A Christmas Recap

Our Christmas was a sweet one.

The first as a family of four.

The first in our new house.

 

 

It didn't feel much like Christmas this season as we have been home bound since Emerson's birth trying to avoid germs and keep her healthy, but it finally felt like Christmas on Christmas Eve. 

Better late than never I suppose.

 

Daddy did most of the shopping, except for what I ordered online from some of my favorite handmade gals.  I did do a little Santa shopping when I'd run into Target for diapers or other necessities.

 

Christmas eve was spent at my Nana's.  A yearly tradition.

 

 

When we got home we made Reindeer Food and left it on the sidewalk so the Reindeer could find our house. 

This was a first for us, but I can see it becoming a tradition!

I love me some tradition.

Also, a first for this year, was Christmas PJ's for the kids.

It was fun to give Easton something Christmas Eve to snuggle up in.

I can't wait to do this each year for both of my babies.

 

 Every year we read The Night Before Christmas.

I get a little sentimental every year on this.

This is the same book my mom read to me for so many years.

 

 Our big event this year, was leaving Santa the ra-ra.

We had prepared Easton for this for about a month.

He was such a big boy about it.

After we put on pj's and sat out cookies for Santa, he took it and set it right on the plate.

He stood there looking at it for a moment, then walked a way.

You better believe the next morning that was the first thing he checked.

He stood there to see it was gone and the cookies had been eaten and he got a little sad.

He quickly perked up though. 

 

Christmas morning started early, just like every other morning.

After opening gifts at home, we made our rounds to our families houses.

It's always a full day!

I keep thinking we'll say 'come to us' each year, but each year, we continue to make the rounds.

 

 

 

Camo was the theme again this year.

Easton wanted anything and everything Duck Hunting related.

He's a big fan of anything daddy does.

Emerson was such a good baby all day long.

Sweet as sugar.

Sleeping through most of the fun.

 

Another Christmas has come and gone.

Typically I get a little weepy after Christmas, but this year I'm kinda glad to see it go.

I love the season, but this year just didn't feel like Christmas to me.

It's gotten so materialistic and it just doesn't sit right with me.

I want to go back to Jesus. 

I want to make sure Easton KNOWS that the reason for Christmas is Jesus.

We talked about the Nativity scene this year a lot.

But we also talked about the presents.

It's a hard thing to try to take the commercialism out of Christmas when it's always 'what do you want for Christmas?' from every direction

.

I think a happy medium is where we sit.

Focusing on Jesus.

Being together.

Gifts.

 

Having a child does bring so much magic to the home.

It's so rewarding to see their little faces light up.

I'm so thankful for this little family.
More than gifts, or tradition, or lights or baked goods.

The people are my favorite.

 

Merry Christmas Friends!

 

 

 

 

 

Brother meets Sister

 

This was the moment I was most anxious about for 9 months.

How would the little boy that had my 100% love & attention do with a baby in my arms?

My first born, having to share his mommy.

How would I leave him to go to the hospital?

How would he sleep without me and Lance?

Would he understand that she's ours forever?

Would he love her?

Would he still love me?

The list could go on.

 

But.

All those concerns and fears were erased the moment my little ham sammich walked in the door.

I was so anxious for him to get there Saturday morning.

I could hardly contain my excitement.

 

When he walked in and saw me holding her, he was a bit shy.

It took him some time to warm up to her, and even a bit to me, but within minutes, he was in love.

Just like the rest of us.

 

See???

This has been quite an adjustment for us all, but this boy has nothing but love for his little sister.

He's so gentle.  So tender.

Kisses her head and so kindly hugs her.

I couldn't be more proud of the way he's adjusted to her being in our little family.

I can't wait to watch him love and protect her as they get older.

And I can't wait to see how she'll look up to him and admire him.

She's got the big brother I always dreamed of as a little girl.

 

These two...my heart is SO full!

A Sweet Saturday::Birth Story Part 2 of 2

If you missed the first part of the Birth Story, start here. 

This could be lengthy.  I'm a big fan of details.  And I don't want to ever forget these.

So, where we left off...Friday after a full day of fun, the night began to wind down.

