20/52

a portrait of my child once a week, every week, in 2013

Flushed. Yesterday was our first taste of hot and humid this season. We took a long walk to the store to pick up an enormous watermelon, gobbled down nearly half of it, then sat around in our skivvies- sticky with melon juice and sweat. I feel summer on its way, and can already tell that being this pregnant once the heat wave hits is going to be... interesting.

*part of Jodi's 52 series

Walden

I used to imagine living all over the country, or even the world, before settling into the right place that was somehow a perfect fit. I never thought I was the type to 'stay put', but in fact that is just what I've done; surprised myself by being a life-long New England-er and finding my home only a few hours drive from where I grew up. It doesn't make for a very exciting introduction at parties, but there's a special privilege in being rooted to a particular history, both cultural and personal. I'm able to measure the changes in my own life against the constant of my surroundings. Everyday places are stamped with layers of my past and projections for my future- not the most adventurous life, yet rich with comfort and meaning.

When James and I were newly in love and enjoying the flexible schedule of graduate school, one of our favorite summer rituals was an afternoon dip in Walden Pond. We would always steer clear of the sandy beach, which was thick with screaming children, and head for the wooded paths that circle the pond in search of a private little patch of rocks. We'd scramble down the leaf covered bank and James would plunge into the deep water while I tried to balance on rocks and ease myself in... always ending with my slipping or being pushed into the ice cold pond. There was no space for beach towels and no shallow wading, just a quick swim to cool us from the heat, so carefree and refreshing.

I'm lucky, in this phase of my life, to again enjoy an open schedule and have returned to Walden as a favorite warm weather activity. We arrive armed with a giant canvas bag brimming with sunscreen, toys and snacks, and as you may have guessed, we settle down smack in the middle of that sandy, child infested shore. I get to watch Little Smith dig in the sand and splash, I even get to lie down on my sun warmed towel for a minute or two. Up close those kid's screams are actually pure joy, especially when you're pretty fond of the kid. 

I do miss the spontaneity of a sundress soaked in pond water- because who could be bothered to remember a towel, and of course I miss having James along (he'll have to play hookie and join us one day since week-ends are just too crowded for my tastes). Still, this new version feels right; geared up, round belly, and lots of tiny sandy toes.

*I rarely take video, and this one from my phone is uneventful and my voice is way too loud, but I just love watching my little guy enjoying his day at the 'eech'. Hopefully it's far enough away that none of the other beach-goers mind!

Twenty Eight Weeks

Welcome to the third trimester. This pregnancy is really picking up speed and I know that the next few months are going to be quick ones. I am getting to that place where I really feel pregnant; I'm only comfortable lying down down in a fortress of pillows (the worst part of that is no middle of the night cuddles :( it's like summiting Everest to find each other), I get winded much more quickly than just a week ago, and I have punches and kicks saying hello all through the day... and night.

Although it keeps me awake at night, I actually love that this little girl is such a mover, she's already demanding my attention! Little Smith never moved that much, just a chill guy. That probably wouldn't worry me now, but with my first pregnancy I worried about everything, and lack of movement was on that list. 

I'm still craving sweets and sugar. I mentioned this to my midwife, hoping she would endorse my continued indulgences, but instead she did encourage me to eat more healthfully. I am eating healthy foods, just capped off with chocolate bars and ice cream and cookies... isn't that okay?

Now that I'm entering the final leg of this journey, I'm really trying to appreciate each moment. This could be my last pregnancy, and while there are lots of uncomfortable side effects, it's truly is such a magical, insane, and fleeting time. I'm also enjoying those little slices of peace; an hour of silence during nap time, the stillness just after I've tucked Little Smith into bed... I know I'm about to say goodbye to those quiet moments for a while. I'm already tired thinking about it, but also so excited for those teeny tiny newborn cries.

Working On A Shared Room

We're slowly but surely making some headway on what will be our kids' shared room. There's been lots of planning and budgeting and clearing out, but only a little actual production which means sharing our progress is tricky. We are keeping the paint very white ('super white' in fact, by Benjamin Moore... it doesn't get much whiter!), so that's not even very exciting at the moment. Have no fear, there will be plenty of color. I've never been accused of being shy with color, and at least one of the walls will be stenciled as well. 

Since I view this blog as a journal, I really like all of the images to be original content (an obsession that keeps me from mastering Pinterest the way that I want to, I yearn to connect images to their authors for whatever reason). I was hesitant to include any type of 'design board', but ultimately I decided that I've been spending so much time researching and considering products, it would be fun to share some of my thoughts here. I also always think that these collages look more 'designery' than the final product, all the accessories are scaled up and the toys and books and personal touches are missing - so go ahead and imagine this all as less precious and more fun... thanks!

