My Scrappy Floor

Sleep is NOT overrated!

2012-01-26T10:51:00.002-05:00

I'm just not one of those moms who can survive on a few hours of sleep at night. Nor can I handle random night wakings. Maybe I've been spoiled with a really good sleeper as my first (Quinn). But I need a schedule to survive and feel atleast somewhat human.

So I work hard at it. Sleep training my babies. Quinn was easy. Started him at 4 months. Everyone laughed at me when I told them I was sleep training him. Who's laughing now? He is the BEST sleeper EVER (3hr daytime nap, 12-13hrs at night without a peep, like clockwork no deviation, no exaggeration). Lane on the other hand has proven to be a bit more of a challenge. Suffering from colic and not even being able to cat nap on his own, I definitely needed to take action!

We switched formula on the advice of a couple awesome momma friends of mine. That, combined with 6 chiropractor sessions, Lane is a completely new baby! It's so nice to finally be able to interact with him while he's awake and NOT screaming. We are even enjoying his smiles and hearing him "talk".

Here is a pic of him at his last chiro session, doing some pre-stretches while waiting for the doctor to come in.

So now that we have a happy baby we've been able to work on a schedule. Bedtime at 7:30pm. Dreamfeed at 10pm. Night feeding at 3am. Wakeup at 7am. 3 hr morning nap in crib at 9:30am. Afternoon nap in crib or swing at 4pm. All times slightly flexible of course but not much deviation. So far so good. Hoping it keeps up cause I really like this schedule!

And because it allows me some alone time with both my babies separately. And some alone time for just me! When Lane goes down for his morning nap I have 2 hours alone with Quinn. Quinn goes down from Noon-2:30/3pm so I have one hour to myself before Lane wakes up around 1pm. Then I have atleast 1 hr alone with Lane before Quinn wakes up. And again in the afternoon a couple hours alone with Quinn while Lane naps again. The. Best. Schedule. Ever!

Especially since both babies are in bed by 7:30/8pm and that leaves the evening free (and quiet) for the grownups!!!

Maybe a bit OCD,

Playgroup is exhausting!

2012-01-12T14:07:00.003-05:00

I think more so for me than Quinn. We went to the Copper Cliff Best Start Hub this week (twice) for the first time and Quinn loved it. I thought it would be a great way for him to make a few little friends seen as though we have no other little people in our family.

Well he wasn't so much into playing with the other kids as he was into running all around trying to touch as many toys as he could. Which translated into me running around after him doing damage control.

Hopefully after a few more visits he starts to focus more on one activity at a time and maybe even sharing/playing with others! We {heart} playgroup :)

Picking a book to read then sitting down (for a microsecond) to "read" it.

I love this picture!

Playing with cars in the puppet house.

My well-rounded little man playing dolls with the girls.

Driving a car during Gym time. He loves gym time!

Playgroup lovin' Momma,

Just what I needed, more indecision!

2012-01-03T14:01:00.004-05:00

As if I didn't have a hard enough time making up my mind before, now I've made it even harder on myself. So far I've learned to take pretty good photos straight out of the camera (SOOC) but then I discovered Adobe Lightroom! And of course after that followed her friend Adobe Photoshop! Then I met The CoffeeShop Blog... Presets & Actions, Oh my!

Really, is the photo editing ever going to end? I could edit a single photo 5 different ways (or more) and love them all! Which ones do I post to share? Which ones do I print? And which version do I blow up and frame? Gah!!!!!

Here's just a bit of the editing I did today... let me know what you think, which are your favorites?

Original (after a few small edits in Lightroom)

After a CoffeShop Action

Original after white balance and brightness edit

After a CoffeeShop Action

Original SOOC no edits (point & shoot)

After CoffeeShop Action

Original SOOC no edits (with DSLR)

After CoffeeShop Action

After CoffeeShop Action (different one)

So a question for my photog friends... (if you've gotten this far and are still reading and haven't been blinded by all the baby cuteness): what do you choose? Does it depend on your mood that day? Do you have a certain "look/style" that you always go for? Do you edit all your everyday photos with actions/presets? I'd love to hear your feedback!

So overwhelmed,

In December 2011...

2011-12-31T14:13:00.006-05:00

...we enjoyed some quiet time by the Christmas tree

...Quinn got sick for the first time and was super cuddly (very unlike him)

...we attempted our first ever "brothers" photograph. Hoping subsequent ones go much better

...Quinn took his first shower and hated it, so we turned it into a bath while he brushed his teeth

...and my itty bitty baby turned one month old! My, how the month (and year) flew by

Goodbye 2011, you were an awesome year but we are so looking forward to even more awesomeness in 2012!!!

Happy New Year,

What it's like to win the lottery....TWICE!!!

2011-12-04T22:46:00.011-05:00

Atleast that's how I feel. Like we tempted fate or something and went for the jackpot a second time. And boy did we cash in! I cannot believe how perfect our son is! Oh yeah, I guess I forgot to mention (for my non-facebook-stalkers), we had our baby!

Lane Noel (pronounced "Knowl") Stewart (Yes, another BOY) decided to come early...my water broke around 10:30 pm on November 20th. So we rushed into the hospital (we are total pros at that now) and he was born at 3:02am November 21st! He weighed 6lbs 9oz and was 19" long!

We took both boys in to our favourite photgrapher Julie Mckee from Captured Moments Photography and got some awesome shots. Looking at the pictures I truly feel like we have won the lottery twice, we are so so so blessed!

Mom of two boys,

Oh how I love Fall!

2011-10-30T14:48:00.001-04:00

Apparently my son feels the same enthusiasm! Sunny days, crisp air, pumpkins, crunchy leaves and Halloween! So much to look forward to!

He just LOVES being outside with his Daddy, helping and getting dirty!

Today we are heading to the farm to pick our Pumpkin and enjoy some fresh baked cookies. I can't believe it's already been a year since we took Quinn for his first pumpkin. If you had told me last year (when this picture was taken) that we'd be back the following year picking pumpkins 8 months pregnant with Baby #2 I wouldn't have believed you. But here we are, on our way for this years pumpkin hunt, with a big baby belly and toddler in tow... Pictures of this years pumpkin picking excursion to follow, stay tuned!

October 2010

Happy Fall Y'all,

Never a dull moment around here...

2011-10-12T10:25:00.003-04:00

After being in the hospital 3 times in one week, I am so glad things seem to be going well for now. Started out with having to get baby's heartbeat monitored for an arrhythmia (which now has corrected itself and is not a concern), to a couple incidences of sudden bleeding which landed me in the hospital overnight. I was given 2 steroid injections to help mature baby's lungs just in case s/he decides to come early. But for the time being, everything seems to be going well, baby looks great on ultrasound and no more incidences of bleeding (knock-on-wood). Let's just hope the rest of this pregnancy is uneventful. Please!

On another note, our basement is being torn up to finally fix the leaking that we've had since we've moved in. Not very fond of renos (they stress me out) but will be so glad to get this behind us.

And of course my other little munchkin is growing like a weed and is getting funnier by the day. Walking everywhere now, he has officially decided he is done with crawling... so proud of him!

Takin' it easy,

Well that went by fast...

2011-09-30T20:37:00.005-04:00

Back in April when I got my positive pregnancy test, I did a quick calculation in my head as to when we would possibly have our 3D ultrasound. I remember thinking "oh, probably around my birthday". Well today I turned 34 and as we sat in the waiting room of UCbaby, I thought "wow, that went by really fast"...

Today we got our first real glimpse of our baby. So amazing! And no, we did not find out gender and this was our last chance. So we are officially expecting a surprise! Although I'm still not sure it's really sunk in yet...

Only 10 more weeks to go,

Nothing to see here folks, move along....

2011-09-17T13:52:00.004-04:00

Ugh. I pretty much could have just left my post at that one word. Cause that pretty much sums up how I feel. Really, nothing exciting to read here so I encourage you to move along now before you get sucked into my random whining.

I'm 26 weeks pregnant. Other than feeling totally exhausted (hello, Mr. Sandman where the *bleep* did you go?) I do feel pretty good and count myself very blessed all seems to be going well. Meh, maybe it's just the hormones getting the better of me. Maybe Hugh is traveling too much? I really do hate it when he's gone. He leaves again Monday for the week. Ugh *bleep*

Anyway, he's out right now with Quinn. Boys afternoon out so Mommy could have some quiet time. The first time ever, I've been alone in the house for a few hours since Quinn has been born. I was really hoping to do a bit of scrapbooking (if I can remember how) but apparently I can't cause I got as far as taking out a photo, tag and some papers and now I'm stuck. I guess I'm just meant to be an incubator all day and not be creative in the least bit or that would totally throw Mother Nature off her rocker. Well too *bleep*ing bad for her!

It's a beautiful day out, I can hear kids playing, music blaring and families having fun. And here I sit with not one motivated bone in my body. This makes me feel like a total bucket of *bleep*

Offering a reward for the location of Mr. Sandman and my Mojo (bonus if you can find Mother Nature and flip her the bird for me -- don't worry she won't be mad, she likes birds),

Is it Fall yet?

