tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32224543360608955632012-01-31T14:13:41.574-08:00K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.comBlogger1361100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-61845420376777582072012-01-30T08:32:00.000-08:002012-01-30T08:52:05.683-08:00

Today is a hard day. This month has been a difficult month.That's why I started the Positively Charged series, but this post is not one of those, it is the antithesis. I'm sorry if it comes off as complaining and whiny... it is complaining and it is whining, but I think we each should be able to vent without fear of judgment at least once in a while... and who knows, maybe letting it out will

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-73880583661707617492012-01-28T11:00:00.000-08:002012-01-28T11:00:03.631-08:00

Okay, so I had meant to write up a little something between the first and second installments of my Positively Charged series, but oh well. Right now (literally at this moment) I'm battling Keats in an all out war to "Stay in your crib for naptime!" Anyone else going/gone through this? He figured out "how to get out of his crib" (read: launch himself out and really badly hurt himself) so we

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-74659123683201985062012-01-21T14:30:00.000-08:002012-01-21T15:44:01.054-08:00

The bakery had chocolate chip scones. All of my new birthday books were waiting for me at the post office today. Frida is taking longer naps that don't ruin her night-sleeping. Our new flannel sheets arrived. Birch is doing the dishes. My sister instructed me on eyeliner and time-outs. Keats helped me build an IKEA bookcase. The living room was clean and organized for a full two hours one day

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-70764413740371910232012-01-01T17:00:00.000-08:002012-01-01T17:00:01.679-08:00

writing Beatrix Potter-style stories about Keats and Frida on the farm Source: jordanferney.blogspot.com via Kristine on Pinterest write at least two snail-mail letters each month Source: meandalice.blogspot.com via Kristine on Pinterest draw at least three hours a week Source: lostbirdfound.typepad.com via Kristine on Pinterest learn more about

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-8810301389853923822011-12-31T21:53:00.000-08:002011-12-31T21:53:06.693-08:00

In January I cut off about 54" of hair and Keats began walking by himself! In February, our garden burst into life and I found out I was pregnant with baby #2! In March, we sprang outside whenever the rain dissipated and explored. Keats turned a year old in April! In May, we decided to move to a wonderful cottage on a coastal farm. In June, we finally found out that we were

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-66096537799950297232011-12-22T10:03:00.000-08:002011-12-22T10:03:50.510-08:00

The winter holidays are crazy for everyone, it seems. To-do's galore and visiting pretty much everyone you know that you possibly can, coordinating family get-togethers and cleaning up, decorating and documenting, wrapping and unwrapping. It's easy to get lost in the whirlwind of activity and even easier to fall down the slippery slope to hyperventilation and daily panic attacks (not good). So,

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-40690681825543583112011-12-15T15:45:00.000-08:002011-12-15T15:45:02.842-08:00

Frida Beatrix was born on November 3rd and has been an absolute joy. Weighing in at 8 lbs. 6 oz., she's been healthy from the start, though our familial cold at the time of labor has had its effect on her as well. She's doing just fine, though, as long as we keep up with the nasal aspirator and saline drops before bedtime and in the morning.Meeting Keats for the first time was really

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-20378022596325494642011-10-25T10:00:00.000-07:002011-10-25T13:33:08.608-07:00

Little Baby #2 is due in just eight days. Eight days. Keats and I have both sustained a terrible coughy cold for the last couple of weeks. Thankfully, Birch hasn't seemed affected. Two nights ago my entire body itched like mad and didn't subside until this morning with the help of sprays, ointments, and a couple Benadryl. If it comes back, I have the nurse's phone number. Not sure what caused

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-1640336370251426782011-09-23T13:07:00.000-07:002011-09-23T13:08:51.111-07:00

 The barn on the farm is absolutely amazing. We assume it was converted from a greenhouse. It is an extra convenient place to visit on cold, dreary days when we would otherwise be stuck inside as it is warm (and sometimes even a bit muggy) and dry. Keats loves visiting the barn and knows all the animals residing within it. There are boarded horses, several cats, parakeets, a cockatiel, two

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-23334128138082680512011-09-06T13:54:00.000-07:002011-09-06T13:54:18.479-07:00

This last week was crazy. I realized that I was more stressed out than I'd ever been in my life and that includes planning our wedding three years ago (a nightmare). Everything just built up so quickly and I couldn't figure out a way to escape it. I was exhausted, dehydrated, and fully on-edge. Our finances took a huge hit with two unexpected expenses and I just broke down. I found myself in the

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-33042819653383564782011-08-18T11:56:00.000-07:002011-08-18T11:56:30.754-07:00

With the move, a busy toddler, and Birch only having two weeks of vacation from teaching, time is just flying by and we can hardly believe that we're already in the middle of August! Only two and a half months until Baby #2 is born. Only one three-day weekend vacation for Birch between now and then. We're more than a little shocked at how quickly this pregnancy has progressed. I've taken some

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-23019877930213246372011-07-06T10:55:00.000-07:002011-07-06T10:55:25.542-07:00

