August Birthdays

 August is like a month long holiday: constant cake.

It honestly feels like my entire family is born in August. Really it's about 80% of them, with the addition of my daughter soon. It's a little bit stressful. Oh did I mention I also have several friends whose birthday also happens to be in August? Because I do. There are maybe 8 days where no one is born in August. Not counting my daughter because really she can show up whenever she wants. Which from my consistent contractions, will be soon.

Anyways my moms birthday is tomorrow. She leads the August Birthday Army. My mom along with a good friend, Krum, share a birthday. Which is no biggy really. But then the manager of the storage unit I work part time asks if I can work a full day tomorrow. hmmm....

Unexpected Twins

I think this is every pregnant womans biggest fear: going into labor only to find out that you are giving birth to two babies.

That happened yesterday. I went in for my weekly doctors appointment and ended up waiting...oh about two hours and only saw my doctor for an actual...15-20 minutes. The reason he was so behind with his appointment ended up being because he had had two births at lunch. One was unexpected twins. Mommy didn't know, Ultrasound tech didn't know.. no one knew. That is pretty darn scary. I even asked him, was she a bigger girl? -No, she was smaller. And she gave birth to over ten pounds of baby because one of them was 7pounds.

Boobie Balm

Lookie what I got in the mail today!!!

Busy Day Ahead

Well the Storage Unit has decided to cut back my hours starting with the rest of this week. It's definitely stressful, but I am hitting the ground running with the business I just partnered with. It's so excited to be able to help other people while ensuring that my daughter will have a great future with health, financially and environmentally, and be able to help my parents as well. Can you tell I'm pretty excited??

I have my breastfeeding class today! I'm excited it's finally here! Excited and annoyed really... Hopefully I will receive my breast pump today!! But I will definitely be receiving my WIC checks, it's great because I need to go grocery shopping too! I'm annoyed because they are making me take the class. Granted I can see the benefits of the class. It's just that only after I have taken the class will I receive more on my WIC checks. At least that is the impression I am under, we will see... My mom will be attending the class with me, from our short conversation this morning I can tell we are probably going to be fighting.

I know it's Wednesday...

And I'm sorry for slacking on my posting! In fact Wednesdays are usually my small post days. But I received a bit of news yesterday, so I was off kilter and am still a bit distracted. As you know I am a single mom working part time to support myself and my daughter. But yesterday I was informed that the owner of the business I work for has decided to cut back on hours. Which means the barely 20hours I am working now, (25hours a week when I get lucky), is going to be reduced even more. According to my general manager it's going to equal out to two days a week, about 16-18hours. That's...that's scary. So understandably I am a little stressed.

How to Remove an EvenFlo Canopy!

Sadly this tasks took me way to long to complete. Because I had such an annoying time trying to figure out and find information on how to do this I wanted to make sure that you had a much easier time than I did!!

{Before}

{Weekend Adventures}

Thank goodness it's Friday! Hopefully it will be a lovely weekend! The sky is turning pretty shades of grey now as we are all in anticipation of the rain we dearly need! Listening to the news this morning, I was surprised to learn how many areas are considered to be in a drought!

Exciting!!

Every time I get something in the mail for SweetPea (gift or something that I've purchased) it almost always feels like a gift for me!! I suppose in a sense it is, since she really can't enjoy the items yet...

Anyways look what I got in the mail today!! More cloth diapers!! So exciting! There are two in this order that I'm not sure if I previously ordered, or ordered after this one was placed. If I do have duplicates I may sell the extras..hmm...

Cloth diapers are so cute, addicting to shop
 for, and so budget/environmentally friendly! My 'collection' is definitely growing!!! :)

Weekly Loves

I'm on such a charm kick! This one is such a cute one! A reminder of a fun summer at the ocean snorkeling/diving!





I love everything about this wedding!




These remind me a bit of the gladiator sandals that were so popular! Still very cute!


These are adorable! They even have a pair in yellow and black... Not easy to pick my favorite... One for each outfit?! yes! 



