Le Sigh

Oh, sleepy.

We, or should I say, I had an unusually long early morning with our wee one. For the past two days he's been waking up at 4:30 due to his diaper and then, as he's awake, wants to play. Not eat. Play.

He's very sweet about it, but it's not his norm and I'm finding myself very tired. I have no qualms about letting him fuss it out as one, he's not my first, so I know he's not being hurt by crying for a little while. And two, consistent sleep in necessary for a child to be healthy and develop properly. At least this is what I tell myself when he fusses for his "Muma".

It breaks my heart.

After a little while he'll go back to sleep, and I know this is a phase his little body is going through. It will pass soon enough so it's not a big deal. He'll still wake up happy and his day will proceed like normal. He'll sleep beautifully during the day and night, eat well, play happily, and perhaps his diaper will wake him up at 4:30. Or maybe not.

I just wish I could be like my husband at times like this. He can go without sleep and function normally-without coffee. How is that normal?

No matter. The little one is back asleep after his morning bottle and will wake in about an hour or two for his breakfast. No harm is done by this slight hiccup in his sleep pattern, and he's definitely no worse for wear. So if he's fine and happy, that's what is most important.

I'll be fine and dandy...

As long as no one takes my morning coffee. Ha!

A lovely weekend to you all. Tonight is sleepover night, and things are bound to get fun and frolicky with the girls. Pictures to come-I'll see you all in Photographic February.

Delicious Lovely

Have I told you all how much I adore Etsy?

Not only is it great to support people brimming with talent, but I love making purchases from those with cool vintage ware.

For example...See that gorgeous snake-skin handbag above?

I bought it.

Leigh, from Found, Now Home, has her own Etsy store, Lois and the Ladybug. Named after her beautiful little one, this vintage boutique has fabulous items from fabrics to purses to shoes to dishware. There's even a book about my home of New Orleans that I'm hoping to purchase very soon.

It's just a suggestion, but this Southern Lady thinks you should check out what she has available. The items are fantastic, as are the prices. Just click on the link attatched to the store name and enjoy!

Me? I'm going to figure out just when I'm going to take my new clutch out for a night on the town.

Thanks again, Leigh!

Wordless Wednesday

Photographic February

Since my days are getting busier and my blogging time shorter, I've decided to take a cue from another busy mom, Darby, from the wonderful "The Sticklers" blog. All February I will be doing a picture post a day (perhaps two if they're extra special). I won't be disappearing for long, friends, I just need a bit of a breather, and chances are that despite my intentions, I'll be writing anyway.

I do have family that check on our blossoming blog, and this is our way of communicating at times.

Once February first hits, be sure to check in daily as you see our life-and Charlotte-captured in colorful and sometimes amusing images. And look for this southern lady as she will be celebrating a birthday!

Have a lovely day, all. My eldest is celebrating Student Appreciation Day and with no homework this evening (which is something we're unaccustomed to), much fun will be had as we prepare for this weekends big sleepover party.

See you in February!

Catholic Schools Week

As my title indicates, today is the kick off to Catholic Schools Week. Across the country all Catholic schools will perform acts of service, celebrating their faith, and showing appreciation to those who educate them, and the schools that allow them to be fortunate enough to practice and enjoy their faith freely.

You'd think that attending a Catholic school would mean that every day means service and following through faith. Prayer. In many ways it does, but this week allows for a more specific focus. Every day will celebrate service in a new, enlightened way.

My eldest will be bringing in canned foods for the local food pantry and supplies for local schools that are without. She'll also bring in hygiene items for A Child's Place. This will be a new experience for the children. Not because it involves bringing in these items, but because A Child's Place reaches out to homeless children within the Charlotte area. This is something our children simply can't fathom.

At all.

Currently there are 2493 identified children/students that are without a home. Can you imagine? It's something you simply don't hear about and it broke my heart to learn this.

Speakers from A Child's Place will help to enlighten our little ones to the situation within their city. The younger ones will simply listen and ask questions during the presentation, while the older students will participate in an experiment in which they'll learn-to a degree-what it means to have the things you love taken away, and and to be left with nothing.

If nothing else, our young ones will walk away with a new found appreciation for the things they have-both big and little. I know I would. And if it can impact both young and old(er), then it's a job well done.

Enjoy your day ahead, friends. I am going to spend a ltitle extra time today giving thanks for my many blessings, and praying for those who need them.

