Swoon & Sigh

2012-02-10T17:28:00.000-05:00

and also, here is a recent video- she really does have some moves!

Untitled from Heather Palmeri on Vimeo.
and i swear we listen to music other than fleetwood mac!!!

2012-02-10T10:32:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe our baby is going to be 1 in just a few days.... seriously, where did the year go??! I've been going through old photos and videos and I came across this..

Untitled from Heather Palmeri on Vimeo.

Veda is about 5 months old here. Andrew and I must have watched it 5 times last night- we were dying laughing. She's SO happy and excited. Can't believe how quickly they grow!

2012-01-31T20:59:00.000-05:00

Untitled from Heather Palmeri on Vimeo.
Today was another unseasonably warm day. Veda and I hung out in the front yard for a little while and checked out the grass and the trees. Then she walked around the driveway and the sidewalk, looking at the twigs and rocks and all of the other things that grow right in her own front yard. It was a small thing. But it was huge...
song: Devendra Banhart: Can't help but smiling

2012-01-27T11:01:00.000-05:00

We're still here.. I swear I'll have more pictures to post and things to say soon. I hope. This week I hit a wall, mentally and physically. The stress and exhaustion of the move finally caught up with me and so I've not been feeling very well. Progress has been slow.... We did have one beautiful, sunny day and Veda and I took a walk to the nearby park. It's literally a block away, which is so great. We found a playground which will be a lot of fun this summer when she's got the whole walking/running thing down a bit more. I feel really lucky to have it so close by.

Veda's favorite new "toy" is the remote

2012-01-20T11:18:00.002-05:00

enjoying all of the light in our new home...

2012-01-19T22:50:00.000-05:00

Veda's new favorite activity? going up the stairs. Over and over again. We're working on the going down part.. We're settling in nicely to our new home, though it seems like unpacking is taking 5x's as long as packing. Where did we put all of this stuff before?? Today I drove to the grocery store. And then parked my car in the garage and brought all the groceries inside. It was weird. And cool. Oh, and tonight I found out that a local (decent!) sushi place delivered, I almost cried with joy. It's the little things...

2012-01-13T22:01:00.000-05:00

This was taken early this morning from our window at the Holiday Inn down the street from our apartment.. our last morning in Brooklyn. We got everything packed up yesterday and stayed in the hotel because the movers came at 8:30 this morning and we needed a place where Veda could eat breakfast and nap and be.. We are in our new home now, drinking wine out of paper cups, exhausted but happy!

11 months old

2012-01-12T09:06:00.002-05:00

Dear Veda,

Today your are 11 months old! I truly don't know where the last couple of months have gone.. it's been a whirlwind! You've been taking it all in stride though. Lately you seem a bit less like a baby and more and more like a toddler. You have a happy soul- always smiling and laughing. You are a sweet girl and I'm proud to be your mama..

* You have started walking! Your dad and I joked about when exactly to count the "first step" as you've been experimenting and taking steps here and there for a while, especially when prompted. But a few days ago, you walked across the room- about 6 steps all on your own. It's unbelievable to see someone so tiny wobbling around, with a huge proud grin on your face.

* You point at everything and say "tat" or "dido", especially lights, pictures and birds. In fact, you are becoming a bit of a chatterbox!

* You have become a world class hugger. You could end wars with the love that's in those tiny little arms of yours.

* You've started to put things together rather than just take them apart, though you still enjoy doing that as well ; )

* You've become a master of going up the stairs- though you haven't quite figured out yet how to go down. You're about to get a lot of practice once we move into our new house!

* Your food preferences have changed recently.. you're still wild about fruit, especially berries. You seem to have lost your taste for avocados (hoping you just got burnt out and will come back to them). You still love yogurt, fish and pasta. We can also add kale, yams and almond butter on toast to the mix.

* For some reason lately, you are waking up at 5:30-6:00 again. Really hoping this one is just a phase. Please. Mama needs more sleep!

Part of what makes leaving our Brooklyn apartment so difficult is that the first 11 months of your life were lived here. This has been all you've known of home. I will cherish those memories and probably miss a lot about having the 3 of us together in such a small, cozy space. But there are new memories to be made. As of tomorrow, we will be making them in our new house. I'm so excited for all of the new rooms (indoor and out!) for you to explore and play in. Your last month of your first year is going to be a big adventure!!

xoxo mama

2012-01-10T10:50:00.001-05:00

This is the place we have called home for the last 5 years - the longest I have ever lived in one place since leaving home to go to college when I was 18. This is the home where I married my husband and had our sweet baby girl. This is the home that is presently busting at the seams with boxes. The pictures are off the walls. The cabinets are empty. 3 more nights here before we leave for good. Change is always bittersweet...

2012-01-06T10:34:00.000-05:00

This looks like a lovely book...

via

blanket

2012-01-05T17:09:00.000-05:00

speaking of creating... I finally finished this blanket that I started over a year ago (in my defense, I don't, as a rule, knit or crochet in the summertime. But still...)!! The colors are actually even more vibrant than how they appear here. Think I'm done with knitting anything bigger than a sock for a while though...

2011-12-31T12:01:00.000-05:00

Wishing you all a healthy and happy new year! Do you make resolutions? There are so many things I would like to work on in the next year, it sort of overwhelms me to think about it all.... So, to keep it simple, I'll just say this.. I would like to create more. "Less inspiration, More Creation" - not sure where I saw that, but it's sort of the perfect mantra for me going forward into this new year. Happy 2012!!

xoxo
via

2011-12-28T21:28:00.000-05:00

A few pics from the holiday weekend...

2011-12-24T10:38:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas! Hope you are all somewhere warm, in the company of loved ones, and enjoying this break from the hustle and bustle of it all to appreciate what is truly important in life.

Hoping to carry some of this peace with me into the New Year.. xoxo

2011-12-20T22:03:00.000-05:00

Some days I really miss living in Oregon...

The Oregon Coast from Kinfolk on Vimeo.
via

2011-12-14T21:10:00.000-05:00

Since we are uncertain when exactly we will be making the move to our new house (it could literally be any day), we have had to forgo decorating for the holidays- much to my sadness and guilt (is this just fodder for therapy later in life for Veda??? ; ) I am already thinking of the ways I'm going to make up for it next year! These lovely pics of a home decorated in Denmark are going straight into my inspiration folder...

10 months

2011-12-12T20:31:00.000-05:00

Dear Veda,

Today you are 10 months old! You've started doing all sorts of fun things this month, revealing more and more of your personality. You've got a silly sense of humor and an infectious laugh. During a month of lots of stress (the impending MOVE!!), you've been our relief! Always there to remind us of what is really important, ever in the moment, helping us to enjoy now...

*You now wave hello and goodbye to people and things (your bird mobile after a nap), as well yourself in the mirror (which you think is hilarious).

*You clap your hands, sway and rock back and forth when there is music on. Or if you're standing you dance and sometimes even stomp your foot. Since there's pretty much always music playing in our house, you're becoming quite a little dancing machine!

*You said your first word! Sort of.. It's "muah", like when we're blowing kisses. You haven't gotten the hand gesture down yet, but you're pretty generous with the "muahs".

*You have also started sticking your tongue out at us. Of course we do it back and then we all start laughing. Probably not the best thing to teach you, but it's so darn cute we can't help it!

