Christmas 2009

Christmas 2009
Originally uploaded by BlueBirdQuilts

So much has changed in the last year. I can't believe how big Olivia has gotten and how much she has changed! I will have Christmas 2010 pictures up soon.

Please hang in there with me. I'm playing around with sending flickr pictures to blogger.... sorry if you get 100+ posts in your reader. Ok, hopefully it won't take me 100 trys!

Am I becoming a 'real' blogger?!?!

***Warning: This post is a lot of rambling!



Last night I laid in bed thinking about whether or not I should continue to try to blog. As my mind was wondering aimlessly I kept going to back to how lucky I was. I was lying in my warm bed, under a handmade quilt with the dog curled at my feet and I was safely tucked into the arm of my best friend. I named my blog ‘Our Blessed Life’ because that’s what I have, a very blessed life. These are moments I want to remember. These are the moments I want to share. This is an outlet for me. My blog is ultimately for me! There was my answer. Staring me in the face. YES I should continue to blog. Because I enjoy it. Because it’s not about how many followers I have or how many times my site is viewed. knowing that people read what I say and leave comments does make my day! What can I say I'm not perfect :) It’s about my ups and downs and being able to look back and see where I’ve come from and a glimpse of where I’m going.


My postings so far have been pretty random and sporadic. Words have never ‘flowed’ easily for me. I tend to have a hard time finding the right words. I have been blog stalking following for a while now. This has been both good and bad for me. I find a ton of inspiration for crafting, organizing, decorating, parenting and life in general but at the same time I have the little voice in my head telling me that I will never be as crafty, organized or interesting as the woman I’m reading about. I am going to stop listening to that voice and let my true self show through my blog. I didn’t start this blog to impress or even inspire for that matter. So here it goes, one of my resolutions is to stop being blog envious and intimidated. I may never be as ‘good’ as other bloggers, but I want to be the true me.


I recently read in a post that her life isn’t perfect. Her house is messy, her kids are wild and she isn’t always the best mom, but her blog is a place where she can be clean, organized and pretty. Her blog is her sanctuary. I wish I would have saved the post but I didn’t so of course I am paraphrasing and this is just what I took from what she said. So if you are the one who wrote this blog post, I would love to quote you correctly so leave a comment! I think these are words to live blog by!



So for now I’m here to stay. I will blog what I want, when want. I won’t not blog because I feel it won’t be as inspiring or interesting as another blog. If you finished this long drawn out blog, I thank you for sticking in there with me. If you didn’t and skipped to the end I don’t blame you, I probably would have done the same thing! :)

Things you should know if we are going to be BFF's

So I feel like I have to post this because I've been a total blog stalker and feel ridiculous if I have spent hours too much time reading and commenting on other people's blogs but not doing my own. Talk about peer pressure!

Little Miss Momma is having a link party. So many fun bloggers have linked up and shared fun little details about themselves.

So lets just jump in and get this over with... if you pass on reading I completely understand. I don't find myself very interesting either!


I love reading about other people, how they parent, and craft. I often become blog envious and don't blog as much as I would like. I have to keep reminding myself I didn't start this to impress!

I hate doing laundry. It drives my husband crazy!



I am a hoarder collector. It comes from being a very unorganized person. What can I say, I didn't inherit organization skills.

I only iron when I sew.

Maybe I need an ironing board that looks like this...

I love taking hot showers. I know it was hot enough when I come out looking like a lobster.

I tend to share way too much information. Once I get on a roll I just can't stop... (you have been warned!)

I try to keep my life as drama-free as possible. Part of me being non-confrontational.



I tend to run late and often am dishevelled. I am definitely not someone who has it all together or at least appears to.

I can go weeks without shaving my legs. I know gross right! Thank goodness hubby doesn't seem to mind it most of the time.

I never shave the top half of my legs because my skin is very sensitive and gets crazy bad razor burn. Even if I shave down. If I'm wearing shorts I will trim it with an electric razor. If not, I don't worry about it. (See I told you I would share way too much information!)

I love Mandarin oranges. I think I've eaten at least 5 every day this week.



