Hey, so, I haven't been on this blog in 3 years...woah.
Life is so different now than when last I posted, let me catch you up!
We just sold our old house and are currently living at my moms. Again. I know. We are about to make our 12th move in 9 years. (poor poor Lexi!)
But! This is our forever house.
(or at least 5-10 years)
It's much bigger than our old house, in the neighborhood we've always wanted to live in, in Lexi's school district (in fact there's a walking path to her school!) and we're so excited!
It's also about 30,000 more than we wanted to spend because our housing market here is INSANE right now, and people are having to offer above asking price on already-over-priced homes, and do crazy things like waive inspections! (we did not do that) Why are they "having" to do these things? Well, the first 6 houses we offered on (yes 6) we were seriously outbid by all-cash offers from buyers in California. The only reason we got this house is because we offered on it during memorial day weekend during which the real estate game was really quiet here.
But I digress!
So, we are moving into the house we've been waiting for (we lived at our old house for two years this time! Longest time living anywhere to date), we've had baby number two, AND number three, and things are just finally starting to slow down a bit. Selling our house was a crazy chapter, and because of our weird market it's been super chaotic and stressful. We're almost through inspections now so we will hopefully get our appraisal ordered and get in there soon! I've got some big plans :)
Baby number two, Talon, is 3 now! And baby number 3, Oliver Ryan, is 8 months old. Alexis is 7, just finishing up grade 1, and about to get braces! Time just keeps on going.
I "re-discovered" my blog last night when my youngest sister brought it up and she, my mom, my other sister, and I all perused it for a while. Reading my 100 by 30 list is what really sparked my wanting to get back on here because I had quite a few things to mark off!
I really can't wait now to get this house painted and ready and get the pictures up on here.
Hurray for goals!
Friday, June 3, 2016
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Pregnancy, the 2nd Time Around
The first time I was pregnant, with my daughter Lexi, I have to admit I was a miserable mess. We were only 19, we had been married 7 months when we found out, and neither of us had a clue. My emotional ups and downs were severe, due partially to money stress and just the vast void of unknown, and my poor young husband had no idea how to handle it, or me.
Between the two of us, it was one long, miserable time.
But this is round 2. And it was SO much better.
For starters, we both have an idea of what we're doing. We're 23/24 now, which while still young, has given us several years parenting experience. Time to mellow out, get organized, and develop a plan based on our built up parenting skills.
A big part of what has made this pregnancy so much smoother is that I didn't gain nearly as much weight as I did my first time. At 19 I had never weighed over 112 lbs. Sick I know. I was rail thin by nature and I was in no way prepared for the changes that were about to consume my previously taut body, and transform it into a scarred, flabby mess. I had never had to work hard to stay thin, I just was. And I couldn't mentally process the changes it was going through. So I cried, a lot. I gave birth to my daughter weighing 166 lbs. Quite the jump there.
This time I started out at a toned 135 lbs (I had been going to the gym regularly, and a lot of that was muscle; husband makes a good gym partner!) and am finishing off at 160, which is only a 25 lb weight gain, perfectly with the range set by the doctors. And while it's only 6 lbs less than my end weight last time, I'm far thinner than I was then. Last time it was 54 pounds of fat, that I carried just about everywhere, including my face. This time it's 25 lbs, that I'm carrying mostly around my mid-section. So momma's feeling good about herself. And when momma feels good about herself, all is well!
Another huge part of this pregnancy going so much better has been my husband.
Last time he was a scared 19 year old boy with no experience with babies, or children, or pregnant women. Or really, women at all. Because I was a scared 19 year old girl, turning into a mother, not a woman yet. He didn't know how to deal with me, my feelings, his own feelings, the idea of having a baby, being a father...and because he didn't know how, he just didn't. I felt completely alone most days.
(You may have picked it up at this point, but our first was an un-planned pregnancy. I can attest that birth control is only 97% effective)
This time? So different. He has been a father for over 4 years, and that changes a man. Last time, he didn't know he could love a small, crying, pooping, "potato". And this time, well he can't imagine life without her, and I think that helps him. He knows that this little one will become just as big a part of our lives as Alexis has been.
