R becoming a big sister (I hope soon!!)

R is watching Lady and the Tramp right now and just said “mommy look, puppies TIRED!!” and I said “oh yes it is” (the scene where Jim Dear and Darling are spending their first night with the puppy and Lady finally falls asleep in their bed with them instead of in the kitchen) Then Lady wakes up and R said “now STRETCH puppy, sweet dreams?” such a sweetie!

She and I have been talking about becoming a big sister a lot lately. A has been talking to her about how we still love her so much and just because the baby is going to need lots of attention doesn’t we care less about her. I decided to take the approach of being proud of her and telling her all the things she can do on her own that the baby won’t be able to and asking her what she thinks a big sister can do to help. Today’s conversation went like this:

L: What do you think the baby will do when it comes home?
R:: Crying
L: Yes, the baby will cry a lot! What can you do when the baby crys?
R: Rockabye!
L: That’s a good idea, what else can we do for the baby?
R: Babas (I am planning on nursing but A for effort here(
L: Yes, and what about pacifiers?
R: Yup, pa-fiers! and Di-Ti’s (diaper time) and wipes and toys
L: That’s a lot of good ideas! And Big Sisters can read stories and sing songs to the new baby too
R: No good, no stories for baby brothers
L: What if we have a baby sister
R: I tell princess?
L: I think the baby would LOVE to hear a princess story from you!
R: And toes!
L: You can play with baby’s toes
R: Piggy/Market?
L: YES! we can play piggy went to market with the new babies toes! Great idea!
R: Thanks!
L: Where is the baby going to sleep when it comes home?
R: Baby’s bed, daddy big/strong! (referring to when he carried it in from the garage)
L: Yes, the baby will sleep in the crib
R: Babies KiKis? (blankets)
L: We will wrap the baby up in it’s blankies, yes! and where do you sleep
R: Daddy’s bed!
L: NOOOO, We sleep in our Big Girl Bed don’t we?
R: Yeah, with mommy's special Fabric Kiki!
L: Yes with Mommy’s old quilt!

and then she went off to finish her breakfast!

so I am sure you gathered I am still cooking away here. Not happy about it to say the least. I had my membranes stripped on Monday and have been walking and imagining everything progressing but nothings really going on! I have been having irregular unpainful contractions ever since but they just won’t build up or anything. I am uncomfortable and irritable and just anxious to get this little one out and into our arms. I am trying to enjoy my last few nights of sleep, and special time with R, and get the house ready for company that’s coming on Monday assuming baby is here by then but I just want this little one OUT!!! I have one more Tum’s left and refuse to buy more….I was home with R by this point and my midwife is just as surprised that I am pregnant still as I am! I might call the office today and see if they have any ideas for me.

Other than that nothing really going on here. I wish I had more to report, projects going well, more fun R stories, more cleaning projects tackled (the house is clean but you can tell I don’t live with very tidy people!!) Really, I have nothing for you! Oh sorry the pictures are blurry, R was “rock a bye” ing her bear and giving it a bottle showing me how she can be a big helper and I couldn’t get her to hold still!

still here

I thought I posted something about this before, but here's a give away contest that's almost over but not quite....http://www.quiltqua.com/ I want to win! I LOVE those colors for Christmas stuff. And yes, A would be livid if I got more fabric in the mail but you know what, he's driving me up a wall so I will do something to annoy him too! =)


It is a little cooler today than it has been the past few days but the house's thermostat (which will only heat not cool so really is just a thermometer for the moment) says it's only 4 degrees cooler than when I went to bed last night but it feels better....can't explain it but I am in less of a bad mood because of it. Now that doesn't mean I am totally pleasant to be around, but I am less bad company than I was! Part of it may be that I slept in until 7:30 this morning...after three days of opening so being at work at 5am.


Yesterday we went to the park and had fun. I ran into an old classmate of mine who struggled through our Psychology program but was a delight to have in class. She had a 13 year old (she was in her mid 30's) and some interesting life experiences that she was able to bring to the table. R had some fun pushing A on the swing and climbing over everything. I really like this park because it has shade, benches, picnic tables, is set back from the street, is rarely crowded, and is fenced in! I know I have mentioned that before but still. It also happens to be a block or two away from the library. Great place for kids.

Today we went to the park again, but that was just to kill some time while we were downtown to see the parade. The Rodeo/Fair is in town this weekend and they had a big parade. A got upset about a little parking argument (he wasn't in a real spot but was in the shade, I wanted him to move the car, he got out I found a spot in the parking garage) so it was just R and I. It was a cute little 20-30 minute parade. R loved the horses (I wish I had a picture of them but she was too excited to let me grab my camera) She did love the funny cars by one of the local old men groups...I can't figure out who it was again but they always do funny cars and sometimes wear funny hats...you know the groups I am talking about. She did NOT like the fire trucks which surprised me. She loves to see them from the car and waves at them when walking by the fire house but I think the fact that they were a few feet away with sirens on was too much. She ended up burying her face in my chest for the end of the parade. The good thing for her was she got to get some candy that was thrown at the kids. Her first exposure to Tootsie Rolls!

Other than that just sitting here waiting for baby. I am actually really surprised and disappointed that I am not holding this little one yet, but at the same time I hope I have a few days to clean the house and rest before they decide to make their arrival. I don't know though. I was at a 2 at my last appointment and that was on the 14th. I have another one on the 27th which I both hope to and hope not to make it to. A and I are betting on 1) if I will make it (I say yes he says no) and 2) how far dilated I will be (I say a 4 or so and he says maybe a 5 or 6) We will just have to wait and see, which I am not very good at doing! I am such a planner!!!!

creepie guy!!

this might be a more appropriate post for my work blog, but since that's "private" and I really want to share this I am posting it here.

Sunday when I opened, Jimmy (I am not afraid to use his name, mostly because I know nothing else of him) was back in town. A little back story on Jimmy...he comes and goes with the wind. It has been several months since we have seen him and the place is so much nicer without him acting like he owns the place. He's harmless I am sure but has never rubbed me the right way and has bothered others before me. Anyways, so he's back in town. I was by myself on the floor while my co-worker was either getting something from the back or outside setting out the furniture. Jimmy comes up and asks for a glass of water but not in a plastic cup because he doesn't think its safe, but wants a plastic straw. Whatever.

