Firsts...bath time!

Owen had his first real bath this past weekend.

He actually really liked it.

Who wouldn't enjoy this 'spa treatment'?

You can't go wrong with a nice, warm, sink bath!

Did you know...?

...that my kids are great at making funny faces?

Did you know that you could buy the Peanuts the Elephant hat in blue for boys?

And let's not forget this oldie but goodie...Filmore the Frog hat!

Did you know that any of my animal hats would make the perfect costume for Halloween?

(Yes, I am already thinking about Halloween.)

Well, now you know!

I can't wait for some cool (but not cold) weather, colorful leaves falling from the trees, and the annual trip to the pumpkin patch! That is what is on my mind today. Every time I step outside intending to take the kids on a walk I am blasted with the thick, hot, North Carolina, summer air that still lingers...

Bring on the fall!

Friday Finds...Growth Chart

I have been wanting to make a growth chart for the boys for a long, long time!

I keep putting it off because it seems like such a huge task.

I want it to be portable (instead of using a door or wall) because we'll probably move eventually.

I thought about using a long piece of wood, but then I would have to sand it, paint it, mark it, etc.

Too much work. 

Oh, and let's not forget, I am a terrible painter and my husband won't let me paint by myself anymore.

For now, we have been randomly marking Ande's height on the refrigerator.

It is not working out so well because the markings keep getting rubbed off. 

Enter... the Portable Growth Chart by WhipperBerry.

She found some Jute Webbing at Wal-Mart, made the ruler marks with a Sharpie, and marks the child's height with safety pins.

What a stellar idea!

I think I will be making a trip to Wal-Mart this weekend (unless Hurricane Irene knocks it down)!

Healed Heels

Baby Owen (who is going to grow up thinking his first name is Baby) had a bit of jaundice when he was born.

It is not terrible, but it just won't go away.

The poor kid has had his heels pricked to check his bilirubin levels more times than I can remember.

Finally, last Friday, he was pricked for the last time!

The heels that were once raw from needle pricks, are now sweet and soft little baby feet again.

Ande seems to be getting away with a lot more lately.

Today he had 3 pieces of gum stuffed in his mouth before I even realized what had happened.

Luckily he is a really good gum chewer.

He always chews, never swallows, and throws it away when he's done (by "throw away," I mean he spits it in my hand and says, "Mommy, I'm all done.").

On Sunday, I told him he could pack 2 cars in his bag to bring to church.

This is what ended up in his bag...

(Notice the race car carefully perched on the pew? Yeah, that's my boy.)

Sunday Snapshots {18}

Well, I meant to post this yesterday. 

I am a little scatter-brained lately.

The other day I couldn't for the life of me remember what a lawn mower was called.

I kept calling it a vacuum. 

We are slowly adjusting to life with two kids.

It has actually been a really huge adjustment.

I envy all my sister-in-laws who make having 4 kids look like a piece of cake, and here I am really struggling with 2.

Ande and I have both had several meltdowns so far.

At least the other half of the family seems to be calm and collected...

Owen is big and healthy. 

He sleeps like a champ. Really, it is amazing how much that boy can sleep.

It's probably due to the fact that he could drink a gallon of milk in one sitting.

He has already gained almost a pound in the past week and a half.

The hardest struggle has been figuring out how to entertain and keep Ande happy during the many "Owen feedings" throughout the day.

I have been trying extra hard to make sure he feels special and loved because he could completely lose it at any moment.

Luckily, we have great friends and family who have taken him for a few play dates.

Here he is waiting for our friend/neighbor to come pick him up the other morning.

He was so excited he waited on the porch for 15 good minutes before they were even supposed to arrive.

He even made sure to pack his back pack with as many cars as he could squish in there.

The best part was seeing his face light up as he rode away on his little buddy's four wheeler.

I wish I had snapped a picture of that!

I really love this blog and I am going to try my best to keep it fresh with updates and such.

But, it will probably be a while before I get any good crafting done, so just be patient with me!

It's in the little things...

