Butterflygirlms Rambles On

My favorite song right now! Take a listen :)

2011-11-11T08:50:00.002-06:00

David Guetta - Without You ft. Usher

My now 4 year old, Evan

2011-09-25T10:05:00.001-05:00

Evan turned 4 yesterday, Sept. 24! He is growing up so fast. Today we are having his party at Chuck E Cheese and he's super excited. We did let him open some of our gifts & his grandpa's from NY. He got a Cars Scooter which he loved and some Imaginext dinosaur toys.

Here he is on the morning of his birthday!!

I'll post pics of his CEC party later today or tomorrow. Hope everyone is having a great weekend =)

Keoni is now 7 Months Old ;)

2011-09-24T10:29:00.001-05:00

Keoni turned 7 months old yesterday, Sept. 23.

He weighs about 18lbs + change and is about 26.5 inches long.

Keoni loves his big brothers & sister. He lights up with huge grins when they come home from school especially Owen. Yes, he loves his mom & dad too ;) There's something about Owen he just loves. His favorite food is Sweet Potatoes (like daddy) and cereal. He enjoys his Mum Mums Banana flavor too, goes through about 2 pks of 2 in one setting. If I leave him on his play mat for minute, he is on the other side of the room instead of on the play mat. He rolls & scoots everywhere. Yesterday, I went in to get him from his nap and he was sitting up, big surprise for me!! He doesn't have a favorite toy, he loves them all. He does sleep with a blanket close to his face for comfort.
Below is a list of things he is doing now.

Chewing and biting on things
Rolls all over the place
Grasps and controls small objects
Holds bottle
Grabs feet and pulls to mouth
Adjusts body to see an object
Turns head from side to side and then looks up or down
Loves visual stimuli
Says one syllable sounds like "ma", "mu", "da", and "di"
Recognizes us & his siblings
Sits without support, leans forward on both hands
Can sit up from laying position
Bears full weight on feet
Bounces when held in standing position and in his bouncer
Bears weight on one hand when lying on stomach
Passes objects from one hand to another
Bangs objects on surfaces
Able to fixate on small objects
Responds to his name
Has taste preferences (hates sweet peas)
"Talks" when others are talking

He is just growing too fast so I'm cherishing all these little baby moments as much as possible because he is our LAST baby!

One Size Diaper Project: 6 Months (24 Weeks)

2011-09-23T15:32:00.009-05:00

One Size Diaper Project hosted by Padded Tush Stats. This project will show how a one size (OS) cloth diaper fits on your growing child.

With this project I can see how Keoni grows in them. I'll update monthly on this project. In the photos, I am using 6 different cloth diapers, 4 are new. Happy Heiny One for ALL in Snaps, and I've added some new diapers into the mix: Blueberry Basix AIO, Lovely Pocket Diaper Rave, Lovely Pocket Diaper Classic and DinkleDooz.

I've added some new diapers into the mix, I'm sorry about being a month behind but it's been super busy here in my house. Hoping to post 7 months project by the end of next week so I'll be up-to-date.

Keoni turned 24 weeks on Aug. 10 and 6 months on Aug 23 and these pictures were taken around those dates. He was weighing 17 lbs & 25 inches long.

***Happy Heiny OS Pocket
Happy Heinys are my all-time favorite diaper. They are super absorbent, great fit and pretty trim. These are the NEW OS which are call the ALL IN ONE. Overall, Happy Heinys get 10 stars ;)

***Blueberry Basix AIO Size Med (pocket)
Blueberry Basix is one of my newest stash member and it's side snapping. It's a sized diaper which I never thought I'd buy but hey I wanted to try it. So worth the try, love how it's a tongue style which means the soaker is sewn in and has enough to add it back in for extra absorbency and you still have a pocket if you want to add an insert for more absorbency. It's a great fit on my little guy and it's very absorbent. No complaints here. Overall, Blueberry Basix gets 5 stars

***Lovely Pocket Diaper RAVE OS Pocket (inner leg gussets)
LPD (Lovely Pocket Diapers) Rave is one of my newest diapers in my stash. I had to try it because it was only $12.50 (prints) & $12.00 (solids). The Rave has inner leg gussets which is awesome because it contains running poop & prevents leaks! Only thing the inner gussets make it harder to clean poo out. They had great reviews so I ordered one. To my surprise, the diaper was great quality and super soft. Only downfall, it only comes w/ 1 insert. After trying it a few times, it's a super great diaper, very absorbent and Keoni stayed in it for 4 hours once (not recommended) It's a pretty trim diaper too. Overall, LPD Rave gets 5 stars.

***Lovely Pocket Diaper CLASSIC OS Pocket
LPD Classic (NO inner leg gussets) is an awesome diaper for the price ($7-Solid color & $7.50-Prints) I couldn't believe this great quality diaper was $7 and it works better then the name brands. VERY IMPRESSED with LPD Classics. Super absorbent & pretty trim too. Overall, LPD Classic gets 5 stars.

***DinkleDooz OS Pocket (I think this one is the trimmest & has the best fit)
This diaper was a FREE diapers I got from GoGoNatural.com. (coupon used) Very impressed with this diaper. Super absorbent and pretty darn trim if you ask me (well you can see for yourself) It has a high rise which is okay with me because Keoni can stay in it longer. My only issue is the waist snaps, there are 2 snaps right next to each other and to me is plain useless. I'd prefer they be spaced apart at least one in the middle like most diapers have. Overall, DinkleDooz gets 5 stars from me.

What diaper has the best FIT to you here?
What diaper looks the MOST TRIM?

*** 7 month project, I'll have ALL my diapers on here so you can see how other diapers look!

Click to visit Nell's Natural Baby: Your Cloth Diaper Authority

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Fluffy Friday: My Cloth Diaper Stash

2011-09-16T13:19:00.005-05:00

Fluffy Fridays is hosted by So Easy Being Green. I just now started following her blog not to long ago and didn't realize she had this Fluff Fridays. This is my first time participating in her Fluffy Fridays. I believe I will be doing this every Friday from now on.

Today's Fluff Friday is Show Your Stash photos. I just love this since I recently took a picture of my stash on Aug. 21. I have about 50+ cloth diapers in a variety of styles, brands, colors & prints as you will see below.

Here is my STASH :)

(not all pictured, in washer)

I currently have pockets, AIO (all-in-one) & AI2 (all-in-two).

Just want to say all the cloth diapers I have are ALL my FAVORITES!!

Let's break it down from left to right, top to bottom (stacks of diapers)

7 GroVia AI2/Hybrid OS, all aplix (1 Bluebird, 1 Vanilla, 1 Mandarin, 1 Planes, 1 Ice, 1 Seaside, 1 Kiwi)
1 DinkerDooz OS Green
2 Kissaluv Marvel AIO OS (1 Lagoon Blue and 1 Chocolate)
4 Best Bottoms OS (1 Blue Giraffe, 1 Mint Chocolate, 1 Orange Sherbert, 1 Key Lime Pie)
4 Tots Bots EasyFit AIO OS (1 Starburst, 1 Cherrylicious, 1 Orange, 1 Cosmic) i
2 GroVia AIO OS (1 Ice, 1 Planes) not pictured 2 Vanilla (ALL SOLD)
4 Blueberry Basix AIO Mediums (2 Chocolate, 1 Red, 1 Blue Summer
3 BumGenius 4.0 OS Pockets (1 Butternut, 1 Grasshopper, 1 Twilight )
5 BumGenius Elemental AIO OS (1 Moonbean, 1 Sweet, 1 Butternut, 1 Ribbit, 1 Clementine
1 FuzziBunz OS Pocket Kumquat (Orange)
5 Smartipants OS Sleeve Pocket (1 Clever Clover, 1 Jet Black, 1 Mellow Yellow, 1 Cool Blue, 1 Fire Engine Red
7 Happy Heiny OS Pockets (1 Dove Gray, 1 Navy, 1 Forest, 1 Lime, 1 Skulls, 1 Squares, 1 Cow)

NOT PICTURED:
4 GroVia AI2 (1 Owls, 1 Mandarin, 1 Vanilla-snaps & 1 Seaside-snaps)
1 Best Bottom in Blue Moon
1 Tots Bots EasyFit OS in Tutti Frutt
1 BumGenius 4.0 Pocket in White
3 Happy Heiny OS Pocket (1 Black, 1 Red, 1 Royal Blue)
2 Lovely Pocket Diapers OS (1 Classic Olive, 1 Rave Rings)
2 Bumkins Stuff-In-One OS Dr. Suess (1 Cat in the Hat, 1 Yellow Fish)

Accessories: 1 Planetwise pail liner, 1 GroVia Wet Bag, 2 Planetwise Wet bag (small & medium), 4 Babykicks JoeyBunz Hemp inserts, 2 Babykicks JoeyBunz Hemp Premiums, 12 fleece liners,

GroVia AIO, all 4 have been sold so those are no longer in my stash.

WOOWZA!! 57 cloth diapers!! Finally have built my stash up with the diapers that works for our family. Took about 5 mos to build.

One Size Diaper Project: 20 Weeks (5 Months)

2011-07-27T10:54:00.004-05:00

One Size Diaper Project hosted by Padded Tush Stats. This project will show how a one size (OS) cloth diaper fits on your growing child.

With this project I can see how Keoni grows in them. I will try to do it every 2 weeks & then monthly, it all depends. In the photos, I am using 6 different cloth diapers. They are BumGenius Elemental/Organic, GroVia AI2, Smartipants, Best Bottoms, Bummis Tots Bots Easy Fit and Happy Heiny One for ALL in Snaps

I did have 9 different brands of cloth diapers but sold 3 brand that I just didn't like or use very much. They were the GroVia AIO, Blueberry Bamboo Deluxe & Rumparooz.

Keoni turned 20 weeks on July 13 and 5 months on July 23 and these pictures were taken around then!
He weighs 16 lbs 5oz & 25 inches long.

***BumGenius Elemental/Organic AIO (all in one)
This is my poo diaper..LOL! Never thought I'd say that! I absolutely love this diaper but I just don't like that it doesn't keep baby feeling dry since it's organic cotton and Ke gets a little red because of this. I am thinking of buying some Stay Dry liners to solve that issue. Love that it's a pretty trim diaper.

***GroVia AI2/Hybrid
This is our 'going out' diaper. We usually use the biodegradable biosoaker disposable insert with it too which I love. This one I believe is a pretty trim diaper as well. Same problem here as the BumGenius Elemental AIO, need a Stay Dry liner for this one too. Absorbs a good amount, last us about 2-3 hours sometimes 4 depending.

***Smartipants Sleeve Pocket (which means pocket opening at each end)
Another great diaper I just fell in love with. Great fit for my little guy and I don't have to worry about pulling the insert out of the pocket, it agitates out in wash! Very absorbent with just the one insert. I can get up to 3-4 hours out of this one.