*You laugh all the time. Recently we were at a restaurant and the table next to us was occupied by teenage girls. You we're completely turned around in your chair, waving at them and vying for their attention. At one point they started laughing at something and you laughed right along with them. It was hilarious. You've also laughed along with other people on the street. You're always trying to interact with others, my social baby...

*You are cruising right along these days and I think it's a matter of time before you are walking on your own. You love your little push cart that we got you, but you also use the wall or our fingers for support to get where you need to go. You can stand completely unassisted for nearly 10 seconds.

*Your hair has gotten longer and curlier, making you look more like a toddler and less like a baby.
sigh..

*You brush your own teeth and in fact get quite excited when you see your toothbrush come out (you have 6 teeth and maybe 1 more on the way?)

*You babble all the time. Having little conversations with your stuffed animals, your books, anyone who will listen. I wish I knew what you were saying!

*You have actually started to make the sign for "milk" though, so that is a step forward in communication. We're still working on "more", "all done", etc.

*You measured pretty small at your 9 month appointment, so we're adding all sorts of delicious things to your food- butter, creme freiche, coconut oil. You are a bit picky about what you like and veggies seem to be your least favorite... But there's time for that. You have actually gotten really good at feeding yourself with a spoon. You still love berries, chicken, fish and avocado. Now you're also really into yogurt, bananas and cheese. Some days you wolf it down and others you're hardly interested- which I think is pretty normal. You are clearly happy and healthy, so we're not worried.

*You're continuing to sleep through the night (THANK YOU!) and take 2 really decent naps during the day. Sometimes you still wake up a little early, but for the most part this is a really easy and nice time in regards to sleep (again, thank you!).

* Though you're becoming more independent- spending more time on your own playing; gaining mobility, etc., you're more cuddly than ever. Sometimes, especially right after a nap, you just want to sit in my lap and hug. You've been falling asleep in our arms a lot lately as well. Sometimes, we'll switch off who gets to hold you because I'm pretty sure there's nothing better in the world than the feel of a baby's sweet breath in the crook of your neck. During these moments, I pause and try and memorize the way you feel- the weight of you in my arms, the rise and fall of your chest against mine. It's one of my favorite experiences in life. ever. You are pure joy.

We love you Veda June!
xoxo
mama

playing and "reading" on your own

so proud..

all bundled up and ready to go out (there's something hilarious to me about this picture- it almost looks like a school photo or something...)

2011-12-06T10:27:00.000-05:00

gorgeous textiles...

go check out miss moss for more..

Life Lately...

2011-12-05T10:21:00.000-05:00

Life is busy at moment. Posting is light..

From top:
*appreciating the tiny things
*enjoying brisk walks
*trying not to stress about the fact that there are 82 holes in the walls and ceilings of our new home (we're updating some of the electrical work which was original to the house)
*decisions, decisions (for when those holes are covered up!)
*a nice break from it all with a visit to the Brooklyn Children's Museum
*always time for a quick trip to the park

2011-12-01T10:29:00.000-05:00

I used to be a pretty avid journal keeper back in the day. Now though, the idea seems daunting... which is why I love this idea of keeping a perpetual journal. You can keep it in a pretty box or recipe tin. How fun would it be to look back through the years and see how you filled your days?

Giving Thanks

2011-11-24T10:23:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving. I am grateful for so much this year.. My loving husband, my supportive family and friends, and this little one, who has brought us all so much light and joy! My one wish for the next year is to carry this feeling of gratitude within me each and every day. Wishing you all the same!

Veda looking out the window of her new bedroom

2011-11-23T15:34:00.000-05:00

My dad and step mom came last week for 1 day visit. It was such a nice treat!

2011-11-22T16:44:00.000-05:00

I love this nursery. I tend to gravitate toward more color, but there is something so calming and pure about this space..

via smallable

home

2011-11-15T21:07:00.002-05:00

On Friday (11/11/11) at 11:11am (seriously!), we signed the papers and are now the proud owners of our very own house!! It's so crazy. In so many ways! I cannot believe we will soon be leaving our beloved Brooklyn and our many friends who have been like family for the last 7 years. But... we are not going too far. And, we are going to have S P A C E ! and a yard! It still feels a bit surreal that this is all happening. We were trying to keep from getting too excited because these things can always fall through. But the papers have been signed. This is our new house. This is where we build our home together. This is where Veda will learn to walk and run and talk and play and grow and dream and be a kid!

The house is a 1919 Dutch colonial. It sits on a pretty tree lined street, one block away from a big park (designed by Olmsted), and just a short walk to a downtown area with shops, restaurants and the train which goes into the city. It has plenty of room for us to breathe and grow. Andrew and I are both going to have our own studios! There is also a gorgeous sun room that we are going to turn into a play room for Veda. We will have a guest room for family and friends when they visit. There is a yard and a garden to tend to- which I'm very excited to learn about. The house needs some updating and will be sure to keep us busy for the foreseeable future, but we're looking forward to it- there's nothing like putting your energy into creating a space to call home... xo

9 Months Old

2011-11-14T11:28:00.000-05:00

Dear Veda,

You are 9 months old!! I am starting to feel an intense need to press pause and try to hold on to the moments, which seem to be slipping by quicker and quicker with each passing minute! It seems like just about every day your dad and I look at each other and comment on how much you're changing and growing into your own little person. It's amazing to witness!

Though you have begun to express many different emotions, including frustration and anger, you continue to be, for the most part, an extremely happy and smiley baby. You are a sweet girl and we are so lucky to have you in our lives!

You are taking steps while holding on to the couch or table (I believe they call it "creeping"). In fact, we bought you a little push wagon and you surprised us by taking off down the hall with it!

You are continuing to explore with different foods. Your favorites these days are: avocado (still), fish, yogurt, fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, bananas and pears), chicken, cheese, pasta, tomatoes, cereal, tofu, beans, cauliflower, bread... your not-so-favorites include lentils, carrots and sweet potatoes (you must be the only baby on earth who doesn't like sweet potatoes!)

You love books! Especially books that have flip pages or textures. One of my favorite things is to look over and see you quietly sitting with a book, flipping through it's pages.

One of our favorite excursions is to the tot lot. It's a tiny playground for tiny people located in Prospect Park. You love to crawl around and interact with the other kiddos. There are things to pull up on and bang and make fun noises. There's a tiny slide and lots of leaves to taste!

You have started sleeping through the night!!!! I am so relieved. Not that I didn't love our special late night cuddle sessions.. but after 8+ months I was really started to feel exhausted from lack of sleep. My body still hasn't quite adjusted and I often wake up in anticipation anyway, but hopefully that will change soon. I'm desperate for 8 uninterrupted hours!

You are waving hello and goodbye now, as well as clapping. You babble up a storm, saying mamamama and dadadada (though seemingly without any real meaning attached to it yet), as well as your v's, w's, etc. You're little voice is so cute. I can't wait to hear what you have to say..

All in all, it's been a good month. There has been a lot of (EXCITING) things going on (more on that tomorrow!!!) and you have been a real trooper throughout it all. We love you sweet girl. Thanks for making the last 9 months so much fun!

xoxo mama

pretty bow

picking out a record

play time with dad

you and your new "walker"

this is a place where you are about to be spending a lot of time.........

2011-11-10T16:20:00.000-05:00

I recently won this darling little seahorse dress by Rickshaw Design over on the Linda and Harriett blog!! I absolutely love it and can't wait to see little Veda in (well, I can wait actually.. it will be a few years since it's a 2T!). Feeling rather lucky...

