Wife of 1, Mother of 4

I great shopping trip!!

2011-03-27T18:04:00.000-07:00

I don't normally post something like this, but I saved so much compared to what I spent, that I felt I needed to!!! I spend quite a bit of time clipping coupons from the Sunday paper, magazines and online. I have them very well organized in a pink coupon holder. I have a second holder that's white that is for each individual store and their coupons. Price chopper and Target allow you to use a store coupon in conjunction with manufacturer's coupons! This often allows me to purchase items for less than $1 or even FREE!!

Here's the rundown from this past week's shopping trip to Price Chopper:

(I don't have my receipt on hand, but most of these are accurate.)

18 ct eggs - $1.48 w/ in-ad coupon

10 oz Vigo yellow rice $.79 w/ $1 manuf coupon

box PC spaghetti - $.50 w/ in-ad coupon

PC 6-pk strawberry applesauce - $1 w/ PC baby club coupon

1 HUGE orange - $1

2 Old Orchard 100% juice conentrates - $1.99/2 w/ B1G1 Free facebook coupon

3 Greek yogurts w/ granola - $.92/3 w/ 3- $.75 on-item coupon PLUS $1 manuf coupon

PC 80 ct baby wipes -

Huggies swim diapers - $2.99 w/ $2 manuf coupon PLUS $2 PC baby club coupon

PC 36 ct diapers - $3.99 w/ PC baby club coupon

2 boxes PC graham crackers - $2/2 w/ B1G1 Free PC baby club coupon

28 oz Hunts tomato sauce($1) and 8 oz Hunts tomato sauce(FREE) s/ in-ad coupon

6-pk Danimals - $1 w/ $1 manuf coupon

4 pk Splitz yogurt - $.53 w/ $1 on-item coupon PLUS $1 manuf coupon

2 PC quesadilla pizzas - $1/2 w/ PC kiosk coupon

2 PC resealable bags - $3/2 w/ B1G1 Free PC baby club coupon

Duncn Hines brownie mix - $1.19 w/ $1 manuf coupon

6 pk frozen PC bagels - $.94 on clearance

2 Suave professionals shamp + cond - $2/2 w/ $1 manuf coupon

2 new Wishbone dressings + 1 bag Dole salad - ~$3 for all 3 w/ 2- $1.50 manuf coupons for dressings PLUS $1 in-ad coupon for Dole salad PLUS $1 on-item coupon for DOLE

2 loaves Freihofer's breads + 6-pk Thomas' English muffins - $3.69/3 w/ B1G2 Free store deal

pouch Kraft Homestyle Mac n Cheese - ~$1 w/ $1 manuf coupon

PC bag salad - ~$1 w/ $1 on-item coupon

Topcare handsoap - $.25 w/ $1 baby club coupon

SO..... I spent just under $42 and saved about $54!!!!! It really does pay to spend the time on coupons and scouring the ads!!! With a growing family of 6, I need to save wherever I can!

2011-03-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

It is a wonderful feeling to accomplish so much in one day. Especially with a VERY busy toddler. :) Yesterday was one of those days...

*4 loads of laundry

*started an 8 pound chicken in the crockpot for dinner and made salad

*made a trip to the post office and Walmart

*watched my nephew, Rocco, for a few hours while his mommy had a dentist appointment

*washed dishes about 4 times

*worked on a knit scarf while watching a movie with Sean

*finished spinning and plying a small skein of turquoise Angora

*cleaned my neighbor's guinea pig

* made a quick trip to the Y in the evening for a workout on the treadmill

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Today was a much more laid back day!! I did my everyday household chores while Kendall watched her PBS shows, then once she took a nap, I worked on my spinning and watched a couple movies. I'm working on my big Lhasa Apso order, desperately trying to work on it as much as possible and get it finished within the next month.

The other day I finished a 900-yard yarn order for a friend and delivered it. She was very happy with the yarn and will be knitting a baby set.

Today my neighbor's 16 yo daughter helped me wash and dye 3 batches of alpaca...pale yellow, turquoise and silver-gray. I have a ton of white to dye, so I plan on using every color I have...which creates many possibilities when it comes to carding!

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Well...time to pull out the turquoise, make dinner and spin more!

Many blessings to you...

I'm back!!!

2011-02-24T18:10:00.000-08:00

Last time I posted was 4 days before Kendall's 1st birthday! She is now almost 17 months old and is a combination of her siblings. She has a temper, is sweet, is stubborn...and SO cute!

The kids all celebrated their birthdays...Brendan is now 10, Cara is 12 and Caitlin is 6.

Caitlin's sporting a very new haircut! Last Wednesday I decided to take her in and just get it over with. She woke up every morning with a tangled mess and I had to wash it every morning for school! I was tired of it and Caitlin doesn't even like to have her hair in a ponytail....what's the point of keeping it long??? It's a fun and easy pixie cut....makes me wonder why I didn't do it before???!!!

This week is winter break here in Central NY. The weather has been decent compared the last month of craziness. I think our town has received almost 200" so far....insane. Though I can say, I got many great workouts with all the shoveling!!

The kids have been very good so far this week. Cara and Brendan went to a Nerf party at church Monday night....they had a great time and slept well once they got home! :) Caitlin, Kendall and I drove to Weedsport to pick up my handspun yarn that I had left with a friend. She had taken it with her to Tennessee in hopes of opening a small storefront....but, that just didn't come to pass, so she brought it all back up here on a visit. I had almost forgotten what I sent with her!! I've already sold 3 skeins and the rest are listed on Ebay!.

My household is finally falling back into order once again. My sister and her 3-year-old son had to live with us for about 2 1/2 months...escaping a bad situation. I was very happy to have been able to help them out, but it was a little stressful on our family life. My children definitely acted out....very difficult to discipline the way I needed to during that time.

We are very much looking forward to our family vacation to Orlando in April. We haven't been on an out-of-state vacation since Brendan was about 18 months old!!! I really hope we can budget in some sort of vacation every year...we need the away time together very badly.

I've been checking out Disney tickets and I must say that I am sick to my stomach at how much it would cost us for one day at Disneyworld or one of the other 3 main parks. About $300. There are so many other things we could do with that $300. But, we'll see. We're on a limited budget...I'm just trying to stretch it as far as I can!

Time for me to end for today...I'm needing to just sit. But if one knows me, I can't just sit and do nothing! I filled a bobbin with a blend of white alpaca and blue sparkle today...time to ply it! That should be the end of that order...then tomorrow I will keep going on the lhasa apso yarn order! That one is very large, so I know it will take me a while to complete it. Sure is a great feeling to finish an order and send it out.

Good night and God bless...until tomorrow.