Having a baby really causes you to sit back and slow down. Before Owen was born, I feel like I was just racing around trying to get every last detail in order. I wanted to do as many fun things with Ande as possible for his last few days as an "only child." I was straightening the house and doing the dishes after every meal. I didn't want to leave for the hospital with dirty dishes in the sink. And I took way more showers than usual, actually blow drying my hair, just so I wouldn't look too terrible in the hospital pictures (kinda funny how the day he was born was the only day in a week that I didn't end up doing my hair). It wasn't until yesterday that I realized how much I had been racing around. All of that fast motion probably kept me from noticing the last few moments alone with Ande that really mattered.

Now we are taking things slow, trying to figure out our "new normal life," and I've started to notice a lot of little things that really make me happy.

I love watching a yawning baby, and the smiley face Owen makes (even though I know he isn't "actually" smiling).


I love the feeling of a child completely relaxing into you as he falls asleep into your arms.



I love being able to sleep on my stomach again. Oh sweet relief!





I love being reminded how hilarious my husband is, and have enjoyed every extra minute that he has been able to spend home from work.


I loved spending the afternoon at home today just watching Ande and Curtis wrestle on the bed.


I love that Ande can finally sit on my lap again to read stories since my big belly is gone.


I love that we have a bunch of old pictures as the screen saver on our computer and I've been mesmerized by them as I sit on the bed feeding Owen several times each day. They bring back so many sweet memories of our wedding, and when Ande was a little baby. I can't believe how fast he is growing up.


I love watching Ande interact with Owen. For the most part he just goes about life as usual, without really noticing him.


But when he does stop to take a look,



He is so sweet and curious.



Can you tell I'm just full of love right now? How could I not be with a family like this?



Although, if you check back with me tomorrow, when Curtis goes back to work and I'm actually on my own with two kids, I might not be feeling so lovey. I'm quite scared actually. I'll let you know how it goes.

Sunday Snapshots: Owen Randall Haynie

He's finally here!

August 11, 2011

 8 lbs. 14 oz.

21 in.

This little fella gave me contractions for almost a week before he was ready to join us!

He seemed to be pretty content where he was.

Luckily, on Thursday, he decided that he was finally ready.

I woke up that morning feeling some steady contractions, so we headed in to the doctor's office early to get checked out. 

By that time, the contractions were starting to slow down, so the doctor told me to just go walk as much as possible.

I spent the rest of the day going back and forth between the doctor's office and walking.

By 3 pm, I wasn't feeling many contractions, but somehow the walking had paid off.

The doctor sent me to the hospital to have my water broken and get things moving.

I still wasn't having regular contractions, but my body was progressing nicely anyways.

I count it a HUGE blessing that I was able to get checked in to the hospital and given an epidural before any real pain started.

I got my epidural around 7 and Owen arrived at 10:44 pm.

He gave me just enough time to watch the finale of SYTYCD!

What a gem. :)

We are so excited to now be a family of 4.

 

 I love my 3 sweet boys.

Someone told me that as the only girl, I get to be "queen" of the household.

I think I'm going to like this!

 Staying in the hospital gives you some time to get to know the baby.

Even though it has only been 2 years since we had Ande, I still felt like this was my first time.

It's nice to be able to ask the nurses for all kinds of advice and suggestions.

 

Although, it is even nicer to finally be home.

We were so lucky to have my family around to help take care of Ande while we were in the hospital, but I sure missed that boy!

We came home yesterday and are now really just soaking up this new family dynamic.

Owen is so sweet and cuddly.

Since we have been home, he has been sleeping and eating like a champ!

Ande is exceeding all expectations as a big brother.

He is loving towards Owen, and seems to be adjusting just fine!

I think he was a little nervous when we were in the hospital, wondering why I was staying there and not at home with him.

Now that we are all home, he is relaxed and happy as can be!

Ribbon Wreath and other front door decor

I'm not gonna lie, I haven't completely gotten over my grumpiness from Sunday. Luckily, I have Ande around who is pretty good at making me laugh. Just a minute ago, while lining up his cars (surprise, surprise), he said "Are you kidding me, Mommy?" I guess it's not that funny, until you remember that he is only 2. Oh, and there's also the fact that he has a hickey on his upper lip from drinking out of a water bottle this morning. These are the kind of things that make me chuckle.

Anyways...

Want a super easy wreath idea? I mean, this is ridiculously easy! 

