peppermint bee

Dabbling in Dresses

2011-08-15T20:23:00.000-05:00

I love an a line. If I had my druthers, I'd have an entire closet full of them. Lucky for Ebee, I love to make them for her too! These are a couple that I just added to the shop. On a side note, I realize that I'm making dresses and skirts in seersucker and linen at the end of Summer. However, we have an extended Summer in Florida. It really doesn't get cool until the end of October! But, these little dresses also come in a fine wale cord as well. I should be adding one to the shop any day now!

Also, if anybody has any ideas on how to take better pictures of a moving target, I'm all ears!!

(She found the buttons, that was the end of our shoot. She is a high maintenance model.)

Seersucker Scallop

Linen Scallop

And, a couple more skirts!

2011-07-27T16:31:00.002-05:00

little seersucker flag bunting skirt

seersucker with scallop

Front

Back

linen flag bunting

scallop in action

This is her. I'm escaping pose. She can totally open that gate.

My model has a tendency to run a bit. That makes my nonexistent photography skills a greater challenge!

Little Bee Skirts

2011-07-27T11:53:00.000-05:00

2011-07-27T11:50:00.000-05:00

little skirt love

2011-07-27T11:47:00.000-05:00

I am adding skirts to my shop soon! Stay tuned!

romp poomp a chomp

2011-06-07T10:26:00.000-05:00

The Wiggles have invaded my head! My daughter is mad for the Wiggies, as she calls them. They are in my car, on my TV and they even made it to the beach with us twice. I just can't seem to keep their songs out of my head. I go to work everyday with a new one. Today, it's Dorthy the Dinosaur over and over! I am sure I'm not the only Mama with kiddie songs running through her head all day!

As for the alligators, I made them as a baby shower gift for my neighbor's sister-in-law. She showed me the Bananafish Nantucket bedding she was using, and I matched it as well as I could. She also wanted a B to go in the middle of the alligators. I'd been working on some monogram ideas lately and this was my first attempt. I was a little nervous about how it would work out, but her SIL loved the gift! This is the second custom piece I've done to match a nursery. If you have a specific fabric you are using in your little one's rooms, I am happy to do custom pieces as well!

sea creatures in my shop!

2011-05-27T08:43:00.000-05:00

I'm working on a custom order that includes a series of sea creatures. Thus far, I have a crab, a seahorse and a whale. I've got a few more in the works as well!

We are headed to the beach for the long weekend! The smell of sea salt and Grouper sandwiches are calling my name. Have a Happy & Safe Memorial Day!

and, for tweet's sake...

2011-05-17T08:51:00.003-05:00

This is a better picture of my birdie pillow. He is going into my esty shop this week!

chair project #1

2011-05-17T08:49:00.000-05:00

I still have to add trim, but this is my Sunday chair project number one.

chair project #2

2011-05-17T08:48:00.000-05:00

And, this is number two. Clearly this chair as seen better days. I bought it ten years ago at a Pier One in Lexington, KY for $50. It works, and I am happy with it's fresh new pillows.

Could someone please explain to me why things look so much worse in pictures? I realize it's probably the photographer (me), but I swear my chairs look much better in person!

weekend projects and etsy adds

2011-05-16T11:09:00.000-05:00

Good Monday morning! This past weekend went by just a little too fast for me. However, I managed to get a good amount of stuff done. I finally finished a chair redo project that had been looming for far too long. I just don't know how much I love the results. The paint turned out to be too white. I might just have to redo the painting, grrr. Oh well, that's what I get for being overly implusive about my paint choices. Then again, I could blame the child that was trying to climb out of my cart the entire time. She is a shopping nightmare these days! I also made a few pillows for my living and family rooms. I actually LOVE them! I made them out of the pink and linen striped piece. I'll have to give you a peek once I get the pictures loaded this afternoon!

bad phone shot, sorry

I just added three little pieces to my shop. I'm currently working on some pillows to add as well. Hopefully, I can get them up this week! I finished the above little bird pillow on Friday. Sorry about the fuzzy picture, that's the only one I had on hand. I've got better ones waiting in my camera! Check back later for better pics!

Fiona the Fish

Piper's Peeper

Gabby the Gator

pillow talk

2011-05-10T14:52:00.001-05:00

I made this little guy this weekend. He's been sitting on my couch making friends with my other pillows. I wasn't sure if I should add a little something to him. I think I'll just let him be!

a peek into my nook

2011-05-09T11:16:00.015-05:00

I've been meaning to post some pictures of my little sewing nook for a while now. But, let's be honest, I'm not the best at posting pictures of anything other than my little nugget. I also find it somewhat difficult to take decent pictures of my home. I don't have a wide angle lens for my camera, so it's hard to get everything in my shots. So, please excuse the quality of my pictures. I am shooting them with a thrifty fifty. I really need a better lens, but they are just SOO expensive! This one will have to do for now!

My little nook is built in a long closet in our family room. The closet hasn't had doors in 20 years, so I used curtain panels to hide my mess. Travis built me a desk that expands from one side of the closet to the other. My computer is on one side (too messy for pics!) and the sewing nook on the other. There is a hole in the middle of the desks for fabric bolts. I skirted the whole thing to once again hide my mess! I've yet to find a good way of storing and displaying fabric. Because of this, I have an insane stash under my bed in baskets! I often forget what I actually have. But, for once I know where all of my spools of thread are and what colors I need to STOP BUYING! I think I have 20 spools of green thread! Any who, this is my little nook, Enjoy!

happy yardage...

2011-05-03T11:48:00.007-05:00

I found this on my door step Friday afternoon, 17 yards of it to be exact! The most beautiful part of it, besides it's amazing colors and quality, it was a whopping $3.60 a yard! It was on sale from $40.00 a yard at Serena and Lily. I have absolutely no idea when I am going to use it, but I will. It matches Ebee's room perfectly. I'll probably do curtains and a bed skirt when she moves into her big girl bed. I just couldn't pass this one up! I usually always buy 15 or more yards of something if I find a steal like this. I seem to be accumulating quite a few bolts in my collection.

Unfortunately for my husband, he found 15 yards of this on the door step a few days prior. I'm not sure if he will ever understand my need to collect fabric. I found this one for $2.75 a yard on http://www.fabric.com/. I could kick myself for not buying the remaining 6 yards! I'm going to make Roman shades for our kitchen and dining room with it. The picture does not do it justice, it's a really nice piece! I've purchased quite of few yards of Premier Prints Fabric, and I am always please with them, especially their unbeatable prices!

There is just something about getting a great deal that elates me! Then again, buying fabric alone brings me so much joy. I'm sure that sounds nutty. I just think it's in my jeans!

my sweet bee & an announcement

2011-04-29T10:47:00.005-05:00

I have been a busy bee lately. So busy, that I've almost neglected my monthly post! But, I have a couple of excuses; one of which is 24lbs of walking, talking, into everything, running, sorta swimming, little sassafras named Elizabeth and two is this! I hope you like it. I will add more soon. In the mean time, I need to figure out a way to keep my child from climbing every object over 3 feet tall in my house! And, I might just have to duct tape her diaper on. She took it off last night while wearing her pajama bottoms. I have a sneaking suspicion that this little girl is going to be streaking the neighborhood soon! Lord help me!

Bee back soon...

and my heart goes...

2011-03-25T12:50:00.000-05:00

pitter, patter when I come home to this. My two loves.

surfer bangs!

2011-03-01T08:08:00.009-06:00

Good Tuesday Morning!

Elizabeth's long bangs were making everyone crazy. She was rocking the 80's surfer bangs for too long. I really just wanted to pull them to the side in a bob after it grew out more. But, she refuses to let me put anything in her hair, so her bangs were always in her eyes. Sometimes I can sneak a clip in there and she doesn't notice. But, eventually she will reach up and find it and yank it out. It makes me nutty!

She was a really good girl for our hairstylist! She sat in my lap and smiled and talked to everyone that walked by. We saved a few snips for her baby book. I still have mine from my first haircut too!

Have a beautiful day!

my funny Valentine

2011-02-15T12:46:00.004-06:00

It's always fun trying to catch pictures of Ebee. Out of 120 shots, I have maybe four that she actually looked at me. She always smiles and runs. She's always got places to go and people to meet. She has never met a stranger and absolutely beams when she meets a new friend. She is so much like her social butterfly Daddy, and I guess a wee bit like me.

We had a nice V-day. Travis and I cooked filets for our Mamas. I know that sounds odd, but both of our Dad's were out of town, and we couldn't let them be alone on such a lovey day. Ebee and the Grannies had a nice time too.

I heart my hubby...

2011-02-11T11:22:00.003-06:00

because he: (in no particular order)

does laundry

does dishes

cooks

vacuums

pays bills

gardens with a neon green thumb

tolerates my interior design habit

builds me things

drinks wine with me

is a wonderful Daddy

makes me laugh

has an insane amount of patience

fills our tummies with fresh fish

always kisses me goodbye

always ask how my day was

loves people

doesn't gossip

never complains about dirty diapers

smells good

wears boots with shorts on occasions

loves me and our little girl with all of is heart

He also gave me this for Valentine's Day with Ebee's initails.

Image and necklace from etsy seller One Life Jewelry.