Kendall...almost 1 year old!

2010-09-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

I don't know where this past year has gone, but it has flown by!! Kendall will be 1 next Wednesday, the 29th at 2:19 PM. I'm having a small party for her for family and some friends on her birthday. She gets a free cake from Price Chopper too!!

This was taken on the 12th of September... Her poor face was all scratched up from her nails. They grow so fast I can barely keep up with trimming them! She looks so much like her daddy did at this age...

Kittens!!

2010-09-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

Gracie, our 6 year old torbie-colored cat, had another litter of kittens last Monday!! She had 5, but the 1st one born, I think a female, was born with it's intestines on the outside. :( She only lived a couple days, but she knew she was loved! Here are pics of the remaining 4....2 females and 2 males. The runt is a female and she was born with her right front leg underdeveloped. She's been eating well and is still small, but she's strong!!

Foto Friday challenge - "Sky/Clouds"

2010-05-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

Many days of grey skies this past week made it difficult to take photos I really liked. These were all taken on the same day. Here are a few...enjoy!

A crow sitting on a line across the road from the YMCA....

Looking across the small lake here in town....I love clouds like this!

Just a cool shot...I enjoyed watching the seagulls antics!

Such a pretty blue sky...

Gorgeous clouds!

This made me chuckle!

Love this pavilion...and so does Caitlin! We often stop for a few minutes after picking her up from pre-k.

Foto Friday challenge - "Still Life"

2010-05-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

A stuffed whippoorwill at Beaver Lake Nature Center. I am still figuring out all my options and the flash on my new Fujifilm Finepix S1500 camera!

This table was full of cool things from nature for us to touch and see...dry fungus, bones, a turtle shell, etc....

A stuffed Great Blue Heron hanging from the ceiling.

I focused on LIFE that was still for this challenge...or things that were previously alive.

This is the inside of a gorgeous tulip.

A beautiful water plant....

A huge rock in the woods...love the shadows from the trees.

Fallen trees...resting peacefully.

New growth out of a seemingly dead stump.

A lone branch sticking out of the pond.

New ferns opening...

Caitlin took this photo...

This coming week's Foto challenge is SKY/CLOUDS.

New camera...here I come!!

2010-05-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

First off....I took this pic this afternoon in my backyard. I discovered it is a Red Admiral butterfly. Simply beautiful!

Sean gave me my birthday present early...a Fujifilm Finepix S1500 camera with a 4GB memory card. Didn't cost him a thing other than his time working at NAPA for the past 15 years!! :) Thank you so much....I love you!!

I LOVE this camera...love what amazing closeup photos it takes most of all!!! I also love the panoramic setting...that is fun to play with....

I've been following a young woman's blog for some time now and I've decided to join in her Foto Friday challenge....'Still Life" is this past week's challenge.

A visit to the cemetary...

2010-04-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I like to take my children and walk through the cemetary that is near our home. It's a good time of reflection for me and a chance to amswer questions the kids may have. These crocus were growing just inside the gate...so beautiful! This white one makes me think of Jesus blood washing us white as snow...all sins forgiven.

A huge, old maple tree...overlooking many places of rest.

The kids were sad to see these two photos on the stones...just little angels whose lives were cut short, probably by sickness.

I don't think either little girl was older than 3.

This large stone belonged to an Irish Reverend who pastored for 26 years.

Another Irish pastor's resting place...1924.

This made me sad...all of these stones were from one family.

As we were leaving, i happened to look up these trees...an interesting shot against the beautiful blue sky!

2010-04-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was the first service of the new 'Bridge Curch' starting in Bville. It was held at the Red Mill Inn, formerly Mercer Mill! A beautiful place....

It was a long day for us, but so worth it. We attended our regular services in the AM, then met at 2PM to get everything set up. Sean helped with the technical aspect and Cara and I helped with the children. A nice catered dinner was served afterwards..the ziti and meatballs were incredible!! And the dessert...OH MY!!!!!

Before we left to go home, the kids wanted to see the river...

Looking directly across the river.

The main bridge in the middle of Bville.

Kendall playing with a water bottle, watching her siblings run around.

And a nice family photo...taken by Katrina! I can't remember the last time we had a nice one like this taken!

Easter

2010-04-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

Sean's brothers took the initiative and hid 70 eggs for my 3 children and their cousin, Myah, to find. It took awhile, but 69 were found..not sure where #70 is!! There was chocolate in some and money in others....the kids are counting their eggs and checking to see what's hiding inside!

This is Sean's maternal grandmother holding Kendall.

Playing with grandma's rug....

Big smile...and lots of drool!

A silly face....

Oops!! Rolling over....

Cara's spring concert...

2010-04-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

Cara decided all on her own to join chorus this year. I'm so glad she did...she loves it! She's coming to the end of 5th grade..only 6 weeks of schooldays left! She's growing up before our eyes...a little too fast for my liking!! She's quite tall...already over my shoulders!!

Kendall's first swing experience

2010-04-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

She wasn't quite sure what to think, but by the end, I think she liked it!

Se her toes curling?

2010-04-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

We've been receiving the 'Family Fun' magazine for many months now...awesome ideas for families with children of all ages. This past month we found a recipe for goop...consists of only corn starch and water(we added food coloring, but discovered the blue stained Brendan's hands!).

A very interesting substance! When it is sitting in the plate you can 'walk' your fingers across it and it acts like a solid. But if you lay your hand on top, it will sink! And, if you pick it up in your hands, it will drip out of your hands slowly, almost like slow motion.

Each of the kids had a different color, but as you can see, they shared their colors with each other!

Caty's

Brendan's

Cara's

Playground time!

2010-04-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

This is the park referred to as 'The Firetruck Park'...my kids love this one and it is only about 6 blocks away. Two Saturdays ago, Sean and I decided to take the kids and just have some family time. We stopped at Rite Aid for a couple cold drinks, then walked down. The kids went right to playing and Kendall and I relaxed on an old quilt in the shade.

Caitlin LOVES this...and always asks Sean to twirl her as fast as possible! Enjoy the next few pics...

Gotta love the action setting on my camera...otherwise she would be a complete blur!

Can't believe her flip flops didn't fly off!!

Notice her pigtails...

Completely dizzy...falling down!

Now it's on to the swings...Caitlin has NO fear of heights. She's our daredevil and always the one with all the bruises.

Kendall's second time in a swing....she's not too sure about I think!

Maybe she does like it!

Cara taking a break in the shade...it was almost 90F that day!! VERY unseasonable for April!

Caty at the top!!

Cara at the top...she's not too sure about the height thing!

Brendan posing...he was rocking back and forth on this like mad...so funny to watch!!