About 8:30pm I started feeling quite uncomfortable.  I really thought it was because I'd done so much through the day and I'd been folded over the sewing table for a few hours.  I sat down on the couch but couldn't quite get comfortable.  A trip to the bathroom would surely relieve some pressure.  No luck.

I came back upstairs after a few more painful episodes.  I decided to lay down on the couch in hopes that relaxing would help me to get comfortable.  No luck.

About 9:15 we decided it was time for Easton to go to bed.  We were having such a good time together upstairs the time had gotten away from us.  We all headed downstairs.  I tucked Easton in and laid down with him for a minute and said his prayers. 

The pain was not letting up.  Lance and I talked about it and he said he agreed that I'd probably just done too much.  He suggested a bath and then going to bed. 

I got in the bath and tried to relax but that wasn't happening.  I'd never experienced 'natural labor' before since I was induced with Easton so I wasn't sure if what I was feeling was the real deal or false labor.  I consulted Dr. Google who really was no help.  After I got out of the tub I decided to page my doctor and give him my symptoms.  An hour of pain, about 4-6 episodes total.  He suggested drinking 24 ounces of water as fast as I could to see if that would slow the pain, if it did, it was false labor.  If not, it's the real deal. 

I went to check on Easton, who was still awake at this point.  He wanted me to get back in the bed with him.  I just knew.  I had a gut feeling, this was it.  This was the last time that I'd get my big belly self up in his bed and lay with him.  As I laid there, my nose began to tingle and warm tears filled my eyes.  I stroked his sweet little head until he fell to sleep tucked right up next to me.  As I loved on him, the tears fell like rain drops.  Things were about to change.  Forever.  For the good.  But change.  Ready or not. 

Finally the pain was too much and too close to continue laying there quietly and still.  As to not wake him, I rolled out of his bed and made my way back to our room where I tried to convince Lance this was it.  He suggested the water, but I knew I'd throw up if I guzzled water like that. 

I text my mom, dad and best friend to let them know I was pretty sure I was in labor, and to be on-call.  Lance called his mom.  We decided she'd come to our house and sleep with Easton and bring him to the hospital in the morning. 

Lance went and got Easton up and laid him in our bed while I lay there contracting about 3-4 minutes apart.  Walking around seemed to provide some relief, so I paced the floor while we waited for my mother-in-law to arrive.  Once she arrived we woke Easton up to let him know what was going on.  This seemed like the best idea since we hadn't previously discussed a baby would be coming home with us in a few short days.  He seemed ok with everything.  He hugged and kissed us and we told him we'd see him tomorrow.

Looking back, I'm so thankful that it happened like this.  As I mentioned before, I was scheduled to be induced on December 2.  Had that really happened, I'm pretty sure I'd have been an emotional mess on Sunday before.  It would have been a hard week.  A 'this is our last Monday...this is our last dinner...this is our last...'  For me, I think it would have just been too much. 

My contractions were hard and strong about every 2 minutes.  As I stood on the step to get into Lance's truck a contraction came and I focused hard on the clock.  11:19pm.

The drive to the hospital is about 40-45 minutes.  I was certain we'd never make it.  I tried to keep my eyes closed because seeing each exit was torture.  I've driven that drive a million times in my 31 years.  I know about how many minutes it is from one exit to the next, certainly one exit to the destination.  As I'd peek through my clenched eyes from time to time I realized we were making pretty good progress.  I prayed the whole way.  Begging Jesus to ease the pain.  Let me make it.  Please don't let my water break.  Please let me be able to get an epidural. 

At one point Lance said 'this is like what you see in the movies!'  I assume he was talking about the hollering and mild acrobatics that were going on in the front passenger seat of his truck. 

Finally, we arrived at the exit.  We sat at the light, made a left turn and head about a mile more to the hospital.  He dropped me off at the door and I walked in to the kind lady at the L&D desk.  She asks me to fill out paperwork.  Ain't happ'nin lady!  Lance came to the rescue and signs the necessary paperwork.  She called for the nurse and they came and wheeled me back.  Upon entering the triage room, the nurse checked me and informed us that I was already dilated to 9cm. 

Can I get an epidural?  Please OH PLEASE God, can I please get an epidural.

