Baby Registry

I've been looking forward to the baby registry since I found out I was pregnant and at last I can finally register now that we know we are having a girl!

The day went found out we headed for Babies "R" Us & Target to register for all those things we both need and want. You are given a list of things you should remember to register for and I just tuck it away in my purse overwhelmed by the length of the list. Gun in hand we head for the fist and maybe one of the most overwhelming aisles, the bottles and pacifiers!

{source}

Each claim something that makes their specific brand or type the best. From Dr. Brown's to Born Free to Avent or what about the new Tommee Tippee? I've seen them all come through our church nursery and each person seems to prefer theirs over the other. In real honesty, how much does it really matter?

Then we have the pacifiers...

{source}

I know a lot of people prefer the "hospital" pacifier, the Avent soother, but I personally prefer the MAM and they are super cute so I love them! My nieces & nephew all used the MAMs and seemed to love them. Again, each pacifier claims it's own thing.

Beyond the first aisle life gets a little bit easier at least for a few aisles. I can pick out bibs, towels, bumbos and nursing pillows. It's all about what's cute at this point! But then it's back to bath tubs, car seats, exersaucers, high chairs and swings. Too many decisions & important ones! Cody's philosophy is to grab the cheapest so of course he's ready to convince me that that cheap car seat is the best regardless of safety ratings.

{source}

I pick out a few things and then skip others (waiting for my sisters expert opinion). She did tons of research with each kid so I know she truly knows the best things for me to get so next month when I visit her I will finish my registry. Not to mention what things do we absolutely need and not need? We're skipping on the pack'n'play considering my parents have one if we ever need it. Hoping to get a few things from my sister too which will be useful!
Anything you can't live without or that makes your life so much easier?

I have one great recommendation for you even though I'm not a mom. It's the fisher price cradle swing and it's amazing!! We had a baby in our nursery in college that would cry all the time until we could get her in the cradle swing. It was so successful at calming her down that we would pull other sleeping babies out just to put her in. I have since recommended this to every new mom around and each has now recommended it to their friends. It's a magic worker...seriously!

Pin It

Time To Prepare Nursery

Start getting exciting to see what's to come of the nursery in the next few months. Here's a collection of things on my mind, we will see if we can pull it all together or not.

My mom will be making my baby bedding, I might help a little but she's pretty good so I might just let her do what she does. We will be using part of this amazing collection by Joel Dewberry:

Check out this adorable rug I found at Wal-Mart!

My friend is currently in Uganda and is trying to raise money so she is going to be selling these from the market there. So I am going to try my best to order a custom yellow/grey mobile. I love it!!


Elephant's shall adorn Emily's room! The first one I ever purchased was Ollie from Scentsy and he smells very good!!

Pin It

Relationship Ramblings: Dating With Triplets

This week I am really excited to have my cousin by marriage guest posting for me! Christina, the mother of triplets and writer of Three Legged Race, will tell us how and why they make time for date nights and quality time despite their busy schedules!

What made you decide that you & Justin would make time for dating even though you may not have the time? (Why is it so important to you?)

We certainly love our babies and spending time together as a family, but the relationship between the two of us is so special, we feel that its important for us and for our kids that we continue to develop that relationship all the time. A happy marriage=a happy family. Even though we're around each other as much as before we had kids, the environment is completely different…you're constantly interrupted by someone who is hungry or needs to be changed or who is just being so cute you can't finish a sentence…so we definitely have to make time to go on dates as just husband and wife.

How do you make time for each other even if you can't get a babysitter?

Thankfully we have two sets of grandparents who live close by who are quick to take advantage of an opportunity to spend time with their grandchildren, so usually once a week we get a chance to go spend a little bit of time alone, even if its just 30 minutes at Starbucks. At home we try to make time for each other by limiting distractions…if the babies are sleeping we try to turn off the tv and stay off our computers (sometimes hard to do for two graphic designers) and just talk about things we're reading or how we want to convert our garage into a playroom or things we want to do with the kids when they're older.

How do you budget for dates?

Once you have a baby (or more) you realize that any chance you have to be alone with each other outside of the house is priceless. For the first three months of our babies' lives our "date night" was a trip to Target to pick up groceries, and it really was fun just to get out of the house together. For us at least, having three newborns has been a little isolating. Its not so easy to just run out to a restaurant or the store with three babies in tow, whereas if you have one baby you can go out and about fairly easily, so Target date night might not be quite as thrilling for you.

When we do get to go on "real" dates like to dinner or a movie, we just plan ahead and if we need to cut back on other stuff (like buying soft drinks and coffee or renting a movie) in the weeks leading up to it then we do, and all those little expenditures quickly add up to a decent date night. Especially if you take advantage of coupons and special offers.

