Happy Leap Day! What a funny day this is. An extra day to round out February and an extra day to be happy! If I think about leap day it kind of makes me confused, and even more so if i think about being born on leap day. It's such an interesting thing!
Anyways, extra day or not, this month has flown by and i'm so glad that i've taken the time to look for the positive and highlight a few of the many things that make me happy, especially because some days i thought to myself "ok this does NOT make me happy, how can i spin this for the good?" so it was a good exercise in optimism.
Basically though, I need to always remember that i am extremely blessed. I have an amazing husband and the cutest little girl in the world, and another precious baby coming soon. I have incredible family, both immediate and extended, i have the wonderful blessing of having the gospel in my life and having a relationship with my Father in heaven. I have all of my needs in life more than taken care of, and most of my wants. I have great friends and a wonderful neighborhood. I have no reasons to really complain or not to be happy! Happiness is definitely a choice, and one that i will gladly choose.
2.29.2012
2.28.2012
home tour: the powder room
"welcome to my humble commode"... I have wanted to jazz up this powder room ever since we moved in, and i've finally done it! It's just a little tiny bathroom by the door to the garage, but now it's a BEAUTIFUL little tiny bathroom! I decided to do a stenciling technique to paint the walls (which my mom and Paul helped out with a ton) and I love the way it turned out, although it was definitely a process and we learned a lot along the way. The colors are fun and everything ties together in a non-matching-but-matching sort of way that I'm into right now. Little bathrooms like this are fun to do because it' not that expensive to make a big change and who doesn't want to be stuck doing their business in a cute place?! **I would still like to add crown moulding at the very top of the walls and possibly something over or on top of the toilet.
credits= paint color: Behr "Garden Room" (and existing beige), throw rug: Tuesday Morning, soap dispenser: Target, light fixture/mirror/hardware were existing, towel: TJ Maxx (had it from before), Painting: Gatehouse
makes me happy: day 28
2.27.12: a year and a half (in pictures)
Caitlin and I went with Jenna the other day to do a little photoshoot and had such a fun time. Jenna did an amazing job... i just barely got these pictures back from her, it's not even all the ones she took, but i could NOT even wait to post them. i just love them.
2.27.2012
2.27.12: a year and a half (in words)
A year and a half. This is a big deal (hence the massive post below). She is growing and changing so fast and i feel like this 18 month mark is a big one. So far it's been a challenging one too. She's just her own little person and definitely has her own ideas and attitude.
-She is talking a lot. Not always in real words but she definitely wants to communicate. Sometimes she will look at me and have a whole conversation and i know she is really trying to tell me something but i just wish i could understand! She is doing really well though with trying out new words and sounds and i'm sure it will be no time before I start learning her little language better and she starts learning mine. She still does some baby signs too.
-She's got major 'tude. She is so stubborn sometimes and she is not afraid to yell at you if she doesn't like what you are saying. If she doesn't want to get in her car seat, she will kick and scream and straighten out her body. If she doesn't want to get out of the cart at the grocery store (by the way she only wants to ride in the big part now.. already lost that battle) she will yell and grip the sides and make you yank her out. Little temper tantrums. It has been quite the lesson in patience and keeping calm for me. When we are at home i put her in time out sometimes where she has to sit in the corner while i hold her down and tell her what she did wrong then i make her say sorry (she does the sign for it). It works pretty well except for i think she thinks is a game sometimes because i tried to threaten her with time out the other day and she grabbed my finger and brought me over to the corner and sat down with a big smile on her face. Not exactly how i saw that going.
-This has been going on for a little while but, she has a major phobia of the bath tub. Anytime we put her in she stands up and holds onto the side and screams. Don't get me wrong.. we bathe her but i just bring her in the shower with me because she loves it. She likes to stand and go under the water and play with her toys. I think she doesn't like the bathtub because she had a bad fall in there last time and she remembers it. I know that i will probably need to conquer this fear for her and get her back into the bath but for now at least she's getting clean somehow.
-Bedtime/naptime has been interesting the last little while. We've always had a little routine but decided we needed to be better at sticking with everything. She still drinks a "baba" (sippy cup) before bed and naptime and i'm trying to get to the point where i can take that away so right now what we do for bedtime is: say family prayer, she goes over and picks out one or two books, we sit in her rocker and read her the books while she drinks her baba and holds her blankies and then she takes her binky and we sing one or two songs and then put her in her crib and she goes to sleep. As of a couple weeks ago i was doing the same for naptime too and then she started freaking out and screaming crying whenever i left the room and would work herself up and never take a nap. no bueno. So, now what we do for naps is start out laying down in her crib and she drinks her baba in there while i read her a story then i sit by the crib and sing her songs until she is relaxed enough to sleep. I have given myself a 5 song limit because it was getting ridiculous. But usually that is enough. When she does fall asleep, she still naps for about 2.5-3 hours and then sleep at night for about 12-13. She is and always has been a great sleeper, which totally makes up for her busy-body self during the rest of the day.
-At night when we say prayers she knows to sit down and bow her head. Sometimes she will kind of fold her arms and always at them end when we say "amen" she does a big head nod. (she does this everytime we pray)Also in church when she hears people saying "Amen" after the talks she thinks they are praying and she will do the same thing. It's really cute.
-This one has been going on for a while but i'm not sure if i've ever mentioned it: Caitlin hates it when people wear baseball hats. Specifically, Paul. If he comes up to her in a hat she won't go to him and doesn't want anything to do with him, but as soon as he takes it off she's all about him. I have no idea why. All part of her secret plans to get him to do his hair everyday.
