Maternity Gown, Take 2!

First of all -- thank you so much for all of your prayers!
The little mister is home! :) 
but please keep praying ... 
because we have lots of appointments & follow ups!

One of the most "viewed" posts on the blog is the Maternity Gown I made
before Monkey Man was born. 

Here was the first one I made:

(it was actually one of my very FIRST sewing projects.EVER)

I used the free pattern online and I just checked, you can still find it here.

When I found out I was pregnant with #2-

I had to make another one for baby H's arrival. :)

This time I decided to go with this fun brown/cream fabric!
I thought the baby blue looked a little too much like a normal gown.

My first one opened in the back, traditional style.

But since I don't typically put on my DIY gowns until the second morning,

(you know ... after you've showered and feel a little less gross)

I didn't make the back open on this one!

I did, however, add velcro to the sleeves for easy nursing! :)

So I guess it's more like a "nursing nightgown", 

than your traditional hospital gown.

Either way - I'm so glad I made it! 

So go on -- don't be afraid -- make your own! :)

It's so fun to feel "pretty" after a rough delivery!

If you pray -

then your prayers would be very much appreciated.

This handsome little guy is spending the next few nights in the NICU ...

without his momma.

and I think it's the most awful thing in a world --

walking out of the hospital without your baby. 

But I know God is in control.

and I'm feeling thankful - because he's the "healthiest" sick baby in the NICU.

 but I'm praying that this sweet baby gets to come home with me!

and SOON.

because this {squishy stomached} momma needs her baby boy.

and that {perfectly perfect} baby boys needs his momma.

He's here!

Meet Harrison. :)

He (finally) graced us with his presence this morning at 1:14 am. 

He weighed 7 lbs, 9 oz. 

(exactly the same as monkey man & myself - kinda weird huh?)

The delivery was crazy -- I can't wait to tell you all about it.

{minus the details that no one wants to hear, of course}

He's soooo sweet & snuggly, 

already nursing wonderfully

and just as cute as can be!

I'm sure things will be slow around here for a bit --

but keep checking back! :)

I've got lots to show you!!

Wordless Wednesday: Storytime.

Wednesday mornings is Story Time at Barnes & Noble!

He {sort of} likes the stories ...

but he LOVES the coloring/crafts afterwards!

Just like his momma!

Tuesday Toddler Fun: DIY Finger Paint

 No baby yet ... :)

but that's ok -- Monkey man and I have been having a great week -

lots of projects, play dates & long naps!

Yesterday we made some DIY Finger Paint - 

it was SO easy and SO much fun ...

I thought I'd share the recipe with you!

{plus you probably already have everything in your pantry!}

Homemade {edible} Fingerpaint:

3 tbs sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup cornstarch

2 cups water

Food coloring/gel

Combine all the ingredients in a small sauce pan and warm until the mixture thickens. {p.s. don't walk away with the burner on high - it will turn into a gooey glob}. Once it cools, add the food coloring of your choice and place in containers! I didn't have any baby food jars, so I picked up these cute little containers at the Dollar Store. They came in a pack of 10 and were perfect!

 That's it! 

Now start painting!
Get messy and have some fun!

I can't wait to show you what we did with the canvas he painted!!

It's here ...

 but he's not! 

Today is the day ---

it's little Harrison's due date!

 but he appears to be in no hurry at all! 

{which is totally ok with me - Nelson & I have a play date scheduled this morning!}

 He can come after lunch!

but here I am ....

in the scorching South Texas heat ...

at 40 weeks and counting! :)

p.s. this is the one and only "belly shot" I took this whole pregnancy!

(I'm pretty sure I took them "weekly" with Nelson)

whoops!

p.p.s. - please say a prayer for me -- If nothing happens by Friday, they will induce!

and I really don't want that -- Pitocin is the devil.

So I'm off to go walk. for miles.

and move furniture.

and drink castor oil. (kidding).

and do lots of other things that induce labor.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

ahhh, break for contraction.

----------------------------------

ok - maybe he will be here soon....

YAY!

I'll keep you posted!

Happy Monday

3 days until D Day!

 I'm so sorry I've been MIA again --

I've been working on projects like a crazy woman!

Seriously, the number of "in progress" projects are unreal.

