36 weeks

feeling the love

Just a month before leaving my job to stay home with Morgan, I started a document called "Count Your Blessings." I began to list all of the ways we've unexpectedly been blessed, either financially or with material things that we'd never consider buying ourselves.

Knowing that the road ahead with just one income would be difficult, I wanted to track all the ways that God was really providing for us. Because on paper, living with just Scott's paycheck looked impossible. And yet here we are, almost two years later, living a content, fulfilled life.

I smile when I go back to read a couple of my first entries...

Saturday, September 22, 2007 – Grandma M. gave us her chest freezer from the Lake. This has been an amazing bonus in our basement. I am able to make extra baby food for Morgan, as well as keep meat and other sale items stocked safely!

Friday, November 2, 2007 – Scott received an email at work, thanking him for his volunteer work in September. The email mentioned a special bonus in his next paycheck which turned out to be $400!

Ongoing – Scott’s cousin has been gracious enough to send hand-me-downs for Morgan for every season since she’s been born. What a penny-saver this has been for us.

Since that time, Scott's taken a new job - one that offers lots of growth, stability and security, but it also went hand-in-hand with a huge paycut until after a year of work. On July 7, he celebrated his one-year anniversary and we exhaled, knowing that God's timing was perfect. We'll see the extra moolah in his paycheck just a few weeks before our little guy arrives!

And in just the last month or two, we've noticed generosity from so many other unexpected people in the way of...

Maternity clothes
Baby clothes
Baby bibs
Baby toys
Crockpot
Jacket
Basketball hoop
Pressure cooker for canning

Some of these things are on loan, some are for keeps. But either way, these are items that were lovingly given to us, not because we asked or vocalized any need, but because God wanted to provide these things for our family. I could do without a pressure cooker for Fall canning, and I could make do without a crockpot until it's time for a Christmas list, but yet here they are... small things that might appear trivial, but make a huge impact.

While we truly aren't lacking in anything, we are so grateful for each and every item. And I know that when the time comes, it will feel just as great to return the favors and complete the giving circle.

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

35 weeks

I know. There's a week missing. We were out of town, and every time the idea of taking a belly shot came to mind, it left just as quickly. So instead there are two. One at 34.5 weeks, one at 35. Not much difference.





I'm not sure if it was the days away from home, or just the timing, but she has finally arrived. THAT pregnant lady is here. My head aches. My feet ache. My knees just can't take the squatting as they try to support all this extra weight. My knuckles are sore and big, and my wedding rings just don't fit comfortably anymore. Gripping the steering wheel to drive is actually painful.

I had forgotten about all of these physical things. Until now. And my family so gently reminded me about my crazy emotional state as well. I had big beef with (hot) fluctuating air temperatures and the use of air conditioning while seeing them. But they were all empathetic, took me and my complaints with a grain of salt and knew that this, too, shall pass.

My appointments are scheduled from here on out. I'm hoping for just four more weekly visits. Heck, I'd even take just three visits if it meant trading that last appointment at the OB's office for a date at the hospital. But alas, all out of my control.

her room

I've been waiting to reveal the details of Morgan's new room until it was 100% complete, however, I'm realizing that it could take months before I really have a room that's entirely finished. Accessorizing is hard. And I've always been a commitment-phobe about wall decor. So instead, you get to read and see everything you ever wanted to know (and probably more) about the transformation of Morgan's new room... as it stands so far. And you can even weigh in after reading about my decorating dilemma's below. Please!

Since June 25th, Morgan's been sleeping in her new room and new extra-long twin bed, and she's loving it! The first night was... well... pretty awesome overall once we realized that, yes, Morgan still needed her favorite comfort item to feel at home in her new room. It was my bright idea to use the "big girl bed" as a way to ditch her comfort, and I'll admit, it was a fiasco and never should have been attempted. I can see the error of my ways now, and since returning her beloved comfort, we've experienced nothing but restful nights of sleep from sweet Morgan.

Up until that first night, though, I had been contemplating what her room might look like. After all, money is tight, but here was this big chance to actually decorate a room in our house because I had to. Knowing that I could pick out new bedding and new paint was exciting. But even with this somewhat guilt-free shopping, I just couldn't do it without weighing every single option, right down to color and cost.

So while I hemmed and hawed over the choices, Scott and I worked on a plan to empty the former office and move it to the basement, computer and all. Sounds like a chore, right? Nah. Moving forces us to organize and purge things that we may not have considered! Nothing but good can come from this! I've also learned that losing the convenience of a computer at any given moment (in other words, going to the basement to get online) is also actually a good thing, too. I had become way too computer-dependent.

Pictured here is our former 3rd bedroom/office that Scott worked so hard to paint almost five years ago. It was the only room in the house that he had solo color choice, so seeing the red go was bittersweet. And so far it's the only room that has now been decorated twice.

The new home of our "office" in the basement.

That move started the makeover process, and slowly over the next four weeks, we were able to transform that very small room into one that's just right for a big girl.

