hump day nuggets: little bits of the season in photos and words about the last week
Nuggets might have been published earlier today had some disappointing individual not stolen my identity and tried to open a used car dealership (true story) and/or had Ruby napped. Ah life.
I thought I finally got Rhubarb to nap but I think I hear her gossiping in there. Pretty sure when I open the door, I’ll see something like this:
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| It’s true. This is what I saw. Consequently, these nuggets are a drawn out labor of love. |
It is so wild to me that Ruby was hanging onto survival a year ago.
She yanks me out of my memory by not napping the last few days. Literally, any time I’d have to reflect on where we were a year ago is trumped by her whole-hearted eagerness to not miss a minute of what life has to offer.
I have thought a lot about how to explain her determination to live a year ago. Everything I come up with sounds so cliché. She fought. She defied expectation. In a way I feel like those statements are a disservice to those who experience what I experienced and don’t have a one year-old. It’s not about fighting, defying expectations.
It’s just where I, she, we happen to be. Here, both alive and well and so grateful for that.
A year ago was a really shitty day. It was day five and I remember feeling like we had surely seen the worst. I had decided to stay in the room and hold her hand during an intubation to remove fluid from her lungs. I felt burning hot static in my ears during the procedure that seemed more like they were trying to retrieve her intestines through her mouth. And then we learned she had yet another infection. The next day felt a bit more hopeful and then a big set back. I crumbled into mess of violent, ugly, raw emotions when I realized, like fully realized that she really might die.
I definitely have reverence and appreciation for the dark, blurry hole that swallowed my soul a year ago but I am relieved, and a little surprised, to know I am not, right now, emotionally in that place. I felt a surge of sadness and fear this fall and anticipated it would be more intense now. But it isn’t. And I think that’s pretty amazing and kind of a relief. I wonder if Ruby is not napping so she can constantly stare into my purpose and tell me she is healthy, alive, thriving, in love and spinning on the planet just like all other one year-olds.
nuggets.
:: There’s this manipulation that Margot administers to Ruby. I always know when it is about to happen because she gets this sweet, high, sing-songy voice. They will be playing and then Margot channels her inner siren and lures Ruby. “Ruby! Hi Ruby! Look at this Ruby. Isn’t it beautiful? You want that don’t you? There you go,” as she carefully slips the crusty plush dinosaur into her palm while removing the red block and never breaking eye contact or a smile.
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| Come here! Come on Ruby! It will be so fun! |
I am a bit encouraged when I see Ruby taunting Margot. It reminds me of when my bff Lindsay and I zipped my brother, Travis, into a duffel bag and threw him down the stairs (I KNOW). Eventually he grew tall and could pinch back. Thankfully he hasn’t yet tossed me down the stairs in a container. But if he did, I’d so deserve it.
:: Margot’s favorite exhibit at the moment.
:: After our date on Saturday, we took the girls to see Santa downtown. Margot was very excited but, once we arrived, kinda unsure about the whole thing what with the screaming children that parents insisted sit for a photo. Margot did want to sit on his lap and we don’t have the photo yet but imagine this: Margot on a knee, intrigued but not impressed. She was totally sizing up Santa. Ruby wanted absolutely nothing to do with the jolly man.
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| Both those dresses made by my mom! Ruby’s was made for Margot two years ago and Margot’s was made for me on my third birthday. The look on Margot’s face? She’s still thinking about Santa. |
:: I was fetching chicken food at our local ranch supply store and happened to notice one solitary pair of boots. Upon closer look, they were Margot’s size. And on sale. I couldn’t wait until her birthday and boy did I guess right. Margot loves them and thinks it is especially cool that she, Ruby and I all have cowgirl boots.
:: Oh I have been one nutty sewing mama. Keeping up with holiday orders and getting ready for the MADE fair this Sunday (with some fab seamstress help! Hooray for Amy and Kathie!). In the last few weeks Margot has watched way more Sid the Science Kid than I am comfortable with, Ruby is officially over playing in my fabric scrap stash and Alice needs a walk. I decided that I will take orders until December 12, get everything shipped by December 17 and then this chick is closing shop until January. I feel like I am cramming for finals. Just a few all-nighters and then Christmas Break! Dude!
