We cut out several panels, two for each side, and “glued” them on with royal icing. The hardware is also made from royal icing. I hand painted all the panels to give it a weathered time-traveled look. The “Police Public Call Box” signs and the telephone sign are just plain ol’ paper, so nothing fancy going on there. I was super intimidated by this cake, but it turned out to be so much fun.

Sweet babies had fun too!

Today was beautiful!  Windows were flung open, and the heat was off. 60 degrees and sunny in March just doesn’t happen that often in Dubuque, but apparently it makes me productive. I got laundry, dishes and some sewing done, and Dell and I went for 2 walks. I also had some Meyer lemons that I picked up at Wal-mart and needed to use. So I made some delicious lemonade from this recipe here: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/best-lemonade-ever/. The only thing I did different was to add lemon zest to the simple syrup while it was boiling. Homemade lemonade is soooooo good!

It never fails to amaze me how fast seeds sprout! I planted these last night, and they’re already popping up here and there. I get giddy over my garden!

I picked up this polish for St. Pattie’s Day

Revlon “Posh”

Also, I found a clover in my salad mix from the grocery Happy March and happy Spring!

They started out with some nasty mauve purpley blue fabric on them. I couldn’t find anything at Joanne’s, so I saw a cute shower curtain at Target, and snatched it up! In all, these guys were about $40.00. not too shabby.

And lil’ miss with hangin’ with Ashlee.

Della came out bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and rarely closes her big baby blues (even when she sleeps)! Her first month out in the world she pretty much spent staring at everything. Her particular favorite was the pictures behind our bed and down the stairway. She loves her daddy’s face, especially his beard.

One of my favorites from a shoot with Graeme Pitman when she was a week old!

Watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade with Grandma and Pap.

2 months rolled around and Christmas was here. With it came the hustle and bustle that always accompanies the holidays. Della was learning that if she tried really hard, she could make a noise come out!

Trying to get a family picture!

Matching outfits and best face EVER!

Della got to meet uncle Mason for the first time. Love at first sight!

Lots of new faces to meet in MO. Center of attention.

Hangin’ out with Grandpa and Grandma Sue.

We headed home to TN, but Dell was done meeting new people by then, and promptly screamed when someone other than mom held her.

She was happy long enough to get some pics with her namesake and Poppie.

We visited the Gordons at Cedar Hall.

Then January snuck up on us!

We spent this month noticing our toys an sneaking a few smiles in.

And believe it or not, it was warm enough to go on some walks!

We learned how to ride our Bumbo. Yeehaw!

February has brought such new and fun things. Della thinks everything is funny now. She laughs at her mommy and daddy a lot, especially when she is supposed to be going to sleep. There is a lot more “talking” going on too.

Happy girl!

We are grabbing EVERYTHING and putting it straight into our mouth! She loves her Sophie giraffe and the soft blocks Jacquie made her.

We love our little Bean so much. She really is a joy! Time does fly, and I just try to cherish each day and each sleepless night. Children truly are a gift from the Lord! Sorry for such a lengthy post

Can’t get much cuter!

Happy to go home!

Her changing zone. Table/Vanity is retro from Grandma Englehart. The books on the shelf are “How to Be Well Dressed” and “How to Develop Poise and Self-confidence” from her Ganny Dears house.

One of my favorite thrift store finds for our little family of 3.

Beanie’s crib. My poor hubby had to paint every piece of furniture a different color. Leah’s snuggly blanket.

Don’t worry. I’ll take the pillows out before she sleeps in there! I made the mobil using some of my old Dakin Dream Pets. I wish I had them all b/c i LOVE them!

Justin made us an awesome floating shelf to go above her crib. She’s got some pretty cool toys up there.

This will be Bean’s little reading nook when her rocking chair arrives. I love our rug (West Elm)!

Bunny buddies. Ashlee made the ridiculously cute yellow one.

Another treasure from sweet Ganny’s house. I played with this house soooo much, along with all the other grands and great-grands!

Some better picture’s of Beanie’s paper dolls.

Justin and I made these front facing bookshelves. One of my favorites right in front!

Bean has an awesome owl lamp and retro yellow dresser (I don’t have a pic of the whole thing, but it’s cool).

This awesome thrift store find sits right above it. That’s Grace Kelly hangin’ out in there on the left. Audrey definitely made it into the room too, just don’t have a pic of her.

Jacquie made these awesome cloth blocks. They’re even cooler in person!

I’ve been waiting to have a nursery to put Nathan’s Playmobile pictures in!

Well that’s it! She can come whenever she wants now