So while we all have busy schedules and sometimes a date night just doesn't seem feasible, I want to encourage you to make time for each other! Maybe you aren't lucky enough to get out once a week, but I surely bet you can get out at least once a month. Not to mention, I think Christina & Justin are really smart for getting rid of distractions when they have time to be alone in their home.

Pin It

Sponsor Love: Rags to Stitches Boutique

Tell me a little bit about your blog and your shop.

Hi! My name is Alissa and blog over at Rags to Stitches Boutique. I'm married to the love of my life and we've been together for almost 7 years. In that time we've had our fair share of adventures and I'm so excited for the many more to come. My career began as an elementary and middle school teacher and shifted after the birth of our beautiful baby girl, Katelyn in 2008. Katelyn is now three and is one of the most precious joys of our lives. Her smile and laughter can brighten anyone's day. In late 2009 we were blessed with another bundle of joy, who we lovingly refer to as Buddy. He is my sensitive, cuddle bug and already looks up to his sister. Being 17 months apart, I'm not going to lie, they keep me on my toes, but I'd rather dance around on my toes all day, then miss a single moment with them.

Rags to Stitches Boutique was born in 2009. I had begun sewing when I was pregnant with Katelyn. You know that constant urge to create, organize and nest.... well that's where it started for me. A self-taught sewer, not perfect, but learning, I began sewing things for my little girl and suddenly others began asking me if I would make those things for them. First it was burp cloths and nursing cover ups, then wipes cases and infant car seat canopies. After some nudging from my husband, the loving entrepreneur, I created Rags to Stitches. I could have never imagined it would grow into the business it has and I'm so blessed to be a work at home mom.

Hope you'll pop by and say Hi, I'd love to get to know you.

If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be and why?

Hmm, hahaha If I could be any animal in the world I'd be a bird. I love the idea of soaring about and through God's creation. Sounds cliche, but there are so many places I'd love to see and experience without the crowds and a bird's eye view would suit me just fine.

What is your favorite dessert?

I would have to say Cheesecake. Red Velvet Cheesecake to be exact.

Go find her here:

{blog}
{twitter}
{facebook}
{etsy} Pin It

All 50 States

Since I was a little girl I've always thought it would be fun to receive a post card from all 50 states. You know back when pen pals were cool? Whatever happened to pen pals anyway?
My pen pal in elementary lived in Washington which is probably where the idea stemmed from. How fun it would be to know someone in all 50 states!

So I've decided now that I'm part of this glorious bloggy community it sure would be fun to try and collect a postcard from all 50 states. As I collect them I will do a little mini-feature on who the postcard came from! Getting excited about trying to collect from all 50 states!

So here's to a new adventure & a simple greeting from my part of the world...

{source}

Looks like I'll be receiving love from Lindsey over at Aisle to Aloha (Hawaii), from Jacqui over at Craftee McGee (Wisconsin & Michigan), and from Mary Rebecca (Georgia)! Only 46 states to go!That's right 46, hoping even one of my fellow Texans will join in the fun and send me a sweet post card from these parts!

Looks like I'll be receiving from a little further away too: one from Cecilia over at Heavenly Handmade (South Africa) and maybe even Charmaine from Happy as a Bee (Canada)!

We might just have to vote on the best post card in the end...

Pin It

It's A....

After much anticipation it looks as thought we are going to be welcoming a little girl into the world come December. I may or may not be very excited about this!

Yesterday I had my friends vote on facebook and nearly all of them were voting for a boy. This scared me a little a bit as I had been so hopeful that we were having a girl. The Chinese gender calculator predicted girl and the old wives tale about your heart beat told me it was a girl. My mind was pretty much set on girl so when many starting voting boy I had to prepare myself a little for thew news. Of course I would be excited to welcome a little boy into our family, but shopping for a little girl and dressing her in my tutus had become a dream of mine in the past few months. So I'm excited!

So my day has consisted of me drooling over super cute trendy clothes like this...

Buying the cutest little shoes in the world...

Her first outfit...

And of course dreaming up the nursery which will be partially themed around Emily's Elephants!!

Pin It

Tuesday Glam Party #39

Check out all of the yummy recipes and fun from the Summer Supper Club over at The Roseland Family! Pretty sure I need to start up the Supper Club with a few friends here. We used to have a monthly newlyweds dinner, but it kind of faded out. It was different couples every time, but it was nice to get to know a few other couples. This would be great to grow really close to a couple other couples!!

Check out this awesome ruffle camera strap tutorial from The Life of Jennifer Dawn!
I've been wanting a strap cover for my camera, but just can't justify spending money on it so looks like I can make my own now!!

