Remember earlier this year when Phil and I worked on some prototypes for making baby moccasins? We finally came up with a shoe we were happy with but needed to try them out on a baby. After Audrey came along we realized that our design didn't stay on baby feet very well, so it was back to the drawing board to find something that actually stayed on.
We're really happy with the moccasins! Audrey is a little enamored with them too. She likes to stare at her feet and tries to grab the shoes. Cute!
We have two designs, with fringe and without.
The sizes range from 6 weeks-12 months.
Each moccasin is hand cut from recycled leather and hand-stitched. The soles are machine stitched for reinforcement.
We've decided to sell a limited number of these moccasins initially at a special price of 30 dollars (plus shipping). Please email me at taliavanderwel(at)gmail(dot)com if you are interested!
You might recall that Mr. van der Wel shaved his moustache around this time last year for a more somewhat clean shaven look. I married a handsome handsome man.
After that he grew the beard out and has sported it for some time. Phil has facial hair growing super powers. He just shaved it off and said hello to his moustache. It's a great moustache.
It rules so hard.
Seriously.
xo
Talia Christine
The only downside is that Audrey is a bit shy around Phil now. She doesn't recognize him without the beard. Awww :(
This morning Phil took work off so that we could both take Audrey down to the doctors for her shots. Her 3 month shots. We are a bit behind... Anywho. Our routine is that I step out of the room (So I don't lose my cool... entirely) and Phil holds Audrey and then I come back in to smother her with motherly love while Phil cheers us on.
As I was leaving the curtained room the nurse called me a coward. I said, "Yes, I am." and scuttled out of the room. But what I wanted to do was rip the curtain back open and say, "Excuse me?? I am no coward because it pains me to see my daughter in pain! Even if it's momentary. I love my daughter."
But I didn't.
Audrey cried and I went back in and tried to nurse her which she wanted nothing to do with. We settled for cuddles instead, which I was more than happy to give out.
We did better this time. Less tears on my part and Audrey has coped better afterward. No fever yet! She is a bit grumpy, but that's understandable too.
Maybe the nurse was having a bad day? Maybe the nurse is just a bit grumpy all the time. Who knows.
So weird though! How do you respond to grumpiness? My favorite tactic is to play possum and let it blow over as quickly as possible.
Seriously though.
...
On a side note. Phil announced to me today that he is going to shave his beard off. But keep his moustache. His beard is giant. Stay tuned for photos!!
Dear Audrey,
You've grown so much in such an impossibly small amount of time. It seems like overnight you are aware of everything around you. You watch everything and everyone so intently, just soaking up everything that you can. You've learned a few phrases, much to my amazement. You know "Do you want to hold it?". You respond with reaching out your tiny fingers trying so desperately hard to gain control of them. You know that when I say, "Mmm, yummy! Take a bite!" I have some apple sauce ready for you. You tire of when I spoon feed you. You insist on feeding yourself with the spoon. It's a mess. But you're 4 months old so I think it's pretty darn amazing, so I let you.
You're THIS close to sitting up by yourself. That part upsets me. You are in such a hurry to do everything yourself. You are on the cusp of gaining a small bit of independence. And it hurts my heart just a little. I am excited to see you grow and do, but with these things brings growing pangs. I want to push pause and keep you small and sweet forever.
You've started laughing! It's the best thing ever! Like your father, you smile a lot, but you don't often laugh. When you DO laugh it's like the greatest reward. Your laugh is a quick wholehearted cackle and you kick your feet, then finish off with a high pitched squeal. Seriously. It's so high pitched. It's almost like a dog whistle.
Seriously.
Last night we moved your cot into your room and you slept in your own room for the first time ever. I was nursing you while Papa moved the cot into your room. I held you close and only cried for a second. But I still cried.
Audrey, I love you so much! I love when we cuddle in the mornings and when you wrap your little hand around my fingers. You are my little joy. I love you forever.
Love,
Mama.
Note: For those wondering... Audrey's 3 month photos are missing from the growing series because, well, I didn't take any photos. With Audrey's reflux we were a bit of a mess. All of us. Her reflux is still strong and present but we've found our feet a bit more. It's nice.
On our trip to Wellington, I took advantage of stopping by a few of the many incredible thrift stores there. Man oh man. I scored big time, guys! I've had a few things on my list that I've kept my eye out for awhile now and was floored to check off so many things off my list!
Someone please take me back there to do more shopping. Also I need more monies. Anybody?
