What's been going on around here?

Lately I seem to be taking less and less photos of Anabelle and our daily outings. Not because we aren't doing anything, but just because I don't think of it. This leads to a decrease in blogging-sorry. Our days are generally filled with play dates with friends, story time at the library, grocery shopping and errand running, and playing/ chores at home. Anabelle is doing great. She talks so much and says the smartest/funniest things! She picks up on a lot of things that surprise me. She can really be entertaining to watch and play with. Both John and I were just remarking the other day how well behaved she was most of the time, and that she didn't seem to throw as many tantrums as we'd expected. Well Anabelle must have heard this and decided that she would show us that she can act like a typical 2 year old with the best of them. The last few days she has been more whiney than usual and is also exerting her independence. Often you can hear her saying "Apabow do it!" (we are still working on saying Anabelle) repeatedly, followed 5 minutes later by a scream of "Mama help you!!!" (i.e I need help). I am glad she is learning to be more independent and I know that this is a big area of development that all children go through, it can just be exhausting sometimes.

I finally managed to finish some sewing projects I had been working on for the fall. The first one is a little owl dress that I made for Anabelle. I had originally bought the fabric back over the summer thinking I would use it to make something for Marena and Adam's little boy, Everett. But the brown corduroy owl material just never seemed right for anything I was making. So instead of wasting it, I decided it would make a cute jumper. I had some real difficulties while sewing this and made some stupid mistakes, but thanks to some suggestions from some sewing friends I was able to fix it. I think it turned out pretty cute. It's a little big right now, but hopefully that means it will fit her for a few months. Anabelle was not in the mood to have her picture taken, so I just snapped some pictures while she was playing.

The second project is a turkey shirt for Thanksgiving. Last year it was my first ever sewing project (on a machine) to make Anabelle a turkey shirt and I loved it, so I thought she should have another one this year. It was my first attempt at words on a shirt and although it takes much longer, I like how it turned out. I think she'll wear it with a jean skirt on Turkey day-Gobble Gobble!

Last year's shirt

This year's shirt, similar but with some changes.

Now that I am done with my fall sewing projects I should really jump right into working on the Christmas/Winter things I want to make. Maybe if I start now I'll finish before December is half over. A girl can dream right?

We are heading to Houston on Friday to have Thanksgiving with John's family. I am hopeful that Anabelle will be good for the flight, I think she is old enough to be interested and excited in what is going on and enjoy traveling a little more than in the past. I think it will also help that she will have her own seat and we will have a whole row to ourselves. I know Anabelle is excited to see Grandma and Grandpa as well as her Super-Duper Auntie Tish, Aunt Mary and Uncle Mike and her cousins. Our trip has been a frequent topic of conversation around here as we get ready. Be sure to check back next week and I am sure I will have more photos to post of our visit.