***Best Bottoms AI2 (all in two)
Another 'on the go' and 'poo' diaper we use. Very trim diaper and I get a great fit as well. Pretty great absorbency (about 3-4 hours). Only draw back with this diaper is the snap tabs are NOT stretchy and the diaper can leave faint red marks on baby.

***Tots Bots Easy Fit AIO/Pocket (this is actually a tongue pocket meaning the insert is sewn in and enough extra insert to be stuff back into the diaper which agitates out in the wash.) If you need more absorbency, all you do is add another insert inside the pocket. I absolutely love this diaper! Great fit, pretty trim and last up to 3 hours. Not a great poo diaper!

SAVES THE BEST FOR LAST...............

***Happy Heiny One in ALL Pocket (snap version) My all time favorite diaper!! It's super soft and very, very absorbent and keep him super dry! He lasted 4.5 almost 5 hours in this and it was just the newborn/small insert!! It's a very trim diaper..maybe the trimmest of them all!! This is the reason why I sold/selling off those other diapers to buy more of these!! They are FANTASTIC!

- Do you use any of these diapers? If so, please leave your thoughts on it.
- Which do you think is the trimmest diaper? Post a comment.

Click to visit Nell's Natural Baby: Your Cloth Diaper Authority

One Size Diaper Project: 16 Weeks (4 Months)

2011-07-01T15:28:00.002-05:00

I love the Best Bottom. Fit is great! No leaks and I just tried this for overnight with the overnight insert and it worked great for 10 hours. Day & night diaper.

Love, love my GroVia AI2/Hybrid. We use these out & about with the biosoaker. No leaks with this one either. He can last up to 4 hours in this one. This is a pretty trim diaper too. Day diaper.

Not to thrilled about the GroVia AIO because if he last longer than 2 hours, the side snap tab gets wet & it leaks to his clothes. It is the trimmest diaper I have so I use it all the time. Some days the side snap tabs don't get wet. Day diaper.

This is my favorite & go-to diaper. It's a tongue style AIO that is not quite a pocket, not quite an All-in-One, but has the attributes of both. There is an “insert” that stays attached which is long enough to stuff back in under itself, making it a one piece diaper, but it agitates loose in the wash. No leaks in this one at all. My only complaint that there isn't a snap version :( Day diaper.

My all-time favorite!!! I just LOVE this diaper. It's pretty trim and the fit is great! No leaks. Day diaper.

Great diaper. Love how it's a sleeve pocket diaper which means it has pocket openings at each end. No un-stuffing before it's put in the pail (also agitates out in the wash. Another go-to diaper. No leaks. Day & night diaper.

Favorite diaper for night. I mainly use this BG 4.0 for overnight with OS & newborn inserts. No leaks. Used for 10 hours. Night diaper.

Mainly use the Blueberry overnight with OS & newborn inserts. I have small leaks with this one up front but not all the time. Used for 10 hours. Night diaper. BG 4.0 is my favorite for night.

I only have 1 of these diapers for some reason and I have to say they seem to run small. Pretty good diaper here. Day & night diaper.

- Do you use any of these diapers? If so, please leave your thoughts on it.
- Which do you think is the trimmest diaper except for the last 3? Post a comment.
- Last 3 diapers have 2 inserts for night time use, which is the trimmest of those?

Click to visit Nell's Natural Baby: Your Cloth Diaper Authority

Can't believe Keoni is 4 MONTHS OLD!!

2011-06-28T11:18:00.001-05:00

My baby boy is 4 months old now. He turned 16 weeks on June 15 and 4 months on June 23, 2011 which was Wednesday. Keoni's 4 month well baby check up was on the 23rd as well. Keoni weighs 15lbs 10oz (50-75%) 25 inches long (50%) & 42 cm for head (25-50%). While at the doc visit, Dr. P told me to look at Keoni's bottom gums to see how swollen they were with the teething and said he'll have teeth pretty soon. Both his two front bottom teeth gums were swollen big time. He received his shots and he was a trooper, only cried for a minute. Mind you the nurse had to blow in his face to get him to breath quicker :(

He is rolling from tummy to back before the appt and now he is back to tummy as of last night...woohoo! He is giggling too and of course talking up a storm well cooing.

Thursday til Saturday, he was somewhat cranky with alot of drool, sleepiness & some whining which I assumed was from his shots but that wasn't all....Saturday night he was sooo cranky, I touched his bottom gums and he had 2 bottom teeth poking through. He had 2 teeth come in at the same time. None of my others did that. Poor baby and mommy didn't have anything for him. Now I do.

Today, Tuesday the 28th, he is doing much better and the teeth don't seem to bother him anymore but he sure is tonguing those bottom teeth. It's funny to see him push his tongue over them. Until his next check up.

Keoni's New Milestone!!

2011-06-12T15:50:00.003-05:00

Earlier this morning, I had Keoni doing tummy time and trying to coach him to roll over. I had no luck. Low & behold, Mel gets down on the floor with him, what does Ke do....ROLL OVER!! I chanced it and grabbed my camera. He rolled over 3 more times! (BBC viewers, click link below)

One Size Diaper Project: 14 Weeks

2011-06-05T13:16:00.006-05:00

One Size Diaper Project hosted by Padded Tush Stats. This project will show how a one size (OS) cloth diaper fits on your growing child.

With this project I can see how Keoni grows in them. She will be doing this weekly and I will try to do the same or every 2 weeks, it all depends. In the photos, I am using 9 different cloth diapers. They are BumGenius 4.0, BumGenius Elemental/Organic, GroVia AI2, GroVia AIO, Rumparooz, Blueberry Bamboo, Smartipants and Best Bottoms.

I added a 'new' diaper to my current stash above and LOVE it,

it's called Bummis Tots Bots Easy Fit.

Keoni turned 14 weeks old on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 and these pictures were taken then & Thursday! He weighs 15 lbs 8oz per scale.

Which 2 diapers look the trimmest?

*Click image to view bigger*

NEW DIAPER ADDED

Click here to see how 12 weeks is different from 14 weeks.

Click here to see how 11 weeks is different from 12 weeks.

One Size Diaper Project - 12 Weeks

2011-05-23T12:29:00.005-05:00

One Size Diaper Project hosted by Padded Tush Stats. This project will show how a one size (OS) cloth diaper fits on your growing child.

To view the project, click here to see her son's in all his one size diapers at 12 weeks, 11 lbs 8oz.

With this project I can see how Keoni grows in them. She will be doing this weekly and I will try to do the same or every 2 weeks, it all depends. In the photos, I am using 8 different cloth diapers. They are BumGenius 4.0, BumGenius Elemental/Organic, GroVia AI2, GroVia AIO, Rumparooz, Blueberry Bamboo, Smartipants and Best Bottoms.

Keoni turned 12 weeks old on Wednesday, May 18th and these pictures were taken then & Thursday! He weighs 15 lbs per scale.

Which 2 diapers look the trimmest?

*Click image to view bigger*

If you would like to see 'side views' (Jamie) for these diapers, click here to view them.

Click here to see how 11 weeks is different from 12 weeks.

Anniversary & Graduation

2011-05-23T10:05:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend, Mel & I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. It is on May 22.

We had our anniversary date on Saturday. We were crunched for time so we didn't make it to dinner. Having the 4th kids takes some getting used too on getting out the door on time. Anyway, we went to Target before movie and I scanned a few things on my iPhone for shopkick to get kickbucks. My stupid iPhone wouldn't scan a couple items...ugh!! Overall, I got over 100+ kick points. We arrive at the movie theater and it's packed as usual. Got to our movie (Fast Five) and there was NO one in there so we were thinking hey maybe we can be alone..yeah right! It was packed as the movie started playing, oh well. Fast Five was by far the best Fast & Furious movie, I think it was better than the first. I highly recommend you guys go see. it. Sunday was our anniversary but we spent it to celebrate my niece's high school graduation.

Sunday was our anniversary and my niece, Kayla's high school graduation. Her senior class is the very 1st class to graduate from her high school. That's exciting. It's hard to see kids grow up. I remember when I was 17 years old, I spent my whole summer break babysitting for my sister when Kayla was 4 months old. It was the best summer I had; believe it or not! I loved that little girl!!

My niece is the one I circled in red.

We watched her take her walk of accomplishment. It was a great commencement ceremony. After the graduation, we went to her mom's house, my sister, for a little celebration for Kayla with a cookout. She got over $500 from family & friends and a awesome laptop from her parents!! We had a great time. She is going off to college this fall & studying nursing. She wants to be either a neonatal nurse or neonatal doctor. This girl loves her some babies =)

One Size Diaper Project - 11 Weeks

2011-05-13T17:11:00.008-05:00

I'm joining in on a little project from one of my Facebook fanpage called Padded Tush Stats. This project will show how a One Size (OS) cloth diaper fits on your growing child. To view the project, click here to see her son's in all his one size diapers at 11 weeks, 11 lbs.

I decided I wanted to join in because I love to snap shots of Keoni in his cloth diapers. With this project I can see how he grows in them. She will be doing this weekly and I will try to do the same or every 2 weeks, it all depends. In the photos, I am using 8 different cloth diapers. They are BumGenius 4.0, BumGenius Elemental/Organic, GroVia AI2, GroVia AIO, Rumparooz, Blueberry Bamboo, Smartipants and Best Bottoms.

Keoni just turned 11 weeks old on Wednesday, May 11th and these pictures were taken then up til today! I am assuming he weighs 13lbs now since he was 12lbs12oz on his 8 week checkup.

Which 2 diapers look the trimmest?

*Click image to view bigger*

I love all these diapers. Only LEAK I have is with the GroVia AIO, the side snap tabs get damp when in them too long. All others have NO leaks.

Teacher Appreciaton Gifts

2011-05-07T14:16:00.002-05:00

I have a small little break and wanted to show you guys what I (well kids helped too) made for my kid's teacher appreciation gifts. I got the idea from Jen over at CraftOManiac. They are treat jars that the teachers can put on their desk. When a student is good, they can come up to the treat jar and get their treat whether it be candy, ears, pencils, etc

I am NO crafter by any means and used supplies that was in the craft section at Walmart..

Here is how mine turned out.

Treats to put in the jars

The finished product!!

THANKS JEN FOR THE IDEA!!!

MIA & Facebook

2011-04-14T13:40:00.001-05:00

I know I've been MIA since the birth of my little Keoni but life has been hectic with 4 kids now. I hope to be back blogging in the near future but right now, it's just too much for me.

If you want to keep contact with me, I am on Facebook on a daily basis and you can see photos of my family which includes the new baby, Keoni. Send me a friend request!

facebook.com/Butterflygirlms75

Love & miss you guys!! Until next time. Have a great day!

<==== This the newest member, Keoni. It was taken Tuesday while we were visiting the zoo. He was 7 weeks old yesterday! Time is sure flying by!

