Pretty Little Things

Reset........

2011-05-31T11:47:00.000-07:00

It feels like someone just hit the reset button in my life. On Friday Rachael moved away and Alicia finished her last day at work and will be moving away in a few days. So, two of my besties, two of the people I share my life with, two of the people who I'm proud to call my Chicago family are gone. And all of a sudden I'm that scared and lonely 22 year old girl again.
I had the honor of driving down to Lincoln with Rachael to help her get settled into her new place. We got SO much accomplished, shared some laughs, great local donuts and a a few photo-ops. As I stepped on the train to say goodbye I felt so small and helpless. Literally, how can I live life in Chicago without her? Maybe a little pathetic but SO how I felt. So, I immediately pulled out my Bible desperately seeking refuge and peace. I fully intended to write Him a letter full of heartache and complaining :) And as I spent time with my sweet Jesus, I was reminded of his amazing grace and faithfulness that brought these two women into my life in the first place. After all, when I was all alone in this new big town I cried out to him for friends, relationships, connection with someone. I had best friends back home in Texas and didn't need that, "so Lord, could you just give me one friend?" And then, as he does, he gave me MANY close, best, friends!I had never stopped and realized how I went from NO people to LOTS of people! He took my prayer and gave me immeasurably more than asked for and imagined I needed. My complain-a-thon letter to Jesus turned into a love letter of gratitude.
I'm still sad that these women will not be apart of my day-to-day life (although with technology we can sure try) but I'm beyond grateful to have them in my life at all! Even when I thought I didn't need life-long friends He knew that I needed you BOTH!
Your fingerprints are all over my life and my heart and will be forever!

My dear friends, as you move into new (exciting) chapters in your own lives, I pray that you're filled with peace as you reflect on His faithfulness! I'm praying for amazing, rockin', understanding, foodies, compassionate, funny, laid back women of God who reflect his love and who propel you towards Him! I have no idea how I'm gonna live in Chicago without you but, I know I can rest assured in His faithfulness....whatever shape that takes. I love you dear friends and am grateful!
"Every time I think of you—and I think of you often!—I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There's no end to what has happened in you—it's beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives."
1 Corinthians 1:4-6

Parenting TOTALLY Lives Up to the Hype

2011-05-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

WOW! So I guess I stopped blogging immediately after Jack arrived. Can you believe it's been 6 months since he was born?!?!?

Life is busy, Life is full, Life is crazy.

Jack is basically the coolest little person I've ever met! I'm completely fascinated by him! There is no telling how many hours I've spent staring at him, playing with him, feeding him, rocking him, singing to him.

Now that Jack is here I'm surprised by all the good that comes with having a baby. I spent so much time as a pregnant person game planning for the worst. Not to say that I didn't know that it would be amazingly amazing. I figured it would be pretty great but some great things are catching me off guard. Like, I have become a much more efficient person in every area of life. I'm much more efficient at work! I work so hard so that I can leave right at 5 and not miss another minute with my little guy. I amazingly get more laundry done than ever before and more loads of dishes cleaned and put away. I didn't know I had it in me! :)
I thought I'd come to hate middle of the night feedings out of sheer exhaustion but I've come to find I love Jacks midnight snacks! It's my favorite time to sing, stare and marvel at this precious little bundle of pure goodness.
I am completely amazed at my own mother. I always have had a deep love for her but this just sends that love to new depths and appreciation. I had to call her and thank her for all the blow-outs she cleaned off of me, all the spit up she wiped off and all the countless hours of sleep she undoubtedly lost.
I'm more in awe of the love of the Lord and his unending pursuit of of his people. I'm not sure why this has come up at this point but I dig it.

The first time, he rolled over, noticed his fingers, ate his first cereal, smiled, laughed, cried a real tear, cooed, scream-talked, slept through the night - all these little things didn't seem little at all! I'm all of a sudden a beaming proud momma over the tiniest things (and they actually don't seem tiny they seem HUGE).

So far, SOOOO Good!

Delivery Story...

2010-12-15T21:30:00.000-08:00

5pm:

It’s time to push! Everything looks so well that they think within 15-30minutes we’ll know if we were gonna have a son or daughter! We’re SO beyond thrilled! They start getting everything ready…It’s Go Time!

5-6:30pm-ish:

I push, and push and push! Jason was AMAZING! He blew me away by being the best coach I could have ever needed or dreamed of! Seriously he was a total rock star! He had decided he wasn’t going to look South during the whole thing but the nurse kept saying, “look there’s your baby’s head! Look!!” So to avoid feeling like the worst dad of all time he looked…and regretted it J I asked later if he say the head to which he exclaimed, “NO!” Jack’s head just kept coming out a little bit and then going back in. So, they decided to let gravity try and help and give me a short break by giving me 20 minutes, during which, my epidural wore off. I so didn’t care that it was gone. I was SO highly motivated to get to meet this baby I didn’t care! Bring on the pain, I thought, maybe this is the motivation I need!

6:30-8pm:

My nurse comes back and I push some more. The old doc comes in with a cup of coffee, sits in the rocking chair at the end of my bed and stare at my efforts. WEIRD!

I start to get a fever because my water had broken so long before. So, they start me on an antibiotic to avoid infection for me and the baby. My doctor finally said he thought it was time to try the vacuum to assist in the delivery. I remembered at my childbirth class the nurse saying if the doctor suggests this method it’s a last resort and we should listen to the doctor

AND I was so ready to meet this baby I was all about it! My hospital is a teaching hospital so as soon as we agree to the vacuum in come 8 or so additional residents and nurses to help and observe. He tells me I get 3 contraction or 9 or so pushes to try this with the vacuum. So it begins! I’m ready to meet the baby, find out the gender and impress my new audience. Contraction one…nothing. Contraction two…nothing. Contraction three…vacuum flies off the baby making a loud pop, the docs arm flies back and blood splatters on my new audience. Then

this experience started to feel like a sad scary movie!

They tell me we need to go to surgery and have this baby via c-section. I’m defeated! ALL that hard work, ALL that pushing, ALL that effort and I couldn’t do it. I’d be lying if I told you I still don’t feel any disappointment about not delivering the way I thought I would.

And remember how I was fine about my epidural being gone….I wasn’t anymore! I was in pain physically and now emotionally and I wanted to feel nothing. But, the anesthesiologist was busy with another patient and I had to wait for about 30 minutes (it may have been only 10 I’m not sure but it felt like an eternity). He finally came in to administer a spinal block but for whatever reason I still had feeling on my right side not totally but still enough.

8:30pm:

I get wheeled into the operating room and Jason joins me shortly after. I can feel too much and forget to breath through the pain. Luckily the sweet anesthesiologist reminds me I’m providing oxygen to my baby so I breath. I can literally feel the doctor climb on the operating table to push the baby into the right position. They quickly pull out our baby, hang him over the curtain and exclaim, IT’S A BOY! I look at Jason and say, “did they say it’s a boy? Did we get our boy?’

We both cry, hold hands tightly and say over and over, “we have our Jack”! They bring Jack by my bed for maybe 45 seconds to look at him and then quickly take him out of the operating room and I insist Jason go with him.

Little did I know that would be the only time I would see him that day.

9-11pm:

I’m in recovery completely drugged on morphine and the high of having my precious baby. Jason comes in to see me and looks SO sad! When I asked him why he says it was hard to watch me go though all that and not even get to hold our baby.

What he wasn’t telling me then was what happened to our sweet Jack.

When the vacuum popped off it left a pretty deep laceration on his head and since he was in the birth canal so long he had a bit of a cone head. So when Jason went back to the NICU with him his head looked like Jell-o. He said Jack looked like he’d been beaten up.

I’m so drugged I’m un-phased by not seeing Jack and drift off into a deep sleep.

5:30am:

I wake up crying and feeling desperate to hold my boy. We call the nurse, she gets me sitting up (not a small effort after surgery) and wheeled down to meet my precious Jackson Danger Burgett! I was immediately in love and dying to get him out of the NICU as fast as I could!

November 7:

It’s time for me to leave the hospital…but not Jack, he needs to stay in the NICU for a few more days. Leaving the hospital without a baby was a new kind of pain to me. My heart has felt broken before…this felt different, like part of my heart was ripped out and staying at that hospital. It felt like I was still pregnant almost cause I still didn’t have a baby to take home. So I stood in the lobby of the hospital waiting for Jason to pull around the car and cried. The valet guy came in and asked if I needed a cab!?!? How sad would that have been?

Side note-I had no idea this would happen. I didn’t swell AT ALL during my pregnancy but after I had Jack my feet were SO swollen I thought I needed medical attention. YUCK!

November 10:

We bring Jack home!

Jack stayed in the NICU for 6 days. Because of the fever I had coupled with the laceration he needed to be monitored and given an antibiotic. Praise the Lord NO permanent damage was obtained and he’s doing great! This was the best day ever! Our family was finally complete!

Overall this was not what I expected! I had a totally normal pregnancy, my labor was textbook (everyone kept saying) and then BAM it was the exact opposite of what I envisioned. I SO didn’t pack correctly for a c-section stay, didn’t mentally prepare for what went on. Recovering from 3 hours of pushing + surgery= NO FUN AT ALL! I still feel some disappointment with the way it went down but that feeling quickly goes away once I look at my perfect little boy’s eyes! God is Good!

A Labor Story...

2010-12-08T20:14:00.000-08:00

Here's my attempt to finally tell Jack's birth story.

