Finally figuring out this "video thing" : )

After a short tutorial from my friend, Kristine, I think I have finally figured out how to get videos of my adorable daughter for all to see : )

Here are a few of Abigail telling me what noises animals make... it might be sideways, I'm not sure. And, somehow Kristine has edited her videos ~ so instead of this being three videos long it would only be one ~ I'm not quite that advanced yet, but maybe soon.

Oh yes, and Christmas pictures/post(s) to come soon... these last two weeks have been crazy!!

A cow...



A duck...


And a dog...

Just some pictures...

So, I can't believe how behind I am! Here are some pictures from, lately?!

Trying to get the perfect shot for Christmas cards...

This was almost the one!

Didn't want to cooperate at home, either.

Loves mama! lol

Abigail's first pigtails!

Cute dress :) hehe

*note, she's missing a sock!

Loves her "pal Violet"

She couldn't get the applesauce in fast enough with the spoon,

or let go of her milk, apparently!!

All done!

During our first snow of the season

(it's all melted now)

After a pony tail...

Here is Abigail's hair after a pony tail... it always looks like a mohawlk!

Here are some other pictures from the week:

The BEAUTIFUL flowers my amazing husband sent...

because Monday night was kind of rough, for Thanksgiving and because he loves me

(and is amazingly sweet!)

Abigail and I on the Plaza ~ you can see the lights behind her

Tuesday night Abby and I met my friend Juls for dinner and then went for a walk.

It was a surprisingly beautiful night - the blanket and hat really wouldn't have been necessary, but since I had them, I used them - and we had a great time!

Crazy hair...

I took these pictures tonight after Abigail's bath to show everyone just how long her hair is getting!

Concentrating...

Really, mom?!

I have the best friends ever... seriously.

Last Friday one of my oldest friends, Jenilee, came to Kansas City with her boyfriend, Marc. Jenilee is not only a great friend, but her mom and my dad are cousins, so that makes us... third cousins? Something like that. Anyways, we go way back and there are lots of pictures of us in the bath tub together floating around somewhere. Okay, back on track - they came to town, and we went out to dinner. It was Marc's birthday and he got to choose where we went. We went to a Japanese Steak House ~ you know, one of those places where they cook in front of you, and the food is amazing? The food was, of course, amazing.

At this point you may be asking yourself, where was Abigail during this dinner? Well let me answer that question. My friend, Amber, who recently had beautiful baby Clara, graciously offered her mom's babysitting skills for the evening. This was, possibly, Abigail and Clara's first play date. Of course, Abby was in bed before Clara and Amber's mom even arrived, and Clara slept through most of the evening, but, that's okay!

The girls

~ Ashley ~ Jenilee ~ Amber ~ Sara ~

Saturday morning I recieved a text message saying that Jenilee and Marc got engaged Friday night after dinner! I couldn't be happier for Jenilee, she is the most amazing friend and person. She has been through so much, but her amazing personality and quirkie-ness (is that a word?) have gotten her through and Marc is a perfect match for her. Congratulations, guys!

The newly engaged couple

(and Jenilee's rock!)

Saturday afternoon was the big Nebraska-Kansas game. Sara was having people over to watch and hang out (and eat!) and Abigail and I headed over after her nap. We had a great time and Abby charmed everyone, especially Marc, as you'll see!

Marc and Abby

I always love getting together with my friends from high school. My friends are what is getting me through Jordan's deployment (and my family!) and I will never, ever, forget the way they have all been through this time.

Rae Gun Ramblings

I'm so excited about these cake shop skirts!! I think Abigail would look great wearing one!

Rae Gun Ramblings

Northwest t-shirt dress!

I got a sewing machine back in, oh, August (maybe September) and up until last night have used it to make some little things, but haven't attempted any big projects ~ I think I was waiting for just the right one.

Well I stumbled upon this blog ~ lil blue boo. The creator, Ashley, is a stay at home mom with amazing talent! She not only makes her daughter the most adorable dresses and clothes (many out of recycled t-shirts!!), but also makes patterns so that other moms can use her designs! She is a painter, too, and a really great one! I am thinking of commisioning her to do a portrait of Abigail... what do you think?

