tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80729770493390778162024-03-05T10:27:44.673-05:00The Big Day... and the rest of our life!I'm 3 months and 2 days away from my big day! The day I have been dreaming about for 252 months or 1,092 weeks or 7,665 days...yeah, since I was 8 little years old. On October 1, 2010 I will marry my best friend. My wedding will be here before I know it. I need a place to write it all down...
It came, it went, it will go down as one of the greatest days of my life. Now, we're having a BABY!LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-82690314253559995602012-03-25T11:12:00.002-04:002012-03-25T11:38:54.226-04:00Nella's Easter BasketWith each new day we have our "firsts". It is so exciting. We are about to celebrate our first Easter with baby Nella. I know she is too little to understand any of it, but she'll have photo's to look back on. She won't really know at the time about God's love for us as we sit in church on Sunday morning and she won't understand all the hulabaloo behind an egg hunt. She won't know why there is a man dressed like a giant bunny (let's hope there are no tears) and she won't taste any of the delicious food that we'll eat. But gosh darnit, she'll have an ADORABLE EASTER BASKET! <br />
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I was browsing online trying to find an Easter photo I wanted to replicate for her 3 month photos. I still cannot find it, but I did find <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/03/fabric-easter-basket.html">this</a>. It was actually a picture of the basket that I found. I had to hunt down the original page, but what a treat it was. I will show you my rendition now.<br />
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I started with a Jelly Roll purchased from Joann's. I tried to buy one from the original site, but there were none for sale. Luckily, I still had my 25% off coupon and Joann's is just down the road. There were only a few Jelly Roll's left and only ONE cute one. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Enter exhibit A.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>A Pocket full of Posies Jelly Roll.</em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUwOA3nf-yfTVpj0r2hyphenhyphenTjnO_BBK2LlJbiYDvObJ6DPCMpvb85nnktNUoxYlT56E2LSKy5rRUUOKINyxFLN4hxNB2uvgO7WTOK6cOPaPAv4JuKk5jVcmrTXY5zurgqG5F95mAHzw1AvA/s1600/Jelly+Roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUwOA3nf-yfTVpj0r2hyphenhyphenTjnO_BBK2LlJbiYDvObJ6DPCMpvb85nnktNUoxYlT56E2LSKy5rRUUOKINyxFLN4hxNB2uvgO7WTOK6cOPaPAv4JuKk5jVcmrTXY5zurgqG5F95mAHzw1AvA/s640/Jelly+Roll.jpg" width="443" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unroll the Jelly Roll. Seperate all strips by color. This particular one had 10 different fabrics, 2 of each. I cut the strips in half lengthwise, so I was left with 40 strips. They were approximately 2.5" x 20" after cutting. I then stacked them into one pile in alternating colors/fabrics. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LbIuezdPnwT7FdBBnxOjFGLBvvmMow-RObtUkY7re3t4TebMjjGakvBl4IlBrWb-OPlaYLI3lSN9jGs7fE_wg8EJ_z4rpBp_RQCxzDzETJ6se7plHz19TD285mOP9iBoiZsp40qjWYE/s1600/Strips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LbIuezdPnwT7FdBBnxOjFGLBvvmMow-RObtUkY7re3t4TebMjjGakvBl4IlBrWb-OPlaYLI3lSN9jGs7fE_wg8EJ_z4rpBp_RQCxzDzETJ6se7plHz19TD285mOP9iBoiZsp40qjWYE/s640/Strips.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Now I had to get all intimate with the glue gun. The original tutorial calls for sewing, but it's midnight. I have a 3 month old. I don't want to sew. You'll need two packages of filler cord piping. I used Wrights brand 12/32" for the basket and 6/32" for the handle. Wrap and glue, wrap and glue. Make sure to alternate the fabrics! You'll wrap the entire length of the thicker cord (6 yards) and about 39" of the smaller one, for the handle.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvjXpgLBZ3GmaaE2EE74SU7ZDgSvowiwV9nfUaYDKYz0BZPpuQqDmpqonGhXsoOeGeki_tJr2rKKzvCA_oRHOnpDkdGz2mCT9z5WnwueIyDDoCLNW-r7hBAwyY5XXP6GnzSilUnc4-AY/s1600/Rolled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvjXpgLBZ3GmaaE2EE74SU7ZDgSvowiwV9nfUaYDKYz0BZPpuQqDmpqonGhXsoOeGeki_tJr2rKKzvCA_oRHOnpDkdGz2mCT9z5WnwueIyDDoCLNW-r7hBAwyY5XXP6GnzSilUnc4-AY/s640/Rolled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Begin coiling the bottom. You'll coil until you have 7 rows from inner to end. You can be an overachiever and sew if you want, but really, just glue it as you go. Don't be sloppy though. Let the dog check it out. He knows his crafts!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64h01rlgiwOcYdxxgaXIw7La8cnGV40Lnk06js5vI7nJYD1bqLibKttM9XBXIGSV0t8g3j46KwPjWFtwLaQ05lZHUKHB-72ejLL7mFjl-H-AunUdiPtMI0QDqX-_-yfXtmM0fFx_F6Aw/s1600/Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64h01rlgiwOcYdxxgaXIw7La8cnGV40Lnk06js5vI7nJYD1bqLibKttM9XBXIGSV0t8g3j46KwPjWFtwLaQ05lZHUKHB-72ejLL7mFjl-H-AunUdiPtMI0QDqX-_-yfXtmM0fFx_F6Aw/s640/Dog.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">Now let the baby check it out. She doesn't know her crafts (yet) but the photos tell you otherwise. Once the dog and the baby give you the thumbs up, you'll need to begin your coiling for the basket. I used to own a pottery shop. I'm no stranger to the coil pot. This was very similar. Just keep going, and gluing, until you reach the top. I tucked the end inside the basket and glued it down. It was later covered by the handle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mLxKVGvYS_7SKhzCl1pwUbu1fnQXp0HLaegm4pM9kpRnEE1vNW8phMOOxHn4iGuhVFLX5rJgdJiVygESuWt_1MxTYRxgNnsqDqJ4M9gUS91irefMVcNWcEVwMNuliKu54cxAUaQLLPg/s1600/Baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mLxKVGvYS_7SKhzCl1pwUbu1fnQXp0HLaegm4pM9kpRnEE1vNW8phMOOxHn4iGuhVFLX5rJgdJiVygESuWt_1MxTYRxgNnsqDqJ4M9gUS91irefMVcNWcEVwMNuliKu54cxAUaQLLPg/s640/Baby.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">To do the handle, you'll leave it in one 39" piece. Fold it into thirds and glue...or sew. Then anchor that bad boy into your basket with glue...or sewing. Although I did glue it for now, I will reinforce it with a needle and thread because I do want this basket to last for a long time. It's too cute not to. And hey, the baby is pretty darn cute too!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSAOWmszpdsYRaqqAjewwQSeAvB5aWo3XS85wmGlAsGV8cfcTkfuN4L0N-cz-HuIgm5xjbyPDTAPot2rmhZl2pTr2Fb3veYO48S0kBpb-2QKj2THjrkBrrVtqc9L3scbWBbCf_joskJg/s1600/Finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSAOWmszpdsYRaqqAjewwQSeAvB5aWo3XS85wmGlAsGV8cfcTkfuN4L0N-cz-HuIgm5xjbyPDTAPot2rmhZl2pTr2Fb3veYO48S0kBpb-2QKj2THjrkBrrVtqc9L3scbWBbCf_joskJg/s640/Finished.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em>A close up for your viewing pleasures.</em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0e7BVYNtH16osoyTvFzYTDqNnXkIEIa4oV8qBDmiuIpJ0eSyLFEgSJZRN_dETYV79yN2u7bD-GSOIGxgoPv-yZILSS3kDH2EMB9idqvwT2dwVLLhMZOupblS43ROO4wapzoZ7ZOtQg5s/s1600/basket+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0e7BVYNtH16osoyTvFzYTDqNnXkIEIa4oV8qBDmiuIpJ0eSyLFEgSJZRN_dETYV79yN2u7bD-GSOIGxgoPv-yZILSS3kDH2EMB9idqvwT2dwVLLhMZOupblS43ROO4wapzoZ7ZOtQg5s/s400/basket+closeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-2025710955818922442012-02-13T16:38:00.000-05:002012-02-13T16:38:55.833-05:00Love Overload<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEBLDAMWWIAbcwmTK-qb5xHwkHrD3vuNCXyeAQ7SPWwaRGzfZx81tSPutqY3Ey3On8WTr7-Hts_5qoJtQwMRNbYH63gfLcCEWyhHusbNbC4t8MpMiw8Z-3kn2WrV0W0fdSl4ELbXbWQg/s1600/Photo+Strip+Timeline+21312+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEBLDAMWWIAbcwmTK-qb5xHwkHrD3vuNCXyeAQ7SPWwaRGzfZx81tSPutqY3Ey3On8WTr7-Hts_5qoJtQwMRNbYH63gfLcCEWyhHusbNbC4t8MpMiw8Z-3kn2WrV0W0fdSl4ELbXbWQg/s640/Photo+Strip+Timeline+21312+bw.jpg" width="129" /></a>Today is February 13th, 2012. This date is stamped forever in my memory, in my timeline of life, in my heart. Today marks 7 years since Jerry asked me to be his girlfriend. Today marks 2 years since Jerry asked me to be his wife. Today marks 8 weeks since our beautiful baby girl was born. Holy wow. My heart is full. My life is blessed. I want to shout out a big praise to God for it all right now.<br />
Life has it's ups and downs, the good and the bad, the lemons and the lemonade. Thankfully, when it's good, it is OH.SO.GOOD and when it's been bad, it's been just ehh. Nothing that we couldn't handle. When I choose to focus on the good, things seem storybook. We dated for five wonderful years. He took me back to the same place he asked me to be his girlfriend and he proposed to me. On a horse and carriage ride, y'all. (That is kind of storybook!) We were married on the beach 7.5 months later. About five months later we were expecting a miracle - a precious little baby. Here we sit now, full of sweet flippin' joy! Some days I am exhausted to the core and some days I laugh and think that the only thing missing is a white picket fence. <br />
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I loved our engagement. It was perfect. In every sense of the word perfect - it was just that. This man may not always show affection, and romance may not play a big part in our relationship, but this man, he did it right. He swept me off my feet. He surprised me. He gave me the perfect engagement.<br />
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Our wedding? Perfect too. No, really. It was. I don't have a single thing to complain about it. The weather was perfect. We were surrounded by friends and family. People we love and people who love us. One of my favorite bands was playing as we set out on our catamaran cruise. We danced. We laughed. We made some memories.<br />