 I should be sleeping. or reading books. or taking baths.
but no.
i'm sewing curtains. and making subway art.

Countdown: 3 days until D-Day!

That's my due date for those of you who are new around here! :)

I promise I'll be posting all the projects soon ... 

I just can't seem to find the energy to do them AND blog about them!

I guess it's that whole 39.5 weeks preggers, thing.

Plus - I'm trying to spend every moment with the coolest little man I know...

Have a great weekend!

Toddler Fun: DIY Water Table {pt 2}

7 days, folks!
The baby countdown is down to 7 days!
I'm still nervous. excited. scared. half-ready.

but enough baby talk ---
 I'm so excited to show you my finished DIY Water table!

You can read about my first failed attempt here.

Here was my original inspiration:

but it was about $150 more than I wanted to send!

and here is my version ...

I made it up as I went, but here is my "sort of" tutorial!

Disclaimer: Sadly, I am no Ana White -- I made mistakes and its SO not perfect!
But in the end, it turned out WAY better than I imagined!

I cut 4, 2x2's for the legs.

I wanted my table to be about 18" inches tall.

Then I used a 1x2 to create the top frame.

I measured my Sterlite Tub - and used that as my sizing guide.

The tub has a "lip" that I wanted to rest on the frame, so I measured a little smaller than the tub.

Next I added a 1x3 border - and attached it all together!

I used wood screws! 

I also learned it's important to pre-drill your holes!

WHOO HOO! It's standing! :)

I primed it and painted it and then set the tub inside!

That's it! ALL DONE! :) 

I''m so proud of the way it turned out!

It's the perfect solution for some fun in the {HOT} Texas sun!

I love it - and so does monkey man! :) 

I also love that I saved $150!

The umbrella was a $5 clearance find at Jcpenny.

It clips on - so it's easy to attach and remove.

I filled the tub with some water and bath toys --

and some cups that I drilled holes in -

and watched him play!

It's a huge hit!!

What do you think?

Let me know if you make one -

or if you have any questions!!!

I'm definitely an amateur, 

but will try my best to answer any questions!

I am linking this post here  here here here here here here and to these awesome places!

Pregnant with Power Tools.

Oh yes I did....

I just ordered a nail gun.

ok - well more like a "brad nailer", but it's still cool.

oh and a stud finder. 

you know, just in case I have to replace the 'ol hubs.

ok - bad joke.haha.

but really, I'm just tired of my things falling off the wall.
{aka curtain rods and towel racks}

and clearly I'm too dumb for the whole "sounds hollow or not" thing.

Thanks to amazon (love) it will he here Tuesday.

which is exactly 6 days before my due date.

Oh what should I build first?

Hotdogs & Cereal.

No, not together.

I'm pregnant -- but not THAT pregnant.

I'm 39 weeks tomorrow!

39 weeks?! Where did the time go???

and luckily, I'm NOT feeling miserable {yet} - 

so I don't have that "I'm SO over this pregnancy, get this baby out" feeling {yet}! 

However, I am having some super strange cravings.

and consistent ones at that.

Like for lunch --

I only want Mac N Cheese {kraft} with a hot dog.

seriously? am I three years old?

but yes, shamefully I went through THREE boxes of Kraft...
and an entire package of Turkey Dogs.

just this week.

For dinner --

I just want cereal.

A whole box of cereal.
just this week.

looks like this baby is coming out looking like macaroni and cheese. :)

or maybe a turkey dog. 

haha.

Toddler Fun: DIY Water Table {Part 1}

The day started with an email from my mom.

It said "We need to get Nelson a water table" and it had a link here. 

Heck yes we do - It was perfect!

until I saw the price ... $160!!!!!

Holy Moly! $160??

So I sent her an email back that said "I could make it for $30".

and because I have OCD ...  

haha - had to throw this in there! :) 

I got dressed right that instant, changed all my plans, packed my diaper bag (sippy cups and bribe snacks) and off we went to the Big Orange Store that I love so much!

I knew exactly what I wanted...

I wanted something solid wood & sturdy.

something simple - to encourage his creativity.

something that could be covered - and keep out unwanted pests.

I wanted something versatile - for sand, rice or water.

But I had no idea how to actually build it.

I've {maybe} built two things in my whole life -

 no one has ever taught me the right way. 

