Blog Goal = Accomplished!

Today I reached my goal of writing EVERY SINGLE DAY on my blog in 2013. It was both easy and hard. I both loved it and hated it. I did however get so much out of this experiment. I wanted to see if I could stretch my creative juices by forcing myself to keep up the blog everyday and I did! I wanted to grow my readership and I did! I did write some posts ahead of time and set them up to post later, especially during the last few weeks since I had a baby and knew my time would be limited.

I wrote on my laptop that was slowly dying and earlier this month was rewarded with a new MacBook Air. It's my Christmas/Birthday present and I love it! I'm also thinking of it as my reward for sticking to such a hard, daily goal.

I love that this year was documented in such a fun fashion. I also loved having some discipline in my life which really has little discipline. As a Stay-at-Home Mother, I have a very loose schedule. I don't have to answer to a higher authority, just two little dictators. I can change plans at the last minute if I want but when I committed to blogging every day, it meant I had to blog every single day.

Thank you so much for coming along on this journey with me. I plan to keep blogging as much as possible but I won't be blogging every day. I'll probably blog three times a week or so. I do need to decide which weekly features to keep up, i.e. Sunday Favorites, Pinterest Thursday. I feel that they might become monthly features rather than weekly features. Let me know if you have any favorite weekly features that you'd like to see!

Here's to a fantastic 2014! Happy New Year!

The Year in Review

It was a grand year! I trained for and ran a half marathon. I got pregnant and documented the weekly changes to my body. Molly and I had a plethora of summer adventures! I canned more food than a pioneer woman! My toddler grew fast and strong! I worried about how I was going to deliver Chicken Nugget before being diagnosed with gestational diabetes again and deciding on a repeat c-section but having a surprise VBAC and gave birth to my second daughter!. There were many, many, many zoo visits, crafting days and trips to the beach. I also documented this year with a photo every day.

This year was full of so much goodness that I can't review it all here. Most of it will live in my memories. I'm really looking forward to 2014 filled with some sisterly love.

Sunday Favorite

On Sundays, I usually showcase my favorite photos from Flickr that week. I decided today to show my favorite photo from 2013. The 10 cent designer is one of my favorite Flickrites and so it makes sense that this photo resonates with me.

Happy One Week Chicken Nugget!

Today Maggie is one week old! I am excited everyday to hold her on the outside of my body while also watching Scott hold her. I love watching him fall deeper in love with his second daughter. He is such a good Dad to both his girls and you can see the love in his eyes as he gazes upon them.

Molly is so in love with Maggie. She calls her Baby and demands to hold her all the time. This journey into sisterly love is going well so far but I fully expect there to be some rough times in our adventure.

We've been to the doctor twice this week. Maggie's weight loss was more than the usual 10% so I've been supplementing to "get over the hump" as the doctor put it. Since I supplemented with Molly, I'm not upset by this development at all. I fully expected to supplement. We've also visited the lactation consultant this week to work on Maggie's latch. She likes to sleep on the boob which isn't that productive of a way to get one's food. I've been spending a lot of time with my pump to keep up my milk production. I should really start a simple knitting project to keep myself busy during my sessions. At least that would make them really productive.

I'm feeling awesome and recovering nicely. It's crazy to feel the difference in my recovery this go round. I could do with more sleep but I think every parent of a newborn has this same wish!

Maggie! We are so blessed to have you as a daughter and for Molly to have you as a sister. We are already seeing your little personality and it is a great one!

Chicken Nugget - 39 Weeks

Today was scheduled to be Chicken Nugget's birthday (eviction day), instead we're heading to the doctor for her one week appointment! I still can't believe the speed with which Maggie arrived into our lives. She's making up for her whirlwind arrival by sleeping around the clock. I'm actually having to wake her up to eat. I know that in a few days/weeks, she'll wake up and I'll laugh about setting the alarm at night to feed her as she'll be waking me up. Until then I'm going to enjoy my sleepy baby who is such a wonderful Birthday/Christmas present!

You can see the entire Chicken Nugget pregnancy set here.

At Home with the Chicken Nugget

We're home with Maggie and things are going fairly well. We left the hospital around Noon on Sunday which was amazing to me since I expected to be in the hospital for at least 48 hours. My parents brought Molly to the hospital so we could go home as a family. They kindly went out and got us lunch before heading over to our house. 