"when is your baby due mommy?" he asks me
"about two weeks"
"you know I could deliver it for you"
"um, OK" I responded
"no really, I know how to do it."
"that's interesting, thanks for sharing"
"You'd let me wouldn't you?" by now I am uncomfortable but holding myself together.
"I don't know."
"if it was an emergency, You'd have me do it. I know you would."
"well, you know my husbands not too far from here, I think I'd call him if it was an emergency."
"but if it was you die or I deliver, what would you choose?"
"you know, That's a tough one, I just don't know" (the answer really is "get the h.e. double hockey sticks away from me you pervert" but I can't say that!) Thank goodness another customer came in and he went to sit down but still!!

This guy now calls me mommy, and will say mommy, mommy, mommy, mommy until I give him attention. Something not even R does. I am extraordinarily uncomfortable around him and dread when I am the one who has to deal with him, but at the same time my upbringing plus my professionalism keeps me there with a smile on my face serving him and praying he doesn't do something like this to any of our customers. I am SO glad tomorrow is my last day, but I don't know when he will blow out of town again and hope its soon and/or that I don't run into him when I go into the store on my maternity leave, especially not when I am there alone with the kids.


in other news, I was supposed to have a drs appointment today but I had to reschedule because I didn't get off work in time to go (I scheduled it before I knew my work schedule) and my midwife is double booked all week. Monday is when I go in if I am still pregnant then. I sort of hope I am not but at the same time I hope I am...but I just hate waiting for labor to start. I am not looking forward to it by any means but I am not enjoying the anxiety not knowing when or where I will go into labor. With R I thought I had weeks to go and boom there she was this time I am expecting it early, or at least prepared for that chance and feel like it's going to happen any moment so I am scared to let my guard down and relax. Not to mention I can't wait to hold this little one.

reconnected! HORRAY!!!

I am back and reconnected! We got our check for rent from the house A owns 1/3 of (his grandfathers, who passed away and we have been unable to sell it thus far). I didn't think we'd get it till mid to late next month so that was really nice!! I would have loved to spend that on something for the kids or ourselves but first things first. A's job is going well and he's looking for a second job but in the mean time I think we are out of the "danger" zone.

We got the crib together today. the paint job is less than perfect. Note to self, next time I want to do an artsy (painting a crib?) project....just do it myself! I love A to death but he's not patient and he rushes things. Not to mention all the nagging I had to do just to get it done. I hate nagging!!! I wanted the crib to be in the room at an angle, I am not a square person, but it just doesn't work well that way and I don't want to move the bookshelf and the toy chest again, nor do I want the crib up by the windows so oh well. A's happy about that. I still need to get some pink/green plush blankets like I have on the side for the boy, I am waiting though in case someone gets one or two off the registry (target...Lisa from Montana) or I'll get one from Walmart that's sweet too.

I have a picture of the kids room here too for you. I did not make the curtains, I want to but I don't want to stay here much longer and would rather make curtains for our new place. These arent bad for now though. In the picture you can see the crib in the bottom left corner, then R's Audi from Uncle B and Aunt K, her toy chest full of bears (I want to get one for this baby too and put either dress up in it or balls and trucks depending on the gender here....maybe for Christmas) R's bookshelf, her "baby" bed, then the Big Girl Bed!!! I wish you could see the wall too, above the pillow is her name, and on the side of her bed is a quilt and needlepoint. the needlepoint was made for me, and the quilt for her. Sometime I will have to get pictures of them for you all but I think this is already a picture happy post so I will let it go for now.

In project news, I started cutting out the fabric for one of my dresses, just the lining so far. Then I decided my belly was too big to be on my hands and knees trying to cut fabric out so I gave up temporarily. I was so excited to make it, but oh well. Belly won't be here forever and the fabrics not going anywhere =)

I finished the needlepoint finally. Actually I finished it the night the cable/phone/Internet went out but it's really done now!! I just need to frame it, which can wait a while. R did spill some Root Beer on it but instead of worrying about cleaning it I will remember how interested she was in what I was doing and couldn't keep her hands off of it. I enjoyed the project so much that I even snuck out of the house and bought a new kit to make one of those "memory/birth record" needle points. This one I am doing for R since I never did and I don't know what this baby will be or anything but I probably will make one for them next. When I was at the store, I went to Walmart and got the baby books...I like the girls one but the boys one...the only one I could find in town is cute, but not cars. We need cars!! I got it anyways because very baby should have a book and how else will I get those first feet prints, but I secretly am hoping I don't have to use it and can keep my eyes out for a "better" one.

While I was gone, A and R were sleeping....when I got home, guess who was in the yard talking to the neighbors dog? Not A, he was sound asleep. So I asked her how she got out of the house, and she showed me how she opened the side door from the kitchen even though it was chained shut, squeezed in head first, and pop, through she went. I woke A up to tell him and he said "what?" rolled over and went back to bed. Thank goodness the dog was there to distract her, and she doesn't know how to open gates. The garage was open and I found evidence of her trying to ride her bike by herself but she doesn't know how to peddle yet. This picture was taken the same day.....when I was in the shower, she got the red food dye out and decided it would make good lipstick. Goodness this girl is trouble now but so much fun too!!

I used a new thread to quilt the top of a baby blanket I made for a little girl. I have a few friends who just found out in the last month or so that they are pregnant and so I am sure one of them will have a girl. I like it for myself but it doesn't go with the colors in the kids room, plus I have plans for a girl and more plans for a boy already. The thread was Silky's Holoshimmer and it was a little challenging to work with. I later read they don't recommend it for bobbins but I did it...you just have to go slower and at a consistent pace. I really like it though. pink and sparklie!! (sorry about the blurry I was trying so hard to get the thread to show its shimmer....I'll give you a picture of the whole thing once I get it bound)

quick update

still pregnant...midwide says at least another week, but I am sitting around a 2 right now. Hopeing to make it through my schedualed shifts at least!