2011-11-09T15:57:00.000-05:00

loving the enchanting voices of the staves..

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;di</p>

discovered here

2011-11-07T12:41:00.000-05:00

I have home decorating on the mind in a big way these days.. stumbled upon this amazing abode recently. loving the modern hippie vibe...

2011-11-05T22:43:00.000-04:00

some fun finds around the web this week...

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

see more over on my pinterest...

happy halloween!

2011-10-31T20:03:00.001-04:00

from my little white tiger!

Life Lately...

2011-10-27T10:27:00.000-04:00

From top:
Maybe if she wears a bow in her hair, people will stop calling her a boy?
A visit to the new Dekalb Market
beautiful graffiti
fall days at the tot lot
giving kisses
long walks in my favorite park
Veda's new way of transporting her toys..
looking less like a baby and more like a toddler every day!
car shopping is exhausting..

Nabi Boubou

2011-10-26T11:17:00.000-04:00

Gorgeous textiles from the SS 2012 collection by milleneufcentquatrevingtquatre called Nabi Boubou

via miss moss

2011-10-19T22:41:00.000-04:00

It is a testament to the current pace of our lives that I am only posting today about our weekend. We have a LOT going on.. trying to sell our current apartment, buying a new house, and buying a new (to us) car for the first time in at least 10 years. Don't get me wrong- these are all GOOD problems. Wonderful problems. It's just a lot all at once. Plus, we have a certain little someone who has her own agenda. Mostly that involves crawling around, under, over and into everything. Then she'll pull herself up and start squealing. Thank goodness for the comic relief! Anyway... we had a nice break this past Saturday from all of the stuff that's going on. My mom had come into town for the weekend and the 4 of us drove up to Stone Barns in Tarrytown, NY. It's an unbelievably beautiful place. We had a snack in the delicious cafe (someday, I'd love to eat at the restaurant), and wandered around the grounds. We saw turkeys and lambs and about 40 three week old piglets. They were adorable! Veda enjoyed all of the real life versions of her favorite animals from books that we read. Hopefully we can find a way to sneak in more days like that no matter how crazy our lives get during the next few months...

8 months old

2011-10-12T16:18:00.000-04:00

Dear Veda,

Today you are 8 months old! I've been reserving my "this is my favorite age"... until now. This is my favorite age. The interaction between us now is so much fun. I look at you and my heart melts into a puddle of love. Your tiny little face with your sweet little nose and perfect rosy cheeks... your never ending smile! You are pure sunshine. A joy. Delight, personified. I'm so glad to know you..

*This month you got 2 more teeth- up top. While they were coming in, your sleep got a bit disrupted, but now we're mostly back to normal. You are even occasionally sleeping through the night, which is SO nice for me!

*In addition to crawling all over the place, you pull yourself up on everything and anything- tables, chairs, walls, people's legs.. You've got the one handed hold down, leaving your other hand free to bang on the table or to reach down and pick up a toy on the ground. You're starting to experiment with transferring weight from one foot to the next and you've even started "creeping" a bit. You seem pretty pleased with the world of opportunities this has opened up to you!

*You are really getting into food these days. I'm surprised at how much food you can eat, since you're still a tiny little thing. You went through a phase where you would shove everything in front of you into your mouth immediately. It was pretty hilarious, though it made me a tad nervous. You handled it fine though and lately you are beginning to understand the joys of one flavor at a time ; )

*For the first time, you seem to be on a true schedule, though I'm sure it could change at any moment. You're up at 7; 1st nap at 9:30 and 2nd nap at 3:00. Your naps are usually at least an hour and a half, which means we both are rested when you get up!

*We're trying to use signs when we communicate with you- just a few.. "milk", "more", "eat", "all done", etc. We sometimes attend a sign a song class in the neighborhood, which is fun. You genuinely seem to be paying attention, some of the time at least!

*We're still going to our Munchkin Music Class once a week. The swings have become a regular stop as well as the tot lot- a park that is just for wee ones. You LOVE it there- you crawl around and pull yourself up and climb on things. You get beyond filthy and of course put everything you find in your mouth. You have a blast!

*You love to get zerberts and tickles. You are getting really good at giving kisses. Peak-a-boo is definitely a favorite and you've learned to pull the blanket on and off your face to elicit our surprise and delight at finding you again and again!

It seems at the rate you're going, you will definitely be walking sooner rather than later, which is a bit frightening, to say the least! It's all going by too fast. I want you to slow down. Stay a baby a little bit longer. But there are just way too many exciting things out there waiting for you to discover!

I love you Veda!
mama
xoxo

Warby Parker

2011-10-07T10:28:00.000-04:00

Okay, I know I'm like a million years late on this one, but I couldn't resist sharing anyway because I'm so impressed by the geniuses behind Warby Parker. For $95, you get a pair of prescription eye glasses or polarized sun glasses!! Last year, I updated my eyeglasses for the first time in 9 years. Since it had been so long, I justified the $400 price tag that accompanied them. But still.. it seems unfair that something that I NEED to see should be so cost prohibitive. That's the main idea behind this company. And the coolest part is that for every pair of glasses sold, they give a pair to someone in need! How amazing is that? You can virtually try the glasses on or they will send you up to 5 pairs with a pre paid return label to send them back. Again, brilliant..

btw.. I love saying the name Warby Parker. Warby Parker. Warby Parker. It just rolls off the tongue. Read about where it comes from here.

General Store

2011-10-05T16:00:00.001-04:00

The next time we're in San Francisco, I'm definitely going to check out the General Store over in the Sunset District. It looks incredible!!

via: first came love

2011-10-04T11:25:00.000-04:00

This past weekend we visited my family in CT. Our friends Isaac, Maggie and baby Lily came along for 2 of the days. And we also had a visit from our friends Laura, Penny and Zack. Along with apple picking, pumpkin carving, and baby wrangling, we did a lot of relaxing and visiting and just having a nice break from it all. Thanks Nana and Pepe for the lovely weekend!

hanging out in the orchard

family walk

pumpkin carving!

the most darling pumpkin patch!

lily and her pumpkin colored hair and icy blue eyes

penny and gibson

zack takes a swing

love from auntie laura

♥

enjoying the view

loving nana

cuddling with pepe

On the move..

2011-09-27T16:37:00.000-04:00

There are lots of changes going on around here these days. Big changes. We've decided to move. We've been thinking about it for a while. We have a lovely but small apartment in a wonderful neighborhood in an amazing city. But... we desperately want to have more space, including some space outside! (It would also be nice not to have to haul a stroller and a baby and the groceries up to the 3rd floor!!). We've been living in tiny apartments the better part of our adult lives, and we're ready for a change. Still... I wake up at 4am and find myself terrified of leaving this place. This home... We're not totally settled on exactly where we'll be moving to- but most likely it will be out of the city. We're going to look in some other neighborhoods in Brooklyn that are bit more affordable- and who knows?? Most likely though we're heading out to an area known as the 'burbs. The 'burbs of NYC, but still.. the 'burbs. Anyway, whatever we decide, we''re currently trying to sell our home (having to have a pristine apartment every weekend for an open house is not fun with a nearly 8 month old who can destroy the place in an astonishingly quick amount of time!), find a new home (where? see above), and find a car (can't live in the 'burbs without a car). We've just begun and I'm already exhausted.

Swoon!

2011-09-20T17:31:00.000-04:00

love love love everything from Ilana Kohn's new fall collection, but these in particular make my heart pitter patter!