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| My MADE fair display is totally awesome thanks to my handy husband. And, other than some hangers, all the components were free! |
So, locals, hope to see you/meet you at the MADE fair this Sunday, December 12. There is an Early Bird Doorbuster Sale happening from 11am-noon where many vendors will be offering unbeatable deals, myself included. Click here to print out your coupon, you early bird.
:: What she lacks in not napping she makes up for in double chin, goofy toothed smiles.
:: Yesterday Margot put on her bug backpack and went into the corner of the living room, behind a chair. Ruby and I walked in to see where she was and she furrowed her brow and said, “Hey, excuse me you guys. I am looking at my Christmas tree right now. And I need some space.”
:: Ruby did take one tiny nap this week and I had the most fun making muffins with Margot. She can pretty much do everything except measure.
And she is quite proud of that.
:: Anyone want to arm wrestle? Left arm only. I know I could win.
:: Last night, I had a wonderful, rejuvinating outing with four close friends over pizza and beer. We left the restaurant and it was only nine so we decided to go to a dive bar where we wouldn’t know anyone. We were at least a decade older than everyone in the joint, including the bartender. We talked about our kids, our moms, our second kids, our husbands, sleep, lack of sleep. When I got home the radio and tree lights were on. I snuck into our bedroom to find Andy, with Margot and the Polar Express yawned across his chest. I felt so full and appreciative and then I noticed tiny evidence of what my family had been doing while I was gone.
:: Oh I am so excited to introduce you all to your new favorite hat!
Piper and Paisley hats are designed and sewn by local mama Jen Bohman. Her beautiful creations come from original, hand-drafted patterns, designed to be functional, comfortable and to make you look foxy.
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| Foxy? |
Until my new favorite blue hat, red lipstick was my only accessory. I really, really love these hats. And, Piper and Paisley has some fabulous holiday offers for you chickens:
* 15% off purchases by using coupon code ‘digthischick.’
* $5 off a hat at the MADE fair on Sunday (mention ‘dig this chick’).
* A chance to win! Go check out her shop and pick you favorite hat. Come back here and tell us which one you adore. If you are chosen, it’s yours! Awesome, right? (Winner will be selected at random on Sunday, December 12 and will be posted right here in this very post so check back or leave your email!)
Thank you, Piper and Paisley!
and the winner is:
Shaams said…
Oohhhh the red, brimmed slouch hat has got to be my favorite. The perfect addition to ANY outfit!!! I am wishing I lived closer, I would bop on over to the MADE fair! Hmm…maybe I will have to plan for next year. Loving the post and loving that Ruby is loving life!
:: Ruby, my sweet potato with the ocean eyes. Today, I remember your pretty great birth in our home, I remember driving so fast to the hospital with you when you were 10 days old, I remember when it worsened, and then worsened. I remember panicking for months when you were home with that effing apnea monitor alarming. But, mostly, thankfully, I remember when you got better. I remember the many months we’ve had since then. Thank you, Ruby Jane, for showing me, teaching me that all I really have is right this minute. Dear girl, I think I will learn more from you.
111 Comments
Ohhhh my… used car dealership eh? How fantastic! What a pain… right before Christmas too. Hope that all gets sorted out ASAP!
Noticed your post on FB earlier today about Piper and Paisley and already checked out the hats and picked my favourite – the Etta Hat. But they are definitely all super cute!
Oh love. The hats. I love them.
Erm, just one… Hmmm.
The slouch hat. Maybe in blue. Which I rarely wear, but I think my blue eyes would rock it.
And the speckled newsboy with river stones.
I know. That’s two. What’s a girl to do…
Used car dealership? You just can’t make something like that up. Wowza. Hope all is well in the identity department now!
Your girls are beautiful. 🙂
I’m loving the Brimmed Slouch Hat in Deep Plum to match my new purple winter coat. I never thought of myself as a hat girl but I think I could rock this. 🙂
EEk, what a day. But I love you how you take it all in stride and style!!
Your posts are always so invigorating and inspiring and I hang on your words. Makes me want to learn how to write!!
