Week 24 (6 months!): Getting the Hang of This

Six months sounds like a pretty big deal huh?  Three months left in the often talked about “9 months” of pregnancy.  Well, what most people don’t realize is that a full term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks….which is more like 10 months.  So in the realm of proper pregnancy countdowns, I actually have 16 weeks to go (unless the little lady decides to come a bit early…which would be SO okay with me!).

The days of morning sickness are behind me now (so weird thinking about those first couple months and how I thought I’d be sick forever) and I’m really starting to be able to actually ENJOY having a bun in the oven.  My skin has been awesome (though the makeup I haven’t been using to cover up break-outs is being utilized to cover the dark circles under my eyes—I feel lucky on nights that I only have to get up to pee once!), I’m really enjoying food (though still have only gained 2 pounds…weird?), and my “bump” is to a point where I’m getting polite smiles from strangers (and slightly off-putting looks from students that I see each day since I work at a university…nothin’ like being mistaken for a knocked up undergrad! ha). I’ve finally leapt into the process of “nesting”—which I will be sharing in on the blog (click here to see my first project, homemade ceiling decor!).  For my second project, I spent labor day weekend re-painting a dresser for the baby’s room and daydreaming of other ideas for my garden-themed nursery.  I've also been hearing talk of a baby shower being planned for me by my mom and sis….so much fun baby stuff going on!  So this is what everyone has been talking about--loving being pregnant and it being “the best” time of their life?  Not sure if I’m THAT in love with it yet, but at least I’m finally getting the hang of it.

 In these photos:  embellished tank top by Free People, vintage maxi skirt & a mish mash jewelry that I’ve had forever.  (Not sure about this outfit....a little gypsy meets renaissance fair.  Getting tired of looking at my summer wardrobe--SO looking forward to autumn clothing!) 

xo

Jayme

P.S.  Gotta give my weekly spiel... Pretty please click the link at the top of the page (you can vote once a day!) and help us move up the ranks on Top Baby Blogs.  Many thanks!

Baby C's Nursery: DIY Project #1

 Ever since I can remember, I've always made home-made cards for people--thank you notes, birthday cards, anniversary cards, etc. It's gotten to the point where everyone knows that's my M.O. and I'd almost rather skip the card altogether if I don't have time to make it myself.

SO being such a crafty gal...I really feel like I should (and I WANT to!) have as much homemade decor in the baby girl's (Baby C...and sorry folks, the "C" is for the first letter of my last name--NOT a hint to her first name!) nursery.  Not to mention, it will save us a lot of moola.  AND make her room one of a kind!

Project #1 was inspired by a photo I found when skimming nurseries on Ohdeeoh.

I love the tissue paper pom poms hanging from the ceiling--they add another level of interest to the room (a fun carpet on the floor... cute pictures and shelves on the walls....but why not give some attention to the ceiling?).

My first real task was deciding on a color scheme for the room.  I'm not really a pink person (I don't mind the color--I do wear pink and I'm sure the baby girl will have plenty pink outfits in her wardrobe--it's just not my absolute favorite) so I chose purple, aqua and yellow.  My nursery theme is garden-ish--flowers, bunnies, frogs, butterflies, etc.  So I'm calling the pom poms "flowers."

Next, I found a similar project online that was for tissue paper flower napkin rings/embellishments and simply did it on a larger scale.  Here's how:

1.  You'll need 8 sheets of tissue paper (if you're not buying in bulk, most packs of solid colors actually have 8 sheets per pack, which is nice).  Unfold and line up all the edges.

2.  On the SHORTER edge (I tried using the longer edge for my first attempt--because the creases were already there...but it ends up being too long and floppy) do an accordion fold.

3.  Smooth out your folds so the creases are nice and crisp.

4.  Cut each corner (you can cut to a round end or make into a point...the point is a little easier : ) 

5.  Make your cuts on both ends of the tissue paper stack.

6.  Fold stack in half, to mark the middle.

7.  Use about a 4 inch piece of wire (floral wire would work best--I didn't have any so I scrounged around the house and found an old piece of ribbon with wire edges and just cut the wire off the ribbon) and twist around the middle.