Refreshing

2011-02-04T09:38:00.003-06:00

For the two of you that still swing by from time to time, I'm trying to refresh this old blog. In fact, I am opening up an etsy shop with this name. I am selling little handmade wool felt hair clips, as seen on Ebee above. And, yes that's dirt on her mouth. She is on the cusp of turning 14 months and is into absolutely everything!! This child is one busy as a bee! As you can imagine, she is keeping me on my toes as well. But, it's the greatest job I've ever had, and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Bee back soon.

Hive Relocation

2011-01-19T10:19:00.002-06:00

Does anyone ever visit me anymore?

Oh so sweet!

2010-07-26T11:44:00.001-05:00

I have to show this to you... Mila's Daydreams

It was so adorable it brought tears to this Mama's eyes. Enjoy!

A little blue dress...

2010-07-06T11:44:00.003-05:00

Same dress, 35 years later. I was just about 6 months and Ebee is just about 7. We'll have to see if it will last another 35 years!

It's raining!

2010-07-04T10:43:00.000-05:00

Wait, what? It's raining and we can't go to the river?

night, night time

2010-06-25T07:43:00.004-05:00

Dressing this baby for bed every night has become a challenge. Can someone please tell my why they do not make night gowns (not sleep saks) for infants? I can't imagine putting footed pjs on my little girl in this sweltering heat. I usually just put her in a onesie, and she sleeps with an Aden and Anais blanket. Otherwise, I fear that she might get too hot. So, I've searched all over looking for little gowns. The only ones that I can find are long sleeved and have elastic at the bottom. The two pictured above I found at Old Navy. They are cute, they just never have her size. I think I am just going to make her some. First, I'll have to get the dust off of my sewing machine. I am awful at making myself sew sometimes!!

Tubby Time!

2010-06-22T18:45:00.000-05:00

Somebody is ready for bed!

One more!

2010-06-18T19:35:00.001-05:00

I swear it's impossible to get a shot with both of us smiling!

For Daddy!

2010-06-18T19:30:00.001-05:00

My two loves!

So Stinking Cute!

2010-06-18T19:27:00.000-05:00

I love this little girl more and more everyday!

Being True - Long

2010-06-09T10:58:00.005-05:00

I don't really consider myself a Mom blogger. I just keep this blog up because from time to time, I like to write. Writing has always be therapeutic to me. I have a bunch of journals from my childhood that I occasionally crack open and read. It often makes me feel better about my current situation. The journals from my teens are scary. I think they could be summarized as, "Oh my God, I have no idea who the hell I am." Think, Judy Bloom's, "Are you there God, it's me Margaret." But, to be completely honest, my life is finally truly happy. I worked hard to get here.

I rarely write much about anything predating my marriage. Speaking of marriage, this is my second. I got married the first time to, let's just call him Mr. Slugworth, when I was 27. We were married for 3 blissless years. He was the world's biggest baby, and I wasted seven years of my young life being his Mama. I left him because I wanted a real baby, and I knew he would never share me. I hate that I married that man, but I have learned to take it as a stepping stone to a better place. I have learned from my mistakes. I have many regrets, I always will.

The reason I feel the need to share this with you today is because I feel like so many blogs are full of fluff. I am not a fluffy person, I never have been. Yes, I love to shop. Seriously, it's one of my favorite things to do. But, you will not EVER find me shopping for the latest trends and spending $200 for a pair of shoes. I'm just too practical. I get the greatest high in world when I find a great deal. Everything in my home was found at a bargain, and I love everything in it.

I read very few blogs that are filled with ads, that irritates me, especially if you are ALWAYS HAVING GIVEAWAYS and telling me about the next greatest thing. I have a TV for that, thank you. That's also why I have a DVR, so I can fast forward through the commercials. I understand some of you like to make a dime here and there. I have no problem with that. I just can't stand having a pop up jump out at me when I am trying to read about your day. Ok, enough about that.

Me in a nutshell:

I am honest, sometimes too much so.
I love to bake, but I rarely do because my husband and I could stand to loose a few.
My work dream is to stay at home with my children. My Mom did.
I love to iron.
I love breastfeeding my child, I am a huge supporter of anyone who does it. When people I know have babies, I give them my phone number and tell them to call me if they need support.
I am not earthy crunchy at all.
I don't recycle.
I think the Green movement is a money making joke.
My husband is an avid hunter, I don't hunt. I could not bare to harm an animal. I sometimes feel sorry for the fish I catch.
I don't like my job, but I appreciate having it. I am a good employee.
I move furniture around like it's my job. Sometimes, I wish it was.
I love buying fabric. I want the bumper sticker that says "The one who dies with the most fabric wins". Currently, my Nana is in the lead.
I have a love-hate relationship with my girlfriends.
Having my daughter was the most wonderful experience in my life.
I prayed for her all of my life.
I was not raised going to church. My parents regret that.
My daughter will go to church, and I will go with her.
If you are still reading this I will be surprised.
I'm really excited that my dinky city is getting a Hobby Lobby.
I am a conservative.
I have listened to Rush Limbaugh since the 80's.
My father is a renowned Child Psychiatrist.
I love living in the South.
I am spoiled by my Mother, as is my child.
My husband and I have wonderful acquaintances. I wish we had more true friends. Those are hard to come by.
I love wine, I drink at least a glass of it every night.
Pink and green are my favorite color combinations, they have been since I was a child in the 80's. One of my childhood friends had kelly green carpet in her room. I wanted it so bad I could pop. Mom did not think it was practical. She was right.
I have had a yellow lab my entire life. Obviously not the same one silly.
I think I am done.
If you really read this and still like me I would be suprised.

Have a beeutiful day!

Growing up!

2010-06-04T07:51:00.007-05:00

5.5 months!

My little bean will be 6 months old next week! How did that happen? I swear she was just born a few weeks ago. Watching a child grow is so bittersweet. You want them to grow, but just not too fast. I guess that's why we're not in charge. If so, we would fast forward through the tough times and pause for the good ones. I would still be stuck on pause looking at my tiny girl in the hospital. Of course, then I wouldn't have experienced the wonder of raising my little one. She is such a little peach.

swing-swaddle free sleep

At about 4 1/2 months, she started wanting to sit. She is a very independent little thing and becomes happier the more she can do on her own. Each day, we practiced sitting. Until just a few weeks ago, around 5 months and a week, I was assisting her. Then she just started balancing by herself. Now, she is a professional sitter. I guess we are headed for crawling next. Noooo! Then again, I have no idea how that's going to start. She is not a fan of tummy time. To be completely honest, she becomes down right angry. As soon as I place her on her belly, she flips over immediately. No Mama, no belly! Oh well, it's Elizabeth's world and I am just living in it! At around the same time she started sitting unassisted we dropped the swaddle. I seriously thought she was going to be in that thing in high school! Instead of swaddling her, we just started letting her wear it as a blankie. It worked! Now, if we can get her out of that swing before she in 20! She has a beautiful crib she just plays in.

As of today, little bit is all of 16lbs. She is wearing 6 to 9 month clothes and a size 3 diaper. I am hoping she will stay in 6 to 9's for at least another 2 months or so. I have yet to buy any 12 month outfits. Lord knows, I hate to shop. Ha! We also started solids a few weeks ago. I really didn't want to start them until 6 months, but she was showing me that she was ready. We started with mushy bits of avocado which she loved! Next, we added some sweet potatoes and squash. She again loved those. Naners were after that. She was just ok with those. I don't really feed her many solids. She is breast fed, and I plan on keeping her that way for over a year. Last night we introduced peas. I wish I had had my camera for that expression. Yuck! Ebee is not a fan of the peas. I can't say I blame her, they did look disgusting!

Well, that's my little update on Elizabeth for my whole 4 readers. I hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for keeping up with us. Have a wonderful weekend!

On the way home from AMI, Sophie is yummers!

Update

2010-05-13T08:29:00.005-05:00

Wow, I have really been ignoring my blog! Obviously I have not gone private, I'm still thinking about it. I just wanted to add a pic of my wee bit. She was five months on Mother's Day. It amazes me how fast she grows. She is a little over 15lbs and getting chunkier by the day. I swear I can watch her hair grow! The first is 4 months the second 4.5. I need to get a 5 monther. She is just a little peach or biscuit as I call her.
I'll be back soon!

Exhausted!

2010-03-24T10:42:00.002-05:00

Little bit is keeping me up all hours of the night as of two weeks ago. Today, I am a mess. I just need to sleep!!! My child is a milkaholic and is demanding food every three hours. I've done every technique possible to get her to sleep more than 3 to 4 hours at a time. I used the escape proof swaddle last night and it seemed to help. However, I was anxious all night about her waking up so I couldn't fall into a deep sleep.

When I go home after work everyday, I am literally seeing spots from the lack of sleep. But, I see this smiling face and all is good and beautiful. Motherhood is the most wonderful thing I have ever experience and it is also the hardest.

Pondering Privacy

2010-03-11T09:56:00.003-06:00

I am seriously considering going private with the blog. I just don't feel all that comfortable with posting pics of Miss E all over the interwebby. I think I only have about 3 or 4 actual readers out there, but from time to time I get an oddball comment that makes me feel wonky. I will most likely go private in the next 30 days, so if you stop by and leave me your email I'll send you an invite.

Marshalls Problem

2010-03-10T11:56:00.003-06:00

I has one, as does my Momma.