Playing outside....

2010-04-16T12:27:00.000-07:00

We had a stretch of beautiful weather and while cleaning out my flowerbeds, Kendall played on an old quilt. You can see she gets very serious about her toys...I've come to love this expression!

Caty decided to join in the fun...Kendall ALWAYS smiles at Caty! Who wouldn't?? Her smile is very infectious!

Her bald spot in the back is finally growing in, now that she's not laying on her back all the time!

Kendall Leigh at 6 months!

2010-04-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Isn't she getting big???? Already halfway to 1...doesn't seem possible. She's very active...rollling over both ways and thoroughly enjoying the bouncer! Still no teeth...but you can count on her chewing on everything in sight and drool everywhere.

Her 6 month appointment was April 2nd and she weighed 16 pounds 6 ounces and measured 27" long! Just right for her weight and in the 90% percentile for her height!! She'll be tall too.... BUT...her head measured in the 10-20th percentile...but I think it's just right!

Kendall has also started babbling...mostly 'blah-blah-blah", but occasionally she'll say 'dada'!!! SO exciting!

My beautiful children...

2010-02-26T03:26:00.001-08:00

Caitlin at Christmas....this girl is a spitfire! So very stubborn, but she can also be very sweet and thoughtful.

Brendan, with his 9th birthday cake I made for him. He's getting so tall...he'll be just like Sean.

Cara and Kendall, just chillin'. Cara is very helpful with Kendall. They like to play together in the crib!

My internet is back...and so am I!

2010-02-26T03:07:00.001-08:00

So, our internet is back on...and I am beyond thrilled! I missed being able to post photos and updates for everyone! I have some catching up to do, so please bear with me.... The photos posted today are mostly from the last month or so. I still have to go through MANY photos of Kendall and the kids, their birthdays and Christmas.

Sound asleep. Kendall sleeps very well most of the time. She started sleeping in her crib at night and for at least one nap of the day. She was sleeping with us, but Sean informed me that it was time for her to sleep in the crib...he just wasn't getting a good night's sleep with us crammed in there! I think Kendall was the only one who was getting a good night's sleep! A queen bed is not optimal for 3!

Laying in her crib after a bath...making noise, which she loves to do!

Me and Kendall...I love this little girl. She has quite the personality!

Always wide-eyed...so very curious about everything now.

Chilly after a bath...love that hair! We do lots of giggling after bath time....

For Christmas...and, please help remind me...I STILL need to mail some of these out!!

Kendall at 2 1/2 months. I love this photo!

Sorry away so long!

2009-12-02T11:10:00.000-08:00

So sorry to everyone that this hasn't been updated...we have no internet service right now and all my photos are on my computer. I've been using my neighbor's computer every couple days. As soon as I can, I will get photos up of Kendall.

She did have her 2 month appointment on Monday the 30th. She now weighs 12 pounds 9 ounces and is 23 3/4" long! She was 8 pounds 12 ounces at 2 weeks!! She's such a good baby in every way...nurses great, is sleeping better at night(usually waking only once) and is now smiling. She's very content to sit next to me and 'chat' with me. It's so cute!

Our kitten needs a home!

2009-10-27T05:51:00.001-07:00

This is 'kitten'...she was the only one in her litter and we unfortunately cannot keep her. She will be 10 weeks old this Thursday, the 29th. I haven't named her...wanted to leave that to her adoptive family. She's a great little cat...loves to play, but will fall asleep on your lap. She loves to have her ears and cheeks rubbed and will often fall alseep when someone does this!
If you are interested in adopting her, please send me an e-mail.

A Baby of another sort!

2009-10-27T05:41:00.001-07:00

This adorable female cria alpaca lives at Willow Creek Farm in Fulton, NY. I've been spinning for them for about 4 years now. I went to visit yesterday to drop off yarn and pick up fleece to wash and dye...and got to see this little cutie!! Her name is Sarah and I believe she is less than 2 months old. She has been partially bottle-fed so she was quite curious about me! Her fleece is so soft...I really look forward to spinning it up after her first shearing.

First Real Bath!

2009-10-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

2009-10-27T05:36:00.000-07:00

3 Weeks Old!

2009-10-27T05:33:00.001-07:00

2 weeks old!

2009-10-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

New Pics - 10 days old!

2009-10-10T14:08:00.001-07:00

1 Week Old!

2009-10-09T14:02:00.001-07:00

Siblings!

2009-10-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

Kendall Leigh is here!

2009-10-03T13:31:00.001-07:00

Here she is...with me smelling that wonderful newborn smell!

I went to my 41 week OB appointment this past Monday and had a sonogram and non-stress test done. Dr. P discovered my fluid levels were quite low, so she called my regular doctor and he said to be at the hospital at 6 AM Tuesday morning to be induced!! I wasn't looking forward to having Pitocin, but I was ready to have my little girl!!

Monday night was a flurry of activity as I finished packing my bags and getting things in order at home. I ended up having almost 2 hours of good contractions after midnight and then they went away...of course. Between that, being excited and being nervous, I got very little sleep!

Sean and I woke at 4 AM to shower and get ready for our big day...left the house with Pam(my best friend who lives next door) by 5 AM. We stopped at Wegmans for breakfast..then made our way to Crouse Hospital.

My nurses and my dr, as well as all the other doctors that happened to be there were all great! This was a wonderful experience, well, except for the pain! My main nurse during the induction was awesome...she chose the right profession!!

The Pitocin was started by 7:30 AM and contractions started VERY soon after! I was 2 cm when I went in and it didn't take long unti I was 5 cm. By then, the pain was actually becoming too much for me...I was surprised because my other three labors were medication free. That Pitocin is something else! I decided to ask for Demerol and it did take the edge off most contractions. Unfortunately the contractions after 7 cm were horrible and the Demerol just wasn't helping!! Things moved quickly and it wasn't long before I felt the urge to push. I could feel that urge just slightly, then all of a sudden...there it was! TWO pushes and she was OUT!!!

Kendall weighed 8 pounds 8 ounces and is 21" long! A half pound smaller than Caitlin was, thank goodness!

Kendall looks a lot like Cara and Caitlin did. They all had that little button nose which I adore. The darker complexion that Caitlin had and that little chin that Cara had.

Kendall's awesome hair after her first bath!! Caitlin had dark hair too.

Her foot...wrinkly and cute from being overdue.

I love her fingers...so long and pretty. AND those fingernails!!!

Proud Sean and a very tired me...just after Kendall was born. Sean is an amazing labor coach...don't know what I would have done without him. He always thinks he feels useless while I'm in labor, but he's always there for me to squeeze his hand during a contraction and to offer encouragement when they're almost too unbearable. I love this man SO much.