8. Fan out the stack of paper a bit.

9.  Begin pulling individual sheets up (be VERY careful!  I tore quite a few on my first try...).

10.  Pull from each end and begin to shape the flower/pom pom.

11.  After half are pulled, turn over and pull from the other side.

12.  Mess with it a bit until you get the shape you want.

Voila!  A lovely, inexpensive, eye-catching addition to your baby's nursery!  Loop some string or invisible fishing line around the wire in the middle and hang from the ceiling.  Mine will probably go in a corner, all hanging at different lengths.

Stay tuned for more DIY's!  Happy Labor Day Weekend.

xo

Jayme

Week 23: What’s in a name…

I’m not ashamed to admit:  years before I even I was even planning on having a baby I would daydream of the perfect name for the non-existent little one.  When Andrew and I decided to start trying for a babe I even made a memo in my blackberry to keep track of names as I thought of them. 

As I mentioned in my last weekly entry….I really thought my bun the oven was a boy.  And I must confess—we even had THE perfect boy name picked out (ok…and we even half-jokingly referred to my baby bump as that name a few times…).  [I’m not telling the name because we do still plan on using it if we have a baby boy in the future!]  SO we had to go back to the drawing board when we found out a baby girl was on the way.  There are sooooo many requirements when choosing a baby name (male or female!)…at least for me (a surprisingly over-the-top Type A personality…despite the fact that I also consider myself an artist/creative type which just seems so contradictory).  The name can’t be too common; it can’t be too weird; it can’t remind of me of someone I don’t like; it must sound good with our last name; it must be able to go with our chosen middle name; the initials can’t spell something derogatory…..etc. etc. etc. 

Well, we finally found the perfect name that suits our little babe (I’m not into the whole “we won’t know until we see them in person” thing—unless you’re not finding out the sex ahead of time.  I mean really—you think your baby is going to have THAT much personality in the first hour of its life that the name choice will be affected?  And furthermore—I think the person makes the name not vise versa).  I remember when Amanda was preggers and how awkward it was when people were hounding her to tell them the name she chose (because she was trying to keep it somewhat secret) and man do I sympathize now.  People just seem to be able to guilt you into revealing the name!  I also happen to be a pushover…so this is really a struggle for me.  So far I have told every single person that has asked.  And so far I haven’t gotten the best feedback.  I really really love our baby girl’s name--it’s not super common, it’s not super weird, and I feel like it just sounds like something Andrew and I would choose (I gotta say—Andrew thought of it!).  But the reactions!  People give polite smiles and exclamations of “Cute!”….but I’m still not convinced that anyone loves the name as much as we do….which has led to momentary doubts and twinges of disappointment/unsure-ness.  So silly!  Can I really expect that anyone will love the name as much as we do…or even love this little babe as much as we do?  So I’m sticking to my guns.  The name is set in stone—I mean, it’s just too fun talking to my belly and calling it by name to quit now.

Side note:  Our etsy shop launches TOMORROW!  We already have some pretty adorable vintage maternity and baby clothes posted, so feel free to shop!  And not sure I’ve mentioned before—but these weekly photos all feature vintage clothes/accessories.  I try to wear at least one vintage piece (even if it’s just a scarf or belt!) when coming up with my outfit.  It’s getting harder as my belly grows…but I’m committing to keep it up!  This blog is, after all, for vintage lovin’ mamas and mamas-to-be!

xo

Jayme

P.S.  If you see me, don't feel bad about asking about the name we chose (I really don't mind telling!).  But sorry folks, I won't be announcing the name until the little gal is here!!  Gotta keep the suspense up so you keep reading! ; )

In these photos:  vintage pleated clock-print skirt (worn as a dress) from Miskabelle—buy it now!, vintage white brass buckle menswear belt, cork wedge sandals from Charlotte Russe

