growing old

I saw this quote today and it made me think of my mother.

“It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.” ~ Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Something that I loved about my mother was that I don't think she ever thought of her self as a 'grown-up.' You can attribute some of her best qualities to this - she was playful, ever hopeful for the future, adventurous, able to re-make herself at the drop of the hat. The other side of the coin was that she was irresponsible, too quick to fall in love, and sometimes selfish. I loved her young heart, though. While it could make for a difficult parent when I was young, it made for a great friend as I got older. I loved how she could read through a stack of books on anything in one night. I loved that she was always thinking about what she wanted to be when she 'grew up.' I love that the last few years of her life, she was learning to play the djembe drum (inspired by her love of Rusted Root) and had just ordered a slack line (inspired by the movie, Man on Wire). She would see something that interested her, and her mind would immediately resolve that she could do that too. Granted it often didn't result in much, but sometimes it did. When she had the chance to move to South Carolina, Sardinia, and Maui, she jumped right in with little trepidation. She was always a dreamer... she was never 'done.' And because of this, she never grew old.

I've been thinking about this a lot. Now that I have a child, am in the process of purchasing a home, and Aaron is pursuing a PhD that could result in a very long-term career position when he's done, it seems we're finding ourselves settling into adult decisions that could set us on a track for the rest of our lives. Not very long ago I was still thinking about the next move, the next career, the next country, even. I suppose it's good to be content, but what I love about this life are it's possibilities. I want to remain open to them all, just as my mother did, while still providing my children the stability that my parents often couldn't.

I hope to instill in Levi a wonder in the world, just as my mom instilled that in me. I want him to feel that anything is possible. That he can always change, if he wants to. To have hope.

I'm thankful that I'm excited to tell Levi about her. I'm so thankful for who my mother was.

seven months

I was thinking about skipping the monthly post this month (I'm already two weeks late) but when I told Aaron that, said how much he loved looking back at these little monthly snapshots. So I figured better late than never.

It's funny- every time I write these I look back on the month and struggle on how to describe Levi. The boy at the beginning, middle, and end of each month is very different. In general though it's been a very physical month for him. Levi is standing up all the time (he still needs help getting up, but, once up, he stays). He's also working on crawling. I thought he had no interest in crawling, then all of the sudden he seemed to take to it and tries all the time. He has trouble getting that big head up, which means he scrapes his poor face across the carpet, resulting in some very red cheeks. I think this morning though he had his first true crawl! We also installed a hanging jumper and he LOVES it. He smiles big, then gets a very determined face as he starts jumping, then stops and smiles again.

His eyes are so alive this month. When he looks at you, he communicates so much. He's a laugher and engages so much with the world. It's such a joy to see his sweet personality come through.

Sleep has been a roller coaster this month. He is consistently up once per night to eat still, which is fine by me. Some nights that's it and it's great. Other nights he's up a midnight or earlier screaming, only to be consoled by me. These are tough nights. Naps have been up and down too. Sometimes he goes down like a champ and sleeps for an hour 3-4 times per day. Other days its an hour fight to get him to sleep, only to find he's more awake than ever at the end, ready to take on something new.

The past couple of weeks have also brought something new - clingyness. If Levi is with his babysitter during the day and sees me, he starts to scream. He's started to only be consoled by me at night. I'm usually more successful at naps than anyone else. I love that he feels so bonded with me, and I miss him like crazy too, but it makes for a challenging work day. I hate to hear him cry and know that if I just went to him, he'd be comforted, while also trying to maintain boundaries at work.

I had a few more flights with Levi for a trip to Florida to see my sister. He did great with the flights and loved the trip. Everyone asks if the travel messes him up, but I swear he is happier and sleeps better on quick trips - I think the excitement and distractions tire him out in a really good way. He loved the sand and the waves and the pool. It makes me so excited to share the summer with him.

It has been a wonderful month. Between his sweet kisses, how he hangs on when I hold him, and how his face lights up when I walk in a room, I feel my intense love for him reciprocated in some way for the first time, and it's so rewarding. It also makes the work/life balance all the more challenging. It is so hard to try and ignore that constant tug I feel towards him during the day. But I'm trying to savor my work, savor time with Levi and Aaron, and appreciate all I have.

everyday gold

(jewelry dish for my most worn)

I love jewelry but I tend to forget to wear what I have. I seem to always wear the same pieces, tossing on my same to-go items. What I love most about jewelry is that you can keep little trinkets with you at all times. I guess that means I'm a little sentimental, but if I can be sentimental with a little ring or locket, I suppose that's better than an attic full of keepsakes. Though I'm probably headed in that direction now that I'm a mother.

