Decorating and Collecting

About a month ago, the nesting thing REALLY kicked in, and ever since I have been on hyper mode working on projects and getting things done.  Or maybe it's because football season started and Robie is glued to the TV all weekend, so I have to keep myself busy with projects.  Either way, It's kind of nice having all this extra energy, but the third trimester is coming soon (1 week!), and I know my energy levels will be on the decline.

For my first project, I decided to add some color to the nursery.  I only painted the far wall since our walls were already painted a beige, but I think it turned out super cute and brightens the room a ton.

Before:

During:

After:

Then, I worked on decorating letters to hang above the crib from these adorable bird hooks I found at Urban Outfitters.  I used scrapbook paper and mod podge on the wooden letters.

Before:

During:

After:

This weekend, I plan on painting our front door.  I have already purchased the paint, and I can't wait to get started.

Here are a few other fun things Robie and I have been slowly collecting for the baby.  Since we started early getting little things here and there, it has not been a stressful process at all.  In fact, buying all the stuff and decorating is my favorite thing about being pregnant.  So, here is a little preview of things before it all comes together.

Vinyl Stickers for the walls:

(I ordered the owl in teal)

Jeep stroller:

This stroller was recommended from a friend, and after test driving it, I fell in love!  (Thanks Sarah!)  It is even compatible with a few different brands of car seats, so it's like a customized travel system.  My favorite part is that the basket underneath the stroller goes under your baby's feet, so if their shoes fall off or they drop a toy, the basket catches it.

Car Seat:

Chicco is the ONLY option I would consider when purchasing a car seat.  They are built so much better than other brands, and have the best crash rating results.  I don't like how they can't fit into a grocery store shopping cart easily, but I love the bright colors and how easy they are to install.  We went with the Texas Longhorn orange one, and I found a cute car seat cover to go with it.

Just for fun:

I couldn't resist this adorable knit owl newborn hat I found on Etsy.  LOVE!  I am definitely using this hat for newborn pics.

The Crib:

Something about a crib makes me feel like things are official.  It is in the process of being shipped right now, and I can't wait for it to arrive.

We are so excited for our little guy to get here.  I know there are still a few months to go, but we are so grateful that things are going so well.  There is never a day that goes by where I don't thank my Heavenly Father for the blessing that we were able to finally get pregnant.  The gift of life is such a miracle.  Sometimes, I get scared to think about how I am going to be a mom and raise a child.  It seriously freaks me out.  But when I get those fears, Robie always assures me that things will be fine.  I have such a wonderful husband, and I love him so much.  I know he will be the best dad ever, and as long as we are together, we can get through anything.

Dropped Call

For the last 2 weeks, the local radio station has been giving away tickets to see David Archuleta at their private concert.  They have 5 times each day you can call in, and you better believe I tried calling at EVERY one of those times.  Caller #10 is the winner, and I was caller #4 three times, and caller #7 one time.  When you are not the right caller, they always say "Sorry.  You're caller #X, try back agian." and hang up. On Monday, while driving to work, I was calling in, and the phone rang.  "Sorry, you're caller #1.  Try again."  Click.  Fail!  So, I tried again and it started ringing again.  This time, they answered the phone, "Hi, Mix 107.9.  Who is this?"  I was freaking out inside, and managed to respond, "This is Chelsea.  What caller am I?"  ........  "Hello?"  ........ Silence.  I looked at my phone, and it had dropped the call.  What followed out of my mouth after that moment should stay between my car and me.  I'm pretty sure I would have been the winner that day.  In fact, I'm going to go out on a limb and say, yes, I was the winner.  My phone and I are no longer on good terms.  Whatever though.  I'm over it. 

The private concert was Tuesday, and I found these clips online from it.  The first one is David talking about how he thinks holding hands is gross.  Hmmm...sometimes I really wonder about that kid. 







I have had the chance to preview some of the tracks from his new CD coming in October.  I can't say I am super impressed, but I'll still give it a chance.  Maybe my days of Archuleta obsession are near an end?

It's Morphin' Time!

I admit it, I was bored.  I gave in, and morphed Robie and me in a baby generator to see what our little guy might look like.  According to the generator, this is what we are dealing with.

I am not sure what to think.  At first, I though it was a Halloween prank since these children are obviously half ghost.  Then, I tried to look on the bright side.  If this was reality, it could be worse.  My baby could have three eyes instead of two.  But then, I just laughed and thanked the heavens that baby generators are not the deciding factors in looks.

Just for fun, to see if this generator thing was really pulling qualities from the pictures I gave it, I morphed Gizmo and me together.  Let's just say, there's a reason why mother nature doesn't allow this to happen.

In 60 seconds

This toy:

became this:

but look how happy he is:

I have never seen a dog smile SO big.  That was the fastest $4 ever spent, but Cooper was so happy.  (Lesson to be learned:  Don't leave baby's stuffed toys on the floor.)

I WON!

While Robie was in his Saturday morning class today, I strolled over to the Utah Valley Women's Expo to check things out.  There were so many cute booths with things I wanted to buy, but I reserved myself to just a few items.  I got a cute car seat cover, father/son matching ties, and a cute iron spider decoration for Halloween.  I usually don't like entering to win all the giveaways (because we all know you never win and they just send you spam once they have your info), but there were a few I put my name in for just for fun.  Later this afternoon, I got a phone call.  It was one of the booths, and I won a prize!!!  Not just any prize, but a FREAKING BREAST PUMP!  This thing is nice- $140 value at Babies R Us.  I never thought I would be excited over a product that pulls and stretches nipples to the point of pain, but I never win anything, so it's pretty exciting.  Yeah!