2011-09-19T16:57:00.000-04:00

i got a belated mother's day gift in the mail from a certain loving husband....

harvest

2011-09-15T13:47:00.001-04:00

One of these prints from Wolfie and the Sneak would be perfect in a kitchen or dining room....

want one? go here or here and make a $20 donation for the flood relief in Owego, NY and receive a $20 certificate towards one of these prints.

2011-09-14T10:33:00.000-04:00

someday when i have a yard, i'd love to enjoy it while relaxing in these..

rugs

2011-09-13T14:32:00.002-04:00

I have been searching for a new living room rug to replace our current one- which pills and sheds like crazy. Veda loves to pull on it and stuff whatever she gets into her mouth. Not good. Anyway, I sort of thought this would be one of those endless searches where we go months and possibly even years (and let's face it, far beyond the putting-everything-in-her-mouth-stage) before I found one that we actually liked. In part because most things I like are far beyond our price range. Rugs are easy to like in that way. Take for instance these:

Beautiful, but beyond our price range (actually, there was no price listed, which I'm just assuming means they're super expensive... )

Anyway, I'm happy to report that we found our rug(s). We found them at an amazing shop in Idaho. The family that runs the shop have traveled all over the world, collecting rugs and textiles. Many of the rugs are from areas of the world where they will not be able to travel to for a long time (if ever....) because of the ways in which the world has changed in recent years. That made me feel that these rugs were even more of an investment because they are becoming more and more rare. Luckily, they were moderately priced and we got a family discount b/c Andrew's parents have purchased rugs from them before. They're old and worn and beautiful and I can't wait to add our story to the long list of stories that have been woven into the history of these beauties. I feel like a real adult now. We have purchase an heirloom... Something that we'll have forever..

this rug is from Afghanistan, mid century.

this rug is from Iran, around 1910

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

7 months

2011-09-12T22:27:00.000-04:00

Dear Veda,

You are 7 months old! SO many changes this month!! Time is just flying by now.. This last month has been filled with lots of adventures and milestones. We had a 2 week vacation in Sun Valley, spending time with Rie Rie and Gramps and aunt Talie (who you were so excited to meet!). It was there that a lot of these changes took place. It seems like we left with one baby and came back with another. It's a whole new world now....

*Before we left, you were just starting to be able to really sit on your own. You were still pretty wobbly though and needed to be watched pretty closely. Now you sit on your own, completely unassisted. You have both of your hands freed up for playing and exploring, which you seem to think is pretty swell.

*You are crawling! It literally seemed to happen overnight. One day you were rocking back and forth and the next you were putting one hand in front of the other. A few awkward days and then ZOOM, off you went!! In large part, you were motivated by Pancho, the cat. This is a total game changer... You're all over the place now and into everything.

*Just this past week, you've started to pull yourself up - mostly still on your knee's or just up on one foot. Still, it's enough that we decided it was time to lower your crib mattress. Your favorite is to crawl over to me and climb up on me and bounce/rock. The look of pride on your face is hilarious!

*You have 2 teeth now. Eating solids has been going well. You've tried a bunch of stuff. Mostly, we just give you pieces of whatever we're eating (within reason, and without any added salt). Avocado still seems to be a favorite. You're definitely eating a bit more now, though I can't say the mess has decreased at all ;) Still, it's fun to watch you discover the joys of food.

*You are laughing a lot more now- like a real belly laugh that sometimes leads to the hiccups. More of your personality is starting to show through, in general. You are still mostly a happy, inquisitive, friendly girl, though you've started to get a sense of self and at times a sense of urgency about what you want and when. Becoming aware can be hard... you now know when I leave the room, that I'm gone and that can be scary.. it's okay, it just means i get some extra hugs and cuddles these days!

*We finally got rid of the "farm". I don't even think you've noticed. I made 2 soft baskets filled with toys available to you in the living room and it amazes me how quickly you can crawl over and empty the entire contents onto our floor! Most days, we try and spend a few hours out and about. You are happy as can be, taking everything in- watching... listening. On the way home, we'll stop for a swing at the playground. I'm not sure what you like best, swinging or watching all the other kids..

*You are back to sleeping somewhat better, thankfully. In fact, on most days, 2 long naps will replace 3 short ones- which is a nicer schedule for us as well.

I'm really loving this age. I'm sure I"ll keep saying that all along.. but really, this is a fun time. Even though we have to keep a closer eye on you, you are also able to entertain yourself for long stretches of time. We're all gaining a bit of independence.. It's funny.... we're going to start looking for a bigger place because things are starting to feel really tight around here. And although I'm mostly so so excited to have more space, I realize that there's been really something nice about having this cozy little nest for the first few months of your life. No matter where you are, I can see you from just about any room in the house. We're always close by. And that's not such a bad thing..

love you,
mama
xo

yes, please

2011-09-08T15:37:00.001-04:00

completely blown away by the work of Jazmin Berakha. This work combines illustration and embroidery. i'm dying to see one in person. love love love

the west- part two

2011-09-07T20:51:00.000-04:00

here are a few more shots from our trip..

Veda ready for her first space mission or a walk in her Chariot ; )

cruisin'...

another early morning walk... (it gets into the 40's at night there!)

Red Fish Lake...

pooped- so much fun! thanks for the memories xoxo

the west- part one

2011-09-07T16:45:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures from our trip visiting our family in Idaho.. We had so much fun hanging out, going for walks, grilling in the backyard and mostly just spending time with family..

hanging out in the grass...

a walk into town with Rie Rie

always going after Pancho

pool time!

Red Fish lake

flowers on our early am walk

early am walks are pretty lovely actually (even for this non morning person!)

at the Sun Valley pavillion waiting to see the Trey McIntyre Project

taking in the views

hangin' with gramps and Lefty

poor Pancho...

♥

A mover and shaker

2011-09-06T22:12:00.001-04:00

While we were on vacation (more on that to come soon), Veda decided it was time to become mobile. She was highly motivated by the cats, especially Pancho, who was incredibly patient and gentle as she chased after him (albeit at a snail's pace) and then proceeded to tug and pull and swat at him. At first, she was a bit awkward...

Fast forward 2 weeks. the girl is on the move. It's definitely a game changer. We've quickly had to do some minor childproofing and we can no longer put Veda down and expect her to stay put. At the same time, her new found independence means she is capable of entertaining herself for longer periods of time. And she's pretty psyched to be on the go!

songs: Arcade Fire "Wasted Hours" and Devendra Banhart "Baby"

2011-09-06T10:33:00.000-04:00

3 years ago today it was also raining (hurricane hannah). it was one of the best days of my life.. it was the day i married my best friend. happy anniversary my sweet! xoxo

happy weekend

2011-09-03T11:50:00.000-04:00

we're off today to check out some neighborhoods to potentially call home someday soon and then having a BBQ with friends. there are only a few weekends left this summer, can you believe it? enjoy!

artwork by alanna cavanagh

Still here...