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind. We're still recovering, still without phone or internet at home, but slowly making process on settling in. We celebrated Independence Day and our third anniversary and I had a private birthday party in my head for my lovely niece who lives in England accompanied by a Hostess cupcake (my one real indulgence in the world of processed foods) complete with

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-20753982930473309962011-06-20T13:41:00.000-07:002011-06-20T13:41:14.020-07:00

Life has been crazy the past two weeks. Packing, moving, packing some more, cleaning, etc. Our last day in the old apartment is coming up fast and with Birch needing to work every week day, things are slow-moving. But we'll get it done. We have to and though that thought stressing me out like no other at times, it is also comforting just knowing that all this craziness has an end-point. We've had

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-90851050040303856862011-06-15T13:00:00.000-07:002011-06-15T13:03:53.685-07:00

Our little girl at 20 weeks. Baby #2! That's right! Birch and I have been quite a bit more secretive this time around, not quite sure why, but I am twenty weeks along with baby #2 and we couldn't be more excited! This pregnancy has been, dare I say it, heavenly? It indeed has been with only three days total of morning sickness and just a general more-than-usual tired feeling. Compared to last

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-39535224020454546142011-06-03T10:57:00.000-07:002011-06-03T10:57:03.529-07:00

As Birch and I prepare to move to the coast and into a smaller place, I can't help but dream of finally bringing all this years' addictive blog-reading, online window shopping and failed decorating to good use in a brand new, clutter-free space. I signed up for an e-course, Style Your Space by Smile and Wave's Rachel Denbow, a while ago and it (combined with the prospect of moving) has given me

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-58951588971024763502011-06-01T09:03:00.000-07:002011-06-01T09:12:03.583-07:00

Have you ever felt like someone just hopped over and sprinkled your life with fairy dust? That's how we're feeling over here at the current Fox nest. Yep. Current. We're moving! During that whole rat fiasco across the way, our neighbor mentioned to us that they'd heard of a cottage for rent in one of our favorite coastal towns and to top it all off, it's on a farm! We immediately set to work. We

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-23094500982617598212011-05-26T08:56:00.000-07:002011-05-26T09:02:34.997-07:00

For younger babies and toddlers, I've really loved shopping over at Weepereas. Beth makes lovely things (not just shoes!) and I check up on her shop regularly to see what's new (there seems to always be something). Her handmade cloth shoes are adorable and durable and they don't slip off! Not even off a newborn's tiny feet! They are very affordable and I love that I can wash them right along with

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-35661179194759225182011-05-25T13:03:00.000-07:002011-05-25T13:03:37.261-07:00

I'm absolutely bewildered at how incredibly lovely this home is... WANT. This photo claims front cover of my inspiration binder. I'm absolutely in love. via design*sponge

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-70695396279326918372011-05-18T10:30:00.000-07:002011-05-18T10:30:21.903-07:00

We went ahead and changed our name! I'm still trying to decide what to do for artwork, etc., but that will come when it's time. With everything going on in our lives right now, the blog is a nice escape at times but I can't let myself stress over it or else what's the point of having it? We've been in the throws of some major spring cleaning and rearranging, and while it is sort of fun, it's also

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-2766282316163810002011-05-12T08:00:00.000-07:002011-05-14T07:49:07.599-07:00

We live in a small, six-unit apartment complex that has been just dreamy ever since we moved in two years ago until a couple of months ago when the three-apartment unit across from us reported rat mites. Ick! The teenage daughter is suffering the most, breaking out in hives and taking pill after pill that just about knocks her completely out! Horrible. Another neighbor hasn't had it so bad, but

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-737284191188671282011-05-08T08:00:00.000-07:002011-05-08T08:48:59.798-07:00

To all of you wonderful mothers who came before and will come after, I am so grateful for all that you teach me. Thank you to all the wonderful partners, family, and friends that support us in what we do, even though we're so less than perfect. I love you!

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-11115906604738617142011-05-01T09:58:00.000-07:002011-05-01T09:58:01.990-07:00

I'm pretty sure Birch is going to freak when I show him this stunning use of a rock collection in the design of Alexandre De Betak's home in Spain. Note to self: buy magazine and include in design binder. Gorgeous. (P.S. - There's a R2D2 sculpture ash tray...) images via T Design and Living via Poppytalk. 

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-81449950088403166952011-04-22T15:33:00.000-07:002011-04-22T15:33:17.346-07:00

I know. I had never heard of it before either. What is it? A present from Daddy to Mommy on the day of delivery to commemorate the event. I'm torn on this concept. Initially, upon reading Babble's article on the subject, I was in agreement (but as usual a little put off by their way of expressing themselves). I don't need something to remember giving birth. Believe me, those memories are firmly

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-81692031561316025192011-04-21T08:00:00.000-07:002011-04-21T08:00:03.292-07:00

I cannot believe it, but I didn't take a single photo before, during, or even after Keats' first birthday party. I feel shame. Serious shame. I know my dad and sister were both snapping away, so hopefully one of these days I can share with you some of the photos they took. My camera was charged, memory card installed, at the ready on the windowsill but I was busy as a bee decorating, last-minute

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-10628607873172863802011-04-04T09:54:00.000-07:002011-04-04T09:54:32.997-07:00

