Back to school and pregnancy updates

I'm pretty sure everyone else's kids have already made it back to school, but today was our first day of school. My oldest is in 4th grade, my middle is in 1st. The first grade teacher is the one that my older daughter had, and we adore her. 

Yeah, I know Ava only has on one sock. She refuses to wear her right sock and will always immediately take it off. Weird, right? 

Yesterday we hit 35 weeks pregnant. I'm at 17 lbs gained and still all belly. We are still trying for a VBAC, which means that I have to go into labor naturally (they won't induce if you're trying for a VBAC since there is more chance for uterine rupture). So we picked up from evening primrose oil and raspberry leaf tea capsules. Neither will cause labor, it just strengthens and tones your uterus, which will hopefully help us with the VBAC. 

Our next appt is on (I think) September 5th. Alli is definitely the most active of all my babies and moves around constantly. The room switcheroo is taking FOREVER. Partly due to my pregnancy slowing me down, and partly because there is just no freaking room in this house to store anything. It's funny, a year or so ago, hubby and I said we'd be in this house for a few years, and now we're saying that in two years or so, it'll be time to look. We'd definitely look in our current neighborhood though, we love it here. 

So that's what's been going on in my world. What's new with you? 

Ava's 2nd Birthday Party

I still can't believe that my youngest is 2 years old. How did that happen? We celebrated her birthday party on the 11th. It's crazy. 

August 11th 2010, she was having her second surgery. 

August 11th, 2011, she was having her seventh surgery. 

August 11th, 2012, she was surrounded by family and friends who love her. 

I much prefer the 2012 version. :)

We kept it really simple. I made a cake, which was super easy. It was just a modified box cake recipe. I used this recipe for the batter, and this one for the frosting. And holy crap, it was so good! I was going to do the roses in an ombre pattern, but I was too heavy handed when I added the pink dye. Oops. 

Ava had four of her friends over, and we set up an ice cream bar. Sprinkles, whipped cream, cherries, chocolate syrup, caramel, vanilla ice cream. It was yummy and the kids got a kick out of it. Then it was cake time! I was really proud of Ava, she figured out how to blow out the candles. 

What party is complete without a balloon artist? Hubby figured out how to make balloon flowers, so he made those for the girls. 

Ava loved her presents. Most of her presents were a Minnie Mouse theme, so she was super excited. That girl loves Minnie. Here she is, trying out her new Minnie Mouse light up dress shoes. 

I made her birthday outfit. I bought the skirt pattern on etsy, and bought the pink shirt at Hobby Lobby. The "Two" on her shirt I designed on my Silhouette, the "o" is Minnie's head. 

Overall, it was a great day. Super low key, which is what you need when you're throwing a party when you're 32 weeks pregnant. I'm just so thankful to be her momma and wife to this man. 

Happy 2nd Birthday, Ava Grace!

Somehow, my baby is turning 2 today. I'm not quite sure how that happened. I know we're 33 weeks pregnant right now, but it still feels like she's a baby. It's amazing how far she has come in two short years. Looking at her now, it seems so crazy that she was that baby in the NICU. 

Happy happy birthday, Ava Grace. Mommy loves you to the moon and back. 

Budgets and coupons and savings, oh my!

So, hubby and I have decided to get serious about saving money. He's making much better money at his new job than he was at his last, but that doesn't mean that we can't try and be frugal. Right now my frugal habits are just to quickly browse the grocery store flyers that we get in the mail, sometimes remember to bring it with me when we go to Walmart, and price match one or two items. Yeah, I'll save a quarter here and there, but I know I could be doing more. 


I've been reading through different blogs and forums about the best ways to save money. Some suggestions are great, some not so much (for our family anyway). Some of the tips we already do, like cut the kid's sugary juice with water. Other tips, like cut milk in half with water (??) I don't see working for our family. But to each their own. 


My girlfriend Angie is one of those people who has a billion things in her basement stockpile. Things like shampoo, soap, razors, toilet paper, etc, all bought for pennies on the dollar and most of the stuff she got for free after coupons, register rewards, gift cards, etc. She's talked to me before how to do this, but I've never really given it much thought. I figured I didn't have time for it, it would take forever to figure out, etc. But I found a few cool forums, and they make it sound so simple. Plus, they give you the prices, links to the coupons (or tell you where to find them in the Sunday paper and what date), what rewards you'll be getting back, etc.


