Baby bump tracker

I have a new baby bump tracker!  If you want to keep updated on "the bump" it will be posted under the tab "Baby Bump Tracker" on the top of the page.  It will not post with the rest of Carsen's stuff!  I will post on it monthly for those who like watching baby bumps grow!

DIY Reupholstery

I am obsessed with DIY projects!  The only problem is...I can't do them.

So, I am on a hunt for something really cool.  I head uptown (Morris.) You got it! I knew I was gonna find something.  I was looking for a really cool, old, wooden chair to use for a photoshoot tomorrow.  I could see it now.  I wanted to spray paint it turquoise, for real!  As I entered "Pearls on the Prairie," I was reminded by the odor of antiques.  Walking cautiously through the store, reminding myself I am OCD and don't like stuff...everywhere, I was hoping to find that chair.  I didn't find the chair I wanted.  Instead I found this cute little thing.

Instead, it was painted white and I am hopeful it will be a perfect prop.

And then I saw it!  A large slab of fabric with a piece of tape the read, "5 yards!"  My eyes lit up and I was about to scream!  This fabric was perfect!  And even better, everything in the store was 70% off!  

You wonder why I would want this fabric.

My lovely brother moves too much and passed along his cute little chaise lounger to my sister.  I was happy to find out that she didn't have the need for it anymore.  Score, a free chaise lounge with a ridiculously, hideous fabric.  I have dreamed to reupholster it for the past 2 months but didn't want to spend the money on the fabric.  After waiting patiently, I am thankful for a 70% off sale in town to help me come closer to finishing my first DIY project!

It was a project my mom and I were going to work on today.  I am confident she could have done it without me there.  Matt took over.  I think he secretly likes to reupholster.  So, I let him take control.



BEFORE:

Matt spray painted the legs black and nailed away...

Love the texture...

And, so thankful for a handy husband...

AFTER:

I can't wait to find a spot for it in my house!!  The best part...it only cost me $11.70.

You will thank me Later!

Carsen has been sick for the past 4 days, nothing serious.  Just can't get him to sleep or eat.  I am so fed up with trying to feed him healthy food that I figured he needed something with some bulk to it.  No, I am not talking about zucchini muffins with whole wheat flour and flax seed.  I am talking about the most ooey gooey caramel rolls!!!  I was so glad I pinned the recipe on pinterest yesterday!

I propped Carsen in his chair, in front of cartoons and decided that if he wasn't crying for 30 mins than he was happier and I wasn't ruining my child.

Mini Caramel Rolls...

Melt the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and milk in saucepan, pour into pie dish...

Roll the Cresent Rolls out and split into four rectangles.  Patch the creases, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar...

Roll....

Cut into 1 inch slices...

Place in caramel mixture...

Yes, he has his feet up on the couch at this point...

And is smiling...

Bake 10 mins so they are still gooey in the middle...

Flip em over...

The most perfect mini Caramel rolls I have ever had!! Not to mention, the kid that won't eat, ate about half the pan.  I knew it would work!  (Except I at the other half...oops!)

Recipe Link

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, cubed
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1-1/2 teaspoons 2% milk
• 1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

• In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Pour into a greased 9-in. pie plate; set aside.
• Separate crescent dough into four rectangles; gently press perforations to seal. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over rectangles. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal.
• Cut each into nine slices; place cut side down in prepared pie plate. Bake at 375° for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pie plate for 1 minute before inverting onto a serving plate. Yield: 12 servings.

Slightly Random

What a whirlwind our life has been!  I definitely wonder where the past month has gone.  In between this crazy life, I ponder upon my blog and think about what I am not writing about.  I really want this blog to be a diary for me to look back on one day.  Now that I am 15 weeks pregnant, I realize, I have not yet taken one baby bump picture or written on my pregnancy at all!



Our baby announcement...

I have been so blessed to be a part of so many photography sessions lately.  I love to see what I am capable of.  It has been a great challenge for me and I love having a new hobby.  Some of my favorite pictures in the past few weeks.

My adorable brother, sister in law and nephew...

A sweet little girl photoshoot...

A beautiful little baby...

The newest hunk in my life...

And my newest challenge to come...My first wedding!  These are some of their pre-wedding photos!  Ashlee is a missionary in Haiti, where she met her fiancé, Claudy!  Probably the most contagious couple to be around.  I can hardly wait to take their wedding pictures!