RIGHT after being born!

Ready to go home!!

Hmmmm....I don't know about this new world out here!

Being checked out by Dr. Trust, my kid's awesome new pediatrician!

Sean loving his little girl.

Being checked out right after being born...receiving and 8 and 9 Apgar score.

Sleepy baby!

Funny face....home now!

Sleeping soundly on mommy...

Something startled her....

We're home now and have been since Wednesday night. Dr M let us go a day early! A perk of having the same OB for 4 great pregnancies!! ;)
I'm SO glad to be home where I'm most comfortable. The kids are adjusting to their new sister in their own ways...it's interesting how our family dynamic is changing. Sean and I are closer than ever and we're seeing our children with new eyes.
I love the life God has blessed us with and I would not change anything.

41 weeks....

2009-10-02T14:26:00.001-07:00

My last pregnancy photo...at 41 weeks. I was induced the next day....but that story is for the next post!

37 weeks and counting!

2009-09-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

Could I get any bigger??? My belly is stretched so tight, I just feel like I could pop with a pin prick! And when Kendall stretches or kicks...OWWWWWW!!! I may have a few bruises inside from her.

This past Monday was 37 weeks. The end is approaching quickly, not quickly enough for me, but too quickly for Sean. He still has work to do on the bedrooms...and is running out of time!

My doctor's appointment went well. He checked me for any progress and I'm a fingertip dilated! It's something. He could also feel Kendall's head...she's REALLY low! Boy, do I know that...the pressure some days is almost unbearable. And I can breathe easier since she dropped!! :)

Next appointment is on Tuesday afternoon...I'll update again that day, unless Kendall decides to come before then!!

Girl's Room Photos!

2009-08-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

The new Pergo flooring...found at Ollie's Outlet for $37.99 a case. This color was discontinued...a savings of over $20 a box!

The back corner of the girl's room...Sean did a great job on those drywall seams! He wouldn't say so though!! The ceiling is white, the walls are a very light butter yellow and the doors are beige gray.

The new closets...a small linen closet where the bookshelf used to be and the girl's closet, where wasted space used to be. The closet is not done yet though...the small window that's in there has to be taken out, but from the outside..and the kitchen porch roof is quite steep! Sean is NOT looking forward to that project!

The bathroom door with trim. Trim has to be painted white, then it's time to move the girls in!

The back corner again with the new window. This one is taller and slightly wider than the original window. We don't have to bend over to look out the window anymore!! :)

33 week Appointment!

2009-08-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

How can it be that I'm at 33 weeks already??? This pregnancy has FLOWN by, maybe because the last trimester is during the summer, instead of winter like with my other 3?
I just know that Kendall could arrive in a month safely...but if she follows suit with her siblings, she'll be born 10 days after her due date, which is September 21st!!! I'm praying not...only because I remember all too well how terribly uncomfortable I was carrying Caitlin those last two weeks.

OB appointments are down to every 2 weeks now...yesterday was 33 weeks. My children all had to come with me to the appointment...that's always fun...so impatient they are! :) They did get to hear Kendall's heartbeat again though and watch her move around while I was laying on the table. My doctor is so good with the kids too...yet another reason I've stayed with him and his practice for all 4 pregnancies!

The heartburn is hitting hard now with the top of my uterus being so high. Tums have been my friend, mostly in the evenings. I'm also VERY short on breath most of the time, unless Kendall happens to be laying low, which is NOT often.

Today I'm sending in the hospital registration forms...it won't be long before Sean and I are headed there. We'll be delivering at Crouse in Syracuse. It's about a 30 minute drive from home...and I'm so very thankful that I'm not having another winter baby. Winters here in this part of CNY are very unpredictable. The winter before we moved here, one snowstorm dropped 5 FEET OF SNOW!!! Praying that doesn't happen again!

My next appointment is on the 17th in the afternoon. I'll post more that day!

Baby Shower!!

2009-07-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

My baby shower was held on July 25th at our church, in the sanctuary. Pam, her girls and Cara did a wonderful job of putting everything together! The fresh flowers on the tables are all from my yard! I used daisies, strawflowers, cosmos, glads and coreopsis.

These flowers were store-bought, but beautiful none-the-less! This table held a basket of favors which were fall seeds to be planted on the day Kendall is born! And on the other side is Kendall's scrapbook which I've started. Guests were asked to write a little note to Kendall, which she can read when she's old enough.

My best friend Pam...such a wonderful hostess and awesome party planner!!! Thank you Pam, for a wonderful day!

My oldest, Cara, helping set up. She is 10 1/2 now...doesn't seem possible!

And me...almost 32 weeks pregnant...can't tell though with that dress on! I LOVE this dress. I found it on clearance for about $9 at New York & Company a couple months back...plenty of room for my growing belly! :)

I was so blessed by the wonderful generosity of my friends and family...thank you everyone!!

From my sister Sam, her husband(who is in Iraq) and her son, Jaydon.
3 pk burp cloths
2 pk thermal blankets
3M onesie
safety Q-tips
2 pk pacifiers
Target wipes
basket for the changing table

The 2 pk of sleepers are from our pastor's wife and daughter..I just love them! A gift card for Walmart from Judy...which will be used for a laundry basket, trash can and more hangers for Kendall's room and nursing pads. Nichole, a friend from church gave hangers, an aspirator, 6 pk of cute washcloths and a container for the changing table.

Mary Anne, another friend from church gave this great humidifier and a cute 3 pk of socks.

Lacy, my cousin's girlfriend, gave this adorable elephant and very, very soft, plush blanket, as well as a package of diapers.

Klara and Lynnet, both friends from church, gave 3 packages of wipes, a 30 pk of scrapbooking cardstock and the Creative Memories scallop cutter! Can't wait to use that!!

Nancy, another friend from church, hand crocheted this beautiful baby blanket! Kendall will be very warm this winter!

My grandma on my dad's side gave this beautiful blanket with butterflies as well as cash which I used to purchase some of the items below.

