Final baby projects checked off the list

Nothing like last minute.  

I have really wondered if I would be able to complete all the projects on my list, but thanks to a couple unexpected naps taken by Alayna (due to a cough and a fever) I had some extra uninterrupted craft time, thus allowing me to finish said projects.

First one, a carseat canopy.  I've been wanting to make one of these for awhile now.  They are perfect for the weather down here, providing shade when necessary, but they're not too warm for those hot summer days.  And not to mention, it will keep those germs away when we fly to Laramie in May for my brother's graduation and my baby is still teeny tiny.

So, what do you think?  Pretty cute, huh.

Last minute I decided to put a ruffle on the bottom and I am in love with it.  It makes it so fun and girlie.

Close up of the top.

The other side.  Soon a baby will be in there.

But thank goodness there isn't one because this girl wanted to try it out.

And the last baby project.  Shoes.


I know she doesn't really need them, but seriously.  Are they not SO cute?


They are definitely not perfect.  Learned a thing or two while making them, but I can't wait to try them on tiny, new feet.

And I can't stop without a few pics of this BIG girl.  When asked, "Who is going to have a new baby sister?"  She raised her hand and "I do!"  

How can you not love this girl?

38 weeks

Here we are a week later. 

Before I delve into the juicy details of pregnancy, (ha!) I need to stop and talk about the baby shower that my really good friend, Holly, threw for me.  Bless her heart.  When I first found out we were having a girl, she told me she was excited for me, but slightly bummed because she wanted to throw me a shower.  Fast forward a few months.  We were talking and I told her I had just gone through my tote of newborn things and I was surprised at how little I had (because I had borrowed most things from my sister-in-law).   She then excitedly said.  "Good!  Can a I throw you a shower?" 

And she did.  The food was delicious and the company was wonderful.  It was so fun to have an excuse to get together with a bunch of friends and chat.

And what do you know, we had so much fun chatting that I didn't even take my camera out once for a picture.  Darn.  

You can bet that this baby was spoiled.  See for yourself.

Ok.  Back to me.  This is me at 38 weeks.

I continue to feel really good.  I don't really have many complaints at all.  In fact, I am getting a little bit sad thinking that I only will be pregnant for another week or so.  This pregnancy went by SO fast for me. 

I have noticed I have needed a few more naps these last couple of weeks, and luckily the days I seem to need them are the days that Dan has off.  He is so good to take Alayna for a couple hours and let me sleep.  

I did indeed get checked this week and I am between a 1 and a 2, but the doctor said she thinks that I will most likely make it to my due date.  (Surprise, surprise.)  We talked about possible induction on my due date (because this would be best for Dan's crazy work schedule), but nothing has been set.  

The doctor also felt my belly and guessed that baby girl is a "good 7 pounder" which makes me a little nervous considering I have two weeks left.  The doctor never guessed Alayna's weight when I was pregnant with her so it was kind of weird to hear an actual number for this one.  Alayna was 8 lbs. 3 oz. and I have told Dan that's as big I go.  Our other babies better be smaller.  Like I have control.  :)

And everything else medical-wise is good.  I didn't gain any weight this week, which I told the nurse is a miracle, since I am still craving those sweets.  But I must be looking bigger because the nurse told me before she left the room that she hoped I was dilated because if I go much longer, they will have to carry me to the hospital.  Guess I don't look very proportional.  :)  

Despite me feeling like this pregnancy was shorter than normal, we are getting anxious to meet this little girl.  With each passing day Alayna is playing more and more pretend with her "baby sister".  She is getting quite excited about her arrival.  

And I am happy to announce that we do have a final list of 4 names.  (With 2 of those names being added within the last week.)  Nothing like last minute.  In fact, one was just added last night.  And I am feeling more confident that "the one" is on that list.  Phew.

Until next week.....

I really hope this baby is a girl

Because if not, we will have one accessorized boy.  And A LOT of baby gifts.  :)

A girl can never have too many bows.  Right?  At least this girl can't.  Alayna and I have been in a hair bow making frenzy. 

I wanted to try my hand at few different kinds of hair bows so we proceeded to get in the hair bow groove.  Alayna was a great helper.  Although, when we would finish each flower, she would say, "That one's for me?"  (We may need to work on sharing.)  

But we did make double of some because sisters have to match sometimes.  And I made several into hair clips so both girls can wear them. 

 

Another project checked off the list.