My internet is down for a few weeks...yeah my bills late my fault but rent, gas, food, and water have to come before the other bills. A has his job now so I think by the time I am done with my leave (which I do get 6 weeks of pay for and am using vacation time to make it 8 total) we will be caught up or close to. I just miss blogging and reading everyones stuff. I am at the library right now with R and shes getting a little restless, so I can't post all the things I ahve been working on, plus I can't post pictures so oh well and I can't get caught up on anything but I might stop by after work on Friday

boring rant for you

Today I have the day off, it’s been a long four or five days that I’ve worked, mostly because I have been with or handed a floor by one of the most challenging people in the store to work with and so I had my work cut out for me. One day we worked together for 4 hours and he said “wow! I can’t believe how much you got done!” and I said “yeah” but wanted to say “uh….yeah how do you NOT get this much done?” oh well, I am worn out and glad I have the day off but it stinks because I feel like crud. I feel nauseous and achy…not contraction-ish but just gross. All I want to do is sleep or lie on the couch but I have too much to do.

somehow A’s mom found out our home phone number. This is why we don’t have voicemail set up, so if she ever did call she wouldn’t know it’s us. She’s called two times and had his sister call once in case we’d answer. We haven't, nor have we mentioned anything to them that we got their calls but seriously? Who gave her our number? We’ve had it since Dec 2005!! If we wanted her to have the number we would have given it to her. She’s (and the cost of them) the reason we gave up cell phones. A gave her his number after almost a year because he felt he should just in case and said that she can only call in either an emergency and no more than twice a week. She would call him five or six times a day. Not to mention all the times she stopped, and still does stop by the house, unannounced, uninvited. We never gave her our address, she just found us. I guess we do have two fairly distinctive cars. She tells everyone, and the whole family thinks I hate her but that’s not the case. A and she have such a bad, unhealthy, relationship (shes verbally and emotionally abusive with manipulation being the icing on her cake) that I refuse to have one with her until they mend theres. She has put me in the middle, or tried to at least, one too many times. I have told her this, I have also told her, and A has told her that HE is the one who doesn’t want R around her. He doesn’t want her to hurt R like he has been hurt and has seen it. I don’t want R around the two of them because that is a very destructive model to see and she should never see her father torn down like he is when around his mom. She should think her dad is a superhero and the best person in the world as long as possible. I am the bad guy though because I took him away from her. I don’t mind that they think that of me, I wish A could stand up for R and I but he can’t even stand up for himself, nor could his dad. I am so glad he has R and I, and my parents who while they don’t understand his troubles in the job world, are supportive, kind, patient, and do want whats best for him (and of course for R and I!) They have understood many of A and my battles are tied into his childhood and his controlled and manipulated life until he met me and moved out.

A’s best friend is back in town and it’s been wonderful! This friend has a troubled past but is making the best of it he can and is working hard to overcome his own demons while able to love like no one else! A is not good at writing letters or anything so it was always strange for me to write this friend in their time of need but I did, and I think that is what kept the two of them as close as they are. I’d understand the hurt this friend must have felt when they needed friends and support and had many turn their backs on him. It’s amazing what cards and letters can do. In this day and age we forget about them too often!

A did get a job! He is cleaning a bar after it closes and he’s the only one they have to do it right now. They’ve tried to hire someone else but twice the people don’t show. Cleaning a bar is not a glamorous job but it’s something! A is so grateful and while he hates working the hours (2:30-8:30 ish) seven days a week he is so glad to have something. I am glad to have the bed all to myself until R joins me sometime around 4am. Sounds selfish but A is a twitcher, clicker, snorer and unless I am over exhausted I con’t sleep well with him in a bed with me. How did we sleep in a twin when we first moved in together? and I was pregnant then too!! Thank goodness we have a queen now thanks to my parents, but I like the bed to myself =)

My plans for the rest of the day:
enjoy the storm outside now that I rolled up the car windows
go to Target when R gets up from her “rest”
do some sewing in the evening
watch The Secret Life of The American Teenager and Army Wives
Fold Laundry

All I can say is I am glad I got R down for her rest before the storm hit and decided to put her down before Target so we aren’t scrambling in the rain! and hail the size of silver dollars!!

bragging and boasting

Today was a mostly unproductive day. I again had the day off so I wanted to run some errands and let A rest a little bit, hes just switching to a new job (that’s right he finally has a job!) and is working 2:30am to whenever and so R and I left him alone. We went to the fabric store. I scored! Actually, my aunt sent me some money to buy batting, I got it on sale. I got some other goodies for myself too! I got 2 yards of lining for my dress, two yards of white tone on tone for my Leaders/Enders/Scrap quilt (I will order a bolt when I get my taxes back but shhh don’t tell A!) some thread for finishing a quilt top, two zippers and a set of hook and eyes, and some new black thread for the needlepoint since R got it all tangled.

After the fabric store we went to the park, had fun! We have a bunch of parks in town but only one is really one I like to take R to, it has shade, benches, is fenced in, and is age appropriate. It also happens to be behind the library so we played for about an hour and made it in time for Story Time! R picked out a book about tools (yes, my lovely daughter found a tool book!) and I got a Catherine Coulter book. I haven’t read one of her books in a while.

We came home, had lunch (“sauce” and PB&J cut to look like gingerbread men…the only way I can get her to eat a sandwich!) cleaned up the living room a little bit and shes taking her rest now, so I am going through my loot!

The dress pattern I got says it’s easy (I am making the one on the left that you can‘t see too well). I saw it on a mannequin at JoAnn's I want to say either last summer or the summer before…I have had problems finding what I want for it. The thing I am slightly concerned about for following this pattern other than I have never finished a clothing pattern, I am a quilter for Pete's sakes! (the aprons are my first attempt to follow a pattern and I had to set those aside I got so confused!) is that the material I chose is eyelet fabric (I think that’s what its called) so I need either a slip dress which would be a pain to find, or I need to make a lining for the dresses, which I decided to go for. The pattern doesn’t include lining for this dress but has something like it on one of the other two dresses so I was thinking I could cheat and read those instructions or I can try to wing it. I did have a slight fabric problem in that I can’t find lining for either the pink or the blue but decided it doesn’t have to be a perfect match so I have light pink and white. I also have only found the ribbon for the blue dress. the pink is a slightly off/dusty pink and I want pink and green for the ribbon, or pink and cream but have not found any here. I need to go to stores with bigger selection. I am going to work on these dresses as soon as my Shop Hop blocks are done. I still have no idea what to do with them.

