tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81719335509669880552024-03-19T02:47:04.561-07:00After "I Do"A blog for any bride for figuring out life after the honeymoon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17920480368963311361noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171933550966988055.post-13817911468047134052013-05-17T12:03:00.000-07:002013-05-17T12:03:31.233-07:00Welcome, Zia!Hey, everyone!<br />
<br />
I'm sorry for slacking off during my last weeks of pregnancy, but things got pretty crazy! On top of being hugely pregnant, I was also in the middle of finishing the last semester of my associates degree (with honors) and working part time. Needless to say, it has been busy! On to more exciting things...<br />
<br />
Zia is finally here! She was born on April 11, 2013 at 10:31 am. She is absolutely beautiful, and I'm smitten! Austin and I are co-authoring a blog for her, and I have two posts there about her birth story and first month.Click <a href="http://ziamariespringer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to read all about it (and see lots of pictures!) I'm not going to post the whole thing on this blog too, but I will post a some of my favorite pictures.<br />
<br />
Welcome, Zia! We love you so much!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0votKRsprdIISNaGyaIymj6uB9hMj_ZYrwLdOP9ozTnIxhg_Jhg6_QS5VlJqfjyaI5DOk0sUBcXXwEpF45to3d5n19Xff4OJFvqQDI21lByuhIcJ5TnqVRXv2FMKGdyvQ4EnRHw3SgGr/s1600/IMG_20130411_113624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0votKRsprdIISNaGyaIymj6uB9hMj_ZYrwLdOP9ozTnIxhg_Jhg6_QS5VlJqfjyaI5DOk0sUBcXXwEpF45to3d5n19Xff4OJFvqQDI21lByuhIcJ5TnqVRXv2FMKGdyvQ4EnRHw3SgGr/s320/IMG_20130411_113624.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuYjsOk15-csnV0g4dBctkAk_Td_B6k44Ne5jamEhNiW-gMWVDPNFyLaa1BSHlzwH3AVl7pvvh0c8XSWQ_M0v0nx58ZYeoaJJbhmdAqCh3en3vamBw3nc61aMhpJCnBlkoR29weMwUUOz/s1600/IMG_20130411_115758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuYjsOk15-csnV0g4dBctkAk_Td_B6k44Ne5jamEhNiW-gMWVDPNFyLaa1BSHlzwH3AVl7pvvh0c8XSWQ_M0v0nx58ZYeoaJJbhmdAqCh3en3vamBw3nc61aMhpJCnBlkoR29weMwUUOz/s320/IMG_20130411_115758.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Cy4hOAiap8couLO0YC6yUwIHcqmGalcml2hkzBMDifsWRwqAjE1U2sLpSmaDpIx9obdKUA-6SWassGWgGv3hvL3l9GAGbqBO1DQUg3fR-SlJX_XlBmhYbZnteuTc7d4RkYrEEACp-tY9/s1600/IMG_20130411_115818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Cy4hOAiap8couLO0YC6yUwIHcqmGalcml2hkzBMDifsWRwqAjE1U2sLpSmaDpIx9obdKUA-6SWassGWgGv3hvL3l9GAGbqBO1DQUg3fR-SlJX_XlBmhYbZnteuTc7d4RkYrEEACp-tY9/s320/IMG_20130411_115818.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFrL4XID6tbsiLz4b2KLNsHGZBwUzSIIaUwO4eU-RQc7cxKta5QDMeELoPR_y8tPNTmAgJG_nse3QvpTSSmyPBmTvaMzs2_DiJBDp6LFgQP5eBPBR50b38rKuAT7AkRi4yAJ1VjyzqH0W/s1600/IMAG0085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFrL4XID6tbsiLz4b2KLNsHGZBwUzSIIaUwO4eU-RQc7cxKta5QDMeELoPR_y8tPNTmAgJG_nse3QvpTSSmyPBmTvaMzs2_DiJBDp6LFgQP5eBPBR50b38rKuAT7AkRi4yAJ1VjyzqH0W/s320/IMAG0085.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxukm6teJvWRpuSSXz9wiEhbu0JEwq467B-JqAeGzpCQVEIqWIsK8SRZFmDu06gceY36zmfVeNb3IFHKQF55fB_zVCHU5LOKDuSb7Vw_h3qBW_5If8dz3f_hmvJUmzm3WMgcLp0zVjOn-/s1600/IMAG0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxukm6teJvWRpuSSXz9wiEhbu0JEwq467B-JqAeGzpCQVEIqWIsK8SRZFmDu06gceY36zmfVeNb3IFHKQF55fB_zVCHU5LOKDuSb7Vw_h3qBW_5If8dz3f_hmvJUmzm3WMgcLp0zVjOn-/s320/IMAG0107.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32PDT4ct8BPlNexFe7UEJLBhMPgpHodIyiBoB2PH2VFErmkZv3cfs8LTcoMIGHpYNJg_0qr-qAERojRno8YJcg4E6fesd9RUAb33eDvx3M5oZKbWHvTtl5WR30aIH_1m_OeoKMiD2kayX/s1600/IMAG0108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32PDT4ct8BPlNexFe7UEJLBhMPgpHodIyiBoB2PH2VFErmkZv3cfs8LTcoMIGHpYNJg_0qr-qAERojRno8YJcg4E6fesd9RUAb33eDvx3M5oZKbWHvTtl5WR30aIH_1m_OeoKMiD2kayX/s320/IMAG0108.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-QfkSGxyO98CiQLLRY-C6DhQ5fnQA1-0RGvBt1lVfvONnumVwj58BOuetVpW1mIE099WuOvRUh8oWN6s9OlqGeUx7JHfJjF3v-n_1rInL9cwgMTbjjhnPG7ylgO4CunDWh84RExDVi1I/s1600/IMAG0145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-QfkSGxyO98CiQLLRY-C6DhQ5fnQA1-0RGvBt1lVfvONnumVwj58BOuetVpW1mIE099WuOvRUh8oWN6s9OlqGeUx7JHfJjF3v-n_1rInL9cwgMTbjjhnPG7ylgO4CunDWh84RExDVi1I/s320/IMAG0145.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbubLpXDL6xu3F1hdUeDjM1hgoaWrQG4j9I3lZuulWGljNqSUbNN0bHJv3i0ZlnMUXaeqyteBMtBPGvEUHd66WdbyimeCAK-m2bZwVa3tnJa0HODdy2gx39yT1WTLZ68Q2VHka7A5fZczF/s1600/IMAG0163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbubLpXDL6xu3F1hdUeDjM1hgoaWrQG4j9I3lZuulWGljNqSUbNN0bHJv3i0ZlnMUXaeqyteBMtBPGvEUHd66WdbyimeCAK-m2bZwVa3tnJa0HODdy2gx39yT1WTLZ68Q2VHka7A5fZczF/s320/IMAG0163.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfxqnPbOEc60CR7ficPO_QxTbqP3pmzpbG1Kym5ruOCdB1v71QSdw3-kIbl0pj5kqLuGzp5fGJM8yPAsyjyqMTlXhGlewHLyp9mVxnzbJcVYtBUSCEaTEAdHFUARCfXLYwVmEZhrUqD3w/s1600/IMAG0174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfxqnPbOEc60CR7ficPO_QxTbqP3pmzpbG1Kym5ruOCdB1v71QSdw3-kIbl0pj5kqLuGzp5fGJM8yPAsyjyqMTlXhGlewHLyp9mVxnzbJcVYtBUSCEaTEAdHFUARCfXLYwVmEZhrUqD3w/s320/IMAG0174.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I actually made this little gown for her out of one of Austin's shirts that had a stain.<br /> See the tutorial <a href="http://thismamamakesstuff.com/tutorial-rockin-baby-gown-t-shirt-refashion/" target="_blank">HERE</a>, on the blog This Mama Makes Stuff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUC-liO3gNR-vJ_ZD3fTg6liDQVfSF1KGL-YuhkewCFfz1XqDHZaIWFJ7kxNV5DBy-em01K87w7TnkE68FVfGW79d6VuYwnmfrr1MTVehQIXG8xmBCQEg8bgn4clmVFs8qxInFMjnnANQJ/s1600/IMAG0283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUC-liO3gNR-vJ_ZD3fTg6liDQVfSF1KGL-YuhkewCFfz1XqDHZaIWFJ7kxNV5DBy-em01K87w7TnkE68FVfGW79d6VuYwnmfrr1MTVehQIXG8xmBCQEg8bgn4clmVFs8qxInFMjnnANQJ/s320/IMAG0283.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWudhOHyJnmTmThyphenhyphenXzLLaCuCC9gEyt01emnDO3yxRYiNl8rtc5vyASgOSNJ7J8LqPdWxisgNmm3bHyGJPINIcgVMFGzHDPDAUsfu3b1zGS_w6SVT4tVASPY12ROP-cv3mwf0nm0F2v3ZDD/s1600/IMAG0285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWudhOHyJnmTmThyphenhyphenXzLLaCuCC9gEyt01emnDO3yxRYiNl8rtc5vyASgOSNJ7J8LqPdWxisgNmm3bHyGJPINIcgVMFGzHDPDAUsfu3b1zGS_w6SVT4tVASPY12ROP-cv3mwf0nm0F2v3ZDD/s320/IMAG0285.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLuM7V77uljedvqGLv7OU9I9aUwRkJCm0IiUdzxWw3MX_YW-fH9pl0F_OoG1cFX8mvZKiiRFMXmiWYLAxfHG_q3-Jz3WSu8qkq_1yrouCIfhA-fn_5LTK9b-SE2CRx96eueK1Lxd6W2nf/s1600/IMAG0287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLuM7V77uljedvqGLv7OU9I9aUwRkJCm0IiUdzxWw3MX_YW-fH9pl0F_OoG1cFX8mvZKiiRFMXmiWYLAxfHG_q3-Jz3WSu8qkq_1yrouCIfhA-fn_5LTK9b-SE2CRx96eueK1Lxd6W2nf/s320/IMAG0287.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGI-6VfLi-UZq0M7oj4OUh2DkPKD6sfpKN_CRrJFiff2OPVBdYtb1JsO4Yop8doCdwRvZEeDGlSdqtJktrAVm6TwSVnaAcTU-FsluJzkMviPN7nY2wGWizMlwhV4BEEuy9ua05H2TEU6SS/s1600/IMAG0289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGI-6VfLi-UZq0M7oj4OUh2DkPKD6sfpKN_CRrJFiff2OPVBdYtb1JsO4Yop8doCdwRvZEeDGlSdqtJktrAVm6TwSVnaAcTU-FsluJzkMviPN7nY2wGWizMlwhV4BEEuy9ua05H2TEU6SS/s320/IMAG0289.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIy6iUyH7qe_tZt4RDpe9T0EWvlRs9kgABzZGQfWG4gd_uLh3lanocNn8dpXRoZ6w-KRX4ITJ2fBczjjNpF6hrjZM5PrqryhUdv-MO9qjXt9J4XHGwmbwpivEf2NOhDbGGFGWoFj6x_w7l/s1600/IMAG0290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIy6iUyH7qe_tZt4RDpe9T0EWvlRs9kgABzZGQfWG4gd_uLh3lanocNn8dpXRoZ6w-KRX4ITJ2fBczjjNpF6hrjZM5PrqryhUdv-MO9qjXt9J4XHGwmbwpivEf2NOhDbGGFGWoFj6x_w7l/s320/IMAG0290.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ked7I5LkTxaN11ipivcuYzZ9fc4E9nufQyJACAD6jLQn6fHyOZSNCq-RHc_pZvLY3nxX6k2Gtd01kkfT1UOcFtVQfADIGdv_qL1fQUqhLL_x4ndEo92plhNxWrGS581yX-uN387OdBr9/s1600/IMAG0291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ked7I5LkTxaN11ipivcuYzZ9fc4E9nufQyJACAD6jLQn6fHyOZSNCq-RHc_pZvLY3nxX6k2Gtd01kkfT1UOcFtVQfADIGdv_qL1fQUqhLL_x4ndEo92plhNxWrGS581yX-uN387OdBr9/s320/IMAG0291.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEg7QIBn2vV7kYEs-IQkxwC7Q6Qb9PvanByhV0uBo94H4B2SejAUaesOEm-Thb28DE4C53545hkyYLc2q9jQKwnNg6VxENkC6yiX4YYGZbvXW5dsk0C0dpOA5cUaJFILUkKI6f8W06nOt/s1600/IMAG0295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEg7QIBn2vV7kYEs-IQkxwC7Q6Qb9PvanByhV0uBo94H4B2SejAUaesOEm-Thb28DE4C53545hkyYLc2q9jQKwnNg6VxENkC6yiX4YYGZbvXW5dsk0C0dpOA5cUaJFILUkKI6f8W06nOt/s320/IMAG0295.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNUtczcbh_II_-_1MJAZEMXQYng427sK8oSS7Ziaa973A0slMgi8QlO55DQjSceK2WGbSB5psgVv0eJoNN0yamgMeeFPTYt4YZZ5Go23PhOM3Kez0AubSK_QpiXVbdjD9I0T-X0i6Ilbt/s1600/IMAG0323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNUtczcbh_II_-_1MJAZEMXQYng427sK8oSS7Ziaa973A0slMgi8QlO55DQjSceK2WGbSB5psgVv0eJoNN0yamgMeeFPTYt4YZZ5Go23PhOM3Kez0AubSK_QpiXVbdjD9I0T-X0i6Ilbt/s320/IMAG0323.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS3DzDanYmgjB1o0eucvDsXBFcbOTUezFXa9oGySwvCSRyFpFd_zVI1Ko5O7XJdBH8wbq3ebvwec-lgB5a6cq9YfAKAWX10dg7LGZrBYgOtWzwg8c-hURTmc0xcH1dpAOAbm2-ETpfAD9/s1600/IMAG0318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS3DzDanYmgjB1o0eucvDsXBFcbOTUezFXa9oGySwvCSRyFpFd_zVI1Ko5O7XJdBH8wbq3ebvwec-lgB5a6cq9YfAKAWX10dg7LGZrBYgOtWzwg8c-hURTmc0xcH1dpAOAbm2-ETpfAD9/s320/IMAG0318.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLN7DRUIPRCBsRp0Kcix_ScohX0hYFzjym2nYwzSrYd9yKceGW2sDMxlNigkvQEiUBCLPofYTznQmbLwpbk3Qrv7IN5iZtqAS0Ih4Lgm9TpCGm6d8Neng7WbxRH1HBPH_jm9NVIGPwDjD/s1600/IMAG0363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLN7DRUIPRCBsRp0Kcix_ScohX0hYFzjym2nYwzSrYd9yKceGW2sDMxlNigkvQEiUBCLPofYTznQmbLwpbk3Qrv7IN5iZtqAS0Ih4Lgm9TpCGm6d8Neng7WbxRH1HBPH_jm9NVIGPwDjD/s320/IMAG0363.