I am a procrastinator! Major procrastinator.

I can't watch scary movies. I can't even watch really suspenseful TV shows. I have really bad dreams.

Dave Matthews Band is by far my favorite!



I could nap and sleep in everyday.

Does this not look absolutly divine?!?!

I love when O stays at grandmas. I know she is well taken care of and loved and I love being able to sleep in and not feel guilty about not being there first thing in the morning to get her.

I have the best mother-in-law. I haven't always felt this way, but she has been a so good to me this last year. I don't think I would have survived without her! I don't think I thank her enough.

So there you have it... a few little tid bits about me. Head on over to the link party and join in. It's addicting!

Joy over sadness

I hate the moments when I feel like I am spiraling out. When I can seem to grab focus. I am overwhelmed with emotion and need. Need for control, need to feel loved, need to feel wanted. I simply need. I want to shop and I want to eat. Mostly I want to curl up in bed and cry. Cry it all out. Cry until I have no more energy and every fiber of my being exhausted.

Today is one of those days. It is gloomy and cold outside. I don't feel ready for Christmas. I feel guilty for not being home with Olivia to take care of her while she is sick.

One of those days when I need to pull myself up from my bootstraps. Count my blessing instead of my dwelling on the negative. Be joyful in this Christmas season instead of being overwhelmed.

So, I am going to smile and push back the tears. I choose to be joyful. I choose to be inspired. I choose to see the good. I choose to be forgiving. I choose to be appreciative.

I thank God for today. For I am truly blessed!

Day 7, 8, 9 & 10 ~ 30 Days of Me

Day 7 ~ A picture of someone that has the biggest impact on you

This one is not hard at all. Olivia has become my end all ~ be all. Becoming a mother is nothing like I expected it to be. It is hard, exhausting, messy and down-right frustrating. But there is also joy, pride, adventures, creativity and love. Love beyond words, joy beyond words. When she smiles or laughs it makes all the mess and all the craziness melt away. Nothing matters in the world except her.

Olivia makes me want to be a better person. For her sake and for mine. I want her to have every advantage possible. I want her to be confident and strong, yet compassionate and gentle. I hope she can learn those things from me. I hope I can show her how to be a good friend, mother and wife.


Day 8 ~ Short term goals for this month

My goals this month are to finish some projects. I can't believe November is finished! Where in the world has time gone?!? I am behind on my bee and my swap. I feel so lame!!! I want to finish up some quilting projects that have been put on the back burner way too long! I want to work on fun ideas that are floating in my head.

Day 9 ~ Something you are proud of in the past few days

I started an Etsy store. There isn't anything for sale... but the store has been set up. I made my own banner (very proud of that!) and avatar thingy. I have spent a lot of time thinking about a opening a store, a lot of encouragement from friends, but I never had the faith in myself. I am stepping out onto that ledge and putting myself and my work out there. Worst thing that could happen... no one would buy anything. It really isn't that bad. Maybe a little burst in my already fragile crafting ego, but hey, that just means I will give it all to family who will say they love it even if they don't :) Now to finish the projects and get them in the store!

Day 10 ~ Songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

I have to say that I love music, but have never been good with artist names or song titles. I like a wide variety of music all the time. I like listening to songs that I know the words to. I love to sing out loud... very loud!

So I've caught up on a few days... with Thanksgiving and being sick I have not had the time or energy to even think about blogging. We have Christmas decorations up and getting back into our routine!

Day 6 ~ 30 Days of Me

Day 06- Favorite super hero and why  Memorable Childhood Memory

I was never much of a super hero fan. So I'm going to digress a little. One of my favorite childhood memories was ridding in the car and singing to Raffi. I think that is where my love for singing out loud started! My mom had an old blue Buick that always seemed to have the Raffi tape in. I can remember very vividly the day the tape jammed in the player and my mom pronounced that our tape couldn't be played anymore. I don't think I've ever worn out a tape like that. I must have only been 5 or 6. I've often mentioned it to Steve while we are in the car and I sing to Olivia. I bought her a kids CD and Steve thinks it is so annoying. It's little kids singing and talking and for some reason he just can't stand it.