My other grandmother, who is in a nursing home and was able to come to the shower, gave cash. I used that as well towards the purchase of the items above.
-chime rattle dragonfly
-6 pk white socks
-crib sheet to match the bumper
-striped legwarmers
-3 pk 3-6M onesies
-3 pk bibs

Dottie and Jessie, MIL and SIL of Pam, gave these gifts:
-pink bathtub that can be used til Kendall's a toddler
-Aveeno bath and lotion products, sunblock and diaper rash cream
-adorable giraffe bathrobe(the hood has horns and ears)
-2 12M longsleeve/pants outfits that say 'my daddy loves me' & 'mommy loves me'

Pam's Aunt Dee, neice Ariana and Gma gave these:
-rattle
-polar bear socks
-doorknob pillow w/ marker to write Kendall's info on
-beautiful pink gingham dress w/ sweater
-pink onesie
-Aloe wipes

Audrey, another friend from church gave these...which I really wanted!!
-crib bumper
-crib comforter

I forgot to take a photo of the following....they were given by Pam's mom...
-monitor
-cute yellow outfit with white knit sweater
-flower garden onesie with pink jacket
-'I Love Grandpa' bib
-Classis Pooh Baby's First Security blanket
-pink and white striped crib sheet

My Aunt Bonnie in Florida gave cash a while back and I used that to purchase 2 nursing aprons/covers...one to keep home and one for on the go. Now I won't feel so strange about nursing in public! I've always hated going into another room away from everyone to nurse!
(these are one of Target's lines that I just love!)
-Luvs diapers

My other sister, Jackie, has purchased a white crib w/ mattress and matching changing table...found for a great deal at a yard sale! She will also be giving us a glider rocker w/ footstool that is white with pink cushions...I've wanted one of these with my other children. I'm really looking forward to using it at night for rocking and for nursing sessions!

Sean's mom will be blessing us with a gift card for Target as well as a high chair.

And a special thank you for those of you who have passed on numerous baby clothes for Kendall!! I love going through them all...and because I have so many, I will be able to bless others as well!

Strawberries and Cream Cake

2009-05-23T05:27:00.000-07:00

1 box white cake mix

(I used strawberry with added pudding...)

1 c whole milk

8 Tbsp butter, melted

3 large eggs

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 oz cream cheese, softened

1 Tbsp milk

2 c heavy (whipping) cream

(DO NOT SUBSTITUTE ANYTHING for the cream!)

2/3 sifted powdered sugar

strawberries, sliced

(fresh or thawed & drained frozen)

1.Preheat oven to 350F. Grease two 9" round cake pans with shortening, then dust with flour. Shake out excess flour.

2. Place cake mix, milk, melted butter, eggs and vanilla in a large bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low for 1 minute. Stop mixer and scrape down sides of bowl with rubber spatula. Turn mixer to medium and mix 2 minutes, scraping sides down again if needed. Divide the batter evenly into the pans and smooth out the batter.

3. Bake cakes side by side for 27-29 minutes until light brown and when lightly touched with your finger, they spring back. Place them on wire racks to cool 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the cakes and invert onto another wire rack. Invert them again onto a wire rack so they are right side up. Cool completely; about 30 minutes.

4. Beat cream cheese and milk in a chilled bowl on low speed until smooth; beat in whipping cream and sugar. Turn mixer on high, scraping bowl occasionally, until stiff peaks form. ( I made the frosting while the cakes were cooking...had to put it in the refrigerator until I was ready to use it so it wouldn't turn to mush.)

5. Cut cakes in half and layer cake, frosting and strawberries until top layer. Use remaining frosting to frost top and sides of cake. Decorate with strawberries if desired. Store in refrigerator until gone!!

Kendall Leigh's 22 week Sonogram Photos!

2009-05-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

What an amazing experience for Sean and I today...I will never forget this day as long as I live! Today is my 32nd birthday and I couldn't ask for a better gift.

Little Mini Who is Little Miss Kendall Leigh!!

Almost everyone thought Mini Who would be a boy...wrong!! :) You have no idea how excited I am to start my baby registry...Target and Toys'r'us, here I come!!

My day with Sean was awesome...we were gone for 11 hours together...had the sono, went to breakfast, Supercuts for my haircut, visited my dad, went to Carousel, had lunch, then Cold Stone Creamery ice cream (raspberry sorbet mixed with cheesecake ice cream topped w/ white chocolate chips!!!!!), then a little browsing/shopping(new maternity outfit!), then to see the new Star Trek movie...which was AWESOME by the way!! THEN we went to dinner at Pier 57 in Liverpool...had gift certificates from our anniversary last October...best restaurant experience ever. The waitresses were awesome and our waitress' birthday was today too!!!! Made her day...and I showed her the sono photos...just so great! Then we went to Lowe's to pick up mulch for my garden, then home...our kids were so happy to see us. Caitlin knew about Kendall, but she didn't spill the beans to Cara and Brendan! I ended up picking up a pink paint swatch and showing that to them to tell them...their faces both lit up. I think Brendan was a little disappointed at first that it's a girl, but he got over it very quickly!!!! He's very excited that he'll have 3 sisters!! :) I'm sure that's all he'll be talking about tomorrow in school!!

This is my favorite pic of Kendall....I think she was trying to suck on her thumb. She was active the entire time...the technician we had was great and she kept laughing at Kendall. For those who know Caitlin...can you see that same little button nose??

Kendall doesn't have a lot of fat on her yet, so try to imagine her face filled out a little. The tech said she weighs about a pound already!! I sure hope she's not another 9-pounder like Caitlin!!

A great 2-D side pic...I LOVE that little nose!

There's one of her hands...waving at us!

And of course, here's my belly...taken this morning at 22 weeks. The top of my belly button is starting to stick out...just so cute!

2009-05-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

My ever-growing pregnant belly at 19 weeks! Mini Who is quite the kicker now...very active! I believe he/she can hear now and I've noticed movement when there's a loud noise.

My 19 week appointment went very well. Mini Who's heartbeart is strong and everything looks good. I lost 2 more pounds, but now that my morning sickness is completely gone, I'll be leveling off and starting to gain a little.

My 2nd trimester sonogram is scheduled for May 19th at 8:30 AM...and it should be a 3-D!!! The 19th is my birthday...you have NO idea how excited I am about this!! Sean is also taking vacation that week, which makes it even better. :) Pam will be taking Caitlin for the day for us so we can celebrate my birthday together. We'll be using our Pier 57 gift certificates finally and probably going to see a movie...it's been SO long since we've been on a date of any kind.

I would love to surprise the kids with the sex of the baby in a special way...any ideas??? Maybe get a bunch of balloons in either pink or blue so they see them outside when they get off the bus??

Once we know if Mini Who is a boy or girl, I'll be starting to put together my baby registries at Target and Toys'R'US. Pam will be throwing a baby shower for me in July...since I have nothing left from Caitlin! We've been given a swing, a boppy pillow, a wipes warmer and a changing table so far. We still need a crib and I would LOVE a glider rocker with stool. I've always wanted one for the other kids, but could never afford one.

Progress on the room has come to a halt for the time being. Drywall is all up and mudding done...just a little more sanding to do. The window will be replaced soon. While Sean is on vacation, I believe he wants to get the room primered and possibly start painting!!

