{ the storm }

We were hit with a big windstorm this week-blah! We spent Sunday-Wednesday with no electricity. We were lucky to have gotten away with only scratched & dented cars, a few crushed tomato plants and A LOT of clean up. Our poor neighbor had a tree fall and crush a hole in their roof. Trees were uprooted and downed power lines were everywhere. We sadly had to throw away all of our perishable foods. There was no where to find ice as all the business who still had power sold out immediately.

The first day(Monday) was very frustrating. The kids wanted to watch tv...and have lights. They were a little bored and didn't really understand what was going on. We spent the day cleaning the tree branches and debris from the yard. I was stressed about all the food and we drove around for 2 hours in search of ice-no luck. I was not looking forward to another evening without night lights and the kids coming out of their bedrooms 100 times due to be scared. Luckily, my mother in law was in town and staying at a hotel with power! We took a trip up to see her and went out to dinner. The stress of the day melted away quite a bit.

The second day went much better. I had gotten over the "food issue". We tossed everything and moved one. The news was saying Thursday at the earliest for power, so we were getting ready for a few days. I had the most wonderful relaxing day with my children. No emails to check, sewing could not be done and available cleaning was at a minimum. I spent the morning snuggling on the couch and just...being. It was absolutely refreshing! I had no guilt about the cleaning, or working on items for Kunklebaby.

We were so desperate for the electricity to come back, and when it finally did I felt a little sad. It was such a nice break from the daily hustle & bustle. I spent more quality time with the kids than I have in awhile. I felt happy & rested. I was going to bed early, as I could not work in the dark, my sewing machine and Internet were worthless. I read an entire book-with candlight. Our dogs got a much needed grooming. My husband and I actually got to sit and talk to each other.

While I am happy to no longer be in the dark, the storm did teach me a lesson. I need to forget about everything every so often and just "be". I really took a look at my life and saw how unimportant some of the things I do to fill my time are. I'm looking forward to a few "power free" days with the kids every week now. Just spending time hanging out and seeing where the day takes us. We used to do this so often before I started Kunklebaby.

So the calamity actually helped me "see the light".

{ Green }

The past year we have really made a huge effort to green-up our lifestyles. I'm really proud at how far we have come in such a short amount of time! While we are by no means perfect, I feel that every one thing we can do matters. I was so proud of my son when I found him lecturing his grandfather about not recycling. He was telling him what he can recycle and wanted to know why he wants to kill the Earth-lol. My son was so bothered by his non-Eco ways that he tried to bring his recyclable garbage home with us-a 2 hour drive. My little environmentalist!

• We make our own earth friendly laundry detergent(which works awesome!)
• 75% organic diet at this point
• Cloth Shopping Bags
• Cut our trash out put by about 65% by recycling everything possible
• Upcycling fabrics into new clothing for my children
• Breastfeeding-& cloth nursing pads
• No BPA, Paraben, GMO items as much as possible
• Vegetarian family
• Have a huge garden this summer, including the yummy tomato's above
• Buy local! We visit the local farmers market every Saturday. There is a lovely organic farmer we buy from there.
• Buy in Bulk whenever possible to avoid excessive packaging-gotta love Wholefoods
• Cloth Napkins
• Reusing glass jars and anything else we can find a use for.
• Reduce-Reuse-and then-Recycle

Every little bit helps! I want to save as much of the planet as I possibly can for my children, grandchildren and beyond. If each of us makes knowledgeable, Eco-friendly choices we can change the world. While many of these items do cost more, I don't put a price on my families health. Battling cancer or diseases caused by the pollutants and food themselves is costly in the future. I would rather put that money towards prevention.

We have made sacrifices to help finance the extra costs associated with organic and all natural. All the things we had to cut out were no good for us anyways-processed food, snacks, sugar cereal, etc. We have maintained a healthy, organic diet on the same income we were using to eat before...which as a family of five, means a lot of food. Growing our own food in the summer really helps to supplement too-and it's so easy!

{Craftin Outlaws}

Craftin Outlaws was great this year! Tons of wonderful indie work and lots of friendly customers. I was so happy to be seated with my EtsyColumbus friends Miss Megan Mac, Maram and Jewels of Luxury.
The new location at Boma was great for the much needed extra space. Everyone was inside and there were clear walkways. I had never been to Boma and love the cool old stained glass windows there-fun!
We had shuttle {L} back and forth for feedings, but even that wasn't a big deal. He was happy to be at the show and people love playing with babies. He was the official Kunklebaby spokesperson for the day.
Everyone was really excited about the Etsy giveaway bags I put together. It took some extra time, but I think I will try to do them for the next show too. Hopefully it helps some new people find Etsy and the great sellers who sent in promo's and samples.