It has been so incredibly long since I last posted anything at all, but life has been a bit crazy lately and the blog somehow just slithered into the background for a while. I'm not really sorry, it was a good break and I'm not sure I had that much to say anyway. Today, I do. It's the day before Keats' very first birthday. Having been out all of yesterday playing with friends, we're all pretty

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-77545507865109946122011-03-08T14:48:00.000-08:002011-03-08T14:49:37.871-08:00

Well, the new blog title debut will have to be postponed (as it's already late) because this weekend was completely sabotaged by a certain sick little boy. I swear, sometimes it's like he's a baby or something! ;) So, the blog has been put on hold until we get back on our feet over here. For now, my spare time is best spent cleaning, sleeping, taking a shower, or even working out. Gasp! I know, I

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-11044065673616131472011-02-24T21:04:00.000-08:002011-03-01T17:20:39.839-08:00

The time has come to choose a new and better name for ourselves and we need your help! On the right, you'll see a poll with four choices: (1) Coming Home, (2) Measure + Measure Again, (3) A Fox's Den, and (4) Coming Home: A Fox's Den. You can vote for more than one if you'd like. Also, if you think of a name please let us know in the comments! We'd love all the input you can give us. We'd like

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-58468903614696663282011-02-19T08:40:00.000-08:002011-02-19T12:03:51.576-08:00

All cut and ready to stitch. Hung up and cheery. Valentine's Day was more than wonderful. My lovely mother-in-law offered to babysit Keats while Birch and I had a long date. Birch dropped off Keats while I took a shower and got dressed (and finished up some Valentine decorations). Two small paper heart pins (one for me and one for Birch) and a wall decoration. We went for a seriously

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-79704645216271928592011-02-16T12:32:00.000-08:002011-02-16T12:32:47.957-08:00

That's what I keep reminding myself. We're living in a crazy world and nothing makes it clearer than sitting here each day with my little boy. "Keep calm and carry on?" I don't think so. I see this phrase everywhere. Perhaps it had its place at one point in history, during the second world war when women could only wait for their husband's to come home from dangerous fighting, not knowing even

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-60438515049482239902011-02-14T10:35:00.000-08:002011-02-14T10:35:19.288-08:00

Faery queen crown for Sofie's birthday party. Man, I've got a lot of freckles. Keats has been requesting that I wear this all week, so I thought I'd share. Haha.

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-75393798707237887622011-02-12T08:38:00.000-08:002011-02-12T08:38:32.599-08:00

Walking, walking everywhere and deciding that running is preferable. That's our little boy this week. Anything remotely exciting results in Keats walking across the entire living room with both hands raised in the air for balance (and triumph) with a great big mischievous smile spread across his adorable face. With all this new activity comes a few drawbacks, but I'm sure we'll figure it all out

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-35892009778358036562011-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:002011-02-10T08:00:00.443-08:00

It seems like such a long time since our little man was this little (June, 2010): By the way, doesn't all that bird chirping and sunshine just make you long for spring and summer? It's so close!

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-3436208365232828672011-02-09T13:14:00.000-08:002011-02-09T13:14:10.411-08:00

It sometimes feels as if I'm constantly planning. Planning but never doing. Why? I'm not sure, but I think the most pressing reason is money. Of course. Each year my husband is paid early in December before going on winter break (he's a public high school teacher). This may seem awesome (and it sure feels awesome in December) but that paycheck is supposed to be for January and it is so hard to

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-80544194891600944562011-02-07T11:55:00.000-08:002011-02-07T11:55:25.911-08:00

Remember how I thought we'd have to buy Puffs by the case? Well, you can forget that. Keats is now one hundred percent eating food that we're all eating. I know! It's awesome! Plain yogurt, oatmeal, pureed soup, lentils, roasted carrots and cauliflower, cucumber, turkey meatballs, and homemade root vegetable chips (just to name a "few"). Let's just say that when I subtly snack along with my

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-6191775752217646892011-02-02T14:14:00.000-08:002011-02-02T14:14:03.174-08:00

Exquisite barn-turned-home found on Style at Home (via Jennifer Nicole).

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-18594210764854809002011-02-01T14:27:00.000-08:002011-02-01T14:27:22.123-08:00

You may have noticed that the blog has been undergoing an identity crisis. I'm trying to customize it to be more us and less blank. Not knowing much HTML isn't helping the situation. I'm also trying to think up a new name. I didn't realize there's a blog called "Under the Sycamore" and seeing as it's very popular and mine is, you know, not I thought I'd change the name, especially since I'm not

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-35229186577074431832011-01-30T14:16:00.000-08:002011-01-30T14:16:09.967-08:00

Better late than never. Hopefully. Keats holding his prized lamb's ear leaf. As you know, we were all sick this week, but that didn't stop Keats from being pretty darn cute. Last Saturday we celebrated his cousin James' fifth birthday at Hidden Villa Farm in Los Altos, California. It was so much fun. My sister did a wonderful job on some farm-themed cupcakes and the tour of the farm was

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-17223398274474450392011-01-27T12:00:00.000-08:002011-01-27T12:00:06.825-08:00