So, here's part 1.....

November 1st 2pm:

I have my last OB appointment and she strips my membranes (OUCH!) My parents were in

town and we were all anxiously awaiting Baby B's arrival. We went on a million walks, bounced on the exercise ball and prayed this baby would come quickly!

November 3^rd 3pm:

I start feeling contractions at work. I pull away from my desk, grip my belly and breathe quietly so as to not draw attention to myself. Heck, I’ve never been in labor before and this may very

well just be practice contractions. For whatever reason the thought of having a false alarm embarrasses me so I sit back quietly and just breathe. So much for looking inconspicuous,

Alicia, walks by and immediately asks if I’m ok. I say, “I think so, I just don’t feel good.”

5pm:

I leave work. When I get home I take a long warm bath remembering at my breastfeeding class they said if you do this and still have regular contraction they probably aren’t Braxton-Hicks but they also mentioned that if you “think” you’re in labor….you probably aren’t, You’ll know when you’re in labor. My warm bath results in simply more contractions. Although, I did loose

my mucous plug, which is about as attractive as it sounds.

7pm:

I come out to the living room with my parents and Jason and we attempt to watch Modern Family and eat dinner. However, the only thing that sounds good to me is bouncing on my huge exercise ball. So I bounce and bounce, and bounce, change positions and roll around…and

bounce some more. I feel horrible. I head to the bathroom and have some bleeding and decide I’m heading to the hospital.

11pm:

We get to the hospital (funny side note, Jason packs for a small army of people. He brings 2 suitcases a backpack, a pillow and hang up clothes….I bring a small duffle). We get into the triage room where they tell me I’m dilated to a 1 (same as November 1) but they want to

monitor me for a couple of hours. I’m laying there mortified that I’m about to be one of “those” women who comes in and has to be sent home. They come back and check and sure enough, I’m sent home...mortified!

2:30am-ish:

As we’re walking out of the hospital I’m feeling worse both physically and mentally. Jason and my dad go to get the car and my mom and I make it back into the hospital in time for me to pee (will later find out that was the beginning of my water breaking s-l-o-w-l-y).

3am:

We get home and attempt to sleep. I am up ALL night being SO dramatic! I’m literally clawing at our headboard begging the Lord for mercy, breathing, confessing to the Lord how weak I am and begging Jason to take me back to the hospital. Jason keeps reminding me that I always said I wanted to labor as much as I could at home…I SO didn’t at the time. My contractions go from every 5 minutes down to every 2-4 minutes. This was one of the hardest nights of my life!

7am:

I tell Jason, “Have mercy on me and call my doctor and tell her to get this baby out of me.” He

finally calls my doctor and tells her that I’m begging for the baby to come out – she agrees this is a good sign that it’s time and that I should come in. This is the WORST time of day to try and get to the hospital. It’s rush hour! I continue being dramatic and later think if anyone saw me in the car they must have thought I was being kidnapped by the way I was behaving!

9am:

We get checked in triage and I’m at a 4! Progression!

11am:

I’m still progressing nicely and get an epidural. This was the best moment! At this point I’m questioning the sanity of all my friends who give birth without an epidural (KIDDING...You ladies are rockstars!) it was so heavenly!

12pm:

I feel great! I have my makeup on, my headband in and I'm ready to push this baby out in style! My lovely friend Alicia brings my family lunch and hangs for a bit while I’m wrapping up work and checking emails. Hey, I didn’t expect to have the baby that day so I had to tie up some loose ends! Then I was able to Skype with Mercedes and Noel and Micah and Kathleen. It was SO nice to talk with them even though they are so far away!

Then I check Facebook and I kid you not, I have like 6 messages from all sorts of people saying they dreamed about my baby last night and that it was a boy and then I get 2 text messages from people saying something similar. WEIRD!

I then find out that my doctor isn’t on call and that another doctor will be over soon. OK, I wanted a woman to deliver my baby. I’m just more comfortable that way. So I picked a practice that was all women and one very old male doctor who they promised me would be so close to retirement by the time I had my baby that there was no way he’d deliver my child….I got the old man! Good thing we knew our nurse and she was outstanding!

5pm:

Click Here for Part 2

Guessing Game

2010-10-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

This is has got to be one of the hardest parts of pregnancy! I'm dying to know when I'm having this little baby and this not knowing game is awful!

I'm progressing in the right direction according to my doc - which is great! I've got 12 days until my due date and a list of to-do's a mile long!!!

I had horrible contractions last night. So much so that I was convinced I might just be in labor. I need at least 7 more days baby(my mom gets in town in 7 days)!!!

I can't wait to meet this little precious baby!

Wonder if this baby will look like me?

2010-10-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

Just wondering lately if this baby is going to look more like me or Jason or neither....Here are some of my earliest pics. If I get some of J I'll post those too.

My how these things have changed!

A little graphic but, look at those lungs working!

My first official picture at the hospital.

Going home dress.

Me and my Sister!!!!

37 Weeks....Let the countdown begin

2010-10-12T19:27:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how fast this is going by!!! It's actually kinda scary how fast this is going. I just keep thinking this could be the last weekend just J and I...weird! It's one of those "make every moment count" moments.

The past 2 weekends we've gone to double feature movies both weekends, run loads of errands, and cleaned like crazy. I literally got on my hands and knees to mop my wood floors and scrub the carpet in my bedroom.

So, this weekend we're planning on doing some fun stuff throughout the city and living it up while we're not crazy exhausted :)

Things are crazy at work too! There is an insane amount of work to be done before I leave. So, I'm working like crazy to leave them well equipped to take care of business while I'm gone. And PRAYING like crazy I don't forget or drop something along the way (which I'm sure I will).

BAH!!!! Baby B, see you in a few weeks!

TOO Cute Thank You's!

2010-10-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

I wanted some special Thank You cards made for all the great gifts Baby B was getting.

Aren't these the absolute cutest Thank You cards you ever did see?

My lovely friend and creative genius has a great etsy store that you should check out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cursivepaper?ref=top_trail

Being Weird and Pregnant

2010-10-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Cute Funny Baby - 34 Week Ultrasound

2010-10-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

September 25th we had what might be our last ultrasound before Baby B arrives. My mom, Jason's mom and Kathleen were in town and got to be there with us. It was wonderful!
The baby looked adorable and SO real! Last time sometimes the little monkey looked like a real baby but mostly just like a jumbled picture that I didn't get.
The Ultrasound technician started out by saying over and over....."What a funny baby! This is a funny baby!" We didn't get it at first, and Jason was somewhat offended at first not knowing what she meant. Apparently the baby wouldn't stop sticking out it's tongue and puckering it's lips :) Then the tech went on to say, over and over again how cute this baby was....and the pictures are pretty cute if I do say so myself!
I never thought I'd be one of those people/parents that tried to see myself or J in the baby but, that is Jason's nose ALL the way and I think my big lips but that chin....no idea! We'll have to wait and see :)
Cutest profile on the block! We were all in tears at some point during the appointment.

During the ultrasound the baby had the hiccups. Watching Baby B's spin contract with each hiccup I was feeling was crazy cool!
The baby was also breech. Seriously the head, arms and feet were all curled up in the top part of my right side....ALL of this baby was just chilling there. This explains why the nerves in my right leg were always in SO much pain!
On Monday, I had a doctors appointment and we went over all the details of what they do when a baby is breech. I had no idea they try to physically turn the baby themselves. Not shocking to hear, but, apparently its such a painful procedure that they give you an epidural before they begin and induce immediately following or they just schedule a C-section. Not my favorite conversation.
Then my hilariously amazing doc puts her hand on my lower abdomen and says, "when did you get that ultrasound?" I told her 2 days ago. She looks shocked and says, "cause that feels like a head." She continues with the exam...side note, no one told me my first below the waist exam would be that painful. WHOA, not prepared for that!....She then takes me to the ultrasound room to check the baby's position. And, I kid you not, she places her hand delicately on my arm and exclaims, "My outpatient skills are amazing! The baby is down here and in the right position!"

GO BABY B!!!! Way to move and save mommy the horrifying experience of them turning you!
Now we just have to pray this little monkey doesn't keep moving! Stay put kid-o!

NURSERY - Check!

2010-09-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

After several weeks of dreaming, 3 build n' play parties and 3 amazing out of town "designers" the Nursery is FINALLY ready!

Here's the work in progress.....The final touches....
Hanging curtains and clocks
My mom doing stuff and Kat and Marelen doing stuff
Me....exhausted and looking VERY pregnant!

And here is the finished (well, almost finished) product.
I should take better pictures with something other than my phone!
It's my new favorite room in the house! Baby B officially has the coolest room ever! I am so pleased how it came together!

I can't say Thank You enough to all the amazing people who came out and helped us with our nursery! We have the BEST friends and family!!!

I had a Baby Shower

2010-09-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

My AMAZING friends - Rachael, Kendra, Alicia, Dana and Meredith - Got together and threw a Super fun "ninja baby" shower for us!
It was at this little bar in Chicago called the Suite Lounge. Love this place! Best carrot cake martini ever (only wish I had had one while I was there)! Since it was a couples shower, being at a bar made it much less weird for the boys.
Everything was so personalized to Jason and I. You could tell every detail was thought out with such love! Thank you ladies for a fun, memorable party! MUAH!

