Sunday, March 27, 2011

Quite a handful



Sweet baby James has become quite a handful, to say the least.

  We are in the midst of changing formulas, which HAS helped his fussiness.  We also are trying to keep him busy.  We have never experienced one of our babies being UP all of the time!  He does not like to nap!  He has us a bit stumped!!

By the way, did you notice how AWESOME my new camera lens is?  You can even see the toe lint!  Ha! Ha!  My small "kit" lens that came with my Canon DSLR finally puked out on me (not too bad for almost 7 years!) and we bought my new "baby" right before Button's arrival.  I knew I wanted to take some awesome shots of him in my creations!

With that, there is very little time to be a mom, housekeeper, and bus driver because of Button's determination to be in my arms at all times. 

My sewing machines?  Sitting quietly, patiently waiting.

I just finished some framing projects thanks to daddy doing some baby entertaining this afternoon.  I might post the projects later. Or maybe not.  My computer time has been vastly diminished.

I do want to shout out to my Butterfly Kisses mommas that are waiting for me...One is in editing/digitizing phase as we speak.  I haven't forgotten you!

In the meantime.  Check out these other photos with my new lens!

LITTLE BROTHER




Little BIG Brother with Little Brother





MEDIUM BROTHER




And BIG BROTHER



Sunday, March 20, 2011

Worn out shoes

"Between saying and doing,
many a pair of shoes is worn out."
-Proverb, Italian




Exactly one year ago, we went to the Carnival at the Livestock and Rodeo Show.  It is usually is quite a fun time, but last year, I left quite sad. See last year's post here.

This year,  I left laughing.  I did have a sad moment, but it very short because I just had to peek in my stroller and smile, thanks to sweet baby James.

Now to the shoe story.

Yesterday morning, I woke up and was excited because I was going to wear my brand new Old Navy shirt that I had bought on clearance for $6.49.  But, what was more exciting was that I finally had a blue shirt that matched a pair of shoes that I have had for a long time.  They have always been one of my favorite, but were very difficult to match up with outfits.  So I showed off my excitement to hubby and we were off to the Carnival!

We had to park far away and walk to the entrance.  We were laughing and having fun.  Then the "boys" peeled off to use the stairs to go buy tickets, James and I peeled the opposite direction to take the ramp.

When we reached the boys, I realized...I had a BIG problem. For some reason, my shoes felt like they were dragging onto my pants.  I looked down to roll up my jeans.  I found that the soles of my shoes were falling apart.   Picture styrofoam packing falling apart.

 Hubby started laughing hysterically, I am sure my face was bright red.

But in the spirit of the day, I decided to go ahead with the day, in the hopes we might see a booth selling flip-flops or boots in the vicinity.   Unfortunately, we never made it to that part of the carnival because the boys pooped out on us.  I definitely made my mark on the walkway. As the asphalt heated up, my shoes left trails behind me.  The once 4 inch heels, became what you see in the picture.  I literally felt the metal support under the one clang behind me. 

As we were heading back, the top of the left sandal started peeling off like this:
















Within minutes, the top leather completely pulled away. 

I held the shoe in my hand in shock. NOW WHAT?!?!

Hubby had me throw them in the nearest trash.  I pulled my jeans as far under my foot as I could.  To protect and to hide the fact that I am NOT WEARING A SHOE!

  

I then tried to keep it hidden under the stroller to hide my foot.



When we finally got to the car....I could not stop laughing.

We had formula, water, bottles, diapers, and spare outfits for James. 

But who knew we should have had a spare pair of shoes for me!!!

Thank you God for giving me a moment to laugh. When I do, it reminds me not to mourn too much!!


Thursday, March 17, 2011

An Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
-An Old Irish Blessing
A little onesie embroidery/applique project in honor of St. Patrick's Day. 
I mean, doesn't a James Patrick have to wear a shamrock on such a day?!?! 
He is definitely OUR Irish blessing!
Can I tell you a secret?  I think I am addicted to appliques right now because they use up my scrap fabric stash. 
 I knew there was a reason I was hoarding them all this time!

Oh..and it meets Week 7 of our CSM blog challenge:

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Rodeo Bound

I wasn't born in Texas
but I got here as soon as I could.
-Unknown


We laughed when we first moved to Texas and saw this quote on a bumper sticker.

Now we have been here in Texas for over seven years.  And haven't missed a Rodeo.

So Button couldn't miss his chance to go last week. 

I didn't have a lot of time, but I embroidered this onesie in honor of this "new" tradition in our family.  I had a scap piece of the bandanna fabric from a school quilt for the Denim and Diamonds auction a few years back.  It was too short to tie, so I just added a snap to keep it together.

I also made this blanket/quilt for him. 


I rushed it, so I need to do some fixing up to it. 

I really do love the Rope Font though!!!


Button loved Rodeo and Lady Antebellum last week so much, he asked us if he could go again this week!

Just kidding....Daddy wants to see Zac Brown.  Mommy and Button will go hide out in the suite when the music gets too loud again!!

Monday, March 14, 2011

One finger

"There is no surprise more magical than the surprise of being loved: It is God's finger on man's shoulder. "
-Charles Morgan

Or in my case......me wrapped around such a tiny little finger already!

I am excited to say that I have been able to do a bit of sewing and crafting.  Taking pictures of said items is a completely different story!

It seems that I am able to pull off things in what I call semi-complete tasks.

Like today.

