Here we go again!

I haven't blogged in a long time,  A. LONG. TIME. I still follow blogs and try to keep up.

I was looking at my last post and read things about my son's birth and first few months that I didn't remember. He will be 2 in less than a month and baby#2 is going to be here before we know it!
Time flies people and with two boys I need to write this stuff down or I certainly won't remember it!
So I am going to try and capture things as I can. We'll see how I do.

Today is the day after my birthday, so my birthday weekend. I am 41. Wow, that is completely weird. I don't care about the number, there is nothing I can do about it but my parents were just in their 40s.
We are going to Benihanas today for my birthday lunch. Birthdays are different now. I am more excited about Sawyer's birthday than mine. If I get cake I am good.

Today is also the start of week 31 of my pregnancy. Woohoo! Boy this has been a fast but slow time. It was the same with the first pregnancy, you hope to make it to the firsts - 1st time hearing the heartbeat, 1st ultrasound, the 3 month mark. These milestones seem forever away. Somehow here we are heading in to the final few weeks. Baby boy is doing great and I am thrilled. Mommie has had her butt kicked this time. Nothing awful or serious, just sick, exhausted, pains. (and I am huge this time...) Not complaining, just really surprised by what a toll it can take on you and how I miss being able to physically be able to do most everything. I can't wait to be physically strong and be able run around with my boys!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Okay, there are many of these. I do love the changing of seasons. It is always very refreshing and energizing to me. I love Spring, with the exception of the pollen and my allergies.

I am loving this Spring especially since it is Sawyer's 1st Spring. I can't decide whether or not to take him to Ash Wednesday services tomorrow. I can only go over my lunch break and kind of hate to disrupt his day.

I have been thinking a LOT about this summer. We are so excited to take Sawyer to the local pool. He has a couple of little swim shorts all ready to go. Who is not ready? Me. Uggh. I grew up close to the beach and no matter what size I was, I have never been thrilled with how I look in a swimsuit. Looking back I do regret not being happy with myself. I am trying to get over this and just say that it is what it is. I know I need to lose the baby weight and honestly haven't done too much about it. I want to lose it so I can be healthier and to fit in all of my old clothes. I am going to go on an Adkins - esque plan that I have used before with great results. It is just really hard to give up my favs -Coke, sweet tea, potatoes (all kinds), oh AND desserts (all kinds).

I was a bit down a couple of years ago - not being able to get pregnant, our house renovation nightmare, work, and I had packed on the lbs. I went on this plan and lost 17lbs in less than 3 months. I did it once, I have to be able to do it again, right? It is getting started. Can you say procrastinator?

Anyway, Happy Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday!

Christmas Card Time

I am really excited about our Christmas card this year. Since I hate all photos of myself and didn't have any children, my fuzzy children were always the subject of my cards. My girls like being the center of attention so it worked out well. (Well when I didn't make the dress as elves...)

A friend of mine who is a really good photographer will take our family holiday picture. Yeah! I am very excited about sending out our card this Christmas and heard about the giveaway Shutterfly is having - if you blog about it, you get 50 free cards! You can go to their site for more information - http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/

They have some really pretty cards. It will be hard to decide!

We are taking SO many photos of Sawyer that we actually bought an external hard drive this weekend. I am sure we will be using Shutterfly photo cards a lot! I am also looking at the calendars http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars and the canvas wall art http://www.shutterfly.com/home-decor/canvas-wall-art for Christmas gifts.

I would love this on my desk at work and love how it has multiple photos on a single month.

This would look great in Sawyer's nursery.

I have lots of friends that use Shutterfly and now I know why! They have so many cute things. And of course, I love that Sawyer can be the star of all of them!

How Time Flies

I can't believe that my sweet Sawyer is 2 months old already. It was just January and I was praying that the baby I was carrying would be born healthy.

We go for Sawyer's 2 month doctor's appointment tomorrow. I am excited to see how much he weighs. He is an eater and is growing fast!

Here is a recap in photos of the past 2 months:

Surprise!

Sawyer's here!

Sawyer made his debut a little early. Wednesday evening around 8:30pm I was laying on the bed talking to Dan about his day while he was changing from work. I was confessing how scared I was getting about Friday mornings scheduled c-section when I heard a pop and then felt a huge gush of water. I jumped up and and said that I think my water just broke. I took off for the bathroom in shock about what was happening. TMI, but the amount of water was just crazy!!!

Tuesday, not very flattering - I am huge!

I had my phone with me, I had been carrying it around with me for weeks - just in case... Called the doctor's office and spoke to the midwife on call. I love her! She is very no-nonsense, which helped a great deal. I was on the verge of freaking out. She just confirmed what we had already discussed-water breaks = head to hospital.





Dan was great. He took care of our dogs and got the car seat in the car. He asked about our bags. Well mine wasn't packed and "I won't need it because I am having a c-section and won't need it until the next day."