The block lotto I want to join just posted the block for this month. It’s cute! I actually have pulled some fabrics and can’t wait to get started on these blocks. the only concern I have is I have never used a template before. I guess this is my summer of “I have never before…” but when else should I learn? You can do up to nine blocks for the lotto for nine chances to win, and I have seven fabrics I found from my stash that I want to use. I might try to find two more in there but these are all my darks in blue and red, the rest are fairly light and I don’t want them to get lost against the cream tone on tone.

　
You can stop reading now or continue on with random blabbing and bragging!


I thought it would be nice to share all the info about the goodies I got from C. I can give you little reviews as I use them. I know some of you will have the green eyed monster come out with all the treats I got, and yes I am bragging, but I feel such a generous gift needs true appreciation and, well we all know I am a little blog obsessed-I keep coming up with reasons to post things =)


Here is what I got in no order(stars denote usage so far):

America’s Most Wanted Recipes: Delicious Recipes From Your Family’s Favorite Restaurants
Belli Pregnancy Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen
Belli Pregnancy Skin Smoothing Body Exfoliator
Bubbly: Shampoo, Shower Jell & Bubble Bath
China Glaze Rodeo Diva Live In Color nail polish 6 pack
Cover Girl True Blends Micro Mineral Bronzer
Cover Girl True Blends Micro Minerals Blush
Dashing Diva Petal Pushing Petunia Nail Polish
Dex New York Lip Gloss
Dex New York Luminescent Powder
EOS (Evolution Of Smooth) Shave Cream
Lisa Hoffman Spa Shower Daily Shower Care kit
Lisa Hoffman Spa Bath Daily Bath Care kit
Noodle and Boo Glowology Sugar Mama Honey Scrub*
Paul and Joe Nail Protectant Coat
Read My Lips the Balm
Sally Hershberger Conditioner*
Sally Hershberger Shampoo*
Schick Intuition Razor
Secret Fresh Effects Cucumber Aloe deodorant*

So far I have looked through the cookbook…some good stuff in there! I have not made anything yet but looking forward to some of them!

I used the shampoo and conditioner. I like the way my hair feels but I have such healthy happy hair to begin with it usually agrees with anything I use. The conditioner (not the shampoo for some reason) reminded me of my Nana, a nice comforting smell. I know you are thinking, “Your Nana? Old lady smell?” No, Nana to this day does not smell like “old lady” She and Pop-Pop and their house smell wonderful!

The sugar honey scrub felt so good. It didn’t smell like I thought it would but felt so so good both while I was rubbing it on and after it was rinsed off!! I will be sad when this runs out, hopefully I will be able to get more here! If not I will be calling C up with orders for it! I recommend this to anyone who wants soft skin and a little exfoliation without the harsh after effects I have had from some scrubs. No dry sore skin!


As for the deodorant, I have very sensitive skin and this didn’t irritate it but I only have one day of wear to judge by. The smell was more pleasant than others I have used before. What can you say about deodorant?



*UPDATE* I made seven sweet soldiers today. They actually were easier than I thought they'd be but I think if I were to make them for myself...I'd make them bigger! The smallest piece was 1" square...I am not a perfect patient person right now so it was a little extra challenging. I wish I had made their shoulders line up better,I might seam rip the bad bad ones but I am so not good at that and might make it worse in the end.

treats and projects

I received a special care package in the mail yesterday! It is from my high school friend C. She and I mostly lost touch but were able to see updates on Facebook (have I ever mentioned how addicted to facebook I am?) but other than that, not too much communication, like most of my HS friends. She saw my blog and that I am expecting and sent me a yummy yummy goodie box! All for ME! R thinks the flower pen is hers but nope! Now C has her own blog too, but its a REAL blog not a little dinky thing...so go check it out. When A got the mail and saw the package and felt how heavy it was he called me at work. I had to reassure him there was no fabric in it! He just doesn't get the need for a stash or that you can't just use what you have up, some things are too special, some things don't go together. Oh men!

June is up I guess, I worked hard last night to finish my needlepoint, I fell a little short thanks to some pregnancy related discomfort...the only position I was able to relax at all in had my right arm way over my head...not conductive to doing needlepoint. I have the rest of the white to do and then some outlining. Maybe today I can get to it in time to submit it really finished to the Challenge photo album. Other than that I have not finished anything really. Hopefully next month I can make some more progress. I think my goal for next month is to finish the Shop Hop blocks and start on a dress. I just need to figure out if I am going to be a 6 or an 8 after baby is born...With R I was a 4 but really a 6 (thanks to my chest and legs) before I got pregnant and was a solid 6 with an 8 bust after nursing. A wants to get into shape which neither of us was inclined to do after R so maybe I will try a 6 and adjust the bust =) oh the things we put our bodies through to have children. (I know you have seen the blocks already but I took a picture of them all for the Challenge so I wanted to share that one here too!)

I stumbled upon a block lotto that I just wanted to share with you all! I really wanted to do it this month but the theme was 1930's repro (don't own ANY! and wasn't willing to go hunt some down since I don't love it right now) and you choose your own pattern...many of the other months are patterns that you follow and good for beginners to learn how to make some popular blocks. I am looking forward to what the new block for next month is so I can hopefully join in. Maybe even win! I actually found this lotto when I was looking for the Poesy block that I got information about but haven't even tried to tackle yet. I need to get EQ! So on my Christmas List! Anyways, I found a block I am also really excited about! It's a double four patch. I am planning on using it along with a Montana Quilt Shop Owner's set of instructions for beginners this summer. I am a little behind, she's done cutting and has done sew one and I have not even bought my fabric yet but hopefully soon I can!