2011-09-06T10:25:00.004-04:00

Sure feels like it here in Northern Ontario! Wow what a quick temperature change! I don't mind it one bit though. Being 6 months pregnant, the cooler temps are most definitely welcome! As long as we still get some sun, I'll be a happy Momma!

So a few things to update...had a routine OB appointment couple weeks ago. All is going well. The anatomy scan I had at 21 weeks is completely normal and baby looks fantastic. I was so worried. You know me... Fundal height is about 2cm higher/larger than it was measuring with Quinn at this stage. Big baby? Who knows... I'm just happy s/he is doing well. And yes, we are still Team Green!

We have our 3D ultrasound scheduled for Sept 30th at noon (my bday). Can't wait to see baby's face "for real" and hopefully the tech does not accidentally show us gender. The ultrasound will also be broadcast live on the UCbaby website that day/time. I get to choose 8 people to watch the scan as it happens! Should be fun!

And that's about it! Nothing else new, other than the fact my son just keeps getting cuter, smarter & way funnier as each day passes. Here's proof...

At the Buskerfest in Toronto

First ride on a carousel at the CNE Toronto

And yet another haircut! He thought it was funny...

Almost walking in the splash pad in Toronto

His favourite thing to do on earth!

RibFest Sudbury

Labour Day at Nana & Grandpa's

One lucky Momma,

My Little Family of 3 1/2 (pic heavy)

2011-08-15T09:38:00.018-04:00

Ok as promised here are our family pics from a couple weeks ago (a few of my fav's first then a slideshow of the rest). Julie Mckee from Captured Moments Photography was awesome enough to provide me with all the final pics on disc for online sharing. Oh and why do I say family of 3 1/2 you ask? We can't forget about the little hobo in my belly (as seen in the ultrasound pictures at the bottom at our 21 weeks scan).

Thanks for looking,

Sneak Peek...

2011-07-29T10:40:00.006-04:00

So we visited with Julie Mckee from Captured Moments Photography on Tuesday to get some family shots taken. We were able to view the unedited images last night and they were posted in an online gallery for ordering. I did a print-screen of one of the images and played around with a bit of editing and here is a little peek for you...

I cannot wait to get the real edited images by Julie (hopefully she'll have some posted to her blog later today) so that I can share them with you! As a mom I am always the one behind the camera and DH's photography skills are super lacking (see photo to the right, me at 19 weeks pregnant this week...blurry!!!!). So it feels awesome to finally have some half decent family photos with ME in them!

Love my little family of 3, soon to be 4!!!

I now know my purpose!

2011-07-10T12:18:00.004-04:00

We always wonder sometimes what our purpose in life is. Why are we here? Some of us may never figure it out. But for those of us who are lucky enough to be hit with the realization of what our purpose is, it's awesome!

I now know that I was meant to be a mom! Of course, since Quinn has been born I have been a mom to him every day. And I'm pretty good at it. But it's only the past few days that I realized what my job really is! It's not just loving and caring for him, but teaching him as well. After having so many issues trying to get him to feed himself over the past couple months, I have finally had some success this past weekend. I've realized that by giving him a bit of control over his "choices" he is actually smart enough to pick up on the fact that he has to feed himself if he gets hungry and will try different foods given the opportunity and if provided with enough time/patience on my behalf.

He has been an eating machine, trying everything (not always liking everything but atleast trying everything) on his plate. I knew he was smart but didn't realize just how smart he was. I guess I just never gave him the opportunity to show me. Ok, so maybe I'm not the one teaching him. Maybe he's the one teaching me? Needless to say I am so so so proud of my little boy.

This morning I got to sleep in while Daddy got up with Quinn. I laid there for the longest time by myself and it was so quiet while Daddy & Quinn played. I started to feel lonely. So I got up. When I walked into the sunroom, Quinn saw me, squealed with delight and "ran" (on all fours) to me. I picked him up and he slobbered me with loud "aahhhhhh" open-mouthed kisses (he's been on a kissing strike for weeks now). My heart filled up and I was no longer lonely. Solidifying my purpose in life without a doubt.

I love this guy...

Proud Stay-at-Home Momma,

I Heart Faces | Let's Hear it for the Boys!

2011-06-21T19:37:00.006-04:00

I've been having so much fun with Clyde (aka: my Canon Rebel DSLR camera) that I thought it would be neat to start participating in the weekly photo contest at I Heart Faces (just for fun). At the very least I will probably learn alot! Here is this week's entry for the theme "Let's Hear it for the Boys"!

Showering with Daddy

I really do {heart} this face,

Almost One!!!

2011-06-21T10:13:00.003-04:00

Well, our not-so-little Hobo is almost a year old! He turned 11 months on June 14th. This time last year we were anticipating his birth, which seems like only yesterday. Now I'm about to become a Mom to a one-year-old! How the heck did that happen so fast?

Quinn Alexander Stewart
11 months old, June 14th/2011

Planning my boy's first birthday,

Everything is Growing...

2011-05-23T09:55:00.001-04:00

The grass is growing (the dandelions too) and so is my little boy. He is learning so much and discovering everything around him. He is going to be a year old soon. A little too soon if you ask me. He is so awesome!

And our little Hobo #2 in my belly is growing! We picked up the heartbeat on our home Doppler last week for the first time. I can't believe that by the end of this week I will be starting the second trimester!!!

Life is amazing, I am so blessed and haven't forgotten that for a second.

YouTube Video

Growing with the flow,

My gorgeous, gorgeous boy...

2011-05-01T10:06:00.004-04:00

...yeah I'm biased, but I have every right to be. He really is a handsome little guy isn't he?

I can't believe he is already 9 1/2 months and I can't believe he is going to be a big brother in only 7 more months! Ahhhh! Where does the time go?

For those of you that have been asking, I am feeling good. Just a bit tired but other than that I feel pretty normal. Still a bit in denial I think. I'm 8 weeks today but I'm sure it won't hit me until our first scan around 12-13 weeks. So nothing exciting to report yet.

Just hangin' in there, enjoying time with my two "hoodlums"...

Still in shock,

Oh yes, it's true...

2011-04-18T17:46:00.001-04:00

...if you stalk me on Facebook then you already know that Quinn is going to be a BIG Brother!!!

We were so surprised. We never imagined with our history we would be expecting #2 so soon. Especially since we weren't even trying!

Definitely meant to be. We are so excited!

Please keep your fingers crossed for an uneventful pregnancy and HEALTHY baby! All your prayers and well wishes/thoughts last time helped to bring us Quinn. Thank you!

Knocked up,

Yay, it's a Blog Hop!

2011-04-15T08:00:00.006-04:00

Thanks so much for joining us! We are very excited show you some scrappy projects from the ‘past’ and hope that you gain lots of inspiration and continue to hop with us!!

If you just happened by this blog and didn't realize a blog hop was taking place, please go back to Scrap~tures and start the Hop.

You won't want to miss all the inspiration from our team....... or the chance to win a Rak :-)

Here is my "Retro Layout". Created quite some time ago when I first started scrapping, using some really old photos of myself and some memories about growing up in the 80's!

Journaling Reads: It was a time when every little girl owned a Cabbage Patch Doll (or two, even three)! Sesame "Park" was just a "Street" and we watched Polka Dot "Door" not Polka Dot "Shorts". It was cool to wear neon, and leggings under your skirt. Big hair with lots of hairspray was a must, and so were leg-warmers. We loved Madonna (even though we didn't know what a "Virgin" was), and we owned every one of her cassettes. We thought New Kids on the Block would be around forever, and that Def Leppard was heavy metal music. We cried when Rudy's goldfish died, and we all knew ALF's real name. We wore banana clips in our hair, and we all had banana seats on our bikes. We would practice our Care Bear Stare while we thought we how "truly outrageous" we were, like Jem and the Holograms. We slept on Straberry Shortcake bed sheets, and left our Lite Brite on at night. We would spend our money on Popeye Candy Cigarettes, Pop Rocks and edible Wax Lips. Mr. Dressup always had the coolest stuff in his Tickle Trunk, and we all wanted to be Mr. Rogers Neighbour. There was only one Nintendo video game system and we still went to the arcades. The Goonies was considered a Horror Movie, and when we grew up we were all going to be ghostbusters, and E.T. always found his way home.

This blog hop will run from today, April15th – April 17^th. We will be drawing for winner on April 18th.

Follow along in our blog hop! Your next stop is: Just 'T' (a blog by Sammysgirl)

Blog hopin' & cropin'

Swing!!!

2011-04-11T11:19:00.007-04:00

There is nothing like being there for baby's "firsts". This case was no exception.

Quinn's first time on a swing! He LOVED it (as if you couldn't tell by the ear-to-ear smiles)! These were taken at a park in the Beaches in Toronto this past weekend. We had breafast at a local Grill then headed across the street for some fun. The park was super busy and this was the only free swing they had.