Today I was reading Marta Writes (if you don't follow her blog you need to! She is a fabulous lady!) and she mentioned that they are listening to Raffi's Christmas CD. Of course I immediately jump on google to see if I can find what tape my mom had. (Why did I not do this sooner?!?!) I find his website and start looking through his CD list to find 'the one'. I start with the the 1989 album. I was born in '85 so I figured it would be a good place to start. As I go down the list looking through them all I'm starting to get discouraged... none of them are the one from my childhood! I get to the very last album 'Singable Songs For The Very Young - 1976' As soon as the list came up I'm looking at it remembering songs I forgot I even knew!

1.The More We Get Together

2.Down By The Bay

3.Brush Your Teeth

4.Robin In The Rain

5.Five Little Frogs

6.I Wonder If I’m Growing

7.Aikendrum

8.Bumping Up And Down

9.Must Be Santa Listen

10.Wiloughby Wallaby Woo

11.Spider On The Floor

12.Baa Baa Black Sheep

13.Going To The Zoo

14.My Dreydel

15.Peanut Butter Sandwich

16.Five Little Pumpkins

17.The Sharing Song

18.Mr. Sun
19.Old MacDonald Had A Band

I can not wait to get this CD in and start singing with Olivia! I'm sure we will create very happy memories!!!

HELP!!!

I need help finding this fabric! Does anyone know who makes it? Where I can get it? Do you have any to spare?!?

I have searched high and low with no success!!!

Sherbet Blossom Giveaway ~ WOW

This is an awesome giveaway! Sherbet Blossom is celebrating her birthday all week with giveaways. What a great way to start!



Sigma is generously giving away one Complete Kit with Brush Roll in Black to a lucky Sherbet Blossom reader.


Head over to her blog to not only enter the giveaway, but check out her blog! She has a ton of great inspiration on food and crafting.

Day 5 ~ 30 Days of Me

Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to recently
We haven't done much traveling since having Olivia.
 
 

 

We've made a few trips to the beach. Since it's only about 2 1/2 hours away we try to go a few times a year. She does better each time we go with the long drive. The last time we switched her seat to forward facing and I think it made a big difference. She was much happier being able to see where we were going.

 

 

My favorite part is letting her play in the sand! It is much better now that she can walk. Crawling in the sand wasn't very much fun for anyone!

 

We will soon venture down to LA to visit Auntie. Maybe it will be our first road trip of 2011...

Day 4 ~ 30 Days of Me

So I obviously took the last few days off of the 30 day challenge. I gave you fair warning there would be some days missed ;)

Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have

There are quite a few habits I wish I didn't have... I could probably have a post like day 1 with a list of 15, but for times sake and saving myself from lots of embarrassment I will choose the habit that I worked on the most this weekend, which is part of the reason for my absence from blog land. (Holy crap that is a long run on sentence!)

The habit I wish I didn't have is my lack of organization/borderline hoarding. For example, I have a habit of just shoving papers in the 3rd drawer in the kitchen with the intent to one day filing them, but the drawer is now busting at the seams. I also spent about 6 hours, with the help of Victoria, cleaning out and organizing my closet. It was quite embarrassing to say the least! After 7 bags to Goodwill and 2/3 of the outside trashcan full I now have a very clean, very organized closet. We also put out some of my wedding pictures that have been framed for years and have never been displayed. Our bedroom now looks somewhat lived in, instead of just a room with a bed and some dirty clothes on the floor.

I have made a commitment to myself to try to continue to de-clutter and simplify.

Simplicity goes a long way!

Day 3 ~ 30 Days of Me

Day 03- A picture of you and your friends


Oh this one is hard... Isn't it crazy that I don't have any recent picture of my friends?!?
 

Steve is not only my husband, but he is my best friend and my rock! 

These are all the girls in my wedding, so it's a few years old. Since then I have added 2 of my closest friends who I treasure and love. I am very lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful, supportive women!

This post made me realize I need more pictures of me with the ones I love. Instead of being the one behind the camera I want to make an effort of being a part of the lasting memory.