37 weeks

Here I am again.  A week later.  And I don't have much to tell.  I thought I was going to get checked this week, but to my surprise, they didn't check me.  I think it's because every time they ask if I have had any contractions, I say no.  Never mind the fact that I didn't have any contractions with Alayna and I was dilated from 36 weeks on.  Anyway, I am told that I will be checked at this next appointment.  It will be interesting because baby feels like she is LOW.

I know I carry low anyway, but now I feel like it.  I can't tell you how many people comment on my belly or simply how I "carry the baby".  Several people in my ward and neighborhood have come up to me and tell me that they can't believe how it just looks like I have a basketball/watermelon under my shirt and if I was standing behind a counter no one would suspect that I was pregnant.  I just smile and laugh every time this conversation occurs.  I respond with, "Yep, I carry my babies all out in front."  And it is true (especially this pregnancy) that I have not really increased in size much anywhere other than my belly.  

And either people here are more kind, or they are really good at lying because hands down I have received more kind comments than when I was pregnant with Alayna.  (Granted, I was a lot bigger with Alayna, but still.)  One lady came up to me and said, "Whatever you are doing, keep  doing it because you look great!"  And then I said, "Um.  Do you want to be my best friend?"  (Just kidding.)  One other sweet family in my ward brought by a plate of cake balls (You know, frosting and cake formed into balls, then dipped into chocolate) just because I told them when I ate some of the cake balls they had made for a ward activity that they were every pregnant lady's dream treat.  So they made this pregnant lady an entire plate of heavenly treats.  Bless their hearts.

Now, don't get me wrong, I still get quite a few interesting comments.  A couple days ago, I got the, "Are you having one or two babies?" question.  Which in my mind is actually not too bad considering it was quite a bit earlier in my pregnancy with Alayna that I got those comments.  But it was quite funny when I replied with "One baby.  At least I hope so."  (I like to throw in a bit of humor so people don't feel awkward.)  But then this lady said.  "Well, you never know......"  And I wanted to say, "Oh, I KNOW."  :)

And apparently I am going to have this baby early because a lady at the temple told me she could tell by my face.  I haven't heard that one before.  Who knows.  Maybe she's right..... 

Anyway, here I am at 37 weeks.

And here is the soon-to-be big sister that is so completely excited.  The last couple of days she has asked, "Are you going to get the baby today?"  To which I respond.  "Probably not.  But it won't be too much longer."  (Hopefully.)

 Once Alayna's turn getting her picture take was done, she insisted on being the photographer as well.  So here's a picture of me courtesy of Alayna.

Until next week.....

Miss Alayna

Oh, Miss Layna.  You are growing up and getting so big.  (And I am sure in a few weeks she will seem even bigger when there is a newborn to compare her to.)  

Here's a run down of what Miss Layna has been up to the last little while.

She is actually going through a phase where she likes to get her picture taken.  Gasp.  

Here she is on Valentine's day.  "Mom.  Take my picture!"  And then she proceeded to twirl for the camera.

In honor of heart day, Layna and I made heart shaped scones for dinner.  It was a hit.

About a month ago we went to Phoenix for one last big trip before the baby.  We got to stay in a "big house" (aka: a motel) and go swimming in the pool.  Alayna was pretty much in heaven.  After swimming, she spent a little time relaxing on her very own big bed.

For family home evening one night, we put together the baby's swing and bassinet and ever since then I normally find a doll or stuffed animal testing them out.  :)  (I may be sick of the music the swing plays before the baby even gets here.)

On this particular day Alayna came up to me and said, "Look Mom, I have a baby in my tummy!"  And she really did.  Although, sometimes her baby didn't want to stay in.  :)


And recently she will be playing, and stop and say, "Did you see that?!? (While pointing to her belly) The baby is kicking."  When I say, "You don't have a baby in your tummy, only Mommy does."  She replies with, "Noooo, it's just pretend."  And then somewhat rolls her eyes.  (Hmmm.  Wonder where she gets that from. :)

And here are a few recent pics just for good measure.  What a sassy, funny, energetic, dramatic, lovable three year old I have.  

The corner shelf

The past couple of months have been filled with projects.  Some for the baby and some for the house.  (I figure it's easier to complete some of the bigger house projects when there isn't a little one to care for.) 

And this just might be one of my favorite projects yet.  

Remember the corner shelf that Dan made for me that looked like this?

Well, here it is now.  DONE!  

I have Dan to thank for the painting.  And the antiquing was done by yours truly.

What to ya think?  Perfect, huh.  (I am a bit biased.)

