in the month of july//a chatty update

 We are already over halfway through the month of July.  Having a little one definitely makes me more aware of how quickly the days slip by...  Nicholas will be six months old this week.  I can't believe that my little boy is already sitting up, eating real food and bouncing away in his Jolly Jumper.

Much as I adore tiny babies, I those newborn days were rough, and I am enjoying having him be a bit more independent.  He is so adorable and such a friendly little guy - he has a smile for everyone!  Stay tuned for his six month update coming soon.

^Rucus sent me this photo of Nicholas when they were out on Sunday.

Lately my husband has been taking Nicholas out every now and again to give me some time to rest or catch up on housework without having to stop and play with Nicholas or move him to a different activity.  He started with a few quick trips for milk or bread, and now they're gone for almost an hour at a time.  I love that Nicholas is getting to spend time with his Daddy.  Watching the two of them interact is so precious.  

Rucus has been very busy in the workshop creating special pieces for the annual knifemakers guild show coming up at the end of this month.  He is currently working two jobs to support our little family.  I so appreciate what he does for us and I have really enjoyed watching each beautiful sword and dagger come together...  You can see what he's been up to by visiting his Instagram here.

Now that Nicholas is in a good bedtime routine, we have a date night at home every Wednesday.  Once Nicholas is in bed, we make homemade hamburgers and chips, and sit together and watch a movie.  If you have any good, clean movie recommendations, please share in the comments!  We also try and go out for a coffee once a week, too.  Usually Nicholas is happy to sit on the grass and play with his toys while we chat and sip our coffee.

^Nicholas loves playing in the leaves.

My sister, Gabrielle, has been such a blessing to me the last couple weeks.  She comes to help me with housework, or to keep Nicholas entertained while I do some sewing.  This month she actually stayed over for two nights to keep me company because Rucus needed to spend some extra time in the workshop.  We watched Singin' in the Rain together one evening which was such fun!  

^Reading stories with his aunty.

I recently organised my sewing supplies and hope to work on a few fun projects over the next few weeks.  My sweet sister in law is getting married at the end of August, and I'm really hoping to make a few things for her new home.  Last week I sewed a few velvet cushions for displaying the blades Rucus is taking to the show.

^Gorgeous views...

I am surprised that we have had so little wintry weather this month.  I love these cooler sunshiny days as I like to take Nicholas for one or two walks each day, and we sit outside as much as possible.  

^Someone loves going for a ride in his pram!

When it is cold and rainy, I like to make good comfort food.  I have been making this delicious chicken and gnocchi soup almost every week for the past month or so as it is Rucus' favourite.  I am really enjoying cooking again and it is something I can do even if Nicholas is having a bad day.  I just babywear him and carry on.

^A quick selfie:-)

Nicholas and Fletch, our Border Collie puppy, have become firm friends, and while I make coffee each morning, Nicholas sits on his play mat and Fletch lies next to him and "babysits" him while I'm busy.  

I had best bring this little update to a close. My baby is sleeping and I want to get the floors washed before he wakes up.  I am sure you can tell how much I adore little Nicholas by all the photographs of him in this post!  

I am really enjoying blogging again and have so many ideas for future posts.  I am feeling more and more like myself and inspired to write!

What have you been up to this month?

Blessings on the rest of your week, friends!