There are a few things I've worn every day for years. It is so hard to image ever changing that, though I'm sure I will. I'm sure the things I'm sentimental about now will go to the backseat with the first department store mother's day necklace chosen by Levi.

I also love how jewelry can tell a story. Unlike clothing, you can wear if for years and years, and keep that story, memory, or trip with you. It makes for the perfect heirloom, souvenir, or gift that can take you back or keep someone who is gone close to you.

I used to wear a gold mini silver dollar my dad gave to my mom when they were newly married, but I thought I lost it. My mom thoughtfully offered this charm to replace it, carefully selecting a chain from a shop in Chicago to perfectly match the gold. She gave it to me for my 25th birthday the year she died. She purchased the charm in Sardinia when we lived there for a year when we were kids, and is an emblem from the island. It is one of the most special things I own. I did find the other necklace, so now I have both.

I also wear these earrings everyday without fail, unless it's some kind of special occasion. I don't even know where I got them, but I think they were a gift from my parents when I was in middle school. Possibly eighth grade graduation. I vaguely remember that they are from JC Penny or Target. I've had them for so long I feel naked without them on.

 (Western Electric Co. employee appreciation charm bracelet for 20 years of service to the company)

These next two pieces are new to me. My Aunt let my sister, cousins, and I peruse our great Aunt's Jewelry that was passed down to her over the holidays. The charm bracelet is an employee gift from Western Electric I'm guessing from sometime in the 1970s. There is a charm for 10, 15, and 20 years of service to the company, with the larger end charm a heavy gold with a diamond. I LOVE this bracelet. I love that a company designed jewelry as a gift for their employees. I love that people actually stayed at jobs for that long. I try to wear it as much as I can.

The second is a very cheap hammered gold pinky ring. It has little half moon impressions. I also took this from the Great Aunt's stash over the holidays. I had been wanting something just like it, but didn't even know how to go about finding it. So when I saw it staring back at me in the jewelry box, I snatched it right up. She must have had little fingers like me because it wouldn't have fit anyone else anyways.

I have lots of other favorites with sentimental value, but my other go to favorite right now is this little bangle from Madewell. Nothing special, but just my taste.

six months

I'm a week late on this post, but I've been thinking about it for a while now. I keep thinking, 'oh I need to include that in my post,' and as soon as I take note, Levi is off doing something new again. He has progressed leaps and bounds this past month. Everything has changed so so fast. He started the month hardly rolling, just starting solids, still needing a bit of supervision while sitting, and basically staying in one place when I put him down. He's ended the month with a hearty appetite for so many foods (sticking with all fruits and veggies at this point), sitting up for as long as he wants, dashing around in his walker, holding himself up standing, rolling around all over, and just beginning that pre-crawl scooch. We've gone from sleep regression to sleeping through the night (!) back to sleep regression (sigh). He's become such a mama's companion, loving to be held and carried by me. Naps in bed with me always result in his longest, most restful sleeps. He seems so much older than before. So much more in control. So curious and always the explorer. He loves interacting with books and joking around with us. He loves to splash and roll in the tub. Not only do I love him more than ever, I really like this kid.

The Deets at Six Months 

Levi is

• 17lbs 12oz, 28in tall. He is average weight but in the 94th percentile for height. Skinny mini. 
• Eating purred apple, pear, plum, peaches, prune, squash, sweet potato, zucchini, and peas. Eating cut up banana and avocado. He loves them all and prefers to hold the spoon (or drink from the bowl) himself.
• 'Drinking' water from a cup 
• Starting to get a tad clingy (which I secretly love)
• Wearing 9 month clothes
• Growing out of his infant car seat. After a lot of research, we just purchased the Britax Marathon G4 Convertible care seat.

Levi loves

• Splashing in the tub
• Walking in the walker
• Books with movement or pop-up books
• Music and dancing
• Ikea Leka Circus play mat

I'm loving

• Cooking food for Levi and using the Beaba Freezer Trays (a gift)
• Vital Baby Spoons
• Ikea Antilop Highchair with Tray - so simple and easy to clean (the price is right too)
• Pampered Chef prep bowls. We use these every night. I pop in a frozen portion of food, microwave it, and it's ready to go. I like that they're glass and in a shape he can drink from. Also a gift. 

