ready or not

I can't help but have baby brain nowadays. Especially with the impending arrival of little miss... we're running into scheduling conflicts (aka. stupid doctors), but most likely she'll be here in a little more than a couple of weeks (March 11th)! Am I ready? Yes. Also, no. But she's bound to come sooner or later, so it's just a matter of time ;) I've been having a lot more Braxton Hicks with this pregnancy; something I barely noticed with Will. Basically, any time I get up from sitting or laying down I have one. Lots of fun. Needless to say, I'm pretty lazy these days! But, I am getting in a lot of crocheting (which I have yet to share, tsk-tsk). And I day-dream about other projects that will probably never come to fruition... like burp cloths, onesies, blankets and some cradle bedding (see below). Maybe if I get a HUGE surge of energy in the next week... we'll see :)

Anyway, with only 16 days to go (I KNOW!), I am getting anxious/nervous. I can't wait to see her, and hold her, and kiss her, etc. But, am I ready for two kids? I'm worried about Will. Not that he's not ready or won't be a great big brother. Because he is and he will be. But I'm worried that I won't be there for him like I have been for the past 3.5 years. I mean, he's my little buddy. It's just been me and him for a long time now. And that will change dramatically when baby comes. I'm not ready for the guilt and stress of sharing myself, if that makes sense.

I'm sure the mental and emotional preparation will come, in time. But, in the meantime, I have rounded up a few baby essentials (and dreaming about more). I already have most of what I'll need, since I've been-there-done-that. I'm just missing some clothes. The girly kind (I'm also worried about how I'll handle that... I'm not a big girly-girl)! Oh, I did pick up a steal of a cradle to use for the first few months, since we're a little cramped here already. I'm also rethinking my choice of crib bedding. Not that I don't love the bumper pad I already bought, but I'm really wanting something more soft and shabby cottage (think soft blues, pale yellows with just a touch of pink):

{top to bottom, left to right: crib bedding, crib bedding, and the cradle}

Something that I did get (thanks mom!) and LOVE is my diaper bag! I've been wanting one of these babies for years.. and I've wanted this baby for years, too. Just a few things need to be hammered out and readied, but we're mostly just waiting till she gets here. *B

hi baby

This is baby. Baby is sucking on hand. Baby is 3lbs 12oz, as of last week. Baby is still doing back-flips off of my bladder. Baby is a GIRL!!! We saw it with our own eyes, and there's no doubt about it :) I've studied my fair share of human anatomy... so without getting too technical, just believe me when I say that she is not a he and is indeed a she. With that being said, I'll believe it when I get to hold little miss in my arms next month! *B

splurge, etc.

I bought this (the bumper). On sale. Just in case baby is a girl. It kinda matches Will's bedding, which is good since the kids will be sharing a room in a few months. If baby is a boy, then I'll probably have to sell it... but, it's so cute! Especially with a red gingham crib sheet and a white bedskirt bedecked in red ric-rac! [fingers crossed] Also, here are the latest belly shots!

I'm feeling huge and extremely uncomfortable. In these shots the baby must be on my spine, because I am bigger some days than others... but man alive, are my hips killing me! Even worse is my pelvic floor, which is weird since I'm carrying higher than I did with Will (who gave me grief in my tail bone). So any time I stand, sit, walk, roll over, or move my legs in any way, BAM! I feel like I should be straddling a massive ice pack, or something. Here's to two more whopping months of growth and development and worthwhile discomfort! *B

woulda coulda shoulda

I had the best of intentions. Truly, I did! Today was going to be the day I finally sifted through all my photos from this past year, coupled with a blog update to put all other updates to shame. But then I unloaded my camera and my hormones got the best of me. I'm overwhelmed and exhausted! How much longer can this insanity go on?! I wish I could say it would be over in two months, that once baby arrives I'm all spunk and energy. But you never know... maybe tomorrow. Yeah, that sounds good. And a nap sounds even better! *B

a simple Christmas wish

This year, Christmas will be a very simple one for us. But it is not the simplest Christmas ever. May we all remember the Gift that was given that first Christmas, long ago: our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for Him; for His birth, His life, and His death. Through Him we are blessed with another Gift, the greatest of all the gifts of God: eternal life with our eternal families.

No fancy pictures, cards, or presents for us...
Just a simple wish for a Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
With Love,
The Summers Family

today

Today is the 18th of December, 2008.
Today is a list day.
So, today:

• is like every other day, meaning I'm tired
• it's a clear, sunny, and brisk 47 degrees
• my maybe baby would be 7 months and 1 week old
• I am 27 weeks along, getting bigger and much more uncomfortable
• my fully potty trained son decided the carpet = the toilet
• is the last day of finals (only one semester left)!!!