Sonny is growing up....

2009-03-30T07:47:00.001-07:00

Isn't he handsome??!! He's 7 weeks, 1 day today and he'll be going to his new home at our neighbor's next week. I will miss him a lot, but I know he will be very loved and he will be close by if we want to visit him! His new home has 6 children...so he will have a blast!

New Closet!

2009-03-30T07:40:00.001-07:00

The closet and linen closet drywalled before framing...that window will not be there when it's all done.

Sean's dad helped with the closet framing. The house is almost 100 years old, so not square at all...have to fudge things a little to make it all work! The open space in the wall is the back of the bathtub...Sean has to install a removable access panel in case of clogs or leaks! The linen closet will be almost 2 feet wide...bigger than we originally planned, but it will allow me to store quite a bit more.

And here it is all drywalled, ready for spackle! Sean won't be doing that until ALL the drywall is up in the room. Then it's on to painting and installing the cherry Pergo floor!

The Chimney is Gone!!

2009-03-27T13:38:00.001-07:00

Sean took sort of a half day this morning to finish the chimney and clean out the room. WHAT A MESS!! It was full of old soot...some had even hardened...nasty. The bricks came apart so easily because of the old mortar...which was all over the floor. We've been using the Hefty Force Flex to get rid of all the mortar, drywall and plaster...they are really very strong bags! I highly recommend them!

Instead of dragging all the bricks down the stairs and outside, we piled them on the sunporch roof just outside the window, then threw them on the ground out back. We will be using the good bricks for a small pathway between Pam's and our house...probably through the little garden that will be there.

The next thing to happen is the door on the left has to be taken off and the trim and remainder of the lathe removed. THEN, Sean will be putting up drywall where the girl's closet will be and then framing the closet and linen closet as well as running more wiring!

Now that the chimney is out, it seems that everything will be moving along much faster! Sean's dad is coming out in the morning to install new heating ducts and vents for both bedrooms...this winter they will be warm!

Week 14 - Starting the 2nd Trimester!

2009-03-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

I'm popping right out!! Today I'm 14 weeks 2 days..into my 2nd trimester already! The nausea is finally subsiding...which I am more than ecstatic about! I was taking anti-nausea meds for a little while, which did help, but then they started giving me awful headaches, so I stopped taking them. I have to make very sure I drink enough fluids and eat enough protein along with lots of fruits and veggies...that makes a huge difference with my headaches and tiredness.

I haven't felt Mini Who move yet...but that should be soon. I think I felt the other three move in the fourth month! My next appointment is Monday the 30th...I'll update again!

Change in Nursery Plans!!

2009-03-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

Sean diligently working on insulation where the girl's closet will be built. We decided to move the girls into this room instead. It will be just about the same size as their old room. Having a bunk bed helps with this tremendously...it will fit nicely into the corner next to the other window.

We will also be extending the bathroom out about a foot or so and building a new linen closet behind the bathtub, which is to the far left of where Sean is in the photo. This means we'll be putting in new flooring, which will be tile, and ripping out the old linen closet. We'll also be replacing the old medicine cabinet...THAT I'm very much looking forward to! It will also get a new coat of paint...very unsure on the color still.

This is the old chimney that was hiding in that small closet we ripped out. Tonight, Sean will be starting the process of tearing that out! He has to empty it first...it is FULL of soot, etc. At least it's all dry and we can use the shop vac! Then he has to go up in the attic and chip the bricks apart, layer by layer. The mortar is old and falls apart quite easily, so hopefully this job will go quickly! Sean's been putting it off...it will be a mess!

This is the far wall on the north side of our house. The first layer of insulation board and foam to fill in the cracks and holes is done. Next comes the wiring and installing outlet, switch and light boxes. Then the pink insulation can go in...then...the drywall!

Sean and I will be making a trip to Lowe's maybe this weekend to start picking out flooring, drywall, paint, lights, etc...for this room. Pretty sure we'll be putting in wood flooring over the old pine planks. There are so many choices and colors... I'm thinking of a lighter wood for the girl's room. They've talked about having each wall painted a different pastel color...so a light wood floor would be beautiful!

For the nursery, the walls will be painted a very light yellow. I'm thinking a dark wood would look awesome...but then, I don't know what color crib we'll have....hmmm. I know I don't want a white one. I do want a transitional crib...so the color of the crib and floor really need to look nice together!

Sonogram and due date!!

2009-02-28T09:21:00.001-08:00

Finally...my first sonogram photo!! I went in on Thursday for my monthly OB visit, very much looking forward to this next sonogram. Mini Who is VERY active!! Dr. P(not my regular dr) had a difficult time getting measurements! :)
Mini Who measures just about 4 cm from head to rump.
I measured at 10 weeks 4 days on Thursday and my official due date is September 21st! Just 4 days after Sean's birthday!

I think the sex of Mini Who can be found out around week 20. I don't want to be surprised...never have. Since I have two very different decorating ideas this time, plus people who have many things gender specific to pass on to me, I need to know. It will makes things go so much smoother.

Sean was not able to go with my to this appointment due to taking over as boss for the week, so my best friend and neighbor, Pam, HAPPILY went with me. I almost think she was more excited than I!! She cannot have any more biological children(she has 3), so she told me she's going to live vicariously through this pregnancy!! LOL!! I, of course, don't mind at all!

Dr P prescribed me anti-nausea meds...thank goodness!! I have to take one every 8 hours...it just dissolves on my tongue. They are really working! Yesterday I was able to eat cereal with milk(dairy has not been agreeing with me) and a good-sized salad for lunch!!! I'm actually looking forward to making dinner tonight without gagging the entire time! The only side effects I'm noticing are a slight headache which I'm trying to counter with more water intake and a slight extra tiredness.

Stop back again soon...I plan to post a new belly pic!!

More Nursery Demolition!!

2009-02-27T07:59:00.000-08:00

The third or fourth bin full of old plaster...this stuff is SO heavy!

Lots of lathe to be burned!

All of this lathe has to come down! There is blown-in insulation behind it...most has settled...that's why this room is so cold!

That used to be the girl's closet on the other side of that open wall. I had the idea to use this space to add a little extra square footage to the nursery. We'll have to build a new, smaller closet inside the girl's room on the other side of the white wall.

I'm so very excited about this...I can just picture it all finished!! And I look forward to when I can share those photos with you!

1st trimester almost over....

2009-02-23T04:05:00.000-08:00

Within a week or two, my first trimester is coming to a close, and hopefully so will the nausea. Mornings have been okay...it's the afternoons and evenings that are the worst. I actually got sick 4 days in a row last week...so exhausting and not daring to eat anything for fear or getting sick again!