The lighting was crappy, lots of sun in his eyes (not great for taking photos) but the moment was priceless, and these photos will be cherished regardless! So glad my boy enjoyed this experience. I see alot of trips to the park in our future this summer!

Love making my boy happy,

Always aim for more...

2011-04-06T19:15:00.004-04:00

When my son first started eating solid foods on his own (little rice puffs that dissolve in the mouth), he wasn't to dexterous. He would try and pick up one little puff at a time, but because he had not yet mastered the pincer grasp (thumb and index finger coming together to pick up), he had a really hard time actually getting anything into his mouth.

His pincer grasp still isn't perfected yet. In fact, he's pretty much ditched that whole idea altogether for a more favourable one. Basically my sons' theory is "just aim for a whole handful, and you're bound to get atleast one"! So far it's working pretty good for him. And it has made me think...

Way too often we settle for second best. We become comfortable in our skin, which makes us tend to put on weight. We get comfortable in our marriage, which tends to make us put forth less effort. And we also tend to take things for granted.... our friends will always be there, even if we haven't talked in months, they will be ready and waiting to chat when I feel like calling. Right?

Maybe it's time we all start aiming for a little more in our lives. Being greedy isn't always bad (when you are wanting more of the right things). No, it doesn't mean you will get everything you are reaching for, but atleast you'll get something. Right?

Learning from my son,

Baby Spring Roll!

2011-04-01T13:54:00.005-04:00

Oh with a title like that this post could be about so many things! Is it about spring? Chinese food? Mr. Quinn? Well the last one is right. Took me all week but I actually got a layout done. Just a few weeks old here (right before we had to start using the Miracle Blanket to swaddle him cause he kept escaping) this is one of the blankets we used to swaddle Quinn at night. The tighter the better!

He always looked like a little spring roll when we used this particular green & orange blanket. Oh so yummy and way too cute!

Craving Thai now,

Reflections of Quinn

2011-03-26T09:10:00.006-04:00

I've been trying out some new things with Clyde (my DSLR camera) and it's been going well so far. Took these photos yesterday and I'm so pleased with how they turned out. Of course, it doesn't hurt that my model is insanely adorable and photogenic.

Just want to add here, that alot of my ideas for photos have been coming from a dear friend of mine Danielle Cinderella. Ok, truth is basically I just copy whatever she does to get my shots. Hey, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery right? Anyway, she hasn't defriended me on Facebook yet, so I don't think I've crossed any friendship lines so far. Besides, I'm gonna toot her business here and hopefully send a few customers her way. She makes awesome Dryer Balls, super colorful, yummily scented and eco friendly! All made by hand. So check out her Etsy Shop HERE and buy some (I did)! Perfect for my little model's sensitive skin - no nasty dryer sheets for him, these balls are way gentler! Yes, I like saying balls. Get over it!

And if you've made it this far through my post, here is a little sneak peek at our Easter photoshoot. I'll be posting the pics some time in the next couple weeks, so keep your bunny ears tuned! This is just a tease... (as always, your critique of my photography is welcomed, I appreciate constructive critisism)

Thankful for friends who like to share,

Victory!

2011-03-23T09:06:00.005-04:00

So yesterday was all about the socks. Quinn has always loved pulling his socks off but had given it a break for a while and moved on to more "big boy" games (like passing stuff back and forth). But yesterday he revisited his socks. Obviously a super fun game, and one that never fails to amuse him. Thanks to a good friend's comment on this photo I posted to Facebook (thanks Danielle), I have a title for my scrapbook page (and this blog post).

Victory!

Socks rock,

Happy Birthday Baby Girl - Wish you were here...

2011-03-21T09:06:00.005-04:00

...we miss you so much Danica! I can't believe it's been 4 years already since we met you, and lost you. I think about you every day, 100 times a day and more! I still feel like it's not fair. I still don't understand why. I don't think I ever will. All I know is I wish you were here with us. I wish I could be tucking you in bed tonight after your bath, and bedtime story. I wish you could meet your little brother and wish you were around to bug him, and play "mommy" to him. I had so many wishes for you.

It's your Daddy's birthday today too baby girl. Please keep extra special watch over him today (he's traveling and Mommy worries). I know you are always with him, but more so on this special day the two of you share. He misses his little girl.

Love you so much,
Mommy oxox

Rock 'n Roll Rebel

2011-03-20T13:36:00.009-04:00

Clyde (my new DSLR Camera) and I have been getting along really well. The relationship was confusing at first, but I'm starting to understand him a bit better now. We did a fun little photo shoot today to play around with some natural light so I can get an idea how Clyde translates it. Quinn had fun cause he got to play with Daddy's Bass Guitar!

I love Rock 'n Roll,

Meet Bonnie & Clyde

2011-03-19T10:48:00.003-04:00

Yes, I finally came up with a name for my new BFF (aka: Ju Ju Be Diaper Bag) who we can now call "Bonnie", all thanks to another major purchase yesterday ~ a Canon Rebel T1i DSLR Camera! Which I've appropriately named "Clyde". So here they are peeps... "Bonnie & Clyde". The culprits responsible for robbing my bank account this week.

On a spending freeze,

It isn't easy being green!

2011-03-17T20:36:00.001-04:00

Well, atelast that's what the look on his face would have you believe! My oh so, serious boy! I took this photo less than a month after Q was born. My husband bought him this shirt when he was away on training for his new job with Michelin Tire.

He took the job when I was about 4 months pregnant and was away for 4.5 months. He litterally just made it back in time for Quinn's birth. During one of his trips home though, he brought back this onesie he picked up in the training center gift shop. I could not wait to put it on our son (who was still not born yet)!

I knew it was going to be a scrappy picture for sure. And here it is!

Love my little Michelin Man,

My Little Funny Bunny

2011-03-16T20:51:00.001-04:00

Went shopping today with Quinn and Grandma (my mom). We didn't really go out to buy anything. We just wanted to get out for the day as it was so nice outside. We made a stop at the Dollarama and couldn't resist these bunny ears for Quinn.

Guess what he's gonna be wearing for his monthly photo shoot next month?

Love my Funny Bunny,

Still searching for that pause button!

2011-03-15T17:13:00.002-04:00

Quinn turned 8 months old yesterday. How the heck did that happen so fast? I know, I say this every month. But it's true! He is changing so fast. I'm glad I've been doing monthly photo shoots with him to show the change. Alot of times we don't realize just how much he has grown until we look back. Here he is {8 months old}
For those of you who may not follow me on a regular basis, here are Quinn's {monthly photos} to date, starting from 1 month old. From baby to little boy in no time! Although I'm sure when I look back on these a couple years from now, I'll see them all as "baby" photos!
So anyone have any idea where I can find a pause button? I just want to slow things down...a little! I feel like I waited so long for him (which is because I did) and I'm afraid I'm going to blink and miss something. *sigh*

Oh and just a little side note, I have a little toot I want to make. Not for me (not scrapbooking related) but for my hubby. He has finally started his own blog (with my encouragement and blessing of course) and I'm really excited for him! I've been really surprised by his writing so far, I never knew he was so good with words! I must say I'm impressed! So if you get a chance, please pop on over to his blog {HERE} and leave a little love/encouragement or just "tick" off your thoughts on one of his posts letting him know someone has stopped by! It would be much appreciated (read this post of his if you get a chance -- it's worth the 2 minutes)!

Offering a reward for a life "pause button",

This is one time I wish I wasn't right!

2011-03-14T08:44:00.002-04:00

So yeah, as previously posted, I was right! My boy is teething! Litterally only hours after posting those pics, his first tooth broke through the skin. He handled it like a champ! Until today. He was up at 5:30am and was not a happy little boy.

He's already gone down for his first nap of the day at 8am. Luckily I have a good sleeper and he was in dreamland within seconds. I hope he can manage his pain with sleep and that it doesn't interfere. Poor monkey! But I'm also excited at the same time. I can't even imagine what he's gonna look like with teefers! I can't wait!

Anyway, here is a video from yesterday afternoon playing with his new Little Zoomers from Grandma (thanks Grandma). Obviously we need to teach him better how to share with the cat as he doesn't seem so good at it. I think Daddy might be having a bit more fun then Mr. Quinn.

Excited to play Tooth Fairy,

Could it finally be teeth?

2011-03-12T09:03:00.005-05:00

So we've been convinced that the Q has been teething since 8 weeks old. The chewing, the drooling, etc. But here we are at almost 8 months and still NO teeth! How can that be? We've jumped on the "oh he must be teething" bandwagon several times in the last few months. Only to be greeted each morning with an empty mouth. Very puzzling...

Again, for the last few days we've been thinking it again. This time I wanted to try and snap a few pics so I could examine them closer. Do you have any idea how hard it is to see inside a baby's mouth? Especially when their tongue muscle could probably lift 50lbs and can push your finger out of the way with very little effort? The microsecond that you get when you push their tongue out of the way is not nearly long enough to get a good look. Thank god for cameras!