-Lately she really likes to blow her nose. She doesn't really know how but she'll take a napkin and hold it up to her face and breath in and out of her nose.
-She loves to dip things. Usually she likes to just lick off whatever she dipped into and go back for more but it's a good way to get her to eat sometimes.
-She's not the most adventurous eater. I always try to get her to eat new things but she likes what she likes. Thus, she's not the healthiest eater but she does like some healthy things. She doesn't have a huge appetite either, but she looks like she's big enough and growing fine to me so I'm not worried. Also she is so stubborn that if she doesn't want to eat she really won't (or if she doesn't want to do anything else for that matter).
-She loves brushing her teeth. She has a little toothbrush and she likes to do it herself. She wants to brush her teeth every time we are in my bathroom and usually wants the toothbrush dipped under the water at least 3 times before she's done.
-She is always making me laugh at the stuff she does. Sometimes in a "that's really funny" type way and sometimes in a "i can't believe you really just did that" kind of way.
-She is a super climber. She WILL get to whatever she wants and isn't afraid to stack up or step on anything to get there. Currently she thinks our kitchen table and chairs are a jungle gym and she climbs in between the seats and up on top and tries to get on the table multiple times daily. I just let it happen because we haven't had any disasters yet and it's way to exhausting to keep saying no. Although I don't let her crawl on top of the actual table, just the chairs.
-She hates to sit in her booster seat to eat now. Sometimes i can still get her to do it for lunch and dinner but usually she prefers to just sit up on the counter while i feed her, or she feeds herself. Obviously this doesn't work that well for every meal, but she totally eats better when she has the freedom so i usually always let her do it for breakfast.
-She is OBSESSED right now with the "Spot the Dog" books by Eric Hill. She thinks its so funny every time we lift the flap and she loves all the pictures and animals. She wants to read them anytime she sees one out, or if you tell her to she will go to her book drawer and get it out. The other morning she brought one of them into our bed and she basically read the whole thing herself. She knew what animals would be under the flaps and started making the noise before we even opened it and then she was totally repeating the words of the book. It was amazing. We only have 4 currently so I pretty much have all of them memorized. I had to order more from Amazon the other night to save my sanity.
-Here's our typical schedule:
9-9:30 AM: wake up, have breakfast (oatmeal always) then brink her milk while we watch Mickey Mouse clubhouse and I get my own breakfast (always oatmeal for me too)
10:30-11 AM: Get ready for the day. While I get ready she likes to play with all my lotions and empty out by cupboards and drawers and try on my headbands. And do whatever else she can get into. But she always wants to be in the bathroom with me while i'm in there.
11-2 PM: Do whatever. Play at home or go to friend's or run errands. This is my time to get things done outside the house. Then she eats lunch.
2-5 PM: Nap time. Also my time to get things done, but inside the house.
5-6:30 ish: Play and do whatever again.
6:30ish: Eat dinner and wait for daddy to come home! Once he is home we play more and hang out as a family.
8-8:30: Bedtime routine and "nigh nigh" time.
Obviously our schedule changes from day to day depending on what we have going on and we are not always that lazy in the morning but i love my time with her to play and watch Mickey and have our day together.
-her stats for 18 months (taken on March 6th) were:
weight: 24.5 lbs (73%)
length: 31.5 inches (36%) although i don't think this is accurate, i think she is taller because she was lying really crooked when she was measured
head circumference: 19.25 inches (97%)
-She is talking a lot. Not always in real words but she definitely wants to communicate. Sometimes she will look at me and have a whole conversation and i know she is really trying to tell me something but i just wish i could understand! She is doing really well though with trying out new words and sounds and i'm sure it will be no time before I start learning her little language better and she starts learning mine. She still does some baby signs too.
-She's got major 'tude. She is so stubborn sometimes and she is not afraid to yell at you if she doesn't like what you are saying. If she doesn't want to get in her car seat, she will kick and scream and straighten out her body. If she doesn't want to get out of the cart at the grocery store (by the way she only wants to ride in the big part now.. already lost that battle) she will yell and grip the sides and make you yank her out. Little temper tantrums. It has been quite the lesson in patience and keeping calm for me. When we are at home i put her in time out sometimes where she has to sit in the corner while i hold her down and tell her what she did wrong then i make her say sorry (she does the sign for it). It works pretty well except for i think she thinks is a game sometimes because i tried to threaten her with time out the other day and she grabbed my finger and brought me over to the corner and sat down with a big smile on her face. Not exactly how i saw that going.
-This has been going on for a little while but, she has a major phobia of the bath tub. Anytime we put her in she stands up and holds onto the side and screams. Don't get me wrong.. we bathe her but i just bring her in the shower with me because she loves it. She likes to stand and go under the water and play with her toys. I think she doesn't like the bathtub because she had a bad fall in there last time and she remembers it. I know that i will probably need to conquer this fear for her and get her back into the bath but for now at least she's getting clean somehow.
-Bedtime/naptime has been interesting the last little while. We've always had a little routine but decided we needed to be better at sticking with everything. She still drinks a "baba" (sippy cup) before bed and naptime and i'm trying to get to the point where i can take that away so right now what we do for bedtime is: say family prayer, she goes over and picks out one or two books, we sit in her rocker and read her the books while she drinks her baba and holds her blankies and then she takes her binky and we sing one or two songs and then put her in her crib and she goes to sleep. As of a couple weeks ago i was doing the same for naptime too and then she started freaking out and screaming crying whenever i left the room and would work herself up and never take a nap. no bueno. So, now what we do for naps is start out laying down in her crib and she drinks her baba in there while i read her a story then i sit by the crib and sing her songs until she is relaxed enough to sleep. I have given myself a 5 song limit because it was getting ridiculous. But usually that is enough. When she does fall asleep, she still naps for about 2.5-3 hours and then sleep at night for about 12-13. She is and always has been a great sleeper, which totally makes up for her busy-body self during the rest of the day.