Anyways, I bought one of her patterns and I was seriously, so excited to try it out. She emailed it to me yesterday, so I stopped at JoAnn Fabric on my way home and picked up spray starch and a disappearing ink pen. I contained my excitement while I fed and bathed Abigail, while we played and finally! she was in bed and I could begin. I sat down to print out the pattern pieces (this is the age of computers - it is an ePattern - how great, right?) and what do you know? We're out of paper! Of course we would be out of paper. It was too late to go somewhere to get some, so I improvised and used card stock. Not ideal for patterns, I know, but it was going to have to work!

I cut each piece out and followed her instructions very carefully. As the title of my post says, this was a recycled t-shirt dress. So, I found an old Northwest t-shirt... I wanted something that, if this didn't go so well, I wouldn't be heartbroken about, but if it did turn out, would still be amazingly cute. I settled on a yellow Northwest t-shirt, and a green (with white polka-dots) tank top. I pieced everything out how I wanted it and made the first cut! I had decided early on all I was going to do last night was cut everything out, and maybe pin one sleeve...

Well, after cutting everything, starching it (the pattern came with not only instructions, but helpful tips and tricks - like starching your t-shirt material, since it likes to curl), and pinning the first sleeve I couldn't resist! I had to sew...

the sleeves on the front...

then the back on...

then do the top stiching (notice, I actually had a straight line!!)

I ended up sewing almost everything together (I was up until 11:30). I left the ruffel and collar for today. I knew the collar would be difficult, and it was important that it was straight, so I decided to sleep and try it this morning.

the pinned collar...

THE finished dress!!

I used the sienna dress pattern. It's really great. Not only does Ashley give you tips and tricks, but there are also so many variations for it. She tells you how to do each variation and if I can do it, anyone can. Seriously. I don't think I have made a piece of clothing since 4H, and that was in Jr High (if not elementary!).

So, start sending me your old t-shirts and I'll start making them into adorable dresses for my little girl (or your little girl!)

Here are some pictures of my model... she wasn't very into modeling, she would rather play!

Comments?

Layla Grayce Blanket Set GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

There are two people I have in mind for this, if I win!!

Layla Grayce Blanket Set GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: 'The Handmade Dress' Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: 'The Handmade Dress' Patterns GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Abigail's 12 month pictures...

A preview can be found here...

Thank you Katie!!

Abby's pretty hat.

My friend Desiree, who I have mentioned before, gave Abigail this hat last year. Her mom made it and talk about a wonderful seamstress (she also made Abigail's beautiful pink coat)! Anyways, this last weekend Abigail found the hat in her drawer and I put it on her head. Like always, she promptly removed it. I told her it was pretty and she should wear it. What happened next was priceless... she tried putting it back on her head! It was so cute! I put it back on for her and she wore it the rest of the morning. She ended up sleeping in it one night ~ it was off by morning ~ but it was the cutest thing ever. I hope this technique works for bows, too.

Here are a couple of pictures of her in her pretty hat:

Drinking her milk in her jammies

Happy Halloween!

Today was a great day - busy - but great. We started the morning off with an oil change at 0830. Abigail charmed the man who took my keys and it only took them a half hour! She also had fun talking with the people in the waiting room and smiling at everyone.

After the quick oil change we headed to the hospital so Abigail could meet her new best friend! Clara Grace is so beautiful and it still amazes me how tiny she is. She is only 14 oz smaller than Abigail was, so really, not that much smaller, but it's crazy how in my mind I don't remember her being so small. She is beautiful and Abigail was pretty taken with her! Here are a couple pictures... I'm not sure why blogger is making this one vertical, but I loved it, so I had to share:

Miss Clara Grace

Best friends : )

After we left the hospital we headed home. Lucky for me I have fabulous friends that live very close to me and after feeding Abby lunch and laying her down for her nap, my friend Sara came over so that I could run to Babies R Us. I have two friends that are having babies soon and therefore two showers coming up. I love that store, but can't ever seem to leave without spending a good amount of money - and I always have coupons! I saved almost $20 today, but still...