I have been a Marshalls shopper since the store opened locally in 1986. Yes, I know the year our local Marshalls opened. I was, oh let's see... all of eleven years young. So, yes I have spent 24 years shopping in the same store. Geshh, I'm getting old. Anyway, going to Marshalls to me is like going to Disney to a child. There are so many treasures to be discovered! I am quite certain it is what started my bargain shopping so many years ago. My Mom, Elizabeth and I ventured up there yesterday only to find too many little Ralph Lauren rompers and dresses for Miss E. They are just so precious, and they tug at the preppy heartstrings of this girl and her Momma. We just can't help ourselves. Maybe, I'll have Marshalls Mondays and show you Miss E's find of the week. This is what she had on yesterday for our little outing. She was obviously pleased with her outfit!

Three Months!!

2010-03-09T12:49:00.004-06:00

Our little pumpkin is 3 months old today! She has seriously had a major growth spurt in the past 2 weeks. She found her hands a few weeks ago and just loves them! She follows her chubby little hand all the way into her mouth, and I could just eat her up! She has also become quite a bit more talkative. I am certain that this little girl will eventually talk your ear off! It's in her jeans to be a real yacker. When her daddy holds her and sings to her she has the most to say. We are so in love with her.

As I said in my previous post, I am back to work. However, it's just from 8 to 2. When I got down to the last 2 weeks of my maternity leave, I just could not bear the thought of spending so much time away from my little girl. I don't think I've ever had to do something that hard. A week before I had to go back, I worked it out with my company to reduce my schedule to 30 hours. It is working wonderfully for me. My Mom watches her in the mornings until I come home and she is having a ball with her. Speaking of going home, I've got to run. But, I will be posting more as promised!

Back to work, boo...

2010-03-05T11:47:00.002-06:00

But, it's part time! I will start blogging again, as soon as I get back in the swing of things at work! I've got a million pictures and lots to talk about.

Catching up..

2010-02-03T07:35:00.002-06:00

Elizabeth is 8 weeks old today! We are just about to run out the door to get her first shots, boo. I am sure she will not be happy about that. She has yet to like being out in her carseat for too long. I took her to Target yesterday and she cried almost the entire time! I am sure this will get better, right?

Good Morning!

2010-01-14T11:03:00.000-06:00

I have a second...

2010-01-06T11:30:00.003-06:00

And, I just wanted to say thank you for all of the wonderful comments. I am so in love with her, and as soon as I get a hang of this Mom thing I will be back to posting!

Wordless

2009-12-30T11:56:00.000-06:00

So in love...

A bit late, but she is here!

2009-12-29T15:17:00.005-06:00

Elizabeth Anne arrived via c-section on 12/9/09 at 11:55 pm. At my 40 week appointment, my doctor said I had two options. We could wait another week and see what happened or go in that night and get things going. The thought of working another week and waiting was painful to me. I was miserable and ready to go! I was still a finger tip for the third week in a row and just new she would stay in there forever! We packed our bags and headed to the hospital Tuesday to start with Cervidil. I was not the least bit effaced at this point. After the Cervidil was in place, around 11pm, we went to "sleep." I got up every 20 minutes, unhooked myself from the monitors and peed. The Ambien they gave me had no bearing on my horrible bladder. At 8am the doctor broke my water. By 11am I was progressing nicely and was at 3cm. At that point, I wanted my epidural. Call me weak, I don't care. I was over the pain real quick. Within moments, I was all numb. However, I hated the feeling of being numb. I was not sure which feeling I disliked more. Hours of great contractions and a healthy fetal heartbeat later, I progressed to 8cm. Woohoo, I thought. Wrong. The epi was wearing thin and the pressure was immense. I was having back labor and stuck at 8cm. By 9pm my doctor went off call and I got a new (also wonderful) doc. She told me the baby was not that big and she knew that I could have her vaginally. Two hours later, I was still at 8 to 9 and only 90% effaced. Elizabeth's heartbeat was perfect the entire time. But, after the doctor check me for the last time she realized she was posterior (sunny-side up) and tilted slightly, thus she was not gonna come out that way. I was rolled to the OR at 11:30pm for a c-section. At 11:55 pm my little Elizabeth Anne was born in perfect health at 6lbs 8oz, 20.75in long. She had a head full of blond hair and huge blue eyes. When my hubby brought her to me, I was smitten. The recovery has been none too fun, but I am finally turning a corner. She is eating like a little champ and I am such a proud Mama.

She will be here tomorrow!

2009-12-08T17:21:00.003-06:00

Just a quick update...

We are headed to the hospital at 8 tonight for an induction! At my 40 week appointment today, my doctor asked if we wanted to get the ball rolling because he was on call tonight and tomorrow and I gladly obliged. So, hopefully our little girl will be here tomorrow night! I will update as soon as I can!

It's December and you know what that means!

2009-12-02T11:10:00.002-06:00

My little girl is on her way and so is Christmas! Hopefully, Miss Elizabeth will make her grand entrance any day now. We thought she might meet us around Thanksgiving, but not so much. She is still cuddled up in her Mama's warm womb and according to my doc she may or may not come before her due date. I should have known she would take her time. I was 2 weeks late, my poor Mom! Needless to say, I am a miserable 39 weeks pregnant. My hands and feet have started to swell causing me a lovely case of Carpal Tunnel and my skin is just awful. I've been blessed with healthy skin my whole life until this pregnancy. My skin is now ruddy and oily, the complete opposite of it's usual condition. I guess Carpal Tunnel and bad skin aren't so bad considering my overall health is tiptop. I am so very thankful for that.

Thank you to my few readers and those that have left comments. I truly appreciate you following my blog! It's been a bit difficult to keep up with the blog because of work. I am constantly trying to tie up loose ends as of late. I just know if I don't finish every little detail of before I run off, I will never catch up! I am not officially going on leave until Elizabeth comes, so work has been far from fun. However, I will keep you posted. Oh, I almost forgot.....the nursery is done!!!

A few things on Friday

2009-11-20T14:31:00.002-06:00

Yay, it's Friday and one of my very last Fridays at work! I'm not sure if I will be back to work after Thanksgiving. It all depends on the little one's arrival. She is due the 8th, but I just have a feeling she may show a bit earlier. Of course, I could be way off and she could be here after her due date! I am just so excited to finally meet her. It's such an overwhelming feeling. Hopefully, she will stay put this weekend. Her Daddy took his very last duck hunting trip of the year. He's only about an hour away, so I can't give him too much grief about the trip!

On Tuesday, my girlfriend, Lee gave birth to her first child, Olivia. I went to visit and immediately fell in love with little Olivia. She was by far one of the most beautiful newborns I have ever seen. The experience was almost surreal. When I walked into her room, she was swaddled in her warmer next to her beautiful Mama. It made me long to meet Elizabeth. I am so thrilled for Lee and her husband, they are blessed beyond measure. It is wonderful to have close friends with a child so close in age to ours. I am quite certain Olivia and Elizabeth will be great friends.

As for our long awaited nursery progress, my Mom and I are just about done. Yes, it is taking forever. But, I promise it's worth the wait. I know I've said this a hundred times before, but I will post pictures as soon as it is complete. I truly hope that is before the butter bean arrives! As for me, I look like a small house. However, I can't complain too much. I have been told quite a few times that I am all baby. I'm honestly not sure how that is possible by the looks of the scale! Oh well, just 18 more days!

35 Weeks and 35 Days

2009-11-03T09:46:00.003-06:00

Just a month left and so much to do and so little energy to do it.

How far along? 35 weeks
Total weight gain? 26lbs
How big is baby? 5.5 to 6.0lbs, feels more like 20lbs
Maternity clothes? I hate them, period.
Stretch marks? No, crosses fingers.
Sleep? For two hours at a time.
Best moment this week? This little girl is head down and ready to go.
Movement? Sometimes it looks like there is an earthquake in my belly.
Food cravings?Butter beans.
Labor signs? Braxton Hicks.
Belly button in or out? Flat
What I miss? Being able to walk around Publix or Target without thinking about using the hover-round.
What I'm looking forward to? Having our house professionally cleaned and, of course, meeting my little one.
Milestone? She is just 2 weeks from full term!

Thank you Southern Savvy!

2009-10-20T11:52:00.004-05:00

I got an award! Thank you so much Southern Savvy!

Southern Savvy is a fellow Florida Blogger that just so happens to be expecting a little one as well. If you haven't checked out her blog, please give it a look-see. She is a doll!

This award is for the special bloggers who take the time not only to read my posts, but also leave comments, respond to comments, form blog friendships with and support others, answer blogger questions, etc. . . . the ones who are "a real gem" in the bloggy world! The bloggy world wouldn't be the same without you! The only rule for this award is to accept it, display it proudly on your blog for all the bloggy world to see your greatness, and/or pass it on to other bloggers as you see fit. So, to the following bloggers I say, "you're a gem to me" and here is your award!I'm passing along this blog award to the following gems:

Seaside Smitten

Kentucky Mama

32 Weeks

2009-10-14T15:42:00.002-05:00

The further along I get, the less I want my picture taken! But, I will try to motivate the hubs to snap one of my round belly. I thought a survey would be nice for today, it's been a month since my last one. So, here we go!