-At night when we say prayers she knows to sit down and bow her head. Sometimes she will kind of fold her arms and always at them end when we say "amen" she does a big head nod. (she does this everytime we pray)Also in church when she hears people saying "Amen" after the talks she thinks they are praying and she will do the same thing. It's really cute.
-This one has been going on for a while but i'm not sure if i've ever mentioned it: Caitlin hates it when people wear baseball hats. Specifically, Paul. If he comes up to her in a hat she won't go to him and doesn't want anything to do with him, but as soon as he takes it off she's all about him. I have no idea why. All part of her secret plans to get him to do his hair everyday.
-Lately she really likes to blow her nose. She doesn't really know how but she'll take a napkin and hold it up to her face and breath in and out of her nose.
-She loves to dip things. Usually she likes to just lick off whatever she dipped into and go back for more but it's a good way to get her to eat sometimes.
-She's not the most adventurous eater. I always try to get her to eat new things but she likes what she likes. Thus, she's not the healthiest eater but she does like some healthy things. She doesn't have a huge appetite either, but she looks like she's big enough and growing fine to me so I'm not worried. Also she is so stubborn that if she doesn't want to eat she really won't (or if she doesn't want to do anything else for that matter).
-She loves brushing her teeth. She has a little toothbrush and she likes to do it herself. She wants to brush her teeth every time we are in my bathroom and usually wants the toothbrush dipped under the water at least 3 times before she's done.
-She is always making me laugh at the stuff she does. Sometimes in a "that's really funny" type way and sometimes in a "i can't believe you really just did that" kind of way.
-She is a super climber. She WILL get to whatever she wants and isn't afraid to stack up or step on anything to get there. Currently she thinks our kitchen table and chairs are a jungle gym and she climbs in between the seats and up on top and tries to get on the table multiple times daily. I just let it happen because we haven't had any disasters yet and it's way to exhausting to keep saying no. Although I don't let her crawl on top of the actual table, just the chairs.
-She hates to sit in her booster seat to eat now. Sometimes i can still get her to do it for lunch and dinner but usually she prefers to just sit up on the counter while i feed her, or she feeds herself. Obviously this doesn't work that well for every meal, but she totally eats better when she has the freedom so i usually always let her do it for breakfast.
-She is OBSESSED right now with the "Spot the Dog" books by Eric Hill. She thinks its so funny every time we lift the flap and she loves all the pictures and animals. She wants to read them anytime she sees one out, or if you tell her to she will go to her book drawer and get it out. The other morning she brought one of them into our bed and she basically read the whole thing herself. She knew what animals would be under the flaps and started making the noise before we even opened it and then she was totally repeating the words of the book. It was amazing. We only have 4 currently so I pretty much have all of them memorized. I had to order more from Amazon the other night to save my sanity.
-Here's our typical schedule:
9-9:30 AM: wake up, have breakfast (oatmeal always) then brink her milk while we watch Mickey Mouse clubhouse and I get my own breakfast (always oatmeal for me too)
10:30-11 AM: Get ready for the day. While I get ready she likes to play with all my lotions and empty out by cupboards and drawers and try on my headbands. And do whatever else she can get into. But she always wants to be in the bathroom with me while i'm in there.
11-2 PM: Do whatever. Play at home or go to friend's or run errands. This is my time to get things done outside the house. Then she eats lunch.
2-5 PM: Nap time. Also my time to get things done, but inside the house.
5-6:30 ish: Play and do whatever again.
6:30ish: Eat dinner and wait for daddy to come home! Once he is home we play more and hang out as a family.
8-8:30: Bedtime routine and "nigh nigh" time.
Obviously our schedule changes from day to day depending on what we have going on and we are not always that lazy in the morning but i love my time with her to play and watch Mickey and have our day together.
-her stats for 18 months (taken on March 6th) were:
weight: 24.5 lbs (73%)
length: 31.5 inches (36%) although i don't think this is accurate, i think she is taller because she was lying really crooked when she was measured
head circumference: 19.25 inches (97%)
makes me happy: day 27
2.26.2012
makes me happy: day 26
Two things today:
(#1) Paul is home!! He has been out of town for the past week traveling for work and we were more than ready for him to be back! He went to Boston and then Austin. It's so hard for me to have him gone, i just really miss him so i'm glad he doesn't have to leave too often! And even more glad that he is back!! I thought he wouldn't be getting back until Monday, be he was able to catch an earlier flight and showed up at our front door late last night! Such a great surprise! Love my hubby.
(#2) Our little miss went to the nursery during church today for her first time! I've been counting down the weeks and now she is old enough! She cried a little when we were leaving but the teachers said she did great! (which i figured she would... any place with toys, other kids, songs, and yummy snacks is usually a winner) When Paul went in to get her afterwards she turned and said to him but then jut walked over and went back to playing haha.
I had to take some pictures before church to document, but she was ready to roll with her little backpack and sunnies.
(#1) Paul is home!! He has been out of town for the past week traveling for work and we were more than ready for him to be back! He went to Boston and then Austin. It's so hard for me to have him gone, i just really miss him so i'm glad he doesn't have to leave too often! And even more glad that he is back!! I thought he wouldn't be getting back until Monday, be he was able to catch an earlier flight and showed up at our front door late last night! Such a great surprise! Love my hubby.
