One stamp to rule them all

Currently I'm no longer adjuncting at our local college.  I've generally been happy with that decision because now I get plenty of time to get to know and care for Baby Chuck.  Even though he's awfully cute and wonderful to hug and kiss, I do miss adult conversations and the satisfaction that comes with creating and giving lectures.

While perusing the blogosphere, I recently I spotted this stamp.  And just for a moment, I wished that I was teaching again...just so that I could use it.

Sorry student, you have balrogs for brains

And the award goes to

Last night we watched the Academy Awards.  While watching, we got a little hungry and made ourselves some Rice Krispy treats awards:

One Oscar for each of us

Secondhand chic

I realized I haven't been recording hubby's sartorial choices.  Here's his outfit today:

Can you believe that the shirt, blazer, and bow tie are all secondhand items?  Shnazzy!

Sofa Series 2: Let the pros handle it

Armed with kitchen knives, scissors, latex gloves, and a screwdriver, hubby and I wanted to reveal our inner DIY ninjas and reupholster the new couch.  We were all set to rip up fabric and break...something... but then a preliminary peek around the internet convinced us to rethink that plan.  What?  Tufted buttons require more fabric know-how?  What? Re-upholstery requires specialized tools?  You mean our butter knife won't do?  

Oh well.  We tossed out the original plan and found a local vintage shop that specializes in fixing up older furniture.

Can you spot our U-Haul?

They're going to repaint and reupholster the couch.  All we need to do is choose some fabric...  

Oooh.  So many options.  Which one to choose?

Sofa Series 1: You had me at yel-low

I want to own furniture that's functional and/or (but preferably and) beautiful.  Sadly, our current couch is neither.  It's brown and saggy.  It's also horribly uncomfortable.

Well, buy a new couch, you say.  Yes, I wholeheartedly agree.  But where can we find a couch that's (a) easy to clean, (b) comfortable, (c) cute,  and (d) affordable? 

This past weekend hubby and  I visited our local Salvation Army and that's where I spotted the one.

Time stood still.  My heart raced as my eyes took in its velvety yellow exterior.  I glanced longingly at its tufted buttons and delicate wooden feet.  And just to make sure that it was real and not a figment of my imagination, my hand lightly traced its long and curvy frame.

For $50 it was mine.  My precious.  My own.   Oops.  Silly me, I mean ours- of course.

Hubba hubba.  Look at the curves on this one.

Now don't get me wrong, this couch has suffered a lot of wear and tear over the years.  I may be a dreamer, but I'm not blind. The upholstery is worn, the cushions sag, and the frame is covered in nicks and scratches.  But hubby and I didn't let that deter us.  We saw potential.  Why, with just a little tlc, this old gal could be the comfy and beautiful furniture of our dreams.

So now let's see what a little creativity and elbow grease can do...

Take a bite

Lately Baby Chuck has been sticking everything in his mouth.  It doesn't matter if it's my shirt or his hand or hubby's watch, somehow he has to lick and suck everything.  I wonder if he's teething?

When life gives you

lemons, you make lemonade.

And when life gives you onion sprouts,
you can always make some salsa.

Hello and goodbye

I saw this floral boots DIY on A Beautiful mess awhile ago and kept meaning to try it out.  Week after week, I found myself delaying the project.  My excuse was that I didn't have the right fabric, but really I was just too chicken to deface a pair of shoes.  The craft gods must have sensed my fear because last weekend one of my favorite shirts ripped and I suddenly found myself with some extra fabric.  Here's how I used the ripped shirt to bring new life to a pair of black shoes:

They were cute, right?  Notice that I used the term "were."  Sadly, these shoes no longer exist.  After proudly wearing my new footwear to church a couple of creases appeared and then the fabric just tore away from the shoe.  I think the wet and slushy snow covered ground might of had something to do with that happening.  Blast my impatience!   

RIP fabric covered shoes, I will miss you.

But, perhaps I will reincarnate you as glitter shoes?   Oooh, glitter!

Virtual Valentine

We're wishing all of you a Happy Valentine's day!

Sicky Poo

Everybody is sick over in this neck of the woods.  We're coughing and sneezing.  Our eyes and noses are running like faucets.  And, I think our internal thermometers are off because one minute I feel like I'm overdressed and the next minute I feel like I need to wrap myself in a warm blanket.   Fortunately (for me), Baby Chuck and I caught the bug first and then we passed it along to hubby.  (Sorry!)  We're slowly getting better and now it's hit hubby full force.  He's taking it all in good stride, though.   Just this morning he commented, "I like being sick because I feel skinnier.  Must be because I'm dehydrated."

Stay healthy!

PS- It doesn't seem like anyone wanted my Tim Gunn book, so I shall give it to a friend here.

Similarities?

I'll let you decide.

Eat this... not this...

Goodbye, pizza!

