Boy or Girl? Vote!

Hello friends!

To the right here, you should see a little poll. I am curious to see what you all might be thinking when it comes to the sex of our little #2. So, please, if you have a minute, vote! Since we are all in a voting mood and all. ;) I will share the results on Halloween, so stayed tuned!

M.LEWIS

Creating Little Red Riding Hood

So in my search to find something worth blogging about, I decided to share with you all my latest little project.

Lorelai is going to be Little Red Riding Hood for Halloween. I chose it for many reasons, but the main one is: all I need is a cape. I thought that would be easy. A lot of costumes come all in one set, but I just wasn't looking for too much extra stuff to keep. So once I searched and found out that any mini-sized cape would cost me easily $15-$20, I decided to make one myself.

I went with felt for fabric; it's cheap, requires no hemming, easy to cut, and will not be too hot or too chilly depending on the weather. I found a pattern at the store, but it was almost $15 by itself, so I went home and managed to find one online for free. You had to print it out and assemble it yourself. 14 pages worth. So, me being me, thought "I will just look at the tiny example on the screen and cut out my own on newspaper." It was a little tricky, but I made it work. Lorelai was not into modeling any sort of example I cut out, so a lot of it was done by "eyeing" it.
I cut out the pieces and my mom offered her sewing machine to sew the big pieces together, which much faster than hand-sewing it all. It had 5 main pieces. A large section for the back of the cape, 2 front panels for the cape and 2 pieces that form the hood. The large section and 2 panels were assembled together with the machine, along with connecting the 2 hood pieces. I would have to connect the hood to the cape by hand, but not before some serious nipping/tucking. The cape was a little too voluptuous for such a small body, so I had to take it in so it would not swallow my soon-to-be 2 year old. I decided to pleat the back and the sides so it wasn't too bulky on top, but still gave her plenty of room to move her arms. Pleating done by hand, then the hood attachment. I added some red ribbon for a tie, and tada, a cape! (And by "tada" I mean, 2 days of planning, 2 hrs of shopping/forming a pattern, and 2 hrs of assembly.) I now want to go get some lace to finish off the end, but that's only if I get some extra time.

I was not able to convince Lorelai to model it for pictures, so just imagine it on a little, feisty girl. I hope she will actually wear it on Halloween, something tells me if candy is involved she will tolerate it. ;)

Happy costume-planning!

M.LEWIS

Settling into Fall

I feel I have to blog every so often.
This pregnancy has made so disinterested in writing though. Maybe because it's nothing new now, maybe because when I have a free moment I want to sleep, maybe because I am just getting lazy, but not matter which reason, I have fallen down on the job.

I am 16 (almost 17) weeks pregnant now. We find out the gender on Halloween, so look out for that update. ;) I used to think I was having a boy, but mainly because I already have a girl. But now, I get the vibe it might be a girl. I still don't really have a clue, but I am leaning slightly more towards pink rather than blue lately.

I very much look forward to Halloween for the above reason, but also because it is my 2nd favorite holiday (after Christmas). I am trying to figure out Lorelai's costume choice. She is too young to care or have an opinion. She doesn't do well with headbands, and only likes to wear hats in 2 min intervals. She will rub off face paint, and will scream at any clothing that is unusual to her (i.e. tutus, tights). So, I need something that is relatively normal in the clothing department and requires few or no extra accessories. I think I have landed on Little Red Riding Hood. I already have a dress she can wear, and it would only need a cape to complete the look (along with a basket). She could also take Phoebe with her as "the big bad wolf." I am a little unsure on the cape, I think she might fuss...but if there are enough distractions, I think she will just think of it as a sweater and carry on. If I can find a cheap cape, I'll go with it.

I am also trying out a Pinterest project this year for decorations. Glow stick eyes in the bushes. I knew my little family could not go through enough toilet paper rolls in time, so I used an old soda can box and cut it up and taped them in cylinder shapes...same difference. Yes, that is Hello Kitty duct tape. I hope it looks cool. I won't really know until Halloween night, since I won't waste glow sticks...they were kind of hard to find cheap.

Changing topics a bit, Phoebe has had some medical issues lately. Eye ulcers. The term alone makes me cringe. She has needed eye drops every 2 hrs for almost a week. Tomorrow evening should mark the end of the treatment. I plan to take her into the vet on Monday to make sure everything has healed. My check book doesn't not want to take her in, but I know it's for her health, and that's important. I had to pay a portion of my own medical bills this week...not a fan. But what can you do? Baby needs to be healthy too! I just pray LEL is not next on the pattern.
By the way, LEL broke from her terrible pickiness and actually most of a hamburger! I know, I know "a hamburger?! That's so unhealthy!" Well, shut it. It is a small miracle that she even tried it, and an even bigger one that she almost finished it. She ate meat. That is huge for her. So judge away, I know I'm in the right. Of course, she is still a long way away from being open-minded about food, but I will take what I can get!