We are so excited for spring. We're having some lovely, warm weather here in the Bay Area (hopefully it won't trick too many of our fruit trees into blooming early). Birch and I are still sick and Keats is on the mend, but we can help but do a little work in the garden anyway. After all, there's only so many days that one can sit around doing nothing. For Birch, that's one day, if that. And yes,

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-47025687910670295962011-01-26T12:00:00.000-08:002011-01-26T12:00:04.860-08:00

Day three of the list countdown and Keats is slowly on the mend (although Birch and I are still struggling). The last few nights have been rough, but Birch is hoping to be back at work tomorrow, and hoping even more that we'll all feel healthy and refreshed. As we slowly work on our place, I can feel it coming together and hope to have it in somewhat of a permanent state come April. My sister

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-56170185359067687092011-01-25T12:00:00.000-08:002011-01-25T20:54:30.672-08:00

Keeping warm and cozy while reading philosophy, Winter 2007 in Virginia. Books I'd Like to Read (many will be for a second or hundredth time): The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story by Diane Ackerman (need to finish it) The Beauty of Straw Bale Homes by Athena Swentzell Steen Samuel Johnson: The Major Works edited by Donald Greene The Portable Thoreau edited by Carl Bode Persuasion by Jane

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-82243833834644025742011-01-24T16:36:00.000-08:002011-01-25T20:46:18.598-08:00

Flying West over the United States for winter break 2007. I met Birch a few days later. Thank you, World. Our family is sick. I seem to be the least hard hit, but Birch and little Keats are struggling. Hanging out in a steam-filled bathroom, taking warm baths, and drinking lots and lots of fluids has helped, but our poor little guy is so pitiful with his super running nose, wet cough, heavy

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-21554501199059068652011-01-21T12:40:00.000-08:002011-01-21T12:41:02.062-08:00

Keats is getting more confident with walking. He recognizes how excited we all are with each tiny step (which is usually when he loses control and flops to the ground). Every night before going to bed, Birch reads That's Not My Dinosaur and Time for Bed. We give Keats hugs and kisses and then he waves goodnight to Olive, to the lamp, to the kitchen, to his toys. Birch takes him to the nursery

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-91427289358136447872011-01-16T09:00:00.000-08:002011-01-16T09:00:02.721-08:00

For the outside of Keats' playhouse, I'm still deciding between these two orange solids, though I'm leaning toward the Papaya. Sewn with a thin batting, the walls will have a bit more heft and stand up to more potentially rough play (and the stitching will be more defined). Kona Solid in School Bus (left) and Papaya (right). For the window and door trim I'm considering a white/off-white

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-74118384139978408642011-01-15T10:41:00.000-08:002011-01-15T10:41:54.967-08:00

In my search for information and inspiration for the design and construction of our future home I routinely come across "eco-friendly" houses built huge that also appear to be on the planet Jupiter. Not all of us want to live in a minimalist, concrete, baby-banning house where the only thing you could claim is that it'd make a great spread in the latest design magazine. Harsh? Maybe, but it's

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-47934706611074711392011-01-14T23:05:00.000-08:002011-01-21T19:56:46.137-08:00

At first I wanted to sew, eat chocolate, and become commander of a great ship But then I fell asleep and it was worth it. Then I wanted to travel, publish, and create beautiful works of art But I washed the dishes instead and it was worth it. Then I wanted to fill a street with light like Chris on "Northern Exposure" But I ate nachos and watched "Six Feet Under" and it was decidedly worth it. I

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-15102312753463591472011-01-14T08:41:00.000-08:002011-01-14T08:41:31.967-08:00

Keats wants to walk. Every morning, I hold Keats' hand and we walk across our living room three or four times after some toy or whatever may be striking his fancy. He's easily distracted and definitely still feels that crawling is more efficient, but he loves the practice and laughs and laughs when we get to our destination. I clap and make it generally known to our apartment block (inadvertently

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-55144114457015588862011-01-12T13:30:00.000-08:002011-01-12T13:30:24.448-08:00

Today I'm making a three dimensional model of Keats' birthday playhouse. Ironing out the details is really important to me before I start cutting and sewing. You already know my penchant for graph paper, so you won't be surprised that I measured everything out, scaled it down, cut, folded, and taped it together. And yes, I'm regretting not cutting out the windows so that I could more accurately

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-25049661008646387152011-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:002011-01-21T19:16:10.416-08:00

After dropping Birch off at school last Thursday, I was in search of somewhere to get breakfast. Though it's hardly amazing food, I knew as soon as I saw it in front of me that Carrow's was the place to go. We pulled in, walked inside, were given a highchair, and ordered an English muffin, fruit, a large grapefruit juice, and French toast for me. Keats and I played quietly as three older men

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-15273040263845251492011-01-07T12:49:00.000-08:002011-01-07T12:49:54.268-08:00

Keats is now nine months old and 20.5 pounds. We thought he was weightier than that seeing as that was his weight at our last check-up, but his check-up on Wednesday confirms that he's the same weight, a bit taller, and that he has a big head (which, believe me, we knew already). 18.5 inches! This week, Keats finished off teething his two upper teeth and has started to walk holding just one of