New outfit + HUGE belly

No Burgett party is complete without mustaches! Thanks for the chocolate mustache pops Sheri!
PRESENTS!!!!! Loved opening them with Jason...he's a WAY better reactor than I am!
Cupcakes and diaper cake!!!!
And these lovlies came ALL the way to Chicago to celebrate with us! It wouldn't have been the same without them.My mom even had these adorable buttons made that everyone had to put on as they come into the shower....how cute is that! I will say, the teams were about even :)

SO Fun! Baby B is ready and loaded up with more gear than he or she could possibly ever need. Thanks to everyone that came out, partied and spoiled us rotten!

Feeling Scared....Is This Normal?

2010-09-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

I have felt a little down this week.
Living with chronic pain for the past 6 months is finally getting to me. My right leg has had waves of pain everyday for literally 6 months or more. It SUCKS! I've tried to take it in stride and keep perspective on how blessed I've been this pregnancy to have nothing major happen and mostly I've done pretty well. This week, however, I'm just so over being in pain daily! I'm exhausted from waking up from the pain throughout the night and want relief! I'm just really missing this carefree girl.

I'm also revisiting the nervousness about birth and raising a child that I felt the week I found out I was pregnant. The closer we get to the actual birth I keep thinking, "what the heck are we doing? We don't know nothin' about birthin' or raising no babies".

Of course I know what scripture says about fear, anxiety and the blessing that children are....I just need those truths to sink down deep into my soul this week cause I'm just scared :) This is normal...right?

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7

Texas Babies Wear Boots

2010-09-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

So I was talking to my cousin Mercedes about teaching my child about their Texas heritage despite the fact that we don't live there. While discussing the things every Texan (by blood or location) should learn we came up with a fun idea.
You know those books Urban Babies Wear Black, or Sporty Babies Wear Sweats? (If not you should! they're great. Click here to find out about these books)
Well, what if there was one called Texas Babies Wear Boots that we could make especially for Baby B to learn about what it means to be Texan?
Here's a few things we have so far:

Texas Babies wear boots
Texas Babies go to the rodeo
Texas Babies eat Tex-Mex
Texas Babies love southern hospitality
Texas Babies like the heat
Texas Babies visit the Alamo
Texas Babies say Y'all OR Yes Ma'am and Yes Sir
Texas Babies drink coke not pop
Texas Babies learn about ALL six flags
Texas Babies know they are Texan first and American second
Texas Babies sing Texas, Our Texas with great pride
Texas Babies pick out their salsa the way they would pick out a fine piece of art
Texas Babies know what "fixinto" means OR that Blue Bell's the best ice cream in the country
Texas Babies have cute accents
Texas Babies make baby food taste better with ranch OR salsa
Texas Babies clap when they hear the stars at night are big and bright
Texas Babies accessorize with belt buckles or bows
Texas Babies take pictures in Bluebonnets
Texas Babies give "sugars"
Texas Babies say Grace
Texas Babies cut their teeth on ribs

So, Texas people, what are some things we should add? What should my precious baby not being born in Texas learn about what it means to be Texan? Thoughts? Suggestions?

p.s. we'll share the final project if you ask nicely :) so please don't steal our idea

What Should I Put into a Hospital Bag?

2010-09-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

I've been researching what to put into the hospital bag. So, my question is what did you put into your hospital bag or wish you had put into your hospital bag?

I had this dream that the baby came - EARLY! I was panicked and didn't have time to pack my hospital bag so I asked Jason to do it. We go to the hospital, have the baby (a scary looking baby boy) and then I reach for the hospital bag to get freshened up and I see what Jason packed for me....all lingerie! What was he thinking?

Now I think it's time to get a bag ready...just in case the unexpected happens.

Best Husband EVER and One Rockstar Best Friend!

2010-09-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

I had vacation days that were expiring at work so I planned to take 5 days off and focus solely on baby stuff.

See, at the beginning of the pregnancy, when we were in freakout mode, we made a list of to-do's before the baby comes (lists bring comfort to my soul). However, we are BUSY people and haven't had a lot of time to tackle the list. With only 9 weeks left it was time to tackle that list! We're turning Jason's office into the nursery. And I needed him to flip it in to high gear and move out ALL of his stuff so I could get started on the room. I was SO stressed when I called

him one day only to find out he and a friend were home "playing video games". Are you kidding me Jason? I was trying to stay calm and loving but I was stressed and mad! My drive home

from work I prepped myself so that I didn't walk into the house a raging pregnant lunatic. I walked in the house and SURPRISE, Jason and friend had almost completely cleared out the room and cleaned! I was literally in tears I was so happy!

Then he told me he was going out that night with a friend that was coming in town from Texas. I was fine with that since I wanted to relax before I faced my tackle-the-house vacation. Then 30 mins before he left he started begging me to come with him to the airport to pick up his friend. I SO DID NOT WANT TO GO! I finally gave into his request and went...complaining the whole way. I was such a brat! I started texting my bestie, Kathleen, about how annoyed I was with him. I literally look up from hitting send on my phone to see Jason standing outside the

car with KATHLEEN!!! My a-m-a-z-i-n-g had called Kat that morning and asked if she could

leave that evening and fly in to help me and make my tackle-the-house vacation more effective and more fun. I was shocked! Seriously, I never in a million years expected that.

We work SO well together! We spent the first day cleaning and organizing my WHOLE house. We threw away 11 bags of garbage (sorry mother Earth). It felt AMAZING! Then we spent the next few days constructing stuff for the nursery. We worked until we were exhausted!

I cannot say Thank You enough to Kathleen for dropping everything in her life to make my life more easy and a lot more fun! And Thank You Jason for everything, for giving up your space for the baby, for knowing I needed my Kat here for support and a BIG belly laugh, for giving us the space to get stuff done and for loving me in spite of my bad attitude. MUAH! I love you both!

Here I grow again.....The TEN Week Countdown

2010-08-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

THE TEN WEEK COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN!

I get asked most often to post belly bump pictures but, I like to wait and put them up side by side so you can see the progress. So for all you bump watchers...here you go!

Week 10-30.

Week 23

Week 24

Week 25

Week 26

Week 27

Week 28

Week 29

Week 30

7 Years

2010-08-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

I married my most favorite person ever 7 years ago (yesterday)! I can't believe how fast time has flown by! Love you Jason and can't wait to see what the next 7 (or 80) years bring us!

The Little Boys in My Life

2010-08-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

So, I have some amazing little guys in my life these days! They bring countless amounts of joy and laughter wherever they go! Lately, they've all said some things about Baby B that I've thought about over and over again with a huge smile on my face.

It is my pleasure to introduce to you, Isaiah, Keller and Grayson and their cute little stories.

Keller is one of my most favorite 3 year olds ever! Always up for a giggle! Every Sunday Keller and his family come by our house and we remind him that "Mayba is having a baby and it's in my tummy" He looks at us wide eyed, almost terrified. We ask him each week what he thinks I'm having and his answer changes week to week. Last week he saw me at church and ran across the building grabbed my tummy, swayed back and forth and started singing at the top of his lungs, "BABY, BABY, BABY BOY". So cute!

Isaiah is a NUT! I've never met a 4 year old with a better sense of humor. This kid gets funny! And it's no shock since his parents are always keeping me in a state of laughter. Isaiah is in Texas so I've only seen him a few times while I've been pregnant but every time he says something outrageous (in true Isaiah fashion). The first time, he and his mom picked me up from the airport. We told him about the baby and asked him to guess if it was a boy or girl. He quickly said, "Girl! Because it's a dinosaur.” WHAT?

This past time I was there we again told him there was a baby in my tummy. He looked puzzled at my belly for awhile. Then he crawled up in the chair to cuddle with me, looked up and with the sweetest voice said, “Mayba, so you eat babies?” In his little brain that was the only logical way a baby could get in my belly….right? HILARIOUS!

Grayson is a little love bug! I had the honor and privilege of being in the room when he was born so we’re tight. :) Seriously, have you ever seen a cuter, ginger headed cowboy in your life?

He, his mom and sister were saying prayers the other night and prayed for Jason, Mayba and Baby B. Kennin, his sister, asked, “Who’s Baby B?”. Her mom told her it’s the baby in my belly. To which Grayson started screaming, “Baby B, Baby B!” This story doesn’t do it justice. Here is a voicemail she left with them reliving the moment. Listen to it! His little baby voice alone makes it worth it.

http://blip.tv/file/get/Mabrie-BabyB734.m4a

Love you boy-o’s! When I think of you it's Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows...I like thinking of you! MUAH!

Praying for Baby B

2010-08-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

A lovely friend of mine sent me a letter she had sent to close family and friends while she was pregnant requesting prayer for her little one. I completely LOVED the idea and stole it as fast as I could! I sent the following letter to a few friends and family members requesting prayer for the baby, Jason and myself...and now I'm sharing it with everyone :)

Some of it may seem silly, but, it's what mattered to as when we first wrote it.

Dear Friends and Family,

As you know, Jason and I are about to experience a major time of transition in our lives with having a baby. It is a blessing from God that we praise Him for, and our hearts are filled with excitement and joy for this gift. In addition to the happiness and anticipation we’re experiencing we also possess a very real awareness of the need to bathe this whole season of life in prayer!

Let me know if you’re joining me on this journey by emailing me.

Love you!