2011-09-02T17:10:00.000-04:00

hello friends!! i cannot believe i've let so much time go between postings.. i guess i got lost in the lazy days of summer. that, and we've been away the better part of the last 2 weeks visiting family in idaho. so many things to share in the next week or two (hopefully i'll have my stuff together). after spending time in a real house with room to breathe, i have house hunting on my mind. you know, the sort with s p a c e and an outdoor area. these pics of a lovely backyard studio have me drooling. and dreaming...

via

Florida in August

2011-08-15T09:52:00.000-04:00

2 weeks ago we took a quick trip down to Florida to visit family and attend the baby shower of one of my dearest friends. We had a great time. Veda got to meet more of her adoring family and mom and dad got a chance to relax with all the extra hands around. It really got me thinking about the whole "it takes a village" idea.. and how much truth there is in that. It just seems very unnatural to raise a family in isolation the way that so many modern families find themselves doing. Really wishing we had more family nearby, for Veda's sake as well as ours!

6 months old

2011-08-12T19:50:00.001-04:00

Dear Veda,

I can't believe my baby is 6 months old already!! How did that happen? You continue to be the happiest, most charming little birdie. You always have a smile for everyone and strangers stop me all the time on the street to say hi to the friendly, happy baby. Your little personality is emerging. You are independent and brave and curious. Above all though, you are SWEET!

There has been lots going on this month...

you weigh 15 lbs. and are 26.3" long

* you can now sit by yourself for a few minutes at a time before toppling over. You never seem to mind when you fall over though. In fact, you don't seem bothered by much. Except packing tape. The sound of packing tape makes your sweet little face contort into a frowny mess of sadness before you start to cry. It's unbelievably adorable.

* You are pretty darn mobile. Already! Besides rolling around the room or scooting on your back, you now have also added pivoting and belly crawling to your repertoire. Just in the last week you can get up on all 4's and rock back and forth. You will be crawling in no time! sigh.....

* You have started to eat solid foods. Just a bit here and there. So far you've tried sweet potato, carrots, banana, avocado, peaches, nectarines, chick peas, broccoli, zucchini, apples and oatmeal. Though it's way too early to tell, you seem to like avocados and sweet potatoes the best..

* You continue to love music including Bob Marley and the Beatles. Your favorite songs are Pocahontas by Neil Young, You are my sunshine, Everything's gonna be all right by Bob Marley, Eliza Jane by Elizabeth Mitchel, Dancing in the dark by the Boss. But your absolute favorite is The wheels on the bus.. that song brings a smile to your face every time!

* You are becoming more and more vocal. Most mornings you start the day out by talking and squeeking in your crib. Unfortunately, you're doing that at around 5:30 these days.. way too early to start the day!! With all of these exciting developments and milestones, you've been waking a lot more at night... hoping you'll settle into a more restful sleep soon. For your sake as well as ours!

Happy half birthday Veda June. You are a joy and a pleasure to know. I'm so grateful that you're mine.
xoxo
mama

2011-08-08T22:37:00.000-04:00

A visit to the Greek islands is at the top of my vacations-to-take-list. I'm not sure when I'll be making that trip.... But in the meantime, these Ancient Greek Sandals would be the next best thing....

Blog love

2011-07-29T15:58:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite parts of textile design work is making inspiration/mood boards. I love to collect beautiful images that appeal to me on a gut level without having to really think of the how or why. Usually, when you put them all together, you will discover a common thread or a theme will emerge. And though it's tedious, I actually enjoy creating/matching color palettes drawn from certain inspirations. It's kind of a meditative act in a weird way. So I was so excited to come across the Color Collective blog, which was created as a color resource for designers. Lauren has incredible taste. Definitely going to the top of my inspiration blog list.

check out Lauren's other blog here

2011-07-27T18:08:00.001-04:00

This doll suitcase is going straight to the top of my (l o n g) to-do list of DIY craft projects. I love that you can make interchangeable backdrops for different rooms and that the doll and all of her accessories fit neatly under the "floor". Also, the inner neat freak in me loves how easily this can all be put away. It's also a great travel toy...

love the doily floor mat..

I'm thinking this doll I made for Veda would like to live somewhere like this...

love all the tiny doll clothes

source via

Artist: Sholeh Asgary

2011-07-21T19:46:00.000-04:00

loving the beautiful artwork of Sholeh Asgary
via

beet cake

2011-07-20T20:27:00.000-04:00

this video captures the beauty of baking... cake + beets? 2 of my favorite things.. must be delicious!

beet cake from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.

The first first

2011-07-18T17:42:00.000-04:00

Last night Veda slept in her own room for the first time. It was a change that we kept putting off, even though she was beginning to outgrow her moses basket. There are other reasons for the move as well... I am hoping I will get a better night sleep knowing that my every toss and turn won't potentially wake her. And really, let's face it, getting un/dressed in the dark is no fun. We also know that it will be nice to have some privacy again. But still, as I got into bed and saw the empty basket, a giant lump swelled in my throat. This would be the first night in 5 months that she wasn't a foot away from me- and that's not to mention the 9 months before! Even though there was only about 7 feet and a wall separating us, it felt much bigger. It made me realize that this is the first of many firsts, and I was reminded that becoming a parent is a continual lesson in letting go. Of course, Veda made it through the night just fine on her own, and in the end, so did I..

2011-07-14T09:47:00.000-04:00

yesterday, we had a little struggle over nap time in the afternoon. as in, veda was having none of it. after 1.5 hours of trying and failing, i decided the best thing for both of us was to get out of the house. we went to the playground for a little swing time. this is what happened...

♥

5 months old

2011-07-12T14:45:00.000-04:00

Dear Veda,

Happy 5 months little bird! You are turning into the sweetest, happiest, most life loving person I know. The world has suddenly become SOOO exciting, you can hardly stand it! Every day is a new adventure of discovery. I often wonder what you think of it all...

*You had your first swing at the playground this month. You loved it, even though you were so tiny in the swing, we had to stuff a blanket behind you.

*You had a visit from more grandparents, as well as an auntie and uncle this month. You warmed up to them immediately, like you knew they were your family. It's such a wonderful feeling to see my dad hold you. You are so lucky to have all of your grandparents around to shower you with love!

*You are rolling over from front to back as well as from back to front quite easily now. You are also scooting all over the place these days. Mostly on your back. It's pretty impressive actually. You get into a sort of fish pose and push off with your feet, with your back arched and off of the ground. Your favorite place to go is under the coffee table..

*Lately, you're babbling up a storm. You've added "m" to your repertoire of consonants, so sometimes it actually sounds like you're saying "mamama". I like to pretend you are anyway ; )

*I've also been trying to teach you "up" gestures by opening your arms wide. Not sure if you get it or not, but you do seem to do it when you are ready to get out and be picked up..

*This month has been HOT! Luckily, one of your friends from Munchkin Music Class invited you over for a dip in her pool. You love the water! You kicked your feet and splashed around. Mostly though, you just wanted to eat the floaty balls..

*In addition to rolling over and scooting, you are also sitting up a bit unassisted. Though really, sitting seems a bit boring to you when you could be moving (albeit slowly) across the floor. You have been drooling up a storm lately as well, which could be signs of teething. One thing is certain- there is a A LOT going on in your world and it is terribly exciting - much too exciting to take naps anymore! You went from taking 2-3 1.5 hour naps to barely taking 3 1/2 hour naps -and it is now quite the struggle to get you down. You are also waking more at night. We're trying to be patient and hope that this passes as you achieve these milestones, but honestly, it's hard sometimes. Mama needs a good night sleep!! Again, you're teaching me.. to be more patient, trusting, and even more loving in the face of frustration and (at times) anger. Just when I think I can't take it any longer, you look at me like this...

and my heart melts in to a mushy pile. I love you little bird/monkey/love bug

(all my pet names for you).

