toddlerhood. forever naked.

another attempt at oobleck // chickens // dancing

finger paint and chicken play

These were taken about a week ago, right before our week of ill down-time. The chickens are much larger now, even though it's only been a week! They're are growing so quickly and are very happy with their new home. I finally made a version of fingerpaint for Odin to play with. Like most fingerpaints, it was very gel-like and not too opaque, but fun textural play nevertheless. I'm hoping to find a recipe for something a little longer lasting soon and can't wait to use some homemade natural dyes next time. Fall's in full swing now and we've spent much time close to home canning and making jams. Preparing the garden for winter and nestling into our house even more now that we will be spending longer hours indoors. I haven't been able to work on much lately because of the sick babe, but I'm eager to wedge my way back into the swing of things. I have to finish some portraits for trades and a couple more from August's Etsy sales and then I should be all caught up, hopefully by the end of this week. I'll do an art update soon as well as some new post series that I've been brainstorming. In addition to that, I have a catsup tutorial and two different jam tutorials. Exciting stuff! ;)

The fingerpaint recipe we used:

Pour into pot:
2 T sugar
2 T salt
1/3 Cup flour
2 Cups water

Whisk until smooth. Turn on low heat and mix until the mixture thickens. Pour into jars evenly and then add color to each jar and let cool. Then play! Very easy and safe for curious mouths.

Chickens

So, we've recently adopted 7 little chicks. We've had chickens before and had very bad luck, so we're hoping this run is different. We've done lots of research and are much more prepared this go. Odin adores them and asks his papa to visit them often. Whenever Zak goes to tend to them (they're in the studio right now until they get a wee bit bigger) Odin longs to tag along and visit them. He's surprisingly very gentle with them, gently touching their beaks and petting their feathers. They're growing very quickly, like chickens usually do, and I'm excited to set them up in their outside coop. Our friend over at Tafari Organics is lending us her hutch which is sturdy and warm for the winter. 

I love seeing everyone's chicken photos on my IG feed and I'm happy that we have our own little babies.

A Busy Week: an update

My friend from college, Hadar, visited earlier this week (which explains all the gorgeous photos lately). He left on wednesday, which was also the first day I watched the little baby Nora. I've taken on another little one to play during my "Dancey Pants Daycare." She's only three months old and ten pounds, so I'm thoroughly enjoying having Odin newborn flashbacks (he was born ten pounds). I'll be watching her Monday through Wednesday, which will be exciting but also stressful. I'm trying to save up all the cash we can so that I can travel this winter without worry. I thought for sure that agreeing to watch such a little babe would calm me ridiculously strong baby urges, but no. I've only watched her twice and if anything my "I-want-a-baby" feelings have been amplified. Oops! We'll see how watching a newborn and two toddlers goes, I'm a little nervous honestly!

Odin's starting to become particularly exuberant, which is adorable but also terrifying. He's embracing his toddlerhood whole-heartedly. He spends his days making funny noises, kissing and hugging a tad bit too hard, and learning new tricks like walking on tip-toes and spinning in circles.

For some reason, he's also decided that this week would be the week that we switch from two naps to one, which has been a little difficult. Any advice, help, or experiences you could share would be greatly appreciated! He is tired and a little cranky at the usual time (10 am) but after nursing for about 15 minutes, will spring back up giggling and jumping around. We'll do this little dance on and off for the following two hours and he'll usually give in around noon. Oy. I really enjoyed my two two-hour naps a day...

Zak did work with the bees. They're doing a little too well! We now have 3 hives. One which is very strong, one which was the swarm that Zak so masterfully captured, and the third is an experimental hive. OH! And we adopted some baby chickens! I'm so excited about these little cuties.. I'll post better photos of them soon. Odin's very gentle with them and loves standing next to his papa when he checks on them.

I've also been cooking more, which is exciting. The idea of becoming so domestic is a little terrifying for my wild heart, but we're coming to terms with it. I made a variety of pizzas this week as well as banana crumb muffins and a new favorite- black bean, red pepper, onion, and sweet potato burritos with cilantro and lime. I thank Pinterest for that last one.

So, that's about it. A little update for you all! Again, and nap-time advice would be greatly appreciated. :)