So here is what I've come up with . I can clearly see the outline of the teeth in the front of the gums (in the sippy cup picture) and this morning I can see a clearish "slit" where his bottom left (his left) tooth should be coming out.

What do you think? Am I imagining? Let's see what the next few days bring.

Playing dentist,

P.S. My new BFF still needs a name. Click here to help!

I stole something last night...

2011-03-11T10:31:00.002-05:00

I stayed up til 11pm to log onto babysteals.com to get myself one of these:
In case you don't know. It's a "Be Quick" by Ju Ju Be. But you already knew that because you read my post from yesterday. Right?

Anyway, I didn't need it but a good friend if mine (you know who you are) tweeted about the "steal" and I couldn't resist. What if I lose the other one. A girl always needs a backup!

Way to easily influenced,

There is someone I would like you to meet...

2011-03-10T10:41:00.009-05:00

Say hello to my new BFF! She doesn't have a name yet. Still working on that one. This is my first ever Ju Ju Be Bag! The "BFF"! I've been coveting her for a few weeks now. I was hoping she'd appear on one of those "deal a day" sites. But I couldn't wait any longer. So I ordered her last night. Isn't she beautiful?

And I didn't want her to be lonely once she left her Ju Ju Be home, so I also told her she could bring her friend "Be Quick" (how could I separate them)?

It took me forever to choose her fabric. So many choices, so little money! They were all yummy! I asked the hubby what happens now if she appears on one of those "deal a day" sites for half off? He said I could order another in a different fabric! God I love that guy!

No longer a JJB virgin,

P.S. If you've got any name suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

Remember the Shower?

2011-03-06T08:40:00.001-05:00

If not, let me refresh your memory (click here).

I finally got around to scrapbooking the pictures! These are some of my fav Q photos! Loved how the page turned out. I handmade the banner by cutting pieces of coordinating cardstock from SEI, inking the edges and gluing them along some embroidery thread. I'm happy with the results!

Thanks for lookin',

This is how I spent my afternoon...

2011-03-04T17:29:00.004-05:00

I've quickly realized that doing this myself is NOT any cheaper than buying the pre-made stuff. However, I do like the fact that I know exactly what is going into Quinn's tummy. I can't say that I will make all his food from here on out, but I do enjoy doing it and it makes me happy when I hear "nom nom nom" when he eats it!

Baby food-makin' Momma,

Poop, a Newspaper and a Dream...

2011-03-04T09:56:00.002-05:00

Ok, I don't usually post these gross "mom" type posts, but I just had to share. If you are at all grossed out about "talking poop" then you should just move on.... you've been warned!

So last night Quinn was playing on the floor nekkid (on a blanket). He started to poop, so Hugh panicked and grabbed the nearest "thing" to avoid a mess -- our Thursday night newspaper. He put the paper under his bum and let him finish his poop.

What else were we to do?

Anyway, his next stop was the bath so it's best it happened on the floor on a newspaper instead of in the bath...right?
So yay, my boy is now paper-trained!

Moving on to this morning... (he is probably going to divorce me for this) Hugh says to me: "I just had a really gross dream. I don't really want to tell you cause it's so gross but it's really bothering me".

Stupid me "What did you dream"?

"I had to poo so I lined the tub with newspapers and sat on the edge of the tub and pooped in the tub".

Just goes to show how our daily lives, leach into our dreams.

Hoping for no more poop-drama,

Playing "Scrappy" Catch-Up

2011-03-01T16:27:00.002-05:00

I got a couple new layouts done today, as well as scanned in a bunch I did a couple months ago. It's been way too long since I scrapped. Hoping my mojo sticks around for a while. Here are just a few {favorites} out of the bunch I scanned. You can click here to see his entire scrapbook.

So I'm almost done his first album, his "baby" book which consists of my pregnancy, his birth and the first 4 weeks. After which I'm doing a mini-book for his monthly photos for the first year (12 pages), then will work on random pictures after that so I'm not freaked out by trying to scrap every moment of the rest of his life. When did scrapbooking become so stressful?

Chaining my mojo to my desk,

My first box of toys!

2011-02-25T11:48:00.001-05:00

First time playing in his box of toys by himself sitting up.

YouTube Video

Love playing with my boy,

All at once!

2011-02-24T20:35:00.001-05:00

So within the span of just a couple minutes, we've got coughing, burping, pooping, farting, spitting, drooling, yawning... Whew! A baby's work is never done!

YouTube Video

That's my boy!

My little Multitasker

2011-02-23T22:01:00.001-05:00

I think some teeth may be in his very near future. Not that it's interfering with his playtime much!

Love my funny boy,

How do you say NO?

2011-02-22T10:51:00.002-05:00

We visited my sister in law on the weekend. They got two new puppies. We were excited to introduce Quinn to his new "cousins". We weren't sure what he was gonna think of them. It was cute. The puppies crawled all over him, licked his ears and barked. Quinn barked back! Too cute.

I know if he could talk he would be asking "Can I have one Mommy"? Ummm how do you say no to a face like this...

Trying hard to resist,

A little guy making a BIG difference!

2011-02-18T21:49:00.009-05:00

Meet Wyatt.
He is my Hero.
His mom is Jillian.
She is my friend.

Wyatt was born with HLHS (Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome) a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD). His HLHS was further complicated by a blood clotting disorder (MTHFR). On January 24th, Wyatt (the warrior he was) could fight no longer and earned his angel wings at only 6 months old.

Being a warrior AND hero herself, his mommy Jillian and her July 2010 Sister Mommas (a group of ladies that formed during pregnancy who all had babies due in July 2010), have come together to help spread awareness about CHD's and also spread Wyatt's Warmth from the Heart to other babies receiving care in the NICU, starting in Wyatt's home town and spreading elsewhere.

Please click the following link to go to Wyatt's Warmth from the Heart Facebook Page. "Like" his page and "Share" the link on your Facebook. Help us collect donations of baby leg warmers, blankets, books, stuffies, etc... just by spreading the word or sending in a monetary donation if you can! Even shopping for your own baby at one of our sponsors can help!

Please, help us keep Wyatt's memory alive, and keep other babies warm!

You can also read Wyatt's story on his CaringBridge site.

Missing Wyatt terribly,

P.S. We are still in need of some "tote bags". Lots of bags! So we can package up the blankets, and leg warmers and other various items coming in, in order to gift them to the families of sick babies. If you make tote bags, or know someone who does and can help out, we would greatly appreciate it! Just send me an email and I will be in touch! Thank You!

7 Months goes by way too FAST!

2011-02-18T14:33:00.005-05:00

Yes, you read it! Quinn is already 7 months old. When the heck did that happen?

On February 14th actually...Gosh! It's just gone by so quickly. My itty bitty baby is turning into a real boy! He's so funny. I love every second that I spend with him. We are so lucky. For my stalkers, here are a few new pics of the Hobo...

Couldn't be more in love,

Hangin' with his Cuz...

2011-01-20T21:54:00.001-05:00

We were so happy to have a visit from my cousin Julia and her baby Evan this week for 3 nights. Quinn just loves his "cousin" Evan. We had tons of fun with the boys!

Love these guys,

My Santa Baby

2010-12-22T08:35:00.002-05:00

5 months old!

Love my little "Hoho",

This NEVER gets old...

2010-11-30T09:59:00.004-05:00

...and it's even more fun now that we can add Quinn to our crazy Elf-selves!

Gettin' Elfy with it,

Meeting Santa for the First Time!

2010-11-23T10:52:00.005-05:00

This is one moment that Quinn will never get to repeat again - meeting the "Big Guy" for the first time ever. Of course, he'll never remember it, but atleast we got a GREAT photo to help remind him of this moment! We were so thrilled that he did not cry! He gave Santa a big grin and the girls behind the camera another big grin and "snap" the photo was taken (only one shot needed) and we've got a fantastic memory captured forever!

(Photo was taken at the Eaton Center in Toronto on November 20th at 4 months + 1 week old)

Gettin' in the Holiday Spirit,

This is the Pumpkin I chose this year...

2010-10-19T15:24:00.000-04:00

Love my pumpkin,

At the Pumpking Patch!

2010-10-10T23:08:00.004-04:00

I've dreamed about this moment for so many years, taking our child to the pumpkin patch for the first time. It was an amazing day, even better than I could have ever dreamed. I am so happy and love my little family so much!

Pickin' Pumpkins,

Just Because He's Cute!

2010-10-09T15:21:00.001-04:00

Ok so he's really not doing anything special in this video (although as his mother I happen to think every breath he takes is special) but I thought I'd post and share anyway cause he's just so stinkin' CUTE!!!

YouTube Video

Not at all biased,

One Cool Momma

2010-10-07T08:59:00.002-04:00

My husband has been enjoying his new iPhone this week and playing around with the camera. Granted, he's not got the best eye for lighting or when to use the flash, but we still got some pretty cute pics anyway.

Staying Cool,

Jumperoo!!!

