Mother's Day

I had a very nice mother's day. The first gift that Samuel decided to give me was a few extra hours of sleep! I would have been happy with just that but my husband insisted that we must do whatever I felt like doing all day so I obliged. I wanted to stay in my pj's all morning and sip big mugs of 8' oclock coffee (which I must say is really good coffee if you haven't tried it. The Mr. made waffles and scrambled eggs for us and my belly was satisfied and happy.

We had a nice afternoon at the mall where I picked out a new pair of Rainbow sandals (the comfiest sandals you could ever wear because they mold to the shape of your foot). Samuel can walk now, so holding onto my left hand and his daddy's right hand he marched along with us at a very slow pace, stopping to look up at big mall lights, signs, and other children. He is so much fun to be with. His vocabulary has taken off and he is trying to say so many words now. When he hears an airplane, a motorcycle, or a bird he stops whatever he is doing to look in that direction and he says "this?" And I say "Yes Sammy it's a motorcycle!" He then gives me the biggest smile. Knowing that I acknowledge what he hears/sees makes him so happy.

We had a delicious lunch in the downtown area where we live and we smelled the roses and geraniums as we walked by.

***SIDE NOTE: Sammy is really into "sniffing" now and he thinks smelling things is a fun game, especially if it is stinky! He loves to take my husband's socks and stick them in my face just to hear me say "Peeee yooooo! Stinky!" This game can last about ten hours if I let it, so sometimes I just hide the socks and move on to the next game.

We then headed home, to relax and enjoy the last few hours of our Sunday. I hope you had an enjoyable mother's day. I love my little family and being a mom is the best job/title in the world!

12 months

sweet baby feet -a few days old

To my dear little Sammy

I have been putting off writing this post because I haven't been able to find the words to express what you mean to me. I have started writing it maybe 10 times, and finally decided to just write and leave it as is.

You came into this world one year ago at 9:56 AM. A beautiful healthy boy with lots of hair, flawless skin, and alert blue eyes weighing 7 lbs 6 oz. Perfect. Your dad and I had no idea what we were in for. They joy you have brought into our lives is tremendous and we feel so very blessed.

This is one of my favorite pictures of you, so tiny with arms wide open.

Home from the hospital. So tiny. So perfect.

Birthday spread

The day after your birthday you took your first steps. Just a few. Then, yesterday you started walking. Like really walking! You marched from the kitchen to the living room with a cracker in your hand taking 28 big boy steps! It was amazing. You are amazing. You can now say Baby (in reference to the baby pictures on the refrigerator and in your books), juice -"uice", tree -"wee", peek a boo - "boo boo", chicken - "buck buck", puppy- "woof", horse- "erse", "more", balloon- "boon", cat - "eeeoow", and a few more that I cannot think of at the moment.

Ever since your grandma Barb came for a visit you have been obsessed with the birds outside. She taught you how to say "tweet tweet!" and to look for them flying up above. You are also aware of the many helicopters and planes that fly overhead and you point excitedly at them. You take a great interest in cars and trucks and you thoroughly enjoy making vroom noises.

On our outings you are quite the little ham. You smile and tilt your head at all the ladies and you act so sweet. You love facing forward in the shopping carts and you say "wee, wee, wee!" as your dad or I push you along. You make so many people smile and wave! It has to make their day to see such an adorable little guy having so much fun.

Other activities you enjoy include: pulling cat tails (not the plant), pulling everything out of cupboards and drawers, watching jeopardy ( an evening ritual here), pounding on the tv, trying to get the cord to the blinds, trying to open the toilet lid, getting into paper towels and toilet paper, singing Old McDonald (e-i-e-i-o!), throwing weeble wobbles at me, trying to hit me if I take something away (still trying to figure out how to deal with this!), turning on the dishwasher or turning it off, changing channels on the tv at the most inopportune moment, sharing crackers or juice with me and your dad, looking at books, playing tractors and cars, taking baths, and enjoying nature on stroller rides.

Samuel, you are such a joy. I love you. Your daddy loves you. And we look forward to the many memories to be made in the future!

Love,

Mom

This Moment

Bed Head

Idea from Soule Mama : {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Thursday Things: St. Patrick's Day Inspiration

I have always been proud to be Irish. My maiden name is McGuire. You can't get much more Irish than that folks! I don't know why but I have always downplayed my French, English, and Polish background. Being Irish seems more fun somehow doesn't it? I think on St. Patty's day everyone likes to pretend they are a wee bit Irish, just so they can talk with a fake Irish accent and drink green beer. I don't think I will be doing the latter this year, but I will be celebrating with my little lucky charm ;-)

I put together a little collection of Thursday Things in celebration of this St. Patty's day.

Enjoy!

This enchanting photo print by smacshop takes me to another place, another land. I love it!

These pillows by ChloeandOliveDotCom are bold, modern, and very affordable. These graphic patterns are very "in" right now.

Antique brass owl + Jade = winning combo! Find this necklace from offbeet's shop on Etsy.

Although the weather is getting warmer we still need to keep those little baby feet warm! These springy booties can be found in handmadebabylove's shop.

Quilts are a necessity to create a warm and welcoming home. I am drawn to this star pattern. It looks like it would take a lot of hours to put together this intricate design by MurphysHouse.