One last side note: This weekend is going to have some seriously cooler weather, and I am so excited. I want soup in a bread bowl. That sounds amazing. :)

I will try to update more often, but you know how that goes...until next time!


M.LEWIS

14 Weeks and Counting

Sorry I have been MIA for a little while. Nothing too exciting over here lately. We did attend a family wedding in Boerne, TX; so that involved a little over-night trip...but other than that we have been pretty consistent in our daily schedules.

I am now 14 weeks pregnant, and starting to look pregnant...at least I hope I look pregnant and not fat. Hard to tell at this point. All the lovely changes that happen with pregnancy are starting to settle in...most of which are uncomfortable at this point. The weather being in between summer and fall make outfits interesting, especially because I get hot when I'm pregnant. Hot, sweaty, and hate the maternity pants that stretch up over your stomach...which makes me even more hot and sweaty. Ick. I've tried the "under the belly" style but I have absolutely no hips to keep them up. Quite frustrating really.
I have a bit more energy but it comes in spurts and then quickly fades by 7pm. I love my girly, but bedtime is my new favorite time of day lately. Today I was able to fit in 2 loads of laundry and start soup in the crockpot while she napped, so I am grateful for that energy spurt.
My feet are very warm lately. I remember this from LEL's pregnancy...pretty interesting since I usually have ice cold feet. I suppose it's all that extra blood coursing through my veins.
Sleeping has become a little awkward, but I know it will get far worse before it gets better.
No crazy cravings, just peach bubble tea one time, and potatoes in general...but I always love potatoes. I don't have much of a sweet tooth though, which is good for weight gain. Today I did bend the "rules" a bit and had some caffeine though. I had a terrible headache that did not subside with Tylenol so I thought a small amount of caffeine might help constrict my blood vessels enough to ease the pain. Coincidence or not, my headache is better...so I'm happy.

I think that covers my baby#2 development thus far.

Other than that, LEL is good, Chris is good, Phoebe is good, and my fall decorations are out (even bought pumpkins for outside) and life is going pretty well. I hope I didn't just jinx anything. ;)


M.LEWIS  

Life Update...The Uneventful Edition

Things have been pretty slow around here lately, which is a good thing. Chris' friend (and best man) visited us last weekend from Seattle. I think we may have disappointed him a bit in "everything Texan" department, but I am pretty sure he enjoyed the visit none the less.

I am 10 (going on 11) weeks pregnant now and I feel good most of the time. The evenings are the worst. I feel a little nauseous, but it feel more like my gag reflex is incredibly sensitive. It's hard to describe really; but every evening, about an hour after eating dinner, anything could make gag. Seriously, just thinking about gagging could make me run to the couch and cover my mouth. A few nights ago, Chris decided to eat a banana in bed (I don't know why) and that was disgusting to me. Even reading to Lorelai before bed makes me uneasy...too many words at once could set me off. It's an interesting and annoying symptom I hope to conquer soon. I am thankful for the few and manageable symptoms; the gagging and the fatigue are my only issues. I can't wear any sort of form-fitting clothes now without being incredibly uncomfortable. It is true what they say, so show a lot faster after your first...at least for me. Maternity clothes are still way too big so I am in a weird limbo with my wardrobe. I do look forward to jeans, jackets, and hoodies this fall and winter. With Lorelai, it was warm outside the entire time I was pregnant. March-November. Even the ride home from the hospital was warm...on December 3rd. Sweating in pants that reach up to your bra is the most unpleasant daily routine. I do wish for a break this fall and winter this time around.

Lorelai is talking more, though I am pretty sure I can decode her words the best...and even then I don't know what she is trying to say two thirds of the time. The main words are: blue, juice, oh no, teeth, no, "Be" (Pheobe), bye, "low" (hello), Mom, "nana" (banana), Dad, "Ma" (Grandma), "Nuh" (Hannah), purple, please, dog, "key" (kitty), baby, "chu" (thank you), peepee, rain, pew, "pup pup" (puppy), pink, feet, waffle, "me" (lamby). There are more, but you get the idea.
She is still the pickiest eater ever. Chicken nuggets (NOT tenders, strips, or grilled chicken, JUST nuggets), fries, yogurt (one of her healthier picks), bananas (only fresh fruit she'll eat), toaster waffles, popcorn, quesdillas, pancakes, cookies, refried beans, peanut butter, cheese, and bread. She'll try most snack foods, but the kid will not try mac n' cheese, watermelon, apple sauce, corn, pasta, mashed potatoes, ground beef, and well...anything really. I will force her out of this if she doesn't grow out of it...but I need her to understand the concept of "eat this or _insert threat here_." She does drink milk well and I have a pedialyte-like drink for her along with vitamin cereal bars she takes pretty well. But I look forward to the day when I have I don't have to make separate dinners or worry about "what the heck is she going to eat?!" when we go anywhere.

