Geography Lesson

Sue Sue sent Brody some very awesome gifts for his 3rd birthday. One of them was this sweet puzzle of Africa. Brody thought it was pretty cool. Kevin and I thought it was the absolute coolest! I was all, "Look Brody. This is where Sue Sue lives." But even cooler to him was, "Look, Bubba. This is Madagascar!" He's a big fan of the movie, you see.

The unfortunate news is that the puzzle isn't marked so when we dumped all 53 countries on the floor...we were at a bit of a loss. Brody moved on to something more interesting immediately while Kevin and I spent 15 minutes trying to remember exactly where the Congo, for example, is located.

I was in my late 20's before I learned that Egypt, Morocco and Ethiopia were African countries (it's sad but it's totally true). Because of this precious & perfect gift from their Aunt Sue Sue, my babies will know a lot more about this beautiful continent than I did at their ages.

Also, we are looking forward to visiting Sarah in Cape Town sometime next year!!! If you're planning a trip to Cape Town, let me know and I'll put you in touch with her!

2 Week Check Up

Well, this is pretty much what Mianna looks like most of the day. She probably has her eyes OPEN a total of 2 hours a day. It's amazing. She must be my child! The excessive sleeping, triangle nostrils and the pronounced double chin really confirm the fact that she is for sure my child.

The other night as I sat gazing at her little pink face and grey eyes with blonde eye lashes and I asked Kevin "What if she's not our baby? What if they accidentally got mixed up and gave us the wrong baby and gave our baby to another couple? What if that other couple was really mean and our baby grew up in an unloving home and then found out that she could have been loved by us if not for the hospital's mistake?..." I could have gone on but he cut me off with, "What is wrong with you?". What kind of question is that? Ironically, that was his thought too. Then he said, "This is exactly what she looked like when she came out. I saw." Ok. She's definitely our baby.

Today was Mia's 2 week check up (I actually missed our appointment on Monday so it's really an almost-3-week check up). For inquiring minds, she is weighing in at 9lbs 4oz now (75%), is 20 3/4" tall (70%), and her head measures 14 1/2" (75%). The general consensus is that she's pretty perfect. And we agree.

Baby Gift

Lookie, lookie! My honey got me the sweetest "Thank You For Having My Baby" present!

Yes, I might have dropped a few hints that this jewelry was something I might like to one day have. But I had honestly forgotten until this week when I found the little jewelry box on the bathroom counter.

You might think the bathroom is strange place to leave a gift but that's because you don't realize how much the bathroom means to us. And not just because we do important business in there! Kevin found out that we were pregnant (both times) in the loo. So the bathroom counter was the perfect place to leave this precious token of love. And I do love it.

Thank you, honey. I love you. Thank you for giving me my beautiful babies.

Green Baby Bottles

I'm not a full-on tree hugger (yet) but I've recently discovered the dangers of plastic baby bottles (as well as regular drinking bottles) and am concerned, to say the least. I have a billion Avent bottles that I intended to use with Mia but in the past few days I've seen 4 different studies/reports regarding the dangers of Bisphenol A (a hormone disruptor linked to breast and prostate cancer, early puberty, miscarriage, low sperm count, and immune-system changes) in most of the plastic baby bottles on the market. The first was an email sent by my mom with this report. Then there was a National Geographic episode on last night. Plus, with Earth day being this past Monday I saw two different experts discuss this on The View and on Oprah. Too many times to ignore.

I understand that babies have been drinking from plastic bottles for generations now. And washing them in the dishwasher is pretty common practice. I'm sure I could continue using these bottles with no effects. However, is it worth the risk? The rate of children's cancers and other unexplainable diseases keeps rising so I can't help but wonder if this might be one of the contributors? Crazy? Maybe. But I'd rather be safe.

After a bit of research I found these bottles. They are expensive, I know. But I only need a few to start with. Has anyone used Green to Grow yet? I'd love to hear reviews.

Thank you, Mor Mor!

Can I just say, for all the blog-reading-public to see, once and for all...I HAVE THE BEST MIL EVER! My sweet mother-in-law took a week off of work to come stay with us for the week after Mianna was born. Not only that, but she and my FIL had just been here the weekend before for Brody's 3rd bday party (where they graciously picked-up and purchased ALL of the party pizzas and bought extra bubbles for our bubble machine when we ran out!) & Mia's birth. They left the morning after Mia was born and then Mom made the 7 hr drive back to Santa Barbara so she could spend a week spoiling us rotten!!