Another thing I wanted to share with you is a fabric give away! that's right folks...I stumbled upon another one! I want to keep this one to myself but because the rules make me share information about it I am sharing it! You can catch it over at http://www.quiltqua.com/ I so want it! I will admit if I get any more fabric in the mail A's head might explode =)

Tomorrow: painting the crib progress, buying baby stuff, and maybe some sewing, definitely cleaning is on the agenda...maybe will share a post, might have to wait one more day.

A and R's Special Day

This is sort of a Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure story here....A and R had a wonderful day together, and I have peace and quiet! What a treat. I kept debating taking a nap or just enjoying the stillness of the house. I sat down to watch some TV while the dryer finished and fell asleep. And proceeded to sleep from 3-8:30 pm! believe it or not, at 11:14 I went back to bed!

so what did A and R do?

They woke up in bed together (A went to bed when I went to work at 5am...he had been sleeping on the couch because she was in bed with me but traded me spots) at 9:30! Then they had breakfast and played together. They did some dishes. They watched Sponge Bob, which I don't allow so it's a special daddy treat.

The highlight though was going to the Air Show! They watched the Thunderbirds do their show! R said when she got home "mommy! I see airplane! Up in the sky! I scared! Too loud!" so sweet how excited she was about it all. She told me all about it at least four or five times.

When they came home, they saw that I was sleeping on the couch and went and played in R's play house. I will have to post some pictures of her in it sometime but for now know there's a story coming your way!

Another cute R story is that on Friday we went for a walk downtown. As we were walking by some stairs, a gentleman was walking down with his bike on his shoulder. R said "Oh! I like your bike!" and he chuckled a bit and said "Thank you" R walked on a bit, stopped, turned around and said "Welcome!!" Such a sweet silly girl! (These pictures were taken the same day after our walk at a local park.)

I know I have more to share, this post has taken me three tries to get though! I have the next two days off together, thank goodness I have worked the past 4 or 5 which is usually no biggie but 8 months pregnant and with 3 of those shifts being 8 hours on my feet during a rather busy weekend I just don't have the oomph to do anything! Tomorrow is R's first dentist appointment! I was supposed to have one on Friday but Thursday night I overdid it and had BH contractions all night every 5-10 minutes, barely slept (just couldn't get comfy) and had a few REAL contractions...nothing to call the doc about but the stress and position in the dental chair, I just couldn't do it!

Alright, I will have more to share tomorrow or Weds! More baby/quilting/fun stuff for you!

I am almost done with my cross stitch!! I need to finish the yellow, do white, dark red, and then the black outlining and finishing the words. This is only the second cross stitch I have finished (assuming I actually get there!) The first is hanging in my moms kitchen. I have started a bunch of projects but I keep loosing needles, or losing the threads or making silly mistakes and ending up tossing it. I am so glad I chose this for the Challenge. I want to go get another kit and work on another one but my local JoAnn's and Ben Franklin don't have good selections. I will have to wait until I go to Great Falls, Bozeman, or Missoula to hit up a Michaels. I am itching to get out of town so hopefully sometime soon, or shortly after baby is born.

A and I were working on painting the crib we got from his mom for R. I hated it since he opened the box...the nasty yellow/honey/oak color. Fortunately A agreed with me that it isn't pretty. He said spray paint would work best, and I being the novice painter that I am went out and bought a few bottles of it in white....well it didn't work out well. Great solid effort, but A is not an even spray painter and he wouldn't let me try because he worried about the fumes. Sweet isn't he? on Tip Day Tuesday I am going to go to a hardware store and ask someone in the paint department to help me get some white paint (do I need primer if there's a layer of spray paint that is there but not even? or just a few coats?) a roller, a tray thingie, and a brush or two...I think the foam brushes would give us the best consistent stroke on the bars but A thinks a brush brush would work...hopefully we can get it done Tues and Weds maybe even put back together.

While I have a list of things I want to get for the baby before it comes the really important stuff to me are:

coming home outfits (check)

diapers (a few, but they'll last us one to two days)

car seat (check, thanks mom!)

crib (well...um....)

receiving blankets (check for girl, a few for boy but need some more since they love that swaddling thing)
nipple cream (TMI but check!)

crib sheets (I have a few, I'd like more but for the first few months we're good)

I went in search of the pattern for Log Cabin Roses as few days ago but came up short with what I really wanted to see. I think I am going to put EQ6? on my Christmas wish list and see what all they have. I really enjoy trying to come up with my own patterns for quilts and think that would give me a nice edge. I did find the pattern to a Log Cabin Christmas Tree quilt that looks like fun! I think the original is a small wall hanging but I insist everything in my house is useable. Ok, A insists too, he doesn't want me to "cover the walls with quilts" so I think I will modify it as needed to make it something I can cuddle under.

a side of me you may never have known

This post has no pictures, and really, might boar you, so don't feel obligated to read it, but if you do you might just learn a few things about me you wouldn't have imagined:

When I dream about my future house, I imagine three or four bedrooms. One for A and I, one for the kids, and a guest room. Now if I have boy/girl children then of course at some point they will need their own rooms. I think children should have to share a room for a little while. While I had my own room growing up and felt so special because of it I did share a room with my brother for a while. I remember clearly the night I decided I was done! I was 9 or so and my brother was 4. We were sharing a bunk bed with these quilts that matched...red and blue sailboats on white. I liked those quilts a lot! I think mom bought them, she was a quilter at the time but not great yet. Well one night he was coughing all night long. I was tired but kept waking up to him. All of a sudden he started crying and crying. Mom came in and I said "That's it! I can't sleep with B anymore!" B had had a nightmare so after mom consoled him she helped me clear the bed in the guest room and that was my room from then on.

My brother has grown into a wonderful young man. He is so smart, and funny. I wish I lived closer to him so I could spend more time with him than I get to but at the same time before I went to college we wanted to kill each other! He is 5 1/2 years younger than me and a pest. But he's my baby brother pest and I love him. This week he is off at a racing school where he won a 1/2 off tuition for one week because of something, I want to say it was IROE (I will get to what that is here soon) but I can't remember for sure. My brother has been racing for one or two seasons now. He races with SCCA and is apparently good. I have not been able to watch him race but I have seen pictures thanks to his lovely girlfriend, and facebook. He also is doing something with his school and cars, I think he's trying to get his degree in Mechanical Engenering and wants to do somethign with cars.