Enjoy today and don't take for granted the people in your life who are your supporters, cheerleaders and inspirations!

Day 2 ~ 30 Days of Me

We are going strong! 2 days without a miss :)

Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name

I had a hard time naming my blog. I'm not an on-the-spot creative person, especially not with words! Our Blessed Life came to be because that's what I have, a very blessed life. My purpose of the blog was to originally post about my crazy, hectic life so I can one day look back and remember the little things. I also want to be able to share parts of my life with Olivia that probably won't be told otherwise. It has now become more about crafting and quilting, but it continues to be a glimpse into my very blessed life!

Steve and Olivia are the most important people in my life and even though some days I just want to crawl under a rock and hide, I couldn't ask for anything more. I truly am blessed!

Day 1 ~ 30 Days of Me

Day 1 ~ A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

Let's jump right in....

1 ~ I don't think there has been a single picture taken of just me in at least the last year. I think the last one was while I was pregnant. This is the reason the picture of me also has Olivia and Steve. I am usually the one snapping the pictures or I have an adorable baby on my hip. Who can complain!

2 ~ I can't open a Mentos package without eating every last one of them. I was reminded of that little fact today :) Cinnamon is my favorite!

3 ~ My favorite drink (of the moment) is Chi Lattes. Go down a post or two and my obsession is made clear!

4 ~ I am horrible about deadlines. I was recently 2 hours late to a baby shower because I was rushing to finish the gift.

5 ~ My favorite foods are tacos, pizza, and spaghetti bake (my mom is making me one for dinner tonight... I can't wait)

6 ~ I hate exercising! There is no explanation, I simply hate everything about it!

7 ~ I sing out loud, not usually a problem, but I'm tone deaf. At least I have rhythm or so I tell myself :)

8 ~ Don't open any drawers or closed doors in my house because you are guaranteed to find clutter and chaos. I try very hard to keep the parts of my house that are seen by guests clean, but everything else gets put on the back burner.

9 ~ For the first time in my life I have a best friend. I've called people my best friends in the past, but the relationships were never two reciprocated. Either they were my best friend, but I wasn't theirs or it was simply a fake friendship in jr. high. Victoria and I joke that we are in love! She has always been close friends with my husband and we recently, about 6 months ago, decided that we should hang out and our love affair has been going on ever since! Kind of silly, but I love having someone who gets me and there are no judgements!

10 ~ I am a list maker. I think I'm stuck in between Type A and Type B personalities. Let's just call my life organized chaos!

11 ~  I am a non-confrontational person. I hate arguments and stressful situations. They make me very nervous and shaky. I would rather ignore a situation than face it head on.

12 ~ I am a procrastinator, which is part of an explanation for #4. Almost everything gets put off until the last minute. I have an adorable toddler to play with now!

13 ~ I love going in to get Olivia when she first wakes up. She is such a happy little girl and my favorite part of the day!

14 ~ I hate surprises! Did I already say that? No, ok... I was just reminded of that when I received a text saying "I came across something and got it today, but I don't want to give you any clues." What?!?! Then why the F' did you tell me about it?!? Steve doesn't bring home gifts anymore because I always go looking for them. He has threatened more than once that he was going to take something back. For example the pearl necklace he got me last mother's day. :) I just can't help myself... I think it's part of my anxiety and that little bit of Type A personality!

15 ~ And lastly... I have the worst memory. I rarely wear my engagement ring because I take it off to shower or do dishes and I simply forget to put it back on. I remember when I am out of the house and it is too late. I forget dates, appointments, medicine, laundry in the wash, etc. If you say "remember in high school when we..." 9 times out of 10 I won't remember.

So there is a little about me! I hope you enjoyed reading. Until tomorrow...

30 Days of Me ~ Introduction

I am very excited to start the 30 Days of Me Challenge. I happened upon this challenge and apparently I am late to the game... no real surprise there. I will go through the next 30 days and all the fun details for me. I imagine some will be funny, some a little boring, hopefully a smidge of inspiration and I fear way too much personal information. But that's what kind of mood I've been in lately so let the sharing begin!

