30 weeks + "the decision"

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Molly Whitmore Photography

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Best moment this week:   Hearing little man say he wants the baby to come now! 

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Gender:   I think baby is a girl?? .... I think.
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Miss Anything?   precious sleep!
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Nervous?   Why yes, about making "the decision."
[see below]

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Movement:   yes, mostly late at night and after eating. 

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Food cravings:   Hello junk food! - anything horseradishy, sweet, and lots of donuts! 

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Anything making you queasy or sick:  orange juice

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Labor Signs:   nope..
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Symptoms:  feeling huge, and have 'officially' entered the uncomfortable stage,
c-section incision,
 occasional heartburn
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Happy or Moody:   happy
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Looking forward to:   sharing the completed nursery!

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Little man entered the world via. c-section, May 15, 2008, at forty-two weeks...
an induction that went "south". 

We call him [Alex] "little man" because that is just what he's always been... a little man.

 At birth he blew us away with his 10 pounds and 11 ounces, and hasn't stopped growing since.

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 That being said, and with doctors basing "labor plans" on birth-history,

we've come to the point in this pregnancy where "the decision" has to be made.

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Do we attempt a VBAC? 

 

At first, It wasn't even a question.

It'll be 4 whole years since little man's delivery, when this baby arrives.

  [i hope they won't share the same birthday]

I would love to experience natural birth, and know numerous women who have had great, 
problem-free VBACs.

So, what's the big deal?

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Well.... those were my thoughts until several weeks ago.

Before, I started measuring large and weighing in high...   just like time #1.

Before, my incision became even thinner and more painful.

I can barely cough or sneeze without "rippin' a stitch" or crying. 

How am I going to push a baby out?!! 

And then there's the doctors.... they're suggesting a scheduled c-section.

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So what it comes down to, if I go into labor before a scheduled c-section, do I even give it a try?
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Any Mamas out there been in the same boat?
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Any other big-baby-makers who want to share some advice? 

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 xoxo,

Spring Mantle [revised]

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After searching the house and doing some re-arranging, I now love my spring mantle.  [Remember what  attempt 1 looked like?]  - Here is take 2attempts....

BLOOM: 

a. a state or time of beauty, freshness, and vigor   b. a state or time of high development or achievement

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I took the 'rock-what-ya-got" approach, and used items I had on hand.
The only purchase what the paper-stem flowers from Hobby Lobby, a little over $5.00

Happy Spring!

DIY Easter Bucket

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We're getting pretty excited for Easter around here!  Last week, I made the mistake of browsing the Easter isles, and buying Easter eggs with little man. Almost daily, he asks if "it's time" to put candy in them and "find the eggs".  I love his excitement and the anticipation!

In hopes of distracting him, I set to work on a homemade Easter basket bucket the other day.  I asked him what colors he would like and got to work.....

This project is a re-make of my Paint-can Storage tutorial.

Instead of covering the can with paper, I heavily sponge-painted it.

To emphasize the monogram, I used puffy paint to add texture and depth.

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Little man loves the bucket and can't wait to "fill it to the top" with eggs.

Using supplies I had on hand, and upcycling the paint-can,

I probably put $1 in this project!

toddlers, death +heaven

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How do you effectively explain death and heaven to a three year old, for the first time?   

This past week we encountered that reality, and have been sorting our way through the process. 

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Our dear friend's 4 month-old son passed away this week,  from a genetic condition, SMA type 1.

The last several days have been a rollercoaster of grief, sorrow, relief, yet, joy, and thanksgiving.  Baby Truman is no longer suffering and has been made new. Though his loved ones are left 'empty-handed' and heartbroken, how amazing that he is now perfect and living with Jesus, our ultimate goal. 

 Praise God!

Though it's difficult, as adults we know death is a fact of life.  Most have encountered it at least once, if not numerous times.  Most importantly, as Christians we know this world is not our home. We are only here for a short time... preparing and striving for eternal life with Christ.  

- However, for a toddler, this is all foreign and unknown... a concept they have heard little of.  

For the first time, this week, we as parents faced the challenge of introducing [human] death to our Alex. It could not be avoided, and we knew this was the time.......     