Moo Cards, Promo's and More

I have spend the last few weeks working like crazy(that's why there have been no new blog posts-sorry).

I have been putting together promo packs and sending them out to anyone who's willing to pass them along (thanks guys!). I think I have put together just under 400 in the past month.

My new business cards are here, yay, just in time for Craftin Outlaws. I LOVE my fresh, new logo & look! I've been working with a graphic designer friend on the new look of my brand. She did a wonderful job, and I'm thrilled at the results.

My mini-moo's arrived also. I so love moo cards. They are just too cute. I love the ability to get so many different images and the quality is awesome. Other artisans are always excited when you hand them a moo card.

I'm planning on branching out the Kunklebaby line to include my artwork. I think some Moo cards showing work from my portolio will be in order before the big launch.

{ Spout }

I just love this little whale clip. The shade of blue goes so well with {m}' s complexion. The little thread spout is the perfect touch! Cute, cute cute!
{M} is forever brushing her hair out of her eyes. I'm always on the lookout for cute, original designs.

Want your own clip. Visit PammyDawn on Etsy.
Lots of other fun little creatures to be had-adorable & affordable.

{ Little Animals }

LOVE LOVE LOVE theses fun winter hats. {L} is the black sheep of the family(not really) and {M} is in a little piggie cap. I saw these last month, yes in the middle of summer, and had to have them! We are all stocked up for the winter now.
{M} has been wearing hers' since it arrived. She adores it. The only problem is it's been 90 degrees outside-lol. I keep trying to put in aside for the cold weather, but she keeps convincing me to keep it out. She likes to walk around with it pulled over her eyes saying "I can't see, I can't see".
{L} isn't sure how much he likes his yet. It's a little big, so that it will fit this winter. It slips over his eyes and he freaks out. {D} thinks it's hilarious!



I ordered these from a great shop on Etsy-LuLu's Woobies. I am thrilled with the quality and design! She offers a variety of knit designs including a bear, fox and panda. Great customer service too! I highly recommend checking out LuLu's. Get your own hat here:
http://luluswoobies.etsy.com/.
The shop is running a sale for the rest of the month too.

Enjoy!

{ ZadyBall }

I do a lot of shopping for the kids on Etsy. I love supporting handmade-and local if possible.

I came across these fun Zadyballs while searching in one of my groups. Zadyball creator, Alayna, is also in my Etsybaby group.

My original intention was to keep the larger, blue one and give my sister's baby the smaller white one, but "L" had a different idea. He loves the white one, which also houses a bell inside. So...we now own two Zadyballs and love them both-sorry little sister.

It's a wonderful toy without plastic and a million blinking lights and sounds. I am really trying to get back to basics with the toys we purchase now.

Simple, non-plastic, no flashing lights or swirling parts. I think kids should go back to using their imaginations and being creative. Many of the "toys" on the market "play" themselves while the children sit and watch them. No more!

I hope the trend goes in the other direction and people start thinking about the lead paint, plastic leeching and get back to some of the basics.

If you want your own special Zadyball, please visit: http://zadyball.etsy.com/. The owner is super friendly and has perfected this toy from her own design. Not only are they fun, but you can't beat the prices at $10-$15.

{Customer Appreciation Sale}

Don't miss the Best Sale of the Summer!
Want to save gas and stay cool while leisurely shopping for bargains?The EtsyBABY© Street Team is having a SUPER SUMMER SALE!

Stock up on those baby essentials now, while you have the chance! Be sure to visit, http://ShopEtsyBABY.com/customer to see the 32 participating EtsyBABY© boutique's and the specials each shop is offering!

Ride the EtsyBABY© wave and surf through the Summer Sail-A-Thon, during July 14th to the 31st!

{Craftin Outlaws 08}

Kunklebaby will be at the 2008 Craftin Oulaws show. Yay! We had a wonderful time last year and are really looking forward to the new, larger location. So. any locals, come out and show your support. That said, I better get outta here and start sewing my butt off.

