Hold Gently

Yesterday Bronwyn had a terrible day with seizures and we spent the majority of the day cuddling on the couch.  It was very windy and rainy outside and our couch is situated in such a way that we have a nice view of our front yard.  We've positioned bird feeders strategically so that we can see lots of little birdie activity while we snuggle. 

As we sat there, I thought about how challenging it is to be a Mom.  We want to hold our little ones tightly, so that we keep them safe, but our job is to help our babies become independent and not need us so much.  

I pulled out my sketchbook as Bronwyn snoozed and I doodled this little bird in the hand.  This is what I hope: I am always there for my girl to love and support her, but my hand is open for her to fly free when she can.  That way, we both feel loved and needed! 

Today is blustery still, but we are well rested and ready for what the day brings.  I hope the same for you.

Happy New Year

Well, it's been a little bit since my last post. Bronwyn is still not in school, and Brian has taken some time off from work so I've been spending my time with my two favorite people. Last night Brian and I played cards instead of veging out in front of a movie. It was great!

The snow is melting now, and it's warm outside again. My onions survived the cold, and my seed catalogue arrived in the mail... I'm already dreaming about the spring planting. And in that vein, I've been reading an inspiring and very well written book: "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver. It is definitely making me think differently about the foods that I eat and what I grow in my own garden. So yes, my thoughts are of spring.

Here are some wallets that I made recently that make me think of the changing season.

Wonderland

We are knee-deep in snow this week. It's so beautiful and sparkly and quiet! Yesterday, my husband and I drove our daughter up north to a Children's Hospital for some tests. Everything came back normal, so that was great, but it took us over 4 hours to get home because the roads were so bad. Today I feel great being able to stay home and walk if I want to go somewhere.

Little Birdy Bag

Well, I've finally finished the diaper bag that I've been working on for what seems like forever! It came out well, I think, and my girlfriend is finding it useful! I made it using a lovely firm wool fabric, and also fabric from the AMAZING Michelle Engel Bencsko of Cicada Daydream. The fabric is linen and is her original design. Isn't it sweet? It took me a while to get this bag designed the way I wanted, but after using the prototype for a while, I made some changes and I think it's now ready to declare as "perfect!" It features two pleated end pockets, a bank of three pockets under the flap plus a zippered pocket, and three interior pockets. Also, it has a key fob inside the bag (not too long; I hate having to fish for my keys) and a D-ring just under the flap to attach a toy or a pacifier. The cool thing about this bag is that it can be used as a bookbag instead of a diaper bag; it's versatile! I guess I'm feeling a little bit proud of myself. Let me know what you think!