DIY: Turtle Mobile

January 18, 2013

While searching for baby's mobile, I never found anything I liked...

I saw a cute mobile made of felt animals on Pinterest and decided, "I can do that too!"

Obviously I chose Turtles and went to work.

Using the same fabric from Dean's crib quilt I:

1. Sketched my turtle on paper.

2. Traced the paper on 4 different solid colors (double sided

3. Sketched shell on paper

4. Traced shell on 4 patterned fabrics

5. Pinned shells on turtles & hand sewed a shell on each side of the solid turtles

6. Sewed the two turtle pieces together (by hand)

7. Stuffed each turtle with batting

8. Thread clear fishing wire and tie to mobile top.

(I found the top at the D.I--local thrift store--. I'm not sure what it's original purpose was but, it works just dandy for my mobile)

(Quilt)

Week 40

January 17, 2013

I am on strike! NO MORE WEEK PICTURES!

The last "week" picture I post will be me at the hospital before baby Dean is born. 

My last Dr. visit was quite discouraging. I have only thinned a little aka NO dilation. My body simply isn't ready.

My mind is ready.

Baby seems to be ready (8lbs--estimate from doc).

When will my body finally be ready?!?

I have an induction date for January 21st (Monday).

I have tried just about everything (natural) to induce labor at home:

1. Long walks. 

Starting at week 38 I started walking A TON.

Giving the dogs a walk (before it got so cold)

Finding excuses to walk around Costco (because outside was so cold)

Saturday gym sessions on the treadmill

2. Spicy Foods. 

I went to Taco Time and asked for a handful of their 5 Alarm Sauce. I've been using that and Habenero Tabasco on just about EVERYTHING. I haven't really tasted my food but, my nose is running and forehead sweating from all the "heat".

3. Red Leaf Raspberry Tea.

4. Acupressure.

I even checked out books from the library for this one :)

5. Sex. (nuff said...)

Guess we'll just keep on waitin'... If he doesn't come this week, at least I KNOW I'll be leaving the hospital with my baby next week :)

Week 39

January 9, 2013

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband!! We were hoping for a baby boy to arrive and be the bestest birthday present ever but... we're still waiting :)

Been having more/longer contractions but I still haven't dilated any (as of Monday's dr. appointment)

I have been walking a ton everyday & eating as much spicy foods as I can (habenero Tabasco has been on my plate for almost every meal). The exercise ball has been a nice treat-- it helps my back, starts contractions & keeps turtle in a head-down position.

Calin's last birthday before he's a daddy :)

Week 38

January 2, 2013

With only a few days into the new year, I am excited and anxious to see what new adventures await. My due date is approaching fast. I've finished sewing crib sheets, all of baby Dean's new (& used) clothes are in the wash right now and my hospital bags have been packed for 2 weeks now... I'm ready!

I guess we'll just have to wait for the guest of honor. My theory is he doesn't want to leave his current warm place of residence. Why would anyone want to move from warm weather to last night's 10 degrees? Now how do I trick my little turtle into thinking outside the womb will be just as cozy and warm?

On New Year's Eve, my family each wrote down a goal for the new year. We hung the pictures on the kitchen fridge to be a constant reminder of those goals. Mine was to Gain a baby and lose the weight. Typical New Year's resolution? Yes :) 

Everyone always says they are going to get fit, lose weight and be healthy. Well, over the last 9 months I have had plenty of time to reflect and wish I had done things differently BEFORE i got prego. I now understand the benefits and disadvantages of being healthy & fit for pregnancy. 

Dean's "nursery" (aka Dean's side of the room)