Installed was a new ceiling fan from Lowe's. Scott's using Behr's new Premium Plus Ultra (paint and primer in one) color-matched in Valspar's Yellow Bliss. Ordinarily, this paint product from Behr probably rocks, but the new Home Depot employee assured us that two coats would be sufficient over red. Not quite. So after heading back to the store, a different, seasoned employee gave us an entire gallon of the same thing for the Oops Price of $5. Yay!

We put down a new 6'x8' rug when the walls were beautifully finished.

Then the bed arrived!

So we made it official and transfered all of her hanging clothes.

And here, today, is Morgan's new bedroom. The dresser sits to the left of the closet in a little nook along that same wall. And that bedding came from an online-only store. After months of shopping around, I took the leap and bought it blindly. Just one small picture was all I had to go on, and it wasn't going back, not with a $10 shipping fee and a $10 re-stocking fee. Thankfully it was just what I imagined.

Some of the highlights for me in this room makeover are the inexpensive transformations that we either already owned, or that I scored at garage sales. This is my own childhood dresser. I toyed with the idea of painting it white, but never found a professional that could spray it for me. So instead, I bought some new hardware to dress it up.

Here it is in the room. The big challenge here was finding drawer pulls that not only fit the two separate measurements, but also looked good together. The top drawers have 2.5 inch pulls and the bottoms are 3 inch pulls. Total cost for the "new" dresser was $20.

Above the dresser hangs another deal. I discovered this mirror at a church rummage sale just a week ago and paid only $3. After a $3 can of spray paint, the total cost was just $6. Scott was unsure at first, seeing only the tacky, brassy finish. But after the paint job, I think it looks great, tying in the brushed nickel hardware from the dresser. And Morgan loves looking at herself!

Any decorators out there? I could use some advice on the empty space above the mirror. The dresser is rather short, after all, it's made for kids. And the mirror hangs low enough for Morgan to see herself, not for her tall parents or other adults to primp! So we're left with lots of wall space above the mirror. Originally I thought about spelling out Morgan's name, or ordering some phrase from Uppercase Living to fill that void, but now I'm not so sure. What do you think? I'm kind of at a loss.

Still needed are a dresser scarf (as my Grandma B calls them) and possibly another lamp. Or maybe just something three-dimensional to give a little height? Other than a piggy bank, that is. Again, calling all those gifted with accessorizing!

Another deal was a $5 nightstand I found last summer a few streets over at a garage sale. I wish I had before pictures, but neglected to take any. It used to be white with purple accents and stripes across the top. Scott stripped the paint, spent lots of time sanding, and then gave it several good coats of Glidden High Gloss in Antique White. He also used the leftover spray paint from the mirror to give the drawer pull a fresh look. A quart of Glidden was only $4 after a recent summer rebate promotion. Plus $5 for the nightstand itself. Total cost for this project was just $9 (and, of course, the love and labor put into it by Scott).

I'm still trying to find an inexpensive lamp for this nightstand. I had been looking at one of those clear, acrylic bases with a shade from Target. You know the kind, they have a bit of vintage glamour? Target wants $20 for the base and $10 for a shade. Just can't do it. So I'm keeping my eyes open for other possibilities at discounters like Marshall's or even a garage sale. Any other ideas on where I might score a lamp? Still needed are a clock-radio and some type of canvas storage container for the lower shelf.

Other things around the room include my childhood headboard, another freebie. I'm not a fan of it mixed with this decor. But I'm also not a fan of headboardless beds. I'll be the first to admit that Scott and I don't have one in our cramped bedroom, but that doesn't mean I like the unfinished look. I tell Scott, "it's so college" to not have a headboard. He just shrugs his shoulders.

I've been considering giving the headboard a new look. Think I should paint it in the same Antique White as the nightstand? The spindles aren't as delicate or feminine, but I'm wondering if it will be less of an outcast if painted.

Aside from the mirror, this is it for wall decor: A hand and foot imprint brought over from her baby room, one of Morgan's baptism crosses and another hand-me-down from yours truly, Why God Made Little Girls.

There are still two large empty walls, plus the space to the right of the closet. Should we stick with the less-is-more-philosophy in this situation? Leave them empty? Wait to see if something strikes me in the coming months?

And finally, here's Morgan's favorite addition to her new room, the step stool. This cheapie from Target (bought on sale, no doubt) grants her so much independence that she'd be lost at this point without it. "Morgan do it!" she demands for everything from turning on the light, climbing into bed and grooming in the mirror.

All in all, it was a very slow and expensive process. I cringe when I stop to think about how much money we really did spend, even with all of the fantastic finds along the way. But in the end, I'm pretty pleased. And regardless of how the rest of the details come together, I know Morgan is already enjoying her new space.

In many ways, she's like me. Change is challenging for my little gal. But with just six weeks to go in this pregnancy, I'm thrilled that Morgan is moved in and well on her way to being completely adjusted.

33 weeks

Another week in this pregnancy has passed. Can you believe I'm this far this fast? An easy in, easy out visit to the doctor and not much to report. All is well!

