The Waiting Game

Today is my "Due Date". I feel a great sense of accomplishment making it to my due date, but that is just personal. I feel like now that its been 40 weeks I'm out of the woods and can have this sweet baby. I always go a week over and if this baby doesn't come until after the 21st no one won't be more surprised them me.

A little over 20 months ago I had Mr H. and needless to say I am having a bit of dejavu this go around. When I hit my due date with him, I also wrote a blog post and I knew I would be remissed if I didn't this time as well. Since I am not a "heavy writer" in my blog posts it is really fun to go back and read my thoughts about "where my head was at" last time around.

I have loved every stage my family has been through since H. birth. I feel like as a family we have gotten into a good groove, minimal rough patches and much smoother sailing. It been so rewarding to watch my two older boys and see how they have loved and looked after Henry as he has moved thru being a baby then infant and is now a toddler. It will be even more exciting to go through those stages with this new baby.

In May, we had family pictures taken. Close friends and family thought I was crazy to take family photos 6.5 months pregnant, but our family was at such a cute stage, even if I didn't look my best I still wanted to capture how I felt.  Kimberly our photographer was amazing, if you live in Utah or ever visit look her up! You won't be sorry.



From here on out its a Waiting Game. The boys were funny this morning: "Mom, isn't today your due date?" ME: Yes. Boys: "So the baby could come any day now???" Me: Yes! Boys: Wahoo!!! You forget how long the 9 month wait really is in the lives of a 7 and 10 year old and how patiently and lovingly they wait for little brother to arrive.

The Best Kind of Quilt

{I am really having a hard time writing this post, because its hard putting into words how much this gift means to me.} Some dear friends surprised me yesterday with a BABY QUILT, for baby #4. I wasn't expecting it at all! {Which is always the best surprise} These "friends" I met through the quilt retreat I held last fall and we were visiting yesterday and all of a sudden they placed this amazing gift in my hands {see above}.

I was just sitting there looking dumbfounded. It was taking me a minute to register what was happening, because lets face it...my pregnancy brain is really bad this 4th time. {It takes me a whille to catch on.} I know how much effort, love, time, resources, and energy it takes to make a quilt let alone a quilt for someone else. These sweet friends got together {without me even knowing} and spent the day piecing, quilting, binding etc. a BEAUTIFUL quilt for me. I just couldn't really express my appreciating and love at the time. I was just staring and stumbling over my words ~ it was the oddest feeling.

Look how adorable this rememberance tag is: that doggie is just the sweetest thing! April's impressive handiwork.

Thank you April, Ella, Emily, Sue, Maggie and Kristen. XOXOXO

Just when you think it can't get any better, you turn the quilt over! Ahhh, just as perfect as the front. The back is from Emily's Going Coastal line from MMF. Love it!!

A day of Quilting

Before I knew "what" I was having, I was planning to make the baby a granny square quilt. These blocks are so hot right now and so dang cute. Blue Elephant Stitches has a great tutorial I referenced when starting my quilt,  so check it out before beginning. By the looks of it; can you guess "what" I am having.

The quilt will be a 3 by 3 and I am planning to use this Reunion fabric as by border from Moda. I was at my LQS and noticed they only had a yard left and snatched it up. I had been eyeing it for sometime and I think it will be just perfect. Because the border fabric has so much color I coordinated my granny squares with the pendants: yellow, red, green and grey.

We are experiencing full fledged spring here in Utah: daffodils, soccer, and of course spring cleaning. Happy Tuesday.

Baby Food ~ Mid Week Munchies

Now that my baby is 9 months old. (yikes!) I thought I would share a few of my tips and tricks for feeding the little guy.

Disclaimer: Everyone has their own ideas about feeding their baby, these are just my suggestions and what has worked for me. As a Mom, please do whatever you feel is best for you and your baby.

I make my own Baby Food. Yes, I do! It is super easy and works the best for me and my schedule (a.k.a LIFE) I mash my own bananas, buy regular applesauce and cook my own carrots. Since I am already feeding "normal" food to my two older boys I just lump the third one in as well.

When I had my first baby, traditional Gerber baby food was too expensive on our tight family budget so I just improvised and made my own: mashed potatoes, peaches, raisins. It worked so well, I have never looked back. All my boys, to this day, are great eater, they aren't picky and just about any food makes them happy.

I follow doctor's instructions and don't give them any milk products or meat until they are one years old and I do try and really limit their sugar intake, but honestly with two older brothers they are always slipping Henry something sweet.

Happy Wednesday, Enjoy the summertime!!