Whatever! Who does that?! I should thank Dad too for sacrificing a week w/o her. I know they missed each other as they have a serious crush on each other. Dad, I understand. I'm missing Mom being here too and I only got to enjoy her for a week! Thank you!

She made life so easy for me. She let me sleep in every single morning as I adjusted to sleepless nights (plus I just really like sleeping in). She took Brody on cool field trips to the beach for ice cream and the zoo. She fed us. She washed and folded/hung every single piece of Mia clothing we own. She even played Marching Band with Brody and Daddy in the front yard. She treated us to dinners and lunches and bought Brody lots of cool prizes. She did dishes and made beds and caulked tubs! She is a servant of unbelievable proportion and I admire and respect her immensely. She also got to hold Mia a lot which I know they both thoroughly enjoyed.

I learn things from my MIL every time I'm around her. Sometimes it is as basic as realizing the many uses for paper towels and plastic bagies. Other times it's lessons on how to be a truly Godly wife and mother. I'm so impressed by her dedication to spiritual and personal growth. And I'm equally impressed by the fact that she doesn't seem to age. For the record, my MIL is just a little over 40 (wink wink).

Thank you, Mom for all that you do for us every day and thank you especially for loving my babies so dearly. We are all better people for having you in our lives. I'm a better wife, mother, daughter and woman because of your influence. Love you!

Cute GIFT!

Would you just look at this? It's a wooden "M" block with the following details egraved on the sides:

Mianna Leta Marie Sturm

Proud Parents Chrystal and Kevin Sturm

4-7-08, 9:51am, 8lbs 8oz, 19 1/2"

Monday (baby feet image) Santa Barbara, CA

The funny thing is that the packaging didn't come with any note! Kevin and I both immediately assumed this is from Uncle Nooch. If not, please identify yourself! We absolutely love it!!

Note: It was ordered from http://www.craftefamily.com/

Edited: Come to find out, this puh-resh-us gift is from my girl, Julie Palermo! I actually inquired with the company and here is what Craft-E-Family responded: "The gift giver has two different options to let you know who it's from and unfortunately Julie Palermo opted out of both of them. Hope this helps you :)" Very funny.

Mianna Leta Marie Sturm

Anyone who reads my blog has already read the whole delivery story and baby-naming drama on Kevie's blog. Here is my blog devoted to our new little angel, Mianna. She is really incredibly precious. I am actually surprised by my own infatuation with her! I know that sounds weird but the truth is, I'm not really a "baby person".

I would never ask to hold an infant. They make me nervous. They have no bones and seem very breakable. I was a ball of nerves with Brody. So completely unsure and anxious about everything. If my mother hadn't been here for 3 weeks after Brody's birth I am seriously not sure how I would have managed. When he cried, I cried. Everything seemed so dad-gum HARD! He was a high-maintenance newborn, for sure. But my inexperience only amplified the stress on all of us. As amazing as my little Brody man is and as thankful as I am for him I have to admit that the first year was rough.

The good news is that Mia is an 'angel baby'. The other good news is that apparently, I'm a quick learner! Either that or it's just plain easier the second time around. I am loving every single second of this. She's so easy and sweet.

I could not have asked for a better birth experience. I was very anxious the night before the surgery. Afraid we'd miss the alarm, I woke up just about every hour after 1am till finally getting up at 5am for a quick shower, pack and short drive to the hospital by 6am. When we got there, Kevin set up his computer to run a slide-show of Brody. The heaviness of the moment finally caught up with me and the water-works started up. Being in the hospital again, being reminded of our experience with Bubba, knowing that I'm about start all over again, heading into major surgery...it was a bit overwhelming. We quickly shut down the slide show.

Kevin has given a great description of the surrealness of the OR. It was awesome to be a part of it this time. Dr. Ramos (a genius) actually remembered that 3 years ago I was snoring during post op. I was exhausted and pretty stoned the first time around. I've always mourned the fact that I didn't get the 'emotional' experience of childbirth that I always saw on A Baby Story! This time, I really got to be a part of it all. When the nurses showed me Mia I actually surprised myself by the rush of emotion that came over me. Relief. Amazement. Joy. I got to be there this time and it was good.