"C" is for Cupcake

Can you tell what I've been craving? With the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living and the blogs celebrating bite-sized cakes, is it any wonder that I'm about to embark on a sugar rush of epic proportions?

Charlotte has many wonderful restaraunts. But cafes and bakeries? Not so much. Perhaps it's because this is a banking metropolis. I would think that bankers, auditors, investors, and other employees would need a sugar fix, but apparantly for them coffee is the way to go.

Le sigh.

The one pastry shop that my mom friends and I adored, Marguerite's French Bakery, closed after a few months because "the demand for it was not there". Or so said a critic who was just as upset by its untimely closing.

So what is a girl, with a child who has an identical sweet tooth, to do? Searching with the help of the blog Cupcakes Take the Cake, I was able to locate two cupcake cafe's in our city. Perhaps "cafe" is a broad stretch, but it serves cupcakes and sweets and since it fits the bill, I'm a happy mommy.

One is the Polka Dot Bake Shop. I'd completely forgotten about it, but their little cakes are fabulous! They come in many unique flavors, and are too cute for words. See?

The other bake shop is Vela Delight. I'm really looking forward to trying these out not only for the many delicious options, but to show support to the young girl who runs and owns the store. She started it as an experiment earlier last year and her love for food and art created this incredible online bake shop. And when I say she's young, I mean not even in high school young.

Isn't that encouraging? To see a child show such passion and work hard for something she loves? In a world where so many feel entitled, I'm betting her cupcakes will be as refreshing as her story.

I'll let you all know!

A very sweet weekend to you all.

I Am Loving . . .

Sasha and Malia Obama. I know the country is already swooning over these two, but doesn't this picture say it all? They're cute, sassy, and no doubt will provide a lighter side to our new administration. There is something very special about them, and whether or not their father was the new President, it would still be very obvious.

Boxes from Hermes. I have no business even going into this store in Southpark, but I do. Just to look. Everything is fabulous. But to be honest, I like the boxes a little bit more than the merchandise.

Dr. John. This famous New Orleanian has a voice that can inflame even the most sedate of people. His music is as much a taste of the Crescent City as a bowl of Gumbo. If you've never listened to him, I suggest you do so right away-he is just phenomenal.

Kashi's Mediterranean Pizza. Most of Kashi's products are good, while some are just all right. But when my local grocery store stopped carrying my favorite organically made Greek pizza (darn you Cedar Lane!), I started looking for suitable alternatives. I gave this product a try three days ago, and while it's nowhere near the same, the flavor is amazing. I am a full-fledged convert.

Godiva's Dark Chocolate Raspberry Shake. It's a bit much for everyday, but everytime I'm in Southpark, I can't help but go to Godiva to order one. It's sooooo delicious!

Inauguration and First Snowfall 2009 : As American As . . .

Apple pie anyone?

After many a discussion, our family decided that we'd enjoy a nice slice of apple pie (a la mode) in celebration of our 44th President. We've been watching the festivites all morning, but to be honest, President-elect Obama has been eclipsed by our first snow-fall.

Both children were ecstatic.

Our eldest has had an extra day tacked on for no school, thus her four day weekend is now a blissfully snow-filled fifth. Our wee one just couldn't help but get excited. He knew something was going on, but unsure as to what, took a cue from his big sister and bounced around happily, squealing and laughing with her.

He is now bundled up in his crib, fast asleep. The snow completely wore him out.

But before that...

Let There be Peace on Earth

Portrait courtesy of Bruni

Every year that we have this day off, I enjoy the extra time that is spent with my family. But as my eldest has grown I've become increasingly concerned that the message of this day is becoming lost.

Today should be a day of service and giving back, not simply an extra day off of school or work. It shouldn't be about the final day of a great sale. It should be about what Dr. King preached: reaching out to your fellow man; embracing differences and working together.

Several mother's and I were discussing this during a recent prayer group and while I'm very guilty of doing the above, I'd like to try and change. It may take baby steps, but every ltitle bit counts.

If there were one thing you couild do to honor the spirit of today, what would you do?

Offering Prayers for the Stamps

If you look to the right of this screen, you'll see the icon "Praying for Harper".

I began reading Kelly Stamp's family blog a while ago, celebrating the big moment when she discovered that she and her husband, Scott, were expecting their child. As a mother who knows just how hard it is to bring life into this world, this was a triumph on many levels. God answered their prayers just as he had ours.