Getting a handle on this working mom balance will forever be a struggle I think, but I so cherish the time I get to see Levi in the day, even if it means late nights. I'm looking forward to getting out more with Aaron this coming month, and seeing Levi crawl. Somehow I continue to love him more and more, and cannot wait for this next stage.

Peridot

I'm not really a big birthstone person. Mine is ruby which is terribly expensive, and I think the color is either too girly (pink) or too garish (bight red). Not that I wouldn't mind having a large beautiful ruby ring that is just the right color, but I'm not expecting that to come around any time soon.

Both Levi and my mom have August birthdays, and thus share the birthstone peridot. My mother hated her birthstone, so as a result so did I. She never wore it, and disparaged the stone as an "ugly green" whenever it was brought up. I typically agreed- I usually saw it in bight brassy gold settings that off-set the light limey green in a sort of citrus way or in a silver setting that seemed the cheapen the whole look somehow. 

So when Levi was born in August I didn't even think of the stone. He's a boy anyways and I didn't like the stone. Today though there was a post on Design*Sponge on peridot and it made me think of the stone in a new light. Here's a snippet:

"Peridot is one of the only gemstones that comes in only one color: olive green. Depending on the iron count in the gem, though, gems can appear pale yellow/green all the way to a rich deep olive color (the most prized version). While the origin of the name “Peridot” is unclear (some people think it comes from the Arabic word "faridat", which means “gem”), it’s clear that this particular gemstone has been around – and popular – for a long time. Peridots were mentioned in the Bible (as “Pitdah” in Hebrew) and are believed to have been first discovered in Egypt, though they’re now sourced worldwide. Fun facts? So far, peridot is the only gemstone found in meteorites..."

My grandmother had a beautiful ring that has her and her husband's, and her children's birthstones. I do love it and can imagine having something for me to wear with Levi's stone. Maybe it's worth giving it another try.
                                                                                             *image from Design*Sponge, designed by Max Tielman

five months - overcome with love

My Levi is five months old today and I am more overcome with love than ever before. I'm not sure if it is because of all the holiday travel, seeing him through my family's eyes, or the fact that his personality is shinning through more than ever, but I have never felt so much love. You think you reached your capacity for love, and then it grows.

The past four weeks have been spent at my in-laws. It hasn't been easy being away from home for so long, but Levi has adapted beautifully. We even spent a weekend bopping around Chicago, and it makes me more hopeful than ever that we can continue to travel despite having children. Levi started the month sleeping beautifully, falling to sleep for naps on his own and waking once per night for a quick meal. As the month comes to a close, he is waking more and more and needing more help to get back to sleep. I think we may have some sleep training around the corner but I hope getting back home will reset things a bit for us. He started eating solids this month too- I was planning to wait a bit longer, but he became so interested in what we were eating at the table, it was clear he was ready before I was. I'm trying baby-led weaning and offering purees as well- we'll just see where Levi takes us.

He's also made it very clear that he is no longer content to just chill on his back to play. This baby wants to move! In particular, he wants to walk and will have us hold him up so that he can shuffle his feet to his destination. His mind is much more advanced than is body - there is a will but not really a way just yet. He's not so interested in crawling just yet- seems to have skipped that. He's also taken to quick phases of a new sound - doing it for a day or two and then retiring it all together. He was blowing bubbles constantly for about 48 hours, and hasn't done it since. The past few days has been all about getting his voice as high as it can go.

I love to see him grow and develop around all his family at Christmas time. He liked grabbing at the paper on his many gifts and exploring his new toys. He loved the classical Christmas music that we kept going all season and would reach his hand out to the tree as you walked him close to touch the needles or to take off an ornament. He's become very tactile, running his hands along new textures and patterns.

He is in the next room as I write this and all I want to do is go in and hold him. This has been the first month where he has started to show a real preference for me to comfort him. I know his favorite place when he is tired is in my arms. All season people have offered to watch him or hold him, to 'give us a break.' But I'm more attached than ever. I can't get enough of his bright eyes, sweet smile, gleeful chuckle, and serious furrowed brow. He's growing up so fast - that has been incredibly clear to me this past month - and he's no longer my little newborn. He'll never be as small as he is this very moment and I want to cherish every second.

