The Homestretch, AKA the Third Trimester

Cory and I went to the doc early this AM for an ultrasound. Being high risk, we were there to check on the babe's growth. Great news! She's right on track at a whoppin' 2 lbs. 12 oz.

I know these pics will mean next to nothing to you--sonograms aren't much to look at--but we LOVE them, so I just had to share.

Look at this adorable little foot. Actually, this is a shot of both of her feet. They're crossed and looking cute!

Here's a shot of her pretty face. Sure, it looks a little Skeletor-ish with her bones showing, but it's perfection to me. :)

And, while this shot isn't much to see, it's absolutely my favorite. You see, it's her healthy heartbeat. That's what those lines are across the bottom. 145 beats per minute, which is just where she should be. There's nothing more calming in the world than hearing that sound. In fact, I always catch myself holding my breath at these appointments until that music fills my ears.

This is week 28, which means I'm officially in the third trimester. I can't believe we've come this far. I still have SO much to do. Here's just a glimpse at what's left on our to-do list:

* Sign up for birthing classes--still deciding between the hypnobirthing and traditional classes
* Everything for the nursery--well, we have a crib, but that's it. I don't even know what colors I'm doing. Yipe!
* Register
* Wash and hang all of the sweet little outfits I have.
* Replace all of our puppy-stained carpet with a more sanitary option.

Yowza! I hope our little squirt stays put for the full three months remaining. There's much to do before she gets here. In the meantime, I sure enjoy seeing her on the ultrasound screen. What a wild and wonderful experience that is!

Cheers!

Family Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

I created this book to contain some of my family's memories of time spent in Montrose, CO--a special place for us. We've had many good times in that town. :)

It's Suddenly Sleepy Saturday

Catching a quick catnap in my car. Something I do often. The front seat of a Mustang can make quite comfy sleeping quarters. 

What do you get when you combine narcolepsy + sleep apnea + low iron + pregnancy = 1 tired gal. 

I’m definitely feeling the fatigue these days, but I know you don’t need all or any of the aforementioned ailments to feel the exhaustion life can bring. Just functioning day to day, accomplishing the many things that are required of us as responsible adults, can lead to that oh-so-sleepy feeling. So, whether you have a sleep disorder or not, I think you’ll be interested in this tidbit:

Today is Suddenly Sleep Saturday

In recognition of those clocks being set ahead tomorrow morning--yup, Daylight Savings Time is here--the Narcolepsy Network established this day as a day to raise awareness of the extreme fatigue narcolepsy can cause. 

I encourage you to check out the symptoms of narcolepsy here. I went 12 years without a diagnosis and finally, due in part to my own self education, found the answers I had so desperately been seeking for 12+ years. That’s a lot of years and quality of life lost that I can’t get back. Don’t let the same happen to you. Become informed and spread the word. It could make a huge difference in your life or the life of another.

Happy Suddenly Sleepy Saturday. Here’s hoping you can sneak an extra nap in this weekend!

So many nursery options, so little time

Help. I’m in need of a little color coaching. I’m having the hardest time selecting a color combo for our nursery. There are so many pretty options. Here are a few that I’m considering:


Note: All color palette images courtesy of Design Seeds and Photo Card Boutique.

Turquoise, Gray & Yellow (with the possibility of a splash of Taupe) 

This has topped my list for a while, but I can’t help but wonder if I’d be missing out by not using any pink. I am, after all, very much a pink lady.

Here's a pretty example I found on Pinterest. Image courtesy of Oleana Boutique.

Pink & Gray

Another color combo I’m awfully fond of, but I do worry that it’s somewhat limiting. 

Here's a pretty example I found on Pinterest, courtesy of Spearmint Baby.

Pink, Gray, & Taupe

This one is slightly different than the one above. The pink has more red in it, and it has some taupe thrown in. 

This pretty example is more of a soft pink and taupe, but I like it. (Image courtesy of Benjamin Moore.)

Orange, Pinks, Yellow, & Gray

This one is kind of a combo of the above with a little orange thrown in. 

Here's a happy example of a similar color scheme, a la Project Nursery.

Orange, Tangerine, Taupe, & Pinks

This option seems warn and happy, but I think it could be hard to find elements in all of these colors. 

Orange, Pinks, Turquoise, & Taupe

This one is vibrant. Too vibrant? Perhaps. 