He is excited, he is helpful, he is on my team, and we are on the same page. It has made such world of difference, never feeling alone in this. And seeing him get excited about things, even small things, is the best feeling. That's really key to an easy pregnancy, great support!
As stated before, we were very young. And an enormous part of what has made this pregnancy easier, is just being older. My hormone levels are much more balanced (zero mood-swings this pregnancy!), my body is more built to handle the physical stress, and we are at a more comfortable and settled place in our lives financially and otherwise. Those are all huge factors in pregnancy. The less stress you have going on in your life, the smoother this period of time is going to go. And being older has helped with that so much.
In fact, even though I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes this time, this pregnancy has been SO much easier, I know that if it had been this way last time we would already have more little ones.
The biggest factor though? Experience! We've already done this. And in worse circumstances than we're in now. We know we can handle it. We know how to prepare. And we have a tiny adorable 4-year-old distraction to help the time pass.
So good luck fellow mommies. I hope your pregnancies are smooth, and you have plenty of support. My next post will be after Talon is here, because tomorrow is the induction! ♥
Between the two of us, it was one long, miserable time.
But this is round 2. And it was SO much better.
For starters, we both have an idea of what we're doing. We're 23/24 now, which while still young, has given us several years parenting experience. Time to mellow out, get organized, and develop a plan based on our built up parenting skills.
A big part of what has made this pregnancy so much smoother is that I didn't gain nearly as much weight as I did my first time. At 19 I had never weighed over 112 lbs. Sick I know. I was rail thin by nature and I was in no way prepared for the changes that were about to consume my previously taut body, and transform it into a scarred, flabby mess. I had never had to work hard to stay thin, I just was. And I couldn't mentally process the changes it was going through. So I cried, a lot. I gave birth to my daughter weighing 166 lbs. Quite the jump there.
This time I started out at a toned 135 lbs (I had been going to the gym regularly, and a lot of that was muscle; husband makes a good gym partner!) and am finishing off at 160, which is only a 25 lb weight gain, perfectly with the range set by the doctors. And while it's only 6 lbs less than my end weight last time, I'm far thinner than I was then. Last time it was 54 pounds of fat, that I carried just about everywhere, including my face. This time it's 25 lbs, that I'm carrying mostly around my mid-section. So momma's feeling good about herself. And when momma feels good about herself, all is well!
Another huge part of this pregnancy going so much better has been my husband.
Last time he was a scared 19 year old boy with no experience with babies, or children, or pregnant women. Or really, women at all. Because I was a scared 19 year old girl, turning into a mother, not a woman yet. He didn't know how to deal with me, my feelings, his own feelings, the idea of having a baby, being a father...and because he didn't know how, he just didn't. I felt completely alone most days.
(You may have picked it up at this point, but our first was an un-planned pregnancy. I can attest that birth control is only 97% effective)
This time? So different. He has been a father for over 4 years, and that changes a man. Last time, he didn't know he could love a small, crying, pooping, "potato". And this time, well he can't imagine life without her, and I think that helps him. He knows that this little one will become just as big a part of our lives as Alexis has been.
He is excited, he is helpful, he is on my team, and we are on the same page. It has made such world of difference, never feeling alone in this. And seeing him get excited about things, even small things, is the best feeling. That's really key to an easy pregnancy, great support!
As stated before, we were very young. And an enormous part of what has made this pregnancy easier, is just being older. My hormone levels are much more balanced (zero mood-swings this pregnancy!), my body is more built to handle the physical stress, and we are at a more comfortable and settled place in our lives financially and otherwise. Those are all huge factors in pregnancy. The less stress you have going on in your life, the smoother this period of time is going to go. And being older has helped with that so much.
In fact, even though I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes this time, this pregnancy has been SO much easier, I know that if it had been this way last time we would already have more little ones.
The biggest factor though? Experience! We've already done this. And in worse circumstances than we're in now. We know we can handle it. We know how to prepare. And we have a tiny adorable 4-year-old distraction to help the time pass.
