Quilted Ornaments

Some of you may remember me making these last year.

Don't remember? If you're the crafty type, be sure to check out the tutorial here.

I loved the way they turned out last time, so when I had the opportunity to make more for someone again, I jumped at the chance.

One of these years I'll finally make some for my own tree :)

Here are 2 that I made this year:

I've been considering making these to sell, along with other things, on Etsy. Do any of you have any experience with running your own Etsy shop? Tips? Any other suggestions for selling my handmade goodies?

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I also wanted to share an ornament that I found on Etsy. I fell in love with the unique vintage look, and luckily the person I bought it for loved it as well!

38 Weeks!

 

How far along: 38 Weeks 2 Days

Total weight gain: +19lbs - somehow, by some miracle, I didn't gain a single pound. Even with eating enough to feed a small army on Thanksgiving!

How big is baby?: About 6lbs right now, estimated.

Maternity clothes?: Yep.

Stretch marks?: Yep. They're creeping in a little more each day.

Symptoms?: Everything hurts and I'm tired.

Sleep?: Horrible. Rolling over is really a chore now!

Best moment this week?: I made a mad dash and got my final project for class DONE!

Worst moment this week?: I'm just so tired and uncomfortable all the time that it makes everything suck.

Movement?: Tons. Over the last 2 days his movements have changed a bit and I'm feeling him where I haven't felt him before. I'm not sure if that's good or not.

Food cravings?: Cheese and crackers, frosted mini wheats

Labor signs?: I'm at 3/4cm and 95% effaced. Since yesterday I've been having contractions, but they haven't gotten closer than 15 minutes and they aren't very painful, just uncomfortable.

Belly button in or out?: Flat.

What I miss: Sleep.

What I'm nervous about: That I won't be able to handle parenthood.

What I am looking forward to: This baby getting here!! I'm getting ansty!

Milestone: Real contractions, making progress.

Today is my day off and I was too lazy to straighten my hair, so this is what you get!

The Wait.

It's excruciating.

I'll be honest when I say I'm sort of a control freak. So to not know when this baby will make an appearance is seriously agonizing. I'm a planner by nature, so not knowing is putting a kink in my plans. Now, I knew what I was signing up for when I got pregnant, but there are some parts of my personality that I can just not control!

As of today, I have 13 days until my due date of December 12th. I'm honestly hoping that I don't make it that long, but the likelihood of that happening, since I'm a first time mom, is very good. I may even go beyond that, even with the progress I've made already.

While I'm hoping he arrives soon, a little part of me hopes that he waits until December 12th and beyond.

Why?

Because like anyone else (I'm sure) that's about to become a parent for the first time:

I'm scared. I'm anxious. I'm beyond nervous.

I've read the books, taken the classes, done my new parental research duties... yet I still feel completely unprepared. I mean, you can do all the reading in the world, but the real life experience is never like the books. "Every baby is different" they say. I'm sure that's true. Every situation is unique.

At this point I'm trying to look at it as a "learn as you go" experience. As easy as it is to type that out and say it in my mind, actually executing that plan I'm sure will be entirely different.

My husband and I are bringing a little human into this world. Someone that we are fully responsible for. Someone that we need to raise to become a good person and a successful adult. No pressure, right?

People have told me that no one really knows what they're doing when they have their first child. Everyone does things differently and everyone makes mistakes. I hope that's true, but I also hope that we make the right decisions to help our child be the best person that he can be.

I'm nervous. I'm anxious. I'm ready for the challenge, even though I can't plan out every detail that I want to.

Book Review: Kate Vaiden

"Kate Vaiden" by Reynolds Price

SUMMARY from GoodReads

One of the most feisty, spellbinding and engaging heroines in modern fiction captures the essence of her own life in this contemporary American odyssey born of red-clay land and small-town people. We meet Kate at a crucial moment in middle age when she begins to yearn to see the son she abandoned when she was seventeen. But if she decides to seek him, will he understand her? Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, Kate Vaiden is a penetrating psychological portrait of an ordinary woman in extraordinary circumstances, a story as joyous, tragic, comic and compelling as life itself.

MY RATING:

MY THOUGHTS:

I can't lie and say I loved this book, because I really didn't.

It had a really slow start and I didn't get into it until about halfway through. While it's well written, the style of writing just wasn't up my alley. Not getting into the book until the halfway point doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy the first half. Young Kate, in my eyes, was much more entertaining than middle aged Kate.

While I wouldn't personally recommend this book, I could see it being read in a book club or something. It would be a good discussion book. When reading it on your own I think there are a lot of points that could easily be missed.

Book Review: "If You Could See Me Now"

"If You Could See Me Now" by Cecelia Ahern

SUMMARY from GoodReads

Readers and critics alike adore Cecelia Ahern for her lighthearted yet insightful stories about modern women and their often unusual situations. In If You Could See Me Now, she takes that theme a step further, offering us a heroine who is entirely believable, and the new man in her life who is, well, slightly less so.