I'll tell you what else...being in the hospital for a few days is a bit like a vacation. Except for the catheter, IV, gigantic sanitary pads and total inability to move without sharp pains to the abdomen and a completely numb bottom (b/c I couldn't lay on my sides)! Getting to stay in bed for 3 straight days, have food brought to you, visitors with gifts, staring at your baby's face for hours at a stretch...that was vacation. I was glad to get home and be with Brody again. My heart literally ached for him while we were apart. Thankfully, I knew that he was having the time of his life with Grandmama.

Speaking of Brody...he has adjusted really well to Baby Sister (or "Scratchen" if you ask him). He is interested but not obsessed. She's around and he'll occasionally ask to hold her but for the most part, he chooses his dinosaurs and Cars cars over her. He's 100% 3-yr old right now which means we're still dealing with his strong will and limit-testing. But overall, he's a Prince. God has really give us more than we deserve. So thankful. So blessed. So at peace. So happy.

Stay tuned for monthly updates on baby sister. Our little Mia.

We Love Gwamama!

Also taken the day before Baby Sister was scheduled to arrive.

Brody absolutely adores his Grandmama and the feeling is totally mutual, I assure you. The woman has a never-ending pool of love for this little boy. It makes my heart so happy to see them interact. To watch his face when he thinks Grandmama is being silly or funny or "tricken me". I love to watch her spoil him rotten. Even tho it always takes a couple of days to 'detox' Brody from the spoilification - it's totally worth it to have him spend time with her.

Mom was amazing while we were in the hospital. She stayed home alone with Brody for three nights while Kevin stayed with me and Baby Sister. She did a wonderful job of making Brody feel safe and secure. He only asked for us a few times but never in a freaked out sort of way. More just out of curiosity. She and he played all morning - crafting, racing cars, playing in his room (his most favorite thing to do ever) or outside. At noon she and Brody would come up to the hospital for lunch and visiting and then Daddy would take Bubba home for nap and so he could get in a couple of hours of work. Mom would stay with me and Baby Sister for some good times of fellowship and goo-gooing over the baby. In the evening Brody and Daddy would return to the hospital after a trip to the park or wherever and Mom would take him home for bedtime routine. I couldn't have asked for a better scenario. I missed Brody terribly while I was in the hospital but I knew without a shadow of a doubt that he was being well taken care of and that he was enjoying quality time with his "Gwanmama".

Thanks Mom for being the best mom and an amazing Grandma. These kids don't even know how blessed they are!! I wouldn't have wanted to do this without you. Wish we had more time together. But until we live closer to each other...there's always Skype!

The Day Before....

I asked mom to snap a few pics of me the day before I was to delivery Baby Sister. It was a Sunday so I was about as dressed up as I ever am which also made it a good time for some pics.

I really enjoy being pregnant - I do. I feel way more comfortable with my body. I love feeling the baby move inside of me. I like the clothes! This is definitely the best time in the history of maternity clothes to be pregnant! No more moo-moos and sleeveless tank tops (what is UP with those?!). However, this pregnancy really had me ready to get it over with. I was so tired and my body ached. I couldn't play with/pick up/lay down with to read books/do pretty much anything with Brody as much as I'd like to have.

In a lot of ways it was harder than the first time. But in a lot of ways it was also way easier this time! All because of my amazing husband and his decision to work from home. I was able to take naps almost every day when Brody was napping. Obviously, this wasn't an option when I was preggo w/Brody b/c I worked full time. Those naps really saved my days...and my ankles! Since I wasn't sitting at a desk all day long, my ankles never really swelled - at least not to the degree they did the first time! Hello, tree-trunk ankles.

This pregnancy has been good. But I was definitely ready to be done. To meet this baby and to get on with our lives as a family of 4. Sweet!

The Messy Party!

Here are the invitations we made for Brody's 3rd Birthday Party. A Messy Party! They were created by Brody with watercolor and finger paints. The "M" is a stamp and I wrote out "essy" on a stripe of white acrylic paint. On the back were the details. I threw in some staples on some of them to add a random, junky feel. Over-all I am totally thrilled with them! We sent 6 by mail and invited most of the kids in his pre-school class (an additional 7). 8 kids total RSVP'd which was perfect.

The party was at our house which I knew would make things less stressful. Last year was such an ordeal with having to make and transport all the food and equipment to the park that I just didn't want to deal with all that being big-huge pregnant.