Truman's big brother, Lincoln, and Alex are buddies. They're about a year apart and are both "all-boy", loving tractors, trucks, and playing ball.   We were overjoyed when we heard of our friend's [the Heatwoles] growing family,  that "L" would be a big brother.  And around the time baby "T" was born, we announced our current pregnancy.  We explained to Alex that just like "L", he too would be a big brother.  I loved watching Alex interact with baby T, and his new interest in babies.

As it became clear, and was announced baby "T" had a special condition [shortly after birth],  I remember Alex picking up on it immediately. We talked frequently about baby "T" and his situation over the last several months, praying.  Last Sunday, our friends went to the hospital, as baby "T" had gotten sick and was struggling to survive.  We shared this with Alex, and surprisingly, he didn't say much.  

Tuesday morning we received the news..... baby "T" had gone to be with Jesus.   As I stood in the kitchen, "Come to Jesus" by Chris Rice playing, I read the text, and began to weep.  Alex came to me several minutes later asking, "what is wrong, Mom?"  I told him the news and explained that I was very sad, but happy at the same time, and why.  His only reply was that "Truman is with Jesus."  I let the subject go for the rest of the day until Alex brought it up that evening, stating that "Jesus can make us all better when we're sick."  

The memorial service and viewing were planned for Friday evening.  Blake and I agreed that to attend as a family.  As it came time to say "goodbye" to baby "T",  i felt uneasy and anxious, even upset. 

 .... How would Alex respond? ... Did we make the right decision? ... Is he too young?

      

We kept our comments simple, repeating what we had previously told him...  "Baby Truman is in heaven."  .....  "His body is here on earth, but his heart and soul are with Jesus."  "He isn't sick anymore, and he is very happy!"    -Needing to take care of some responsibilities, I left Alex with Blake until the service started.  Blake later told me that Alex asked to see baby 'T' again, and he then commented, "it doesn't look like him." 

Since then, and the burial service Saturday, Alex has made several remarks, but hasn't asked any specific questions.  I overheard him after several family-friends, "do you want to see Jesus?"  Also, stating, "baby "T" is in heaven!"  We are waiting for him to request a "let's talk" family-meeting, as he often does when ready to talk about something, or has a question.

..... I can't help but wonder what his little heart and mind are feeling, thinking.    ...  My prayer is that, even now, he would start to understand that this earth is not our home.  That most importantly, we want to be with Jesus, even if it means being apart from our family for a short time.

And with your final heartbeat, kiss the world goodbye...

then go in peace, and laugh on glory's side....

and, fly to Jesus...

fly to Jesus....

fly to Jesus, and live....

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In honor of baby Truman, balloons were released at the burial service ...

 a symbol of our need to 'release' him to God.

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Please pray for our friends, the Heatwole family.

Their journey, in a way, is only beginning.

Blessings,



Mama-must-haves

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Preparing for baby's arrival, I've been listing the items we need to get yet.  Of course, when it's your first, there are all the essentials;  furniture, clothes, baby monitor, safety-grooming kit, burp clothes, stroller, car-seat, toiletry items, and the list goes on. Thankfully, I can reuse most of those items from little man, and the "need" list is minimal this go-around.  I'm sticking to diapers, new burp clothes & blankets, and some toiletries.
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If you're an expecting first-timer, here are some of my Mama-musts that I'm sold on, and use regularly with keeping little ones.

1. Little Remedies  Whether baby has a fever, cold, or teething pain, Little Remedies has a remedy! I first used there saline spray, and was shocked how quickly it worked. I've been using there products ever since!
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2. Infantino Baby-Carriers and Moby Wraps are my personal favorites. No matter what brand or style you choose, I highly recommend having some kind of tummy-pack. It's a great way to keep baby close, yet have free hands to work around the house, hang laundry, or use while you're out and about.

3. Boppy Pillow  Having had a c-section, I was so thankful for my boppy.  The c-shape fit perfectly around my stomach for little man to nurse comfortably, and kept his weight off my incision.  Now, I use it to set the babies up when playing on the floor. [much easier than using pillows]

4. Bumpkins Shirt Bib. This bib is genius... it gives full coverage, and there's no more food-stains!

5. Bright Starts Bouncer Seat.  Any kind of compact, portable swing or chair comes in hand when needing to occupy baby for a period of time.  Besides using my bouncer seat inside, I took it outdoors while working in the garden, and at the swimming pool, to name a few.