How far along? 32.1 weeks
Total weight gain? 23lbs (this unveiling will end soon)
How big is baby? Over 4lbs! At my appointment yesterday, my doctor said she was measuring a bit big?! What, how could that be?
Maternity clothes? Oh, how I wish I could wear non-mat clothing.
Stretch marks? Not yet.
Sleep? All I can say is it's painful.
Best moment this week? I love watching my little shark move around my tummy.
Movement? Busy as a bee!
Food cravings? Last week it was peanut butter, this week Publix sandwiches and frosted cookies.
Labor signs? Thank the Lord, no.
Belly button in or out? It's very, very shallow and it hurts like hell.
What I miss? Walking for long periods of time with out pelvic pain. Energy.
What I'm looking forward to? Finishing her nursery.
Milestone? This little girl is getting chubby, just like her Mama.

9 Weeks to go and my 100th Post!

2009-10-06T09:19:00.003-05:00

31 weeks and all I can say is, I tired. Things have been moving a bit slow around here lately. Sunday was our 1 year anniversary. We finally got the cake top out of the freezer. It was less than yummy. However, we did have a lovely dinner a la Texas Cattle Company. Being almost 8 months pregnant slightly hinders what exciting things you can do on your anniversary. Travis picked me a lovely bouquet of flowers and that made my day. I think he has it too easy! Since I hit my 3rd Trimester, all has come to a halt. Little bit's nursery just sits and waits to be polished up. And to think, I ONLY HAVE 9 MORE WEEKS TO COMPLETE MY TO DO'S! I don't even know where to start. Here is just a peek of what we/I need to accomplish before her arrival.

finish the nursery

scrub/clean our floors

dust like I have never dusted before

eliminate the rickety pie safe in our kitchen

clean said pie safe and relocate stuff in my tiny kitchen

install our sparkly new dishwasher***

find 4 dresses, one of them formal to attend 2 showers and 2 weddings

clean out my overstuffed car and install the car seat

pick up E's new rocker at the upholstery shop

do something with my hair color, I am thinking about going back to my roots

completely prepare the sweet lady that is covering for me at work

wash baby clothing

write a million thank yous

sleep a bit here and there

um, there are about 100 more things that belong here that I can not even think of

***Believe it or not, but we do not have a dishwasher! I have lived without one for the past three years. It has not been easy. My husband has lived without one for 9 years! As you can probably tell, he is not much for technology. Honestly, I think he would be happy living in a house without AC in Florida! I, on the other hand, would near die without my AC! But, finally my hubby has been convinced, by my male neighbor, none the less, that living with a baby and no dishwasher might be a nightmare. Mind you, I have been telling him this since I moved it. Our neighbor let Travis know how much fun it has been for he and his wife to sterilize bottles without a dishwasher. So, last week I got to pick out my shiny new Bosch! I love it! However, it has yet to even come out of the box. If you could see my 1950's kitchen you would understand why. Hopefully, Travis will have time to install it this weekend.

I wish I had more exciting news for my 100th post, but I don't. Although, to me, the dishwasher was quite a exciting little splurge. I obviously doesn't take much to please me!

28 week update

2009-09-15T10:07:00.001-05:00

How far along? 28.3 weeks
Total weight gain? 16lbs
How big is baby? Over 2.5lbs -keep growing little one!
Maternity clothes? Everything, I mostly wear dresses as usual.
Stretch marks? No, thank you.
Sleep? Until about 4 am, then I am awake thinking until 7ish, grr.
Best moment this week? Making it to my third trimester.
Movement? Busy baby, she must be taking after her Daddy. However, I would love her to stop kicking me in the cervix. That does not feel good, at all.
Food cravings? Ice Cream
Labor signs? I have occasional Braxton Hicks.
Belly button in or out? Getting Shallow
What I miss? Beer and Wine
What I'm looking forward to? Our next childbirth class, we actually enjoyed it.
Milestone? I assume I passed by 1 hour Glucose test. I took it Tuesday and have not received a call back for a 3 hour.

I will update with a picture as soon as I can get Travis to take one!

How to dress a pumpkin

2009-09-01T10:08:00.005-05:00

Or a belly the size of a pumpkin. September, October and November are shaping up to be eventful months for me. I have two weddings, four showers and a few parties in between. However, I tend to dread such events because I have to find something to wear. Have I told y'all how much I despise maternity clothing? It is just the shoddiest stuff I have ever been forced to purchase. And, most of it is just plain ugly. If I had my druthers I would design some quality-made and affordable maternity wear for expectant Mamas. Unfortunately, I don't really have the means to launch a maternity line from my house these days. I, unlike Nicole Richie, don't have loads of capital sitting at my feet. But, I do believe I am am million times more qualified (and talented) than Ms. Richie. I mean $58.00 for stretchy maternity leggings or $118 for a tank dress. My dog is more creative.

Anyway, I have been scouring Nordstrom's sale page for days looking for a couple of comfy-airy dresses and found these. I am happy with these, now I just need about four more!

Whew, just under 100

2009-08-31T07:38:00.002-05:00

Days that is! I am officially in double digits and this little girl is growing like a mad woman. I like to say she is rearranging furniture in there (just like her Mama) when she moves a lot. As of late, she has completely redecorated her quarters and made quite a bit more room. I am of course thrilled by this! I do believe that I have finally settled on the arrangement in her nursery. And, trust me this was far from easy. When you have 5 rather large pieces of furniture and a room this is all of 10x12 you have to get creative. I have moved that room around at least five times. But, I think I am finally satisfied. My major concern has been keeping her crib away from the window and accommodating a full sized bed. Our house only has two bed rooms at this point and we are stuffed in it like little sausages. From time to time, we have out of town friends come to stay and we had to keep a place for them. I'm sure little bit won't mind sharing her little room. I am also quite certain that I will sleep in the full sized bed when she comes. I am dead set against keeping the baby in our bedroom. For one, our bed is about a four foot fall if you happen to roll off of it and two, I do not think it is healthy to co-sleep. I have known couples that have done this and regret it. Trust me, I realize that I will want to watch her every move of the night, but I just feel it is better for her if we don't.

In other news, I am so ready for summer to be over I could pop. It is hot a Hades here and it is really starting to wear on me. Of course, summer doesn't really end until around November in Florida, but it does start to cool down in October. When I say cool down, I mean it stays out of the 90's and sometimes dips into the 70's. I am really looking forward to our anniversary as well. Travis lost his ring three months after we got married and was crushed by it. So, I am going to get him another one for our anniversary. He has no idea, but I am sure he will be thankful. We shall see!

Have a wonderful Monday!

25 week bump

2009-08-25T19:27:00.001-05:00

As promised!

25 Week Survey

2009-08-25T10:17:00.002-05:00

How far along? 25 weeks
Total weight gain? At last weeks appointment I had gained 12lbs.
How big is baby? She should be around a pound and a half and thirteen and a half inches long.
Maternity clothes? All, regular shirts just won't fit over the bump.
Stretch marks? No, thank you.
Sleep? Meh, my hips and shoulders are killing me. I hate sleeping on my side.
Best moment this week? Last week was my V-day!
Movement? As I said yesterday, she is a busy girl. She is rolling all over my tummy.
Food cravings? Fruit and ice cream. However, these are things I already love, so I am not sure I would call them cravings.
Labor signs? No, thank you.
Belly button in or out? Not as deep as usual, but still way in.
What I miss? The lack of cellulite.
What I'm looking forward to? That prenatal massage my husbands keeps telling me he is getting me.
Milestone? She is able to do more with her hands and fingers now, like making a fist to punch Mama with.

I promise to post a picture later!

Tummy Dryer

2009-08-24T10:03:00.002-05:00

It's like a dryer in my tummy these days. Little bit has been at her most active lately. She must be taking after her daddy in that department. My precious hubby is by far the most active person I have ever met. I, on the other hand, am not like the energizer bunny I married. Don't get me wrong, I don't sit on the couch all day eating bon bons. I just don't have half of his energy. This weekend, Travis single-handedly relandscaped our entire front yard. We had three new large Crepe Myrtles planted on Wednesday evening. By Saturday morning, Travis had planted 20 Plumbagos, 20 Juniper plants, removed and replaced about 2 pallets of sod and spread 2 large truck loads of mulch. The yard is beautiful! Oh, I almost forgot. He also made a wind chime out of snail shells he found on a few of his fishing trips. He amazes me sometimes.

In contrast, I cleaned out six of my kitchen cabinets and became an emotional wreck over a failed curtain attempt. It took me six hours and $200 (non-refundable) to create the ugliest curtains I have ever made. Mind you, I only succeeded in creating one panel. By 6pm, I was in the bath tub in tears. Yes, I know I have no energy because I am 6 plus months pregnant. But, I have lost my creative mind! I honestly have never spent so much time making something I despised. To say the very least, I had a bad Saturday. However, I did cheer up on Sunday. Have I told y'all what a kind and wonderful Mama I have? Well, thanks to her, I now have 6 beautiful new curtain panels in my living room! I now know that I have to steer clear of my sewing machine until this little girl is born. I just don't have the patience or ability to match colors anymore!

Just adorable

2009-08-18T14:39:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure if these little hair bows could be anymore adorable. Find them here.

Jcrew Jenna

2009-08-10T11:49:00.005-05:00

Dear Jenna,

I am certain some appreciate your opinions on the new Jcrew looks, but I would like to opt out of the Jenna's Picks email. For one, I am unable to wear your clothing because your company refuses to admit pregnancy and babies exist. I can't quite understand why you would make clothing for toddlers and not babies. But, whatever that's your choice. Two, I don't think your choices could be much more dull? I am a child of the eighties and this outfit just took me back 25 years, but not in a good way. Give this girl a sandwich and some color, please.