And my hair? Still longish. I went into the salon, armed with my gift certificate and came out looking very much the same. Except my face glowed from the one-hour facial I also had coming. Was that ever great. But back to the hair... the stylist probably did the smart, sensible thing and maintained what I had going on. She was probably warned in her training... don't ever let pregnant ladies come in and do anything drastic that they'll regret later. So for now, the mane keeps on growing. And I guess I'll always be able to decipher pregnancy and birth pictures, based on my hair alone.

will work for food

In the midst of the heat wave and humidity last week, Joel came for a visit. I think his primary reason for coming was to beat the boredom at home. And I'm pretty sure with a little help from his big sister, that goal was accomplished.

He showed up Tuesday afternoon with lots of these goodies, handpicked himself that morning. Yum! And what a relief that I didn't have to do it this year.



By Wednesday afternoon, I was making a batch of freezer jam while Joel and Morgan were out on a bike ride.



Joel was also instrumental in completing a project that had been nagging at me since early spring. This flower bed on the back of our house was overgrown with enormous orange Daylilies. They were once as high as mid-window at the height of their bloom, and they spread and jumped all over the place.



While perfect for another setting, they just didn't work for me anymore back there. They're hard to get rid of, those crazy perennials, and I had to have Scott do the tough work of digging them out. Which left me with this, a perfectly good flower bed that played hostess to a lovely variety of weeds (minus the two Seedum in the middle). Thankfully, my landscaper extraordinaire swooped in to the rescue.




Joel and I took a walk outside to discuss the options. Here he is, questioning why I planted a random pepper plant and my cucumbers in this flower bed.



After a long evening of perennial research online and a morning scouting mission at three garden centers, Joel and I discovered that I don't care for wild plants. Turns out structure is the name of my game, even in gardening. He really wanted me to get an Astilbe, a plant that I found to be rather wispy, at least the one sitting at the garden center. But I declined. (Maybe next year, Joel, in the front yard?)

Here's Joel on Thursday, working to move my Seedum over for just the right symmetrical balance. It was 9 a.m. and 90 degrees with sweltering humidity!

We also learned that I have room for more plants than I actually purchased. So while the flower bed looks a million times better than it did before, and while it will take some time for the plants to really fill in, I will definitely need to buy some filler. Looking at mulch is not my idea of beautiful.

Along with keeping the Seedum, Joel helped me select a Tiger Lily (another matching Tiger Lily will be transplanted from the side of the house later when my cucumbers are done), some white Delphinium, and some Creeping Phlox. At the end of the summer, I hope to take inventory and make some additions.



After completing that huge project, Joel transplanted a houseplant for me into a larger pot, and sprayed our yard to rid us of clover, killed weeds growing in the driveway and sidewalk, and cut the grass. And that was just yard work. Scott was thrilled!

The rest of his downtime at our house was split between online job searching (read: fending off Morgan from the laptop) and playing with Morgan, who developed a case of the crazies in his presence. It was really blatant disrespect for Uncle Dough-ie (Joely), coupled with her goofy hysterics and overtired, overplayed, over stimulated, delirious self. But there were a handful of quiet moments enjoyed by them both.

Playing "Watch" - a game and term that Morgan came up with where one person sits on the floor while another sits on the sofa, bouncing the ball back and forth.





So thanks, Joely, for all your hard work and effort at our house. Someday, if you ever need it, we'll be able to repay you with our own gifts and talents. We appreciate you!

32 weeks

I don't remember my feet hurting so much during this last phase of pregnancy. Then again, I don't remember walking barefoot or shoeless so much the first time around either.

In the last week, the bones in my feet have felt crushed, as if the padding of my heels and soles couldn't bear another step. Putting on my worn Teva flip-flops are actually a relief, the cushion absorbing every step. And now that the heat wave has ended, I'll be more inclined to lace up those tennis shoes.

I've also been showing signs of Restless Leg Syndrome. My left leg is especially out of control, and unless you have it, there's no way to describe this antsy, uptight feeling in a way that might make sense to those with rested legs. I'm anxious to ask the doctor if my internet research is true - that this is pregnancy related and will stop ailing me when it's all done (or until I'm at least 50)!

Up next week? A haircut. I'm still on the fence about going back to short hair. We'll see what Week 33 brings.

it's coming together

And I couldn't be more excited.

Morgan's room is painted. It has a new rug and ceiling fan. There's new hardware on my old dresser. And the bed was delivered today!

Still to do? Paint the $5 garage sale nightstand, find a lamp or two, and wash the bedding. I've already moved her clothes over to the dresser and closet. So now it's only a matter of time. Can't wait to share some pictures.

daddy's girl

In the last year or so, it's become apparent how much Morgan adores Scott. It doesn't matter what he's doing, she wants to be near him. And when he wanders away? "Daddy! You come back here!" she demands as she tottles after him.

Morgan is daddy's little helper, and Scott is ever so patient to include her on his adventures as man of the house. Occasionally, I hear a "Morgan, go see Mommy" and then I know it's time to pull out the distraction card, but most often, she can be found by his side, tool in hand.


July 2008!







Happy Fathers Day from your favorite little helper!

31 weeks

shots of summer

The neighbors must think we're crazy, outside playing at before 8:00 a.m. But Morgan can't get enough, and my energy is high at the beginning of most days. So we play... at home, at the Zoo, at the park. And no outdoor play is complete without a hat and sun-sassies!