Fresh Mommy: January 2010

Sunday Citar

It's Sunday, and you know what that means... it's time to post your Sunday Citar! So round up a quote that you love, that makes you laugh or something new you've heard and share it with us. You know you want to join the fun and make some new friends in the process.

"Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future."

~Thich Nat Hahn

I feel as though I've hit my stride, waiting for our baby, but not impatiently, not anxiously. I've hit that stride where I can drink my organic pregnancy tea slowly and reverently, not worry about tomorrow or what it will bring (a trip to the delivery room?), and breathe each full breath in and out slowly. I'm ready, with no rush to the future. Ready, with desirous yet subdued enthusiasm, for the grace that is birth.

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I would love to have you join the Sunday Citar inspiration and have all of us come to your blog to read what quotes inspire you! Simply write your own post on your blog, link within your post to my blog, and sign up with Mr. Linky below, leaving your name and the link directly to your Sunday Citar post. Just click here if any of that sounds confusing. There you'll be able to get the complete rundown, as well as learn how to link back to my blog if you don't already know how. Take a moment a visit a few participants... you'll be glad you did!

Nursery Update:: the little things

Ever since whipping up this fun little Nursery Inspiration Board, we've been dreaming of everything coming together into one cohesive and beautiful nursery. I was over-the-moon about the transformation of the walls when seeing the wainscoting installed and a fresh coat of non-toxic paint gave us a blank canvas to work with.

But I have to say, it's the little things that get me. I walk in the room and my pelvis does a little dance. Has your pelvis ever done a dance before? It feels really funky... trust me. Maybe when I get my hips back, they will do a little dance instead. Maybe then it won't be so freaky. Until then, here's a little peak of the little things that have turned me into a Dancing Queen. And, OMG, does that reference even work?

What?

Chris happened to have his friend over last Sunday afternoon to watch football, who happens to have a daughter around Aliyah's age. Said daughter also happens to go to Aliyah's daycare, and the two girls happen to be great friends. So when Chris mentioned the football thing, I thought, "Why not?" The girls will have fun, the guys can keep an eye on the girls, and I will lay down and get some rest.

All went well. Of course with these two it's one of two extremes that can change by the minute: 1) I LOVE YOU, LET'S BRUSH EACH OTHERS HAIR! 2) DON'T TOUCH ME, DON'T EVEN LOOK AT ME! And they really mean it, and then they tell everyone what great friends they are.

After awhile playing in the playroom and then moving the excitement over to Aliyah's room, which is right next door to my room, I send a text message to Chris' phone that reads "Can you check on the girls, I heard one of them talking about baby powder." Why send the text instead of getting up and walking to the living room where he's watching the game, or get up myself and check on the girls? Because I'm resting, that's why.

After just a moment I hear both dad's in the next room.

"What are you girls doing?"

"What?"

"Are you playing with baby powder?"

"What?"

"Baby powder?"

"Yeah! We dumped it in these bags!"

"Why did you do that?"

"Because we did."

My curiosity got the best of me and I had to see. The girls had emptied two entire bottles of baby powder into a couple of Aliyah's cases for holding dolls. We all had a good laugh, and now her room smells baby fresh.

Wordless Wednesday... Morning Bug

37 Weeks

Sweet Brayden,

I can't help but wonder every day if this will be the day that you forever enrich our lives with your presence. I've never made it past 37 weeks during pregnancy before, so each and every day is a new adventure. Whenever our feet step out of the house, I wonder if I'll be returning with you in my arms, or still in my tummy. The daily contractions leave me wondering how/when/if I'll be able to tell when the REAL ones are kicking in. Although, I'm sure I'll be able to tell. Everyday is full of excitement and anticipation. There seem to be so many changes in just this last week. I feel like each day is a success by just making it out of a shower with shaved legs. You are as wiggly as ever, and we can see your body parts, especially your feet, as you push and move. Even with all the busy, yet amazing, nights we've had this past week with our church, we still managed to get some nesting in and cleaned out our cars and have your seat installed and ready to go. Cleaning is always in full swing, and I found myself mopping our basement laundry room while thinking, "People are going to be over here and we can't have them seeing our laundry room like this." It made sense at the time. Your bassinet is set up next to the bed, and our house looks like it's just waiting for you to fill it. With as much filling as you'll do in every area of our lives, I can't even begin to imagine what you'll do to our hearts.

Sneak Peak... yawning babe.

Here's a sneak peak of this adorable baby girl from her family's quick photo shoot yesterday. She was a sleepy babe, but did so great! Even when she let out a little cry, it happened to be completely adorable. This little yawn face made me smile, so I thought I share... maybe it will brighten your Monday morning!

Sunday Citar... and a sneak peak.

Can you believe it's Sunday? That means it's that time again... time to share a quote! So link up your Sunday Citar today and join the fun!