1. Henry Evans Poppies: This is a wonderful block print that I've had forever. It's currently over our own bed and I'm excited to pass it along to our future daughter.

2. Flag Curtains: We'll be relocating these from Little Smith's current nursery to the new room, they're just too much fun to leave behind.

3 / 5 Mouse and Sheep Mobiles: Little Smith picked these out himself, he is totally smitten.

4. Skateboard Book Cubby: This is a DIY we made for the nursery and will now serve as a big boy nightstand.

6 / 11. Animal Prints: Little Smith selected all the art from a big list of options, and he just loves his animals.

7. Cloud Lamp: I'm a little concerned about the halogen bulbs with this guy, but I felt it in the store and it didn't seem to get hot. It's the perfect size for an over the bed task light... and very affordable.

8. Yarn Dyed Bedding: All cotton, simple, and soft.

9. Hand-Me-Down Crib (link to similar): We will be re-using our crib, which was a gift from my aunt. It's very traditional, wood with white spindles, and did have a drop side which we've fixed in place for safety.

10 / 13 / 16. Pretty Pillows: Pillows are always the first thing to go when the budget gets tight, so it's unlikely you'll actually be seeing any of these in our room. I have a big old collection of pillows on my wish list though, and these are a few favorites - so cute!

12. 8-inch Industrial Casters: We will be DIY'ing a big boy bed for Little Smith, and these wheels are the main feature. He loves them, they are huge and very heavy.

14. Storage Bins: Basic canvas bins in fun colors, and they're currently on sale too.

15. Sheep Skin: I always thought that this cheap and chearful Ikea version was fake and cruelty free, but researching it tonight I've learned it's actually a sheep, hmmm. At any rate, this or something similar is a must for warming up the Eames rocker, in my experience.

17. Granny Square Blanket: In my fantasy, I am crocheting this blanket. It's not so likely in the near future, but here's a lovely version, handmade with someone's love. 

18. Eames Style Rocker: We will be relocating our very blue rocker from the nursery into the new room. I know not everyone finds it comfortable, but I have loved nursing and reading in this chair- with that cozy sheepskin.

19. Animal Pillow Case and Crib Sheet: I love this pattern and it works well for both boys and girls. 

20. Pouf: I'm not set on this one, and not certain of the color either. I'll probably wait until the room is more together to make the call, but I want a bean bag or pouf or something that doubles as a foot rest and kid seat.

21. Wool Rug: I fell in love with this when I saw it in person, not super soft but it just feels good to me. I do have a few other options on the back burner.

22. Painted Dresser: We have a mid-century craigslisted gem that we will be painting white since the veneer is a wreck. It's quite a bit taller than this picture and the legs aren't as nice, but same basic idea. 

23. Map Baby Quilt: This is another item that we won't be purchasing just yet but is on my dream list. The map just happens to include the hospital where our child(ren) was/ will be born. The company will mark a location and embroider a name and birth date, so I'd love to get them each a personalized quilt some day.

24. Stenciled Armoire: I swore that we wouldn't buy anything made out of particle board for this space, but this piece just fits perfectly in our narrow spot and solves a lot of clothing issues. I'm planning to stencil the bottom (as shown). 

I know, for someone who was hesitant to show products, that was a whole lot of products! Believe me when I tell you there are even more swimming in my head and lots and lots of details yet to be mentioned. I also have a substantial list of DIY projects that keeps getting edited as the days tick on by. One project that we are definitely committed to is making that big boy bed, it's next up on our very long list.

I thought all of the upheaval might be traumatic for Little Smith, but he absolutely loves the work going on and 'helping out' when he can. I think he is actually going to miss the empty room when it goes, hopefully we can pull together something that makes him happy. I sincerely believe that a person's environment has the capacity to profoundly affect their experiences. It's a belief that drew me to architecture initially, and it still rings true. This room is small and basic, but  nonetheless it feels good to be creating a sweet little nest for our little ones enjoy as they grow.

19/52

a portrait of my child once a week, every week, in 2013

Waving to daddy... home early! 

It's the most heart melting treat to watch Little Smith's affection for his daddy grow and grow. They get up bright and early each morning (lately that's been 5:30AM and I think we would all be okay if that pushed just a little later- ahem), and play and squeal, when pop's at work I'm asked several times a day to go over how he took the 'big big bus to the underground choo choo train to the big big city'- so exciting!, and when he gets home before bed time Little Smith lights up with pure joy. The best.