To see more pics of Keoni, click here, I updated often.

Baby Keoni Isaac is here!!

2011-02-26T20:35:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, 22nd, I went to my 38 week checkup and turned out I had high blood pressure 150/86, they waited an hour and rechecked it was up to 152/92. OB sent me labor & delivery for blood pressure observation, well turned out it didn't want to go down (160/90 7 161/98) so I was admitted to have my baby boy. After a night on Cervadil, Mag Sulfate and some Stadol, I felt so drugged up that it scared to me so all I could do is close my eyes & sleep. The next morning (Wed. 2/23) they took out the Cervadil and I was only 1cm 40% -4. OB walks in and breaks my water and we discuss shoulder dystocia (since Evan has shoulder dystocia -stuck in birth canal) and the risk involved as well as risk in c-sections. Mel & I decided to go with the a c-section. I really didn't have time to call any of my family to let them know I was having a c-section because they told me I had 15 minutes til my c-section but of course I got 1 call into my mom.

During the section, I thought I would feel something but I didn't. That spinal they gave me was AWESOME, I couldn't feel anything when the anesthesiologist said lots of pressure & pulling. I was also kinda out of it. I was falling a sleep and the anesthesiologist kept saying 'Deep Breaths' over and over again. They told me I was so tired because of the mag sulfate I had been taking. After the c-section, my blood pressure was normal and stayed that way so I didn't have to be put back on mag. sulfate, thanfully!!!

Keoni Isaac was born at 10:11am, weighing 8lbs 8oz and 20 in. (Ultrasound tech measured him to be 8lbs 6oz. She was off by 2oz, very accurate tech, she told me to tell her his weight so she will know how accurate it can be. During the ultrasound, I asked her about her accuracy and she said she didn't know and that measuring babies this large is hard to measure & get accurate)

We are doing well and were sent home on the 2nd day which everyone was kinda surprised at but I am feeling very good for getting cut open!!

38 Weeks : Q&A + Pregnancy Update

2011-02-22T09:03:00.002-06:00

Today's date: February 22, 2010

How far along: 38 weeks

Total weight gain: 12lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes, of course.

Sleep: I'm NOT!!

Food cravings/aversions: ANYTHING I can get my hands on! I'm always hungry!

Morning sickness: NONE

Symptoms: Cankles, intense pelvic & tailbone pressure...feels like they're breaking in two :/

Labor signs: NONE and sucks

Belly button in or out: Flat

What I miss: sleeping through the night and on my tummy

What I'm looking forward to: holding my new bundle of joy!

Pregnancy Update:

Ready for Baby Isaac!! Today at 3pm is my growth ultrasound to determine how big this little guy is and if c-section or not. If I do need a section, I've come to terms with it!

If c-section, here is the reason for it...if he is 9+ lbs then c-section I can not vaginally birth a baby over 8lbs. due to a small pubic/pelvis bone. My last baby (Evan) was 8lbs 6oz at birth and he had shoulder dystocia (shoulders got stuck in the birth canal) I stopped trying to induce naturally because Avery was diagnosed last week with the flu so now waiting on ultrasound to determine baby Isaac's birth plan. WISH ME LUCK!

Week 36 - Q&A - Pregnancy Update

2011-02-09T09:14:00.003-06:00

Today's date: February 9, 2010

How far along: 36.1 weeks

Total weight gain: 4 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes, of course.

Sleep: Taking Benadyl to help sleep but it's not really helping anymore. I switch from couch to recliner between pee time which is like 5-6x a night.

Food cravings/aversions: Chips and salsa

Morning sickness: No more, it's all COMPLETELY GONE!

Symptoms: swollen feet & ankles. Feet look like a blown up rubber glove

Labor signs: Nope, sucks!

Belly button in or out: Almost flat

What I miss: sleeping through the night

What I'm looking forward to: trying to induce myself to get labor started.

Pregnancy Update:

Went to my 36 week OB appt. yesterday and have made no progress. I'm still posterior, no dilation and cervix is very soft. Looks like I need to get on the ball and induce myself. I started taking the EPO and gonna walk, have sex to see if this helps ripen me up to go into labor. Trying to avoid a c-section. See below for the reason.

The plan is to get another growth scan at 38 weeks (Feb. 22) and see what his weight is then...if he is 9+ lbs then c-section but she isn't happy about it like me because I've had 3 previous vaginal births and would hate to give a c-section on my 4th but what can we do. They will not induce or do c-section until 39 weeks. She said since I went into labor on my own with Owen at 37 weeks w/ my water breaking (he was 7 lbs 14 oz at 37wks), that would be a great thing this time around...but only time will tell. I told Mel looks like he will get quite lucky in the month of Feb...tons of sex..starting after 36 weeks...LOL

Video of the Week

2011-01-17T08:37:00.002-06:00

Black Eyed Peas - The Time (Dirty Bit)

I have to say I love this song and the awesome beats!!

I didn't know this but Apl.De.Ap (mohawk guy), he deejays, he break-dances and he CAN'T SEE!
He's legally blind.

How To Induce Naturally

2011-01-12T12:47:00.002-06:00

As for trying to induce labor to avoid c-section since I MAY have a big baby, I am NOT gonna try castro oil....now I did try w/ Evan & took half a dose...it would have worked if I took the whole dose..I didn't have poo at all, just contractions but they were not consistent enough to go to the hospital.

Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)

I am planning on starting the EPO (Evening Primrose Oil) (or this EPO link) at 36 weeks orally & vaginally at 37 weeks I believe.

The use of evening primrose oil to start labor has been around for a long time, and many midwives swear by this technique when helping pregnant patients prepare for delivery. Evening primrose oil does not directly trigger the start of labor, but works by softening and ripening the cervix. This allows the baby's head to engage in the pelvis, thereby encouraging dilation. Not everyone agrees that evening primrose oil will help to soften the cervix.

* I'll talk w/ my OB at my 36 week check up about the use evening primrose oil orally & vaginally and make certain my membranes are intact.

I'd take two 500mg capsules of evening primrose daily, as soon as I'm 36 weeks.
Start vaginally at 37 weeks.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

Also plan on getting Raspberry Leaf tablets or tea tomorrow and start taking it now which helps your uterine muscles for shorter & smoother births. My longest labor was w/ Evan at 9 hours but that is due to his size & getting stuck. My shortest was w/ Avery at 6 hours.

Tablets - Take two 300mg or 400mg tablets with each meal (three times a day) from 32 weeks.
Teabags - 1st trimester- one cup per day -2nd trimester - two cups per day -3rd trimester - up to 4 to 5 teabag cups throughout the day.
Loose leaf tea - Bring one cup of water to the boil. Remove from heat and add one teaspoon of the herb. Stir, cover and let sit for ten minutes (do not boil the herb), strain and sip. Adding sugar or honey many improve the taste. 2 to 3 cups per day is often recommended especially after 28 weeks of pregnancy.

History on my last pregnancy & birth experience, I was induced at 39 weeks per my request & OB since I had Group B Strep and wanted to make sure I got all my antibiotics in before delivery. My labor was very slow due to dilating. I was kinda stuck at 7 for about 2 hours. When I was finally 10, I started pushing and Evan shoulder's got stuck (shoulder dystocia) which they had to press on my stomach and manveur my hips to get him out. (I was told Owen, my oldest, the biggest baby my pelvic/pubic bone could handle and he was 7lbs 14 oz at birth and was born at 37 weeks.) Evan ended up being fine but he weighed 8 lbs 6 oz....to big to fit.

You can read my history with this pregnancy here at 28 weeks & here at 32 weeks about my ultrasounds regarding the big baby.

What do you guys think?

Week 32 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

2011-01-12T11:37:00.001-06:00

About our lil Munchkin:

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (per ultrasound today, he weighs 5 lbs15 oz...YIKES) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week (if that, I'm plus size so I have gained a total of 4 lbs so far) and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. (umm, he is already measuring BIG) He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

Baby is the size of an Honeydew

Today's date:January 11, 2010

How far along: 32 weeks

Total weight gain: 4 lbs

Maternity clothes:Yes, of course. They are sooo comfortable too. Don't know why I waited so long to buy some.

Sleep:Taking Benadyl to help sleep...recommend by my OB. Tossing & turning...waking to use the bathroom at least 3x a night. I sleep on the couch & recliner now.

Food cravings/aversions: Hostess Chocolate Frosted donuts, mexican food & cheeseburgers STILL

Morning sickness: No more, it's all COMPLETELY GONE!

Symptoms: more stretching instead of kicks

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: Stretching out, almost flat

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach

What I'm looking forward to: getting everything ready for Baby Isaac, gotta go shopping for some more onesis, sleepers & side-snap t-shirts, oh yeah the most important thing, CAR SEAT!

Pregnancy Update:

I'm 32 weeks today and had an OB appt and little one (baby Isaac) is measuring 35 weeks and weighing 5 lbs 15 oz already but remember give or take a pound on u/s. Everything looks great (fluid, placenta, etc) except measuring, he's BIG! I did have traces of sugar in urine but like she said I don't have gestational diabetes and passed w/ flying colors..just have a big baby!

The plan is to get another growth scan at 38 weeks (Feb. 22) and see what his weight is then...if he is 9+ lbs then c-section but she isn't happy about it like me because I've had 3 previous vaginal births and would hate to give a c-section on my 4th but what can we do. They will not induce or do c-section until 39 weeks. She said since I went into labor on my own with Owen at 37 weeks w/ my water breaking (he was 7 lbs 14 oz at 37wks), that would be a great thing this time around...but only time will tell. I told Mel looks like he will get quite lucky in the month of Feb...tons of sex..starting after 36 weeks...LOL

Snow Day

2011-01-10T14:19:00.001-06:00

It started snowing last night so the kids had a Snow Day today. Here is video of them when they first went out in it.

Christmas Family Get Together

2010-12-26T12:43:00.003-06:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas holiday!!

We had a good time at my middle sister's house celebrating our family Christmas. We had it on Dec. 23/. It was kinda sad w/ my dad & aunt missing their brother. Christmas dinner was AWESOME!! I had 2 plate fulls. I got some other Christmas pictures & videos to past in a few days.

At my sister's house for our Christmas dinner on Thursday, Dec. 23

My middle sister's famly

My older sister's famly + her future in-laws

My dad & aunt taking a moment to remember my uncle (their bro)

Kids playing the GameCube

Kids all GameCube'd out

Mel & Evan

My Aunt Susan's hubby, Willie, my middle sister, Tina, & my Aunt Susan

Some family gathered in living room

That's about it...that's all I got...there were more people but the flashing was BLINDING...lol

Week 28 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

2010-12-20T16:12:00.002-06:00

About our lil Munchkin:

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world. Baby's lungs are mature enough that, if born right now, he has a pretty good chance of surviving (with help from medical technology). His skin is still pretty wrinkly (one byproduct of living in amniotic fluid) but will smoothen as fat continues to deposit. Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- which I've noticed -- they don’t always coincide with mine but pretty close. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.

