misinterpretations

Fill in the Blank Friday Night, Date Night

2012-02-10T09:55:00.002-06:00

I've been watching Wheel of Fortune a lot lately. I think my post title would be a good Before and After puzzle, yes??

Sooo...the baby is napping, laundry is started, the cat box (gag me) is scooped and I have time still! :)

A filling I go:

1. I started my blog because I like to write. And "getting it out" helps me focus and is a creative outlet of sorts. It's also a way for family and friends (most, all far away) stay in touch with what's going on in our neck of the woods!

2. One thing I love seeing on other blogs are the real posts. I love project posts, I love trendy posts, decor idea posts but the ones that are "hey-this-is-where-I-am-at-FOR-REAL" speak to me much more and inspire me in ways that go beyond artsiness. That's something that lasts. I appreciate it.

3. Something I love about blogging the concept of ANYTHING GOES. Sometimes anything is a bit too much but all the same, if you love it and you are passionate about it, it shows in your blog and others will love it and be inspired! Yay! .

4. A favorite blog post of mine is probably my choosing one is always hard for me! I will give you my top 5... my Haiti mission trip post, pregnancy announcement, friendship series, birth story and month by month Dahlia posts. Pretty rad if I do say so myself..

5. Something my friends in real life know about me that I've never before mentioned on my blog is secrets, secrets are so fun!f I don't post about it...it's for a reason :) Some things are sacred! .

6. My new favorite blogs to read are Making it Myself in Middlebury and that's all I have time for these days. Just that one :) .

7. Some things I tend to avoid doing on my blog are being overly negative, acting like I have it all together. A fine line, my friends! .

{fill in your own blanks..get the weekly blanks HERE}

Enjoy your weekend!

My husband and I are going on our first post- baby date tonight. Just dinner out. Him and I. Conversing exclusively about US (not the United States, us as a couple). Not the baby(this will be hard).

I would love to see The Vow (and so would John. He's a woman like that.)

But I'm sure it would be a waste of time and money because I would be texting our babysitter so much to check in on DJ that I would get kicked out of the theater by the people with flashlights (btw they really take their jobs seriously! Must be the fancy vests and bowties they wear...)

It will be short and sweet as to minimize my anxiety about leaving our girl this first time .

Baby steps are better than no steps, right?

We will work up to dates like this:

Happy Friday!

Month #5 continued..

2012-01-25T15:54:00.001-06:00

She weighed in at 17.1 pounds and was 26 inches long

For those of you who like to know percentile (I do, even though I don't really get it)

She's in the 90th for weight and the 75th for height.

I thought she would be 20 pounds but I was wrong.

She's starting to level off a bit.

The doc told us she has a little tongue tie but that it might not even be a problem.

I wondered why we had such a hard time with latching at the beginning!

He gave us the go ahead for cereal, veggies and fruits but I think I will hold off just a little bit still.

She sure is interested in my food but since she's still gaining and seems satisfied, I will probably start her at 6 months unless something changes.

She got her shots like a trooper.

She was MAD and she hurt but recovery time was way quicker than the last batch and the nurse who gave them was better at it. That made a huge difference.

I went back and forth about whether to immunize or not but after thinking about it too much and researching til my head hurt, I conceded to medical science and prayed that God would protect my baby if I was being an idiot. It's hard to know what to do, what not to do. My guts told me to do it.

It's different for everyone, I suppose.

Still, it's hard to see those little tiny holes in her leg.

She's a healthy baby. I am so blessed.

Month #5

2012-01-24T14:32:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Miss Dahlia Jane Culpepper celebrated 5 months of being in the world by being in rare form. She was HY. PER. A very funny girl, who didn't nap but instead wanted to play and giggle most of the day.

I'm thinking, 5 months is very close to 6 months which is half of a year. She may as well be starting high school... My baby is almost in college!!!! AHHH!

Just kidding. It's not that bad. But time does fly, which, I know, I frequently mention.

(Excuse all my misplaced commas for those of you who count my splices)

And in case you didn't get it the past 4 months, TIME IS FLYING!!

She's so fun, though. I've loved all of her stages just as much as the others..

Talk about personality! This babe is not lacking in that department..

New in Month #5:

This month she rolled over for real. Last month she rolled but then forgot so I didn't really count it. This week she's been a machine.

Multiple times in a row. Front to back, back to front.

SO it's official, she's a little bit mobile. That's why most of my pictures now turn out like so:

She's a jumping machine..She loves her jumperoo with a passion. Usually before you put her in it, she starts kicking her legs and making fun noises, like she know the party is about to start so she's warming up.

She's very aware. So much so, that she will all but break her neck to find out what's going on. She knows she's cute.

She smiles her life away..

not a bad way to spend a life

She thinks I'm hilarious (until John gets home)

(pardon the shot up my nose here..)

Her eyes are blue with some green.

Mine are green with some blue.

They don't look like they will go brown so much.

Sorry John, maybe the next one..

(note: this "next one" is not in the works yet.. )

She shows interest in certain toys. She loves Violet! One of the best Christmas presents she got, I think. It says her name, spells, sings...now, if it could just change her diaper and nurse her at 2:30 a.m...

As I mentioned, she thinks I'm hilarious until John gets home then she searches for him anytime he leaves as if to say, "Hey, where did the funny guy who tells me how beautiful I am every five seconds go??"

And as you can see this could possibly be setting the tone for our family dynamic..

"Love him!"

"Uh, whatever, mom"

My family say she is the spitting image of me, looks, personality, the whole enchilada.

She's silly like her daddy though. That's my favorite part.

So, as you can see..

She's growing a lot.

She's changing always..

She's still small in so many ways.

We go to the doctor tomorrow. I am expecting that she will be 20 pounds-ish and 26-27 inches. I don't weigh her or measure on my own. I like to wait and be surprised. Daddy is taking the day off to go with us since it's a shots visit. And last time I was crying more than she was.

I will report back with her stats and how the shots went.

A fun little discovery

2012-01-20T10:17:00.003-06:00

I might be the last to know about these. I'm not sure. I kind of quit looking at blogs there for about 5 months but a fran of mine shared the wonder that is Subscription Boxes...

Yup!

I'm always mesmerized by all the fun and fancy things at the Sephora or Ulta check out lines. (the whole 2 times a year I am there to buy my Bare Minerals)

And I always kind of hope that I have a little extra to spend at the salon to get fun hair products. Which professional hair products are more than a "little extra" anyway. I'm convinced if I had the money for either, I would be a walking advertisement for name brand cosmetics and high end stuff. And that's not my bag, baby.I'm cheap. And on a budget. And kind of in love with more natural things anyway.

OH! And I like free things. Man, do I love free things! But I'm still pretty girly when it comes to fun things like this. ~~Unfortunately~~ Fortunately, buying a full size anything professional or high end usually leaves me with a huge case of buyers remorse anyway. So when my fran shared this marvelous wonder, voila! A happy compromise was reached

I recently signed up for Birchbox which is the best idea I've heard of in quite sometime.

You get lots of little samples, save lots of money and feel like you get a present every month.

I like all of these things! It's not free but it's pretty close.

Yes, you pay. $10 to be exact but shipping is free.

When/ if the budget permits and Dahlia is a bit older, I want to sign up for BabbaBox too!

Looks so fun!

and quite affordable for most, I'd say.

Anyway. I'm excited for my next month's box to arrive.

My sample of perfume broke en route and scented the box and my sample of granola quite heavily but that's ok..Hoping it was just the super cold weather that day that made the glass super breakable. I didn't care enough about the scent to call them and complain. If it happens again, though, watch out BirchBox human resource people because I'm sort of obsessed with perfume ;)

I think there were 5 items in all in my box and I've used all but the granola and obviously the samply of Juicy, which I already had anyway. Love them all so far!

My favorite

(since I love having my nails painted)

Zoya brand polish in

"Kendal"

its a lavenderish gray color. LOVE.

(it's the second one in from the left)

here is a little somethin' somethin' about it too which makes me like it even more:

Zoya pioneered the “Three Free” movement, creating colors without formaldehyde, tuolene, or dibutyl phthalate. Their shades are so safe that even pregnant women can wear them. Recently, they’ve taken it one step further by also removing camphor from their polishes. Best of all, their polishes last about 50 percent longer than other brands, which means you can sport a chip-free manicure for days and days.

Ooh, this means Dahlia can wear it too!!

(once her hands are OUT of her mouth on a consistent basis..which will be like in 4th grade, maybe?)

Thought I'd share. I'm not one to keep fun things to myself or hoard a good idea!

I'm hardly on top of trends these days either but I thought if you were like me and you like a taste of the fancy stuff but don't want to spend an arm and a leg to get a taste, this is the way to do it!

New blog alert!

2012-01-19T09:37:00.000-06:00

Quick post today!

Check out this new blog by Melissa Garner..

