mi

little J

She loves the mobile my mom got for her from Ikea. She looks up at the bunny, frog and donkey staring down from a hot air balloon, like they are her good friends. Naps are occasionally taken in the cradle I borrowed from a friend. Not sure what we'll do when she out grows it and our bed for that matter. I finally had to kick Ophelia out of our bed during pregnancy when she would creep in, in the middle of the night. Crazy legs. Not so much of a cuddler anymore. She still comes in at least once in the night to Tobin's side and taps him lightly until he gets up to go lay down with her in her bed.

Knock on wood, but J is a much better sleeper than O ever was as a baby. She is up once or twice in the night but only briefly. Of course as soon as I say this it will probably change. Babies are like that. Any routine that is set will only last until the next.

Little J is 3 months old already. wow. So far this second experience is a world of a difference from my first as a mother. It almost makes me want more. gasp. Did I just say that? No, two is a good number. 

a little sewing too

 

 

The last pic is a birthday present for a little girl I know that is turning 1. It may be a little big right now but before you know it, Sadie will be baking cookies with her mom!

morning walk

We managed to get out of the house and to Reifel bird sanctuary just after 9 am. I know, I can hardly believe it myself. Well, it helps if you are awake at 5:30 am. It was well worth it to be so motivated this morning because the weather was gorgeous and we had the loveliest of visits with some ducklings and their ma, all bright-eyed and feather-tailed. So cute. 

I really love that this place is so close to home. My mother-in-law was here yesterday and took Ophelia with her to get us another year membership. Such a thoughtful gift and one that won't go unused.

*eat food, not too much, mostly plants

*Note: the title for this post is a quote by the author of Omnivore's Dilemma, Michael Pollan - which is on my growing list of books I'd like to read.

We're loading up for winter. A handful of perfect ones with stems were dipped in chocolate. A few were sliced up and tossed with thick reduced balsamic and served with cream. The really smooshy ones were thrown into a pot to simmer with a bit of sugar for a sweet and sticky jam which I am loving with plain yogurt. 

This is a funny one of Ophelia in my jacket. It was a little chilly by the lake where there is a bountiful farmer's market on saturdays.

Pizza was on the menu. I love mine with homemade pesto and minimal toppings like thinly sliced zucchini, bocconcini, sauteed wild mushrooms, toasted pine nuts and crumbled goat cheese. Perfection. 

A delicious way to use leftover pesto, if there is any, is to toss in pasta with a couple tablespoons of creme fraiche, diced chicken and chopped sugar peas or any other vegetables you have in the fridge.

move over Martha

 

I made buttermilk scones this morning with plump, sweet blueberries. So delish with leftover creme fraiche. Looking for a fast and easy recipe? Click on photo to enlarge.

Recipe from Simply Love A Family Cookbook written by Ginny Love - friend and neighbor to my sister-in-law.

 

I must have been inspired by the paper boat demo yesterday by a friend's son, because when I came across my collection of origami paper, which has never actually been used for origami, I though what a great craft project the simple folding projects would make for O (a butterfly and kitties with googly eyes and all).  I also found this website on my first search for a pinwheel which is much too hard for a 3 year old -  but the cup isn't.

Her comfy new outfit matches the bean bag chair. Julip is smiley and loves to try out her voice in agoos and coos.

Little piggies. Can't get enough.

Her big sister is good at comforting her when I don't get there fast enough. We like to hang out in Ophelia's room in the late afternoon when the sun shines through making it a nice and cozy place to cuddle up for stories.

Summer is going to be sweet

First strawberries of the season were picked at Westham Island Herb Farm this past weekend. Most of them went into the freezer for smoothies and to be paired with rhubarb for crumble. The others were simply enjoyed with fresh whipped cream, yum.

We also had a visit from my very best friend who O calls Auntie. More strawberries were picked to bring home with her to Vancouver Island and a quick walk at Reifel Bird Sanctuary was squeezed in before catching the ferry.

 

Also some photos of our little nature walk after going to the farmer's market and more visiting with Auntie A.

  

I love you and miss you already! O cried when she woke up from her nap, forgetting that we had already dropped you off at the ferry. Thank-you again for the sweet gifts :0)

reversible kerchiefs

For baby or doll and toddler size too.

Camera Obscura

For my birthday I got to see Camera Obscura play at the Commodore. A band from Scotland that I adore. My sister came along while T stayed home with two kids, gulp, and J had her first bottle of pumped milk. It's always a treat to see a favorite band live but I must admit, I checked my cell phone on more than one occasion. He wasn't calling even though there was a point where Julip was wondering where her mom was and nothing could comfort her. There will be other times next month where I will be away from her but I know she is in good hands.

Unfortunately, I think I accidently erased the video from the show on my sister's camera but here is a video from their new album, My Maudlin Career.

12 lbs 6 oz

She is in the 75th percentile. In other words, eating well. J had her 2 month shots Monday. It was awful. Unlike O at this age, I was unable to comfort her with boob. She cried a pain cry that I had never heard before. But thankfully, the recovery time was longer for me than her.

Finally the ugly ceiling fan has a purpose.

  

The hide-a-bed was the favored place to play during the weeks we had company.

When we weren't outside that is. The heat wave we just had was almost unbearable. But nothing a smoothie pop, squirts and a sprinkler couldn't fix.

One of the mothers of T's basketball players gave us this pink house last year and I am so glad T changed my mind about keeping it. She really loves it.

Our yard is a third of the size from the last house we lived but with a few flower boxes planted and the table set up it isn't half bad. Last night O fell asleep early so Tobin and I sat outside and played cards, with J of course, but it was so nice to have that quiet time together in the evening before the sun set.

sisters

For some reason I let my sister talk me into bangs again and dying my hair. Hers turned out just as dark as mine even though she was going for golden brown. For the first time we actually do look like sisters. 

One of these days I will actually pull out my polaroid camera but for now I am having fun with poladroid!