Friday I'm in Love

We're still recovering from Thanksgiving, and I have a few things to share that I love this week. Be sure to check out what Misha, Kendra, Mary Beth, and Laura are loving this week, too. Welcome, Laura!

ONE: Lay's Chocolate Covered Chips

These are only available for a limited time and at Target (though there are some floating around Amazon, too). They're a delicious mix of salt and sweet. Yum. 

TWO: Y Peeler

My Y peeler is one of my favorite kitchen items, and I wouldn't want to peel apples or potatoes without it. (My other favorites include my non-stick pans, silicon spatulas, great cutting boards, good chef's knife, and lime squeezer.)

THREE: Name Necklace

As Christmas approaches, I recently realized that I hadn't spent my Etsy giftcard from last Christmas. I used part of it to buy myself a personalized necklace bearing the names of my little ones, and I love it. I got mine here, but lots of people sell them. 

FOUR: Threading

I had my first threading service this week, and I will never again have my eyebrows waxed. It's a method originating in India where thread (yep, like the kind I use to sew) is used to individually remove and cut hair. I never knew that my brows could look this good. At $4 per time, it's a lot cheaper, too. 

Psssst! Next week brings us December, which means another year of Pinterest Christmas. Now is a good time to get moving on your Christmas projects, and be sure to stop back next week to see what the other co-hosts and I are making. 

Elliott - Three Months Old

One Week
Two Weeks
Three Weeks
One Month
Two Months

This weekend, we celebrated Elliott's three month birthday: a quarter year on Earth! Elliott is a very happy baby and has started being a lot more generous with his smiles. He does the occasional subtle laugh and lots of chatting. It seems like he went from silent to constant chatter nearly overnight, and now he's using his voice to show both his happiness and when he's bored or tired. Generally, he is incredibly patient as he now spends a fair chunk of his day waiting for us as we help Madeleine use toilets here, there, and everywhere.

He's not yet gripping toys, but he is accurately swatting and kicking at his toys. Elliott spends a lot of time staring at his hands and gets one of them into his mouth a little less than 50-percent of the time. It's obvious when he makes the connection because the sucking noise is profound. He enjoys a moderate amount of tummy time on the floor and lots on my shoulder as it gives him a chance to really look around. He rolls from his belly to back pretty regularly. Elliott has entered the world of distractions and often gets totally mesmerized by the ABC poster and Madeleine's art hanging behind the nursing chair in his nursery.

Elliott gave us a week or more of sleeping 10 to 12 hours through the night and then had a growth spurt. He's still either working through the spurt or regulating my milk supply because he's been up (usually only) once a night for the last week or two and his nursing sessions have doubled in length the last couple days. He seems to be doing better with resettling himself during naps and overnight, though certainly not every time.

Did I mention that Elliott is a growing boy? At three months, he's the same size as Madeleine at six months, and that's pretty consistent with his clothing. This week, he started wearing some 6-12 month clothes. He is already growing out of his 0-6 and 0-12 socks, so he's going to have some big piggies. He has sprouted a little more (seemingly auburn) hair, and his eyes are continuing to play tricks on us, depending on what he's wearing and how the light hits them.

Elliott's biggest fan wanted to help with his photoshoot this time:

Friday I'm in Love

This was both a fast and a slow week for me but, either way, it's Friday again! It's a bit of a clothing week here, and don't forget to check out what Misha, Kendra, and Mary Beth are loving this week, too.

ONE: Boden Rainy Day Mac

I semi-stalked someone who I saw wearing this jacket so that I'd know where to get one of my own. Although I didn't end up picking the same pattern as she had, I'm so glad that I splurged on this beauty. Not only is it cute, cute, cute, but it is fleece lined and complete with a hood. As a Pacific Northwesterner, this is an incredibly practical three-season coat! Love it? Oh, yes! (30% off right now too!)

TWO: Bobeau Asymmetrical Fleece Wrap Cardigan

This fall, I'm a big fan of this fleece cardigan. It's warm, comfy, nursing-friendly, and creates a put together look without any effort. Think sweatshirt on the inside, cashmere on the outside. Ok, maybe it's not that extreme, but you get the idea. I own a couple of these, and I'm considering yet another at the next markdown.

THREE: Love to Dream Swaddle Up

We had one of these for Madeleine and used it as a back-up. Mr. I-Hate-Swaddle-Blankets has slept almost every night and every nap in his "bat suit" since he came home from the hospital. We're trying to break him of the habit, but it's going to be a battle. This afternoon, he went from grumpy to grin as soon as I started zipping him into his suit. They used to be hard to acquire outside of Australia and New Zealand, so I'm happy to see that they're now available on Amazon.

And with that, I'm going to go mourn the fact that my baby is turning three months old this weekend. Have a good one!

Friday I'm in Love

Welcome back to Friday I'm in Love. Be sure to check out what Misha, Kendra, and Mary Beth are loving this week, too!

ONE: Change of Seasons
The chill of winter is in the air, and I'm once again reminded of why I love living in a place with four distinct seasons. We had a few days of gorgeous blue skies and sunshine this week, and I was inspired to get (the kids) outside and make the most of them, knowing that the days like this - even 30-degree ones - are going to be limited until next June or July.

TWO: Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood - the modern animated show inspired by Mr. Roger's Neighborhood - is one of two shows Madeleine is allowed to watch, and it has had a major impact on her ability to handle some difficult situations, most recently potty training. Each 30-minute episode contains a lesson, neatly packaged in a catchy jingle. As you may imagine, our house's recent repeating soundtrack is "When you have to go potty - stop! and go right away. Flush and wash and be on your way."

THREE: Trader Joe's Candy Cane Joe-Joe's
I was introduced to these this week, and I can see why they have their own Facebook page. I'm not usually a big TJ's fan, but these might draw me in a time or two before the end of the holiday season.

FOUR: Kate Middleton's appearance at the Royal Variety Performance
I am loving Kate's dress, casual yet formal updo, pregnancy glow, and itty bitty baby bump. Check them out here. Yes, royal watching is one of my guilty pleasures.

What are you loving this week?

Weekend in Photos

Our weekend started on Friday. George took the day off work so that we could have all hands on deck for our big 3-day potty training adventure. We knew that Madeleine was (really, really) ready for this when she started playing potty a few weeks ago.

She did a great job telling us when she needed to go to the toilet (sometimes even when she didn't) and is in underwear full time now. Hopefully the sleep wets will resolve themselves over time.

Grandma and Papa's package with firefighter hats, a new book, and stacking logs arrived at the perfect time! 

Madeleine's not the only one who got to enjoy extra Daddy time!

When the kids were sleeping, I started an overhaul of my craft storage, including uniformly folding all 52 yards of Madeleine's fabric (that big one in the middle is fabric from Hawaii that will be the back of a quilt for her). 

This morning, Elliott and I joined a friend for a cruise around a local quilt show. I soaked up lots of inspiration, including this original design. 

As we try to do most weekends, we took the kids to the pool. Madeleine is a water maniac while Elliott happily floats along. 

After his swim, Elliott was exhausted. He connected with his hand for just long enough to put himself solidly to sleep.

Once we were home and he was fed, Elliott allowed me to capture his beautiful smile. He's very content but rather stingy with his big, toothless grin, so I'm especially happy to have finally captured it. 

We're bracing for a busy week and much colder temperatures. How was your weekend, and what's on your agenda for the week?