  Dear hubby had his birthday.  I made a beautiful dinner of Ale-Braised Short Ribs with Egg Noodles and cornbread from scratch. (Note:  I do not make fancy dinners like this very often.  This is a very rare and special occasion)

  But he had to clean up the dishes!

He was bummed that he didn't get cupcakes.  Whoops!

But seriously...my birthday kind of stunk.  See post here.

At least he got dinner.............

My excuse for such poor wifely behavior...did you see those tiny fingers in the picture?  Not only am I wrapped around one....but all five....on each hand! 


He is sooooo worth it!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Calgon....take me away......

Remember that commercial?  It has been my life the last week.  Hubby had to return to travelling since he had stopped a few weeks before JP's arrival.  Back to the grind for him.  Back to the grind for me.  The reality of taking care of a newborn only 2 weeks after a c-section is hard.  Add carting three other boys to activities, sports, and school....whole new ball of wax. 

I am hoping that I can get to my sewing machines by the end of the week.......Wait....I have to! 

 A customer awaits!!!

But to the REAL reason I am posting....

I was just asked the other day why I don't make quilts and such for my boys.  If you saw my studio, you would see I have stacks of fabrics waiting for my sewing machine. 

Items that I had in mind?  A quilt and diaper bag.  That is all....

But here is why I won't make either.  First off, we have received a TON of blankets as gifts.  Most are handmade crocheted or knitted.  Hard to top them! Second, the crib bedding we bought came with a quilt.  So No QUILT on my list anymore. 

As for the diaper bag, had a pattern and fabric sitting right next to the computer waiting for it's "before" blog picture.  But what did I receive yesterday?  A beautiful diaper bag!  So.... no diaper bag... 

 It is gorgeous though, isn't it?


I don't think I have to say much about the frame either....it pretty much speaks for itself!



So I guess I will have to make some goodies for the inside of the bag???  Hmmm.......we will see....

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Bragging here.....

How cute is he?

Kristi came over yesterday to take some photos of my precious boy.

He was a bit difficult. 

He thoroughly wet all of her blankets. 

Silly boy!

I honestly don't even care if these are the only two photos that turned out.

They are just perfect!








And remember what I said about him dreaming and smiling.......with his "big" sister? 

 Is this evidence enough?




See the big smile?

I love this baby................


And if you are in the Houston area...how could you not use Kristi for your pictures!?!?!?
Link to her website HERE!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Angel of God

Angel of God, My Guardian Dear
to whom God's love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side
to light, and guard and rule and guide.
Amen.

So I am going to lay it all out tonight.  Hope you are ready for it!!!

Last night, I was ANGRY.

I know that I am angry more and more every day because Jamie isn't here and James is.  It isn't that I don't love him....I SOOOO do.  But dammit, why couldn't I just have both of them.

I know I am angry because Dr. G said that my uterus was VERY thin.  Emphasis on VERY.  I wasn't "done" having babies.  Looks like the choice might be taken out of my hands.

I am angry because I wanted things to be perfect when James was born.  I wanted to just spend time with James ALL alone. I wanted to "room in" with him. He was one week and five days old when I finally had him all to myself.  It should have been the first night he was born.  Instead, I didn't even get to hold him until he was already one day old.  And even then, it was for the shortest bit of time.

 I was VERY angry at anyone and all on his third day in the NICU.  I was terrified that I was going to leave the hospital without a baby in my arms. I wanted the boys to see him while I was in the hospital, not the first day I came home. 

I am angry because I wanted to cry during those quiet times at night at the hospital.  I still haven't.  The sob is just balled up in my throat.  Waiting.....


BUT.......

God decided to nudge me.  Last night, after big brothers were tucked in and Daddy went to bed, I was alone.  Alone with James.  As he fell asleep in my arms, I realized that he was giggling in his sleep.   He was smiling.  I know, I know...babies don't smile, but he WAS!  He also has this amazing ability to play with his fingers.  We noticed it the very first night we saw him.   His hands extend out as if they are "petting" someone.  He touches us with the tips of his fingers instead of having the normal clenched newborn fists.  He loves to pull his blanket over his head.  He will fuss until his hands and arms are released from the confines of the swaddling blanket.   It looks like he is waving his arms and playing games with someone in his dreams.

Then it hit me.   Is he playing with his sister?  Is she watching over him?

When I went into the OR, I didn't have any jewelry on except for the heart shaped charm my dear friends gave me.  It has an angel cradling a baby in her arms.  It has Jamie Lynn's name engraved on the back.  It was blessed by Fr. Drew.  The nurse made me take it off, so I handed it to Aaron.  After they prepped me in the OR and he came in to sit with me, I felt something in my hand.  My darling husband placed that necklace in my hand.  And we prayed.  After the surger, I wore it the whole time I was in the hospital. And one of our favorite photos is this one: 



This photo was taken the very first time I got to hold him.  It was a very gratifying feeling to hold him right on my chest.  He became less fussy, opened his eyes, and his breathing slowed down to a normal rate.  My anxiety flittered away.  It felt so good to hold him.

Can you see the necklace?

I am more and more convinced that she is looking out for him.  As we play out the scenario that led to his platelet transfusion, I realize how perilous his situation would have been if he had not had trouble breathing in the OR.  He would not have been whisked to the NICU.  He would not have had his blood tested.   We would not have known that his platelets were so dangerously low.  I have to now believe that all of it happened for a reason.

I think he officially has his very own Guardian Angel.

And that balled up sob....tears of gratefulness flowed while I held my most precious boy in the wee hours of the night.  The ball is much smaller today.

But I am still waiting........

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