Now where did this love of cars come from? Dad. While I got my love of fabric and quilting from Mom, B got his love of cars and speed from Dad. My dad always loved cars, racing, speed, all the stuff that comes from a high risk sport. He grew up in Seattle and LOVED SeaFair and the Hydroplane races. He now is a very active member of The Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum and owns three of his own boats and is a happy little Seattle boy. We exhabition the boats, mostly the 1980 Miss Bud but its still fun.

Growing up though before he was able to get into the hydros he loved cars. We spent weekends when he was a turn worker for SCCA and for SOVREN (I will get to them soon too!) at home without him until mom looked into what she could do. I learned Timing and Scoring for both organazations as a youngster and learned "track etiquite" It's a little gruff but still respectable. I learned respect for the cars, for the ways of track life, how ot talk with much older men, how to hold a conversation with wealthy individuals as well as those who have less than me, a little bit about life and death, and most importantly, I learned respect for my dad and who he was. I learned a lot on the tracks, most my weekends were spent there from March through October.

When I was away at summer camp one summer, I think between 5th and 6th grade, my dad bought a 1963 split window Stingray Corvette. White with red, number 14. the following race season he started racing. Since he had already put in a lot of time as a turn worker he was ahead of all the other "novices" and was gung ho about racing. Over the next few years we went all over the place, mostly throughout Washington and Oregon but we also went to Elkhart Lake WI, Steamboat Springs, CO, Monteray CA, and a few other places.

The one event I always looked forward to, and never missed from the time I was 10 or so be it as a volunteer, an observer, or as the daughter of a racer has been the Pacific Northwest Hisoric Races by SOVREN (Society of Vintage Race ENthusiests). I have not made it the last three years, or all of R's life. I really wanted to go out there this year, I was going to do the Quilt Shop Hop with my mom, and then stay a few days and do nothing, then we'd go to the races. Well, baby had other plans. A and I are really hoping to go next year, take the kids. I want to go to SeaFair too, but these races are more important to me, especially since all the procedes go to Childrens Hospital and Regonal Medical Center. A place that saved my dads life when he was a little boy.

So back to that IROE thing...International Race of Executives. Interested individuals pay huge amounts to learn how to race with pro drivers. Someone backed out at the last minute last year so my brother took their spot and was apparently really good. I wish I could go see him race. I wish I could let my kids learn the lessons life on the track can teach you.

latest progress

Either I have been avoiding something (housework perhaps) or I have been inspired because not only this week have I finished those blocks for the JoAnn's Lavender Mist BOTM (again minus the four applique blocks) but I have been working on my Shop Hop quilt that I am using as part of my Because I Matter Challenge. I still don't know what exactly I am going to do with this quilt, or the blocks but I am having so much fun making them! I did four (OK eight but I will get to that in a minute) today alone!!

This first one here is my least favorite for the moment, I don't like how the yellow corner stones match up with the cream background but just wait! There will be stitching/embroidery all around the outside so that it has more pizazz. I have never done that to a quilt before but am less intimidated by that than I am applique! I actually think it will be kind of neat to do!

So why on earth am I making two of everything? Especially since I am not changing much (my last two blocks have variations but go with me here) Well, since I did the shop hop with mom, and I kept all our stuff together, I have it all. When I e-mailed mom and asked her if she wanted me to mail her the fabrics or just set it aside for when she comes she told me to just use it myself! So I am making two of everything! I don't know if I will put both of each blocks into a little lap quilt for me, or if I will put one of each in a quilt and make a pillow or something with my favorites....I just like giving myself options!

I have these blocks in order of "easiest to hardest" in my eyes so while I quickly sewed up these four blocks I don't anticipate all of them going this quickly! I am still having a blast though! I am so glad I challenged myself to make these!

My favorite block so far is the last set of two pictured here. The shop just called it a "tulip block" but I think a better name for it would be "log cabin tulip" I set these instructions aside I love the block so much! I imagine either a quilt of these or mixing them with a block I have heard of but have not yet seen (and have not gone looking for yet; I've been too busy sewing today!): The Log Cabin Rose! OHhhhh AHhhhh I hear you out there!

I have also been working on my cross stitch for the Challenge and have made some progress on that. I do it more in the evenings when waiting for R to settle down. She likes to sit on my lap more often then not when I am sewing and gets all excited. I also have been working on it while waiting for her to actually fall asleep so she doesn't come out asking to sew with me. I have three colors done totally and five to go not counting the black which will do outlining with. I would post a picture for you here but I want to wait until it's a little further along, maybe one or two more colors from now. I don't know if it will be done by the end of the month but it will be by next month! Horray!! Then I will have to work on my scrapbook of quilts. I need to develop pictures before I move on with that one! I have so many now that I have a camera, YIPPEEE!!

I have a cute little anecdotal R story for you here. I e-mailed my mom with this one and she passed it onto two of her friends, the two I went on the shop hop with. About a week ago R was throwing a fit and I had to do laundry so I left her in the kitchen and went to move the laundry...she followed me fit and all and asked to sit on the dryer and look at the fabric. I plopped her on the dryer, she sat and stared for a while and calmed down. Now whenever she gets really worked up she says "mommy, I need fabric!" so we go in the laundry room and look at the fabric and take deep breaths. Silly girl!

The silly girl also doesn't want to go potty on the potty chair yet, but she will change her own diaper. She is in pull ups so she rips the sides, throws the pull up away and then will either ask us to wipe (for poopies) or do it herself (soggies) put a new one on and run off happily ever after. She's been doing this for about two weeks now. Does she want to sit on the potty? "No good!" Yesterday, and every time A or I have gone into the bathroom since she has asked to watch. Um...OK, your turn? "No good!" I hope we are moving in the direction of potty training but with so much about to change for her I don't want to force too much at once. I am just glad our night night routine is getting her down each night. Next: staying down all night!!