I am in love with these hats and even if I win or don’t win, I am going to buy one and if I win…well then I will be in love with 2!!
I love her mamie hats but she is all sold out of those! 🙁
all of her hats are so cute, but i think the Brimmed Slouch Hat – deep orange is my favorite!
Ruby is so adorable, and I love posts that include Margot-isms. My favourite one to date is still the “This is MY life” comment 🙂
And love the hats! My fave is the brimmed slouchy red one because it looks so cozy.
Happy hump day!
I HEART Piper and Paisley!
I love the blue or red slouch hat!
So happy that Ruby is alive and thriving! She is a beautiful little girl and seems so full of happiness and life. 🙂
I love all of the hats!! I’m a huge fan of hats and I think one of those may have to be on my Christmas wish list! It was hard to choose just one…I thought the blue petals hat was simple and cute, with just enough flare to catch your eye! The slouchie hats were great too because they were more casual with beautiful colors – could go with any outfit!
Good luck at the Made fair – your stuff is great!
Would totaly go for the bright blue slouch hat.
So happy for you and your little Ruby. I can’t imagen going through something like that. I hate it when my little one gets a slight cold, even that breaks my heart.
I also can’t imagen how you get so much sewing done. I love to sew and find it hard to get the time with only my one two year old. Good work.
oh! I love the white and grey etta hat…it would really jazz up a boring outfit..
Hopefully we’ll see you at the MADE fair!
Brim slouch hat, fo sho. Any color. So fab.
And, go Ruby go! you lovely little person.
Thanks for the nuggety glimpse into some beautiful lives Nici.
Not surprised about the Santa anxiety. Hubby is the “real” Santa-check out the pics on my blog-but he is very low-key around the tiny ones. They just don’t know what to make of the jolly old elf! I can’t believe how beautiful Ruby is, and what a young lady Margot has become.
Love your Hump day nuggets! I also love the Etta hat!
I love the orange brimmed slouch hat, adorable. Love reading your blog.
Goosebumps – GOOSEBUMPS!! What a journey you have been on and what a lovely destination – or rather way stop – you have arrived at!
Oh and Margo’s smile while making cookies is priceless!!
And I know I keep asking where you get stuff – but you’ve got great stuff and we’re only 11 months into this parenting adventure and don’t know or have a darn thing – so I have to ask where you got Ruby’s shearling booties? They look amazingly warm!!
I love everything about this post! It is perfect and wonderful according to the whacky things life throws at us all.
The Piper and Paisley hats are fantastic! I have to say that my favorite one is the petals on in wheat–definitely foxy.
Ahahahahaha… the fun sibling things! I LOVE IT! And wow! Zipped him in a duffel and down the steps? Awesome!
It is fun to see the younger ones get the older ones. I remember when my own darling daughter realized her brother was ‘a guy’, and not just her ‘little brother’ anymore. She shoved him rather than give him his turn on the computer, and he punched her. First time he’d ever responded to her pushing. He was almost 14, and suddenly found his inner dude. While her shiner was a bummer, she never pushed him again, and inside I was like, “Way to go, dude. About time she got some back.”
Yay strong little Ruby! She is soooo great! That smile! Those eyes! Napless wonder! What a pistol!
And oh lord. That look on Margot’s face? Shades of 14 right there. Wow! Precious!
And ya’ll cowgirls go! Ya’ll rock!
Omg, I just love this one so much!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60302260/petals-hat-wheat-linen-size-large
Congratulations on your healthy Ruby and your charming Margot!
[email protected]
hmmm…they are all so cute! I think I would say the Petal in the wheat-linen. Maybe that is too safe.
Looooooooooooove the Etta hat in the white/grey wool so so so much!
your blog seriously speaks to my soul……. as does the piper and paisley slouch hat, yummmmm. bright blue or deep orange… oh the possibilities……..
I probably can’t win, since I’m an employee, but I have loved her hats for ages. I will take an etta in paisley, please…
BTW, Margot on the couch at the Florence, 3 going on 23, holy crap…
Just a quick note, as I am so emotional from “going back” and re-reading all your posts from a year ago….I am glad I did ~ I will never forget. Look at her now! I love you Nici….Mom
I love Piper and Paisley, and Jen the Maker, and I’m loving the Etta hat in light green.
