Well, I'm crawling up to my computer to type that I am ok (I think) but I have to go lie down now. I did manage to scrape up a post over here today.
And for those of you that like free stuff and doing little reviews on your bloggies... you must check out the cool free shirt offer from my friends at Polly Tod- open to both Daddy & Mommy bloggers. We're fans- and I'm sure you will be, too. Gray already rocks it out in the Tin Robot and Amped tees (so fitting, eh?)
Ok, that's enough of that. Back to the couch for me.
Everything went so smoothly yesterday with Noah's eye consult. I am so thankful that I felt well all morning and had lots of energy to get through the day. God really showed His mercy as I could have and should have spent more time in prayer about our appointment and situation, but still He is so good. Not much is required of us, you know?
Originally this appointment should have been where Noah would be measured for the eye surgery, but since his last visit, his vision has changed and he now needs glasses. After 3 months his doctor will be able to get the proper measurements for the surgery. I don't mind a little extra time, I'll admit! He did wear glasses once before, but for different reasons. And he's actually excited about wearing them- so that is a blessing. We just have to go pick out a pair now!
And in the meantime- uh, wow- I came home to a kajillion emails thanks to the giveaway. I am a little perturbed at Target right now because I needed to get Carter some new gloves and they don't carry them anymore because- in the retail world- it's spring. This doesn't make ANY sense to me considering we have at least 2 more months of winter here. Today especially.
*Winner has been posted here!
I was hoping that this time around I'd have something equally as creative as I've had in the past for Shannon's awesome Bloggy Giveaways carnival, but in the midst of my good news (baby bump on the way, yay) I am taking it easy.
And for real- you all don't want something that I make or pick out for you- how about you just go to the shopping place that is above all others and buy something nice for yourself!
And look- it's in the shape of a purse.
Win this $15 Target gift card just by leaving a comment below. You could get a cool green clutch or blue jelly flats and some tights to go with them. Or just get some snacks, new pens, good soap, or whatever you wish!
I'll pick one winner at random sometime Friday morning, Feb 1st. One entry per person, mm kay? Winner will be contacted by email.
I'm also posting this a bit early because of Noah's eye surgery consult in Chicago. Prayers are appreciated!
I am about 7 weeks along- give or take a few days.
I am amazed at how such a tiny little thing living inside me can cause SO MANY changes and feelings and sickness and so forth. How does this happen!?!?
I am feeling a bit better every day as far as the morning sickness goes, but I don't feel up for talking about food just yet, smelling it, reading about it, and/or preparing it. Although I think I could eat the black bean soup from Billy Jack's all day and all night and be just fine. Oh, with the homemade bread of course.
I am hoping to have a human baby. No aliens or puppies, please! (Someday I'll have to tell you about 4 pregnancies worth of crazy dreams.) If this baby is a boy or girl I will be THRILLED and relieved. And of course I know you only mean well when you wish upon a woman with all boys that you hope she has a girl, but I already know that's what everyone is thinking, so no need to say it really. I don't know where 'having all boys' got a bad rep anyway. Mine are angels! I hope I have a healthy baby. All boy or all girl sounds great to me!
We are planning a midwife-assisted home birth. I probably will do water birth- not sure yet. Hubby jokes that he doesn't think we need any assistance, really, except for maybe afterwards, and I'll admit a huge part of me wonders if we'll end up having this baby on our own anyway. Since my labors have gotten shorter & shorter, it's possible. I delivered Gray by myself in the hospital but then a doctor ran in to help afterward. I'll definitely try to give my midwife as much notice as possible!
Well, tonight we are going out to dinner to one of my favorite restaurants and that means I got out of my sweats and into real (not as comfortable) clothes. After a shower, of course, and I even put on makeup! I don't look half-bad. Considering all week I'd pretty much looked like what the cat dragged in. But then I even felt guilty about that because I honestly think I looked worse than something a cat would drag in. Anyway. I think things are feeling better overall here in pregnancy land. I'm feeling optimistic. And less dragged in.
When I woke up this morning it was negative 7 degrees!!How do you wear the baby when it is soooooooo cold out?
Well, a while back I did a review for the Secure2Me Baby Blanket over at Mama Speaks and we still use ours- whether it's while wearing Gray or even just in the car or stroller keeping babe cozy. (Tip- we always bring it in the house so that it doesn't stay in the cold car!)
You gotta dig the Peekaru Fleece Baby Carrier Cover. That will keep you warm!