Yesterday was a pretty good day and I'm thankful for that. I had only slight nausea and around 9PM, I discovered that eating a few handfuls of Kix cereal with no milk comforted my stomach!!

Thursday at 10AM is my next OB appt with sonogram, so I will be asking my Dr about nausea meds. We'll see what comes of that.

I may be posting again later with more demo pics of the nursery...depends on how I feel though!

Mood Swings Anyone???

2009-02-10T11:54:00.000-08:00

These last few days have been rough...the nausea is consuming me and it's been very hard to put a smile on my face and keep it there. I am also watching Pam's neices this week for the most part as her and her family are very ill with whatever NASTY bug is going around! The girls are very good when they are here, but with the nausea and my mood swings, my patience is unfortunately very thin(mostly when Caitlin and Sara argue) and I have to really catch myself.

On top of this, our cat Gracie unexpectedly had kittens on Sunday! We thought she was just eating too much and not getting enough exercise! Hah! I wasn't home when Gracie delivered the first one...which ended up dying...Sean had no idea what to do and was totally grossed out. I rushed home with my nephew, Rocco(I was watching him), and got Gracie settled in the cellar until she stopped bleeding, the kitten taken care of and everyone calmed down!

About 3 hours later, as I was sitting in the rocker watching TV with Gracie on my lap, I felt her belly get hard....and OH...she started to push!! She wasn't done delivering, so I took her in the kitchen on a towel and helped her with the next kitten. I had to take the sac off and cut the cord because Gracie was clueless, again. Me playing vet again...this happens a lot! This kitten is a very light orange/tan tiger...and so cute! It may be darker once the kitten fuzz is replaced.

Being pregnant and seeing a precious little kitten dead is really hard, especially when I'm pregnant. Last night I was mad at Sean for not trying to save the first kitten, but then totally understood his aversion to blood, etc...he just couldn't do it. So I'm not mad anymore. I think something may have been wrong with that one anyway...something about it's front leg wasn't right.

So to anyone who prays, please pray for this nausea to subside soon. It's really wearing me down.

Curl up in a ball.....

2009-02-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

That's what I feel like doing most days now. My nausea has been so bad the past week and a half, that I just want to curl up in a ball under warm blankets and sleep the day away...sometimes I just want to cry. I've only actually gotten sick once...and that was from brushing my teeth. sigh.

I'm doing okay today so far...but it's only 9:30 AM. I had a couple waffles with peanut butter for breakfast and that seems to be helping. I'm thinking I'm lacking in protein, but when EVERYTHING makes me gag, it's really hard to make anything for myself. I feel even worse that I can barely make anything for the kids or Sean. Even looking in the refrigerator was making me gag yesterday...I think it was the thought of certain things in there.

It was so bad yesterday, that I asked my best friend, Pam to pick up a McD's bacon ranch salad with crispy chicken and ranch dressing. It was the only thing that sounded good and I needed the protein from the chicken plus the fresh greens. It really did help tremendously...
so THANK YOU PAM!!

Due date change...

2009-01-31T10:56:00.001-08:00

So my first appointment with my OB was Thursday. I wasn't sure I would be getting an ultrasound or not, because it was also my yearly exam....but was secretly hoping! I did have one and was surprised to find out I'm only about 6 weeks along. By my calculations, I was pretty sure I was around 8 weeks! Must be my cycle was different during the month of December...

Anyway, my Dr said everything looks great and he wants to see me back on February 26th for another checkup and ultrasound. By then I'll be about 10 weeks and we should be able to see little arms and legs forming!! I was very happy though to be able to see the TINY heart beating in the first ultrasound.

Not human babies...but still babies!

2009-01-31T10:40:00.001-08:00

Our guinea pig Betsy, FINALLY gave birth to 4 adorable babies on the 27th, in the early afternoon. She required no help and has been a wonderful mother! The baby above is only an hour or so old...I'm helping it dry off a little more. I checked online and the hair style is Abysinnian and the color is golden agouti. The one below is the same color, but with smooth hair. The third baby is jet black and the fourth is a pretty rust color that I haven't decided is orange or red, according to the standards. It also has 2 white spots on it's head...so cute! And they are already squealing like Betsy...they are very loud sometimes!

Here's Caitlin holding the smooth golden agouti...can you tell she loves them??

And Betsy in her little box with her babies.

Nursery Renovation...the beginning!

2009-01-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

This room is quite small, about 7 x 8' or so. It was the lowest priority for updating...but now that we really need the space, it will be completely remodeled before September! There is only one window that is on the back of the house...and this is where the morning sun comes in.

Behind this wall is Cara and Caitlin's closet. Sean wants to use part of the closet for a built-in dresser/closet for the nursery...save on space! Our house was built in 1913-14, so the electrical is old as well as the framing. A couple of the boards in this wall are starting to crumble a bit...time for reframing! The lathe and plaster has been completely removed from this wall...Sean won't do the other walls until we have the supplies to finish it quickly...ie.. insulation and drywall!

The one window, which is very low and the original pine plank floors that were painted who knows how many years ago!

The door is new though...when Brendan used this room as his bedroom, he had folding doors that needed to be replaced.

Cravings...

2009-01-20T17:57:00.000-08:00

So the cravings have begun...and the heartburn continues. Today's, or should I say, this evening's craving, is Tostitos Lime chips...how I wish I could go to the store for them, but there's no one here to stay with the kids. Sean's still in CT. Boohoo.... Maybe I'll call Pam and see if she has any! But does my craving trump the necessity of going outside in the freezing cold??
Maybe not....

See the pantry?? It's full, but nothing, and I mean nothing is appealing...guess I'll have to raid the fridge!

That's our youngest cat, Angel, in her favorite spot. She can see everything from up there...and loves to watch me cook!

PROOF!

2009-01-19T20:21:00.000-08:00

So here it is! This is the second test I've taken...because the first was taken too early and showed a negative. Any test I've ever taken when I thought I was pregnant(and actually was) within the first 2 weeks of my missed cycle comes out negative. So this time I waited an extra week to take the second...no denying that positive sign!! :) I knew I was pregnant, but having not been to the doctor's yet...this completely confirmed it in my mind.

Today was tough. I was completely drained of all energy within the first 2 hours of being awake. It made it even harder to babysit my neighbor's nieces, even though I only had them until 2. After they went home, I tried to lay down and take a nap with Caitlin on my bed. What a wiggleworm! I just got frustrated and forgot about the whole thing. I'll try again tomorrow. This time she'll go in HER bed and fall asleep first!

It's too cold and I wanted to sleep all day.....

