High Needs Bebe

I think Marina thinks her name is Bebe. We always call her that and she responds to it more than Marina.

Anyway...
We always wondered why things were never getting easier for us, like everyone keeps saying will happen. She still gets up about 5 times a night, can't fall asleep without us bouncing her, and gets bored or overstimulated really easily. Then my Aunt did some research and discovered she is a high needs baby. I thought this article about 12 Features of a High Needs Baby on Dr Sears' website was very informative.

She has every one of those traits. It can be difficult to get through the day when she always wants to be held and walked around, when she gets upset and it takes a loooong time to calm her down, or she goes from smiling into frowning and crying in an instant. Still, she has good moments too, when she'll lay on her play mat for half an hour and I can actually get something done or when we're doing something right and she smiles and smiles.

Getting through the day is much easier now.  Instead of thinking about this crying, fussing baby, I always try to look at the world through her eyes to find out what she needs. We've always done that, but now that I don't have this expectation that maybe next month she'll be a normal baby, I can address her needs a little better. It's easier to deal with knowing that some day things not only will get better, but we'll have this amazing, insightful, energetic kid. 

And then there are moments like this where I just can't stop laughing:

Better Late Than Never

Sorry for the silence over here. Little Marina is 3 months old now and I'm still trying to find enough time in my day to do everything that needs to get done. She's a fussy one, always needing to do something, and it has to change quickly. Either she wants to be held, sit in her chair, lay on her play mat (where she tries really hard to roll over) or bounced on my exercise ball. The only chance I get is during her naps, which never seem long enough.

At least for the summer my husband is off. (He's a teacher.) We've come up with a rotation so we each get a day to work and a day to take care of her. It's so nice getting time to work without worrying about entertaining her all day. I enjoy the days I have her so much more.

I've begun to catch up on re-listing some items in my shop. Items with embroidery will be back up in a week. I gave my mom my sewing machine to take to a repairman and I forgot to get it back from her last time I saw her.

Since my days are limited I don't know how often I will post. I prefer to spend my time working in my sewing room than sitting on a computer, so that is where you'll find me. Orders and emails will be sent at least every other day.

She has arrived!

On March 17th little Marina entered the world. She doesn't leave me much time to write so I will leave you with these photos my sister took on the day we attempted to take her newborn photos. The camera she borrowed wasn't working so she took some quick snapshots with my point and shoot instead. I don't think Marina was much in the mood anyway. We'll try again when my other sister gets a chance to visit.

Thank you for your patience as I adjust to this new lifestyle. She sure keeps us busy.

If you're wondering where I got the romper and hair clip visit Chic Baby Rose. The headband I made myself with some velvet elastic from Frog Feathers and feathers from Hearty Art Supplies.

Shop Announcements

Sometimes Change Can Make Things Even More Beautiful
Print by Tatters & Nook

My pregnancy is nearing its end. While I gear up for baby's arrival I have a few announcements to make regarding a few changes to my shop. 

The shop will stay open, even after my baby is born. 

Starting March 1st I will no longer be taking any custom orders. I'd hate to start on your order only to have labor start and be unable to finish for many weeks after she is born. I will resume taking custom orders most likely in the beginning of summer. 

You can still purchase any of the items already in my shop. Keep in mind once the baby arrives my shipping time will slow down. I will also do my best to answer your questions, however, remember I may be resting and spending time with my new baby and not sitting at a computer.

Only 3 more weeks to go!

Recording Memories for Baby

With our first baby arriving in a couple months I've begun gathering all of the essential supplies needed to care for her. One item every new mom appreciates is a baby album. I've come to love the albums that read more like a journal of mom's pregnancy and baby's special memories and milestones. 

Pink Baby Book by The Sweet Rhino

Modern Baby Memory Book by Brella Baby

Orange Argyle Baby Book by Ruby Love

Forest Friends Memory Book by alabouffe

Teal Damask Memory Book by 2giggles

Purple Damask Memory Book by JaDazzles

If journaling seems too time consuming you'll still find gorgeous albums just for photos.

Custom Engraved Baby Book by lorgie and me

 

Accordian Scrapbook Album by kowaikuma

Baby Brag Book by Creatively Kept

New Year, Many Changes

Letterpress Greeting Card by Two Key Press

Reflecting on the past year I'd say I had a pretty good year. Some new ideas turned out to be failures and some other items were a great success. One item I attempted to add to my shop were rag dolls, each with her own natural or bright hair color. I realized in the process I didn't enjoy making the dolls enough to want to put them in my shop.

A big project I attempted to make was kids clothing. If I'm going to create my own line I want the patterns to be 100% my own. I could never seem to get them sized just right so that is on the shelf for now. I'm sure I'll come back to it at a later time. Making clothing always seems to go back and forth in my mind.

In the end I stuck to what I knew and added lots of new Christmas stocking designs, which were super fun to make. I also designed more baby bibs and Happy Birthday banners. The coming year I will continue with those items, adding more variety and color options.

I don't know if I will add any new items this year. Usually I will try a new idea as I think of it. I'm going to have my hands full already with a new baby in the house.

Pregnancy Announcement by Cards Etcetera

That's right! A baby girl is due March 15 and from there, into the few months following, it may look as though I've given up working. I'll still be around to answer questions and fulfill orders as I can. Just know I may be a little preoccupied and not so quick at getting back to you.

Boys Holiday Outfits 2012

Finding cute outfits for boys was a bit of a challenge. There aren't too many different styles and every outfit is a slight variation of the suit. Hopefully this list will make it a little easier to find, or put together, a stylish outfit for the little man in your life.

The suit is an easy, traditional route to take. Two classic styles below can be found at The Little King.

Appaman

Mayoral

Vests are also very fashionable and come in many styles and colors. They look great paired with a tie or bow tie. They don't have to be too matchy, matchy either. Different pieces can be pulled together for a very fashion forward look. The first two vests can be found at La Petite Couture. The third vest is from The Little King.

La Petite Couture

La Petite Couture

Fore!! Axel & Hudson

A shirt and tie can be the easiest way to dress up a little boy. You can go classy or edgy. Both looks can be found at The Little King.

Fore!! Axel & Hudson

Deux Par Deux

If you already have a shirt and pants you can just add a tie with matching suspenders. Find holiday themed designs from the sellers noted below each photo. Some come with the suspenders sewn right onto the onesie for an easy outfit for baby boys.

Pretty Baby Accessories

The Boytique

 

 

 

Maggie Bogart

Cuddle Sleep Dream

So as you can see boys are relatively simple to dress and a few key pieces are all you need to keep his wardrobe looking fresh.