First, I was given this gorgeous (and hilarious) vintage cat salt shaker and matching milk jug. Yes. Milk pours out of the cat's mouth.
Best gift ever. Thanks, Inti!!
My second find was this simple linen shirt (heart be still) and this gorgeous fluttery black skirt that fits like a glove. No alterations needed! When I tried on the linen shirt I fell in deep deep love. It's simple and light weight. Perfect for layering or for summer! The construction is pretty simple, I think I may make myself a few more of these tops in different fabrics.
Next I found these incredible orange owls. They were originally salt and pepper shakers but I think they are too pretty for that. One is destined for decoration in my house. The other to fly away.
They may be my new favorite thrift find.
These tea towels were too awesome to pass up. Cats and various herbs and spices?? Yes, please. We bought this one from a local cat store in Petone. The owner was so intense about cats. Bless him.
We found this gorgeous morepork/ruru tea towel in MadeIt, a cute little boutique we stumbled upon in the city. I've had my eye on the artist that made the tea towel for awhile. It was nice to see her work in person.
Lastly, I found these two dresses that I immediately fell in love with.
The first dress is a tent. Like.. almost an actual tent. Me and Phil and Audrey could all fit into it at once. I have big plans to restyle it for a cute summer look.
This second dress is a dream. It fits perfectly and has the most gorgeous detailing. I love love this dress!
I'm so pleased with all my finds! There's nothing like an incredibly successful thrift expedition.
Dear Friends and Family,
To all those of you who have asked for updates, bribed, and guilt tripped me into posting...Ahhhhh!! I'm sorry! I have wanted to to blog! Wished I could blog! And haven't. Baby wrangling and blogging is a tough mix but I'm back! I have tons of updates coming (Pictures of Audrey!) so hang tight! You're the best. Yes, you.
xoxoxoox
This last week we went on a much needed getaway to Wellington! We hadn't really been away on a proper vacation since we moved to NZ. Phil went on a business trip (fancy fancy) and took a few days off extra and I tagged along! We flew. It was Audrey's first time on a plane and it was a complete success*!
We stayed with some friends, Jono and Inti, in the cutest little area outside of Wellington in Petone. It's right on the beach, everything is in walking distance, and most of the houses are the cutest little done up bungalows. If I had to live anywhere else in NZ I'd choose there.
I still cannot get over the beauty of New Zealand. Petone for example. This tiny little suburb just nestled in between the harbor and beautiful green covered mountains. It's insanely gorgeous. The locals are just so casual about it. I feel like I was the only one losing my mind over the beauty of it. Texas is brown folks. I don't know that I'll ever get over the green of New Zealand.
Jono and Inti also have a baby, Orla-Jean. Her and Audrey are two days apart! Our stay was basically a baby party, which I loved. It was really fun seeing the similarities and differences in the two and watching them together. Audrey is teeny for her age and Orla is really long and lovely like her parents. Audrey is really talkative and scream/screeches when she's excited (I know). Orla cried when Audrey got excited. Sorry, Orla.
Inti spoiled us rotten with good (amazing, incredible) home cooking, tour guiding, and the best dang hospitality I've ever experienced. I love them. I wish we lived closer.
The six of us went went wandering around Petone to get some fresh air on a nice (windy) day. I'll note that yes, I am pretty short, but Jono and Inti are also very tall. So I look shorter. Also, my butt isn't that big. I'm wearing some awkward layers.
Okay. Proceed. ;)
Cuuuute houses!
Inti and Orla
Audrey in the sling. I have raptor claws for hands. I really do.
Jono, Inti, and Orla
Wellington is seriously cool. I don't know what I expected but I didn't expect what I got. It has a nice "big city" feel without being too big. We scored some killer thrift finds and enjoyed exploring little bits of the city. If it wasn't so dang windy and cold... I might just steal away permanently.
In other news, we got a dog!!! Her name is Squirrel. She's actually sitting on my lap right now. I'll introduce her soon. In the meantime, here are some pictures of my bundled up yeti baby to tide you over.
Wah! So cute!
xoxo
Talia Christine
*I was super nervous about traveling with a baby on a plane. I've heard that nursing during landing and takeoff is great because it helps jaw movement to help with the ears. Well, for a baby that doesn't like to nurse this wasn't a great option. She was a bit grizzly during takeoff due to extreme exhaustion but didn't cry. I had a lolli pop in my mouth and I let her take a few licks to distract her. I don't care. I'll do whatever works. It did. BOOYAH. She then slept through the whole flight! Double booyah!