2010-10-05T10:02:00.001-04:00

Ok. So he's not quite big enough yet but we had to try. So glad we did because he absolutely LOVED playing in his Jumperoo for the first time (at only 11 weeks, 5 days old)!

This baby-raising thing is gonna be so much fun!

YouTube Video

Gettin' Bouncy,

I waited a long time to count these...

2010-09-13T15:15:00.005-04:00

...Ten {perfect} Little TOES!!!

I love this picture...

Off to count some fingers now,

4 Generations...

2010-09-10T18:05:00.001-04:00

No words today, just a layout to share...

Glad it's the weekend,

Seriously, how do you scrapbook all these?

2010-09-08T18:00:00.004-04:00

I decided that I'm only uploading photos from my camera once a month from now on (to help keep photos organized by age for Quinn's album). But how do you choose from the hundreds of photos on there which ones to scrap?

I've just sent 72 photos for printing. There is no way I can scrap them all I know that. So why do I print so many? Ugh...this is impossible! Well, until I decide which ones I'm going to whittle away and store in a photo-safe box for Quinn, here are a few of my fav's that I know for sure I'll be scrappin'...

Need to learn how to cut back,

Not looking forward to doing that again!

2010-09-08T10:39:00.003-04:00

So we took the Hobo for his first set of needles yesterday. Not the best day at all. He was so {HAPPY} when he woke up yesterday morning and was really enjoying his checkup at the doctors. He loves laying on the exam table naked, kicking at that crinkly paper that covers the exam table.

He was smiling, cooing, and SO SO SO {HAPPY}! He didn't know what was coming, but I did and I felt so mean! He tolerated the frst needle ok. Just a pout but then returned to smiles. Then the second needle came. The one that she said makes them gasp for air and lose their breath. Yeah, he did just that. Then SCREAMED! For like 10 minutes (which by the way felt much longer).

He wasn't much happier when we got home either. The only thing that seemed to console him was nursing. He didn't even want a bottle. So unlike him. So I nursed him until he fell asleep.

I'm happy to report though, that he is 100% better this morning and his {HAPPY} self again! He now weighs 11lbs 10oz (gained 3lbs 11oz since birth 8 weeks ago) and has grown 2 inches since birth. Measuring in the 50% percentile all around, doctor says he is just perfect!!! Can't believe my baby is already almost 2 months old. Feels like just yesterday we gave him his first bath...

Still feeling bad for my monkey,

Yummy Blog Candy from The Paper Variety...Check it out!

2010-09-04T23:19:00.002-04:00

Want to win this? Check out this new {challenge blog} I've found called The Paper Variety. Share the love on your blog and this yummy blog candy might be yours (unless it becomes mine) *snicker*

{Good Luck}

Fingers crossed it's me,

Having a Scrappy-Long Weekend

2010-09-04T22:36:00.008-04:00

So the hubby let me {sleep} last night and got up to feed our son. He actually got off really easy cause Quinn slept 9 hours straight. So really he only had to get up once (this morning) at 7:30, which he probably would have gotten up at that time anyway. But then...

...when I got up around 8:30, he informed me that it was "Daddy/Son" day, and he was going to take over all baby duties, so I could spend time in my studio. As if I was going to say no to that! So I did just what he suggested, and hunkered down in my studio and got creative!

I do have to admit, it was very hard not to run upstairs every time I heard the Hobo cry or fuss. But I trust DH (afterall he looked after him for the first 48 hours after he was born exclusively while I recovered, and got up with him every night for the first week home). So I let my anxiety go, and let my mojo in {and this is what happened}...

{notes} The flower in the top left was made from ric-rac using this tutorial here.

{notes} The background was made from two sheets of kraft cardstock. One of them was cut into strips and borders using my punches. I slightly chalked the edges of these strips before adhering them onto the other piece of kraft cardstock. I got this idea from a recent issue of Scrapbooks Etc.

{notes} I used drywall tape as a mask to paint the texture you see behind the "Sleep" title. I love my drywall tape! I use it so much! Seriously...go pick up a roll!

See my note above about {drywall tape}. For those of you that know my work, you know that in the past year I've used it so many times I can't even count! I LOVE that stuff! You can use it as a mask, or even attach it right to your layout (it can be painted & inked too)! Hmmm...I think I smell a tutorial in the near future. Would anyone be interested in playing with drywall tape if I gave some ideas and examples? Leave a comment here and let me know. If there is enough interest I'll do one. And if you've already played with it yourself, post a {link} so I can see!

Keep on scrappin,

Daddy's Little Man

2010-09-03T13:39:00.007-04:00

Just a quickie post this Friday. Sharing another layout. Needed a mojo boost for this one so I snagged a sketch from Page Maps (love that site)!

Thanks for looking!

Hoping for a scrappy-long weekend,

Sweet Bebe, Anything for You...

2010-08-31T19:50:00.005-04:00

What? More layouts by moi? Yeah, it was a good napping day for Mr. Quinn. So I played with my mojo.
Thanks for looking...

One lucky Momma,

I Made a Wish and You Came True!

2010-08-30T17:16:00.006-04:00

Yay! Finally, my first layout in Quinn's album with an actual picture of him! Now I really feel like I've finally started his scrapbook. I needed a bit of inspiration, so I clicked on over to Sketchy Thursdays Blog knowing I'd find a great sketch to work with.

And this is what I came up with...

I also got another layout done, the last of my pregnancy layouts. It sort of made me a bit sad when I was scrapping this one, realizing that I may never be pregnant again (long story for another time). But I fully enjoyed my pregnancy with Quinn, so even if that was the only time, I have some fabulous memories of when he was in my belly. I LOVED being pregnant!

Gettin' my scrap-on...

Life is Good!

2010-08-30T10:35:00.003-04:00

It's going to be a hot one today. Up to 37C with the humidex! So I'm downstairs in my studio with Mr. Quinn (who's contemplating not letting me get this blog post written) and DH in the next room working in his office. My goal today is to stay cool, and maybe get a layout (or two if I may be so bold) done!

I did this one a little while ago but never got the chance to share until now (who knew looking after a baby was so time consuming)? LOL ...

Anyway, this is the second to last layout until I finally get to scrap pictures of the little monster himself since he's been born! Just a layout of my belly pics to go, then it's all about the BOY!

Thanks for looking...

Hoping to get scrappy,

My Wish for Quinn

2010-08-14T09:00:00.007-04:00

My baby is 1 month old today,

How to get a 25 day old baby clean...

2010-08-09T12:24:00.004-04:00

...stick him in the shower with Daddy!

I couldn't resist sharing these photos I took yesterday. We weren't quite sure how Quinn was going to react. We made sure the water stream was nice and soft, and that the water wasn't too hot (but still warm enough). Daddy showered first so he got the bathroom nice and steamy to keep baby warm...

...and he LOVED it!!! But don't take my word for it. Check out the proof for yourself:
Snugglin' my squeaky clean baby,

Scrappin' for (and with) Mr. Quinn

2010-08-05T15:27:00.006-04:00

So the boy and I have been hanging out together in my studio today. I had planned to get a layout or two done for his album but that didn't happen. Instead I altered an old Basic Grey Lunchpail that I've had laying around for years. I needed something to keep all his cards & notes in from his birth. Also, I added a few more index tabs inside for future birthday cards, etc. Should come in handy (and fill up really fast I'm sure).

Mr. Quinn wasn't really all that impressed with all the creating I did today. Actually, he slept through it all....

Hard to believe I just cleaned up my studio yesterday isn't it? Gosh, it doesn't take long for the creative tornado to do damage does it?

Get crafty with my boy,

Quinn's Birth Story - the Little Hobo is finally here!!! (pictures too)

2010-08-04T10:19:00.009-04:00

Ok, I'm only 3 weeks late, but please forgive me. I've fallen in love and have been totally consumed and infatuated with my brand new son! I LOVE being a mom!

Quinn Alexander Stewart was scheduled to arrive by c-section at 3pm on July 14th, 2010. But, he had other plans. Apparently he didn't like the idea that the doctor chose his birthdate for him so he decided to let it be known that he would choose this date himself.

First, let's rewind to a bit to the day before (the 13th)... the day was going by so slow! We pretty much wandered around town aimlessly looking for stuff to do to keep us busy while waiting for a decent, non-neurotic time to go to bed, anticipating our son's birth the next afternoon. We were suppose to be at the hospital at 10am for a 3pm surgery the next day. It felt like forever away. If I only knew then that it was about to come much sooner!

We went to bed that night at about 11pm. I knew I would not sleep. I wasn't sleeping well anyway and tonight would be no different. Still awake at 2am, I rolled around in bed to change positions and to my shock my water broke! I was excited but also scared (I knew Quinn was still breech and worried about a prolapsed cord). We were at the hospital and hooked up to monitors by 2:30 am. All was good. I was already 4 cm dialated (hadn't started contractions until I got to the hospital) and Quinn looked great on the monitor. But it was a rush to get me into surgery. Dialating really quickly, and his foot already on it's way out, everything happened so fast and our Litte Hobo was born at 4:53am on July 14th, 2010 ( 10 hours ahead of schedule). He weighed 7lbs 15oz and was 20.5 inches long. Perfect in every way!