I love those boots you all have. I love the stories about Margot and all of her antics. She is hilarious! I love Ruby’s big, toothy grin and chubby cheeks. And I love that blue hat on you. What a happy Hump Day!! 🙂
Oh my gosh, I love those hats!!! I can’t decide if I love the Etta or Petal Hat more. They are both fabulously cute and stylish.
I love that Margot is already telling you she needs “her space.” I totally had a laugh out loud moment tonight in the kitchen when my husband told my son, “ish, let’s put the butter back in the dish. That’s not for eating plain.” I just started laughing hysterically thinking of your missing butter. So, I told him the story and then he quite looking at me like I was totally insane…it was awesome. And that Ruby, well, she’s just a doll!
Happy Hump Day!
Oh sweet Ruby blue eyes with the sparkle & shine… your little smile lights up the world. Love seeing the sister-bond develop & grow. Thanks for sharing your beautiful girls!
Love the hats… picking just one is a toughie… would have to say the Etta in green, no the red slouch, hmmm or maybe the Mamie…. yep, love them all.
xo
Kate
p.s. Your booth set up looks great! Well done Mama. Good luck with your show & hope you get rest soon.
Well, this never happens but I like the Linen Mamie Hat in pink that’s ON SALE!!
Usually I’ll pick the most expensive one!! 🙂
Counting down until the 17th with ya……
these hats are adorable! i ♥ the etta…was a hard choice though..!
this was such a sweet post (as usual) – your girls are SO precious!
Those hats are way cool tho I totally can’t justify buying one right now. The speckled newsboy with river stones rocks my world tho I love the detail on the slouch-blue rocks!
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Sorry about your stolen identity- the nerve of some people was she/he going to share the commission with you too 🙂
Looking back always makes us appreciate how far we have come, Good things ahead!
Great new sponsor, my fav hat is the Brimmed Slouch Hat – deep red!
Happy Holidays!
R
LOVE the hats! the Petals Hat, wheat linen matches my coat so perfectly…if i don’t win it, im’ma gonna buy it!
oh and the picture of your hubby with a baby on shoulders and baby in arms is just to die for!
I love the Petals Hat- wheat linen. Heck, I love them all!
Brimmed slouch, deep orange or Speckled newsboy. Tough choices. I revisit, with melancholy, my homebirth that went awry every August. We’re all fine and the intensity diminishes every year.
The red slouch hat has me all squeal-y.
Your girls are such cuties.
I’m so glad you’re feeling peace! Your Ruby does seem like a great teacher 🙂
My favorite hat is the brimmed slouch in deep plum 🙂
Oohhhh the red, brimmed slouch hat has got to be my favorite. The perfect addition to ANY outfit!!! I am wishing I lived closer, I would bop on over to the MADE fair! Hmm…maybe I will have to plan for next year. Loving the post and loving that Ruby is loving life!
So what kind of used cars you tryin’ to sell?
I like the brimmed slouch hat in deep red. Red is my favorite…makes me feel happy even when I’m not. 🙂
Oh, and Margot’s look in the picture with your dress…priceless
ooooo…I like the bright blue slouch hat. It looks great on you!
Margot’s expressions are priceless and Ruby’s big eyes and smiles…pure love!
Beautiful post! I had something similar happen with my second child. At 7 weeks old he was hospitalized having seizures and was diagnosed with viral meningitis. I was young, only 22 years old, and don’t think I fully realized how bad this could be. I just didn’t have a clue that my baby could actually die! It wasn’t until a week later that I freaked out. This child is now a very healthy 16 year old : D
Ruby looks so healthy now, you would never know how hard she fought for her life a year ago. So thankful that she survived and thrives!
Seriously LOL about throwing your brother down the stairs in a duffle bag!!!! So sounds like something my kids would do, thank God we don’t have stairs!
Wow, a used car dealership! I’m speechless!
Another amazing post! I absolutely adore Margot and Ruby, they are beautiful!
Hmmm…I’d have to go with the Etta Hat. That is definitely one of my New Year’s resolutions…to wear more hats.