Quincy Quilt ~ Finished

I finished the binding on the Quincy Quilt I am giving my friend, who is on baby girl #4. I used the doggie fabric that I used on the inner border...it turned out splendid. I wrapped it up with a pretty bow and off it will go today. I hope she likes it, when you make something personal, like a quilt, with colors and fabrics you always take a bit of a risk...is it their style, do they like the colors? I'll keep you posted.

I also made her three burb cloths from the border fabrics. So easy and quick. Tutorial here.

I added a little baggie of dried lavender (my fav!) and a sweet gift tag from Vintage Fern.

5 months

My Baby turned 5 months over the Weekend.

5 Tips for a 5 Month Old:

1 ~ Tummy Time. Baby is starting to roll over and the more tummy time the better.

2 ~ Watch Out. Baby is starting to put everything in his mouth. Keep unsafe things out of arms reach.

3 ~ Get yourself a Bumbo. Perfect for making dinner and keeping baby happy.

4 ~ Get on a Schedule. Make Mom and baby happy by getting baby on a nap schedule.

5 ~ Starting Solids. Even though they resist and make a mess, start baby on rice and solids.

Nusery Photos

I am really proud of myself. I love baby nurseries and when I was pregnant I had a sweet, simple vision for what I wanted Henry's nursery to look like. I am almost done. Just a few more finishing touches and I can show you the whole room.

When I was pregnant, I knew I wanted my amazing friend and extremely talented photographer to take my birth photos for me. I wanted the experience of giving birth to be documented through photos. I couldn't have been more pleased with the results.....every time I look at these photos I am reminded sweetly, of my baby's birth.

Here are the details:

Pictures: Black and White Photos 12 x 12. (Costco Printing, I think they do a great job)

Frames: IKEA, Ribba Frames 20 1/2 x 20 1/2

Matting: Roberts Craft framing department. I picked out the matting and had them cut the mats to fit my photos.

With so many precious photos to pick from, I like that in a few months I can switch these out and enjoy a whole new set of birth images. (Descriptions from L-R)

• They have just given me Henry. He is all wrapped and has his little hat on. It is really hitting me. He is all mine.
• I swooned when I first saw this photo. Adam and I becoming parents all over again.
• I am a tough sell liking a photo of myself, but this one I could stare at all day. I love my serene face. You would have never guessed a few minutes before I had an unmedicated birth! I am at peace.

Want to see other posts about the nursery? dresser, garland, quilt and quilt

Nursery Garland

Now that little baby H. is out of his bassinet and into his big baby crib I put up his Nursery Garland. Remember this post all about finding these vintage playing cards on Etsy? The garland was so easy and I had everything on hand, including the ribbon, I had previously used on his bassinet and the little itsy ~ bitsy clothes pins!!

Two minutes later I was done with the garland. Lets see how long it takes him to notice his garland and start grabbing at it!!

8 Weeks

8 Weeks! What a joy this baby has been. I've learned alot this time around and three kids can be a juggling act for sure. I did give myself a slight advantage by waiting 5 1/2 years, but in the end I still only have 2 arms.

8 Mommy Tips Learned in the First 8 Weeks

1. Rest, Rest, Rest ~ take the time to heal

2. Help, Help, Help ~ don't try and be superwomen, when people offer graciously accept

3. Feeding Time ~ everyone is just going to have to wait when your feeding the baby

4. Trust your Gut ~ Henry was very fussy and I took him in at 2 weeks and found out he had acid reflux. Prevacid ~ what a lifesaver

5. Bag Balm ~ perfect remedy for diaper rash

6. Siblings ~ my older boys have absolutely loved holding and interacting with Henry

7. Binkie Holder ~ no more screaming "Where's the Binkie??"

8. Enjoy ~ they are small for such a brief time just enjoy it!!

Other tips from Moms out there?? I would love to hear from you.

Henry's Quilt

About 2 weeks before I had Henry I finished this quilt top for him. I love the main fabric. I searched high and low for the perfect fabric in every quilt store along the Wasatch Front. I wanted something that said "little" but not "baby". I adapted the quilt top from a few quilt ideas off Red Pepper Quilts.

I finally decided how I wanted Henry's Quilt quilted.

I had my quilt buddy Ella do a checkerboard pattern.

I love how it turned out....looks very boy-ish.

 The quilt measures 50" by 50".

I love the stripe I picked out for the binding. It is so playful and fun.

2 Weeks Old

Baby Henry is 2 weeks old today. Hard to image, my husband was racing me to the Hospital at 3, in the morning, 2 weeks ago to have a baby we had been waiting for so long to arrive. I went into labor at 1:45 a.m. and had him at 3:43 a.m. Not Bad!! When he was finally ready to come he made a speedy appearance.