I have some belly shots to share with you! I know I just posted a bunch not too long ago but hey, the end is when the belly gets big and fun to look at! The only down side to these pictures is you can't really tell that I am all out front. I have some side padding but nothing like I did with R. I look and feel huge and have 5-6 more weeks of growing, but it's so worth it and if this baby would move their darn feet and knees out from one side of my ribs I'd be very happy!

A has been teasing me more and more about what the baby will be. He keeps saying "she" but then he also keeps saying things that are very boy gender specific...I am trying to come up with a good example for you but am falling short. Sorry folks.

I have done a lot of laundry today, all the clothes, my sheets and comforter, all the new baby things I have (not much, just a few sheets, boys onesies, recieving blankets) and I folded up all R's old stuff with the new so its all organized for when we get home. I need so much stuff still! I hope I get a shower but I am not holding my breath. If any of you are interested I am registered at Target =) Lisa in Montana due Aug 1st!! Yeah, I didn't think you were interested but I thought I'd throw it out there hehe! I hope my mom gets some stuff like she did for R when she comes out. Oh I am so glad shes comming! That way I can give R some special attention and not worry about the baby for a little bit and maybe she and MeMa can go do somethign special and give ME some quiet time!

I will let you get on with your evenings now...I hope you don't mind my posting like a mad woman this week...I guess the writing bug has got me! Plus I look forward to reading posts myself and reading all your comments. I think I need to get out more!! =)

my machine

I stole this from Ann's blog, I thought it was cool and a nice way to honor the machine that gives me such joy!
What brand and model do you have & how long have you had it?
I have a Pfaff Varimatic 6091. My mom bought it when I was in 6th grade (1996) I think and then she bought a newer one when I was in college. My junior year we knew I would not be comming home for Thanksgiving break so she gave me some money to buy some fabric and sent me back to school after my fall break with the machine and it's been mine ever since. Let me do some math here: 5 years!!
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
I have no idea!!! but its worth it's weight in gold to me!
How much do you sew?
not enough! I am actually just really gettign into it. I wonder if that's because R's old enough to entertain herself or if the quilting bug has really bitten me and gotten into my blood. I guess we will see when #2 arrives
How much wear and tear does the machine get?
more than it deserves! between not having a place to take it in town (90 miles away is a pfaff shop and the two in town only will deal with their own types, bernina or jerome) and I don't think my mom ever had it serviced. R likes to play with it and sometimes I leave the threads in and she jams it up! (this picture is what I pulled out one time very recently when R was "sewing" without any fabric in the machine when I was at work one day. She was in timeout until I got all the threads out. took tweezers, an exacto-knife, a pin, and a lot of tears!
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love my machine because it's mine and it does what I need and want it to do. I wish my mom knew where the owners manual was. I am sure some day she will find it. I think they are going to do some mass remodeling when my brother moves out and take our rooms and make it one big sewing room for mom. Chances are when she moves her quilting stuff from the "storage room" into her sewing suite we'll find it. I just hope I am there to help her move the things so I can raid the stashes too! fabric and mags and books and threads and....25 plus years of quilting for her to my five!
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
I can sew forward and backwards....I really don't know enough about my poor machine!
Do you have a great story to share about your machine?
not yet! I am sure someday the machine and I will go on an adventure or two!
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
if I can use it, anyone can, so YES! But if you want more bells and whistles no. This is a bottom of the line model. Perfect for me for now though!
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
I haven't had to look for a new one but something that feels right to use. you don't buy a car without a test drive, why would you buy a sewing machine? Also think about what features you really will use vs. what is cool. One of mom's friends wanted one model and ended up with another because it had more features but she doesn't use them and actually doenst like the new machine because it is not very user friendly for her needs.
Do you have a dream machine?
No, but I wouldn't mind something that was all mine, not just a hand me down. I have hopes that if R stays interested in quilting, I will either pass this one onto her or buy her a basic machine, maybe when she's 15. (13=pierced ears! if she wants them!) I would do that for any daughter. Every woman needs a sewing machine for SOMETHING at some point right?

Beware, I will be posting somethign else this evening. I have the day off, took new belly shots, made some blocks for my shop hop quilt, have a funny R story to share...and maybe will do some cleaning. I have lots to share =)

baby finds

I realise this is getting a little silly now, three posts in three days! I was actually going to write last nights as a really really long one, but changed my mind when I started getting tired! Plus baby and quilts, while those are my two current obsessions, they don't HAVE to go together. I am writing this while waiting for the iron to warm up so I can work on my Shop Hop quilt (I am workign on 2005 the site is for 2009 but you get the idea) Oh while I am thinking of it, I have one piece of fabric that's oh probibly two or two and a half yards and is WRINKLED!!! It looks like it was on the bolt wrinklesd, cut wrinkled, and then of course because I was not yet really a quilter, I just wanted to be with my mom and her friends I stored it wrinkled....so 4 years in a box (and I think on the bottom of the box if I remember my unpackign correctly) anyone have any tricks for getting those out? I don't think ironing will do it, or at least not easily. I am not pre-washing my fabrics here (I usually do but I have so many small small pieces!) should I throw it in the dryer and "fluff dry" it? set it outside on the line to let the wind blow it a little and give it some space to "breath" and move? just suck it up and iron?

ok, so onto the real stuff:

I have been looking all over town for a little boy coming home outfit. I don't know why I do this,

but I have been insisting on getting somethign special to come home from the hospital in. I know we have onesies and thats all they really need, but I finally found one for $10 at K-mart. This was only my second time in K-mart here in town, the first was not too pleasant but we had a gift card so we went and bought stuff for R when she was a few weeks old. Anyhoo, I got this cute little thing for if it's a boy. I have a picture of the girls up somewhere on here. I still feel tottaly not ready for this baby but getting closer and closer (which is good because the baby is getting closer right?) I have a list of things I want to get before the baby gets here and quite the list of things I need to buy before going to the hospital. Thank goodness we got a carseat last week!