Hubby and I were rather surprised when we got Baby Chuck's allergy test results back.  We initially guessed that he was allergic to milk and possibly eggs. However, we were both wrong.  It turns out that Chuck is not allergic to those two foods. He is, however, allergic to (at least) four things:  peanuts, wheat, soy, and *gasp* dog dander.  Of the four items, he's highly allergic to peanuts and moderately allergic to the rest of the list.  I'd like to continue breastfeeding him and after asking the initial question, "Well, what can we eat?" I realized... oh wait.... we can still eat quite a bit.  (Oh cheese, how I've missed you.) 

Armed with this new information, we've formed a new plan of attack.  We're going to (1) modify our diet, (2) set up some new rules and boundaries for Charlie, and (3) meet up with an allergist for more information.  I'm excited to try out the new changes and am really hoping that Chuck's eczema will improve.  

Tummy Times-8

To see other comics, click here
Want a free copy of Tim Gunn's book?  Click here

Free book: From my library to yours

I love getting stuff in the mail.
Recently, I received a lovely box of goodies from a good friend.  Amongst the items was this book:

I'm a big time Project Runway fan and I really enjoyed reading the book.  Tim is a thoughtful and humorous writer and each chapter read like a conversation between beloved mentor and little ol' me.  While reading, I became familiar with Tim Gunn's background (did you know that he was a shy kid?) and I found myself privy to behind the scenes Project Runway gossip (can you guess which two designers didn't get along with Gunn?) and some juicy tidbits about various fashion icons (ahem, like a certain editor at Vogue).

So, now that I'm done with the book, I'd like to pass it along to someone else.  If you'd like the book,  just leave a comment below telling me your favorite article of clothing before 10PM this Thursday.  I'll announce the lucky winner on Friday.


Psst- is anyone else watching Project Runway All Stars?  Team Mondo all the way!

Don't... jump?

I love Leandro Erlich's whimsical art installation.  How fun would it be to try it out?   

Bâtiment, Leandro Erlich au 104 by Palagret

First seen here

Test results

Baby Chuck's eczema is flaring up again.  Today we visited the dermatologist's office and then took Chuck to a nearby lab to get his blood drawn.

Note:  This was the first attempt.  His veins were soo tiny that we had to visit another lab to get the blood drawn.

He was a trooper and the lab techs were great.  We're hoping the test will reveal the cause of his eczema.  Is he allergic to milk?  Eggs?  Soy?  Wheat?  Dust?  Pollen?  Dog dander?  (Any guesses?  Hubby guesses eggs and chickpeas.  I'm guessing eggs and milk.  Charlie hopes it's not dog dander.)  Until we find out the results, we'll keep using the meds, giving him bleach baths (strange... but it's doctor's orders!) and moisturizing.  (Now, if only I could just rest him in a large tub of moisturizer.  But alas, even Sam's Club doesn't sell containers that large.)

Date night with an ipod

I heard about this new free app called Camera Art FX.  It lets you apply different artistic filters to photos taken on your favorite iProduct.  Hubby, Chuck, and I enjoyed playing around with it during our last date night:

Tummy Times Comic-7

To see previous comics, click here

Mr. Right and future babies

I just found out that a friend from New York recently got engaged.  

It was the best freaking news I've heard all week.  

M- Do you remember the dinners and sleepovers we had?  You know, the ones where we laughed a lot, ate a lot, and dreamed about Mr. Right and future musically talented babies?

I'm so glad that it's finally happening. 

Thanks for sharing your joy with us. 

Jellogami

I'm not very good at folding origami.  I struggle with the wordless 300+ step directions needed to make just about anything.  I'm too impatient to interpret the images.  I find the dotted lines and curly arrows confusing.  Plus, I struggle with mentally rotating images.  Because of my white belt origami status, I bow down to those crazy amazing black belt folders.  I also bow down to the dexterous hands (and brains) behind My Jello Americans.

Folding paper?  Tres Tricky.  Folding jello?  Well, who could have imagined that? 

Wallflowers

Aren't these images lovely?

Where does artist Cecilia Paredes end and the environment begin?

What a perfectly placed chrysanthemum

I almost didn't spot her... until I saw the whites of her eyes

There's something so intimate about the curve of a woman's back

First spotted on dear golden vintage blog

New skill

Is the post office looking for a new stamp-licker?  We have someone here who is willing to work for a bottle of milk...or some hugs.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year! Hubby, Chuck, and I celebrated last night by eating dumplings and drinking a fake-pho (faux-pho?) that hubby made.  I really wanted Baby Chuck to wear something Chinesey, but didn't have time to do any shopping.  (Plus, I was feeling cheap.)  So, I made this hat (modeled after this one) out of some materials that I had lying around the house:  a paper plate, used ribbon, construction paper, and some Christmas tinfoil.  

Hope you have a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family.    

Sadly, they're baaa-aack

After a couple of days of clear skin, I woke up yesterday and saw tiny red spots all over Baby Chuck's head and around his nose and mouth.  There's also some funny yellow crusting around his nose.  Rats!  The doctor told us to keep putting the cream on his face and to schedule another appointment if things don't clear up within a week.  Luckily, our little man still seems to be in a good mood...  