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I was diagnosed with a tumor a few years back. See, the lemons do exist. I was told that it would be difficult to get pregnant. Well, God had other plans because 5 months later, I felt pukey. I was tired. I couldn't fight off a cold. I fell asleep in the car on the ride home. I was moody and sensitive (surprise!) I.was.pregnant! It was an amazing 9 months. I loved every bit of being pregnant. Being pukey was a blessing. I thanked God as I puked in my bathroom sink. (Sorry, Jer!) I knew that I had a tiny little baby growing inside of me and that, my friends, was amazing! <br />
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After 42 weeks of what I considered a "perfect pregnancy", we met her. This tiny little piece of perfection that immediately stared into my eyes and stole my heart. She is daddy's baby girl and mommy's greatest treasure. <br />
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I can't wait to see what the future holds. I'm not planning on hitting the fast forward button anytime soon though. I have some sweet, sweet lovin' to savor and enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-62747611959024026942011-12-30T16:50:00.014-05:002012-01-19T17:02:32.750-05:00Nella's First ChristmasShe is only 5 days old and it is Christmas Eve. *Must start tradition now* I planned ahead. I phoned the North Pole and asked Santa to gather up some Christmas Jammies for the four of us - Daddy, Mommy, Hope and Nella. This Christmas, and every Christmas after that. I asked him to deliver them on Christmas Eve. Because I've spent the past 31 years behaving so well, he happily obliged. I love that Santa.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZH5nVbRBVemwmFTJAmhIQHvWXlJsbykNqgnzXoGx0og26b9B4pRd_nsyNEsuOw5pLJfT4K1WT5JaVYEUp1kmrPEXenWi9E-23iTawBS2NdxFnNIZwIwS1_mkAGBRa0nJ9AGr8QotXlw/s1600/CMAS+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="635px" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZH5nVbRBVemwmFTJAmhIQHvWXlJsbykNqgnzXoGx0og26b9B4pRd_nsyNEsuOw5pLJfT4K1WT5JaVYEUp1kmrPEXenWi9E-23iTawBS2NdxFnNIZwIwS1_mkAGBRa0nJ9AGr8QotXlw/s640/CMAS+1.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
We left out cookies and milk for the big guy and we snuggled up for bed. Christmas morning was met with sleepy eyes, as to be expected when your best Christmas present ever is already in your arms...and she doesn't sleep through the night. We rolled out of bed around 10am and proceeded with more Christmas traditions. Grandma Jenny's stockings were filled and laid out (to heavy to hang at this point) and presents were under the tree. We took turns opening our gifts. Jer got these crazy shoes he had been wanting. Nella (and Daddy) bought me a beautiful flower pendant necklace with Nella's birthstone. We surprised Hope with Red Wings tickets. Nella got her first pair of TOMS, her Love You Forever book, and a beautiful silver cross necklace that Daddy picked out. Diesel was spoiled with toys and treats.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvJLMzgnAG-wNi38ADi44lb1h8minCeRSjHhSJr6vDH0fjvdChWlh2lJOA6r670RCZ4yMtHzZXe_olVktjaax1BvQGy3nZdR9ts09FeVbA5rp7ZlFmDEAqUHX9q7zGPDYSqtTTI3AogM/s1600/CMAS+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvJLMzgnAG-wNi38ADi44lb1h8minCeRSjHhSJr6vDH0fjvdChWlh2lJOA6r670RCZ4yMtHzZXe_olVktjaax1BvQGy3nZdR9ts09FeVbA5rp7ZlFmDEAqUHX9q7zGPDYSqtTTI3AogM/s640/CMAS+2.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
Around 2pm our house was filled with love and laughter. Story book, huh?! Nana, Papa, Beckey, Mike, Olivia, Grant, Tamara, Lil' Mike and Grandma Jenny came over to spend the day. We opened more presents, took turns loving on Nella, ate delicious food and played Catch Phrase. So fun! Grandma Jenny played too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5CTCc8eyywY-57VyvR1fHZauXkQffdlU99u5pXGWCcTmGOwahhvxkv50fA4k2nFwJrfB5S_ad2bly3ZSehs1a3PPSuLDRvDzY6quaoCB3O4jnIm7-0vGtlBlOanunydOty_zhIg6CYU/s1600/CMAS+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5CTCc8eyywY-57VyvR1fHZauXkQffdlU99u5pXGWCcTmGOwahhvxkv50fA4k2nFwJrfB5S_ad2bly3ZSehs1a3PPSuLDRvDzY6quaoCB3O4jnIm7-0vGtlBlOanunydOty_zhIg6CYU/s640/CMAS+3.jpg" width="428px" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-16737620377533681862011-12-24T19:42:00.000-05:002012-01-19T16:50:50.752-05:00Nella Celina {Birth Story}<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Sunday, December 18th</span></strong><br />
Today is induction day. I'm tired. No more red raspberry leaf tea. No more squatting, pineapple, acupressure, or evening primrose oil. Nothing. I've done it all and it hasn't worked. Today I will let go and let God. It's all up to Him anyway.<br />
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I spent my morning curled up on my parent's couch, breaking out in random cries. I tried so hard to contain it, but my emotions are just too high. I got in the shower while my mom was on her way home from church. When I came downstairs Jer handed me a $100 bill and told me to go get a pedicure and a nice lunch with my mom. He wanted me to be able to relax and take my mind off things. For the most part, it worked. We went to Don Pablo's for lunch, then to LUV for a pink pedicure, then we picked up Beckey (my sister) and went to the casino. Dad chipped in $40 and said it was for Nella. It was a nice afternoon and I'm so thankful for my amazing husband who puts my needs first. Thank you Jesus for my Jerry. As the night came to an end, my emotions soared. Beckey asked mom to say a prayer for Nella and I on the way home. It was beautiful and it brought me some peace.<br />
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By 7:45pm it was time for Jerry and I to get going. He loaded the car and I fought back tears as I sent prayers up above. We hugged and kissed my parents goodbye. Arriving at the hospital was uncomfortable and uneasy. Our midwife, Joanne, wasn't there yet and I didn't really click with the nurse. Rochelle was nice, but just not the nice I needed. She gave me conflicting details and again, I was uneasy. I felt slightly better once Joanne arrived, but that was short-lived. She checked me and I was still closed. Therefore, it was not an option to strip my membranes and send me home and we couldn't attempt the foley bulb. It was on to the cervidil, which means a pic line inserted in my left hand and being tethered to the monitors for constant fetal monitoring. I keep reminding myself that it is not my plan, but His. This was around 10pm. Joanne checked on me another time or two and then went home for the night. She encouraged us to get some sleep and said she'd be back first thing in the morning. Jer and I got settled in for the night, holding hands and watching TV. We finally started to relax and drift by about 12:30am but that too was short-lived. At 1am the house doctor came in to tell me that they had called Joanne because Nella's heart rate had decelerated three times since the cervidil was put in. Our baby girl was in some distress so they had to remove the cervidil. She checked my cervix and I was dilated to one. I was also having regular contractions every 4 minutes. So, although things weren't super smooth, they were progressing in the right direction. With regular contractions, plus staff interruptions, sleep was non-existent at this point. I tossed and turned, breathed through contractions and prayed for morning. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Monday, December 19th</span></strong><br />
By sun up my contractions were stronger, but still manageable. I was dilated to three and things seemed to be going well. Dr. Levin even stopped in to say that I was doing good. He said it looked like my body just needed a little jumpstart and that we should have a baby by evening! I was so positive and excited at this point. I welcomed each uncomfortable contraction with joy in my heart. I knew they were bringing me closer to our baby. I talked to my mom who was leaving work early and Jer talked to Beckey to tell her to be ready. My contractions picked up. They were quite strong and about 2 1/2 minutes apart. Whenever I would stand up to go to the bathroom there was concern because Nella would decel quite low. I didn't realize that this was a serious concern. I just thought it happened because I stood up. Sometime this early afternoon I realized I was leaking. My water broke! Yay for my body doing it's thing! Unfortunately there was meconium in it. A slight heartache. I knew that we'd now have extra docs in the room at birth and Nella wouldn't be put immediately on my chest after birth. That was the moment I had been waiting a lifetime for. Instead, they would cut the cord immediately and she would have to go to the ped incubator by my bed to get cleaned up and suctioned. I cried it out for a moment, mourning again another piece taken away from my perfect birth. <br />
<br />