And the most famous babywearing coat out there is Suse's Kinder Coat. If you do a little googling and are crafty enough, you can find ways to turn a regular coat into a babywearing coat!
Stay warm out there!
Ok, I do not intend for this to become a pregnancy blog or all-things-obsessed-with-being-pregnant but you'll find that I get a bit feisty when I've got a bun in the oven and so for now, just deal.
I am first of all, really excited about being preggy for the first time as a blogger. Kinda cool. Except that so far I do not even feel like sitting here at the computer. I'd rather be under the covers in my bed. And that's pretty much where I've been. I am taking each chance that I actually feel well to catch up on housework that's been neglected while I do nothing and try to get my mind off this stomach that is torturing my every waking moment. Poor hubby came out of the shower with an elephant hoody towel yesterday. So laundry is at the top of the list.
I do have a sweet Valentine contest going on over at my Close To Home blog. I think you should check it out. Now, back to my regularly scheduled under-the-covers-programming...
So, now that it's out in the open I can breathe a little easier. Only thing is when I breathe, I smell things. And when I smell pretty much anything right now, I head for the bathroom. Doesn't help that today is garbage day either. Oh, and why did I just type that?
Really- I felt like everyone could see it on my face or in my words. I hate keeping secrets. And how do you blog without at least mentioning that little thing growing inside? I couldn't wait any longer. So there. Now I can breathe. Or not breathe. Great. Just talking about it is only making it worse. So please, for now refrain from telling me any of your weird cravings. I'll probably post about that later on when I can actually consider thinking about food. Right now my cravings last for about 10 minutes and then they turn into repulsions. Anyway, too much talking about it already.
I'm pregnant! Just had to say it again!
A recent email conversation between me & hubby:
me: Can you call me as soon as possible?
he: Can you just email me what you want?me: No.
he: What is it about?
me: Do you think you can take a vacation sometime around September 18?he: Why?
me: You figure it out.
(long pause)
he: Gulp! 8^)
Super special thanks to Cara for whipping up this most awesome Big Brother shirt for Gray- (and Big Sister is also available now at Urban Baby Runway!)
It's freezing here. Currently -4 degrees. And the weather report says "feels like -19." It's going to be really hard to leave this house today.
I've had a really good weekend so far (aside from the arctic temps) and Gray has been like, the sweetest thing ever. Life is good. Just wanted you to know.
My friend Jen sent me these pics of her daughter Allison wearing her baby doll with a simple piece of fabric. This proves you really don't need much to wear your baby!
I was tagged for this Meme of 5 Courses by Naomi (aka Superdumb Supervillain.)Here's what you have to do: Devise a list of 5-10 courses you would take to fix your life. It’s more fun to be in classes with friends, so include one class from the person who tagged you that you’d also like to take. Tag five.
The class I'd like to take with Naomi would be her Raising a Mama's Boy (prerequisites: Separation Anxiety and Babywearing 101) How to deal with an infant who won't let you put him down. Ever.
And for me we'd have to expand that one to toddlers as well.
Here are my other course suggestions:
Shopping For MomsGoing beyond the Target clearance racks and into stores that sell only clothes. For women. And for your age.Laundry Excavation & CultivationMapping your way around the inside of the laundry mound and how to keep it from multiplying. Supplies needed: protective goggles, mask, & flashlight, and in some cases, a flare. Second semester bonus- Kitchen Sink Excavation & Cultivation.Sleep: It's Really More Important Than Blogging Even Though You Beg To Differ
In this class all you will be required to do is sleep. It's much more difficult than it looks.
When Will You Ever Learn?
Topics covered include keeping the crayons away from toddlers near walls, the chocolate away from toddlers wearing dress clothes, and cosmetics away from toddlers, period.
I'd like to tag these bloggers I know in real life:
Crooked Eyebrow
I Should Be Folding Laundry
M.O.M. On A Mission
The Kelloggs v.3.4To Think Is To Create
For the first time in a very long time Gray took a nap while Noah & Carter were at school. Because I had such success doing one thing at a time yesterday, I had the perfect opportunity to take a nap myself. Oh, and nap I did. For a long time. It was heavenly. Just had to share.
Something else I'd like to share and encourage you to click click click on over to a few places...
Amy from Crunchy Domestic Goddess is writing away over at BlogHer about how you can help Waterbirth International.
Tanya at the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog is asking for very precious votes for a much deserving idea.
You can send a vote Beck's way (of Frog And Toad Are Still Friends fame) as she's nominated for Best Family Blog at the Canadian Blog Awards! Vote here!