He is such a good baby. So easy to care for. At 3 weeks today he is so bright and alert and a great sleeper (4 hour stretches at night). We are enjoying him so much, I just wish I could find a pause button because he is already growing and changing so fast. We've waited a LONG time for this and I just want to savour every single second! I cannot believe how amazing he is. We are so blessed. Not too sure what we did to get so lucky. We must have done something right!

Totally, completely, head-over-heals in love with my son,

Yes, I'm still pregnant...

2010-06-25T13:28:00.005-04:00

...and NO, I have not "had that baby yet"! But soon!

I am now 36 weeks pregnant (photo is a little outdated, sorry). And technically we have 24 days to go until our scheduled c-section on July 19th. But...at our last docs appointment this week, he said we might be celebrating Quinn's birthday a little earlier! I gained 9 pounds in 2 weeks and Mr. Quinn is estimated to have put on atleast a pound or two himself! Doc says he's growing really well and is pretty much "ready"!

So on our next appointment (July 6th) he's going to talk to us about maybe moving the c-section date up a bit! Woohoo! I'm so ready! I swear I'm getting bigger by the day!

On another note, my hubby is almost done his 18 weeks of training/traveling for his new job. Only one more week away (next week) and he will be home for the whole month of July! Woohoo! It's been really tough being away from eachother, especially the last few weeks seen as though I can no longer bend!

I was lucky to have him home all last week with me. We even took a mini-vacay overnight to Toronto (he had to go on business so I went with him). This was the perfect opportunity to visit our favorite Thai Food Restaurant "Linda" (Salad King). We sat outside on the patio in the cool night air and enjoyed our awesome dinner. It was a much needed break away from my every day of being stuck in the house. I feel like a Momma Bear who has been hibernating for the last 8 months and now I'm finally ready to come out of my Den!

Not long now...

Gettin' bigger & crankier by the day,

Apparently I'm gonna give birth to a toddler...

2010-05-28T11:47:00.005-04:00

...according to my latest doctors appointment yesterday. I'm 32 weeks and my belly measurement has gone from 31cm to 36cm in just two weeks time. Add to that a 4 pound weight gain (yikes) and it's official -- Quinn will be entering into this world in the midst of his terrible two's!

I posted about this in my online "due date club" of girls I chat with, and here are some of the funny responses I got:

• Oh my gracious! The twos are easy... it's the threes that kill you
• true, true, and when they hit 16...you're basically dead...
• well I'll have my fingers crossed he comes out potty trained too then!!!
• This made me really laugh. You will be fine girly. At least you know your woman parts are safe:) (referring to the fact that I'm having a c-section)

At any rate, the doctor is pleased and says things could not be more perfect. How wonderful it is to hear him say that! Only 52 more days to go (I really cannot wait to meet this little-big guy)!

On another note... I was hoping to get some scrapping done today, but last weekend our hot water tank busted and we had water all over our basement. For the most part it has almost all dried -- but not quite -- and with the recent humidity added on top of an already damp basement, it's kinda getting stinky down here. We've got the de-humidifiers running full blast and hubby is coming home this weekend and gonna do some more clean-up. So my scrappy time is just gonna have to wait a few more days.

What are your plans for the weekend? I know for my American friends it's Memorial Day weekend. Got anything special going on? We're hitting up some yard sales tomorrow to get some more goodies for Quinn. Here is a pic of just some of the recent deals we've gotten on toys (all from $1-$3 each)!!! Do you like to go to yard sales? What kind of treasures do you look for?

Full of mojo in a stinky studio so I cannot scrap,

Hello Mojo....it's me, Catherine!

2010-05-26T12:04:00.006-04:00

Where the heck are you? Seriously! It's been weeks since I've seen you and I really want to get some creative stuff done, but without you I'm lost! All I want to do is nap. Sure, sure. Blame it on the pregnancy. That's the easy way out.

*sigh*

Hey peeps! I need your help! I really need to get my butt in gear and get some scrapping done but I'm really having a hard time getting started. I know exactly what I want to do (got my photos printed, my sketch ready to go) but just can't seem to bring myself to sit at my desk and scrap them! I find myself snuggling up on the couch instead wanting to nap. Got any suggestions?

I also need to get some more Thank You cards made for my stash before baby gets here. Gonna need them to send out to those who send us gifts for him. And if I don't do them before he gets here, well how on earth will I thank people?

So if you got any words of wisdom to get me off the couch (or even a swift kick in the you-know-what will do), please -- let me have it! In the meantime, here are a couple cards I did last week to start my stash.....

I found the CUTEST little stamp at Michaels on clearance a couple weeks ago. I thought it was perfect for the back of my handmade cards (remember, we have 3 bunnies as pets). I couldn't resist!

Hunting for my mojo (aka: "napping"),

Go on, take a guess!

2010-05-24T11:19:00.003-04:00

Nothing scrappy to post today. Been a week or so since I scrapped. My mojo is MIA again. Could be due to the fact that I think the third-tri insomnia has kicked in. Not sleeping good at night, but I'm not going to complain. I have the luxury of napping during the day if I need to. Just want to find that mojo of mine so I can get a few layouts done for some challenges that are due this week!

Anyway, in the meantime I just thought I'd make a quick blog post, and see if you've submitted your guess in our Baby Pool yet? It's just for fun, and only takes a second to enter your guess. So if you haven't already, go on -- take a guess:

I've noticed a major growth spurt in Quinn this past weekend. Feels like he's gotten HUGE! But he's still breech, which means I'm getting some really strong kicks *ahem* *cough* down there *cough* *cough*. Needless to say, it hurts and kinda freaks me out a bit. I swear I'm gonna see a foot sticking out any minute!

So a question for you mommas out there (or mammas-to-be)... Did you ever feel like baby was trying to break free when you were pregnant? Did it shock you just how strong he/she was? Freak you out a little? Maybe you can share your story with me (leave me a comment) so I can relax a bit and not worry so much... (yeah like we all know I'm going to stop worrying anytime soon). Pffft!

Harboring a little escape artist who stole my mojo,

I {heart} High Voltage!!!

2010-05-17T11:23:00.012-04:00

Ever hear of High Voltage Tattoo? You might better know it as the Tattoo shop in the TLC Show "LA Ink". Anyway, I'm a huge fan of the show. Actually more a fan of the tattoo artist Kat Von D (owner of the shop). I used to watch her on the TLC show Miami Ink, but when she moved to LA and got her own show I had to of course watch.

My husband was lucky enough to travel to Los Angeles last week, and made a special trip to the High Voltage Tattoo studio for me to take some pics and buy me a T-shirt. Wish I could have gone with him, but being 7 months pregnant, it wasn't a good idea for me to be traveling so far. But that's ok, this was the next best thing. I was thrilled that he got to go, and was so happy to see the pics and get me t-shirt.

Thought I'd share them with you in case there are any other LA Ink fans out there!

(7 Months Pregnant)
I'm sure Quinn will laugh at this one day!

Oh, and in case you were wondering.....no! I do not have any Tattoos. YET! I'd love to have Kat Von D do one for me (although I'm sure that will never happen). And I do know exactly what I'd love to have done! What you ask? Hmmm...maybe I'll save that little tidbit for another post, another time.

Currently tattoo-less (for now),

They like me! They REALLY like me!!!

2010-05-15T11:43:00.004-04:00

Well, atleast I think they do. The choice could have been completely random (like drawing a name out of a hat or something) but we'll pretend it's cause they REALLY like me! Er, well...my layout atleast!

Scrap Whispers chose me as their last week's challenge winner! Woot! This means I get my name put into a draw at the end of the month for an awesome prize pack from Bo Bunny (see my previous post about it here).

There's also still time for YOU to enter the challenge and get your name in for the prize pack drawing (trust me, it's full of yummy goodies)! Just hop over to the Scrap Whispers blog and check it out.

Thanks Scrap Whispers! Looking forward to trying your current challenge. Can't wait to see what's next!

Feeling the love,

I {heart} Oliver!

2010-05-14T07:30:00.005-04:00

Woohoo! Basic Grey has finally "released" it's new lines Olivia & Oliver (see previous post)! I cannot wait to get my hands on the Oliver Collection for Quinn's book! Click the image to your left (or click HERE) to see the full Oliver collection!

Of course, there is the girl version of the collection (Olivia) but we aren't interested in that. Atleast not yet (maybe next year).

HeeHee

So cany anyone tell me where I can scoop this up online ASAP?!?!? Remember, I'm in Canada so shipping has to be via Canada Post or USPS and at a reasonable rate. If you are an online store that is going to be shipping this soon and can ship to Canada with the above requirements (or you know of an online store) please share a link here!!!!!

I want to buy this collection and cannot wait! Yummy!

Credit Card in hand ready to bring Oliver home,

Today I am coveting...