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."
~Germaine Greer

I find it just as thrilling and enticing each and every time I fall in love with my husband over again. My heart leaps, butterflies race through my stomach and a veil of excitement covers me each time I hear his voice.

I wish the same for these two newlyweds, my nephew Jonathon and his wife Alyssa. And I certainly hope you enjoyed this little sneak peak of their wedding day!

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This blog isn't turning into a daily rundown of my pregnancy, promise. It will get back to some regularly scheduled programming soon, very soon. Promise. In case you were wondering.

If you are stopping by for an update though, I've been having contractions daily, which isn't necessarily unusual in this stage of pregnancy, although, with the schedule we've been keeping, it can sometimes get a little uncomfortable.

While in a meeting the other day, I handed my husband my iPhone all set with a contraction counter. I'd tap him when they started, and then again when they stopped. He kept track for about an hour, while we tried (and mostly succeeded) to pay attention. This has been my normal lately.

So there it is! The exciting update... and soon we'll be back with something non-pregnancy related.

Getting Warmer

I've hijacked my husbands computer for the moment before I go and pick up my fixed computer early! Add to that the fact that the weather is getting a little warmer for now and it's a turning out to be a pretty fresh new day. We're still bundled up, but not quite as many layers are needed. The sun is shining and the snow is beginning to melt. So, for awhile, until the next big snow, our twilight sledding trips are on hold. But it's all good, we've got plenty to keep us busy. :)

Going With The Flow

Sitting in my office, getting tasks crossed off my list. To get done what a I really need to get done, I'll hook up my backups to another machine and see if I can get what I need. Finger's crossed. After hearing yesterday that I'd be without my laptop for about a week, I felt a bit of panic and a bit of excitement at the same time. My work, my life is on that machine. The panic came with the hopes that I had everything backed up properly, but still, another machine may not be able to help me accomplish all I need to finish up this week. The excitement came with knowing that this set-back would at least force me to rest a little more, something I know I need. Sometimes it feels like there's too much to do and I need to hurry and finish before baby arrives, but now, there aren't as many options. I wish there were more time to visit all the great friends I've made online or answer all the sweet comments, there just isn't. There are projects sitting in folders on my desktop that just may not be completed before the big day, but today I'm realizing that it's ok. It's not what I wanted. I wanted to be superwoman and have it all done... and there may still be time. If not, I'll be ok with that. I'm turning a new leaf. I'm still working hard, but I'm not working crazy. Last night, instead of working into the night with the gleam of a computer screen, I capped off my evening with milk and a cookie (yes, singular, cookie) with my husband, and it was good. A contraction woke me up in the middle of the night, and then, another one. It went on for about 45 minutes and then stopped. So now, I'm sitting in my office, getting tasks crossed off my list.

36 Weeks

To my soon-to-arrive baby boy,

Our 36th week was marked by the most trips to the restroom... ever. I've constantly had to pee, and the pregnancy waddle is kicking into full gear. The exciting thing this week; you're getting closer and closer to breathing on your own, and once you do, that's when labor kickstarts. You must be growing quite a bit, because my body has been asking for rest this week, and sleep keeps calling out to me. The time is nearing for maternity leave to start, and I'm working at lightening my load all around. You're the focus lately, and all eyes are on how quickly you've been growing in the last couple of weeks. We can't wait to meet you!

Sunday Citar

It's already Sunday, and Sunday Citar has come out to play! So link up your Sunday Citar post and join the fun.

"Few can bring the warmth we can find in their embrace, and little more is needed to bring love than a smile on their face."

~Anonymous

Pure love. Pure baby love.

*And no, this isn't a way to announce the baby is born, this is Aliyah's hand as a baby.

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Haiti Update

I just wanted to take a quick moment and share another great organization that has had a very reputable track record with relief efforts, and were one of the most helpful organizations when the earthquake hit home to our close friends in Peru.

From their website:

"The first Samaritan’s Purse cargo plane arrived in Haiti Wednesday with emergency relief supplies for victims of the massive earthquake that rocked the country on Tuesday. The initial shipment included shelter material, hygiene kits, and water purification kits, as well as members of our disaster response team.

Five more flights with personnel and critically needed relief supplies were scheduled to land Thursday, but the Haitian government stopped accepting planes at the Port-au-Prince airport because of a lack of ramp space and fuel. One flight did take off early Friday morning, and the rest are on standby as soon as we have clearance from authorities.

We are partnering with HCJB Global, a medical ministry out of Ecuador that will be sending six doctors to join our medical advisor."

And if you clicked on the link in this post to see some photos that would really take you to the heart of the devastation, here's an update: Haiti 48 hours later.

Please consider helping in any way you can.

Right now I'm so blessed to be watching my sweet girl dream away peacefully as she naps in my office. There are still piles of work to be done and lists to be crossed off, but I'm enjoying the still for a moment. We are so blessed to have a moment of still to enjoy. I know it seems so ill-fitting in respect to what's going on around the world, but my body and my mind are both asking for rest. So I'm signing off for the weekend... well until Sunday Citar! See you then!

