Quickie

A quick little update in fragment form....

Snowday Today!

Sewing Maniac

Building Website

LAUNCH TODAY! (hopefully)

Home "Renovations" Begin
Phone Calls-GAK!

Busy. Busy. Busy.

I'll leave you with a glimpse of the infamous "Super Streaker!"

Work it,Work it...

Could you ask for a more beautiful model?!

Here is baby "I" with her Daddy's big horseshoe crab(made from felt) that I made and her baby horseshoe crab! Oh, and you can catch a glimpse of one of the onesies (see this post) I made her too! Isn't she the cutest?!

Congratulations once again!!! She's beautiful! :)

I LOVE babies!

One of my colleague's wife had a baby on Monday, and I of course had to make a gift! This colleague was my assigned mentor last year when I started working here, and over the past year we have grown quite a friendship between us. So really, how could I not make something for this baby?

I started with this wipes case. I just love the fabric and have had it for a some time now, but never knew what to do with it...Enter mystery baby. Mystery baby because they weren't finding out the gender. Do you know how hard it is to make something gender neutral these days? I am surrounded by pink and girly things all day so naturally I look for more of that or the opposite anytime that I can. Gender neutral? I don't know if that is in my vocabulary.

Here is what I came up with... I think it's quite cute. You can't tell from the picture, but the top yellow button and middle orange have a glossy (girly) finish to them.

I knew that I was going to make A onesie for the baby, but one wild day in a dollar store I found an adorable little basket that would fit THREE onesies rolled up. I HAD to get three. So I got a package of 0-3m, 3-6m, and 6-9m. This way I can put one of each size in the gift and have extras for another baby gift that will be made soon.The first one I made using a freezer stencil (this tutorial is great) and acrylic paints. (I didn't have any fabric paint at the house!-Definitely need to buy some). Nonetheless, I think that this one is my favorite.  The next one is an elephant with a fun Spring/Summer fabric (matches PERFECT with her month-age). The last is just a simple "i" initial for Indigo, her beautiful name. I decided to do a lowercase "i" because I think they have more character than the uppercases I was trolling through.

0-3 months. I LOVE this design!!! (I'm so proud of myself for thinking it up)

Cutest little elephant that you ever did see, right?

 

Baby "i" for baby Indigo. I had this fabric picked out for the elephant, but decided to use the more Springy one. Coincidence it is indigo for Indigo.

At the last minute I decided that I needed to make something else that was "gender neutral." Along came this little one. I originally had made the tail and body out of one continual piece of fabric, but it was such a pain in the butt to turn right-side that I cut it off and said that a ribbon would be better. Now it can be attached to her ring toys! What is it? No, it's not a stingray. It is a horseshoe crab.  I realize you might be thinking that it is pretty random but it's not. The new Daddy's favorite "animal" is a horseshoe crab, and I had made him one (bigger..pictures coming soon) when he found out that they were expecting.

:: Note- This is a picture of the UNFINISHED horseshoe crab. I had to sew it together this morning and didn't get a picture of the FINISHED ::

Now that I'm looking at it, I realize that I might need to make another one; it really is a poor representation of a horseshoe crab! I was going from my memory though. I guess I've learned a valuable lesson: never trust my memory!

And one last picture of it all ready to give minus the last minute horseshoe crab; that was placed behind the onesies but in front of the wipes case.

Psst...See those cute piggers?! They're Bug's! (She is standing on the old coffee table trying to climb onto a stool to climb onto the counter)

Call me crazy

Ok so some of you may think I'm crazy after reading this (if you already didn't).

I a week and a half after having Calla that I would like to have another baby. Yes, you read that right. I still would like to have another one right now. Luckily(?) we aren't able to try for one yet per doctor's orders, but even if we were I don't think that we would. I don't think that Nick is ready yet, and we will have to pay some things off in order to afford another baby in childcare. So even though I would have another baby in a heartbeat I think that we are going to wait awhile (2 or 3 years) before the next. With that said though, everything that we try to plan always gets thrown upside down so who knows.

New Blog

I have been diligently working on a new blog for Calla. Yes, she is going to have her own blog. This is where you'll be able to find all her information to keep you up to date on what's going on with her. Of course we will be posting things on here too, but the Calla blog is focused on her and only her, whereas this blog is an "everything in our lives" blog. As soon as I have it looking good and presentable you'll be able to find the link on the side :)

Labor...