We made our way to the hospital and to the check-in desk. We were sent to the c-section area, because Sawyer was transverse. Once i got changed and settled, the midwife did an ultrasound and Sawyer was head down. WHAT??? Even the midwife was shocked. So, now we move to the L&D rooms. After that it was a bit of a blur. I remember around 2am waking up and timing my contractions. 10 minutes, then 7. It seemed to be coming quicker and stronger, so I asked for medicine. I think the nurse forgot and I had to ask again. Around 6am (I think...) I was in a LOT of pain. I needed to go to the bathroom. Not sure if I needed to go, wanted a shower or what, but Dan helped me and was very sweet but concerned. I was starting to lose it a little.


I am pretty sure I got and epidural or some kind of medicine shortly after this because most everything else is a blur.


The next time I remember is the afternoon on Thursday. We tried pushing. Weird - of course I couldn't feel anything, but didn't really feel like I was doing anything when pushing. After a couple of pushes I start to feel sick to my stomach. Pushing didn't work out very well, Sawyer's heart rate kept dropping. My doctor, who wasn't on call, came in (YEAH!) and said okay, let's do the c-section.


I don't remember much about this part either. I remember Dan putting on his "space suit" and moving from my bed to the operating table. I know I was asked some questions about what I could feel. I just kept saying I was fine except for the nausea. Thank goodness for my husband, I ask him again and again to tell me what happened.


The recovery room was interesting. I remember the shaking and the nurses handing me my baby. The first time I get to hold him and I am shaking all over. Sawyer loved it! HA! I was really glad to get to my room and feel a little more settled. The nurses were all fantastic! They were so good.




I was a mess, a HOT mess. My hair was up in a ponytail and it was now knotted up in a rats nest. I was SO happy to have a shower and brush my teeth. SO much better.

Sawyer spent the next day being monitored for breathing issues. Dan and I tried really hard not to freak out. Everything was fine - thank God! The next day he had to go under the lights for jaundice. He did really well, he was so sweet. Sunday we finally got to spend the day together and then got to go home early evening. I was relieved to go home, but didn't realize what it would be like. Next time, when offered, I will accept the extra night!






So, that is the short version! I am so thankful for my sweet, sweet boy and my wonderful husband and making it through my pregnancy and delivery. I prayed every day for this!

Belly Pics

First let me say that I HATE having my picture taken. Something bizarre happens when I know someone is taking my photo. My eyes get very squinty and my smile gets all lopsided.

There are very few photos I like of myself. This sounds horrible, but seriously, my husband even agrees I am a terrible subject. I wish I could find this picture of my husband and me at his sister's wedding. I show all, I mean all, of my teeth in this photo! Weird, but I kind of like the photo. (That is how bad the rest are...)

So, I got a little panicky about not documenting this pregnancy and running out of time to do so. I don't have photos of the belly pregression, just starting at the 8th month. I really wasn't this big the whole time. The last month has really been a growth spurt.

Here are a few photos we had taken after my shower in August~

I hope to post some pics of the nursery. It is such a pretty green color and I love our crib and glider. We are still waiting for the changing table to come in and we don't have anything on the walls. Chances are we won't have anything else in place before the baby comes, which is Friday!!

10 Days!

10 days. I can't believe my little one will be here in 10 days.

I have been such a worrier the last 8+ months that it is amazing it has gone by so fast. It took years for us to get pregnant. When I found out I was pregnant I believed it, I was just afraid that something would happen. I just couldn't deal with such a loss on the heels of years of disappointment. I have had big issues about a sense of personal failure every time I took a pregnancy test and it came back negative. (That is a whole other post - guilt, internalizing, etc.)

I have had a good pregnancy overall. Light morning sickness, and really tired in the beginning. Good test results all the way through. I am huge now at the end. Dizziness, easily fatigued and slow, but still okay. I feel that every part of me has just blown up, but friends have said that I am all baby. (Thanks friends!) To the lady at BRU on Sunday that felt that she needed to let me know that I am huge, then asked her teen daughter if she thought she would get this big. That was not very nice. I was shocked but shook it off. All I care about is bringing a healthy baby into this world.

I am still trying to get things organized at home. We are washing baby clothes and linens, etc. Once we found out we were having a boy, we started buying clothes. It was the only thing we could buy - all other things were beyond us (mentally). We were able to find a ton of great buys, so we have a lot of clothes! This boy will have more clothes than me and my husband!

I am waiting on the dresser/changing table to come in. I researched and shopped around for our crib and changed my mind 3 times before we decided on one. We went with a modern one in an espresso color. My parents were sweet enough to get us the crib and the bedding. I found the matching dresser for $150.00 less at Walmart than what babies r us had it for. I opted for the site to store free shipping - free shipping = great, shipping time=slow. The expected delivery date to the store is the 10th to the 17th. I know it will be the 17th. Ha!