I continued to labor on the birthing ball and in bed. My contractions were strong and I definitely had to breathe through them. With Jer's help, doing the Bradley techniques we had practiced many times over, I was able to get through each one just fine. He'd rub my back, remind me to relax my entire body, and breathe through my abdomen. He was a champ. At this point in the day, I was dilated to 4cm. I was feeling rough and working through some contractions in bed. I tried to get some rest and so did Jerry. We just laid next to each other and he would hold my hand or rub my back. Our peaceful afternoon soon shifted. After a few interruptions from the nurse and our midwife, I was given the news. I remember standing, leaning forward on the bed, doing some pelvic rocking. Both Joanne and nurse Julie came in showing their concern. Even doing nothing, while just laying in bed, Nella's heart rate was decelerating too low, too many times. Joanne asked me to stay in my standing/rocking position (because Nella's heart rate was stabilized and strong in this position) while she went to call Dr. Levin. I knew where this was going. Oh dear God. Jer and I stood in silence while Joanne was gone. Jer brought the birthing ball up on the bed for me to rest on and he rubbed my back. When Joanne finally came back in the room, we knew. She tried to be as gentle as possible. She explained that a few decels during contractions were okay, but there were just too many of them. Our little Nella was in distress and something wasn't right. Joanne was concerned for our baby and so were we. I said something along the lines of "Just say it! I have to have a c-section?" "Yes. I'm sorry." was all she could say. I asked her when and she told me within the half hour. There is no describing the way I felt at this very moment. There was fear - for the surgery, for the unknown, for the health of our precious baby. My fears went so far to the extremes that I can't even put them into words. There was heartache - for not having the birth we had planned for, hoped for and prayed for. There was disappointment - in myself and with my body, that I just couldn't do it. Disappointment for my husband - he wouldn't get to witness this beautiful miracle of our natural childbirth. Also for my sister and mom, that they would not get to witness it either. And for myself, for what I felt like were dreams lost.<br />
<br />
Jerry called my mom to tell her to come now. My sister was already with her and my dad. I could see the sadness and concern in Jer's eyes and it hurt me. The next few minutes were a blur. I changed into the hospital gown, had an IV put in that pumped saline through me so fast that my hand and arm felt frozen and my parents and sister arrived. My heart hurt. I know that a c-section isn't the end of the world, but it was surely not a part of my plan. I felt bombarded by doctors and nurses all doing their thing while trying to keep me informed. We took pictures as a family and hugged each other (Jer lightened the mood by being his usual silly self...putting his hospital scrub shoe covers on his hands instead and doing other silly things.) In an instant they were wheeling me away, down a hallway on display for all to see. That departure was so fast. I was ripped away from my parents, my sister, my love and my dream of how it was supposed to be. There is no explanation other than the power of prayer and our great God that carried me through all that happened next.<br />
<br />
I couldn't keep my eyes open. The sterility of the operating room, the bright lights and shiny metal instruments and the sea of blue scrubs were just too much for me. There were people on all sides of me telling me that I was doing great. I didn't feel like it. The spinal wasn't as bad as I had imagined, but it was also not "just a little mosquito bite" like the anesthetist said it would be. I felt some grinding discomfort and at times had to say if it was on the right side, the left side, or the center. It fluctuated until I no longer felt it. Head down, shoulders relaxed, chin to chest and arch your lower back like a shrimp. That's what I remember them telling me. Finally, I felt like a 200lb paper weight, hot, heavy and unable to move. I guess that was successful. Then, there he was. My love, my rock, my husband. He sat my by side, holding my hand. There were times when I really thought I would puke, but I never did. I prayed and I breathed. I looked up at Jer for comfort. Again, things were blurry. I remember hearing a razor... or was it a saw? I wasn't sure at the time. It was just a razor. I felt tugs and pulls and pressure. Never pain though, unless you want to count my heartache. I heard joking and laughing, Jerry was included in this. I'm glad he was able to relax a bit. Then I hear the doctor say "Here comes the baby!" followed by my precious little baby's cries. I cried out "Is that my baby? MY BABY!" There was a lot of crying coming from her and I took that as a good sign. I caught a tiny glimpse of her goopy little body as she went from my tummy to the table. Oh dear God how I wanted her in my arms, on my chest. That was the moment I had longed for for 42 weeks. They had to clean her up and clear the fluids out. That seemed to take forever, but that is only because I wanted my girl so badly. They told us that she would get cleaned up and go to daddy first, while I was cleaned up and put back together. They took her stats - 14 1/2 inch head, 21 inches long, 9lbs 2oz, born at 4:01pm. Our beautiful Nella Celina was finally here! No one held her yet but at this point Jerry and Dr. Levin went to let our family know the good news. I remember jokingly saying to them as they walked out to tell the family that "it's a boy!" I asked the nurse to see my placenta. It was in a bucket. She's lucky I didn't ask to take it home. <br />
<br />
Next thing I know, I'm being given my baby. She was wrapped in a blanket and all I could see was her precious, beautiful face. They laid her close, right up near my face. Immediately, our eyes met. I was looking down at my daughter and her little eyes were staring right up into mine. "My precious Nella, it's me. It's mommy!" She wouldn't look away. That was OUR moment. I knew everything would be okay. I had my girl in my arms and we were off to be reunited with daddy and introduced to Nana, Papa and Auntie Beckey. As we were wheeled through the halls we heard the chimes that play when a baby is born. Someone walking beside us said "Hear that? Those are for you!"<br />
<br />
I felt pretty delirious for the rest of the night. Our girl was sticking her tongue out searching for food from the moment she was born. She was hungry! I had to lay flat on my back for awhile so I had no idea how to feed her. Nurse Julie helped. With the aide of my mom and sister we fed Nella her first meal. One held my breast, one held my baby. It makes me laugh a little now. I felt helpless. Just like little Nella, I had to be fed too. My dad fed me ice chips and my mom fed me applesauce. Jer sent out texts, photos and phone calls, all the while beaming with pride. We visited for a couple more hours and during that time we talked to Dr. Levin and Joanne. We were told that the cord was wrapped around Nella's head in an up and down way. I remember hearing the doctor say that he'd never seen anything like it while we were in the OR, but I didn't know what he was talking about then. Her cord was acting as bungee, preventing her from dropping, which explains why she never did. That is why her heart rate kept decelerating. Every time she tried to drop, the cord would put pressure on her head. Dr. Levin said that there is no way she would have ever been able to be born vaginally. Our God had other plans for our girl. I don't want to imagine what the outcome might had been if I had given into their pressures to take the cytotec. There was no turning back (and no monitoring) with that like there was with the cervidil. <br />
<br />
After mom, dad and Beckey left, we settled in for our first night as a family. Sleeping was again non-existent but the love was overflowing!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-30594986705146779622011-12-20T16:30:00.008-05:002012-01-13T11:37:38.555-05:00The Belly - I seriously love it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_c6UVqagGrTo3alr-8iG_bgzWFsVlRTtGjQ-TRx1jmONOV2s3qegQEUCk60iltS49qcx0aizBiXajjePvFNTPUOhDG1IQgwesXJbyNMQqN9RT5v9QkfyPdLh8hP5YAOnWccDNkUFhPY/s1600/The+Belly+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512px" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_c6UVqagGrTo3alr-8iG_bgzWFsVlRTtGjQ-TRx1jmONOV2s3qegQEUCk60iltS49qcx0aizBiXajjePvFNTPUOhDG1IQgwesXJbyNMQqN9RT5v9QkfyPdLh8hP5YAOnWccDNkUFhPY/s640/The+Belly+copy.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxOfzwMRv4LkYsDOchiV9o0Vbsxxof68TXYhoBAhLaie5xboGEclTG1UBOczzvmt7xfTzTHeptqTQoasanvAwzkMPxr2aSbenFGRdZQNPqIq9teZbJu_g7UFSE7n7gebnRTdjQnb8KIA/s1600/The+Belly+III+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512px" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxOfzwMRv4LkYsDOchiV9o0Vbsxxof68TXYhoBAhLaie5xboGEclTG1UBOczzvmt7xfTzTHeptqTQoasanvAwzkMPxr2aSbenFGRdZQNPqIq9teZbJu_g7UFSE7n7gebnRTdjQnb8KIA/s640/The+Belly+III+copy.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a></div>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-71978683460543618212011-12-16T13:56:00.016-05:002011-12-31T14:45:41.402-05:00Baby Love - The Weeks Go By {37 weeks - 41 weeks}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9Rx-g_kx4uOEII6pl8BFpEw2gyRyzz8sUVi9frQr_heJKfTbyl5mgtQ8wrB02DT_AyoUiFoJF7SQPDWSf2_E4Eu9DgH3AC46ShlirP_RAMCPNqkg4ruKNhl8kR8TRbx91WtU_xp2qWI/s1600/Week+37+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9Rx-g_kx4uOEII6pl8BFpEw2gyRyzz8sUVi9frQr_heJKfTbyl5mgtQ8wrB02DT_AyoUiFoJF7SQPDWSf2_E4Eu9DgH3AC46ShlirP_RAMCPNqkg4ruKNhl8kR8TRbx91WtU_xp2qWI/s1600/Week+37+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<strong>Baby girl, I carried you in my belly for 42 weeks and 1 day. I love you so much!</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-43843922054782181822011-12-12T15:48:00.000-05:002011-12-12T15:48:27.090-05:00I want our baby!I was doing so well. Cherising these last few moments of just "Jer and I." I enjoyed some quiet time and some quality time. The house is cleaned, laundry done, meals stocked in the freezer, holiday baking complete, presents purchased and wrapped, baby clothes washed and folded, and everything is finished. Now we wait. Each one of these last 8 days has seemed to go on forever. Each morning I wake up and expect to feel slightly different. My heart sinks a little each morning as I awake feeling great, just like the day before. I don't expect to feel bad (and I'm thrilled that I haven't), but I expect to feel different...something! Especially because each and every day I get a phone call or a text from multiple, wonderful people in my life asking me just that - "Do you feel anything today? Anything different? Any pressure? Any pain?" All I can do is smile, thank them for asking, and tell them no. <br />
