Updated Nursery Tour

Updated Nursery Tour

Just before Alara's baby shower I posted pictures of the nursery. Since then I've update her room. I've added frames above the dresser, covered an old bulletin board with coordinating fabric, and moved in the new changing table. 

Now I'm so excited to share it with you - I love how everything turned out! 

the waiting game...or confessions of a venting pregnant mamma...

I've made it to the end of 38 weeks and still no sign of baby Alara's grand arrival. I'd post a picture of my pregnant self, but honestly I'm not in the mood to photograph my large protruding stomach, round face, swollen hands and feet and out of shape thighs. I'm not a fan of being pregnant and I'm looking forward to putting these days behind me.

I'm not trying to sound ungrateful about the little one growing inside of me. I'm beyond thankful that I have a healthy baby girl on the way. However, I'm tired, my back is sore, my hips are sore, and if I have to hear my husband make beeping sounds (the kind that semi trucks make when backing up) I might just loose it!

...And I've been having nightmares of my water breaking somewhere public! For an example...in the middle of the grocery store...or maybe at Target...

I'm ready to hold my baby girl.

I'm ready to kiss her cheeks.

 I'm ready to rock her to sleep.

I'm ready.

To keep myself busy, I've been nesting like crazy! I've done more Goodwill runs this past week then I've done in the last several months. I've been trying to think projects that I should try and finish before Alara's arrival. I've put the finishing touches on Alara's nursery, I've cleaned up the front yard, trimmed wayward plants, pulled weeds, walked the dog, cleaned out the closets and worked on reorganizing several of our random cupboards.

I'm ready.

The Day the Crayons Quit written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Lucas received this cute quirky picture book for his 3rd birthday. It's now one of his favorite bedtime/nap time books. By the end of the last page, he is already asking for more. He enjoys the bright colorful illustrations and short text. It takes about seven to ten minutes to read this book - depending on how long he wants to look/talk about each page. Perfect for our bedtime routine and my 3 year old's short attention span.

While googling information on the author and illustrator, I found that this book had many negative reviews. Everything from whiny crayons, racist intentions on the authors part (in particular with the Peach and Beige crayons), and a possible plagiarism charge.

How much of this is simply adults reading into/over-analyzing The Day the Crayons Quit?  I'm not sure?

I have enjoyed reading this book. The illustrations are fantastic. I love the details Jeffers puts into his artwork. I think half of this book's success comes from the illustrations. The letters to Duncan are hysterical. Each crayon has something to say - some are upset, some have been used to much or too little, some some are in disputes with one another, and some just want to let Duncan know that he is doing a fantastic job. 

Wordless Wednesday

happy 3rd birthday

My sweet baby boy turned three on Friday! Where has the time gone? Unfortunately, over the weekend Lucas got sick and we had to cancel his birthday party. I'm not sure who was more disappointed - Lucas or myself. We spent most of Saturday on the couch, snuggling and watching movies while I kept him hydrated and cool. On Sunday, he was feeling better and several family members came by with gifts which helped ease the disappointment of missing his party. In the last year, I have watched him grow by leaps and bounds. It's exciting to think of what the next year has in store for him - and our family. 

So without further ado, here are a few milestone/accomplishments of Lucas's past year...

• His vocabulary has increased by tenfold! Last year at this time Lucas was saying words and stringing together simple sentences. However as the year progressed so did his vocabulary. I love listening and recording his conversions - with himself, with family members, with the dog and with his toys. He is like a little sponge, soaking up everything he hears (good and bad). 
• He is turning into a little athlete! Between riding his bike, hiking with Mamma, playing baseball, golf, soccer and basketball, I foresee sports in my near future. 
• He has developed strong opinions and has been testing his negotiating skills. Ahem..yup...this one hasn't been much fun as the others. 
• He loves to sing! This ability/desire to sing did not come from me. Before having Lucas, I told my husband that I would never sing with my kids. It just wasn't something that comfortable doing. However, over the past year I have found myself singing nonstop! Lucas loves to sing his Sabbath School songs, VBS songs, camp songs, songs he hears on Curious George etc. We have even made up new lyrics to old songs to suit whatever mood he and I are in...for an example "I'm a Little Tea Pot" is now "I'm a Little Fire Hydrant." Just please don't ask me to sing it... 
• Lastly, I love hearing Lucas say "I love you Momma." It warms my heart to hear those words. 

Happy Birthday to Thursday's Child

Happy 3rd Birthday to my blog... 

Alara's baby shower

This past Sunday, I was blessed by friends and family with an amazing baby shower. A big shout out and a ginormous thank-you goes to my lovely party planners - Sarah and Amber. These two ladies did a fantastic job and went above and beyond all my expectations. I am truly blessed to have you ladies in my life.