I am actually not the best wreath maker. Since becoming a home owner a little over a year ago, I have tried to make several and I am never satisfied with the outcome. They never turn out as amazing as the wreath's I stalk on other blogs or in catalogues. But, I happened to make one the other day that I am semi-pleased with. 

I had a wire wreath frame that I had intended to use for a Christmas wreath, and never used it.

I then took about 2 - 2 1/2 inch strips of ribbons in different colors and simply tied them in knots around the wreath. That's it. 

It only took me about 30 minutes and didn't require any sewing or hot gluing. That is the kind of project I like! 

I do wish that I had made it a little fuller, maybe with longer ribbons, or by tying each ribbon in a bow perhaps. However, I'm still happy with the finished product. I also think it would look great with strips of fabric...burlap, or a really full fabric.

I used pink and white because that is the kind of ribbon that I had, but I just realized I should have used some sort of blue and brown or something. It looks like I'm celebrating having a baby girl instead of a baby boy. Oh well. I like the pink and white!

And here is a little sign that I made a long time ago and never posted about:

Curtis and I tend to buy a lot of stuff from Amazon. We are a little obsessed. He has a "prime" membership and so we get free 2 day shipping. I guess this little fact alone has pulled us into the world of online shopping. We buy diapers there, gadgets that we need (or don't need) for the house, etc. etc. 

Why am I telling you this? 

Well, the UPS guy always comes during nap time, and always rings the door bell.

If you know me at all, you already know that I am pretty crazy about babies and sleep.

I don't like when people wake them up from their naps!

So, I made this little sign, mostly for the UPS guy, to put by our door bell.

I bought the little chalk board at Michael's and painted the edge (not very well) white.

I ruffled up a long strip of fabric and hot glued it to the back.

I also hot glued a chain of yarn to with some buttons to hang it by.

Another easy little project. 

I am liking how the wreath and the sign kind of match.

They have "prettied" up our tiny front porch a touch.

Our next front door/yard project is to do some landscaping in the area that we finally weeded.

I'll have to tell you about that later. 

Sunday snapshots

Dear everyone,

Here's the thing... I appreciate your concern for me, but really, I'm ok. Let me just answer all of your questions right here.

No, being very pregnant in this heat doesn't bother me. I know you expect me to be sweating and constantly fanning myself, but it's really not that bad. The heat isn't any worse while pregnant as it is not pregnant.

Yes, I know I look like I am about ready to pop. You don't have to remind me!

I am 39 weeks along. I am having another boy. His name will be Owen. No, we still haven't decided on a middle name (yes, time is running out). Ande was early but I am due August 12. That is Friday. I still have a few more days. So no, I'm not in labor yet, don't get my hopes up!

I have no idea what Ande thinks. He knows that Baby Owen is in my stomach and he kisses it and talks to it, etc. etc. Honestly, I have no idea how he is going to react when Owen is actually here. How could he possibly imagine that a baby is going to come out of my body? I still have a hard time comprehending it.

I know how this must sound. I sound completely ungrateful for everyone that has been so nice and concerned about me. It's not you, it's me. I'm grumpy, and impatient. What I really need are questions about completely unrelated topics to take my mind off of the waiting. Feel free to bombard me with those kind of questions! Luckily, it will all be worth it in the end, once I'm holding a cute, cuddly, tiny little baby in my arms and our family of 3 becomes 4.

If you are still reading my rant, sorry, thank you, and I promise there will be more baby pictures than you can handle very soon,

- Lindsay

And Finally, here are some Sunday morning snapshots...



"Mom! Stop snapping pictures of me during this very important episode of Pingu!"


Another documentation of a little boy's imagination. Anything can be a parking lot.

Friday Finds...drab to fab!

I am just blown away by people who re-fashion thrift store clothes into adorable, fashionable, wearable outfits. I would love to have this talent. How someone can see a frumpy, 80's style dress and imagine the stylish garment that it could be will always baffle me. Learning how to re-fashion clothes is still one of my goals. I haven't really started yet...I guess I'm waiting on a more normal sized body...but I plan to get started this fall. I have been trying to soak up every bit of advice I can from others.

Here is one project that really inspires me...

Find the description and tutorial for this drab to fab makeover HERE at This Mama Makes Stuff.

Inspiration Workshop #10 A day in the life

Another week to be inspired by Gussy's Inspiration Workshop...




A Day In The Life...