Such a cute simple denim dress! And the top is perfect for breastfeeding, just pop the buttons open!


Same with this top! Adorable, simple, easy to accessorize with AND good for breast feeding!


I absolutely LOVE this crib bedding set! It is definitely on my top 3pick of loves! 


This is just adorable! I love the bright colors of the room! And the patterns go together so well!

Internet Dating

also {blushing} as I write this.

As you well know I am a single mom. With obviously not a lot of luck with the guys, probably because I prefer gentlemen but I'm sure that's another story in its self.  That I know of, I have met two very happily married couples who met online. Because I don't have the time or patients anymore for just dating with no intention of anything going any where or guys who just want to get in a girls pants I have decided that after SweetPea is born I will sign up for internet dating.

I'm ready to settle down and have a family. It'll be a long dating before I say "yes" to any marriages though! In this area it's a bit hard to meet people, at least it's begun to feel that way. Who knows the person God has me end up with could very well be born, raised and still residing in good ol' Arkansas.

Either way, I'm half excited and half terrified of trying this online dating game out. Of course it's going to be a few months before I actually submit/start paying for a subscription or whatever it's called. After all I'll be recouping from having a baby, spending time bonding with my baby as well as being able to get back in shape. I'm so excited to be able to jog, hike, bike, lift heavy things and be able to bend over to pick up a dropped pencil.

So if any of you have tried online dating I would love to hear your stories good or bad!!

They have it all

I can not believe I ran across this today! I was browsing through a few things on Amazon, looking at items I still need but didn't receive at the Baby Shower. And for moms who really can't live with out alcohol while breastfeeding, a brilliant person made this:
 

Baby Needs

I have definitely been blessed with so many gifts for the arrival of my daughter! Gifts both before and from the baby shower! I'm very happy with how well everyone listened to the registry that I built. I was worried that it wouldn't be received well since it was personally built and not from any store in particular.
But there are still several things that I need:

Cutting Back Just a Little

With me opening the etsy and facebook shops, and expecting to have my daughter any day I'm going to be cutting back my posting just a little. Hopefully I can kick my exhaustion and lethargy in the butt so that I can be 90% prepared for SweetPea's arrival. Tuesday through Friday you'll hear tons from me, but Saturday through Monday I'll be working on building my shop stock up, so that on maternity leave I won't run out of anything. Since my time will be taken up with cuddles, feedings, small attempts at cleaning and coming in to work. Not to mention organizing and attempting to sell a bunch of things that are taking up space in Casa Giallo. I will also be working on my photography!

Weekly Funny -Post

My weekly funnies have been missing for quite sometime! I'm hoping to bring them back on a much more regular basis!

This weeks funny comes from yours truly!

Cloth Diapers #2

 

Guess what I got in the mail this morning! Really it was yesterday, but I tend to slack on my postal box checking! I was so excited to see that little key they slide into your slot so you can open those bigger boxes! Now I'm also expecting a package from my Grammy so it was a toss up of which one it could  be...       

I've made up my mind...

...I think...

With all of this trouble finding a Birth Photographer, as well as my annoyingly tight budget, I have been very very inspired to become a Birth Photographer. Not only is it a fantastic opportunity to bring beauty to one of the most beautiful moments in life, but I'm hoping to be able to bring a service to families who are like me. On a tight budget.

Free Tuesdays: Non Skid Socks

Non-Skid socks are so fun! Not to mention they can save you from falling on your butt, or save your little one! Many mommas suggest packing a pair or two in your hospital bag. They are great if you walk around, keeping you from (obviously falling) and from getting your feets extra dirty and cold.

Weekend Recap

Like I said the shower went great!
So much fun!

After the shower I ended up going out with some friends to Dennys, and then Andys Frozen Custard. It was a very fun night. I am so very blessed with all of the fantastic friends and family that I have! Of course after Andys everyone else was amped up on sugar, so we did a quick look around of the VW lot. I have decided that I really do like the new bug! It has a classic look to it!

