sweater*loves

Sweaters I picked out for Delilah & Simon from Blabla Kids.

Who doesn't love a good sweater? Especially a hand knit one! I love sweaters, a lot, so when I saw these on the blabla site, I knew I had to get them. I could picture my kids wearing them, and being warm and cozy. :) If I had the time I might just try to knit them some myself... but who am I kidding, I don't have any extra time.

Do you have a favorite sweater? Do you remember a favorite sweater from childhood? I had a few...

I'm still here.

Just a little preoccupied....

Hope everyone is enjoying this last week of May!

ps: don't miss the RVA Summer Camp info in the post below! XO

pss: what's you're favorite Jelly Belly flavor?? I can't decide if I like the fruity ones like peach or strawberry jam better than the other ones like toasted marshmallow or buttered popcorn better....

You won't wanna miss...

RED VELVET SUMMER CAMP!!

How many of you have special memories of summer camp as a kid? I certainly do. When I was 9, I moved away from my best friend, but every summer, we went to camp together, and it was such a fun a special time that I'll never forget. My favorite part of summer camp was, of course, the crafts! (who would have guessed).

Elsie and Rachel are bringing the joys of summer camp crafts back to life with their latest online class.....

I'm very excited to be a small part of it, and am looking forward to my project!

Emma & Leigh-Ann will also be special guests. Check out the awesome project list!!

10 Button Based Embroidery Patterns, Summer Floral Hair Clip, 'Hello' Woven Floor Mat, Summer Log Art Journal, Leather Feather Earrings, 3 Upcycled Tank Tops, Pup Tent (as seen in promo photos), Doily Plastic Bag Holder, Loom DIY (make your own loom), Swiss Cross Pillow, Ready-To-Use Recipe Box, Beaded Chandelier, Canvas Cloud Bath Mat, Mod Tote Bag, 3 D.I.Y. Bracelets (using three techniques), Pretty Windchime, Beach Blanket, Hanging Lanterns, Rockabilly Head Wrap with Summer Lovin' Embroidery Patterns, Happy Thoughts Wreath, Plush Animal Greeting Card Set, Fresh Fruit Apron Makeover, Simply Charming Necklace and Key Chain, Somebody Loves me Pillow Case Set, Tea Party Decor D.I.Y. (learn to throw the perfect little tea party!), Plush Scout Animal (with patterns), Forest Friends Shadow Box, Photo Fridge Magnets, Mini Party Garland, Scout's Honor Merit Badge Project (make pillows or wearable pieces with downloadable badge designs by Elsie & Rachel!)

Here's the details:

*Red Velvet Summer Camp is a 6 week online class that begins June 14th.

*Supplies: Class Supplies are posted in advance on the private blog. Most supplies are inexpensive craft store items and items you may already own. We work hard to keep the supply list super affordable with lots of options.

*Class includes Bi-Weekly chats with the teachers (both text and video chats are included).

*Private Blog access will be sent to you within 24 hours of payment. The blog includes supply lists and a fun welcome post for pre-class preparation & a chance to meet fellow students.

*Our class is set up on an open ended timeframe so that students can follow at their own pace. There are no deadlines or pressure and the private blog stays posted for one full year after class completion for students to reference!

Registration

*Class Fee $60 USD

*Payments accepted via paypal (on Rachel & Elsie's blogs) and the red velvet site (reminder: registration begins next Wednesday at 12PM (noon) CST).

*if you have questions, please e-mail racheldenbow@gmail.com.

So what are y'all going to be doing tomorrow at noon?? Signing up for this class of course! I can't wait to see you there. :) (sign ups on Rachel & Elsie's blogs, as well as the RVA site)

XOXO

great day.

It was Delilah's first day out! I managed to get both kids up and fed and ready for me and babe's first doctor's appointment at 9 this morning. Then my Dad came out for the day. We bbq'ed and took the kids to the park. (eeek! "the KIDS") It was an absolutely gorgeous day.

One huge thing that happened for me today, was the fact that I ACTUALLY ENJOYED BREASTFEEDING! That's huge. This was the first day (ever) that I've enjoyed it, felt confident about it, and didn't have any problems doing it. I felt like I could conquer the world.

Soaking up a wee bit of sun. (the photo is overexposed, she's actually nicely in the shade)

Simon LOVES it when "Papa 'Kenna" comes for a visit. He usually spoils him with "wollipops" and green balloons. We played at the park, went for ice cream cones, enjoyed the weather, and overall had a very good day. I had a visit with my good friend Lisa in the evening as well. I'm thankful for days like today.