(#2) Our little miss went to the nursery during church today for her first time! I've been counting down the weeks and now she is old enough! She cried a little when we were leaving but the teachers said she did great! (which i figured she would... any place with toys, other kids, songs, and yummy snacks is usually a winner) When Paul went in to get her afterwards she turned and said to him but then jut walked over and went back to playing haha.
2.25.2012
makes me happy: day 25
Most people when they see Caitlin automatically say that she looks exactly like a little Paul. I've always thought that she's a really good mix of the two of us. I was going through some old pictures of me at Caitlin's age and I just have to say, a few of them definitely reminded me of a little someone i know:
2.24.2012
makes me happy: day 24
instagram.
seriously, i love it. i'm so hooked. and why wouldn't i be?!
pictures? check.
journal-type documentation of my life? check.
opportunity to share it with others? check.
Right up my alley. So happy it was invented and that i have an iphone to use it on. I even just got Paul signed up for it!
If you're not using it you should be... so then i can stalk you on the gram. and enjoy your life in pictures as well.
2.23.2012
makes me happy: day 23
Jennica and I threw a baby shower for our friend Lindsay Clyde last night and it was so fun. She is having a girl so we went all out and did a pink and red "Berry Sweet" theme. We served punch, red velvet cake, chocolate covered strawberries and candy and everything turned out really cute. Most of all we had a great turnout and the mom-to-be was gorgeous as ever. She got some adorable gifts and now I just can't wait to see that beautiful baby girl!!
2.22.2012
baby steps
My due date is fast approaching, and before that happens i've got a lot to do to get ready for a little boy in the house! I have started several projects and have many more in the works, so have no fear, this little one will have a full welcome when he arrives. Here's a few things we've got going on:
The clothes: I've had a few shopping sprees already on clothes (not to say i don't need more) but i've accumulated a nice little stockpile of cute boy clothes hanging in the closet. It makes me so happy to see tiny polos and plaid shorts and vests and jammies hanging in there.
The room: His room is currently our guest room. So we haven't been in too much of a hurry to switch everything over since we've had guests coming, or planning on coming. After mid March, once our visitors have slowed down, we plan on moving the guest room into our loft and making the big switch. For now it's easier to keep it where it is and work around it.
The design: That hasn't stopped me from pretty much completely planning his bedroom however. There's no real theme going on, just lots of different colors and patterns and animals. I'm slowly buying things as i get closer to being able to fit them in the space and i'm excited about everything. Here's the general idea:
So our latest project (while my parents were here to help) was: the argyle wall. I had this idea to do an argyle wall and thanks to my dad's engineering genius he mapped it out and it turned out awesome! It was NOT an easy project but very fun to have. I'm so glad we tackled it early and now it's done and ready to be enjoyed.
Things are coming along! My mom is sewing the bedding and sheets and then we need to paint the dresser. We need to build a shelf, and of course i need to buy a few more things. Lots to do but there is a plan in place.
The clothes: I've had a few shopping sprees already on clothes (not to say i don't need more) but i've accumulated a nice little stockpile of cute boy clothes hanging in the closet. It makes me so happy to see tiny polos and plaid shorts and vests and jammies hanging in there.
The room: His room is currently our guest room. So we haven't been in too much of a hurry to switch everything over since we've had guests coming, or planning on coming. After mid March, once our visitors have slowed down, we plan on moving the guest room into our loft and making the big switch. For now it's easier to keep it where it is and work around it.
The design: That hasn't stopped me from pretty much completely planning his bedroom however. There's no real theme going on, just lots of different colors and patterns and animals. I'm slowly buying things as i get closer to being able to fit them in the space and i'm excited about everything. Here's the general idea:
So our latest project (while my parents were here to help) was: the argyle wall. I had this idea to do an argyle wall and thanks to my dad's engineering genius he mapped it out and it turned out awesome! It was NOT an easy project but very fun to have. I'm so glad we tackled it early and now it's done and ready to be enjoyed.
makes me happy: day 22
Every night we go in to check on Caitlin before we go to bed and most of the time she stirs and she is always moving around while she's sleeping but it's so cute. Last night she was completely out and didn't even flinch when i took this picture and the flash went off. She just looked so peaceful and beautiful. I love her long eyelashes and her perfect cheeks and her crazy hair. I love checking on her every night because no matter what kind of a day we had, she always just looks so cute in her bed with all her blankies and it makes my heart melt for her all over again to start the next day fresh.
.JPG)
2.21.2012
makes me happy: day 21
My parents came up to visit for president's day weekend and it's always fun to have them. They stayed at Chelsea's this time but I monopolized all their time i could get to turn my house into project central and we got A LOT done (more details later but very exciting). We also had family dinners, a game night, some have skied, and spent quality time together. Unfortunately I wasn't good about taking pictures of very much of it, also unfortunately I got a touch of food poisoning one night. Gross i know but i had to document that because the last time i gt food poisoning was when i was pregnant with Caitlin! Still to date my only times i have thrown up during pregnancy! So weird! But it didn't last long so everything is fine now. So anyways, Caitlin has been so happy to have Grammie and Papa around. She prefers Grammie to anyone else who may be around, and occasionally she will give Papa special loves, he is easy to please. Always makes me happy to be with family!
