I Like This A Million Times!!!

For some time now, I've been watching The Cottage Mamma work her magic. This little just blew my socks off!

First of all, to find a vintage looking sheet set a the thrift store for $1.50.

Then, to have sewing skills like this...

Dick and Jane Inspired Easter Dress

Can you imagine the possibilities???

A Victorious Day!

Photo from Caleb's birthday party late December 2010

I got a phone call from my mom today.  That's not unusual.  We talk at least once a week.

But today she called to announce that she had set a date...

A date to be BAPTIZED!!!

I am rejoicing in her obedience and praising the Lord!

Baby #3: 17 weeks

We've made it another week.  I'm not feeling much different, but things are still moving along!

Here's the Baby Center update.  It's super short this week!

Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

Sarah's Vocabulary

UPDATE (04/26/11):

It's already changed!  

Caleb is now pronounced Pay-luh.  Much better, Little Miss!

Let's see if you can guess what she's saying...

• Pee-Boh
• Pay-Boh
• Buh-Boh

I DO know what she's saying, I'm just curious if anyone else can translate.  

You know, it's harder to understand children who aren't your own.  Plus, you don't have the luxury of context clues.  

Hint: These are all nouns.  

For those of you who need a definition, a noun is a person, place, or thing.  

Have fun!

Crafting with Caleb: Easter Cubism

This project was meant for us to do two weeks ago, but I've been neglecting the art projects around here.

 This was such a fun and colorful project!

 I printed the rabbit from a Google Image Search.

I used an oval template to trace ovals (or eggs) over the entire sheet of paper. 

 We colored each empty space a different color.

Quote of the Day

Brace yourself.

Caleb:  "Sometimes, when I laugh a lot, my pee comes out."

Great, yet another unfortunate trait he's inherited from his mother.  Poor kid.

Baby #3 Gender Poll

Oops!  I forgot to add the poll after posting this morning's baby bump photo.  It's there now, so get to voting!

Baby #3: 16 weeks

I've made it to 16 weeks!  Believe it or not, I actually weigh now what I weighed at 8 weeks with Caleb and with Sarah.  Apparently, chasing around two kiddos really does add up to a smaller waistline...or at least a smaller number on the scale.

We had an OB appointment today.  The doc let us listen to that tiny little heartbeat for a few minutes.  It's still indescribably amazing to think about a tiny little person just growing away in the womb!  Caleb listened more carefully this time, and he admits to actually hearing the heartbeat this time.

We have scheduled the ultrasound appointment for May 19th, so that's the big day!  Will it be a boy or girl?  Let's see what you all think...vote in the poll to the right before May 19th!

Here's what Baby Center says about the 16th week of pregnancy:
Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.

And the fruit/vegetable comparison:

Impromptu Craft: Bird Book

Caleb got a book about Birds from Chick-fil-A on Friday.

In the middle of the book, he found an art project.  And, of course, he wanted to do it.
Here are the instructions from the book, so that you can understand his inspiration:

(You should be able to click the photo to see it even larger)

And here is his creation, complete with his very own factual sentences.  This would be found in the reference section of the library.

All Sorts of Birds, by Caleb Freeman

"There are many birds in the world."

"There is a type of bird called a parrot."

"There is also a black bird."

"There are also different states that have orange birds."

And The Rest...

Although my little story came to an abrupt end, the trip did not.  Here's what else happened...

Tuesday evening, Mom went on to her Bible Study so the kids and I went to IHOP for dinner.  Kids eat FREE from 4-10 pm every night in April.  Yipee!

Wednesday morning I wanted to head home, so Mom and I made a quick trip to Wal-Mart to complete my paper organization seminar.  What?  I didn't tell you that I am an organizing expert.  No?  Well, that's because I'm not.  I just have a few ideas.  And generally my paperwork at home is organized.  Catch the more detailed story below.

Wednesday afternoon, Mom and I drove separately to Ft. Worth to have lunch with Kristin.  It was 1:30 or so.  She recommended a local Mexican restaurant.  It turned out to be a seafood/Mexican restaurant.  Loved it!

I made it home around 4pm on Wednesday.  I was pooped!