Favorites from this month include:
Mortimer the Moose - we've had this from the start but it's become a favorite.
Halo Fleece Sleep Sack - It keeps him warm and we zip those little arms in to transition away from the swaddle.
BundleMe - no need for coats - even in Chicago - with this thing (bought on craigslist).

wish list

I didn't really want anything for Christmas - didn't even have a wish list for my own shopping this year. I've been so focused on the little guy, and my life is pretty simple these days (very little entertaining or places to dress up for) that my amazon cart is usually filled with developmental toys or baby pjs the next size up. However I did start to take a look around for post-holiday sales. Unfortunately this has lead me to non-sale completely useless items that now top my wish list. For example, aren't these nesting dolls so great?

And this poster? Love.

And oh isn't the right time to get a 2014 Marimekko Calendar?

new tastes, new textures

As Levi is just coming up to his 5 month birthday, I've been in no hurry to introduce solid foods. He's been feeding so well, never seems hungry and is happy as is. He's been switching between bottle and breast very well and I've established a good supply. Why rush any changes? Inevitably though right at 4 months I started getting questions about introducing foods. From the pediatrician to family members- everyone wanted to see this guy with food smeared across his face. I was going to resist until he seemed ready.

In the meantime I started looking into feeding philosophies- mostly by accident. I had assumed that we'd just puree up some sweet potatoes and start there. However the more I looked around, I stated seeing information about baby-led weaning. This emphasizes the role of the baby to choose, pick-up, and taste foods as he wishes, as eating in the first year is more about experiencing tastes and textures than nutrition. What's more, new research has shown that when babies choose their own foods, they tend to eat a more balanced diet than that selected by parents. I liked the idea of letting Levi explore foods on his own time, offering larger chunks that he can pick up and taste (but too big to choke on).

Still, I was in no rush. Then, yesterday, as we were sitting down to eat, Levi was grabbing at things on the table in a more intentional way, and watching us eat very intently. So, it just seemed right to offer him something too.

I gave him chunks of avocado and an apple slice. He liked licking the avocado, but loved sucking on the sweet apple. No surprise there! His first food experience was fun, not messy, and pretty successful I think!

four months

This has, by far, been the best month yet. Levi has always had so much personality, but it has really been shining through the past few weeks. In my last post I shared how sleeping and nursing has started to really even out, and that has persisted, for which I am so thankful.

This past month Levi has started to roll from tummy to back (just enough to let us know he can do it- but he seems to only surprise us with it occasionally). He's also started to really enjoy sitting, and can hold himself up quite well with a little assistance. Because he loves to stand so much, we got him an activity saucer, and it is such an amazing experience to watch him independently choose what he wants to play with, rotating to what interests him most. He sleeps from 7pm to 6am in his own crib with one feeding wake-up each night (though he may sleep a little longer if I bring him to bed with us at 6), and he's become a speedy little eater. He naps well most days- not on a schedule- but we fairly consistently get two morning naps and one afternoon nap averaging about an hour (though ranging 30 mins to 2.5 hours).

He smiles and laughs constantly and has such a wonderful nature. He loves his walks (now they're night walks, since it gets dark so early), being lifted up high above our heads, nurse time with mom, songs and books, and chatting with dad. I know he can't talk yet, but sometimes I swear he's saying 'hi.' Though we very rarely leave him, wanting to soak up all the time we can, Levi is so content to play by himself in his crib or on his play gym. He loves the toys he can grab, but can be just as content looking at his fascinating hands.

He hates his carseat and having to wait any time to eat. Even switching sides nursing can prompt a squawk of discontent. Other than that I can't think of anything that makes him upset. However I'm starting to notice that if we have a lot going on or are around a lot of people, he needs that quite time away with me. A few times recently when he's gotten upset (i.e. shots) when I've held him he's become instantly comforted. I feel more bonded than ever. I was worried that working full time would impact that, but we seem to have had no problems.

He had his well-baby visit yesterday and weighted in at 15 lbs 2 oz and a tall 26.5 inches. He's a tall lanky boy like his Grandpa Winn and Uncle Nick. I can't believe how blessed we are to have this beautiful baby who is so healthy.

I've been feeling much better too- nothing like more sleep to help you feel more like yourself. After some brief concern as I went back to work, I've really had a lot of success establishing a strong milk supply, another thing that I can only be thankful for. It was one of my biggest stressors for weeks. When I don't have work to finish up in the evenings, I take advantage of Levi's new found consistent sleep schedule to take the time to run errands, clean up, and generally get things done. We've fallen into a nice schedule at home, and it has made me appreciate routine more than I ever have before.