I'd said since I found out I was pregnant with Emerson, I'd take the epidural upon arrival to the parking garage.  The contractions I'd felt when induced with Easton were plenty of feeling for me. 

They transferred me to another bed to wheel me in the delivery room.  The nurses in there confirmed that they'd get me an epidural just as fast as possible.  Finally the angel appeared with the needle and magic potion and somehow I was able to sit still for the insertion of the epidural.  They assured me the current contraction would be the last big one I'd feel.  They were right. 

My doctor made it and we did a few pushes.  He left the room for a bit and I pushed with Lance and the nurse for a little bit.  Finally, about 40 minutes later, at 1:27am, early Saturday morning, Emerson Sloan was born!

8 pounds, 11 ounces of pure sugar.

19 inches long.

 

And she's had us all around her little tiny finger ever since!

We are all smitten.  In love.

One of each. 

My boy that made me a momma.  This little girl, who is so precious and sweet.

Healthy & Beautiful.

Thank you Jesus for the blessing of these children.

It was a good Friday:: Birth Story Part 1 of 2

Little did I know this would be our last Friday, just the two of us. 

But now, sitting here, looking back, I wouldn't have done anything any different.  Except maybe sneak a nap in somewhere. 

So, for memory's sake...lets replay it.  Shall we?

Friday is donut day for the boys.  Since we've been staying home, Easton hasn't had Friday donuts, but this Friday, we decided to meet Daddy for some sugary goodness.

After donuts, we headed to pick up a Ruler I needed to ship.  We took the ruler to be shipped and then we went to Target. 

We had a nice leisurely stroll through Target.  We picked up a few necessities, Easton got a new Christmas cup with a crazy straw.  We bought 2 lunchables for our next adventure, The Movie's.

After Target we mosied on over to the theatre to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, 2.  We were late.  When I was packing our snacks into my purse, one of our lunchables was expired so we had to go back in Target and go all the way back to the grocery section to get a not expired lunchable. 

We bought our movie tickets.  We stopped at the concession stand before we headed to Theatre 6.  Medium Popcorn and Medium Dr. Pepper.  $12.

We were the only ones in the theatre.  He'd been with Lance to the movies before, so he knew what to expect.  He kept asking 'when are more people gonna come?'  "Are we the only ones in here?'  We ate our lunch and our popcorn and enjoyed the movie.  I'm thankful that the theatre was empty because that gave him freedom to roam and explore our aisle and the one below.  And talk.  Bless.  He hasn't mastered being quiet or whispering just yet. 

 

 

We made it through almost the entire movie and headed out to the lobby.  The games in the lobby might have been more fun for him than the movie.  We spotted a Photo Booth and had to get our picture made.  I'm glad I didn't say no. 

 

Me and My Boy.

 

After the movie, we headed home for naptime.  I was feeling extra ambitious, I suppose.  Typically, the past few weeks, at naptime, I head upstairs to the bonus room to rest myself.  However, this day, I started cleaning.  I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned.  Sweep.  Vacuum.  Mop.  Bathrooms.  Laundry.  Kitchen.  Dishes.  Pick up.  It was spick and span. 

 

Christmas Music on Pandora, Stovetop Potpourri, Easton napping, clean house.  I sat on the couch for a bit and waited for time for Easton to get up. I posted this pic on IG, wondering if maybe, just maybe, this would be the last time I cleaned before Emerson made her arrival. 

 

A friend stopped by to pick up 2 stockings I made.  We visited for a bit and she headed home. 

 

Lance got home and we all headed upstairs.  The boys watched tv and played and I worked on a burp cloth, taggy blanket order for mom.  I started cutting some felt for a felted garland I was going to make but the pain was overpowering my need to craft.

 

It was a perfect Friday indeed.  I don't know anything I would have done any differently.  Had we known what was coming later that night, I'd wish for Lance to have been with us all day.  But it was just me and my boy.  A sweet day, just the two of us. 

 

Our last Friday together, just me and him. 

 

 

 



 

DIY:: Twig & Pine Cone Garland

 

In searching for ways to fall-ify & Christmas-y our home on a budget, I turned to Pinterest. 

Where else.

