seven months

Elia is a seven-month old, officially closer to a year than she is to being newborn.  She is alert and curious, always eager to check out what others are doing.

She is sweet and less cuddly than ever, except when she's tired.  She has taken to napping less but still sleeps through the night.  She is forming opinions.

She brings joy to people everywhere she goes and that makes me so grateful; I hope that's a trait she carries with her throughout her life.

She is seven months old and we just can't get enough.

She also wants to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.

Gobble, gobble.

holiday cheer: home decor

Technically, this is a lifestyle blog and, you may have noticed, our current lifestyle is baby. Still, life can't be all bottles and diapers so I thought I'd write a few posts on holiday goodies and ideas.  It's a little early to post about Christmas but, of course, it's always good to be prepared and I know that I will be cutting down my Christmas Tree in just over a week. Plus I spotted this today so I'd say the holiday season is upon us!

I'm one of those people who loves a festive home but doesn't like to go overboard with decor. A few baubles here and there, a few gold and silver accents, a live Christmas tree, and some evergreen-scented candles and I'm good to go.

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1. Illume Balsam and Cedar Garland Glass

I got last year's version of this candle as Christmas gift and I loved the look of it so much [gold polka dots - what's not to love?] that I kept it out on my desk all year long. The balsam and cedar scent fill our living room with the scent of Christmas all season long.

2. West Elm Boxwood Round Wreath

In my opinion, boxwood makes for the perfect wreath. Faux or real, it tends to look great and doesn't need to be accessorized with extra glitz. Hanging one each of the small and medium above a fireplace would be so darling. These wreaths would also be great on a front door in the spring - I have a similar one on our door.

3. J.R. Watkins White Pine Hand Soap

J.R. Watkins is the best and their White Pine Hand Soap is no exception. It's a limited edition to get to Target and stock up!

4. West Elm Papier-Mâché Animal Sculptures

Okay so maybe this doesn't quite fit into my subtle holiday decor aesthetic but last year I kept seeing white reindeer busts pop up and this silver version is so fun. Plus, who isn't looking for something different to put above their mantle?  This fits the bill.

5. Threshold Faux Fur Ivory Throw

Nothing says winter wonderland like a cozy fur blanket. At $34.99 the price is right on this one so cuddle up!

6. Threshold Pine Tree Snowglobe

Snowglobes remind me of childhood; there is something so magical and enthralling about the snow falling around the figurines. The white tree puts a grown-up spin on a childhood favorite.

7. Lindsay Letters O Holy Night Canvas

Beautiful song, beautiful lettering, beautiful art. Lindsay Letters prints are scattered around our home and I've had my eye on this canvas for a while. For a more economical option, check out her prints and make sure to browse her shop for other holiday and home prints.

I hope you like these goodies and have a fabulous time decking your halls in the coming weeks!

little lion (wo)man

Aunt Sandy, this post is for you.  I promise to update more often.

For Halloween, Elia dressed up as a tiny lion.  She was every bit as ferocious as you'd imagine.

Roarrrr! (Not ferocious in the least.)

Since our only pictures of her in her costume on Halloween were dimly-lit iPhone photos, we thought it would be a good idea to take a few more photos of her in her costume today.

Sweet child, you are far too patient with your parents.

six months

This month's photo shoot came on day two of a nasty cold. Since last month, Elia has grown so much and she keeps amazing us every day. Today, she finally rolled from her back onto her belly. Once she did it, she just kept on doing it, over and over. She must have wanted to wait to roll both ways until she knew she would be a pro at it.

Because it's October, we thought Elia should go trick or treating for her monthly fun photo.

And then we went to her chair.

At six months she is interactive.

Curious.

Sweet.

Loves her feet.

Teething. (We're up to two teeth now.)

And a constant source of joy.

Happy half birthday to you, darling girl.

apple of my eye

After a September that ended more summery than it began, fall has descending upon West Michigan. I think many people count fall as their favorite season and you can find the Neckers family on that list. 

On Friday night, Elia kicked off our weekend of fall fun by biting my finger with her very first tiny tooth while we were at happy hour. Pictures forthcoming - in theory, it's very cute that she has a tooth but her tooth is just budding and every photo I've attempted to take of it has shown only drool and lips, charming only to her mother, I'm sure.

We spent Saturday morning at Robinette's, an autumn staple. Following the obligatory hayride, which Elia slept through, and a delicious doughnut and cider combo, we took E out to the orchard to see the apples up close.

She liked the apples to much that she picked one. Applesauce is her favorite food so we should've known. 

That afternoon, we were playing outside when Elia decided to really overachieve. I moved my hand from her back for a few seconds and the next thing I knew, five minutes of unsupported sitting had gone by.  

Her first tooth and sitting up within twenty-four hours! She is growing up so fast and we're so proud of her.

Happy fall!