Wet Autumn Day

I do love a good wet, gloomy day, especially when the weather begins to turn chilly. It’s just so cozy to be “trapped” indoors.

I took Helen outside in the rain, wrapped in my hoodie, to get the mail. She seemed perplexed by the wetness hitting her face. Seeing how lovely everything was in the misty rain, I set Helen back inside for Reuben to watch while I captured the beauty of the trees just beginning to change color.

Back inside, I fixed myself a cup of black tea and a Chai Gingerbread Bar with whipped cream while Helen took her second nap.

What did you do this Saturday? Are you excited for chilly weather?

8 Responses to Wet Autumn Day

1. Liz 
   September 28th, 2013 at 6:00 pm
   I can’t wait for the chilly weather to arrive. Cozy fires, hot tea, spicy soups… I love it all. Here in the bluegrass, it’s still hitting upper 70s in the afternoons, though the mornings are getting chillier. Despite this, I have been super excited for fall and doing “fall” things regardless of the weather. Made a lavender Earl Grey latte and helped my brother make a paella, though I am hoping to fit in time for some pumpkin muffins.. :) Looks like autumn is in full force for you guys, though!
   In retrospect, I have no idea how fall-ish making paella is, but it’s yummy.:P
2. (Auntie) Jean Plate 
   September 29th, 2013 at 2:41 am
   Thanks, Erica, for the beautiful pictures and letting us “peek into the window of your life” now and then!
   I enjoy seeing Helen grow! Thanks, too, for the pictures of the horse (is that old Cody?) and the maple leaves! (The only maple I’ve gotten to survive here in Alaska is about 18 inches high and is about 10 years old!) I loved seeing the colors in the rain.
   Today we moved a small mountain of top soil…well, at least part of it…to cover the excavation that happen at our well and around the new house for Grandma. Oh, we also winterized the bus and motorhome, so yes, we are mostly ready for winter. (One more garden to till.) There’s fresh snow on the mountains but no snow here yet. The sky tonight looked very much like it will be here soon.
   This evening we took the kids out for a progressive supper! First stop, our favorite Mexican restaurant for chips and salsa. Then on to our favorite burger place for wings and 1 hamburger with fries (shared between the 4 of us) and desert was at McDonalds…shakes, McFlury and a smoothy! It was a fun evening.
3. Nat @ Made in Home 
   September 29th, 2013 at 11:33 am
   Beautiful pictures! I love the Autumn!
4. Sarah 
   September 30th, 2013 at 10:40 am
   So pretty! I love rainy autumn days.
5. Erica Lea 
   October 2nd, 2013 at 10:00 am
   Liz: Yes, as soon as the weather isn’t blazing hot, I’m in a fall mood. :) Oh, all of your food sounds amazing! Now I really want paella – it’s been YEARS since we’ve had it. Maybe I can convince Mom to make some. :D
6. Erica Lea 
   October 2nd, 2013 at 10:04 am
   Auntie Jean: Yes, that’s old Cody (from Auntie Barb). I loved the little droplets of rain on his “whiskers.” :)
   Sounds like you guys had a busy Saturday! I think it’s awesome what you’re doing for Ric’s mom.
   That sounds like a fun supper. I like to sample lots of different kinds of foods.
   Thank you for sharing about your day – it transports me to Alaska. :)
7. Erica Lea 
   October 2nd, 2013 at 10:06 am
   Nat: Thank you! Yes, Autumn is my favorite season. :)
8. Erica Lea 
   October 2nd, 2013 at 10:06 am
   Sarah: Thank you! Me too. So cozy. :)

Casting On: Killington Scarf

I’ve started knitting this beautiful scarf pattern. I can’t wait to wear it this fall/winter.

Helen is very interested in all my knitting endeavors. She would LOVE to get her hands on my work.

I’ll update you when I cast off and block!