Abigail took an exceptionally short nap and I was a bit worried how our evening of fun would go. Well, we had a great time! We got all dressed and left the house just before 1600. I tried to do a photo shoot, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to get her to smile at the camera...

My tiny dancer

We went to Sara's to show off our costume, and she got Abby a special treat! Arrow root cookies and little crunchies! Much better than candy ~ and they will last a lot longer. After Sara's we headed to Desiree's house. There Abigail got to eat a forked eyeball...

I think she liked it!

Next, we went to visit Brodie... his mommy and I work together and he is about 10 months older than Abigail. I didn't get any pictures, but he gave her a hug and shared his toys with her. He was a pirate for Halloween and really cute - even without his coat! After we left Brodie's house we went to see Regan and Barrett. On our way we made a special stop (that required a phone call to my mom for the address) at a friend of the family's. My parents used to work with Karyn and she has two kiddos. We stopped by for only a second, but it was great to see them. Once we got to Regan and Barrett's house Abigail really woke up and had a lot of fun (could have been because she finally got to eat dinner??). Her and Regan played and played (Regan is 3 and loved having Abby chase her around the room). I wanted to really wear Abby out and keep her up late since we "Fall Back" tonight (and let's face it, she was awake at 0610 this morning and I really don't want to be woke up at 0500!). We got home from all of our adventures about 2045ish, and Abigail went right to bed. What do you think the chances are that my plan actually worked??

PS ~ I hope to have more pictures to post soon... Regan's mommy and my friend Sara took lots of pictures and I'm hoping to get some of those!

The best husband...

One of my best friends, since 8th grade, during college, and beyond! gave birth early this morning. She had been in labor for over 40 hours (seriously?!) and finally at 2:53 AM, Miss Clara Grace came into this world. Clara is kind of a miracle baby. She has defied all odds and is a happy, healthy, beautiful little girl. There were a couple of issues along the way - nothing serious - but I won't lie, I was a bit worried... I was lying in bed last night, worrying, and I prayed to God that he would watch over my friend, her husband and baby on the way.

And, I also prayed for Jordan. In that moment, last night, I realized that he is not safe... that he is in a war torn country, and is fighting for our freedom and trying to make Afghanistan a better place. I realized that I don't get to talk to him every day, or have him hold me at night, and that he hasn't gotten to talk to his baby girl in over a week. And, I cried. I haven't cried a lot since Jordan left. I mean, I've had my moments where I miss him, or I get frustrated because he isn't here, but I haven't really cried.

I didn't sleep well... between worrying about my friend and having gotten a flu shot yesterday (dang flu shots!) I tossed and turned all night. I woke up this morning, and still no word on the baby. I was tired and felt kind of feverish (again, dang flu shot!) but, after having no fever, I forced myself to go into work. It's the day before Halloween, it'll be a good day, right? Abigail got to wear her Halloween costume at daycare (hopefully pictures to come) and there was a ton of food at work. Things surely had to be looking up!

About 8:30, I got the text - the baby was here! She had been born very early that morning, which is why we didn't know right away. Everyone was doing great and we could come visit this weekend! I was so happy! I talked to one of my other great friends and we talked about how relieved we were and how exciting the new baby was.

Then, about 10:30 my phone rang... it was Jordan! It was so good to hear his voice. I cried on the phone to him, after he pried what was wrong out of me. We talked and caught up on what had been going on in each of our lives, which just seems so weird - we used to talk every night, there was no need to fill him in on Abby's latest tricks, he was there to see them, and he told me he was safe and that he loved me. All I needed to hear.

After lunch I got a call from the front office at work. Come up to the lobby - quick! I was kind of worried, "quick", that can't be good! I asked what was going on and I was directed to the lobby where there was a woman holding the most beautiful boquet of flowers. They were gorgeous. She told me they were "from afar" and I got all teared up. How did he know?? The below pictures will tell you that this boquet took a while to put together. There is no way that he ordered them after we got off the phone and they were delivered by 12:30. I don't think the pictures do it justice, but here they are...