Always,

your mama

P.S. I'll never get tired of this...
xoxo

2011-07-11T13:35:00.000-04:00

an afternoon in the park with indie and lisa!

2011-07-05T19:00:00.000-04:00

how fun is this knit play house from lucky boy sunday?!!!

time for the boss...

2011-07-02T10:09:00.000-04:00

have a great 4th o' july friends! xo

the glow

2011-06-30T10:20:00.000-04:00

http://www.theglow.com/

happy first day of summer!

2011-06-21T21:34:00.001-04:00

i would love to whittle away a few afternoons this summer like this...

source

more grannies

2011-06-21T17:54:00.000-04:00

you know i love me some granny squares.. this new project from purl soho looks fun. place mats that are essentially giant granny squares!

happy father's day!

2011-06-19T20:15:00.000-04:00

there's something special between a father and a daughter. there was never a safer place in the world than in my dad's arms. his hugs still bring me a peace in my heart that nothing else compares to. knowing the way i feel towards my own father has made it even more special to watch andrew become a father to veda. the way he cares for her and protects her.. the love that pours from his heart every time his eyes fall upon her. and the way her tiny little face lights up when she sees him. one of my favorite parts of becoming a mom has been watching him become a dad.

this is year is even more special because my own dad (and step mom and sister and brother) are all here visiting. happy father's day to veda's dad, my dad, and all the wonderful dads in the world!

(my dad with me and veda, respectively. things have changed just a bit...)

Ktaadn

2011-06-16T15:20:00.000-04:00

my friend and fellow FIT classmate, Olan, is living the dream up in her home town of Portland, Maine. She and her boyfriend recently launched their own line of screen printed towels, pillows and notebooks. I'm soooo excited for her as this has been an idea of hers since we we're in school. I'm also a tad jealous. And totally inspired. Here's to following your dreams!!

check them out here

2011-06-15T14:12:00.001-04:00

these kilim rugs are on sale at one kings lane today. aren't they lovely?

4 months old

2011-06-13T23:17:00.001-04:00

Dear Veda,

My sweet girl, you are 4 months old already! The time is flying by, and yet I can hardly remember what life was like before you. You are changing and growing in leaps and bounds it seems. I can barely keep up! I'm really enjoying this age though. I love the way your face lights up into a huge toothless smile every time you see me or your dad. The best part of the day is first thing in the morning when, after a while of you playing alone in your bed, you finally give a little "good morning!" cry.. and I lean over and look in on you- and in that moment of recognition the sheer joy on your face when you see me- it just melts my heart... The first couple of months I was overwhelmed by how much I loved you- so completely and quickly.. and now, in addition to that, I feel overwhelmed by just how deeply I feel you love me! It feels really nice to be needed in such a way. Thank you for that gift....

*as of today, you are 13 lbs and 24" long- and growing like a bean!

*you are now not only exploring our faces with your eyes, but with you hands and fingers as well - poking, prodding, (pinching!). everything is new and exciting. you are much more coordinated as you reach and grab for things and hold them - usually in your mouth which is where most everything immediately goes. you especially love to gnaw on your crocheted wooden teething ring, sophie giraffe (of course), and mommy and daddy's fingers (yummy!). You are learning to soothe yourself by sucking your thumb. It's pretty cute actually.. you have also discovered your feet and love to play with them and even occasionally stick them in your mouth (as do I ;)

*you love to be pulled up to a sitting position. you look around in sheer delight- so proud of yourself. you are also starting to try to stand- and you're incredibly strong. i'm not even close to ready for that, so please, let's slow down and take things one step at a time (please don't follow in your father's footsteps and walk at 9 months!!).

*you're still sleeping pretty well at night, though lately you're too distracted during the day to eat, so you wake earlier than you were before, but it's still only once, so I don't mind so much.. you've also started to develop a nap routine- taking a pretty long (1.5-2 hour) nap in the morning and then again in the afternoon.

*lately, you are starting to explore different noises and volumes with your voice. you sometimes do a little fake cough- which is pretty funny... you are giggling a lot more. it's totally infectious!

*you can scoot around a bit on your back as well as your tummy. one day dad had set you down on the farm for a few minutes and when he came back, you had scooted off and under the coffee table! you are also rolling over a lot more these days (still from front to back for the most part).

*you grandparents visited from idaho this month. unfortunately you had a tiny little bit of a cold (your first one!) and weren't 100%. they were so excited to see you again, i don't think they even noticed!

*we took you on your first airplane trip cross country. you were pretty good, though you weren't a fan of sitting in one place for so long (who is?). Once we would get up and walk around and you could see all of the people, you were happy as could be. You were such a good sport in LA as we dragged you around all over the place. The time zone didn't seem to affect you too much either- which was a huge relief!

I love seeing the world anew through your eyes - trying to imagine how impressive and beautiful it must seem to you. Looking at the world through your eyes reminds me of how magical it all really is...

love,
mama

2011-06-12T12:38:00.001-04:00

i've always marveled at how some girls wear their scarves in such cool ways that seem so effortless. i've never quite mastered the skill myself. but maybe now with this video from echo, i might have a chance...

2011-06-10T09:13:00.002-04:00

we just got back from a trip to los angeles, visiting friends and exploring the area. our main purpose for the trip was to attend the wedding of a very dear old friend of mine from back in the UO college days. we we're lucky enough to live together here in NY a few years ago before she moved back to LA. she's one of my most favorite people..

and isn't she lovely? (i was lucky that they had scarves to hand out to guests- who knew it was so chilly in LA?); the most beautiful chuppah i've ever seen...

yummy dessert table complete with doggie bags; big love ♥

it was Veda's first wedding (it was her first everything really...) she slept through a good portion of it, which is a shame because nobody got to see her sweet little dress!

we spent the rest of the trip visiting our dear friends who also recently moved back to LA from brooklyn. they took us to the huntington botanical gardens in san marino. they were incredible!!

my favorite was the desert garden- i love succulants!

this bamboo grove was so serene and pretty...

our friends live in silver lake- which is too charming for words. i loved all the little bungalow style houses and desert plants in the landscaping. i could totally live there...

we went to celebrate our friend's birthday at her sister's house in santa monica. they made an incredible brunch followed by the most amazing birthday cake i have ever seen (4 layers in each piece)! we picnicked out on the front lawn. it was just perfect!

2011-06-02T10:32:00.000-04:00

really loving the work of leah duncan...

2011-05-27T20:28:00.000-04:00

this nursery is totally over the top. i like it.

from lonny

charmed, i'm sure

2011-05-20T16:59:00.000-04:00

i'm usually not such a fan of wall decals. most of them are just a tad too cutesy for my taste. but these fabric wall stickers from mae are an exception. for one, they're reusable. they're meant to be moved around and rearranged- which adds an element of play to them. also, i'm a sucker for fabric over vinyl any day...

2011-05-19T10:03:00.000-04:00

Wouldn't it be lovely to wake up every morning and have this to look out to (the balcony and the plants and what's beyond- not the guy- though i'm sure he's lovely; )...

hot pot

2011-05-16T12:43:00.000-04:00

it's literally supposed to rain here for the next 7 days straight. i'm trying not to get too depressed about it, but seriously?? i suppose it's a good time to clean out the closets and perhaps try a few of those recipes i've been forever bookmarking. wouldn't these lovely potholders be a nice addition to a rainy afternoon of baking?