I follow her on THE facebook (as my grandpa in-law calls it) and she's always a.) encouraging and b.) making handy-dandy things that are the healthier, holistic option of everyday items.

I .heart. vinegar for cleaning and so does she. Melissas know where it's at.

If you are interested in

"... learning about how to make your home and your body a better place for your Spirit to live"

then check her out and show her love!

Go here =======> http://melgarner.blogspot.com/

Being unreachable

2012-01-12T15:38:00.001-06:00

I think sometimes I could be a pioneer woman. Not the fabulous cook and rancherita but like a for real Laura Ingalls type person. Minus I really like air conditioning and heat. Most other modern conveniences I think I could do without.

I think..

You know your life is ruled by technology when :

~ People just start in on conversations with you based off their facebook status's, whether you read them or not. Or the phrase "did you see on facebook..." Then when you are clueless about what they are talking about it's like unheard of .. hmmm. I'm a fan of face to face information giving.

~ people can't put their cell phones away during serious times. Face to face talks, church, car rides with kids present, funerals... I know it's hard enough at the dinner table for some. I've started turning mine off at mealtimes or leaving it at home when we go somewhere as a family. I don't carry it on my person at all times and I'm even getting to the point where I forget where I put it!

I guess it won't kill me to be unreachable for a ~~minute~~, ~~hour~~, day or two. It sure didn't kill my mom and Laura Ingalls was an awesome teacher and author. Oh, the things I could possibly do without my technology present at all times..

So, I am not bashing technology. That would be stupid of me. I'm pretty sure I love TV also, cars and Skyping. BUT I am sort of bashing it's effect it has on my relationships. The choice to use it or abuse it. Fine line, that one. It's so handy and man, texting is where it's at and also where all hell can break loose. I love a quick question and answer as opposed to all of the phone preludes involved with a call. I do like a great phone conversation though.. BUT have you ever texted someone and then got a reply where the punctuation or lack thereof leaves you wondering.."oh, man. are they mad??" "did I say something wrong". OR maybe you didn't get a reply at all. Uggh! Reply time. That's another thing that can leave one wondering..."why no answer?" and if you are a super analyzer also known as a woman, you can get yourself into a tizzy or think yourself an outcast because you've texted the other person a 5/5 text (which should be a phone conversation not a text!) and there is no reply.

I guess we all kind of think others should drop what they are doing and pay attention to us when we barge into their daily lives via text or call. Sounds kind of like my baby. She yells or coughs to get attention. And if I don't respond ...well, you know what happens when you don't respond with kids.

And some people do drop everything, even a face to face conversation to respond. Love it when others are saying "uh-huh" to you as they paw at their phones with glazed eyes. I'm guilty of this..

So. What's my point in all of this. The "rag on technology card" has been overplayed, I am well aware. What my smart phone, computer owning self is trying to say is this: use your time wisely. When you are with your family. Be all there. Facebook, on your phone, can wait. When you are folding laundry, close the computer and count your blessings instead. That 5 part text can wait. It was probably received all out of order anyway and you'll surely have to decode it. Use your technology to encourage, not creep. Facebook and phones, computers and tablets are all fun and very useful inventions. They aren't replacements for real conversations, real relationships or real creativity.

I'm going to use the trump card here:

“One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time.”
― John Piper

:) Oh, John. You are correct yet again.

So, yes, I took the time to write this (while my daughter napped) but I think it needed to be written. I am writing to remind myself. To set it in stone in my brain.

I could be drastic and say that I am giving up my phone, closing my facebook account or never blogging again while Dahlia is awake but that would simply be for show on my part. And I'd probably creep using John's account or just hide all my blog posts. Sneaky me. But I won't do any of those things.

The Jist: Take the important calls, reply within a reasonable time to someone but all while being wise.

As precious as time is especially now that I have a child, I should view it as such no matter what. There are bigger chickens to fry (that sounds so good right now!) and large mountains to be moved by way of diligent prayerfulness.

Priorities. AGH! why are they so hard to get straight sometimes?

It's a challenge to be unreachable and see how God reaches me. I don't think he'll do it through a text message or on facebook..

Time. It was given to me for a purpose. And while I may not always get that purpose right, I can be mindful of it.

So Dahlia is stirring and my phone has dinged several times in the past few minutes...

Which to chose.

HA! Just kidding.

Or am I...

By the way. I really enjoy indoor plumbing too. I just remembered.

2012 will be challenging

2012-01-05T10:03:00.002-06:00

That's not as negative as it sounds. Promise. Read on.

I usually don't do resolutions. Though I do resolve to do things every new year, the word resolution scares me a little.
But I do enjoy a good challenge.
So this is what I am doing for 2012 I issued myself some "challenges".
Some are light-hearted. Some are heavy.
Either way, I feel like they are doable. Challenging but doable.

Challenge #1 Be better to my skin

with skin cancer running in our family and a skin tone that tans exceedingly fast the pretty tans I get in the summer could (hopefully not) cause a not-so-pretty problem later in life..
So. I will start washing my face more often, spf- ing everyday, wear hats in the summer and just be kinder in general to the shell I was given. Seems easy enough, yes? Ask me in June when I am desperate for color and warmth!

Challenge #2 Use my fondue pot more often.

I like dipping things. It's fun. Why don't I do it more often? Who knows!?

Challenge #3 Spending more time in prayer for my friends and family.

I want to be faithful and consistent in this.

Challenge #4 To not say anything negative about myself.

This may prove to be most challenging. I have a theory. What is it? So glad you asked.. it's that when we speak negative things (true or not) about ourselves, we believe it. When we believe it, we act it. And thus the vicious cycle starts. Part B of my theory is this: when you speak negatively of yourself even if it's just in your mind (this counts too!!) you tend to do it more so about others. Yuck.
I hope to not have to keep restarting this challenge over and over.

Challenge #5 View "Do with what you have" differently

Usually we say "oh I'll just do with what I have" as a result of missing out on the bigger, better, seemingly more promising option. I have ANOTHER theory. What is it?? Again, so glad you are asking these good questions.. "what you have" is all you are supposed to have. Not saying you aren't supposed to be able to buy things, receive things, take opportunities. Of course, that's normal and good (needs) but always wanting more and then thinking what you have currently is second rate only develops an insatiable hunger for things. Entitlement. A pretty negative thing these days.
God's best is perhaps a very tangible thing for everyone and not an unattainable mysterious jackpot of bigger and better possessions and opportunities. Part B of this theory : this ends the "keeping up with the Jones' attitude and also, leaves more time for other Challenges. ENOUGH. This is the key word for this challenge.

I might have some challenging times with my challenges but I hope I have more victories this year than not.

DO you have any resolutions? Challenges? Giving anything up or are you incorporating anything new?
I'd like to hear about it!
I love ideas <3

Adored

2012-01-04T08:57:00.001-06:00

"They say that from the instant he lays eyes on her, a father adores his daughter. Whoever she grows up to be, she is always to him that little girl ... She makes him feel like Christmas...."

Our flower is growing..

2011-12-27T07:56:00.000-06:00

4 months?!

Yep.

"Time flies when you're having fun!"

And we are just a barrel of monkies over here!

We have fashion shoots like this:

We play, we nap, we visit with friends.

To say the least, it's good to be Dahlia Jane!

In her 4th month not only has she done a ton of new stuff, she's also been quite the traveler.

Adding up to a little over 26 hours in the car and 1240 miles traveled, she has officially earned her title of "Best Baby Ever". With only a couple of crying fits (John and I had 4 or 5 I think), she took some of her best naps on these road trips. Although she is pretty good at traveling, we are ready to stay put and rest!

Enough packing of baby stuff!! Are you kidding?! Even for this minimalist packer, our luggage count went up exponentially since having a baby. Not to mention, if we need the swing, the playmat, the boppy...yikes.

But John, being the "Best Car Packer Ever", always leaves me shocked at how much we can actually pack into our vehicle!

Anywho...this post is not about road trips it's about our baby.

She's 4 months old.

She's grown physically -everyone tells me how BIG she is. Finally, I asked someone this weekend after she acted like I was putting Steroids in my breastmilk, if her being "big" was all that bad. She replied with, "she's still cute for a big baby".. Aye, aye, aye. The things people say when you are pregnant and have children. Although, for a brassy Northerner, that reply was better than I expected. So yeah, I guess I produce 12% milk or something. I'm not worried.

I was praying for a healthy baby and that's what I got! Exceedingly and abundantly above, right??

It's funny how women compare babies like they compare themselves.

By funny I mean, not cool.

Whoa. Ok , she's biggER than she was. Point made.

But her personality is what has really developed this month, I think.

She's funny!

A smiley, happy girl who grunts when she wants your attention, lets you know by hollering when the mobile stops turning, gets frustrated when you take her chewing rings away...

In short, she's a doll!

Dahlia Likes:

*gagging herself with those ring link thingies

*grunting and talking (lottts of talking!)

