Morning mess, Afternoon Applique, and a little laugh

I have been making one mess after another around here and only cleaning enough in between to keep the brain clear. As it turns out my brain operates pretty well in the midst of a physical mess, which you might have guessed by now.



As long as there is one clean pretty space in the process of becoming something, like the quilt on the board in the background. Roman, no surprise, has a front row seat to all the goings on here in the studio. That sounds easier than it is. It doesn't always please him to sit and watch. It doesn't always please me to do instead of cuddle. But we both give in a little and mostly I am just happy that our days are becoming more routine with each passing one. Small rituals arise out of no where.... like making sure to fold large pieces of fabric in front of him, because he really likes following all the motion and color flipping through the air above him.



I felt myself almost striking that balance today that I haven't known in a few years...nurse, cut, rock & pat, sew, cuddle, sew, diaper change, email, swing, sew, nurse.....and so on. Both of us getting in all our varieties of daily duties alongside each other.



And this would be the binky/swing soothing his afternoon sleepies in the background while the needle/thread soothes my long day in the studio in the foreground.

No day would be complete without laughing a little, and here's what did it for me today:

Listening to our Patsy Cline Radio on Pandora has of course given us some Johnny Cash as well (gladly). Eleni was balancing and walking along one particular plank in the hardwood floor today and when I asked her what she was doing she replied "Ohhhh... just walkin' the line."

hope you balanced along a nice line today xoxox Anna

What a baby doll doesn't prepare you for....

... is just how wiggly a real baby can be. And how they seem to have many more arms and legs when you try to change their diaper (even though the arms, legs, toes and fingers were counted within seconds of birth). Baby dolls also don't prepare you for what you find inside the diaper once you open it....but she's proven a willing mommy-in-training nonetheless.



The willingness could have something to do with getting to hold a sweet, dry, and thankful baby afterward. Yes, that's it, I believe. Real babies are totally the best.

Very busy in the studio this week, and Roman watches all from his swing, his bouncy seat, or the breast....which I can now manage with a laptop at the end of my lap and I'm mastering my one-handed typing. As long as he's not set on maximum wiggle mode.

Oh, and speaking of baby, baby, we can't get enough of Pandora with Patsy Cline set in the search field. So, so good, and nostalgic, and almost summery too I think. Maybe just cause its all so southern and sweet and heartach-y.

xoxo, Anna

Two girls + 4 dishtowels + lots of trips to the library = something even I can manage

Our particular towels are found here (of course).

Now that they're busy I think I may sneak off to do this.

xoxo, Anna

They do this to you, don't they?

Turn things upside down, I mean, of course. Mostly in a good way, naturally. But, ohhh, my dear friend, Sleep, where for art thou? He's one whole entire month today. How did this happen? And explain the tiny (yet heartbreaking) pile of clothing already too small??? Sigh.

I'll be back tomorrow with a simple sewing project that me and the girls came up with. And if I can do it (running on fumes) I know that you can. I wish I could say it's for Father's Day. But well. Not right side up enough for that just yet.

kisses, Anna

(yet another cute photo of Roman by Angela)

A weekend

From my spot at the living room table ~



I saw this through the window~



So I went outside and noticed the marker on her hands ~



A few movies and markers made for a very fun Friday night ~



(above my bed) And a very funny Saturday morning ~



It looks like some shopping was done at the playroom bookshelf ~



Oh, I should get back to nibbling the newborn ~

Hope you're enjoying your weekend. xxoo AM

And you thought your summer reading was hard to put down

A rare moment alone and uncuddled.

We spent the day with my friend Angela today, which is a good thing to do when you have a new baby and loads of kids around. Roman was very cooperative and we got so many beautiful shots- even one of the whole gaggle (see new summer banner above-see, see!). I find the prospect of getting a photo of 6 children who are related to each other tends less on the challenging side if their mother is not the one taking it. Angela is amazing. (You need to see more of her gorgeous and quirky and clever baby photos here!!) And believe it or not, we were working too. I will confess that the word "work" has taken on a strange and weird new reality these past few (almost 3!!!) weeks. But for reals. Some of what we did with this little baby counted as work towards a very exciting project thats been underway here for several months. More on that soon enough!!

Thank you for continuing to drop in here and coo with us. I'm thinking of that day when I can offer you a little more than baby photos. But right now anything else feels almost wrong. I'm getting there. My brain is slowly remembering myself again, and I sorta like that. Its always a new me though. New all of us. Remember these thoughts? Yup. Every time.

He's just so hard to put down. Sigh.

(going to pick him up.)
xoxo, Anna

The Boy, Himself

Yesterday was Roman's due date. Tomorrow he is two weeks old. Today I already cannot imagine our lives without him. What were we doing before he arrived? What funny noises did we giggle at or who's soft head did we stroke our cheeks against?

