28 weeks- I Can't Sleep!

I've gotten into a horrible sleep-pattern the last couple of weeks. I have no problem falling asleep, I just keep waking up around 4:30 and then can't get comfortable. I usually toss and turn until 8:30, but today I broke down and got up at 5:45. Anyone have any suggestions?

I will say I've been rather productive thus far (dishes, laundry, thank you notes) and it's kind of tempting to turn this schedule into my routine. Perhaps God is preparing me for mothering a newborn...the more I get used to this schedule the easier it might be in a few months. Wow, a FEW months is true. Today marks the end of my 28th week- only 12 more to go! Again, I say..wow!

So, here are some belly shots I thought I'd share...I was trying to show how lopsided my belly gets when I have a braxton hicks. Apparently this baby likes to hang out on the right side of my torso. I don't think the picture shows it as well as out of whack as it really is, so perhaps I'll give it a go again down the road. The second shot is of me flexing my stomach muscles. It's pretty hilarious when I try to do a sit-up- ok, I don't really do sit-ups, but that's the movement I'm making! My belly button puckers and my entire belly looks like a pyramid. Jeff thought this might be too personal for a blog...but it's just my stomach, so I hope no one minds.


We also purchased a rug for the baby's room...and I know what you're thinking...it's not gold, olive, or turquoise. You were thinking that, right? Well, not that I'm going to go crazy with orange...but I couldn't resist this one when my options were yellow (thought that might be overkill), brown (would clash with the brown glider), or orange.


Oh, and an update on my heart. I saw the cardiologist yesterday and I've been hooked up to a Holter monitor for 24 hours. Thankfully my heart did its "thing" while at the doctors office and she was able to tell that it was some sort of ventricular arrhythmia, which she said is very common (she has one) and almost always benign. She's being very thorough, which I appreciate, so today when I drop off the monitor I'm also having an echocardiogram. I really feel a great sense of peace about it all...but a little prayer never hurts so if you think of me at 3:00 feel free to put in a good word for me ;)


Ok, I think that's enough for one morning. The sun is rising, maybe I'm ready for a nap.

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning consisted of sleeping in...because we stayed up late making the dough for these...


Frankly, it might have been too much effort so I'm not sure that I recommend them. But the good news is they were delicious and they have you triple the dough recipe so now we have 2 frozen doughballs to partake in at a later date!


I guess that this means Jeff and I are bakers, since Jeff also whipped up some more of the famous almond bread...it's not so bad having a husband that likes to bake! Which means I guess I'm ok with my Mom turning our son into a baker as well. ;)


Despite sleeping in and enjoying freshly baked treats we still managed to make it to church and receive some much needed teaching. I was so inspired by the words Richard spoke about the Lord and his Fatherly love. I am humbled by the fact that I will soon have a son whose life has been entrusted to Jeff and I- it's almost unfathomable. What a wonderful gift.

I also bawled my eyes out (pregnancy hormones, right?) during the clips that were shown from the movie Blood Diamond. It truly depicts a father's love in a pure and righteous way. I highly recommend seeing it if you haven't already.

I had such a lovely weekend and am thankful for this beautiful weather. Hope you all have a great week!

I'm Losing It!

Today I came home to take a nap and let Jeff know he'd have to find a ride home from work (we've been carpooling).

Well, Jeff came home and discovered my keys still in the door...OUTSIDE! And with my car key on it and the car just sitting in the driveway. Ugh, at least nothing bad happened.

I think I'm officially losing it.

Waking Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed

I'm crabby..or at least I was...There's something about man-made heat pumping through the cracks of a vent and a hot cup of cocoa that can really perk a girl up. Yeah, I'm still a little bit mad at the world, but I'm getting over it.

Perhaps prenatal yoga this afternoon will get me all the way over the hump.

For now, I will quilt and sip, quilt and sip, thinking happy thoughts.

Crap, I just took my last swallow...I knew I should have gotten a grande!!!

I'm a Winner!!

I can't believe it actually happened....but I voted on the Handmade Kids Sweepstakes on Etsy (different items from different shops were nominated for specific categories) with the hope that I would win the prize of a $350 shopping spree (thinking there's no way I'll win, I never win). Well, I WON!!! (and it looks like I just barely made the cut- lucky #14)



I'm still in disbelief...but the money is definitely there, sitting in my paypal account. Now I just have to figure out what to buy ;)

Somebody pinch me!

26 Weeks

I promised my friend Gigi that I'd post another belly shot. This time Jeff wasn't home so I had to take measures into my own hands.


Here I am at 26 weeks, just shy of finishing up my second trimester. At my doctors appt. this thursday my belly measured 25.5 centimeters, one centimeter smaller than I should be (fine by me! I'm hoping for a 7.5 pounder...not the 9.5 pounders my sisters-in-law had last Fall) but certainly in the normal range. The baby's heartrate was 152 and all seems to be going well.