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBApPnGP7q6QOXFyCcajoFGGVI9IJV8j0u9kQ4JPWszEsx764teYoNvQfVKssC9Oa6Im4k7sOCJorY9tWIXgXY0-oFGbhKPtFgTW28qik0Nhw56wZ__0VGfm-VE6Yx1J-G0KkTAL0rJzV/s1600/IMAG0371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBApPnGP7q6QOXFyCcajoFGGVI9IJV8j0u9kQ4JPWszEsx764teYoNvQfVKssC9Oa6Im4k7sOCJorY9tWIXgXY0-oFGbhKPtFgTW28qik0Nhw56wZ__0VGfm-VE6Yx1J-G0KkTAL0rJzV/s320/IMAG0371.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifL5artE1QQeKSRsCRxiNXN6kBLn1LD8hGFpqdTHidZxUjELKx501IpSh7E_unZkwOQSJHseE0FzPHQ2TRdYajbFwufSmo4O9ErhoxU6gDjjXHeHzeOheM8bBGr5bQsp7cb8mp5HVEXCns/s1600/IMAG0376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifL5artE1QQeKSRsCRxiNXN6kBLn1LD8hGFpqdTHidZxUjELKx501IpSh7E_unZkwOQSJHseE0FzPHQ2TRdYajbFwufSmo4O9ErhoxU6gDjjXHeHzeOheM8bBGr5bQsp7cb8mp5HVEXCns/s320/IMAG0376.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfc4euSQ-gG61LPwcNjfZ_7lrRAdB8apUbTGxh9areGmq-Cd2zYz7pZBfopfQeI-dtHms9aKm50-IeoPJzjA5Ucd_eKc5FYKDjXEPrHLO9FNKG2kQfEXDdgbTkSPKY2kU2CHnuuaCae6Y/s1600/IMAG0383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfc4euSQ-gG61LPwcNjfZ_7lrRAdB8apUbTGxh9areGmq-Cd2zYz7pZBfopfQeI-dtHms9aKm50-IeoPJzjA5Ucd_eKc5FYKDjXEPrHLO9FNKG2kQfEXDdgbTkSPKY2kU2CHnuuaCae6Y/s320/IMAG0383.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmOecqELO6MvurecE7eue0-mkIGit9wACTB4FnTIENTBoUsNiJnEZCfvMKw0mOfO29m6iKE94ZpAVj2NPeGgkIznwT8njb1nA_8fU0sUaNQlVsI8XcN06bUowJXDLRq_OPT7a20a7_PZ2/s1600/IMAG0380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmOecqELO6MvurecE7eue0-mkIGit9wACTB4FnTIENTBoUsNiJnEZCfvMKw0mOfO29m6iKE94ZpAVj2NPeGgkIznwT8njb1nA_8fU0sUaNQlVsI8XcN06bUowJXDLRq_OPT7a20a7_PZ2/s320/IMAG0380.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aWeB6xkDF9L6rR6SCorFe9e9q_smLdbTEMFJlrF9c9fis8likJt8GpxQ_H-YenpufNIQBhFN7p4QoeUX3PxcVIGaxzuWUQEHccjvlbC3z3EGjRCP3eEWCVEhxtj4OLV5l3pMiKMch2UQ/s1600/IMAG0385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aWeB6xkDF9L6rR6SCorFe9e9q_smLdbTEMFJlrF9c9fis8likJt8GpxQ_H-YenpufNIQBhFN7p4QoeUX3PxcVIGaxzuWUQEHccjvlbC3z3EGjRCP3eEWCVEhxtj4OLV5l3pMiKMch2UQ/s320/IMAG0385.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhtfwgCmt4K5aU15ewY6eBBBNiTdsKlpU04EP9iRjH-ULCaJl4jaT0MGo23D0NsykzSdhrtdR5GpziGx0c8ehsmIIdaAxGnX75f4ZsViPLk-tF4_Y21LxyuFAqknZhiC_1y9IGQ6U0C05/s1600/IMAG0386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhtfwgCmt4K5aU15ewY6eBBBNiTdsKlpU04EP9iRjH-ULCaJl4jaT0MGo23D0NsykzSdhrtdR5GpziGx0c8ehsmIIdaAxGnX75f4ZsViPLk-tF4_Y21LxyuFAqknZhiC_1y9IGQ6U0C05/s320/IMAG0386.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuvzrcHfiSi0Iu9ARbHCO2sggnwXqFcfEwLIyun7BSQ-9E7J_uMvb0Ey6GC9CUQ64hPfgF8vIo7Jzfwt870KY_3tFPz1HByXdYxgISqOUcaZgQ9DsqhL92r0rSxcSuNAIWvdpfRvXX1na/s1600/IMAG0390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuvzrcHfiSi0Iu9ARbHCO2sggnwXqFcfEwLIyun7BSQ-9E7J_uMvb0Ey6GC9CUQ64hPfgF8vIo7Jzfwt870KY_3tFPz1HByXdYxgISqOUcaZgQ9DsqhL92r0rSxcSuNAIWvdpfRvXX1na/s320/IMAG0390.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNLgtUuXT3Dn_tp-6HhPcU1XxDqdF6AdIBpXnCP5daCHGQR0-_mFIoYBYOcJT4lWlR-XNTeoZceDJ736ThSwlogz0u0lWf3tBnt6ZGBhApV8mfgfV_N_gmSpMZ3lK5ycCuxT6tiSMTGHo/s1600/IMAG0392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNLgtUuXT3Dn_tp-6HhPcU1XxDqdF6AdIBpXnCP5daCHGQR0-_mFIoYBYOcJT4lWlR-XNTeoZceDJ736ThSwlogz0u0lWf3tBnt6ZGBhApV8mfgfV_N_gmSpMZ3lK5ycCuxT6tiSMTGHo/s320/IMAG0392.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoIYjrZst2HaidhrHd6UjZwofxwfws1301OKKMaEVZPxEf06BB-wv9-QeyiC8m7uTQpuw96fLWsJFIPDpVcH664sJHsyBzfdzQII_CVwO2gqCSKNeTBWMl9VOcQII8kTdO_uX9BiraoWa/s1600/IMAG0408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoIYjrZst2HaidhrHd6UjZwofxwfws1301OKKMaEVZPxEf06BB-wv9-QeyiC8m7uTQpuw96fLWsJFIPDpVcH664sJHsyBzfdzQII_CVwO2gqCSKNeTBWMl9VOcQII8kTdO_uX9BiraoWa/s320/IMAG0408.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCQJnROwGFLN3WlvwuqCs0MeY3o-mwOvlozwis059qPZ67z66lpwNnSR2l58EB6vGkKuu5IvEqiexS_o2PYcBRLk2JiveANVKH6wcL7O_mbYpjgZLQc81Udv0tEO_jGJzm2BeRDAyw3ET/s1600/IMAG0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCQJnROwGFLN3WlvwuqCs0MeY3o-mwOvlozwis059qPZ67z66lpwNnSR2l58EB6vGkKuu5IvEqiexS_o2PYcBRLk2JiveANVKH6wcL7O_mbYpjgZLQc81Udv0tEO_jGJzm2BeRDAyw3ET/s320/IMAG0419.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphGyoCH6Z91pAGzBUM2yZ6WLZXeh-MUscARoTkVvUxwVAlpKii7vSdhOp6TAUBwooeuW_To9AsDNi_2cKydD_AErSvchxnmFXKhswZA4k80eaCkw0ftKsGHZxFYe8wX628cQLFkyL9-IV/s1600/IMAG0421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphGyoCH6Z91pAGzBUM2yZ6WLZXeh-MUscARoTkVvUxwVAlpKii7vSdhOp6TAUBwooeuW_To9AsDNi_2cKydD_AErSvchxnmFXKhswZA4k80eaCkw0ftKsGHZxFYe8wX628cQLFkyL9-IV/s320/IMAG0421.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_yKblJl2sWq4ZfQ5mZYqaGWuzn4bPxkLQ_fC6bKhmR00ZP8oSIoZMc8y47bP3ZOkT3owDYigTSWZr9HPhMq-XJ_1QvgY1b-WARa9mOV1L6mOXfOEGQ-c6VbUDMmorQ8hfwatZDKjKj46/s1600/IMAG0442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_yKblJl2sWq4ZfQ5mZYqaGWuzn4bPxkLQ_fC6bKhmR00ZP8oSIoZMc8y47bP3ZOkT3owDYigTSWZr9HPhMq-XJ_1QvgY1b-WARa9mOV1L6mOXfOEGQ-c6VbUDMmorQ8hfwatZDKjKj46/s320/IMAG0442.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_DA-PuTZp6j-QKdhMnLbjLaHKQwjG8CU13o7CsJU_vNF5e-xF2p5pnkB-zzTKZwyifbuwAOCcjyyx5pI69r-_ti1b1RfegrAaklwGWyKmYX80NCbLhJaqnRwRt_yRVG2KVU-HWnBOXph/s1600/IMAG0441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_DA-PuTZp6j-QKdhMnLbjLaHKQwjG8CU13o7CsJU_vNF5e-xF2p5pnkB-zzTKZwyifbuwAOCcjyyx5pI69r-_ti1b1RfegrAaklwGWyKmYX80NCbLhJaqnRwRt_yRVG2KVU-HWnBOXph/s320/IMAG0441.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqHNQUXsVQUTFTce9ZlQwOXAncQr4KJVcFR0JwmpYV0GpeMedpJjzT0dSE4jUd73yHVHv3PpCNcYxp6nz5Gjk0y8SwZUs_NXJT9Jq3SnAUwEY4y1zEGN-FagCzXXH3JorfLgFsm1Ss3Xv/s1600/IMAG0445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqHNQUXsVQUTFTce9ZlQwOXAncQr4KJVcFR0JwmpYV0GpeMedpJjzT0dSE4jUd73yHVHv3PpCNcYxp6nz5Gjk0y8SwZUs_NXJT9Jq3SnAUwEY4y1zEGN-FagCzXXH3JorfLgFsm1Ss3Xv/s320/IMAG0445.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjch2TlhvQUk2UG8m8zBfq0nDMPzbQPPpwF7uD8nIZY-GqEDfwr3_W_a1ZQ6OYB28lhoY8nMat1Y_rxg8ODUY4Emz1vCnpelhJuvUFhgeChTarUg4l8_KzVhDC7NOxglx1u_6mb6_rZQO/s1600/IMAG0446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjch2TlhvQUk2UG8m8zBfq0nDMPzbQPPpwF7uD8nIZY-GqEDfwr3_W_a1ZQ6OYB28lhoY8nMat1Y_rxg8ODUY4Emz1vCnpelhJuvUFhgeChTarUg4l8_KzVhDC7NOxglx1u_6mb6_rZQO/s320/IMAG0446.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xx9p8zVcsvbRL3bZuFUUc2EINQUcuAPf2x2D8J2biXr0a8GQMrMP_TehaC-jSxwfe6J7fm_abCiYziLDJsaszBkjhAzbb3Yk6ov1LL5bzgz9r_UPA-Sejd4f0T3qv9cDyag4MWbH8-7e/s1600/IMAG0448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xx9p8zVcsvbRL3bZuFUUc2EINQUcuAPf2x2D8J2biXr0a8GQMrMP_TehaC-jSxwfe6J7fm_abCiYziLDJsaszBkjhAzbb3Yk6ov1LL5bzgz9r_UPA-Sejd4f0T3qv9cDyag4MWbH8-7e/s320/IMAG0448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRPGJ-0u18gJLFYlvAj7w2LRTO1YA_1Dnj06eLs2-8lAq7QAdLsO5RIeuxy6yPKGL9nFmRUSdCv_PzrtxQ06tedf3IykjYkwad4CZ7ltZoh6IU_6CmZbeC847yKZuGaS7TVywIXrYTxvO/s1600/IMAG0451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRPGJ-0u18gJLFYlvAj7w2LRTO1YA_1Dnj06eLs2-8lAq7QAdLsO5RIeuxy6yPKGL9nFmRUSdCv_PzrtxQ06tedf3IykjYkwad4CZ7ltZoh6IU_6CmZbeC847yKZuGaS7TVywIXrYTxvO/s320/IMAG0451.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Z5VymXB1HZIWoXEDAFRgun7Yo5xDXGhvxwKWRIxylgXsdF9uJVJK1qWcT6RLWDV8-ex34kt2cdXBxxacw7qYaXI4o0R4ooMeuZIztLqfTClEJvdLdpe-5Q_NE1crhK4P26-gGqOHzJWf/s1600/IMAG0455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Z5VymXB1HZIWoXEDAFRgun7Yo5xDXGhvxwKWRIxylgXsdF9uJVJK1qWcT6RLWDV8-ex34kt2cdXBxxacw7qYaXI4o0R4ooMeuZIztLqfTClEJvdLdpe-5Q_NE1crhK4P26-gGqOHzJWf/s320/IMAG0455.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks for stopping by! I have lots of projects to share once I have a little more time!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17920480368963311361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171933550966988055.post-84502882703294703062013-02-10T22:49:00.002-08:002013-02-10T22:49:25.918-08:0030 Weeks!Hello, friends!<br />
<br />
Life has been keeping this little pregnant mamma busy! I have been feeling really good, though, so I'm not complaining! :)<br />
<br />
Baby update! We went in for our 28 week appointment a couple weeks back and everything looked right on schedule. I also got a blood draw for my glucose test and to check my iron levels this past week, so we should be hearing back about that soon. (I definitely have my fingers crossed that we are both healthy as can be!)<br />
<br />
Austin, myself, and the whole rest of the family already call her by one name, so I might as well make it blog official--we are naming our little girl Zia Marie Springer. People have had mixed feelings about the name, but we love it, and we feel like it perfectly suits her. And that's really what matters. About nine weeks left before we meet our little one! I can't believe how fast time is going!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>How far along:</b> 30 weeks 5 days<br />
<b>Size of baby: </b>A head of cabbage...not quite sure how this works, since four weeks ago we were at a head of lettuce. This one also made me laugh, because I have always had a bit of an intolerance for cabbage! Pregnancy has made me despise it even more. But I am glad my little girl is currently the size of one of them, nonetheless. :)<br />
<b>Total weight gain/loss:</b> The power was actually out at our last appointment, and we don't have a scale, so I haven't been able to weigh. Last I remember weighing, I had finally broken even, meaning back to pre-pregnancy weight! I know I must be gaining at least some weight now, because I can definitely see my tummy growing! Little Zia is getting so big!<br />