I found this garland and this one and thought I'd give it a try.

We had collected pine cones at the in-laws house last week and we have sticks-a-plenty in the back yard so I thought this would be a fabulous idea!

 

What you'll need for this project:

 

Sticks

Pine Cones

Twine or String

 

Gather your supplies

 

Break all of your sticks into similar lengths

Cut 2 pieces of twine DOUBLE OR MORE the length that you actually need

(if you need longer length, make 2 separate garlands and tie them together or else you'll have a mess of twine while trying to knot)

Find the center of the twine and tie a double knot

Then add a stick to the twine & double knot again.

Continue this pattern- stick- double knot- stick- double knot.

I used 7 sticks then I'd add in a pine cone.

Continue to the end of your twine, then work down the other side of the twine.

 

This took about 2 hours to complete, but it's quite therapeutic.

 

I love how this looks over my kitchen window and may very well leave it up forever!

 

I plan on making a few more for our mantle, to string with big vintage bulb Christmas lights.

 

What do you think? Do you like decorating with nature or do you prefer store bought?

This year I'm really loving nature- can't beat free!

 

Happy knotting!

 

PS- finger nail polish remover is great for sap removal as well...the beautiful white tips on the pine cones is sap.  It's sticky, beware.

 

 

 

 

She's got a birth-day:: 38 Weeks

 

We met with Dr. B yesterday.

Our induction is scheduled for Dec 2 at 1am.

He assures me she won't come at 1am and that our family will be able to make it for her arrival.

I'm praying he's right!

 

Lance was able to go with me to this appointment.

We discussed the plan.

How things would play out.

I got a little weepy- this is getting real now.

We're 2 weeks away from meeting our daughter.  A girl.  Our Daughter.

We are going to be responsible for 2 little souls.

Leading.  Guiding.  Teaching.

It's a big responsibility.  An honor.

 

So, countdown has begun.

We're going to make the most of these next 2 weeks.

Doing all the fun things we can for Easton since we'll be home-bound for a little bit in the beginning.

 

Life's about to change.  Big time.

I'm both excited and anxious!

 

 

Stovetop Potpourri

Ok! So this is SO SIMPLE, yet smells so DELISH!

My friend Bridget posted my recipe on her blog and I was reminded I'd never posted it here.

I posted this pic on IG last week.

I'm sure you've seen in on Pinterest in some form or fashion, but this is my favorite combo!

 

In a small pot on your stove, add the above ingredients in about half a pot of water and bring to a boil.

You can either turn it down and let simmer or you can turn it off till it cools.

It will keep smelling as long as it's warm.

We have a gas range so I turn mine off and on, but you could keep it on low if your heart desires.
I kept it on low at our old house.

This last me 2-3 days at least, depending on how much I heat it.

 

But, YUMMY!  It smells up the kitchen and living room!

 

I added a dash of vanilla last night but I couldn't really smell it. 

I'd say vanilla beans would yield more smell.

I've also added apple and lemon.

Both are yummy!

 

What are your favorite scents to burn in the Fall? 

After all that I've done for you...

Saturday was a fabulous day.  A particularly long day, but it was pleasant and enjoyable nonetheless. 

Lance left the house at 5:20am to go to Knoxville to the Tennessee game.  Easton was up at his normal DST hour of 6:30am.  DST is for the birds.  FOR.  THE.  BIRDS.  6:30am is far to early when you don't have to go to 'work' and school.  Anyways.  Easton was up early.  I did somehow manage to get him to lay in the bed with me until 8.  We got up, had some breakfast- 'what's those color tangs again mommy?'  Fruit Loops...for him.  Green Smoothie for me. 

My mom came over.  We took some maternity pictures, then we headed out to the Mall.  We pushed it through nap time.  Easton was a dream.  He'd walk some, then ride some.  Walk, then ride.  Listening to what we said, cooperating like a champ.  We had some lunch, rode the carousel, got Gigi's cupcakes, kept on shopping.  A full day indeed.  But fun! 

I thought surely he'd fall asleep on the way home, but he didn't.  By the time we got home it was 4:00 and far too late for a nap, but gracious, we were tired and Lance was still not home, nor on the way.  Van trouble in Knoxville.  So, we hunkered down in the bonus room for Toy Story and I did a little sewing while he watched the movie and played. 