Piper and Paisley, where have you been all my life? I believe I’ve found my new addiction! I’d like one of everything, please. No? Ok, if I have to pick one, it would be the brimmed slouch hat in deep red. Me + deep red slouch hat=LOVE
I didn’t realize how much I *depend* on your nuggets on Wed. When they didn’t go up by noon, I spent my lunch time pump session going back through the old Bug blog. And I’m so glad I did. Treasure troves.
I was so happy when you merged the blogs because I felt like a stalker looking at the Bug blog when I didn’t *know* you. And now that my little one is 18 months, I look back at your earlier posts about Margot and just nod.
Hey, any chance you’ll revive the toddler skirts on Etsy? They were fantastic.
Petals in grey, I think! Although I love them all.
I like the brimmed slouch hat. In bright blue. (but also love the golden rod, deep orange, and deep red) All are lovely.
I LOOOVE these hats! I think the Etta gray is my fave, but they are all sweet looking. This mama rocks alot of hats (my girls get their hair done every day, mine’s a crap-shoot)
p.s. Love also the cowboy boots, and duffel bag story. Thank God my kids haven’t thought of that yet!
,,,how i wish i could attend the fair,,,how i love that your mother saved the dresses that YOU wore for your children to wear,,,how i love margot’s sassy, i’m the bomb attitude and that santa didn’t really impress her,,,how i love that inspite of your crazy life as a wife, mother, creator, you find time to be with your girl-friends,,,how i love the matching boots and the way the 3 of you wear them so well,,,how i love the way you wear the blue hat and red lipstick, its all the accessory you need,,,how i love wednesdays for my nuggets, thank you,,,
As a mom of two boys, 3 and just turned 1, I understand the gossiping of a no napping child – letting you know “Hey I just want to play…”
AWESOME Hats. LOVE LOVE LOVE them.
Especially the speckled newsboy hat with river stones.
May just have to buy one – if I don’t win one!
Thanks for the generous giveaway.
Nici, so sweet! And also, thanks for the b-day wishes.
Just in case I get lucky… My favorite is the brim slouched hat in orange.
xo
Sage
LOVE the Piper and Paisley hats. And Foxy is a great adjective for them!
Fun nuggets – thanks! If I start to comment on one item I’ll have to do them all, because I enjoyed each one.
My favorite hat at Piper and Paisley: Petals hat love it!
those hats- they’re SOOO CUTE! I love the speckled newsboy hat or the Etta hat or the Petal hat…. or… so many… : )
Great post!
I would love the brimmed slouch hat in bright blue! I’ve been adoring these hats at farmer’s markets forever, but just haven’t had the funds at the right time.
I’m diggin the Etta Hat in Light Green. Adorable!!
Love the photo of Margot with the mixer. It is so fun in the kitchen with helpers (on the right days when Mama’s not needing space). 🙂
I really love that shop you posted a link to! If I were a lucky winner, I’d have to toss a coin to choose between that blue slouch or the white and grey etta. I wonder which would look less dorky on me. I always love the idea of a hat and feel I don’t pull it off. 🙂
I love the Petals hat as well as the Speckled newsboy. Very cute!
Margot is so hilarious, I bet she keeps you guys in stitches.
Good luck finishing up all the Christmas sewing, what a great thing it is to be so busy with your business.
Ruby just screams: “I have a powerful life force!” Let’s hear it for your spunky girls!
I love the Speckled newsboy with river stones! It’s so cute and the river stones remind me of so many beautiful rivers here in Montana.
I just went to the museum for the first time last week with my son’s class. That was his favorite exhibit also. I loved the stained glass art, wow! And those hats! So cute, I can’t decide but think I would go with the slouched deep orange.
Oh my goodness… LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that store! Had a really hard time picking one, but I think this is one of my faves since it’s lined.
Etta Hat… Paisley Print
Your posts walk the fine line between inspiring me but never making me feel inadequate.
My favorite hat is the pink linen Mamie.