<br />
I'm ready and excited and I am a bit scared. I've always been afraid of the unknown. I know that God is holding me in His hands and I shouldn't worry, but I do. I know that I can do this. I know that my body was created to give birth to a precious baby and without a doubt my heart is ready to love and raise a child. I just need to keep reminding myself that I can do this. I will do this. <br />
<br />
Today marks 41 weeks and 1 day. I have an appointment with our midwife on Wednesday. She'll check to see if and how things are progressing and we'll talk about our options at that point. As of right now, I will be induced on Sunday the 18th or Monday the 19th (my choice) if Nella hasn't arrived on her own before then. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-66746097207945300052011-12-04T13:07:00.000-05:002011-12-04T13:07:06.845-05:00Due DateToday is 12.04.11. I have written and typed that date on so many different things in the past nine months. All for one reason though - that is the date our baby Nella is due. That date is today, and well, I'm pretty sure this day will come and go without her birth. I know that it is just an estimated day and that she wasn't going to automatically appear on this day. Although, the planning would be a lot easier if it worked that way. I fear that I will go to sleep tonight with a slightly lonely heart. I love being pregnant, but I'm pretty sure that I will love being a momma more. I'm ready to have that opportunity. Both Jer and I are anxious and excited for her arrival. Sweet Jesus, I just want to hold my baby! I am perfectly fine going a few extra days. I feel great physically, for the most part. Like I said, LOVING being pregnant over here. My anxiety is set to get the best of me though if I don't keep it in check. I pray for peace and for a healthy little baby and a nice labor and delivery experience. I love that there isn't much for me to do except sit back and leave it up to God. Sometimes there is great comfort in that. Other times it's hard. For now, I will take a deep breath and know that God is placing His final touches on our baby girl. Before we know it, she will be here and this amazing pregnancy will just be a distant (but wonderful) memory.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-13248881106912833032011-11-28T21:04:00.000-05:002011-11-28T21:04:01.626-05:00Just some thoughts- I "think" I have had my first taste of heartburn. To be honest, it wasn't that bad. I have taken Tums on three different days. I have it so easy compared to Jer (as far as heartburn goes.)<br />
<br />
- I don't think she's dropped yet. A friend told me last week that I look like I had. My mom told me the opposite yesterday. I agree with my mom. At times, I still feel her all up in my ribs.<br />
<br />
- I can't believe I'm going to have a baby in a week (give or take.)<br />
<br />
- I just made, and ate, eggakooga with homemade blueberry sauce. At 9pm. I'm pregnant, so I can!<br />
<br />
- I'm excited for Christmas, but not at all like I normally would be. I have a feeling that this is the beginning of things feeling differently.<br />
<br />
- I'm almost done Christmas shopping. <br />
<br />
- I love my husband.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-24074130540125499942011-11-25T20:28:00.000-05:002011-11-25T20:28:42.237-05:00Thanksgiving<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>I will praise the name of God with song, And shall magnify Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30 </em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have so much to be thankful for. So much that is obvious and abundant, and so much that I often take for granted. As I stated on Facebook - "Blessed and thankful doesn't begin to describe it."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We spent Thanksgiving at my sister's house. They just moved in a few months back and this was their first time hosting a holiday. She did a remarkable job! We celebrated this joyous day with my sister's family, our parents, my husband, and my sister's husband's family. Full house, full hearts and full tummies were abundant!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t8WaaRXez3Surm6l3UzF3tAyDHs_2DoYQqfGEQnzolsLFuZCJHTVQ1u6CdAUdGQexKacfpylutTF2pnEZV7i-3wd4McfpfABsFEU9yktb8nLiRPZ-PQGCNLyqBPkeXt4cddPGrEUouo/s1600/Thanks+Blog1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="365px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t8WaaRXez3Surm6l3UzF3tAyDHs_2DoYQqfGEQnzolsLFuZCJHTVQ1u6CdAUdGQexKacfpylutTF2pnEZV7i-3wd4McfpfABsFEU9yktb8nLiRPZ-PQGCNLyqBPkeXt4cddPGrEUouo/s640/Thanks+Blog1+copy.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <em>Two of my favorite people... my sister and my husband.</em><br />
<em></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCq_OviQFQDMYSyL_C5Q4JsFdxiL5v7U8srgm2G1zvt3-OsfBNmgMPhk_Sg2HDBZSwFOAV_156Tgb7lbhaqRHwDBRJ8c_RTxceFyZ2UQoma0J7ucmWt6cgSdl6sQZKZ-LoXkHdaZE-Sc/s1600/Thanks+Blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="364px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCq_OviQFQDMYSyL_C5Q4JsFdxiL5v7U8srgm2G1zvt3-OsfBNmgMPhk_Sg2HDBZSwFOAV_156Tgb7lbhaqRHwDBRJ8c_RTxceFyZ2UQoma0J7ucmWt6cgSdl6sQZKZ-LoXkHdaZE-Sc/s640/Thanks+Blog2.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Like Mother, Like Daughter. I love these beautiful girls!</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaiEN-du3px6HjEKnnmQ7XxCpMUG-y37Em80-KGwIa6bi0O3AXr_vunZUxtTB5FMtJbSmPhncw1ELwiH9V6nbW0QaVUWFrF0ZDxcstWSgbTYtgTkSe4wJPTm4n5EKv-z84JV-hB20dDQ/s1600/Thanks+Blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="364px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaiEN-du3px6HjEKnnmQ7XxCpMUG-y37Em80-KGwIa6bi0O3AXr_vunZUxtTB5FMtJbSmPhncw1ELwiH9V6nbW0QaVUWFrF0ZDxcstWSgbTYtgTkSe4wJPTm4n5EKv-z84JV-hB20dDQ/s640/Thanks+Blog3.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>This is how we do. Dancin' fools! </em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMFWrmiEuheb1scuosfQ_KNc5B0eMrI_P770FSFem082kE7MT7Y84CHItqa8geloDVUIMz0Tp4hzQ5_YOKG1JD9QuJFNHW3bNOoYcy18Jg3Xh9wyDB4Sa_P8ETdr_JTHpyDyq66LcZYw/s1600/Thanks+Blog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="364px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMFWrmiEuheb1scuosfQ_KNc5B0eMrI_P770FSFem082kE7MT7Y84CHItqa8geloDVUIMz0Tp4hzQ5_YOKG1JD9QuJFNHW3bNOoYcy18Jg3Xh9wyDB4Sa_P8ETdr_JTHpyDyq66LcZYw/s640/Thanks+Blog4.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Who needs a potato masher or a mixer when you have a PASTRY CUTTER! </em><br />
<em>"My turkey didn't come with giblets!"</em><br />
<em>One hungry dog who was happy to see his momma and daddy. Gimme the turkey!!!</em></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-73748699076771034582011-11-18T12:33:00.000-05:002011-11-18T12:33:19.017-05:00Full heart37 weeks and 5 days. That's where we're at. We have about 2 weeks left to be a family of 2...<em>well, a household of 2</em>. I have a beautiful step-daughter whom I love dearly, but she doesn't live with us. Our home will soon be filled with a little baby girl who will be loved beyond belief. Soft pinks and bright pinks will be even more abundant than they are now. Bouncers, cradles, cloth diapers and toys will make an appearance. Are we ready?<br />
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For now, I am enjoying the calm. Sure, my feet are swollen - like hippo size, but so is my heart. I am so blessed to have an amazing husband. Truly, he is a gem. We have our moments (because we're human, and I'm hormonal), but he is doing such a great job at this "I have a pregnant wife" thing. He cooks dinner, helps with the dishes, serves me drinks in bed, does the laundry without prompting. He hears my whimpers in the middle of the night when I'm tossing and turning - because it's hard to sleep with a watermelon in my stomach - and he instinctively, half-asleep, reaches out to me. His hand finds my back and he rubs it. He asks if I'm okay and if I need anything. I know he is sleepy so I say I'm fine and his warm, strong hands help me fall back to sleep for a bit. It's a nice feeling to be loved and cared for. <br />