And finally, but certainly not least, today leaves us with a week until Christmas! I have something fun/festive planned for each of the remaining seven days... today we make a small chain of red, white and green to start the count down :) And tomorrow? Tomorrow is another day. *B

just a glimpse

Ok, so I felt really guilty and bah-humbuggy after that last post. I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep without putting something somewhat pleasant and festive up! In summary, I'm not always lazy, or raunchy. I do have decorations up, a smile on my face and I've even finished my Christmas shopping! So there. *B

make up your own title

Most anything nowadays sends me into a panic mode. This includes, but is not limited to, Blogger, Twitter, Facebook, Ravelry and even Gmail. Or anything related to computers... that, especially, is whacko. My computer is like my second (soon to be third) child! So I am currently in the habit of being lazy and just saying "no" to anything (or anyone, sadly) that requires much of my attention. It's a miracle the house hasn't burned down. Yet.

Sorry, no pictures and no stories about how this is our last year here, how all three of us Summers have celebrated our birthdays, and/or how we have decked our halls for the holidays! Someday I will, and maybe some day soon (tomorrow?!).

But not now, because it makes me panic. *B

tonight at midnight

me + friends + Edward = a good time!

And check out my new blog song :)
Man, I love being a dork. *B

freaking out much

I don't know who Miss Kim thinks she is, but she's obviously crazy! I mean, yeah, I like to make all sorts of stuff, because it's fun. But me?! I don't really fit in with all the other inspirational geniuses she's featured... I just keep shaking my head, feeling sorry for her bout of insanity ;)

If you haven't already checked out Today's Creative Blog, then please do so now. There really is a lot of eye candy over there. I just happen to feel like the brussels sprout of the bunch, HA! And thanks much, Kim. You rocked my socks today! *B

happiness is...

I know the day of thanks is coming up fast (where in the hey did the month go?!), and many have posted their thankfuls. Along those lines, I've been thinking a lot lately about what makes me happy. I'm still in love with our not-so-new (anymore) new place and I still find myself smiling at things around my home. We may not live in a house, and who knows when we will! But I'm glad I've been able to make a home for me and my family; a place where we can find peace and comfort in a time where our lives are still full of uncertainties... so, here are just a few things in and around my abode that make me happy:

my family room

especially my couch (thanks Andrea!) AND my newish pillows (thanks mom!)

my happy little tree towels

my sewing machine; she's a CHAMP!
I've got lots of fun things in store for you Miss Kenmore ;)

and most of all, this face!

See, so much to be thankful for! And believe me, I am :)
So, what brings you happiness this fine season? *B

making an effort

In an effort to be a better blogger, I have succumbed to many requests and am now posting some belly shots and prego stats. I have to admit that I'm kinda reluctant to talk much about my pregnancy because I'm worried that I'll jinx it. I remember what it's like to be pregnant one day and not the next. And I also know what it's like to want a baby so bad, but to not be able to... all of these thoughts and concerns are with me still, even though I am currently pregnant. My particular loss and accompanying trials will always be with me. But I am grateful it happened for many reasons, too. I now realize that there is a certain someone in charge and looking out for me: Heavenly Father. And I am grateful for the chance I had to grow closer to Him. Of all people, He knows me best and has prepared me through trials and blessings. What a blessing it is that things have worked out for the better. And what a blessing it is to have my eyes opened and my heart softened to those who have trials of their own. To those who have suffered in the past and those who may currently be suffering: I love you, and God loves you. Your courage, perseverance, and strength cannot be measured in this lifetime, but only in the next. Thank you for your wonderful examples to me and other silent observers. I can only pray that some day may be a happier one, if not in this life, then certainly the next.

With that said, I am now 22 weeks pregnant. Or in other words, I am five months along and more than half-way done! It really is crazy how fast it's gone. I'm worried that I haven't enjoyed or appreciated it as much as I should have, even after all I've gone through. It makes me feel like a spoiled brat... but I really am happy and thankful. Things continue to go well. According to today's weigh in, I've gained a total of 8 pounds and I'm right on schedule. We had an ultrasound a few weeks ago and everything looked great. And before anyone else asks, WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT WE'RE HAVING. This means that Brad wants to be surprised and I am supporting him. I personally would love to know, because I'm a planner. But I'm at peace with OUR decision and am excited to meet this mystery baby. So please, no comments about how I should be sneaky and find out what we're having :)

Also, we've decided that we're allowed to stare at the ultrasound for as long as we want in an effort to guess if we're having a boy/girl -- not having the tech tell or confirm the sex. And we did just that! We stared and stared and we think we know... William was so very obvious that we knew he was a he before the tech even said a word! With this one, it was more like an empty trough (maybe three lines?). So, according to our hypothesis, we might be having a girl! But we don't know for certain, and we won't know until she/he is born. And before anyone else asks, my next ultrasound is at 32 weeks. And yes, we will be staring and guessing again ;)

Wow, this is turning into a major post... so without further ado, on to the part you've all been waiting for: belly shots! Just so you know, I have officially popped as of two days ago. Here are two pictures, within five days of each other (the one on the left was taken in a tent in Anthro with a cellphone, and the one on the right I blame on our poor bathroom lighting).

