I’m a big fan of the work of Mary Kate McDevitt, a talented illustrated based out of Brooklyn. Her whimsical style is one of my favorites when it comes to hand lettering. One of these days, I’d like to take her Skillshare class, but for now I’ll just admire her talent whilst attempting to fiddle with fancy type on my own.
In other news, it’s only Wednesday and I’m beat! I’ve been a busy bee, but I have to say, although I’m tired as can be, it does feel good to get some stuff done.
image stolen from mister baker’s instagram
30 Weeks! Only seventy days left until our due date and I’m feeling very pregnant, in the best possible way.
My belly has grown quite a bit in the last few weeks, as has our baby. Body parts are recognizable, and movement has become much more pronounced. Those ticklish bumps and nudges have been replaced with large wiggles and flips, which Baby Baker performs with frequency and grace. I love love love it!
Our first real baby-related purchase arrived today, a simple sling from this adorable company, and although we’re far from prepared, I’m definitely feeling more and more ready for this little person to join our lives. This pregnancy really caught me off guard, and I’m so glad that it did, because I can’t think of anything better than bringing a new baby into this sweet family of mine.
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A conversation came up in class today with some of the eighth graders about favorite films and I realized that I was just about their age when I first saw Harold and Maude, which to this day remains the best movie I have ever seen. Of course, none of them had ever even heard of it.
Working with middle schoolers is an excellent way to be reminded of just how old you’ve gotten.
“a portrait of my children, once a week, every week, for 2014”
Emet: This boy is the sweetest, kindest, most generous, and most noble ten year old on Earth.
Jade: Never a dull moment with this girl.
I have long admired the 52 Project, and have never managed to muster the courage (or the dedication, ahem) to commit to shooting a weekly portrait series. Since learning how to take photographs is high on my list of life aspirations, I figured I’d finally just give it a go.
And lo! For my first attempt, I’m rather pleased with these shots. Snapping a few pictures with my kids this afternoon was definitely the highlight of my weekend. I’m excited to see how this project unfolds, especially with the addition of a new little face in just a couple of months.
Oh 2014, I’m in love with you already.
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One of my biggest goals for this year is to actually move in to our house. We’ve relocated so many times over the last few years that we haven’t really ever completely settled into a space. Enough of that, I say.
Of course, before we can get to decorating our cute new abode, we must first sift through the mountain of random boxes that currently occupy our garage and purge purge purge. I foresee many a weekend spent decluttering, organizing, and arranging our things just so, and to be honest, I’m thrilled.
My anthem for 2014.
I’m going to teach myself hand lettering and calligraphy this year, and spent a little time today playing around with the new set of nibs I got for Christmas. Clearly, I have a lot to learn.
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I’m not really any good at resolutions. They are far too rigid and absolute for me, a person who is quick to change direction and is easily distracted. Instead, I much prefer themes as they are flexible and allow for interpretation.
For the new year, a year that is sure to be unforgettable, I have chosen creation as my central focus. I’m busy creating a new person, so it seems fitting.
I intend to infuse every day of 2014 with the impulse of creativity, to be mindful of the myriad of ways in which I can create and to remain available and attentive to inspiration. I want to write more, to cook more, to take more photos, and above all, to make more memories with the ones I love.
My glass of sparkling grape juice is raised, and I’m ready to toast to a brand new year.
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I always get a little nostalgic at this time of year, don’t you?
In looking back at all that has happened in 2013, from where it began to where it is ending, I am just so stupidly grateful. This has been the hardest, loveliest, most surprising, and most rewarding year of all, a year that has taught me about surrender and acceptance.
Most of all, it has been a year filled with love, more love than I ever could have imagined, and not for one second do I forget how incredibly fortunate I am to live such a magnificent life.
The blessings of the past twelve months have been many, but none so exciting as the expansion of our family. The unexpected gift of this baby and all of the transition that has transpired as a result, these are the kinds of things that I simply did not plan for and probably never would have. Which makes the fact that they kind of just happened all the more divine.
Forever, I shall remember 2013 as the year of happy accidents.
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Christmas, I can’t believe you’re here!
What a year it’s been for this little family of mine, a year filled with surprises and a whole lot of growth. Our life has blossomed here in San Diego, and this has truly been one of the most magical seasons of all my 31 years.
As we were exchanging gifts, I sat back and watched my two kids shower their parents with the sweetest and most lovingly crafted presents. They spent their piggy bank money on chocolate bars for us, and worked together to paint and sew and wrap packages for us all to unwrap. My mama’s heart overfloweth! I could not be more more proud of those two, I tell you, they are the most magnificent young people in all the land. Only, they’re not quite so young these days, and every now and again I am reminded just how big they’ve gotten. I will never forget the tenderness of this morning, not ever.
The rest of today will be spent in my most favorite way, dancing around in the kitchen making a festive feast for the ones I love, followed by cookies and a movie. And maybe even a game or two of Catan. Heaven.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is always a poignant time, and already I can sense the potency of this day and the next few to come. It won’t be long now before we welcome 2014, the birth year of our baby!
We are a lucky bunch, and today our home is positively bursting with love and gratitude for all that we have, and for each other most of all.
Merry Christmas, Friends!