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I just had to take a moment to reflect on my full heart. I'm thankful to God for where we're at in our life. We've been married for a little over a year and we have a beautiful baby girl due to fill our world with joy any day now. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-60845894847260867402011-11-13T17:59:00.000-05:002011-11-13T17:59:01.356-05:00Baby Love - The Weeks Go By {33 weeks - 36 weeks}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMG9xMq6h2JoGPZWuAKEjK7HiExmbRRueANdTo6nLVo8LP9w3hwxaJQKIcPmq7NI3t0gJdnqbHsoY2VItLKNLE2k6OCRZHZVb4XmcqCcA2yIxWHGWG6Yvi6ngmJeaql6e6QBhx7l00Jrk/s1600/Week+33+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMG9xMq6h2JoGPZWuAKEjK7HiExmbRRueANdTo6nLVo8LP9w3hwxaJQKIcPmq7NI3t0gJdnqbHsoY2VItLKNLE2k6OCRZHZVb4XmcqCcA2yIxWHGWG6Yvi6ngmJeaql6e6QBhx7l00Jrk/s1600/Week+33+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpRE9Tkt5KC0HaMp3iX0l-3S_MsFuItNBt2C7oK6hQdPu8kyWC8T7zzdlTcsJgeAHB6K-FF2MjHY9X5z6DF6DHE7Si5NEwZ5qB45Z4-dzLxHbzC1RjiQP1-FMDIcpf2Ptw1BynOY02Z8/s1600/Week+34+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpRE9Tkt5KC0HaMp3iX0l-3S_MsFuItNBt2C7oK6hQdPu8kyWC8T7zzdlTcsJgeAHB6K-FF2MjHY9X5z6DF6DHE7Si5NEwZ5qB45Z4-dzLxHbzC1RjiQP1-FMDIcpf2Ptw1BynOY02Z8/s1600/Week+34+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9ji38ZFOZS7MutC0DUhiZSpHoXmokFH2DXv9EiW_CbD4wQkSAC8kSZkfWzE1N4PRfRgmsT-q6nOXKbCDgfj5a284-J6kRbYDrF6_gfKvry9_4dxFxtpFHpv9uyHh1cFJfSSQMmPtNp4/s1600/Week+35+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9ji38ZFOZS7MutC0DUhiZSpHoXmokFH2DXv9EiW_CbD4wQkSAC8kSZkfWzE1N4PRfRgmsT-q6nOXKbCDgfj5a284-J6kRbYDrF6_gfKvry9_4dxFxtpFHpv9uyHh1cFJfSSQMmPtNp4/s1600/Week+35+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyu8rc9gXS2UqPlJ6gSrSr_xHUXkR9Y_gB6wZz5Wc7eqoLZ-9ppmHvMM1_Du3i1sObcpoOnjD28_n7hSDNxU5j1bl7hGeehhtXEp_znq7qZjUTA7FhFV4nzQXrUUIelyHMR_LhM35bcaI/s1600/Week+36+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyu8rc9gXS2UqPlJ6gSrSr_xHUXkR9Y_gB6wZz5Wc7eqoLZ-9ppmHvMM1_Du3i1sObcpoOnjD28_n7hSDNxU5j1bl7hGeehhtXEp_znq7qZjUTA7FhFV4nzQXrUUIelyHMR_LhM35bcaI/s1600/Week+36+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-14627428538144235042011-10-30T15:26:00.000-04:002011-10-30T15:26:28.261-04:00They have my heart!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For the past 12 years I have had the honor of being an auntie. It has been one of the best things in my entire life. The love I feel for these two precious kids is incomprehensible. It is huge. They have my heart and they always will.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">They spent the night with Jer and I this weekend. When I went to pick them up, I was greeted before I even made it all the way out of the car. They both had handmade birthday cards for me. I am loved and it is wonderful.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzF-HRONtsuE4mqo85nxv6N8AGYK6aJrq5PH7R4wFIwez8KtPH217VXwVhNNfcOf8d8vDoU_aSRjvdtkolhGWGz24FGGdITlGxEEtYzzAUtWZeF4F4Ljx9lTPHnw17kH_WXl3DgcgQrxc/s1600/Birthday+Wishes+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzF-HRONtsuE4mqo85nxv6N8AGYK6aJrq5PH7R4wFIwez8KtPH217VXwVhNNfcOf8d8vDoU_aSRjvdtkolhGWGz24FGGdITlGxEEtYzzAUtWZeF4F4Ljx9lTPHnw17kH_WXl3DgcgQrxc/s640/Birthday+Wishes+copy.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have been so quick to fast forward through the Fall this year. I have something big taking place this winter and I guess I'm anxious to get there. Having Livi and Grant over this weekend gave me the chance to slow down and enjoy the Fall, which is my favorite season, and have a little Halloween fun. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We made mummy dogs for supper and sipped apple cider. We got in our jammies, stopped at the corner store (Corner House Store, as Grant calls it) to grab some snacks, and the four of us set out to Romeo to see all the cool Halloween houses on Tillson Street. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNve3LFaBwiBZrMbfJa-3GA9SX9ZIp-9V6AHgaNjRnvV5ENj-pzcADCT6wzSE4vM2krYVD1mpBQhLUdgT7BsqfWTY759WyhLuLJ3lymwKGFPK7hWbTqsUS-fFqy6zXJdaL0z5rIayVJ4/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNve3LFaBwiBZrMbfJa-3GA9SX9ZIp-9V6AHgaNjRnvV5ENj-pzcADCT6wzSE4vM2krYVD1mpBQhLUdgT7BsqfWTY759WyhLuLJ3lymwKGFPK7hWbTqsUS-fFqy6zXJdaL0z5rIayVJ4/s400/IMG_1076.JPG" width="298px" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a fun night, we settled in at home. I woke up early the next day to make everyone breakfast. I love these two kiddos so much. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="goog_548966579"></span><span id="goog_548966580"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6AoQQUG9MS_1ejNE2wpM9RgQF43lYea4js-sJ_GP0jha3XE5Z_Hol2kvYFN6VynAY75QaWIrmKkLaQAU81haJ_z9mpHt0VyJVF7FEexgDCsGLWrynmvI0fVUUkkTrY57K3mPlngLGpM/s1600/IMG_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6AoQQUG9MS_1ejNE2wpM9RgQF43lYea4js-sJ_GP0jha3XE5Z_Hol2kvYFN6VynAY75QaWIrmKkLaQAU81haJ_z9mpHt0VyJVF7FEexgDCsGLWrynmvI0fVUUkkTrY57K3mPlngLGpM/s400/IMG_0783.JPG" width="300px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a></div>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-28226756977524082042011-10-17T13:26:00.000-04:002011-10-30T13:26:42.299-04:00Oh How The Belly Grows<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V_8VIivw5d4afKr8e143vnQlZ8rbG7BpA2zrumrc3XtaOYdvDy7Zfknfa2TY38uHbWS81l-8R4OEaItiS_RDdbWWYXzi7BZAQZM4EN0GdJKmTXK-xhif9PHDJiQ30WHtIeUApt3BBiI/s1600/The+Belly+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V_8VIivw5d4afKr8e143vnQlZ8rbG7BpA2zrumrc3XtaOYdvDy7Zfknfa2TY38uHbWS81l-8R4OEaItiS_RDdbWWYXzi7BZAQZM4EN0GdJKmTXK-xhif9PHDJiQ30WHtIeUApt3BBiI/s640/The+Belly+copy.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-61606772264789902342011-10-16T10:22:00.001-04:002011-10-30T11:07:32.731-04:00Our Baby ShowerIt was a lovely day. We were surrounded by friends and family. Friends and family that love us and will love our precious Nella just the same. Jer and I are blessed to have each other and blessed to have a collection of amazing people who fill our lives and hearts with goodness.<br />
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My mom and my sister, again, put together a beautiful shower to celebrate another milestone in our life. Last year it was our wedding... this year, our sweet baby Nella. We are so grateful! I love you, Momma! I love you, Beck! Thank you for an amazing day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNWZNeRjfupSVdN3NOmHi3qpvHjS1iP0xIlAEHyTiTXnduKMCeCnjxDNCI4WOlpJjb1pTa1qawrgYA_A5P106azZ3sT0VpVT4RpNmAZH9KyUzV0eQHgr_SmsUUQwYaI-J6znEpdlfcOU/s1600/Shower+collage+one+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNWZNeRjfupSVdN3NOmHi3qpvHjS1iP0xIlAEHyTiTXnduKMCeCnjxDNCI4WOlpJjb1pTa1qawrgYA_A5P106azZ3sT0VpVT4RpNmAZH9KyUzV0eQHgr_SmsUUQwYaI-J6znEpdlfcOU/s640/Shower+collage+one+copy.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL07ySo_2dBYF-7_9jgMrqWXLJ35unVK8oXUR0BQHXVrEoAzAp1gRSTCDWgRC2cmWP4pVzjy4Eqjd_6LUHwvbsOW_R1vuZ3rGu2AuxleS78PtCoPSqxScd02yuT49KnYGHO01ZkyB3Eu8/s1600/Shower+Collage+two+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL07ySo_2dBYF-7_9jgMrqWXLJ35unVK8oXUR0BQHXVrEoAzAp1gRSTCDWgRC2cmWP4pVzjy4Eqjd_6LUHwvbsOW_R1vuZ3rGu2AuxleS78PtCoPSqxScd02yuT49KnYGHO01ZkyB3Eu8/s640/Shower+Collage+two+copy.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-2940863251318437452011-10-15T18:43:00.000-04:002011-10-15T18:43:33.222-04:00Baby Love - The Weeks Go By {27 weeks - 32 weeks}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVik3Uh6iEuTtFVVzBKPpe0pFFkQoQPe4vi_hiOiNziHp7b4dXGDcY4O9-Pgw1sy-LbkOVaCiY8I7ULEsY31jO9VEIgHV69MpqnrR7EsEx9xFO-W83eQUP3jCYew_2zes-1nvLT_GDTnA/s1600/Week+27+Baby+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVik3Uh6iEuTtFVVzBKPpe0pFFkQoQPe4vi_hiOiNziHp7b4dXGDcY4O9-Pgw1sy-LbkOVaCiY8I7ULEsY31jO9VEIgHV69MpqnrR7EsEx9xFO-W83eQUP3jCYew_2zes-1nvLT_GDTnA/s1600/Week+27+Baby+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1rvP0sS8obrVcjC0NzFFHq4_oFpH_LhoJKTdlhqT_7X_S8h4UHtaVWe1Tk9eKGe7tXv9r9t6qm3sp4DwwhoZHGbkGG5YRJ_cHrMpSaMmsdphb-5E618nIm_0SAHCIWGhkaKoPAwA9lg/s1600/Week+32+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1rvP0sS8obrVcjC0NzFFHq4_oFpH_LhoJKTdlhqT_7X_S8h4UHtaVWe1Tk9eKGe7tXv9r9t6qm3sp4DwwhoZHGbkGG5YRJ_cHrMpSaMmsdphb-5E618nIm_0SAHCIWGhkaKoPAwA9lg/s1600/Week+32+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-36061313719306758522011-10-09T10:46:00.001-04:002011-10-09T10:59:54.648-04:00Our First AnniversaryLet the love flow. We've had a good year, praise God. A great year, actually. We celebrated by going to Frankenmuth for the weekend. We originally planned on going back to Traverse City and staying at the Cherry Tree like we did when we got married. Plans change. We roll with it. Frankenmuth is our special little place and we've never actually been there during a Fall weekend (we go in the winter, during February, when Jer proposed.) We thought it would be a nice change of scenery...and it was.<br />
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We started our day at home. We exchanged traditional paper gifts, some handmade wall art and a 52 Reasons Why I Love You card set for Jer and a gift certificate for 4d Ultrasound Photos for me, and we guaranteed another year or more of happiness in our marriage by eating a piece of our wedding cake. What? Of course eating year old cake guarantees happiness!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0g-KtPPrVCe0gQ7k1LF6MDyF-tt3l3K7eOTjd-ja_QkdlQkccgzYI9L9Vwh-E7185gGbV2dTyGtwCZZM1qLFbt87z5NxnYwnVuHIGZV88R6trwN9EidhczjUvf8UDjFcrGZ3e_IG3L2w/s1600/Blog+One+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0g-KtPPrVCe0gQ7k1LF6MDyF-tt3l3K7eOTjd-ja_QkdlQkccgzYI9L9Vwh-E7185gGbV2dTyGtwCZZM1qLFbt87z5NxnYwnVuHIGZV88R6trwN9EidhczjUvf8UDjFcrGZ3e_IG3L2w/s1600/Blog+One+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We headed out late morning/early afternoon. Our room was not ready for check-in so early so we spent a couple hours at Birch Run. We have a baby girl on the way, of course we need to shop. I bought a dress for the baby shower, Jer got some new jeans, and we searched for the perfect coming home outfit for Baby Nella. We didn't find that, but Daddy did buy her a dress that he loved and we picked out two new sleepers for her too. After shopping we went to our hotel, checked in and got ready to head to downtown Frankenmuth. We just relaxed. We enjoyed each other. We walked and talked and laughed and loved. We're pretty good at that. <br />