.JPG)
.JPG)
makes me happy: day 20
I got this little journal for Christmas and i LOVE it. I keep it by my bed and every night i write a little sentence or two about my kiddos. Something cute (or not so cute) that Caitlin did or how things are going with my pregnancy. Each page is for one day and has a spot to write something small for the next 5 years. I love the idea that next year on the same day i can look back and see what we were doing that day!
2.19.2012
Makes me happy: day 19
Today at church I taught the lesson to our group of 12-13 year old girls. These girls are so cute and fun. Today the lesson was on "Finding Joy Now" (and keeping that joy throughout every stage of life). What a great topic for any age. I used part of the talk from Elder Uchtdorf "Forget Me Not" that he gave a little while ago to the women and used his analogy about the golden tickets: Don't always be searching for your golden ticket but enjoy the sweet moments of the chocolate bar along your way and through learning to enjoy those moments you will be truly happy. Also, we talked about how happiness is a choice. There was a great quote in the lesson from President Harold B. Lee that said “Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you but on what
happens inside of you”. I really agree that we can choose to be happy no matter what life throws at us, and even more that when life does give us those twists and turns we are not just looking forward the the next better phase (our "golden ticket") but that we learn to enjoy our everyday moments.
Now how's that for a lesson?!
Now how's that for a lesson?!
2.18.2012
makes me happy: day 18
Just picked up this little blankie that i ordered from Minky Couture. Their blankets are so soft! Caitlin has one in this little size that she loves to have with her in the car and it's easy to throw in my purse etc. So of course i had to get one for our little cowboy on the way!
Love how it turned out! Makes me happy!
2.17.2012
24 weeks
-about 6 months along and i'm feeling good! This pregnancy is going by so quickly for me. I went to the doctor this week and everything is looking great. I got another ultrasound because last time we couldn't get a really good view of his face so it was fun to see him again and his little mug looks cute as can be! It was all pretty routine from there and we are just moving right along!
-I popped out in a big way at 21 weeks and have been growing my belly ever since. Although this time i am for sure carrying differently...lower (maybe?) and further back inside me, yet all balled up in front (?)... Looking at pictures from last time i for sure look different than i did at this stage but it's hard to say how. So far my total weight gain is 10 lbs. which is definitely different than with Caitlin. My doctor called me "the poster child of pregnant women" for being 3/4 of the way done and only having gained that much. Thanks doc, happy to impress.
-My random food this pregnancy that I can't stand to eat or smell that will always be a reminder of this pregnancy (with Caitlin it was rotisserie chicken) is: buffalo sauce. I think because i made buffalo chicken wraps when I was first pregnant right before I started getting sick and they did not taste good to me. Then the other night we went to Buffalo Wild Wings and got some with that sauce and I could not handle it. At all.
-Got my first pregnancy comment from a stranger the other day.
-Sleeping is getting harder but not too bad as long as I have 3 pillows around me. I still even go on my stomach a little sometimes because it's so hard to give that up but mostly on my side.
-I totally have an outtie belly button! It's so weird to me because with Caitlin is was just flush with the surface, never pushed out at all but this time it totally is.
-This baby is so chill! He definitely moves more and more so it's not alarming in any way but he doesn't move near as much as Caitlin did, or kick as hard (for now). Although he is starting to expand his area and has found my ribs and bladder, so sometimes a well places kick is a little more painful than constant ones. Anyways, I'm really hoping the whole chill attitude keeps after he is born.
-There are of course weird things that i feel here and there but for the most part i'm feeling good and getting a little energy back and mostly just feeling really excited for the next couple of months!
-I popped out in a big way at 21 weeks and have been growing my belly ever since. Although this time i am for sure carrying differently...lower (maybe?) and further back inside me, yet all balled up in front (?)... Looking at pictures from last time i for sure look different than i did at this stage but it's hard to say how. So far my total weight gain is 10 lbs. which is definitely different than with Caitlin. My doctor called me "the poster child of pregnant women" for being 3/4 of the way done and only having gained that much. Thanks doc, happy to impress.
-My random food this pregnancy that I can't stand to eat or smell that will always be a reminder of this pregnancy (with Caitlin it was rotisserie chicken) is: buffalo sauce. I think because i made buffalo chicken wraps when I was first pregnant right before I started getting sick and they did not taste good to me. Then the other night we went to Buffalo Wild Wings and got some with that sauce and I could not handle it. At all.
-Got my first pregnancy comment from a stranger the other day.
-Sleeping is getting harder but not too bad as long as I have 3 pillows around me. I still even go on my stomach a little sometimes because it's so hard to give that up but mostly on my side.
-I totally have an outtie belly button! It's so weird to me because with Caitlin is was just flush with the surface, never pushed out at all but this time it totally is.
-This baby is so chill! He definitely moves more and more so it's not alarming in any way but he doesn't move near as much as Caitlin did, or kick as hard (for now). Although he is starting to expand his area and has found my ribs and bladder, so sometimes a well places kick is a little more painful than constant ones. Anyways, I'm really hoping the whole chill attitude keeps after he is born.
-There are of course weird things that i feel here and there but for the most part i'm feeling good and getting a little energy back and mostly just feeling really excited for the next couple of months!
makes me happy: day 17
We've been painting! We did Caitlin's room last week and now my parents are here and said they would help so we've started on the baby's room and the powder room. So fun! It's amazing the difference that some paint makes. Pictures to come!