-Mabrie and Jason (and little Baby B)

IN REGARD TO THE REMAINDER OF THE PREGNANCY

Baby’s Health

• For a healthy baby to be forming, free from disease and defect

• For the baby to go full term without complications

Spiritual Preparation

• For our spiritual roots. Pray Colossians 2:6 over us: “So then, continue to live in Him [Christ Jesus], rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

• That we would find time to diligently seek Him with all of our hearts

Marriage Preparation

• For our marriage to be strengthened through lots of prayer time together. That our love for each other would grow and have a firm, solid foundation going into parenthood

My Physical Health

• That I would crave healthy food

• That I would be protected from illness and infection

Baby-Related Decisions

• For guidance in figuring out how to handle the baby’s immunizations

Financial Preparation

• Clarity on what our new budget will/should look like

IN REGARD TO LABOR AND DELIVERY

• That the baby would be delivered without complication

• For mental and physical strength for me

• That Jason would be in town for both labor and delivery

• For Jason to be mentality prepared and to be a great birthing coach

IN REGARD TO NEW MOTHERHOOD and FATHERHOOD

Spiritual Health

• That I would give God the first fruits of my free time, and that He would fill my cup daily – that I would not let my “to do” list consistently supersede my time with Him

• That we would look to God, not our circumstances, for our fulfillment and satisfaction, and that God would truly fulfill and satisfy us

My Mental Health

• For strength mentally, to push myself and keep a positive attitude even in times of tiredness

• For protection against post partum depression

Our Relationship With Each Other

• For protection over our marriage

• For God’s love to fill each of our hearts, and for us to love each other out of the fruit of the Spirit, not how we’ve been treated by the other person

Baby Issues

• That the baby would sleep well (it doesn’t hurt to ask!)

• That the baby would not have colic

• That the baby would nurse well

• That the baby would come to know and love the Lord at an early age

Thank you for considering praying with us! I am so grateful to God for you. I “always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in [my] prayers.” -1 Thessalonians 1:4

Braxton Hicks....Boo

2010-08-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

Last week was the busiest week ever! We had summer camp for kids at work that took what felt like thousands of hours to put together. The endless hours of work included getting on a lift that went 24 feet up! All the crazy physically demanding work and many sleepless nights landed me the proud new owner of Braxton Hicks contractions. THEY SUCK! Luckily, we had snocones which made it much better :)

After camp was over, I was in a wedding for my sweet friend Dana. It was a lovely day/evening, everything was perfect. However, the whole time, I had these annoying and sometimes intense fake contractions. Hoping after a full day in bed they would subside.

(taken at 2pm)

After a full day of rest I am finally feeling back to normal!

Pretty Little Giveaway! (And 100th Post)

2010-08-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

OK so you know that guest blog I wrote last week over at the Belgexan? We'll along with having an amazing blog Destiny, the resident Belgexan, is giving away some super cool things to go along with her family series! She just gave away these adorable hats!
Now she's giving away a Family Photo Shoot offered by the incredible Shull Photography!!!!
Brad, photographer extraordinaire over at Shull Photography, is one of my favorite Texan photographers. He just gets kids and knows how to make a woman look her best! I am insanley jealous everytime anyone I know gets pictures done using Brad! So I wanna WIN this giveaway SO SO SO badly!
But, I guess I'd be happy for you if you won too :) So go sign up to win!
http://www.belgexan.com/2010/08/family-photo-shoot-giveaway.html

Am I Ready to Have Kids?

2010-07-30T06:27:00.000-07:00

So I guest blogged on my lovely friend Destiny's blog: The Belgexan. Most everyone I know, including my Chicago people, already read her blog....because she's fabulous and highly entertaining but, for those of you who don't now would be a great time to start! I recommend it!

http://www.belgexan.com/2010/07/am-i-ready-to-have-kids.html

LOVE You Des!

Parents, Meet Baby B

2010-07-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY uploaded the video of us telling the parents. It's seriously the cutest thing ever!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElaJzHH8QDI

*remember we gave them mothers and fathers day presents*

Guess What We're Having....

2010-07-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

Think you know the gender of our baby? Well you're not the only one!
Not finding out the gender of our little monkey has brought about some interesting reactions from people. Some people LOVE that we're not finding out and some people look at us like we are disgustingly irresponsible. Regardless of their emotional response to the ever popular phrase, "Oh, we're gonna be surprised" everyone has a theory on what kind of baby we'll be having - You're carrying low so it's a boy, What's it's heart rate....it's a girl, You can tell by the shape of your belly it's a boy, When is your birthday and roughly when did you conceive...it's a girl!

So what's your guess? Taking all bets NOW!

You know who's NOT scary? Jerry Seinfeld

2010-07-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

I love scary movies! I love all that goes into them creatively and I love the feeling of being a little freaked out by something you know isn't real. My love of being a little scared from time to time extends even into my dream world. I actually like nightmares! I know it's weird but, even though I'm freaked out I'm impressed with my brains ability to create fear out of nothing.

So, I had this reoccurring nightmare last night (it should be the premise for a movie). Here's the premise: The main character is sitting on their couch watching TV. They flip to a certain channel and all of a sudden it's them on the TV watching themselves in their house. Like under surveillance style. However, the show turns freaky when a predator of some sort comes into the house. And the "bad guy" is after them in one way or another. The character is then faced with the notion of choosing which reality to believe is truth, the one they are in or the one they are watching. There is also the ability to change the channel at any point if it gets too scary but the character always goes back because it's so intriguing. It's a dream so many things are possible.

Well, last night, Jerry Seinfeld is in the dream and it's almost like he's playing the scary host of the story ala Alfred Hitchcock-like. So when the main character changed the channel, Jerry is over there saying, "Why'd you have to change the channel? It was just getting good."

Jerry Seinfeld is not scary...not at all! So, thanks for ruining a perfectly good nightmare Jerry! Now get out of my head! :)

Dumpster Diving

2010-07-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

So I'm driving along with my sweetest friend, Alicia, and out of no where I exclaim, "What the..." and I pull the car over quickly and flip around. Alicia thought we were getting pulled over or hit a cyclist or something. Nope! I just saw a $300 highchair someone had just thrown out next to their dumpster. She quickly darted across the street, grabbed it and threw it into my car (like I said, sweetest friend). Check it out!

It's not the exact highchair I registered for but it's really close! The padding can be purchased separately and a plastic removable tray can as well. The condition is what I would list as gently used and I'm so cool with that. I am just so excited.
To be honest I was having the day from hell yesterday. Hard day at work and stressing about finances and this completely helped me get out of my funk! I love a bargain and I love free even more!
It may or may not be true but, I like to think God had that little gift waiting there for me. Humor me!

You've never looked more pregnant cupcake

2010-07-20T14:53:00.001-07:00

So after a long long loooong day and after forgetting to eat dinner -- I got home and I was starving! The only thing I had already made up were some cupcakes....some glorious glorious cupcakes.
So, I'm standing in the kitchen in the dark in a pre-pregnancy tank top and underwear eating a cupcake. Jason came into the kitchen flipped on the lights and exclaimed, "You've never looked more pregnant to me than in this moment!"
I died laughing. Boy was that cupcake good!

Do I Need a Baby Book?

2010-07-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

Do mommy's still track all things baby with Baby Books? Do I need a Baby Book? Did you use one?
If so, which book did you get and did you find yourself actually using it?

Sweet Surprise

2010-07-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

Jason surprised me the other night with this cute baby b box. He told me he's had this gift saved since before he even met me. He said he saved it because he knew he wanted to give it to his future wife either at their 10 year anniversary or when they had their first child. He thought he'd have to wait for our 10 year to give it to me but yay, he didn't have to! Here's what was inside.
This is a ring from his grandmother. I never had the honor of meeting her as she passed away before I came into the picture.
Needless to say, with hormones and sweetness I boo-hooed...a lot!

Love my sweet Jason!

My New Thanksgiving Uniform

2010-07-16T06:54:00.000-07:00

So I'm officially out of my normal lady jeans and into full fledged maternity jeans! I guess I could still wear my old ones....but you know how some overweight people button their jeans under their gut? Yeah, I'd look like that!
I fully expected to hate maternity clothes of all kinds and surprisingly I love the jeans! This is my official uniform for all future Thanksgiving meals. No more stopping midway through to unbutton my jeans. I'm throwing these babies on and eating my meal without interruptions!

Here I Grow!

2010-07-01T18:14:00.001-07:00

So here I am weeks 9-22. I've grown a bunch (I think) and am over halfway there.

Week 9

Week 10
Week 12

Week 13
Week 14
Week 16
Week 18
Week 19

Week 20

Week 21

And....Week 22!

Is this really my future? Whoa!

Cloudy with a Chance of Baby Furniture

2010-06-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend we had! It started with going to see Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs in the park with Rachael, Keller and Charlotte. I swear if you don't want to start having kids yet you should not hang out with these kids. They are SO good and SO cute you'll want kids asap! LOVE them!

This weekend, I discovered a couple things this weekend.

One, I've been calling Baby B "little monkey" since day one. This could have been a bad idea. I'm quite certain, now that I'm feeling it move, that he or she may actually be moving around in there like a monkey non-stop!

Two, All of the shirts I put on (most of them) had a tiny hole in the tummy and I had no idea where they were coming from.

After much thought and investigation I think I figured it out…finally! I have a little tiny, miniscule bump on my desk at work and when I push myself in close to my desk and swivel around in my chair it must catch my shirts and create a tiny tear in the fabric! BOO!

p.s. I love this man!