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For dinner we decided to venture out a bit. Neither of us are into the whole "chicken dinner" thing and we weren't feeling the other two restaurants that Birch Run offers. We realized that there was a Los Quatros Amigos about 20 minutes away. LQA was one of our home town favorites...before they closed up and turned into a Buffalo Wild Wings. Being so close to one, we had to go back. It was delicious! Even without my usual raspberry margarita. On our way back we ran into a little road block. The highway closed due to a detour and we hit a dead end. However, that dead end was right.in.front of FIREWORKS! It's our inside joke, and a fact, that Jer always finds us the best viewing spot for fireworks. Sometimes it is skill, sometimes it is pure luck. Either way, he never disappoints. This time was no different. He pulled over right on the side of the highway and we enjoyed a birds eye view of <span style="background-color: white;">a local arena's fireworks display. It was the perfect ending to our evening.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhong4QvOKSurej08IFyFPDXkfJuloxFf5IXrzLboFYP2c702Bej8q3BbLhlpKwwV95O3erTCID-LitwnR55YVIF-pAz6a0DvAYCTxuN89Kt8A6tWYnecHL4VCpHQtqoJgW99bJFcgeFWo/s1600/Blog+Two+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhong4QvOKSurej08IFyFPDXkfJuloxFf5IXrzLboFYP2c702Bej8q3BbLhlpKwwV95O3erTCID-LitwnR55YVIF-pAz6a0DvAYCTxuN89Kt8A6tWYnecHL4VCpHQtqoJgW99bJFcgeFWo/s1600/Blog+Two+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
After a good night's rest we were up early (me before him for a change...that's a pregnancy thing for me) and ready to start our day. We spent the day doing things we've not done together before. We went to the Animal Wildlife Park and to Huckleberry Railroad for their Halloween trick-or-treating event. We had a great day filled with more walking, talking, laughing (a lot) and loving.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvwHTG7fX2CE5JhsBd8muAj7BTONrhU6D-kFTAPImosFE3dSrI6E9OvP7RUaQoEEu58IBJM00xUDe8MPJ9o2iHMMXVFzAL_wwKDOgfeRiv8mt19JlmuX7xiEZxf9u87NSozW9EObSQtA/s1600/Blog+Three+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvwHTG7fX2CE5JhsBd8muAj7BTONrhU6D-kFTAPImosFE3dSrI6E9OvP7RUaQoEEu58IBJM00xUDe8MPJ9o2iHMMXVFzAL_wwKDOgfeRiv8mt19JlmuX7xiEZxf9u87NSozW9EObSQtA/s1600/Blog+Three+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUVywOxumAA_JXyVmKWixKkiLQGCeeuvq_1v_uj8J1gB22krmzuUT_9INnqHKkyt-8JOGirKbwaqZuF2mphhTljxslFtNSMmiOc1qTpd539mZjATSmqrLUCHaVrvYiQm7uYR8RyYzN8s/s1600/Blog+Four+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUVywOxumAA_JXyVmKWixKkiLQGCeeuvq_1v_uj8J1gB22krmzuUT_9INnqHKkyt-8JOGirKbwaqZuF2mphhTljxslFtNSMmiOc1qTpd539mZjATSmqrLUCHaVrvYiQm7uYR8RyYzN8s/s1600/Blog+Four+copy.jpg" /></a></div>We had a fun day. One of my favorite little parts was when Jer and I were looking at stuffed giraffes. He said "well, we have to get her <em>something</em>! You know, because she is on this trip too." He was referring to baby Nella in my tummy. God, I love that man! <br />
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We did get her something. We went to Bronner's (something J and I never do) and we bought her her Baby's First Christmas ornament. I can't believe we'll have a baby by Christmas! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyx-royjXZgqWKFXW8jzuoQF3hSrL98UYxeGQYiinoUDRhBodb01vCov_Xa5_jRTS18tcDKVwNopCzSQJyILF3wyljW9_e6YDhv9fZCCaSAzlMBUo4nmSkvdZaqtZZlYgs0aukNhK-C4s/s1600/Blog+Five+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyx-royjXZgqWKFXW8jzuoQF3hSrL98UYxeGQYiinoUDRhBodb01vCov_Xa5_jRTS18tcDKVwNopCzSQJyILF3wyljW9_e6YDhv9fZCCaSAzlMBUo4nmSkvdZaqtZZlYgs0aukNhK-C4s/s1600/Blog+Five+copy.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-12087347241188117462011-09-28T20:31:00.001-04:002011-09-28T20:32:57.927-04:00This Time Last YearIn the most amazing way, our life has turned upside down in the past year...<br />
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One year ago today we weren't married. <br />
One year ago today we weren't expecting a precious baby girl. <br />
One year ago today we were high-fiving in the kitchen, making last minute adjustments, checking off mile-long lists. <br />
One year ago today we were working together as a team making our bouquets and boutonnieres. <br />
One year ago today Jer was morphing into the super hero that he is, wiping my tears, calming my nerves and showing off his skills as a floral designer. He was saving the day as he always did. <br />
One year ago today I was taking care of the to-do list, finalizing last minute details, and making sure all essentials were packed. I'm the organizer.<br />
One year ago today we snuggled up and talked about how amazing that weekend was going to be.<br />
One year ago today we were going to bed, only to wake up early the next day to head to Traverse City for our wedding weekend. <br />
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<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-43338348281516329882011-09-25T15:02:00.000-04:002011-09-25T15:02:38.674-04:0030 WeeksThe end is near and there is a new beginning waiting in the wing for us. I sit here and wonder just how much my life will change in 10 weeks. I have loved being pregnant with our Nella baby. I pray that I can savor and enjoy these next 10 weeks. I am so excited to become a mother...a momma. For now though, I just love being pregnant. I don't mind the occasional aches, the lack of sleep due to uncomfortable positions and multiple trips to the bathroom. I have been blessed so far with a pretty good pregnancy. Life is good. I am happy.<br />
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<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-52842597063503922762011-09-04T10:41:00.000-04:002011-09-04T10:41:21.282-04:00How did that happen?I journal daily. Old school, in a book, with a pen. I want my family to have something to hold onto, to open, to read, long after I'm gone. It sits by my nightstand and I try to write daily. When one book is full, I move on to another. Currently, my journal sits on my nightstand with the books that we read to Nella while she is nestled up in my tummy. It shares space with my prenatal vitamins and my chapstick, both bedtime must-haves.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTVn3g4jjkUGFQm0RgNY1dTqK1ZCnP3zrqw6dhPy6CDeGh4gBSv0Y3qQNV9cxb38j5iwv_DPAjefs_tjYHXwsVZ_WUy3nSKVfrAFGfMzWFBXBJGZJdkBR2gCS39yJIgZEtClf-Yobezo/s1600/Blog+3rd+Tri+nightstand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTVn3g4jjkUGFQm0RgNY1dTqK1ZCnP3zrqw6dhPy6CDeGh4gBSv0Y3qQNV9cxb38j5iwv_DPAjefs_tjYHXwsVZ_WUy3nSKVfrAFGfMzWFBXBJGZJdkBR2gCS39yJIgZEtClf-Yobezo/s640/Blog+3rd+Tri+nightstand.jpg" width="640px" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
When I went to date this morning's journal entry it dawned on me that my due date is exactly 3 months from today and we're now headed into the 3rd trimester. Everything seems to be going by so quickly. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vCLCLmqlcvvdLHrylkjngqvyIbCNKAt8afSTkxbezr4Jz9MQH5MPzV0aaUXa_e8MZDXhQ66ZRGPnOwSwu-jWrf1I291SGi7kXjDIFufha-Qq-ZEr3jm73vsV9qaIx5-hvc50jWJlE9E/s1600/Blog+3rd+Tri+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vCLCLmqlcvvdLHrylkjngqvyIbCNKAt8afSTkxbezr4Jz9MQH5MPzV0aaUXa_e8MZDXhQ66ZRGPnOwSwu-jWrf1I291SGi7kXjDIFufha-Qq-ZEr3jm73vsV9qaIx5-hvc50jWJlE9E/s640/Blog+3rd+Tri+book.jpg" width="640px" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-28394769073012667652011-09-03T12:11:00.002-04:002011-09-03T12:17:49.715-04:00Me Time<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So many times I have been told that I better enjoy it now, <em>while I still can</em>. Me time, that is. Call me naive. Laugh as you think that I have no clue what I'm in store for. You're right, and a bit wrong. If you know me, truly know me, you'll know that I've wanted to be a mommy from the beginning. My "me time" would be perfectly content snuggled up with littles, blowing noses, holding hands, changing diapers, kissing boo-boos, doing homework, and laughing at jokes that truly don't make sense. Sure, I don't know exactly what is in store for me and my family. There will be heartache that I've never in my 30 years been able to fathom. But, BUT, there will be a new love and joy that I've never been able to fathom either. <br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">___________________________________<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's the first day of my long weekend. I woke up having to pee. That happens a lot with this pregnancy thing. It was still dark outside and I figured it was the middle of the night. Through foggy eyes I saw the clock said 6:13 a.m. Normal work day wake up time. I laid in bed and checked my emails, facebook and played a bit with our registry. I didn't fall back asleep. I checked my list for the market and made mental notes of the things I planned to do today... bake mom and dad a cake for their birthday party tomorrow, go to the market, make a big batch of Cowboy Caviar to satisfy my craving, movie night with J. Pretty relaxing stuff. Somewhere in there I remembered that I never did get to enjoy my picnic on the beach this summer. It's one of the things I said I wanted to do this summer. We've been so busy with work and life that I just never got around to it.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On that note, I took advantage of the freedom I <em>still have </em>to get up and go. I didn't pack a picnic, but I grabbed my journal, my market list, and my camera. I kissed my sleeping Jer goodbye and told him that I was headed to the market. I was, eventually. I drove through Tim Horton's and got a big ice water and a cup of chicken noodle soup. Hey, you can eat what you want at a picnic! <br />