*Leg warmers and boots (she has 7 pairs of boots, all gifts, of course!)

*kicking (high-yah!)

*sucking on her fingers mostly her thumb (and she's left-side dominant like her dad. Maybe we will have a artsy fartsy on our hands?? I hope so!)

*napping regularly and sleeping through the night. YES, SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT. Praise be! (I was fully expecting this not to happen for a while and was fine with it. But I must say, sleeping for more than 4 hours at a time is a blessing!)

* to take little breaks during nursing to lay back and look me in the eye and talk A LOT. She likes a good conversation over a meal, it seems.

Dahlia Dislikes:

*being over-tired

*the bottle (still...)

*having ring links taken away

*loud overwhelming noises/ people in her face. She's her mother's child on this one.

She likes to smile a lot. Although when I get the camera out, she stares at it like it's a shifty person that she has to keep an eye on.. she's playing it cool, I suppose.

See?

this face is what I get for trying to take these when she was on the verge of sleep.

Again, shifty starer at the camera

She got this Jumperoo for Christmas. Note the pillow under her sweet little feet.

I wish this was in focus! We were cracking up at Daddy :)

My mom has this high chair and DJC loved it! She loved sitting up!

She experienced a bath by the fire at Nana's house. Cozy!

I think this one is funny. This is how I spent most of Thanksgiving weekend. Nursing my baby with two dogs wanting to be near her at all times.

Sleeping in the car. I feel like she slept here more than anywhere this past month!

She's still in love with the bath and her daddy (that's who she's gazing so lovingly at!)

What a lovely girl she is.

I'm cherishing these baby moments.

The rocking her to sleep (which her need for is decreasing already :( )

The coo's.

The diapers (it's hard not to love cloth diapers)

The rolls she is getting. Love that pudge!

Her need for mommy. That's me!

The way she loves to snuggle when she's tired.

A year ago at this time I had no idea that the little miracle I was carrying was going to be so beautiful, happy and sweet.

Two years in a row, best Christmas present ever.

Guess who's inconsistent? and other random thoughts

2011-12-19T10:37:00.003-06:00

Me, that's who.

I would venture to say, it's completely justified too, this inconsistency in blogging but I'm not one for excuses.

Instead of a play by play of our rather tumultuous past months, I will do a rapid fire of random thoughts.The thoughts will serve no real reason except to get them out of my head and to fulfill a blog post.

Here we go:
Babies grow exceedingly fast. I now fully understand this principle.

2011 was fair with an awesome event or two. 2012 will be better

I didn't do a Christmas card this year.

I've cried more these past 4 months than I have in the past 4 years combined.

Dahlia is one of the sweetest, most cuddly babies ever.

I didn't care about decorating my Christmas tree this year. In fact, it looks a bit forlorn and weird.

On death and dying:
Things you shouldn't say to someone who has lost a loved one:
anything that starts with "well, atleast..."

Being present, available, and a question-asker goes a long way with someone who is grieving. It makes know they are not alone in their sadness and grief.

Grieving last more than the visitation and burial process. Normal is not just around the corner.

Christmas is a difficult time of year. I don't know why since it is the time to celebrate Jesus being born and all. I suppose it's priorities and focus.

Watching your child get gifts is way more fun than getting gifts yourself.

I don't see my family near as much as I should...I do most of the traveling usually and with an infant, it's not that easy.

Consistency is usually one of my strong suits. Not lately.

Encouraging is usually one of my strong suits. Not lately

Being a mom is my strong suit lately.

Eating is a strong suit.

My husbnad looked strong in his suit this weekend.

Time is a precious comodity.
I wish I had more of it.

I want to learn how to make artisan breads this year.

I think of going back to school at least once a week. That's where it begins and ends.

I miss being pregnant.

I miss the summer.

Dahia's laugh is hilarious.

I'm making chicken and dumplings for dinner.

It think I'm becoming a hugger.

I'm all out of thoughts for now.
But as you can see, my brain is a confused melange of thoughts.
Inconsistent, yes. Is that a bad thing? Not really. Atleast that's what I keep telling myself.

I need to go hang diapers up to dry and feed a tired baby...
..and obviously think of a funner blog post for next time.

Pinterest, my brain and my craft stash

2011-11-30T07:10:00.001-06:00

This year's Christmas decorating has taken me longer than usual. My little Elf, while she is cute to look at, isn't much help this year. I suppose next year she will be trying to "help" but will be tearing everything down that I attempt to put up. Christmas decorating has forever changed, indeed because of the baby. No biggie! Adapt and overcome, yes? We have just turned our once 3 hour decor event into a festive 3 day marathon. And please hold, she is crying..

Ok I am back.

I always have these awesome decor themes in my head for Christmas but when the time comes, I am hit with the reality that I am not a ~~millionaire~~ ~~thousandaire~~ hundredaire. So, with the help of Pinterest, my brain and my craft stash, I've come up with other ideas that are more practical. Maybe they aren't super trendy but if I like it, I do it. Simple, shmimple.

I had ribbon, clothespins, buttons and some old ornaments.

The only things I could come up with were these:

A ribbon wreath.

It has all of the colors of my living room in it so that's handy.

And someone gave me this little sign a while back that I never know what to do with. It seemed that it needed to be in the wreath.

It took me 3 hours. Not because it's a 3 hour project but

because it was a bad nap day for Dahlia :)

Thennnnn, per Pinterest, I found this cute use for my buttons and clothespins. The idea I found had scrapbook or wrapping paper decoupaged onto the pins. No mother of a 3 month old has time for that. But I did have time to mass paint them with my acrylics and hot-glue buttons onto them. It took a total of 15 minutes, I think.Again, bad nap day = not so great memory for mom.

Handy, eh?

And here are the awkwardly hung balls,er, ornaments ;)

I saw the idea on a commercial and of course, commercial lady's turned out a bit more luxurious.

But, as is the theme of this year, it's hodge-podge and works for our house. Dahlia rather likes it. I put her in her bouncer and place her on the table and voila! a Christmas mobile that mesmerizes. Bonus: glitter from the ornaments makes her extra sparkley.

And there is ribbon placed everywhere on the light too. I just really like ribbon this year!

Our Christmas tree (glowing in the right-hand corner) is decorated with the fancy ornaments John's mom made over 30 years ago. I've not come up with a topper yet so it's kinda naked up top.

I like that when I walk in to my house, it's lit up with Christmas lights everywhere and is a cozy this 'n that combination of randomness, very us.

Perfecto.

3 Whole Months of Dahlia Jane!

2011-11-23T07:22:00.001-06:00

3 months ago, she was so tiny, so sweet, so JOHN-like.

I think she looks like his mini-twin here!

Today she is an even sweeter babbling brook of happy, chunky baby!!

New this month:

Talking to her stuffed animals

Sitting in the Bumbo

Eating her hands ferociously

Squealing

Loving to snuggle with a blankie but mostly mommy still :)

Getting scared :(

Lots more jabbering!

Trying to lift her back off of things

Coughing to get attention :)

Sleeping through the night every so often

Such a big girl with her house slippers on!

Stunning little eyeballs!

.and she still loves the bath.

she's looking more like me in my humble yet accurate opinion

me, in a lovely spring bonnet @ 6 months

John, in a girl outfit @ 3 months

What do you think?
She is a good mix..

Either way: she's so pretty.

And she's a joyful little thing too.

So thankful for her!

Crafty and free is the way to be

2011-11-01T11:23:00.001-05:00

Buying accessories for my baby is a bit pricey and overrated. (and can be a total obsession for me!) For something she will wear once or twice, anything that is over the price of $free is pushing it. (and it draws me into that obsessive space that can suck me in like a black hole [*go space!])

I digress.
For Halloween I made her a fun "Dahliaesque" headband with materials I had in my craft stash.

Professional looking, it's not.

Easy and cute, it was.

It takes about 15 minutes if you do it one sitting. I did it over the course of 3 days.

Here is what I did:

I cut random shapes out of Halloween colored felt and layered them..

..sewed a simple x stitch through the center with embroidery floss..

arranged them uh-like uh-so (say it like an Italian)..

..cut notches in them to give them some flare..

..hot glued them onto a nylon headband and voila..

cute baby headband that cost me $0.00 since I already had everything

"I like it thiiiiis much", she says

soakin' up some rays, sportin' the headband.

Easy peasy punkin' squeazy!

It would be adorable with buttons or other fun embelishments in the midst, with lace in between the layers, fabric or any other fun variation. I might even make myself an adult-sized version in more neutral colors!

Bada Bing!

It's been a long time..