2.16.2012
makes me happy: day 16
I'm shamed that i have yet to mention the passing of the great Whitney Houston. So sad! I loved her singing, and memories and me and MY Whitney (Whitney Lemmon Taylor) belting out her songs will always make me happy.
p.s. another related memory that makes me happy is us also belting out and dancing to and dressing up to the Go Go's when we were little. Too bad i don't have any picture proof to post.
p.s. another related memory that makes me happy is us also belting out and dancing to and dressing up to the Go Go's when we were little. Too bad i don't have any picture proof to post.
2.15.2012
Be My Valentine
Valentine's Day was a blast. I wanted to make it a really fun day for
me and Caitlin and it was long and busy but fun indeed. Here's how we
celebrated:
Slept in then lounged around in the morning and enjoyed our oatmeal with chocolate chips in it.
Got
mostly ready and then made sugar cookies! Caitlin was helpful and fun
but luckily not TOO helpful with making the cookies. She loved crawling
around the counter and standing her little little stool and playing with
the dough. And then she especially loved adding the sprinkles. That was
her job and she was serious about it. She would shake the little
sprinkle can so hard and then once she tasted one she wanted to pick the
sprinkles off all of them and eat them all. So i would shake some in
her hand and she would eat her sprinkles and then shake more on the
cookies when she needed to. All things considered, they didn't turn out
too shabby!
After the cookies we got all our Valentines
ready to go and set out to deliver! We went to lots of friends houses
to wish them Happy Valentine's Day and drop off our goodies and it was
really fun. Obviously it's hard work being cupid because it wore us both
out.
A bunch of the kids in our
neighborhood had set out their little mailboxes and went around to each
others houses so we passed out some to them and Caitlin got some darling
little valentines from neighborhood kiddos and also in the mail from
family. She loved them all and carried them all around the house in her
little grocery basket for awhile.
A little while
later Daddy got home! Caitlin got to open her Valentine's present (which
she had been so patient to do and only climbed up on the table to pull
out the tissue paper once) and she got: a little outfit and a book and a
Valentine's teddy bear.
After her presents she went to
bed and Paul started cooking me dinner! It was lovely: steaks, grilled
asparagus and tomatoes, bread and Martinelli's. It was delicious,
especially since everything always tastes better when i don't have to
cook it.
When we were about done eating, Paul said "ok
are you ready for your surprise activity?" and immediately after that
there was a knock on our door! Perfect timing! Paul had gotten a
babysitter to come be at the house with Caitlin while he took me to see:
The
vow! I really liked it. I had been wanting to see it so badly since i
saw the first preview and Paul definitely knew that so i was so happy
with my surprise! I laughed, I cried...nothing like a good chick flick
on Valentine's!
After the movie we came home and
exchanged gifts with each other. As I've mentioned before, I did 14 days
of Valentine's for Paul this year so i had one last final gift for him,
which was cologne. It was so fun for me to give him all his little
gifts everyday and find fun ways for him to find them and try to think
of new places to hide them. I loved it. He got me beautiful roses and
also a bracelet that i had really been wanting.
We
stayed up laughing and talking to finish out the day together and it
only further cemented in my mind how in love with my husband I am and
how lucky i am to have him. I really am so grateful for him that he is
my partner in life and for eternity, although I didn't need Valentine's
Day to tell me this.
makes me happy: day 15
Today I'm happy that my family and I are healthy. I totally didn't even pause the other day on the 11th to think that one that day 4 years ago was when Paul broke his back. I guarantee if he had been paralyzed like we all thought he was going to be from that accident, i would have thought about it. We are so blessed to be so healthy and that he is not only recovered from that completely but that nothing else has happened since.
I'm glad that Caitlin has been so healthy. Of course it's so sad when she gets a little cold or fever but overall she is really healthy and that it a huge blessing.
I'm glad that i have been healthy. This pregnancy has been different and harder in some ways and i would say i was sicker this time around but overall i have been healthy and most importantly my baby boy is healthy and growing strong. It's so easy to become paranoid when you are pregnant and worried if you are eating or doing the right or wrong things and you hear all kinds of stories and I will admit i had been feeling a little paranoid the past couple of days that something was wrong with him but i got another ultrasound at the doctor and he looks great! Such a blessing.
I'm glad that Caitlin has been so healthy. Of course it's so sad when she gets a little cold or fever but overall she is really healthy and that it a huge blessing.
I'm glad that i have been healthy. This pregnancy has been different and harder in some ways and i would say i was sicker this time around but overall i have been healthy and most importantly my baby boy is healthy and growing strong. It's so easy to become paranoid when you are pregnant and worried if you are eating or doing the right or wrong things and you hear all kinds of stories and I will admit i had been feeling a little paranoid the past couple of days that something was wrong with him but i got another ultrasound at the doctor and he looks great! Such a blessing.
2.14.2012
makes me happy: day 14
(obvi!) Valentine's Day!! I'm planning on spending a fun day with my little love bug and then a fun evening with my hubbylicious. Hope everyone's day is full of love and makes them happy!
2.13.2012
makes me happy: day 13
Hobby Lobby. I'm seriously there at least once a week and the fact that they send out 40% coupons every week and have an every-other-week rotation on what's for sale totally sucks me in. I love it. And yes, i went there today and yes, i spent $20 (but i got so MUCH for that $20!)
home tour: Guest Bath
It's been awhile since I've done a home tour post.
Probably because we got settled-enough into our house and since then
the projects have either been on hold because we were saving up or just
trickling by with small things that weren't worthy of a big post. BUT,
this will change. We are getting ready for baby #2 and with that comes
changes to the house! Shifting rooms around and decorating new ones so
get excited!