6. Aquaphor 2-in-1. Little man has always had sensitive skin and eczema. I originally started out using Johnson & Johnson products, but quickly learned how hard they are on sensitive skin. I was relieved to learn about Aquaphor from my Dr. and have no complaints.

7. Dreft Liquid Detergent.  Dreft has been the #1 choice of pediatricians for years. As recommended, Dreft baby detergent should be a must up to [at least] 6 months!  It does not contain the harsh chemicals, that most other detergents have, which may be irritating to baby's tender skin.   For me, Aquaphor and Dreft worked hand-in-hand together.

8. Little Tummys Gas Drops.  Ohh, they were a life saver! I was glad to have these gas drops on hand for little man's evening gasiness and tummy aches. It has become one of my regular baby-gift items!

9. Trend Lab Nursing Cover.  Let's face it, blankets just don't do as good of a job. If you're going to breastfeed [especially in public] do everyone the favor and purchase, or make a nursing cover.  I'm loving all the fun colors and prints that are now available.
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10. Baby Delight Nest. Though a pretty penny, the 'nest' was perfect for co-sleeping those first weeks. Once we transitioned little man to the crib [in the nursery] I used it in the crib as a 'positioner'.  When traveling, It came in hand, and was convenient instead of packing a bulky pack-n-play.
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11. Bumbo Seats are a wonder when baby is just learning to sit up. The bumbo forces them to sit up and strengthens there neck and back. Seriously.   I put little man in his as young as 3 months.  It was also helpful when spoon feeding him.

Each to their own, but hopefully this list is somewhat helpful!

Happy planning and Mothering!

adventure + joys

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" Sometimes a mother can feel that the routines in her day are too repetitive.

Dishes, laundry, meals, diapers, and messes to clean seem to be the order of the day, every day.

We may feel discouraged by this.

Yet, these routines bring great comfort, stability and security to the family.

Not only that, but each new day brings grand new adventures!

New memories to build, new chances to love and nurture, and new opportunites abound,

 as we create loving atmospheres for our families.

The precious moments are lived out right alongside those regular routines.

Every day brings with it the joyful anticipation of surprises, blessings, unforgettable moments,

 and the increase of love.

Enjoy the adventurous life in your home today."     

-  Michelle Kauenhofen

 

No matter what you are doing today, many blessings!

Spring Mantle

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I've been taking a break from the nursery, enjoying lots of family time, and am working on "Spring-a-fying" our home. {thank you spring fever!}   Like most, we've been enjoying warm temperatures in the 50's + 60's...  that was, until last evening. This morning we woke up to beautiful blanket of snow and a snow day!

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The most change has been taking place in our living room and the entryway,

switching out winter decor. 

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BEFORE

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AFTER

Using old bottles, I've been having fun playing around with 'groupings'.
I want to add a few more bottles, of higher height, maybe wine bottles.
The chalkboard is another one of these, cheap and easy!
The thrifted-window is a cream, and the coffee filter wreath has some in it too. 
I'm hesitant in pairing the white bottles and cream together?
It bothers me... we'll see!


[the medicine bottles I picked up at Frontier's Antiques, and gave a quick facelift by spray painting.
To see what they looked like before, you can see here!]

Have a wonderful Monday, whether snow or shine!

Spring Bowtie Giveaway Winner

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I'm excited to share the winners of the Spring Bowtie Giveaway this morning! 

Sassy Root Studio

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There were eight entries/ photographers who entered the giveaway,

and the original plan was to draw two winners. 

When sorting through my inventory this morning I came across an additional six bowties

 to the two i had already picked and pulled for the giveaway.  

A coincidence?
Mayeb, but a sure fun one!

8 fantastic entries and 8 bowties!!  

Each of you who entered, will  be receiving a Spring, baby boy bow-tie!

Congratulations!

Please email me your mailing addresses,  aammeelliiaa@juno.com   

Happy March!