Oliver + S Ruffled Halter

Here is my version of the Oliver + S Ruffled Halter.  I found this free pattern here for anyone who wants to get their own.  Very cute, but it didn't come with instructions, not that I ever read them anyway.  I may eventually make an adult version... maybe. 
Stitch Magazine, which is where I got the halter pattern, has some great patterns if you're in the mood to sew something right here right now.  Of course you need a printer and some tape to get all those pieces together.  If you've never printed a pattern online before, it's not that bad, unless you are a dedicated tree hugger, because you will be wasting some paper.

  SB had some silly eyes going on in this picture so I photoshopped some super cute black glasses onto her lovely little face, just to cover up what is normally her most fetching feature.  In this photo, not so.  Don't judge me.

Potty Training

Dear reader,

 

If you have a late potty trainee, don't despair.  Sarah Beth is a month over three now and is just getting the hang of this.  Frankly, she's smart enough to have conquered this long ago, but has refused saying things like, "I'll NEVER use the potty" or "Will you buy me this toy if I start using the potty?" or "I don't really need a party for using the potty."  I read all I could find about how to potty train a stubborn toddler.  Based on all the personal advice, reading on my own, and downward glances, I've decided to approach it in the follow way.

• take some time off (a week or more if possible)
• get rid of the diapers completely
• fill her up with tasty liquid until dinnertime
• set the timer for potty times so I won't forget
• punish her for refusing to cooperate when it's time to potty (not for accidents)
• reward her with stickers and treats for doing a good job
• double the reward for poop
• be consistent
• pray for sanity in the process

Just a little FYI:  As I was composing this post, she went in her closet and pooped. . .  I love being a mother.

105th POST

I was looking forward to writing my 100th post.  Unfortunately I saved it in draft and forgot to post it when the time came.  Five posts later, it is finally being posted... except now it's my 105th post. 
It took me 2 years to get to my 100th post, 105th post.  That's because I like to spend time with family and friends, and my sweet girl.  I've come to terms with not posting as often as I'd like.  There are more important things to be done, but I still love to share with you.

For my second set of 105 posts, you can look forward to ... well I'm not really sure yet.  I tend to make things up as I go so you'll be as surprised as I am.

Birthday gift #2

Since Melissa had a double birthday party for her girls, I had to make something for Allie too.  Here's the dress I made for her.  Again, mostly thrift store material was used.  Lots of raw edges cut on the bias, a gaudy headband, what more could you ask for?