[4 days old]

We love our baby girl so much!!

{quick hi, and THANK YOU THANK YOU for all the congrats and sweet comments!! I love my blog readers.}

Ok, I should probably be sleeping instead of reading blogs and uploading photos.....

Daddy is smitten

I think we all are.

{Birth Story} - Delilah Fawn.

On May 12th at 12:18am, we welcomed our little Delilah into the world. She weighed 9lbs 3oz, and measured 22.5 inches long! Much bigger than I expected her to be! (Simon was 8lbs 12oz).

The labor & delivery were one from heaven, and I can't describe it any other way....
I had been having regular contractions for about a week or so, each day hoping they would progress. I would get them every 10 minutes for hours on end. We would go for walks to try to keep them going, but eventually they would diminish, and I was starting to think I would end up needing to be induced, just like I was with Simon. He was 14 days overdue, and the labor was 21 hours long.

On Tuesday, I had regular contractions again, just like other days, but these felt different... I had a feeling something was changing in my body. The contractions never went away, and only got stronger. I texted Ryan at work and told him that I was going to need a back rub when he got home.... Jenna & Kelsey invited us over for supper, and I figured it wouldn't be a problem. We arrived there and while I was helping with the potatoes, it was getting tougher and tougher to stand through the contractions. I had a feeling that night would be the night. We ate supper, and afterwards we decided to go for a walk to the park, and make sure my contractions wouldn't diminish like they had been doing. We made it there, and Jenna & I sat on a bench while Simon played. I started to wonder if I was even going to make it back to their house! I felt the need to hurry all of a sudden, so we started back. Once we got on J & K's street, I asked Ryan to drive home (like right now!) and grab the diaper bag, and a bag of my things and come back asap. I wanted to go to the hospital sooner rather than later, because I knew that I planned on having an epidural. We drove Simon to my Mom's and she could tell I didn't look like myself.

We arrived at the hospital at 8:30pm, the nurse checked me and I was 4cm dilated. I told her my wishes of having an epidural and the anesthesiologist was there very soon after. He told me the risks involved, but I knew 100% that I wanted one. (I remember very clear while in labor with Simon that I never wanted to know what it felt like without the epidural, because that labor was SO intense, and I had the medication. I didn't need to prove anything to myself, or be a wonder woman.. I wanted to make this an enjoyable and comfortable experience) The Dr. gave me the epidural and said it went as smoothly as they come. He was super nice, and I trusted him. Once I had the epidural, the contractions were very manageable. Ryan and I were chatting about the salon, and I told him he probably had time to go do the cash-out and then come back. He asked me "Are you sure?" and I said "Of course, I'm sure it'll be a while yet."...

A little while later, my contractions started to slow down, so I got up and sat on the birthing ball to hopefully keep them going. My Dr. came to check me again after being on the ball for 10 minutes or so and informed me I was 8am dilated already!! I almost didn't believe her. When she checked me, my water broke. The amount of fluid was INSANE. I remember feeling pretty grossed out at all the fluid, when I heard my Dr say "We've got Mec." That being short for meconium. I was concerned for a moment, but she assured me that Delilah was still happy, with a good heart rate so there was no reason to worry. She would just have to suction her mouth/nose right away, instead of having her given to me the moment she's born. Not a problem.

I asked her if I should call Ryan to come back, and she said "He left?! You could be pushing very soon!" So I called him, and he was very pleased that he could "speed" over. He didn't want to miss it! He made it back in time to see me in the worst stage of labor... transition. Even with the drugs, it is a very intense time.... I managed to breath through each contraction, clenching Ryan's hand, and making my silly "airplane" buzzing noises with my mouth, each one. It wasn't very long until my Dr said I could start pushing. It was SO crazy the pressure I felt, and the urge to push was very intense.

I kid you not, 8 minutes later she was born. 3 pushes, that's it. I couldn't believe it!! Once her head was out, they told me to slow it down, so she could suction the toxic fluid from her mouth and nose. She also discovered that the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck, so she had to cut it. Man, when you're pushing though, it's sure hard to tell your body to stop! I managed to stop while they did what they had to do, and then one more push and she was here!
She had a lot of bruising to her face from going through the birth canal so fast, but other than that she was perfect. Just perfect. She let out a tiny little cry at first, but then just looked around in silent amazement while they cleaned her up, weighed and measured her.
Ryan did such a great job of encouraging me, and I was happy he didn't end up missing it! Our nurses were so wonderful too, and Dr. Braun was the best. Everyone was so calm and happy, and made for a very enjoyable environment. I was never worried or scared.
Simon was thrilled to meet his new 'sister baby' and was showering her with kisses from the moment he lay eyes on her.
We stayed at the hospital until Thursday morning, and have been enjoying time at home now. Our first night at home was great. She slept and would wake up only to be fed. I fed her 4 times throughout the night, but still feel fairly well rested. I feel like I'm on cloud nine.....