I am really happy with how the nursery is shaping up. It has taken forever, but it is getting there! I will post pics soon.

I am thankful everyday for this child and can't wait to meet him!

Laying Low

I have been laying low since January. Not that I have been missed, or did it to be missed. Just needed to concentrate on what was going on in-house. I still have been following all of your blogs, just not posting here.
I didn't blog for so long it took me forever to figure out how to change my background. I was beginning to feel like my parents must have when they couldn't figure out for to make the VCR stop flashing 12:00.
I am happy enough with the new look and more happy I finally figured it out!
I am hoping to post again (maybe tomorrow-you never know!) to show you some pictures of what has been going on the last 8 months.

Spring Fever ~ Shoes

I have spring fever for SO many reasons. I had a touch of it before Christmas day.

I bought a super cute pair of red, open toe shoes after Christmas. I don't normally buy heels or red shoes for that matter.

(Confession- I own a total of 3 pairs of red shoes. One is a strappy summer sandal and then these flats - $6.00 at Walmart in the fall)

Anyway - I saw them at the store (Ross) one day and then thought about them all week. I went back for one more look and had to get them. When I was trying them on a lady complimented me on them and said how she wished they had them in her size.

A sign right?

So, I got the shoes and I keep thinking about when I can wear them and what I can wear them with.

I am getting a bit ancy. I don't think I can wait till it gets warm...

Can you wear open toe shoes with tights??????????

Well, I found a helpful article on Blogher and the short answer is YES!

Here is what she says-

Pair peep toes with tights, NOT panty hose. Sheer stockings are perfect with closed-toe shoes, but with an open toe, you need something with more substance. This is a look that HAS to be intentional, not accidental; pairing stockings with open toed shoes will look like you just made a mistake. But go with tights -- opaque tights, with a minimal toe seam -- for a thoughtful look.

Here is the link for the full article-

http://www.blogher.com/wear-your-peep-toe-shoes-tights-shocking-i-know

There is a picture of a very similar pair of shoes from Kate Spade in the article. I really like mine more and not just because they were only $19.99 and the Kate Spade are $295.00.

And, not that these are Spring shoes, but I got these in the mail last weekend and luv them. I have worn them twice now and they are SO comfortable.

I had been wanting a pair of cowboy boots for about a year and did a lot of research on them. What I found is that they can be really expensive. I am not a big ebay shopper, but found these and got them for a sweet price - $26.00 (+$10.50 shipping). REALLY!

Do you have Spring fever yet? Any new spring shoes in your thoughts or shopping bag??

Soups On!

I love soup in general, but really crave it this time of year.

French onion, Pho (Thai noodle soup), Vegetable Beef, Chicken, I could go on and on...

Friday nights I fix some sort of Mexican food - tacos, nachos, enchiladas, fajitas. I added tortilla soup this past Friday night and LUV this recipe!

I just googled tortilla soup recipes and found this one on the Food Network.

I left out the black beans (didn't have them) and cooked the chicken in a skillet separately and used chicken strips instead of breasts. I also used Wholly Guacamole instead of avocado.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 jalapenos, finely diced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
2 limes, juiced, plus wedges for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 (8-inch) flour tortilla, grilled, cut into thin strips
1 avocado, pitted, sliced
1 cup shredded Monterrey cheese

Directions
In a large saucepan heat the vegetable oil. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Once the onions have softened add the garlic and jalapenos and cook for another minute. Pour the chicken broth, tomatoes and beans into the pot and bring to a boil. Once at a boil lower heat to simmer and add your chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes. Once chicken is cooked remove from pot. When cool enough to handle shred it and set it aside. Add lime juice and fresh cilantro to the pot. In a serving bowl add a mound of shredded chicken. Ladle soup over chicken and top with a lime wedge, grilled tortilla strips, avocado slices and cheese.

I will be having some leftover tortilla soup for lunch today!

Enjoy!

In the Pink

I have not had much time for blogging lately, but I did manage to change the background on my page. Luv it. Check out the link at the top - they have really cute blog designs.
Have a good week!

Feelin Crafty

I have been in a crafty state of mind lately. I don't really sell my crafts, but decided to do an artists market that is close to work. There weren't a ton of people, but it went well. I sold a good number of things and had some great comments on them. YEAH ME! I am my worst critic...

This is one of my favorite coaster sets. I like the font and the numbers. I did the same kind of thing on my front door for the house numbers.

These are my girly ones.

Christmas coasters!

I also made a basball one - very cute!

Here are the glass tile pendants that I have been making for a while now-

FUN! I am drooling over the Infinity Scarf and can't decide whether to make it or buy it...

Okay, have a good evening. I am off to laundry and get ready for the week!

