Week 34 - Crafting with a Canteloupe

Apparently, week 34 means that my creative juices and determination are a flow'n.  I have knocked out quite a few things this week for the Babe.  Yay!  Since we were home all weekend, and didn't have much on our plate, it was time to cross a few projects off the list that I have been putting off for a little while.

Project 1: The Ruffled Crib Skirt
Once upon a time, I decided that I wanted to sew my own crib set, instead of purchasing one.  My mom took the quilt, Gram took the bumper pads, and I took the ruffled crib skirt.  I started it....um... I don't know how many weeks/months ago, but I'm not a real big fan of leaving projects unfinished, so it's been bugging me.

About 3/4 of the way through this crib skirt, and probably 4 hours in on Sunday, purchasing the $70 ruffled crib skirt from Pottery Barn sounded like a fantastic idea. I did however, push through and managed to get it finished.  That ruffled crib skirt is probably going to be the only one of those I will ever make (actually, Jay said "never again").  I recruited Jay to help iron, cut and be my pinning assistant. Between the two of us, it probably took us about 8 hours or so, to complete the entire thing. (I told myself that I couldn't start anymore projects until I got it complete, so there was some additional motivation there.)    Here it is in all it's evil, time consuming, beautiful glory :)

Project 2: The Wipe Case

I finally got my baby bag in, it was time to make a coordinating wipe case.  I have made quite a few of these in the past for my friends, so I had a pretty good idea of what I liked/didn't like.  I spent most of my time deciding the order to place the strips of fabric.  (I could never be a quilter....I would get no where fast.)

Project 3:  A Baby Bikini

I have been dying....DYING to find a baby bikini for the babe to wear when we take her on her first vacation to the beach.  Well, unfortunately infant swimwear has not been that easy to track down in the middle of winter.  AND, I refuse to pay more for a baby bikini than I would for one for myself.  *It's got like 1/8 yd of fabric, so you charge $60?!?! um no.*  So today, I constructed the next best thing.  It's going to look so fab with her white sunglasses :)  This will have to do until we can hunt down the real deal.

Project 4:  Baby Jay

Long before we knew if Baby Corbie was a lil lady or a lil guy, we made this onsie to announce that we were having a babe:

(get it....baby Jay-hawk....but also baby "Jay".  Convenient how that worked out, lol )

We left the front blank to be completed at another time (mostly until I figured out what to do).  Finally, I got all my thoughts together, did some crafting research, and created this for the front:

See!  I have been knocking out things left and right!  Let's hope my remaining 6 weeks are equally productive!

And because I have been slacking with bi-weekly pics, here is where I'm at as of yesterday :)

Love, 

Jay, Jenna & Baby Girl Corbie

Week 33 - It's all in a name...

As some of you may be a aware, Jay and I have decided to keep our little lady's name a secret, until she makes her big arrival.   We have also decided to not share the first initial.  Since we found out the gender (because I could never not do that, props to those who can), we just wanted to have a little surprise for everyone when she decides she is ready to take on the world.

Another reason why we have decided not to share it, is that I happen to know quite a few babies being born in a short amount of time.  And not that I have a ton of close friends or relatives having children right now, I have heard stories about the use of names by others (friends, family, etc), stealing name, openly sharing that they hate the name.  It all sounds pretty dramatic and I honestly would rather just stay out of that arena.

We decided not to even share initials just because my friends are pretty intelligent, and know me pretty well.  I don't think it would take them too long to figure it out. (Honestly, I would say 30 minutes or less.)   And then I'm a bad liar, so if they did guess it, it would be difficult to convince them that wasn't her name. 

So let's rewind a bit.....When we started on this baby name adventure, Jay and I only sorted through 3,000+ names, to settle on one about 3-4 months ago (and that's not an exaggeration)  Oddly enough, it was one of the very first names I threw out there, that Jay really liked.  Then we proceeded to sort through the remaining 3,000 + just to be confident. :)  I mean, they will have this name the rest of their life, so we had to make sure that we loved it (and that we could yell it when she gets in trouble, lol)

Then came our struggle with spelling. Apparently, there are only about 100 ways to spell the name that we have chosen.  We went back and forth for the better part of a month trying to decide.  We have since settled on spelling.  And, as of today, I'm pretty sure we are done with that mess. (That's the trouble with not being able to get things personalized yet, you always have the ability to change your mind :) )

And last decision, her middle name.  The middle name was easy for us.  Go figure.  Spelling was easy, selection was easy.  I had a middle name picked out way before we decided on a first name.  And while the first name is a name that we both love, the middle name has a bit more meaning behind it, both the actual name and the spelling.  Maybe that's why it was so much easier?!? :)

So, as all these babies are starting to be born, every time I hear "It's a girl!", I take a few moments to check the name, just because I'm curious.  So far, no one has chosen the name we have picked.  It's not that I would care if my child had the same name as someone else, that's not it at all.  I just don't want someone thinking I stole their name, or I don't want them to be offended that we decided on the same one. (I personally think that would only mean we BOTH have great taste in names :) ) 

