Cloth Diaperin' Mama

So, I can't even count how many times that when I told our friends and family that we were cloth diapering--the "oh my gosh, are you crazy?!" and "Oh, I'll give you a month" looks that I got. Hell, I even got that from Dan. At first! (Don't tell anyone, but he actually told me he's really excited about it!) But, I'm here to tell you--the cloth diapers aren't going anywhere people. I'll have the luxury of staying at home with Grace for the first 6 months or so of her life, and I think it all just works out perfectly.

So, when you first think of cloth diapers...how many of you think of safety pins and a peice of cloth? Yeah, me too. Not so much! Cloth diapers have come a long way, and I was convinced from my dear friend Lacey that it's the way to go. Not only are you doing your part to save our planet, but it's the more economical choice too. I'm not sure if I will be saving bundles of money, since I chose to not go the cheapest route...but over the past 9 months I have kept my eyes open for any type of sale I can get.

Here's a peek at what we've got so far. Yes, I said so far. Sorry Dan! This is by far my favorite drawer to show people when they have come to check out Grace's nursery.

Helllllooo cuteness. Can't you just see that cute little cloth bum crawling around? I'm so excited, and I can't wait to prove everyone wrong show everyone, that cloth diapering isn't that much harder and is a better choice! Enough about me being a brat to prove everyone wrong... ;)

This last weekend my Mom, Leslie, Grandma, Eme, and Steph came to visit us! We had such a great time, and it was nice to see all the ladies in my life. We're all getting so excited for Grace's arrival, and my poor mom thinks that every time my name pops up on her phone--it's me telling her I'm going in to labor. As if she wasn't already such a worry wart! Here's a few pictures!

I told Eme to make a funny face, this is what she came up with. I just love her!

5 generations! Soon to be 6! I love this picture!

So, what do you think about cloth diapering? Are you mad at me for admitting that I want to prove most of you wrong? :) Anyways, well I hope y'all have a blessed Thursday! Is it really already Thursday? My goodness. 37 weeks next week!!!

After 2.5 years, I have FINALLY figured out what's wrong with Gabby.

Yes, you heard that right. If you know me, you know Gabby. Gabby is my sweet, sweet chocolate lab that I love SO much. However, she has easily been the most high maintenance dog in the whole world. See, Miss Gabby has a little tummy problem (or so we thought!). She throws up, alot. Probably atleast 3 times a week. It's the saddest thing I've ever seen because her eyes water, and she shivers. Just like a person really. She just looks so miserable, and it's made me so sad over the years. I genuinely thought that it was a food allergy, so I've always bought her the best best dog food...have tried cooking her chicken and rice...have bought little balls to put in her food to make her eat slower. You name it, I've tried it. So, the other night, I ran across this term called Megaesophagus. Sounds pretty weird, huh? Well, apparently it's common in labs and I found a blog that also has a sweet little chocolate lab that has the same problem. Who woulda thunk it? I was so surprised that someone else out there has been going through the exact same thing as me! There are dogs out there that have more serious cases of this, but luckily Gab's isn't so severe. So, get this. The way to treat it at home? Make the dog sit in this ridiculously cute (but has to be so torturous, especially for an insanely hyper lab!) chair!

Or, just go see your vet like we will do. For now, our treatment is whenever she is acting like she's going to be sick...we'll just go play ball with her outside. It's like it relaxes her, and seems to do the trick 90% of the time. Anyways, I know this information isn't for everyone, and I doubt anyone really cares--but it was a huge milestone to finally figure out what's wrong with Gab!

We'll have this be the dog blog today. So, the other weekend we went to this lake that had such a beautiful view (mhm...you could see a power plant in the near back ground). Regardless, it's been 40 days of 100 plus degree weather, so ANY lake is fine with Dan and I, and especially the puppies! The dogs had so much fun. I kind of worry when Gabby swims with other dogs, because she is a really strong swimmer and let's just say that Frances is not! So, she occasionally dunks him...big deal! Regardless, they LOVE to swim! I sometimes worry if they are going to come back when they go in to the water. So, here are some pretty funny pictures from our lake trip.

