My new hobby

Well, after much convincing from my friend Camille, I decided that I wanted to learn how to quilt. Growing up, my mother sewed many of our clothes and taught us the basics of sewing, so it's not totally new or foreign to me, but it does seem overwhelming, time-consuming and complicated at times. Anyways, Camille is an expert quilter and designer, and actually started her own company Thimble Blossoms about a year ago, were she designs the most beautiful quilts you've ever seen. So, I found a baby quilt on her website (Sweet Cheeks) that I wanted and I bought all the fabric I needed for it (Moda Allspice Tapestry)...then remembered that I don't even have a sewing machine! Anyways, my birthday is coming up, so...Happy Birthday to me....I bought myself a sewing machine (should be here next week)! After about 3 trips to Porters to get more fabric and supplies, and getting tips/help from Camille on the phone for over an hour, I think Aaron is going to kill me! I have set up a table in our bedroom and I started cutting out blocks yesterday...and couldn't stop! I finished cutting out all the pieces very quickly and didn't want to stop, so I started on receiving blankets and burp-rags. I can't wait until my sewing machine finally gets here so I can put things together. Got to run to Porters again (don't tell Aaron!)!

Ashlyn's Career Day

Today Ashlyn has Career Day. Last week she came home from school and told me that they were supposed to dress up for Career Day. I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up and she said, "I want to be a mom, just like you!" How sweet is that? At first I was surprised and maybe a little disappointed. How are you supposed to dress up like a mom? PJs and slippers with ratty hair? Anyways, after being scolded by both of my parents, and after hearing from Ashlyn repeatedly how she just wants to be a mom, I decided to go with it. Don't get me wrong, that makes me very happy that she wants to be a mother (like me), I was just hoping to be able to dress her up really fun....like a nurse or vet (what I thought she would choose since she loves animals). Anyways, so we decided to have her dress in her "sweats", an apron and carrying a baby doll. We were going to put curlers in her hair, but I was afraid she'd get teased by the other kids (especially by the high schoolers that ride her bus). So, now I am just waiting for her to get home and tell me all about it!

Spelling

So many decisions....everyone has been asking me how we are going to spell the baby's name. To tell you the truth, I didn't know there was more than 1 way to spell it. So, yesterday I found a 2nd spelling and now I don't know which one to choose. Help anyone??? I feel like the 1st spelling might be easier, but the 2nd might look more feminine. Just trying to get some other opinions.

Preparations for the Baby

The past couple weeks I have been feeling anxious because I feel like I am not prepared for this baby to be born. I know what you're probably thinking...."Amber, you're not due until the middle of March!" I know, but I have a problem with preparing....I like to do it WAY in advance. Plus, if I didn't, I'd be waking up at 4am with panic attacks (more than I already am). So, here's what I've been doing....cleaned out the storage unit and found all our baby stuff (along with a lot of other junk that we got rid of...hurray!), bought the essentials: diapers, formula, binkies, onesies, etc; bought a baby sling and baby seat, watching a carseat and baby monitor on eBay, and found someone that makes hair bows (Alea Nielson). Let me just tell you about these hair bows for a second. If you have a girl, you know how much fun it is to dress them up....even when they get older. Alea makes these beautiful bows....basically custom to whatever outfit/color/fabric you want. She can make them into headbands or clippies (for older girls) and she does it for a VERY reasonable price! If you want more info, let me know. I am having her make custom bows for Easter (to match their dresses). I'll post the pictures of the rest when I get them. So excited!

I am still trying to figure out where this baby is going to sleep. I am hoping to get the other 3 kids in 1 room (still crossing my fingers) so the baby can have her own room....since I don't want to share mine with her. Also, my mom is planning to be here when the baby is born, so knowing that is very comforting. There is just nothing that can replace a mom/grandma when you have a baby. It's nice to be taken care of again.

Anyways, so I am starting to feel a little more prepared for our baby to come....and now I just have to wait. That is the hardest part for me....I don't wait well. These next 7 weeks are going to drag on for ETERNITY!

Lucky Baby Sling

I have been checking out these baby slings for quite a while now, and decided that I wanted to try one out with our next baby. So, I researched a few different companies and decided on Lucky Baby. There are several different styles available, but this pouch/sling style looked the easiest and most convenient to use. I just got it in the mail and can't wait to try it out! I got the brown one with aqua minkee inside. If anyone has tried these out, please let me know what you think.

Taxes

Well, it's that time of year again. Time to get your taxes filed. This year I was determined to figure out how to e-file. After spending about an hour figuring it out on paper, I spent another hour or two trying to figure out the e-file thing. I finally figured it out....and if we get the return back as soon as they claim, it will be worth it. Can't wait!

Hair Cuts

Today I decided that I couldn't wait any longer! The girls hadn't had their hair cut for several months, and I couldn't stand it any longer. If I was brave, I'd cut it myself, but the girls LOVE to go in and get it done, so I think it's a win-win situation. I had them cut 3 inches off both Ashlyn and Morgan, and I think it's looks great! While Morgan was getting her hair cut, she just kept starring at herself and smiling and when she got done she said, "Mom, don't I look beautiful?" Of course my answer was "Yes!". Both girls are very happy with their new hair cuts, but Ashlyn really liked Morgan's and said, "Morgan your hair looks fashiony. Like you could go on stage." Morgan has been really living it up! Both girls love all the attention.