Toddler Backpack

This turned out to be one of my favorite projects of all time.

We're on our way to Seattle for vacation soon. I was thinking ahead about preparing to take Jude on a long flight, and it occurred to me that the whole thing would be better if he was carrying his own little backpack. That's logical, right? Okay, it's not. But, it is adorable.

I've been admiring Made By Rae's Toddler Backpack Pattern for awhile now, so I splurged $6 and bought it. The pattern requires home decor weight fabric in coordinating colors. Since I didn't have time to purchase online I went to Hancock Fabrics and this yellow chevron fabric was the only boyish fabric I could find. Well, besides solid colored canvas and camo.

Jesse would have appreciated the camo WAY more than the chevron stripes, but I disagree. And, my opinion counts twice as much as Jesse's does in this scenario.

The pattern was in the medium to difficult sewing range - considering the zipper, piping, etc. But, it was easy to follow and fun to put together.

Jude actually wears the backpack quite well - like it's not even there. It looks so cute and so funny on him. I can barely stand how adorable it is. I think it will keep me smiling in the airport terminals.

Watch out, Seattle, here we come!

"Horsey Horsey On Your Way . . .

. . . We've been together for many a day. So let your tail go swish and your wheels go round. Giddy up we're homeward bound."

One of the things I was looking forward to the most about moving was a bigger living room space where we could show off our family heirloom rocking horse. His name is "Pete" and Jesse's Great Grandpa made him.

Not too long ago Jesse's Grandma moved from her house into a smaller apartment. At that time she handed down the beloved rocking horse to her oldest grandson (Jesse). I'm just the lucky wife and I'm giddy over it.

Here's Jesse enjoying him when he was about Jude's age.

And here's our little Jude who is finally coordinated to ride the horse without falling off.

Did you notice that we also inherited the adorable cowboy hat? Oh, and did you also notice how much he looks like his dad? Ridiculous, I tell you.


I love it. I hope Pete the Horse can be in our house for as long as he was in Grandma's house. We'll be sure to take good care of him.