Here is the outline:

 Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite super hero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

I am notorious at starting something and not finishing it, so I am going to work very hard at posting everyday. I will almost guarantee this process will take me longer than 30 days, but my goal is to do a post on every topic whether I'm late or not :)

Join in if you haven't done this already! Let me know, I would like to read all about you!

The Joy of Chi Tea

I love the things in life that are so simple, but give so much pleasure.

Venti Iced Chi Latte has become a regular part of my vocabulary lately. I started to worry that Olivia will see a Starbucks as we drive down the road and point and say "Venit Chi". My child won't know McDonald's golden arches, but will know Starbucks' green mermaid!

I have been unable to resist getting Chi Lattes for the last few months. I would say I have at least one a week, it would be more if they were more conveniently located. At $4 a pop they add up, but again, I just can't resist.

I bought the Chi Tea bags from Starbucks and brewed them at home adding half and half, but it just isn't the same. It doesn't have the same taste as my beloved Iced Chi Latte from Starbucks. I had accepted that I will just have to shell out the money for my new addiction.

I was almost giddy in Smart & Final today on my lunch hour while I strolled the isles aimlessly browsing I came upon this amazing little slice of heaven! (No, I am not being over dramtic!) I never dreamed in a million years that they made the same... yes the exact same concentrate they use at Starbucks and sell it in the store. So of course I grab it up and immediately head to the produce section for milk.

At $4.99 for 32oz of concentrate Tazo Chi Tea I sit at my desk happy as a clam (with a LARGE cup of Iced Chi Latte)! What a bargain! I no longer have to worry about the wrath of Steven when he realizes how much I spend at Starbucks! Who knew tea could simply make my day and not hurt my wallet.

The View From Home

This picture popped up on my phone while I was neck deep in paperwork.

 It completly makes my day when Brittney sends me pictures of Olivia and their activities throughout the day. It's like a little window into what my little one is doing for the day. Makes me feel more secure knowing that she is happy and having fun playing. I can't wait to get home and see her little legs move as fast as they can as she runs to the door to greet me with a huge smile on her face. Melts my heart!

I hate the days that I have to come into work, but I appreciate the days that I get to stay home!

Hello Fall!

"THE cookies! Bake. Eat. Love. Repeat :-)" ~Lauren

Photo by Lauren @ Sunshine In My Soul

I have been reading about yummy recipes and looking at decorated homes and I want to curl up under a blanket with Carmel Apple Cider from Starbucks and pumpkin cookies. Check out Sunshine In My Soul's blog for these amazing looking Pumpkin Spice Cookies. I don't think they could be any simpler and sound absolutely Divine! I can't wait for more of her recipes!!!

Me Sew Crazy: Gathered CosmoCup Tutorial

Me Sew Crazy: Gathered CosmoCup Tutorial: "Woot Woot! You have all been so patient with me, head cold and all. So, what do we get when we cross the ButterCup Bag by Made by Rae, the..."

This is such an adorable and creative bag! I can't wait to try it!!! Head over to Me Sew Crazy's blog and check it out.

Where has the time gone?

My softie is 'due' tomorrow for the swap! Eeeek!!! I have spent the last 2 weeks completely moving my in-laws who lived in their house for over 20 years. I am so happy that they are starting a new, clean chapter in their lives, but man that was a lot of moving and purging! Of course the move was the week before Olivia's birthday party. Just the thought of having 60+ people at my house is cause enough for panic, but with much planning and preparation, we were able to successfully pull off an amazing party that was compared by many to a wedding. I am so proud to be able to celebrate my little girl's first year of life with (almost) all of our family and friends. The party went off without a hitch. The rain waited until Sunday so we all stayed dry and warm. Yesterday I didn't know what to do with myself... I didn't have any moving, unpacking, party planning or errands to run! I enjoyed the morning visit with my in-laws watching Olivia play in her new playhouse thanks to her favorite Auntie. We watched the football game and Beauty and the Beast. I haven't watched that much TV combined in the last month :) I now feel rested and recuperated. Tonight I will finish cleaning my house from the madness of everyone being at my house and finishing my softie. I will post pictures of the party after I upload the pictures (another thing on my to-do list for tonight) and of my softie before I send it out. Well a sneak peak at least. I would hate to spoil the surprise for my partner!