Molly has taken to the lamb that Maggie gave her. I personally love it so much! I ordered it from the same Etsy Shop (Making Friends) that made Molly's Waldorf doll for her 1st birthday. Molly has been overwhelmed with presents that last few days so I'm happy to see her cuddling it. 

We've been settling in as a family of four while finishing up our Advent Activity Calendar and celebrating Christmas. I took a short walk with the kids and Scott to the bakery and felt amazing. I now know how women do things shortly after giving birth, they don't have c-sections! I'm recovering well but am hitting the wall of tired. Maggie and I are having some issues breast feeding so I'm waking her up every 2-3 hours which means I only get about 2 hours of sleep at a time. I know this time will pass quickly and everything I do is important for our breastfeeding relationship. I'm hoping to get into lactation to get some advice. 

I'm thrilled to have a family of four and am loving my two little girls. I think we are going to have many, many adventures together! 

Merry Christmas!

May your day be filled with cheer, joy and wonder! 

Twas The Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar plums danc'd in their heads,

And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap-

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below;

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a minature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and call'd them by name:

"Now! Dasher, now! Dancer, now! Prancer, and Vixen,

"On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Dunder and Blixem;

"To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

"Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of Toys - and St. Nicholas too:

And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound:

He was dress'd all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnish'd with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys was flung on his back,

And he look'd like a peddler just opening his pack:

His eyes - how they twinkled! his dimples how merry,

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face, and a little round belly

That shook when he laugh'd, like a bowl full of jelly:

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laugh'd when I saw him in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And fill'd all the stockings; then turn'd with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprung to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle:

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight-

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

credit: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/25/twas-the-night-before-christmas_n_801194.html

Advent Activity Calendar Round-Up

Molly and I had a great time with her Advent Activity Calendar! This is definitely something I see us continuing for years to come.

I did learn a few lessons from doing this though. One important lesson is to BE FLEXIBLE! We changed a few activities at the last minute due to pregnancy fatigue, sickness and weather. It happens! We also had to curtail some of the activities due to Chicken Nugget's early arrival. I also decided that we'll leave out the chocolate next year. It gave Molly a weird rash on her chin and I think she missed out on connecting some of the activities with the calendar due to her love for the chocolate.

You can see the whole set of Advent Activities on Flickr.

Sunday Favorites

The Holiday Season is flying by but my Flickr Favorites are still here! Enjoy!

1. Looking towards the sky (PH), 2. Untitled, 3. Trapped By The Tide, 4. The Clever Mushroom, 5. Started, 6. a preview, 7. December 12: Weather, 8. How I use @snapseedapp and @vsco to edit my photos on the blog today, 9. leaving Jamaica Station, 10. #vinter #snø #hest #sol #motlys #winter #snow #horse #sun #backlit, 11. Day 2505, 12. pecan florentines with eggnog filling, 13. They really love their new wool blanket., 14. it's nice up here #baildon, 15. Getting started., 16. Snowy, Snowy Cattle, 17. What School Doesn't Teach You: How To Learn  It is not what is poured into a student that counts but what is planted.  - Linda Conway -, 18. cook's illustrated, 19. And Baby Boy makes FOUR!, 20. This calls for some yodeling, 21. Erik Diptych, 22. one end dipped (looks, uh, extra-cigarette-ish), 23. Big bulbs, 24. Untitled, 25. Reflecting On The High Tide

Introducing Chicken Nugget

Scott, Molly and I are so happy to introduce Chicken Nugget! She was born on Saturday, December 21st at 2:45 a.m. at a hearty 8 lbs and12 oz.

Marjorie Catherine (Maggie for short) is named after my favorite Great Aunt Marjorie who I loved so much as a child. We had a special relationship when I was a child and used to exchange many letters which delighted 8-year-old me to no end.