Dan lives to torture our dogs. Here is, throwing Gab in the water!

Check this picture out! Thanks to my awesome new camera, I can actually capture this. Even though, they look like the meanest wolves ever!

And, I apologize for no border--and I can't believe I'm putting this up here...but here I am. A lovely 8 months pregnant. Yikes. Oh, and check out the power plant in the back. Beautiful, just beautiful.

Happy Friday!

Nursery Lovin'

I must say, I think that Grace just might have the most adorable nursery ever! It has just the right amount of personality, without being too much, and was put together with so much love from Dan and I plus family and friends. Love it! It's just fantastic, and honestly there are times when I'm hanging out in there and I genuinely feel like she's already here. Weird? Anyone else feel that way? Hope so. Here are a couple of shots. Oh and by the way, let me just say that I have the most amazing Dad ever! He bought me the most amazing present on his last visit here. I got a new Canon Rebel! In case you don't know what it is--it's a camera an idiot can use, with a lens! As of right now, I've only taken pictures of the puppies...but, little Grace better watch out. Paparazzi Mama will be on the loose the second she makes her debut. I want to take a beginners photograhy course when life settles down a little. Wait, will that ever happen? Anyways, here are a couple of shots of her nursery. Let me know what you think!

So, I kind of avoided taking pictures of the front wall of the room, because there is a mattress up against the window and my curtains fell down. So, oh well! You get the jist! So, other than the nursery being finished--not too much has been going on in good ol' Austin, TX. Dan is really enjoying his job, and we found out that he gets paternity leave. How cool is that? Way to be progressive, Samsung! It'll be so great for the two of us to get to spend as much time together with her as soon as she gets here.

Well, I'm gonna make this short and sweet and just post a few pictures. Unfortunately, I'm in the thick of my Accounting course--so blogging takes the back burner. Here's what we've been up to lately:

Aren't they cuties?

Did a little cookin! It's nice to spoil yourself! :)

Dad came to visit! He loves his Grandpuppy!

Action shot. Gab being lazy, like always! Francis being a creep.



{Party Crashers}

So, the last post that I had written was about our Fourth of July plans. Well, shortly after I wrote that post--Dan and I decided that we wanted to surprise his family in New Hampshire for the long weekend! Every year they get together at his family's lake house  at Lake Suncook in New Hampshire, so we thought we'd come crash their party! It was a fantastic weekend full of relaxing, eating, and quality family time. Unfortunately, the sun decided to come out to play the day before we got there, and the day we were leaving--but it was okay. Honestly, I was grateful to see the rain! New Hampshire is such a beautiful place, and I can't wait until we can go back! Also, I can't wait until November and we get to spend a little bit more time with everyone.

So, like I said--we decided to surprise the fam! It was so much fun! Unfortunately, we couldn't make it 100% a surprise...and Dan's mom found out, but it's okay! I really think she might have had a heart attack if we would have successfully surprised her! She loooooves Dan, and still acted like she was completely surprised. So cute! So, here are a few pictures to kinda sum up the weekend.

This lake was gorgeous, along with the beautiful lake house!

The Surprise!

Doing what I do best...napping!

This is Elizabeth, Dan's sister and I!

Family Photo. They love their sister!

What a great picture!

Well, the moral of the story is that...spontaneity is the key to life and that family is truly the best blessing in life! Happy Friday! :)



Leave me alone, I'm nesting.

Let me just start off by saying..."Poor Dan". He gets the pleasure of coming home every single day to something new that I've organized, or put together for Grace. As soon as he gets home, he gets happily greeted by the dogs, and then if I can muster up the energy to get of the couch I greet him just as happily too! Then I take his arm, drag him in to Grace's nursery, and say..."Look what I did today!" Lucky man, lemme tell ya! Hopefully I can maintain this type of order once she actually gets here!