Paperwork Organization Tips
So, I gave mom a few tips to wrangle her paperwork.
Accordion File for Receipts
I file them alphabetically until the date for return is passed.
File Box with Hanging Files
Categories such as Monthly Bills, 401(k), Home Repairs, Car Insurance, Homeowner's Insurance, etc.
Stacking Trays
This is the work in progress section.  I label 4 trays this way: 1. To Do (things like invitations or things you just aren't sure what the heck to do with) 2. To Pay (bills, etc.) 3. To File (with the stacking tray, it really limits you so that you don't end up with stacks and stacks of unfiled paperwork) 4. To Shred (same thing here.  no major pileup.  when it's full, shred it!)

Back in Time

I have been busy since the last blog post!

Saturday we spent some time at Vanessa's for our nephew's 12th birthday.  Family time and cupcakes.

Saturday evening we sold our 1998 Chevy Truck for a wad of cash.  Although we already miss the truck, recouping some of the cost of buying the minivan was worth it.  And it's less money out the door for insurance, registration, inspection, oil changes, and gasoline (which is $3.69/gal at the moment).  We are finished shuffling vehicles in and out of the driveway, too.  That's been annoying.

Sunday morning we fulfilled our quarterly childcare duties during the church service.  I got to hold babies, change diapers, calm screaming, and make a certain little baby laugh his little head off.  That made it mroe enjoyable.

Sunday afternoon, the kids and I drove to Keller to spend some time with mom.  We enjoyed some down time and homemade spaghetti.

Monday morning, we did some light shopping and had lunch at Chick-fil-A.  I found some dish towels at World Market to make a few of these tote bags...Dish Towel Tote.

Monday evening, we ate dinner at a locally owned Mexican restaurant named Kassandra's.  It was yummy.  Mom and I shared an appetizer plate of nachos, taquitos, and quesadillas.  Caleb had the kid's quesadilla and Sarah had a big bowl of refried beans (and several bites of our quesadillas).

Tuesday morning we headed for Dallas, the source of our title today.  I requested that mom take me on a little trip back to the neighborhood where we spent most of my childhood.

We drove by:

Our old house in Dallas

Harry Stone Park

The building previously known as Happiness House (the day care/school where I attended from 18 months - 3rd grade)

The Dairy-ette

Kiest Elementary

My best friend Jana's house (I believe her parents still live there)

Casa View Library (which was empty)

The Mexicali Cafe (no longer in business)

The skating rink where I tried to impress a certain boy in 5th and 6th grade

Mom's childhood home

MawMaw's old house

Nanny's old house

Town East Mall

Overall, I was surprised at how well maintained the area was, how peaceful it was, and how much things had stayed the same.  Keep in mind, we were driving around during school hours, so there weren't any teenage hooligans running around.

Some things I want to note:
Happiness House--Although the school was no longer called Happiness House, it was still a daycare.  I asked mom to drive down the alley next to the playground, and things back there was just as I remember them.  The building next door was part of the school when I attended, but was up for sale, leading me to believe that it was no longer owned by the daycare.
Our old house--It was fun to be able to name everyone who lived in the surrounding houses.  I was surprised at what I remembered.  Most of our neighbors were retired when I was a child, and have since died.  I could almost see them as we drove by their houses.
Jana's old house--I knocked on the door to see if either of her parents were home.  No one answered.  I wonder if they are both still teaching...
Harry Stone Park--It still seemed to be running in much the same way it had been when I was a child.  The layout inside was the same.  Some men were playing basketball in the gym.  Some seniors were attending a painting class.  There were posters up advertising other classes, like Zumba.  There were a few people walking on treadmills and there was a weight room.  The outdoor pool was well kept and clean.  The park was updated and there were children playing.  The tennis courts were well maintained, but empty.  Dallas spoiled me.  There isn't a place like that around here that I know of.
The Dairy-ette--The food was still delicious, but they only accept cash.  Are you kidding me?
Kiest Elementary--Was much the same, but with more portable buildings.  Driving past the recess area brought back memories.  We played out there every day after lunch.  We had school carnivals out there.  Good memories.

So, I will bring this to an abrupt end.  I just wanted to dump all of that out there.

Baby #3: 15 weeks

Baby Center says:
Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")

How I'm Doing:  

Really well.  I feel great with the exception of an upset stomach a couple of times last week.

I am moving into maternity clothes.  It was inevitable.  Belly photo next week!

Baby #3: Week 14

Baby Center Says:

How your baby's growing:

This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.

In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches —about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.

Quote of the Day

Caleb: "I do not need to wash my face.  I want Sarah's kiss to stay on my face.  I really love that kiss."

Serious pouting followed.

Sweet drama :-)