And lastly, what kind of world do you want? I'll wait while you get some tissues... check out this video passed on to me by Ashlee.
Am I leaving anything out?
I hate football. Really. Like, a lot. So much that I don't want to defile my pretty blog talking about it. So I've posted my thoughts over here.There. I'm done.
I'm here today, forcing myself to take it slow. Live more in the moment. Stuff like that.
My hair actually looks better when it air dries than when I style it all up with a brush and hair dryer. I think this is very convenient.
I really really like cute gift bags. Sometimes I feel that finding the right gift bag is as important as the gift itself.
I also really really like starfruit and fried mushrooms lately. (Not necessarily together.)
While getting my shop on today I found myself thinking about which shoes I would buy. The only fact that one pair were really cute was not enough to make me buy them (as in the past.) I even said out loud "these (in black & white) would get dirty so quickly." So I picked a smarter pair (and I'm a bit melancholy at the fact that smart is a factor for me now) with a casual heel. And it really says 'casual heel' on the box.
Since when did shoes have to make sense? 31 is sinking in.
Up for bids on eBay now... complete with 2 mei tais, 2 ring slings, a pouch, and a wrap!
P.S. Just so I don't mistaken for being so talented- this auction is brought to you by Corrine at Upmama.com!
All is well here. Carter slept all night and, even with a perforated ear drum he is doing so much better! I'll be dining at the OG with Ashlee tonight for some good ol' soup, salad, & breadsticks so I am doing so much better! Oh, and check out my post over here today and maybe you'll be a winner.
Steph
I am not sure what it's like in your neck of the woods, but we're having sprinter here. Or wing. Or Armageddon. Or whatever it would be when winter & spring can't make up their minds. I'm also off in a bit to take Carter to the doctor. We never have to go to the doctor so this is a big deal- his poor ear and neck are in severe pain. Be thinking of him! And me- I'd like some sleep. The past night and morning so far are a blur. So anyway, if you want more from me, you can just go on over here.
Steph
photo credit: Arianne, cake credit: hubby : )
When I was a little girl I'd receive a coupon in the mail for a free birthday cone at Baskin Robbins "31 Flavors." The tiny pink spoons would tempt a sample of bubblegum swirl or mint chocolate chip, but without fail I'd always choose peanut butter and chocolate in a sugar cone.
I also remember growing up that we didn't have MTV until I was older, but my grandparents did. They didn't approve of us watching that "filthy station", which was channel 31. When we'd get caught watching it my Poppal would disappointedly say, "Aw, y'all are watching 31."
It's my birthday.
Last night my sweet sister-in-law Lisa surprised me with flowers and a pineapple. I wish I could explain how special this made me feel. And my Mom made me lemon bars.
That is just the good stuff of life. This year for sure will be a very special and memorable year. I may now be thirty-one, but today I'm really floating on cloud 9.
So I can't possibly think of anything you all don't already know about me, but I was tagged by Lisa at Crazy Adventures In Parenting to tell you 7 Things You Don't Already Know About Me. I've done 6 things and the cankle-popular 8, but not 7, so here goes:
1. So far this year I am officially a vegetarian, mostly vegan. Last year I was kinda on & off.
2. Nine times out of ten when I leave the house I have to come right back in for something I've forgotten. Usually it's my keys or cell phone. I've never forgotten a child.
3. One of my favorite ways to relax is to put my iPod on shuffle while I knit.
4. My current favorite album to listen to right now is Band of Horses' Everything All The Time
5. In the next 7 days I have only one night that I won't be going out and doing something. Normally I like to hang out at home but I'm really looking forward to all the nightlife!
6. I just found out that I will be mentioned in the March issue of Parents magazine's "Best Family Cars 2008" article talking about my Rondo. Love my Rondo!
7. I suffer from blogger guilt- not having the time to read as many blogs as I'd like and leave comments... I seriously wish I could stay updated with every single one. Maybe someday I'll acquire super-bloggy-powers and be on top of things for once.
So now I tag six of my girls with blogs and one guy...
Capri By The LakeGlass Half Full
Life With All BoysMama's NestMommy InstinctsTo Think Is To CreateThe Kelloggs v.3.4
Someone likes the spikey. Daddy always uses "spikey" when he fixes the boys' hair and Gray decided to do it himself. I thought he had been too quiet just then...
They go hand in hand- the perfect way to nurse baby on the go is in the sling. Here's a few tips on how I go about it discreetly and conveniently...