I did want to document the negative side effects I've had this pregnancy since I know I keep saying how amazing I feel and really, that's mostly true. I have, however, had my fair share of calf cramps that are often a rude awakening several times a week. I also do not have the one "pregnant benefit" I was so looking forward to...hair that doesn't fall out! I still shed like crazy- ugh! And lastly, I've been having some irregular heartbeats several times a day that last for about 5-10 minutes. We even listened to them with our new stethoscope (yes, I am the type of person to own medical supplies even if I don't have a medical degree). My doctor isn't too terribly concerned about it, but has recommended I see a cardiologist before my next appt. in three weeks. So, wish me luck!


We've also been slowing putting together the pieces of the nursery...quite literally, this is a dresser from Ikea that we put together this last week. The changing pad is something we're borrowing from Rebekah- thanks! We love it!


Lastly, I wanted to document these lovely dahlias (which I'm having to throw out today) from my Great Uncle Leonards immaculate garden. He is such an inspiration to me, not only because of his incredible green thumb, but also because of his generous and kind spirit. I adore him, and I'm not sure he even realizes it...probably because I'm not the only one ;) I mentioned in one of my comments on a previous post that the day I came by for dahlias he also gave me: apples (which I turned into applesauce), plums (which I ate raw and then turned into plumsauce- there were a lot), tomatoes (which I've enjoyed on salads), and blueberries & rhubarb (which I turned into a crisp). I can't wait to start my own garden next spring and I'm sure I'll be asking him for pointers.

Hope everyone has a great week, I'm looking forward to spending some time in the studio ;)

Bon Voyage Vissers!

Well, I know you've technically made it past the voyage part of your move back to Michigan (just read about it on facebook) but I meant to post these photos earlier this week.

We were sad to see you go, but know that living close to family is a huge blessing! So we rejoice with you as you settle into your new home nestled between both of your families.

I'm posting both of the "girl" photos (sorry Eli & Evan) because of course Jeff only took two with my camera and didn't manage to get everyone smiling at once. Perhaps one of you ladies might have a better one to share?


God bless your sweet family- Tom, Casey, and baby Cora. I WILL be keeping in touch, it's one of my specialties.

Random Photos

I've been meaning to post these photos for quite some time and I needed to get them off my desk top! So, nothing too significant about them..I thought they were fun. Hope everyone's having a good week. I'm staying nice and toasty in a new studio space that I'll be working out of until our basement remodel is done ;) Perhaps I'll share some photos over at front porch.

Sun, where have you gone? I did make applesauce last night and the smell filled our house with spicy goodness. Looks like I'm already in the Autumn spirit- so take that sun! Two can play at that game!

A Little Self Obsessed

10 on 10 :: September :: San Francisco

The view from our room, it was a bit cloudy this morning but nothing a native Seattlite couldn't handle.

Jeff leaves for work (we're in SF for a conference).

Jenny spends some quality time at the spa...

...followed by lunch in the room.

Exploring the city

Lombard Street in the distance

Alcatraz

The Road to San Fran...

Jeff and I left yesterday morning at 10:08 and then again at 10:21 (I forgot my workout shoes). We headed south on I-5 towards our first stop on this 2 day trip- Ashland, OR! A quaint town, with a strong Shakespearean vibe. When we pulled in at 6:15 pm our primary goals were to find a nice place to sleep and then head out for a yummy meal!

We stayed at the Plaza Inn & Suites, although we had hoped to get a room at the Historic Ashland Springs Hotel (which I think I'd recommend). Both hotels recommended Dragonfly for dinner so we took their advice and dined on the terrace and enjoyed some latin asian cuisine in the 80 degree evening. We had a lovely time despite the extremely slow service and an incident in the ladies room. (I accidentally followed a little old lady into a single person bathroom and before I knew it she was throwing up in the sink...I made a quick getaway, undetected, but then felt horribly guilty that I should have helped her somehow...luckily she returned to her table apparently unaffected.)

Day 2 has proven to be an adventure already. I drove the first half and then after our switch Jeff got pulled over for speeding ;) I'm confident I could have gotten us out of the ticket if I had been driving (I have an incredible track record of avoiding tickets or having them reveresed), but California Highway Patrol was unsympathetic....guess driving isn't cheaper than flying after all!

We should be pulling into San Francisco in less than two hours and I'm excited to start exploring the city...especially since tomorrow is 10 on 10! See you then!

Goodbye House!

Jeff's scowl as we drove BACK to the house to get my shoes.

On the road again...

Pit stop at Wal Mart for some oil for the car!

We got over 400 miles on one tank of gas- a record for this car!

Ashland, OR

Want to Move to Renton?

Or know someone who does? Our house is back on the market and this time we're listing with Redfin!

Farmhouse Charm

Separate Dining Room

Social Kitchen with Desk and Tons of Storage!

5 Piece Master Bath with Soaking Tub

Large Family Room

Please visit our MLS listing and take a look for yourself. We will also be hosting an open house TODAY- Sept. 6th from 1:00 to 4:00 so if you're in the neighborhood feel free to stop by. There will be cookies (for free)...and a house (for sale).