<b>Stretch marks:</b> No new ones<br />
<b>Maternity clothes:</b> Yes! Only one pair of pre-pregnancy jeans is still in rotation. A few of my looser shirts are still working for me, but I definitely am using maternity clothes on a daily basis.<br />
<b>Baby-related purchases: </b>Over the past few weeks, I have switched from a sewing obsession to a crocheting obsession. This means some yarn purchases! Other than that, I have been pretty good. I did buy a nice little rocking chair/glider at the D.I. a few weeks back, and I'm very excited about that. Everyone has been so generous that we really don't need much!<br />
<b>Movement: </b>Always! They say babies slow down during the last trimester because their space is becoming more cramped as they grow. This doesn't seem to hold our little one back! She just makes room by pushing my organs and other body parts out of the way. With her little feet under my ribs, she can just push and push until I make her more comfortable. My belly shifts and bounces and jumps all day long with her exercises. I love it. :) I will have to post a video sometime if I think to record it one of these days.<br />
<b>Sleep: </b>Getting worse. I get overheated and just plain uncomfortable a lot more easily than I used to. I've also been wearing out more easily the last little while, and sometimes I feel like it's the first trimester all over again tiredness wise.<br />
<b>Belly button in or out: </b>Out and stretched very tight!<br />
<b>What I miss: </b>This week, I'm definitely missing the pre-pregnancy brain! I have done some ridiculous things, including grabbing my headphones instead of keys (they were in the same pocked of my bag, in my defense) before heading out and locking myself out of the house. I got in okay, but I was so embarrassed! One of my co-workers is convinced taking more fish oil helps. I should probably get on that!<br />
<b>Cravings:</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>I still feel like I haven't had any big cravings, but I was <i>really </i>wanting some pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting yesterday. I had some self control and didn't make any, but the craving didn't go away. I made a big pan earlier and thoroughly enjoyed a large slice. :)<br />
<b>Symptoms: </b>Back aches, out of breath after next to no exertion, heartburn, pregnancy brain, meat aversion, nesting, and sometimes a little bit cranky. But for the most part it's still pretty good. I'm glad that I won't have to keep working too much longer, though, because it's getting harder to be on my feet all day long.<br />
<b>Worries: </b>The reality that we are about to be parents is finally starting to hit me. The three families in the apartments surrounding ours all have babies, and getting to know them better and see them grow has made me both excited and nervous for our own little lady. I am a bit nervous about finishing school before she gets here, but I hear that first babies typically come late, if anything. Hopefully I can finish up everything early so that I won't have to worry about taking finals while I'm in labor! ;)<br />
<b>What I look forward to: </b>Baby showers! We set dates for both of them this week, and they are going to be near the end of March. I'll be about ready to pop! I can't wait to see all the cute things friends and family will have whipped up for Zia!<br />
<b>Celebrations: </b>We made it safely to the third trimester! Every week means that Zia could survive (with special care) if she were to come early. That comforts my worry wart side. On a less pregnancy-related level, Valentine's Day is this week! Austin and I went on a late babymoon and early Valentine's getaway this last weekend. It was so much fun! I didn't realize how much I would enjoy being able to get away and just hang out for a little while. I highly recommend it.<br />
<br />
Update on the nursery: Everything is coming together! The bedding arrived safely and is all washed and ready to be assembled! I am waiting to put it all on until I have a water-proof mattress cover. I hear they are kind of important when babies are new and spitting up, peeing, and pooping constantly. The set is even cuter in person, and we are definitely pleased with our selection. :)<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading guys! Stay tuned for more updates!<br />
<br />
-Malia<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17920480368963311361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171933550966988055.post-28455021988165426212013-01-11T23:08:00.001-08:002013-01-11T23:08:15.904-08:0026 WeeksHey, friends!<br />
<br />
Week 26 for our little one was also the first week back to school for Austin and me. I'm taking more credits than usual (gotta finish the associates before baby comes), but it looks like it's going to be a really good semester. If all goes well, I will even have the honors program stamp on my associates diploma. Whoo!<br />
<br />
I don't have much else to report this week, so I'll just skip to an update on our little girl!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>How far along:</b> 26 weeks 3 days<br />
<b>Size of baby: </b>head of lettuce<br />
<b>Total weight gain/loss:</b> I haven't weighed since last week, but I'm probably about the same.<br />
<b>Stretch marks:</b> no new ones<br />
<b>Maternity clothes:</b> Yes!<br />
<b>Baby-related purchases: </b>Austin and I made a deal that I could order the bedding for the nursery as soon as the second bedroom was clean enough to start adding things. After lots of cleaning, de-junking, and organizing, I am proud to say that it looks the best it ever has! And it's about ready to become our little girl's room. That makes me happy enough, but I am even more excited to announce that we finally ordered bedding! I can't wait for it to get here! Austin doesn't quite understand my excitement over these fussy details, but he puts up with my pregnancy obsessions. :)<br />
<b>Movement: </b>Has a baby ever moved so much? I don't think I mentioned this last week, so I'll say it now. When we went in for our appointment last week, the midwife asked if I feel the baby move around every once in a while now. I kind of thought she was kidding for a minute, because she moves around so much! I told her that she is VERY active. They say every baby is totally unique, with their very own personality, and I know she is already very much her own person. She gets the hiccups fairly regularly now, which is adorable. You can see my belly move around with her, too. She's bouncing around like crazy as I write this, which is making Daddy laugh. :) We already love her so much.<br />
<b>Sleep: </b>A little better this week, but I haven't able to get as much because of school. I think being a little more tired has helped me to sleep better, though.<br />
<b>Belly button in or out: </b>Still out. Especially when I cough!<br />
<b>What I miss: </b>I'm mostly just excited right now. :) I do feel bad when I never want to eat Austin's yummy meat creations, though. Meat has continued to be kind of gross to me unless it's well disguised. I hope I like it again after our baby is here! I feel bad that he always just cooks his dishes for one!<br />
<b>Cravings:</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>Fruit! I downed some blueberries and grapes earlier. Yum! One of my friends growing up has the same due date as I do, and she said she has been craving fruit too! Funny, huh?<br />
<b>Symptoms: </b>Harder to breathe, a little uncomfortable (not much room in there these days), baby movements visible from the outside, rapidly growing belly (everyone at work reminds me daily that I'm definitely getting bigger!), mood swings, pregnancy brain (bad these days), tired, and nesting! I love it! I think I'm gonna miss at least this stage of being pregnant.<br />
<b>Worries: </b>Getting everything done in time! Austin and I are opposites on this one. He thinks we're worrying about things way earlier than we need to, and I feel like we have too much to get done to put it off another minute! I'm also a little worried about the glucose test I have in a little while. I've heard it's NASTY. I'll survive.<br />
<b>What I look forward to: </b>Getting the nursery bedding! Our crib won't be naked anymore. My birthday is also next week, so that's kind of exciting!<br />
<b>Celebrations: </b>Buying the crib bedding (can you tell I'm excited about it?) and school starting! One more semester until I meet this little person!<br />
<br />
Now that I've proven that I'm very excited about this bedding, here is a picture. :) It's the Carter's Elephant Patches crib bedding set. We ordered the comforter, bumper, blanket, diaper hanger, sheet, dust ruffle, and the cute little green elephant stuffed animal below. Can't wait to post pictures of how it all looks in the nursery!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.babysupermall.com/main/products/car/carc613bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.babysupermall.com/main/products/car/carc613bed.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="156" src="http://ai.pricegrabber.com/pi/93/56/76/935676068_640.jpg" width="200" /></div>