When I was 10 weeks pregnant, I dreamed about a boy born to me with a round face, glowing complexion, golden brown hair. He was so peaceful and smiled as soon as he arrived. It was such a euphoric dream~ an indescribable joy surrounded me nearly to an ache of sorts, and I woke up with the name of Romanos in my mind. This little one seemed to reveal himself to me that morning and I didn't want to wake up from his sweet face. It was then that I began to know him, if thats even possible. It is, I think. Most mamas would agree. And I let everyone know he was a boy before we found out officially. I've had inclinations with most of my pregnancies, only wrong about gender once, I think.

What has been such a gift with this boy is that his demeanor at this stage is just like my dream. Peaceful. Attentive. Tolerant. And smiles, though they be accidental and not what one would describe at the social smile yet, abound. Constant smiles. And I keep saying to Jeff, my mom, and everyone, it's just like my dream. This isn't answered with much acknowledgement of significance. No one says, oh wow, yea you dreamed all this, thats amazing. Rather. Its our sacred little secret. That we've known each other.

And these early days are not filled with only blissful, angelic moments. There are exhausting, sometimes painful, sometimes frustrating moments, but all bridged by interludes that can only be described like our dream~a joy that I don't want to wake up from. Perhaps he dreamed of me too. And so we rest within each other.

xoxo

Taking Turns

Juliana's turn



Nicolas's turn



Joseph's turn



Isabela's turn



Eleni's turn



Daddy's turn

If it weren't for nursing every few hours I'm not sure I'd ever get to hold sweet Roman. Though no one seems to be around between midnight and 8 am. Which is just fine with me. Just fine with both of us.

Promising more pictures and words soon. I just assumed you kind and generous souls would expect a lull here. I so appreciate every comment and email (and gift!) that has been sent this way. We are soaking up every piece of this time and we all thank you!

with so much love, Anna & family

Mama & baby are doing fine

Roman Ambrose Horner arrived Tuesday May 19, 12:40pm

7 lbs 5.75 oz & 20.5 inches

(daddy & lots of elated brothers and sisters are doing fine too!)

Eleni's Spring Accessory Must-Haves

Always a leader and never a follower, Eleni insists that felines on the head are the next big thing. She recently watched precisely two brothers and one sister place live frogs on their heads but decided the side effect of frog-pee on your head wasn't in her current fashion vs. fashion-consequences gamebook. (I decided however that should I want to induce labor via laughter I will ask them all to do the frog thing again.)



She's also noticing Ducks around the neck becoming and important part of the Spring 09 style scene. Classic yet Pop Culture, these charming little quacks are reminiscent of your tub toys yet also provide a nice glimpse of the summer ahead where we'll be floating around on their inflatable cousins.



Feeling a little warm? Try Eleni's pick for cooling oneself on a budget. The obvious solution is at once simple and genius. By recycling your favorite art, you'll have as many one-of-a-kind pieces as your pre-school class can churn out.

Thanks for joining us.

(I don't make this stuff up, I just document it. She really came in "ready" for school outfitted with all three. Which was followed by some some great one on one conversation about form, function, and practicality regarding accessories. I couldn't make this up. Its too good.)

xoxo,Anna

Blue Mama

How did he know???!!!

Okay, despite my blog-begging which would leave no shadow of doubt as to what I might like for Mother's Day, I still can't fake how it actually went down. Real story:

Anna posts obnoxious blog. 10 minutes later, Jeff calls.
Anna: (answers with no assumption in her voice, even though she sees his number on the caller ID): "hullo"
Jeff: "Just get it"
Anna: "Hmm? What?"
Jeff: "the art, buy it, I like it"
Anna: "No, you buy it, that's your job"
Jeff: Pause. Pause. "Anna. Just buy it."
Anna: (defeated) "Okaaahhhyyy."

Which I promptly did. And I was glad about the prompt part, 'cause it was sold out a day or two later. Exactly what I wanted. Maybe not exactly how I wanted it, but I'll take what I can get. I did wait to open it. And my favorite up close detail? That precious little babe's finger (and toe) pointing the way. Love.



Though some contraction action warranted an early check at the OB on Thursday, Friday I was where I said I would be. So glad to have had the chance to see Natalie and have some lovely conversation, book-trading, and sharing. I also left with this too cool stitch-t-shirt-kit which I will be transforming into a layette (the potato sac sort) for the little bub. Anything blue currently is doing the trick.



And I took a picture of my blue breakfast too. These are the kind of antics I get myself into while I twiddle my thumbs. Soon enough though. Having had several babies early makes those who might come on time seem late somehow. My fortune cookie last night said something about patience is joy blah blah blah. Okay.

Hope everyone had a happy Mother's Day!
(I need to make a pedicure appointment to get my toes painted blue now.)

xoxo,Anna

A few sunny things here in Nashville

Many of you are familiar with Natalie "Alabama" Chanin because of her lovely book. Today, I'm excited to let Nashvillians and those in the nearby know that she'll be in town today and tomorrow trunk-showing her Fall/Winter 2009 clothing collection, "Songbirds", at Studio Berry Hill.



