Handmades: Part I

We were blessed to receive lots of very special handmade treats at my baby shower on Saturday.  You know how much I love and appreciate anything handmade, so I thought I'd share...


These beautiful sweaters were knit by my Grandma. All of us grandchildren were blessed to be able to grow up in Grandma's hand-knits and I'm so glad that my baby will too. That red one may be perfect to wear at Christmas, don't you think?

Grandma also made this lovely fleece baby blanket and my Aunt Wendy is also working on a crocheted blanket for the baby that is made of the softest yarn I've ever felt! I can't wait to cuddle the babe in these. 

My Mom-in-Law made this cute little outfit for Baby James.  It looks like a little Kimono...so adorable!

Mom James also made this cute little baby bouquet; it was full of washcloths and socks. 

My friend Annie sewed this nursing cover for me. Such beautiful fabric and something that will be well-used, I'm sure.

The baby's Aunt Rachel made this beautiful piece of paper artwork.  It fits in the nursery perfectly!

Phew! Can you believe all of the love and time that went into all of that? I'm so thankful.  And one more special handmade will be shared tomorrow. You won't want to miss this...stay tuned.

Mom, Dad and Baby-Belly Shoot

Despite my never ending sniffles, we decided to go ahead with a little maternity photo shoot that we had planned for Memorial Day morning. We had plans to drive to a nearby garden estate (actually the same place I took some of Laura's maternity photos), but we ended up just taking a little walk around our neighborhood. We're blessed to live in such a picturesque and historic city with so many great places for interesting photos. A very BIG thanks to my talented sister-in-law, Rachel, who did a fabulous job taking fun and memorable photos!

First stop, the Salem Commons...

 Next, we walked toward the Derby House and found a beautiful little garden hidden behind it...

Thanks, Rachel!

Showered with Blessings...

I was quite "showered" with blessings this weekend...

-friends and family who showered this Mom, Dad and Babe with lots and lots of warm hugs, good wishes and kind gifts.

- those who worked hard planning a party, making scrumptious food and beautiful decorations.

- soft, cute things

- not so soft, but quite necessary things

- lots of meaningful-handmade-with-love things

- strength to get through (no, ENJOY!) the party, despite being  sick

- a beautiful, beautiful day of sunshine and just-right temperatures

- a special delivery gift, handmade by dear friends(just wait till I snap a photo of this!)

What's going on back here? :)

A beautiful baby-shower picnic!

beautiful flower and decorations made by Rachel...

 Boy or girl? 

Cutting the Noah's Ark cake...

(Photos courtesy of my sister, Katie and sister-in-law, Rachel)

32 Weeks - A Letter from Dad

This Moment - Sneak Peek

A  *silly* sneak peek from a little maternity shoot we did this week with my sister-in-law...more to follow. :)

(Photo by Rachel James)

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. 

Joining with SouleMama

A Brian-ism : Baby's First Discipline

Potter Prints

(I know, so many nursery posts!  

Bear with me, the nesting is almost done!)

My Nana, is always getting rid of old books that she no longer wants or needs for her business, usually because of their condition. I have been known to often scrounge around the give away/throw away box to find all sorts of treasures for art and scrapbooking. 
In high school, I found an old edition of "Peter Rabbit" in the box. I've always loved those stories and Beatrix Potter's illustrations. The binding was in awful condition, but the darling illustrations were still as darling as ever.  So, way back then, I decided that I'd take the illustrations and save them to put my baby's room someday.
So, I've kept those little illustrations all these years, and finally have the chance to use them! A few cheap mattes and frames later, and I had myself some very sweet, cheap art.


As a side note, if you ever need some cool art for any space, I suggest checking out an old book shop or flea market. They will often have cheap old books with great illustrations that can be easily framed. You can get a whole room's worth of art (or more) in one book! Just think of the possibilities..animals, plants, your favorite children's book..