3 months

2011-05-13T18:02:00.001-04:00

Dear Veda,

Today you are 3 months old! I was looking back through some of your photos, and it's crazy how much you've already changed. The fragility of the newborn phase has passed. You are much sturdier and stronger now. And you've finally got some good baby chub to squeeze!

This last month things have gotten even more fun. You have really started to babble up a storm. The best is when I put on music and the 2 of us "sing" along together. I took you to a munchkin music class and you LOVED it! You we're all smiles the whole time, kicking your legs and swinging your arms. Of course, you do have your very own personal musician on hand at home. You really love when your dad plays the guitar and sings songs (Neil Young, Loudon Wainwright, the Kinks and Big Star - a girl after his own heart for sure).

You had your first real laugh one night when your dad was playing with you. You've been “talking” for a while now- smiling, cooing, “singing”, etc. but this sounded like a real belly laugh. Was too cute. Of course as soon as I got the video camera out, you stopped. There you are - already teaching me lessons. Life is now, momma. Stop trying to capture it. Just enjoy it. Now...

You have become a bit more independent, entertaining yourself for longer stretches of time. You are really into your farmyard activity mat now. You swat and grab the animals, smiling and giggling the whole time. You also enjoy spending time in your bouncy chair with the wooden toy bar. You spin the flowers and balls and we joke that it looks like you're computing.

In addition to having more hand coordination, you have discovered the joys of sucking on your fingers. You never really took a pacifier the few times we offered it to you. However, we're thinking we may have a future thumb or finger sucker on our hands. It's funny to watch you try and figure it out along the way. I want to help you when you get frustrated, but know that it's something you need to work out on your own ; )

You continue to be a great sleeper (fingers crossed and knocking on wood!!!). You're going to bed a bit earlier- closer to 8:00 and still waking between 3-5. Your napping has become a bit more consistent- mostly in the mornings. Now, you will take a real nap (1.5-2hours) instead of lot's of cat naps.

We celebrated your 2 first holidays this past month- Easter and Mother's Day. We went to an Easter brunch at our friend Scott and Jen's house. It was a lovely spring day and we got to enjoy a lot of it on their gorgeous roof deck! Mother's day we spent with your maternal grandmother (and great grandmother!) in Connecticut. And... yesterday we celebrated my birthday together- going shopping and out to lunch with friends and then finishing the day with dinner with dad. A special day indeed!

poor little darling- she had her 3 months shots today and wasn't feeling quite up to her normal cheery self....

the cheeks

easter day

mother's day

The woods

2011-05-10T21:25:00.000-04:00

a few more pics from our weekend in the woods..

happy mother's day

2011-05-09T10:05:00.000-04:00

... a day late! we headed out of town to celebrate the day with my mom and grandmother. It was pretty special to have 4 generations together! Being a mom is definitely the hardest job I've ever done. But it's also the most rewarding. The love that is in Veda's eyes when she looks at me is unlike any other I've ever experienced. I feel needed in a way that only I could provide for her. It's nice to be needed... Being a mom has made me much more appreciative of my own mom. I hope to be as good of as mom as she is... Here's to her and to all mom's everywhere!

Veda and my mom-1 week old

Veda and I- around 1 month old

Veda and her grandma Marie- just a few days old

thank you Veda for giving me the greatest gift in the world- the gift of being your mommy ♥

sweetest abc's

2011-05-05T21:21:00.002-04:00

i really don't need anymore craft projects. seriously. for one, i hardly have the time these days (how do all those crafty mamas do it?!). also, i've yet to finish a few other projects that were started a long time ago. but still.... how sweet is this? i don't think i can resist!

from the talented

gypsies, tramps and thieves

2011-05-04T15:29:00.000-04:00

loving the blog gypsies tramps and thieves..

BHLDN

2011-05-03T22:17:00.000-04:00

I wish BHLDN had been around back when I was getting married! So many pretty choices. The website is filled with eye candy.. and you can make and share moodboards. Here's one I did.. I could easily waste many hours doing this sort of thing. If I had many hours to spend...

2011-04-30T10:33:00.000-04:00

yesterday we ventured over to the brooklyn botanical gardens to check out the cherry blossoms. it was a gorgeous spring day and, since it was friday, not super crowded. veda took in all of the new sights and smells (ahh, the lilacs!). i love to see the world anew through her eyes...

Dagmar Daley

2011-04-28T20:58:00.000-04:00

I love these darling tiny little swimsuits by Dagmar Daley. and so the fun of dressing a little girl begins...

pet portraits

2011-04-24T21:47:00.000-04:00

My friend Sian makes the most amazing stuffed pet portraits out of recycled fabrics. I really don't know how she does it. There is so much detail and character in each and every one. It sort of makes me want to get a pet just so I can commission one ; ) Luckily, Sian has gifted me a few pieces in the past anyway! If anyone is looking for a mother's day gift for an animal lover, this would be perfect!

Easter bag DIY

2011-04-19T09:14:00.000-04:00

these would be so fun to make for a easter egg hunt. bookmarked for next year..

2011-04-17T21:41:00.000-04:00

cute and colorful spring clothes for tiny people..

from estella and sweet william

2 months old

2011-04-12T17:28:00.001-04:00

Veda is 2 months old today!

Dear Veda,

This last month, you have continued to become more and more alert and aware of your surroundings. You have really started to make and hold eye contact with people and love to show off your cute little dimples with a great big smile. You seem to be a very social baby and love to be around people and other babies. You can see clearly across the room and have begun tracking our movements as we come and go.

You are getting much stronger and sturdier (as of yesterday, up to 10lbs, 5oz). Your neck control is getting better as well. A few days ago, you actually rolled over from your tummy to your back and have been doing so ever since.

Though I know it can change at any moment, for now at least, you seem to be a really good sleeper. You have sort of developed a pattern of going down around 8-9 and not waking again until 3:00! Then you're up again at 6:00 at which time we usually just pull you into bed with us for an hour or 2. You have started making the cutest noises- little coo's and gurgles. We have long talks in bed in the morning... it's one of my favorite times of the day. You take at least one long nap in the late morning. The only time that's still a bit unpredictable is during the afternoon.

You have begun to take interest in a few toys and objects. You love the colored ball mobile on your mamaroo and will sit for long periods of time "talking" and smiling at them. You are also entertained by your farmyard activity mat and have started to swat at the animals hanging overhead. By far though, the most interesting thing to you is a human face.

You come along to a few mommy and me yoga and pilates classes and seems to love it as much as I do. You lay on a blanket in front of my mat and nap and then wake up and flirt with the baby on the next blanket over. I'm really learning that you are truly a social creature. You are a much happier baby on the days that we get out and do things and see other people and babies.

We've taken you out a bit in your stroller- you particularly seem to like the bumpy sidewalks of brooklyn. But your preferred method of transport- as well as ours for the most part is to wear you- either in the ergo or in my didymos wrap. We've been able to go out to eat at restaurants, grab a drink at a bar, go to friends houses, and so far, you've been great.