Baby is the size of an Squash

Sorry everyone, I'm a week behind on my pregnancy update.

Today's date: December 14, 2010

How far along: 28 weeks

Total weight gain: 4 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes, I am NOW in maternity clothes. They are sooo comfortable too. Don't know why I waited so long to buy some.

Sleep: Tossing & turning...waking to use the bathroom at least 3x a night.

Food cravings/aversions: Hostess Chocolate Frosted donuts & cheeseburgers

Morning sickness: No more, it's all COMPLETELY GONE!

Symptoms: LOTS baby movements (kicks, wiggle worm)

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: Stretching out, almost flat

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach

What I'm looking forward to: eating tons of Christmas food and watching my kids faces opening their Christmas gifts!

What's going on this week: My family is laying my uncle to rest, his burial is Dec. 15 and my birthday is the 16th. My cousin's wedding is Sunday the 19th..

Pregnancy Update: I failed my 1 hour glucose test on Thursday, Dec. 2 and had to take my 3 hour screening on Tuesday, Dec. 7! I did have to stay the full 3 hours due to me failing the fasting by 4 points. They almost didn't let me drink my drink but since it was by 4 points they let me and thought FOR SURE I was gonna fail...so I was prepared. Needless to say, the nurses were shocked I passed the 1 hour with such a low reading. I mainly watched movies on DH iPod. Switching from Trapped In Paradise to Life.
My OB office sugar level ranges
Fasting below 105 - I was at 109
1 Hour below 190 - I was at 145
2 Hour below 165 - I was at 145
3 Hour below 140 - I was at 116

The nurses were not liking that my 2 hour numbers didn't drop from the 1 hours so that is why I stayed for the 3 hour one.

My 28 week check up appt & growth ultrasound was Dec. 14. I was called back for the financial part and my vag del will be $2373 but my insurance is 80/20 so I owe $474 which is $79 every month for 6 mos which I will pay each time I go to the docs office.

I am 28 weeks as of Dec. 14, Yay, 3rd trimester! Come to find out at the u/s, LO is measuring 30wks 2days & weighing 3lbs. My doctor that was a little shocked at how big he is. They of course already ruled out GD. He is just BIG. She believe's I'll have to have a c-section if he keeps growing like this but I hope not. Hopefully, he just went thru a growth spurt..lol. Still a BOY, you could really see that sucker. He's HB was 132 and he is too cute. It was odd how close he was to the wand to see his face in 2D.

My little Isaac...you can see him up close in this pic

One not so close up

I go back for another Growth Ultrasound on Jan. 11 so lets hope he is measuring right on time.

Update on Family &The Visit to see Santa

2010-12-20T12:30:00.004-06:00

Hi everyone, I'm still here just took a break for a bit.. We laid my uncle to rest on Dec. 15. His son did get married yesterday, it was a beautiful ceremony but bittersweet since it was exactly a week that my uncle had died. There was a little drama but it was under control...mainly between my cousin (the one getting married), my dad & aunts. I wish my cousin & his new wife a long, happy, healthy marriage.

Back to Santa!!!!

We took the kids to see Santa Saturday night in a cove in our neighborhood. Just about every house in the cove is lit up and Santa is directly in the middle.

Evan waiting to see Santa

Avery telling Santa what she wants for Christmas

Evan not really sure what to think....

Owen & Santa having a conversation about Legos and the biggest one they have seen...Owen's was the Empire State Building in the Toys R Us Time Square that was 8 feet tall.

In Loving Memory of My Uncle Johnny

2010-12-12T14:34:00.002-06:00

Thank you all for your thoughts & prayers! On this Sunday morning at 5:54am, my uncle passed away.
He is resting in a better place with no pain or suffering only PEACE & JOY!

Needing Your Prayers Update

2010-12-10T18:23:00.001-06:00

UPDATE 6:22PM: We went to visit him and he was doing great, cuttin up with us all. I believe we lifted his spirits & gonna fight. This morning or mid-morning, they thought he was gonna pass because he wasn't responding to anyone and saying he was ready to go now until us nieces & nephews showed up. He made us all laugh :) Hospice brought in a hospital bed for him which is good since he will be able to sit up & let food & liquids go down better. He may live a few more days. I'm gonna go see him again tomorrow.

UPDATE 1:00PM: Dad said my uncle probably won't make it when we get there tonight. I am leaving now with my sister on her lunch break to go say our Goodbyes...

UPDATE 12:40PM: Just got a call that my uncle is worse. My dad said he screamed out 'He isn't ready, yet'. Then he turned to my dad and told him he wanted to see his preacher, their mom, their sister & his grandson (they were not in the room) The preacher is in the room w. him now, praying w. him. He is now saying he is ready to go. I'm sorry but I am an emotional wreak right now and my YDS is wondering why mommy is crying so much and wiping my tears. My sisters & I are going over there tonight. Thank you all for your support & prayers.

UPDATE 9.00am: My uncle was released from the hospital Wednesday early evening. Yesterday, hospice came in to set everything up. We get a call last night that my uncle said he saw Jesus & my grandpa (his dad who passed in Jan 2009) sometime yesterday. I believe he's almost at the end. He is in so much pain. I pray I can see him before he passes and pray it isn't before Saturday. My stomach is in knots, I feel sickly but I believe it's from what is happening to my uncle. Please keep praying for my uncle and family.

December 5, 2010
My extended family is going through a hard time right now. Last October, my uncle (dad's brother) was diagnoised with Stage 4 - Squamous Cell Cancer. They told him without chemo, he would live for about 6 mos and with chemo would possibly survive for 18 mos to 2 years. He's had 3 rounds of chemo and has made it to 14 mos and was put in the hospital today due to him vomiting up blood. We found out today that his liver & kidneys are failing. The cancer has spread to his bones and he is in SO MUCH pain. The doctors say he most likely will not make it to Christmas.

My sisters went up there tonight to see him and said he looks very bad. One of my sister said he was doing nothing but sleeping. He is staying in the hospital for 2 days to get fluids and gonna send him home to live out his final days (his wishes) with hospice. My cousin (his daughter) has taken FMLA to move in with him and her brother who is getting married on the 19th.

I am planning on visiting him tomorrow night, I just hope I have the strength not to get too upset when I see him. Since he is sleeping, he isn't in any pain which I pray is the way he will leave this world..(sleeping & in no pain)

Please pray for my family & possibly put my uncle & family on your prayer list at church.

Wordless Wednesday - Baby Bumps

2010-12-08T09:15:00.002-06:00

25 Weeks on 11/23

27 Weeks on 12/7

Fall Pictures

2010-12-07T15:05:00.002-06:00

Before Thanksgiving, my sister took some pictures of my kidos on some property behind her...old barn/house.

Here is how they turned out......

click to see bigger

Christmas Fun: Coloring Pages

2010-12-02T21:15:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, I was looking for some Christmas Countdown widgets to add to my blog and couldn't find anything I really liked. When I realized I still had a PRO account to Widgetbox (place for creating & searching widgets), I searched on there and found a cute one and it's in my right sidebar ----->

The same person who created my countdown created some very cool coloring pages for Christmas. If you want to color or your little ones at home want to color some Christmas pages, check it out below.

You can switch coloring pages, see drop-down option on the bottom of the widget.

Wordless Wednesday - Caption This!

2010-12-01T07:49:00.001-06:00

So instead of doing Wordless Wednesday post, I'll let you all have fun and Caption This! for me!!

The plan is that you look at the following picture and then pick a caption for it in the comments.

Hosted by Big Mama Cass.

Thanksgiving Funny Face by Evan

For more Wordless Wednesday, click here

Christmas Tree Decorating

2010-11-30T09:57:00.002-06:00

Sunday, we put up our Christmas trees. We have a Santa tree in our den which is where Santa leaves all his wonderful gifts. In our living room, we have our family tree which is where mom & dad and any other relatives from out of state leave gifts.

For the Santa tree, we decorated Sunday and I didn't take pictures (shame on me) of the kids decorating it. Evan actually took this picture. (looks like someone will be getting a toddler digital camera for Christmas)

For our family tree, Owen & I had a system down on putting up the tree. He spread out the limbs and I put them on the tree...it worked out great!! The Hubs always adds the lights and we had to wait on him to put those on and by the time he did add the lights, we were all beat and left the decorating for last night.

Owen using the stool to add an ornament at the top of the tree.

Avery & Evan putting their mark on the bottom of the tree.

Evan was placing the ornaments too low as you will see in the last few photos.

This is Evan's first time decorating the tree. He had such a great time doing it. I believe it made him feel like a BIG BOY. Although, we had a few, very low ornaments on the bottom of the tree.

Avery & Evan showing the candied, gingerbread ornaments.

Owen doesn't look like he's sure where he put an ornament while Evan & Avery find a place for theirs.

Avery finding some icicles to add to the tree.

Still smiling after all that decorating except Evan who looks unsure..lol.

Our family Christmas tree

We did make our own Christmas ornaments back in 2007.
Can you see Evan's hand & foot, he was only 3 mos old at the time.

Thanksgiving, Black Friday & my Christmas Cards

2010-11-29T16:27:00.007-06:00

Hoping everyone had a great Thanksgiving!! Ours was yummy!! All that soul food, I was craving really hit the spot...see left picture :D

A friend of mine and I went out shopping on Black Friday. We left at 11pm to hit Walmart's sale at midnight. We did get what we went for and only waited in line for about 30 minutes, then headed over to Target and wait in line for 3 hours. You really get to know the people in line with you, we meet some really nice women! They even shared their chairs with me ;) We got what we wanted in Target as well with NO waiting in line because we were the first ones at the register..lol!! My friend and I have been Black Friday shopping for 6 years now, I think we're pros at it now. .

NEED SOME OPINIONS....I have made my Christmas cards and have 2 options to choose from. I'm not sure which one I like BEST! Can you help me?

Option #1

Option #2

I'd appreciate any help in deciding....please leave a comment :)

Week 24 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

2010-11-16T16:25:00.006-06:00

About our lil Munchkin:

Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop. Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

Baby is the size of an Eggplant

Today's date: November 16, 2010

How far along: 24 weeks

Total weight gain: 1 lbs - lost a pound

Maternity clothes: Yes, my maternity clothes came in yesterday. I got 2 pairs of jeans & 3 long-sleeved shirts from Motherhood online. The jeans fit great & are sooo comfortable but the shirts were way to big. I exchanged them today in the store for a size smaller. Good thing they had the exact same shirts.

Sleep: It's been better now that I sleep with a pillow between my legs. I keep waking up on my stomach though.

Food cravings/aversions: Hostess Chocolate Frosted donuts, I actually bought 2 bags today!

Morning sickness: No more, it's all COMPLETELY GONE!