Sunday I was feeling a little "eh" and decided that it would make me feel better if I took a bath. I took a bath, got out and dressed then went on the computer. As I was on the computer I felt a sudden gush, and thought "wow- that was strange" (5:10pm). So I went to the bathroom and I had water all over. I figured it was my water breaking, but was also trying to convince myself that it wasn't because it was too early (4.5 weeks too early). So I put another pad on and went outside by Nick. While I was out there (about 30-45 min) I keep feeling a leak. So then we came inside I told Nick what happened and he was like "let's call my mom". We call Terry, and she says "call the dr." I call the midwife and she tells me if I soak another pad in an hour to call her back. I walk around packing my bag for the hour and continue to leak. I call her back and she tells me to try lying down and see if it stops. Nick and I decide to watch a some "Office" episodes. I go to the bathroom and am alarmed because I see a little pink tint. I call the midwife immediately and she says to come on in to the hospital. (7:00pm) We get to the hospital and I am SOAKED!! I wrapped my coat around my waist and walk-in, check-in and am taken to my room. Things feel good. I get measured and am 1 cm. (8:30pm) My contractions started getting stronger and closer, but they weren't that bad. I decided that I was going to try and get some sleep. I fell asleep for a little bit, but woke up because the contractions were getting worse. The midwife came in around 6am-ish and measured me. I was 3cm and definitely feeling the contractions. She told me the baby's head was coming out face up instead of face down, and that is why my back was hurting so much. She told me to do a bunch of things and to get the labor moving even more to keep out of bed. She left; I sat on the toilet backwards (I had a love-hate relationship with the toilet) for awhile then the nurse came in and told me to get back in bed to be hooked up the monitors. I did that then went to the floor. I was trying to get the baby's head turned around by doing what Elaine(mw) told me to do. I wasn't feeling the floor so I got on the bed..had some contractions...and PUKED! I puked and puked and puked. It was sooo wonderful (not really). Then I got on the birthing ball and was doing that for a bit. I kept asking to get in the tub, and mom kept telling me I couldn't. Finally I asked mom to just ask a nurse if I could, and the nurse said yes. I got in the tub and had a really strong contraction. The nurse came in and measured me I was 7cm. She walked out said something to the people in main room and I started having another contraction. I told Nick "I think I have to poop" that got the nurse's attention. She came right in and told me to just relax and measured me...I was 9cm. I went from 7cm to 9cm in a matter of minutes. The nurse told me I had to get out of the tub...I refused, but finally did get out after about another minute. I got on the bed and told her I had to push. She told me not to push and I pushed anyways while apologizing for pushing. She told me to wait for the Elaine. I told her to tell Elaine to run. I had to push. Elaine came and told me if I had to push, push. I pushed and then....I said "I don't want to do this anymore. Can I get some medicine now?" and they were like, "no you're doing good. It's too late for medicine. You can do it. PUSH" I pushed then said, "I don't want to push. I don't want to push anymore", but when I had to I pushed. Elaine kept telling me she could see the head, and if I wanted to feel it and I was like "no". Not because I didn't want to, but I just wanted to be done. After pushing for 25min out came Calla Nickole weighing 5lbs 14oz and measuring 19inches long. She was/is beautiful.

Baby Shower..

Yesterday I had my 2nd baby shower (my side of the family & friends). It was really nice. Mom had it at her house. I have to get the pictures she took so I can post them on here. We got some really nice outfits, long-sleeve onesies, receiving blankets, and more. Oh the hot ticket item of the shower would have to of been the diaper genie II. Thank GOODNESS FOR THAT :) Even Nick was excited to see a "garbage can".

So a big shout out to those who could make it or sent a gift...
Thanks so much! We really appreciate the gift(s), and love everything!!!

New Ultrasound Pictures!!!

Yesterday we went to the doctor's and had our final ultrasound done. It was to check my placenta, which looks good.There are two lobes to it, and so we just have to make sure that the midwife/doctor gets them both out after the labor. But we got to see our little girl. She is nestled into my pelvic area already so it was hard to get some good pictures...as always with this little one. ;) We did have a fun time though. We saw her face, arms, legs, heart, belly, FOOT (so cute!). The pictures we have are the best that we could get. I labeled them so that it would be a little easier for you to determine what is what. (Your welcome) We saw that she has chubby cheeks and daddy's chin (dimpled). I can't wait to see her outside my belly :) Nick and I were all smiles yesterday during the ultrasound. She's amazing. Enough bragging and gushing....