This sweet boy has brought so much joy to our lives. I'm so excited to share him with his loving family for the holidays. So much to be thankful for.

three months

I can't believe it has been three months since our little Levi was born. I was going to say that in the past month so much has changed, but really the past week has seen some significant milestones. In the past week Levi has finally ditched that nipple shield, begun sleeping longer stretches at night, and has moved into his big crib in his own room. He has a smile that is infectious, has just begun cuddling and sleeping in our arms (every once in a while), and has really started chattering away. He's finally started to cut those nursing times down too.

He really started to grow - it seems like every day I find a new clothing item to put away for the next baby. He has strong little legs too. He loves to stand on our laps, supporting his weight for as longs as he can until his knees bend, then muster up the strength to try again. He still loves to be outside, loves falling asleep while nursing, and loves his daddy. He smiles when he walks by and tracks him across the room. They have bonded so much during their week days together.

My favorite times with him are in the morning before work. He gets done eating and is in such a happy mood in bed with us. He looks right at us and chats. I also love that first nursing after work too. I finally get to hold him again and he either falls asleep in my arms in the warm afternoon sun, or is so distractible looking all around, he can't quite focus on the food.

We haven't imposed a strict schedule with him. He typically takes an early morning and mid day nap, followed by a longer afternoon nap. Every so often he'll take another evening nap. We let him sleep as much as he wants (which somedays isn't much) because it seems sleep begets sleep. He's been falling asleep awake in his crib or swing now, for which I am so grateful.

He's still as curious as can be with eyes scanning every which way. Now that he's found his voice, it's nice to hear him communicate in ways outside of crys. We're getting to know those little sounds quite well.

At three months I feel like it is time for me to strike a bit more balance in my life. Now that I am getting more sleep, I hope to find the time to jog. I really need to buckle down and work off that last bit of stomach, which includes me getting serious about no longer indulging every craving too. That pregnancy sweet tooth never really went away. I want to focus on our home more, cooking and creating a nice space for us. I hope to dive into work and I'd love to make stronger friendships. I realize that I'm just adding things in instead of taking anything else out, but I want to find a way to live a rich life down here in North Carolina. If nothing else, every day will be a success if I make sure to take advantage of every moment with my son.

Happy three months, Levi. You bring us more joy that you could know!

inspiration block

Well, it's been two and a half months now that we've been living down here in Chapel Hill. There have been lots of challenges related to moving across country with a new born (he was only 2 weeks old!) but on of the big ones for me has been how it's impacted out new home.

We decided to choose a rental townhouse off craiglist so that we had something set early (the last thing I wanted was to have uncertainty about where we were going to live as my due date approached) and to start looking for a place to purchase once we got familiar with the area. The tricky thing about moving from Chicago or Boston to Chapel Hill is the housing stock is so different. Gone are the old brownstone or triple decker apartments with all their vintage goodness. Hello carpet, electric ranges, low ceilings, and shoddy finishes. We ended up finding a townhouse set in a wooded area with almost all our "must-haves." Three bedrooms (space was important since I'm working from home), laundry, AC, dishwasher and high ceilings. We have plenty of room and a few extra perks (two-stories, access to a pool, etc). There is carpet and the kitchen leaves a lot to be desired, but you can't have it all.

At first I really hated the place. Older white carpet really means grey/beige carpet. They didn't clean the place so it gave me the creeps until I could slowly scrub it down in the hours Levi was asleep (not many of those early on!). However once we were finally able to unpack and get some furniture set up- I realized how well our midcentury/danish inspired pieces fit with the place. I really do love the overall vibe of the space. Also- turns out carpet really works well with a little one.

The biggest challenge though has been been that now that all the boxes are unpacked, some art has been hung on the walls, the furniture arranged, I've done very little else. I've not even considered painting. Our bedroom/office has really just been thrown together. I've lacked the inspiration to make the space our own. I'm bogged down by working and caring for Levi, and since I know we may decide to buy within the year, I keep asking myself if it's worth it.

Yet, up until now creating spaces for our home has been a pretty central part of who I am- it's a pretty significant hobby - and not exploring that creative part of my personality has been a real downer. It's what I do to make a house feel like our home. Now, I feel even if I had the time or energy, I have no ideas.

Over the past few days Levi has been sleeping more at night, which makes me feel like I have a little more space in the evening. I'm hoping to have more energy (when I'm not catching up on work) to putz around a little in the evening and get creative with our space. I loved our home in Boston, and even if we are only here for a year, I'd love to love our home in North Carolina as well. I'm getting there. Slowly.