The day of the party was perfect. It is usually overcast on Brody's birthday because of the time of year. Thankfully we have been blessed with rainless birthday parties so far! We had several stations: an awesome painting station which Kevin set up, sidewalk chalk & chalk paint station, water and food coloring station, bird-seed feeder station, and a planting station. Plus water guns! Let me just say, this was a FUN party. By the end of it all they were wet and dirty and painted various colors from head to toe. All-in-all a true success!

I can't believe that my little Bubba is 3. How on earth can he be so big? His little personality is so precious and let me tell you something...this kid has a heck of a sense of humor. He's hysterical funny and I literally want to be around him all the time.

I hope you had a great party, Bubba. You are my sweet baby boy. Happy Birthday, my love.

Brody Turns 3

This was Brody's electronic birthday invitation which was sent to our friends w/o children and families. You may notice the typo at the bottom "You should prepare to get eat...". No one was rude enough to remark on it tho :) The funny thing about us having a Messy Party is that Brody isn't a very messy kid. I mean, he'll get spaghetti all over himself when he eats it but I think that's more romantic than messy. He usually steers clear of mud and dirt and hates bugs of any sort - including worms which can be found in mud and dirt and probably the reason he steer clear. But he loves painting and LOVES water play and I know he'll get a kick out of the peanut butter bird feeders we are going to make! Stand by for more photos and details of the actual party!

Easter 2008

I get these expectations. I shouldn't,,,but I do. Last year Brody's birthday fell on Easter weekend and we incorporated the city's annual Saturday-before-Easter "Eggstravaganza" (to be said with a large sweeping gesture of arms) at Chase Palm Park into the festivities. It was a blast! The kids were so cute. Brody had a cool new Cars basket (thanks to Grandmama), collected a ton of chocolate eggs, saw the Easter Bunny, stole candy from other kids' baskets...just good times all around. In fact, it almost got a bit overwhelming. So many kids - too many kids - that I was constantly afraid we'd loose one. Well, I had a year to look forward to this year's "Eggstravaganza" only to be sorely disappointed. Too little eggs for the amount of kids, big kids in the little kids areas stealing up all the candy, it just didn't seem as well planned as last year. But Brody had fun, so that's all that counts. He was SUPER excited about seeing the Easter Bunny. In fact, it was the thing he remembered most about last year's egg hunt!

Every year for Easter, Reality does their service at the local high school in the outdoor amphitheater. We look forward to it every year. This year, we had several friends join us which was really special. Besides the blazing heat, it was a beautiful service as usual. Tons of decisions were made which was really touching. Afterward we had a good time playing at the Kids Fun Land where Brody got to jump in the Bounce Houses and eat sno cones. We ate delicious carne asada tacos!

We waited till after nap on Sunday to give Brody his Easter Basket so he'd actually have time to play with all the goodies. He loved all his special treats! We've gotten a lot of good play/use out of this Lightening McQueen basket. Thanks again, Grandmama!

We ran out of daylight to do egg dying yesterday so he and I attempted to color some eggs this afternoon after school. I didn't have lemon juice (random) so I used vinegar in the water. I guess that was a wrong decision because our eggs were less than brilliantly colored. Oh well. We made a good mess and have 6.5 (one broke) blue eggs to show for it.

Fun fact...Easter will not be the third week of March again for another 200+ years. I don't have the desire to actually verify this fun fact so if I'm wrong, let me know but it's the rumor I heard!

Carolyn + Sasha = Precious!

Did I mention that my precious girlfriend Carolyn came for a visit the other week? She and her family were visiting family in Palm Springs and she actually carved out a couple of days to come to SB for a weekend visit! The timing couldn't have been more perfect as Kevin was out town on a men's retreat and we were super in need of distraction. I was so looking forward to our little nuggets playing together. Unfortunately, Brody has been going thru a 'turning 3' stage and was a bit of a beast the entire time. Of course, this was only made me feel terrible as just-turning-2 Sasha is a perfect angel. [Note to God: I'd like one of those, please! ] She also has a big brother who probably abuses her in little ways too but I was so embarrassed every time B decided to jerk something out of "Cha-Cha's" hands or shout "NOOOO! She's doing it wrong!!" at the top of his lungs. Ugh. I kept saying, "This is new. I promise. Two weeks ago he was the perfect little boy-man. I'm so sorry. He misses his Dad." And so on. Gracious as always, Carolyn didn't make me feel like a terrible mother or like I had a monster-child of a son. Thank you, girlfriend.