Another tip I read was to buy bulk shredded cheese at Costco, divide it out and freeze it. I never knew that they sold shredded cheese at Costco, we always get the huge bags at Walmart for $9. We go through to much cheese in a week, and one of those big Walmart bags lasts us about a week and a half. So I bought it at Costco (so much cheaper) and splurged on name brand freezer bags (purchased with coupon!) and froze it in bags. We've also been making our own laundry detergent for a while, which has lasted us FOREVER. 


I also bought a Sunday paper this past week. And holy crap, it takes forever to cut out all the coupons! I only got through one insert before I stopped. But I don't think I'm going to cut them out in the future. On the different blogs/forums, it'll tell you what insert/date the coupon you need is, and I figure it'll be easier for me to have the inserts whole, instead of digging through hundreds of coupons in a box. 


I'm going to be starting with CVS. Looks like a lot of people either start with CVS or Walgreens. I've made my shopping list, collected my coupons, and I'll be headed over there tomorrow. I don't see the point of buying a hundred jars of mustard or anything that I'll never use, just the stuff I'd be buying anyway, like make up, body wash, dish soap, etc. Is it weird that I'm excited? 


I did have my first official "savings" trip yesterday. Well, hubby did anyway, since he had the car, but I still consider it my success. I gave him a list of what to get (and even took a pic on his cell phone of what to look for), and got all the coupons together. And my score?

I know, I know, not as impressive as the people who get a billion bottles of shampoo for 61 cents, but I was still pretty happy. Especially since it's stuff that we'd buy anyway. Total spent? $1.32. 


The body was was originally $1.97 at Target, on sale for $1.79. I used a $1/2 Target coupon, and two $0.75/1 manufacturers coupons. So those were $0.54 a piece. 


The toothbrush was originally $2.39, but rang up $1.39. I used a $0.75 off Target coupon, and a $0.50 off manufacturer's coupon. Total cost? $0.14. I thought it was going to be more, but I guess hubby found one on sale that I didn't know about? Or the lady didn't know how to ring up coupons, I dunno. At first, she refused one of the coupons since it didn't specifically say "Suave Kids" but hubby pointed out that the coupon did say that all Suave products were included. Good job, baby. 


Are there any tips that you can give? Is couponing something you already do, want to do, or have no interest in? 

Family Pool Fun

Remember when I said that I got a new camera? My goal has always been to use it to it's full potential, which means getting it out of auto mode. Yesterday was the first time I've been able to use it outside in the sunlight. 

I'll admit, I've been really frustrated so far. Indoors, I just can't get the lighting right without making it grainy. But talking to a bunch of photographer friends, apparently it's really hard to do without an external flash/studio lighting. So I started feeling better. These are what I shot yesterday. I'm happy with them, but know I have a lot to learn. 

After I snapped these, I did put the camera in the car and hop in the pool with the family. And yes, I'm one of those preggos who will rock a two piece the entire pregnancy. Belly bump and all ;P

My Maternity Photos

Yesterday I hit 29 weeks pregnant. I can't believe I have 11 weeks left, it feels like I've been pregnant forever. It's funny, on facebook, someone will announce that they're pregnant, and it seems like the next month, they're in labor and having a baby. Meanwhile, when YOU'RE the one who's pregnant, it feel like years. 

A couple of weeks ago, hubby and I had my maternity photo shoot. I was 27 weeks, when you're obviously big enough to look pregnant, but you don't feel like a whale just yet.

I didn't want the cutesy maternity photos. You know, the heart over the belly, Daddy kissing the baby bump, the shoes on the belly. We did those last time with Ava, and while I think they're adorable, this time I wanted something different. I found this picture on Pinterest and knew it was the way I wanted to go. 

I hired my favorite make up artist, she's done my make up on a lot of my photoshoots (and did the make up in my blog profile pic) and I think she's awesome. Even hubby got a bit of concealer and bronzer :) The photographer came over to my neck of the woods, and went to the field that hubby and I had scouted out the week prior. And these are what we came up with. I adore them. 

Thanks for letting me share! Holy cow, I'm so freakin' excited to meet this kid.

Family fun day at Six Flags

You only have a few days left to enter my giveaway to win a $25 credit to Origami Owl! Have you entered yet? 