So there she is...our baby girl :) I can't believe how long her hair is though! I'm not sure how much hair is on her head, but we should be able to do a comb-over with that length ;)

The doctor said that everything is looking great. She is measuring at about 5lbs 5oz which will mean she'll be around an 8lb baby. Any guesses on exact weight and date???

Crib & Baby's Room

Everything is starting to come together:) I am so excited!! (And Nick- he is too). Saturday we went and picked up the crib. We brought it home and torn open the box to put it together, but couldn't find the instructions.....So I call up Sears and talk to them. They direct me to managemyhome.com and tell me to put in the item number, and so I do. NOTHING! Then of course I call back Sears and talk to a different lady who tells me there really is nothing she can do if that website doesn't have anything for it. Annoyed now, I decide to let it go for the night and just relax because I'm exhausted from the day (we had a wedding to go to earlier). Sunday comes and I am on the internet looking up stuff for school and just bumming around while Nick and Austin are hard at work cutting firewood. Then Monday (no school-Columbus Day) I am like I have to get the one bedroom organized and our stuff put away so that I can move the baby items that don't need to be the room out. So I do that and then I am like let me check for the instructions on the mattress holder thing. I got this idea from the internet (thank you fixya.com). LOW AND BEHOLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The instructions were right there the whole time. Well...they were INSIDE an envelope that had the mattress warning printed on it. Disguised!!!!! Long story short... I put the crib together yesterday:) It is so cute. I can't wait to get the bedding to go in it.

So once that was together I moved the swing out, the carseat and stroller, the pack-n-play, organized the bathroom cabinet with all the bath/baby supplies, hung up shelves, organized the blankets we have, and organized the clothes(yet again). It feels so much better, and is starting to look like a baby's room. Next I have to measure the blinds for new ones and finish up decorating the walls (decals & signs). Once that's all done I'll have to take some pictures.

OH! and I'm so excited... So the light for the room has to be a plug in, but is connected to a wall switch. Nick and I were talking last night I said how cute would it be to get a chandelier? Then my butt got online and searched for a hanging plug-in chandelier...and I found one. We'll probably get it, but not sure when. Maybe I can con mom into buying it for us ;)

Pictures!

The job

This past week was my first full week of school with the students. I really like the job, but it is challenging. The kids are great, but require A LOT of management for their age. Overall though I really do like it. I just have to find a better way to juggle my time, planning, and sleep :) I've been so tired when I get home and haven't been sleeping good at night. It's not because the baby is moving and keeping me awake, but because of the constant waking for bathroom breaks and switching to a more comfortable position. (Which is a 5 step process in itself, lol).

I don't really have much more to write about. We are and have been busy lately, but if you ask me what we've done I can't remember... but I promise we have been doing stuff. lol. (It's a mommy brain fart)

3D/4D Cancelled

Today we were supposed to have our 3D/4D ultrasound, but we had to cancel it. It bums me out, but I know that we are making the smarter decision in the long run. We might even be able to re-schedule it, so fingers crossed.... :) Plus we might even get a 3D when I have my next ultrasound in a couple weeks at the dr. office.

SONOLIVE

So we are going for the 3d/4d ultrasound the 13th and those who cannot come are able to watch it online in live time! I don't have all the information other than if you go to this website, you can find out more by calling the number. http://viewamiracle.com/vam/sonolive.htm

Registered!!!!

I finally have taken the time to register for baby items. I really had fun doing it. I didn't go to the stores or anything, but did it online. We are registered at:

target.com - Crystal & Nicholas Conklin (click the 2nd one I think, there was a problem with creating it and I can't delete the other one for some reason....but the CORRECT one is the one with more items on it)

jcpenney.com - Crystal Conklin

Being Pregnant

I just have to say that I absolutely love being pregnant. I know that might sound strange to some, and not to others. Of course I didn't LOVE the first 3-4 months of it because I was so sick, but now that I'm over that and feeling the baby move..I LOVE IT! I love that my belly keeps getting bigger and bigger, and I can see her little movements as well as feel them. It just a special time and I'm appreciating every little thing about it. All the bad things (back aches, tiredness, etc) clearly out weigh the good for me.