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I live so close to the beach, to the beauty. I drove two minutes to my secret spot. It's not really a secret at all - but it's little, semi-secluded (depending on the time of day) and it's where I've made many memories with J, my mom, my niece and nephew, and one day with Baby Nella too. What perfect luck that there was an old blanket in the back of the car already. I snatched it up, along with my bag and my breakfast. I traipsed through the sand with my flip flops flapping away. I walked close to the water in awe of the peaceful, beautiful morning. I laid my blanket in the sand and cozied up with my journal, my camera and my soup. I sipped my hot chicken noodle and sat there feeling so happy, so peaceful, so close to God. I felt relaxed. That is something I haven't truly felt in quite some time. My whole mood was different. This felt right. I wrote a bit in my journal and then enjoyed the beauty of it all through my camera lense.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc5KfvU5eGxI4anmJtrHuYfwKVOS-gRRUgjuYtVLD9Ig1MlirR4pqxHQExiFPOQK9qOjIJhC1KqS4lgWrb68uJOYnOYP14_t9WWwOLsUadgorI3oVYlY4aMhjGBvznIHC1nS6OWq-o7o/s1600/Beach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc5KfvU5eGxI4anmJtrHuYfwKVOS-gRRUgjuYtVLD9Ig1MlirR4pqxHQExiFPOQK9qOjIJhC1KqS4lgWrb68uJOYnOYP14_t9WWwOLsUadgorI3oVYlY4aMhjGBvznIHC1nS6OWq-o7o/s640/Beach1.jpg" width="640px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't get over the beauty of it. The sun IS that bright. It reflects beautifully, perfectly in that calm water. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5i8BlSQi74PfN55D8v8_VEVdaGiRHjfl7Bbj6hqYZridHIwUZqZXTnyIL1tpkAhXqUwQZCq1Y91uuV66WkVxw2qcPY2hydw0-QKbskTsJdZxbtQTSYloz0kwqr20lQ7Tjg_TgYRSUaYw/s1600/Beach3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5i8BlSQi74PfN55D8v8_VEVdaGiRHjfl7Bbj6hqYZridHIwUZqZXTnyIL1tpkAhXqUwQZCq1Y91uuV66WkVxw2qcPY2hydw0-QKbskTsJdZxbtQTSYloz0kwqr20lQ7Tjg_TgYRSUaYw/s640/Beach3.jpg" width="480px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Look how it dances on the water. Doesn't it make you feel good? </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8FoYuk-0hlrGkd380YnvTgeNROpfuuIiW3qNRJ5Fh_kfMEXj7CYHz8F_m-fAGObVlYFPRmqtf1hqksUpeEYup3Ozvm5KZ-_Tzef_7kswZ4BD_889ePbJvanspEWONIANQWN7M_4TW4M/s1600/Beach2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8FoYuk-0hlrGkd380YnvTgeNROpfuuIiW3qNRJ5Fh_kfMEXj7CYHz8F_m-fAGObVlYFPRmqtf1hqksUpeEYup3Ozvm5KZ-_Tzef_7kswZ4BD_889ePbJvanspEWONIANQWN7M_4TW4M/s640/Beach2.jpg" width="480px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the big lighthouse. Lighthouses remind me of J when we first met. He is amazing and I love him. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihesJu0vma3LmO2JlwV8nhX346yb5MzWyg61QXwSR8iXLooD1oaPUIoj_mqbJ3VJcu7qTaWOqN06_5gL7pGR4_YnVd7tZtNoaoW2wTlvI0qZzoKezOvayGxUR6M16T79GiFbDNVHSrRHE/s1600/Beach4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihesJu0vma3LmO2JlwV8nhX346yb5MzWyg61QXwSR8iXLooD1oaPUIoj_mqbJ3VJcu7qTaWOqN06_5gL7pGR4_YnVd7tZtNoaoW2wTlvI0qZzoKezOvayGxUR6M16T79GiFbDNVHSrRHE/s640/Beach4.jpg" width="480px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Right past this wall there is more beach. A real "private" beach. Private as in I'm not supposed to walk over there. That is all. I was amazed at the beauty of 4 white sleeping swans in the water as I first approached my spot. That is, until I realized they were milk jugs. Nice. My eyes must have still been a bit foggy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDYeYqbAH3Vxz-dvWMfkaDQspzTwapMdNMHhyDINYEo0mWo9M6PMfVGiK0EqxhvkfrP9zNc7ZAs_vusonKKsgd9q7uEWgdv6HFEmLoLuipRINxRX4uH0b4aRTMYHbNaLtlWUsDOmC1Yo/s1600/Bird+prints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpShuwIs5Svd78uxEFaN743n1Yzn9290_sFAY0PTqUg7LY6XOUmyEmhuwSogjKPd59fLa-sj3FNU5sY7lwkL6XyedejizpAYCd3c8W8nfTKEuNpodkQH7KAtf-Gfj0hVQAPXGQY288UM/s1600/Seagull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpShuwIs5Svd78uxEFaN743n1Yzn9290_sFAY0PTqUg7LY6XOUmyEmhuwSogjKPd59fLa-sj3FNU5sY7lwkL6XyedejizpAYCd3c8W8nfTKEuNpodkQH7KAtf-Gfj0hVQAPXGQY288UM/s640/Seagull.jpg" width="640px" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqiw7qdRwPCSexPQX8HdhNbpBQWuUp24setf0syQhRFEkQ0ZkWfTvrrabMUy3JXcqaPQK1pJ4NdeD6DoVrVWQcFXgSx1fzsty0BJ1FxgTV4zRdAokmew36HsKvE3SVLXFOXbnW0kEgFg/s1600/Seagull2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqiw7qdRwPCSexPQX8HdhNbpBQWuUp24setf0syQhRFEkQ0ZkWfTvrrabMUy3JXcqaPQK1pJ4NdeD6DoVrVWQcFXgSx1fzsty0BJ1FxgTV4zRdAokmew36HsKvE3SVLXFOXbnW0kEgFg/s640/Seagull2.jpg" width="640px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't dislike the seagulls. This is their home. They're happy here and who am I to shoo them away?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aWatxmuQX5unkCOes6ZkYSp0VILMFO8Jdk3jAVZ4nWkjI_54IsgPgoWcxf3Id43JuytpWGa9zYkjXky3YChyEbUoJyiOT4ZQ5UnE8NSa4R0vYvv1HGM60xeg7hjXegNVew14y-cjx48/s1600/Pregnant+Feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aWatxmuQX5unkCOes6ZkYSp0VILMFO8Jdk3jAVZ4nWkjI_54IsgPgoWcxf3Id43JuytpWGa9zYkjXky3YChyEbUoJyiOT4ZQ5UnE8NSa4R0vYvv1HGM60xeg7hjXegNVew14y-cjx48/s640/Pregnant+Feet.jpg" width="640px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I put my big, pregnant feet in the water. I laughed as the cool water splashed my legs. If it was any later, or any warmer, I may have contemplated swimming. The market awaits and it's only 7:30 a.m. so I resisted.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6g84aTVEn6ElI_1pmis6Mchf2aFyJ1E2Zd1urXqFNnsfuQ6DThZp_Ye9fuyTAzA2KV6g5Ai-ujAg2p-bryIlabH2Yl0iERMpxgXsijHKYHo5_ZwoTah2-Z7UUtCq835yn48EE2M2QF4E/s1600/Beach+Grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6g84aTVEn6ElI_1pmis6Mchf2aFyJ1E2Zd1urXqFNnsfuQ6DThZp_Ye9fuyTAzA2KV6g5Ai-ujAg2p-bryIlabH2Yl0iERMpxgXsijHKYHo5_ZwoTah2-Z7UUtCq835yn48EE2M2QF4E/s640/Beach+Grass.jpg" width="508px" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you see the beach grass there? That is one of the spots where about a year ago, Jer and I were taking our engagment photos. A year ago?! I still can't get over how blessed and amazing this year has been.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejXLjZ04YisWQQoPyWfEP7-hi8CTwFd06eFRB5JFkGAJAm-CjNHfSF7cS_mMLl7p6BY8qpSw2rFyfaMhGFWXKvwg-ZHO1YkiDgprrsOyPYVPWp-LhPNEy4QsTmUO5YKAgAM4El8my9Bc/s1600/Beach+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejXLjZ04YisWQQoPyWfEP7-hi8CTwFd06eFRB5JFkGAJAm-CjNHfSF7cS_mMLl7p6BY8qpSw2rFyfaMhGFWXKvwg-ZHO1YkiDgprrsOyPYVPWp-LhPNEy4QsTmUO5YKAgAM4El8my9Bc/s640/Beach+me.jpg" width="390px" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before I left, I reflected on my blanket. I talked to God and thanked Him for my blessed life. I talked to my baby girl in my tummy. She'll be here before we know it and when she is, we'll make memories and celebrate some "me time" together. After all, my life won't be about ME any longer...and I'm okay with that.</div><br />
</div><a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-71232340210597414102011-09-01T09:45:00.000-04:002011-09-01T09:45:12.684-04:00Baby Love - The Weeks Go By {23 weeks - 26 weeks}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgwm2rO_ANYuEynykvbqFnbupt873Scn_NVYDrbsNQSod5BEPSF-oCslPyUNdutSwXEEn6iEVyDtxlYyAD-ZAAYjqpNMzQsNsBg9AhCzzZ-FS-sLFllmTfu9e-1xUJvGPVhRa9LzC_BQ/s1600/Week+23+Baby+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgwm2rO_ANYuEynykvbqFnbupt873Scn_NVYDrbsNQSod5BEPSF-oCslPyUNdutSwXEEn6iEVyDtxlYyAD-ZAAYjqpNMzQsNsBg9AhCzzZ-FS-sLFllmTfu9e-1xUJvGPVhRa9LzC_BQ/s1600/Week+23+Baby+copy.jpg" xaa="true" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7ju8UYNiXddC7dkk-Msgq-89ARbFIuP7DoE1joqUDkjZciTtYwXysa_sIbSl1bOiBuadGJdtBQ8Pfoh_i82vSngvpPbzGsOtIPdK380UHvyryraJOikFx2uBgfR87zqRbe_nzUwz5Qc/s1600/Week+24+Baby+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif7ju8UYNiXddC7dkk-Msgq-89ARbFIuP7DoE1joqUDkjZciTtYwXysa_sIbSl1bOiBuadGJdtBQ8Pfoh_i82vSngvpPbzGsOtIPdK380UHvyryraJOikFx2uBgfR87zqRbe_nzUwz5Qc/s1600/Week+24+Baby+copy.jpg" xaa="true" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-1043364200364904262011-08-18T21:20:00.000-04:002011-08-18T21:20:58.789-04:00Mixed EmotionsI am overjoyed, thrilled, ecstatic, walking on sunshine - daily. Even during the first trimester, while clutching the sides of the bathroom sink, being unable to control that horrible gagging and puking, I PRAISED GOD. I did. I loved it all because I knew that it meant I was growing a baby and that? That is a blessing. <br />
