The Princess and the Pea(ch)

I rented the classic Hans Christian Anderson story "The Princess and the Pea" from the library and I LOVE IT!!! We got the version by Judith Wolman and the pictures are totally adorable! The reason we love it so much is because Anastasia is the Princess. When falling asleep there better not be a single pea in her bed! And the temperature has to be just right. She has to sleep on her mushroom pillow (heaven forbid her head ends up on her polka dot pillow) and snowbear must be in her right hand, a cup of milk (even if empty) in her left hand and of course Nick's baby quilt covering her lower half (not above her waist mind you) without too many ruffles or creases in it. All this and a few select poems not to exclude "Winkin, Blinkin and Nod" and usually we can get her to fall asleep. In the car, it is a different story, usually to include similar things: bear, milk, blanket, and classical music. In both circumstances I have to time it just right so that she is tired enough but not too tired. She must be a REAL PRINCESS. lol

Learning the information about princesses from Anderson and all their sensitivities has defiantly made our life make a little more sense. I can at least understand why everything must be a certain way for miss Anastasia. I guess that is what I get naming her after the famous Russian Czar's daughter! And a name that means "the Resurrection"! No wonder I am resurrected from sleep on many occasions! Isabel means "God's promise" or "Covenant with God" which seems a bit more peaceful... with the exception that Isabel was a serious, noble conqueror as a Queen of Spain... so it will be interesting to see what her personality is like. There was a more peaceful Saint Isabel who aided the poor... so I am thinking a Saintly Queen might be somewhat calm!? I am reading "Raising The Spirited Child" by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka and while it has thus far mirrored Dr. Sears' book, it is always nice to read that other children are just as "Spirited" (and more!!!) and that they are the exception, not the rule. So maybe, dear Isabel will be a bit more mellow...

We have been busy with fruit again. Boy I love summer. My mom and I got a half bushel of peaches, most of which I froze. I made cobblers, pancake sauce and this morning we had peachy oatmeal. Yum. We also still have apples to deal with, and 2 pear trees the bugs have left alone! One has tiny red pears about 1-2 inches tall! They are very sweet and delicious and my pears have definitely been the most enjoyably ready-to-eat fruit we have harvested thus far. I think they may need to ripen another week though.

I have also been bit by the sewing bug. I made Anastasia ANOTHER doll. I guess princesses should have 2 anyway. I made "Olive" from the Wee Wonderfuls' pattern and couldn't be more thrilled! She turned out adorable and Anastasia seems to like her a bit more than the other doll I made. Plus I think she is bit more durable. I made her 3/4 of the original pattern size to make her more toddler-friendly. I also used one of Anastasia's old pink receiving blankets for the skin. Now that is what I call crafty! And I have a go-to pattern for an adorable doll for all the little ones in my life for birthdays or Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, I am determined to make most of my gifts this year and to use as much fabric and materials as I already have on hand. I think this will ultimately challenge me quite a bit, and I feel like I should get started soon!! But what to make? That is the question! Once #2 comes along, it will take a while to achieve the balance I have finally found with raising one little girl so I feel like I should start knocking things out. I have a few basic ideas but not too many solid ones. Last year we did biscotti and coffee. I am considering something similar this year but maybe buying some cheap IKEA mugs and knitting "cozies" for them. I would like to knit some towels and washcloths out of Sugar and Cream yarn (cheap and easy) and make handmade soap, but handmade soap sounds scary. You aren't supposed to make it around kids and animals because it is toxic while cooking... so I doubt it is healthy for an unborn baby. We shall see what I come up with.

Oh, and one last thing. I used baking soda to wash my hair, and cider vinegar to condition it and it is super soft and really clean today. Cheap and chemical free is the way to go. I love sticking it to the corporations who get us to rely on their products that ruin the environment and our hair.