2010-05-12T11:43:00.003-04:00

...the new Basic Grey (which of course is not yet released) and we've only been given this sneak peek to tease us:

I think Quinn's scrapbook is going to NEED some of this new collection! How cute!!!

Anyone else coveting it? What are your plans for this new collection once you get your scrappy hands on it?

Drooling over the new Basic Grey,

Scrap Whispers Challenge #62 - Playing for some BoBunny Yummies!

2010-05-10T11:23:00.005-04:00

Scrap Whispers has a great new challenge posted on their blog that I just had to try! The theme is all about "changes" and as my peeps know, there are some BIG changes coming to the Stewart house very shortly! So I thought it was the perfect challenge to try!

And it also doesn't hurt that they are giving away this yummy prize pack to a lucky winner (thanks to BoBunny!). How could I resist?

Here is my take on the challenge: we had to use the word/theme of "change" and also change/alter one item on the page. I chose to alter some drywall tape (I painted it blue and stapled it behind the word "big")!!! You know me, I LOVE scrapping with drywall tape!
Also, please note that I based this layout on a "Made in Minutes" sketch from the June issue of Scrapbooks Etc (page 102). Thanks for looking!

Anticipating BIG changes,

PageMaps & American Crafts Letterbox Card Contest!

2010-05-08T14:47:00.004-04:00

Found this awesome Card Sketch & Contest on the PageMaps website today! I'm making some Thank You cards for my stash anyway so I thought I would give it a try. Here is the sketch:

And here is my card based on the above sketch:
American Crafts has generously donated this awesome prize to the winner -- so if you want to scoop it up, visit the contest HERE to enter. You still have lots of time (until May 23rd, Midnight MST). Good Luck!

Cardin' it up,

Sketchy Thursday: "Growing Strong"!

2010-05-07T16:15:00.005-04:00

I needed a mojo boost today so I headed on over to my new favorite sketch blog "Sketchy Thursdays" to see if I could be inspired. And of course I was... Check out their sketches (I'm sure they will get your mojo going too). They always have yummy RAK's to make it even more enticing!

This week they are giving away a FREE stamp set from Unity Stamps!

Here's my take on this week's sketch:

Gettin' Sketchy,

My Husband's Cooties LOVE me!!!

2010-05-03T09:28:00.001-04:00

Unfortuantely...everytime my husband gets sick (which really isn't that often) I know I'm next. No matter what we do to try and avoid me catching his cooties, they just love me too much to leave me alone. No different this time.

Atleast he's feeling better today (which is good, cause he just left for business for two weeks and I hate it when he has to travel when he's sick), but now I'm the one suffering. Sore throat, stuffy nose...and it doesn't help that there isn't much I can take for it due to being pregnant. So that makes me 100x more miserable to be around.

Well, I'm gonna try and make the best of it. Try to spend atleast some time in my studio today, maybe get a couple cards made for my stash then rest for the afternoon. Wish me luck.

Lovingly looking after my husband's Cooties,

The Bouncing Belly!

2010-05-02T14:41:00.004-04:00

Ok, I promised I'd post this for those of you who are not on my facebook friends list. This was taken at 28 weeks pregnant (this past week). Quinn is getting so much strong and is able to make my belly do all kinds of tricks.

Very fun to watch (for us atleast). We are still amazed and sometimes can't beleive he is actually in there! Way cool!

Don't take your toilet seat for granted!

2010-05-02T10:03:00.002-04:00

We have a wooden toilet seat. It broke last night. Well about 3am approximately. It already had a crack in it (care of the hubby) and it was doomed. I asked him to replace it a couple months ago. His theory is wait until it breaks.

Which is an ok theory if he is around 24/7 so he can actually be there when it does break to replace it. But he's been travelling out of country alot with his new job and isn't always home. Luckily he is home today and will be buying us a new one.

I just thank god it broke last night and not tomorrow, as he will be gone for 2 weeks and I have toilet issues (I could probably fix it myself if I wasn't so grossed out by toilets, and even just the thought of having to touch the seat with my hands to fix it makes me sick). Yeah, so that obviously gives away our secret that hubby is the toilet cleaner in this house. I just can't handle it. Ugh!

So I just want to say...don't take your intact toilet seat for granted.

Appreciating my toilet seat,

NSD Challenges - I'm on a Roll

2010-05-01T12:50:00.005-04:00

Been hanging out at the Citrus Tree Studio today completing some of the challenges. It's a great scrapbooking community to be a part of if you aren't already. And you have until tomorrow to complete their challenges for prizes! So come on over and join us!

Here are a few layouts I've gotten done so far...

Feeling Citrusy,

Blog Candy Giveaway - MonScrapbook.com!

2010-05-01T10:02:00.004-04:00

Happy NSD everyone! Came accross this great Blog Candy Giveaway from MonScrapbook.com! Check it out (click the image to your left) for your chance to win this yummy prize pack! Good Luck,

Whoa, where did all this Mojo come from?

2010-04-30T12:33:00.002-04:00

Page #2 in Quinn's album (still need to actually GET an album, but you know what I mean). Not sure where all this creativity is coming from all of a sudden but I ain't gonna fight it.

I got to feed my glitter addiction and played with some Doodle Bug Sugar Coating to embellish the leaves, the bird and the pea pod! So cute! And of course I've always got lots to say in my journaling. Quinn is never going to wonder if his mommy was a Chatty Cathy or not. He'll know...

Thanks for "peeking",

What are you doing for NSD? Link me up!

2010-04-30T07:44:00.004-04:00

Got plans for National Scrapbooking Day? Lots of online crops going on this weekend. I know I'll be spending some time at Citrus Tree Studio. What about you?

I'd love to check out some of your favorite sites, and where you are going to be spending your NSD weekend! So leave a comment here and link us up with some of the online NSD events you'll be attending!

Happy NSD Scrapping,

Phew! I finally did it!!!

2010-04-29T13:09:00.005-04:00

My first layout since November last year! Wow, that was a long time coming! And how cool is it that I now get to start a whole brand new album for our brand new son (who's still baking in my tummy of course).

And yes, that is my actual pregnancy test. I know I pee'd on it and now it's been saved for eternity. Ewwwww! Right? Atleast I didn't try to fit all 50 of them on a page (I just chose one). I can't even begin to tell you how much money we spent on pee-sticks to confirm this pregnancy. Oh well. It's WAY worth it!
So for you mommas out there...how many pregnancy tests did you take to confirm? Did you save them? What did you do with them? Surely I'm not the only one who had/has an addiction to peeing on sticks when trying to conceive? Am I....?

Your pee-stick-aholic,

Belly Pics!!!

2010-04-28T10:39:00.002-04:00

Some of you have been asking about belly pics. I only really have two of them for comparison. Not sure why I didn't take more before. But I'll be sure to take some at the end of my pregnancy too. So here's the proof that little Quinn is growing like a champ:

Happy belly peeking,

UPDATE on Baby & Me!

2010-04-26T11:52:00.006-04:00

Wow, so sorry it has been so long since I posted. I've pretty much avoided my studio (where my computer is) since we found out we were preg (too much of a disaster to tackle for me lately) and been living on my iphone instead for internet access which pretty much makes it impossible to update this blog. But...

I'm in my studio today, tidying up and going to start on our baby's first scrapbook! So that also means more frequent blog updates and hopefully some new layouts to share! So here is the most recent news on "Baby Stewart" (aka: Hobo)...

It's a BOY!!!! And we are calling him Quinn Alexander Stewart. Neither first or middle names are in our family. Completely original "new" names, for a unique little boy on the way! I'm almost 28 weeks pregnant and things are going VERY well! All my ultrasounds and tests have come back completely normal. We aren't used to so much good news but we are so fortunate and blessed and know how lucky we are.

We went for a 3D ultrasound last week. Here are some of our favorite pics from the scan and a few videos as well. I'll leave you with these for now, and will be back very soon to share Quinn's first few pages in his very own scrapbook!

Video (2D): Quinn Drinking
If you look for movement in the middle of the screen, you will see that this is a side view (profile shot) of his face. The movement is his mouth opening and closing and his tongue moving in and out drinking amniotic fluid.

Video 3D: Smiling
Quinn giving us a really BIG smile! Melts my heart!

Video 3D: Yawning & Kicks to the Head
Quinn yawning twice and his foot up near his head (such a little monkey)! Watch the foot right at the beginning and a bit before the second yawn (you will see it come up near his head)! Two really big yawns (it's a hard life in there)!

Thanks for all your prayers and words of encouragement.

We love you,

Long Overdue Update with BIG News!!!

2010-01-08T11:02:00.004-05:00

So it's been a while since I blogged. Been a little (well ok, ALOT) preoccupied with life. A new little life actually.....

YES...I'm pregnant! Finally! After trying for over 2 years since we lost our little Danica, we've finally conceived all on our own! What a miracle. Although it's not been an easy road for me thus far, as my anxiety has been through the roof worrying about everything!