2011-10-28T15:53:00.000-05:00

I haven't done fill in the blank Friday since before the baby was born. It's been a while! So as I sit here with a baby sleeping on me (she doesn't want to be put down today) this seemed like an easy blog to post to do :)

1. When I was a kid I wanted to be a nurse when I grew up.

2. As an adult, my dream job would be a stay at home mommy and a professional shopper and decorator .

3. W hen I was younger I wanted to be just like my mom .

4. The childhood Halloween costume that I remember most was when I was a homemade bunny suit my aunt made me .

5. My favorite childhood toy was my babies.

6. The time I got into the biggest amount of trouble when I was a kid was when I smarted off to my piano teacher during a lesson and my mom said, "wait until your dad gets home.." the wait was terrible and I. got. it. good. .

7. I get daily inspiration from the Bible, friends, nature and Pinterest .

Happy Halloween weekend! Our lil' punkie will not be dressing up in costume but will be dressing up extra cute. In fact, that's what we will call her costume, "Cute".

Pictures to come!

Another month, another chin

2011-10-24T10:48:00.000-05:00

So we are apparently good at helping our baby stay alive. We made it another month!

She's 2 months old!

And wow, how quickly it's gone too!

Dahlia's major accomplishments this month include:

finding her hands

smiling on purpose

making fun sounds on purpose
gaining control of her neck and trying to lift her shoulders (0verachiever!)

sleeping more than 4 hours at one time
successfully "talk training" with her dad (he made this regimen up)

becoming a pro at breastfeeding

growing a buzz-cut (it deserves a separate post)

other highlights:

she met her grandpa Greg

she played with her sister

she started wearing 0-3 month clothes which has more fashionable options unlike newborn size

she ~~went to~~ slept through the pumpkin patch for the first time

she ~~went to~~ slept through her first birthday party

she loves tummy time

she loves to play with her friends

and last but certainly not least, she grew a sizable double chin. She's now working on a triple. One chin a month is what we're averaging so far

Today at the dr she weighed 12 pounds and 12 ounces and was 22.7 inches long. She's a growing little bundle of sweet. AND he said she was looking "developmentally exceptional" for a 2 month old. Uh huh. I knew it :)

Love. Her.

You should make this

2011-10-12T20:58:00.001-05:00

I made this for dinner because my Real Simple magazine told me to and I loved it!

Try it, it's so easy and surprisingly delish and filling.

It was a hit!

Chickpea-Spinach Curry With Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
2 tablespoons curry powder
2 15.5-ounce cans chickpeas, rinsed
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
kosher salt and black pepper
1 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
1 cucumber—peeled, seeded, and chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
naan bread, for serving

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and cook, stirring often, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the curry powder and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Add the chickpeas, spinach, 2 cups water, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is slightly thickened, 10 to 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, cucumber, cilantro, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Serve the chickpea mixture with the yogurt sauce and naan.

Are you kidding me!?

2011-10-02T18:47:00.001-05:00

I know my blog is all about my baby now but seriously, how could it not be!? She's really the only thing that captivates my attention these days..

Are you kidding me!?

Check her out..

her little legs...really!?!

belly!!! and rolls. love the rolls.

her eyes, her face. I can't handle the ammont of cuteness that those two things a lone contain. AHHHHHHH!

cheeks resting comfortably on her chest. Jowls. Let's just be honest and call them what they are, jowls.

adorable. let me break it down for you.: UH-DOR-UH-BUL!

practicing her "Blue Steel"

Quickest month of our lives..

2011-09-22T10:45:00.002-05:00

Hi, I'm Dahlia Jane and this is what I looked like one month ago today

Today, I am a whole month! Check me out!

Likes:

nursing

baths

daddy

pooping on daddy

sleeping on daddy

the Moby Wrap

pink and green

watching The Golden Girls in the wee hours of the morn with mom

Dislikes:

nose drops

being swaddled

the paci

I'm working on it..

2011-09-20T11:57:00.000-05:00

Yikes! Who knew a newborn consumed all of your time and made you not care about blogging so much!?

Ha! I don't even care about the internet anymore! But I DO want to keep you abreast* of what I am doing now and let you in on the cuteness that is my beautiful daughter.

So, I'm working on it.

Lots of things have happened in the past few weeks.

Had a baby, turned 30 etc.

Titillating* posts will be coming soon!

* I have boob on the brain, can you tell? I feel like our lives now revolve around mine!

Just a little preview of cuteness..

Who loves the bath? This baby!

Highlights

2011-09-07T11:15:00.001-05:00

Highlights of our first 2 weeks at home by Dahlia Jane

I went to church for the first time

crossed my eyes a little bit..

got my first "at home" bath

looked cute

looked cute some more

went on lots of walks with mom and dad

slept again..

went to the dr. for the first time. I'm growing a lot already

made some faces

met my aunt Breanna and Grandma Lisa

met grandpa John

and slept some more

Dahlia is growing like a weed, eating a lot and sleeping a ton!

She's my favorite!

She's here!

2011-08-30T22:03:00.002-05:00

I was MIA for a week or so there and for a very good reason..

Dahlia Jane Culpepper

born

August 23, 2011

7:46 a.m.

8 lbs, 6 oz.

21 inches long

We are completely in love with her.

I get it now.

All the stereotypical things parents say about the feeling you have when your baby is born, I now understand and feel.

She couldn't be more perfect.

And she couldn't be more adored.

Here are the details of the day that started with me peeing at midnight and ended with me holding my answer to prayer in my arms..

At 11:50 something on August 22, I got up to pee. As was my nightly routine, this was just the first of many trips to the bathroom..or so I thought. I remember being VERY tired. So much so, that I almost fell asleep while in the bathroom. I returned to bed to lie down and instantly I felt like I had wet my pants. Which was very confusing to me since I had just returned from the bathroom. Then it dawned on me : my water had broken...I thought. I looked at the clock, 12:00 a. m. . I woke John up and told him that a.) either my water broke or b.) "sorry! I just peed the bed!". I went to the bathroom and just stood there trying to figure out if my water had really broken or not. I was going in circles, literally and saying to myself, "Is this it? No it couldn't be! What do I do now??" Then a gush of water. "Yep, this is it!"

Here is the progression of what happened at our house during the next 10 minutes:

Me: "John, I am getting in the shower, hurry up and get ready!"

John: Stares blankly at me and then runs to the other bathroom..literally runs.

10 minutes later: he was MIA. Or so it seemed..he was doing something, I'm not sure what he was doing but I couldn't find him.

Not important because 5 minutes later we were in the car and I was surrounded by towels. 5 minutes after that, we were at the hospital and John ran into the ER to get a wheelchair and ran out and when I say ran out I mean RAN OUT. Like lightening speed ran out.

(He was doing a lot of running that night)

He wheeled me in, and we told the ER people I was in labor. The ER nurse looks at me and says, "it doesn't look like you are in labor." Then, I mentally slapped her a little bit. I showed her the wet towel between my legs and proved it to her. I think she got the point.

I was checked into the OB floor and my mystery fluid was tested and indeed it was the good stuff, amniotic fluid.

This was the point when the nurse left the room and I started crying.

Not because I was scared. (Well, maybe a tiny bit)

Not because I wasn't ready, because I was definitely ready.

I think it was just so REAL to me at that moment that THIS was the day I was having our Dahlia.

I can't explain the feeling. It was just amazing and overwhelming.

They checked me. I was a 5-6 centimeters dilated and 90% effaced.

Progress! The last I had heard (the previous Thursday) I was a 5 and 70% effaced.

For the next few hours my contractions grew closer and stronger.

I had gone into this with this as my goal: to go without medicine for as long as possible and hopefully not have any at all. At 7 centimeters I was in a lot of pain. I was on the birthing ball for about a half hour, which helped a little. It relieved a lot of the pressure but still, it hurt! I asked for the epidural. I was upset that I was asking for it and really didn't want it. I just didn't like the pain. Before going into this, I had prayed and told God that I really wanted to do this naturally. I asked him if that was what he wanted me to do, to make it impossible for me to get it when the time came, if I asked for it. So here we are, I am asking for it. I was asking John if he was disappointed in me a lot. I was upset with myself for some reason. Who knows why. I was tired and I was hoping I could do it sans meds. I didn't take the pain medication because I usually get nauseas on pain medication. The thought of nausea on top of heinous contractions didn't seem pleasant. I was taking my chances and I'm glad I did.

Next, I got back into bed and rested. I was beginning to get very tired.

They were calling the anesthesiologist and doing all of the things they have to do before administering an epidural. The last thing being, they checked my cervix. This is where things turned.

I wasn't a 7.

I was a 9, almost a 10 and completely effaced. In about 15 minutes I had dilated 3 1/2 centimeters!

No time for an epidural.

I knew as painful as it was, I knew this was the way it was supposed to be and was thankful for this answer to prayer. I wasn't shouting the praises of God at that moment or anything but I knew in my heart that I was going to do this and that it was possible.

So for the next two hours I was all business.

I had a wonderful team of nurses who were encouraging, helpful and positive. They were very sweet.