Harper Brown Stamps was born on January 16th, full term and a very healthy weight and size. Due to a possible lung/heart complication, she is also in very critical condition. Please follow the link attatched to the icon if you wish to offer the Stamp family your support and prayers. Their story is not unique, but is meaningful and proof that God touches the lives of everyone great and small.

Right now someone very small needs all of our most heart-felt prayers. Even if you're not the religious sort or the praying type, kind thoughts can still give a worried mind ease. Kelly and Scott are truly inspirational as they are celebrating that their daughter is here and fighting.

Please take a moment out of your day to celebrate your own miracles, and remember that nothing is impossible with God's love.

The Blossoming Beau's Room

Do you all recall my post from this mornging? Well, Sarah from Jeune Marie did the most wonderful thing possible: she created an idea board for my wee one's future bedroom. I was blown away by how elegant, yet boy and child-friendly the entire board was. I offer a great deal of thanks to her for her efforts-especially since she's under the weather.

And without further ado, may I present the most fabulous little boy's room. Ever.

For a Blossoming Beau...

Through the blog world I have had the greatest pleasure of being introduced to the ever blossoming Quon family of Southern Blossoms. Written by the "Southern Lady" as she calls herself, giving us a glimpse of her life with her beyond gorgeous children and home (and how did I not know this gal is a Rebel like my parents until today?? Hotty Toddy!). With my recent love of the houndstooth pattern as inspiration, Ms. Quon decided to upcycle some taupe houndstooth drapes into twin bed duvet covers for her youngest child, whom I am dubbing the blossoming beau...

(Cutest. little. boy. ever. What a doll!!)

When she asked her readers for some ideas for the bebe Beau's future bedroom based off of a Domino magazine inspiration photo, I couldn't resist suggesting she try a coordinating tweed for the nailhead trim, matching twin headboards. In addition, I also couldn't keep myself from putting my two cents in for the overall bedroom concept... (no surprise there right?) I would love to see this little Southern beau's room done in a "Hunter & Hound" theme. With the rich textured fabrics (which are essentially stain and oopsie proof) it is no surprise how I came to choosing the hunter and hound as inspiration, not to mention our mutual love for all things Southern.


So a charming room for an adventurous little boy was created.

I love young children's rooms because they allow for you to incorporate the child's ever changing interest while still having an over all design. In my mind, I picture the two twin beds with tweed head boards and houndstooth duvets, each with a Hunter & Hound theme pillow to match. In between the beds an old writing desk that can be used for homework once the little guy grows into a young adult. The desk would host a lamp and hanging above would be a charming art print of every boy's best friend, his tail wagging pup! Bedtime stories such as Huck Finn and The Fox & The Hound could also be found in this room along with a big leather chair for mama and daddy to read with him. A large chest at the foot of each bed for toy storage and a Hunter & Hound theme switch plate are other fun choices for this room and all of this would even look great with red headboards like the Domino pic or tweed as suggested. Either would be stunning.

I do hope the Southern Lady enjoys this as much as I do! I can't wait to see what the room will evolve into as this precious blossoming beau grows before our eyes!

And I do, Sarah, I do. Thank you again, lovely Jeune Marie!

Houndstooth and Little Boys

When Sarah from Jeune Marie posted about her desire to use a houndstooth fabric in her new lady's study, I immediately thought of the cream on taupe that my mother purchased for me a few years back. Sarah was hoping to use a bold, feminine pink on white, but after reflection considered the exact fabric that we had made into curtains. Thank you for that, Sarah! It gave me the perfect inspiration for future usage.

This fabric that was made into curtains? When our wee one is ready to move from his crib to a regular bed, these curtains are going to be transformed into twin duvet covers for his beds.

Am I getting ahead of myself? Perhaps. But as many of my friends know, I am a planner and sometimes I do think years ahead. It's one of my many lovable quirks.

Here is the inspiration picture for our little one's future room:

Many of you will recognize this image from Domino magazine. The upholstered headboards with nailhead trim, the injection of unexpected, fun colors. It's energizing and quirky-perfect for my son. In certain aspects it's a bit bold for my tastes, but I love the concept. Colors and patterns can be suited to taste, so it's not a big deal.