I'm mum's little trooper

which is somewhat surprising given that he also vomited several times yesterday and once this morning.  (Thank goodness for waterproof mattress protectors.)  So, we've been doing a LOT of laundry around here.

Don't worry mum, I'll take care of these.

Hubby and I are trying our best to keep our spirits up.  Hopefully the doctors can help us figure out what's wrong...

Have a great weekend.  Be sure to stay healthy and warm.

These good moments

(Left):  Two weeks ago                     (Right):  Three days ago

I can't stop kissing and hugging Baby Chuck.
I can't stop stroking his cheek and tiny hands.
And I can't stop delighting in his smiles and coos.

I'm so thankful that he's feeling better.

And even though we're not out of the woods yet, I'm going to try my best to enjoy these good moments.

Love toasty hands?

With Valentine's Day less than a month away (oh golly, where does the time fly), you're probably looking around for a gift for your sweetie.  If you two enjoy long walks on cold winter nights, perhaps this gift will strike your fancy:

You can find these funny dual gloves here

His many faces

Thanks for all your good wishes and prayers.  Baby Chuck seems to slowly be on the mend.  Hubby and I are taking him to the doctor again today, so we'll see what she says.  We're feeling cautiously optimistic and enjoying his improved mood and many cute expressions.

I can't stand it.  He's just so darn kissable. 

Bye auntie

I loved seeing my sister holding Baby Norris.  

She'll make a great mom someday.    

Little sister

Thanks for cheering me up. 

Cheery diapers and pins

It's officially over.  We cancelled our diaper service. Thanks to hubby's mum and sister, we now have an assortment of cloth diapers. Inspired by the cute diapers' colors, my sister and I shnazzed up our wooden clothes pins with pretty paper and mod podge.  I think we're now ready to start this new adventure...            

Crabby birthday

My sister recently got a new camera for her birthday.  I really wanted to make her a case, so I followed these directions.  As you can see, I struggled with the seams... but at least the camera fits the case.   Gosh, who knew sewing in a straight line could be so hard?

Feeling some fabric deja vu?  You're probably remember our changing pad.

Sick baby

Lately Baby Chuck hasn't been feeling well.  He's been crying a lot and not sleeping at night.  Today we took him to the doctor's office.  Tomorrow we're visiting the dermatologist for his eczema.  Hopefully he'll start feeling better soon...

I'm thankful that my sister is coming tomorrow to help out.

If Italians wore bow ties...

they may look like this:

And look, they come in different colors!

First seen here on Foodiggity

It's quiet... too quiet...

"Like branches on a tree we grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one. Each of our lives will always be a special part of the other." -Author Unknown

Bye nanna and grandpa

Dear nanna and grandpa,

Mom told me that you left today.  Why did you have to go?  I miss you.  When will you come back and see me?  I can't wait till this summer.  Then I can visit you and meet cousin Manny and pet some kangaroos.  I'm going to pet at least five.  Mom says that I'm going to be a really big boy then.  You might not recognize me.  I'll be the one in daddy's arms.     

Love,
Baby Chuck

Lotions and potions

Things are finally slowly settling down here.  Baby Chuck is getting less fussy during the daytime and he's sloooooowly adjusting to nighttime sleeping.   (Hooray!)  We hit a low point last week when he woke up every half an hour, but this week we're bouncing back to two- or three- hour stints.  Thank goodness, because the bags under my eyes were developing bags of their own.   

We think that Baby Chuck's eczema is one of the reasons behind his moodiness and sleeplessness.  He's constantly scratching the red, weepy, angry-looking patches that appear all over.  Poor boy.  Right now we're working on uncovering the irritants that cause the spots and we're also trying to ease the itchiness by dousing his body with lotion.

Thanks to Nanna, our lotion collection has exploded.  I think Baby Chuck now has enough products to open an online store.

Chuck-  "Eczema, you're no match for my army of lotions!"

Pretty nails, better mom?

Last Christmas hubby surprised me with a spa gift certificate.  Last weekend I finally redeemed it and got a manicure, facial, and pedicure.  Hubby, nanna, and grandpa volunteered to babysit Chuck for 3 hours.  I was so nervous because it was the longest time I'd ever been away from him.  What if he didn't stop crying?  What if I didn't leave enough milk?  What if Rumpelstiltskin visited the apartment and tricked everyone into giving the baby away?  (Hey, you never know.)

As you can probably guess, none of these scenarios happened.  They did a great job taking care of Chuck and I ended up with pretty nails and less facial acne.  (Yes!) Even though I missed Chuck terribly (and ended up talking to the esthetician about him for most of the time), I'd like to think that little breathers like this will help me to relax and be a better mom.    

What are you doing New Years Eve?

I love Zooey Deschanel.  I also dig her tiara and ukulele.

First seen on here on Modern Kiddo

Tummy Times Comic -6

Happy New Year!

To see previous comics, click here