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17920480368963311361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171933550966988055.post-84859094899509318952013-01-05T12:32:00.002-08:002013-01-05T12:32:08.287-08:0025 Weeks--And Happy New Year!Hello, everybody!<br />
<br />
Since my last post:<br />
<br />
The hubs and I finished up the fall semester, we had Baby Girl's 20 week ultrasound, Christmas, a trip to St. George with my side of the family, and New Year's! Those are the big things, anyway. :)<br />
<br />
The 20 week ultrasound went perfectly. Our little girl was exactly where she should be, growth wise. She was absolutely perfect, which put a lot of my worries to rest. She is definitely still a girl, and we have come up with a name that we feel pretty sure about. :) It's not really a secret, so maybe I'll post about it soon.<br />
<br />
Christmas was wonderful! We got to take some time off work to make sure we could spend time with all of our families. My mom confessed that it's a lot more fun to buy presents for the baby than for us. That made me smile. I think it's more fun to buy things for her, too!<br />
<br />
The day after Christmas, my parents and siblings drove down to pick us up and we all headed out for a getaway to St. George! It was snowing like crazy when we left, so it took quite a bit longer than usual to get all the way down there. We did see a pretty awesome sunset through the snow, though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiajQ0tSev5TYHvYF2o_lpX32PoYHD_cadPU2U-xl9PXrN6iK2VHxb8rNJwszPVZ6HQbG_tf2XXddTTJg10EO74BrxSd9eXKLqs2KL75nr2Ba7uCjnRM8e77KsEp0MML3DvYcQrd6rDxt/s1600/IMAG0329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiajQ0tSev5TYHvYF2o_lpX32PoYHD_cadPU2U-xl9PXrN6iK2VHxb8rNJwszPVZ6HQbG_tf2XXddTTJg10EO74BrxSd9eXKLqs2KL75nr2Ba7uCjnRM8e77KsEp0MML3DvYcQrd6rDxt/s320/IMAG0329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGc45xIbgb2qPm67maqnAzcUBNNXdyZcYRAhjsxQoxor_X2CjHYQ_iTSHKFF7j9AZR57Hu6YD6BWSRAfkO_vjiRfFDAwpPTTQxjLY0MlgyAjQZHwRehMqt_umIMocEj62XIyvj-5gsy45/s1600/FB_IMG_13565667736152894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGc45xIbgb2qPm67maqnAzcUBNNXdyZcYRAhjsxQoxor_X2CjHYQ_iTSHKFF7j9AZR57Hu6YD6BWSRAfkO_vjiRfFDAwpPTTQxjLY0MlgyAjQZHwRehMqt_umIMocEj62XIyvj-5gsy45/s320/FB_IMG_13565667736152894.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJa7PlSlHkqNCu2pBi9f2fb0J9T61kcXCjq5i48-QYUobEXnAp0Pek5HIfNkh8yWqI9QrWnv6JbMuTvlmMoQfseKwgc4meZB7MOQBKvLUWXvD8whyZPywXxF-vdSzspyjKKzpLWNdlBcp/s1600/IMAG0331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJa7PlSlHkqNCu2pBi9f2fb0J9T61kcXCjq5i48-QYUobEXnAp0Pek5HIfNkh8yWqI9QrWnv6JbMuTvlmMoQfseKwgc4meZB7MOQBKvLUWXvD8whyZPywXxF-vdSzspyjKKzpLWNdlBcp/s320/IMAG0331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We had such a good time! One of our first outings was to go visit some really neat Anasazi "cave" art. I put it in quotes because there weren't any caves to talk about. There was some pretty cool art, though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirN2JcUni9HWraxHqs0MDntjsW8oms6g95p1JQLLLcJ-FhNVPdgYehaIQWBp7O-J-mFYOAP4YXfZiXneyy038YB3S4EsGavJ2ydLw8TMAPZBnPEsyJ3_Zz4uq0dqgr9rLHgkQwuLq9n2v/s1600/IMAG0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirN2JcUni9HWraxHqs0MDntjsW8oms6g95p1JQLLLcJ-FhNVPdgYehaIQWBp7O-J-mFYOAP4YXfZiXneyy038YB3S4EsGavJ2ydLw8TMAPZBnPEsyJ3_Zz4uq0dqgr9rLHgkQwuLq9n2v/s320/IMAG0335.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-WrWPJjC62WplY6pnT1jbCUwTSVxaKrblltAboyygoi1hTS_5vJ8v86Kzp0TEmnRgjwgstgoRxzl8UqWNC4BXZCn_lFJFAuJs_nIjRIctdbxbmusJ6x6UmOXNsjWha7NSREt4meovuxN/s1600/IMAG0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-WrWPJjC62WplY6pnT1jbCUwTSVxaKrblltAboyygoi1hTS_5vJ8v86Kzp0TEmnRgjwgstgoRxzl8UqWNC4BXZCn_lFJFAuJs_nIjRIctdbxbmusJ6x6UmOXNsjWha7NSREt4meovuxN/s320/IMAG0336.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMU63vx1kDhp-abrXwRi8jmkIiyMygx_A5LAVFX-7KgBZN9a3H6ec0BD3zakD3ppk3zEc_9dddgAm8Lrf3Gkeo2ZjBr_jSbHFPu36e7JHCebt9feoGTTb-AoMtPvxdfI7hJ2z2mVhDMC5/s1600/IMAG0337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMU63vx1kDhp-abrXwRi8jmkIiyMygx_A5LAVFX-7KgBZN9a3H6ec0BD3zakD3ppk3zEc_9dddgAm8Lrf3Gkeo2ZjBr_jSbHFPu36e7JHCebt9feoGTTb-AoMtPvxdfI7hJ2z2mVhDMC5/s320/IMAG0337.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVxSelcCKpYkiBhZc7ali77u6h8R8-4asE7skmB3ZmFbNWYnjWr5fQcKZTqZAI8WYHq4tZlLHRJqXinN60q_wAR5g_wivWL59e_8DvOcjmDBw6Tg3uj35nIIqcX6B-c4ZPByEJecKqLhM/s1600/IMAG0333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVxSelcCKpYkiBhZc7ali77u6h8R8-4asE7skmB3ZmFbNWYnjWr5fQcKZTqZAI8WYHq4tZlLHRJqXinN60q_wAR5g_wivWL59e_8DvOcjmDBw6Tg3uj35nIIqcX6B-c4ZPByEJecKqLhM/s320/IMAG0333.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptZMsHhxNKwERcWwbvV5f-UiSx31TyXYtTIQqFP2755PZzX57fMLVb3xFFxzOVZOO3pmp7zn-Zc0vq5rmAWt3FpB26rf0_KiMo3OU06pppWwn1J0ulFyTUTdK2JeJAaz4-zlRzbF-s7Ah/s1600/IMAG0338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptZMsHhxNKwERcWwbvV5f-UiSx31TyXYtTIQqFP2755PZzX57fMLVb3xFFxzOVZOO3pmp7zn-Zc0vq5rmAWt3FpB26rf0_KiMo3OU06pppWwn1J0ulFyTUTdK2JeJAaz4-zlRzbF-s7Ah/s320/IMAG0338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Originally we planned to go up to the Grand Canyon, but it turns out that the North Rim is actually closed during the winter. After driving two hours and finding <i>that</i> out, we took some time to go down to the Vermilion Cliffs. It wasn't quite as cool as going to see the Grand Canyon, but we still enjoyed it. The cliffs and the huge bridges that go between them were pretty impressive. Here are some pictures!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXk721hrTm8MJzJiIhv03KXw2nTOg0yZ8xsAdgzPYVcZh0VLNmCsDzEWwUwvu5whBmrLA-rtfkZ3vN3QncmUvoUF8gGOQ3uy_Wccr1zxcu8DfZnqHlfdqkqUlYLi2Ws3YqNZNunTfdxZi/s1600/IMAG0341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXk721hrTm8MJzJiIhv03KXw2nTOg0yZ8xsAdgzPYVcZh0VLNmCsDzEWwUwvu5whBmrLA-rtfkZ3vN3QncmUvoUF8gGOQ3uy_Wccr1zxcu8DfZnqHlfdqkqUlYLi2Ws3YqNZNunTfdxZi/s320/IMAG0341.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaW5UGOK3bND9VgNNYfrXbf-BXGE8on1G8bzMJkCo6fcOiy1WX1-9cCxOUTb-yL46x_eaEI3V2yxOc5o_4ZaPMqqzMnvb6x6p2JxlABlU3OQYP03KffS1WU7AY-jsy9x_CN9rLQqJ70pzk/s1600/IMAG0342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaW5UGOK3bND9VgNNYfrXbf-BXGE8on1G8bzMJkCo6fcOiy1WX1-9cCxOUTb-yL46x_eaEI3V2yxOc5o_4ZaPMqqzMnvb6x6p2JxlABlU3OQYP03KffS1WU7AY-jsy9x_CN9rLQqJ70pzk/s320/IMAG0342.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We also took our first family trip to Zion's, which was absolutely gorgeous!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAMfFGwEBdiowzw-_i429xl9t8U24F9TqcdcBfwiPq3_C3rU3NsuxJeuiDDEoqHaBYElgh4vEzs-BFKPDgKeq3h3uDB5iAWkmY6jdNtV2T8DORZ7cM5wjPkDFidJ0EOMI575cMH79broN/s1600/IMAG0348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAMfFGwEBdiowzw-_i429xl9t8U24F9TqcdcBfwiPq3_C3rU3NsuxJeuiDDEoqHaBYElgh4vEzs-BFKPDgKeq3h3uDB5iAWkmY6jdNtV2T8DORZ7cM5wjPkDFidJ0EOMI575cMH79broN/s320/IMAG0348.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBdERFitGjwPPzkFnRKSUPjcNy4Qa0iYtRVu3rc90pcVu4K6rreLe4Ce8FHPwbkD6kyWV5xf65GvINl1XEcDD_IxY69PIECspAVvC01OcB6V2Rb3_V-XIua5jmj0HxvuB_UNQF2pCBIho/s1600/IMAG0353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBdERFitGjwPPzkFnRKSUPjcNy4Qa0iYtRVu3rc90pcVu4K6rreLe4Ce8FHPwbkD6kyWV5xf65GvINl1XEcDD_IxY69PIECspAVvC01OcB6V2Rb3_V-XIua5jmj0HxvuB_UNQF2pCBIho/s320/IMAG0353.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpSPg67-k5MyoCRaa9Wkiv2Y68O8qlisEfdbMW5-Dy3D6FJ58L8L3sDA3lr86vzx5SPcENiWzTkUqgyVC8XEK9h-ccjnV7oukj_8ZyYJzvpU3FNTQaNJjC6hyphenhyphenKUXiNttKZCQqicFzP6eA/s1600/IMAG0354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpSPg67-k5MyoCRaa9Wkiv2Y68O8qlisEfdbMW5-Dy3D6FJ58L8L3sDA3lr86vzx5SPcENiWzTkUqgyVC8XEK9h-ccjnV7oukj_8ZyYJzvpU3FNTQaNJjC6hyphenhyphenKUXiNttKZCQqicFzP6eA/s320/IMAG0354.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuSm1pFspcygEW47qaeaWBvjYSLUbR-uTc7P8k2bdk3U8w9vpey5z1fpP9UqaV44vCkGMA3R_RHKHS45gFW5Nj3BWgWyf-Mc4qj7dKhrEL0TNvKUrexGUJtT24S93G2Jnmqh-aWB017HI/s1600/IMAG0351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuSm1pFspcygEW47qaeaWBvjYSLUbR-uTc7P8k2bdk3U8w9vpey5z1fpP9UqaV44vCkGMA3R_RHKHS45gFW5Nj3BWgWyf-Mc4qj7dKhrEL0TNvKUrexGUJtT24S93G2Jnmqh-aWB017HI/s320/IMAG0351.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They all kind of look the same now that I'm posting them. I guess it was just too beautiful to capture on camera. :) Other than our outdoor adventures, we spent some time hanging out around the condo, went to the St. George temple and tabernacle, and went swimming in the condo's indoor pool. Over all, it was a wonderful vacation! We got home earlier this week, and we've just been trying to get our apartment back to pre-holiday shape! School starts Monday!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>How far along:</b> 25 weeks 4 days<br />
<b>Size of baby: </b>Rutabaga (13 1/2 inches from head to toe!)<br />
<b>Total weight gain/loss:</b> I'm only down two pounds from pre-pregnancy weight! I'm getting there!<br />
<b>Stretch marks:</b> A few have popped up.<br />
<b>Maternity clothes:</b> Yes, sir! They are MUCH more comfortable, and they make my bump look cute instead of hiding it! Kid to Kid is my new-found favorite for maternity clothes. I got a lot of good stuff from the "good" brands for cheap! That equals happy me!<br />
<b>Baby-related purchases: </b>To be honest, we're trying to stay away from buying too much before my baby shower. After that, we might go a little more crazy. So far I'm doing my best to be content with just putting stuff for Baby Girl on the registry for her shower. :) She did get a lot for Christmas last week, though!<br />
<b>Gender: </b>Girl!<br />