Symptoms: baby movements (kicks, wiggle worm)

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: Still in

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach

What I'm looking forward to: eating tons of food on Thanksgiving!!

What's going on this week: nothing exciting really except shopping for Christmas and possibly the baby too...oh I forgot, I bought a used Best Bottom in Mint Chocolate Chip w/ 6 Hemp & 4 Stay Dry Inserts...all for $35 (saved $20)! I got it from another mama on my Cloth Diaper Swap board at BabyCenter!!

Pregnancy Update: Today was my 24 week OB check up. Everything is normal and fine...his heartrate was 150-160...high for a boy, right, well at least for me anyway!! I got my glucose drink (I choose Lemon-Lime instead of the Orange & Fruit Punch) and have to go in Tuesday for my glucose test. Wish me luck. I am scared to death that I will have gestational diabetes since I am overweight to begin with. She told me not to worry since my other previous pregnancies were fine. Also, since my youngest, Evan's shoulders got stuck during delivery due to him being a big baby for my frame, she is going to be giving me an ultrasound every 4 weeks to check his growth...so I get an ultrasound at my next appt. on Dec. 14. I'm looking forward to that!!

Digital Christmas Cards {For Sale}

2010-11-15T17:53:00.008-06:00

Anyone interested in personalized holiday photo cards????
You've come to the right place! I have some great designs for you!

10 splendidly designed Christmas Photo Cards: 4 - 5x7 cards up to 3 photos and 6 - 4x8 cards up to 4 photos..
Cost: 4x8 = $6.00 and 5x7 = $6.50

Click images to view larger!

Christmas Holly

4x8 (w. trees) & 5x7 are different

Elegant Christmas: 4x8 & 5x7

Polka Dot Christmas: 4x8 & 5x7

Santa: 4x8 & 5x7

Seasons Best Wishes: 4x8 only

Snow Holiday: 4x8 only

more to come, very soon

How to purchase?

Pick your design from up above and place your order (below)
Email me your images/pictures to butterflygirlms@yahoo.com and include which design you picked and the text you want on your card if different from mine.
Turn around time will be within 24-36 hours which I will then send you the high resolution JPG card.

Purchase your Holiday Cards here.....

These cards can easily be printed at home, at a local photo center or uploaded to an online photo center. All printers will print the 5x7 cards. Some local photo centers will print your digital cards for you but I would suggest that you call and ask first since many want you to use the 4x8 templates they are selling.

Shutterfly.com will let you upload your completed 4x8 card for printing instead of using one of their templates.

Click here to upload and print 4x8 cards at Shutterfly!

Shutterfly includes the envelopes.

Spread the word!!!

Baby Item Giveaway!!!

2010-11-12T19:31:00.001-06:00

Feisty Frugal & Fabulous is having a giveaway for a Bright Starts InGenuity Bouncer! I just found her blog and am loving it. I will definitely be a daily reader! She is also a soon-to-be March Mama and on my birth board!

If you would like to win this awesome baby item,

click here to enter this giveaway!

Happy Veterans Day!

2010-11-11T10:42:00.000-06:00

I would like to wish all the veterans, A Happy Veterans Day!! This goes out to my wonderful hubby, brother-in-law & my dad as well as all the other men and women who have served or are still serving in the military. Thank you for protecting me, my family and old glory, our country! God Bless, you all!!!

The Hubs

Christmas Cards

2010-11-11T08:10:00.001-06:00

I have come to the conclusion that I will be selling 'Premade' Christmas Cards. I will be posting more about it in the next several days. I'm very excited to be offering Christmas Cards to my readers for the very, first time!!

A friend of mine in the bloggy world (Jennie from LarsenLoves) had posted 3 Christmas cards she needed opinions on {which to choose}. I decided since I create all her blog designs for her personal & craft blogs, I'd love to try my hand at making her Christmas card. She happily accepted my offer and sent me the pictures and I worked my magic as she calls it.

Here is what I came up with for her. She had 2 choices.

She picked the Polka Dot one

These Christmas Cards are a 5x7 but I think I will offer in 4x6 instead.

Check back Monday for more info on my 'Premade' Christmas Cards.

Adori Graphics 'Christmas Joy' Kit

2010-11-09T10:56:00.003-06:00

Adori Graphics Christmas Joy Digital Scrapbook Kit

This digital scrapbooking kit has tons of cute, adorable, wintercontent for your design needs. Head on over to Adori Graphics and pick up your Christmas Joy kit! Her kits are very affordable.

My 'Christmas Joy' CT Layout

Adori Graphis 'Let It Snow' Kit

2010-11-09T10:48:00.003-06:00

Adori Graphics Let It Snow Digital Scrapbook Kit

This digital scrapbooking kit has tons of cute, adorable, wintercontent for your design needs. Head on over to Adori Graphics and pick up your Let It Snow kit! Her kits are very affordable.

My 'Let It Snow' CT Layout

Check back soon, if you would like to use my layout, I've made it into a Quickpage as well as my other team members. It will be posted this Friday, 11/12.

1st item bought for baby boy, Isaac!

2010-11-02T12:05:00.001-05:00

Sunday, my older sister and I went shopping. Now, I haven't been out shopping for the new baby at all. Everything I see for a little boy, I don't like or they don't have any baby boy clothes, period. We went to Kohls and we popped into the toddler section first so my sister could get my niece some winter clothes. After that, I was like, I haven't bought this little boy anything yet so my sister and I jet across the floor to the baby/newborn section. Low & Behold, there are TONS of baby boy newborn sets. My sister found one I just fell IN LOVE with.

Wanna see.............

What do you think? His crib bedding will be this monkey theme so I thought this was fitting. This will be one of the outfits I take to the hospital.

Well this is the first item of clothing I have purchased. I know I bought him some GroVia cloth diapers but I am not counting those.

Video of the Week - Dental Odyssey

2010-11-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

My niece posted this on Facebook and I laughed my butt off!!
It's about a brother & sister who have had their wisdom teeth pulled & are still drugged!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T08:28:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a safe & Happy Halloween last night. We sure had fun and Evan was really enjoying himself, trying to run to house to house without our group of kids. Here are some pictures from our Halloween last night. (none of us *kids & I* were happy with their costumes or makeup...it was a bad year for costumes except Evan)

My kidos

My kidos with their cousins (Angle, Wolf, Pink Kitty, & Oreo) and cousin's friends

My niece (oreo) and Laura (milk - foreign exchange student from Holland, she is a part of our family now)

Trick or Treating time

click image to see bigger

Win a NEW Best Bottom GIRAFFE Print

2010-10-29T13:48:00.002-05:00

Nicki's Diapers has a giveaway going on to win their NEW, Super Cute Giraffe Best Bottom Diaper Covers. Best Bottoms are an AI2 (all in two) cloth diaper.

Aren't they adorable!!!

You will be able to choose between the pink, green or blue.

Click here to enter this giveaway. Winners will be choosen on Wednesday, Nov. 3rd.

Freaky Friday #10 - Halloween

2010-10-29T12:42:00.001-05:00

What is Freaky Friday?
It is a linky meme party where we can share freaky, weird or odd photos/articles found around the internet but please keep the content family-friendly. Come on, join the fun and participate in this meme party, read further below:

Here is what I found:

These would FREAK me out walking on Halloween night. How about you?

Let's see your Freaky Halloween stuff.

Go ahead and add your Freaky Friday (FF) posts by following these instructions :)

You will need to post your Freaky Friday on your blog.
Add the blog hop link button above to your FF blog post. It will link to this post, so that others will navigate back here to see more FF posts.
Come back over here and add your permalink for your FF post.

I look forward to seeing everyone's Freaky Friday blog posts :)

Free November Desktop & Halloween Quickpages

2010-10-29T12:29:00.001-05:00

Today is Freebie Friday over at Adori Graphics and the one of the freebies today is FREE November desktop. They were made by yours truly ;) and designed using Adori Graphics new digital scrapbooking kit, Fabulous Fall.

Click here to be taken over to Adori Graphics to download these CUTESY desktop.

Also Adori Graphics has some FREE Halloween digi-scrap Quickpages to download, click here to check those out. These quickpages were created using Adori Graphics digi-scrap kit called Spellbound.

Peak at one of the Quickpages for download in use. (which is my family-my kids with their cousins)

Hope you all enjoy these FREEBIES!!!

Crazy Hair & 80s Dress Up Day

2010-10-26T09:03:00.001-05:00

This week, my kidos are celebrating 'Red Ribbon Week' (Say No To Drugs week). They get to wear wacky clothes, dress up & show school spirit each day of the week.

Yesterday, Owen had to wear red while Avery had to show school spirit so she wore her school t-shirt.

Today, Owen had to either wear a crazy hat or have crazy hair. Avery had to dress up for the 80's.

Check them out.......

Video of the Week: Halloween

2010-10-25T09:50:00.006-05:00

Halloween History

Video of the Week - Jared Leto Look-A-Like

2010-10-19T21:17:00.009-05:00

Sorry, I know Video of the Week is one day late. It's been busy around me.
This girl transforms herself to look JUST LIKE Jared Leto, it's freaking AMAZING!!
Take a look! You won't be disappointed

Here is Jared

Week 20 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

2010-10-19T19:19:00.001-05:00

Baby is the size of an

Cantaloupe

About our lil Munchkin:
I'm at the halfway mark---YAY! My baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now and also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. His digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed, yeah I know, we are having a BOY!

I had my anatomy ultrasound today and little munchkin cooperated and showed HIS private parts!

His name will be Isaac Keoni!

Today's date: October 19, 2010

How far along: 20 weeks

Total weight gain: 2 lbs

Maternity clothes: Still using my Maternity Band to hold up my pre-pregnancy jeans. Highly recommend it. Next week, I plan on buying some maternity jeans & shirts.

Sleep: toss and turn all night, feels better to sleep in my recliner

Food cravings/aversions: Cheeseburgers & fries...yummy

Morning sickness: None, Yay!! I puke occasionally due to certain smells

Symptoms: ache, puke occasionally

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: Still in

What I miss: sleeping on my stomach

What I'm looking forward to: shopping for my new lil man next week!!!

What's going on this week: had the anatomy ultrasound today and going to start shopping for the baby now I know he is a HE!!

Saturday Humor: Mother Taught Me

2010-10-16T16:02:00.002-05:00

My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE -
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning!"

My mother taught me RELIGION -
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL -
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

My mother taught me LOGIC -
"Because I said so, that's why."

My Mother taught me more LOGIC -
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

My mother taught me FORESIGHT -
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

My mother taught me IRONY -
"Keep crying and I'll give you something to cry about."

My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS -
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper!"

My mother taught me about CONTORTIONIST -
"Will you "look" at the dirt on the back of your neck!"

My mother taught me about STAMINA -
"You'll sit there 'till all that spinach is finished."