Check out this incredible Camping Cake from over at Fowl Single File!
Looks like I need to remember this for future birthday parties because this is too fun!

We find out the sex of the baby tomorrow so of course I'd be enticed to be in love with this great Sock Monkey themed Baby Shower over at Giggles Galore!
If it's a boy I'm totally sending this idea over to my friends, however, if it's a girl I've already picked out a different theme. I just love this!!

Can't wait to see what you have to share.

Do me one favor and link back to my page with either my button or text link.
Also, go ahead and visit the 2-3 people before you and leave some comment love.


<a href="http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb381/gigglesglitzandglam/whosgotglam.jpg"/></a>

Pin It

Ice Cream Papaw Style

When we were little Papaw used to make use ice cream in these little yellow cups. He would put in the vanilla ice cream & add chocolate syrup. Many people refer to this type of ice cream as "ice cream soup". We loved our ice cream in our yellow cups!

Growing up when we would want this type of ice cream away from Papaw's house we would tell my mom that we wanted ice cream Papaw style. It was different because it was in a bowl, but none the less delicious!

When my Grandma passed away each of us were given two of these yellow cups. I will forever cherish and hold onto my yellow cups. I've now taught my husband that the best way to eat ice cream is this way. So now I've become spoiled again to having my ice cream Papaw style. So last night as my husband stand in the kitchen making my ice cream he says, "your Grandpa must have had forearms of steal." Guess making this special ice cream is no easy method. My mom says I should appreciate my husband a lot and I do! So, thanks Cody for the ice cream (not that you will ever read this)!

To see a picture of Papaw, just visit yesterdays post where I can be seen with him as a baby!

Pin It

Baby Me!

Found these photos today of me with my Papaw & Grandma!
Thinking we're gonna have a cute baby...

Pin It

Sponsor Love & Giveaway Winner!!

The giveaway from this week is from the lovely Tara of Beauitful Blendings!! Did you win? Welp, you will have to just see below. First, let's meet Tara!

Tell me a little bit about your blog and your shop.

Hello there, I'm Tara! I started my blog BeautifulBlendings because I absolutely fell in love with the blogging community and I knew I wanted to be part of it. Plus I am my absolute happiest when I am writing (also, the career I am currently chasing....read all about my adventures into children's publishing on my blog). Currently I am loving making pretties for my etsy shop. By day I am a nanny, by night I kiss attack my handsome gentleman fella and the rest of the time I just don't sleep! Also, I love reading every entry of every blog I follow so come find me so I can follow along your journey as well! Xo.

If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be and why?

If I could be any animal I would surely be an elephant. They are my favorite animal by far and I love how majestic they are. They also have so much soul in their eyes.

What is your favorite dessert?

My favorite dessert is most definitely cheesecake or key lime pie! Droooool.

Go find her here:

{blog}
{twitter}
{facebook}
{etsy}

Oh, you still want to know who the winner is? Welp...drum roll please...

The Winner is...

TRINA CURRAN!!!
{winner chosen with random.org}

Be sure to email me to claim your prize!!

Pin It

Sponsor Love: Eisley Rae

Tell me a little bit about yourself, your blog and your shop:

Hi! I'm Alyson, from Eisley Rae. My 2 kids, husband and I live in Southern California (born & raised). I'm so thankful for the handmade community and that I get to stay at home with my kids, but still have a little bit of adult interaction. Eisley Rae is all about mixing & matching colors and patterns. My daughter and my love for shopping have always been huge influences in my designs. There are lots of new things, including some home decor pieces, coming to my shop this fall!

If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be and why?

If I could be any animal, I think I'd be a bird. I'd love to fly around, have an ariel view of the world and lounge in trees all day!

What's your favorite dessert?

My favorite dessert is creme brulee with fresh raspberries on top. Yum.

Go find her here:

{blog}
{twitter}
{facebook}
{etsy} Pin It

The Bump: 19 Weeks

Starting to really feel like I look pregnant which is a nice change. I'm definitely starting to run out of clothes to wear and not sure how much I want to invest in. I've got a bunch of fall/winter clothes but nothing for this ridiculous heat!

Crazy enough my slurpee addiction has curbed for the time being. I had one yesterday and it was pretty good, but no need to have one every day any more. Still loving the root beer, but also not nearly as severe. I have had a pretty good sweet tooth this week though.

Potentially felt the baby move a couple times now, but still can't be 100%. The first time was last week but I wasn't real sure. Felt that same type of feeling twice since then, but not regularly.