 So, on Friday, we took the older girls to Six Flags. They have been looking forward to it for months. At their school, they had a program called "360 minutes" and if you read for 360 minutes in whatever amount of time they gave you, you got a free kids ticket to Six Flags. I tried to save money where I could, knowing that it'd be an expensive day, so I purchased our adult tickets for myself, hubby and my father in law online to save a few bucks. So Friday morning, we headed out early, went to breakfast, dropped our toddler off at my mom's, and then drove to Six Flags. 

Want to know how to make a pregnant chick cry on a fun family day? Have her realize when you're 5 minutes from Six Flags and over an hour from home that she forgot to grab the kid's fee tickets off the bulletin board. Thankfully my father in law paid for the kid's tickets when we got to Six Flags, but anyone having to spend $92 because you forgot something would be enough to make anyone cry. 

Thankfully it wasn't too busy. We (meaning the girls and the men) were able to get on quite a few rides with no waiting. Being 28 weeks pregnant, I didn't ride much, just a little boat ride in Looney Tunes land, and a little ride where kids got to drive a car. Poor Jasmin, my middle child, wanted me to go on ALL the rides with her. 

I freaking love when we have someone else with us, so I can get out from behind the camera and actually be in a pic or two. 

I noticed that Jake and I always end up dressing in the same color, totally unplanned. Hubby says that it means that we've been married for too long. :) 

My oldest got to ride her first "big girl" roller coaster, the Texas Giant. Jake loves roller coasters, so I was glad that she was able to ride a couple of them with him.

Jasmin was able to ride a roller coaster too, the Shock Wave. I wonder how they determine the height requirements on roller coasters. She wasn't tall enough to ride the Texas Giant, but she was tall enough to ride the roller coaster with two loops on it?

One of the two rides that I did ride, a little antique car that went all of 10 MPH.

We stayed until 4:30, and then went to pick up Ava and go out to eat. There was no way that I was making dinner that night. 

In case you couldn't tell, someone loves her Grandpa. 




Overall, it was great day, but it totally kicked my butt. But it was worth it to see the smiles on my kids faces. <3

Happy 4th from LCW!

Have you entered the giveaway for a $25 gift certificate to Origami Owl yet???

Did you have a great fourth of July? I did. My father in law drove down from St Louis, and we had a BBQ with him, my parents, and some friends of ours. 

We had so much stinkin' food. I taught my 9 year old the art of making deviled eggs, so she spent most of the party asking everyone if they liked the eggs. :) We did burgers and dogs, cucumber salad, corn on the cob, strawberry pretzel salad and of course, deviled eggs. :) My friend Candace brought some yummy baked beans, and my mom brought macaroni salad.

A shot of the famous deviled egg maker herself with her sister.

My beautiful friend Candace. She is the one who threw my baby sprinkle. She's an awesome crochet maker. Crochet person? Crocheter? Her blankets on etsy are adorable. She's making a blanket for Alli, and I can't wait to see it. Turquoise and red chevron? Gorgeous!

That night, we went to a local church to watch the fireworks. Lucky for me, with the father in law in town, means that we get some family pics with all 5 of us.

Do you know happens when the person holding the camera says "Act like you like each other?" 

You get this photo --------->

Not a baby shower, but a baby sprinkle!

I had the privilege of being the guest of honor at a Baby Sprinkle yesterday. 

Oh, you haven't heard of a Baby Sprinkle before? It's basically a baby shower for a mom who has had a kid before. Ya know, where you already have all the big stuff like the stroller, the crib, etc. It's usually smaller and more intimate, just close friends and family. Cause every baby deserves to be celebrated, not just the first one. :)

One of my very best friends, Candace, offered to throw it for me. She kept it simple. Carnations in milk glass vases, strawberry lemonade in mason jars, doilies as clouds with paint chip sprinkles coming down. It was so simple, but pretty. 

 A few friends showed up (my mom was sick and had to miss it, which was a bummer), and every one brought something to eat. Sandwiches, pasta salad, cup cakes, chips and dip. It was really nice to have everyone over and just have some girl time. 

After eating, we did presents. Remember the wood cut out alphabet wall I showed you in my birthday wish list? A few of the ladies chipped in and bought it for me. 