Linking up at Yarn Along

12 Responses to Casting On: Killington Scarf

1. Rebecca Lately 
   September 17th, 2013 at 3:23 pm
   That is so pretty :)
2. Carissa @ Pretty/Hungry 
   September 18th, 2013 at 11:12 pm
   Helen is such a cutie! And I love her name!
3. Colleen Moran 
   September 24th, 2013 at 10:55 am
   Oooh, what a cute baby and what is that amazing yarn??
4. Teresa Frei 
   September 25th, 2013 at 4:21 pm
   Beautiful! Wish I could knit!
5. Nat @ Made in Home 
   September 29th, 2013 at 11:32 am
   I love the yarn you chose! And what a great pattern – had to check it out on Ravelry. Also very impressed you are leaving your little one near knitting needles – mine would put them in his mouth straight away.. Coming from Yarn Along
6. CathieJ 
   September 29th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
   Beautiful yarn and I love the pattern you picked. What a cute baby too!
7. Erica Lea 
   October 2nd, 2013 at 10:06 am
   Nat: Oh, Helen would definitely put them in her mouth if I didn’t watch her every second. :P Yes, I love the yarn! Can’t wait to wear the scarf.
8. Erica Lea 
   October 2nd, 2013 at 10:06 am
   CathieJ: Aw, thanks! :)
9. Erica Lea 
   October 2nd, 2013 at 10:07 am
   Teresa: Thank you!
10. Erica Lea 
    October 2nd, 2013 at 10:07 am
    Colleen: It’s Jojoland in “Melody”
11. Erica Lea 
    October 2nd, 2013 at 10:08 am
    Carissa: Aw, thanks! I love her so much. :)
12. Erica Lea 
    October 2nd, 2013 at 10:08 am
    Rebecca: Thank you!

7 Months Old!

Helen is seven months old today!

This little rascal is getting into all sorts of trouble lately. She’s an expert at crawling now and loves to explore everywhere. But particularly in the most inconvenient places. Like the trash can.

I can’t believe that she’s already starting to pull up to standing. The other day I was sitting next to her, reading the manual for my new (old) sewing machine. When I looked up, she had pulled herself up onto the window. She’s definitely a very motivated baby.

One awesome thing she’s started doing: going to bed early and sleeping through the night. She still wakes up at 3:00 sometimes, but mostly she’ll sleep from 9 PM to 5 AM. I usually just feed her and put her back in the crib (or keep her in bed with us if I’m too lazy or want some cuddling).

I decided to remove all of the breakable jars from the bottom of this bookshelf and set up a play station for her. She can sit and play by herself for quite a while now (if she’s in a good mood). Hallelujah!!

But I still need to keep an eye on her.

She was contentedly playing with her spatula the other day while I was trying to tidy up our pigsty house. Everything went quiet. I quickly moved in to check on Helen. She had something squishy in her hands. Turns out it was a tiny dead frog.

I had a bit of a freak out moment.

“Aaaahghljkjsdk!! — It’s okay honey. It’s okay. — Gaaaaaah ewewewewew!!”

Later that same day I left her in the bedroom for a moment. I saw her eagerly crawling towards something out of my sight and decided I should investigate. She was just starting to pick up a (very dirty) diaper that I had forgotten to toss into the diaper pail. Thankfully I caught her before she could shove her hand into it. Grossgrossgross.

“Can you believe she’s almost seven months old?” I asked Reuben last night.

“That was a LONG seven months,” he replied.

And it has been.

It’s been a crazy hard adventure.

But it’s so rewarding. I love this little girlie more than I can tell. It’s so much fun to see her personality start to show.

I have continued to take a picture of Helen once a week. It will be fun to put the pictures together into a collage on her first birthday.

Here she is from 0-7 months old.

Little dolly.

Have a lovely day!