SweetPea Baby Shower

The baby shower went great!! I was terrified that no one would show up and those that would, wouldn't have much fun. But I am blessed with some great friends and family! I didn't get a bunch of pictures, so I hope you enjoy the ones that I did snap!

Weekend Adventures

{Source}

 I absolutely love this picture. Isn't it done beautifully? It really brings more of a beautiful look at the bond between mother and child, while making the image of breastfeeding even more beautiful.

Surprisingly this weekend is actually a bit action packed!! It's welcomed, scary and very exciting!

Weekly Loves

Still on my Chevron kick, how cute is this nursing pillow! The cover is removable also!

How cute is this little Polaroid charm! I have always wanted a polariod camera.


And a perfect bracelet to hold charms!








Isn't this the cutest!?! Finally I have found cute and plant based disposable diapers! I'm still going to be using cloth diapers, but these are great for travel! Especially because there are NO harsh or hidden chemicals in them!



This is a great sweatshirt to throw over a bathing suit! Pair it with some shorts and it's perfect for a lake day!






I miss having a doggy!! I can't wait until next year, a puppy will be a present for SweetPea and I! Puppy will probably get this bed so he can be all 'toasty'! 


I am so excited to find some local (spun in the USA) yarn! This is definitely on my "To Buy" list! I have several knitting projects I can use this for... The seller says that the yarn takes very well to dyes so a person can make it the perfect color!


What a cute little hat for a little boy!


These look like the perfect spot to take a nap! Especially by a pool. Now I just need to decided if I want one for my room or wait til I own my own pool...hmm.. ;)




I just love this photo! This is a little girl with attitude and confidence! The vintage look is too cute!

Writing?

I love writing stories. According to my mom when I was little I used to 'write stories for kids' about cat families. She was impressed. I guess I should be too! haha Well with that said since junior year of high school I have been working on a story. It's taken this long because I move a lot and have had to pack it away multiple times! Not to mention past jobs not really feeding into any creativity or allowing for much time to finish said story!

Friends

When single and pregnant, friends are a little harder to stay in touch with. It's nothing against your and nothing against them, it is just a simple fact. Right now you are preparing for a little one on the way, easily exhausted or tired, not much for mobility and you probably get grouchy easy!

A Forgotten Finished DIY

A few weeks, well just over a month now, I told you guys about an entertainment center I was redoing. Turning it into a storage center? I love that thing! It is so helpful. Granted there is still a lot of space I have yet to utilize. Hopefully I will be completely organized before SweetPea gets here.

Birth Photography Journey

**aka pulling my hair out**
 
Thus far finding a photographer has been a huge pain in the butt!! Like I stated before, you can find a really good and cheap photographer on craigslist. I was severally annoyed by one photographer, was very close to having another lined up, and my third (but actually top choice) will be on vacation until two days after my due date. This whole process has been beyond frustrating for me.

Great Mom on a Budget

ahhh *sigh of pleasure and relief*
Ladies I think you will all agree seeing 'what you saved' compared to what it could have been has always and will always be a great feeling.

I stopped by Old Navy on their $1 flip-flop sale, look at that! A total savings of $14.70! Made me happy! I was able to purchase 4pairs for myself and 1pair for my mom as a gift.

Birth Photography

{Source}

Mommies, I have fallen in love with birth photography!

At first I was very unsure about such a photo shoot, but the more I thought about it the more I loved it. To be able to capture those moments where your little one enters the world. The look of empowerment, confidence, and love that first crosses the mothers face. As well as the love of the family and friends that came to support such an event. Even the doctors/midwifes and nurses who helped to bring such a beautiful little one into this world.

I have always loved photography! But at this moment in my life I will NOT be able to be the one behind the camera. Yet these are moments I do not want to miss. Moments that I know my daughter will love to see as she grows; pictures of her very first birthday.

Weekend Recaps

I hope everyone had a great weekend!!
 

Friday I ended up going to First Friday! It's a get together type thing Bentonville will have every first friday of summer months. Vendors get together to sell, Food Trucks line the square, its like a mini-mini carnival! And so fun! I arrived for the first band to play and was really impressed. The lead singer had a beautiful (and Southern) voice, for the first time the band played together they played very well!

