Pinterest Projects: Quiet Books

Awhile ago I started pinning ideas for creating my own "quiet book" that Braden could eventually play with, use & learn.  I was unable to find a complete book that I loved, and had slowly pinned a page here and there.  I also realized that it would take a really long time to create templates for the details on each page.  Which is why I was so happy to find Shelley Wallace Designs on Etsy.  She not only has premade quiet books available, but she sells her own patterns to help buyers create their own books.  So, I decided to try the "Colors" book!  

Originally, I had thought about creating something like this book, but I love how Shelley's designs are interactive.  I loved the patterns (and not having to worry about creating my own).    The instructions were really easy to follow and it is so easy to vary each book for individuality.  I look forward to creating more "Colors" books as gifts!  

I will let the photos tell the story!

 The cutting took a little while, because I had to cut out the pattern pieces first.  

Sewing the details for each page

I think in the future I will use two different shades of pink for the flowers & possibly add some cotton fabric.  Because the pale color makes the page a little muted.  

I learned how to sew buttons & button holes using the machine.  I need some practice with the button holes.  

Adding the writing & other details.

I think I may try to some how incorporate Brown & I'll have to come up with another page option to compliment it.  

Overall, I think the book looks great, it took some time, but I am happy with how well everything came together!  

I would really like to try the ABC book next!

Pinterest Project: Height Chart

From the beginning, Braden has always been long and lean.  He was 22 inches long at birth and at his 1 month appointment he was in the 99th percentile for height.  I of course have been tracking his growth along the way, but I wanted a way to share it visually without writing on the walls.  

When I saw this pinterest project - I knew I wanted to create our own family height chart.  I am  so excited for how well it came out and anxious to put the top coat on, so I can start marking Braden's growth!  The best part is that if we were to move (though I am not planning on it) it can be transported! 

I didn't want it to be too dark, so only a very light coat

Measuring - marking of every inch

Adding the numbers

Photos with B.  Just needs a finishing coat & then we will starting marking his height!

Turning 30

This year my birthday was a full week of celebrations and eating WAY too much food & cake!

It started on Friday the 25th when I went to Maggiano's restaurant in Boston with some former co-workers.  It has become an "8-white" team tradition to get together before Memorial Day and eat the family style dinner.  Even though some of us no longer work at Marshwood, we look forward to at least once a year (if not more) getting together for this event.   

Then on Sunday the 27th, Mike had planned a surprise get together for the family.  The only thing I knew was that we were doing something on Sunday.  The first surprise was that Ashlea & Eva Marie were joining us - I found out when they showed up at the house.  Then we went into Portland and ended up going on a sailing trip on the schooner boat - The Bagheera.  Afterwards, we went to Flatbread for some pizza (because they have a dairy free option!) and then back home for a few games & some cake.  

Monday was Memorial Day, so we hung out around the house played a few games and watched Eva & Braden play together.  Then that night I had a book group meeting with some of the moms.  Of course, they could not resist letting them know it was my birthday, so the staff came out singing and tried to feed me whipped cream.  I couldn't have any of it, because of the dairy, but they thought I was being funny and so they jokingly continued to try and make me eat it!  

Not the most flattering picture - but you get the idea

Tuesday Braden and I went to Augusta and met Dad & Grampy for lunch.  We went to Ruby Tuesdays, which provided the perfect finger foods from the salad bar for B.  He made quite the mess.  Then we had a few photo opportunities and let Braden roam around a little bit.  

Finally, Wednesday came around - my actual birthday and I spent a quiet, relaxing day at home with Braden.  That night Mike made some scallops for dinner & we had plenty of leftover cake!  

But, then the birthday festivities continued...  On Thursday, Katie hosted a little taco dinner party at her house in Eliot.  It was great to see a mix of the Portsmouth/field hockey crew and MMS friends.  It was a great way to end the week of birthday celebrations!

I am so blessed to have so many great friends & family members in my life who really made me feel extra special this week!  Thank you!  

Eleven Month Birthday

A little summary of the month:

* exploring more of the kitchen & dining room

* bobs head back and forth - dancing 

* loves to open & close doors or drawers

* really quick with the army crawl

* first babysitting experience with Uncle Jon & Ashley 

* sitting up on his own from his belly (5/30)

* pulling himself up onto things

* up on all fours, but not crawling yet

* loves to point at different things

* brand new swingset built by daddy

* first trip out on a sailboat - The Bagheera

* tried gelato - Chocolate & Strawberry dairy free

* cheered mom & Mimi on in their Mother's day race

* first trip to the Children's Museum in Portland 

* first trip to Smiling Hills farm (and was pooped on by the calf)

* always going to play with the dog bowls

* went to Peaks Island to celebrate Great Grandma's birthday

* playing with cousin Eva

* he loves to take his diaper cover off

* 19 lbs, 2 oz