Erica

4 Responses to 7 Months Old!

1. Gabby 
   September 13th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
   Haha! She is just so adorable! And looks so sneaky! Such a great idea to take the photos, bet it will be a lovely collage later! =)
   Wishing you a nice weekend! =)
2. Anna 
   September 14th, 2013 at 12:12 pm
   Aw, she’s lovely! And SO up to no good in the first picture :) I’m glad to read that she’s sleeping through the nights and that you’re getting some sleep, from what I’ve gathered you had a rough start.
   I had a similar frog-episode with Malva when she was about 9 months, our cat had dragged in a mouse and laid it beside her, as a gift I presume.. when she was sitting on the kitchen floor up in our summerhouse in Sweden. I totally freaked out to say the least.. :)
   Have a great weekend!
   Anna
3. Cait 
   September 17th, 2013 at 12:56 pm
   What a sweet face! I have the same chevron sheet on my daughter’s crib right now. I had bought fabric to make one and then realized it was only $2 more to buy it at Target, so I returned the fabric :)
   Every two months or so it seemed my baby reached a new turning point. 2 months and 6 months especially were like night and day from before. It gets easier! A lot easier, but then you have to start training them :)
4. kelli 
   October 18th, 2013 at 6:09 pm
   she makes the cutest faces! happy to have stumbled upon your blog via a leaf garland search.=)

Knitting Project: Pixie Tadhd Hat

For some reason, hats just don’t want to stay on a baby’s head, especially a newborn’s head. So I decided to knit a hat for Helen with ties. Of course she picks it off her head immediately and I haven’t had the courage to tie it down yet (she’d probably just get really frustrated that she can’t take it off). But, if I sneak it onto her head when she’s occupied with something else (like the flowers in the third photo), she ignores it for a while.

I dressed her in a cute, cozy sweater for these photos, but I was too lazy to put pants on her. I’m cool like that, yo. She’s gotten to a very wiggly stage – diaper changes are a nightmare. She’s very strong and bucks and strains very hard whenever I try to dress or change her.

Anywho, here’s some details about the hat in case you want to make if for your cutie (or someone else’s cutie).

Pattern: Pixie Tadhg [FREE]

Yarn: Unknown worsted weight (I picked it up second hand and it didn’t have a label).

Needles: US size 8 sixteen-inch circular and double pointed needles

This pattern was very easy. I was able to knit it up in about a day. Though I did have to rip it out after I realized that I had twisted my stitches (see second photo). You try casting on with an active baby clamoring for your attention and see how well you fair. ;)

And now I’m eager to start another project. I’m already working on this lovely scarf. Then, perhaps, these boot cuffs.

3 Responses to Knitting Project: Pixie Tadhd Hat

1. Megan 
   September 11th, 2013 at 11:01 am
   Super cute! :) Love it!
2. Diane 
   September 11th, 2013 at 9:01 pm
   So darling! (The hat is cute, too. ; ))
   Is your family Norwegian? These hats are very popular with the Norse. I made some like it for my boys were small, but I made them in red. If Helen fusses at having the hat tied under her chin, don’t worry. She’ll get used to it soon. Explain to her that she needs hair if she wants to go hatless. j/k
   Best,
   Diane
3. Lisa 
   September 11th, 2013 at 11:15 pm
   Miss Helen is just the absolute cutest baby! What a darling hat. The last picture? Gorgeous!

Boho Ponytail

As a mom, it’s harder to find hairstyles that are feasible. They need to be comfortable and last all day. Most days I opt for a simple braid or pony. Lately I’ve been trying to put a little more effort into my daily hairstyles (it doesn’t always happen).

And so, as requested, here’s a hairstyle that I tried out today. I don’t have time to film and edit a tutorial right now, but no worries: Kaley’s got your back. You can watch her tutorial for this boho ponytail HERE.

I did mine a little differently – I left out the knot and just secured everything with an elastic at the back of my head and wrapped a piece of hair around to hide the hairtie.

And of course I had to include of photo of Helen. Little stinker.

I was TRYING to paint my toenails today, but she kept following me around, trying to grab my toes or the polish bottle. She finally managed to smudge my big toe. Silly-head. I love her so.

Photo credit goes to Reuben.

And I know it’s super annoying that the back of my shirt is turned up in the first photo. Oh well.

What’s your go-to hairstyle for active days?

2 Responses to Boho Ponytail

1. Liz 
   September 5th, 2013 at 11:28 am
   HAHA, I didn’t even notice that your shirt was turned up till you mentioned it. I too love boho braids, but I am also lazy. I will make a point to try this one though!
2. Kristin 
   September 13th, 2013 at 1:24 pm
   I love this and will try it on my 10 yr old – she’s very into braids right now! Also, didn’t notice your shirt until you pointed it out lol. Thanks for sharing :)

Morning Cuppa

I have always admired steam photos – the wispy curls look so magical. But it always alluded me as to how to capture that beauty. The other day I discovered how by accident.

