Snow Family

Clearly I've been missing snow, hence the overload on pictures. But alas, we had to build E's first snowman, which turned into a stylish snow family. Ah, the beauty of maternity leave, plenty of time to enjoy the little things. I strapped Evelina in her carrier and she promptly fell fast asleep so Alex handled the heavy lifting while I did the decorating.

Snowmama is wearing a Goorin hat, Forever 21 scarf, nandina bush mascara, berry earrings, and strawberry lipstick.  

Snowpapa is wearing hat by Dockers, scarf by H&M, and all natural facial and hair care.

And can we talk about the selfie stick for a minute? I always thought they were obnoxious, that is of course before we owned one... but...we kind of had a blast with it! The thing is, every time we ask someone to take a picture of us, it turns out terrible - not in focus, crooked, etc. - so the stick is perfect because we can make sure it at least includes to tops of our heads, not to mention pretty darn handy when there isn't anyone around to ask. What do you think, yay or nay?

Also, we didn't realize how strange it was that we were sitting on the porch in 28 degrees until a neighbor drove by and looked at us like we were crazy. But what can I say, it was a beautiful day.

And this little bear Z'ed through it all! 

The Cabin

Yesterday we woke up to more snow, the prettiest one we've seen yet. While we're in Tennessee we're staying at our family cabin and it looked so cozy against the white background I couldn't resist sharing a few pictures.  Built by my grandfather in the 1980's, I toddled around in a playpen while the finishing touches were put on, and over the years lots of our family members have lived within these walls at various times, myself included. Growing up, while our house was being built we spent a few years residing here and I have fond memories of sharing a room with my brother (some kids hate that but it felt like a constant sleep over to us!), learning to curl my hair in the back bathroom, and many a bike ride around the circle driveway in front. So it's pretty surreal to be back, and pretty special that Evelina gets to spent her first few months in what's affectionately known as simply "The Cabin".

My grandparent's lived in the house on the right and it was amazing having them *this close* as a kid. Being here has revived so many memories, like when part of this open area used to be a garden, and the many times I've shelled beans on that covered porch.

But perhaps the best part of being here is having my mom's house in view from the kitchen window. I'm not sure how it's possible to be a city girl and a country girl at the same time but I'm happy to have had the best of both worlds.

Winter Walkabout

Being in Tennessee this winter means a lot less cold, but a lot less snow than what we're used to, too. About the time we were starting to pine for a good blizzard mother nature heard our call and sent a sweet little southern snowstorm our way. Though it wasn't much in terms of accumulation, we jumped at the chance to bundle up our baby for her very first time and trek around in the white stuff, because believe it or not (myself included), I do miss Chicago winter just the teeniest, tiniest bit.

Isn't she the most adorable snow bear you ever did see?

Chicago Snow

Every winter it snows in Chicago, but every time feels like the first. At the opening downpour of the season, we take a snow stroll around our neighborhood, reveling in the quiet that a fresh blanket of white brings. We make a pit stop at our local Starbucks before walking the few blocks to the beach, where we freeze our faces off while trying to take pictures of the place where so much of our summer is spent. It's a ritual I adore and coming home to a warm pot of tea in our Christmas condo makes it even sweeter.