Elizabeth Egan’s life runs on order: Both her home and her emotions are arranged just so, with little room for spontaneity. It’s how she counteracts the chaos of her family -- an alcoholic mother who left when she was young, an emotionally distant father, and a free-spirited sister, who seems to be following in their mother’s footsteps, leaving her own six-yearold son, Luke, in Elizabeth’s care. When Ivan, Luke’s mysterious new grown-up friend, enters the picture, Elizabeth doesn’t know quite what to make of him. With his penchant for adventure and colorful take on things large and small, Ivan opens Elizabeth’s eyes to a whole new way of living. But is it for real? Is Ivan for real?

If You Could See Me Now is a love story with heart -- and just a touch of magic.

MY RATING

MY THOUGHTS

I have to admit, when I first started to read this book, I was a little weirded out by the idea of a little kid having an adult imaginary friend. It just seemed odd to me. As I continued to read, Ivans character grew on me and I began to see what purpose he was actually there to serve.

What initially was odd to me, ended up to be rather endearing and I actually came to enjoy the story. The book was a little slow moving at first, but picks up about half way through. Overall, I would recommend it.

****

Sidenote: I've been SUCH a slacker lately when it comes to posting about anything other than baby stuff. I have been reading, but I haven't felt like sitting down to write up reviews. My plan is to get a few more reviews up this week, as well as some recipes, a couple craft projects and some photos as well.

37 Weeks!

How far along: 37 Weeks 2 Days

Total weight gain: +19lbs

How big is baby?: The size of a small watermelon... yep, you read that right. I can't believe it either.

Maternity clothes?: Yep. I love pajamas!

Stretch marks?: Yep. I'm just trying to pretend they're not there!

Symptoms?: Back ache, hip ache.

Sleep?: Some nights it's fine, but others it's awful. I'm usually wide awake by 5am even on my days off.

Best moment this week?: My Christmas shopping is DONE!! My 3rd website went live yesterday. Breaking Dawn last Friday was awesome.

Worst moment this week?: Just being uncomfortable in general is no fun.

Movement?: Lots! Yesterday I think he was trying to bust his way out of my right side with his little feet.

Food cravings?: Sweets. I think baby has his Dads sweet tooth.

Labor signs?: Still at 3cm, but now 90 to 95% effaced. My OB wants to help "jumpstart" things on Monday!

Belly button in or out?: Flat.

What I miss: Sleep.

What I'm nervous about: Everything! I feel like I have so much to do, but not enough time to get it done.

What I am looking forward to: Turkey day tomorrow --- mmmm green bean casserole!

Milestone: Full Term! Baby N could make his big debut any day now.

Packed Up...

... and ready to go!

I have our bags for the hospital pretty much packed and ready to go. If I'll actually use all this stuff, who knows, but it'll be there. I compiled a list based off of lists from friends that have recently had babies. I feel like there's a ton of stuff!

There are a few things yet to be packed, like toothbrushes and my slippers, but those are easy enough to toss in before we go - granted things don't get too hectic!

So here's my mile long list:

Photo ID

Insurance Card

Robe

Zip Up Sweatshirt (2)

Nursing Tanks (2)

Comfy Pants (2)

Socks (3)

Slippers

Sports Bras (2)

Shirts that open on top (2)

Underwear (3)

Nursing Pads/Cream

Pads

Toiletries:

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Hair Ties

Brush/Comb

Chap Stick

Shampoo

Conditioner

Deodorant

Lotion

Facewash

Makeup Bag (even though I probably won't use it!)

Q-Tips

Hair Dryer (hospital doesn't have them)

Baby Book (for footprints and to write in if there's time)

List of people to call/text

Camera Bag (which adds a THIRD bag to the pile!)

Extra camera battery and charger

For Jamie:

Change of clothes

PJ’s

Toiletries

Money for food

Snacks

Phone & Charger

Laptop

For Baby:

Going home outfit (1 NB & 1 0-3month)

Hat/Mittens

Carseat

Carseat cover

Blanket

Diapers/Wipes

Burp Cloth

I know it's a lot of stuff and I probably won't use it all, but I'd rather be prepared I guess!

So all that stuff is ready to go - now all we need is, you know, for me to go into labor :o)

Mom and mom-to-be readers: is there anything I'm missing or shouldn't even bother with?

36 Weeks!

How far along: 36 Weeks 2 Days

Total weight gain: +17lbs

How big is baby?: OB estimated that he's about 5lbs right now. If I make it to 40 weeks she said that he'll likely be about 7 to 7 1/2lbs!

Maternity clothes?: Yep, but I can still wear some regular clothes.

Stretch marks?: Yep.

Symptoms?: Sore hips and exhaustion.

Sleep?: Horrible. I toss and turn a lot - which is difficult when you have a belly to toss around!

Best moment this week?: The progress at my OB appointment and finally getting some good info at the breastfeeding class.

Worst moment this week?: Nothing really.

Movement?: All kinds of it! He's been getting hiccups a lot lately, it's cute :o)

Food cravings?: I'll eat pretty much anything at this point. I'm just plain hungry all the time!