As I was pottering about, still drowsy, fixing breakfast, I noticed how striking the steam from my cup of tea was. I grabbed my camera and snapped away. Then I realized what created the distinct steam – the morning light pouring through the window.

The steam must be backlit for it to show up! Eureka!

Have you discovered any new photography tricks/tips lately?

8 Responses to Morning Cuppa

1. Annie 
   August 30th, 2013 at 2:16 pm
   This is such a beautiful picture! Great tip — I’m going to have to try it sometime! :)
2. Sara 
   August 31st, 2013 at 5:42 pm
   This is lovely! That cup is so cute, did you make it? I’ll have to remember this trick :)
3. Teresa Frei 
   September 5th, 2013 at 4:24 pm
   I have always wondered that myself. Great tip, I’ll have to try it sometime. Love the picture! Is there any possible way I can get a copy of it? It would fit perfectly in my kitchen. Thanks!
4. Erica Lea 
   September 5th, 2013 at 5:38 pm
   Teresa: Thank you! Yes, I’d be happy to set up an Etsy listing for this print. What size do you need?
5. Teresa Frei 
   September 9th, 2013 at 9:05 am
   That would be great! Thank you! I would love to have 11×14 inches if possible and it would be shipped to Germany. I just sent emailed you a message. Thanks again!
6. Shea 
   October 16th, 2013 at 12:18 pm
   Hi Erica! I came across this gorgeous picture and am thrilled for the tip on photographing steam. I was also wondering where the gorgeous cup came from in the photo? I am a ceramics nerd as well and I love it — Keep up the great photos!
7. Erica Lea 
   October 16th, 2013 at 12:36 pm
   Shea: I got it as a set from David’s Tea, but they no longer sell them. You can get is from Terrain for $10 + shipping. I should really do a giveaway since everyone loves these cups. :)
8. Shea 
   October 16th, 2013 at 12:38 pm
   Thanks!!

And She’s On the Move!

This little rascal started crawling this week. She’s still pretty wobbly, but she’s starting to get the hang of it!

For proof, watch THIS video.

And now for some more cuteness for your (or my) enjoyment:

Those eyes! I die.

I’ve been starting her on solids. She doesn’t like bananas. It’s so funny to watch her shove it into her mouth, make a disgusted face and spit it back out.

Her first food was egg yolk, and she loves it! I’m thinking I’ll try avocado next, or perhaps bone broth.

In case you’re wondering, I’m following the nutritional advice as outline by The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby and Child Care. I don’t agree with some of their methods of child training, but their nutrition is spot on.

Here’s a question for all you moms: have you tried a glass or stainless sippy cup? If so, did you like it?

For all the rest of you (okay, I guess moms can answer this question as well), what would you like to see on Simple Days next? A photography, hair, or craft tutorial? Let me know in the comments! Otherwise you’ll just get more of Helen. ;)