And here is a belly pic for the family to see at 24 weeks.  I'm starting to feel very uncomfortable now, I can't see my feet, my legs and feet are swollen, and the baby's kicks are more like huge punches that make me twitch and jump from their alarming strength.  Sometimes, he punches my bladder and I immediately have to JUMP up and run to the bathroom for fear of peeing my pants. As much as I hate what my body has become (and what it will become in the final months), it just makes the outcome that much better and Robie and I can't wait for this little guy to arrive.

Do you like to run?

Well, good for you!  I hate running, and the thought of putting a pair of running shoes on my swollen feet right now is enough to make me sick.  But, that is not the point of this post.  October is breast cancer awareness month, and Park City, Utah is hosting the first ever girls only PINK Half Marathon on Saturday, October 16th.  This is a great event to support breast cancer awareness, and a great opportunity to get one last run in before icy winter comes.  Plus, who doesn't love pink and spending time with their girlfriends?!  My work, OrangeSoda.com, is sponsoring the event, so come see us for free SWAG if you are there.

For more information, visit: http://thepinkseries.com/

Great Catch!

My little brother, Nate, caught this 10 pound bass on Labor Day in Texas.  I can just tell from the picture he was giddy like a little girl.  Way to go bro!

Candlelight Serenade Festival

This is a late post, but a few weekends ago was the Candlelight Serenade Festival.  Robie and I were there from about 8am to 10pm since I had to set up and run the booth for my company, and he was one of the main volunteers coordinating the event.  It was such a fun event, and it was awesome listening to all the bands that came out to support Child Rescue at the festival.  My favorite performance of the night goes to Chris Carrabba from Dashboard Confessional.  Amazing!

A First

Today marks a monumental day in my pregnancy. Driving the 20 minute free-way trip to work this morning, I felt a little sick. I was not worried, because during the whole morning sickness phase I never once threw up. In fact, I don't remember the last time in my life I have thrown up. Well, I started throwing up...all over the place. Since I was on the freeway, there was not much I could do but try and grab an empty Wendy's cup in time. I made it half way, but the rest ended up all over me...while driving...on the freeway. I think the guy in the car next to me saw the whole thing. Oh, did I mention I was dressed up for an important meeting this morning at work? Well, now the client is coming will have to deal with me smelling like throw up. You can't see it, but I don't think any amount of lotion or perfume can cover up the smell. I think I will be going home early today.

Things that must go

I'm in a mood.  Not a good one.  I don't why.  It could be pregnancy hormones, it could be stress at work, it could be I'm having a no-shower/pony-tail/glasses day.  The guy at the desk next to me is whistling.  I hate it when people whistle.  That got me thinking of other things that seriously must go.

• Whistling.  Especially if you are out of tune.
• Glee.  It is an over glorified High School Musical, but worse.
• Harem Pants.  Barf.
• Texting while driving
• The "band" Owl City, which isn't even a band.  It's just one guy.  Don't get me started.
• Junk mail.  Save a tree and stop sending it to me.
• Getting food to-go, getting to my desk, and realizing there are no napkins
• Paris Hilton
• Parents who bring crying babies to movie theaters
• The "Utah Poof".  This is when people back-comb their hair so it looks like they have a square head. 
• Mafia Wars and Farmville
• Misusing Your and You're
• My neighbor's 6 dogs outside barking ALL NIGHT LONG
• Ketchup.  I hate it.  Don't ask me why.  Looking at it makes me sick.  Smelling it makes me sick.  It is disgusting, and I will dry heave if it is near me.

I'm sure I forgot something, but that's all I can get out for now.  I'm still in a mood, but I feel a little better.

Best Pasta Salad EVER!

I usually don't like pasta salad, but this recipe my mom always made is SOOO GOOD!  I made a ton for a work BBQ, and thought I would share the recipe since it is sooo delicious. 

 Ingredients:  (I don't know the technical names for the pasta types, so enjoy my made up pasta names)

• Tube noodle pasta
• Tortellini pasta
• Tri-colored swirl pasta (white, green, and orange- it adds color)
• Chicken
• Zesty Italian Kraft dressing
• Olives
• Green Onions
• Broccoli
• Crushed red peppers (like the ones at Pizza Hut for your pizza)
• Parmesan Cheese

Cook all the pasta, drain, rinse, and lay out on paper towel to cool and dry. If there is water on the pasta, the oils in the dressing won't stick to it.

While pasta is drying, boil boneless chicken until cooked, cut into cubes, and place in fridge to cool.  Chop green onions, broccoli, and olives.

 When everything is cooked, cooled, and chopped, mix it all into a giant bowl.  Add Zesty Italian dressing, crushed red peppers, and parmesan cheese for the best flavor ever!

Take to a party, or enjoy for many meals to come!

The perfect day for golf

I hate the snow, but summers in Utah are seriously the best.  It is never too hot, the mountains are beautiful, and there are never fire ants attacking you in the grass.  Robie started playing golf last year regularly.  I always thought golf was the most boring sport, but I actually have enjoyed the peace and serenity the golf course brings.  The weekend was too beautiful to stay inside, so I just had to tag along with Robie and his buddies to soak up some sun and drive the golf cart- of course.  It was the perfect day outside.

The usual golfing group.