There were times when Brody was sweet and played with his blue-eyed girlfriend and life was really nice. They started off having a ball in the bathtub but rumor has it that the event ended with Brody splashing Sasha in the face and saying he wanted her to leave. I told him that I would remind him of this when they are 16 and Sasha is the unattainable beauty queen that she's destined to be. "You kicked her out of your bathtub you know."

Even tho I was big-huge pregnant we still managed to have a pretty active and really fun time. On Saturday we took the kids to the beach and they ended up sleeping for like 3 hours afterward which gave us the great opportunity to sit down on the patio, eat junk food (mostly me), drinking tea and lemonade and just visit w/o distraction. Perfect.

I love Carolyn and I love that our husbands really like each other. One day maybe we can all get together as families and do something fun. Like....run on the beaches of Mexico, possibly?? ;)

Love you C. Thanks for coming to see me. Yours truly, me.

THREE THINGS: F&B

I think this will be a Monday post from now on. Friday's are too hard.....And now it's Tuesday. Here we go...

1. Orangina - I literally can not get enough of it. I think about it at least once a day. If you haven't had one in a while I suggest you stay away as it is addictive. I can only find them at Trader Joe's which, thankfully, is just down the road. Brody loves them too and always ends up drinking half every tiny little bottle I drink. Stingy kid. By the way...does anyone know the proper pronunciation? In my house we say 'Orangeeena' because it is pronounced the other way around Brody we end up talking about girl and boy parts. Noteworthy: According to Wikipedia there is a blood orange flavor recently released in Europe. If only I could be so lucky!

2. Honey Nut Cheerios - Can I get a 'what what'?! For some reason Honey Nut Cheerios have been rocking my world lately! Because they boys like to totally copy-cat me, we literally go thru 2 boxes in about 5 days. Hands off my Cheerios!!! The good news is that according to their ads I am lowering my cholesterol and enjoying a heart healthy meal! Noteworthy: the Trader Joe's brand of Honey Nut O's is pretty outstanding too. On the other hand, grocery store off-brand labels...not so much.

3. Coca-Cola - I know. I can hear it now. "Why are you drinking Coke!?!". Listen, 2-3 cups of coffee a day are permissible when pregnant. The caffeine in coke isn't going to amp up this baby any more than 3 cups of coffee might. That said, I do recognize that the amount of sugar in a can of Coke is horrifying and something that should be avoided. Here is the deal...I went completely off of Cokes when I was pg w/Brody. After he was born I went off the deep end. I was drinking gallons and gallons of Coke and wondering why my nursing baby wasn't sleeping well! This time I figure I'll enjoy a Coke when I want to - without going overboard - so that I don't feel deprived and loose my mind again when baby sister comes. Allow me a Coke and a smile, wont you?

Just Cuz...

Every now and then I like to post a pic just to show off how stinking in love I am with my family. Would you just look at how God has blessed me? HOW do I deserve this man who treats me with so much love and patience and goodness? HOW do I deserve a son who is so precious and tender hearted - and who is going thru a really terrible about-to-turn-3 stage but is still so genius and adorable? WHAT did I do to deserve this life and these blessings? I'm humbled by God's continued grace and generosity. How I fail you, Lord, again and again.

Brody didn't fall asleep till after 11pm tonight and Kevin is in Dallas for a few days speaking at an industry show and Baby Sister is really abusing me. But I'm going to bed happy and content and in love. Praying that tomorrow goes a little more smoothly for us all.

Sweet dreams.

Funny Hubby

Oh but you MUST check out my husband's morph! Makes me laugh every time...

Three Things

My second Three Things entry and I'm already behind! Wasn't able to post on Friday b/c we had some very precious friends in town (photos to follow).

1. www.freerice.com is a very cool website that has two goals:
1. Provide English vocabulary to everyone for free.
2. Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.

2. Freegans! Oprah did a show on freegans the other week and quite honestly I can not get them out of my head. "Freegans are people who employ alternative strategies for living based on limited participation in the conventional economy and minimal consumption of resources." Basically, they do their grocery shopping from garbage bins. Listen, I'm not condeming. I'm actually excited about the idea of free food and any other usable goods and might even consider the idea if I didn't think Kevin would leave me immediately. I even had a dream that I tried dumpster diving at Scolari's!!