Someone stole my check book once (what’s that?) and wrote a check to Wal-Mart for a $3500 pool. Presumably they got their pool and I got a really nasty letter from Wal-Mart about the check bouncing, even after I’d already canceled the check book. So thank Goodness the crafty bank loan officer person was a bit sharper than the Wal-Mart associate who accepted a $3500 check from someone without proper ID. Otherwise, you could be the proud owner of an empty lot with some sweet Buicks and Ford Tauruses.
And I love the Etta in paisley.
I love all of those hats! Def going to be ordering! My favorite is the Etta Hat- light green – Cotton- size MEDIUM!!!
What cute cowboy boots, love them and your sweet lil family!!!
Oohhh…I adore the petals hat in multi blue…but oh so hard to choose. By the way you look adorable in your hat!
Ruby is gorgeous and margot’s comments are hilarious. I love the viewing of the tree and needing “space”!
By the aY thanks for the return email on the snowsuit. I called the outlet and I have one coming. $69.50, but better than $99.00. Thanks again!
Leighann in Traverse City, MI
Nici, I made myself leave a short comment earlier but I just went back and read your “really shitty day” link. You are strong and Ruby is strong. It’s so hard to go through something like that but when ever you look back you can realize how far you have come since then. Although the story brought tears to my eyes this part made me smile – “I have studied the pain assessment scale, levels 1-10, poster on the wall over and over thinking there should be a contorted face and a level 17 for labor.” – how true is that.
Also, I told my husband that you had really cute womens tees now and he should buy me one for Christmas…he said I needed a 12 step program…whatever! I also showed him the pictures of Margot and the hula hoop with those majestic mountains in the background…he officially wants to visit Montana.
I hope you have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Love your blog, found you through Enjoying the small things. I love the Speckled newsboy with river stones- size LARGE! So adorable. And it would go with the dark heather grey pea coat on my christmas wish list!
your writing so thoughtful and exquisite yet the impact of ending your post with such simple sincerity is beautiful. Love the tenderness here.
I like the etta white and grey hat. Her models are gorgeous, and I’m not really sure I could pull that off. maybe I’ll win and check it out. Believe me, I have a lot better hope in wearing these hats than I do the skinnny jeans! 🙂
Your girls are adorable! They are very lucky to have you as their mama.
That’s an impressive amount of sewing you’ve done for the fair this weekend! I ordered a couple hats from your Etsy store for my girls Christmas stockings. I can’t wait to get them in the mail!
LOVE the Piper and Paisley hats. My fav is the Etta hat.
Brimmed slouch hat in deep orange-oh my!
Loving the pedals hat in blue
Loove the petals hat in wheat!
Tsciancalepore at gmail dot com
Ooooh, I LOVE the Etta hat! TOTALLY my style! What a cute site!
Glad to hear the end is in sight for your sewing madness and you’ll get a chance to relax the rest of your December! Enjoy those two little girls!
I love them all, my favorite is the Etta style but the Petals Hat in wheat linen would be the perfect present for my sister for Christmas! Side note, we got our Christmas tree permit for $5 and are going to get our tree this Saturday! YAY!
I love the Etta Hat. I can’t wait to stop by the MADE Fair and see everything in person!
making me pick? ohboy.
i love the mamie hat in pink. but the etta in light green is so lovely too.
and thanks for the heads up … i best put in an order for a plane tshirt for finners asap, huh?
or i guess i could always wait until after xmas … he’ll never know the difference. 🙂
and this post makes my heart happy. i sent as many good wishes as i could muster at this time last year. so glad this little one year old is among us.
I have a feeling that picture of Margo on the green chair shows us a peek of what she’ll be like as a teenager…love it.
The petals hat is my fave! So feminine.
I hope you are enjoying the holiday season with those two sweet girls! Looks like you’ve been a busy woman with all those sewing projects!
I am absolutely in love with the Etta hat. There is just something about an awesome hat that makes a woman feel sexy.
I took a Simple Skirt sewing class at Selvedge from Jen before we moved and have been eyeing her hats ever since! They are all so beautiful! But if I were lucky enough to win such a thing, I think I’d wear the blue slouch one the most. Looks so comfy! And would probably make my eyes look freakishly blue…
Wonderful nuggets as always! Your girls are hilarious and beautiful and strong. Good luck at the MADEfair!