John was unbelievable. He was completely encouraging. If he was scared by my screaming and moaning, he didn't show it. He was a rock. He was positive. He was tender. He was THERE.

I couldn't have asked for a better partner and coach.

My doctor, Dr. Carson, had her game face on too but amidst her seriousness, she was a great leg holder and an amazingly motivating doctor.

I. PUSHED. FOR. TWO. HOURS.

During that time they put an internal fetal monintor in (yes, IN) Dahlia's precious little head to make sure they could monitor her heart beat during this intense time of pushing. I am sure it was pretty intense for Dahlia too! Poor little thing.

During the two hours, I tried 4 methods of pushing.

The bar that attches to your bed and you sort of hang from it and bear down, then the "oh crap handles" as John calls them. I pulled on a towel that John had in his hands and then the legs up, push the baby out at all costs position. I'm sure there is a more technical term for it but that's what I call it.

By the time my doctor came in I had been pushing for an hour.

I got a little pep talk telling me I was going to have this baby because another hour of pushing with no baby would result in a c-section. This is when I got super serious. No C for me!

For the next hour, I pushed. When I say I pushed, let me just say I PUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHED.

I got petechiae on my shoulders, neck and face (see here for an explanation, it's not super gross or anything, promise)

With two ex-military people holding onto each leg, coaching, counting and patting my legs to relax me, I was being motivated on and on to keep on going. I told John to shut up a lot and then would apologize in between contractions.

During the last half hour of pushing, I began to pass out between my contractions. Then I'd wake up and push. Finally after another half hour of pushing, pushing, pushing, I saw the nurses setting up all the "gear" for birth. Dr. Carson let go of my leg, sat down at the end of the bed and started to coach from there.

Within 5 minutes, I was being told to feel my baby's head (which I didn't! I couldn't I was ready to have her head out!). Then Viola!

Dahlia Jane was born at 7:46 a.m. on August 23rd.

Friends and family who were in the waiting room down the hall through closed metal doors heard the final scream that I gave when she came out. I wasn't one of those quiet women during childbirth. I couldn't be a Scientologist at all.

Anyway, she was HERE!

This moment cannot be explained, the moment that they placed her on my chest and she had her little thumb in her mouth, and her other hand up by her face, when her eyes met mine and stayed there. I was thankful. I was elated. I was relieved. I was amazed, I was in love.

John was ecstatic. He was hysterical, in a good way.

"We have a baby! She's here!" *he kisses me* "Look at her sweet face!" *he kisses her*

"I can't believe it! You did it! "*he kisses me*.

The next hour is a blur.

I watched my daughter get her first bath by my husband, I nursed her for the first time, I watched family and close friends cry over her and adore her.

After everyone had left and it was just me and my husband and my daughter, I had that feeling of being complete. The feeling of basking in a long moment of God's faithfulness was precious. It was surreal. It was awesome.

I will never forget that moment, the moment where I was holding the answer to my prayers in my arms, holding my miracle.

*******

I could go on and on about the awesomeness of my stay at the hospital.

I was treated like a queen. My daughter was adored by the staff. John was waited on hand and foot too. Friends came to wish us well and love on our girl.

Our first few days home have been great!

We went home a day and a half later and have been learning the ropes since then. I am learning to cherish sleep like never before! Dahlia is nursing well, she has had no problems and is a sweet, sweet baby. We are truly blessed and are so very happy that she is ours.

not doing so well here..

all better (for a minute)

This is right before I started pushing

sweet little swollen baby.

An 8 pounder! Now it made sense why it hurt so much!

daddy gives her a bath

sweet baby toes

holding hands for the first time

Nurse Robin doing the stats

"fearfully and wonderfully made" indeed!

For this child I prayed; and the Lord has given me my the desire of my heart

1 Samuel 1:27

Let's take a little journey, shall we??

2011-08-16T16:22:00.001-05:00

So..... We are really close to seeing this little face!

I can't even stand how beautiful and cute and perfect she is already.

I know I am partial but seriously, she's way extra cute.

She has my chin. I like that.

I'm 38 1/2 weeks today. I feel a little extra round. Actually, really crooked. Her butt is up on top and her body is to the left. Head down and feet to the right. Today, I have felt her knees and elbows stickin' out which is nice. She has slowed down with her movements a lot. It hurts when she moves sometimes but I miss all those flips and flops she used to do a lot. She gets the hiccups frequently. It's cute. ESPECIALLY after praise and worship at church. She is trying to sing, I just know it!

Her lungs are growing and getting lots of exercise :)

Her head feels like it want to come out. That's the only way I can say it without getting graphic and use awkward body part names that would make you burp.

But you get the picture, yes?

I had a 3 hour stint of REAL contractions last Saturday. I thought that this was it but it wasn't. She's just doing things a little at a time. Which, I very much appreciate. I think and hope that will make labor and delivery just a little easier.

At my last dr.'s visit, I was dilated to 4cm and 60-70% effaced and she was at -1 station.

If you need a "station tutorial" click HERE.

It's going to happen soon.

Early? Maybe. Overdue, who knows. It's possible. I am hoping for the former not the latter.

The good news is: she has to come out VERY soon.

We are getting so close!

So let's just take a little journey through my pregnancy, shall we?

6 weeks

I thought I was starting to show here:

but really I was still skinny and just bloated... And I had a waist. What's that again??

2 months:

3 months:

just a little bitty pooch, still thought it was huge. And it was, for me. Oh! And this was the picture that started a facebook hubbub about me possibly carrying twins. REALLY? I looked "normal" I think.

Silly facebookers!

4 months:

this was when she was the size of an avacado and my

hair started to get all 70's-esque on me.It was fluffy and I had wings.

5 months:

Again, I was still learning how to deal with the pregnancy poofy, thick hair here.

6 months:

This is when I felt pregnant but not "great with child"

This was a good stage :)

7 months:

We got our maternity pics done..

..love them.

8 months:

Lookin' stripey here.

And HELLLLLOOOOO 9 months:

I love this kid. I love that she just sticks right out.

What a doll baby.

I will gladly lose my waist anyday (i.e.: 9 months) for this cause.

I will gladly sleep little bits here and there because of hip pain and random hot flashes.

I would gladly wait again to have a pregnancy that has been this easy, this amazing, this celebrated and this joyful. I have LOVED being pregnant. And while my belly will soon feel empty, I cannot wait to have full arms.

Annny day now..

A great way to start your week..

2011-08-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

A few things that started my week off with a smile:

Great advice:

Great Outfit:

Great Breakfast

Great (and precious) Promise

Great Standard

'Hope you are choosing to start your week off in a GREAT way!

Happy Monday :)

Let me tell ya'..

2011-08-09T09:42:00.000-05:00

..what it's like to be 9 months pregnant and catch a stomach virus.

a.) I felt like my baby was going to come out of my mouth

Poor thing. She just stopped moving as soon as I started..well, you know, puking. And since this was the first time throwing up my entire pregnancy, I was even MORE thankful that I had never experienced morning sickness of any kind. I just had the blahs. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. YIKES!

b.) It's awkward x 25

Almost NOT making it to the bathroom when you are going to..well, you know, puke, is a challenge when you aren't pregnant but then imagine a watermelon stuffed in your belly, trying to get down to the toilet and then just, well, you know, puke.. DOUBLE YIKES! Getting up from the floor was an entirely different situation. Never had a bathroom floor looked so amazing and inviting to lie down on before. Much more preferable than trying to find a way up..

c.) Don't mess around with the dehydration!
Poor baby D. She didn't know what to do. I started puking and she stopped moving. I ended up going to the hospital to get some fluids and have them check her out too which sent her back into normalcy again. I'm still trying to play catch up with my hydration. My body is trying to hold onto every fluid possible now which results in sausage fingers.. awesome.

{manhands}

d.) It gives you perspective
Even though I know I will be tired and drained in the coming weeks with a new infant, at least (please, Jesus) I will be healthy. I am glad I didn't have other kids to care for during this flu!

And as always, you find a new appreciation for what "normal" feels like after something like that.

Yay for health!

Be thankful

2011-08-04T07:26:00.000-05:00

"Thank your friends for their consistency, balance, perspective, kindness and even their differences."

Protect your friendships

2011-08-03T09:37:00.001-05:00

This is the next to last day of the friendship series. I think it could possibily go on for eternity. I'm constantly learning new things about relationships and how to be a good friend but I know not all of what I learn will be standard for everyone. I hope that you have gleaned a little something from these 8 posts. Tomorrow it will be the end of it..until I get very inspired to write this much again. Don't know that I will have the time for it for a couple of months..

Day 8 at Surrender Story..

"Protect your friendships against idle conversation. There is a definite difference between just chatting and catching up (which is great!) and pumping one another for information and gossip. It can be fine line sometimes. A line that, once it's crossed, is very hard to back up and uncross! " Read on..

Keep it simple

2011-08-02T13:19:00.000-05:00

Just. Be. A. Friend.