It's amazing how you can go from looking thick in the middle to obviously preggers almost overnight. Kind of disturbing, but mostly fascinating. The human body really is amazing. And I thank God for it everyday. *B

because it's important

It's time for me to change things up a bit with this lil' ol' blog o' mine... I want to record more of our lives; of my life. I need, and want, a journal. Time is really passing me by and so is my memory! I need to be better about remembering and recording important dates, people and thoughts. It -the blog- may be more personal (and therefore more boring/interesting, depending on you as a reader), but it will remain public. I have a life that's worth remembering. I am a woman: a daughter, a wife, a mother, and a friend. I'm also creative: a writer, a picture taker (need to be better!), and an overall crafter. And while I have projects/talents to share, I also have thoughts, memories and beliefs that are worth sharing.

This is my life and it's important to me. *B

standing for something

I'm proud of our country and of the freedoms we have as a people. I pray that the decisions that we help influence as a people, and the leader we elect as a people (whoever it may be), will all have the support from us, the people. God be with us all, in the choices we make and in what we the people stand for. *B

to whom it may interest

I'm on Twitter now. I think, subconsciously, it is one of my life's missions to belong to every online community available. With the exception of Myspace. No thanks. Anyway, I find something strangely relaxing and poetic about the writing of short, random sentences. I'll just leave it at that. *B

it's time

We've been potty training for three days now...

Side note: Have I ever mentioned how much I hate the word "potty"???
HATE it. I'd rather say pee/poo. And we do. That is all.

Anyway, we have had some accidents, but nothing too bad. I think that part is unavoidable. I'm just glad we have a washer/dryer in this place! I've also got a sticker chart + candy + new underwear, which will hopefully = success! It's definitely trying my patience, though. Every 30 minutes for a bathroom break really takes its toll... but it needs to be done. After all, it's time. *B

photo by limonada

a rolling pumpkin gathers no moss...

I love pumpkins. And I absolutely adore Autumn! October happens to be my favorite month, too. The colors, the air, the quiet, the pace and of course, THE holiday! You better believe we've got our costumes in the works ;)

So yay for Fall and all it entails! Here's a little freebie for you to celebrate the season: it's a festive desktop wallpaper, and it happens to match my Spook Alpha and Sweetly Sinister paper pack. I designed all of these last year... but since that October was less than ideal, I'm busting out the goodies now. Consider it an early treat (not a trick)!

If it tickles your fancy, you can snatch the Fall Wall Freebie here:
http://www.4shared.com/file/66105787/5b359471/bsummers_Fall-WallFreebie.html

Also sweet: my new blog song! Love Kate Nash, almost as much as I love pumpkins :) I'm off to AZ for a week, and hopefully when I get back I'll have those pictures I've been talking about... and a lot more to share, too. But in the meantime, happy Fall y'all! *B

photo by Robin

what rhymes with worm?

Squirm does. And my little apple baby is squirming!
No kicking yet, just butterfly squirms. It's fun.
I've missed baby movements. It's my favorite.
Next week my little applet will be an avocado baby.
And then I'll be almost four months along...
time flies when you're having fun; fun with squirms! *B

photo by Jenna. Thanks J!

the nitty gritty

I'm so overwhelmed and busy with patent work that my graphic design side business has been put on the back burner. So sorry to some who feel like I've forgotten them; it's not true! I remember and my conscience is eating away at me --not to mention my complete failure as host of a couple giveaways and the one swap, all from times long since past! I will get to all of them, eventually. I promise. One step at a time, though. First step, designing all those designs I said I would! Also, I noticed that I still have two spots open ;)

1. Joe - baby announcements
2. Marcie - header
3. Clarissa - blog makeover
4. Lacey - blog design
5. Rachel H. - blog design
6. Leslie - ???
7. Aranne - blog design
8. Mandi - something (possibly a decor board)!
9. your name here
10. your name here

Also, for those who have asked about my pricing:

BLOGS
Blog header: $25
Blog background: $25
Sidebar titles: $25
Blog Design/Makeover: $60-75

CARDS, ETC.
$50 design fee

CUSTOM GRAPHICS
$20-35 hourly rate

And the quilt board was custom made for my mom's quilt group (please contact me if you're interested in a board design. Feel free to contact me to say hi, too! :) I'm a little into quilting nowadays myself... 'tis the season! Seriously, I've got fabric and crochet on the brain; my creative juices are flowing again, yay! Oh, and next week: updating all the links on my sidebars AND posting pictures of what we've been up to for the past month or two! We've been a little on the busy/stressed side of life, in case you couldn't tell... but all is good. Especially my little apple baby! *B

this stinks...

PATENTS SUCK!!!
That is all. *B