So good luck fellow mommies. I hope your pregnancies are smooth, and you have plenty of support. My next post will be after Talon is here, because tomorrow is the induction! ♥
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Baby,
family,
husband,
life,
lucky me,
motherhood,
parenthood,
Parenting,
Talon
Newest smith house
We've moved! Again. For the 9th time in 6 years, but who's counting? Me!
Luckily this is going to be our last move for a while. Says me. I even had the nerve to cut up and throw away our moving boxes this time. They needed it anyway, they were all falling apart from being used so many times.
Un-luckily this time we moved just 3 weeks before baby No. 2 was due! A little stressful. But finally worth it!
I've added the photos of the walk-through to the Smith Houses page, go check it out!
The apartment building is owned by my in-laws, and the building's name is Smithhaven; my brother in-law lives in one of the other 3 apartments with his wife, and my sister in-law lives in yet another one with her two boys. All the Smiths. :) Must be confusing for the post office.
The walk-through has it all, but here's the gist:
Luckily this is going to be our last move for a while. Says me. I even had the nerve to cut up and throw away our moving boxes this time. They needed it anyway, they were all falling apart from being used so many times.
Un-luckily this time we moved just 3 weeks before baby No. 2 was due! A little stressful. But finally worth it!
I've added the photos of the walk-through to the Smith Houses page, go check it out!
The apartment building is owned by my in-laws, and the building's name is Smithhaven; my brother in-law lives in one of the other 3 apartments with his wife, and my sister in-law lives in yet another one with her two boys. All the Smiths. :) Must be confusing for the post office.
The walk-through has it all, but here's the gist:
We went from this, and this
to this
And this!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Painting Nursery Furniture
Some of you may (or may not) know that we have been back at my mom's house...again...for the last few months. This time, waiting to be able to move into our new apartment which is being renovated! (Currently still unfinished while I only have 4 1/2 weeks to go! Stress...) Getting ready for a new home while getting ready for a new baby has been rough. I've hoarded baby stuff in one corner of our living space, while boxes of kitchen things, linens, and decor have been piled in another corner. For months! It's enough to drive a nesting preggo girl mad! So I've taken on some projects. Here are a couple before shots of our crib and dresser:
The crib was my daughter's, and it converts to a toddler bed, and full sized bed as well. I was tired of the black, and it won't match anything in the room because Alexis's big girl bed is white. So since gray is one of the room colors, gray it will be.
Here I had only sanded half of the dresser, just to show the difference.
We are still on the fence about whether or not we are going to paint the dresser. It was mine when I was a little girl, so I don't want to mess with it too much, and it's going to go in the closet so no one will really see it anyway. But in the off chance we might move it out of the closet and into the room, it would be nice if it matched. We'll see.
But here is the progress of the crib!
We decided to assemble the crib before painting. I had talked to several people about it before hand, and most said not to, but I went with my gut, and it worked out amazingly!
The paint we used was Valspar, in Stone Mason Gray, with a high gloss enamel finish. The guy at Lowes assured me that this would make it safe for the baby, even if he's chewing on it. So, guy at Lowes, if my son ends up with a mouthful of crib, it's on you! Ha!
Anyway, the kid's room is painted gray also, Almost Charcoal is the color, and I wanted this to be a little lighter.
I had been planning this for months just waiting for Cam and I to both be in the project-y mood to do it, and then I totally freaked out at the last minute! It must have been a pregnancy thing, but suddenly the thought of painting it and all the things that could go wrong made me not want to. Luckily my husband knows me better than that and got my head in the game.
Because I love it!
The color is exactly what I wanted, and I think Talon's new bedding will pop against it.
We finished the painting into 2 hours, and finished the second coat later that night in one hour. It was much quicker and smoother than I thought it would be!
NOTE: I'm not recommending painting your crib! I am pretty sure it voids the warranty, and as I said I'm going on what someone at Lowes told me, not the maker of the crib, as far as the safety of the paint.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Home-made Baby Book
So I realized the other day that we didn't have a baby book for talon like we'd had for Alexis. Like to put info and pictures and mementos in, like the hospital bracelet, family info, etc.
So I went online to find one.
And Oh.Em.Gee.