3. Cloth Diapers! You know..they are not your mother's cloth diapers. They don't even require safety pins anymore! My girlfriend Julie (who is due shortly after Baby Sister) is going for it, bless her heart. It's her first and I'm eager to see how it goes. Fuzzi Bunz, Happy Heinys, Mother Ease, Bumkins, but my favorites are the g Diapers.

Helper!

Check out Bubba helping paint Baby Sister's room! He did a wonderful job. He even added is own personal touch...literally. There are two tiny hand prints in Sister's closet that will stay there as long as we live in this house. What a little helper!

Thoughts on pregnancy....

9 months and counting...

4 weeks and 5 days till Baby Sister...9am c-section on the books...

Feeling like a gigantic whale...ankles are not swollen yet but expecting that delight to begin soon...people are being very kind to me...

Experiencing a lot of contractions but not too painful yet...

Ready to meet this precious gift...and to be not pregnant anymore...

Working hard to get her room ready...but not stressed about it like I was with Brody...

Who loves my cute top? Maternity clothes are so awesome nowadays! Definitely one of the highlights of being preggers.

9:45pm. Sleepy...

Baby Sister Shower!

Can I just tell you that I had the MOST precious baby shower last weekend thanks to Amity, Darlene and Cara Lisa. I work for Darlene and her husband, Walter - who are just amazing and deserve a post of their own. Dar graciously offered to host the shower in her home. The home also deserves it's own post as it's my most favorite house in Santa Barbara!

Several of my lovely girlfriends turned out and showered me and Baby Sister with love and encouragement and gifts!! This time around we don't need all the "stuff" so it's fun to get the "goodies". Lots of pink :)

Thank you, ladies for a precious and memorable shower. You make me feel special. And thanks to Mom Sturm, Tams and Dee for sending gifts. LoVE yOu!!

Three Things

I'm starting a new regular Friday series on my blog: THREE THINGS! It's dedicated to featuring three things that have interested, inpsired, excited me over the past week. Hope you enjoy!

This Blog. I've never met Heather but everytime I read her blog(s) I am moved. This week she's made me laugh out loud, cry really hard and become excited all over again about adoption. I think if we had the opportunity, we'd be good friends. She's friends with Staci, by the way!

This woman's Jewelry. Check it out. Very, very cool!

This book! Life of Pi isn't a new book but I am just finally reading it. It took me a while to get really into the story but now I'm about 1/2 thru and find myself thinking of it often.

I'd love to know what has your motor running this week?!

Big Waves!

We had some crazy big waves this past weekend. I love Santa Barbara. The smell, the touch, the look, the tastes, the sounds....all 5 senses fulfilled in one little beach town. Every winter we get rain - a few years ago it lasted a month straight. Santa Barbarians (as Tessa would say) are not fans of the rain. When you live in a town where all the fun stuff is outdoors, it's totally understandable.

There was rain this weekend but it wasn't heavy. I'm not sure where the storm came from but somewhere in the ocean a storm was a brewin' and the results were these amazingly huge waves. Surfers were warned, the pier was closed, a few people even got swept off of the Breakwater! It was gnarly and the smart folks stayed out of the water.

Sunday night we all headed out to the Biltmore wall to watch the show. There were many other spectators at the wall. It was cold and wet and smelled like ocean and was absolutely wonderful. These are the memories of SB that I'll cherish forever.

I ask you...

Is this the body of simply overweight woman? Is there any question as to whether or not this woman is pregnant?!? My sweet and very tiny girlfriend, Tessalita was recently asked if she was expecting. Horrifying and devastating at any weight or confidence level. To comfort her, I shared that I, in my final 6 weeks of pregnancy, have been asked a couple of times if I'm pregnant. Excuse me? The alternative MUST be that they wonder if I've become this rotund do to a few too many Double Doubles Animal Style! So far, I've answered, "A little." and "Yes, I am." but I swear the next time I'm asked I'm going to say, "No...it's a tumor." I guess people don't deserve that as they are genuinely trying to not offend me, I guess.

Is it ever ok to assume a woman is pregnant? As I sit here enduring another Braxton Hicks contraction, I feel like the answer is YES. Maybe if I had one of those cute outie belly buttons. That's a tell-tale sign of a pregnant belly. Instead, my belly button offers a Grand Canyon effect under the cloak of my tight t-shirts. Which is odd b/c it's literally flush against my mound. Invention idea!!! I'm going to create an outie belly button for pregnant women who don't have one! It'll be like a neon sign: THIS IS A PREGNANT TUMMY...

