Inspired2Create

Every day I wake up with a dream; the challenge is to make this dream a reality. Here are some of the things that inspire me to create and make my dreams come true.

[inspired2create]

Having a blast exploring our silly side. Rather than all yet another Sunday slip by, I decided to show M the fun that is hidden in a great fort. It took some finesse to get the right height (M kept trying to walk through the fort instead of crawling through), but the high-pitched squeals she gave as I chased her through touched my inner child.

Instead of worrying about New Year resolutions this year, I am going to focus on the moment. I want to laugh with my daughter and find the funny in life’s serious moments. I want to know what makes a toddler’s mind tick. It seems the more I simplify my life, the easier it is to smile more and worry less. That’s my plan for 2014 - plenty of Sunday forts.

What are your family resolutions?

[inspired2create]

I got creative again and broke out the old sewing machine. I saw these linen accent pillows at Chapters/Indigo for $39. I was determined to get the look for less. I bought the fabric at the end of the summer season on sale (yes, it took me this long to sew them. But I’m a new mom!) and used pillow inserts I already had. It has been a while since I dusted off my sewing skills. Unlike the mistake I’ve made in the past, this time I made them in an envelope-style so they can be laundered. This will be particularly good with an infant who is currently drooling on everything. After a few stumbles (including accidentally sewing part of the pillow insert to the cover), I am incredibly happy with the results. I love the look of worn linen - it will only get better with age. And after becoming reacquainted with my sewing machine, I just might make a few other things.

[inspired2create]

Ever since Halloween, I’ve been anticipating putting up the Christmas decorations. I think the premature snow got me in the mood. Today I hung some wreaths and decorated my mantle for the holidays. I picked some greenery from my backyard - cedar and boxwood - and added some items from around the house. I’m pretty happy with my DIY decor. Since we usually get a real tree in mid-December, the house was looking a little bare. I couldn’t wait to have the warm and fuzzy feeling of Christmas fill the house. Next up - hanging outdoor lights and assembling the porch planters (more pics to come).

[inspired2create]

I feel myself staring down the last few months of my maternity leave and I am determined to freeze-frame some of these moments in my memory. Those who know me, know that I have a bad memory for names and dates. But, as a writer I feel I am able to capture highlights of M's growth through words.

My goal with this blog is to celebrate my family, home and things that inspire me.

Once M was born, my life shifted in focus. I feel I see things more clearly and I have a whole new set of priorities. It is funny how children grant you a fresh perspective on life. At 30, I thought I had finally figured everything out. A year later, little M reminds me that everyday presents the opportunity for growth. I am determined to live in a positive light.

This morning I watched M push an empty Huggies box across the floor. Smile on her face, M walked behind the box with determination. She didn’t care if I was watching - in fact I was washing dishes at the time - but she took tiny, confident steps across the floor. I love this kid. She makes her mind up and just does something, no matter what audience she keeps. I think there is a lesson in that for me.

[inspired2create]

Sweet M was loving the snow. She learned pretty quickly that it was cold after diving in, face-first for a taste. It was amazing to watch her take it all in and I found some of my own silliness in the snow.

[inspired2create]

Snowflake surprise

Today I woke up to a beautiful blanket of snow. The peaceful tranquility that comes with the first snow reminds me of all things comfort - particularly home and family.

I am especially nostalgic about the seasons because I get to see each change though my daughter’s eyes. She has just turned nine months old and seeing the fresh snow made her eyes fill with wonder. She was a February baby (we brought her home during a terrifying snow/ice storm) so this isn’t her first time seeing the fluffy white stuff. But, she is finally at the age where she is filled with curiosity and seizes each opportunity to explore.

She stood at the window, pounding her little fist as the flakes fell in front of her. I felt like we were inside the snow globes I showed her yesterday. It is still November, so we have a strange mix of yellow maple leaves and snow dotting the yard. It might make for an interesting snowman.

I am so glad we ventured to Little Bo-tique in Tilbury to buy her Wee Squeak winter boots. It’s like just buying the boots summoned Jack Frost from his slumber. Not wasting any time, I’m going to bundle her up (a la Maggie Simpson) and head outside for some winter fun.

Aside from the typical snow angels and snow balls, I’m looking for ideas for outdoor winter ideas for infants. Any suggestions?

I hope to post some photos of our afternoon activities. Let’s hope the snow doesn’t melt before M wakes up from her nap.