Day 7 at Surrender Story.

Real or bust, words on vulnerability..

2011-08-01T10:37:00.000-05:00

Day 6 on Surrender Story. Check it out here.

Just be yourself. Be real. Invest and be consistent and

Love others as you love yourself..

Mark 12:31

Consistency goes a long way, value the easy friendships

2011-07-29T08:12:00.000-05:00

Chances are if you are a consistent friend, you are someone's "easy friendship" a.k.a- you are a treasure..

Day 5 at SS

" One who is constant, one who is faithful, one who is unwaivering in commitment to making friendship work (yes it takes work!), that one is a diamond in the rough..." keep reading here!

Fight for Positivity

2011-07-28T10:35:00.000-05:00

Day 4 on The Best Ships series posts on friendships..

This is one that is near and dear to my heart. Read on for the full post!

Day 4 @ Surrender Story..check it out :

" Surround yourself with other positive people. If you find yourself having a hard day, ask for prayer. I think when someone chooses to be vulnerable enough to say they are having a hard time but show that they want to get out of that hard place, respect that. Being positive keeps up on our guard so that when we are approached with a problem or a situation with a friend, we are more clear and true in our though processes and can better lead them to Truth."... read more here

Be OK With Balance

2011-07-27T09:46:00.000-05:00

Day 3 at Surrender Story

"If you don't sense a balance in a certain friendship then re-evaluate, pray about it, take some time and see if it's something you can work on. If not, this might not be the time to pursue this friendship. Healthy relationships are what we want! A friend who initiates once in a while, who celebrates your differences and seeks balance, that's a friend to hold onto!"

Read all about the friendship series here.

Thanks for stopping by!

Embracing Differences

2011-07-26T08:02:00.002-05:00

Day 2 at Surrender Story

"When you learn to see things a different way, you get a chance to walk in someone else's shoes and that's way better than being able to share shoes. Promise.."..read more

Don't hate, initiate.

2011-07-25T09:00:00.002-05:00

Day1 over at Surrender Story.. .

"Ah! What an awkward word this can be. For some, it's an adventurous word. Truth: Some people are just naturally better at going out of their way to pursue a friendship or intiate hang out time. Whether you are good at it or not, that doesn't really matter. If you care about a friendship it's essential..".read more

Looking forward to natural childbirth

2011-07-24T15:51:00.000-05:00

A sweet friend who was "encouraging" me to do natural childbirth er, maybe not..sent this to me.
Hilarious and very disturbing.
Home birth on crack.

Enjoy and have a laugh!

The Best Ships, a series

2011-07-21T08:29:00.003-05:00

I'm starting a series of Lessons I've Learned in Friendship next week.

I will do a little teaser on this blog everyday but the real post, the serious part, will be on my other blog Surrender Story. So check there for the longer posts!

************************

So. Why a series and why friendship?

Friendship is a topic that is very dear to my heart because I love my friends. (that's simple enough). They are essential to my life. I was created to be in healthy relationships with people and I crave that. The things is this though: many of my relationships in my 29.75 years have been unhealthy, really hard, co-dependent, awkward, hurtful. Some, a select few, have been easy, instantly awesome, long lasting and real. They have "survived" the good, the bad and the ugly.

The thing I have struggled with most is finding balance. I mean, don't we all struggle with achieving balance in all things? But female friendships can really be challenging! Don't get me wrong in this, I don't over psychoanalyze everything. I can tend to but I don't. Not on this, not anymore But I do think that good friendships take thought. They take time. They take effort. And that's where the trueness of a friendship can be tested.

I love the easy, carefree, silly, fun moments in a true friendship but let's be honest here: friendships can be messy. They can be hard. They go through different phases, and that's ok. I love that my friendships are constantly changing, going through seasons. To stay at the same place in a friendship can be just as challenging as a constantly evolving one!

I would venture to say, the more genuine effort you put into a friendship, the better off you are as a person. You learn to be selfless. You learn to love. You learn to be consistent, you learn to grow. Some of the most heavenly of lessons I have learned from my earthly friends.

Even Jesus needed friends. He cherished them. Some let him down, some betrayed him. But a few stuck with him until he ascended and some even died for him. He was the ultimate friend. He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister. He layed his life down for his friends (that's us!) So there is a lot to be learned from him (duh, understatement of the century!)

So starting next week, I will be sharing some of my opinions about friendship, some of my own personal struggles and learned lessons. I am not a psychologist. I am not a friendship guru. I am just someone who loves real relationships and craves to know my God better through them. This is a post I have prayed about a lot and have spent hours writing.

It may be more for my benefit that I wrote it, I'm not sure yet. It was good for me to reflect as I worked out my thoughts and it was quite therapeutic for me to recall my past experiences. I hope it will be a helpful week of posts for you too.

So I will see you next week with some tidbits of friendship here on Misinterpretations and some serious goodness over at Surrender Story. Tomorrow, John stays home just because so there will be no FiB Friday here! I'm going to the baby dr. and spending some alone QT with my man. Go to Lauren's place and follow all the fun blanks over there!

Happy weekending :)

Baby Shower #2

2011-07-19T09:07:00.000-05:00

Let me just say,

I am blessed beyond all belief that not only I am loved but that this little treasure in my belly is SO loved and SO celebrated and anticipated. I don't think it's like this for everyone who is expecting. How did I hit the jackpot?!?

God is good. That's the long and the short of it.

When he blesses, he blesses big.

When you wait for something and pray faithfully with endurance, I personally think he rewards that in a BIG way.

So, with that said, this second shower was just further proof that He continues to bless me beyond just being pregnant.

Friends are celebrating this kid, this answer to prayer like nobody's business. Friends who have bought me, John and Baby DJC gear, things, clothes, who have prayed continually before and during my pregnancy, who are consistent and present for this pregnancy- THEY ROCK MY WORLD.

Thank you, God.

I not only got the desire of my heart but I got the bonus deal : Family and friends who are psyched out of their minds for the arrival of MY baby! Woot!

That being said, I've not only had one amazingly beautiful shower but I had another a couple of weeks ago.

Every detail was well thought out, well-planned and fit me and Baby to the 'T'.

I'll quit talking now.. enjoy the prettiness :)

friends everywhere!

we got hooked up :)

heaven.

She got personalized, that's for sure. She already looks adorable in it!

Some of my dearest and best. Faithful prayer warriors, for sure.

We're 6 days apart and our girls can't wait to meet each other :)

Lovely ladies who attended DJC's partay..

See? It was fabulous. And I loved it.

Coming soon..

2011-07-17T17:31:00.001-05:00

Well, remember that one time that I told you about my project ADD? Well, it's still very much alive and kickin', this ADD. It's rather intense to be real honest. (Yes I am aware that's not proper grammar..)

So, while having a million things to do (slight exaggeration), I still miss my blog. And I have about 5 (not an exaggeration) posts in my head that will make for interesting reading either on here or on my other blizzity, Surrender Story .

Coming soon:

Stolen baby projects
Baby shower #2 recap and picture extravaganza
Some sort of blog about friendship. It's probably going to be @ S.S. check there soon
A montage of my pregnancy (as if you weren't already bored of hearing about it)
and some other post that doesn't have a name in my head yet.

Sounds tantalizing doesn't it?!

Yep. Sure does!

Come back and check me out.

I would like to say that I will become more "regular" in my blogging but we all know that's silly since a certain Dahlia Jane is going to be coming in 6 weeks or so.

Apparently, being a stay at home wife/mom requires a lot more of my time than sitting at my desk at my old job did. I'm sure the blogging world will go on but just in case you are so sad and miss my regular posting-

keep checking back!

Eventually I will stop being so spazzmotic and settle down with the creating/nesting enough to formulate my thoughts into a witty post of some sort.

Have a happy week!

Find a pool, any pool, even if it's not yours and soak in it. It's going to be hot.

Itemized Fill in the Blank Friiday

2011-07-01T10:28:00.002-05:00

A. I am 32 weeks pregnant now. Yikes. I officially feel it too. Not sleeping well at night, an achy pelvis and a sore back are my biggest and only complaints to date! So far, so good.

B. Dahlia's knees are in my ribs as I type this. Such sweet little knees.

C. I have nesting ADD.

D. I am busy this next week.. childbirth classes, breastfeeding classes, dr. appointments, ultrasounds (hopefully) and other various things. She is beginning to jeopardize most of my time. My time is gladly jeopardized!

E. Baby shower #2 is next weekend and I. can't. wait.

F. This week my focus was: surrounding myself with lots of positive and little -no negative. It makes a difference in my mind, mood and attitude :) And plus, DJC needs lots of happy vibes from a happy and calm mama.

Happy July 4th weekend!

1. The best news I ever received was that I was pregnant. FINALLY! That was a good day that began with LOTS of peeing on LOTS of sticks .