Getting to Know Levi

My little boy is almost three months old and his personality has been really shinning through! We've learned he is a very active, very alert little guy with a strong will. And while he is a little feisty, he is also very good natured.

Levi learned to hold his head up just a couple weeks after birth. He just can't help looking around a room, constantly taking everything in. Recently he's been waking up for the day at about 7, chatting up a storm, just talking to himself. From the moment he's up he's kicking a leg or waving his arms - eyes always wide open. When he wakes from a nap we'll walk in and he greets us with wide eyes and a smile. One of my favorite things he does is, when we unwrap his swaddle, shoots both arms up in a big stretch. He's also very talkative with us these days. As he gets a little sleepy we'll hold him and he'll stare at us cooing, very intently telling us something (if only I knew what!).

His alertness and curiosity I think has made him ahead in some areas- he has smiled, laughed, held his head up, grabbed toys, and tracked moving objects so early. But it also makes for a very stubborn boy. He is tired or hungry without and instant's warning - and he'll let you know it! He needs a tight swaddle to keep his ever moving arms at bay. He does not like to sleep and it usually takes some effort to get him to nap- and he is up every few hours at night. It also means less cuddles for mom - he'd rather be moving! 

It is so fun to watch him learn and grow. I can already tell he will be the boy who is always running, always asking questions, always getting into new things, always putting up a fight for what he wants - for better or worse.  

Some of Levi's favorites include:

- Morning and evening walks around the pond- His dad takes him for a walk in the carrier bright and early, and we often go as a family in the evenings. He loves to be outside and if he gets a little fussy, a step outside will always distract him.

- Bath time- he loves the warm water and looking at himself in the mirror.

- Tummy time- from his first few days at home he's loved laying on his belly, lifting his head to check things out. Now he loves to be propped up on his baby boppy to look at his favorite toys including the Sassy Crib and Floor Mirror, and the Wimmer-Ferguson Playmat.

- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See? - You can usually get a smile out of him from this book. It has a great rhythm to it.

- Eating- He's really into his meals, eating frequently and taking his time- sometimes up to 90 minutes! After a lot of assessment into why this is, I think he really just likes to enjoy his food and lay with mom. This is about as much cuddle time as I get so no complaints here. 

- His index fingers - this has become his way to self sooth, and it is so sweet to see that little finger make it's way in as he is thinking through something or getting tired. 

We love him more and more each day, and I truly treasure every moment with him. 

nursery art

(Newport Folk Festival)

It has been really fun selecting art for Levi's room. You have a little more license to be whimsical and to choose bold colors - especially since we're going for primary colors with him (primarily red). I didn't have to buy anything new for him so far. We had some great concert/festival posters that needed hanging anyways, so that was a no brainer. They're fun without being baby.

(Chris Thile and Brad Mehldau concert for Aaron's birthday last year)

(Punch Brothers)

This little vignette includes a print from Dee Beale that I bought for our Boston place about 4 years ago, a penny that was ingested by my husband as a kid (and loving saved and framed by his parents) and a fun black and white graphic that reminded me of the "good morning to you!" song my mom would sing to us as a kid (and I now sing to Levi).

I've also been hanging on to this needle point by my grandmother for years. It was one of the few things my mom actually hung on to, but she never hung it. I was never able to meet my grandmother, so it's nice to include something of her's - particularly with the eerily appropriate message she included.

Finally we have gargantuan reindeer pelt. We bought this in Helsinki last summer and waited to hang it because- let's be honest- it can be hard to find a place to hang such an item. So why not above a crib? It's as good a place as any.

Then today I came across the Cosas Minimas print collection Blanca Gomez. I had looked at her work before but I think she has some new stuff that would be amazing in Levi's room. I like that her work reminds me of children's book illustrations for the 60s- for some reason. Of course the Helsinki print harkens to his Finnish heritage (my husband's mother is from Finland) and fits with the reindeer pelt.

And this one is a little Frenchy- which I like since we found out I was expecting a couple days before a trip to Paris. We were so baby happy on that trip- and all my memories reflect that. Of course the red works really well too for the room. Maybe a Christmas gift for Levi?  

Robert Blue Ceramics

Beautiful ceramics by Robert Blue. I love these rustic feeling mugs and the colors are fantastic. Found at Mociun.

After six weeks of exclusively sleeping in a swing, Levi has spent two nights sleeping in his bassinet! It was a very easy transition actually- he probably could have done this a few weeks ago. I do love this little crib and was getting nervous about SIDS, so I couldn't be happier.