Why are they so darn expensive? The cheapest one was $25 (at Target) only available online, with no pictures of the inside, and the cover was bland and generic. The average price anywhere else online seemed to be around $35, and on Etsy they averaged at around $60!
So, my brilliant husband asked me why I didn't just make one myself? And I thought, hey, that's an awesome idea!
I spent an hour and a half that night coming up with pages for the book (birth stats, all about mom, all about dad, the day you were born, etc) some of which I found inspiration for online, and some that was just information I wanted to put in.
I also went online and had coupons texted to my phone for Michaels, our local craft store, because I knew that that was where I would get most of what I needed.
The next day we headed out to run our errands, Michaels being one of them, and we were surprised at how few actual baby albums they had. Well for boys anyway. They seem to have plenty of everything for girls everywhere we go, but for boys? Well, that's a different post in and of itself...
So we decided to really do it ourselves.
I found a beautiful turquoise blue photo album with no embellishments or pattern, just a pocket for a photo on the cover.
The I found stick-on letters in burlap, a small pack of multi-colored jute twine, matching mod-style flowers (not feminine looking at all), and the best part, a stick-on fabric banner that matches the banners we made by hand for the baby shower! One of those banners is going into the kids room, so this album is going to match, and look great displayed on a shelf or dresser top.
I also found a 180 sheet card stock paper pack that was perfect. I searched forever and finally found one that was just colors and modern patterns.
The album and paper were both Recollections brand and were 40% off! The little embellishments for the cover were about $4 each so those added up quickly. I used a 40% off coupon for one of them. I'm wishing I had waited until today because I happen to have a coupon (starting today) for 20% off your entire order including sale items! So that would have actually saved me a bundle. But I was anxious. :)
I started by laying out all my finds on the table. Then I arranged and rearranged until I had the cover looking how I wanted.
I love how it turned out! You'll have to excuse the poor photo quality. I take all my pictures on my iphone, no fancy camera's in this house!
In order to get the jute twine to look how I wanted it too I had tied it around the cover, just to see how it would look. Then I liked it so much I didn't want to disturb it, so I just hot-glued it right down as it was. The knot in the middle was a little ugly, so I used one of the owl clothespins I bought in the Michaels sales bin (for $1.50) pulled the felt owl off carefully, and hot-glued it right over the knot.
Then I took my "pages" I'd printed out and my giant paper pack and did it the easy way. Slide in a pattern, then a page on top. Only one is glued down and that is because it has two small captions for spots for the hospital bracelet and footprints. The last few pages are still blank but I have captions all ready and they will be filled with pictures. The fonts I used for the basic pages can be downloaded for free, they are Duality (the font in gray), and Ribbon (in colors).
I plan on putting a picture of Talon in the cover but for now I decided to slip an ultrasound photo in.
I also created a subway-art style print that I am going to put in the kids room, but I thought it would also make a good first page of the book! The fonts are all downloaded free, they are Sketch Rockwell, Boston Traffic, and again Duality. I just used my Microsoft Works program and took my time fitting them all to take up about the same amount of space. The dots separating the sections are periods done in the Boston Traffic font, but on paint so that I could get them to do what I wanted them too. Then I inserted them like clip-art.
I really love how it turned out and how personalized it is! What do you think?
So I went online to find one.
And Oh.Em.Gee.
Why are they so darn expensive? The cheapest one was $25 (at Target) only available online, with no pictures of the inside, and the cover was bland and generic. The average price anywhere else online seemed to be around $35, and on Etsy they averaged at around $60!
So, my brilliant husband asked me why I didn't just make one myself? And I thought, hey, that's an awesome idea!
I spent an hour and a half that night coming up with pages for the book (birth stats, all about mom, all about dad, the day you were born, etc) some of which I found inspiration for online, and some that was just information I wanted to put in.
I also went online and had coupons texted to my phone for Michaels, our local craft store, because I knew that that was where I would get most of what I needed.
The next day we headed out to run our errands, Michaels being one of them, and we were surprised at how few actual baby albums they had. Well for boys anyway. They seem to have plenty of everything for girls everywhere we go, but for boys? Well, that's a different post in and of itself...
