Mia is THIS CLOSE to walking!

Okay so she holds onto the couch and to the crib and walks around. I mean, I don't even think she realizes what a big deal this is. Granted she looks like drunk Elvis, but still. She even lets go for a sec but always falls and decides crawling is a much easier form of transport. It's only a matter of time before she takes those first few unassisted steps.

I think the most excited I've gotten is earlier today - we walked across the room together (we practice this A LOT) but instead of holding and balancing with my hands, she lightly held onto my pants. I mean, lightly. And she was such a pro.

What am I supposed to do when she starts walking? I guess I'll figure it out. I asked myself the same thing when she learned to crawl. Anyway, this is a fun stage. I can't imagine her being any bigger, talking and playing and singing and dancing. Brandi said Lexi is taking cheerleading and gymnastics (she's 3). How did she get so big so fast? Little people are awesome to have around.

Summer Solstice Dress

What do you think? Would you buy this for your daughter?

Go to www. etsy.com to see where I'm going with all of this.

Another Dress I Made Last Night

I love this one and wish I could fit into it.

Cute as a Button

Mia is modeling one of my latest creations.

She looks pretty darn cute in it, don't ya think?

She likes the dress too. What she does not like is this weird Adams Family chair.

Get me out of this chair, Ma. Like NOW.

There we go. Much better!

Oh and WOW. Time for someone's first haircut, maybe?

Pulling up to standing is way cool. So much more I can reach!

But sitting is fun too. So are toes!

The look I get when I sing her The Wheels On the Bus. Her absolute favorite song.

Toothie McGee

My Little Teething Monkey

Huh? Who you callin' a monkey?

You so silly!

How Pete Found Us the Other Day

Passed out.

Little Van Gogh

Okay so Mia painted some art for a Father's Day gift with non-toxic acrylics. We wanted to give Daddy something he could put up in his upcoming garage/office/man cave.

We had a little bit of a clean-up afterward.

But it sure was a lot of fun.

Okay one more...

Pillow I made with leftover fabric. Now I want to make like 500 pillows.

Getting Bigger and Bigger Everyday

People ask how old she is and I have to stop and think. Hearing the words 10 months roll off my tongue is pretty insane. Where on Earth has time gone? Seriously?

In approx. 6-7 weeks she'll be 1. Suddenly we'll be able to measure her age by the numbers of fingers she's holding up. How old is Mia? One!!! We're already practicing this, but I'm not ready. In fact, I'm in complete denial. People keep saying she's going to walk soon, but I keep telling myself it will still be a while. Truth is, she's already taking tiny steps while holding onto something. It's just a matter of her working up enough confidence and courage to....... let go. And she'll be off, just like that.

Pete and I also think she's saying her first word, other than Momma and Dadda. Guess what it is? Dog. She says it now when she sees Chili or Kenya. She'll point and say doh. It's pretty darn cute. Anyway, I better get to party planning. It's going to be here before I know it.

Another one...

I made this one last Saturday. I'm practicing with cheaper fabric until I get pretty good. I threw the last one in the wash (doing a little of my own quality assurance). I just found a tutorial online on how to make the ties, so I'll try that this week. In the meantime I've ordered some pretty funky mod/retro fabrics. I'm excited to create more stuff.

Today was our 3rd wedding anniversary. The 3 of us went out to dinner and she wore this dress - looked adorable! I need to get a shot of her in it. Anyway, I think a sewing machine is one of the coolest things I've ever bought. It's pretty addicting once you get going.

Look What I Made!!!

I bought a sewing machine a few weeks ago and have been spending every free minute on it trying to learn. So far I've made a couple baby blankets, coasters and handmade funky fabric buttons. Anyway last night I took a shot at making a pillowcase dress for Miss Mia Moo.

Made with Amy Butler fabric, I had to start by A) creating the pillowcase (most of these dresses are made directly from pillowcase sheets but none of our bedding is that cool) and then B) cutting up said pillowcase to form and sew the dress. Took approx. 2 hours because I had no clue what I was doing. I'm considering accenting the neckline in the center with a large pink or lime fabric button to match. I'm also thinking of removing the ribbon and sewing ties out of coordinating fabric (probably from the button) instead. What do you think?

Update - I posted the dress on a popular mommy message board and it's getting rave reviews! Move over Gymboree and Baby Gap! I think I'll call this one "Lotus Blossom."

Our Big Girl

Just turned 10 months old! Can you believe it? One year ago this month I was put on bed rest. It's a lot of work making something this adorable!

Every morning Mia wakes up with more teeth, I swear. I'm losing count. She has 6 with a few more cutting through.

Chili also has lots of teeth.

She wasn't a big fan of the swing that day. Thought it was super scary.

My beautiful girl.

Reading her favorite book, Mille Moo.

Runaway Monkey

This is what happens when we try and get ready for bath/bedtime.

She slips out of my hands and tries to run away. Monkeys don't need to take baths!

Someone I know is B-A-N-A-N-A-S.

More Utah Vacation

Her first time on a plane. (She thought turbulence was HILARIOUS!)

Umm, where the heck am I?

Our little explorer.

Look, we have matching double chins!

Nuffer Country.

Chillin.

Grandma and Baby Cohen. (... or is it Conan? ;) )

Zion National Park.

Nature Baby.

The prettiest girl in the park.

Going to be as tall as her Aunt Jess soon.

Good times.

A Nufferific Day.

Had a great time in Utah! There aren't many pics after this sequence because Little Mamasita caught a cold. And you guys really don't want pics of boogers. Anyway, our hit-or-miss camera messed up all of the indoor shots, bummer. Can't wait to see everyone again!

Mia Jones and the Temple of the Lost Binky

Mia on one of her many adventures.

With Mommy in the middle of nowhere.

More pictures to come!!!