These times are so precious, and I'm trying to soak it all in. I finally have my daughter, and she's perfect. A gift from God. I had the labor & delivery from heaven, without a glitch. I'm so happy, and I've never felt more thankful for my family, and how I've been blessed. I'm right where I want to be, who I want to be, and it feels great!!

Welcome to our world, Delilah Fawn! XOXO

Hey There Delilah!

She's here! All 9lbs of her.

I will be back later today with a birth story post.

We're all doing well, and I couldn't be happier.

XO

It's the due date.

...and still no baby. Correction, there's certainly a baby, but she's snug inside. There's been LOTS of contractions, and we've gone for walks etc, but no action to report as of yet.

(source)

The waiting is getting borderline frustrating because I keep thinking "It's gonna happen now! Today's the day!" when nothing happens, and to think this could go on for another 2 weeks makes me a lil crazy. But she'll be here eventually. I just can't wait to hold her in my arms.

My mother's day was great, and I hope yours was too.

A little shout out to my WONDERFUL MOM! I LOVE YOU!

xo

hey Lauren! check this out..

Smitten Sticks!

(My little sister is getting married in July, *yays!*)

Don't you just love them?!! I do. (no pun intended)

rain, rain, rain..

(porcelain art by Ashley G.)

It has been one rainy week.... a cold and windy one at that. It sort of makes it hard to be stuck inside all day with a toddler (who loves being outside!), but we're managing. The trains are getting well played with, and the art journal is a frequent visit.

We did get out of the house for a bit today, I had an appointment with my Dr. Everything is healthy and great as far as we know, but there wasn't much progress in the labor department, so we're still playing the waiting game.

Some things I've been thinking about:

- products for Red Velvet Art

- decor for Delilah's nursery

- new hairstyles (I'm growing mine out)

- tattoos

- newborn photo shoot ideas (anybody have any to share?)

- trying something new

- getting back into older hobbies

.... all this happens on a rainy day after rainy day after rainy day.

[wasting time]

I took Talula & Apple out of hibernation this afternoon for a quick photo shoot. :) I didn't have any cute ideas for photos other than dressing Apple in a cute new dress I got from Danielle. Just for fun, you know, to waste time....

Another great way I wasted my time today was playing on Frappuccino.com! I made 2 custom drinks, and made myself crave Starbucks reeeeeeally bad. First I made the "I Fancy Cap'n Crunch".....

Grande, 2%, 1 pump Toffee Nut, Caramel Drizzle topping, Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino® blended beverage

Then I made the "Toffee Vanilla-la-love"....

Grande, 1 pump Toffee Nut, Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino® blended beverage

Seeing that a Starbucks run is not very likely in my near future, this was the next best thing. ha!

Oh! And I also wanted to share that I made a personal blog for myself, called "Getting It Back" and it will document my postpartum journey back to my pre-pregnancy weight, and also be a place for me to post recipes, mommy stories, and just keep myself accountable to keep up a healthy lifestyle once my baby girl arrives. I think it would be neat if I met other new mom's who are in the same boat from this blog as well. Feel free to check it out.

I've been feeling pretty good, and trying to keep track of all the BH contractions I've been getting, hoping that they'll turn into the real thing.... but I'm due on Sunday, so I'm trying not to expect that labor will start any time soon, it might be another week or two. Maybe the pedicure I have at 5:30 this evening will give it a boost, lol, I've heard that can sometimes do it.

Happy rainy Tuesday...

Inspired by...

Megan Hunt, the designer behind Princess Lasertron. I saw one of her photos on Erin's blog, and was smitten! This girl is seriously talented with some felt!! I love fresh flowers, but part of me would totally want one of her bouquets if I could do my wedding over again. (is it just me? or do other of you think about what you would do if you could plan your wedding over again...)

Anyways, just look at some of her beautiful creations, and be inspired!

She does headbands, and bouquets of all sizes, even boutonnieres as well!
Beautiful huh? Check out her blog here, and her Flickr photostream too, for more eye candy!

It's also neat that she is due to have a baby any day now, just like me!

Happy Sunday friends. :)