We find out the sex of these sweet baby next week!! I can't wait! Vote to the right...
Pin It

Sponsor Love: Dukes & Duchesses

Tell me a little bit about yourself, your blog and your shop:

I’m a stay-at-home mom of five kids, ages 1-13, and married to Phil who is the perfect balance for me. I started my blog as a way to document life and it evolved into a craft blog where I document things I make. I love to craft and I try to do something creative every day. My shop, An Eclectic Mess, is neglected these days. I really need to tackle it and get things going.

If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be and why?

If I could be any animal, I’d be a dog. They lay around all day, take naps whenever they want, and get regular back rubs. It sounds perfect.

What's your favorite dessert?

My favorite dessert is probably anything chocolate. I LOVE chocolate peanut butter milkshakes from Braum’s!

Go find her here:

{blog}
{twitter}
{facebook}
{etsy} Pin It

Thinking Maternity Photos

Something about maternity photos are awkward to me. I mean I know that I will get some done, but it just seems a bit weird or awkward. With that being said, I think I've narrowed it down to my favorite poses with thanks to Awkward Family Photos.

Cody will need to work on his gut though in order for us to do this...

Not creepy at all...

Nothing says sexy like painting yourself up like a cat!

If you haven't been to Awkward Family Photos then go look and laugh. Hysterical!

Pin It

Tuesday Glam Party #38

Be sure to check out the CURRENT GIVEAWAY! And thanks to you for helping me get to 400 followers. Love you all!

Living In The Woods has impressed me again with this gorgeous criss cross painting.
This just might be a cute addition to the nursery!

How cute is this braided t-shirt bracelet from Haute To Sew? Love it! Might just need to grab one of the shirts in my throw out pile for this fun project.

Loving this stunning dresser from 551 East Furniture Design. It's simply beautiful!

How cute are these lego man cupcakes from Flexible Dreams? Such a fun idea for a birthday!

It's your turn to shine so show me what you've got whether it be something hand-made, a recipe, a tutorial, or a giveaway!

Can't wait to see what you have to share.

Do me one favor and link back to my page with either my button or text link.
Also, go ahead and visit the 2-3 people before you and leave some comment love.


<a href="http://gigglesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb381/gigglesglitzandglam/whosgotglam.jpg"/></a>

Pin It

Sponsor Love: Home is With You

I'm excited to introduce to you Mallorie from Home is with you...

Tell me a little bit about your blog.

I'm a musician's wife who writes about our crazy life as a married couple...I blog about our adventures (at home and on the road) as we make our way into the strange thing called the music industry. I also throw in some recipes and other fun things!

Hear Dave Owens music!

If you could be any animal in the world, what and why?

If I could be any animal in the world I would be a cat, because they are spoiled and just get to lay around and be loved on all day :)

What is your favorite dessert?

My favorite desert is anything chocolate!

Now you should head over to her blog and catch up on her latest happenings plus follow her because she is amazing!! I'd also go ahead and follow her on twitter if I were you!

Pin It

I Need to Nest...

I've already blogged about how badly I need to start nesting, but seriously I could use some help. I am by no means a very clean or organized person. In fact, I hate having to clean and organize. When I clean I tend to be all over the place which leaves me disappointed that no room ever gets completely clean. I'll be clean something in the office & take something to the kitchen only to realize I need to do the dishes, then before you know it I'm doing laundry because the kitchen towel got dirty. And the list goes on and on. No room gets completely clean with this method which gets discouraging.

Aside from the house needing some cleaning and organizing on a very typical level we have a lot of extra stuff we need to do in the next few months and year. Last week I was sitting in the office/sewing room that will soon be made into the nursery when I realized it needed a lot of work. Time to hop on it with just 21 weeks remaining.

One perk to the list is I can't do some of these things due to pregnancy which means I have to get help which means more will get done faster!

Before baby list:

Clean carpets
Clean out office/sewing room (currently our dumping grounds)

Clean out guest bedroom (Cody's sister is moving in soon)

Paint nursery
Add chair rail molding to nursery
Buy baby furniture
Make baby bedding
Clean out hall closet

Get someone to paint china cabinet

Move dishes into china cabinet to make room for baby stuff in kitchen
Foundation repair (needs to be done before we paint)

Other things to be done:

Get privacy fence
Replace carpet in living room with laminate floors
Finish flower beds
GRASS!! (as you can see above)
Find awesome patio furniture for cheap!
Get sprinklers fixed!
Better windows needed
Fix cabinet in guest bathroom
Refinish cushions for patio furniture in front yard



Things we've finished:

Remove shrubs behind fence

(need to take shrub mess to the dump)

Add soaker hoses around the house

Finally took down the Easter sign and put up the Welcome sign

Pin It