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-80118836168257529422011-01-05T21:38:00.000-08:002011-01-05T21:38:15.905-08:00

I have always secretly wanted to be an architect, and no, not in the George Costanza kind of way. Since I was a little kid, I've drawn building plans for houses, zoos, chicken coops, anything with walls and grid paper. My complete debilitation with math kept me from actually going into the field, but I've kept my hand steeped in rulers, paper, protractors, pencils, and pens for years. About a

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-83532870276553057362011-01-04T14:18:00.000-08:002011-01-04T14:18:39.468-08:00

Drink more water. Use cash more and debit cards sparingly. Give more to charities. Go for walks way more often. Bake/cook at least once a week to give Birch a break. Sew twice a week (at least). Take the time to gussy up a bit each day. It makes you feel better about yourself. Invest in a hair stylist. You deserve the pampering. Write a letter to my sister (in England) each month. Ease up on the

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-60890198729901910572011-01-03T13:58:00.000-08:002011-01-03T13:58:14.131-08:00

Want. Or should I stick with finding some awesome waterproof fabric to turn it into an outdoor garden couch?

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-91691812583356894402011-01-02T14:13:00.000-08:002011-01-02T14:13:26.824-08:00

So I am really excited about this coming year. Opening up a new calendar, turning to January, and writing in all the birthdays, holidays, and fun trips we're looking forward to is so fun and refreshing. Starting a new year's budget that promises to make everyone happy (even our bank account), finally getting a hold on the cleanliness of our apartment (and how we plan to keep it that way), and the

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-40354529898111801452010-12-29T21:41:00.000-08:002010-12-29T21:41:11.517-08:00

Just poured myself a glass of egg nog in celebration of being so close to finishing my first ever Christmas tree skirt on my brand new, gloriously wonderful, easy-peasy Christmas gift sewing machine! Oh... sewing machine, you deserve a name: Claire. I am an amateur sewer. I probably fall somewhere between Doesn't Know Jack and Thinks She May Have Just Figured Out How to Thread the Machine. I

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-16921493614819606992010-12-29T12:00:00.000-08:002010-12-29T12:36:52.864-08:00

Our living room is a present explosion (books everywhere), so instead of dealing with that, I've decided to give you a bit of a heads up on what will be happening here next year. To keep myself on track and writing regularly (and to get Birch in on the action), I've thought up a few topic-oriented weekly posts: Movie Review Monday Grateful Tuesday Homemade Wednesday (Sewing, crafting, gardening

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-30700562312737261402010-12-23T08:00:00.000-08:002010-12-23T08:00:02.884-08:00

From left to right: Season Reversible Quilt by notNeutral, Wheelbarrow Chair by Karl Sanford, Tetra 2 Six Drawer Cabinet by notNeutral (in poppy, please!), Sheep Pillow Friend by Elana Rosa Design, Pico Fox Pillow by Fauna, Cast Iron Bathtub Couch by Ruffhouse Art, Nest Crib by Offi, Orange 3D Butterfly Silhouette set by Hip and Clavicle, Low Bookcase by TrueModern, Meadow Floor Pillow set by

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-90167143788918695532010-12-18T08:00:00.000-08:002010-12-18T08:36:21.093-08:00

So this year, I've succumb to my recent complete obsession with orange by creating my own little orange and white wonderland of Christmas decor. It's more of a motif than a theme, but as the next couple of days go by and I make more and more little things, finish up the sewing of the tree skirt and stockings, and wrap up all the presents just right, you may notice a bit of a standing order in the

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-7644268400028867422010-12-14T12:44:00.000-08:002010-12-14T12:44:11.138-08:00

The sewing machine sits quietly in the midday light cuddling the Christmas tree skirt that's halfway done. Scissors and pins and bright turquoise thread sleep under the tree waiting patiently to be replaced by wrapped presents with ribbon and string. A solitary garland made from a knit scarf hangs across the front window, hinting at the slow churning of Christmas to-do wheels as each little

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-24943194014081115042010-12-10T18:48:00.000-08:002010-12-10T18:48:55.713-08:00

I've been hard at work finessing our monthly family budget for next year telling myself that this year, this year we will stick to our budget. Money will be put into savings each month and stay there! Birch gets his gym membership and I get a clothing and project supply allowance equal to the cost of his membership. Other than that: bills, bills, bills, groceries, bills, bills, baby necessities,

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-11282500178886738842010-12-10T09:26:00.000-08:002010-12-10T09:26:48.247-08:00

I'm grateful for moments like this...