Number three, what is with the fuzzy, hamster-like belt attachment here? Why? I don't get it. Call me old, I am fine with that. And yes, I realize I am slightly opinionated and hormonal today, but come on. These models look like they just walked out of the morgue. Ok, I'm done. Off to get a cheeseburger!

Etsy Temptations

2009-08-06T15:40:00.003-05:00

I keep finding little things on etsy that I want to order, but at the last minute don't. I must have twenty things in my shopping basket that I contemplate purchasing. Instead of actually buying them, I stick them in my bookmarks for a later day. These are a few of my bookmarked things. This could have something to do with the fact that I sew and just keep telling myself, oh I can do that! Yet, here I am with a dusty sewing machine.

1. thegroovymommy

2. Posh Designs by Marilyn

3. sewcreations1

4. Monogramming By Tammy

22 Week Bump!

2009-08-04T19:41:00.002-05:00

As promised!

22 Week Survey

2009-08-04T08:02:00.002-05:00

How far along? 22 weeks
Total weight gain? I am starting to think quite a bit more than 6lbs.
How big is baby? She should be just about a full pound and eleven inches long!
Maternity clothes? Yes, I just got three new dresses over the weekend.
Stretch marks? No, thank you.
Sleep? Pretty well, I just get up twice a night now.
Best moment this week? Daddy painting the nursery!
Movement? She has been a busy little girl, I swear she was doing somersaults last night!
Food cravings? Lemon Bars
Labor signs? No, thank you.
Belly button in or out? In
What I miss? A happy mom-overactive bladder and smaller thighs.
What I'm looking forward to? 24 week appointment.
Milestone? She has teeth buds forming this week!

I'll post a bump picture this evening!

A few weekend things

2009-08-03T08:08:00.007-05:00

I love my husband. He painted the nursery this weekend in a perfect shade of pink for our little girl. He still has all of the trim left to do, but I love how the color turned out. My Mom also finished the bumper! We just have to attach the bows/ties to it. The bed skirt and curtains had yet to be made, but a quick trip to Pottery Barn Kids this weekend solved that dilemma. We were having a nightmare trying to make all of the shades match. The colors that are in the bedding are a super soft pink and green. The pink was not a problem, but the green was impossible to match. Can you believe that not one fabric store carried a green ribbon or trim that would work? After a trip to Boca Bargoons, Hancocks, Joanns and Calico Corners we were just about to give up on finding anything. However, on our way home we stopped by PB Kids and found just what we were looking for. The green and pink shades they used in most of their baby collections were perfect. We found a crib skirt and quilt that were white pique with a pale green scallop. They were perfect. And, they were half off as well!

We bought these pink and green storage boxes too!

As for the curtains, we are using these green polka dot sheers with a white and green scalloped cornice. Mom and I wanted to pull it all together yesterday, but the room was a mess with furniture and painting supplies. We'll just have to wait until next weekend to put it all together and take pictures!

20 weeks 5 days & furniture

2009-07-26T19:01:00.004-05:00

I finally took some pictures of the nursery furniture! We have yet to paint the room yet, but I am sure that will come soon enough. I just have to catch Travis at the right time, ha! I obviously don't have any of the curtains up or bedding assembled either, but I will soon. My Mom is working on the bedding this week. I am so excited to see the progress when she gets home next weekend!

20 Week Ultrasound!

2009-07-21T11:14:00.004-05:00

We had our 20 week ultrasound this morning and are thrilled with the news. Little Miss Elizabeth is still a little girl. Phew! My Mom and I would have be running around like chickens with our heads cut off looking for receipts! She is doing just perfect, and I can't tell you how incredibly blessed we feel. She measured in at 12oz and my doctor said she was in the 51st percentile! I'll have to get a 20 week bump picture this evening after work. Until then, here is our bi-weekly update:

How far along? 20 weeks
Total weight gain? 6lbs
How big is baby? 12oz
Maternity clothes? My wonderful Momma took me shopping last weekend for real maternity clothes. I am defiantly getting to the point that nothing else fits.
Stretch marks? No, thank you.
Sleep? So so, if I don't have anything to drink after 6, I am good!
Best moment this week? Our ultrasound this morning. We found out she was right on target and healthy!
Movement? Here and there, mostly when I eat french fries and shop.
Food cravings? Potatoes
Labor signs? No, thank you.
Belly button in or out? In
What I miss? Not having to pee every 15 minutes.
What I'm looking forward to? V-day (vitality day, or the point at which the baby could survive outside it's mother) at 24 weeks.
Milestone? Getting to the halfway point!

18 weeks & Nursery peek!

2009-07-08T07:25:00.008-05:00

How far along? 18 weeks
Total weight gain? 4lbs
How big is baby? According to WTEWE 5 to 5 1/2 in long and about 5 ounces.
Maternity clothes? Here and there, they are still to big for me.
Stretch marks? No, thank you.
Sleep? Getting to be more difficult b/c I have to sleep on my side. I am a back sleeper.
Best moment this week? Feeling her move and getting her furniture!
Movement? Yup, it's more like bubbles (flutters no kicks yet).
Food cravings? Not really, I don't think this child likes chocolate.
Labor signs? No, thank you.
Belly button in or out? In
What I miss? Again Chardonnay and Advil.
What I'm looking forward to? Our 20 week ultrasound, I can't wait to see her again.
Milestone? Finding out it's a girl!

We got the furniture on Monday! I love it so much! I am standing next to her dresser in the above picture. Her nursery is not a very big room, it's only about 10x16, so it's a wee bit cramped there right now. We have a full size bed in there for guests and me while I feed her. We will just have to make due with it in the room for now. Mom and I also picked out the bedding to be made. I'll give you a sneak peak. We are going with a soft pink, green and butter yellow. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

It's a.....

2009-06-30T10:12:00.002-05:00

Girl!!!!

And you know that we could not be any happier! I have wanted a little girl my entire life, and I just feel so blessed to be having one. My husband was in pure awe of how this could have happened. His entire family thought it would be a boy, until yesterday of course, they said they knew it was a girl. Either way, the whole family is thrilled. Between our two families there are very few girls. My husband has a brother, four boy cousins and just one cousin that is a girl. On my side there is about one girl for every four boys. My family is huge so I won't bore you with all the details. She will be my Mom's first biological grand daughter and Travis' parent's first grand daughter as well. Now we just have to wait 23 more weeks for her to arrive! Her name will be Elizabeth Anne.

Oh, and I almost forgot. My Mom and I had to get a little shopping in after the ultrasound and actually found her furniture. I know it's early, but it was such an amazing deal that we had to snatch it up immediately! We get it on Monday!

Sneak Peek!

2009-06-29T08:53:00.002-05:00

Our big ultrasound is scheduled for July 21st! But, thanks to my sister-in-law we are going to have a sneak peek at our little one today!! My sister-in-law's sister (that's a mouthful) is an ultrasound tech at Mofit Cancer Center in Tampa and offered to do a (free of charge) gender determination ultrasound for us today. I am obviously over-the-moon about this as is my Mom. Unfortunately, my hubby has to work all day today so he can't be there to see the little guy or gal. I feel awful about this, but my Momma is coming with me and has assured me Travis will be just fine. We are going to have a DVD made to show Travis. I am sure it will be almost impossible for me not to call him as soon as we see the little one, but I just thought showing him the DVD would be the best way. I'll see if he can figure it out on his own.

Of course, you know we will have to do a little shopping after the appointment! I will update you as soon as I get back!

Update on the wee one

2009-06-23T09:30:00.003-05:00

How far along?: 16 weeks.

Total weight gain: 2lb (to clarify this, I lost 3 in my first trimester and have gained a total of 5 back)

Maternity clothes?: Here and there. I basically live in dresses non maternity or maternity. I am attempting to make myself a dress a week.

Stretch marks?: No, thank goodness!

Sleep?: Like the dead, with the exception of attempting to sleep on my side. I am trying my hardest to stay off my back, but I always end up that way.

Best moment this week?: My brother making a surprise visit.

Movement?: Not yet, waiting on the flutters.

Food cravings?: Not one and for that I am quite thankful. I am not overly hungry.

Labor signs?: No, thank God.

Belly button in or out?: In.

What I miss: Advil and Chardonnay.

What I'm looking forward to: Our big ultrasound in a few weeks!

Milestone: Finishing my second dress, and I love it so very much!

A soon-to-be Father's Day gift

2009-06-16T15:08:00.004-05:00

Guess what I got Travis for Father's Day? You got it, a camo diaper bag! Mind you, I loathe camo. But, this is the only approved camo baby item and Travis will love it. I've been shopping around for mine and so many of them are a wee bit too girly for my hunter-gatherer husband. I thought he would appreciate this one from Skip Hop. This is as far as I will go with the whole camouflage thing though. Travis is always telling me how he wants camo curtains in his man room. The only way I will make him camo curtains is if his man room moves out of our house!

Weekend plans not envolving a couch

2009-06-12T15:05:00.002-05:00

Other than a bit of furniture exploration, I have plans to make this dress this weekend. Yes, it looks like a circus tent. But, I have better plans for it. In my last post I failed to mention my one true accomplishment last weekend. I actually completed a dress! Reason being, I loath maternity clothing, especially the paper bag-like dresses they currently have at Target, no thank you. I can make myself a much prettier paper bag thank you. You also will not catch me paying outlandish prices for my maternity wardrobe. That being said, no thank you A Pea in the Pod. I don't find $100 reasonable for a sundress. I am currently wearing the dress I made. It's an extremely simple little a-line sundress made out of sunny-yellow polka dot fabric. It cost me about $12.