My mother taught me about WEATHER -
"It looks as if a tornado swept through your room."

My mother taught me how to solve PHYSICS PROBLEMS -
"If I yelled because I saw a meteor coming toward you; would you listen THEN?"

My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY -
"If I've told you once, I've told you a million times - Don't Exaggerate!!!"

My mother taught me THE CIRCLE OF LIFE -
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION -
"Stop acting like your father!"

My mother taught me about ENVY -
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do!"

My Mother taught me about ANTICIPATION -
"Just wait until we get home."

My Mother taught me about RECEIVING -
"You are going to get it when we get home!"

My Mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE -
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."

My Mother taught me to THINK AHEAD -
"If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job."

My Mother taught me ESP -
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you're cold?"

My mother taught me HUMOR -
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

My mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT -
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

My Mother taught me about GENETICS -
"You're just like your father."

My Mother taught me about my ROOTS -
"Do you think you were born in a barn?"

My Mother taught me about WISDOM OF AGE -
"When you get to be my age, you will understand."

And my all time favorite... JUSTICE -
"One day you'll have kids ... and I hope they turn out just like you!"
Source

Freebie Friday over at Adori Graphics

2010-10-15T12:28:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday everyone!!! I am always excited on Friday because it's the end of the week and it's FREEBIE FRIDAY over at Adori Graphics. This week, Louise has created a free blogger template for Fall using her Fabulous Fall kit and I have created 2 free blogger templates for Halloween using her Trick or Treat kit..

Click images to be taken to each post for these free blogger template.

Freaky Friday #10

2010-10-15T11:00:00.007-05:00

Here is what I found:

The Bibliochaise is designed by Nobody and Co. It's for all you book lovers out there who doesn't like to get up from reading or has tight quarters. This can also be used for CDs, DVDs too.

Go ahead and add your Freaky Friday (FF) posts by following these instructions :)

You will need to post your Freaky Friday on your blog.
Add the blog hop link button above to your FF blog post. It will link to this post, so that others will navigate back here to see more FF posts.
Come back over here and add your permalink for your FF post.

I look forward to seeing everyone's Freaky Friday blog posts :)

Fix-It Friday #74 - Fall Themed

2010-10-15T09:53:00.000-05:00

This week's photo contributor is Dana Suggs.

I missed last weeks challenge.

Original Photo

After Editing in Photoshop CS3

Fix #1 - Soft Autumn

Soft Autumn Glow action used by CoffeeShop
(Adjusted to liking)

Fix #2 - Little Honey

Little Perk action used by CoffeeShop
Honey Retro action used by CoffeeShop

To view more Fix-It Friday cool pics, click here

NEW Free Blogger Template: Patchwork

2010-10-13T22:01:00.002-05:00

I know it's been a while since I have created any new free blogger templates over at Leelou Blogs. I just received some awesome season/holiday kits that I can work with now. I'll have more NEW seasonal templates this weekend...so be on the LOOKOUT!

This template is posted over at Leelou Blogs under the Free Stuff tab or click links below the image to be taken to the appropriate template for the code & install instructions.

Patchwork Free Blogger Template

Patchwork 2-Column | Patchwork 3-Column

Video of the Week - 25 Things I Hate About Facebook

2010-10-11T09:50:00.001-05:00

I found this about a year ago and thought this video was HILARIOUS!

Experimenting with Cloth Diapers

2010-10-07T17:32:00.000-05:00

Cloth diapers, you say? Yes, I am going to try and cloth diaper my new bundle of joy when he/she arrives, well not until 2 months old.

I have done a lot of research on cloth diapering since I found out I was pregnant. It's seems like a great way for us to be green, save money and it's better for my little one's bottom. Cloth Diapering is cheaper then using disposable diapers in the long run by the time your little one is out of diapers. That is one factor that is persuading me to try cloth diapers. In the beginning, it will cost you to build up your stash of cloth diapers but just think that is all you have to buy. You will save $2500+ over the course of your child being in diapers.

The cloth diaper I have chosen to start off with is a Hybrid. Hybrid diapers offers a flexible, modern, eco-friendly alternative to traditional disposable diapers. The convenience of disposable diapers coupled with the reusability of cloth diaper covers, hybrid diapers morph the best of both worlds.

Each diaper consists of a washable, reusable cloth diaper cover which can be used with either biodegradable disposable inserts or washable cloth inserts; the choice is yours!

I have chosen to use the GroVia Shell System (AI2). You can watch this video on the GroVia (formerly GroBaby).

This brand you can use either the washable cloth soaker/insert or the biodegradable biosoaker disposable inserts.

I ordered my first cloth diapering set of GroVia Part Time about a month or so ago for $146 on sale. It comes with 6 shells, 12 soakers & 6 boosters to start out. With GroVia (formerly GroBaby), you can use cloth soaker/insert or biodegradable biosoaker inserts that looks like a disposable. You can compost, flush or toss the biosoaker. It is also a one-size diaper and comes in different colors & patterns..yipee! I have my mind set on cloth diapering....poop is a problem for me but there are so many alternatives to handle poo with cloth. I will be using the flushable liners which go on top of the soaker or the mini shower. If baby poops on the liner all I have to do is flush it with poop and the soaker is barely soiled with poop. With the mini shower, all I have to do is spray off the poo in the toilet. With the biodegradable biosoaker insert, I would just flush or toss...no poop anywhere on the shell. There may be times but shouldn't be at every poo diaper. Check out the options for GroVia below.

I can already tell I'm gonna LOVE the GroVia above. Now on to the next cloth diaper I'm interested in.

A couple of days ago, I found another great AI2 (all-in-two) / Hybrid cloth diaper and it's from the Willow Store and called Sprout Change. This cloth diaper is a reversible shell so you get 2 great colors from one. I learned about this cloth diaper through a blog I follow and read Baby Making Machine review and went to the Willow Store blog and found more reviews and Marine Parents review in particular. I entered her giveaway to win one. I hope I win. Actually, the Sprout Change is cheaper than my GroVia. I will definitely buy at least 3 of Sprout Change to test out before investing more money. Sprout Change cloth diapers are one-size diapers as well but this one is very unique. It has an adjustable waist band & leg gussets. These remind me of the adjustable waist bands in my children's jeans. If you get the picture.

Click here to view the video of how Sprout Change works.

There is one more cloth diaper I would LOVE to try as well. They are called Best Bottoms. These cloth diapers are sort of like GroVia but cheaper and have double leg gussets.

They also have different colors which of course you know I love. I will DEFINITELY purchase some of these for sure! You can watch the video on Best Bottoms, click here and here (customer review).

Here are some great sites that helped me in my decision and educated me on cloth diapers.

New To Cloth Diapers
All About Cloth Diapering
Cloth Diapering BabyCenter Board
Youtube: Cara the BubbleLush. Her videos has helped me alot. Youtube has every type of review on cloth diapers. Different types of Diapers
Kelly Closet Store

More than likely, I will use the Best Bottoms from birth since reviews show they can be used for newborns. GroVia and/or Sprout Change will be used once munchkin hits 10+ pounds. They seem to be kinda big for newborns even though they say that fit birth to potty training.

I'm really looking forward to cloth diapering using these systems.

Post-It Note Tuesday

2010-10-05T08:56:00.000-05:00

Why bother spewing verbal vomit when you can sum it all up in one neat little post it note?

Post It Note Tuesday

Hosted by: That One Mom (Only Parent Chronicles)

TO CREATE your Post It Note, click here, save them to your computer and then upload them to your blog post.

For more Post It Notes, go to That One Mom (Only Parent Chronicles)

Video of the Week - Closer To The Edge

2010-10-04T09:32:00.004-05:00

30 Seconds To Mars - Newest Video 'Closer To The Edge'

I love the bands energy as well as the fans!! It's a fantastic video & song!!!

Courtesy of 30 Seconds to Mars YouTube (VeVo) page

Past Halloween Costumes

2010-09-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

Since October is approaching tomorrow, I thought why not post previous Halloween costumes. Mine will go back to 2006 before Evan was born..

Click images to see bigger ;)

Halloween 2006

Owen = Zombie, Me = Surgeon, Avery = Little Red Riding Hood

Halloween 2007

Owen = Surgeon/Doctor, Avery = Princess, Evan = Pumpkin (month old)

Halloween 2008

Owen = Pirate, Avery = Little Red Riding Hood, Evan = Penguin

Halloween 2009

Owen = Reaper Keeper, Avery = Witch, Evan = Pirate

What were your past Halloween costumes?

Wordless Wednesday - Owen's Artwork

2010-09-29T16:10:00.006-05:00

Today, Owen came home and showed me his artwork he did at school.
His theme was Gardening!

He did an OUTSTANDING job!

Week 17 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

2010-09-28T08:40:00.004-05:00

Baby is the size of an onion!

About our lil Munchkin:
About five inches long and more than three and a half ounces — the size of your open hand. Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints.

Baby is almost certainly listening up by now. In fact, loud noises — the dog barking, the doorbell ringing — will actually startle the baby (and also get him or her used to such noises; for instance, fetuses who regularly hear a dog barking will become babies who sleep right through Fido's outbursts). Baby's eyes (which have fortunately finished their migration to the front of his or her head) are making small side-to-side movements and can even perceive some light, though the eyelids are still sealed. And since practice makes perfect, baby is sharpening his or her sucking and swallowing skills in preparation for that first (and second…and third) suckle at your breast or bottle. In fact, most of the survival reflexes that your baby will have at birth are being perfected in utero right now.

Today's date: Sept 28, 2010

How far along: 17 weeks

Total weight gain: 0 lbs as of now, I go for my check up today so this may change..

Maternity clothes: Haven't brought any, wearing the Maternity Band to hold up my pre-pregnancy jeans. Highly recommend it.

Sleep: toss and turn all night, feels better to sleep in my recliner

Food cravings/aversions: Chili Dogs...yummy

Morning sickness: None, Yay!! I still have the gag reflex & puke occasionally due to certain smells

Symptoms: gag reflex & puke occasionally

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: Still in

What I miss: nothing really, I still drink 1 soda a day

What I'm looking forward to: Hearing the baby's heartbeat today at my appt. & finding out the gender of our lil munchkin in about 3 weeks.

What's going on this week: Going to the OB today for my appt. and also seeing my gastro doc Thursday.

NEW Premades posted at Adori Graphics

2010-09-27T10:36:00.001-05:00

Today, Adori Graphics has posted new Fall Premade blogger templates. These are some cute, fun, fantastic, affordable premades that you just have to check out. Did I mention they are AFFORDABLE!!!! Click here to go to view/purchase these premades.

Here's a peak...

Little Man turns 3 today!

2010-09-24T13:57:00.004-05:00

Today is my lil man's birthday. Evan is 3 today...well at 5:09pm anyway. He weighed 8lbs 6oz and 20 in long. He was a big baby for me to deliver for my small frame. He had shoulder dysplasia where the shoulders get stuck in the birth canal. (sorry TMI) Not FUN, good thing I had an epidural.