Hi! Can I tell you how much I love your blog? It’s awesome! I’m really hoping to win the beautiful Etta Hat- white and grey novelty weave wool- size LARGE. I have a big head. 🙂
– Michelle
Wow I don’t know if I like the slouch hat or the petal hat better! They are both sooooo cute! In fact all of her hats are adorable!!!
Today is, what my mother fondly refers to as, my Life Anniversary. On December 9th, when I was 14 years old, I suddenly went blind while picking out breakfast cereal in my kitchen. I then had 3 massive seizures. She thought I died in her arms…when I was taken to the hospital they discovered I had encephalitis. My parents were told I wouldn’t survive the night. I did-and my recovery was complete and miraculous. December 9th is a day that sticks with my mom, I know she relives that morning, but she is able to now view the day as a celebration that I lived. I think of that whenever you mention that you feel you should have “moved on” from Ruby’s illness.
So happy “Life Anniversary” to Ruby too!
Amazing .Beautiful. Heart Felt and oh soooo cute n funny. Thank You xx
Your little turned one. Congatulations, mama! My NICU babe turned two the other day… Not sure if birthdays are sweeter for those you’ve watched struggle, guess it just feels right to make a really major deal out of their big day. Struggle, or not.
Dark red, no orange, no RED! slouch hat for me, please 🙂 If I should happen to win, make my day at: beth period begley at gmail dot com.
Ooh, I love the brimmed slouch hat–and purple is my favorite color! Super cute.
I am so happy for you that the anniversary of Ruby’s illness has not been *as difficult* as you imagined–largely due to all the hard work you continue to do surrounding your experience! So that now when you recall what happen, you are not re-traumatized. Geez, do I sound like a SWer or what?
Love, love, love the photo of Margot post-Santa. She is such a beautiful girl! and all the funny stuff she says (like, could you give me some space?) reminds me so much of Avi. What a fun age this is.
And happy belated birthday to sweet Ruby. Who needs to nap when there is so much fun to be had?
xo
Wow- Ruby is just so adorable! And Margot, she has the best facial expressions. Your girls are beautiful.
Pretty hard to pick just one of those hats but I really like the white and grey Etta Hat. Hope the large size actually fits- I have a large noggin 🙂
OK – Margot with the blender? Too awesome. That girl is proud of herself!
Oh you got me in my other soft spot – hats. Aside from hoodies and flip-flops, hats are the other clothing item I actively covet and hoard.
I love that speckled newsboy with the river stones OH SO MUCH.
So I re-read over my post and thought that maybe I sounded a bit like a stalker…not at all…just the thought of a place where you can buy everything handmade is positively delightful to me. That’s all. Have fun! 🙂
I just today found out that I’m due with a girl next May. Well, I found out the girl part, anyway. Ruby is on our very long list of girl names that we like. I hope that our little one had the fortitude of your beauty!
Those hats are so. to. die. for. I don’t usually wear hats, but I would wear that one. The slouch or the etta. I love the flower! I need a large tho, because I have a large head :0) thanks for that, dad.
beautiful post today about your beautiful girls. Wish I lived close by and could shop in those lovely racks or goodies you’ve created!
Love the slouch hat in dark red! I am blonde and fair and red is MY color! Thanks for showing these hats off- they’re too cute 🙂
Just love the Etta Hat (grey & white) almost as much as I love reading your blog. Margot & Ruby are adoraable.
Love the nugs! Ruby!
And I love the Brimmed Slouch Hat in deep red.
So much to love!
Interesting… I was SURE I commented, and just now came back to see what hilarious and witty thing I wrote *cough*… alas, no comment at all… oops!!!
Love the Etta Hat and Speckled newsboy with river stones. Tough to choose!!
I have a really small head… do this fit small headed but still smart *cough again* people?!
Ahh, siblings. That story about your brother brings back memories of my older brothers. One would tease me and the other defend me, just so they’d have a reason to get each other.