And lastly, a Claddagh ring from nellyvansee's shop. It is an Irish symbol of love faith and loyalty. I thought you might appreciate a little education on the Claddaugh from Wikipedia:

The Claddagh ring (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring given as a token of love or worn as a wedding ring. The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, located just outside the city of Galway. The ring was first produced in the 17th century during the reign of Queen Mary II, though elements of the design date to the late Roman period.

Now I leave you with an Irish Blessing:

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields and,

Until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

On buying handmade and new items in my shop

purchase this banner here

Greetings!

Do you believe in buying handmade? I do. I was on etsy today and came across etsy's featured seller, Cathy McMurray and I was struck by her quote:

"Choosing handmade is choosing a slower way of life, one rooted in tradition and creative expression."

And I thought to myself, yes. This is true and this way of life is important to me. There is a huge movement to buy handmade. When you buy handmade you are getting something that was made with thoughtfulness, creativity, and heart. You are giving less money to the middle man and more to the person who actually put the time into making the creation. It is a good thing. Not to mention, you are getting something unique that you can't just go out to Target (no offense, I love going to Target) and get.

When you give your hard earned money to someone with a small business, you are helping them to fuel their passion! How neat is that? You get something fun and creative, and in turn you help someone to stay inspired and to keep creating beautiful things.

These are my thoughts on handmade :)

Also new in the shop are some decorative paper banners. I recently made this one for a friend's sister's baby shower.

purchase this banner here

I think it turned out really nice and I think it will add that extra something special to the party. Her sister can also use it to decorate her baby's room with it when they are done using it at the party. If you are interested in having a banner made for your next celebration, whether it's a birthday, shower, or just something beautiful to have hanging up on your walls ( everyday can be a celebration in your home)! Please let me know. I would love to work with you!

Hope your Wednesday is full of creativity and enjoyment!

Kelly

11 months

Dear Sammy

12 months ago I was getting your room prepared....

I was folding mini clothes, imagining what you would look like wearing them

I was looking through all the gifts and toys that had been given to you....

I was singing songs to you in my belly and still trying to decide on your name!

You have reached 11 months old today! And so far it has been an amazing journey.

This past month you have really blossomed into a little boy. I hate to say that because I love you as a tiny baby so much, but it is true. You have officially said your first word on command: Ball! You can also say Bath (still working on the "th" sound at the end), and Book! I just know you are knocking out those "b" words so you can get to more important words like Mama! You actually call me Nana which is just fine with me for now. You really understand me when I talk to you. For example, you will go get your tractor if I ask you where it is or go to the kitchen when I ask if you want a cracker. It truly is amazing to witness your cognitive growth. You love to play rough, be tickled, be surprised, be chased through the house. We laugh so much together lately. I enjoy seeing you take in the world around you, like yesterday when you saw bees for the first time swarming a tree with blossoms. I can see your little mind working and I wonder what you are thinking?

You have also been experimenting with pushing your boundaries. You want to explore everything and anything even if I say "no." No is more of a game to you than anything. When I say no to you and pick you up to remove you from the situation you get very frustrated and try to hit me in the face! I then have to hold your hand down and say no again, and in turn you laugh hysterically! Oh my. This parenting thing is not easy that's for sure. I am learning along with you. Trying to be gentle yet firm. You will get the hang of it and so will I.

You have been teething like a maniac lately. Two nights ago you were up every hour crying! I felt so bad (and tired the next morning). You want to bite into every object in the house, even the couch and stray shoes left by the door. Lord only knows I can't let you eat our shoes! Of course you don't want anything to do with the teething rings we have for you. Hmmph.

Well I better go accomplish some housework while you sleep like a little cherub.

Love you like bees like honey which is a whole bunch!

Mom

*To my blog readers, thank you for stopping by and reading about my year with Sammy. Next month he will be a year old! I hope to continue writing monthly letters to him, and also posting more about things I have been making/cooking/creating!

Spring has arrived!

Spring has arrived here in NC.

A few days ago I stepped outside and saw that the trees were flowering.

I mean REALLY flowering. See what I mean?

I took a bunch of pictures of these trees, thinking that I would make some grand photo collage to post on here, but with a nearly 11 month old who has time for such nonsense? I mean, I haven't even brushed my hair yet today people!

So you will have to enjoy each picture. One...by....one.

Some of the bushes have flowered around my apartment. I don't know what this one is called do you? It smells realllly good too! I tried to let Sammy smell it, but instead he tried to eat the yellow pollen. YUM! Speaking of Sammy....

He likes boxes and camera cords. Who needs toys? Isn't he cute!? Just in case you aren't sure....

Here he is showing off his chubby cheeks. And funny hair from taking a bath.

So now that spring is here. I feel lighter on my feet. I feel sunshine in my heart!

The only bad thing about the warmer weather is that it foreshadows the even hotter weather that will come with summer. It was 80 degrees here on Monday and because I wasn't thinking, I did not wear sunscreen and on Tuesday I woke up with red tomato shoulders and arms! I would show you a picture of that but I will spare you.

Here are some mighty pine trees from my walk on Monday. This is for my friend Katie. We talked about Pine trees earlier this week.

So here's to spring and buds and blooms and shiny happy people. And for those of you who still have another month of winter. You will have to live vicariously through blogs :)