Rockin the overalls baby!
Oh Snap!
48 minutes ago
The Nursery Part II
The Great Green Room
We decided to paint the nursery green. Since we had to go gender neutral, it was really either yellow or green to match our bedding. I read some about color therapy and everything said that yellow makes fussy babies....so we went with green. But not just any green, REALLY green. It took a few tester cans to get it right, but I am pleased with the bright, cheery finished product. I am usually afraid of color and tend to stick with neutrals.....but I like it. :)
The Book Shelf
Before
We found this cute little book shelf at the same resale shop as the dresser for 10 big ones. It is solid wood and sturdy and I knew we could fix it up real cute like. Since Scott has been laboring over the crib for the last few months (more on THAT later), I decided to take on this little project myself. He sanded it, I primed and painted. We then popped the back part off to get rid of the lovely yellow. I really wanted to cover it with a cute fabric, but was having a hard time finding one to match the decor. Enter supermom. She found a random extra bed skirt on Ebay that is the same as my bedding so we decided to use that.
We put some batting on first and then glued/stapled the fabric.
Then Scooter nailed the back onto the shelf....and.....
Voila!
AfterSo cute, huh?
Coming soon: An even bigger belly
"Butt Wipes"
And here we have yet another fun baby project. I've always known that I wanted to use cloth diapers on my babies. Partly because I'm obsessed with cotton and softness and comfort and partly because I do not want my baby's genitals to be sitting in crazy chemicals. (read this )
*Side note* We set up a registry the other day and got one of those welcome pack thingys that had a newborn pampers diaper in it. Scott took it out of the package and immediately started sneezing like crazy. No thank you
Anyway, back to the project. When I started looking online at cloth diaper websites, I saw that all of them sold and recommended using cloth wipes as well. They say it is easier because you can just throw the whole mess in the pail and washer without having to separate the wipe into the trash. They are also much cheaper than the "natural" chemical-free wipes because you just wash and reuse. Well, being the frugal gal that I am, I decided to make some myself. Seriously, how hard could sewing two pieces of flannel together be? I had some old flannel sheets lying around and decided to use them, making the project F-R-E-E!
My mom helped cut out the material and retaught me the art of machine sewing (I hate it). I had to cut, sew them together, cut up to the seam, wash and dry, and then cut the frayed edges.
Needless to say it was a bit more work than I originally thought- especially since I made 84 of them. I am such a perfectionist and probably took way too much time on them, but I love the result. They are so soft and cute.
I am going to keep them in this little basket on the changing table and spray them with a homemade solution of olive oil, baby wash, and essential oils to moisten and wipe. They are 8x8 and will fit into a regular wipe dispenser if I want them to.
The finished product. Precious, huh? The top one is the "fancy one" but the stitch took too long and used too much thread. So fun!
I know I'm weird. Don't care though. :)
*Side note* We set up a registry the other day and got one of those welcome pack thingys that had a newborn pampers diaper in it. Scott took it out of the package and immediately started sneezing like crazy. No thank you
Anyway, back to the project. When I started looking online at cloth diaper websites, I saw that all of them sold and recommended using cloth wipes as well. They say it is easier because you can just throw the whole mess in the pail and washer without having to separate the wipe into the trash. They are also much cheaper than the "natural" chemical-free wipes because you just wash and reuse. Well, being the frugal gal that I am, I decided to make some myself. Seriously, how hard could sewing two pieces of flannel together be? I had some old flannel sheets lying around and decided to use them, making the project F-R-E-E!
My mom helped cut out the material and retaught me the art of machine sewing (I hate it). I had to cut, sew them together, cut up to the seam, wash and dry, and then cut the frayed edges.
Needless to say it was a bit more work than I originally thought- especially since I made 84 of them. I am such a perfectionist and probably took way too much time on them, but I love the result. They are so soft and cute.
I am going to keep them in this little basket on the changing table and spray them with a homemade solution of olive oil, baby wash, and essential oils to moisten and wipe. They are 8x8 and will fit into a regular wipe dispenser if I want them to.
The finished product. Precious, huh? The top one is the "fancy one" but the stitch took too long and used too much thread. So fun!
I know I'm weird. Don't care though. :)
Yum Fest 2009
I made a delicious lentil soup in honor of the arrival of my favorite season, and the new adventure of gluten and dairy-free eating. Let me first tell you that I am a pretty picky eater but LOVE this soup. It is easy, cheap, and so nutritious. Make some and see!
Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large potato (I added this for filling properties), chopped
2 cloves (or more) garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 (14.5 oz) can tomatoes (I used stewed and squeezed them)
2 cups dry lentils
8 cups water (or stock of choice- I used chicken)
1/2 cup spinach, rinsed and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
sea salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
1. In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes; cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in garlic, bay leaf, oregano, and basil; cook for 2 minutes.
2. Stir in lentils, add water (or stock) and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, stir in spinach and cook until it wilts. Stir in vinegar and season to taste with sea salt and pepper.
ENJOY!
Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large potato (I added this for filling properties), chopped
2 cloves (or more) garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 (14.5 oz) can tomatoes (I used stewed and squeezed them)
2 cups dry lentils
8 cups water (or stock of choice- I used chicken)
1/2 cup spinach, rinsed and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
sea salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
1. In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes; cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in garlic, bay leaf, oregano, and basil; cook for 2 minutes.
2. Stir in lentils, add water (or stock) and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, stir in spinach and cook until it wilts. Stir in vinegar and season to taste with sea salt and pepper.
ENJOY!
The Nursery Part Uno: Dresser
Let me first start off this post by telling you about my illness. I am a ridiculous bargain shopper. I never EVER buy anything full price. Just ask about my awesome stroller finds! I would rather search through re-sale shops and thrift stores than the mall any day. It is such a great feeling when you find that perfect, original piece that no one else will have- and the hunt makes it all the more fun! I get this from my mom so blame her. Even if I did have $1000 to shell out on a Pottery Barn dresser I wouldn't because where is the fun in that?? There is no story or work behind it. Boring.
Moving on..... I knew for our furniture that I wanted a dresser/changing table combo, so my mom and I started our quest on Craigslist and used furniture stores for the perfect one. Let me also say that we are sticklers for good quality, solid wood furniture and you can't really find that affordably anywhere nowadays.....so we like to get old stuff and fix it up. We finally found it a resale/thrift store in The Colony. It is the Christian Community Resale Store and if you haven't been you should really go. It's awesome. The dresser has 6 drawers, is the perfect height for changing (I am going to attach a changing pad and put some cute baskets at the end), and is solid maple!! The price tag said $60 which we already thought was pretty sweet, but then the guy knocked it down to $45!! Such a steal! I of course had to call Scott first to see if the project was something he wanted to take on (on top of the already arduous task of refinishing the crib-more on that later) and he said ooooh yeah. The finish was messed up and scratched and there were a few places in the wood that needed to be filled, but we knew we wanted to paint it anyway.
Step 1: Sand
Step 3: Prime
Moving on..... I knew for our furniture that I wanted a dresser/changing table combo, so my mom and I started our quest on Craigslist and used furniture stores for the perfect one. Let me also say that we are sticklers for good quality, solid wood furniture and you can't really find that affordably anywhere nowadays.....so we like to get old stuff and fix it up. We finally found it a resale/thrift store in The Colony. It is the Christian Community Resale Store and if you haven't been you should really go. It's awesome. The dresser has 6 drawers, is the perfect height for changing (I am going to attach a changing pad and put some cute baskets at the end), and is solid maple!! The price tag said $60 which we already thought was pretty sweet, but then the guy knocked it down to $45!! Such a steal! I of course had to call Scott first to see if the project was something he wanted to take on (on top of the already arduous task of refinishing the crib-more on that later) and he said ooooh yeah. The finish was messed up and scratched and there were a few places in the wood that needed to be filled, but we knew we wanted to paint it anyway.
Step 1: Sand
Step 2: Fill wood
Step 3: Prime
**Side note: We found a really great no-VOC paint and primer at Lowes. I was skeptical as to how well it would cover, but it was actually really nice. If you don't know what that means or think it doesn't matter, go here: Creating a Chemical-Free Nursery**
Step 4: Sand again
(because Scott is a perfectionist!)
Step 5: Paint! two coats
I know this is still a priming picture but I didn't get a painting one. :(
Step 6: Sand once again
(we like the lightly distressed look)
Step 7: Paint hardware
(actually- sand, primer, paint, clear coat hardware)
Step 4: Sand again
(because Scott is a perfectionist!)