On a side note, many of you know that I am oft confused for store employees. I can be pushing Brody in a shopping cart and someone will ask me, "Do you work here?". One time I was 9 months pregnant with Brody, wearing a skirt and flip-flops and sitting on a chair in Home Depot because my ankles were swelling by the second and a (nice enough) man had the very nerve to look me up and down and ask if I worked there. I saw it coming but was still shocked. I sort of threw out my hands like "Hello? Am I wearing an bright orange apron with "You Can Do It and We Can Help" printed on the front?! And have you noticed my huge pregnant belly!??!" and ignored the question completely. The fake outie might have served me well here.

Well, twice this week someone has dared to ask me for help. Just this morning I dragged Kevin to our local flee market in search of the perfect changing table for Baby Sister. At one point, I'm standing by a table actually looking for some help when I lock eyes with a man who is also apparently looking for some help and I think...here we go. Sure enough, "Do you work here?". Today I said, "I have my purse on my shoulder...do I look like I work here?". Lord, forgive me. I've had enough. He made an 'eek' face and said "Sorry" and I immediately felt bad. But kinda good too.

So, to answer all annoying questions in one post...

1. Yes, I'm pregnant. Jerk.
2. No, I don't work here. Dammit.

One Sister for Sale!

One really funny thing about Cara is that she is such a hoss! She's this perfect little girlie thing but has this amazing brute strength. I always joke that it's nice to live with two men in the house! I'm sure she'll love this post but she actually makes me quite proud. Cara will never be the girl to let a physical challenge stop her because a muscly man isn't around. It also translates to her amazing work ethic and result-driven successes. As well as her personal strength and independence.

In this photo, we caught her on her way out the door (at 9pm...ah to be young..) to help Kevin carry our 300 lb. fake tree down to the garage. She squatted and lifted like a little heavyweight in her high-heeled boots and knee socks. I bet she could have full pressed it over her head with one arm if asked!

Hoss.

Baby Sister's Bedding

I've picked out the crib bedding for Baby Sister today. This was a crazy-hard task when picking out bedding for Brody. This time I wanted to keep it simple. Go in, pick fabric and leave. Santa Barbara has only one fabric store so I knew this would be a challange. I already knew the color scheme I was going for so it was just a matter of finding the fabrics that would work. The turquoise will be the bed sheet. The patterned pink is the outside of the bumper. The fluffy butter is for the inside of the bumper and the bedskirt. The hot pink will be for pillows, possibly cording for the bumper, or somewhere else?

Walls will be at least two shades of yellow - bolder yellows than the butter of the fabric. Furniture is mostly white. Accent colors are black-n-white (pillows, frames, lamps, rocking chair pads, etc.) and turquoise (pillows, sheets, knick-knacks, etc.).

Theme: Sort of a Miami beach/Key West tropical. Definitely not Hawaiian which is easy to get distracted by given the massive amounts of Hawaiian fabric and decorations available. :) Do you love?

Big Boy Bed!

We found the PERFECT bunk bed for Brody last week! No more crib (which was converted to a toddler bed months ago) for Bubba. He adapted immediately. We decided to only get one mattress for now and convereted the upper bunk into a play area for his many cars.

I found this bed at Kmart! I haven't been impressed with Kmart's furniture in the past but after reading the reviews of this bed we thought we'd go for it. It was on sale for $179 and you just reallly can't beat that price. Even if it only lasts for a few years, it's been worth it! And amazingly, the stain is a perfect match to the rest of his furniture. Another reason we really like it is that it's not too tall. The top bunk starts at Kevin's chest. AND there is a ton of under-bed storage. So, we're thrilled with it.

Kevin spent all Saturday afternoon setting up the bed - which was more challenging than we expected. It's a surprisingly sturdy bed. Brody LOVES it!

Then on Sunday, Kevin got passionate about building a ramp for Brody's Cars cars. He and B went to Ace hardware to get the supplies and then Kevin spent some time whipping up this awesome ramp! He had a vision of he and Brody building this ramp together but after about two minutes of hammering Brody got bored and came inside. Then after playing with the ramp for two minutes, Brody was over it too. It's ok. He'll play with this ramp for years to come! Thanks, Daddy!!