Last-Minute Halloween Costume for Baby

I was debating whether to dress Harrison up for his first Halloween. He's not even two weeks old, so the store-bought options are too big, and I've felt too busy to make something myself, then it hit me: ghost onesie. All it took was a white onesie, which I already had, and a black Sharpie. I just sketched out the friendly ghost face and then filled it in with the Sharpie. Put a paper bag inside the onesie so the ink doesn't bleed through the back. Voilà and boo! And if you've got an orange onesie handy, you could turn baby into a cute little jack-o-lantern. Hope you have a Happy Halloween!

Meet Harrison James!

Pardon the blog silence. Harrison James Broulette arrived on Monday, October 20, at 11:18 am, and I've been in a blissful, exciting, sleepy whirlwind ever since. Everything went smoothly with the birth, my parents provided a ton of support, and Jonah and I are just obsessed with our little miracle. Thanks for all the well wishes on instagram. If you want to be bombarded with more baby pictures, feel free to follow me at natalieaerin.

Thoughts of the Week

Loved reading this advice from mamas.

These fall leaf photos are so simple and beautiful.

I'd like a doormat that's this friendly.

Salted butter caramels are calling my name.

Plum pants may be in my fall wardrobe future.

The cutest candy corn favor bags.

Babies in Halloween costumes. I mean, come on.

My parents are in town, and we're all waiting on baby boy to join us. I'll be taking walks and drinking raspberry leaf tea in the meantime. Hope you have a great weekend!

Little Legs

Yesterday, my due date came and went, so while I'm waiting on this baby to show, I seem to be occupying my time by shopping for him. I came across these sweet little leggings from Etsy shop hold you me and love the fun patterns, especially since I've realized this boy has a dresser full of stripes. As his personal stylist, it's my responsibility to mix things up a bit.

Feeling Rosy

I've been thinking about treating myself to a new ring for my birthday this month and as a way to mark baby boy's birthday whenever that is. I'm especially drawn to rose gold lately. Catbird, one of my favorite jewelry stores, has a great selection at a variety of prices. It seems like a good way to celebrate my fingers returning to their pre-pregnancy size.

Applesauce Mini Muffins

My desire to nest, waiting on the baby to make his debut and fall baking season all coincided nicely and resulted in this batch of applesauce muffins. Pumpkin is usually my go-to ingredient this time of year, but I decided to get all crazy and go with apples instead. This recipe is simple and quick, and it's one of those that doubles as breakfast and dessert. You can forgo the cream cheese glaze if you like, but what fun is that?

Applesauce Mini Muffins with Cream Cheese Glaze
Recipes adapted from Taste of Home and Recipe Girl

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups applesauce
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup chopped pecans, optional

In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Stir in applesauce. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and spices, and stir into creamed mixture. Fold in nuts. Fill greased or paper-lined mini muffin pan three-fourths full. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Makes about 60 mini muffins.

Cream Cheese Glaze
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1 1/2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Whisk together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Whisk in milk and vanilla. Whisk in powdered sugar. Add more milk, as needed, to create a thick but pourable consistency. Dip the tops of the muffins in the frosting and serve.

Before Baby Arrives

I'm anxious to meet our little guy this month (and be rid of my achey back and swollen feet), but I also keep wishing we had more time. I'd love to stock the freezer full of soups and stews, I'd love to get some more art up on the walls, and I feel like there's a stack of books I still need to read. But at the end of the day, all I want to do is eat dinner on the couch and watch Gilmore Girls on Netflix. I'm sure parenthood is one of those things you're never fully prepared for. It's about adapting and taking one day at a time, which is a tall order for a lifelong planner. But if there's one major lesson God's been teaching me over the course of my pregnancy, it's that I'm not in control, but I can find joy wherever I'm at. I'm guessing motherhood will give me years and years to put that into practice.

Have a wonderful weekend! As always, thanks for stopping by here.