Ella Brooks, Superstar

Well, hello friends and family. We have been out of pocket for a while. I apologize. I have a large amount of stories to share. Today's post will focus on what I am most excited about.

Ella Brooks has her commercial debut this month. We were asked to help in an advertising spot for Parkway Family Medical Group.



EB waiting patiently before her "scene"




EB charming Dr. Wander


Our friend, Hayne Griffin, put together this commercial. He's a talented feller, if I do say so myself.

Parkway Medical from hgriffin on Vimeo.

It was a fun experience. Chris tried talking Jackson, the Administrator of Parkway, into free medical care for life as payment. Sadly, that negotiation came to a draw. We did get all the tongue depressors we could want, though. I guess that will have to do.

On Selling A House

Woke up. Got out of bed. Fed a baby. Played with said baby. Got ready for the day. Got a phone call. While on the phone got another phone call. Did not answer. That would be rude. Left a message. Ended prior conversation. Listened to message. "A showing request for 10:30." Look at the clock. It's 9:55. There are dishes in the sink. Toys on the floor. Quilting supplies asunder. Bathrooms to wipe down. Floors to sweep. A baby to dress. An explosive diaper. Sweep. Wipe. Fold clothes and put them away. Hide dirty dishes. Sweep. Wipe a runny nose. Hers, not mine. Shopping list to put together. Package to mail. Stupid dog. Why does he shed? Load up baby in car. Out of the house. 10:32. Holy cow. I never want to do that again.

Phone rings.

That's What She Sewed

My interest in sewing began during my pregnancy with Ella Brooks. I envisioned precious hand made dresses and fun diaper bags. Never in a million years did I think I would become interested in quilting. That's what mean old ladies do who would rather sit alone at home with their cats, right?

Welp, assumptions are meant to be broken. And I am the proud new creator of a stacked coin quilt. And I don't even own a cat.



Here she is. My first ever quilt.



I'm pretty proud.



I even hand quilted.



Awww.

This particular quilt will be sent to my dear friends, the Offners, who are pregnant with their second baby boy. And due any minute now. Seriously.

Now that I have ventured into the world of quilting, I have discovered this whole subculture of cool young moms that design their own quilts (and other projects) and share their patterns. If you are interested, check them out here:

Cluck Cluck Sew

Crazy Mom Quilts

Purl Bee

And, if you are interested in a baby quilt or lap quilt. I'd love to chat!

My Newest Friend

When it comes to giving me gifts, Chris knows that direct is best. Surprising me doesn't normally work out very well. Occasionally, it is a huge success (ie- the 30th birthday bash at La Paz= huge success). But on the whole, not so much.

This year he listened very carefully. I received a 50 mm 1.8 Nikkor lens for my new camera. This lens allows me to take lovely portraits in relatively low light situations. If you have been to my house, you know it is a low light setting. That makes taking pictures of the little presh-head very challenging.

This new lens has already been used about a gazillion times. Maybe I exaggerate. Maybe not.

All I know is, I love this gift. Thank you, better half. You are the best!



EB loves the lens, too.



Or maybe it's the robins in the backyard?



What do I hear?



Daddy's home!

Accidental Fun

On Friday we headed over to Statesville to enjoy a night with our dear friends, the Bucklads. It was meant to be a one night visit, but turned into two when our Saturday plans quickly changed thanks to a certain basketball team losing early in a certain tournament. (Jamey, what happened?)

The change in plans allowed us to have a leisurely Saturday. After a morning at a glorious doughnut shop (evidence below) Leigh and I headed to IKEA while the menfolk watched over their progeny.


The amazing selection of fresh doughnuts


Happiness is. . .

One of my favorite parts of the weekend was the friendship between Miles and Ella Brooks. They loved playing together. When they woke from their naps they were excited to see one another. Their joy was evident. And so sweet.


Miles giving EB a push


Fleeting moments

Thanks Bucklads for giving us a wonderful impromptu weekend away!

Like Mother Like Daughter, Part Deux

As many of you may know, I love to sew. Chris and his parents purchased a Singer sewing machine as my Christmas gift two years ago and I have been putting it to good use. It's easy to do when all of your friends are having babies.

Because of this interest I spend a great deal of time in Asheville's amazing fabric shops. That means Ella Brooks does, too. She watches me patiently (please read the previous statement in a sarcastic tone) as I carry around bolts of cloth pairing patterns and colors. I could spend hours shopping for fabrics, but the little dictator does not really permit that.

Recently I noticed I did not hear the little presh-head playing. This is what I found:













She'd found the fabric scrap stash and decided to play the fabric shopping game. I watched her sort and investigate textures. I watched her mix and match and then, eventually, decide on the fabrics she loved.

I am so proud.

Our Model Daughter

As many of you know, I enjoy sewing. It is a therapeutic way to productively channel my obessive compulsive tendencies. Fortunately, Asheville is a sewing town. We have fabric shops aplenty.

Ella Brooks and I recently ventured into one of our favorites, Waechters. (It is located in Biltmore Village on Brooks Street just behind JCrew.) One of the owners of the shop spotted us shopping and asked me if I would be willing to let Ella Brooks model for their e-magazine, "Sew Wow". Being a proud mom, I said yes.

It has been over a month since the photo shoot and the magazine has finally posted. I was beginning to grow impatient!

Here is the link.

EB is modeling 3 separate outfits. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I'm trying really hard not to get a stage mom complex.



But it's really hard when EB insists on being so darn cute.

What's a mom to do?