I am recovering better than expected. I have been pampered, spoiled and coddled by my Mom, family, friends and neighbors and it has made all the difference. I knew the third time around would be harder and more challenging than ever and really feel blessed and loved by those around me who have felt inspired to help. Thank You.

My boys have been so adorable. They just love on him all day. Because we hadn't decided on a name and called him Baby for a long nine months, the name has kinda stuck and it is sweet to hear the boys call him Baby.

Thank You everyone for you well wishes and happy Autumn.

Baby Henry

Baby Henry arrived at 3:43 a.m. weighing 9 pounds 2.9 oz. He was 19 inches long and 1 week late. I couldn't have asked for a better delivery and more wonderful Attentive Husband, Dedicated Nurses and Unwavering Midwife helping to bring little Henry into the world on October 5th 2010. Going unmediated for the second time was an intense, challenging experience but I wouldn't have it any other way. Becoming a Mother for the third time is an unforgettable experience, but just in case I forgot anything I had my (amazingly talented friend/neighbor) Kimberly photographing every Birth Moment. Thanks Everyone!

Due Date

I have reached my Due Date and feel soooo good about where I am at. Mentally and physically I feel like now I am ready to have this baby, but if need be, I can wait a little longer. According to my last period I am due Today, if you go off my ultrasound I am due Monday. Either way I feel like when this baby is done cooking he will let me know. I am dilated to a 3 + and 80% effaced so I know things have been progressing..... when will be the magic day or hour only the baby can decide that.

With my free time, I have been checking off a mental to do list of things I can take care of before the baby arrives:

• I made 4 freezer meals ~ 2 lasagna and 2 chicken pot pie. I am considering more if time allows.
• I have set up payments for all my bills in October ~  preschool, credit cards, car payment etc. Nothing like a late fee or waking up in the middle of the night remembering something important was due.
• My fridge and freezer are stocked with food and snacks so lunches will be easy and no one will be hungry while Dad is in charge.
• I have cleaned and set up all my Halloween decorations. I know once this baby comes I will never get around to it and who doesn't want to start celebrating Halloween a few days early!
• I have re-read a few chapters in some of my favorite childbirth books and am ready to tackle another unmedicated birth!
• I have my bags packed ready to go to the hospital. I bought a couple new shirts and lounge pants to wear at the hospital and when I get home....so while feeling tired, sleepless, overwhelmed and probably more I don't have to feel grungy.

I have been praying this baby gets here with One, Healthy, Happy Delivery! Please keep me in your thoughts.

Pacing Myself

I thought I had been really pacing myself with projects for the baby this pregnancy but as the end draws near (I am now at 37 weeks) I feel like my "To Do Before the Baby Arrives" list has become a bit daunting. My list looks something like this:

• Paint Crib and dresser
• Bassinet and bumper pads
• Pre-register at hospital
• Buy a car seat and finish car seat cover
• Bind baby quilts and make receiving blankets
• Crib sheets
• Burp clothes
• Wash and organize baby clothes

I understand that a few of these I have waited on because I need my hubby's help: paint crib and dresser, which he does plan to tackle in the very near future. Most items on the list like: receiving blankets and bind quilts, I have almost done, but I just gotten around to finishing. But two things I did accomplish over the holiday were: burp clothes and bassinet bumper pads.

The tutorial I used for the burp clothes are from my amazing creative blogging friend, Amy from
Diary of a Quilter. I love her easy and straightforward Easiest Burp-Cloth Tutorial Ever and I love how my burp clothes turned out. I am planning on making a few more, I just need to get more cloths!!

I felt a great sense of accomplishment about these bumper pads. I didn't know exactly what I was doing and I didn't follow a pattern (typical), but I am really impressed with how they turned out. The flannel is so sweet and I love the stars!! I also love that the flannel is still baby but all boy. I bought the 1/2" thick foam padding at Joann and measured the sides of the bassinet and went to town without too many mistakes. I just need to figure out how to make a crib sheet with elastic thread for his mattress pad. If anyone has any tips, I would love to hear about them!!

Nemo Hat

When I realized my due date was in the FALL I asked my friend Jeanette to make me some warm knit hats for the baby. In typical Jeanette fashion she didn't disappoint!!! Check out this adorable Nemo hat she made, she even included the lucky fin. Homemade goodness like this, just makes me smile and internally giggle with glee. I can't wait to have him wear it. Thank you Jeanette, I love it.