Turquoises, Brown, Pinks, & Yellow

A softer palette. Not sure if I love it, but there's something inviting about these colors. 

Cream, Pinks, & Brown

This one feels a bit overdone, but there is something soothing about this combo. 

Another beautiful Project Nursery example.

Do you see why I'm having such a difficult time? There are so many beautiful combos out there. Sheesh! Any thoughts on the subject? Here are a few facts to consider:

* The floor will be a dark-ish wood
* The furniture will be white (or antique white)
* The walls are currently taupe, but that can change. However, I'd rather not paint if it works out.
* We hope to add wainscoting to the walls

Bedding Question
Also, do you know where I can buy baby bedding in colors beyond pink/brown and pink/green?It seems like these are the only ones I see when I'm out and about. I was surprised there hasn't been more to choose from. Any shopping suggestions?

Any color coaching you can offer will be greatly appreciated. I can't guarantee I'll go with any of these, but this is a start, I suppose. Thanks, in advance, for your help.

Cheers!

Baby Fashion Show

Why wait for Fashion Week or the next season of Project Runway for your fashion-show fix? I’ve got your front-row seat to the cutest show in town. Well, I’m admittedly a bit bias, but I think you’ll enjoy these little numbers. They're a few of the baby things I’ve purchased since finding out I’m having a girl.  

Now, I know it may seem odd to photograph clothes, but I’m a scrapbooker, and that’s what we do. We photograph life’s details so that we can transform them into documented memories. Or at least into happy blog posts. 

With that, dim the lights. This cat walk is about to get ultra cute! 

Outfit #1: The Bear Hat

Well, this isn't exactly an "outfit," but it is one of my favorites. You see, I call Cory "Bear," and this little girl is our baby bear, so a baby bear hat is perfection. What is it about ears on hats that makes 'em so cute? Plus, the fuzz around the mouth is so soft. 

Outfit Info

Size: 18-36 mo.

Purchased at: Naartjie

Outfit #2: Corduroy Overalls 

This outfit is tied for "favorite." I wish the photo did it justice. That you could reach out and touch it. It's so soft. And it reminds me of an outfit my mom bought for me when I was young, so there's that sentimental attachment that means so much. 

Outfit Info

Size: 6-12 mo.

Purchased at: Janie and Jack

Outfit #3: Tiny Summer Suit

This sweet summer ensemble is extra special because it came from a friend. She went out and purchased it (and several other darling things) for me the day she heard I was having a girl. Isn't that nice? It's going to be just right come fireworks time!

Outfit Info

Size: 0-3 Months

Purchased at: Gymboree

Outfit #4: Birdie Jumper

I love a good bargain, and this was part of a fun Tuesday's Treasure promotion that the store has, where a couple of surprise full-price items get marked down 40% every Tuesday, for that day only. Yeah, I pretty much have a standing appointment with that shop every Tues. for the next few years. :)

Outfit Info

Size: 3-6 mo.

Purchased at: Naartjie

Outfit #5: Patchwork Pink Ensemble

This was the second Tuesday's Treasure purchase I made. I adore how the shirt is made up of a patchwork of different prints. And the ruffles on the pants are so sweet!

Outfit Info

Size: 3-6 mo.

Purchased at: Naartjie

Outfit #6: Tea Time Onesie

I found this on my first trip to Baby Gap, and what a find! The little tea cup is appliquéd fabric, and the design has a soft watercolor look to it. 

Outfit Info

Size: 12-18 mo.

Purchased at: Baby Gap

Outfit #7: Bunny Bidnaz

This one had me at the striped pants and tulle trim. Then I saw the matching shoes with the button eyes and it was all over. 

Outfit Info

Size: 3-6 mo.

Purchased at: Naartjie

Outfit #8: Sweater Suit

You may recognize this darling ensemble from an earlier post. As that post describes, it holds a very special place in my heart, and I can't wait to take a picture of my babe in it someday so that I can scrapbook that story. 

Outfit Info

Size: 3-6 mo.

Purchased at: Emporium at Thanksgiving Point

If you think these are cute now, just wait until you see how they look with a baby in them. I can’t wait. When those days finally come, I’ll be sure to take some photographic evidence to share. ;) In the meantime, thanks for humoring me with this post. I know it’s a bit silly to post about baby clothes, but these sweet ensemebles make me smile, and I hope at least one of them managed to do the same for you. 