Jason’s parents were also in town and we had a great time hanging out. My in-laws totally spoiled the baby (and us) completely rotten! COMPLETELY!
Here's all the stuff they bought for the nursery. It's basically all bought for now. WOW, that happened fast! I honestly didn't think we'd get everything together this soon. Now we just need to clear out the room and put all this stuff in! Thanks Rod and Marelen for being amazing!

Shop chest/changing table

Incredibly modular Flor rug

The Bookshelves and drawers and doors that go with

The Crib

The bedding!

Cool lighting

The Mamaroo Swing....LOVE IT and hope the little monkey does too!

Do I Need a Rocking Chair and Stuff We've Already Bought

2010-06-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

We've already bought some things for Baby B.

Jason found a sale on Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags a couple years ago and bought a few (typical Jason:) I think these are the designs and fabric choices he got but it's been awhile since I last saw them.

Then we found this amazing jumper thingy...SO cute!
And my wonderful in-laws just bought us our stroller!
We've bought a few more small things. Like this Chicago Flag onesie in black.
And some little chew toys.

Jason is, of course, loving this part of adding to our family :)

Still making up our minds on larger purchases. I'm feeling a bit lost in the sea of baby cribs, bedding, breast pumps and so much more. This stuff is trivial I'm sure but I just want it to be perfect(typical me). Here's a question I keep finding myself asking, "do I need a rocking chair"? What are your thoughts?

20 Weeks ALREADY

2010-06-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

This pregnancy thing is going by pretty fast. Well at least the first half did. Then again we spent the first couple of months not even knowing I was pregnant. Still, how did 20 weeks already go by?

This week we had an extended Karate class. Check out this pregnant Ninja on the loose!

We then had our big 20-week ultrasound. I was beyond thrilled! Even though we’re not finding out the sex of the baby just knowing at any point we may just see gave us a heightened sense of excitement! They told me to drink an ungodly amount of water before I got there so they could get a better picture of the baby. I threw in a cup of coffee so the little monkey would be awake J Don’t judge me! I ad to go to the bathroom SO badly when we got there and the very thought of the technician rubbing something around on my belly made me have to go even more! Luckily, right when she put the doodad on my belly she immediately said, “Oh! Your bladder. You need to go empty it so the baby isn’t so squished.” They told me to drink too much water! This made the appointment 1000 times more enjoyable.

Everything went so smoothly and she said the baby looks great! The Karate lessons are already paying off! The munchkin had awesomely tight fists through much of the photo shoot!

The little peanut is actually quite long measuring at about 11 inches already (from toes to head) and weighing about 12oz.

In other pregnant news, my right leg is falling asleep ALL THE TIME! It’s like pins and needles all day long! I’m hoping to go see a chiropractor for some relief! Also, we're rethinking the whole nursery! So that picture I posted awhile back may be totally different soon. Stay tuned!

More baby pictures. Enjoy!

If you want to watch part of the appointment check us out on you tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHrVAFxhvow

Firsts

2010-06-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

Week 19 - Already!

A few Firsts have taken place since being pregnant:

I felt Baby B move for the FIRST time today!

For about 20 minutes it like little bubbles were popping inside my belly. It wasn't at all what I thought it would feel like but it was still pretty cool!

Bought my FIRST pair of maternity jeans. I'm not kidding y'all - They are now my official Thanksgiving pant!

The FISRT time I've looked at any parts of my body with utter horror! Seriously, if my warheads don't calm down they're being reduced immediately after baby B's arrival! Come on girls give a gal a break!

The FIRST time I've actually missed having a cocktail!

This past weekend I got to host my lovely friend, Dana, a wedding shower. We went to one

of my favorite bars with the BEST carrot cake martini's...the rim of the glass is literally frosted with buttercream deliciousness!

The FIRST time I've Googled weird things like placenta, could my cats kill my baby, what is Lanugo, how to suck as a parent, average breast growth during pregnancy, attachment parenting, communication elimination (super weird) and so many more.

I'm sure this list will continue to grow and grow along with my midsection. So fun!

ABC's

2010-06-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

I was looking at nursery pictures and came across this and fell in love!

Luckily for me, my dad is a rock star and he said he’d make these for me! I’m Beyond Thrilled!

MC Pregnant

2010-05-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

An extremely talented friend from work sent me this AMAZING pregnancy rap.

"I gotta rhyme for MC Pregnant: "Yo, check this: I'm MC Mabrie, I'm gonna have a baby, me and Jason made it wit da stuff God gave me, Ask me if I'm scared and I might say maybe, but if you've been pregnant then you probly don't blame me, 2nd verse is coming like a train full of gravy, eatin' crazy foods be my M.O. lately, yellin' at Jason cuz my mental state is hazy, get my sonogram then I'm ghost like Swayze! Congrats once again!

Thanks Matt!

Spilled Salad

2010-05-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

I've found I can cry over some silly things lately!

Example:

I made this AMAZING salad the other night. I chopped delicious fresh veggies and I was so looking forward to eating on it all week. I put it in the fridge and when Jason opened the refrigerator door the salad bowl fell right out onto the floor. I set down next to the fallen salad and had a good cry! Ridiculous!

He sat down next to me and said, "Baby, don't cry over spilled salad." :)

Doctors Visits- 2 & 3

2010-05-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

I had my second appointment. Kathleen and my mom came with me! SO thrilled they could be there with me. It was completely normal and ended with a Doppler to check the little peanuts heart beat. When she first put the device on my belly my mom and Kat heard the little heartbeat immediately! I had no idea what to listen for and so I was just laying there unimpressed. Silly me!

Come my 3rd appointment I knew exactly what to listen for! I was almost in tears it was so fun. I never thought I'd be the type to cry over this stuff, and I didn't, but I almost did. CRAZY!

My Doc told me what all the sounds meant. It sounded like Baby B was swinging in there, having a fetus party! The heartbeat would get loud then soft, loud then soft, then lots of movement sounds. SO cute! Dr. Hoffman said, "Get your rest now cause this little monkey's gonna be trouble."

I can't wait for my next appointment! We'll get a second ultrasound!

Nursery Stuff

2010-05-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

Here's some stuff we've been thinking of for the nursery....whoa! Thoughts?

Catching Up Pictures

2010-05-24T20:09:00.001-07:00

Week 14

Week 16

Telling the Parents

2010-05-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

So the best thing ever happened! Both of our parents were going to be in the same place all at once! My parents were on sabbatical and stopped in NY to stay with the Burgett’s. I’m not sure both of our parents have all been in the same room together since our wedding. So, when we found this out we knew we wanted to wait to tell them all in person! No phone, no Skype, no texting….good ol’ fashioned face to face telling our parents! We were thrilled. Now this did mean we had to limit telling just about anyone since no one can be trusted with Facebook around! J

So week 13 finally rolled around. We planned out what we wanted to say and how we wanted to tell our folks. Jason and I got there the day before my parents. It took a tremendous amount of restraint to not just break down and tell his parents the moment they picked us up! But, we managed.

The next morning my parents arrived. We told them all that since we didn’t ever get to spend Mothers and Fathers Day together we brought gifts for them all. So we all set in the living room….and then the talking began. These people (Burgett’s, Jackson and Jason) talked and talked and talked! I kept excusing myself to the bathroom to throw up cause I was SO nervous and ready to tell them. At one point I excused myself and called Mercedes just to ask her to pray they all shut up so we can do this cause I’m making myself sick!

FINALLY the moment came and we convinced them to open their gifts. The dads went first. They got a copy of the dvd from our first wedding. They were underwhelmed it seemed. Then came the moms. This could not have gone more perfectly! They opened their gifts at precisely the exact moment. And out came a framed picture of the sonogram in a frame that said Laugh! Marelen immediately started screaming as if she just won a car at Oprah! My mom said, Is this a Joke? They laughed, cried, screamed, ran around…..it went exactly the way I wanted it to go! Jason recorded the whole thing so we can have that memory forever! My favorite part of the video was Marelen being so excited and having no one to hug….so she hugs herself! What a cutie pie!

We ended the day with us giving the dads bags of balloons that said Happy Grandparents Day, just like my dad had dreamt.

Balloon

Picture with my folks

The ER

2010-05-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

April 20 rolled around and I had this KILLER headache which was really too bad because I was headed to a fabulous celebration event for Chick-fil-A making its debut in Chicago. I went to the event with some friends and wound up asking Alicia if she would drive me home because my head was killing me. Bless her heart she, at the time, didn’t know I was pregnant. There is no telling what she thought was going on cause I got in her car and unbuttoned and unzipped my pants because everything was just killing me!

When I got home I took Tylenol and went to bed. I woke up around 3am from the headache took more medicine and went back to bed. When I woke up about 7:30 I still had this headache so I called my doctors 24 hour nurses line. The nurse was delightful and asked me if I had a What to Expect book or the internet because I clearly needed to be in the ER. I didn’t go because it’s a headache for crying out loud! Then once I did speak with my doctor and she said I needed to go to the ER I went…reluctantly but I went. 8 hours late, 4 Tylenol, 1 CAT scan and one insanely painful Lumbar Puncture later, I headed home with a clean bill of health! What a mess! At this point I told many people I was pregnant, mainly to say please pray for me….I was SCARED at that hospital all alone! Jason was gone and I eventually called greatest friend ever, Rachael, to come sit with me (she stayed for 4 hours and fed me, yes she rocks and no you can’t have her). At this point I still hadn’t told my parents or Jason’s. How I made it though this day without telling them is a miracle!