Now, if I only had a working camera to take a picture of it. I'll work on the camera this weekend. I bought Travis a camera for Valentine's Day and he has managed to break it already. He said it was defective. We shall see. Y'all have a wonderful and cool weekend!

I need somebody to push me in the pool...

2009-06-10T11:48:00.004-05:00

The best way to describe myself these days is like a little girl that keeps dipping her toe into the pool but refuses to jump in. I have seventeen bazillion things that I need to accomplish. But, just as I get within inches of starting a task or two, I find myself on my non-slipcovered couch. My poor little ugly house just sits and waits for me to get off my duff. Remember the bolt of houndstooth that I bought, oh three months ago. It's still on the bolt half hanging from a curtain rod in my living room. I know this is driving my poor hubby crazy. Our soon to be nursery looks like a bomb hit it, seriously. If something is out of place and belongs to me, Travis chucks it into the future nursery. There are little piles everywhere! The worst part of this is that I am living out of a laundry basket!

When I get home from work, I am just plain pooped. The last thing I want to do is reorganize my closets or make new curtains. This has obviously affected my blogging as well. I can't begin to tell you how many posts I have started and not finished. What is wrong with me?! I don't think it would be very nice of me to blame the wee one. I have actually felt physically wonderful for the past month. I have been a bit sleepy here and there but for the most part I feel great. Please tell me that this will soon pass. I have so many things that I have got to get done! Least of all, I would just like to get my clothing put away in a drawer or a closet. I am quite certain it would make getting dressed in the morning easier.

On a lighter much less whiny note, Mom and I are running over to Orlando Saturday to look at furniture for the nursery. That makes me so happy! Now, if I could just get that room cleaned up!

Please forgive me!

2009-06-02T12:25:00.001-05:00

I promise that I have not fallen off the face of this earth! I have just been on vacation and a busy bee. As soon as I get myself caught up I will commence posting again!

I Almost Forgot

2009-05-14T09:39:00.002-05:00

to say thank you so much for all of your wonderful comments on Monday's post. I truly appreciate them!

Just for Daddy

2009-05-14T08:12:00.003-05:00

I know that I have told y'all that my husband is a fisherman through and through. When most men went off to college, Travis moved to Cape Hatteras, NC to become a fishing mate on a charter boat. Now, let me tell you that this is not a job for the squeamish or faint of heart. The hours are crazy and the work is back breaking at best. Travis has more fishing scars than you can count on two hands. But, if you knew my husband, you would just love to sit and listen to his many tales of the sea. And believe me, he has no shortage of them. During his time on the water, he reeled in many different and enormous species of fish. I think this may have spoiled him a bit. He rarely gets excited by your average Redfish or Trout. Don't get me wrong, the man will run not walk to the closest body of water to catch anything that swims. But, what he would really rather be doing is chasing a Marlin. He is just slightly obsessed with the Marlin. Be it blue, black or white, Travis loves his Marlin and has a respect for this fish like you've never seen.

I do have a point to this story, I promise. On the way home from work yesterday, I stopped by our favorite Chinese restaurant to pick up some wanton soup and egg rolls for dinner. There is an adorable children's shop located next to the restaurant called Little Giggles. I've been in the place one other time to buy my girlfriend a shower gift. Well, they had the most precious baby girl swimsuit I have ever seen! It was yellow and green gingham with an appliqued frog and little ruffels on the seat. My credit card started to submerge from my purse when I immediately had to remind myself a.) I am only 10 weeks pregnant and b.)I have two more months before we find our the sex of our child. So, I didn't buy the suit. But, this morning I found a must buy item for my Marlin lover from Shrimp and Grits Kids.

I warn y'all. I have waited 34 years to buy baby things and in that 34 years my Mom has been right by my side. We have done nothing but dream about me having a baby. We may just go crazy. Now we just have to wait till mid July and all bets are off!

I'm back!

2009-05-12T10:44:00.002-05:00

I am actually in the middle of a conference call at this moment, but I did promise to come back with our news. I am sure that y'all have already guessed it, but just in case you haven't. We are cautiously expecting our first child on or around December 8th! We are absolutely thrilled! I am ten weeks as of today. This morning we went for our second appointment and were fortunate enough to hear our little one's heart beating away! I can't begin to tell you how wonderful that sound was. Now you know why I had to take a vacation from blogging. It was just too hard for me to hold in. We've been letting people know here and there, but we wanted to wait until 10 weeks to really let the cat out of the bag.

To be completely frank, I have not had an easy first trimester. Other than being exhausted all the time, I get sick every night around 5:30. I have also had issues with my sinuses, and I wake up almost every morning with a headache. But, I know it's completely worth it! I am just so happy to have gotten pregnant and feel so blessed.

Ok, I have got to get back to my conference call!

Bloggy Vacation

2009-04-28T11:17:00.002-05:00

Ok, I have decided to take an official itty bitty blog break. This mini vacation will only be for 2 weeks. So, I will be back (with that bit of news, I haven't forgotten) on Tuesday, May 12th. I absolutely promise to be back that day. Until then, bee good!

Oh, the joy of a virus and new curtains

2009-04-22T11:24:00.003-05:00

When I got home Friday night, I just felt like complete poop. My contacts were dry, my head was pounding and my throat was just starting to tickle. Woo hoo, yippee a new virus just for me! Needless to say, my weekend was not so much fun. In addition to my not so fun weekend, I was out of work yesterday nursing my illness. However, the UPS lady did bring me something to light up my day. Last week, I finally made a decision on what fabric to buy for my living room curtains. I am usually so impulsive about these things that I fly by the seat of my pants and buy the first thing I fall in love with. Well, this time I was patient. I flipped through a million magazines and went back and fourth. I came to my decision based on a Southern Living (I believe it was March's edition) article about a young designer in Atlanta. She had done some curtains in a black and white houndstooth that I absolutely loved. She said that she had found a bolt of the fabric for $35 I think, please don't quote me on that. Anyway, being the fabric nut that I am, I knew exactly what company produced that same piece, Premier Fabrics! So, I ordered a bolt and am please as punch with piece. Premier Fabrics makes two sizes in the houndstooth, a large and a small. I ordered the smaller check. Now, I just have to find the energy to get sewing.

In other news, I've had a difficult time blogging lately because I have something new and exciting brewing. I am not ignoring the blog, I'm just having a hard time keeping quiet. I promise I will let you know soon enough!

A wee bit green

2009-04-15T09:15:00.003-05:00

I apologize for my lack of post lately, I haven't been feeling well. I've been feeling downright green. I know I have a million things to post about, I just don't have much spunk for posting. I did, however, find some cute little dresses for our upcoming vacation. It's only 6 weeks away! That truly feels like a lifetime to me right now. I can't wait! Now, I just need to find a new suit for the trip. Any ideas?

Happy Easter

2009-04-09T15:53:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter! I am staying home with my family this weekend and just relaxing. I've got a few new books I am ready to crack open. I'll pick up my posting next week. I've got so much to write about, but it will have to wait until then! Bee good!

Quest for a perfect dress(s)

2009-04-06T10:34:00.002-05:00

My Mom and I ventured to Tampa yesterday for a little shopping. Would you believe that I came home with only one tiny little Nordstrom bag? Reason being, we didn't get to Tampa until 3, so we really didn't have much time to shop. We wandered a bit through Nordstrom, JCrew, Ballard Designs, Janey & Jack and had lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. I had a yummy Mediterranean salad with hummus and salmon. I highly recommend it. Because it was Sunday, we only had until about 6 to shop. It was fun, but we were both exhausted by the end of the day and ready to get home. The drive is only about 35 minutes from our city, but they are two completely different places. Going to Tampa is like visiting another country in comparison to my where we live.

I was hoping to find some comfy spring dresses on our trip, but instead I found nothing. I was really under impressed with what was out there. I just wanted some simple linen or cotton dresses that didn't cost $300! I've been lurking around Old Navy here and there, but I often have issues with their quality. I might run in to Ann Taylor Loft at lunch and see what they have to offer. I have a stack of work in my inbox currently and have to get after it. So, I will catch you up later on my dress hunt. Take Care!

Just a bit

2009-03-30T10:32:00.003-05:00

I am doing a drive-by post just for an update. I got on the scale the other day, and.....................I lost 4 pounds, woo hoo! I would post more but my head is throbbing and I am in need of a diet coke. I'll get back to you soon!

If my life was budget free

2009-03-27T14:47:00.003-05:00

I would make the following purchases:

the pink skirt

Then I would be o'so happy that I had a new outfit.

but....

Because I do have a budget (and a husband that thinks I am a clothes horse),

I will settle for the following:

These are actually what I promised myself as a reward for dropping a few pounds. I would love them with a pretty white top.

Just Icky

2009-03-26T12:21:00.002-05:00

That is how I am feeling today. Last night I came down with some type of tummy virus that has me in the dumps today. I just got to work an hour ago, and I think I may have to retreat back to my bed in a bit. I was up all night last night with lovely symptoms. I just wanted to update y'all on our fitness routine. We are doing great! I have stayed true to WW, and I have been feeling terrific (other that this pesky virus). As for our walk/jogs, I ran a good bit the other night, the longest I have run in a few years. It made me feel fantastic. We went last night when I was coming down with this yucky stuff, and I swear I could have run two miles (woohoo, I know) if I was not having stomach issues all the way. Thankfully, I made it home safe and sound before the real nightmare started.