My question is...what sort of other fabrics and colors would you consider for our little boy's room? Like I said, planning way ahead is not out of character, and it will certainly make things easier when it comes time to make this change.

Suggestions welcome!

Seven

Good morning, darling one, and welcome to your seventh month in this world. Has it been good so far? I think so, yes. You have a very strong personality-a million times more assertive than your sister was as a little one. We always know when you're happy beacuse of your beautiful smile-bottom teeth and all-and your laughter. You coo and gurgle, blowing raspberries to let us know you're content. You also never hesitate to let us know when you're not happy, but I like to think it's primarily because you love being comforted. You're a force to be reckoned with and talk to us constantly; your body, mind, and voice always propelling you forward.

You are trying to keep up with your eight-year old sister, after all.

In a bid to continue your momentous growth towards boyhood, last night you delighted myself and eldest by standing up in your crib. You were tickled with yourself, pleased as punch that you could do what the big people do. You continued to stand throughout the remainder of the night, not quite as happy since you hadn't figured out how to get back down. That was allright. I was happy to help and give you extra snuggles in the quietest of the pre-dawn hours.

You are so different from your sister in your personality. Boisterous, emotional, gregarious. But these have become parts of you that I cherish as they've helped define the little guy you are. You already have an advantage over most of us-you know what you like, you know when you need it. Sometimes it makes you a little more demanding than I'd like, but you're a baby. We can practice self-control when you're a little older.

Like next week.

Joking aside, you remind me of eldest in your other traits and quirks. You refuse to crawl, insisting quite vocally that you're a walker like the rest of us. Your legs simply don't know it yet. You smile at everyone, have the sunniest disposition. You can be taken anywhere at anytime and always behave beautifully. Do you know how many compliments your behavior receives? You love people; being held, talked to, and surrounded by them. Crowds don't bother you, neither does noise. Maybe this is why you sleep at night and now that you're finally being fed regular meals like the rest of us, during the day, too.

You share your sister's beauty, which you can thank your father and I for. We do make good-looking children, don't we? You'll continue to thank us when you're older and your phone won't stop ringing because of all of the proper young ladies who would like to hold hands and go out for milkshakes with you. And if you're really feeling wild, maybe you'll go to a sock-hop.

This month ahead promises many more milestones and as you push yourself daily to keep up with your older family of three, you'll reach some before I'm ready. But you'll be ready. And isn't that what counts?

Thank you for blessing my life every day. Your laughter, tears, and constant stream of chatter brings a light into the life of this family we only hoped we'd experience again.

We love you, precious boy,

Mommy

Board Meeting

Image courtesy of This Young House

This morning the wee one and I will be attending my monthly Board meeting for the PTO. It's my second year as Vice President of Academics, and there is much to report as 2009 kicks off.

The past two years I have been beyond blessed to have such dedicated, caring parents that chair all of my committees. What's more, they've managed to create such fun programs out of things involving science, math, and reading, that the children cannot wait to become involved. Their love of learning has become just that: a love.

But I have to admit something to you all. Despite the fact that I (oddly enough) enjoy these meetings, my mind is going to be traipsing around elsewhere. It's going to be hard to concentrate.

Why?

Because of the Target Home Design Event. Oh, yes. I will join in the madness and hopefully find some things Chez Quon simply cannot do without. At the top of my list are the chairs in the picture above. I am in love with their clean, elegant lines, the muted, neutral fabric.

Did I mention my husband's office needs chairs? Perhaps I can persuade him to loves these as much as I do.

So if you all didn't know about this sale-now you do. I insist you go out immediately and enjoy the thrifty ways to design your home with style, courtesy of Target.

Good Morning, Sunshine!

This weekend my husband gave the most wonderous gift. He let me sleep in. Both mornings. The children both sleep in and sleep well during the night, so I don't usually need the extra sleep. But was it ever good! I felt like Southern Blossom 2.0-the upgrade.

And apparantly I wasn't the only one who enjoyed all of the lovely sleep. Below is my wee one as he wakes from an afternoon nap. Eldest is there as always to greet him with love and a smile.

Enjoy!

Guess who's awake?

Feeling very playful, our little one babbles around his favorite paci.

Playful and laughing

Would you look at those long, thick lashes?

Someone has a serious case of bedhead. Love him and his polkadots.

Wide-eyed and adorable.

Big sister is there to rub his little back as he wakes up.

Peek-a-boo, I see you!