From the invite:

"The Alabama Chanin Fall/Winter 2009 Collection has been inspired by what we call "The Songbirds." They include women like Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Allison Moorer, Abigail Washburn, Allison Krauss, The Be Good Tonyas, Elizabeth Cook, Shonna Tucker of The Drive-By Truckers and many, many others."

Thursday & Friday, May 7 & 8, 10am-6pm
Studio Berry Hill
2923 Berry Hill Drive, Nashville, TN 37204

Provided I'm not in labor, I intend to waddle in that general direction sometime today or tomorrow to say hello and maybe pick up some goodies. So excited.



Another favorite. Duy Huynh. My dear friend Meg at Art & Invention first introduced me to his stunning work a few years ago, and I have since been lucky enough to meet Duy, his lovely girlfriend Sandy and watch them spread their wings into more art, and the opening of their own gallery in Charlotte. I am so happy to own one of his pieces (which I would photograph for you if I could move) and even happier watch all the new works that float from his eloquent imagination to gallery walls worldwide.

Though the opening was last week, Duy's works will be showing at Art & Invention through June 14th.

So there ya are.

I often get asked about places to go and things to do here in wonderful Nashville, Tennessee, and will try to make a point of sharing my favorites more often. Who knows, maybe one of these days I'll even start tagging my posts and keeping track by category so you can actually find things when you come here. Sigh. Oh, huge kick! This baby wants out.

xo, AM

Getting Through Today's Rain is brought to you by the color Purple

And its still raining. We did have a break yesterday and I think every soul in middle Tennessee mowed their grass, 'cept us of course. I took this bouquet and a model and a photographer and some other pretty stuff to a nearby park for a photo shoot. My newest big project is underway, (yes, besides the human that I'm growing) and can't wait to share more.



For now though, these royal purple beauties have me feeling like all the rain isn't so bad. If you can indeed reach your weeds its a good time to get those. Not to mention the pitter-patter is so charming if you stay inside.



Look at her in the front. Doesn't she look like she's directing some slickered and galoshed school children across the street? Or maybe she's pointing me to her good side.



Oh yes, I agree. Thank you, gorgeous.



As with most things, its all a matter of what you choose to focus on. Even if RAIN is in the forecast for many days more. (Or it could be that taking directions from and talking to flowers is a serious sign that its time for some sun and fresh air. Hmmm. Whatever feels the most poetic to you.)

xoxoAM

Raining there?

Pouring here. All day. And more to come.
Though it looks like one of those skies now, where a rainbow could suddenly appear.
But just in case it doesn't. Here ya go.

good weekend! xoxo, AM

Other people's babies

(Just to prove that I can talk about more than the yet to arrive baby boy, here are babies, gathered from various sources, that have indeed arrived and do not belong to me - but they are all wearing my fabrics - so I'm willing to discuss....ahem.)



The kind folks at Ottobre were nice enough to share their latest Summer issue with me which includes some of the most adorable uses of Good Folks I've seen yet! (Though there is much Good Folks cuteness to be gandered here too!)



If you've never received an issue of Ottobre, do yourself a favor and subscribe! The seasonal magazine is loaded with nothing but irresistable European sewing designs with the patterns and instructions included. (They even named that tunic up there after me !) I do think that the patterns are intended for the intermediate sewer, as the instructions are very general, but the patterns are all provided within the magazine. Well worth it if you ask me, which you didn't, but you are reading this so its sorta like you asked.



Leila & Grey is a new line of young girls' clothing, based out of Atlanta, and they are producing some seriously smart little items. Lovely clothing, reasonably priced, and their presentation is enchanting.



I was recently alerted that this pic ran a full page in People magazine. Well. Always glad to see a mom with good taste.

Hope everyone is having a good week! xoox, Anna Maria

(ps, I've added some info to the post below regarding curtains & paint colors...)

Make Way Day

A made bed. A rare and welcome occurrence in our (newish) room. (Just ask Martha how rare.) Are you like me and only make your bed when you need to use the bed as a stage for some other task? Please say yes. Anyhoo, the task......



I was almost knocked over with excitement by these two when I asked who would like to help me untag, and sort all the new baby clothes so we can wash them? Where would you do that, but the biggest bed in the house, I ask? Exactly. New baby clothes can't be put on the floor even if you are about to wash them, and the dining room had the ripple growing on it + Nicolas & laptop working some garage band. So.



Oh the squeals and the gasps and the high-pitched little exclamations of ohh and ahh at every little cute (mostly striped it seems) outfit, burp cloth, bootie, hat, crib sheet, sock and towel. They had more fun than me, which is nearly impossible as I have been daydreaming about washing and folding baby clothes for months. I often just stop what I'm doing, stare out the window, and think about pouring in the Dreft, waiting for that smell as it washes, then folding, and humming.



What we now have is that daydream mid-progress. I have passed through the pouring and wash smell part, and saving the folding and humming for tonight.

Yes I did just blog about laundry again.

And the baby again.

And he's not even here yet.

Just wait.

You poor people.

Humm, humm didah didahhmmm.

xo,Anna

A note to answer some questions: Wall color is Behr's "soft heather" and curtains are Anthropologie.