Labor signs?: Without getting too detailed, I'm 3cm and 70-75% effaced! I know that can mean something or nothing at this point, but it's still pretty exciting stuff! I think I experienced some real contractions yesterday, but nothing timeable.

Belly button in or out?: Flat.

What I miss: I could go for a beer!

What I'm nervous about: Finishing up work and school projects before baby comes.

What I am looking forward to: Breaking Dawn on Friday!!! WOOOO!!!

Milestone: Weekly appointments have started and I'm making progress!

For comparision purposes... it's amazing what changes in such little time...

35 Weeks!!

How far along: 35 Weeks 2 Days

Total weight gain: +14ish

How big is baby?: Baby is the size of a cantaloupe - about 17" long and 4 1/2 lbs.
 
Maternity clothes?: Yep, but I can still wear some regular clothes. Although, I must admit that I prefer pajamas and yoga pants these days!

Stretch marks?: Yeah.

Symptoms?: My hips are KILLING me. The past 2 days have been a little more bearable, but I'm still uncomfortable.

Sleep?: What's that? Sleep? I get enough to be functional, thank God for the nesting energy that has been kicking in.

Best moment this week?: The dining and living room are finally put back together after being a mess since May! All the big projects around the house are DONE.

Worst moment this week?: The S word being muttered on the news. S-N-O-W = bad.

Movement?: Lots and lots. He must be almost out of space though, because it's turning more into pushes and stretches than kicks.

Food cravings?: I can't get enough cheese and crackers this lately. I polished off 3 sleeves of Ritz crackers in about 4 days.

Labor signs?: Some braxton hicks.

Belly button in or out?: In, but usually flat. Sometimes it pops out depending where baby is.

What I miss: Sleep, walking normal.

What I'm nervous about: Finishing my class work before baby arrives.

What I am looking forward to: I'm actually looking forward to the breastfeeding class I'm taking on Saturday. I'm hoping that it will be helpful and I'll get good information.

Milestone: 35/35 was on Monday and only a little more than a month left! Baby has dropped. Weekly appointments start on Monday.

35/35

Today marks week 35 of my pregnancy, with 35 days left until my due date!

It's scary (and exciting) to think that November could possibly be the last full month where it's just my husband and I. Or if he comes early, October would have been. Yikes!!

He has already dropped down, but I've read that's not always a tell-tale sign that labor is on the horizon, sometimes it just happens earlier, meaning you're just more uncomfortable for a longer period of time. Fun!

I start weekly appointments on November 14th (at 36 weeks), and I'll know then if we're making any progress towards meeting our little guy.

He'll be here before we know it. I can only hope we're ready!

Lit Up

So my birthday was about 2ish weeks ago. The big 2-6.. woohoo.

Anyways, birthdays are nice because they generally bring new and exciting things!

My husband was sweet enough to set me up with some new camera goodies, and I'm pretty pumped about them. He got me an external flash and a wireless remote. I've played around with both of them a bit, and let me tell you - they're both great!!

So what did I get?

The Canon Speedlite 430ex ii

I've been using a Lightscoop for a quite a while now, and those still work great, but this beast will really help when it comes to taking all those baby pictures in the near future!!

Where the Lightscoop is stationary, this flash pivots and allows you more flexibility when bouncing your flash. Much more versatile!

I haven't had a ton of time to play around with it yet, but what I've seen so far makes me love it.

I also received an

Opteka Wireless Remote

For the price, it's totally worth it!! You can't go wrong with this thing at less than $10. I've used it a couple times so far and it really comes in handy when working with a tri-pod. For all you photogs out there, if you don't have a remote, I suggest checking this one out! I have a feeling this will also come in handy when posing baby for his photo shoots!

That's it for now! Thanks to my husband for feeding my habit of photography and technology :)

34 Weeks!

How far along: 34 Weeks 2 Days

Total weight gain: +13 as of my appointment on Monday

How big is baby?: Baby is the size of a cantaloupe - about 17" long and 4 1/2 lbs.
 
Maternity clothes?: Yes, but my pre-pregnancy jeans still fit! Low rise for the win!

Stretch marks?: Yep. I can't see them unless I look in the mirror though, so I'm just pretending they're not there.

Symptoms?: Everything hurts. The little guy decided it was time to drop a little lower and that makes walking, sitting, even standing REALLY uncomfortable! My OB said there's nothing I can really do about it either.

Sleep?: Bad. I wake up all the time! There was one night I was getting kicked so hard, I swear I was bouncing off the mattress. It was crazy.

Best moment this week?: Getting new camera goodies for my birthday!! (I'll post about those later) and hearing the little guys heartbeat again.

Worst moment this week?: Not being able to walk without looking like I have a stick up my butt or something.

Movement?: Tons! He makes my belly button pop out if he's in the right spot.. lol

Food cravings?: Not really

Labor signs?: Nope.

Belly button in or out?: Still in, but moving outward. When he moves certain ways it pops out, it's pretty funny to see!

What I miss: Solid sleep.

What I'm nervous about: Having everything ready or baby showing up early.

What I am looking forward to: The weekend - no plans!!

Milestone: 6 weeks left! We're getting into the home stretch now.