For now: the Guest Bath. Also the "kid's bathroom" since it is between the two bedrooms but since our littles don't require their own bathroom right now, is it at the disposal of the guests. I have never liked this bathroom because it was so hodgepodge until recently. We did a little min-makeover and the Amy Butler towels are my favorite thing and gradually made everything else look better. And now i can finally say that i like this bathroom! So i will share pictures:
credits:
shower curtain: Pottery Barn, towels: Amy Butler @ Bed Bath &
Beyond, tissue holder/soap dispenser: already had but from Bed Bath
& Beyond, Clock: already had but from Bed Bath & Beyond,
bath mats: Bed Bath & Beyond, word art: made by Cortney
Dickson. ask about anything else.
For now: the Guest Bath. Also the "kid's bathroom" since it is between the two bedrooms but since our littles don't require their own bathroom right now, is it at the disposal of the guests. I have never liked this bathroom because it was so hodgepodge until recently. We did a little min-makeover and the Amy Butler towels are my favorite thing and gradually made everything else look better. And now i can finally say that i like this bathroom! So i will share pictures:
makes me happy: day 12
We went to a really fun Valentine's Day party last night! We ate yummy food (red velvet waffles... hello!) and played really fun couples games, like guess the famous couple and the newlywed game. It was a blast!
2.11.2012
makes me happy: day 11
Projects make me happy. I really like being busy and especially with projects like house stuff, party planning, making gifts, and getting ready for baby. I love having things to plan and look forward to. (p.s. today we are picking out some paint colors for a couple rooms in our house! Big project!)
2.10.2012
foto friday
Made home made play dough the other
day and it kept her attention for about 10 minutes (knew i should have
added sparkles). But it was cute to watch her play with it, and i deemed
it a success because she didn't even eat any of it.
(taken 2.6)
p.s. this is the recipe i used and it was super easy and fast to make (got it off pinterest of course)
p.s. this is the recipe i used and it was super easy and fast to make (got it off pinterest of course)
makes me happy: day 10
Fridays make me happy! Usually Paul gets off work a little earlier and our weekend begins. Fridays feel more laid back and even if we don't have any plans at all, I look forward to the weekends! TGIF!
2.09.2012
makes me happy: day 9
Had "lunch bunch" with some friends from the neighborhood today. It's so fun to get together and eat and talk. We do it once a month and i always look forward to it. I love where we live and the people we have gotten to know.
2.08.2012
makes me happy: day 8
So, today i really needed my quotes from yesterday. I knew they spoke to me! I knew they would come in handy. Let me tell you how my day went:
-woke up early to go with Paul to take my car into the shop and drop him at work.
BACKUP:
Yesterday afternoon, my car died. Luckily I was able to coast into our garage and there it sat for the night, not starting. We figured it was the alternator. Then later last night, i couldn't sleep AT ALL. How is it that my body is so tired all the time yet unwilling to shut off and got to sleep when i can? I know those two things seem unrelated but they are important to the rest of the story.
-k so "taking my car to shop" consisted of actually towing it ourselves using the truck so that we didn't have to shell out the extra $$ for the two truck to come. Wow. That was an adventure. 9:00 AM going all the way down state street to Provo from our house on possibly one of the worst roads ever #1 because of all the stop lights and #2 because there are horrible drivers on that road. You better believe i was on pins and needles as i drove with paul on speaker phone leading me every step of the way while i told him when i was breaking and going and had to stop etc. Luckily we made it there fine with no further damage to either car.
-Took paul to work then came back home to get Caitlin and I ready. Then i had to run a bunch of errands. I ended up back in Provo at Babies R Us where i was trying to return something. Apparently they have a 90 day return policy no matter what and they wouldn't take back my defective merchandise. I gave the girl some major attitude to show my displeasure then promptly left the store. When i got out to the car, i opened the driver's side door (i had the spare keys so i didn't have the keyless entry thing) and threw in my purse and the keys and things i had tried to return then i pressed the unlock button for the rest of the doors. Went around to the other side to put Caitlin in her seat and... it was locked. Yes. I had locked everything in my car, except for (thankfully) my child. awesome. So i had to call Paul, but i did not want to go back into babies r us because of my stink i had made so i went net door. Apparently next door does not allow the public to use their phone (what?!) "but you can just go right next door to Babies R Us and use theirs". Thanks. So i high tailed it back to Babies and called Paul. Unfortunately my call came at horrible timing for him and so Caitlin and I ended up being stranded in Babies R Us for about 45 minutes until Paul could get there. I was so tired and getting lightheaded chasing Caitlin through the mazes of cribs and strollers and clothes racks. Paul tried as fast as he could and ends up he had to get Mike to come pick him up so they could come get me, because of course he didn't have a car there.
-Paul got in the truck with me with the keys and we drove to Provo to check on our other car. Bad news: more than just the alternator. Nothing too serious but it's just never good to have your car in the shop anyways.
-After that i dropped Paul back at work and went home. This all happened before 2 PM today.
So now I'm at home. Caitlin is sleeping and i'm recovering. And i actually did think of something that makes me happy today: It makes me happy that i have such a good partner in life. The towing this morning took a lot of teamwork and Paul is so patient and loving and always willing to coach me through things, and i think i actually held up my end better than he expected. I am so lucky to have him by my side as we face what the rest of life brings, I know he will always be on my team and that makes me very happy.
-woke up early to go with Paul to take my car into the shop and drop him at work.
BACKUP:
Yesterday afternoon, my car died. Luckily I was able to coast into our garage and there it sat for the night, not starting. We figured it was the alternator. Then later last night, i couldn't sleep AT ALL. How is it that my body is so tired all the time yet unwilling to shut off and got to sleep when i can? I know those two things seem unrelated but they are important to the rest of the story.