I just go with the flow and use my cheap power tools.

But it works.

I bought my Tub and the wood.

I initially thought I could do the whole thing with 2 x 2's...

The tub is a Sterlite 28 qt. storage container from Walmart with a lid ($6). 

I started building the frame ...

 and it was a disaster.

It was unstable and falling apart.

My measurements were WAY off.

My "finishing nails" weren't long enough.

The wood glue spilled everywhere.

So I threw it in a pile, gave up, drank a diet coke and took a long nap.

I woke up refreshed and ready to tackle it again!

I measured and re-measured again.

I drew out some "plans" and headed back to the store - 

I bought new wood - and got to work.

and this time?

IT WORKED!

I'll show you part 2 tomorrow! :)

Out of Time.

AHHHHH!!

I'm running out of time...

My due date is 12 days from today!!

We've been in our new house two weeks

and although it is completely unpacked, 

it is no where near decorated the way I want!

{not to mention the movers lost/broke SO much stuff!}

So I'm currently working on about 100 projects.

and that's not an exaggeration!

This was SOME of my list from Monday ...

I'm chugging right along - but still have TONS I want to do!

The forever, never ending list ...

• Buy Newborn Diapers & Wipes.
• Paint Dining Room Table
• Recover all 6 Dining Room Chairs
• Sew Curtains for dining room
• Dining Room Artwork?
• DIY painted rug for under Table
• Paint Hutch (turned TV stand) in Living Room
• Gallery Wall in Living Room - work in progress, never done :)
• Gallery Wall in Nelson's Room, DIY Artwork - almost done!
• Finish Craft Room/Guest Room (before guests come Saturday)! 
• Assemble double stroller, get car seat ready, etc 
• Pack Hospital Bags
• Towel Rack (with shelf?) for upstairs guest bathroom
• Artwork for upstairs guest bathroom?
• Fix Storage Ottoman
• Repurpose White Stool in Master Bedroom
• Find new "chair" for Husband - his broke! :(
• Repurpose Mini Wine Rack
• Paint "Sofa Table" in Living Room
• Hang curtain rods in every room
• Barnes & Noble Story Time
• Trip to Texas State Aquarium
• Host Playgroup at my House
• Make Subway Art for Awkward Wall
• FOLD LAUNDRY
• Assemble Crib
• Repurpose old crib?
• Clean out my car
• DIY Spice Rack?
• Sew Burp Cloths
• "Big Brother" T-shirt for Nelson
• Monogram Onesie for Harrison
• DIY Canvas Wall Art for Craft Room
• Build Water Table for monkey man
• Find Newborn Photographer (or get really good, really quickly - haha)
• Make new "menu" board for Kitchen.
• Fix hole in the wall from curtain rod I screwed up. :)
• Repaint Nelson's dresser + add new knobs!
• Recover Ironing Board in craft room
• Bathroom Artwork downstairs?
• Find place to hang 3 white shelves.
• Finish Time Out Stool
• Spend as much time with Monkey Man 

This list could literally go on forever - but I have to stop somewhere.
I'm stopping right there.
I mean, I only have 12 days (or less)!
and I really need to sleep every now and then.
and take care of monkey man.
and pretend to clean and cook.

So lots of reveals coming SOON! I promise!
... if only I can get rid of my craft ADD and finish one project!

Wordless Wednesday

Daddy's Boots.

Weekend Recap.

I love "no fly" weekends.

They are soooo glorious, 

because the hubs is actually home! 

and that means I get to run errands without Monkey Man.

 I get to leisurely stroll the clearance aisles of Hobby Lobby ...

which is where I found this awesome canvas ---

I LOVE it.

I have a strange thing for bicycles. :)

but you know what I love more? 

The price - It was $25.

Seriously, that's it (90% off!)! and it's HUGE.

and fills the empty space above the {new} TV perfectly!

Then we had great friends over ...

and I got to use my fun Calypso summer dishes!

We had Watermelon margaritas.

and grilled delicious Greek kebabs with cous cous.

We went to a sailing regatta...

and took a two hour family nap! 

We went to church,
picked up take out for lunch -
and cleaned the house.

It was wonderful and perfect.

Weekends like this are rare but SO fabulous.

p.s. I'm due in EXACTLY 2 weeks.
Holy countdown! AHHH.