To keep sounding strange.... it's hard to imagine what I looked like or will look like without her in my belly. Hard to imagine not having her in my belly in 3 months. I'm going to miss her being there with me 24/7. (I'm serious)

I have to say that pregnancy is one of the strangest and most precious things I have experienced.

Baby News!!!

First off... We are first time aunts and uncles!!!! Congratulations to Steve & Rachel on their new baby Morgan! She was born Sunday night, weighed 8lbs 7oz and measured 20.5" long! She's a cutie with a full head of black hair! We can't wait to meet her in person!!!!!!! (they live in AZ)




Now onto our baby news... We had another ultrasound yesterday (11th) and found out that we are indeed having a GIRL !!! We are very excited. Here are the new ultrasound pictures....


Hair starting to grow on the HER head.



The newest profile picture. You can see her little nose, lips, chin.



We have another appointment in 3 weeks just to check up and see how things are going. And my midwife wants to have another ultrasound done at around 34 weeks to check out my placenta because I have 2 lobes (which is fine). What that means is that my placenta looks like two placentas joined by a small piece (it was something that happened during development, is common, and nothing to worry about). She just wants to look at it closer to birth so that they'll know what to expect when taking it out.



Besides that ultrasound we have another one scheduled...This is a 3D/4D ultrasound. We are going down to NJ (the closest place that does it) on Sept. 13 to have this done. We are REALLY excited and will be coming back with some good pictures hopefully, and a DVD of the appointment. We are really excited to have this done. I always planned on having it done when I was pregnant, and then Steve and Rachel had it done with Morgan and I wasn't sure because you can see the baby so good, but I have gone back to wanting to get it done. The baby will change so much from when we have it done anyways that it will still be a great surprise when she is born. :) Hopefully I can post some of the DVD on here...That'd be awesome!

24 Week Belly Pictures!!!

So throughout the pregnancy I have wanted to take a picture a week of my belly. It really hasn't worked out that way being that these are the FIRST pictures we have taken. The weeks just go by so fast and then we're like "OK! NEXT WEEK!!!" So here are the very first belly shots. Taken at 24 weeks. Enjoy!!!

Front Shot

Side Shot

Measurement

Dr. Appointment

Keeping everyone updated on the pregnancy news... I had my doctor's appointment in Binghamton yesterday. I REALLY like it there. The midwife is soooo nice along with the nurse. Everyone is cheerful and happy. I have my next ultrasound the 11th (so soon because I have to get another Rhogam shot), and then we'll go from there. Of course we'll post the pictures as soon as we get home :)

And the baby is...........

Thursday the 26th we had our doctor's appointment and ultrasound to find out the gender. Well.... it didn't go as planned. The baby was moving around CONSTANTLY. The technician said he's never seen such an active baby, and even had a hard time getting a good head shot for his purposes. So because of the baby's moving around and positioning he said from what he could see or couldn't see it was a girl. But he really isn't comfortable saying either way because he's not 100% sure. But we do have two really cute profile pictures that he was able to get. So as of now that baby is a girl, but we are playing it safe and going to wait until the next ultrasound to see what that one says because we want to be as close to 100% sure before we go out buying stuff. :)

Baby Bump & Sex

Let me just say that so far if you look at me I might look like a have a little belly, but nothing more than some of the regular girls/ladies you see walking around on a daily basis. TO ME though my belly is huge! I can only image what I am going to think when I am ready to pop! So even if you say "oh you aren't showing" or "oh you are only showing a little" remember that to me it's a lot :) The biggest difference people have noticed are the lovely accompaniments of being pregnant: large breasts. I've been hearing "you have boobies!" and many more of the comments. It's really embarrassing when sitting at a table and all of sudden someone starts talking about my breasts infront of strangers. C'mon people! lol (really I'm just teasing, but it is embarrassing)

So now to the sex part...because I'm sure that caught everyone's attention. It also makes me wonder how many of decided to skip this post because you're like TMI (too much info). Lol. We are finding out the sex of the baby! Yes I know- "we are ruining the only great surprise left", but we can't wait :) And it WILL be a surprise when we find out on the 26th! So be looking for a post that day or the day after regarding the sex of the baby. And whether it will be Zoltan Conklin or Sunshine Conklin. (don't laugh- we're serious)