-k so "taking my car to shop" consisted of actually towing it ourselves using the truck so that we didn't have to shell out the extra $$ for the two truck to come. Wow. That was an adventure. 9:00 AM going all the way down state street to Provo from our house on possibly one of the worst roads ever #1 because of all the stop lights and #2 because there are horrible drivers on that road. You better believe i was on pins and needles as i drove with paul on speaker phone leading me every step of the way while i told him when i was breaking and going and had to stop etc. Luckily we made it there fine with no further damage to either car.
-Took paul to work then came back home to get Caitlin and I ready. Then i had to run a bunch of errands. I ended up back in Provo at Babies R Us where i was trying to return something. Apparently they have a 90 day return policy no matter what and they wouldn't take back my defective merchandise. I gave the girl some major attitude to show my displeasure then promptly left the store. When i got out to the car, i opened the driver's side door (i had the spare keys so i didn't have the keyless entry thing) and threw in my purse and the keys and things i had tried to return then i pressed the unlock button for the rest of the doors. Went around to the other side to put Caitlin in her seat and... it was locked. Yes. I had locked everything in my car, except for (thankfully) my child. awesome. So i had to call Paul, but i did not want to go back into babies r us because of my stink i had made so i went net door. Apparently next door does not allow the public to use their phone (what?!) "but you can just go right next door to Babies R Us and use theirs". Thanks. So i high tailed it back to Babies and called Paul. Unfortunately my call came at horrible timing for him and so Caitlin and I ended up being stranded in Babies R Us for about 45 minutes until Paul could get there. I was so tired and getting lightheaded chasing Caitlin through the mazes of cribs and strollers and clothes racks. Paul tried as fast as he could and ends up he had to get Mike to come pick him up so they could come get me, because of course he didn't have a car there.
-Paul got in the truck with me with the keys and we drove to Provo to check on our other car. Bad news: more than just the alternator. Nothing too serious but it's just never good to have your car in the shop anyways.
-After that i dropped Paul back at work and went home. This all happened before 2 PM today.
So now I'm at home. Caitlin is sleeping and i'm recovering. And i actually did think of something that makes me happy today: It makes me happy that i have such a good partner in life. The towing this morning took a lot of teamwork and Paul is so patient and loving and always willing to coach me through things, and i think i actually held up my end better than he expected. I am so lucky to have him by my side as we face what the rest of life brings, I know he will always be on my team and that makes me very happy.
2.07.2012
makes me happy: day 7
Saw these two quotes on pinterest and it reminded me of why i'm even doing these posts:
It makes me happy when i find a quote that can say things i am thinking better than i can. I love quotes, i love finding good ones that speak to me. I feel like if i store them up and try to remember them then i'l be able to share them at the perfect time with someone. Never really happens but i still love finding good ones. And it makes me especially happy when i find it on Pinterest.
It makes me happy when i find a quote that can say things i am thinking better than i can. I love quotes, i love finding good ones that speak to me. I feel like if i store them up and try to remember them then i'l be able to share them at the perfect time with someone. Never really happens but i still love finding good ones. And it makes me especially happy when i find it on Pinterest.
2.06.2012
makes me happy: day 6
we have had a HECK of a time lately getting Caitlin to take naps. It's so weird because she has always been such a good sleeper but for about the last 5 days she has refused to take a nap. I don't know whether to blame it on a phase, teething, sickness, growth spurt... it's so hard because i don't know how to fix it and i'm hoping it goes back to normal soon because i am definitely not ready to give up nap time!!
So anyways it's been super hard (and tiring) for me the last couple of days but today.. she's napping. For now. Had to re-do our whole bedtime process and try something new but it worked. For today. That makes me happy because #1 we both still need naptime and #2 i feel a small victory as a mom. i figured out how to do it. and it worked. (...for today).
So anyways it's been super hard (and tiring) for me the last couple of days but today.. she's napping. For now. Had to re-do our whole bedtime process and try something new but it worked. For today. That makes me happy because #1 we both still need naptime and #2 i feel a small victory as a mom. i figured out how to do it. and it worked. (...for today).
2.04.2012
makes me happy: day 4
Caitlin's animal noises. She does quite the little collection of animal noises and they crack me up. She is always looking for animals everywhere we go and whenever she sees one or sees a picture of one it makes her so happy. I think her little noises are so cute and funny.
2.03.2012
makes me happy: day 3
finally just finished my most recent blog book! I like to have my
blog printed into a physical book because it's like my journal and (call
me old school) i just don't 100% trust the internet to always have it.
So i just finished compiling my 2010-2011 book and sent it off to be
printed! it was a doozy to get everything input and organized but glad
it's done and ready for safe keeping as a hard copy.
(p.s. in case anyone wants to know i use blurb.com to do it and i've been happy with them so far, i feel like their prices are decent and they let you do whatever your want to format it, just takes time)
(p.s. in case anyone wants to know i use blurb.com to do it and i've been happy with them so far, i feel like their prices are decent and they let you do whatever your want to format it, just takes time)
foto friday
on wednesday, i dropped Caitlin off at a friend's house to play while i went to my church meeting and while i was there i got this text:
haha so cute! I was cracking up. So my friend totally put her hair in curlers and by the time i was back they were ready to come out and i got to enjoy this little curly-headed cherub for the rest of the day. So precious!! (I'm totally buying sponge rollers ASAP)
"hi mom"
(taken 2.1)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