If I know I am going to be out in public and will need to nurse Gray, I try to wear layers- a tank or tee that has a low neck underneath another shirt or sweater so that I can lower the bottom shirt while the top shirt stays where it is and my belly isn't showing. You can do nursing tops or tanks, too, but I've just found this is the simplest (and cheapest!) way for me to go about things a bit more discreetly.
To nurse while wearing your child, I first have baby or toddler in the sling. For smaller babies,
I find the pouch or ring sling most comfortable with baby in the cradle hold. Keeping the bottom layer tee pulled down, just lower the neckline and have baby latch on. This bottom tee will keep your tummy covered and then the top layer can be used to hide any extra skin showing if you wish. In the photo to the left you can see Gray has his arms out. Where my hand is where I might be exposed. You can leave your hand there to cover up a bit or if you can get them to keep their arms in, see photo at right where the pouch rail is lifted up. 
Of course, you don't have to wear layers. It is a nice plus for those of us that do like to hide our skin a bit. It gets chilly, too! Also, make use of your sling as a cover-up, too. If you are using the ring sling, the tail can be brought up over top.
In the mei tai, wrap, pouch, and ring sling I find that the tummy to tummy and hip carries work best with toddlers. When Gray nurses, he's usually "sitting" in the sling and will rest to the side or nurse "straight on" facing me.
Be sure to hold on to baby in a way you would be nursing without the sling. Then adjust the sling so that it is secure and comfortable for both you & baby. And practice! In front of a mirror is how I've learned that I'm wearing my baby the right way and nursing, too!
If you're uncomfortable trying this around others, I often will casually turn away or go in an area that is easy to get baby latched on. Once I feel "all together" I just go about as usual- and most likely no one will even know there is a baby nursing in that sling!
And I just had to include "my eye's view" of the sweetest little thing...
Please share any tips you have in the comments below.
I've run away over here today.
Loving my hair even more this morning. It even looks cool with bed head.
And the after................
I was gone almost FOUR hours! It was heavenly! So, this is my quick picture and all I have to show you for now. I am sure there will be plenty more dazzling photos of me in the future.
Maybe not as dramatic as some had hoped, but I like the idea of growing my hair out a bit but having a shape again, and some sassy color. I tried to take a pic so you could really see the color- almost like a purple plum... love it!
I am not saying there was anything specifically wrong with my "before" except that it was old and boring and unshapely to me.
I must say thanks to Mom (who gave me a gift certificate to my salon) and to hubby (who crashed as soon as I got home) for making this all happen!
"The Before" below:
Fuzzy and stringy. Oh, and you can see the etsy necklace that I received from Carrington & Arianne for doula-ing.
It is 4 degrees here. The weather channel says "feels like -11". We are staying warm inside all day until I run far far away head to my much much much overdue hair appointment. I'm pretty sure I've worn out the stringy look for far too long. I have no idea what my stylist will decide to do, but I do know a color & cut is in the plans. I've heard that perms are making a comeback. Has anyone else heard this? And the 'bob with bangs' is oh so ever popular, but I wore out that style most of early last year. Something new would be nice. I will post a before & after pic later today. I'll keep you posted because I just know how you'll be waiting on the edge of your seat...
I was looking back to one year ago and came across my New Year's post for 2007. I have confessed in the past that 2007 was a bit of a bust. Some bumpy times. But looking at my goals for the year, and now seeing how I succeeded in every one of these goals, I feel victorious! Here's the post (and a couple little added notes), and I think that it will remain for 2008. Can only get better and brighter.
I see this new year as a blank page full of promises and possibilities. Rather than state resolutions, I have goals similar to my prayer every night as I end my day- May I be a better wife tomorrow, a more patient mom, a more organized homemaker, effective servant of the Lord, as tomorrow is a new day.I love a new start. I hope for superficial things like provision to go on our vacation to Colorado this June (done). And for a new car (done!). To read more books (did that). And to become a better knitter (yes!).
I hope to grow closer to my friends, and be a better friend to them. (And who knew I'd make so many more for-sure-to-be-lifelong friends this year as well?)I hope for my family to live a "greener" life.I hope to get rid of extra "stuff." Whether it be emotional or physical baggage.
And appreciate more of what is truly important.I hope I continue to keep my eyes open for what is truly important, and never let "moments" pass by unnoticed.I hope to not set limits or expectations, or make judgments and assumptions, and only hope to focus on what is good and true.I hope to always know my purpose, and to put it to good use. I hope to always look forward and not back, up and not down...Yes, in this New Year, many treasures await...
photo credit: photographer Ashlee Allen, Nest