Over all shot ~ so unique and pretty!

The bottom half - you can't tell, but the pot/vase is chalk board - very cool

Top half

Abigail's Halloween Costume!

Lots has been happening around our house since Abigail's birthday, but I'll have to blog about all of that later (nothing too exciting, and nothing bad, no worries!). This post is about Abby's Halloween costume. She is going to be... surprise! A ballerina! Go figure, I know. But, she had the beautiful tutu from her birthday outfit and she had to wear it again, before she out grew it. So, with the help of my friend Desiree, I came up with this fun onesie to go with it!

For some reason blogger was turning the close-up picture into a vertical pic, so you don't get to see the onesie close-up, but here is the onesie with the tutu... should I add pink satin ribbon trim to the sleeves?? collar??

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!

It's hard to believe that Abigail can be turning one today! The last year has flown by... filled with so many joyous moments, I can't even begin to describe. We were able to Skype with Jordan this morning, and once Abby woke up (I got her out of bed when he was calling) she had a lot of fun with it. She clapped and squealed and said "dadie!". It was more than I could have asked for!!

One year ago today...

I'm One!!

Safe and Sound

I finally got to talk to Jordan yesterday and he made it to Jalalabad a couple days ago. He is currently sleeping in a hut with about 12 other guys, while they wait for the current ADT to leave (return safely to their families!) so that they can move into their barracks. He said that they haven't gone on a mission yet, but have gone into the village (or outside the "wire" as he put it).

I cannot express how great it was to hear his voice. It really brought tears to my eyes. We have been having communication issues and he had been trying to get a hold of me for days, so it had been awhile since I had talked to him, or heard from him at all. At this point I don't feel like I need to talk to him for a long time, just enough to know he is safe.

A pony tail!!

Abigail's first pony tail!

We're walking on sunshine!!

Kind of. Don't let the title decieve you. The high today was 38 degrees!?

This post is about... walking!! Abigail has started and she is doing fantastic! She is pretty daring, but can easily go 5 feet without falling. I can't seem to figure out how to upload videos any more (help!!) but there is one waiting for all of you to view!

Tooth #3 also broke through yesterday. It is on the bottom right. For some reason I thought it would be a top tooth that came through next, but nope! She looked so cute with just two teeth, I'm having a hard time imagining another one in there! Here are some pictures from the last two weeks - non-birthday pictures, that is!

Abby and daddy

Abby and Mommy

Go Huskers!!

Her new carseat

We recently installed her new carseat into the Tahoe. Don't worry, she isn't in it much yet (the "rule" is that they are supposed to be 20 pounds and 1 year), but she loves it! She cries every time I put her in the rear facing seat in my car. Only one week and she can turn around!

Cake and gifts!

Finally pictures of Abby and our family! I still haven't gotten pictures from anyone (hint, hint!) but here is what I have...

Our Family!

Abigail!

Yummy, cake!

Abby recieved so many wonderful gifts...

Playing in her Cozy Coupe... she is constantly in this thing!

Reading her book in her new recliner! :)

More pictures to come, as I get them!

Oh lolli lollipop!

We had Abigail's lollipop party this weekend! No, she doesn't actually turn one for a few weeks, but Jordan was home and it was important that he be present for her first birthday party, don't you think?

I worked pretty hard during the weeks leading up to the event to get decorations ready, so there would be very few things to do when Jordan got home. Here are some pictures of the party favors/decorations I made!

Baby washclothes and spoons!

Lollipops and frooties in the vase... the frame says "sweet"

Not a great picture, but the very large lollipop is really a bunch of dum-dum lollis!

Pie-pops

The how-to can be found here.

The cake!

Made by Pam, by mom's cousin (she made our beautiful wedding cake, too!)

Abigail's smash cake

~ More pictures to come ~

I got a lot of my inspiration for things from Kim over at the TomKatStudio!