Overall, during your second month you have become much more alert and interactive. You are a pretty easy baby with a laid back, sweet temperment. So excited to see what the next month brings...

xoxoxo

here are a few more pics from the last month..

one of a kind

2011-04-07T18:29:00.000-04:00

These one of a kind custom silhouette charms are so sweet and would make the perfect mother's day gift!

via A Cup of JO

Embroidered beauties

2011-04-04T09:31:00.000-04:00

I'm totally blown away by these amazing embroidered book covers by Jillian Tamaki for Penguin Classics. I cannot even begin to imagine the amount of time and work that went into each one...

via A Cup of Joe

thief and bandit

2011-04-02T11:40:00.000-04:00

super cute baby. adorable leggings!

from thief and bandit

Spring

2011-03-31T17:55:00.000-04:00

okay, so it's supposed to snow here tomorrow. lame. and, even if i could afford these fashions, they wouldn't fit my post baby body at the moment (i know, give it time!). but still, a cranky, sleep deprived new mom can dream, right?

from top:

rachel comey top (why do crop tops have to come into style the year i have a baby?!)

rachel comey dress- cute, and possibly accessible for nursing ; )

Zero + Maria Cornejo dress

Argila shoes - these i could actually wear (though i can't actually afford them ; )

de palma handsewn bag - something like this would make for a very stylish diaper bag!

The nursery

2011-03-23T17:39:00.000-04:00

here are some pics of veda's nursery. this room used to be our shared office/storage space. the room has only one window which faces an air shaft and doesn't let in much light. originally we painted it a deep chocolate brown, which made the room have a cozy den like feeling. now that it's a nursery, we decided to paint the walls a clean white, making the room feel fresh and light and much more of a sanctuary...

we we're lucky enough to be handed down the stokke crib from my boss. the LOVE print above the crib is from bold and noble; the bird mobile is from petit collage; one of my favorite things in the room- the elephant hamper was a gift from my aunts ♥

the changing table is from ikea, though i changed the knobs out with some vintage yellow ones i found on ebay. the heart print is from rifle; the sunflower print is by spread the love; the turtles were a gift from my sister in law; the bear is by kuma; the bunny is by sleepy king; and the vintage blocks are from scout dry goods

we needed to keep some sort of desk for us to work out of, so we got this small one from ikea that we share; the print above the ikea desk is from fine little day; the grano glider recliner was a gift from my husband's family. it is the most comfortable chair in our home!; the apple pillow and the giraffe lamp are from jonathan adler; the lamp is vintage and the blanket was a labor of love by mama!

the wire baskets we're an idea i totally borrowed from another blogger, as well as the inspiration for the doll on the bottom right that i made; the doll on the left was custom made by warm sugar; and the doll on the top right is by lucky boy sunday

i lined the wall behind the bookcase with vintage wallpaper; there are prints by ashley g. and dutch door press as well as fifi lapin; the elephant is from abc carpet; the monkey is from acorn- as well as the blue wooden cloud blocks.

putting the room together was a nice way to feel connected to the little being that was growing inside of me.. thinking of her playing in here, sleeping and dreaming in here... now, i take veda around the room and show her all of the little things that we picked out just for her, hoping that she will enjoy it as much as we do! ♥

Sonia Delaunay

2011-03-15T21:59:00.000-04:00

can't wait to see this exhibit..

One Month

2011-03-14T10:17:00.001-04:00

dear veda,
it's hard to believe an entire month has passed since the day you were born.... and yet at the same time, i can hardly imagine what life was like before you!! you have changed everything.. in the most beautiful and wonderful ways.. here are a few notes about what life has been like this past month:

from the first week, you have blessed us with smiles! and not just the i-passed-gas variety- but real, genuine i'm-happy smiles. when it's 2:00am and i'm exhausted and can't believe 3 hours have passed since you last ate, that little smile is like a miracle! you are particularly happy right after you have eaten (if you're not asleep), when you hear my voice or when you see your dad's face. everyone keeps telling us how rare it is for an infant as young as you to smile socially, so thank you.. those first few weeks can be challenging, to say the least- but a smile goes a long way...

you are also quite alert for a newborn. this last week you have started to really make and hold eye contact. you'll trace movements with your eyes as well. you have a strong neck and are always surprising us by holding it up and looking around. again, you seem very alert and curious. you are definitely not one of those newborns that just sleeps all the time ; ) you seem to like all types of music- which is good, because dad and i are trying to ensure that you are the type of baby that will sleep anywhere, no matter what is going on or how loud it is. plus, we want you to have good taste in music!

you're generally a pretty happy camper. usually you follow a pattern that goes something like this: nurse. quiet alert time. sleep (though sometimes the quiet alert or the sleep phase gets skipped). in the last week or so there has been some fussiness, especially in the evenings- which is apparently pretty common. the things that will usually get you to wind down are swaddling; being carried on your side in a football hold that only dad seems to be able to get right; white noise (usually the fan on the oven does the trick); dancing with mama; rocking in the rocking chair; sucking on a finger or as of yesterday, a pacifier; being worn; going for a walk; and if all else fails, nursing (even if it seems like you just ate!). mostly, it seems you just want to be held... which i'm trying to treasure (even if that means i get nothing done) because i can only imagine how quickly that will change. you're so sweet and i love the way you nuzzle into my neck when we dance.. your tiny little hands on my chest and arm.

during the day, you'll nap on the couch, in your moses basket or in the mamaroo. at night you sleep in the moses basket next to our bed, though we often will pull you into our bed, especially early in the morning. sometimes, you just want to be close to us! in those early dawn hours, when the 3 of us are snuggled in bed, those are the moments when i feel the most grateful for this little family that we have become.

you're so lucky to have many many friends and family that are already showering you with lots of love and support. in the last few weeks, we've had people make us food, buy us groceries, run errands for us, and offer their help in many other ways. it's quite a little community we have here, in addition to our amazing families and for that we are very thankful!!

looking back, i can't believe how much you've already changed! your cheeks are filling out, your eyes are open wider.. you seem to be keeping your thick head of dark hair though! most people think you look like your dad, but you also look a lot like me when i was a baby. you definitely have my long fingers and toes!

when i look at you i see so much hope and possibility. i wonder what you will become. i wonder how we can best support you to be whatever it is that you decide to be. i know we'll make mistakes. but we'll always do the best we can at any given moment. we'll always be there for you and we'll always love you will all of our hearts.

xoxo

2011-03-10T11:41:00.000-05:00

the new gowns from Anthropologie's wedding line BHLDN are simply stunning!! Sort of makes me want to have a wedding all over again! (don't worry, just kidding; )

2011-03-08T10:13:00.000-05:00

Andrew had to go back to work yesterday. We were lucky that he was able to be home for the first 3 weeks of Veda's life (by American standards at least). But still.. it went by way too quickly for all of us. I always knew he would make an incredibly patient, loving and fun father, but nothing could prepare me for the way my heart completely melts when I see his eyes light up every time he sees her. Somehow I love him more, though I didn't know it was possible. There is nothing in the world like the relationship between a father and his daughter...

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

2011-02-25T18:14:00.000-05:00

you'll have to forgive me if posting is scarce for the next few weeks. though we are slowly coming out of the fog of the last 2 weeks, we are still very much adjusting to our new life (like typing with only one hand as i am doing now). each day veda becomes more and more alert to her new surroundings- it's really quite amazing to see... like most new moms, i have spent hours just staring at her tiny features- counting her delicate eyelashes and marvelling at the wonder that somehow i had a part in something so beautiful and perfect. there are also moments filled with tears and frustration. exhausted hours in the wee hours of the night trying to find our way through the challenges of breastfeeding.. but we're slowly making our way and in the meantime, trying to focus on being grateful for we are truly blessed!
i did stumble upon this darling idea recently and would love to try and do something similar for veda...