Easton said he was getting a little bit hungry and that he wanted oatmeal.  Easy enough.  I went down and fixed him blueberry oatmeal with a side of banana.  He ate and continued playing.

He wanted to play 'hockey' and dump all the balls out of this basket.  I reminded him he didn't put them up the night before but then he said 'I promise I'll put all of them up'.  I told him he could dump them out as long as he'd put them up.  Sweet little thing climbed up on the couch and gave me a hug and said 'I promise'.  'You're my sweet baby' I said, as he got down off the couch.  He looked at me and said:

I jus been growin up. So I can't be your baby anymore. I'll get little again one day.

I gave him a sad face and he went on about his playing.  He really is no longer a baby.  But it seems like just yesterday when I was sitting on this very couch in this very same large state longing for his arrival.  We played baseball a few minutes and hockey a few more. 

But then the mood changed.  The back talking started.  The attitude.  The nap that was missed was rearing its ugly head now. 

Calmly, I told him we were going to get things cleaned up and take a bath then come back up and lay on the couch together.  Oh, the whining that ensued after this.  He didn't want to clean up.  He wanted to play balls.  There were too many to pick up.  He didn't want to put the cushions back on the couch.  On and on and on and on. 

A little too much attitude and I sent him to the corner.  Where he protested.  Loudly.  And very unkindly.  I kept my cool, although I was burning on the inside.  After all I'd done for him today, lunch out, cupcakes, carousel ride, skipping nap, some really cool bear house shoes, etc.  He got louder and louder.  More defiant with each second.  I started raising my voice.  "After all I've done for you, and this is how you act..." I began to try to reason with him.   

But I'd had it.  I spanked him and raised my voice.  I don't spank.  I don't think it's the answer.  I was never spanked as a child.  Probably needed it but never was.  Talking was always the discipline in my house.  Sometimes I think I'd rather have been spanked.  But Saturday, I spanked.  I needed him to know I meant business.  I'd tried the calm approach.  I'd tried ignoring him.  Nothing was working.  Spanking was the next route.  The one I rarely ever take. 

I cleaned up all the balls while he kept crying, acting ugly.  I put the couch cushions all back on the couches.  I picked up the baseball bats and the hockey stick.  We proceeded to the bath room, where we would NOT be playing, but taking a bath then getting in the bed.  At 7pm. 

I.  WAS.  DONE.

As the bath went on he said 'mommy, I'm done being ugly.  I'm sorry for being ugly upstairs.'  And the waterworks started.  I got him out of the tub, dried him off and explained to him that he hurt my heart and I did not like getting on to him.  He apologized again for his actions.  He hugged me and said he was sorry.  I told him I was sorry too.   I cried a little more.  He hugged me again. 

We made up and I let him come back upstairs to rest on the couch until bedtime.  10 minutes later, he was sound asleep.  I started recounting the nights events.  My heart was hurting for spanking him.  I was praying I wouldn't go into labor and have this be the kind of memory I'd have of 'the night I went into labor'.  And the words I'd said to him were ringing back in my head...

'after all I've done for you...' 

How many times does Jesus feel that way about me and my ungrateful attitude?  Rather- how many times can He feel that way, yet doesn't.  Simply opens His arms and says easy does it sister, you've got all you need.  And more.

This stay at home mom thing is awesome.  Wonderful!  But it's really an adjustment for me.  It's hard for me to be home all the time.  It's hard to know how to fill 8-10 hours a day, productively and fun.  I'm trying to be very conscious of what I spend and what I do because we are now a one-income family.  There's not a lot to do in the fall & winter that's free or cheap.  Not to mention, I'm VERY pregnant and low on energy.  And that's when Satan creeps in and steals the joy that I've been given.  This joy to be home with Easton, and soon, Emerson.  He puts me on the pitty party train and I ride it a long way.  Yet.  This is something I've prayed for.  Longed for.  Hoped for.  To be home. 

And that's when it hit's me. 