Next, my thirty-one business is out of control and I can't believe people want to buy so many bags.  It has been such a great journey for me, as I have learned so much about sales and being a good consultant.  As, I feel the need to focus on Carsens needs again (I didn't forget him, we have new priorities:) I have decided to back away from the part time hours i have been putting in.  I now have a new member to my team and I couldn't be happier.  A good friend and a smart mom, I am handing over my parties to her and allowing myself to let go until I feel like life is a little more steady.  I am super happy with my decision!

Another awesome aspect in my life is watching my husband drop pounds and gain muscle.  Women are starting to talk about him and I am loving his new look.  A four pack has formed and we are working towards a 6 pack.  He is training for his first 1/2 ironman to be in August in the freezing lake superior.  Since I have had to quit running due to braxton hicks, I get to live the triathlon life, and not have to do the work! :)  Long runs with the running team, workouts with a good guy friend, 5:00 am morning workout sessions DAILY, evening runs or bike, track workouts, and a whole lot of ambition, my husband is a healthier person.  We visit about goal times just about every chance we have.  I can get used to having a hotty for a husband!  We may go broke, we now have race wheels and a wet suit to add to his collection of racing gear.  His first race for the season is in 2 weeks! 

This past weekend couldn't have been better.  I was on call to work all weekend and I got to spend the day with Carsen outside.  We couldn't wait to use the new toy from his birthday. 

However, he thought it was a drinking fountain, so he drank and drank and drank...

He stood there all by himself for long periods of time enjoying the weather.  Since I took up walking, Carsen is getting a ton of trike time in.  Usually watching his puppy while in it, but enjoys it all.

One last thing to add to my random post...Carsen and I were out walking (yes, this time he was walking) and he nearly took off all by himself.  The control of his balance is outstanding lately and I feel like I could just let go.  Our new neighbors that we love dearly, came rushing out in their pj's to watch him walk because they were so excited how well he was doing.  Carsen's new neighbor friend Kye, walked around with us for some time and I realize how much more that motivated him.  

That concludes the randomness of my life.  Good night!

Days like these.

His eyes open and close over and over again.  He is making sure I am still close by.  A true finger sucker at bed time and for calming.  Although, breathing is difficult when he has a cold and sucks his fingers.   He figures out quickly that air exchange doesn't occur when his fingers are in his mouth.  So, he holds my hand.   His tiny hand, long fingers, grasp my palm for comfort and he gently closes his eyes.  How vulnerable he is, especially when he is sick.  What is it about being a mom that makes me want to feel needed.  I need and want that love back in return so badly.

As his eyelashes are heavy and hit his face, he is fast asleep with gentle breathing.  The sound machine is playing waves.  (How fitting for a nautical theme room)  His humidifier lets out a warm mist.  Just when I think I couldn't be happier, the baby kicks!  Just when I think life can't be more complete, more perfect, I am reminded by another little miracle in my life.  I keep my eyes shut.  I so badly have been craving this maternal feeling for so long. 

God has a plan they say.  Sarcastically, I want to say, "Oh really, how do you know?"  I have struggled and still struggle with the idea of God purposely giving me a child that can't talk or walk.  I believe God wouldn't plan to cause me so much pain.  My heart still has heart breaking moments.  Carsens preschool class lines up at the end of the day.  They all run to their mom's screaming, "Mommy, Mommy!!!"  My boy never comes and never says a word.  I stand there with a smile on my face as they pass by me.  The other parents have no idea what that feels like.  But, they have no idea what it feels like to walk up to Carsen and have his sweet para holding him up, allowing him to walk with assist, as I am greeted with a huge grin and giddy little boy.  Our joy is so different.  What I do believe is that God has carried me.  He has said to me,  "Things will be hard, things will be torture for you, but I am here and you are not alone."  He wants to bring me happiness and contentment.  That he has done.  I am on the other side of the torture chamber.   Because of Carsen, I am changed for the better by choice.  When struggles face me, I see one option, figure out how to get over it and move on.

That is exactly what I am doing.  Since 15 weeks I have felt baby #2 move everyday.  But, only when I am holding Carsen.  The pressure of holding Carsen on my belly is just enough to feel those little legs kick.  I feel so much peace at that time.  Tonight, as sweet Carsen was laying across my belly, the baby's little legs were kicking more than ever.  I sit there with a grin on my face and take it all in.  I wonder what life will be like with two kids.  The typical things that all moms go through and the untypical things that moms with special needs children go through.   We will face both of them.  It will be so worth it.  

As I tucked Carsen into his bed, I kiss his forehead, tell him that I love him, and shut the door behind me.  I thank God for days like these.