Week 11

Ninja Baby

2010-05-21T14:30:00.001-07:00

I immediately booked a Doctors appointment. But of course couldn’t get in until April 2.

So life went along as normal as we waited. Well, not exactly “normal”. We went the weekend we found out to look at strollers, stock up on vitamins and the best creams and oils money could buy (I’m paranoid about my skin stretching beyond repair). We wondered over and over when on earth we got pregnant! It was hard to pin point since I was so irregular.

We went to karate to test for our yellow belt and told our instructor the good news. He was the first person we told together.

Side note: I called my cousin, Mercedes, the morning after we found out. I called her at around 8am and she picks up the phone and before I can say anything blurts out, “Never have kids! Mine are driving me crazy today!” I love that’s what started me telling her…well…I am! Then I told my dear friend Rachael. I went to her house late one night while her family was sleeping to tell her. This was during my freak out stage. It didn’t last long but it was there. I was just so not prepared and freaking out that of all the times TO get pregnant Jason didn’t have a job! She prayed for me, reassured me I’d be fine and continued to email me scripture and prayer daily for awhile. I love you Rach!

Back to the karate story. So our Sensei, Tim, said, “As far as I’m concerned, you can practice in here until you drop water.” Gross! For that comment alone, I hope to “drop water” while I’m there!

April 2^nd finally came after what felt like forever! I LOVE my new Doc! Dr. Amy Hoffman is a hilarious, considerate and kind…Perfect for us. Jason joined me for this appointment thankfully! We told her we weren’t sure how far along I was so she said she’d check. She gave me a hospital gown and left. I changed and then Jason and I set there joking about this device in the corner that looked naughty. She came back in and did the exam and told us I was 9 weeks along! 9 WEEKS!?!?! Again, in shock! How much alcohol have I consumed in that amount of time?

Here I am at 9 weeks!

And here’s the little peanut!

The card I gave Jason after our first Dr.'s Visit...

Starting from the beginning...

2010-05-21T13:51:00.001-07:00

March 1, I get a text message from my dad that says, “I dreamed you were pregnant last night” I responded, “Weird!!!! I’m not”.

March 2, Jason gets laid off from his company.

March 5, we head to Dallas and come home on the 7^th. While we’re there my dad recounts the dream he had. He said, in the dream, we handed him a box full of balloons that said Happy Grandparents Day to announce we were expecting. I think my dad’s nuts and should stop dreaming about such nonsense.

March 9, we’re at the grocery store, and pregnancy tests are on sale for $5. So, I grabbed a pack on a whim thinking what the heck! They’re $5!

We get home and at some point I take the test. There is a faint second line….I come out and tell Jason that we should go pick up tests that aren’t expired or cheap ‘cause I’m sure these are wrong. So we run to CVS and pick up 3 different brands to be sure. I quickly take a 3 and sure enough the dream was right! I come out of the bathroom in tears and shock… we’d been told that without medical help this may not happen for us. So, we’d kind of come to terms with that fact and we’re ok with it.

I cried, We hugged, We took a picture.

Baby News

2010-05-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

I'm jumping back to Pretty Little Things to announce I'm having a baby in November! I need a place to share my thoughts, this journey, cute things I want, need, and cannot live another second without!

Marc By Marc Jacobs

2009-01-27T09:24:00.000-08:00

Marc by Marc Jacobs I am loving you! The price is just right and the look is just my style!
Marc, You never cease to impress!

All items can be bought at Nordstrom.com.

Chicago - NEW printed Blog!?!?

2009-01-26T12:54:00.000-08:00

Urban Daddy...an exclusive, daily email magazine devoted to keeping you in the know...Just brought news of a NEW printed Blog that will be distributed tomorrow at 3 different L stops (Damen, Southport, and Belmont). To see if they'll be testing this beta version of this newspaper, check their website.

If you get one tomorrow I want to take a peek!

Directly from The Printed Blog Website
The Printed Blog is the worlds first daily newspaper comprised entirely of blog and other user generated content.

The result is a revolutionary newspaper that reads and functions like a web feed - yet can still be enjoyed on the train or spead accross the breakfast table.
The Printed Blog is changing the way people read and consume news and other information. We hope to play a vital part in reversing the fortunes of the newspaper industry with this new media project... but we need your help.

United States of Tara

2009-01-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

This new show is quickly making it to my MUST DVR list!
If you don't know the primes yet, here's the deal....Wife and Mother of 2 teenaged kids has multiple personalities: T (a teenage wild-child), Buck (a rough motorcycle riding, smoking, left handed man) and Alice (the Martha Stewart of the bunch).
This series written by Diablo Cody and produced by the great Steve Spielberg is a HIT! Check it out on Showtime this week!

Martin Luther King Jr.

2009-01-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

My church raised the bar this weekend! The sermon was on Renewing The City, Part of our Vision Statement. We also honored a great man throughout the whole service. Check out this AMAZING tribute video.

Truck Stuck

2009-01-16T12:25:00.000-08:00

I work at the craziest job! We joke that we should have a TV show! So today a Piano was being delivered and the weight of the piano in the truck (i guess) weighed it down to get into the buildings garage. Once the piano was out the truck was STUCK!
We were told to all go down and weigh the truck down...surprisingly with all of is in there it was still not weighed down enough. So people were finding anything heavy and piling it in: Salt, dumpster, people, etc.
Did I mention the reason it was stuck was the sewage pipe was too low? That means if we were to go forward much more we risk busting that pipe. Yuk! The shadow on the picture below is the pipe! Yikes!
Despite our best efforts the truck remains stuck!

Best quote while hanging out in the truck..."i've had a child... i know how to get something large out of a small opening..."

Pictures thanks to (or stolen from, sorry Tim) Tim Schraeder who was giving live updated via twitter!

I'm Back!

2009-01-13T18:41:00.000-08:00

The holiday's got the best of me! My time was FILLED with traveling, gift buying, cooking, thank you notes, and SO much more! Nonetheless, blogging took a backseat. But I'm glad to get back to it...I've missed it!

What's happening now in my world? My landlord stopped paying his mortgage. Great! So we're moving. Before the holiday I thought we'd move 3-5 years from now but, alas moving is not future Mabrie's problem...wrong! So we are looking at options one being building our own home!

There is a website I came across...Turquoise-la.com. This L.A. based furniture and interior designer is completely inspiring! Check out some of her stuff and visit her website for more!

Homage To Music

2008-12-04T07:54:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else LOVE this piece of art, A Homage to Music? Matthew Heller is an art genius!

Firmdale Hotels

2008-12-03T18:15:00.000-08:00

LOVE love love these hotels! Firmdale Hotels are a group of 6 hotel throughout London and owned by Tim and Kit Kemp. The design in each hotel is chic, bright and hip! The pictures below give you a great idea of just how impeccable they look...even the map drawings are lovely!

The latest Delightful thing...

2008-12-02T19:17:00.000-08:00

Delight.com ALWAYS has the best things! My latest obsession....Silicone Doily's by Modern Twist. These are great since your can wipe them off and reuse over and over again! How fun!

Cool iPod app: Last Call

2008-12-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

Last Call: Responsibility Made Simple

Last Call is a free, easy way to estimate your blood-alcohol level and determine if it's safe for you to drive after drinking. If not, use it to call a cab. Last Call also provides a list of top local DUI lawyers, provided by Avvo, to call for help if you need it.

How it works:
Log your alcohol consumption as you drink.
Keep an eye on your blood-alcohol level as Last Call instantly estimates it.
Find nearby taxi services if your blood-alcohol level is too high.
Contact a top local DUI attorney on Avvo if you need one.

JUMBO Hostel

2008-12-02T14:15:00.000-08:00

This new hostel is one of a kind...really!
This Boeing 747-200Jumbo Jet has made it's final flight and become a staple at the Stockholm Airport entrance. They are taking reservations now!

Coolest Recycling center EVER - By: Mode

2008-12-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

This is truly the most chic recycling center EVER! Ok...full disclosure...I don't recycle! I know I should, I know it's the right and good thing to do but I don't. But after seeing this website and product I may have a change of heart. Check out what their website had to say about this amazing product. Just because you want to recycle, doesn’t mean your kitchen has to look like you do. The Deluxe All-In-One Recycling Center with 3 Compartments for 17-gallon total capacity gives you one beautiful place to store all of your recyclables.

It’s never been easier to recycle while staying clutter-free.

Cheeky Chicago

2008-12-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

Thank you Yelp for yet again introducing me to something AMAZING!
Cheeky Chicago! This is a new(er) online magazine for the Chicago gals. It's witty, cutesy and I love it!

It features a HUGE calendar of events with goodies ranging from drink specials to openings of hit plays. They also give you the 411 on hot spots to eat, drink, hear the best new bands in the city and so much more!

Seriously CHECK IT OUT NOW!

Tim Walker Pictures

2008-12-02T13:40:00.000-08:00

This book, Tim Walker Pictures is must-have for me! Check it out!

1st Christmas Gift

2008-11-21T12:21:00.000-08:00

I know a little rugrat that's getting this for Christmas!!! If you want one too check out Red Envelope.

Basic Needs

2008-11-21T12:18:00.000-08:00

I got these cards a few years back and found an old one I had written to Jason. I re-fell-in-love with them!

Paper Source Oh How I Love Thee

2008-11-18T14:02:00.000-08:00

Paper Source is holding Holiday Demo's! I LOVE Christmas and Paper!