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I've also had an internal struggle that nags at me every now and then. It's the weight thing. It's always been an issue for me. I was close to content with where I was right before we found out I was pregnant. I was <em>almost </em>there. So close. I look back at the first belly shot and then I get a reality check when I see present-day photos. Most times I smile. I feel happy and giddy knowing that my big ol' belly is our sweet baby girl. Sometimes though, sometimes it hurts. Today is one of those days. I woke up feeling down. Unattractive. I was burdened with the fear of thinking that my husband doesn't find me attractive anymore. Through tears I told him this and he did his best to reassure me that I was out of my mind...but nonetheless, it's not an easy thought to get out of my head. It's still there nagging me. Tomorrow I'll most likely feel different. I will see that big, beautiful belly for what it is and I will be okay. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dghSo4euMdq2_kGVcbV8BVVWOzSDy-OpUXvOeXwmfJ7aRmzRBsXXpyb4tTbbjBXhIA0ZCgyVgStWgQJ1Vhm277Y9QlOs3KE-r-SgcMrcoJYJtmsra0ywTMVnfzLCswuXNv8yRZwW3jE/s1600/The+Belly+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dghSo4euMdq2_kGVcbV8BVVWOzSDy-OpUXvOeXwmfJ7aRmzRBsXXpyb4tTbbjBXhIA0ZCgyVgStWgQJ1Vhm277Y9QlOs3KE-r-SgcMrcoJYJtmsra0ywTMVnfzLCswuXNv8yRZwW3jE/s640/The+Belly+copy.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-30787681191579399972011-08-05T19:34:00.001-04:002011-08-05T19:37:58.515-04:00Baby Love - The Weeks Go By {19 weeks - 22 weeks}<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">Have I mentioned that I'm so in love with this little punkin already? Like, crazy <strong>love</strong>.</span></em> </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3cujgBuh9Sr7Nq5IzvVNFmRMDB0_YSCQkmBiG6jVOL4299aLUkphkOXG_Y1I1aLlh3vFN8bQO0lKsrwPb80qrY5iy5NQgv8Yq_A8v4c_FyxGTkvwxSbB4qZvszh3JlSgZ_coBeYyTq4/s1600/Week+19+Baby+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3cujgBuh9Sr7Nq5IzvVNFmRMDB0_YSCQkmBiG6jVOL4299aLUkphkOXG_Y1I1aLlh3vFN8bQO0lKsrwPb80qrY5iy5NQgv8Yq_A8v4c_FyxGTkvwxSbB4qZvszh3JlSgZ_coBeYyTq4/s1600/Week+19+Baby+copy.jpg" t$="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN93FAmK3AHXMgDnysHoLZuVJkH1euasu9RRV_CkqBRpWdFIrwbUNb_9RYwoThYJcK6qbzb2zLYvEfZUuKCVQjLqKKvziq3phh4-g-SDqimecHliV5iFsQ0SWoCgbZ2vTwI_toKd_566w/s1600/Week+20+Baby+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN93FAmK3AHXMgDnysHoLZuVJkH1euasu9RRV_CkqBRpWdFIrwbUNb_9RYwoThYJcK6qbzb2zLYvEfZUuKCVQjLqKKvziq3phh4-g-SDqimecHliV5iFsQ0SWoCgbZ2vTwI_toKd_566w/s1600/Week+20+Baby+copy.jpg" t$="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMou0Qo_8u8hur2vfPjZY6ZlX2qvg6Hqzpf15OqRbV0i8o0GCgIT2SNoRpEvLYtrd8AJzud5WAxaKmppGqJAtcn8B0L9m7FtceVubwYjSLXBrVczM3_NiYj0jVmMKyHvi9Km37MD0za4/s1600/Week+21+Baby+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMou0Qo_8u8hur2vfPjZY6ZlX2qvg6Hqzpf15OqRbV0i8o0GCgIT2SNoRpEvLYtrd8AJzud5WAxaKmppGqJAtcn8B0L9m7FtceVubwYjSLXBrVczM3_NiYj0jVmMKyHvi9Km37MD0za4/s1600/Week+21+Baby+copy.jpg" t$="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-S7glq68pX_Z827WQC4iCy9nJr-akuO8HAbIbo6xdgLQwQoRb9jC67P9AIon-ac1Y3qFjvmZQPiZgi0h-KGRRPQOxozr7bcnPiwuxuB3attcrxMJMh1d5fHQCaJTLn2Zy-iQSQnfEfJE/s1600/Week+22+Baby+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-S7glq68pX_Z827WQC4iCy9nJr-akuO8HAbIbo6xdgLQwQoRb9jC67P9AIon-ac1Y3qFjvmZQPiZgi0h-KGRRPQOxozr7bcnPiwuxuB3attcrxMJMh1d5fHQCaJTLn2Zy-iQSQnfEfJE/s1600/Week+22+Baby+copy.jpg" t$="true" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/?action=view&current=BlogSignature.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/plasterplayhouse/BlogSignature.jpg" /></a>LittlePaintedPolkaDotshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460301517234366160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8072977049339077816.post-70956510330938396352011-07-15T20:02:00.001-04:002011-07-24T09:06:17.355-04:00Reveal DayI'm learning to take deep breaths and cherish each moment. As much as it seemed to take forever, once this big milestone day got here, I realized how fast things are really flying. It's easy for me to say that, and realize that a few days after the fact, but up until 9:00am the morning of July 13th, I thought this day would never come. It was REVEAL DAY! We would find out if we were having a beautiful baby girl or a precious baby boy. Everyone asks "which one do you want?" and how could you not answer with "it doesn't matter. We just want a happy, healthy baby." Of course that is true, but sure, we had different reasons for wanting a boy or girl. We didn't want one over the other...just for different reasons. With a boy, there was the joy of Jer having a son. He does so well with our nephew Grant that I could peacefully and easily envision him with a son. <em>The picture below is a frequent occurrence when they're together. Footballs, basketballs and baseballs are all interchangeable.</em> With a girl, there was all the love and goodness and, well, girlishness that I can master. We have other reasons for each and truly, we would be happy with a boy or girl. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day of...</span></strong><br />
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We woke up early today. Just like a normal work day. We were going to stay down at my parents tonight and tomorrow. We had to get there early to drop Diesel off before our appointment. I woke up with "Christmas Morning" excitement. It was big. We loaded the car and off we went. After dropping Diesel and our bags off at my parents we headed to the doctor's office. It was a quick appointment. We were called back for the ultrasound. The tech asked me if we were finding out the gender during our visit and I looked at her like she had three heads. I may or may not have blurted out, "um, that is why we're here!" I guess she had other things to check for during this visit. Oops. I laid on the table, cold stuff on my belly and the screen turned away from me. J sat in the chair and strained his eyes to peer at that screen. I stared at the serene view on the light tile above my head. All the while, we talked with the u/s tech about the heat, her pool, why we don't have a pool (power lines), how her daughter was picked for the all star softball team, and a bunch of other things. In the middle of random, space-filling conversation she blurts out "this baby is a GIRL!" I cried. We sort of knew what to expect because at our 16 week appointment I pleaded with our midwife to please check. She did and she gave us her best guess. She was right. The good Lord has blessed us with a baby girl. I wanted to call my momma right away. Of course I could not because I concocted some elaborate plan to have a reveal dinner that night. Silly me! I shared the news with a select few and J and I set out for a day of fun, shopping and girly goodness.<br />
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We went to Target and bought a few things - Daddy's Princess outfit, I love Auntie onesie, and a shark bath towel (because Daddy Jer loves sharks.) J also picked out a body pillow for me with a giraffe print cover because he thinks I will need one for comfort in the weeks and months to come.<br />
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We spent hours in Buy Buy Baby and Babies R Us. We checked out all the latest and greatest baby gear. We acted like kids and played catch with the balls. We pushed strollers around to see which ones turned the best. J was all over the carseats, checking them up and down. He wants only the best and the safest. Good man. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We even bought our crib and dresser! We didn't plan to, but we fell in love with one and couldn't beat the current price. The same goes for our bedding set. We planned to register for that stuff...bedding, blankets, mobile, lamp...but when we both loved a certain set, and it was on clearance, and it was being discontinued, we decided to snatch it up.<br />
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After shopping we headed to lunch. I was hungry. Hungry, hungry. We went to Mongolian BBQ and it was delicious. After lunch we stopped at Partridge Creek. I was actually quite proud of how well I showed self-control. We went to two of my favorite stores and bought only ONE thing at each. Please, applaud me now. That is some serious restraint. First stop, BabyGap. J picked out a little onesie that says "I Love My Mommy" with a print of two bulldogs on it. Awww yeah. It is perfect. Then we had to go to Janie and Jack. Janie and Jack, how I love thee. Upon entering the store I swear the skies open up and you get a glimpse of Heaven. Baby clothes Heaven, that is. We picked out the most perfect little sweater capelet for our baby girl to wear this Fall. Well, next Fall. She will be nestled up in my belly still this Fall.<br />
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Shopping done. Let's go to Mom and Dads where we'll share dinner with them, Livi, Grant and my sister Beckey. I made two reveal cakes...one pink, one blue. I had to be prepared either way and didn't want to spend my afternoon baking cakes. We planned to let my mom do the honors of cutting the cake and revealing pink or blue cake underneath the frosting. Everyone gathered around the table and shortly after, bright pink cake was revealed! We're having a GIRL! Dinner followed. It was also delicious. J served up his famous tacos. We ate. We laughed. We loved. Life is good!<br />
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