More than half-way

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Samuel is more than half - way to a year old. He had his 7 month birthday this week, I can hardly believe it. He continues to be such a charmer with good friends and family and strangers alike. He definitely gathers a crowd with his smiles and giggles. He is not crawling yet, but is mobile nonetheless. He uses a unique combination of scooting on his tummy and rolling over to get where he wants to go. A gate blocks the stairs to the basement, and plugs now keep his little fingers from exploring the electric sockets. He babbles non-stop and tells stories with his eyes, too. I love going to get him in the morning or after a nap - I can't get enough of that sweet look that says "Mommy, I couldn't be happier to see you!" No teeth yet - though I think they are working their way in. Samuel's had a couple bouts of low grade fever and not wanting solids that come and go over the last couple weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if we see his first tooth soon. He continues to like to eat pretty much everything he tries - which is obvious by looking at him! I'm learning that your love for your kids is like your love for your spouse - even when you think you couldn't possibly love them more, you do. I'm in trouble - this little one is already completely entangled in my heart.

Inspired Gift

My college roommate, Jenny, gave us these cute burp rags when Samuel was born. She got them from a wonderful site called http://www.nurturedfamily.com - great swaddling blankets and nursing items. I liked them so much, I decided to try and make some for a friend who just had a baby. I think these are going to become my signature baby shower gift.

Great Resource for Staying Organized at Home

I think the approach of Spring has me taking stock of what needs to be organized in our home (and in my brain). I am definitely not a naturally organized person. Those of you who know me well are probably thinking, "Really, Cherie? So glad you finally figured that out." I'm very tidy - but can't seem to find a routine for grocery shopping, or keeping the things Samuel is done using for now from piling up in closets (or behind the cozy chair in his room). The daily tasks of life seem to keep me from getting to more exciting projects that tend to stay on my to do list for months. That said - I found the greatest site for resources on how to get the upper-hand in managing our home. Check it out.

http://simplemom.net/

If you have never been to the site, take a look at the "New? Start here." page under resources. I've had fun finding ideas for menu planning and creating a routine for housework so it stops taking up my whole day. As a result - I finally got to a fun project on my list and made burp rags for my friend Jen's new baby, Zoe Love Clinkscales.