All Holiday Demos are held at Paper Source stores. Times may differ, visit your location for Sunday Holiday hours: Kansas City, Beverly Hills, Berkeley, Santana Row, Carlsbad, Alexandria and North Park demos start at noon. Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16

11:00 am to 12:00 pm - Tidings of the Season!
Create a fabulous Christmas or Hanukkah card using decorative punches, rubber stamps, glittered embellishments or just a hint of sparkly Stickles.

12:15 pm to 1:15 pm - Signed, Sealed and Delivered
We'll supply the "envelope inspiration," you can add your own personality with the help of our envelope liners and template kits-combined with our wonderful new papers and labels!

1:30 pm to 2:30 pm - Setting the Holiday Table
Come learn how to create snowman place cards, paper wrapped candles, embellished paper mittens and glittery snowflakes. Then finish the table off with enticing tiny favors.

2:45 pm to 3:45 pm - Kits, Craft Boxes, Decorations and More!
Create the perfect holiday penguin tree topper, our paper poinsettia wreaths, or learn how to decorate craft boxes to hold small and large treasures!

4:00 pm to 5:00 pm - Wrap It Up and Tag It!
We have a great collection of bags, ribbons, wraps, tissue and toppers, and can't wait to show you how to wrap it all up for the season.

MAJOR Shopping Blunder

2008-11-18T13:49:00.000-08:00

You know those items that you walk by at Nordstrom that you walk by every time and want but because of cost or impracticality you simply keep walking by?
Well this week Jason actually purchased one of those items for us....The Clarisonic Skin Care System. I LOVE it! My skin has never felt so soft, looked so healthy and been so clear! I should of known....OPRAH had this as a favorite thing once so you know it's good!

Cool Kid Haircuts

2008-11-18T13:35:00.000-08:00

Cookie Magazine (which I love) offers up these cool kid haircut picks!

For Kids With Curls

The Fine Haired Funky Look

For Thick Straight Hair try a BIG Bang

Medium Coarse Hair check out the Rembrandt

Make the most out of Wiry Curly hair with The Drama Queen

The Short Wave

The Menace

The Cute Quirky Micro-Bang!

Ammunition and Wine...What Could be Better?

2008-11-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

I am really loving these adorable ammo cases that have been remastered for a new cheer-y task...holding wine! Make drinks, not war with this Vietnam-era artillery case that was salvaged and renovated into a peaceful and rustic-looking wine bar that holds 3 bottles, 6 glasses and still has space for tools. Closed, it is a rugged and nostalgic decorative box; open, it finds purpose as a functional serving station. The perfect gift for wine enthusiasts or anyone looking to add a unique twist to the average bar. Manufactured in the USA. And sold at Uncommon Goods.

Mod Cloth

2008-11-07T13:26:00.000-08:00

Mod Cloth is an online store that doesn't just specialize in mod clothing but also an array of other fun things. Here are some of my faves....

JCrew

2008-11-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

I normally love everything that JCrew produces. However, this season has brought very few things I'm jumping at getting. Strange! Here's what I am loving....

I've always wanted a Chicago Pillow

2008-11-06T15:19:00.000-08:00

I SO want all of these! To see more from your favorite places here's their website.

46664 - Nelson Mandela

2008-11-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

The Nelson Mandela Mont Blanc 46664 (Nelson Mandela's number while in prison) charity bracelet has exceeded sales predictions.

The charity bracelet features a 3D imprint of Mandela’s hand and has an extra feature, buyers can track their funds, used to help alleviate HIV/AIDS, through a unique serial number imprinted on the piece.

The46664 birthday bracelet was created by craftsmen affected by HIV/AIDS, and is available through the 46664 website.

"46664 is an African response to the global HIV AIDS epidemic that invites the whole world to take the fight in hand. It's our aim to raise awareness overall and educate the younger generations in particular. By gaining global backing for the cause, we will also raise funds to directly assist the many HIV AIDS projects we support. We intend to do this by using our international ambassadors to spread our messages of hope, our calls to action, our pleas for compassion and our requests for assistance and support for those living with HIV AIDS.

46664 (we say four, double six, six four) was Nelson Mandela's prison number when he was imprisoned on Robben Island, off Cape Town in South Africa. He was jailed in 1964 for 27 years for leading the liberation movement against apartheid and for his impassioned stance on the rights of everyone to live in freedom. He was prisoner number 466, imprisoned in 1964. The Robben Island prisoners were never referred to by their names, but rather by their numbers and year of imprisonment - hence 46664 was Nelson Mandela's number.

This was very much the strategy of the apartheid regime, to reduce those people fighting for the right to freedom to nameless numbers.

It was for precisely this reason that Mr. Mandela decided to use this powerful, symbolic number in the fight against HIV AIDS. Through this simple, poignant means he has demonstrated and communicated to the world that people must never be reduced to simple numbers - we are human beings, all equal, and those infected and living with HIV AIDS have the same right to live and to be treated as equals.

This is how the number 46664 became the icon for promoting Nelson Mandela's global HIV AIDS awareness campaign." (http://www.46664.com/2)

Hello Mr. President

2008-11-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

(Grant Park Rally, Chicago IL)

Being in Chicago for this historic evening was spectacular! I hope his presidency is great!

(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_2&listing_id=16941582)

(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_12&listing_id=16934167)

(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_7&listing_id=16940620)

Adorable Sweet Fries

2008-11-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

From our friends at PoshPartyBox comes this adorable twist on the traditional french fries. Try it!

FUN FRENCH FRIES
A fast and fun finger food for kids.

Ingredients:
1 Pound Cake
1 ½ cup Strawberries or Rasberries
1 ts Sugar
1 T. Lemon Juice

Method:
Take a pound cake and cut in pieces to look like french fries. Bake at 350 - keep turning until all sides are brown. For the fake catsup use either fresh strawberries or rasberries (approximately 1 ½ cups) add 1 teaspoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Put in blender. Place fries either in a paper cup or on a plate with the "catsup" on the side.

Natesa : nah-TAY-shah : hindi "dance lord"

2008-11-04T11:34:00.000-08:00

Are you looking to name a child soon? I suggest these websites as great resources for such dilemmas!

For a collection of unusual and multi-cultural names?
Visit Alfabette Zoope!

Example:
[ g i r l s ]

Dabria : dah-BREE-uh : latin - name of an angel
Dacey : DAY-cee : gaelic "southerner"
Dacia : DAH-shuh : latin "from dacia"
Dacio : DAH-sho : french "from arcy"
Dae : DAY : korean "greatness"
Dagmar : DAG-mahr : danish "joy of the danes"
Dagna : DAG-nuh : old german "a splendid day"
Dagny : dahg-NEE : norwegian "day, brightness"
Dai : DIGH : japanese "great"
Daisy : DAY-zee : old english - flower name or "day's eye"
Dakota : dah-KOH-tah : native american "friend"
Dale : DAYL : old norse "valley"

[ b o y s ]

Dag : DAG : norwegian "day"
Dagan : DAG-an : hebrew "grain"
Dakarai : DAH-kah-rah-ee : african "happiness"
Dakota : dah-KOH-tah : native american "friend"
Dale : DAYL : old norse "valley"
Dallin : DAYL-lin : old english "pride's people"
Dalton : DAHL-tun : old english "valley farm"
Daly : DAY-lee : gaelic "advisor"
Damek : DUH-mek : czechoslovakian "earth"

Or to check out name trends by visiting NameVoyager.
This website is just fun to play with...check it out!

Woof

2008-11-03T11:56:00.000-08:00

(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16886117)

(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_2&listing_id=16887044)

(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_19&listing_id=15543574)

You can Vote However You Like

2008-10-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

Happy National Candy Corn Day!

2008-10-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

The History of Candy Corn

Candy corn has been around for more than 100 years. George Renninger, an employee of the Wunderlee Candy Company, invented the popular confection in the 1880s and Wunderlee became the first to produce the candy. The Goelitz Candy Company (now Jelly Belly Candy Company) started producing the confection in 1900 and still produces candy corn today.

When candy corn first appeared, it was popular among farmers because of its agrarian look. The tri-color design was considered revolutionary and the public went crazy for it. Lack of machinery meant that candy corn was only made seasonally from March to November. Candy corn has remained unchanged for more than 100 years and is a favorite at Halloween.

A healthy Breakfast...at Starbucks

2008-10-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

So a few months back I stopped drinking caffeine. This quickly stopped all trips to Starbucks in fear that even the smell of the place would make me fall off the proverbial wagon. This past weekend I ventured back to get a dear friend a much needed latte. And there I discovered some changes the ol' Buck's had made...healthier breakfast items, some of which could be easily replicated at home. Yumm!

Power Protein Plate
(330 calories with peanut butter, 260 without - about one-third of your daily protein intake)

This includes a hard boiled egg, grapes, 2 apple slices, white cheddar cheese, a mini wheat bagel accompanied with peanut butter, salt and pepper. I should make this at home all the time. I love it!

Perfect Oatmeal
(140 calories for just oatmeal; 100 calories for nut medley; 100 calories for dried fruit; 50 calories for brown sugar)

I'm not so sure I'd call it perfect, but for oatmeal on the go it's pretty good.

Chewy Fruit and Nut Bar
(250 calories; 4 grams of fiber; 5 grams of protein)

This is a fancy granola bar. I just love how pretty it looks.

Apple Bran Muffin
(330 calories; 7 grams of fiber, 7 grams of protein)

Bran, Oats and apple....yumm! Of course the top is better than the bottom but what did you expect from a muffin?