So my biggest project lately has been getting her closet and clothes all in order. I had to wash all of her new stuff, hang it up on pretty little hangers, and of course organize it all by side. Of course, duh. Who doesn't do that? Well, apparently people have thought I'm nuts for doing so. Here's a little peek!

I can just picture all of my friends really laughing at me right now. Yes, those are little tags that I made that I hung in the closet to organize her clothes by size. And yes, those are MATCHING tags on the boxes to organize miscellaneous things that I don't want all over the place. Also, to answer any questions about clothes for Grace--she has A LOT! I laid off buying the newborn clothes because I knew that's what the majority of people would give her at the shower, so now I think we're good. To quote Dan, "Why does she need so many clothes? She's just going to be in pajamas all the time!" Is he right? Will she? Will she never wear that ridiculously cute dress I got her at Childrens Place? Oh well, if he is right--I've got a couple of drawers full of pj's too! ;)

Enough closet talk! Let's talk about something a little more interesting. 4th of July plans? Dan and I decided to continue a little tradition that goes back one whole year of watching the Red Sox play on the 4th of July weekend. So, who knows where that'll take us next year. Yeah, unless it's in TX or MA I doubt the tradition will continue--but we can dream, right? This is us last year on the 4th of July.

 Anyways so this year we're venturing to the land of humidity and ridiculous amounts of sweat, yes that's Houston. It's about 3 hours away from us and we thought it'd be a perfect opportunity to get a way. Yeah, not sure why I want to get away from a city that I LOVE--but it's okay! Plus, there are no firework shows here in Austin. Boo! And there will be one after the game in Houston! I'm planning on taking lots of pictures while we're there--I've really only been to Houston a couple of times in my life, the 7 hour drive from Abilene deterred me from going there. Oh yea, and the heat. Let's talk about the heat real quick, oh my gosh. Pregnancy has really been great for me thus far, but this heat is just RIDICULOUS! I can't take it, and I feel like all I do is whine about it. Kind of like I am right now. Hmph. Sorry. Remember that pregnancy brain I talked about a few weeks ago? Here it is again. Okay, Red Sox. Yes, I am a Texan. No, I will not be going for the Astros. and Yes, Grace and I are pretty much forced to be fans of all things Boston. EXCEPT the Patriots. I'm a Cowboys fan for life. Sorry lovebug. Dan and I made an agreement that Grace can't wear any Cowboys gear if she can't wear any Patriots gear. We'll see how much Grandpa follows that rule! Maybe this year they'll make it to the Super Bowl. Ha.Ha.

Well, life is good. We're feeling very blessed and very happy at the moment. Here's to Grace hanging out in my belly for another 10 weeks! (Did I seriously just make a toast? Oh man, I need a glass of wine!)

Crystal

*Showered with Love*

All I can say is wow. I'm so amazed and grateful for the little shindig that my closest friends and family put on for Grace and I. We had the Baby Shower! It was so amazing and fantastic, that I want to do it all over again! Of course, without 8 million presents! Just getting to spend time with all of the closest ladies in my life was enough. The theme for the shower was just colorful! I think that's the what we can name the theme. They all know how much I love flowers, so there were fresh flowers everywhere and the food spread was incredible! I have so much unpacking and organizing to do, that I don't have too much time to sit here--but I just want to thank you ladies SO SO SO much. And also, how lucky am I?...I'm gonna guestimate and say that about 75% of the guests there, traveled to come to the shower. You all really know how to make a girl feel loved, and thank you everyone for coming, chatting, and showering Grace and I with love and presents to complete her room!

When I called Dan after the shower, I told him..."No really, I don't think you understand how crazy women go over baby showers!" I could BARELY fit it all in to the car to bring it all back to Austin!

