mama-to-be Monday - shopping for the babe

It goes against my grain to do a post without a photo but it just doesn't look like a photo is going to happen today.

So . . .

here is where I'd like advice from you guys.

Someone (aka, a grandma) has expressed some interest in doing some Christmas shopping for the sweet baby. We haven't registered yet and were kind of planning to wait until January to do the big ole whopping registry trip, figuring out all of those foreign contraptions like strollers, car seats, carriers, etc. Plus, we're sort of timing it to go with some friends of ours who are also expecting for a fun trip with the guys wielding those crazy scanner guns and us girls doing the oohing and ahhing . . .

I do think it would be nice though to start collecting some ideas of stuff I'd like the baby to have, especially if a grandma wants an idea, right?

This is all new to me. I read somewhere that registering for your wedding is like a trip to a well-loved and very familiar theme park, all those home items that you've been looking at for years and that registering for your first child is somewhat more confusing . . . daunting, etc. although certainly not devoid of it's own fun and enjoyment.

Anyway, here's where you come in. What are some of your favorite places to shop for babies, your own or other people's? What are some cute/fun/unique baby things you've seen lately? What's your favorite baby gift to give? Do you have a favorite etsy shop or two that sells stuff for little ones? What are some websites I should browse?

Thanks, you guys!

Kelly

color

Poppy

This post is for my Poppy.

That's what we call my grandpa.

I thought this tea towel was absolutely adorable and it reminded me of him.

Well, not the adorable tea towel part but you know what I mean. :)

Hi Poppy! Love you! Kelly

countdown to cupcakes

very soon I will be in the land of these . . .

YUM!

What holiday foods are you counting down to?

Kelly

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Psalm 51:10

mama-to-be Monday - a few random things

um . . . they were only 35 cents

chocolate cravings (in all forms even marshmallow and tootsie rolls)

have been very strong lately

this is what I wore for Halloween :)

I wore it to school one day and then shopping on Halloween day with my friend, Renae, where it earned me a discount at Old Navy because it counted as a costume! Score!!

my students are suggesting names :)

Jackup took me a minute until I said it out loud . . . oh! Jacob!!! :)

speaking of names . . . I have been collecting stories lately of how people came up with their kids' names . . . frankly, having taught thousands of students at this point, I'm having trouble thinking past all of those names and finding ones we really like . . .

So, I'm curious, how did you come up with your kids' names?

What are some names you really like?

Thanks! Happy Monday! Kelly

Pikes Peak

We've been in Colorado!

It was a great trip full of family time, good talks, eating lots of good home-cooked meals as well as raiding a well stocked freezer and pantry (the pregnant mama has to eat!), playing with my nephew, maternity clothes shopping, discovering a great new antique mall, hiking, etc., etc.

because I just like it . . .

bagel slicer?

Random Question:

do you own a bagel slicer?

do you like it?

is it worth the space it takes to store?

thanks. :) kelly

deer

Travel Tuesdays - New York City

green benches for sitting and snapping photos

fun, huh?

These were taken back in 2006. My friends Jenni, Jenny and I went to NYC for a fun girls trip. One of them took the photos but I'm not sure which. :)

Do any of you know what this place is called in NYC where these green benches are?

Maybe Columbus Circle. I have forgotten.

What is your favorite place to go in NYC?

Kelly

Mama-to-be Monday - Jeff Reed edition

First of all, if you don't know who Jeff Reed is, don't worry.

And no, it is not the boy name we've decided on (not that we've decided on a boy name) in case you were guessing that.

Yesterday I was shopping with my friend Renae and found this baby Steelers shirt and had to take a picture to show Adrian.

So here's the Jeff Reed tie in. Jeff Reed is the kicker for the Steelers and I was wanting to write this Mama-to-be Monday post asking those of you who've gone before me the question, what does it feel like when you first felt your baby move.

But, what post is complete without a photo, so . . . I made the tie in of Steelers and kicker and baby moving . . . get it?

So, back to my question. I'm not sure I've felt the baby move yet although twice I've suspected I might be feeling the baby. I have heard it described as "butterfly wings" and then just the other day by a friend as "popcorn".

I would love to hear your descriptions/stories and comments.

Thanks! Kelly

p.s. Yesterday at Old Navy they had all of their Halloween shirts, onesies, etc. marked down to $2 a piece! Most were originally $5 but one little baby sleeper that was originally marked $12.50 was only $2 too! You might want to stock up for next year . . .

Happy Turkey Month!

Happy November!

Happy Turkey month!

Happy Thankfulness month!

AND . . .

Happy, happy birthday to my wonderful friend and faithful blog reader and commenter, Mindy!

Mindy and I at my wedding, October '08.

photo by Rachel Debell Photography

Mindy, her sister, Kori and I grew up together, going to church together, youth group trips, slumber parties, graduations, etc. and then went to the same college. Such wonderful times!

I hope you have a super birthday, Mindy! Kelly