Diapering Debate: The Decision to Go Cloth.

I have always known I wanted to be a mom. And I guess, if I had thought about, I also planned on using disposable diapers. No one uses cloth anymore, right?

Enter Fabulous Husband, who has read that cloth diapered kids potty train faster. After I got over the initial shock of there being a baby-related decision I had not yet considered (gasp!) I decided that this was indeed interesting. Thus starts my tireless research into the subject. Then we compare the costs of cloth vs. disposable diapering. Oh my stars! How could we not at least try out cloth?

As it turns out, cloth diapers have come a pretty long way. True, the use is still a, shall we say, less than enjoyable sidebar of parenting, but the days of tying and pins are out the window. Unless you wanted to do it that way I guess. Count me out, please.

My research led me to about a million different brands, but we decided on GroBaby, a line of all-in-ones (meaning they grow with baby) that have snap in liners you change as needed, and a shell that is changed twice a day. That doesn't sound like rocket science, right?

And yes, we are washing them ourselves. A little extra laundry never hurt anyone (dusting and cooking, however - that has been known to kill people!) And no, our entire house is not going to smell like baby pee all the time (just an FYI for those afraid to visit after said baby pee arrives). That's why there are grand inventions such as tea tree oil for the diaper pail, and Febreze for the air. Voila!

Last, but not least - how stinkin' cute are these things? I can only imagine how much cuter they will be on my baby's little tush!

Our Babymoon.

A few weeks ago, we took a little trip down to the beach for a week. We love going to the beach, but ventured out last year to other locales (hello, Key West!) instead. That said, we wanted to have some nice, relaxing downtime before Baby Delaney comes to liven up our household. The perfect spot? Ft. Walton, Florida.

the view from our balcony

We had a great time, and I even found a great deal on the baby bag I wanted at the outlet mall! We hung on the beach all day, went to the pool in the evenings, and had some great seafood. We had beautiful weather, and the beaches weren't crowded at all - a nice change from the vacation we usually take around July.

Next time we hit the beach, we'll probably be hitting it with sand buckets, a playpen, a HUGE umbrella, a lot more toys, and a darling little one - and I can't wait!

A Little Love for Moms.

I'm very blessed to have a great mom that is one of my best friends. She has taught me a lot - and still has a lot left to teach me as I approach this whole parenting journey; she is always doing things for me, and we have so much fun together! I am so thankful to have her!!

In a case of double good luck, my mother-in-law is pretty great too. We have a great time together, she is super crafty {which aids in my serious lack of craftiness} and hey - she raised several pretty amazing kids, the best of which {of course} is my hubby!

Speaking of my wonderful hubby, how awesome is he? I got Mother's Day gifts while my baby is still busy being created! They were, of course, from Daddy, Delaney, Callaway, Santo, Sadie & Gracie. Our little family is so full of love, and I am taking today to give a little extra love to my furbabies too!

To all the moms and moms-to-be out there, have a wonderful day!

My Little Drama Queen.

What started out as a routine day yesterday took an interesting turn after lunch when, after having an "episode" that could have been trouble for my little one, we booked it over to Labor & Delivery at my doc's recommendation to get checked out.

After getting hooked up to gadgets galore and having an ultrasound {LOVE seeing her, even if it is a little unscheduled...} everything is fine, her heartbeat sounded strong, and I am having NO contractions. At 29 weeks, this is a very good thing.

My little one weighs in at 3 lbs. 4 oz. and everything about her is normal. Except, perhaps, her flare for the dramatic. She had an arm on her forehead yesterday, marking the second time she's been caught like that on film. Oh, the grand adventure of it all, she must be thinking.

I am feeling fine, but have been instructed to keep my feet up all weekend. Don't worry, I am being a good patient and following doctor's orders. Besides, I can't jepordize my upcoming beach vacation!

While I am getting really excited about the planning and preparing for Delaney's arrival, I would like a few more weeks to, you know, learn Lamaze, and also not have my daughter weigh three pounds at birth. So prayers for keeping her inside and safe would be greatly appreciated.

Now, what good TV shows come on in the middle of the day, anyway?

I Feel Pretty, oh so Pretty!

I'm not usually one to brag, but look at me! No, my blog silly, not my giant growing belly. I got a new look, courtesy of the FABULOUS Penny Lane Designs. You read it here, interwebbers: she's awesome. Go check her out. But don't even think about stealing my awesome blog look. Just kidding. But seriously, she's wonderful.

I love my new look! What do you think?

Sprucing Up for Spring.

I don't know about your household, but mine has been buzzing with springtime to-do's. Probably the biggest thing on our list this year was new landscaping. We wanted to get some things planted that will fill in nicely and last us through the winter, and of course some pretty flowers too. Andrew did almost all of the work, but I did water things and help spread out dirt...

Here are the results!

the before

the green stuff

the pretty stuff

hubby taking a break

my contribution

the finished product!

Are you there readers? Bueller? Bueller?

I am back from the metaphorical grave of blogging, Lazarus style if you will. Hallelujah!

Well, for today, at least. But I do have some new ideas, and a plan for actually keeping this thing semi up-to-date.

Have I completely exhausted the pregnancy excuse yet with you? If not, then please, let me play that card again. Creating life is tiring, people! Especially on top of a full-time job, designing a fabulous nursery, and my other life pursuits {read: eating ice cream and keeping up with important current events such as Dancing With the Stars & American Idol}.

But fear not, those who have ruthlessly persecuted gently nudged me back into the blogosphere - and thanks for remembering me! Now, if I can just get someone to leave me a comment once in a while...