So we decided to really do it ourselves.
I found a beautiful turquoise blue photo album with no embellishments or pattern, just a pocket for a photo on the cover.
The I found stick-on letters in burlap, a small pack of multi-colored jute twine, matching mod-style flowers (not feminine looking at all), and the best part, a stick-on fabric banner that matches the banners we made by hand for the baby shower! One of those banners is going into the kids room, so this album is going to match, and look great displayed on a shelf or dresser top.
I also found a 180 sheet card stock paper pack that was perfect. I searched forever and finally found one that was just colors and modern patterns.
I started by laying out all my finds on the table. Then I arranged and rearranged until I had the cover looking how I wanted.
I love how it turned out! You'll have to excuse the poor photo quality. I take all my pictures on my iphone, no fancy camera's in this house!
In order to get the jute twine to look how I wanted it too I had tied it around the cover, just to see how it would look. Then I liked it so much I didn't want to disturb it, so I just hot-glued it right down as it was. The knot in the middle was a little ugly, so I used one of the owl clothespins I bought in the Michaels sales bin (for $1.50) pulled the felt owl off carefully, and hot-glued it right over the knot.
Then I took my "pages" I'd printed out and my giant paper pack and did it the easy way. Slide in a pattern, then a page on top. Only one is glued down and that is because it has two small captions for spots for the hospital bracelet and footprints. The last few pages are still blank but I have captions all ready and they will be filled with pictures. The fonts I used for the basic pages can be downloaded for free, they are Duality (the font in gray), and Ribbon (in colors).
I plan on putting a picture of Talon in the cover but for now I decided to slip an ultrasound photo in.
I also created a subway-art style print that I am going to put in the kids room, but I thought it would also make a good first page of the book! The fonts are all downloaded free, they are Sketch Rockwell, Boston Traffic, and again Duality. I just used my Microsoft Works program and took my time fitting them all to take up about the same amount of space. The dots separating the sections are periods done in the Boston Traffic font, but on paint so that I could get them to do what I wanted them too. Then I inserted them like clip-art.
I really love how it turned out and how personalized it is! What do you think?
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Baby shower!
Yesterday marked my 32nd week of pregnancy, only eight more to go! And last weekend was my baby shower. It was small, just family and close friends, but it was so fun and relaxed! The colors were the same as my kids room is going to be, so a lot of the shower decor will find new life there. I have to say, my mom's sunroom is the perfect room for parties! We rearrange the furniture and add different decor for almost every shower and party we have. The snacks were made by my mother and I, the punch was a recipe I found on Pinterest and edited which I will share in another post, most food was made by my mother, one dish was made by my sister's mother-in-law, and as far as decor I will include credits at the bottom. Without further ado, pictures!
These are the prize bags! We found the bags on clearance at Target, and I hot-glued twine and little mini-flags on them to match the larger banners we'd made.
The invitations were SO cute. We found them on Etsy (credit below), printed them at Walmart, and we found this frame again on clearance at Target!
These large poms we found on Etsy (credit below) and we used twine to hang them from the ceiling fan. They came with clear fishing line for hanging, but the garlands we bought from the same shop we ordered on twine so we wanted them to match.
These garlands were the best decoration! They are different shades of orange on twine, and we hung them from the curtains using safety pins.
We made several of these banners and hung them across the doorways and also above the present table. We bought all the paper at Michaels (most on clearance for 20 cents a sheet) and were able to get 3 good sized flags out of each sheet. Then we punched holes in the corners and threaded them onto twine in a specific pattern similar to the one on the invites.
These are the sweets made by my mother and I, and the cupcakes were iced by my sister and I. The marshmallows are dipped in white chocolate and sprinkles, and they're skewered on gray chevron paper straws. The pretzel rods are also dipped in white chocolate and sprinkles. The cupcakes were a special recipe created by my mom (almond vanilla, with sour cream in them which keeps them moist!), and the frosting was a special recipe also.
Me, my momma, and the little munchkin before the party started.
The flowers sent by my husband that arrived in the middle of the shower. :) He's so sweet! They were even prettier when they were all alive. In this picture only the carnations are still kicking.
