Taking Turns

Juliana's turn



Nicolas's turn



Joseph's turn



Isabela's turn



Eleni's turn



Daddy's turn

If it weren't for nursing every few hours I'm not sure I'd ever get to hold sweet Roman. Though no one seems to be around between midnight and 8 am. Which is just fine with me. Just fine with both of us.

Promising more pictures and words soon. I just assumed you kind and generous souls would expect a lull here. I so appreciate every comment and email (and gift!) that has been sent this way. We are soaking up every piece of this time and we all thank you!

with so much love, Anna & family

Mama & baby are doing fine

Roman Ambrose Horner arrived Tuesday May 19, 12:40pm

7 lbs 5.75 oz & 20.5 inches

(daddy & lots of elated brothers and sisters are doing fine too!)

Eleni's Spring Accessory Must-Haves

Always a leader and never a follower, Eleni insists that felines on the head are the next big thing. She recently watched precisely two brothers and one sister place live frogs on their heads but decided the side effect of frog-pee on your head wasn't in her current fashion vs. fashion-consequences gamebook. (I decided however that should I want to induce labor via laughter I will ask them all to do the frog thing again.)



She's also noticing Ducks around the neck becoming and important part of the Spring 09 style scene. Classic yet Pop Culture, these charming little quacks are reminiscent of your tub toys yet also provide a nice glimpse of the summer ahead where we'll be floating around on their inflatable cousins.



Feeling a little warm? Try Eleni's pick for cooling oneself on a budget. The obvious solution is at once simple and genius. By recycling your favorite art, you'll have as many one-of-a-kind pieces as your pre-school class can churn out.

Thanks for joining us.

(I don't make this stuff up, I just document it. She really came in "ready" for school outfitted with all three. Which was followed by some some great one on one conversation about form, function, and practicality regarding accessories. I couldn't make this up. Its too good.)

xoxo,Anna

Blue Mama

How did he know???!!!

Okay, despite my blog-begging which would leave no shadow of doubt as to what I might like for Mother's Day, I still can't fake how it actually went down. Real story:

Anna posts obnoxious blog. 10 minutes later, Jeff calls.
Anna: (answers with no assumption in her voice, even though she sees his number on the caller ID): "hullo"
Jeff: "Just get it"
Anna: "Hmm? What?"
Jeff: "the art, buy it, I like it"
Anna: "No, you buy it, that's your job"
Jeff: Pause. Pause. "Anna. Just buy it."
Anna: (defeated) "Okaaahhhyyy."

Which I promptly did. And I was glad about the prompt part, 'cause it was sold out a day or two later. Exactly what I wanted. Maybe not exactly how I wanted it, but I'll take what I can get. I did wait to open it. And my favorite up close detail? That precious little babe's finger (and toe) pointing the way. Love.



Though some contraction action warranted an early check at the OB on Thursday, Friday I was where I said I would be. So glad to have had the chance to see Natalie and have some lovely conversation, book-trading, and sharing. I also left with this too cool stitch-t-shirt-kit which I will be transforming into a layette (the potato sac sort) for the little bub. Anything blue currently is doing the trick.



And I took a picture of my blue breakfast too. These are the kind of antics I get myself into while I twiddle my thumbs. Soon enough though. Having had several babies early makes those who might come on time seem late somehow. My fortune cookie last night said something about patience is joy blah blah blah. Okay.

Hope everyone had a happy Mother's Day!
(I need to make a pedicure appointment to get my toes painted blue now.)

xoxo,Anna

A few sunny things here in Nashville

Many of you are familiar with Natalie "Alabama" Chanin because of her lovely book. Today, I'm excited to let Nashvillians and those in the nearby know that she'll be in town today and tomorrow trunk-showing her Fall/Winter 2009 clothing collection, "Songbirds", at Studio Berry Hill.







From the invite:



"The Alabama Chanin Fall/Winter 2009 Collection has been inspired by what we call "The Songbirds." They include women like Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Allison Moorer, Abigail Washburn, Allison Krauss, The Be Good Tonyas, Elizabeth Cook, Shonna Tucker of The Drive-By Truckers and many, many others."



Thursday & Friday, May 7 & 8, 10am-6pm

Studio Berry Hill

2923 Berry Hill Drive, Nashville, TN 37204



Provided I'm not in labor, I intend to waddle in that general direction sometime today or tomorrow to say hello and maybe pick up some goodies. So excited.







Another favorite. Duy Huynh. My dear friend Meg at Art & Invention first introduced me to his stunning work a few years ago, and I have since been lucky enough to meet Duy, his lovely girlfriend Sandy and watch them spread their wings into more art, and the opening of their own gallery in Charlotte. I am so happy to own one of his pieces (which I would photograph for you if I could move) and even happier watch all the new works that float from his eloquent imagination to gallery walls worldwide.



Though the opening was last week, Duy's works will be showing at Art & Invention through June 14th.



So there ya are.



I often get asked about places to go and things to do here in wonderful Nashville, Tennessee, and will try to make a point of sharing my favorites more often. Who knows, maybe one of these days I'll even start tagging my posts and keeping track by category so you can actually find things when you come here. Sigh. Oh, huge kick! This baby wants out.



xo, AM

Getting Through Today's Rain is brought to you by the color Purple

And its still raining. We did have a break yesterday and I think every soul in middle Tennessee mowed their grass, 'cept us of course. I took this bouquet and a model and a photographer and some other pretty stuff to a nearby park for a photo shoot. My newest big project is underway, (yes, besides the human that I'm growing) and can't wait to share more.



For now though, these royal purple beauties have me feeling like all the rain isn't so bad. If you can indeed reach your weeds its a good time to get those. Not to mention the pitter-patter is so charming if you stay inside.



Look at her in the front. Doesn't she look like she's directing some slickered and galoshed school children across the street? Or maybe she's pointing me to her good side.



Oh yes, I agree. Thank you, gorgeous.



As with most things, its all a matter of what you choose to focus on. Even if RAIN is in the forecast for many days more. (Or it could be that taking directions from and talking to flowers is a serious sign that its time for some sun and fresh air. Hmmm. Whatever feels the most poetic to you.)

xoxoAM

Raining there?

Pouring here. All day. And more to come.
Though it looks like one of those skies now, where a rainbow could suddenly appear.
But just in case it doesn't. Here ya go.

good weekend! xoxo, AM