This is going to be short and sweet. Why? Well, I am sleepy and I only have about 20 more minutes of peace and quiet nap time to snooze myself. I better get a move on!

My day usually begins with a huge hug from Ande as I get him out of his crib. We eat breakfast together and then spend most of the day playing with all of this:

We sometimes venture to the gym, the park, the mall, and definitely Target. This week, Ande had "preschool" (which is really just summer camp - but he thinks camp means tents, fires, etc) at the Y. He has loved every minute of it! I'm sad it is now over.

Occasionally, I have time to mess with all of this:

Yes, this is the actual pile of yarn and fabric laying on my bed this very minute. I am working on orders from my shop (the precious little Peanuts the Elephant hat for a elephant themed birthday party), the blanket I showed you the other day (that is slowly making progress), and a new truck blanket for Ande's bed (he picked out the fabric).

And last night, we took some time to set this up:

I've spent most of the day just staring at it. I am due a week from Friday but am already a few cm dilated according to yesterday's doctor visit. Now I am more anxious than ever to meet baby Owen! I am so happy, yet at the same time I'm feeling a little sad for Ande. He is generally a happy kid, but I can't help worrying that he will feel a little left out and abandoned. You people with several kids already probably think I'm just silly but I can't stop thinking about it! I just want to make sure both my kids feel equally loved and appreciated.

So the rest of the day will be spent getting the hospital bag ready (for whenever this thing happens!), walking, walking, walking, trying to stay cool, probably eating some ice cream at some point, and giving Ande more kisses and hugs than he can handle!

Oops...this wasn't quite as short and sweet as I anticipated. Now I only have about 10 minutes left to sleep... See ya!

Bed Bugs!

Ok... we haven't actually encountered any "bed bugs" around here (thank heavens!!!!), so don't you worry.

The other night, Ande woke up screaming. 

This hardly ever happens, so Curtis and I ran into his room to see what was wrong. 

He was standing up in the front corner of his crib clutching the railing with all his might.

He was yelling, "MOMMY! MOMMY! THE BUG! MY BLANKIE! THE BUGGGG! MOMMY!"

Something like that...

I had to pry his fingers from the crib to pick him up. 

His entire body was so tight. 

He was flexing every muscle in his little body.

It took us several minutes to calm him down, poor guy.

Curtis looked all around his bed and it was completely bug free.

We concluded that this was just the result of a frightening nightmare. 

(photo)

This wasn't Ande's first bad dream, (the first being about somebody taking his blankie away), but I have never seen him so scared! I felt just awful for the little guy. Now I know how my parents must have felt when I was little and suffering from night terrors every night. 

(photo)

The next day, Ande told us about "sleeping on a bug" and how the bug was laying on him. 

(photo)

This just gets me thinking all about dreams and where the heck do our minds come up with these kinds of things? Ande woke up believing that there was actually a bug in his bed. He was terrified. I still have nights where I wake up shaking and have to take a few minutes to remind myself that it wasn't real. Why do our minds like to scare us like that? And then, sometimes our dreams are so lovely that we wake up wishing they were real.

(photo)

How do you go about explaining "dreams" to a 2 year old? 

I wanted to tell him that the bug in his bed wasn't real, that it was just a bad dream.

Every night I tell him have "sweet dreams," but he has no idea what I mean.

knobby knuckles

I started crocheting a new baby blanket.

I already know that I'm going to love the finished product.

The problem is that I may never finish.

This is really going to be such a simple blanket, but I just realized that it is going to take me forever!
I will surely have knobby knuckles before all is said and done.

I just wanted to do a simple stripe pattern (green, grey, blue, and maybe an orange-y color). 

Each colored stripe is going to be a different size.

To crochet it, I'm simply doing a (sc, dc) pattern which gives it a little texture.

I'm just hoping to have it done by the time the weather starts getting cool.

We'll see how that goes. Luckily, around here, it won't get chilly until about November.

Until then...feast your eyes upon these two beauties that I found via Pinterest:

(link)

I like the colors that she used and I LOVE the idea of attaching doilies to the blanket. They make it look so "vintage-y." Don't ya think?

(link)

Just like everybody else and their brother, I am loving the whole chevron pattern lately.

This blanket is no exception. I need to learn how to do this!