Gorgeous flowers, no party of mine will ever be complete without them! Those girls know me too well!

We had to move the party inside, thanks to the 109 degree Texas heat--but even after being inside...opening presents is exhausting!! I had to take several water breaks! :)

The gorgeous spread. They did such a fantastic job.

This was the adorable cake topper. So cute, and perfect! Even though I saw the girls making some of the decorations the night before...I was still completely shocked by all of the attention to detail. Perfect!

So, once again...thank you ladies SO much. You really know how to make a girl feel loved!

XOXO,

Crys & Grace

Of course this is about Father's Day!

Hello! Oohh...it's Monday. Monday's are always so bittersweet to me. I'm sure most people are thinking, "how in the heck is it sweet?", but I always think of Monday's as a new start. A day to begin new things. To begin working out (which of course never sticks), to begin a new diet (once again, never sticks), or in my case today--to begin a new relationship with our new OBGYN! Woohoo! This is going to be the man to deliver our sweet baby girl! Dan and I have already visited with him once, but that was just a consultation to tell me the do's and the dont's of pregnancy, history, etc. This time...we get to do a glucose test, and I get to see her! I know she's going to look so different than when we saw her at 20 weeks, I'm so excited. Unfortunately, Mr. Mills can't make it. New job + Baby Appts = Probably won't make many of em from here on out! It's okay, he'll just have a million text messages to come home to when he gets off of work!

So enough about me, how was Father's Day for everyone? I'm sure it's mostly Momma's that read this blog--but I couldn't help but think about all those Mom's out there that play the role of Mom and Dad. And visa versa for the Daddy's that play the role of Mommy too! For Father's Day, I got Dan this little bible for him to read to Grace. It's a Father-Daughter one, and I thought it was so cute. Of course, the look on his face when he saw something pink in his gift bag was priceless. Kind of like, "Um...what in the heck am I supposed to do with this thing?" face. Us women are always so funny. We think of these thoughtful gifts, and in return--we get a "where's my Red Sox shirt?" comment. Joking! Sorta... ;) I love you babe! Also, on Saturday Dan and I ventured to Whole Paycheck... I mean Whole Foods and got some ingredients for a homemade pizza. Only there, and probably in Austin, would you find them selling Toms at a grocery store. Besides the point! We ended up walking out of there with 5 different kinds of cheeses. 5! Oh my goodness, and our take on a deepdish pizza was incredible. I had some dough left over, and made this for Dan.

Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to hang out with my Dad this Father's Day. Sad day...and I know he missed us! But, we (and by we, I mean Grace and I!) will be in Abilene this coming up weekend for my baby shower. Yayyyyyyyyyy! I can't wait to see all of my lovelies and family! Just wish that Boston wasn't so far away, so everyone can participate. In my make-believe happy world, all of my family and friends are together with all of Dan's family and friends. Might be kinda scary, but I think it'd be perfect. Maybe one day! :)

So, our weekend was pretty fun. Austin is such an incredible place. I love how it can be so much fun at night time, but then also just as fun and family oriented during the day! It's really such a unique place, and I feel so blessed to live here! I think the highlight of the weekend would be our trip to the Austin Farmer's Market, downtown. It was a blast. Very hot, even at 10 in the morning, but a blast none the less. We came out of there with all kinds of stuff, and honestly could have bought more--if we had more cash on us! Farmer's Markets are always so inspiring to me! We found some incredible San Marzano tomatoes that I had to get. San Marzano's are the best, and yummiest sauce tomatoes! We also found the world's largest eggplant. We were instantly inspired to try Dan's Aunt's recipe for eggplant parmesan that she made for Christmas. Yum! Isn't food just beautiful?

Wow, okay enough chit chat from me. I have lots to do today--and one of them includes making and assembling my hostess thank you gifts. Here's a hint ladies...you get 4 gifts in one! Dan is amazed at how nice us women are!

Have a great Monday!