I am so happy tomorrow is Friday. Hopefully, I will be back to normal and be able to strap on my new running shoes and go for a long stroll. We have no weekend plans thus far, and I have to tell you how much I really love that sometimes. We seem to always be on the go, so a vacation from that is good. I am having awful Spring shopping fever this week. I can barely contain myself. I'll post tomorrow a bit more about this issue when I'm not feeling like my head is going to hit the keyboard.

Cathching Up

2009-03-20T08:47:00.008-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts this past week. It has been a crazy week at work! I want to thank all of you again for your thoughts and prayers. I was sure to pass them on to Amie and her family. She is out of work until the end of April, so things have been a bit hectic around the office. We have a fairly small office, less that 20 people. So, when one person is missing it makes quite a difference in the work load.

Other than a crazy work week, Travis and I bit the bullet and started working out. I am a yo-yo exerciser. I will do well for about three or four months then quit for another six. Unfortunately, it's been more like a year since I was good about my workout routine. I always start off on a Monday and by Wednesday I have a million other things (excuses) to do other than workout. Well, Tuesday we put and end to the excuses. This was entirely do to that fact the we spent the weekend at the river in bathing suits, scary. We are a wee bit too round for our liking. Tuesday evening, we took a 4 1/2 mile walk/jog through one of our city's beautiful parks. We did the same again on Wednesday and last night we did a bit more jogging.

First, let me tell you that I am not a natural runner or jogger. I can walk like I am 30 minutes late for a plane, but jogging, not so much. Before I met my sweet husband, I was running up to 3 miles a day. I know this sounds like a cake walk to most of you, but it was quite a feat for me. I was in fantastic shape. It took me a couple months to get to that point, but I did. Well, after a few years, many cupcakes and a bit too may Chardonnays later, I can only run about a mile. Yesterday, Travis pushed me over my usual putter run, and I felt wonderful. I forgot just how amazing I felt after a good run.

I have also started a mini diet. Now, I say mini because I AM NOT A DIETER. I joined Weight Watchers Monday morning and they generously gave me a whopping 20 points a day. Mind you, I had already started my day off on the wrong foot. I had a Starbucks bacon, Gouda and egg on ciabatta and a grande cinnamon dolce latte. Thankfully, I had only taken one sip of my latte before I started the online program. If I had finished my coveted latte, I would have been down to 4 points at 8:30am. Truthfully, I have done rather well this week. Travis and I caught some trout last weekend and had it for dinner every night with a salad. He is on board with me, so it makes it much easier.

That pretty much sums up this week. Oh wait, I did order a few things from Victoria's Secret. I can't get on that site at work, so I can't upload pictures of my purchases. Apparently it's NSFW, odd. But, I ordered the linen beach pant in petal pink and a new pair of white ones. Have I told y'all how much I love me some white linen pants! Swoon. I also ordered this easy-breezy little strapless, cotton dress in ink blue. I love it! I might just have to get two more.

Well, that's about all the rambling I can muster this morning. It's time for my mid-morning celery and cream cheese snack. I hope y'all have a fantastic weekend. Bee Good...

A Thank You

2009-03-16T11:53:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to thank everyone that left a comment about Amie's post. They are having a service tomorrow night, and I will be sure to send her all of the love and prayers. Ya'll are such kind people.

Sad Post

2009-03-13T07:42:00.002-05:00

Last week, our company's Graphic Artist, Amie went into the hospital with crippling abdominal pains during her 24th week of pregnancy. Later that day, she was rushed to Winnie Palmer Hospital in Orlando. There, she was diagnosed with HELLP Syndrome. "HELLP Syndrome is a unique variant of Preeclampsia characterized by H (hemolysis, which is the breaking down of red blood cells), EL (elevated liver enzymes) and LP (low platelet count)." March 13, 2009, http://www.hellpsyndrome.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=40426&PID=493919 Amie had a very low platelet count when she entered the hospital. Her doctors had a hard time diagnosing her with HELLP due the syndrom's rarity. According to www.hellpsyndrome.org, "five to seven percent of all pregnant women in the United States develop preeclampsia and between two and 12 percent go on to suffer from HELLP Syndrome. Best estimates are that HELLP Syndrome occurs in one per 150 live births (about one half of one percent)."

Over the weekend, Amie was given steroids which helped her significantly. Monday morning, she was told she may be able to go home and be on bed rest for the duration of her pregnancy. Within 24 hours, the doctors realized the steroids were only masking her symptoms. Her platelet level was declining dangerously. Late Monday night, Amie was given a C-section to deliver her severely premature baby girl. Amie and her husband named their baby Kaitlyn Leigh. Kaitlyn weighed 15oz and was 10 1/2 inches long. Although, she was quite small, she fought as hard as she could. She survived until last night.

Amie was released from the hospital yesterday and is in good physical health. However, I can only imagine the pain that she and her family are feeling at this time. Please keep Amie and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Kaitlyn is in a better place right now, and I only hope that her Mother and family are able to recover from this tragedy.

Aww, Thank You

2009-03-12T07:47:00.003-05:00

Sweet Stylish Suburban, has given me an award! Thank you so much, I truly appreciate you thinking of me.
The award rules are as follows:
List 7 things that you love, and then pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you love!
Be sure to tag them and let them know that they have won. You can copy the picture of the award and paste it on your sideboard letting the whole world know...you are Kreativ!

Let's see, 7 things that are not as obvious as my family, husband and friends...
1. Sand in my toes and the Sun in my face.
2. Pearl Earrings (I seriously go nowhere without them)
3. Baby Laughs
4. Strapless Sundresses
5. Sandals
6. Shopping with my Mom
7. A cold down pillow, weird, yes I know.

Now for 7 bloggers...
1. Lindsey
2. Kristy
3. Seaside Prep
4. LSU Melanie
5. Kentucky Mama
6. Seaside Smitten
7. The Kitchen Sink

Birthday Boy

2009-03-10T16:07:00.005-05:00

a la martha

Today, is my sweet hubby's 36th Birthday.

Happy Birthday Travis!

I love you more and more everyday.

Honey Do's Done

2009-03-09T10:22:00.003-05:00

This was such a beautiful weekend, and we accomplished so much! I have to give a special thank you to my husband for doing everything on his honey do list and much more. Saturday, Travis and I basically re landscaped our entire backyard. This was quite a feat, let me tell you. We built new planters with timbers, about four of them. I learned how to use a sawzall! We planted about fifty plants and spread two truck loads of mulch. My husband is a slave driver, but I got the best workout I've had in years. The yard looks so pretty now. We planted lots of Plumbagos, four Bougainvilleas, Honeysuckle, Carolina Jasmine, Pentas, Iris', and a gorgeous red Madevilla. I am excited for everything to grow.

On Sunday, we worked inside a bit. I did organize a couple of our closets, but it was just too beautiful outdoors to stay in all day. Travis grilled the yummiest venison burgers for lunch and we ate them outside while admiring the fruits of our labor. Late in the day, there was a boat race at the lake down the street from our house. Thanks to the time change, we hopped on our bikes and pedaled down to the show. It was a great weekend, to say the least. I hope everybody had a wonderful weekend too!

Also, I noticed I have a few more followers! Thank y'all so much for following me, I truly appreciate it. I try to update my blog roll weekly, so just let me know if you want to be added to it.

Obsess much?

2009-03-05T13:18:00.008-06:00

When I get an idea in my head, I'm loony about it. Nothing will come between me and my new obsession. For example, I have become insanely nutty about ordering 15 yards of the sage houndstooth fabric I found the other day. I just recently made new curtains for our living room, actually two months ago. Now, I want to replace them with the houndstooth. I am so tempted to buy this fabric with out even getting a sample. I want it, period. But, I have a million other unfinished projects for the weekend. I am actually thrilled about this weekend, because Travis will be at the river house on Saturday and I will have all day to work on my list. So far this is what I "intend" on accomplishing:

painting our 200 year old buffet, it is just ugly, nothing that a little white paint wont fix though
cleaning out our closets, making trips to Salvation Army
working on my sewing room
making big pillows with the bamboo yellow fabric
organizing, organizing, organizing

Spring has spring, in my head anyway, so I have got to get things in order. I am thinking yard sale. I have too much junk that needs a new home, especially wedding related stuff. Oh, now that's a great idea! Yard sale=money for new curtains, hmmmm...

Completely off the subject, but I just became painfully aware that I have to get into one of these things in a matter of weeks. Trust me when I tell you that it will not be pretty. Do you think the tiny ruffles will distract attention to my rather wide arse? Not likely.

Dirt Girl

2009-03-02T15:09:00.007-06:00

This is my baby, my dirty baby. I'd just given her a bath the night before. She dug a Florida dirt hole and this is how I found her. Sam loves her some dirt.
As for my fan light installation, apparently I broke the fan. Although, I have to give myself some credit, the light did work for a day. Needless to say, I am now banned from electrical work. I can't say that I am upset be this.

Super Busy Bee

2009-03-02T09:33:00.014-06:00

I am pooped.