Free Tuesday: Baby Shower Invites

Ahhh My beauties....
*sigh of admiration*
I made these things all on my own. It is great to save a little extra money this way! The cost of the invites came down to ONLY being the cost of postage, about $11.50. (That's a guestimate I can't remember exactly how many I sent out). Making them only .46cents each.

Weekend Adventures

I don't have much planned for this weekend. A possible float trip with a group of friends! I feel as though something is happening this Saturday, but I can't remember it for the life of me!! Thank you Pregnancy Brain! I do know that I am going to do some relaxing and cooking!


How fun would it be to go paint balling??

Why not spoil yourself and a loved one with a wine tour?

What an adorable veterinarian!

Pizza is calling my name..

Does anyone have any good books that they are reading? If show share!!

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! Stay safe!

See you Monday! ;)

Choosing a Name

Naming another human being is very challenging. Thank about it, the name you give your child, is they name they will always have. Unless of course they despise said name changing it once they legally turn 18. That happens pretty rarely these days. Remember being little and thinking your name should have been something else? Or wishing it were something else?

Fourth of July

Did you guys have fun? Find a good show of fireworks or did you have your own show at home??

My day wasn't too exciting really! I finished two headbands and a scarf as well as did a little bit of cleaning. After that I spent most of the day with my parents at there house! Sadly, my mom and I got into several fights through-out the day. I love her, and I love when we get along, but every now and then we fight. Easily and a lot. There are a ton of ways, especially natural, that I try to help her with

Tired

I apologize for my lack luster in posting so far this week.
I am just so tired. I can't fall asleep, can't wake up, can't stay asleep. Not to mention I have very random and weird dreams! Sometimes the dreams involve my pregnancy/daughter, other times they are just very random and off the wall! All over the place I swear!
Lately I've been sleeping on the couch at night. It's more firm that the bed I have now, and am trying to sell, as well as taller. My twin mattress is currently on top of a twin box spring which is on my floor, so it's pretty low to the ground. It hasn't bothered me until lately, growing up I even preferred a lower mattress.

{Reusable} Breastmilk and Baby food pouches!

I love facebook co-ops! They are such a great way to save money, as well as such cute products! I will warn you again, they are a bit addicting! ;) ...Like my cloth diaper addiction....
Well I received the great little email from PayPal telling me my packages is on the way. But I wasn't sure which package since I didn't really read the whole thing... I like surprises!

Free Tuesdays: Homemade Peanut Butter

I made this a few weeks ago and it was delicious!!! Better than any store bought peanut butter I have ever had. It was airy, slightly crunchy but still so smooth.

Duffel Bag

This was a piece of cake compared to my diaper bag. Probably because I wasn't in the mood to get all fancy with it! I can say though I will definitely be making another one of these!

Weekly Loves

I hope everyone is as excited as I am about bringing back the weekly loves! In the weekly loves I will be show casing a few things that have caught my eye! The items will range all over, from home goods to babies to men and women. Knowing me I'll even throw in some outdoor items!




 I have always loved ruffled tops! The way the sleeves aren't full length makes it fun to easily accessorize.

The two tone on this top is fantastic! 





I have been wanting a scooter for a while! Of course I love this little charm!






This eye shadow in Vanilla Sugar is on my 'To Buy/Must Have' List! It's 100% natural! I love the lighter colors, adding a little bit of color to a natural palette!





Such a cute headband! Perfect for July 4th! 





I'm a fan of cute accent pillows! This is great for being patriotic AND for July 4th!





The perfect wreath for this month! Don't you agree? This little shop has some of the cutest wreaths!






This little skirt is so cute for a girl born this month!!



I'll have to get something similar to this peasant dress for SweetPea next year!!





Eek! I have a weakness for ruffle butts!! 


And of course for the little boys, how dashing would these bow ties and neck ties be??


I just had to do this post today! One before the Fourth! Usually they will be on Fridays, but this is all just too cute!!