2009-01-17T18:00:00.000-08:00

Today was mostly a do-all-you-can-to-stay-warm-day! When I woke up at 8 AM and checked the temps online, it was 4F with a wind chill of -13F!!! I just wanted to crawl back in my warm bed with my new pillow and sleep the day away. But with 3 children...I couldn't do that. The house was looking like a herd of elephants stampeded through and the kitchen sink was overflowing...and that needed to be remedied. But I felt quite drained early on...just because I'm pregnant. So not a whole lot was accomplished...just enough to make the house somewhat presentable.

I ended up avoiding the kitchen until later in the day...it was freezing!! I snuggled on the couch, wrapped in blankets with Caitlin while she watched some cartoons. I worked on my latest knitting project, an adult hat made from my handspun yarn. I decided on a very simple stripe pattern...7 rows of a rusty, sparkly Corriedale wool blend yarn and 2 rows of light fawn alpaca. I'm finishing up the crown of the hat tonight. I haven't decided if I will wear it, give it as a gift or list it on Etsy. When it's complete, I'll post a photo.

I'm so very glad I took up knitting...and have been doing it long enough that I can make really nice things! I enjoy knitting for others and now with a baby on the way, I can't wait to make more little things like thumbless mitts and hats and maybe I'll even venture out and try a sweater! Thank goodness for patterns for no-seam sweaters...I really do despise seaming!

Today was my best friend's youngest daughter's birthday party...she turned 12 on the 13th. It was a full house and very loud, but it was nice. Danielle received some very nice things and a little cash to go shopping on her own. She's a good kid...and she's extremely excited about our new baby on the way. She loves babies and I know she will help me out a lot.

On another note, I actually felt yucky for much of the day...but not nauseous. Right now, I'm hungry, but NOTHING is appealing but water. Maybe a little is knowing Sean will be gone to Connecticut for a week starting tomorrow afternoon. I'm not worried, I just really miss him when he's gone for more than a day. :( It's not the same just talking on the phone...we love to watch a movie or read in the evenings, just being together after the kids are in bed...that's OUR time...and I relish it!

I don't want to babble on, so I'll go finish up that hat and then fall asleep soundly! The photos above are just a few of the ones I'd like to frame for the nursery if Mini Who is a girl. Enjoy...they were taken either here or at my MIL's over the past 2 summers.

Maternity Clothes Shopping...already.....

2009-01-16T15:03:00.000-08:00

This is my belly at 6 weeks pregnant! I'm wearing one of my new tank tops. I hope to wear this same one in each weekly belly photo, so you can really see the difference!

Today I went out shopping with Pam...she was in search of gifts for her youngest daughter, who's 12th birthday was this past Tuesday and I was in search of a few more little gifts for my oldest, who's 10th birthday is the 25th.

We went to A.C. Moore, Target, T.J.Maxx and Kohl's...and not only did I find the rest of Cara's gifts, I found wonderful deals on maternity clothes!! With this being the 4th baby, my belly is showing much sooner!! I have had to at least buy a couple pairs of pants already.

At Target, I did find a really nice pair of dark indigo jeans for $7.48, reg. $29.99.
2 stretchy tank tops for $2.24 each, reg. $8.99.
A pretty, gray flowy top(not maternity) for $4.24, reg.$16.99.
And 3 maternity tops on sale for $3.74-$4.98, reg. $14.99-$19.99.

At T.J.Maxx, I found a super cute regular summer dress...that's super stretchy on sale for $3.00, reg. $24.99.

And finally, at Kohl's...2 short-sleeve maternity tops on sale at 90% off reg price!! One was just over $3 and the other was $2.80.

I think I did really, really well and I'm looking forward to wearing every piece. A good friend has more maternity clothes to pass on to me too, so I will have a nice wardrobe over the next 8 months!

Baby Things

2009-01-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

Vintage booties from Angeline, my best friend's oldest daughter. The ties need to be replaced, but other than that, they are in beautiful condition and are beautifully knit!

I found this ADORABLE 3-6m size set at the Thrifty Shopper for $.99!!! It should be just about the right size for Christmas time.

A handspun, handknit hat made by me...a week ago. I had a small amount of this yarn and decided it would be perfect for a baby-size hat! I think I even have enough yarn for baby mitts.

Aren't these precious?? These are from Baby GAP...but I purchased them from the Thrifty Shopper (Rescue Mission) for $.39 each! They each have a name too. The horse is Hazel, the Monkey is Maddie, the turtle is Racer, the ladybug is Lady and sadly, the duck came with no tag...wish I knew what it was!

I found this beautiful book by Anne Geddes at the Salvation Army for $2.99. I love her photographs...so precious!

A New Journey Has Begun!!

2009-01-15T13:44:00.000-08:00

This will be a new experience for me...blogging about one of my pregnancies! I look forward to sharing these next 8 months with you...all the ups and downs.

For those who don't know me, I am a 31 yo homemaker with 3 children ages, almost 10, almost 8 and 4. I've been married to Sean for just over 11 years and we live in very cold and snowy Central NY.
I found out I was pregnant with baby #4 just after the first of the year. Many emotions came with this news...total bliss at being pregnant again...I LOVE being pregnant. Worry because of our not-so-stable financial situation. Stress at being responsible for 4 little people. Wonder at the new life growing within that God has chosen to bless Sean and I with. Will this one look a lot like any of it's sister's or brother? Or will he or she have a look of his or her own? And joy that my other 3 children will have a new brother or sister to love and grow up with.

I have told our church family and by accident, Sean's parent's found out before we wanted to tell them. Oh well! My dad and his side of the family have known for about a week.
I still need to tell my mom and brother and aunt, who I don't see or talk to often. I think they will all be very happy for us.

I've been told by a few that I have that 'glow' already...which I'm sure will continue throughout the entire pregnancy. My favorite thing about being pregnant is being able to feel the baby move around and kick...even when it's uncomfortable! And I talk to my babies in utero a lot....I'm sure I've done it while grocery shopping! LOL

Sean was quite freaked out when I told him...he didn't want any more children...at least not for quite a while. But he's quickly warming up to the idea! :) I love him so much for that...I was a little scared to tell him because I just didn't know what his reaction would be. But he took it like a man and is going with the flow now!

He's already started gutting that tiny room upstairs(those who have been in our house know which one)...that will be the nursery. I plan to paint it a light yellow and if it's a girl, I will be framing flower photos that I've taken over the last couple years and hang those up on the walls. (I'll post a few here to show you.) If it's a boy...I don't know yet...have to do a little more thinking. I just don't want a typical nursery for this baby. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

I really look forward to comments...please feel free to leave them!