{Since I took these photos last week, Harper got his first hair cut (by Calvin, the family stylist, of course) and and already his Mama is missing that funny little fuzz that lived at the back of his head.}
This little boy Harper of mine is growing up. Surely, realizing that he will not be the baby for a whole lot longer has something to do with that observation being so strong right now. My experience has taught me that they grow instantly like that - sliding right on into the role of big sibling so beautifully, leaving me nostalgic for their own baby days while loving and embracing the older child that emerges.
But it's other things too - his entrance into these older toddler years where there is no toy or play that holds his interest. His day's focus and passion is entirely about helping, following along and mimicking what the bigger people around him are doing. He's so good at that, as I've found most two and three year olds to be. He's already quite a farmhand, you know...and he's the best chore helper we have. It's a very sad moment when someone forges ahead on feeding the pigs without him, for example...or if the dishes are done and he wasn't by our side. He knows - it's his job.
{His hat is the Sweater Hat from Handmade Home!}
I recently wanted to make him some warm pants (because thankfully, he still lets me dress him, though slippers, as you can see, are another story). I thought some pants in a double layer of flannel would be nice for keeping warm around the house, so I headed to my favorite pants pattern - the Quick Change Trousers in Anna Maria Horner's Handmade Beginnnings. Only, once there, I was surprised to discover that he's maxed out the size! Proof! My little boy is growing up.
But no matter - I adore the simple ingenuity and cut of this pattern so much that I will forever keep adapting it to fit (and would go bigger - if only I wouldn't look so riculous in reversible, elastic waist, flannel pants). Turns out that with the loss of the diaper (see? growing up!), it was really just the length he needed a bit extra of. Simple enough - two extra inches, and we were good to go. I used some of Anna Maria's flannel that I had leftover from his blanket, and a few pieces from a local fabric shop, and he now has a brand new pair of warm pants. And there are cut pieces of flannel piled up for more warming pants for this growing boy of mine...
...who is very proud of his work. Did I mention that?