<b>Movement: </b>All the time! I still tease Austin that she's going to be silly like him. :) She moves enough that he and other family members have been able to feel her bonk around a little bit. We love it!<br />
<b>Sleep: </b>Not so good. The heater is on almost constantly, which has really dried out my nose. I wake up a lot from not being able to breathe through my nose and having a cottony dry mouth. Yuck. I am still having tons of weird dreams, which doesn't help. Austin's gotten to the point where he can tell I'm having one and wake me up so I can get back to restful sleep. I also tend to wake up on my back a lot, which always worries me.<br />
<b>Belly button in or out: </b>The top half is out . It is one funny looking thing. It sticks out all the time, and you can even notice it through looser outfits.<br />
<b>What I miss: </b>Sleeping like a log, the big appetite I had for a while there, and the fall weather. I'm feeling the cold a little more than usual, maybe because of those pounds I lost.<br />
<b>Cravings:</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>I'm not sure I've had any worth talking about. The holidays have turned me into one big sweet tooth (just like my hubby), so I've been splurging in that department a lot more than usual. Ranch is still a favorite, and I just <i>had</i> to have Pizza Hut the other day. It was probably the most delicious food I've ever eaten.<br />
<b>Symptoms: </b>Back pain. Lately I've started to get these little charlie horses in the middle of my back. Ouch! Other than that, I make frequent bathroom trips, and I really look pregnant! My coworkers are all getting lots of enjoyment out of telling me that I finally look pregnant. I have had a little bit of what reminds me of morning sickness over the last little while, combined with lack of appetite. It's much milder than before, though.<br />
<b>Worries: </b>Along with my lack of appetite and very slow weight gain, I have been concerned that the baby isn't getting all the nutrients she needs. I'm working on that all the time. Since our house is currently packed with baby things from friends and family, I'm also a little nervous about finding room for everything!<br />
<b>What I look forward to: </b>Baby shower! Austin's surrogate mom talked to me this week about hosting one for me sometime next month. I can't believe how soon our little girl is coming! I'm also really excited to finish up with work and school so I can just be home with our little one. Just a couple more months!<br />
<b>Celebrations: </b>This is probably kind of silly, but we were really happy when we made it to 24 weeks. I had read that babies can survive outside the womb (with lots of help) after that point, so it was a really exciting milestone for us. She's really going to come and be ours! Since the 24 week mark was on Christmas, it was kind of a double celebration. :) What better day to celebrate that we're getting the best and biggest gift of our lives?<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
Malia<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17920480368963311361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171933550966988055.post-58288639895153563652012-11-25T17:36:00.000-08:002012-11-25T17:36:59.548-08:00Almost halfway!Hey, friends!<br />
<br />
This pregnancy is absolutely flying by, and I am sorry that I haven't had more time to talk about that and the other adventures that have come along with getting ready to be parents, full-time school, and part-time work! My natural love for crafts of all sorts has come back with a vengeance! I borrowed my mom's sewing machine earlier in the pregnancy, but my little sis borrowed it back to sew a quilt for our little one. It's darling, and I'll have to post a picture of it later. I didn't think to take a picture of it when I saw it at my parents' house over Thanksgiving. My mom decided to buy a new machine on Black Friday, so that means she is gifting her old one to me! I'm soooo thankful! I can't wait to go crazy on all these projects I have folded up, just waiting to be sewn!<br />
<br />
Baby Update:<br />
<br />
I'm 19 weeks and 5 days today, and we have known the gender of Baby Springer for almost five weeks! I meant to blog about it, but these pregnancy hormones keep getting the best of me. Work and school take it out of me, so I'm lucky to get a post in every few weeks. We announced the gender of our little one with a picture via Facebook, so I may as well do the same here. :) Introducing, Little Girl Springer! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4Z5GPi1RNA/UIqiI-EZpuI/AAAAAAAAAUg/nt0vJY0SMIc/s1600/IMAG0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4Z5GPi1RNA/UIqiI-EZpuI/AAAAAAAAAUg/nt0vJY0SMIc/s320/IMAG0308.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
We are absolutely thrilled. We thought it might be a boy because of some of my pregnancy symptoms (and just a gut feeling), but we could not have been more excited to learn that our first child is going to be a daughter. The only downside is that we hadn't thought of any girl names yet! So we got busy on that right away, but we're still working on it. I'm so indecisive that we might end up waiting until we see her to finally decide. Then again, I'm pretty anxious to pick a name for her. We'll see what happens. We've been throwing a few different names around, but any ideas are welcome. :) Austin jokes that we're just going to name her Little Girl. I might call her that until we decide on a name. :)<br />
<br />
Halloween came just after we found out what we were having, so I wanted to make sure our little girl got to dress up too! I saw this idea used lots of times on Pinterest, so I decided to use it for myself. I used freezer paper and white paint, and they turned out really cute!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_YmwJI72wVWtDPx68Z8eg815yac5lbsL-w6gG3G2z-TM0Vdtpq4YY3vZdiV-9uRxGYlev3qb5OTq63T-hS5-_yrMKWOtUlps_qxbqCKhPt3jEtTthpvjo4Lm1wFkPhtT2Xg1BNaWGJzq/s1600/IMAG0311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_YmwJI72wVWtDPx68Z8eg815yac5lbsL-w6gG3G2z-TM0Vdtpq4YY3vZdiV-9uRxGYlev3qb5OTq63T-hS5-_yrMKWOtUlps_qxbqCKhPt3jEtTthpvjo4Lm1wFkPhtT2Xg1BNaWGJzq/s320/IMAG0311.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I added a pink bow to the baby's skeleton after I took this picture. Here is the finished product on us. Everyone loved them!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm8ztWOj-DDFcVwAsu62ppjtfUWBS0DDYTTw_HXFOwdJ4kjKAurHL4LudCH2AeEM52iZA2FjSZsMMYrHn0ulQJbQsETZbP0_5YJBS-8giVvgZjrl_GsbhyxLnBKNvJuFXrFAFr7p2qh9k/s1600/Halloween+Costumes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm8ztWOj-DDFcVwAsu62ppjtfUWBS0DDYTTw_HXFOwdJ4kjKAurHL4LudCH2AeEM52iZA2FjSZsMMYrHn0ulQJbQsETZbP0_5YJBS-8giVvgZjrl_GsbhyxLnBKNvJuFXrFAFr7p2qh9k/s320/Halloween+Costumes.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
We took family pictures with my parents and siblings that same day, which was lots of fun. :)<br />
<br />
I think I'm mostly caught up, so now on to one thing I've been dying to add to the blog: a weekly pregnancy update! I'm not saying I'll be able to do it every week, but the ones I've seen on other blogs keep everybody updated on the ups and downs and are so much fun. So I'm trying it out. The list I'm using is very similar to the one I found on <a href="http://v-double-u.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">V. Dub im Haus</a>. It's an excellent blog with lots of fun pregnancy stuff (among other things).<br />
<br />
<b>How far along:</b> 19 weeks 5 days<br />
<b>Size of baby:</b> Mango<br />
<b>Total weight gain/loss:</b> I haven't weighed in a little while, but last I checked I had lost ten pounds since I started out. My belly has grown quite a bit in the last little while, so I'm hoping I'm finally putting on a little weight. Morning sickness was pretty hard on me!<br />
<b>Stretch marks:</b> None yet.<br />
<b>Maternity clothes:</b> You all saw the DIY maternity jeans I made a month or so ago. Those have been my only maternity clothes in rotation until the last week. On Black Friday, I bought 3 pairs of maternity jeans and a few maternity shirts. The next day, one of the ladies in my parents' neighborhood offered me some of her old maternity stuff. Jackpot! My belly is still small, but everything is getting too short or too tight, so I'm grateful for all my new maternity things!<br />
<b>Baby-related purchases: </b>I bought one tiny newborn outfit for baby on Black Friday, and I also bought two bolts of girly fabric at Joann's. It was way too cheap to pass up! We were also lucky enough to have another family from my parents' neighborhood hand-me-down a whole bunch of baby stuff to us. We went from having just a few baby things to owning a gorgeous cherry wood crib, boxes of baby clothes, tons of blankets, bottles, newborn pacifiers, and lots of other baby doodads. I can't describe how grateful we are for that family's generosity! Going through the clothes made me realize just how tiny she is going to be! I could not get enough of the little "Justborn" sized onesies. I am absolutely in love with them.<br />
<b>Gender: </b>Girl!<br />
<b>Movement: </b>She kicks around a lot! I started thinking I might be feeling her around 15 or 16 weeks, but I wasn't really sure until a couple weeks later. I definitely feel her quite a bit now! She kicks against waistbands that are too tight, does flips, and exhibits all kinds of acrobatics in there. She's still tiny, but I feel like she already has a personality, and I think she is going to be silly like her daddy.<br />