But I'm happy to say we've finally made the 12 week mark and had a fantastic ultrasound yesterday. Our baby (aka: "Hobo") is doing very well. Here is a little pic for you:We are also very fortunate that we have a doppler that we can use at home to listen to Hobo's heartbeat whenever we want to (like the one the doctors use). This has been very reassuring for us. Here is a little recording I did of the heartbeat a couple weeks go:

Hobo is due around mid July but will most likely make his/her appearance a couple weeks early as I will have a scheduled c-section. Seems like forever away, but already the time has gone by quickly and I can't believe I'm already 3 months pregnant!

I promise I will update often on how we are all doing and of course continue to share my scrapbooking goodness (did a couple LO's last week that I need to scan and upload to share with you).

In the meantime please keep your fingers crossed and keep us in your thoughts and prayers that everything continues to go well!

Baby Dust to all who need it,

Good 'ol Lemon Drops

2009-11-06T12:10:00.003-05:00

This is one layout I can't share and tag on facebook -- I think I would get into alot of trouble! But I just had to share it somewhere! This was taken in July. The girls are my cousin Angela, and my Sister-in-Law Susan (the one pouring the shooters).
Journaling reads: I was excited when I heard we were going to be drinking Lemon Drop Shooters. I thought they sounded really yummy. I did not know they were just straight Vodka in a shooter glass rimmed with Sugar. Lemond Drops are GROSS!!!

Happy Shooter Drinking,

The Wall Project - Update #2

2009-10-31T16:13:00.005-04:00

So in light of being on the Design Team for Kiki Art, I thought I would celebrate by adding a few squares to The Wall Project to commemorate this adventure in my life, by using some Kiki Products to make them!

Space Covered to Date: approx 10" x 12"
Total Squares to Date: 25

I'm having a blast with my first DT Kit and I can honestly say Kiki Products are very high quality and so much fun to play with!

And I love working on this "Project"! It's a great way to spice up your mojo when you don't feel like diving into a Layout or big project! I can just do a few squares and be done!

(To see past posts about "The Wall Project" click here).

Sharing Sunday...

2009-10-18T14:31:00.004-04:00

Scrapbook Star is having an online crop this weekend. Although I was gone most of the weekend, I managed to get two challenges done which resulted in these Layouts!

These are pics from this past summer during one of our parties (our house tends to be the party place in the summer). Enjoy...

Happy Scrapping,

Remembering a little girl who changed my life forever...

2009-10-16T17:17:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was Pregnancy and Infant Loss Rememberance Day. And although I don't need a specific day to remember my sweet daughter (I think of her every day), it's still nice sometimes to honor these days with some special thoughts. And I thought I would share them with you today.

It's been over 2 1/2 years since we lost our little Danica. Where does the time go? I can still feel the weight of her in my arms, and smell her sweet smell as if it was only yesterday. Loosing a child is probably the most painful thing one can ever experience. I've been through alot of loss in my life (including my dad and a brother), but nothing compares to the pain of losing a child.

It took us 20 months to conceive her after our first pregnancy ended in miscarriage. So when we saw those two pink lines on the pregancy test back in September 2006 we were over the moon. Little did we know then, about the pain we were going to face.

Danica was born at only 29 weeks, on March 21st, 2007 (her Daddy's Birthday)! But there were many complications with her birth, and unfortunately we only had 5 short hours with her. But those were the BEST 5 hours of my life, and I wouldn't trade them for the world! I feel very blessed to have had our sweet girl in my life -- she changed me in so many ways and taught me so much in such a short amount of time. Who knew such a little person could make such a big impact?

We love & miss you sweetheart!

A person's a person, no matter how small. ~Horton Hears a Hoo (Dr. Seuss)

(aka: Mommy)

The Wall Project - Update #1

2009-10-15T17:12:00.011-04:00

Ok, The Wall Project has officially begun! For those of you who are new to The Wall Project, click here to read what it's all about and how it got started.

Space Covered to Date: approx 9" x 9"
Total Squares to Date: 25

Hmmm, I wonder how long it will take me to cover almost the whole wall? Will I start expanding onto more walls after? I guess you'll just have to keep checking back to see! Enjoy the pics (click to enlarge full size in new window):
(To see past posts about "The Wall Project" click here).

Happily keeping my mojo flowing
by covering my wall with paper squares,

The Wall Project

2009-10-15T12:08:00.005-04:00

I decided to start a new project today. I'm calling it The Wall Project.

You see, I'm feeling very creative today, but I just do not feel like scrapbooking photos, or making cards or doing a big altered art project. So I racked my brain for a project I could do, that wouldn't necessarily take a long time (in case I lost my mojo) and one that if I didn't finish right away, I would be ok with that (I get panicky when I don't finish something I start).

I started looking around my studio and realized just how bare my walls are. But the thought of just sticking up layouts or doing another shadow box did not appeal to me. I'm not a good painter so paining designs would not work either. Then I remembered a while back seeing these things called "inchies" that scrapbookers were making and trading (google it and you'll see what I mean).

I always thought they were neat and looked like fun to make but never really saw a purpose for them. Until now...

...my goal is to fill up my scrap walls with 1inch - 4inch altered "squares". Sort of like a scrapbookers wallpaper I guess! So whenever my mojo needs a boost and I don't feel like working on a big project, I can create a few of these squares whenever I feel like it, stick'em on my wall and just keep adding to my collection!

Ok, so maybe it's a weird idea. And maybe it won't even look nice. But I'm excited about it and I have to try it out to see if I like it or not. So here is my "before" picture for you. I promise to update every time I add more to The Wall Project!

Always full of weird ideas,

My Scrap Space is Clean!

2009-10-14T13:35:00.018-04:00

Phew! I'm finally done! Yes, I still have a tons of "stuff" I need to get rid of, but seen as though this was already a 2 day event to get it to this point, I figured I can live with a little extra clutter for a while longer.

So here are some pics of my studio, finally organized the way it should be (click to view full size in a new window):

Btw, here is what my space looked like during demo 2 years ago when DH renovated this room for me (it was an old man's work room when we moved in -- we even found empty vodka bottles stashed in the ceiling)! That was a fun day! Too bad they were empty.

Now I'm totally in the mood to scrap! This deep clean really got my mojo flowing (besdies, who doesn't love scrapping in a clean space)! So get to it! Get your mojo going by cleaning up your scrap space. Take some pics and blog about it, then link back here in a comment so I can check out your space and leave some love!

Happy Cleaning,

Toot, Toot!

2009-10-13T09:35:00.003-04:00

Wow, I can't believe it! Woke up yesterday to an awesome email in my inbox, welcoming me as an official Design Team Member for Kiki-Art! This was their first ever DT call too!

I'm really excited to see what this company has in store for us. Their products are amazing and so unique! I can't wait to get my hands dirty playing with all their stuff! It's going to be really exciting watching this new company grow!

I'll be sure to share my creations for them, here on my blog too when I can! So I hope you keep checking back. In the meantime, head on over to their blog and learn more about them!

Still tootin',

Today I am Thankful for...

2009-10-12T09:30:00.006-04:00

My husband and I live every day being thankful. We've been through alot in our short 5 years together. So we always try to remember each day to be greatful/thankful for atleast one thing in our lives. It seems to keep the easy habbit of negative-thinking at bay, and brings more positive energy into our lives.

But today is a special day when we like to reflect and be a little more thankful and greatful than usual. So today, I am thankful for...

mine and my family's health
a supportive husband who entertains all my crazy ideas
being able to sleep in a warm bed at night, every night
our furbabies who provide us with hours of entertainment and laughter
my mom's courage to stay strong and continue to be a roll model for me despite so much adversity in her life over the years
but most of all, for every person in our lives (family, friend, acquaintance, etc) that no matter what, are always there for us and that can be counted on in a time of need.

So as you can see, I am thankful for alot of things today. What are you thankful for? Leave a comment and share -- you'll be surprised how good sharing your gratitude can make you feel!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Gobble, Gobble

Share & Challenge!

2009-10-09T09:39:00.006-04:00

Hi peeps! Got a LO to share with you this morning. Did it yesterday but had to wait overnight for my stickles to dry (seems like I'm always waiting for something to dry on my projects)!

Anyway, this photo was taken back in June this year when it snowed! No, I'm not kidding. It really did snow (although it's hard to see in this scanned version of the photo).

And here's a card I did yesterday for DH. He's always been so supportive of everything I do, and is always doing little things for me and is so thoughtful, so I thought I'd let him know that I appreciate him with a card!

Now, here is a little challenge for you! Create a "Just Because" card for someone special in your life (maybe your husband, boyfriend, friend, roomate, parent, etc). Let them know that you appreciate them (we do not do this often enough)!

If you do this challenge, post it on your blog, challenging your readers to do the same. Then come back here and comment, and link us up to your blog post so we can leave some love!

TGIF,

Share the love...

2009-10-06T16:13:00.005-04:00

Just a quick little post today to remind you to appreciate your friends, and love them no matter how different from you, they may be!

Hugs to all my peeps,