He's given me so much in this gift of being home.  Yet, like a 3 year old I get in the corner and kick and scream and lay down and cry because I don't get to go to Joann's or Hobby Lobby every time I want and buy something else to craft.  Or because I can't go to Target or the Mall and get new clothes.  Or go out to eat dinner every time I don't feel like cooking.  Those things are limited now.  Those things are bonus now, instead of the norm.  BUT.  On the flip side, I'M HOME WITH MY CHILD!  How extremely selfish of me!

This is an adjustment period for us all.  But I pray that each time I start acting like a 3 year old, even though most of my battle is done internally, never seen by anyone, that I remember the blessing that I have been given.  All the other is just stuff.  And I pray that I can say 'I'm sorry' as easy as my child does when I do act like a 3 year old, and that I trust and believe that I am forgiven and can climb up in my Heavenly Father's lap just as Easton climbs up in mine. 

Emerson's Nursery: Peach & Gold

When we found out we were having a girl, I immediately started thinking about nursery.

I didn't want too much pink.

I wanted soft and sweet.

I pinned a lot of stuff here.

I think we accomplished just that.

 

Take a look and see what you think!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources for décor:

Mirror: purchased gold from Southern Honey, painted Minnie Pearl.

Buffet used for dresser: Cuz's Antiques in Lebanon, since closed down.

Lamp: Target

Booties: Calikatrina

Vase & Sticks: from my house/yard, spray painted gold

Tie on Vase: Came with the curtains

Mobile: Handmade by me.  Super easy!

Grey blanket: TJ Maxx

Changing Table Baskets: Three French Hens

Curtains: Urban Outfitters

Gold Deer Head: Z Gallerie

Book Shelves: Made by Hubby, repainted white.

Doll Bed: Handmade by my grandfather, linens by my great-grandmother

Painted in Southern Honey Paint, color Minnie Pearl

Pennant Banner: Etsy store, AFeteBeckons

Dress Form: Birthday gift from my Mother In Law

Gold E: Joann craft store, cardboard & spray painted

Afghan & Hat: Handmade by me.

Bed & Changing Table: Easton's- repainted in Southern Honey Paint, color Stella

Everything gold was spray-painted Krylon Metallic Gold

Bedding not yet in.  White Dust Ruffle & Fitted Sheets from Target

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Whispering Peach

 

 

Simple & Sweet.

Peach & Gold.

My new favorite colors!

 

So, what do you think??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall isn't complete without a photo shoot

The leaves are absolutely beautiful right now! 

We had a big storm and they are drying up but there are a few spots that are absolutely amazing with color. 

Orange and gold and red so deep and beautiful that it takes your breath away. 

It's part of our daily drive to notice them. 

I love that Easton see's beauty in nature now too. 

He'll say 'momma!  look at those leaves how beautiful!' 

Oh, how I treasure this time with him!

Knowing that I am the one that's teaching him about seeing beauty in nature, it's priceless.

 

This weekend I was able to get some pictures of him.

In this season of life.  Not only Fall, but this season as an only child for just a few more weeks.

Three year olds are hard to photograph.

But, here he is.

The apple of my eye.

This.  Is.  Easton.

EXACTLY.

Full of life and personality and spunk.

I love this child.

And this pretty well sums up his reaction when I tell him I'd like to take some pictures of him.

I get my big girl camera out and you'd think I was coming after him with a cattle prod.

 

He better get used to it.

He's too dang cute, and this time is SO precious to me.

Halloween & The Pumpkin Patch

Halloween this year was sort of a flop.  Thankfully we did make it to Trunk-or-Treat or else it would have been really lame.  It should never rain when you're supposed to Trick-or-Treat.  But such, is life. 

Easton decided to be a Duck Hunter again this year.  We went back and forth between that and a Tennessee Football Player.  Duck Hunter was fine by me as we already have the necessities.  And adding a little more camo to the closet is better than wasting money on a costume he'll wear once. 

So, duck hunter it was.  He looks ready to get some ducks to me!

 

 

We also made a visit to the pumpkin patch.

The pumpkins were a bit picked over but we got 3 small pumpkins that look pretty cute on our side porch steps.  I think last year I remember thinking we needed to go earlier...maybe next year.

 

 

 

I hope you all have enjoyed your October!