Some party preview shots!
Credits:
Invitations purchased from: katiedidesigns on Etsy
Gray striped paper straws purchased from: BakeMeAParty on Etsy
Cute matching tin owl purchased from: Ross
Yellow pillows (originally for the kids room) purchased from: Target
Paper and twine for banners and assorted decor purchased from: Michaels
The original Punch recipe can be found: here (but we did tweak it a bit for ourselves, more on that later!)
Friday, February 15, 2013
Nesting issues make me contemplative...
I've thought often throughout this pregnancy about how lucky I am. We are in much better shape preparation-wise than I was with my daughter 4 1/2 years ago. And since this baby is a boy, I have a lot of hand-me-downs coming my way from my sister and sister-in-law. I really am blessed with the things I have and will have.
However, I have also thought often of the things I need.
And of course, the things I want.
The things I wish I could afford but can't.
The things that other people have that I don't.
And while I absolutely love sites like Pinterest and Etsy, they do feed into this subconscious need of mine for MORE stuff. The perfect stuff. The clean, concise, orderly, beautiful, modern, timeless, vintage, bold, aesthetically pleasing stuff.
I feel bombarded by images of perfectly decorated nurseries.
With modern colors, patterns, and textures, designer cribs and furniture, custom bedding and artwork, handmade (by themselves or relatives) blankets and decor...
I admit to having fallen prey to the marketing that started this trend. I'm on Etsy far too much, wishing much too hard that people will ONLY purchase from my registries, and not on their own whims. Feeling let down when things don't match my "color scheme" or my "style" for the baby.
And feeling like that leaves me feeling greedy. And sad. And kind of pathetic.
I should be so grateful for everything we receive! Even if it's covered in footballs. Or puppies. Or whatever.
Especially since our financial situation is hardly anything to boast about.
But mostly, because I should just feel blessed that people want to give us something. Something they liked, or thought was cute, or that reminded them of us.
I should feel this way, and yet, I see footballs and think, "Why couldn't it have been a simple color, or pattern?"
Maybe that's a bad example, because I know I'm not the only person who thinks sports themes are tacky for a baby. But still. Be gracious Jess.
Sidebar.
I'm waiting to move into an apartment that is currently in shambles due to renovation.
This leaves me hoarding my baby stuff in a corner of my living space downstairs. Living space a term being used loosely, since I hardly use the space at all aside from storing boxes and gathering clutter.
I prefer to spend the bulk of my time upstairs in the common areas shared with my family for the limited time we are here, so while things keep piling up down there, I don't spend enough time in the area to worry about things being too orderly.
This leaves me both living in a mess, and also waiting anxiously to begin the actual nesting. An urge which I feel almost every minute of every day.
I'm also about to stop working. Which I'm super excited about, but without an apartment and nursery to get ready, I feel a little useless. Like, what will I be doing that is productive? So I'm feeling rather unproductive.
My current mode of transportation, my in-laws van, is also about to disappear. And we are shopping for a new car on a limited budget that doesn't actually exist. But the van will be gone on a specific date and then I will just be car-less. For who knows how long. Dependent on relatives and friends for rides, which includes getting my daughter to school.
I have numerous other stress factors that are more related to the people around me than myself, but that affect my life none-the-less, all of this on top of the fact that a baby will be here soon.
I'm feeling extremely....overwhelmed
Bringing me back to topic, I found the image above (on Pinterest of course!), which is a quote from our dear late President Teddy Roosevelt. And when I saw it, I thought, "Aha!" This is exactly what I needed to see and hear. I need to stop comparing. Stop comparing what I have to what these nameless, faceless strangers have. Stop comparing my ability to keep things orderly to people who aren't in my current situation. Stop comparing the things I have, to the things I imagine I should have. I need to stop wishing for more. It's not my style. And it's not something I felt during my last pregnancy (a pregnancy sans websites and friends with babies).
In the end, I need to just remember that this is me. And him. And us three almost four. And what we have is enough. And who we are is enough. And that our love is enough. :)
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lucky me,
motherhood,
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