You can't fake this excitement :) I was freaking THRILLED when I opened the box. How awesome was it of Candace to remember a post that I made forever ago about some letters that I'd like, and then make it happen? Love her!

Besides much needed diapers, some soft toys and a Target gift card, bloggy buddy Julie personalized some stuff for Alli with her heat press. Love the numbered monthly onesies! But now I'm whining to hubby that I need a better camera to be able to do the onesies on Alli justice. Hubby says I'm not allowed to be friends with Julie anymore if it's going to cost him hundreds of dollars in new toys that I now "need". :)

Another part of the main gift? Decorating supplies! Stickers, buttons, scrapbook paper, paint, and ribbon. And a couple of other ladies brought their art supplies too. Each guest painted a letter for Alli. It was so funny, fielding all of the questions from my non-crafty friends. "Do you prefer this blue or this green? Which buttons do you like better?" I just answered "yes" to all questions so they'd have to make all of the crafting decisions on their own. I'm mean like that. :) 

And I'm pretty sure that Alli knew that the party was for her. She spent the whole time doing barrel rolls and back flips in my tummy.

And yes, even my beautiful friend Candace was able to feel Alli rolling around and practicing her kung-fu in my belly.














And the letters my amazing friends made? I love them! I just have 21 more to go (yes, I know the alphabet is 26 letters, but there is also an ampersand to paint)

Thank you to my amazing friend Candace for throwing me a sprinkle, and to my sweet friends who were able to make it. Love you all!

And we're leaving, in a minivan?

So, in a couple of hours when hubby gets home, we're going to make the 10 hour drive up to St Louis. Ten hours, trapped in a van with a 22 month old, a 6 and a 9 year old. Give me patience, Lord. 

Why are we going up to St Louis? My dear sister is getting married on Saturday! At some point, we dropped the "in-law" after the sister. I love that girl. I've known her since she was 13. 13! And here she is, about to get married. Crazy. 

So Arielle and Jasmin are her flower girls and I'm her bridesmaid. I told her that I'm not going to show up at the wedding unless I get to hold the biggest bouquet ;)

I'm 99% sure I'm all packed. I've had a pile of "stuff we need to bring" sitting in the hallway for at least a week. But with my pregnancy brain, watch me forget my dress. Or one of the kids, whatever. 

So, congratulations Sam and JD! No, your eyes aren't deceiving you. She's 5'2. He's 6'8.

 But they're perfect for each other. Here's to the beginning of the rest of your lives!

 

I have a kindergarten graduate

My middle daughter graduated kindergarten today (even though tomorrow is the last day of school?). And yes, I cried. I'm not a crier, so I'm blaming it on these darn pregnancy hormones. When did she grow up?

Happy Birthday, Arielle!

Ummm, yeah. I totally planned on doing this post yesterday, but I completely forgot. :( So let's pretend you're supposed to do a happy birthday post the day after the birthday, mmmkay? 

Happy birthday to my girl, who made me a mommy. 

Who is so stinkin' independent it makes me want to pull my hair out sometimes.  

But can be so sweet and always keeps me on my toes. 

 

Happiest of birthdays, Arielle! How the heck am I old enough to have a 9 year old? 

 

And it's a........

So, on Tuesday, we had our 16 week OB appointment, and found out what we were having. I had already set up a photo session with a local photographer, Jill Cornelius and she asked if we'd like to do a gender reveal photo. Ummm, yes please! 

I went to Party City and picked up 8 balloons, half of which didn't fit in the box anyway. :) The box was easy to make. A cardboard box, covered with brown packing paper. I cut out a bunch of vinyl with my Silhouette (do you know how hard it is to find a good font for a question mark?? I ended up using "georgia" I believe) and then stuck those on there. 

Jake and I knew what we were having, of course, and we told my parents, Jake's dad and sister, and his aunt. But besides that, no one knew, including the girls. Despite all the texts and emails, begging me to tell them with promises that they can keep a secret, we still wouldn't tell. We told everyone that they had to wait :) 

All of our friends knew that we were having the gender reveal pics done on Wednesday, so there were a lot of posts like this on my facebook wall yesterday. 

 

I told everyone that it just depended on when the photographer sent me a pic. Jill was wonderful, and not long after we got home, she emailed me this. 




Wanna see it? Want to know what we're having????




 
We're adding another princess to the family! I can't wait to meet her!