August 16th

BOMA-Bar of Modern Art

12-7pm

First 10o visitors get FREE swag bags full of goodies

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am also putting together FREE Etsy sample bags. Stop by my booth and pick one up. They will include samples, coupons and cool, little goodies from artisans all over the country.

{ Best Daddy }

I just love this picture. The kids are so in love with their Dad-especially "M". We were just leaving the zoo after a long, hot day when I took this shot f the two of them. She' s such a sweet little girl and can't get enough hugs from her him. At the same time, she's super tough and love wrestling and playing with the boys.

He is truly a great father! He is always around for the kids to talk to. Every night he hurries home from work so he can spend as much time with us as possible before bedtime. He has pushed aside many of his hobbies and free time to help out. He is the most doting dad you'll ever meet. He takes the time to explain things at a child's level and never makes them feel like it's a trouble, or they are wasting his time.

Growing up, I had a wonderful father who was always supportive of me and my art. All I ever wanted was to give my children as great of a dad as I had growing up. We are truly lucky, because we have one.

{ El Diablito }

My own person little devil...well really he's angel, but he's still got time! Look at that smile.
I'm currently working on my new line of t-shirts. Little "L" is modeling my favorite one. I have a big, new batch of black and red shirts and bodysuits. I'm always annoyed when the only color choices are white or blue for little boys-or white and pink for girls. I love the black and it's not readily available in stores!
There will be a division of Loteria shirts as well as some vintage letter patches (from Autralia) and dancing princess'. The letter patch shirts are all one of a kind, as I only have one patch in each design. They are all really fun and I have to be careful or I'll keep them all.
We had a lovely week relaxing and visiting family for the 4th of July. Our week included the zoo, relaxing, swimming, relaxing, farmers market, relaxing-lol.
"L" sprouted a FEW more teeth, so he was a bit grumpy at times. "D" and "M" were amazed by the fireworks this year. "M" is a little scared of the loud noise, so she cuddled up tight with her daddy. The baby slepy through most of the fireworks, leading me to believe this child can sleep through anything!

{ Lil Bunny Announcements }

My little sister is expecting her first baby. So, I've once again starting looking at newborn stuff. I came across these adorable lil Bunny birth announcements in Earmarks shop.

Based in San Diego and run my a husband and wife team. You can also find cards, journals and fun paper goodies in this shop. The shop feature a great simplicity in design, but add a fun, quirky element in humor. Find them here: http://earmark.etsy.com/

{ Teeth Already! }

At two months old, "L" has two teeth. I can't believe it! We noticed the first one at 7 weeks. Poor little thing is cranky and in pain. He's usually such a calm, mellow baby-it's sad to see him hurting.
He has a third tooth just under his gums ready to join the other two any minute now. Since he is so young, he can't even self soothe himself. He's just old enough now to chew his hands, when he can get them in his mouth.

In the spirit of teething, here's some fun Etsy teeth stuff...

Snarf Monster from MintConspiracy.

My son looks like this at 4am when his little mouth is hurting. If your looking for unique little creatures, or oddities check out this fun shop! Be careful though,little monsters do not like being chewed on!
http://mintconspiracy.etsy.com/

Teeth Cards

Check out Two Sarahs for some interesting, graphic art pieces. Run by, you guessed it, two sarah's it's a wonderful shop based in Portland. Interesting note: Many of their pieces are mounted on red wooden blocks.

http://twosarahs.etsy.com/

Happy Tooth Charm
Wish my baby could be as smiley as these charms from Komodokat-an Etsy artisan from Texas. Check out the shop for a great selection of creative charms and accessories.
http://www.komodokat.etsy.com/

Meant for babe:

This great wooden, teether from Stumppondtoy. Coated with a non-toxic finish, perfect for all the green babies out there. Check out the shop for wonderful wooden toys too! No paint, stains, or breakable plastics found in any of the items.

http://stumppondtoy.etsy.com/

{ Baby Love }

I love watching my three children interact with each other. "L" is so in love with his older sister and brother! He just giggles and smiles away at them. "M" is a little mama herself. As soon as the baby starts to cry she comforts him and yells "Mama, the baby is hungry. HURRY!" It's so sweet. No matter how soon it's been after a feeding, she is sure he is starving. He smiled at her one day and melted her heart. Ever since, she is devoted to him.

"D" spends his time entertaining "L". He sing, dances and tells stories. He likes to sing the Wheels on the Bus, but add in members of our family and the funny things we say. When it's time for the baby, he says "Burp, burp, burp."