<b>Sleep: </b>Weird. I fall asleep at the drop of a hat, but it's not always very restful sleep. I take naps when I can snag them, which ends up being a lot less often than I'd like. Other than that, I fall asleep pretty early at night. My dreams have been strange and very vivid since I got pregnant, but they say that's pretty normal. I always have to pee right when I get up, too, but I'm just grateful I haven't had to wake up to use the restroom very much yet!<br />
<b>Belly button in or out: </b>Kind of out! It can't seem to make up its mind, but it has been flopping back and forth for a while now. It's about half and half right now, with the top half sticking out.<br />
<b>What I miss: </b>Having lots of energy! The pregnancy fatigue is hard to deal with sometimes. I also miss being able to eat a whole serving of food without feeling like a stuffed pig. My few months of acne-free skin are another thing I miss, but at least this time I have a good excuse for the breakouts. :) Honestly, though, I'm feeling pretty good about things right now. The second trimester is a nice little reprieve from a lot of the yuckiest symptoms of pregnancy.<br />
<b>Cravings: </b>I haven't craved anything weird to date, but I have had LOTS of cravings for Italian anything and Ranch. My side of the family loves Italian, so maybe she'll take after my side.<br />
<b>Symptoms: </b>Morning sickness very rarely now, thank goodness. Symptoms lately have been along the lines of headaches, fatigue, bloody noses, acne, and lots of mood swings! My poor hubby.<br />
<b>Worries: </b>Finances, getting the bedroom ready for the baby, any abnormalities in the 20 week ultrasound next week..mostly just excited, though.<br />
<b>What I look forward to: </b>20 week ultrasound! I can't wait to get another glimpse of our little girl! It will be nice to make sure she really is a girl and that everything is going just the way it should with the pregnancy.<br />
<b>Celebrations: </b>This isn't pregnancy related, but Thanksgiving was this week, and I loved being able to celebrate with family and friends. It was wonderful. :) My mom's cousin came with her newborn son, and it really hit home that this is happening! For real!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, guys! Hopefully I'll be back to post again soon!<br />
<br />
-Malia<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17920480368963311361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171933550966988055.post-26682375216131408982012-10-15T14:33:00.000-07:002012-10-15T14:33:00.985-07:00What to do with a bag of apples?Hey, friends!<br />
<br />
This beautiful fall weather is bringing the last of the garden and orchard goodies our way. A coworker of mine gave me a huge bag of organic golden delicious apples a little while ago, and I had no idea what to do with all of them! I realized that I am the exact opposite of creative when it comes to eating apples. I have always eaten them like they're going out of style, but I needed to use them up a little faster than that! After searching lots of different sites and blogs for apple ideas, I found one that I wanted to try: <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-ove-158759" target="_blank">oven-dried apple chips</a>. I don't have a dehydrator in my newly married state, and I don't really have the money to go out and by one, so I was excited to see an oven-friendly version of the recipe. Here's how I made my own batch.<br />
<br />
Oven Apple Chips<br />
<br />
You will need:<br />
Apples (any kind--some kinds tend to brown more than others, so be aware of this)<br />
Parchment Paper<br />
<br />
Wash apples. Set your oven for a very low setting. (I used 225 for my first batch and about 200 for my next batch. They seem to do a little better at a lower temperature, but both temps worked.) Lay a single sheet of parchment paper on each cookie sheet. Cut out apples using a knife and cutting board or mandoline.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifegypzwxMN6eOavym0k71wursEdWSl7uoHHl4OpZ99dtzQD0uhEDTheCiyyChaeHpOQhHsKMyD4XuZsSJkPjlRB9XGXd79iSF5wlx0VBchODzDgnpx8QbW5TA5lPXtmKrLWoFRUgjxNv-/s1600/IMAG0293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifegypzwxMN6eOavym0k71wursEdWSl7uoHHl4OpZ99dtzQD0uhEDTheCiyyChaeHpOQhHsKMyD4XuZsSJkPjlRB9XGXd79iSF5wlx0VBchODzDgnpx8QbW5TA5lPXtmKrLWoFRUgjxNv-/s320/IMAG0293.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUnU8ezYsezJ_BdcpkYfCyLQXfwMNjD5r302fkqOcB9Nu7M0hHK5edZLg_i2RJQEIj5zWqir11LMZpt7smg3BRETtILGASICQVbX9coJXIIo9vYhUlNBWJoTGI_mlIOW4jXkqsp4-GHJm/s1600/IMAG0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaUnU8ezYsezJ_BdcpkYfCyLQXfwMNjD5r302fkqOcB9Nu7M0hHK5edZLg_i2RJQEIj5zWqir11LMZpt7smg3BRETtILGASICQVbX9coJXIIo9vYhUlNBWJoTGI_mlIOW4jXkqsp4-GHJm/s320/IMAG0294.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It took a little practice, but it wasn't very difficult at all to cut the slices as thin as I wanted them. With this project, the thinner the better. There's no need to be too perfectionistic, though. This is not a very picky project. I left the core intact, just making sure that all of the seed bits didn't make it into the oven. I like the way the core leaves a pretty star in the center of each slice. On the other hand, it would work just as well to core the apples before slicing or as you go. Whatever works for you!<br />
<br />
As soon as you have one or two apples sliced up, pop them onto the parchment paper and in the oven they go!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C3rW5HS1oxDXP0GS2j9i5ghYvNazCKVJ_b22Gh2a1bqTcnSxRAwnTxBcLGNgLLR4rFi6_ZZsxBDL-OhMDgQZbJlOD8Z5u5igyVe_dpkEVYRPo28CGargsXk6opE3O4jMO-q_nJH0osyT/s1600/IMAG0296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C3rW5HS1oxDXP0GS2j9i5ghYvNazCKVJ_b22Gh2a1bqTcnSxRAwnTxBcLGNgLLR4rFi6_ZZsxBDL-OhMDgQZbJlOD8Z5u5igyVe_dpkEVYRPo28CGargsXk6opE3O4jMO-q_nJH0osyT/s320/IMAG0296.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This picture is of my very first batch. I ended up using only the top rack for the rest of the batches. It turned out that the bottom pan was too close to the heat source. They turned brown and tasted burnt, so I did my best to learn from my mistakes. I cooked these pans for a little over two hours to get them to the point of crispiness I was hoping for.<br />
<br />
They actually turned out really well! It's a fairly low-maintenance project, but you would definitely have to have some time at home to make a multi-batch version of this recipe feasible. The good news is, it only takes a couple of apples to do one pan of chips, so you can do as few or as many pans as you'd like!<br />
<br />
If I do another batch, I think I'll try moving the bottom pan closer to the top one and see if that helps keep the crisps from overcooking.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, guys!<br />
<br />
Happy cooking!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17920480368963311361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171933550966988055.post-68416777157192345482012-10-14T10:38:00.001-07:002012-10-14T10:38:55.413-07:00Big News!Hey, friends!<br />
<br />
I'm sorry I haven't posted in ages... We have started a whole new adventure. Austin and I found out just before the semester started that we are pregnant! We are so excited, but it's made life a little more crazy than usual. Between full-time school, part-time work, and full-time incubating, I've been one tired mama! I finally put up my last post after leaving it in draft mode for a couple of months. I promise I'll finish it eventually. :)<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I've been having lots of fun pregnancy adventures! All-day-long morning sickness and drowsiness have not been very fun, but other things have been! My first prenatal appointment was Friday. It was absolutely wonderful. We got to hear our baby's tiny, little heartbeat, which was incredible. Everyone says it's an amazing experience, and it is. I couldn't help tearing up a little bit.<br />
<br />
I am just over 13 weeks along, and I'm getting to that cute-but-awkward stage where pants are too tight but maternity clothes are out of the question. I was lucky enough to stumble onto Megan's amazing pregnancy blog--<a href="http://diymaternity.com/" target="_blank">DIY Maternity</a>--soon after I found out I was pregnant, and I have bookmarked half of her tutorials to try later! I finished my first project, <a href="http://diymaternity.com/pants-skirts/diy-maternity-pants-2/#more-1413" target="_blank">easy maternity pants</a>, and it was very successful! I didn't really take enough pictures to write up a tutorial, but I thought I might do a step-by-step how-to.<br />
<br />
Start out with a pair of pants (jeans, cords, etc.) and a piece of jersey fabric in a similar color. I had an old t-shirt that was ready to be upcycled, so I used that. My pants were on clearance at a thrift store, so they were just $4. Not bad, right? Most maternity pants are sooo expensive!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0_O6TUUVnSbvAhE9T5MG4lqZgF-Nozz45nNOQNV88HJoaplTuH_wJH17XtQYDv4pVyjX-c6kWaUwWxV735kS2juvNgZ603b1lToHrH-cu2F5NHDd7a2fsMwXqgXrg7w96KXuzHjoAFqA/s1600/IMAG0275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0_O6TUUVnSbvAhE9T5MG4lqZgF-Nozz45nNOQNV88HJoaplTuH_wJH17XtQYDv4pVyjX-c6kWaUwWxV735kS2juvNgZ603b1lToHrH-cu2F5NHDd7a2fsMwXqgXrg7w96KXuzHjoAFqA/s320/IMAG0275.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