Weekend Run-down

So the title's a little play on words....feeling TOTALLY run down from this weekend and wanted to give you a little rundown of the past couple days--and share some photos (I am in LOVE with Manda's new DSLR camera...).
As we've been hyping for the past few months--Miskabelly launches on Wednesday!  So Manda came to PA to visit and tie up some loose ends (take photos of merchandise, plan our packaging, etc.).  Of course Aurora was along (and the daddy-o, Q).  Can I just say...that little lady is the cutest baby EVER!  I can't imagine my little-girly-on-the-way could possibly be as cute...we will have to wait and see. ; )

me and Rora, playin her drum!

I love how much she giggles now...but she definitely has a soft spot for her momma and daddy.  They can always get her to crack a smile!!

Anyway...just wanted an excuse to show off my niece and share some of the photos I took when I highjacked Manda's camera this weekend!  I'm exhausted...and have to get mentally prepared for the big week ahead!  Stay tuned tomorrow for the regularly scheduled blog (WEEK 23!).

Thanks for reading....and for voting (we're holding strong at the top 50! *link at top*)

xo

Jayme

Andrew and I getting our practice in!

Week 22: Time to get a little sappy

Well, I’m still basking in the joy of finding out that we are having a baby girl!  I have to admit that I was SURE we were having a boy…I thought my “motherly” instincts were right on.  So when the ultrasound tech matter-of-factly stated “Eez a girl.” (the tech is Russian and kind of unemotional/cold) I just laid there and said “Okkk.” I couldn’t even LOOK at Andrew.  I held back tears in the waiting room (we had a doctor’s appt. right after the ultrasound) and I just felt kind of strange.  Now I know, pregnancy hormones have certainly turned me into a bit of crazy lady but there was something really bothering me.  I didn’t care if we had a boy or a girl.  I was super excited just to be having a healthy baby.  But I guess a teeny tiny part of me was falling in love with the thought of having a mini Andrew running around.

Let me give you a little run down about Andrew, the hubby and daddy-to-be.  Andrew was my 9th grade crush.  Mousy little me, with my beanpole frame and oversized glasses swooned from afar for the handsome, blonde boy in my math class.  We had never spoken (we both were and are pretty shy) but there was something about him.  [He hates when I tell people about this] I even asked him to the spring dance that year (to which he turned me down for other sports-related plans).  In 11th grade I found myself yet again, in math class with the boy.  No intentions of pursuing him (though I had ditched the glasses and gained some self-esteem), to my surprise I found out he was now interested in ME.  We have been inseparable ever since.  Andrew and I often get described as the “perfect” couple…with the “perfect” life and the “perfect” relationship.  And I usually brush it off with an “oh, puh-leeze”…but really, it’s quite true.  In fact, shame on me for ever discounting the fact when people comment on how happy Andrew and I are together. 

SO…back to the scene in the waiting room.  There I sat, being a brat, pouting about having a perfect baby girl.  I realize now it’s because I love my husband SO SO much.  I really thought he secretly wanted a boy and part of me felt like he was disappointed (not because he had any sort of negative reaction, just because like I said before…I am a crazy lady).  I loved the idea of having another Andrew around—with the big smile and the blonde hair and the broad shoulders…the silly sense of humor, selfless attitude, kind heart…etc. etc. etc.  But no worries--I have since gotten over it!  Andrew has assured me he is JUST as excited to have a little girl as a he would be to have a boy and the more we talk about her and pick out names and nursery colors the more anxious we get to meet her!  But I still hope she is just like her daddy.