"D" is also suddenly interested in Venom, from Spiderman. He walks around the house chanting "We are Venom". So far this summer it's gone from a Vampire, to David Bowie, now to Venom. His characters are always evolving. For the past month he has been reciting, David Bowie's lines from The Labyrinth-with great accuracy for someone his age. He wants to grow up and BE David Bowie now. He took a photo to his last haircut so he could have "David Bowie hair".

I snapped these shots the other day while trying to get a photo showing how my bibs can go from newborn size through toddler+. The baby was less than thrilled, but the other two thought it was fabulous fun.

One little fish

1 little, 2 little, 3 little fishies.

I received this adorable outfit, and a matching bib on Saturday. I couldn't wait to get it on L! This was a gift from the Etsy Baby Shower. Shops sign up and donate handmade gifts to the mama's to be. It's really fun. I have donated to other mom's in the past showers, but this was the first time I was on the receiving side.

Darcy from Chew Chews Closet made this beautiful creation for us. It's sewn perfectly and the fabric is adorable. I just love it!! She has an entire shop filled with wonderful childrens clothing and accesories. My favorite are her sets(this fish one being my absolute fav). The pirate tee and short sets for both boys and girls, are extra fun too.

Many thanks to Darcy! Please check out her wonderful shop:

http://chewchewscloset.etsy.com/

Sleepy, Sleepy Boy

Third time's the charm, must be true! The baby is sleeping 5-6 hours at night at only 6 weeks-yay! He wakes up about 4 am for a feeding and then goes right back to sleep for another 3-4 hours. I can't believe I am actually feeling rested so soon.
The other day I laid the baby down to nap and my eldest son came to tell me he gave the baby his doll. As soon as I took a peek, I ran for the camera. What a sweet sight! My other two children picked out the doll while I was still pregnant and the baby was "Eggy"-gender unknown. It was a great way for them to bond with their new sibling before he arrived. They felt a part of the pregnancy and in return closer to the baby, at birth.

I LOVE this doll! I cannot wiat until Lucian makes it one of his cherished lovey's. It's from Cara at Green Bean Boutique on Etsy. It's so well made and promotes natural toys and learning. Something I think is important. She's super sweet to work with and just talk to. If you want your own Waldorf doll, or are in the market for cloth diapers check out her shop:

http://greenbeanboutique.etsy.com or check out her blog which is located under my blog links section. I think she may be currently on break growing her new bean, but check back. She has a wonderful shop and is a delightful person.

All in a smile

The baby just this week, started smiling at us. It's so awesome to realize he see's me and is happy to see me. I remembered why babies laugh at their parents so much-we are willing to do "anything" to get them to smile. Most often we look and sound ridiculous. All the oooohs and ahhhh-smiley baby, and the kids are bound to think we are insane. I think they wait to smile, just to see what they can get us to do next.

As much as seeing the baby smile warms my heart, seeing the older kids smile is just as fulfilling. It's sucha great feeling to know they are happy and life is good for them. A simple thing like a push on the swings, or a butterfly are magic.

They bring a little magic back into my life everyday. They remind me about what's actually important vs. perceived.

How I love my babies-all 3!

Day to Day!

Yesterday was the longest day EVER! It started at 5am when the baby started crying...it ended at 11pm with the baby crying.


My husband had a late meeting, so it was the kids and me-solo. After dinner, when I finally started getting restless, my son suggested we take some pictures. The boys are wearing matching shirts I made for them.

The end result was some super cute shots and a lot of fun. It really brightened the evening and made the rest of the night with a cranky newborn, much easier.





Sometimes all you need to do is ask a toddler for advice, they know how to have fun-lol.

Sleepless Nights

I've never been a person who does well on little sleep. As a child, I would stay in bed until the very last minute and rush around to get to school on time. I love sleeping. That said, it's suprising how much I like watching my babies, either asleep or wide eyes, in the middle of the night. It's such a special moment-like time stands still. There are no ringing phones, siblings bickering, chores to tend to, no worries about the sleep I am missing.

The only thing that seems to exist is me and my special bundle of joy. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the alone time, with my first two. How quickly they have grown into independ little toddlers and beyond. I can still look at them and remember their own special, little, twinkling newborn eyes in the middle of the night.

Newest Kunkebaby Addition! It's a boy

Welcome Baby Lucian!

He was 9lbs and 22" long. A nice big, healthy baby boy.

We are so thrilled with the newest member of our family.