Step 5: Paint! two coats
I know this is still a priming picture but I didn't get a painting one. :(Step 6: Sand once again
(we like the lightly distressed look)
Step 7: Paint hardware
(actually- sand, primer, paint, clear coat hardware)
Scott had a genius idea of drilling holes into this piece of wood we had laying around and screwing the pulls into it. He then propped it up with a broom so the little handles would stick out and painted. Saved probably 2 hours of work. He is so smart!
Step 8: Affix hardware
Step 9: Apply drawer liner
(I am weird about this. Anyone else?)
And Voila!
Step 8: Affix hardware
Step 9: Apply drawer liner
(I am weird about this. Anyone else?)
And Voila!
I really love it. Scott did such an amazing job. We saw one that was refinished similarly at Cat and the Fiddle for $900 that wasn't nearly as well done. The cutest part was how all of our neighbors got into the project and would come by everyday to see how it was coming (and talk for hours!). One of the maintenance ladies here asked Scott if he was a carpenter. hehe.
I am so proud of my little changing dresser and love that daddy got to fix it up!
Coming soonish: THE crib
Coming soonish: THE crib
Birthday Fun
Purdy birthday flowers from my sweetheartWe had such a wonderful, relaxing day for my birthday. Scott and I first went to my absolute favorite place for breakfast, The Original Pancake House. Oh so yummy. You would not believe how thankful I am to be able to eat again. It is so wonderful to actually be able to get out of bed at a decent hour and go places and EAT and feel good and no puking!! I honestly was having a hard time seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but am SO THANKFUL that it is finally over. I am now able to concentrate more on enjoying this pregnancy and bonding with our sweet little baby....who by the way gave us the incredible gift of first kicks! Scott and my sisters were able to feel them from the outside! It is such a crazy sensation to feel someONE squirming around in your belly. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it and can't get enough!
Anyway, after breakfast we piddled around the house hanging curtains and such and then took a nice nap. The family came over in the afternoon and got the party started! We went down to the pool to hang first.
Swimming with my man CalebI have really loved being able to swim for exercise. Feels so nice.
He is 4 and already snorkeling! He calls it a "goggle breathe" Such a doll!
Scott and Miss Lily LuAfter swimming for a while, we went back to our place and ate yummy lasagna and salad. My ffaavvoorriitteee. Baby liked it a lot too. Thank you baby. Then it was present time! I got some great contributions to my "stock the kitchen to be a good wifey" fund. There are just some important cooking/baking pieces that I don't have (another bread pan, cake pans, muffin tins, etc.). I always just improvise and it never really turns out well. So that will be fun :). My sister Kim got me this Belly Chime. It is so precious. Baby can hear the sweet chime bouncing against my belly and then after it is born, the sound will remind him/her of being in the womb.
Scott gave me a prenatal yoga DVD that I've been wanting and some delicious beeswax candles to burn now and at our birth (so I don't breathe toxins :). He is such a dear.
Happy birthday to me
Scott gave me a prenatal yoga DVD that I've been wanting and some delicious beeswax candles to burn now and at our birth (so I don't breathe toxins :). He is such a dear.
Happy birthday to meThank you to my wonderful husband and sweet family for making my birthday and everyday so special! I love you!
*Coming soon* 18 week belly. Beware.
*Coming soon* 18 week belly. Beware.
Pug Love
Well, we all knew it would happen someday.
Gertrude has a gentlemen caller.
It was only a matter of time- she is just TOO gorgeous. He is a pug (of course) and a bit of an older man, but she doesn't mind. His real name is Noah but we call him Wilber Wilberforce (who names their dog Noah? Seriously...). The best part is that he lives right above us! It was totally fate. She is so smitten and spends all day staring out the window hoping to catch a glimpse of her heart's dearest. Hopefully I can get a picture of the lovebirds soon.
What Matters More?
You say you always treat people like you like to be
I guess you love being hated for your sexuality
You love when people put words in your mouth
'Bout what you believe, make you sound like a freak
'Cause if you really believe what you say you believe
You wouldn't be so damn reckless with the words you speak
Wouldn't silently conceal when the liars speak
Denyin' all the dyin' of the remedy
Tell me, brother, what matters more to you?
Tell me, sister, what matters more to you?
If I can tell what's in your heart by what comes out of your mouth
Then it sure looks to me like being straight is all it's about
It looks like being hated for all the wrong things
Like chasin' the wind while the pendulum swings
'Cause we can talk and debate until we're blue in the face
About the language and tradition that he's comin' to save
Meanwhile we sit just like we don't give a shit
About 50,000 people who are dyin' today
Tell me, brother, what matters more to you?
