diapers and skinny jeans

This year Sofia and I took a stab at naturally-dyed Easter egg decorating.  While I admit it wasn't as vibrant as coloring with standard white eggs and food coloring, we still had so much fun making earthy golds and soot-colored greys.  Quite the un-traditional take, I think!  We wrapped a few of our eggs in rubber bands before letting them soak in the "dye" as an experiment, and while fun, unfortunately didn't make much of an artistic impact.  Here's what we used: For an earthy, yellow-gold color: • a few tablespoons of turmeric • boiling water to cover • tablespoon of white vinegar • container for dye For a lighter, ash-colored grey: • around 1/4 c. smooshed blueberries • boiling water to cover • tablespoon of white vinegar • container for dye It's fun to get creative with Easter egg decorating - there are so many recipes floating around for even more gorgeous colors like jade, brown or violet.  We let our eggs sit at the minim...

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013." On top of papa's shoulders, undoubtedly the best view in the house.  It's finally starting to feel a little like spring around here, so we've been taking advantage of the warming weather and exploring outside together.  I started out this week with a lovely surprise in the mail from your friend, Kacie - let's just say you weren't in the mood when I took my original attempt at photographing your new t-shirt.  We'll try again (after you've had your afternoon nap!) Joining in with the lovely Jodi of Che & Fidel 

The cold weather made being able to see my burgeoning baby bump over the layers of clothing nearly impossible, but it didn't stop us from going and having an adventure.  Yesterday Erick, Sofia, baby and I took a hike in a muddy forest just outside of the city.  Baby is stronger than ever, jabbing and kicking with such force that sometimes all I can do is just sit down and laugh.  My belly will bounce and ripple, and every now and again I'll catch Sofia or Erick looking over with a wide-eyed stare.  We can't wait to find out who it is that's growing in here and causing such a ruckus! The reality is truly starting to set in, and I've been reading up a lot on water birth and catching up on episodes of The Midwives I've downloaded (I cry every time!)  This pregnancy journey has been so much fun.  Relaxed, exciting, and fun. Huge smile! WEARING: KNIT DRESS IN BLACK BY AMERICAN APPAREL  |  PHOTOS: BY ERICK ...

Pops of color on a blank white canvas.  While we have quite a ways to go, we have been busily cleaning, painting and preparing Sofia's old room into a shared nursery for her new companion.  The farthest we've gotten has been a fresh coat of white paint on the walls and a bit of toy organization, but slowly we'll be finishing up and all the unfinished pieces of the puzzle will finally fall into place.  Progress is being made, and I am quite enjoying the relaxed approach we've taken in collecting, sorting and piecing together.  I can't wait to finally share the finished product! A few favorites we've collected so far: • the colorful & modern themis mobile • a wooden rainbow block set • our replica Eames rocker You may have noticed I've been taking a little space to breathe, and for those of you still checking in this space, thank you.  I've been bitten by the nesting bug (finally!) and have dipped my hands into as many projects as I ca...

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013." You can't catch a break, can you?  As soon as you conquer one illness, another one strikes.  It's the worst thing in the world watching your babies being sick, especially when there's not much you can do to prevent it during one of the worst flu seasons we've had.  You've always been more of a papa's girl, but lately all you've wanted was to be in my arms.  I let you help me make blueberry pancakes, fresh whipped cream and bacon, you stood on a chair next to me listening as I explained the steps to you.  We took a shower and you quickly fell asleep in my arms, curled up exactly as you did when you were teeny-tiny. Joining in with the lovely Jodi of Che & Fidel

We have shared so much quality time together the past few days, me and you.  Trips to the midwife where you demonstrate with grunting noises of how mama is going to "push baby out", quick stops in for donuts at our favorite place in the city, climbing up on my lap as I try to finish up the last of my photo editing, and falling asleep together in the big bed. Papa has been putting in long hours at work, so we've both been happily keeping each other company. The last weeks are hard knowing my time to love only you is dwindling.  I'm not quite sure how the heart doubles in size after multiple children, but I trust that it does.

I spent some time last week with my good friend Katie of Off Switch Magazine .  It's always wonderful to spend some time with other creatives to talk blog , photos, projects and life - especially over a steaming cup of coffee or tea.  Katie has some exciting things up her sleeve with the future of the magazine and I can't wait to see how her journey unfolds. Hope you all are off to a lovely week, we have quite the busy one planned over here... (deep breaths!)