I wasn't sure when we moved it into the house after completing it, that I hit the nail on the head, but once I gave it a little time and got used to it, I am more in love with it than I originally thought.  

One more thing checked off our list.

36 weeks

A little less than a month left.  Whoa!  I can't believe it.  When they say each pregnancy goes quicker than the last, they really aren't kidding.  I feel like this pregnancy has flown by.  In fact, I think both Dan and I are in a bit of denial that we actually will have a newborn in our house in a month's time.  But we'll definitely be thrown back into reality when a full nights sleep is a thing of the past.  :)

I continue to feel pretty good.  I have had a few more aches and pains over the last few weeks.  Most of them due to the fact that I have a condition called Diastasis Recti (where my abdominal muscles have separated which causes parts of my stomach to be more tender since there is not that extra muscle between the baby and the skin).  It is more common than you think (60 percent of pregnant women have it) and it is not anything dangerous.  It typically goes away after pregnancy.  Other than some abdominal tenderness and feeling like this baby is heavy, I don't have much to complain about.  In fact, call me crazy, but I actually really enjoy being pregnant (minus the first trimester).

Other than aches and pains here and there, everything else is good. I have yet to have any swelling this pregnancy which you may recall is quite different than with Alayna.  My wedding ring still fits (I can easily take it on and off) and my feet are pretty much their normal size and I can wear whatever shoe I please.  (Instead of being confined to only wearing my reef flip flops.)  I am not sure if the no swelling is due to it not being over 100 degrees for the last few months of pregnancy (which I am sure is the main reason) or if it's because I have gained considerably less (as in, not quite 20 lbs yet) with this pregnancy than with Alayna.  I am sure I have Alayna to thank for the fewer pounds gained.  (She keeps me on my toes.)  Because I know it's not all the Christmas, Valentines, and Easter candy that I have consumed.

Speaking of food.  Pepsi and chocolate.  That is what I have craved this pregnancy.  Real healthy, I know.  This baby may come out a sugar cube.  :)

And as far as baby goes, she is doing great!  She is head down and we will see at my next appointment if I have made any progress.  I have not had a single contraction.  If you were to ask me, she won't make her appearance 'til that 40 week mark (or later).  I have a feeling she will be much like her sister and come later rather than sooner.

And you may recall I wrote about how every doctor and ultrasound tech has commented on what a mover she is.....well, they are right!  This girl likes to kick and practically do flips most of the time.  She doesn't seem to feel like she is confined and out of room....which is exactly the opposite of what I think.   At times it can be somewhat painful, but it does entertain us to see my belly move all over the place.

Until next week.... 

It's a miracle, the quilt is done Before she arrived!

We're finally up and running.  We have a COMPUTER!  And might I add, a pretty sweet computer at that.  We decided to get a Mac this time and even though it's only been four days, and I am pretty sure my computer is smarter and fancier than me, I think I'm in love.  Sigh.  

Anyway, now on to posting all the happenings of the last month.  Starting with the baby's QUILT!   Can you believe it?  It's done before she arrived! I almost can't believe it.  What with Primary taking most of my free time, I was beginning to think that this beauty would never be finished.  But an awesome husband who took on caring for a certain 3 year old for an entire day, ensured that this project saw completion.  Bless his heart.  I LOVE that man!

So without further ado, here it is.  The ruffle quilt.  Every girl's dream.  In fact, Alayna has already requested one for herself.  And I just might indulge her (in the next year or two) because who can resist making ruffles?

And the back. (You have to look close or click to enlarge, but the back is actually a darling striped fabric.)  I learned a few things along the way.  One of those things being, that I am a complete amateur at quilts.  There are mistakes here and there, but hey, that's what makes a handmade item so special.  Right?

And I cannot finish this post without giving credit to my amazing sister, who made up this pattern, and answered many a phone call filled with questions.  Bless her for her patience.  She is a saint.

Out of touch

I have come to the realization that when your computer stops working (twice!) and then crashes for good, posting on the blog is really non-existent. One finger typing on the iPod is not my preferred method of updating the blog.


Thank goodness for a tax return that is taking the form of a nice, new computer. (Not what we originally wanted to spend our money on, but what can ya do?)


 Just rest assured, as soon as the computer makes it to our door (and is hooked up), there will be several posts. Such as: finished projects, belly shots(we're getting close!), and updates of the fam. Including our (at times) not-so-sweet three-year-old who is is taking on the role of BOSSY big sister a little early.