Nolan's Quilt

Last weekend we were honored to go to little Nolan's baby shower. Jason and Katey are such a fun loving couple.

Jason and Steve grew up down the street from each other. They have been long time school friends to both of us and we are so happy they continue to be our friends into adulthood! Katey was Olivia's 2nd mom while I worked until she was put on bedrest to keep Nolan safe and happy in her belly until it is time for him to come! I knew when I got the invite to the shower that I had to do something special for them! I struggled with MAJOR creative block. I was sleeping in one Saturday (which is very rare!) and could not go back to sleep because I was having a flood of ideas! I of course had to get out of bed at 7am, dig through my stash and made the adorable little owl. In the end he became worth the few extra hours of sleep.

My goal was to have a very cute yet contemporary baby quilt. I quilted a tree and the background in pebbles. The border is silky. Hopefully little Nolan will spend many cuddling with his quilt!

I loved the way the owl turned out on the back of the quilt!

Back of the quilt.

Welcome October!

Here we are, October has finally arrived! I welcome fall bitter-sweetly. Today's high is 94... 94 degrees in October. Where is our fall weather?!? We are also on the countdown for Olivia's birthday! Less than 2 weeks away. Has it really been a year? Where did my dependant baby go? She is now a walking, chatting, teeth cutting, almost one year old! She loves to play and laugh. Her newest thing is pretending to give you something and when you go to take it she pulls it away and runs off laughing. She is also becoming our little climber! I turned around yesterday and she was standing on her piano, of course she falls off backwards pulling the little piano on top of her. It scared her more than it hurt her, but she cried none the less. I picked her up and hugged her telling her that's what happens when you stand on your toys... Not sure if I got through to her :) I am ready for sweatshirts, warm coca, walks in the park with leaves falling and cool, crisp mornings. Here is to a new season and new blessings!

Quilt for Sue

"Quilters around the world supporting a quilter" I am inspired by Elizabeth from A House in the Country who is putting together a quilt for a fellow quilter who is terminally ill. As I'm sure with most quilters we make quilts for others but seldom receive them. The quilt will comprise of blocks from people who read her blog. These blocks will probably come from all around the world, in every size, shape and color. I feel very fortunate to have happened upon her blog by chance and am very excited at the potential of becoming apart of something much bigger than myself. This will take very little out of my time and stash, but I will forever be stitched and quilted with other woman from many walks of life to give one woman comfort to rest under our comprised love and support.

Sold!

I sold my first quilt! It is the most adorable ABC block. The back and binding is lime green that matched the panel perfectly! I quilted with invisible thread which was so difficult to work with, but gave me the effect I wanted.

It was bought for a baby shower gift. I can't wait to see what the mom-to-thinks about it!

Quilting Bees...

I follow a few quilting blogs and love seeing what others are doing and trying out some of their techniques and ideas. I feel like I gain a wealth of knowledge just browsing through their quilt journies. I'm sure most of them don't know how much I gain from them! I could only dream that I will one day have strangers follow me... but for now I'm happy to be in my own little world, quilting along :) A few of the bloggers are in quilting bees and post about them. I have been standing on the outside watching all the fun they have and I am now ready to jump in join! Almost like the first day of school... I have gained the courage to play with the big kids, in this case the experienced quilters! I am ready to put my skills to the test and gain new insight. There is nothing worse than working inside your own parameters and not challenging yourself! So wish me luck as I put myself out there and try to find some bees!

First Beach Trip

Olivia had her first beach trip! The weather was wonderful. Mom and Dad both got sick while we were there which was such a bummer. We did lots of swimming in the pool which was heated and overlooked the ocean. Olivia just wanted to lay back and hang out. I think she would have gone to sleep if there weren't so many other kids in the pool making a splash.