This weekend I, alone:

primed and painted our behemoth-sized bed (curtains are coming soon)
painted our humongous bedroom a lovely shade of yellow
rearranged our bedroom furniture
found this nifty light for my kitchen (it was a whopping $20 on clearance!)

installed a lighting fixture on our ceiling fan (this was not fun, I am not an electrician that is why the light now works, but the fan does not)
scrubbed our wood floors, that for some reason, were covered in yellow paint
ordered two new fabrics to go into our freshly painted room, from here

found at least 10 pounds of yellow dog hair under our bed, a la Sammy

and finally, made one of my famous, yummy, Stoli-O Margaritas

I feel bloggy today!

2009-02-26T10:49:00.002-06:00

As you can see, I'm playing catch up today. I was just about to start working again, when I saw this yummy giveaway over at Sweet Tea Diaries! She is giving away some great stuff. Who doesn't love cupcakes? In fact, I might just have to make some tonight. Speaking of giveaways, I am working on one of my own, so stay tuned! Such a great idea! Run go see her blog!

I heart shoes, but...

2009-02-26T10:09:00.004-06:00

Can someone please explain these to me? Other than the fact that they are insanely ugly, where and with what would you wear them?!

I guess you could sport them with this, possibly for a wedding or a shower.
Sorry, I am feeling a bit snarky today, and I obviously have too much time on my hands.

award time! a bit late...

2009-02-26T09:23:00.003-06:00

I have been a bit in the dumps as of late. I am 100% positive it is because of the 100% negative test that I just took this morning. Oh well, on to month number six.

On a lighter note, last week Jenn at With this Ring, kindly awarded me with the Friendship Award! Thank you so much, Jenn!

“These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”!

I choose:

1. Seaside Prep

2. My Home My Life

3. Margarita Monologues

4. Southern Savvy

5. Learning to be a Wife

6. In the Waiting Line

7. Stylish Suburban

8. Kentucky Mama

A Sweet Escape

2009-02-20T10:46:00.007-06:00

I am so happy that today is finally Friday! I am soon off to St. Pete Beach to see my best friend and her new little man, Ried. She lives in Atlanta and has been at her condo in St. Pete this week to visit. We have lots of girlie fun when we get together. I am also super excited about our upcoming vacation. I just booked this adorable cottage on Anna Maria Island for the last week in May. I haven't had a real vacation to just sit in the sun, read books and dine in cute little restaurants in forever! The last time I took off for over a week was for the wedding and that was far from stress free. Now, I have something to look forward to. Oh.... but just the thought of trying on bathing suits in this body is scary! I defiantly need to spend some time shaping up. I've got three months to do it, I think I can handle that. I hope y'all have a wonderful and long weekend. Bee good!

Just Skirtin Around

2009-02-18T08:04:00.010-06:00

On my list of two million projects, ideas, quick fixes and to dos, I've added an overhaul of our bedroom. Tuesday night I was in Hancock's rummaging through their sale fabrics and found a pattern that was absolutely perfect. It's a little blue gingham check that goes beautifully with a paisley piece that I'm using for our window coverings. I've been searching high and low for a pattern that complemented the paisley. It was folded on the remnant table waiting for me to scoop up for a mere $3.50 a yard. I'm going to make fitted table skirts for our bedside tables. They are not the most appealing of tables, so a pleated skirt should do wonders for them. I started this project Tuesday night and finished it last night. I had a bit of inspiration from Ballard Designs. They have some of the prettiest table covers and skirts. The round skirted table was so popular when I was a kid. My Mom had scads of them. I am really loving them for my house right now.

I also broke one of my most loved lamps in the process of my little project. Of course, I will never be able to replace it. I looked all over the web yesterday in hopes someone might just have one, no dice. Oh well, I just have to find two more lamps for our new spiffy bedside tables. I found these in Target yesterday, they even bear my name. They may be calling my name quite literally!

A Pink Obsession...Pretty Personal

2009-02-17T11:57:00.007-06:00

In my first post of 2009, I mentioned a bit here and there about the fact that we were TTC. For those of you not in the know, TTC is internety for Trying To Conceive. We have been doing so since the day we were married, October 4, 2008. I would not say that we were trying as hard as two people could, but we were certainly no longer trying to prevent it. Today, almost five months have past and we have gone into seriously trying. I will spare you the fun details of the term seriously. As I have mentioned before, I have wanted a child for as long as I can remember. I have waited all of my life for the right time and place to have a baby. Well, to use a term I hear too often, my clock is a ticking!

Five years ago, my brother and his wife decided to start trying for their first child. They were a bit more secretive about their pursuit, to say the least. After two years of trying, my sis-in-law purchased her first Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor, or CBEFM in internety language. Three months later they were pregnant. So, me being the (obsessive) organized little TTCer, purchased one as well. This past cycle was our third, we are crossing our fingers and toes that we will see two pink lines on February 27th. If we don't, we don't. We will just jump into our next cycle. However, I thought because I share a good bit of my personal life in this blog, I would at least keep you updated on our success. Currently, my mood is hopeful, as it usually is in the 2WW, or two week wait. I am a fan of the 2WW because I don't have to POAS (pee on a stick) constantly. Believe me, it is not the easiest thing to remember to do every morning for a week and a half every month! But, I know it's worth it.

Yesterday...

2009-02-17T09:03:00.002-06:00

Sunday night I started feeling that all to familiar tickle in my throat. I had a horrible time sleeping through the night and woke up yesterday feeling just awful. I couldn't muster the strength to get out of bed and head to work. In fact, I got out of bed for all of two hours and that was to relocate to the couch. I basically spent my entire day nuzzled up in my bed sleeping with my little girl. When I'm not feeling well, she always lays with me and makes sure to keep an eye on me. I love my little pup so much!

While all snuggled up, I opened up Twilight. I was on page 80 or so when I last put it down. Well, guess what? I read the whole book yesterday. Great, now I am another victim of the Twilight series. I could not put the darn thing down! I would put it down for a bit, to grab a bite to eat or sit with Travis and was quickly pulled back to the book. After reading so many other blogs that showered the book with praises, I had to see for myself. I did and now, I am hooked!

A Fishy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T13:49:00.011-06:00

I love that V-day falls on a Saturday this year. Travis and I have plans to go to the Florida Aquarium tomorrow morning. I have been once before with my little nephews and loved it. Apparently, they have done some remodeling since then, so I am excited to see the new exhibits. Travis has never been, and I am almost certain that he will be happy as a clam. He is quite possibly the most knowledgeable person about fish that I have ever met. The man truly should have been a Marine Biologist. If you ever want to know what kind of fish you caught or saw, Travis is your man. He can also tell you every single thing there is to know about that fish whether or not you really wanted to know. He can be a bit talky, but that's my man. I adore him to pieces!

Following our aquarium adventure, we are going to grill out with some close friends. The guys have been working on a surprise for us all day. We are not sure what to expect. I've got to get my tail in gear and get Travis his present. Although, I did get him his birthday present the other night. His b-day is in March. I love to buy gifts for others, especially my Momma, but it is almost impossible for me to buy Travis things. He is always asking me for a new rifle or bow. However, he is the expert in these areas and how silly would it be for me, the preppy little pearl-wearing shopaholic, to go to the Gun Shed and pick out a rifle? I always feel bad about what I get him, which is usually a fishing shirt. This year I finally asked him what he really wanted, he told me a Bowflex. Well, that is just what I got him! I got free shipping as well. I am sure that will make him happy.

It is so close to the end of this long Friday the 13th! I am ready to run out the door. I hope y'all have a happy Valentine's Day and a wonderful weekend! Bee good!

Tagged!

2009-02-12T09:03:00.004-06:00

Sweet Southern Savvy tagged me! Thanks girl!

1. Go to your pics, choose the 6th folder and the 6th picture

2. Tell who and what

3. Pick 6 people to do the same

Wow, I've got some explaining to do here. This is my hubby, Travis and his manly dog Buck. Buck and I have a love hate relationship. Buck is a 12th generation Everglade's Yellow Cur dog. For those of your that haven't a clue what a Cur dog is, he is basically a hunting dog, period. Buck weighs about 90lbs and has daddy issues. His daddy, Travis, got him when he was only 4 weeks old and has done nothing but spoil him to death since. A normal hunting dog lives outside in a pen and eats dog food. Buck, on the other hand, sleeps in my bed and eats whatever he wants. Buck is ruined, however, he does hunt with daddy and is good at what he does. But, he has some issues that make me furious with him. For example, he takes up too much room in my bed, gets dirt and dog hair all over my beautiful linens, drools, rolls in anything dead, insists upon being in our laps, demands to have his chest scratched with his paw, beats up my parent's older yellow lab, lifts his leg in my house and leaves rather large presents for us when we leave him. I have major issues with the last two items, however, I love him. He is the best protector and is full of love and emotion. When he puts his huge head into my lap and looks at me with his beautiful yellow eyes, I melt. But, because of this love hate relationship, this picture exists. One afternoon I was obviously very bored and decided to play dress up with Buck. He loves to wear things, seriously loves it! Travis is not so keen on this, but he did get a chuckle on this particular day. I usually just put a pink scarf on him, but I was unusually bored that day and thought he should wear a tank top and skirt. We took him for a walk around the neighborhood and he pranced the whole way.

This was fun, I hope you don't think I am crazy.

I tag:

1. Adventures of a Sweet Carolina Bride

2. With this Ring

3. My Home-My Life

4. Love, Life and Labs

5. Kentucky Mama

6. le petite blog

Have fun!