Cheers!

My CHA Adventure: Projects

I'm a lucky gal. Twice a year, I have the opportunity to attend the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) tradeshow. What an inspiring place! It's where companies introduce their new lines, complete with awesome booths and incredible projects. I always come home with so many ideas!

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite CHA project-finds with you. I hope you find them as inspiring as I do.

Isn't this cool? Kelly Purkey made a map of the places she's traveled and included pictures. It was on display in the Studio Calico booth. If you look closely at St. Louis, you'll see me. That was a good trip!

This is a Clip It Up storage system that has been painted pink. Why didn't I ever think to paint mine pink? Love that idea! Thanks, Nikki Sivils booth, for the clever idea!

I'm always attracted to colorful layouts, and this one found in the Paper Smooches booth simply shines! 

So sweet! I can definitely see myself adding this idea to my future nursery. Thanks, Silhouette, for the idea!

Yes, those are candy Dots! How cute! Thanks for the party idea, Ellison. 

Leave it to the Doodlebug to inspire me with color. Look at that sweet card and layout. Both so cheery!

I admit, I have an Edward layout in my own album, so I was naturally drawn to this page in the SEI booth. Besides the hella handsome fella, I love the circles along the side. 

Love this, Maya Road! Thanks for the words of inspiration! 

These are yarn-bombed chairs. So cool! 

I'm very into yarn art right now, and I loved seeing all of the yarn displays at this show. 

This wreath, on display in the Jillibean Soup booth, is made from jar lids. What a clever creative approach!

More yarn fun! This yarn-wrapped tree was standing tall in the Heidi Grace booth. I want to wrap a tree in a neutral color (white or gray) and switch out the ornaments for the various seasons. Fun!

I could go on and on but I guess I'll stop here. Thanks, CHA, for another inspiring show!

Cheers!

Bitty Outfit, Big Step

After losing our first baby at 10 weeks, I entered into this pregnancy leery, to say the least. In an effort to protect my heart from experiencing the unimaginable pain that comes from such a loss again, I didn’t allow myself to get caught up in the baby excitement. I told the friends and family who knew I was expecting that I didn’t want to discuss being pregnant, and I basically went about my business as if I weren’t... mentally, that is. 

This was an easy approach, as Cory felt the exact same way. We didn’t decide on this “plan” together. It was just how we both reacted, in an effort to protect our hearts from the possible ache that we didn’t know if we could face again.

I know it sounds... well, harsh, I guess, but we felt a second pregnancy was a great gamble that would either pay off or break us. 

Things started to change around week 16. We were still scared and worried that things weren’t going to work out, but a small glimmer of hope that they would work out started to grow. We heard a healthy heartbeat and had seen our sweet babe on an ultrasound several times. Plus, we had the confidence of our doctor, who felt things were proceeding as they should. 

Could this pregnancy really turn into a child? Our child? 

Then I saw this outfit -- a sweet sweater suit -- and I was in love. I didn’t know if I was having a boy or a girl at the time, but I thought this little number would work for either. And it was on sale! 

So I... 

*gulp* 

...made the purchase.

This may sound silly, but this was a HUGE step for me. It meant acknowledging the fact that I was expecting a baby. A little person who would actually wear this adorable attire someday. It made everything feel... real. 

This was a turning point. 

The act of buying this one little outfit changed everything. It took me from just experience sickness and a changing body to being an expectant mother. It made things feel real. And wonderful!

Today, at 22 weeks, I’m still terrified everyday. Terrified something will go wrong. Terrified I’ll make a mistake. Eat the wrong food. Lift the wrong box. Take the wrong trip. Stress too much. Do something to jeopardize our child. But I’m also exhilarated. We’re going to be parents, which brings a feeling of excitement I can’t begin to explain or replace with anything I've experienced before. The hope I feel doesn’t eliminate the fear, but it certainly counters it and has me in a place where I feel I can actually enjoy this time in my life instead of fear it. Finally. 

And it all started with this one little outfit. An outfit I just happened upon in a local gift shop. It just goes to show ya that small blessings really can be found around any corner.  And I’m so thankful I happened around the right corner at the right time.