2. Something I'm looking forward to is looking at Dahlia Jane Culpepper's face in person and kissing it A LOT.

3. Something I would never do is say never .

4. If I could choose someone to be my life coach (famous or not, living or dead), I'd choose my counselor, Donna Ganote. That lady rocked my life when I was in high school AND my friend Janet. They would make a good team .

5. If I had to put a label on my style it would be evolving classic. I like classic looks but I like to mix stuff together to make a new species of style. Right now, however, it's just whatever is comfortable and doesn't make me sweaty. I'm looking forward to post pregnancy dressing even if I do have to adjust my sizes a bit .

6. One should always take regular showers .

7. I want to be able to get through child birth naturally. My world won't be overturned and ruined if I don't make it but I am hoping that it works out for reasons other than being able to say, "I did it naturally". I am trying to amp up and prepare (how can you REALLY prepare for a baby coming out of your doo-dah!?) as much as I can before and I am praying A LOT.It's how I spend my sleeplessness :) .

Get inspired by these Blogging Beauties!

2011-06-27T09:57:00.000-05:00

Mondays are a great day to get inspired.

Here are a couple of new "friends" I have found in the blog world who inspire me greatly!

Check them out if you have time:

Jessica @ Happy Together is so cute!

Check out her maternity picture dress. Oh man. So cute and creative.

I think this will be a fun place for fun home and "mom" ideas!

I am wanting to do a chalkboard project in my house and THIS gem is so awesome!

Look and drool!

Sneak Peak:

My new real-life kindred friend, Tanya, who blogs over @ Percolating Projects,

is a creative genius!

I think we are going to have fun junking (as she calls it) adventures and work ourselves into a project frenzy.. or work our husbands into a "oh man, you are doing what now?" frenzy. Either, or.

She's fun! Also, funny. I love it when great bloggers don't take themselves too seriously and have a sense of humor.

She just builds her own bed and stuff like that, no big deal...

Wowzers.

And last but not least, Lauren @ Because I'm Yours.

What an uplifting blog!

Encouraging, real, Jesus-filled and fun to look at :)

I stop in regularly to get motivated and reminded of Whose I am..

Read this post on Extending Grace. It's filled with truth and goodness!

I love other's who share their creativity in humble way!

I somtimes think I am creative but really I think it's a spazzy mind that I like to call a pretty word: creative.

Get inspired with me and check these ladies out!

Happy reading and project-ing!

Key words and more color

2011-06-24T22:27:00.000-05:00

I'm so project ADD right now.

Just as soon as I get ~~one two three~~ four projects to do, I get a wild hair to redo my bedroom now too.

We have to rearrange it to accommodate our sweet pea's co-sleeper anyway and since I am going to have to redo everything, I figured (budget permitting) I may as well just give

the room the wee face-lift while we're at it.

Key words: budget permitting.

Which it's not at the moment.

I am going to start saving though.

The green and yellow damask/ vintage look is great but the bedding is falling apart.

I'm trying to salvage it little by little but it's just starting to look a little shabby but not in a chic way.

I am ready for some more colors but also some darker business in there too. And I do love me some gray.

I have my eye on a couple of possibilities so far a quilt from Urban Outfitters is winning.

John liked it the most.

And I like for him to like the things I decorate with. Even though I ALWAYS reserve the right to veto and/or trump his suggestions ;o) I have a big 'ol empty frame I'd like to put above our bed after I repaint it (that's one of the already listed projects).

I think this one may be our choice..we'll see.

Remember the key words? Oh yeah, it may be a while.

Sidenote: budgeting is really awesome HOWEVER, when I am in turbo re-do/ nesting mode, not so much.

'Could be worse...

Maternity Shoot

2011-06-23T07:55:00.002-05:00

My friend, Cherie, took my maternity pictures on Tuesday.

I. LOVE. THEM.

She really is very gifted!

I just love looking at them over and over because

a.) that's my baby in there and she's a miracle

b.) they are just really good photographs!!

How will I ever choose??

If you want to see the complete set go here: Missy's Maternity Pictures

Here are a couple of highlights

Take a look at the complete set and let me know which ones I should choose!

Email me or leave a comment...please!!

I can't decide on a good day and now that I am pregnant, I am extra indecisive!

Sweet Feet

2011-06-21T08:45:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I forget that I was once that small and that she will someday be this big..

Baby shower #1

2011-06-20T17:01:00.002-05:00

Yay!

It's that time...Baby shower time!

I had my first baby shower this past weekend in my hometown, Indianapolis.

My mom and sister put it on and it was divine!

There was a chocolate fountain that interested me more than the presents...well, almost.

But seriously:

Dipping things (mostly my fingers) in chocolate is always #1 in my book.

There were people there from my church growing up, family members, high school friends, long lost family members and college friends. It was perfect.

I am one of those super blessed people who gets TWO showers.

WOOT WOOT!

Highlights..

This cute little invitation.

Precious, I'd say.

Bright mini-bouquets on every table. Adorable!

The Table of Heaven..

Me, partaking in the Table of Heaven

"I LOVE PRESENTS!!!!"

seriously, it's my secondary love language :)

Not the most flattering picture but hey, what pictures ARE flattering these days?

I loved that John got to be there. Even though he refused to talk while he was sitting there and just handed me gifts like my Lady in Waiting. It was strange. He gets a tadge awkward when all eyes are on him.

It's cute. On our wedding day (sidenote, by the way) all throughout our ceremony I was certain he was not happy he was marrying me. But alas, he was just nervous to be in front of other people while declaring his love for me (kind of strange and out of character if you know him!). Anyway. He's my favorite baby daddy ever. Word.

And he is glad he married me..(I just asked)

First present of the day..

My second hostess with the mostess, Christianna Grace.

I got my bassinet! This handy piece of paper was telling me it is being shipped to my house.

Woot!

4 Generations!

Me and my cousin, Mandie, who I haven't seen in seriously 15 years.

Yay for reunions!

Some of my high school girls. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

The man of the hour, Dahlia's Daddy.

And us, the Parents to-be.

OH. MAN.

She's going to be here soon..

And I should have a picture of all of our loot but I don't. I guess the fact that there are people celebrating this little miracle inside of me was first on my priority list that day. I cried while getting ready that morning.

It was very surreal.

People were so excited about MY baby. What!!?

My mom cried when she talked about it, which made me cry.

We were all crying at the shower..

But for once, tears of joy!

My cup runneth over.

We are overjoyed that we are getting to experience this 9 month miracle which took 23 months to get here..

She's such a celebrated baby. I KNOW she is going to be an amazing little person who does great things for the Lord. I just can't wait to see her!

Until then, I will sort her ADORABLE stash of baby things and prepare the best I know how.

Now, I eagerly await shower #2!

Yee haw!

Project #2

2011-06-17T01:59:00.002-05:00

Project #2..

My dear friend Rebecca had a birthday a couple of weeks ago. She appreciates the homemade, handmade gifts more than the average bear and since I am feeling extra crafty (and am limited on resources these days) this was a perfect opportunity to make something fabulous for this fabulous friend.

So this is what I started with-

OLD WINDOWS from my garage.

AND

my new BFF, the palm sander

(love this little guy!)

'Got my sand on..

(P.S.-If I look miserable here, I was. It was 95 degrees that day and there was NO wind. None. I think I baked my baby a little too much that day.)

Moving right along..

I chopped the window in half because a.) I thought the whole window was a tad large for what I was doing and b.) the top half was rotten.

So... chop suey!

with some minor repairs

some fresh paint

a large ammount of cleaning

and

more palm sanding.

Then, my lovely assistant helped with the knobs

and the back hooks.

and the finished product:

Voila!!

A fun decoration/ coat hook/ display thingy.

The birthday girl :

She was so excited she exuded light out of her mouth! It's a magical birthday window!

Just kidding.

Silly flash.

I think she liked it a lot.

I am going to make one for my baby too. I got her 4 knobs and hope to hang her sweet kitty cat robes and fun 3 inch long newborn hoodies from it! Makes me want to squeal!

I recently acquired a bird cage that I am going to repaint for the baby's room and a chair that needs sanded and repainted, not to mention the bookshelf that needs a face-lift and the name sign I was going to paint for her.. I have PLENTY of projects to keep me busy during my nesting phase!

2 more months is all I have left.

I better get crack a lackin'!

A place for Sweet Pants to put her sweet pants

2011-06-09T15:53:00.002-05:00

I had looked and looked for a dresser that I acutally liked for our daughter's room. And after a month of looking I was highly annoyed at a.) the cheapness of many things and how they aren't well-made and b.) the prices for both cheap and well-made things.

I wasn't about to spend hundreds of $$ on something made of plywood and particleboard. And I don't have the $$ for super expensive things.

I wanted vintagey anyway so the hunt was on.

Me and Craig's List became good friends but Craig's little list consumed way too much of my time and I was overwhelmed with "dresser obsession".