We finally made it down to the sand on Thursday for just a few minutes. Olivia didn't know what to think about the sand. She just kept touching it and staring at her hands. Amazing! :) I think Olivia's favorite part was going to the toy store with Grandpa and buying her first doll. Grandpa pulled it off the shelf to show Olivia and she started giggling and reaching for it. How could Grandpa say "no"?!? Overall it was a wonderful week! Can't wait to go back with Steve and hopefully spend some more time down on the sand.

Quilt tops

Blocks from the Stack and Whack layed out. They are now all sewn together.

Hungry Caterpillar all finished!

I have finished 2 quilt tops! The Hungry Caterpillar is all done and ready for quilting. The stack and whack I made for my mom needs borders, but she loved her Mother's Day present. Steve wasn't very happy about cutting and ironing while sewed for about 5 hours on Sunday to frantically finish in time for our Mother's Day dinner, but we got all the blocks sewn together and it turned out so much better than I was expecting! Not perfect, but it is my first big (queen) quilt that I have successfully completed. Many started, but not many finished ;)

Found some beautiful material at a little shop in Pismo Beach called Quilting Cousins. Can't wait to go back and get more :-D Once I finish Keira's Garden quilt I will start on a new project. I thought Steve would be much more accepting of me buying material if I finished a few tops. Not to mention buying the quilting machine I want. How can I justify buying the machine when I have no tops to quilt... not the case any more!!!

Bottle Feeding

So I spoke WAY too soon. This afternoons feeding was a huge FAIL! We had to leave Eli's baseball game early because she was so fussy. She's down for a nap right now. We'll try again when she wakes up. ***Fingers crossed***

SUCCESS!

It only took starving her for 1/2 a day to get Olivia to drink from a bottle. Well that and the attempt of 5 different bottles and nipples... Ok I didn't really starve her per say, but I didn't give her anything other than the bottle as food options. See, it's proof that you don't give kids options. They get what they get! (at least at 5 months old anyways :-D) She fussed for a good part of the morning. Only one major melt down, but it didn't last more than a minute or so. Grammy took her for a walk and she fell asleep. After her hour nap she was perfectly happy to drink about 4oz. Acted like it was no big deal and she's been doing it forever! Now we will just have to see if she will take it again... I shouldn't speak too soon!

Switching to the bottle - Day 1

Today is the first day of attempting to get Olivia to drink from a bottle. Key word is attempting! Didn't quite work as well as I had hoped. I guess I shouldn't expect much since I have exclusively breastfed for her entire 5 1/2 months outside of the womb. My biggest fear with continuing to breastfeed is that she will become even more attached to nursing and either 1. she will never stop or 2. it will be even harder down the road. Thank God for my mother! There should be no further explanation needed. She was a trooper today!

From what I've read if you want to successfully convert a baby to a bottle someone else needs to do the bottle feeding since the baby associates mom with nursing. I don't think it mattered who it was or where I was... there was no taking a bottle today! Olivia seems to not know how to suck anything other than my nipple, fingers, washcloths or frozen applesauce in mesh things. Funny how that works! My mom is convinced that by Wednesday Olivia will be drinking from a bottle like a pro. Me... I have my doubts. Major doubts!

Even though I am trying to get her to take a bottle I still want to breastfeed to put her down for the night and during middle of the night feedings. I still think the nutritional value of breast milk is very important and will be pumping for all bottle feedings.

Some things we tried today are:
- Just giving her a bottle
~With me in the room
~With me out of the room
~With me out of the house
~With me giving it to her
~With my mom giving it to her
~With Steve giving it to her
~Outside
~Inside
~Laying Down
~Sitting up
~In the bath (yes in the bath!)
~With lunch
-With a straw
- With a sippy cup
-With multiple different bottles and nipples


Here is hoping that tomorrow will bring us more success than today!

5 Month Pictures

Olivia was a champ for her 5 month pictures! We spent WAY too much $$$, but they turned out so good I could hardly resist.

Every time I look at these pictures my heart melts! I still can't believe I have such a beautiful and healthy baby girl. God is so amazing! It blows my mind that she grew in my belly and is made just from Steve and me. The two of us... no one else could have made her... she is ours. WOW!