20 Responses to And She’s On the Move!

1. La Godiche 
   August 23rd, 2013 at 4:07 am
   She’s beautiful! I love the second photography.
   For next post I would like a hair tutorial, because I dream to do my hair like you!
   (But more of Helen it’s great too! ;) )
   Charline
2. Anne 
   August 23rd, 2013 at 6:48 am
   Safe sippy 2. Expensive but wonderful. My son hated the “sippy” valve so we went straight to straw valve. He was off the bottle by 10 months. (Bf until 16m)
   They have AWESOME customer service. Highly recommended!
3. Melanie 
   August 23rd, 2013 at 2:19 pm
   All four please! :) How about photography, Helen, hair, Helen, craft, Helen, repeat!
4. jean 
   August 23rd, 2013 at 2:42 pm
   I’d love to see a craft tutorial for a fall item. I love seeing Helen, too. Glad you are both doing well!
5. Annie 
   August 23rd, 2013 at 10:05 pm
   Hi Erica, I’m the one who stopped you to say hi at Story Book Lodge in July. :) I’ve so enjoyed seeing your pictures of sweet lil’ Helen! I definitely wouldn’t mind more. But I’d also love to see another hair or makeup tutorial.
   Blessings!
6. Moriah Mari 
   August 24th, 2013 at 8:56 am
   She’s really growing quick!
   I vote for photography or hair tutorial (both is fine too:).
7. Diane 
   August 25th, 2013 at 1:20 pm
   Helen really is darling. As to your question about drinking cups, I never gave my children a sippy cup. They had their own little metal cups with handles on both sides when they were Helen’s age and then a cup with one handle when they were a year or so and had more small muscle control. I did this because I didn’t want them dragging cups around the house and the car and spilling them or losing them. It’s tough enough to stay ahead of housework with an active infant. Why add the headache of spilt drinks everywhere?
   Oh! And crafts would be my preference along with Helen pictures, of course. ; )
8. Erica Lea 
   August 25th, 2013 at 9:02 pm
   La Godiche: Aw, thanks! I’ll have to hunt up Pinterest for some hairstyle ideas. :)
9. Erica Lea 
   August 25th, 2013 at 9:03 pm
   Anne: I’ll have to look them up! I’d be willing to pay more for something good rather than waste money on cheap junk. :D
10. Erica Lea 
    August 25th, 2013 at 9:04 pm
    Heehee! I like the amount of Helen that you included. ;)
11. Erica Lea 
    August 25th, 2013 at 9:04 pm
    jean: I’ll have to look for some inspiration for fall crafts – I’m getting excited for cooler weather!
12. Erica Lea 
    August 25th, 2013 at 9:06 pm
    Mariah Mari: Yes, I can’t believe how much she grows and learns each week!
13. Erica Lea 
    August 25th, 2013 at 9:08 pm
    Diane: Thank you! I love her so much – she grows more precious to me each day. :)
    Yes, I like the idea of cups with handles. Helen can already grab a metal cup we have that has a handle. Did your little cups have lids?
14. Erica Lea 
    August 25th, 2013 at 9:10 pm
    Annie: Hello, Annie! It was so cool to get to meet one of my readers in person. After we me I tried to visit your blog, but it’s locked. :) Oh, a makeup tutorial would be fun! I’m getting some new foundation soon, so I may have to do a tutorial or review. :)
15. Diane 
    August 26th, 2013 at 3:09 pm
    Hi Erica! No my children’s cups didn’t have lids. I did this on purpose because I wanted them to be clear that they were only allowed to eat and drink at the table, not all over the house or in the car, even from a very early age. It helps them learn eye/hand coordination, too and improves their dexterity with their fingers.
    Naturally, they are tempted to pour drinks on the floor or on their tray, but that is usually when they are finished eating and are fooling around and trying to be the center of attention some more. I like that she is handling a spoon, too. She’s probably clutching it and waving it around, but give her a baby’s spoon (your mother or grandmother may have saved yours) and let her try to feed herself in a few months. She’ll get the hang of eating oatmeal or mashed potatoes easily, although her trusty fingers are always the first into the food!
    Blessings to you and yours!
16. Stephanie 
    August 28th, 2013 at 11:03 am
    Oh! A craft tutorial please! Though I’m up for more of Helen too, of course!
17. Linda J 
    August 30th, 2013 at 10:54 am
    I vote for “craft”…..and Helen is adorable!
18. Annie 
    August 30th, 2013 at 2:14 pm
    Yes, I did lock my blog for privacy purposes, but I’ve sent you an email invite if you’d like to visit. :)
19. Laura 
    September 1st, 2013 at 12:15 pm
    Hello Erica,
    I thought I’d suggest a book I acquired a while ago with activities/learning games you can do with your beautiful girl. I recall you’d asked for suggestions beyond peekaboo or patty cakes ;-) This is the link to it on Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Bright-start-Activities-develop-potential/dp/0785349022
    Enjoy!
    The book is called Bright Start
20. Cait 
    September 4th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
    I have the Safe Sippy 2 I believe, though we haven’t used the straw yet for my 19 month old. I liked the versatility and was tied between other similar stainless sippy cups. So far we like it :) I do wish they made one without orange on it but it looks a lot less ugly in person; I was pleasantly surprised :)
    Helen is so cute – those eyes really are something!