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-47630415517795426292010-12-06T09:23:00.000-08:002010-12-06T09:23:17.048-08:00

I came across Delia's blog through Prudent Baby and I'm very glad I did. Delia Creates has so many fun, easy projects and now with the holiday season full upon us, I'm diggin' her Christmas crafts, especially this advent "calendar." I just love all the fun things you can do with it: her idea of daily activities, daily kindnesses, and singing every day is lovely and so fun for kids! Seeing as

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-19751151083949806662010-12-05T10:30:00.000-08:002010-12-05T12:51:03.780-08:00

Well, not Birch. Birch's voice is just about shot now that he's entered week four of his cold. Keats and I are just about over it completely with just a smidge of nose issues left. Thursday night nearly killed me with the baby screaming and constant feeding, but Friday night was better. Keats slept the whole night through to 5:30 a.m. and it was glorious (except that my body had apparently become

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-74987959435840061212010-12-03T11:28:00.000-08:002010-12-03T11:28:34.192-08:00

Any tips on how to not go crazy in the middle of the night while you let your baby cry it out instead of feeding him yet again? Keats was sleeping through the night but ever since our horrible cold, his teething, and now his growth spurt, he's waking up every hour to two hours absolutely screaming and louder than ever. In the midst of it, I'm tossing and turning and trying not to pull my hair out

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-87497775635787185192010-12-02T14:57:00.000-08:002010-12-02T14:57:57.370-08:00

I've got to make up for all those days I missed in Grateful November, especially since I was saving my all-time loves for the end of the month! I guess I forgot how crazy the end of each month is... Seriously, fall is crazy for end-of-the-month holidays. Oh, and why do stores have major sales at the end of the month when money's running low? If sales were at the beginning of the month, I'd be on

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-75709438741166893932010-12-02T10:33:00.000-08:002010-12-02T10:33:00.946-08:00

Nine o'clock sharp the professional tree trimmers came to our small apartment complex to cut back all our trees before the very windy, rainy season that ends in huge piles of rotting leaves (and rats). The trees getting the fanciest manicure? The bottle brush... hurray! Birch is allergic to these and they are lined across an entire fence of our complex. So my man with all the respiratory and skin

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-50150808171169113352010-11-30T16:04:00.000-08:002010-11-30T16:04:37.021-08:00

I am grateful for Birch. Every time he says, "I love you," I'm warm and cozy. When he tells me why he loves me, I believe him. We spend so much time together, but still every morning as he heads out to work I feel a little pain inside as he goes and can't wait to see him again once he's home. Long weekends are too easy to get used to, sitting together in our apartment, playing with Keats, taking

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-34808635976445346262010-11-30T09:13:00.000-08:002010-11-30T09:13:25.763-08:00

Birch wrote a "guest" blog for you all! Take it away, Birch: i just spent a lot of time reading blog entries, so i've kind of run short on time to write one, but here, rather randomly, are some thoughts: in this season of thankfulness i would like to express how grateful i am for Kristine and Keats. however i don't think i can actually do that, not in words and certainly not in the 5 or so

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-6140332107921529512010-11-28T13:32:00.000-08:002010-11-28T13:33:01.677-08:00

My mother-in-law is coming over this week to watch the wee one while I start/do all my Christmas crafties! Hurrah! Now to clean the apartment so I'm not completely embarrassed... By the by, how was your Thanksgiving? Was it as awesome as mine (more on that later)?

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-58826388056312957852010-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:002010-11-25T21:05:36.944-08:00

Ingredients: 3/4 cup sugar 2 pomegranate's worth of seeds 2 lbs. fresh cranberries 1/2 cup orange juice Cut pomegranates and take out the seeds. I expedite this process by submerging the quartered pomegranates under water in a large bowl. The white fleshy stuff floats to the top, separating itself, this way. Pour washed cranberries into a large pot then sprinkle sugar over them. Shake a bit so

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-29404073663978877762010-11-23T18:52:00.000-08:002010-11-23T18:52:36.550-08:00

Hot tea. Hazelnut milk. Orange blossom honey. Thin slice of lemon. Combined atop my tongue, down my throat, and mingling in my belly to create that glorious feeling of complete safety and warmth and the sweet, hopeful promise of full health.

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-56627879398266599232010-11-22T20:27:00.000-08:002010-11-22T20:27:54.355-08:00

1. I'm grateful for cold, blustery nights cuddled up on the couch with my man while the baby sleeps soundly in his crib, watching silly movies, sipping a cup of mulled apple cider then diving into an intriguing book for the first time in ages! 2. I'm grateful for Olive's learning curve. When I put in the effort to help her to learn something, she learns it really fast. She is becoming so good

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-57431649940775248132010-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:002010-11-21T08:00:04.432-08:00

Keats is absolutely flying through our stash of baby food. Mango, avocado, rice, apricots, lentils, banana, peach, broccoli, raspberries, sweet potato, apples, and freeze dried yogurt. Eating solid food is way messier than breastfeeding, though, so I've come up with a list of goodies that make our lives easier and just a tad cleaner.  Bibs. In a crunch, I'm not against tying some stretchy baby

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-9262109373349110382010-11-19T15:06:00.001-08:002010-11-19T15:06:48.202-08:00

I'm grateful that Birch took the day off today!

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-8783347035909706712010-11-19T11:41:00.000-08:002010-11-19T11:41:44.484-08:00

"What?" So, Keats has been knocked down by a cold all week and that weasly little troop of germs tromped their way right into my system, too. I haven't had a cold in years and this one has really tested my ability to stay vertical. Yesterday (Thursday) was the worst day and since I woke up this morning at about five with a slight fever, Birch jetted to work to set up a sub plan for his classes

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-92040534602285443312010-11-19T10:00:00.000-08:002010-11-19T10:00:18.958-08:00

Exactly.

