Happiness

Have you ever felt like you were exactly where you were supposed to be? I am feeling that way right now, and it is a really wonderful thing. I have gone through times in my life where I was very confused and clouded with doubt, so having this clarity and feeling of peace is something I don't take for granted. Motherhood is amazing and I feel really lucky that I can potentially turn my passion for painting into more than just a hobby.

That being said, I don't feel like I randomly ended up in this place because of fate or luck. I chose to be where I am today. Just wanted to share my happiness today with all of you!

Kid's Korner: Butterfly Orb

I know that when I was looking for mobiles for Ella's nursery, I wanted to find something really special. The mobile can be a beautiful focal point in your baby's room. I am very excited to introduce this awesome shop, Butterfly Orb, full of gorgeous, light and whimsical butterfly mobiles. Not only are they a unique design piece for nurseries, but babies love to observe the orb's gentle movement and grace as well. 

Butterfly Orb is owned by Ann and Mark, and I had the pleasure of conversing with Ann. Ann has always loved creating and taught special education for many years. Butterfly Orb opened on Etsy last November. Ann says "I love having the idea of the orb as a piece of art that grows up as the room changes....the mobiles are rather timeless that way. You can also use the inside of the orb for special notes, or a visit from the tooth fairy, or hang a crystal inside, or you can hang ribbons from the orb."

What a gorgeous color scheme!

Each orb is completely handcrafted and takes about 3 hours to make. Ann really likes to work with her customers to create a piece that is a perfect fit for their child's nursery.

"I love getting photos from Moms to be (mostly Moms to be) showing their nursery designs or bedding and then together we talk about the design...some of our collaborative efforts I post at our Etsy store to show others what great color combinations can be created."

A crisp and clean nursery with a Butterfly Orb that gives the room a fun pop of color.

When I asked Ann how the concept for Butterfly Orb began, she said:

"It really was a butterfly that kept coming around every morning, the same butterfly, and each morning with a cup of coffee we would have a visit. Sometimes it would land on my shoulder! Sometimes, it would be at the window in the afternoon, just fluttering around.  Then we starting to talk about butterflies, and movement, people love movement and after much, and many and terrible beginnings we finally landed on the orb design...we knew we wanted an orb shape."

This is Ann's current favorite mobile. "I love how subtle it is and lately soft gray and cream have an appeal to me."

One of Butterfly Orb's happy customers says, "We absolutely love our daughter's butterfly orb mobile! But more importantly, she loves it. So much more beautiful and interesting than the mobiles sold at the big chain stores. Everyone who sees our daughter's nursery is immediately drawn to the butterflies delicately floating above her crib. I have recommended this product to many people! Thanks so much!"

You can be another happy customer after visiting Butterfly Orb on Etsy. Go ahead and take a look!

Monthly Photos

Happy One Month, Ella!

My little girl turned one month old on 8/7/11! I of course wanted to take great photos to document her growth, so I turned to the internet to do a bit of research. I found some really fun and creative ideas. In the end I decided to stick with what I know and love: my blocks! My plan is to add a bird block to the set each month. I thought I would share some of the fun photos I found while researching monthly photo ideas to document your baby's growth. Enjoy!

Felt letters and numbers. So bright and colorful!

Baby on a calendar. Simple... yet genius!

Ever seen the monthly stickers? You can stick em on onesies, too. This is a popular product on Etsy.

Had to throw this one of Ella in for good measure. I had lots of fun with our first monthly photo shoot, she obviously felt differently :)

Baby On the Go!

Mommy and Ella all ready for a walk.

I love the concept of the baby carrier.

Benefits for Mommy:

1. No bulk of the stroller systems! Makes it so easy to move around with baby in tow.
2. A fantastic way to get some fresh air and exercise. What new mommy doesn't want to fit into her pre-pregnancy clothing again? (Although some of my maternity pants were awfully comfortable).
3. Bonding time with your baby by holding her close to your body. There's no better feeling than having your little peanut snuggled up against you.

 Benefits for Baby:

1. Babies are soothed and supported in a natural way that reminds them of the womb; they can hear the familiar rhythm of your heartbeat and rock and sway with you as you walk.
2. Baby carriers provide a safe place for your little one to explore the world with you.
3. Encourages bonding and enhances learning development.

I have a Chicco UltraSoft Infant Carrier. So far I like it, however, I find it a little challenging to gracefully get Ella into the carrier. I know a lot of people swear by the Baby Bjorn Comfort Carrier. If you use a baby carrier, what brand do you use? Do you like it?

Kisses in the carrier.