diapers and skinny jeans

in the quiet of your heart, you will hear them. little wild moments, free of judgement and fear. they are authentic, sweet girls, and they are yours. no need to be embarrassed; don't be pressured into shame. deep, deep, desires and your hopes of life and change. dreams in the night sky, dreams at the sun's rise. twirling through your headspace, everything your heart says, v i b r a t i n g  w i d l y, jotted down on a page. ____  i've been thinking a lot about my own dreams lately, the things i've been lucky enough to accomplish this year and everything i hope for 2014. the sling diaries experience has brought out the creative side of me that had been pushed to the back of my mind for a while. it has inspired me to bare everything - to have the confidence to believe in myself and manifest some of my own treasured visions to light. to contribute to something even bigger t...

49/52 "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013." Alba- most everyone thinks you're a serious baby, but I always see your smirks. Sofia- wrapped up in linen, never too old to be worn - I'll treasure this photo forever. I cannot believe we're almost done with this series! Only a few weeks left now. Just looking at this diptych I am reminded of how much my children have grown over the year. I can't keep thinking about it or I might get too teary... thank you all for letting me catch up these past few days. This blog of mine will be getting some much needed attention and care in the new year : ) 

whether or not we were prepared for it, the chill of winter is here. it bites and it stings, the kind of sharp air that burns your cheeks. we can all feel the certain restlessness that accompanies these coming months. the sun sets early now and most days we stay in the comforts of home. it happens every year, i will find myself sitting at my desk tap-tap-tapping my pencil with eyes blankly staring at the wall in front of me, aching to be outside and trying to build up the nerve to bundle up. the temperatures hit the lowest they've been all season and my patience was dwindling, so your papa and I took you both to the hill we visited this past summer, dressed in as many layers as we could fit underneath your tiny bodies. we parked our car, you were both napping, rubbing your eyes you squealed in delight when you realized where we were. it amazes me how a such a tiny human can have the capacity  to remember moments you've ...

42/52 "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013." Sofia - forever my fearless, lone explorer.  There are no limits for you. Alba - gifts from the sweetest of friends , finally cool enough to wear your toque. 

"A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013." Sofia:   I have been so proud of you this week.  You came down with a virus and had to use the nebulizer for the second time already this year. Since the last experience, you completely surprised me and were such a good girl at the doctor's office. You didn't cry, you sat still, and fell asleep in my arms before we even left the office.  Thankfully, you're much better now. Alba:   Since it was World Breastfeeding Week, how could I not celebrate by showing you as you are now, nursing as you please, preferably wrapped up next to me.  My biggest challenge has been keeping you out of your sister's germy grasp.  Keeping a virus from spreading to everyone in the family is tough work! As always, joining in with the lovely Jodi .

Three Favorites from the 52 Project Sofia - 18/52 communion cake outside -  9/52 fun in the shower - 17/52 little flower fairy Alba - 19/52 her first appearance in the series -  26/52 the sweetest stare -  22/52 sling naps My girls, we are already halfway through this year and of course, I'm sitting here in disbelief at the speed of time. Watching your growth over the past six months has been as magical as ever. Sofia, you've blossomed into a little lady, a protective and playful big sister, an independent adventurer. Alba, I've watched you change before my eyes from a squishy newborn to a bright-eyed chunky monkey flashing me smiles that melt my heart to puddles. I'm honored to be the mother of these two amazing little girls. The lights of my life.

With many of my friends and family members all expecting new bundles of joy, (or those of you looking for great eco-friendly gifting options), I have created a list of a few of my most used items in those first few weeks.  It's certainly not everything, but it's a very good start to some of our most used, tried and true essentials.  I'm sure I'll have more to add, and would love to hear some of your favorites, too! feeding: I am happy to report that Alba is a fantastic sleeper at night, and I think that has something to do with her nursing around the clock during the day.  While I've been at home, I've been pumping with a Medela Pump-In-Style Advanced to try and stock up our freezer before returning to work.  When I do end up getting a few hours out, the bottles from Life Factory are eco-friendly, durable, and some of the best I've used through two babies. And of course, who wouldn't love these handmade cloth bibs ? sleeping: The most com...

__ "A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013." Sofia  -  Giving hugs to your best friend in the whole world, Violet .  I don't think she likes my camera much. Alba  -  Sleeping soundly in the spring breeze, wrapped in a single layer of linen, close to my heart. It has been a busy week filled with the perfect combination of visitors, quiet time alone, beautiful spring weather, family and friends.  I am enjoying my newborn bubble and staying close to home. As much as I've been itching to get out and enjoy the weather, we've been taking it nice and slow in regards to introducing Alba to the world around her.  I've been very lucky to have some wonderful people taking care of me, and it has made the transition into being a mama-of-two significantly easier. We are so very grateful and lucky to be surrounded by such a loving village. linking up with jodi

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 ...

We've been out and about lately, but this week I am hunkering down on my housework.  I have lots to do before we head off on an airplane to Mexico, and even more on my mind as I'm beginning to plan the little details of it all.  A portfolio site is still in the works as far as my photography, we've purchased the last of the odds-and-ends we need to wrap up these house projects (and nearly took home everything from IKEA in the process), and I'm beginning to sketch out the plans for our garden this year.  There have been more "poop in the bathtub" incidents, continuously falling snow, pants that come off the minute I'm home from work, two-year birthday parties, and some photo booth portraits  that have happily graced our presence.  I love this life. What have you been up to lately? 

A while back, I had posted about dreading the change of the season.  I was so caught up in my whirlwind of a summer, the beautiful weather, the bare feet, the music and late night dancing in the wilderness, camping, and vacations that I barely remembered or welcomed the un-rushed pace that comes with the beginning of fall. Living in the middle of the city has been a blessing for finding new, exciting and bustling places to eat and explore, but so many times I'm wishing for the opportunity to do something a little less... urban .  I grew up in the country, and Erick, in the city- so now we've been doing our best to give our child the best of both worlds. We took a drive about 40 minutes south of the city to a little place in the suburbs and welcomed the crisp and cool air that kissed our cheeks as we embarked on a tiny adventure in the forest.  Hiking with a toddler is such an enriching exper...