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-31004348572342387072010-11-18T08:00:00.000-08:002010-11-18T08:34:52.321-08:00

We've got the turkey, stuffing, rolls, and candied yams down to an art form (thanks, Mom!) and now Birch and I are exploring our own culinary embellishments to one of the most wondrous meals of the year: Thanksgiving Dinner. Garlic and Cheese Crostini Roasted Hazelnuts with Thyme Green Chili Corn Bread  Brussels Sprouts with White Beans and Pecorino Roasted Root Vegetables a la Mario Batali

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-28562179638276886922010-11-17T08:00:00.000-08:002010-11-17T08:00:15.448-08:00

I'm grateful for my mother. She is an absolute blessing in my life. She is extremely generous, beyond helpful, very loving, a wonderful listener, and as a friend once described it, "an undercover funny." She makes me laugh so much, it's ridiculous. She has always been such an amazing support to me despite my many flaws and mistakes. When I left home, I realized how rare that actually is and

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-70261527720192327302010-11-16T16:33:00.000-08:002010-11-16T16:33:54.766-08:00

I'm grateful for:

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-45632524507421430002010-11-16T13:48:00.000-08:002010-11-16T13:48:15.499-08:00

During my daily blog hunt, I came across this loveliness on graciousness during the holidays. I need to work hard on my own "guest skills," not to mention keeping our own place ready for family and friends coming over to our place. We're always stoked to have people over, but it feels like a race to clean the place up each time. So... here's to getting organized, getting up, and getting a little

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-46090846743459773412010-11-16T08:00:00.000-08:002010-11-16T10:10:30.688-08:00

  I'm grateful for the ocean and the sea. Cheesy perhaps, but they carry such incredible mystery and strange beauty. I'm grateful for those places that bring it to us land dwellers. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one such place and what a glorious place it is. If you're in the area, check it out. It's definitely worth the price.

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-19689607268430336462010-11-14T22:32:00.000-08:002010-11-14T22:33:20.994-08:00

I'm grateful for drivers who:drive within the close vicinity of the speed limit don't weave in and out of lanes honk sparingly signal let you in when you signal are sober. What do I think when drivers aren't this way? You're telling me that you arriving ten minutes earlier, etc., is worth more to you than my entire family's lives. Way to be an a**hole.

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-19578414454257837252010-11-13T08:00:00.000-08:002010-11-13T08:00:01.713-08:00

I'm grateful for color and for being able to see it. Do you realize that Birch is colorblind? Oooph. Rough stuff, says me. I love color. Bright, bold, faded, subtle, mixed, matching, muted, contrasting color! Color Swatch Knob from Anthropologie

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-70295543315422573642010-11-12T10:20:00.000-08:002010-11-12T10:20:17.653-08:00

I'm grateful for a clean, bright, and colorful home. (Mostly because it's decidedly not clean today.)

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-91242456497855392182010-11-12T08:30:00.000-08:002010-11-12T08:30:37.727-08:00

I'm grateful for days that are so busy you don't have any time to write a blog! Birch had Veteran's Day off, so we took full advantage: Date night sans baby the night before at Vino Locale in downtown Palo Alto. We were going to go ice skating, too, but left too late and the rink was only going to be open for another half hour. Oh, well. Next time. By the way, Birch has NEVER ice skated. Crazy,

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-10910038248286328042010-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:002010-11-10T08:00:10.349-08:00

I'm grateful for girl talk. You know, intimate conversation seriously drenched in idle gossip. Every once in a while, I think every girl needs a few hours of serious gossip time. I got mine today over cheesecake (and later over ramen). Have you had yours this month?

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-48139277175174429102010-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:002010-11-09T08:00:01.109-08:00

I'm grateful for the state of Virginia. I moved there in 2006 for school and lived there for only two years, but I loved it more than I ever thought I would and definitely more than I'd be able to express in one measly blog entry. I moved there at a critical point in my emotional life. I needed a break from what had been and moving across the country seemed like the right medicine. I've said it

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-20629343831331296652010-11-08T08:00:00.000-08:002010-11-08T16:34:53.066-08:00

I'm grateful for secret messages hidden for me throughout the day.