The other thing I have been looking for EVERYWHERE in town are birth announcements. Target, Wal-mart, ShopKo, the drug stores, the grocery stores, Halmark etc. K-mart had them! Mind you I could have found them elsewhere if I wanted to type the info and figure out how to print them with my printer but thats no fun! I remember when R was resting and I couldn't sleep I filled a few out in the hospital room. Not that I really want to give myself chores for the hospital but some of the times can be rather dull and you can't always sleep there! I am not madly in love with these like I was with R's but A said they were gender neutral enough for him so they were a go! I hope 20 is enough....I might go back and buy another pack.

Other than packing R a suitcase, A and I a suitcase and the baby a bag for the hospital, I only have one other major thing on my to-do list before baby. I am DYING to paint the crib. I hate the honey color that A's mom got us (I actually told her not to get us this model, this color, or something else....but whatever she doesnt respect or listen to me so eh!) for R. A and I are going to do it the week after next and then get it all ready. We will put a green sheet on it and wait for the bumpers and the crib ruffle until we know (or rather I know) what the baby is. We do have names though....H Anne for a girl and W John for a boy =) I hope for the girl, I like the name a little better hehehe!

Quilting news

I haven't done much lately. I have done a fair share of cleaning and what not but not sewing. The reason being not that I am nesting (I actually don't care if the house is clean for baby but I know my mom will be coming to help out and I don't want to feel like I have to do more than pick up for her) but rather I don't want to unplug the sewing machine to plug in the iron to undo it all again. BLAH!!! I COULD go get an extension cord, or more appropriately for the space, one of those things that turns one socket into three but...I don't know, I just don't know!!

Anyways, here is what I got from that wonderful give away by Itching2bStitching. A actually opened the package for me....he got the mail and opened it. I don't know why, it had my name on it. When he pulled the fabric out he said "WHAT!!! MORE FABRIC?" Yes honey, remember I told you I won some in a give away! this is it, and it's MINE so get your hands off. so he threw it down on my desk and walked outside to play with R. It is five fat quarters and two charm packs. I tried to fan out the charm packs so you can see what all is in it. Oh I loved touching it all and I have a few favorite pieces in both packs. I meant to take a picture of just the favorites but I already felt a little camera happy so decided against it.

I have probably mentioned before that I don't know how to applique. My mom always said she tried once and didn't like it, so she never did it again. I just assumed if my brilliant (she has TWO masters and was on the deans list the whole time for both while raising two children and teaching full time) mother can't do it, then I sure as heck can't either. I never look at patterns that have applique in them. I have found some good information on the web and it seems like I can do it but I am still quite intimidated. I wish I had someone who could come over and help me out for a few hours and teach me how to do it. As much as I am a self-taught quilter, I'd like a little demo or at least some guidance. I am a kinistetic learner!!

Here are the 8 blocks I do have done. They are not laid out in any order but they are here for you to enjoy. My favorite fabrics in this collection are the dark pink, the dark purple (I think I am drawn to the richer light colors if that makes sense) and the limey green. The others are nice but not what I would have grabbed off the shelf.

While we are here, let me give you a little tour of my home. Ahead of you (the door) is my hall closet. To the left of that around the corner is the linen closet on the way to my tiny tiny bathroom. Directly to the left of the two rows of three blocks is R's room which will become the kids room regardless of gender, and the wall you see is the wall between my bedroom and the living room. so come on over, now you know where everything important is. The fabric stash is in the laundry room through the kitchen but I will escort you there and drool along with you! It's a cute cozy little place.

My last plan of the evening is to make some bobbins for the Shop Hop blocks and maybe iron some of that fabric. My feet are a little swollen though so that might wait until tomorrow but bobbining (I need to get a sidewinder, let me add that to my Christmas list!) is totally do able!

the princess problems

I just read this article (off msnbc.com sort of...I read something else first and ended up at this one) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30827260/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/ I know I have responded to a few articles off the web but it's not my main goal of this blog, really I just thought it would be an interesting topic to discuss. Mostly I wanted to talk about my thoughts about one paragraph in particular...but mind you this whole thing was just a trigger for sharing thoughts on what I feel I am doing well with my parenting of R.

The Paragraph:
"All of it, Haller says, constitutes a brilliant marketing move that targets a normal stage of child development. By age 3, kids are beginning to define themselves, both with gender and as individuals. They’re also big-time into fantasy play, which for boys, often manifests itself in super heroes.
But somehow, the princess phenomenon has become way more loaded."

I have a wonderful child. R is a great girl, a pain in the rump sometimes but a wonderful child overall. She is polite and caring, she tells great stories if you don't mind listening to her go into gibberish for a little while in the middle when she has so many details to tell. She is not a good sleeper, but I would take that over a naughty child any time. True, because she is usually SO GOOD I overreact when she is a normal toddler and does things that are not appropriate.

R likes to play dress up, I wish I had a lot more for her to play it with. That's something that's going on the Christmas List for her (I might even be smart this year and buy a bunch of Halloween costumes when they are on clearance so I can get more bang for my buck and more variety). R likes to play with toy cars, trains, read books, play with dolls and bears. She loves balls and kicking them, throwing them, anything you do with sports and a minute later she will start dancing and tell us she's a ballerina. She loves to pretend to be a SUPERHERO! cars, trucks, airplanes, and various animals. A gets upset when she's playing kitty cat when he's trying to get her out the door but I sort of encourage it by calling after her "oh kitty cat, time to get in the car, come here cute little kitty cat!" (A plays along when we are at home and not running errands, I figure there are worse battles out there to pick.)

I will not say we are perfect parents but I do think that we have managed to do a good job of raising a girl (to the ripe old age of three mind you! I know we have many many more battles ahead of us!) who is exposed and interested in things that are generally thought of as "girls" and "boys" It helps that her temperament is accepting of it all and not just girly on it's own.

I will admit we like to tell her "Princess R" stories at night night time. We turn her into a princess and recap the day. I don't think the special part of it for R is the emphasis on Princess but rather she gets to be the hero of the story! It doesn't work as well when you say "once upon a time there was a beautiful little girl named SuperHero R." She only gets once princess story at night night time but she loves it!