Thank you for the chance to win one of the hats from Piper and Paisley. I am really wanting to sport the Brimmed Slouch Hat-Deep Red 🙂
You have such a beautiful family, Nici. Thank you for sharing them with us. 🙂
I am absolutely in LOVE with the light green Etta hat. I’ll have to pull out the measuring tape to be sure, but I have a feeling it might actually be a hat that FITS me! I have an extraordinarily large head. lol
So, Is it really fair to ask which is my favorite and why? I vote a resounding NO! I love them all and would be thankful for ANY of them, though one in a neutral color so I could wear it constantly would be great 🙂
those girls are too cute! Margot’s crossed leg and that finger on her forehead are so funny. she cracks me up. and ruby is the cutest thing ever.
Oh, i totally love that light green -cotton hat!! Can’t wait to bake with my girl 🙂
O my gosh I just got to work after being sick and here is this post. I love it. I missed it on Wednesday and to have it here waiting or me is the best. My little Missoula family…..I miss you all. by the way those hats are adorable. good luck this weekend at the Made Fair. Wish I could come to help you but I have to be home this weekend. oxox
Brimmed slouch hat in deep orange. My friends would say, “That color is very Schlueb.” I need all the help I can get stocking my wardrobe with more girly things. My closet is still dominated by items from college. And I don’t mean grad school.
Laurie Schlueb: [email protected]
love the speckled newsboy- I need a new hat!
My heart is happy for you. For Ruby. For getting beyond the first year since that terrible point in your life and realize that she’ thriving!
The hats are incredible. I like the slouch to hide my mess of half-curled curls (ok, lack of humidity makes them picky!!!). The pink, the blue…but then again there are 4 others that I really like. A new favorite. Maybe I’ll treat myself for my pending 40th!
Andy did a great job on your display, so I wish you the best of luck with the festival and getting the last orders completed and packed. Soon, very soon we will be seeing oven and range porn again. Happy weekend you your tribe.
-Jennifer from Annapolis
And BTW, the blue hat makes your blue eyes pop! Nice addition to your red lipstick.
-Jennifer again…
i love all of the hats but especially the petal hat in grey. wish i lived nearby because that MADE market sounds awesome. i can’t wait to give my daughter the rainbow shirt i ordered from you for xmas. it is awesome!
thanks for your reflections on your life a year ago…glad to hear ruby is well and awake and keeping you on your toes…what a blessing.
as for the hats…they’re all beautiful…i especially love the brimmed slouch hat in golden rod.
thanks again for sharing…love your blog.
peace,
jen
These hats are AWESOME! My fave is the light green Etta hat with the flower petals. Even if I don’t win, I’m going to ask my husband to get it for me for my birthday! =)
Look forward to your nuggets every week and my daughter now asks to check the computer and see what Margot is doing. Your insights into parenting help to keep me grounded. Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to check out your stuff at the Made fair.
Fav hat? The brimmed slouch in deep orange. Love it.
Ruby is so cute! And that Margo and her being sneaky is just too funny. She’s got manipulation down pat!
I love the hats! Fav is the red, brimmed slouch one.
:o)
That cowboy boot shot is fab!
My husband gave me a Piper and Paisley hat long before I discovered your blog. I had no idea that she was in Missoula…small world. There’s just something special about Montana, I guess! 🙂 The speckled newsboy with river stones is my favorite.
Jenny V from MA
I love the blue slouch hat … so cute and comfy looking. Love the color … so bright and pretty during winter.
Karis in China
I so remember you wearing the dress hat Margot has on…… you were due on Valentine’s but arrived a week early. So every year for as long as you let me, I made you a red & white dress. You wore it on your birthday, (always had Red Velvet Cake), & at Christmastime. I just love seeing your girls in the clothes that I made you as well as the sweaters, hats,coats…etc. made for you by your two grandmothers.
Margot & Ruby! You two are something else! No two children have ever been so cute. Well, maybe your mama & Uncle!
Yes that Santa guy can be pretty scary! But he does bring great stuff!
Margot~I Love You A Bushel & A Peck
Ruby~ You Are My Sunshine
Love to all!
xoxo, Mom/Gram
Such cute little girls – love those expressive eyes!
And thanks for the hat recommend – I’m in *love*
Etta hat! White and grey!
Loved your post today! Thank you!