Redo Preview

We have been going like mad savages for the last week buying paint, supplies and doing multiple coats of paint. Just wanted to give everyone a little preview of the difference....

My First Sewing Project!

While visiting this past weekend, my MIL (mother in law) brought me over her old sewing machine as a loaner. It's an old Kenmore ZigZag, and I'm guessing it's vintage for sure (maybe Jan could comment on how old it is?) It's great for a beginner like me (well, beginner machine user, as I've been hand sewing for years), as many of the new electronic machines have so many options that it can get complicated.

After some playing around (and a fun trip to Fabricana), I made this baby ribbon blankie similar to one Lexi was given as a baby. I'm really pleased with the results. Next up on the list - pillow covers!

ETA: OK, I lied. Next up was burp cloths. Super easy and quick to make. I'll tackle pillow covers soon.

I've decided to get my little etsy shop up and running again. Click on over to ducklyandjuicy designs to see what I've been whipping up lately.

Homemade Wall Art - Part Deux

Picked up some frames for the wall art to be hung in Lexi's room. Here is the other layout I did with a safari theme. Love the way they turned out!

The $5 Bathroom Make-over

While out running some errands yesterday, I found these cute little plants that just needed a place on the little shelves in our bathrooms. I've been meaning to get plants to spruce up the loos for a while. I think it looks much nicer, non?

Loving: Homemade Art, Baby Squirrels, and Trench Coats

This wee baby squirrel was helping itself to a mini-feast of bird food on our deck last weekend. It is the teeniest little thing we had ever seen and Lexi fawned over it for at least 10 minutes. So cute.

I recently bought myself this beautiful classic trench coat from Banana Republic online (they now have a Canadian site, and the ordering and shipping was very easy). Usually I don't chance it by 1) buying clothes online in case the size is wrong as it's usually a pain in the rear to return and 2) torture myself by buying regular clothes while pregnant, but I couldn't pass up a good deal. It is stunning, and while I can't quiiiiiiiite button it right now, I know it will be a staple in my wardrobe for many years to come.

I've been wanting to add some art to Lexi's wall for some time now, and had tossed around a few ideas in my head for some homemade projects. This scrapbooking layout using the Create-a-Critter cartridge from Cricut materialized over the last week. I love the results, and as a huge animal lover, Lexi loves it too. Plan to have it framed and hung in her room soon.

Here fishy, fishy, fishy...

I am loving this age that Lexi is at right now. I think we've got a good feel on what kind of personality she is going to have as she grows up and I'm happy to say I believe she is going to have a creative and crafty streak just like her momma. The other day Lexi was using her colored IKEA blocks to build shapes and she made this cute fishy all by herself.

Two years in the making...

After months (and years really) of crowing that I was 'gonna get this done, gonna get this done,' I FINALLY GOT IT DONE! Lexi' first year album is finally finished. Just in time to start taking pictures for my next book for baby boy!

I have to say it was easier to finish this project once I bought my own Cricut machine this summer. In the past, I would have to prepare my layouts in advance and go to my favourite scrapbook haunt and pay a small fee to borrow theirs. LOVE having my own (and it was worth waiting to buy it on sale!)

It's a BOY!

The ultrasound Thursday night went very well. The baby looks healthy and is measuring right on for the dates. It's definitely a boy! I could actually tell before the tech could tell me (I caught a peek while she was measuring his leg bones). We are thrilled that the baby is healthy, and our hunch of boy was confirmed! Lexi has been saying 'brother' from early on, and I thought so too.

The first pic shows babe with his fingers up by his face, and the second is catching him mid-yawn. His teeny feet measured 3.4 cm toe to heel.

I am feeling huge and my back and hips are already suffering. I'm not ready to slow down yet though as I have tons to projects on the go, including starting the guest room/baby room transformation, and doing a bunch of scrapbooking including cards and a beautiful layout that I plan to frame and hang in Lexi's room. I also FINALLY finished Lexi's First Year scrapbook! Pics to follow soon.

So THAT'S what he wears under his costume!

Nice panties Finn! You match with Lexi!

Sledding Fun

Some winter fun on our front lawn, February 27