Then after talking with a friend one day and telling her what I wanted she found exactly what I was looking for in .5 seconds on CL and that was our winner. She has "THE Gift", I guess.

(that's the way it always goes for me when I am shopping. If I have the money, I never find what I want, If I am not looking and ususally don't have the money, there are options galore. Annoy. Ing.)

Anywho. We ended up getting a solid wood, antique dresser with a mirror (which we are going to use somewhere else in our house because I love mirrors, not to see myself in but for light reflection purposes. Makes everything look so much brighter and bigger! {which is the reason I am not down for looking at myself in them at the current moment})and a night stand. She won't be having any night caps right away so we will find another use for the nightstand until she starts using her big girl bed. I don't even want to talk about that. How cute is that thought? A big girl bed for my Sweet One. Geeze! Can't handle it.

So this is what it looked like to begin with:

And Daddy lovingly made it more like Baby Pep's style

(I was the producer, he executed. He is loving to do projects for his daughter. THE SWEETEST!)

And the finished product (pardon my clutter)

So all together this was a rather cheap project.

The fact that the previous owner had sanded and re-painted was a time and money saver!

The dresser, mirror and nightstand: $100

Spray paint for the handles: $3

And paint for the faces: $1

So after buying the dresser I spent $4 on personalizing this little treasure.

Pretty good, I'd say.

Now for the sorting of the clothes..

That's a whole other project!

Come back soon now, ya' hear?

2011-06-06T18:09:00.000-05:00

Ok so I didn't post anything for a really long time and now that I am back I want to post all the things I did while gone at one time.

There are some things to look forward to though called PROJECTS.

I love me some projects.

I have been doing a few at once.

So, this week it will be about the projects I have actually started AND finished :)

YAY!

Something to look forward to this week: key words : baby dresser and old window coat hanger thingy. (good keywords, huh??)

Come back soon and check 'em out!

2011-05-24T21:38:00.000-05:00

This week is a busy one.
A doozy, if you will.

Hopefully I will be on my blogging A-game again next week.

Weeks like this which are full of comings and goings and other crazy things make me very thankful for "normal weeks".

Cheers 'til next week!

Fill in the blank Friday

2011-05-20T09:32:00.000-05:00

1. People always tell me I look like someone else they know. ALWAYS. But in high school it was Tiffany Amber Thiessen a.k.a. Kelly Kapowski and a few years ago it was Kelly Clarkson. But lately it's just been "you remind me of my sister in Texas or did you used to work as a surgical nurse in Indiana?" No and no .

2. Friends don't let friends have boogers hanging out of their nose or have weird things in their teeth.

3. A sunny day is perfect for being outside. Walking barefoot in the grass, eating Tropical Sno's and being in/by water .

4. My favorite accessory is well, this all depends. A scarf when it's chilly. A hat when it's freezing. My 5 year anniversary necklace when I'm feeling classy. A headband when my hair is mane-like. Huge Sunglasses anytime because I have vampire eyes that can't tolerate sun. Lots of bracelets on any day of the week. As you can see, I can do just one favorite .

5. If I could afford it I would go on vacation this summer with John. Just him and I one last time before Miss Sweetie gets here .

6. The cure for boredom is to get creative and do something to spruce up the house. Rearrange your throw pillows or go through your magazines and clip pictures and phrases that inspire you. You are bound to get re-inspired. It's a snowball effect .

7. I am currently "in like" with watermelon for all three meals of the day. Sitting on my birthing ball instead of sitting on anything else- such relief for my achey back!

Have a happy weekend!

I am going to go eat watermelon and left over pizza :)

GO HERE to play along with the blanks!

6 down, 3 to go

2011-05-16T14:01:00.002-05:00

Well, 4 to go really. I don't know why we don't just say that pregnancy is 10 months because it really is.

Anyway, that's beside the point.

I grew a lot this month, I think.

Compare :

A very exciting reason to grow, I'd say!

When I went to the dr. last I gained 7 pounds. In one month.

That was a little intense for me since I am used to hearing .5 or 1 pound gains but I was assured that it was a healthy thing and that I am not officially an obese Denise.

Just a pregnant Denise. Rather, a pregnant Missy. My name isn't Denise.

I got to sneak a peak at her last Wednesday (see here) and she was measuring right on target. Around 1.8-2 pounds and super active. It's getting to the fun stage where my stomach does dances and she responds to John singing to her. She doesn't like really loud noises I don't think. A guest speaker was at church a couple of weeks ago and she was angrily punching when he got a bit too excited. It's funny that I can tell the difference between her sweet movements and annoyed punches.

And I'm not just feeling taps and "kicks" I am feeling sweet knees moving across my ribs (she's head down already !) and little elbows will poke my guts. Love her guts!

While I am bigger than ever and I've never weighed this much in my entire existence, I feel the prettiest and most confident I ever have. Wide hips, flabbier arms and giant underwear, THIS is the best!

I just want to keep her in there forever

OK not really. That would be uncomfortable and anti-climactic.

But I am very much enjoying pregnancy.

She's this big this month.

That's a pretty good size and makes sense why my insides

feel like she is doing Riverdance on them.

One website said this for her development:

your little grower’s physical proportions are pretty much birth-ready and most of their remaining development will largely be weight gain and a ton of nervous system development.

The good news is: if your child were to be born premature, they’d likely survive without much trauma as their lungs started producing “surfactant” last week, which means their tiny respiratory system is getting stronger with each passing day.

She's so sweet :)

Anyway. I will quit being weird with the eggplant (which I am not even all that crazy about)

and leave you with :

a.) I love being pregnant.

b.) This is the biggest miracle in my life to date.

c.) She's cute.

d.) I love her

e.) I'm letting it all hang out

The end.

Happy Monday!

We love Daddy, yes we do!

2011-05-12T07:41:00.000-05:00

Guess what yesterday was?

Crib day!

This box was intense. Full of stuff and more complicated

than the crib construction, I think.

He likes to work alone and I would rather eat

so this was the only picture I got during construction

DONE!

{check out big sister asleep underneath. So sweet!}

The room getting done is far more than a creative venture for me. It reminds me that this is real (as if the acrobatics in my belly weren't enough) and that reminds me how blessed I am.

Every time I got up to pee last night I peeked in there and it made me very happy.

♥ Thanks, Daddy! ♥

P.s. Check me out! 24 ½ weeks and still a girl.

Measuring perfectly!

Weekending 1-8 with a #75 on the side

2011-05-09T14:01:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we.....

1.) We registered for stuff for Baby Sweet Stuff

I love those registering guns!

John tried out our stroller by running it around the store a full lap and a half.

then he napped in our dream glider (it's only $359)

Then we finished the night with Thai food but I was too busy shoving my face

full of food to take pictures of that.

2.) We worked outside

my Dahlia bulbs are coming up nicely :)

and the new mulch definitely makes it look better in the flower beds!

3.)We went to a Luau at church for a volunteer appreciation dinner but I got sidetracked by the dinner and forgot to take a picture of our cute festive outfits. That happens a lot these days.

4.) John served me cinnamon rolls and {decaff} coffee in bed on Mother's Day but again, I was too busy slamming those down my throat to even think about photographing it. I was in ecstasy.

5.) We washed cars and I cut my finger on his muffler

he sort of overreacted and wrapped my finger like I had severed it completely.

He almost ripped his shirt off to use it as a tourniquet. One simple band-aid now suffices.

Dual Post ALert:

gift #75

{I'm very thankful that John is quick to help me and even "over-helps" me sometimes. That in and of itself is a tremendous treasure. He's my best team-mate. And he is pretty rad at being my perfect help-mate. I need LOTS of help}

6.) Sunday Drive

7.) Sunday Ride

I'm not going as fast as I used to due to a certain basketball shaped growth in my mid-section

and I might have to upgrade my seat to one of those double-wide deluxe gel filled seats.

I'm a little sore today in the butt region.

8.) A Sunday evening run to sonic to get me an ice-cream cone. Do I even need to explain why there isn't a picture??

******

That's it.

It was a great weekend.

We spent a lot of time together and worked on our home.

We make a good team and I love relaxed weekends with my love.

Happy Monday to you, hopefully you got lots of rest and sunshine this weekend

to carry you through your week!

She's a marvel

2011-05-04T14:43:00.001-05:00

I bought this today for my baby:

{It's from Erin Leigh on Etsy}

This is what I want her to know about herself.

She is a wonderfully made baby that already takes my breath away with her uniqueness.

I can't wait to meet her.

~Check out "Fresh Out" on Surrender Story !~

To get me going today

2011-05-02T13:46:00.000-05:00

If I had the energy today I would learn this and do it for my Monday Night Group.

But I don't. I'm sleepy.

But it definitely made my day seeing this on Ellen today.

I think Baby has been doing this in my belly though. I guess she has YouTube in there..

Enjoy :)