Children grow up so fast.

Evan, 24 hours old w/ dad

Evan today @ 3 years old

We are having a birthday party tomorrow for him. The theme is Handy Manny. My sister is making the cake. It's the Handy Manny tool box. (see cake below) The actual toolbox is one of his presents..sis needed the tools for the cake. We are also having a SpongeBob moon bounce (I know not the theme) for the all the kidos to have fun. The tribe will more than likely show up (tribe = neighborhood kids total of 10). His party will be at 2pm. The Hubs is grilling hot dogs for everyone if they become hungry and we have Capri Sun Waters too. I think it will be a fun birthday party for my lil man.

The cake my sis is making for Evan

I'll post pictures from the party Monday.

Fix-It Friday #72

2010-09-24T11:31:00.000-05:00

This week's photo contributor is Julie Rivera

Original Photo

After Editing in Photoshop CS3

Brightened at +34.
LustrousPop action used by CoffeeShop
Vintage Honey action used by CoffeeShop
(free action downloads)

To view more Fix-It Friday cool pics, click here

I'm a Winner for Caption This!

2010-09-24T07:26:00.006-05:00

Every Wednesday, I try to play Caption This! sponsored by Big Mama Cass. Couple weeks ago, I captioned her photo and she loved it and so I WON!! Yipee Yay. The image is my badge of honor!!

Click here to see other winners and see below what I wrote.

(Image from Big Mama Cass blog)

Free October Desktops - Regular & Photo Versions

2010-09-24T07:03:00.001-05:00

Today is Freebie Friday over at Adori Graphics and the freebie today is FREE October desktops. These desktops come in regular & photo versions. They were made by yours truly ;) and designed using Adori Graphics new digital scrapbooking kit, Fabulous Fall.

Click here to be taken over to Adori Graphics to download these FABULOUS desktops.

Craft-O-Maniac Giveaway!

2010-09-23T16:28:00.013-05:00

One of my close bloggy friends, Jenn from CraftOManiac is having a FABULOUS GIVEAWAY of some of her awesome crafts and a Halloween Woman's Day magazine.

CLICK HERE for your chance to win these FAB gifts.

Here is what you will get:

(Image Courtesy of Craft-O-Maniac)

Raw Footage of a Day at the Park

2010-09-22T11:41:00.001-05:00

I found this video of when we went to the park back in April 2010. I had to post because of the sounds Evan was making while he was swinging ;)
Excuse my loudness..lol

Long Awaited Vacation Photos from New York

2010-09-22T11:06:00.000-05:00

I finally have posted my photos from our vacation that we took to New York back in the first week of June. I had over 300+ photos and broke it down to 100 photos for this sideshow (Photobucket only allows 100 images). We had a great time with The Hub's Family and got to spend time with Great Grandpa for his 83rd birthday. The Hub's aunts came into town for the birthday party. They got a chance to see us too. We always enjoy them. They are too funny. I didn't get a photo of them though...darn!

Our New York Vacation Trip

Wordless Wednesday + Caption This! Ahoy Matey

2010-09-22T08:33:00.000-05:00

Here is my picture for you. Caption This!

[in photo: My Baby, Small Fry - Halloween 2009]

Video of the Week - Involves Treadmills..MUST SEE

2010-09-20T08:53:00.005-05:00

Here We Go Again by OK GO

Man, that would take LOTS & LOTS of practice.
I would have fallen on bum many times.

i heart faces | Fix-It Friday #71

2010-09-17T09:35:00.005-05:00

This week's photo contributor is Angie Arthur

Original Photo

After Editing in Photoshop CS3

Duplicated the image, added a blue/white gradient to sky at 50%,
Erased gradient on the truck, guy & ground.
Then I used the Cross-Processing by CoffeeShop (free action downloads)

To view more Fix-It Friday cool pics, click here

Freaky Friday #9

2010-09-17T08:57:00.002-05:00

Here is what I found:

Stacks of Suitcases

Go ahead and add your Freaky Friday (FF) posts by following these instructions :)

You will need to post your Freaky Friday on your blog.
Add the blog hop link button above to your FF blog post. It will link to this post, so that others will navigate back here to see more FF posts.
Come back over here and add your permalink for your FF post.

I look forward to seeing everyone's Freaky Friday blog posts :)

Fall TV Lineup & Reviews

2010-09-16T09:38:00.003-05:00

Anyone watch TV? Be honest. I do!

One of my bloggy friend's posted about TV shows and it gave me an idea to review my Fall Lineup. Actually, TV is a guilty pleasure for me. I love to watch great TV shows. Today, I have put together a list of my Fall TV Shows I will be watching and DVRing. I plan on giving reviews of each show so check back often.

New shows this fall are in highlighted in Red.

SUNDAY: The Amazing Race, Undercover Boss, Boardwalk Empire

MONDAY: The Event, Hawaii Five-O, Chase

TUESDAY: Raising Hope, Running Wilde, Stargate Universe, Parenthood, Life Unexpected, Sons of Anarchy

WEDNESDAY: Terriers. Survivor

THURSDAY: Vampire Diaries, The League, Fringe, Outsourced, My Generation

FRIDAY: Supernatural, Blue Bloods

SATURDAY: none

Let's hope some Tuesday & Thursday lineups are on Hulu because I can't watch/record all these shows at the same time! Most of these shows I will record on the DVR. I can record 4 shows at once with my AT&T U-Verse DVR...yay!

To find out the Fall Lineup, click here

What are your favorite Fall shows that you watch?
What new fall show do you plan to watch?

Wordless Wednesday - Caption This! School Days

2010-09-15T09:40:00.008-05:00

Here is my picture for you. Caption This!

[in photo: My oldest, Oman]

For more Caption This! entries, click here.

Week 15 - How Big Is Baby w/ Q&A

2010-09-14T08:55:00.000-05:00

Baby is the size of an orange!

About our lil Munchkin:
Continuing the march towards normal proportions, baby's legs now outmeasure the arms. And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your fetus is squirming and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably still can't feel the movements. Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces. 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.

Today's date: Sept 14, 2010

How far along: 15 weeks

Total weight gain: 0 lbs.

Maternity clothes: Haven't brought any, wearing the Maternity Band to hold up my pre-pregnancy jeans. Highly recommend it.

Sleep: toss and turn all night, feels better to sleep in my recliner

Best moment(s) of the week: Go shopping for baby things...but I never buy just yet, waiting to find out gender first

Food cravings/aversions: I can't drink milk. No food cravings yet

Morning sickness: My nausea is gone now. I still puke when I sniff certain smells or don't eat

Symptoms: Nipples sore, vomiting occasionally, bloating

Labor signs: None

Belly button in or out: Still in

What I miss: nothing really, I still drink 1 soda a day

What I'm looking forward to: Finding out the gender of our lil munchkin

What's going on this week: Officially in the 2nd trimester and gonna have to purchase some maternity clothes this coming week possibly. Also plan on buying Sunshine Kids Radian 65SL convertible car seat for Evan so we can fit Evan and baby in the middle row comfortably.

Video of the Week

2010-09-13T10:03:00.008-05:00

Song of the Week has changed to Video of the Week so I could have all types of videos I find on youtube.com. This weeks video is....

Jeff Dunham w/ Peanut & Jose Jalapeno
He is a Comedian/Ventriloquist.

Warning: Adult Language

To view the rest of the show, click here (It's worth the watch)

For The Hub's birthday in 2009, we went to see Jeff Dunham's show and we laughed our butts off. I would love to see him again.

FYI: Video of the Week will stay in my sidebar for the rest of the week.

Adori Graphis 'Fabulous Fall' Kit

2010-09-13T08:29:00.009-05:00

Recently, Louise from Adori Graphics formed a Creative Team (CT) for her digital scrapbooking kits. I happen to be on the team. Being on a creative team is very new to me. I have never made any digital scrapbook layouts before and have to say I am pleased with myself on how mine turned out.

My Fabulous Fall CT Layout

Adori Graphics Fabulous Fall Digital Scrapbook Kit

This digital scrapbooking kit has tons of content for your design needs.

Head on over to Adori Graphics and pick up your Fabulous Fall kit.

Remembering 9/11

2010-09-11T08:45:00.002-05:00

We shall never forget that grave day
Nor the lives which were taken away

So closely we stood, so much to bear
September 11th stays so clear

Forever changed, our will must endure
Keeping freedom strong within our shore

The bridge of time holds so much to view
Some visions hold heartache, all too true

Those faced with great loss, so understand
The ultimate cost of our free land

God help each one as they meet each day
Your prayers could send your love their way

Remember the brave who march for all
Completely committed to meet each call

As each year passes before our eyes
Our way must sustain, no compromise

Emotions do make us what we are
September 11th – Stays Never Far

by Roger Robicheau

How the US stood united after September 11th by Newsweek.

WooHoo! New Blog Design

2010-09-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

Do you like my new blog design? I sure do :D

I just didn't like the other purple-ish design I had on my blog these past few days and I just had to CHANGE it. It was bothering me so bad.

I worked on my blog design from 4pm til 10pm tonight. In between taking care of the kids & cooking dinner. It took so long because I can be a perfectionist when it comes to my design. I have to say this is my BEST blog design so far. I just love how simple it looks. I hope all of you enjoy it as well.

Digital elements by Creativity by Crystal from JessicaSprague.com

BIG Photo Challenge - Expressions

2010-09-11T00:41:00.005-05:00

BIG Photo Challenge (BPC) is hosted by Louise (Adori Graphics) on her photography blog called Adorible Photography.

{ Expressions }

I took this photo of my niece on Easter last year.
Boy, does she has some expressions.

To view more of this week's BIG Photo Challenge, click here.

i heart faces | Fix-It Friday - 70

2010-09-10T12:20:00.002-05:00

This week's photo contributor is Amy Locurt (one of the founders of iheartfaces)

Original Photo

After Editing in Photoshop CS3

Color Pop

I used the Perfect Portrait by CoffeeShop (free action downloads)
I didn't edit any of the settings on Perfect Portrait

Vintage Look

I used Vintage Honey from CoffeeShop after the Perfect Portrait action.

To view more Fix-It Friday cool pics, click here

Freaky Friday #8

2010-09-10T11:43:00.002-05:00

Here is what I found:

Freaky Nails....these are way too long. They would get in the way of EVERYTHING

Go ahead and add your Freaky Friday (FF) posts by following these instructions :)

You will need to post your Freaky Friday on your blog.
Add the blog hop link button above to your FF blog post. It will link to this post, so that others will navigate back here to see more FF posts.
Come back over here and add your permalink for your FF post.

I look forward to seeing everyone's Freaky Friday blog posts :)

Leelou Blogs UPDATE

2010-09-09T15:17:00.001-05:00

We have a HUGE announcement over on Leelou Blogs!

