The Reluctance.

I started this prototype kid's tie one year ago. It didn't work quite right so I set it aside and basically forgot about it. In the meantime, I did manage to crank out one, count 'em, kid's tie for a custom order during this past year. Yesterday I was bumbling around in the studio and came across this fun neon thing that I started. So I tinkered with it. It's still not perfect and honestly, it's a little long for O but he's wearing it with pride. "Papa pulls on it like this," he said when he put it on.

This sourpuss face is the most accurate of shots that I got. He agreed to take pictures but was pretty annoyed that it was "taking soooooo long." It was five minutes tops. 

But once it was over he took the wearing of his new tie (or tight, as he says) pretty seriously. He wore it to Home Depot and wanted to put it back on after his bath. And this morning he requested to wear it again when it was time to get dressed. So he'll be the most formal one at his sitter's house today I'm sure. Happy Tuesday, hope you're looking your best!

These Many Winter Days.

Yes, yes the winter has been cold, dark, and long but that doesn't mean you have to dread every day. Yesterday the sun was shining and the snow was glistening. We took a walk and O said "where did all this glitter come from?" It was so sweet and innocent and I cannot imagine crushing those thoughts and replacing them with ones that insist that winter sucks. That said, how do you pass the time? I'm not sure where I saw this idea but it turned out to be pretty fun.

Here's the scene...Spiderman is frozen in ice...and only bath time can save him! We raced upstairs to get

the tub running  and to answer the questions "how do we get him out and will it make the water too cold?"

Lucky for Spiderman the water was pretty warm and he was quickly released from his ice cage. Oliver thought it was pretty funny and it got him asking some impressive questions about ice. AND he was in the bath for a long time leading up to bedtime, which was great because at this point I was worn out. 

It was so much fun that I froze some of his sea creatures for next time. I was tempted to put in food coloring but thought better of having a bright blue kid. Have a fun day!

Snow Day Crafts

The day started off a little shaky. The mounds of snow determined to keep us indoors made me worry about what we'd do today. Through clenched teeth and spilled milk (literally everywhere), I scrubbed the stove top in protest of another day inside. It's winter, I thought to myself, get inspired. Deep breaths and a cup of coffee while O played trains and I had a simple idea. Let's make something kiddo. 

Our craft shelves are overflowing with things to do, I just have to actually do them. I have to come up with the ideas, this kid would happily just watch T.V. on a day like this but I didn't want to start that up.  We gathered up the X and O stamp, some nice craft paper, a glue stick, and scissors and made Valentine's Day cards together.

I helped with the cutting and the tape, and stopped my inner control freak from intervening beyond that. They look great and he was really proud of himself and listed off the names of friends and family that he'll be giving these to. Plus we easily spent a good hour on them.

 

"Don't worry, mama, the ink will wash away." It's tough sometimes to find an activity that we both want to do, I can only play train chase for so long before I'm bored…so  crafts are always a great alternative. Now I just need to stay motivated for the rest of winter. When't it over…April? Happy Friday!

Supa Fresh Weddings

Hey, Cleveland! Have you heard about this fun new event called Supa Fresh Wedding? It's next Saturday, February 8, from 2-7. I can't believe it's almost February! Anyway, it's a collaborative event hosted by Cleveland Flea and Borrow Rentals and it's bound to be inspirational and provide so many engaged couples with great vendors to personalize their special day. The list of vendors is long and full of some pretty impressive talent from the area. Check out all of the information here! Tickets are on sale now, $20 in advance and $25 the day of.

Come with colors in mind and we can talk about customizing the perfect necktie, bow tie, pocket squares, or tie clips for the men in your party. Plus you'll have a chance to enter to win something free for your groom if you come and see me! And if you can't tell, I'm totally pushing this amazing radiant orchid chambray that I picked up! 

I hope to see you there!

Three Like This.

Oh little love. You are three today! What an amazing three years of fun and craziness. I can say with certainty that there was no way to prepare ourselves for your might, will, humor, and love. We are lucky to have such a silly, smart, and determined guy. I wish you a lifetime of adventure, love, and just enough bumps in the road to carve out your character. You are surrounded by a community of love and support. Happy birthday! And now I will unleash just a few of my favorites from the last three years.

It was hard to pick just a few photos but I think this bunch might just capture the fun and silly side that we all love. May you always be generous of spirit and light of heart.
Love, Mama.

Year 1. Year 2.