Step 2 involves cutting off the extra fabric. I removed the belt loops and the thick portion above the pockets. The zipper also has to be removed. Be careful not to cut out any bits that are holding things together! After you've done all that, machine sew the zipper area shut. You don't want an awkward hole there!<br />
<br />
Step 3 is measuring out your elastic and jersey material. You need the jersey to be twice as wide as the elastic, but hey need to be the same length--about two inches less than the distance around the waist of the pants you're using. This means you'll be stretching the elastic to fit the jeans while sewing, but it is worth it. This way, the elastic is tight enough to comfortably keep your pants up.<br />
<br />
Notes: As I said, view the tutorial <a href="http://diymaternity.com/pants-skirts/diy-maternity-pants-2/#more-1413" target="_blank">here</a> to see Megan's full photo how-to. She used a thicker elastic, so I followed her lead. Mine was a 3 inch elastic, and I feel like it's perfect. It doesn't cut into my growing belly the way many waistbands do, but it holds up the pants without a problem. I imagine a thinner elastic would work just as well, but Megan seemed to think it would cut into your belly. That is exactly what I don't want, so I followed her advice. :)<br />
<br />
Step 4--Sew! Separately sew the elastic and jersey into continuous circles. Fold the jersey (pretty side out) over the elastic. Keep the pants right side out as you sew the elastic on. The tutorial I used sewed the jersey and elastic onto the pants at the same time, so I pinned them in place in a few places around the waist to make sure everything would be evenly stretched. Sew around the waist, flip the waistband up, and you're good to go!<br />
<br />
It should look something like this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PI0hRZQJDXjocJRy_35hXCyYHVLgf8J7P7Z3hJWZpf__wsu8C1ZmX8DdUYZJbGn9fLMP3LzX2ftKFrWXmi3-BC-sBu7i3FVgK0GAKLOnh5EqTTUsJEg1sewFDXwbafJ9iOLG5j7w__9R/s1600/IMAG0283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PI0hRZQJDXjocJRy_35hXCyYHVLgf8J7P7Z3hJWZpf__wsu8C1ZmX8DdUYZJbGn9fLMP3LzX2ftKFrWXmi3-BC-sBu7i3FVgK0GAKLOnh5EqTTUsJEg1sewFDXwbafJ9iOLG5j7w__9R/s320/IMAG0283.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm on my own today, since Austin is at work, so these are the best I could do picture wise. I wanted to show off the final result, though!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_LFVVRhe7wrGhEEaAJ_A35RIJQkTJt3d1_dh-QVVvHWlah8lS1e84S0557afAFk5zBDBkZuXYD3cujg_Itr6_MIy5lpHO09TGfovsvN7U-QjT_2-_GKTUmKRrc0-g175ha2ErlTvT3oC/s1600/IMAG0285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_LFVVRhe7wrGhEEaAJ_A35RIJQkTJt3d1_dh-QVVvHWlah8lS1e84S0557afAFk5zBDBkZuXYD3cujg_Itr6_MIy5lpHO09TGfovsvN7U-QjT_2-_GKTUmKRrc0-g175ha2ErlTvT3oC/s320/IMAG0285.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The thick elastic waist is surprisingly comfy! My growing belly is picky these days, but I really liked these!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaZyblrR-EGm6a9go1Kh3FK9I4B5G_e0i4XVZwIsyZ7Z972Mz4dgJcDNMOUiomonvruFnqe4wJsMNqzIX8PeozYp3NnpdusJVrGfgZmHav27_DKmtmb1NkT2FxJsQj3d2pTYg1UUj_T2C/s1600/IMAG0289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaZyblrR-EGm6a9go1Kh3FK9I4B5G_e0i4XVZwIsyZ7Z972Mz4dgJcDNMOUiomonvruFnqe4wJsMNqzIX8PeozYp3NnpdusJVrGfgZmHav27_DKmtmb1NkT2FxJsQj3d2pTYg1UUj_T2C/s320/IMAG0289.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sorry this picture isn't better! I just wanted to capture the whole look.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All in all, I'm really pleased with the way they turned out! I still have lots of elastic left, so I might have to try it again on another pair of pants. :)<br />
<br />
In the upcoming weeks, I'm hoping to do some clothing tutorials, more on decorating on a budget, a few favorite fall recipes, and pregnancy updates.<br />
<br />
Before I sign off for the day, here's my first belly shot! I can't believe I'm 13 weeks along and haven't taken any. It's the best I can do on my own, but enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNG_69VfjewmYvBAPAjHjoKFNekjlIgo2qUJ5ozk13gzv6HJ6Sq2r0Q7G_-CfKvdd6o9PW-Xnvw-0yKqT-ajQ14hqPS3Isd62rmSoza3MmZkbulSX6GWnZM8dItA7Ty6aL5NsKtMdB1fV/s1600/IMAG0292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNG_69VfjewmYvBAPAjHjoKFNekjlIgo2qUJ5ozk13gzv6HJ6Sq2r0Q7G_-CfKvdd6o9PW-Xnvw-0yKqT-ajQ14hqPS3Isd62rmSoza3MmZkbulSX6GWnZM8dItA7Ty6aL5NsKtMdB1fV/s320/IMAG0292.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, guys!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17920480368963311361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171933550966988055.post-74505797535085679662012-10-08T13:59:00.000-07:002012-10-08T13:59:58.982-07:00Decorate for LessHey, just-marrieds!<br />
<br />
Moving into a new home is like sitting down in front of a blank canvas--all the walls are empty! Every room brings an opportunity for your own style to decorate it! It can be overwhelming, but it can also be fun! The hardest part about decorating when you're a newlywed is usually the budget. I'm usually overflowing with ideas of what to do to our little apartment, but the funds are not always there for my ideas. The good news is that I have a few tips for all of my friends who are decorating on a budget (like me). Hopefully they come in handy!<br />
<br />
Clearance<br />
Utah happens to be an area where crafting is very popular, so there are countless craft stores to visit. Take time to visit some of the stores in your area. I promise it's worth it! One of my favorite stores (for clearance) is Hobby Lobby. I found these steals there...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Df40qFsJ9LmxtGAnJ0E00ZLcmlYQrQqhMJhVUlArafKAhVV3F31VrQa3UnDlDS-ieLbPfd7n2U5o2xa0fcT_UVGHo7w6HrnB-LGVYwqCDhUZf5HcH1eAGBjw2EgAsGbDuizG493svLDI/s1600/099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Df40qFsJ9LmxtGAnJ0E00ZLcmlYQrQqhMJhVUlArafKAhVV3F31VrQa3UnDlDS-ieLbPfd7n2U5o2xa0fcT_UVGHo7w6HrnB-LGVYwqCDhUZf5HcH1eAGBjw2EgAsGbDuizG493svLDI/s320/099.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this frame! Our wedding photos look adorable in it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RJvbMqwFa0GRnMt9eDVQILHho2ftIG7qSMv9i01qg4kCkeBiqyOewdCCKPs1EBplX9Z0asEzAQbfGawk3vODYMkNBBqRF3dg7Vt7FYyItKDsEOQnLluVpuTvMNmMqTzA1tEDkuXy1MEb/s1600/103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RJvbMqwFa0GRnMt9eDVQILHho2ftIG7qSMv9i01qg4kCkeBiqyOewdCCKPs1EBplX9Z0asEzAQbfGawk3vODYMkNBBqRF3dg7Vt7FYyItKDsEOQnLluVpuTvMNmMqTzA1tEDkuXy1MEb/s320/103.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hanging decoration and picture frame in this<br />
picture are both from Hobby Lobby. The picture is<br />
our first kiss outside the temple. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAXGacHwoov67sOcXRSJjFzsmQv4kfuglx_k00UVfyQ90gffyjwpG0aQfTvOFAnWz04JKIO-c04G637l7-RFSlTWciKuNrdSaPxrp48OV-PShyphenhyphenbzq1wYnG8ZgokJzuB826vlenppaKlzN/s1600/106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAXGacHwoov67sOcXRSJjFzsmQv4kfuglx_k00UVfyQ90gffyjwpG0aQfTvOFAnWz04JKIO-c04G637l7-RFSlTWciKuNrdSaPxrp48OV-PShyphenhyphenbzq1wYnG8ZgokJzuB826vlenppaKlzN/s320/106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This frame is from H.L. too. I love that it's square and stands<br />
by itself but could also be hung on the wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17920480368963311361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171933550966988055.post-29585690485620711862012-07-27T15:17:00.002-07:002012-07-27T15:25:40.842-07:00Losing the Entertainment Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Hey, just-marrieds!<br />
<br />
Since we got married, our apartment has been a constant work in progress. It is adorable, and we love it, but there is still a lot to do. We purchased a smaller flat screen TV with our abundance of Target gift cards a little while back, planning to eventually mount it on the wall. Until we purchased a wall mount, we made do with an entertainment center. Life got crazy, and the entertainment center became a dresser-nightstand-desk-entertainment-center mess. It looked something like this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg45-yloT0ZDoxmcZ1Akcf5KE0saho22gI88zOOPycR_da53s3zOxMiYbfkgRC92RsUBWR6pk63BF_z2oSOegToGSebSajYkdEFHHJ_Gv63dlIHe-8PbhHO1B91NRNRBXAzr0Jjlw7j0/s1600/IMG_20120716_134244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg45-yloT0ZDoxmcZ1Akcf5KE0saho22gI88zOOPycR_da53s3zOxMiYbfkgRC92RsUBWR6pk63BF_z2oSOegToGSebSajYkdEFHHJ_Gv63dlIHe-8PbhHO1B91NRNRBXAzr0Jjlw7j0/s320/IMG_20120716_134244.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It worked, but it looked pretty bad. I was so excited when Austin mounted the TV (see his post about that adventure <a href="http://austinscrazyscience.blogspot.com/2012/07/tv-wall-mount-part-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>), we were both thrilled! It looked great!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVPdXYpWoB7IqlZJqnzug8fLZwgBAmrO3C-5MeeNbsPuKcdm9ABleJYyqIESi7M112Zxma1Mnk60a9xMBL1M6SLgZgAWLGLADX8AR5T39lli-LbM5Txd6-Ci5e15h2EJtsGNXGVDLcAM/s1600/2012-07-16_19-28-12_847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVPdXYpWoB7IqlZJqnzug8fLZwgBAmrO3C-5MeeNbsPuKcdm9ABleJYyqIESi7M112Zxma1Mnk60a9xMBL1M6SLgZgAWLGLADX8AR5T39lli-LbM5Txd6-Ci5e15h2EJtsGNXGVDLcAM/s320/2012-07-16_19-28-12_847.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
