seems as weeks go by, the calm Saturdays and Sundays fade further from relaxing and climb into chaos.
Time to reboot and reorganize.

Weekend To Do's and Dones:
Bob's Red Mill with the wee ones and Mom in Law
BBQ
Laundry- dried almost entire laundry piles outside
Early morning Daddy surprise on sunday
Strawberry Picking
Jam making with Mama Jo (24 jars of strawberry)
Bread baking
Dinner at dear friends

Carter Frances

18 months old and full of love, life and gusto!
Carter came to us (very) unexpectedly, with the mission to prove that everything happens for a reason. She is the easiest kid, sweetest sister and most patient toddler I have ever met.

So thankful.

So proud.

So blessed, she is ours.