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trick or treat.

Despite all of my hard work on her costume, I wasn't sure how Thea would feel about wearing it.

 You see, the first time I put on her cape, she wasn't so sure about it:

 

So, at the suggestion of my friend Beth, we spent some time letting her play in front of the mirror in her costume.

It worked.

The rain broke just in time for us to hit the streets to take Thea trick-or-treating.

We ended up cruising around the neighborhood with Thea's friend Immy and her dad Sam. Imogen's mom made her a pretty amazing purple dinosaur costume, complete with a hand-knit hat.

Thea was the most excited about the play-doh and pretzels that Imogen's family gave the kids - which was good since those were the only things she could really enjoy anyway.

There was lots of romping and running in the autumn leaves.

We ended the night at a neighborhood party, where Thea had her very first hayride.

I hope you had a fantastic weekend!

happy things

Today has been quite the happy day. We are celebrating the birth of my new niece, Caroline Elizabeth, who arrived early this morning. I can hardly wait to meet her.

And, at long last, I've finished Thea's Halloween costume. Tomorrow, she'll be dressed as Little Red Riding Hood.

It's my first attempt at a dress. It's certainly not perfect, but I'm pleased with the way it turned out. And in the process, I've learned so many things - not only about sewing, but about myself too. More on that another day.

Here's the dress:

The dress is a modified version of the simple dress pattern in Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing for Baby. The original pattern turned out to be a bit too short, so I added the band of red fabric at the bottom. On Thea, it's a bit longer than I had planned, but maybe she'll be able to wear it during the next warm season. 

Of course, a Little Red Riding Hood costume wouldn't be much of a costume without a sweet little cape. Thea's is made of a fine wale red corduroy with a cotton lining. It's from this pattern at Martha Stewart online. I haven't been able to get a great shot of her wearing the finished cape, but here's a little peek.

 

I hope you have a fun weekend!

18 months

Today, our girl is 18 months old.

Thea and mama, the day after her birth

It seems just yesterday that she was that tiny little girl in my arms. I remember thinking how I loved her wildly, but also how I didn't really feel like I knew her at all.

Now, I am just amazed as her personality reveals itself a little more each day. And as I learn more and more about who she is, I fall in love over and over again.

Thea on her 18 month birthday

Happy birthday, baby. I'm so lucky to be your mama. I am so grateful to know you.

merry and bright

We had a lovely holiday, full of family and friends and cheer. Thea insisted on unwrapping her packages with her teeth. It was a long day, but a good one. We are so blessed. Here are a few moments from our celebration:

I hope your holiday season is filled with love and laughter.

giving thanks.

for a warm house...for healthy food...for a sweet puppy...for optimism...for knee socks...for a window into so many inspiring lives...for old friends....for new friends...for my nephew (and my brother and sister-in-law!)...for understanding...for good books...for facebook...for morning naps...for my camera...for sweet potatoes...for my MacBook...for trust...for passion...for mementos...for shared meals...for tea...for honey...for mindless ways to escape...for the sweet and the salty...for baby hats...for diapers that hold in the mess...for honeynut cheerios...for friends who share their yummy recipes...for generosity...for change...for possibilities...for nightime nursing...for my mama...for baby laughter...for this moment...for this man...for this girl...

Many blessings to you and yours.

happy halloween!

Thea celebrates her first Halloween with some pumpkin decorating, compliments of a fun gift from her Mema.