(Speaking of all the things I love about my hubby…..another is that he agrees to photograph me each week for this blog—and he’s quite good at it!  This week he was working late so I had to resort to using a self-timer to take photos of myself… 190 pictures later (!!crazy lady, people!!), I luckily found a few that I could use here. )

 In these photos:  black stretch pencil skirt by Free People (which is totally going to become my maternity-clothes staple!), fuchsia tank from Target, vintage southwestern print shirt (worn as vest), vintage brown pixie boots

Thanks all for voting us back to #50 on Top Baby Blogs!  We feel the love (and hope it will continue!). ;)

xo

Jayme

Mama Moment #3: Out of Balance.

I am fully aware that it's been two weeks since I did a Post-Baby Body Challenge blog.  Last week I was on vacation, and this week...I need to press pause.

I realized that even when I was 30 pounds lighter, I was never "satisfied" with my body.  Maybe I get too brainwashed by all my involvement in fashion and blogs.  But after three weeks of working on my body, I started getting too strict with myself, and rather than feeling encouraged, I felt overwhelmed and discouraged.

This is not me giving up.  This is me, taking a little break and prioritizing my time (workouts are a little low on that list right now). I'm still working on myself--my personal development is a little more important than my physical development.  And that's okay.  Everyone talks about balance, and living a balanced life, but when does that EVER happen?  Life is about seasons and moments--for me, it's about passion.  My life is out of balance right now because I'm so in love with Q and Aurora.  There's nothing wrong with that.  I'm going to revel in it until the next season comes.  Maybe the next season will include intense daily workouts, but right now, it's just not in the cards.

As of Sunday, I will be working two jobs, on top of Miskabelle (and the launch of Miskabelly, THIS WEEKEND!).  I have a million things to do to change my name, driver's license, address, insurance, etc. now that I'm back living in Virginia.  We are having our wedding celebration in a little over a month, and I'm way behind in the planning process.  Last night, I started to freak out--I felt the weight of the world and it was crushing me.

Remember how I talked about giving my body grace?  Well, I need to learn how to give myself grace too.  I am a great mom. I am doing everything I can to be able to stay at home with Aurora, even though I don't love what I'm doing right now all the time.  I have been blessed to find these opportunities to work from home.  We're blessed to be able to keep working with Miskabelle and Miskabelly. I'm blessed to be spending the rest of my life with the most amazing man and father I have ever met.  I am blessed to be healthy and happy.

 Rora sharing her teething cookie w/ Daddy

Yes, I'm happy.  My life is not perfect.  My body is definitely not perfect.  But I am happy.

I'm still wanting to get in better shape for the wedding party, so I can feel my best.  I still want to make healthy choices.  I just have to fit these things in when I can.  I'm remembering this idea that I heard in a sermon once at church--about giving up the good things to make room for the best things.  I am surrounding myself with the best things right now.

Back to some me-time now as Aurora naps.  Excitedly awaiting Jayme's 22 week blog this evening!

Thanks for your encouragement about the body challenge--I hope I'm equally able to encourage all of you.  Live your life a little out of balance--that's where real joy comes from.

me, with my little lovebug in Cape May

-Manda

It's a......

Today was the big day....we found out the sex of our little babe!  My stomach was in knots all morning and I was mentally prepared for the fact that we STILL might not find out for sure....if the baby was being shy (like it's mama) or the angle wasn't definitive enough to tell for  sure.  Well folks...though the little one was curled up in an [adorable] little ball so we couldn't see the face...we did get a full butt view, displaying on the important parts!  (phew....deep breaths....getting a little emotional writing about this!)

Looks like us Miska ladies have a strong X chromosome....because Andrew and I are having a baby GIRL!  I'm sure everyone assumes that this is what I secretly wanted (coming from a family of 2 girls and being quite the girly myself) but both Andrew and I SO didn't care either way, we honestly just feel so blessed and excited to have this new addition to our family.
Now onto to nursery planning....stay tuned--I've already collected a TON of photos for inspiration and ideas that I will be sharing.
Yay for babies!!!

xo
Jayme

PS--added a little slideshow of my growing belly, check it out:

PSS--Pretty please take a quick second to vote for us on Top Baby Blogs, just click the link at top then click through to the page! :)