I ended up with an unexpected VBAC after planning a scheduled c-section. I started having some crampy feelings on Friday afternoon and called my doctor. She said that it sounded like I might be in early labor and to time things. I timed them all evening and was having cramps every 9-10 minutes or so. I went to bed and thought well I'll get some rest so if I'm in labor, I'm at least rested. I woke up at 1 a.m. with crazy, intense contractions. I felt like I had to poop and my water broke. I woke Scott up and called my Dad to come watch the toddler. Scott called my doctor who said that we needed to come in. My Dad made record time and helped me to the car where I made Scott run a few red lights on the way to the hospital. Luckily we live about 2 miles away so it was a short, yet intense drive. We arrived around 2:15 a.m. and dashed into the emergency room.

I got wheeled up to the Labor and Delivery floor while trying to breathe and not scream. I got into my room and striped down. Seriously, just striped. The nurses were awesome. They got right in my face and told me how to breathe all the while communicating what they were going to do. My family doctor came in along with the OB. They checked me and said I was at 10. The OB said I could try a VBAC if I wanted. I said sure and asked for drugs. Well I never got them because they said I'd have to sit up and I was not able to do that. The OB who I have had issues with in the past was AMAZING! She coached me through every push and gave me clear direction. She was aggressive and firm which was exactly what I needed. I pushed maybe 5-6 times and had Maggie at 2:45 a.m. They put her on my chest and Scott cut the cord.

We've been chilling in the hospital getting to know our Maggie now. She's been sleeping most of the day and I should also sleep but I'm so amp'd up! Molly came by to meet her and thought she was pretty cool. Molly is now off with Grandpa and Grandma having an adventure!

Welcome to the world Maggie! We are so excited to get to know you!

Chicken Nugget - 38 Weeks

It's been a rough week in Nugget land. I had my usual BPP Ultrasound on Tuesday morning but she didn't pass with flying colors so my NST was moved up to Wednesday from Friday. That meant I had to take Molly with me but I wasn't worried as I was sure it would be quick. Two and a half hours later with another BPP Ultrasound thrown in, all was declared good with Chicken Nugget. Molly was a champ luckily which helped me out when I was stressing.

I had my usual doctor's appointment on Thursday and I'm measuring at 41 weeks. Whew! Big baby girl! I'm still feeling good but I'm so ready to meet Chicken Nugget on the outside. 6 more days (or less if she decides to make an earlier appearance).

Seattle Sheraton Gingerbread Village

Last week, Molly and I took an adventure downtown to the Seattle Sheraton to see this year's Gingerbread Village. This is the 21st Annual Gingerbread Village and it is always a delight to see. This year the theme was Nursery Rhyme-inspired castles. The Gingerbread Village benefits the JDRF Northwest Chapter, an organization committed to curing Type 1 Diabetes.

Molly was fascinated by the gingerbread village and even jumped one of the ropes to attempt licking one of the gingerbread houses. Luckily I was quick enough and snatched her back in time, otherwise she would have licked them all! That caused a bit of a heart palpation for me!

We went with one of our PEPS friends and her son thought the houses were so neat! He tried to go through the line a second time but by the time we were finished, it had grown way too long to go again.

The houses were crazily ornate and so awesome! If you have time to stop by and check out these houses, I'd highly recommend it. It was a quick and fun activity for us but one that I think Molly will be talking about for days. 

Pinterest Thursday - Silhouette Framed Art

As I was redecorating Molly and Chicken Nugget's room, I found this awesome pin with a delightful idea! I decided to recreate it on my own.

I started by googling animal silhouettes. I found a few that I liked and then had Scott narrow down my selections to three animals for the three frames I had picked up at IKEA.

I then picked up some scrapbook paper from the craft store for the actual silhouettes and used construction paper for the background.

I used tape to place the pictures on the construction paper and then put them into frames. You could secure them more with glue but I was feeling too lazy to find the glue to do so.

This was such a fun and simple project to do and adds a cute element to any kid's room.

The Wednesday Links from Around The Web 12.18.2013

A Love Story Between 2 Sisters - Oh I hope Molly and Chicken Nugget love each other this much!

A Dad’s 12 Greatest Delivery Room Moments

15 Christmas Traditions to Start with Your Toddler - Molly and I did a lot of these this year and next year, I hope Chicken Nugget enjoys them too!

Holiday Gifts for the Pregnant Woman I won't be pregnant for much longer but all of these look like lovely gifts!

Secrets Only Younger Children Know

This is one amazing ad! and sadly so true.

