Officially grown ups:

So, a week ago, we finally bit the bullet and did something we've been just talking about for a long while now: we bought a new car! And not just any car, a mini van! We're officially grown ups because, you know, graduating from college, getting married, buying a house, and having kids weren't enough. I've finally accepted my fate as a potential soccer mom and you know what? It feels good. That van is nice.

We said goodbye to our beloved Escape. I'm not going to lie, it was hard. That car has been there for us through so many milestones. We dated in that car. We literally got engaged in that car (it was January and I was too cold and stubborn to get out). We brought Max home from the hospital in that car. So many memories and adventures. I get a little teary-eyed just thinking about it. We loved that car but with another kid on the way, we just needed something with a little more room. So, we said our thank yous and goodbyes and drove away knowing that our dear friend still had a long life ahead of it with someone new.

So, here are our new wheels. Nice, right? And so. much. room. We're loving it. I don't even care about my soccer mom status. I'm having a lot of fun driving it. Now, who wants to go for a ride?

Happy weekend:

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Happy Friday, friends! I've been obviously absent from this space for a while now. No real reason, just generally tired, busy, and well, not in much of a sharing mood. But I'm back and here we go:

1. We've been doing some remodeling in our house and I'm super excited to share the end result.
2. We bought a new car! We're officially grown ups! More on that next week.
3. M is now walking and talking. He's really making huge strides (pun intended).
4. Found out the sex of the new baby. The big reveal is happening next week, too (for those of you who don't already know).
5. M had the most adorable Halloween costume this year and a very interesting Halloween to boot. More on that next week as well.

Man, I've just given you a million sneak peeks into what we've got coming up next week. I know you'll all be waiting on the edge of your seats with baited breath until then.

What are you doing this weekend? Any plans? We've got to finish up some projects around the house and the library is having another used book sale. 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

New reads:

This week I'm reading The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. It's my pick for my bookclub's September selection and so far, I'm really enjoying it.

Here's what it's about, if anyone's interested:

"A.J. Fikry's life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died; his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history; and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. Slowly but surely, he is isolating himself from all the people of Alice Island -- from Chief Lambiase, the well-intentioned police officer who's always felt kindly toward him; from Ismay, his sister-in-law, who is hell-bent on saving A.J. from his dreary self; from Amelia, the lovely and idealistic (if eccentric) Knightley Press sales rep who persists in taking the ferry to Alice Island, refusing to be deterred by A.J.'s bad attitude. Even the books in his store have stopped holding pleasure for him. These days, he can only see them as a sign of a world that is changing too rapidly.

And then a mysterious package appears at the bookstore. It's a small package, though large in weight -- an unexpected arrival that gives A.J. the opportunity to make his life over, the ability to see everything anew. It doesn't take long for the locals to notice the change overcoming A.J., for the determined sales rep Amelia to see her curmudgeonly client in a new light, for the wisdom of all those books to become again the lifeblood of A.J.'s world. Or for everything to twist again into a version of his life that he didn't see coming.

As surprising as it is moving, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is an unforgettable tale of transformation and second chances, an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love."

My senior year of high school, I wrote my AP English paper on isolation in Silas Marner by George Eliot. Have you ever read it? It's a lovely little novel. As I read this though, I can't help but draw similarities to Silas Marner. Anyone else see them?

What are you reading these days? Anything you want to recommend?

Sewing:

I've been going a little crazy in the sewing department lately. Mostly stuff for M but a few things for myself (yay!). Maybe it's nesting. Maybe it's that I'm finally feeling like I have energy again. Either way, I'm taking advantage of it to get some stuff done.

Here's what I'm currently working on:

Maxaloones by Max & Meena. I can't seem to stop making these pants. So cute, so comfy, and they last forever! I can wax poetic about my love affair with these pants for a really long time. I have a lot to say so stay tuned.

Small Fry Skinny Jeans by Titchy Threads. Little M has yet to own a pair of jeans. This is about to change because I just bought some denim on sale and hit the jackpot and got the end of the bolt so now I have about a million yards of dark wash denim on my hands. Needless to say, I will be making multiple pairs of these.

The Jude Jacket by Shwin Designs. You have no idea how excited I am to make this coat. Andrew is totally jealous that it doesn't come in a larger size. 

I'm making it in a charcoal wool (see above) and lining it with that grey and orange lightning bolt fabric. Did you see it in all its glory? Hearts in eyes. I also just got him a lightning bolt shirt for the fall/winter. My Harry Potter infatuation is finally rearing its ugly (or awesome) head.

I've also got big goals as far as future projects. They include:

This Totoro costume. Because, well, did you see it? Must make now. I've already got M's Halloween costume all planned out but I may just make this to wear around the house. 

These ridiculously adorable coats by the super talented Little Goodall. She sells these beauties in her shop but also sells patterns to make your own. So, of course, that's what I'll be doing.

I've also got some other projects in the works, including those of the non-sewing variety:

• 2 maternity shirts for me
• Winter maternity leggings
• Newborn sweaters (more on those later)
• 2 winter sweaters for M
• Winter sweater for A
• M's Halloween costume
• M's annual homemade Christmas gift
• Baby bibs
• Headbands for a good friend to help raise money for her adoption

So, yes, I'm back and very busy. I wouldn't have it any other way, though and I can't wait to share all my projects as I work through them. 

Hello, hello:

So, this space has been pretty dead lately and for good reason:

We've had our hands pretty full the last couple of weeks. I've been busy, exhausted, and a million other things. It's been so much harder this time around but things are finally starting to die down a little (knock on wood) and I am feeling more like myself again.

So be prepared for some major updates coming your way. Because we have a lot to tell you about!

Happy weekend:

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Happy Friday, friends! What are you doing with your time off? We are celebrating the wedding of A's brother to a wonderful lady! M is the ring bearer (even though he can't yet walk). It's going to be pretty much the cutest thing ever. Can't wait to see and catch up with family.

Have a great weekend, everyone! XO.

Happy weekend:

Happy Friday, friends! What are you doing with your long weekend (assuming you do indeed have a long weekend)? We are excited to get to sleep in tomorrow, even if only a little. We're hoping to have a little cookout to celebrate Independence Day, too!

Here's a peek into what we've been up to lately:

1. M has teeth erupting left and right these days. Hard to keep track anymore, I just know it must hurt because he is grumpy all the time.
2. Been getting my exercise on with one of my oldest friends lately. It's too hot to do anything but walk in the afternoons but I enjoy getting to catch up with her and I can certainly use the exercise.
3. I've been on a sewing kick lately -- can't stop buying patterns and fabric. Make all the things!
4. Breaking news: I ate a Chik-fil-a sandwich last week! And I liked it.
5. X

Have a great weekend, everyone! Happy Independence Day!