Catch Up

I can't believe that I haven't posted in over a month. Things have been busy. Work, home - just not enough hours in the day! The time change hit me hard and I have been pooped. I am getting up earlier, which is a good thing, but dragging by early evening.

Here is my catch up post-

1st off-many thanks to Anna at Pinkadots. She gave me my first blog award!

And now my apologies to Anna for just now getting around to it!

Halloween - luv Halloween!

See my sweet Daisy peeking around the pumpkin? Cutie pie.

I was a little nervous we wouldn't have any trick or treaters. We had zero last year. I was thrilled that we had about 20 and it was raining. It was enough to leave me too many fun sized treats to eat.

I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving. (I am looking forward to the moment the food is on the table and we are ready to sit and eat!)

I know this was probably the most boring post ever! I am working my way out of my funk and am getting my bloggy butt back in gear. I have been working on some neat projects and hope to show them to you soon!

I WANT MY TAP SHOES!

On the way home Friday evening I went to my bargain stores. I was on a mission to find Halloween decorations. I went to the thrift store first. I was so excited to see right when I walk in 5 large plastic plug-in Halloween decorations. They are on top of a large stand - I was on tip-toe trying to read the price. I was about to start jumping up in the air to see the price when I see NFS. SAD - not for sale...

Okay, this place is into Halloween - they must have decorations for sale - right? I found 1 thing, 1 thing. It was not bad for its purpose and the price couldn't be any better.

Bless that little child's heart for scribbling on this pumpkin. (I am sure his mom didn't say that). 69Cents. Deal of the day.

I am going to paint it white and either put text or polka dots on it, not sure yet. I am not sure how the dots or wording will turn out, so I am happy I have invested a whopping 69cents for this project.

Went a few doors down to an antique store. I found this cool iron pumpkin. The candle would have cost more than I paid for both. I next found this large paperclip. I am pretty sure that it was from Pottery Barn and the$4.00 they were asking was not. I couldn't carry anything else, so I went to the front and dropped off my finds. I began again and found a pair of black tap shoes in my size. $9.00. Okay, I don't know how to tap dance and had never thought too much about it.

I decided that $9.00 is a deal and these shoes may just change my life. Way too long to explain and I can't remember my whole convoluted internal conversation, but the shoes were coming home with me.

I had almost reached the back of the store and was heading to the register and to pick up my oh-so life changing tap shoes. I passed two young girls (20's?) as I rounded the corner, next I see the shelf where my shoes were and it is now empty. EMPTY. How, how can this be??????

WHY, why did I not pick them up? I know the rule - if you want it, pick it up immediately and guard it with your life. Come on!

The nice lady at the register asked if I need anything - YES, make those girls give me back my $9.00 tap shoes!!!

Okay, I did not say this. I really, really wanted to. I did tell her of my intent of buying the shoes and how I foolishly did not pick them up. She was very nice about it and took my number in case they changed their mind.

No call.

I know that I did not need these shoes. But when I tried them on and they fit and made such a neat little tapping sound, I really wanted them.

My consolation prize came courtesy of Big Lots. I got these two signs and this cool metal skeleton.

These are cute and I LUV Halloween and were all together only a tiny bit more than the shoes. I am still nursing my bruised super shopper, deal finding, no tap shoe wearing, ego.

1 Year Anniversary!

This was my very first blog on September 25, 2008.
Boy does time fly!
I really enjoy reading and learning from all of your blogs! Thanks for the support and inspiration!

Greetings,

This is my first blog! Not really sure about this, but what I do know is that there are some really creative people out there. I want to share my creative projects and hear about yours. When I see a new thing - craft, recipe, whatever, I have to figure out how to reproduce it. If it something that I like, I become obsessed with trying to recreate it and make it mine. I haven't really found out what to do with all of these projects after I have mastered them, but I love a challenge.

My latest recreation was cupcake pops from Bakerella. I made them for a baby shower at work and everyone really liked them.

Update - the babies were born early and have turned 1!

Baking has never been my thing. Even in culinary school I was more of a cook than a baker. So to hear rave reviews and having them pass my way too critical self analysis, I was thrilled. You have to check out Bakerella, she is my baking hero! http://bakerella.blogspot.com/

Until next time~

Yippee! The rain is gone!

Yeah! The rain has ended. I haven't checked the forecast - I am afraid to hear if there is more to come.

This is the sun shining through the trees in my backyard.

Luckily we didn't have any damage to our area and the roads were pretty clear. We did discover that one of our fireplaces needs some attention.

I heard that yesterday was the first day of Fall. Really? Double yipee! I was afraid I was bringing out my fall decorations too soon. I was slowly sneaking them out...

What's your favorite thing about Fall? The cooler weather? Football? Pumpkins? Sweatshirts and jeans? Maybe all of the above??