*part of Jodi's 52 project

A belated Happy Mother's Day to all of you! We spent mine working on that new kid's bedroom and at least there's a coat of paint now- it's just what I wanted. I'm a little behind here (and in the garden and everywhere else) due to kid's room obsession... tonight is my final evening of classes for the semester, so hopefully I can do some catching up.

On The Bike

I continue to be humbled by my body's limits while pregnant. Now that I'm feeling great, I have been determined not to slow down, and actually often forget that I have this big beautiful belly until I catch a glimpse of myself in a reflection and think, 'oh wow- you're quite pregnant there!'. I'm usually also carrying an enormous diaper bag and a toddler so it's quite the sight.

We had so much fun biking as a family all through last summer and I imagined that we'd do some even more adventurous rides this year now that Little Smith is older. I know that I've seen lots of pictures of pregnant women biking, so I figured it would be no problem. We all geared up and set out for the park, which mercifully isn't too far from our house. 

Immediately it was just really tough, not painful certainly but awkward. I have a mountain bike and need to hunch over pretty far to reach the handle bars, which meant a whole lot of belly squishing and baby kicking. I also had to splay my legs out really far so that I didn't keep jostling the belly and apparently my legs aren't in tip-top shape because in no time they were burning. The trip home is almost all uphill, and I somehow willed myself to the top, refusing to slow down or take a break. I pulled into the driveway and James and Little Smith were all smiles, congratulating me on my speed on the hill and ready to keep going... I mumbled something about water and rest and stumbled into the house while they took off for their next destination.

It's tough for me to admit that I can't do everything, especially when I know there are plenty of women even more pregnant than I am who are more capable. But I am learning that I really need to listen to my own body. I'm growing a whole new little person, and just as every child is different, every pregnancy has its own unique opportunities and limitations. I will do some more biking this summer... but probably stick to flat  paths and leisurely rides. 

It's great to stay active and participate in everything, but sometimes it can also be pretty great to watch from the sidelines... in my nightgown.

*last year's biking, my little munchkin!

Potato Spinach Quiche

Sharing a recipe for quiche is a little like instructions for a fruit salad, pretty much anything that you enjoy or have available is going to be tasty in there. I often make a quiche or frittata when I have little bits of odds and ends left in the kitchen. This particular combination is very simple, but surprisingly delicious and has quickly become a household favorite.

You can use your preferred home-made or store bought recipe for the crust. Pie crust is truly so easy to make once you get the hang of it, but as someone who is still in awe of anyone who can use a sewing machine, I know that sometimes simple tasks can seem daunting if they're new.  I use this recipe, except without the sugar and with the addition of a small minced clove of garlic (it gives such great flavor!). You only need a bottom crust, so reduce the recipe or freeze half of the dough for future use, you won't be sorry.

Potato Spinach Quiche: adapted from my favorite, Mark Bittman

• 1 pie crust in a 9 inch pie or tart dish, (lay the dough in the dish, press all over with your fingers, fold under the edges and crimp with a fork or your fingers, and then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.)
• 6-8 eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/4 c whole milk, room temperature
• 2 small red potatoes or a handful of fingerling potatoes, chopped into roughly 1 1/2" chunks
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 2 handfuls of spinach, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 medium red onion, diced
• 1/4 c grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbs butter
• salt and pepper to taste
• *you will need pie weights to blind bake the crust, dry beans and or rice work well

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Toss the chopped potatoes with olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Lay on a baking tray in a single layer and roast for 10 minutes. Toss the potatoes and return to oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, until slightly browned and soft through. Set aside.

Remove the crust from the refrigerator and prick the bottom several times with a fork. 

Line the crust with parchment paper, ensuring that the edges of the crust are covered to prevent burning. Fill the lined crust with your pie wights (I have had the same bag of beans and rice for years and reuse them each time- James always jokes that I'm making 'seed pie').

Bake the crust for 12 minutes, then transfer the pie weights to a bowl to cool and remove the parchment paper. 

Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees.

Heat a heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow to melt, then add the minced onions and stir. Cook until the onions are softened and slightly browned, about four minutes. 

Add the chopped spinach and stir for just a minute to wilt, add the roasted potatoes and remove from heat. Set aside.

Beat the eggs with the milk in a medium bowl. Add the reserved vegetable mixture, the parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. 

Place the pie crust on a baking sheet, and pour the egg mixture into the shell. Bake until lightly browned and set in the middle, 40-50 minutes.

Let cool before serving warm or room temperature.

This quiche would be perfect for a mother's day brunch or a week-end breakfast. We turned ours into dinner with a big salad of baby greens and radishes, a nice light meal for the warm weather that has finally come our way. The best part will be the leftovers in the morning, I might even like mine chilled right out of the refrigerator!