(Also, I will point out that I am totally in touch with reality when it comes to naming, and realize that there will be others who share our baby girl's name.  It's a part of life. I mean, I know quite a few Jenna's. All of which are fantastic :) )

So like I said, our name secret has survived.  I have somehow managed to not spill the beans, even though I have been close a handful of times. (The closest at my baby shower, when asked by a 4 or 5 year old. I think it was because she so innocently asked...I was off my game, lesson learned, lol)  I have also almost revealed her first initial about 100 times.  That's what happens when you refer to Baby Corbie as "Baby _(first initial here)__" when you are at home.  It becomes so natural, you almost don't realize what you are doing when you say it.

So there you have it... 45-ish more days and our secret shall be revealed!  

Love, 

Jay, Jenna and Baby Corbie

Week 32 - Nursery Reveal

Drumroll please......

Since we have almost everything together and organized for our baby girl's room, it's time for the big reveal.  We still have a few minor things to finish (like her name behind the crib), but that won't be there until after she is here :)

 

We also started our birthing class this week.  That should help things fly by (as if they aren't already), because by the time that's done, we will only have 2 weeks left.  (YIKES!)  I'm really glad we signed up for this class.  We are in a class with about 7 or 8 other couples, half having girls and half having boys.  We even have a couple in there who share our exact due date (they are having a boy).  It's a two hour class every Monday for 6 weeks.  It honestly flies by.  We learn about relaxation techniques, changes to expect with our body, we get to tour the hospital, different requirements to use the birthing center, etc.  We have only had one class and I would already recommend it to others.

This weekend we will be helping my brother move into his new house near Topeka.  Well, I won't really be helping move much, more like decorating/organizing.  I'll put Jay to work though, don't you worry :)

52-ish days and counting!

Love,
Jay, Jenna & Baby Girl Corbie

Week 31 - A party for a pineapple

This post is a few days late, but for good reason :)  Happy Baby Shower Week!

A few moments to brag about my "Hostesses with the Mostess-es" I know that there were hours and hours of research, planning, creating, etc that went on to put on a fanastic shower.  I also know that getting everything to come together as planned can sometimes be a struggle.  However, everything turned out so wonderful.  The hostesses definitely succeeded in making sure Baby Corbie got a shower fit for a princess!

Now, a big thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate!  From those who attended, traveled, sent gifts, well wishes, etc. we grately appreciate it!  Thank you for taking the time to shower our little lady with love!  If the shower was any preview, our little lady is going to get her fair share of spoiling :)

I am going to have to add pictures of the shower later, however here are a few "appetizers" :)

Even Jay got a gift!  One of my coworkers got him a diaper duty survival kit.  I'll make sure he gets to use this plenty :)

And when we got it home and got it all unloaded, we were left with a nursery in desperate need of organization :)

Even Benjamin & Otis were excited about a few new items for their "baby sister".  (I need a patent, lol)  And yes, Jay took them for a little stroll down the hallway.  

Other than that, here are baby Corbie stats for the week:  You are the size of a pineapple, weighing in around 3 pounds.  You are an active little lady, working on getting ready for your big debut and we can't wait to meet you in about 60 days!

Love,
Jay, Jenna & Baby Girl Corbie  

Week 30 - Happy New Year!

Look out 2014!  We have a lot coming your way!  

We are starting our new year in the lovely Hays, America.  This might be one of my sober-est New Years as of late (or celebrations in Hays, for that matter). However, lodging and fun are being provided courtesy of the Roy Resort, which is like a 5-star bed and breakfast, lol :) Oh Hays, how I miss thee....

We are ringing in the new year with some family from near and far.  The Hocker family has made their way to Kansas.  (I'm pretty jealous of the KU game they attended on Monday).  I think the entire Karlin family, minus 2 will all be under one roof this evening (17-ish of us) And if it's like any other gathering we have, there won't be a shortage of food, drinks and fun :) Don't worry, I have some fun drinks planned for us "underage/unable" drinkers.

And a belated birthday shout out to Miss Sarah, and and early birthday shout out to Mr. Josh!  Here are the birthday kiddos :)

Here are a few pics from our NYE party

2013 has been a blast: A trip to Vegas, a beach trip, our one year anniversary, a pregnancy, friend's weddings & babies, royals games, concerts, etc.  And while there have been a few less fortunate events, I definitely think the good outweighed the bad.  We definitely have a lot to be thankful for from 2013!

And 2014 should be equally eventful, I mean Baby Corbie will be making her grand appearance in about 70 days!   We also have our annual beach trip planned, probably a trip to Vegas, and I turn the big three-oh!  Bring it on 2014!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy NYE!

Love, 

Jay, Jenna and Baby Girl Corbie