Seconds for Caden

Caden has experienced many seconds lately (photos do not match scenarios):

1. Last night he slept the entire night, and in his bed, for the second time in his life. For those of you unfamiliar with our story, Caden has never been a good sleeper. Not surprised--sleep problems run in my family. And his personality is very curious and nosy, so when he was a baby he hated missing things. He is much better now, but still wakes up a lot out of habit.



2. Caden got his second haircut last Friday. He did worse than the first time! But he got a sucker and devoured it.

3. He saw my brother and his family for the second time Easter weekend. Last time he saw them was as a baby when he was blessed in church. He loved his cousins! His favorite was Genesis. He learned her name ("Ge-sis") and Isaac's.

4. We went to Benihana's for dinner last night, second time for Caden (first time was last June). It was the most enjoyable time we've ever had eating out with Caden!

WINNER!

The winner of the KW Bloom crocheted baby bloom toes or dinosaur hat is comment #33 by The Zoo. Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!

Got It!

Yesterday afternoon I got a photo of the third baby bird. See the beak in the back?

Finally he popped up for a better photo opportunity:

Easter Surprise

Remember my post about the two nests under my porch awning? Well, yesterday, Easter Sunday, my neighbor told me she saw a baby bird in the nest!

Then this morning I saw another baby bird in the nest! I heard their sweet chirping early this morning too.

I thought I saw another fuzzy head, but wasn't sure. However, later I saw a third beak pop up! That one was camera shy. He wouldn't come back up for his photo debut. His brother, however, is not shy at all.

It is so wonderful having a little bird family in my backyard! I love spring!

Easter Gift Exchange

Sonya Kanelstrand hosted an Easter gift exchange in which I participated. The item(s) had to be handmade, so I gave someone in Phoenix Easter gift tags, all occasion gift tags, and a "key to my heart" die cut. I received an adorable upcycled bunny from Tanya of Manila Extract in Hawaii.

This was so much fun! I would love to host an exchange on my blog. Would anyone be interested? You don't need to have an Etsy shop, but just be willing to make something.

New Banner!

A wonderful fellow Etsian, Jewel Charsley of Strawberry Jude Handgrown, offered to make me a custom-designed shop set. Even before I replied, she had already painted an idea. Although we only ended up using a part of it, it is too beautiful not to share:

I hated seeing it chopped up to fit the banner size, so we went with just the wooden sign with some honeypots and bees. After a million color changes, this is the final product:

She also made me an avatar, which I used for my new button on the left sidebar, and two "Reserved Listing" avatars.

Isn't Jewel an amazing artist? And person! Visit her shop for more beautiful work.

KW Bloom Crocheted Baby Bloom Toes or Dinosaur Hat Giveaway [CLOSED]

Kiersten of KW Bloom contacted me to host a giveaway for her. I am very excited to showcase her shop! Here are some of my favorites:

Baby Hold n Play Ring

Patriotic Door Wreath

Owl Crib Mobile

Smiles

*Excellent prices! Especially for the mobile.

*Bright colors.

*Variety of items.

*Friendly, communicative seller.

Frowns

*Although I like simplicity, I still think her wreaths could use a little more embellishment--more flowers or maybe a bow.

*More baby toys, mobiles, and boy things, please!

Kiersten is giving one winner either 2 crocheted flower baby bloom toes or a toddler dinosaur hat.

Mandatory Entry: Visit KW Bloom and tell me your favorite item or an item you would like to see in her shop.

3 entries: Add KW Bloom to your favorites on Etsy OR heart your favorite item in her shop. Leave your username.

2 entries: Add Kiersten to your circle on Etsy. Leave your username.

2 entries: Like KW Bloom on Facebook.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry each: Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Wednesday, April 11. The winner will be announced Thursday, April 12. Please leave your email address in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win. This giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada. Good luck!