But there were wires hanging everywhere, and the DVD player's cords couldn't reach anymore. Not to mention the piles around the bedroom from moving the entertainment center. We were in a bit of a dilemma.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtcrWc4ydJGdphLBng74g8ZcYl6G0pwBpcD7klPJ8cm2bUhHuY2Pr3FI2wcCkKAmWQQG7NrN487ZjPeHRHVY0WVeraV4bG2AahBkDVxvcRG7Naz1fLgLQMBYAfQsjI8E5eX9zYH0lXCjK/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtcrWc4ydJGdphLBng74g8ZcYl6G0pwBpcD7klPJ8cm2bUhHuY2Pr3FI2wcCkKAmWQQG7NrN487ZjPeHRHVY0WVeraV4bG2AahBkDVxvcRG7Naz1fLgLQMBYAfQsjI8E5eX9zYH0lXCjK/s320/084.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just a small pile of what was on the entertainment center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We needed to find something fast. While I was at Bed Bath & Beyond buying the shoe organizer from my <a href="http://justmarrieds.blogspot.com/2012/07/10-minute-closet-fix.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, I also found the solution to our problems. I had gift cards and 20% off coupons for both items, so I was pretty pleased with myself. I think it cost a little over $40 after the coupon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsOg6eM816E88P2x6YYAE-XxSpW45rvUKRzpdJs420wCFcqQ8eeYsKS_vxQJF5nZR79udNTIWL2fwjVOr_5_Cm4W5lKmg7oyq4g3AylkeGTsgU0e05qOo4F4tLg-lA01gj12BUizI5mRp/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsOg6eM816E88P2x6YYAE-XxSpW45rvUKRzpdJs420wCFcqQ8eeYsKS_vxQJF5nZR79udNTIWL2fwjVOr_5_Cm4W5lKmg7oyq4g3AylkeGTsgU0e05qOo4F4tLg-lA01gj12BUizI5mRp/s320/089.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This cute nine-cube shelf seemed like the perfect fit for our room. I was able to put it together all by myself in about an hour. (And I'm terrible at this kind of stuff, so if I can do it, you can too!)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6W5-cs_erzZP1DO4undrHXFbl5CQzmudBK8eByd7XcwGVw_C7UFBZxuDpJCMglFj9jISJukC8jF-K3lY41fFGy1Lewi0FT_BrTt0XaBM_G1tu5lJwKsSaWT7OsWxQg2_KsqwPG78xiqbV/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6W5-cs_erzZP1DO4undrHXFbl5CQzmudBK8eByd7XcwGVw_C7UFBZxuDpJCMglFj9jISJukC8jF-K3lY41fFGy1Lewi0FT_BrTt0XaBM_G1tu5lJwKsSaWT7OsWxQg2_KsqwPG78xiqbV/s320/086.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The DVD player fit nicely on one corner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuwK2Pd4zkP15H0vBL3bmKjeZ-0QFvo_ig5thQJuqSnEQdMAUHlx8omrboLxMZU_9eEzYU4gZY9ntSt36t0TqoOMatES9FLuxJMh37H3kDIzouZcIHD1gW5OpUOmauRIpcCjORhXq_VUi/s1600/087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuwK2Pd4zkP15H0vBL3bmKjeZ-0QFvo_ig5thQJuqSnEQdMAUHlx8omrboLxMZU_9eEzYU4gZY9ntSt36t0TqoOMatES9FLuxJMh37H3kDIzouZcIHD1gW5OpUOmauRIpcCjORhXq_VUi/s320/087.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a picture of the final product!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
One of my favorite things about it is that each little cubby can hold something different. It's kind of fun. :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuOxIdAlegJx1ThdSYtZNtgniJ9-RKdE_lM8f8TeuGjKAUkFTiPmxAI3gkE_78dP8EecVwAOCgALZbdIwWAzNMEmPNSCwjyemEXZoD12ipQI7512U6DO5b14L5bfq89xqhcwwpqeqvzx-/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuOxIdAlegJx1ThdSYtZNtgniJ9-RKdE_lM8f8TeuGjKAUkFTiPmxAI3gkE_78dP8EecVwAOCgALZbdIwWAzNMEmPNSCwjyemEXZoD12ipQI7512U6DO5b14L5bfq89xqhcwwpqeqvzx-/s200/097.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I put books in one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yUzYKTXf40HDEh-577gnnWGKJ8tACQfAkyAzIUI6JYJqhfxF02cBVcMc8MQyivdExMhIGSHU_aIAvikr2qPIeaFzUBAKt1szuD37fdTGpGPnjmXCmeAd5kPBYb9M4DeRHZpJH08Tn-pa/s1600/096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yUzYKTXf40HDEh-577gnnWGKJ8tACQfAkyAzIUI6JYJqhfxF02cBVcMc8MQyivdExMhIGSHU_aIAvikr2qPIeaFzUBAKt1szuD37fdTGpGPnjmXCmeAd5kPBYb9M4DeRHZpJH08Tn-pa/s200/096.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austin's watches, gym gloves, and<br />
such got their own organizer in another.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I'm still working on filling it up, but I'm loving it so far! Wish me luck! More posts soon to come. :)<br />
<br />
Oh! One last thing. Just to show where the entertainment center ended up. It is loving its new home in the living room. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDm4s1DySkx4-XtqDN3HO7ZeQB8G7ksp_Kp_XwuYQLot7DMpDVupGE9VXIxhuXduRruF3mpmoDnRDmZbxul9S_uzgB1H08YTNQa7owFomnXhOp9u8fQT0zSw0OFv_JQm4tGYHlNF71QoVj/s1600/103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDm4s1DySkx4-XtqDN3HO7ZeQB8G7ksp_Kp_XwuYQLot7DMpDVupGE9VXIxhuXduRruF3mpmoDnRDmZbxul9S_uzgB1H08YTNQa7owFomnXhOp9u8fQT0zSw0OFv_JQm4tGYHlNF71QoVj/s320/103.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Talk to you soon!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17920480368963311361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171933550966988055.post-2596807053315148732012-07-27T14:05:00.001-07:002012-07-27T14:05:59.709-07:0010 Minute Closet FixGreetings to my fellow just-marrieds!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have been busy around the apartment, organizing, painting, and putting things together. I can't wait to blog about all my adventures!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Marriage comes with lots of gifts! Our friends and family were very generous, and we are still finding uses for many of the gift cards. There are many things that newlyweds have to slowly acquire, and the extra money is incredibly nice to have around during the early months. Lately, when I have a project to tackle, I see if any of the gift cards can help. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Project Number One:</div>
<div>
Shoes. I have a lot of them. Austin married me in spite of my slight obsession, but they made quite a mess in our apartment when we dumped them all on the floor of the closet in the second bedroom. (I honestly have too many to put them all in our closet.) I left the pile there for a while, but it was always a chore to find a matching pair, and I hated the mess. One day, when I realized how many Bed Bath & Beyond gift cards we had, I decided it was time to find a fix.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are many options for shoe organization, but many designs are more suited to about 10 pairs of shoes. Maybe a few more. I have at least 30 or 40 pair, so I knew those weren't an option! After some searching, I finally found one that was bigger. It said it could fit around 30 pair, so I decided it would be a good place to start. It wasn't overly cute, but the assembly looked easy, and it fit the budget. So I bought it and got to work!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XzlBjiIlJseJ7RA2FonEPhHnK5QY5FgK_thie7gRca9ZVFAbM0Hs0KPRShdr0-anLHogjB_rRp5qzX4OxIhD47pgn3lvAJtEe__YZug8xef-skgYR04vknuEzYEtqfffiaKZ_vBE-alZ/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XzlBjiIlJseJ7RA2FonEPhHnK5QY5FgK_thie7gRca9ZVFAbM0Hs0KPRShdr0-anLHogjB_rRp5qzX4OxIhD47pgn3lvAJtEe__YZug8xef-skgYR04vknuEzYEtqfffiaKZ_vBE-alZ/s320/090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I wish I had a picture of how the closet looked before so you could see the difference--but it is unbelievable how much better it looks now!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4zFitCONJA7Pt33uDDyGKNrrIJHsrXhzqZcovl9LZvBg4T6eu4KvwS52EQhf3NzsitqVhtB0zU8rwveLJPL4vkwd5QrdI7OHKyIB31PEW-2ZnOu7vMtBpgRrIekunK25IGVNhsiYZfqM/s1600/093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4zFitCONJA7Pt33uDDyGKNrrIJHsrXhzqZcovl9LZvBg4T6eu4KvwS52EQhf3NzsitqVhtB0zU8rwveLJPL4vkwd5QrdI7OHKyIB31PEW-2ZnOu7vMtBpgRrIekunK25IGVNhsiYZfqM/s320/093.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final result!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4w27b_Ex2_EN6N6Om-fBIdTtUSNu17r3F3OGD6J7aX1v0uC8H2okVYGajrK_ZSQW42jrqXM7XVfirvPKxnjfczlD5UBuxBMYwLO5LuKY_l7dEvorZ_ndGHSnbGYgeXQ_YAgDu_bcg_Cu/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4w27b_Ex2_EN6N6Om-fBIdTtUSNu17r3F3OGD6J7aX1v0uC8H2okVYGajrK_ZSQW42jrqXM7XVfirvPKxnjfczlD5UBuxBMYwLO5LuKY_l7dEvorZ_ndGHSnbGYgeXQ_YAgDu_bcg_Cu/s320/092.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boots wouldn't fit on the rack, so I just put them on either side.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I absolutely love it! The closet looks so much tidier now, and it couldn't be easier to find the matching shoes! More to come soon! Thanks for reading! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17920480368963311361noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8171933550966988055.post-37981002326438490482012-07-19T21:29:00.003-07:002012-07-19T21:29:52.241-07:00Hello! Welcome to my blog.Hello to all you just-marrieds out there! <br />
<br />
Welcome back from the honeymoon! Like you, I am a newlywed. And I love it! But there is so much to figure out about life once the honeymoon is over. Cooking for two, running your own home, planning (and using) a budget, and all the other aspects of marriage can be difficult to figure out. In this blog, I hope to share some of my own findings, projects, and advice for my fellow just-marrieds out there. Look for blogs soon about organizing your home, DIY projects, decorating on a budget, and fun dates for two! <br />
<br />
-MaliaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17920480368963311361noreply@blogger.com0