Gifts for Neighbors

One of our Advent Activity Calendar activities was to make treats for the neighbors. I started doing this last year after thinking about it for years. We have a lot of older neighbors that I see and chat with all the time. I love seeing them and bringing them treats at Christmas time.

Molly and I had a great time making sugar cookies for the neighbors and then I decided to add a few treats without Molly's help. I made fudge and cinnamon almonds and then added some chocolates to the boxes.

After nap one day, Molly and I headed out around the neighborhood to deliver our treats. Molly thought it was a grand way to spend an afternoon and our neighbors got a kick out of seeing Molly in action.

Do you have any holiday traditions or activities that you like to share with your neighbors and friends?

Final 8 in 2013 Update

I'm coming to terms with the fact that I will not be accomplishing all my 8 in 2013 goals but I do feel pretty good with what I did get done.

My 8 in 2013 goals were:

• 2 cross stitch patterns (Woodland Sampler and Wee Little Stitches Star Wars people) 
• 2 quilts (One for Molly and finish up my Pinwheel Quilt)
• 2 knitted projects (a Year in Temperatures scarf  and my Smitten Advent Calendar) 
• 2 photography challenges (Fat Mum Slim's January Challenge and Documenting Chicken Nugget in Utero) 

I am not going to finish the two quilts. I haven't even started them and with less than two weeks left in the year, it is not going to happen. I am hoping to catch up on the Woodland Sampler but figure I can always finish it in 2014. I did finish one of my cross stitch goals and two of my knitted goals (well the scarf needs the last two weeks of temps but they haven't happened yet). I'm also nearly done with Documenting Chicken Nugget in Utero and I have done almost all of Fat Mum Slim's photo challenges this year. 

While I did not accomplish all that I set out to do, I still feel pretty good with my goals. Next year will be goal-less. I'm having a baby in a few days and I am not going to set myself up for failure. 2014 will be spent getting to know Chicken Nugget, playing hard with Molly and having fun as a family. Crafty goals can wait. I'll craft when I'm able. 

Sunday Favorites

Some seasonal favorites! Enjoy!

1. Untitled, 2. Reflecting On The High Tide, 3. Nomad, 4. DSCF3593, 5. Orange Delight, 6. 07122013-show us the droids, 7. Obsidian mid body, 8. Untitled, 9. Perfect imperfection is a beautiful sight to behold. In fact, it can change the way you look at life... if you simply let it.  - -Rachel Macy Stafford- -, 10. Life is "trying things to see if they work." ~ Ray Bradbury, 11. day 339, 12. Untitled, 13. Squirrel, 14. Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.  - -Nelson Mandela- -, 15. Coffee + pastry + catchups + this light made for a lovely Saturday morning ☺️, 16. Untitled, 17. Untitled, 18. pop of colour, 19. earlier than normal, 20. Colorblock Abbotts Harbour slouch, 21. Ohhhhh yeah., 22. older than all of us, 23. My pile of awesome student art projects from my textile seminar. :o), 24. five!, 25. This tartan makes me SO HAPPY.

Chicken Nugget - 37 Weeks

It's been a sick week. I had a cold and got something in my eye which made me think I had pink eye but I didn't, just a bad scrape. I've gotten some pregnancy insomnia but Scott has been letting me sleep in when I am asleep which is so glorious! 

I had a growth ultrasound where they have pronounced Chicken Nugget to be 8 lbs 12 oz with a big belly like her sister! My doctor thinks she'll be closer to 8 lbs but hey maybe I make big, hearty babies. My doctor is also convinced that I'll have her next week which I will more than welcome. She said that maybe the baby will be my birthday present which would be hilarious because then I'd get my birthday sushi! You bet, I'd be sending Scott out to get that as soon as I was cleared to eat. 

We're in the period of pregnancy where everything hurts and is a pain but I know that it will all be over soon and I'll miss being pregnant. I also know that an inside baby is a lot less work than an outside baby but I'm ready to meet my Chicken Nugget! I'm not very good at being patient. 

Christmas Treats

I love the holiday season! Most importantly I love the holiday treats and while I can't indulge in most of them this year due to gestational diabetes, I still thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite recipes.

Classic Christmas Fudge

Cinnamon Crockpot Almonds

Cookies and Cream Popcorn

Chocolate Biscuit Cookies

Candy Cane Marshmallow Pops