A very late, but very cozy, 31 week bump.  Some days I honestly feel enormous, and others like today it seems my belly has shrunk during the night.  I'm resting assured that baby is growing and progressing well within the normal range, but it's still a strange sight to see as things shift and progress in there.  These days I'm often wondering what this baby will be like - musical, goofy and full of whimsical dance moves like big sister? Perhaps a more calm, reserved and quiet child is on its way - an opposite. As always, photos by my talented husband  

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013." Quiet moments around the house have been become our new normal.  Patiently waiting for spring, indulging in naps, talking late into the night. Pure and utter exhaustion have plagued everyone in the family this week - not just your pregnant mum for a change.  Thankfully, you've been up for some extra cuddles and sharing popsicles on the couch with both of us.  Happy, lazy days just planning away, preparing and dreaming... Joining in with the lovely Jodi of Che & Fidel

The last days of winter always spark desire for change.  I can start to smell spring in the air and it settles deep into my bones, a rebirth.  Two years ago, that change was cutting off all of my hair - a horrid idea, now that I look back on it... blegh!  Thankfully - to myself and all who know me - I've decided to take a less dramatic route this year and simply darkened my hair to its natural color. I'm really hoping for a pre-natal massage as I forge through my most uncomfortable weeks, but I still have a ways to go before I get there. I'm certain any pregnant woman would agree that bath time is their most cherished time of the day.  To be weightless, even for a moment, is pure bliss.  I'm lucky if I ever get a bath to myself anymore though, so my littlest companion has been having extra fun with her brand new bubbles from YesTo  baby carrots. While I always try to source products with natural ingredients for my children, I've often fo...

Erick's maternity series got a little write-up today in Let The Kids Dress Themselves . Pop on over if you'd like - we are so happy for the feature!

The countdown is officially on, baby. Less than 9 weeks now (since yes, we are a bit behind with the series again). WEARING : REVERSIBLE EASY SWEATER IN ROUGE BOUCLE BY AMERICAN APPREL   |  PHOTOS: BY ERICK

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013." You were so excited to find out your Tio Nino and Tia Illiana's flight back to Boston was delayed and they got to spend a few days with us here in Chicago - so excited that you kept trying to stay up even after nap time and well, we all know how that goes.  Your happiness quickly turned to the biggest alligator tears once we said it was time to lay down, and this just proves that every photo, every week is so very different.  I want to remember this moment exactly as it happened. Joining in with the lovely Jodi from Che & Fidel

My husband - and others, I'm sure - think I am quite the crazy person walking around in my summer moccasins after a snowstorm.  Rightfully so, I suppose.  My feet are bare, unfazed by the harsh temperatures or the occasional icy piece of fluff that sneaks its way into my shoe. Summertime and the laid-back mentality that comes with it simply havnen't left my heart, and some days is the only thing keeping my seasonal grumps at bay. This winter has been all about just making it through. Most times I can appreciate and welcome each season as it rolls in, but winter this year has been exceptionally hard for myself and for those around me.  I find comfort in knowing that in just twelve short days we will welcome a new friend, Spring, and all the new beginnings she has in store for us. The world will come alive again.  The flowers will bloom.  The dry, barren land will be quenched of its thirst, and we will welcome a new life into the world.  I will sway...

Our good friends at PRSPR Kids have launched their gorgeous new e-shop with highly fashionable and deliciously affordable options for boys and girls.  This is by far my new favorite kids line and I've already got a basket full of goodies loaded for Sofia! For one week only you can take advantage of a nifty little 15% off discount with code: HURRAH15. Happy shopping!

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013." We're running behind as usual, but today I have something special planned.  I've realized that the moments where it will only be the two of us together without a new baby in tow are drawing to a close, so every opportunity I get, I try to make it as special for you as I can.  I hopped in the shower and naturally you followed suit and requested to come and play with me.  Today, I will take you on a date.  Just you and me.  We will go and get warm, flaky pastries at a nearby cafe while I sip my coffee and you spoon out your own bites of foamed milk.  Later we will pick up your Papa and cook dinner together, as night begins to fall.  There will be couch cuddles, story time, back rubs and maybe a late-night dance party.  I know we can't completely prepare you for the changes yet to come, but everyday we hope to show you just how much you mean to us. As far as my favorite 52 por...

Out of all the wedding photos I've gotten myself into lately, I just can't stop looking at this one. Happy March!