Ampersand Tee

2008-10-29T09:49:00.001-07:00

I love typeface's of all kinds! So I love these tee's!

(http://ampertee.com/index.php)

Cutest Halloween Costume

2008-10-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

My best friend dressed up her son in the BEST costume ever! Check out the cutest boy on the block!

Do you GOOP yet?

2008-10-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Gwyneth Paltrow has launched a site called GOOP where she dispenses life lessons. It promises to deliver a "collection of experiences which make life good."
The categories include shopping, recipes, travel destinations and most intriguingly, thoughts from Paltrow's "sages." The goal is to share life lessons and tips for living...think Martha Stewart is ready for an aggressive take over?

I was truly a skeptic at first but now I've caught the bug! The latest "BE - nourishes the inner aspect" with sage advice from the likes of Deepak Chopra, Michael Berg of the Kabbalah Centre, Episcopal priest Cynthia Bourgeault, Sufi Shaikh Kabir Helminski, and New York psychologist Karen Binder-Brynes.. Kind of interesting, they answered each answered the same question refering to people's pessimism and how it effects life.

The latest "Make" fetured these recipies:

BUCKWHEAT AND BANANA PANCAKES

ASIAN TUNA SANDWICHES
WITH SOY AND SESAME MAYONNAISE

CARAMELIZED BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN

2/3 cup dark brown sugar (unrefined)
1/3 cup fish sauce
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons finely grated garlic
2 teaspoons finely grated ginger
2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper

1 or 2 fresh Thai chilis (to your taste!), halved
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 shallots, thinly sliced
2 pounds organic boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces (1/2”)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro

In a small bowl, combine the sugar, fish sauce, vinegar, water, garlic, ginger, pepper and chili and reserve.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat and cook the shallots until softened and a bit brown, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken and stir-fry, browning it all over, about a minute. Add the sugar mixture and simmer over high heat until the chicken is totally cooked through, about 6 minutes. Stir in the cilantro and serve.

Check out the site and sign up at www.goop.com.

Cute as a Bug in a Rug

2008-10-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

These baby onsie's and t-shirts are to die for! The next friend I have that announces she's pregnant is getting one of these!

Pretty little reused, recycled or vintage jewelry

2008-10-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

Sierra Bailey is the jewelry designer and independent artist behind all of the handmade jewelry at Manic Trout. She designs jewelry that is both colorful and unique and inspired by vintage materials, vivid colors, photography, beauty and all that surrounds her.

ohhh I love your hair

2008-10-22T13:40:00.001-07:00

I love this virtual makeover site. Check out the before and after shots below....

Before

After

Before

After

Before
After

The Goose is Getting Fat

2008-10-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

The holidays will be here before you know it!
Get inspiration now!

I love these wrapping caddy's! One's a cabinet and another cart. I love organization!

Silver Ball Topiary's

For my Southern friends that have no real icicles, decorate with these!

Three Cake Plates

The symbol of good fortune and fidelity - this Crane Ornament is beautiful!

Gorgeous snowflake

No fireplace to hang your stockings....look at this amazing floor stocking holder!

This funky ball and chain ornament is a one-of-a-kind find!

I love this free blown Italian ornament from the MoMA store

Hipster e-cards

2008-10-21T20:03:00.000-07:00

This is an old favorite of mine. And while I prefer the traditional correspondence cards sometimes you just don't have enough time and I always think an e-card is better than no card!

(http://www.hipstercards.com/)

Vintage Candle Cups

2008-10-20T20:27:00.000-07:00

Aren't these great! I love the reuse of the old tea cups!

(http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=62918)

I don't care what they say anymore this is My Life!

2008-10-20T13:45:00.000-07:00

So I never write about my life but this weekend was too pretty not to share. My precious friend Kendra was married on Saturday and on Sunday we went to the botanical garden. So pretty! I've only been during Summer and Spring months and the Fall was magnificent!

Jason and I
The lovely Bride

Fall is here!

This is my Happy Place! Jason being silly!

My cute Hubby with a HUGE pumpkin!

And me with a HUGE pumpkin....

African Daisy's My favorite!

Look at my fancy shoes

It's falling!!!

Bonsai

Me and my Honey...what a pretty little day!

Wedding Toasts......

2008-10-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

I have the honor and privilege to be in 2 of my amazing friends in the next few weeks. As I began writing their wedding toasts I decided to jump on YouTube for inspiration on what other have done. I came across the WORLDS BEST toast! I don't know these people and I teared up. Best part of all it includes musical theater! Give it a little over a minute before it really gets spectacular!
I loved it so much I had to call my mom and have her watch it too....Enjoy!

Kitchen Things I'm Lovin'

2008-10-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of things I think are too cool and am dying to try!

The Delightfully Pink Innovative Chop2Pot

Best. Cutting Board. Ever. When the handle is squeezed the board folds into a chute to help guide diced and chopped food into the pot.

Amazing Portion Control Mats

Make it easy on yourself with these Amazing and Ingenious PortionPals. These silicone Sheets let you know exactly how much of each food group you should be consuming on a meal-by-meal basis.

Set includes 5 silicone discs for grains, sweets, meat, fish, and chicken.

Simplehuman Steel Bar Step™ Trash Can, in Black

Trio Peeler
With three retractable stainless-steel blades, this all-in-one peeler can switch from one prep task to the next in an instant. Simply rotate the handle to select the desired blade then slide it into place. The gentle touch of the soft-skin blade easily peels tomatoes, mangos and peaches. The heavy-duty hard-skin blade is great for carrots and zucchini. For shredding thin vegetable strips for soups and salads, select the julienne blade. And use the peeler’s tip for removing potato eyes.
Professional Multi-Chopper
Instead of enlisting an army of specialized knives for slicing, dicing, wedging and coring fruits and vegetables, use this one easy-to-operate tool. Its three pushers and four interchangeable stainless-steel blades can be paired to quickly perform tasks ranging from coring and wedging an apple to slicing a zucchini. A push of the spring-loaded lid cuts a whole fruit or vegetable and deposits its slices into the removable, closed container. A telescoping arm to accommodate larger ingredients is included.

Safe & Healthy Index Chopping Boards

Enjoy your sirloin while you keep the germs away from your swiss chard! With this inventive and compact set of four cutting boards, one for meat, one for hot items, one for fish, and one for vegetables - you'll never be wary of your messy kitchen surfaces again! Color-coded and easy stored together on a counter top or in the pantry.

Dean and Deluca Spice Rack

Organic, Lightweight, breathable, washable and super sturdy just toss them into your Eco shopping bag and breath even greener than you already are.

Pumpkin Cake
A stunning centerpiece from Halloween through Thanksgiving, this masterpiece of the baker’s art alternates five moist layers of double-chocolate cake with a chocolate-truffle cream filling.

Meal Baby

2008-10-15T12:22:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine just sent this link to me. It sounds amazing!
This free service, MealBaby, claims to make feeding mommies after delivery much easier. I've gotten my fair share of the ever so difficult Evites for feeding mommies in need. Not fun! Check out MealBaby!

How it works:

Create a meal calendar complete with a list of favorite foods, gift card options, contact information, maps and directions.

Choose friends and family to e-mail that will help make meals, deliver food or purchase a gift card to a local restaurant.

Greer Chicago

2008-10-15T09:55:00.001-07:00

Take a look at these little finds from Greer Chicago....

Luggage tags from Pamela Barsky

In a Note Paper Quilt...

This conceptual piece, a quilt of sorts, was created by Chandra Greer to demonstrate all that can be conveyed and preserved in a hand-written note. The quilt is created from Crown Mill, a refined paper milled and hand-deckled in Belgium, and features grey, cream and white cards and envelopes, each individually printed in archival inks and featuring a different word. Quilt can be hung on a curtain rod suspended from the ceiling or mounted to a wall.

Paper Quilt

Pint-Sized Eco Police

2008-10-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

When it comes to the environment in your home, who's waving the green flag? In many homes it's likely to be the smallest hands doing all the waving! Check out this article from the New York times talking about The Pint-Size Eco-Police, Making Parents Proud and Sometimes Crazy. (12 Year Old Elly hangs a close line in her room.)

Typecast yourself!

2008-10-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

Virtues, Sins and Poisons...Oh My!

2008-10-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

I love these little tea cups and plates! The hand painted words crack me up!

(http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=46175)

Showered in Chic

2008-10-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

So a friend of mine started her own Etsy store that I just Love!
Custom shower curtains made from Amy Butler fabric.
They feel very country meets mod to me. Each one is oh so Chic don't you think?

(http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6045186)

1926

2008-10-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

I Love Chicago! It's my Favorite city in America! But, my family is just too far away and refuses to move up North! And I'm a family girl! So, I am constantly dreaming of the day I move back to Dallas to be closer to them!
As I was looking at Dallas homes today I came across one I want!
Check her out, she's a beauty!

(http://www.ebby.com/details/326937.html)

Beautifully renovated 1926 Tudor in desirable Greenland Hills. This charming, single-story home features an arched front door, refinished original hardwood floors, wood burning fireplace, recessed lighting, and surround sound throughout house. Gourmet kitchen includes solid wood custom cabinetry, stainless appliances, granite counters, vaulted ceilings, wine storage, and pantry. The large dining room has French doors that open to deck perfect for entertaining. Grand master suite features French doors and fabulous master bath with double vanity, oversized shower....