Overwhelmed

As I tucked my daughter into bed tonight, much later than usual and both of us very tired, I was overwhelmed with gratefulness for the fact that I was tucking my daughter into bed. I was tucking her in, while we're in our warm, safe comfortable home. Our warm, safe, comfortable home with clean water to drink and food to eat. Clean water and food that nourishes our healthy, strong bodies. And my heart went out to the people and families of Haiti. There really aren't words to say, and besides praying for these hurting people and donating what we can to relief efforts, I wanted to share with you some places you can get involved as well.

If you haven't heard yet, one of the easiest ways to help is to test "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.

I also thought I'd link to this post that details some of the sad images seen in Port-au-Prince right now.

And Mercy Corps, with extensive experience responding to earthquakes, has already sent out emergency relief teams to the hardest hit areas, and are making a difference.

Haiti, you are in our prayers.

When Two Walk Together

... on a much, much warmer day.

A Relish Studios fall photoshoot. For more Wordless Wednesday go here and here.

35 Weeks.

To my soon-to-arrive Brayden,

Time seems to be flying by. We are so ready for you, and yet, there are times that I don't feel ready. Am I ready to be the kind of mommy I need to be to raise to happy, healthy kids? I know it's in me, but these are the thoughts that mommies sometimes have. Am I ready to meet you? Now that I can say a huge, "YES" to. You're now about the size of a honeydew, and I've definitely felt you getting lower and lower this week. You're just inching your way, ready to meet the world! We've got your bag packed and ready. If all goes as planned, you will be born with us and our midwife in a birthing suite. It's a good mix between a home-birth, which was my first choice, and a hospital birth. You are still growing healthy and strong, and we have an ultrasound scheduled soon to see you again. Your sister knows the time with a new baby in the house is coming soon, and she's excited. She's also been sneaking in extra cuddle time whenever she can... like sneaking into the bed a little earlier than usual and cuddling right up to us before falling back asleep. It's sweet. She's always asking about you and wants to know how you're doing, wondering if we have all of your 'blankies' ready, and whatever else she can think of. I'm still trying to get all of the work on my plate finished up so there's isn't anything looming over my head upon your arrival, but, the house is ready, and we are ready for you.

An Early Morning Conversation, Overheard.

Aliyah: "Daddy, I want to stay in my pajamas forever."

Chris: "Then how will you get married someday if you're in your pajamas?"

Aliyah: "It's ok, I don't want to get married."

Chris: "That's my girl!"

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It's been a long weekend. Had a much needed and enjoyed date night with my man, visits with the family, lots of cleaning and taking care of a sick child. Oh yeah, and trying to get some rest. Who knew it was so difficult to make myself rest. Needless to say, the 35 week maternity series photo will be up soon... once we take it. :)

Sunday Citar

Can you believe it's already Sunday, and that means it's that time again... time to share a quote! So link up your Sunday Citar today and join the fun!

"When you love life with everything you have, life loves you back."

~Gabrielle Kai

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Have a blessed Sunday everyone!!

The Gravity of Christmas

"Why is Christmas RUINED??!!"

"It's not ruined, honey, it's just over this year, and that's why we're putting the decorations away."

"That means it's RUINED."

Fab Finds:: Pot of Sunshine

It's been quite awhile since I've had a Fab Finds post, and I think it was feeling a little left out, you know, with all this talk of the baby. So I re-assured it that just because a new family member was coming, didn't mean that I would forget about it. And then I gave it a nice little back rub.

All is forgiven.

I think.

Last week, I was in the midst of a kitchen cleaning (which isn't uncommon in this household right now, and if my back didn't feel like it would give out on me if I cleaned up one more thing at this moment, I would probably be cleaning right now) and couldn't fit one more thing in our cooking utensils drawer. So, I went out and found a place to store some of those utensils right on our kitchen counter. I found my own little pot of sunshine. It's something so simple, yet it makes me smile.

If you find yourself in need of a place to store some of your kitchen utensils to save your sanity, just find something nice and cheery to throw them in. It's much faster to grab a whisk from there while baking, and so much easier to put away that spatula when washing.

You can find a similar style here, or a fun modern style here, which it what I likely would've bought if I hadn't found the deeply discounted version from a thrift store that my countertop is sporting.

Sunday Citar

Nursery Update:: the little things

What?

Wordless Wednesday... Morning Bug

37 Weeks

Sneak Peak... yawning babe.

Sunday Citar... and a sneak peak.

Getting Warmer

Going With The Flow

36 Weeks

Sunday Citar

Haiti Update

Overwhelmed

When Two Walk Together

35 Weeks.

An Early Morning Conversation, Overheard.

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Sunday Citar

The Gravity of Christmas

Fab Finds:: Pot of Sunshine

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