Transitions...

As I write this, I have 5 giant swallowtail caterpillars (or "orange dogs") munching away in a mesh enclosure and two in chrysalises.  As, my spouse remarked, "don't you have enough to do?"  Yes Always, but I noticed because of my efforts in attracting birds,  many caterpillars were being eaten and though it probably won't matter much to the world to release 7 giant swallowtails, it will mean everything to them.

But this post really isn't about butterflies, it is however, about the reminder in this last month they've given me, that transitions are necessary, sometimes they require patience, hard work and in some cases with raising caterpillars...plain luck.  So, in my shop life about the same time many of these "cats" were hatching, one of our vendors of three years announced she was leaving our store.

I was frustrated as this had been a major vendor in our baby department and this is the 3rd one we've lost in our almost 9 years, as most are older ladies sewing from their home, etc. and naturally we lose them when they need to slow down.  It felt like once again I needed to tend to this area of the shop and bring it back as I've done time and again.

This time, as a mom of 20 month old twins, I felt like I had a new point of view and a voice in what mom's like myself want to see for their children.  I quickly gathered up patterns and materials of things I've made for my own children and in two weeks, I've re-imagined our baby department with fresh and fun goods.  Not to mention, I'm so pleased as punch to talk to anyone about my new goods and what's to come that we've had such a positive response in such a short time.

And as always, I still carry innovative baby accessories like the Munch Mitt:

Also coming in a couple weeks:

These hysterical vintage style prize ribbons in greeting cards; this one "I made a tiny human" also available in blue.

Featured in this post:

• Handmade Flutter Shrug 12-18mo. - available on Etsy and pattern can be found here.
• Bandana Bib with vintage trim - only one, grab it fast!
• Louisiana Home Sweet Home Baby Bodysuits - in popular team colors; find them at Nest Interiors
• Feeding Bib for baby or toddler - available on Etsy; see full store for multiple options
• Munch Mitt - the perfect teether - available in 4 colors at Nest Interiors
• Baby Award Ribbons - they're on the way; we'll update this with an order link as soon as they arrive!

--Lisa 
 
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