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-67554238652872038662010-11-07T15:42:00.000-08:002010-11-07T15:42:41.376-08:00

It was hard to think of something to write about today. NOT because I couldn't think of anything I was grateful for, but because I wanted to write about something that was particularly inspiring to me each day, and today I just wasn't feeling inspired. So... I'm grateful for inspiration. It's not reliable. It's not consistent. It's fleeting. It floats around without a care in the world and seems

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-69842262712817122942010-11-06T12:05:00.000-07:002010-11-06T12:05:39.706-07:00

I'm grateful for Saturday mornings where Birch and I listen to NPR on the radio, wash the dishes, vacuum the carpet, clear up all the toys into the toy box, mop the linoleum, take out the trash, wipe down the bathroom, dust the piano, take out the corner cobwebs, brush Olive, clear off the various surfaces in the living room, clean out the fridge, and spend the rest of the day in a clean

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-38262995164601096632010-11-05T08:00:00.000-07:002010-11-05T08:00:10.095-07:00

I'm grateful for the vaccinations we have against disease. For my generation, it's hard to picture the very real threat of diseases that once devastated communities and that is something to be grateful for, not complacent about. Our pediatrician was very clear that he thought it best for Keats to be vaccinated, but seemed to feel the need to convince us of this fact. We whole-heartedly agreed

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-37472460879260651822010-11-04T08:00:00.000-07:002010-11-04T08:00:01.581-07:00

I'm grateful for my ability to vote for what I believe in. I'm not a very patriotic person, at least not in the waving-the-flag, singing-the-national-anthem, reciting-the-pledge-of-allegiance kind of way, but I have some serious convictions about the very real value in our right to vote. Sometimes it feels like we're voting for the lesser of two evils and it's hard to find the truth and the

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-63644652072624550482010-11-03T08:00:00.000-07:002010-11-03T08:00:08.607-07:00

The obligatory JUMP photo! Photo by Cindy Loughridge. I'm grateful for our wedding photographers: Cindy Loughridge, Seth Restaino, and Diyosa Carter. Not only did they do an amazing job at our engagement shoot and our wedding, they agreed to do a maternity shoot with us (for free!) and did a marvelous job there, too! Birch and I went to a gallery show of their work up in San Francisco last year

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-87492459595160483642010-11-02T08:00:00.000-07:002010-11-02T08:00:05.476-07:00

I am grateful for grocery lists, grid paper, and budget spreadsheets. I used to be a real impulse buyer, and yes, I still let the occasional spontaneous inspiration strike me, but ever since I was pregnant and became crazy forgetful about everything, lists became my best friend. We're like this: ____. Oh, wait, you can't actually see me. Right. Well, anyway, now I research all big furniture

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-69221052576486114832010-11-01T18:00:00.000-07:002010-11-01T18:00:00.630-07:00

From Anthropologie (I love their ornaments each year):  From Pottery Barn: I love looking through catalogs and getting ideas for what to make myself for this year's holiday season. So many things could easily be made yourself with just a little "empty" time. I'm the first to admit that I also love purchasing a few (I'll most likely grab those stocking holders). Despite myself, sometimes

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-15163980925866170972010-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:002010-11-01T08:00:09.486-07:00

I am thankful for homemade chow mein. Birch makes this treat of a dinner almost every week because I love it so. I was absolutely obsessed with noodles while I was pregnant and my taste for these in particular is not waning. He gets the noodles fresh from a place in San Jose (they sell them at the market here), boils them, then stir fries them with carrots, greens, onions, ginger, spicy peppers,

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-40374166294640810962010-10-26T12:08:00.000-07:002010-10-26T12:08:05.695-07:00

I never thought that cleaning would become an escape, but it has. Birch and I are both pretty cluttertastic and once a pile piles high, there's little that can stop it. So, in an effort to make our lives less embarrassing and give me a bit of baby-free time, Birch and I have agreed upon a new routine. Birch gets home from work: takes boy and grabs a beer. Relaxes while I take a shower (yay!)

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-63491315235735766302010-10-17T10:46:00.000-07:002010-10-17T10:46:03.897-07:00

 Skylar at the San Francisco Zoo.  An anaconda a little too interested in my son.   Skylar searching the redwood forest for gnomes.  My sister showing Skylar a banana slug!  Skylar and Keats made fast friends.  Skylar and Suzie playing with the sand in the California sun.  Keats "puts" his feet in the Pacific for the very first time... and hates it. Olive

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-83549721920810534432010-10-11T10:25:00.000-07:002010-10-11T15:33:20.857-07:00

In case you didn't hear, a pregnant blue whale was struck by a boat recently and washed up onshore not far from where we live (in fact, at the very beach that we frequent most often, Bean Hollow). According to the park ranger, three blue whales are killed this way each year! That's devastating when you remember that their world population is only around 10,000 (just 2,000 that frequent the

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-7064156096582774642010-10-07T18:16:00.000-07:002010-10-11T16:08:00.457-07:00

Keats investigates the chocolate mint. Planting the peppermint, spearmint, pineapple mint, and chocolate mint. Singing "Happy Six-Month-Day to You!" Hugs before covering himself with homemade cinnamon applesauce. Chocolate ganache torte (a la Trader Joe's) and coffee ice cream sprinkled with espresso chocolate shavings for the "grown-ups" once Keats was asleep in his crib. :)

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3222454336060895563.post-31983765584256609352010-10-05T20:55:00.000-07:002010-10-05T20:55:00.412-07:00

Six months ago I was screaming in a hospital while my husband kept from fainting and my mother and my eldest sister looked on encouragingly, holding my hand, and taking over for my dear Birch when it became absolutely necessary (read: he looked you know where just when Keats was making his appearance and had to sit down to keep from falling down). Things have calmed down quite a bit since then.

K. Foxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03864644130589471669noreply@blogger.com0