Phoebe is Phoebe. She has regressed on her potty-training lately. That's annoying and weird. I kind of blame myself. I don't let her out the 25 times a day she wants because of the heat, mosquitoes, and her allergies. I still give her plenty of opportunities, but she does not do well in time-management apparently. :P

Chris is well, things at his job are going pretty smooth for the most part and he has some exciting opportunities coming up; so think good thoughts for him :)

The house projects have slowed down since we tackled the bathroom (which we love). I believe they will ramp back up after Christmas/New Year's when we move Lorelai out of the nursery and have to rearrange some of our junk. ;)

So that's life as of late. We have a family wedding coming up soon, which we are looking forward to; along with "Noni's" birthday. Then we have my favorite time, FALL...which includes cool weather, Halloween, and Lorelai's 2nd birthday. I can hardly wait.

Until next time!


M.LEWIS

The Master Bathroom Reveal

I could go step by step and explain everything I did, all the little hiccups, all the extra work...but who wants to read that when you can post a couple of pictures? That, and I am tired, and do not feel like writing too much. ;)

Here is our new master bathroom. (Minus the over-the-toilet cabinet and new towels.)

My inspiration

Before

Before

After

After

After

New light fixture

New shelves

New tile

New mirrors

New faucets

So...tada! We love it. :D

M.LEWIS

The Lewis Lifestyle Grows

In case anyone missed the big news, I am pregnant with baby #2! I have been slacking off on my blogging due to this. My first pregnancy was different; a lot of nausea, but this time I have only experienced about 2 weeks of true "morning sickness." Now, that's not to say that things could change, but for now I am enjoying not feeling so pukey. I am incredibly tired though. There are days when I count down to 2pm (LEL's nap time) so I can lay down...then I can hardly wait for 10pm, my bedtime. Once I sleep, I am still fatigued and sluggish. It is rather frustrating really. I hate being so...lazy? I know it's not exactly laziness, it's my body growing a person, but still...I like getting things done, getting things clean, organized; and when I am so exhausted, very little gets done.

I am reworking my brain for being pregnant again. What I should and should not eat, which clothes will work for me (longer than a couple weeks), and why I can't do the same things I did before. I also have grasp the concept of having two kids. Don't misunderstand me for a second, I am beyond thrilled about this little kiddo, I am just so set in my schedule now...and I have to be prepared to throw all of it out the window. In case you don't know me well, I love my schedules, my planning, my preparation. I work well knowing what to expect, knowing I have a plan A and a plan B to help get through the day's events. I will need to reevaluate my schedule and adapt...and so will Lorelai. I know it won't be that difficult once the baby comes, it's just me thinking about how life will change.
I know Lorelai will adore a sibling. She has been pointing out babies where ever we go. She holds her dollies and gives them pats on the back and a bottle to drink. She even kisses them. I know as #2 gets bigger, she will love a playmate-boy or girl. I am very much looking forward to watching them bond. :) I also get to get out all my tiny baby stuff again! The little socks and outfits (at least some of them). The cradle, the bottles, the carseat...all so special. This means moving LEL to the short-lived guest room, and making over the nursery for the new little one. I look forward to all of this! I also want to make LEL's new room so cute and comfy for her. I want her to want to be in her new room, I don't want to make her feel displaced. As is, I am not looking forward to her being across the house instead of next door.
In case you were wondering while reading all of this, this baby wasn't exactly planned, but in a way it certainly was. Let me explain...

For awhile now (since about March) I have thought about a second baby. I have always been able to talk myself out of it though. "Lorelai is still young; the house still needs some work; Chris' job is a little unsettled; etc." And so, I would tuck the idea back in my brain and go about life. The idea would pop up every few weeks, and yes, I would find reasons to tell myself "not yet." Then, about 6 weeks ago I had this overwhelming feeling to have another baby. I was even standing by my calendar counting days thinking "Oh good, there is still time this month!" This feeling ballooned up over night...it was a little crazy. I texted Chris about the idea and once he got home we talked for 2 mins and agreed "let's start trying."
I was excited. I bought a pregnancy test way too early, just to see if maybe I was pregnant. You can imagine my surprise when it was positive. "That was easy" Chris responded. "That was easy...too easy" I thought. I then did what I do best, crack open the laptop and did some research. To my amazement it takes at least 2 weeks for your hormone levels to change enough for a home pregnancy test to register a positive result. I looked at my calendar again. I thought back over the past few weeks, and would you believe that I had been pregnant for about 4 weeks already and didn't even know it? I suppose my overwhelming reaction to have a baby "right now" was my body's way of saying "HEY! You are already having one!"
My first thought after discovering this was "Good thing we both agreed to start trying." ;) Life is funny sometimes; life knows what you need, and you get incredibly lucky sometimes. We are blessed for sure.

I am pretty positive I will ramble on about pregnancy and babies off and on for months to come, so for now I will take a breather. Thank you all for the congratulations and well wishes, they are very much appreciated!

M.LEWIS