Tell me, sister, what matters more to you?
14 1/2 week belly
Yes, I am looking a little haggard these days. I am confident that things are looking up though! All good things.
Can't Wait
I actually cried while watching this- I am THAT excited. Or maybe it's pregnancy hormones.....whatev
The sound track should be awesome too!
It made me really excited to start building up the children's section of my library.
sigh
Life since we last spoke.....
Well we heard the heartbeat last week! 164 strong beats per minute. It was the best sound I have ever heard. It sinks in more and more each day that I actually have a little person inside of me. Everything I do/eat/hear/smell/say/think/touch/experience is not just affecting me anymore- there are two of us now! I am responsible for everything that comes in contact with our growing baby.....what an awesome gift! Our baby has no way of experiencing the outside world except through me and the decisions I make. I am so excited to only let peaceful, loving, and nurturing things enter my body for our baby. I feel like this great protector or something :). God is good and is opening my eyes even more to His great love for me through this pregnancy.
I am still sick, but have learned to take it one day at a time instead of looking ahead at how many more days until I feel better. Hearing the heartbeat also gave me more of a glimpse at what I am going through all of this for....and boy is it worth it!!!
We are moving on July 17th and are so very excited. I love our beautiful new home and can't wait to decorate and make it our own. The nursery is going to be so ccuutteeeee.
My sister is about to pop any day now with baby #3. I cannot wait to meet the little booger. I think he is going to be a bigun like his sister. I guess around 8lbs 10oz. (hopefully not the 9lbs 4 oz that Lily was... for Kristen's sake). We shall see.
I guess that's it. I will post a belly picture soon. It's gettin big folks.
p.s. Go see Away We Go. It is a good film.
I am still sick, but have learned to take it one day at a time instead of looking ahead at how many more days until I feel better. Hearing the heartbeat also gave me more of a glimpse at what I am going through all of this for....and boy is it worth it!!!
We are moving on July 17th and are so very excited. I love our beautiful new home and can't wait to decorate and make it our own. The nursery is going to be so ccuutteeeee.
My sister is about to pop any day now with baby #3. I cannot wait to meet the little booger. I think he is going to be a bigun like his sister. I guess around 8lbs 10oz. (hopefully not the 9lbs 4 oz that Lily was... for Kristen's sake). We shall see.
I guess that's it. I will post a belly picture soon. It's gettin big folks.
p.s. Go see Away We Go. It is a good film.
'spectin
We are.
I am almost finished with my first trimester. It has been the longest time of my life.....but I am beyond thankful for every minute. I have been very sick, but Scott and I agree that it is God's way of keeping fear from creeping in. So, once again, very thankful for sickness.
I cannot wait until I can eat again! I miss food a lot. I am excited to eat and eat but hopefully not go overboard...
We get to hear the heartbeat next week and I really think it will sink in what is happening.
We's havin a baby.
yay!
I am almost finished with my first trimester. It has been the longest time of my life.....but I am beyond thankful for every minute. I have been very sick, but Scott and I agree that it is God's way of keeping fear from creeping in. So, once again, very thankful for sickness.
I cannot wait until I can eat again! I miss food a lot. I am excited to eat and eat but hopefully not go overboard...
We get to hear the heartbeat next week and I really think it will sink in what is happening.
We's havin a baby.
yay!
Japanese words that don’t exist, but should
In The Meaning of Tingo, author Adam Jacot de Boinod admits that — in researching his book — he found many unusual foreign words that he could not, in the end, verify.
Two of my favorite of these unverified words were attributed to Japanese:
* Age-otori, which means ‘to look worse after a haircut’
* Ariga-meiwaku, which is ‘an act someone does for you that you didn’t want to have them do and tried to avoid having them do, but they went ahead anyway, determined to do you a favor, and then things went wrong and caused you a lot of trouble, yet in the end social conventions required you to express gratitude’.
*found this post at Rolf Pott's vagablogging.net
Two of my favorite of these unverified words were attributed to Japanese:
* Age-otori, which means ‘to look worse after a haircut’
* Ariga-meiwaku, which is ‘an act someone does for you that you didn’t want to have them do and tried to avoid having them do, but they went ahead anyway, determined to do you a favor, and then things went wrong and caused you a lot of trouble, yet in the end social conventions required you to express gratitude’.
*found this post at Rolf Pott's vagablogging.net
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