If you have a free layout from Leelou Blogs, you'll need to read this!

Post It Note Tuesday

2010-09-07T07:40:00.008-05:00

Why bother spewing verbal vomit when you can sum it all up in one neat little post it note?

Post It Note Tuesday

Hosted by: That One Mom

TO CREATE your Post It Note, click here, save them to your computer and then upload them to your blog post.

For more Post It Notes, go to That One Mom

Video of the Week

2010-09-06T18:05:00.001-05:00

I am starting '~~Song~~Video of the Week' on every Monday. I will choose a different song every Monday.
I'll post it in my blog and it will be on my sidebar the entire week until the next one.

Song of the Week is..

In Color by Jamey Johnson

Five Questions Friday

2010-09-03T17:22:00.004-05:00

Here I am participating in Five Questions Friday hosted by Mama M.

1. What do you do when you have time to yourself?

 Either I design or catch up on my shows on the DVR

 
When you look out your kitchen window, what do you see?
 Trampoline, pool & shed
Who/What would you want to be reincarnated as?  Butterfly
 
What is your biggest pet peeve about other people's kids? leaving trash in my yard
 
Regular or Diet soda? Regular

For more Five Questions Friday post, click here!

i heart faces | Fix-It Friday - 69

2010-09-03T17:05:00.000-05:00

This week's photo contributor is Rachel Durik.

Original Photo

After Editing in Photoshop CS3

To view more Fix-It Friday cool pics, click here

Freaky Friday #7

2010-09-03T09:31:00.004-05:00

Here is what I found:

Giant Cow

Go ahead and add your Freaky Friday (FF) posts by following these instructions :)

You will need to post your Freaky Friday on your blog.
Add the blog hop link button above to your FF blog post. It will link to this post, so that others will navigate back here to see more FF posts.
Come back over here and add your permalink for your FF post.

I look forward to seeing everyone's Freaky Friday blog posts :)

How big is my baby?

2010-09-02T15:14:00.000-05:00

Size of a Peach

My Baby: Week 13

My fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords... savor this, their non-functional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with a head now only one third the size of the body. Intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy. (Much more convenient.)

Post-It Note Tuesday with new sponsor That One Mom

2010-08-31T08:25:00.004-05:00

Why bother spewing verbal vomit when you can sum it all up in one neat little post it note?

Post It Note Tuesday

That One Mom is now hosting Post It Note Tuesdays!
Go check her out, she's pretty cool!

TO CREATE your Post It Note, click here, save them to your computer and then upload them to your blog post.

For more Post It Notes, go to That One Mom

Big Photo Challenge (Black White)

2010-08-30T10:04:00.010-05:00

BIG Photo Challenge (BPC) is hosted by Louise (Adori Graphics) on her photography blog called Adorible Photography.

This weeks challenge theme is Black & White.

This is one of my New York vacation pictures I took on Long Island going to the beach. The lighthouse happens to be black & white. This could also be in last weeks BPC for signs.

To view more of this week's BIG Photo Challenge, click here.

Saturday Joke - Corporate Stupidity

2010-08-28T10:25:00.004-05:00

"As of tomorrow, employees will only be able to access the building using individual security cards. Pictures will be taken next Wednesday, and employees will receive their cards in two weeks."
(Microsoft Corp. in Redmond WA)

"What I need is an exact list of specific unknown problems we might encounter."
(Lykes Lines Shipping)

"E-mail is not to be used to pass on information or data. It should be used only for company business."
(Accounting manager, Electric Boat Company)

"This project is so important we can't let things that are more important interfere with it."
(Advertising/Marketing manager, United Parcel Service)

"Doing it right is no excuse for not meeting the schedule."
(Plant Manager, Delco Corporation)

"No one will believe you solved this problem in one day! We've been working on it for months. Now go act busy for a few weeks and I'll let you know when it's time to tell them."
(R&D supervisor, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing/3M Corp.)

Quote from the Boss: "Teamwork is a lot of people doing what I say."
(Marketing executive, Citrix Corporation)

My sister passed away and her funeral was scheduled for Monday. When I told my Boss, he said she died on purpose so that I would have to miss work on the busiest day of the year. He then asked if we could change her burial to Friday. He said, "That would be better for me."
(Shipping executive, FTD Florists)

"We know that communication is a problem, but the company is not going to discuss it with the employees."
(Switching supervisor, AT&T Long Lines Division)

Freaky Friday is BACK!!!

2010-08-27T07:34:00.002-05:00

Here is what I found:

This would freak me out every time someone would sit down on it.

Go ahead and add your Freaky Friday (FF) posts by following these instructions :)

You will need to post your Freaky Friday on your blog.
Add the blog hop link button above to your FF blog post. It will link to this post, so that others will navigate back here to see more FF posts.
Come back over here and add your permalink for your FF post.

I look forward to seeing everyone's Freaky Friday blog posts :)

School is here! New Free Blogger Templates

2010-08-26T18:10:00.004-05:00

A few people had requested some school/teacher blogger templates and so I made 2 so far. Let me know what you think!

These templates are posted over at Leelou Blogs under the Free Stuff tab. Click on the links below to be taken directly to the blogger template post for preview & install instructions.

School Zone Blogger Template

School Time Blogger Template

Must See Video....Homecomings

2010-08-18T11:02:00.002-05:00

I bet you can't watch this without crying..I dare you!

If it keeps pausing, you can click link below to watch on Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSMlIM9zLio

I can be crafty too & Blog Design Contest

2010-08-09T10:10:00.005-05:00

Best Blog Design Contest over at April Showers Blog Design

I am super thrilled & honored that April Showers Blog Design has picked my blog design to be placed in her 'Best Blog Design' contest. Go check out all the great blogs that I am running against (click link below) and choose your favorite. I have to say I love 'Melanie's Musings' what an awesome design.

April Showers 'Best Blog Design' Contest

SURPRISE!!

2010-08-04T13:50:00.005-05:00

Hello everyone!

I have a surprise to share.

It was a surprise to us as well.

We were totally NOT expecting this one.

We are having baby #4

....

See for yourself....

...

....

......

........

Meet my new, lil munchkin due March 8, 2011

Wild right. I went for my first OB appointment today. Everything went smoothly & lil munchkin is growing & thriving. We had a vaginal ultrasound as well. When I arrived at the ultrasound, the tech started measuring my lil munchkin. She was amazed and said I was a few in a million that the last menstrual period due date matches perfectly to the day on the measurements of the ultrasound. My due date will not change. It is staying at 3.8.11.

The lil munchkin was very active at that tiny stage. He/she was moving all over. Heartbeat (HB) was fabulous at 169. Everything is perfectly growing as should be.

I am having mild to severe nausea which is causing issues with me designing. For some odd reason, the computer makes me sick. I am taking a break right now from designing on Leelou Blogs. Hopefully, if the nausea passes, I will definitely be back designing. My doctor prescribed me some Zofran, so I will see how that goes. Hope everyone likes my surprise!

Swim Time in the Nile River

2010-07-03T17:49:00.004-05:00

Thursday, my sister & I took the kids to the zoo to play in the Nile River in the front entrance of the zoo and another geyser type fountain *no pics of fountain-camera went dead*. Few years back, you were not able to do this. I was not prepared for the kids to wade in the water. I had no clue that we could swim/wade in the water. My sister failed to tell me that the kids could swim/wade in the water before our outing. From the looks of the pictures below, we will be going quite often to play in the water and next time with swimsuits. The zoo membership will get good use this summer :)

Here is everyone in our zoo trip crew ;)

click image to view bigger

Butterflygirlms Rambles On

My favorite song right now! Take a listen :)

My now 4 year old, Evan

Keoni is now 7 Months Old ;)

One Size Diaper Project: 6 Months (24 Weeks)

Fluffy Friday: My Cloth Diaper Stash

One Size Diaper Project: 20 Weeks (5 Months)

One Size Diaper Project: 16 Weeks (4 Months)

Can't believe Keoni is 4 MONTHS OLD!!

Keoni's New Milestone!!

One Size Diaper Project: 14 Weeks

One Size Diaper Project - 12 Weeks

Anniversary & Graduation

One Size Diaper Project - 11 Weeks

Teacher Appreciaton Gifts

MIA & Facebook

Baby Keoni Isaac is here!!

38 Weeks : Q&A + Pregnancy Update

Week 36 - Q&A - Pregnancy Update

Video of the Week

How To Induce Naturally

Week 32 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

Snow Day

Christmas Family Get Together

Week 28 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

Update on Family &The Visit to see Santa

In Loving Memory of My Uncle Johnny

Needing Your Prayers *Update*

Wordless Wednesday - Baby Bumps

Fall Pictures

Christmas Fun: Coloring Pages

Wordless Wednesday - Caption This!

Christmas Tree Decorating

Thanksgiving, Black Friday & my Christmas Cards

Week 24 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

Digital Christmas Cards {For Sale}

Baby Item Giveaway!!!

Happy Veterans Day!

Christmas Cards

Adori Graphics 'Christmas Joy' Kit

Adori Graphis 'Let It Snow' Kit

1st item bought for baby boy, Isaac!

Video of the Week - Dental Odyssey

Halloween 2010

Win a NEW Best Bottom GIRAFFE Print

Freaky Friday #10 - Halloween

Free November Desktop & Halloween Quickpages

Crazy Hair & 80s Dress Up Day

Video of the Week: Halloween

Video of the Week - Jared Leto Look-A-Like

Week 20 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

Cantaloupe

Saturday Humor: Mother Taught Me

Freebie Friday over at Adori Graphics

Freaky Friday #10

Fix-It Friday #74 - Fall Themed

*NEW* Free Blogger Template: Patchwork

Video of the Week - 25 Things I Hate About Facebook

Experimenting with Cloth Diapers

Post-It Note Tuesday

Video of the Week - Closer To The Edge

Past Halloween Costumes

Wordless Wednesday - Owen's Artwork

Week 17 - How Big is Baby w/ Q&A

*NEW* Premades posted at Adori Graphics

Little Man turns 3 today!

Fix-It Friday #72

I'm a Winner for Caption This!

Free October Desktops - Regular & Photo Versions

Craft-O-Maniac Giveaway!

Raw Footage of a Day at the Park

*Long Awaited* Vacation Photos from New York

Wordless Wednesday + Caption This! Ahoy Matey

Video of the Week - Involves Treadmills..MUST SEE

i heart faces | Fix-It Friday #71

Freaky Friday #9

Fall TV Lineup & Reviews

Wordless Wednesday - Caption This! School Days

Week 15 - How Big Is Baby w/ Q&A

Video of the Week

Needing Your Prayers Update

NEW Free Blogger Template: Patchwork

NEW Premades posted at Adori Graphics

Long Awaited Vacation Photos from New York