My progress update

Ok, so last week I said that I wanted to get certain things done, so let me report on them....

Bracelets. 
I made the twins name bracelets.

Then I made all five kids an initial bracelet.  I wasn't going to do one for Moose, but he put on Monkey's and didn't want to take it off.  To get him to give it back, I promised to make him one.  I was hesitatant to do it, but I love when he wears it!  It's very masculine.  Chick's isn't as cute as the others, I know.  I made hers just like Monkey's but in green.  She complained that she wanted the pink, but Monkey liked hers...so Chick got the leftover beads and it became a rainbow bracelet.  I don't like it at all, but that's what you get for being picky, I guess.

I also restrung a beaded necklace of mine that has been sitting around waiting to be repaired, so that was a huge little accomplishment.

Hair flowers.
Let me say right now that I don't crochet, but I do thrift store shop.  A year or so ago I found a bag of crocheted pieces-- squares, flowers, etc all in different colors.  I don't know if the person was just practicing a lot, or if they had several projects that they started and never finished?  But I knew that I could do something with it...so I put it all in my "refashion" box until inspiration struck.  Which it did a couple of weeks ago.  I looked through there and found that there were four flowers of the same color pink--all different sizes and patterns.  So I put felt and a barrette in the back, and a brown leather button on the front of each (all buttons are also different sizes), and voila: matching hairflowers for my four girls!  I also did a bonus light pink, and will also be finishing a white one soon.

Also I did the flowers for the hats that go with the cocoons.  I bought blue yarn, even though no one voted for it, and didn't like the flower.  So then I bought a raspberry colored yarn, and love it.  And I'm especially proud that I was able to make up a way to make the flower all on my own.  Like I said, I don't crochet, but I did want a similar look.  I think they turned out pretty cute ; )  Now to find a big wooden platter for the photoshoot...and of course wait for the little ladies to make their appearance.

The kids and I went garage saling yesterday.  I got a few clothes for Moose and Monkey, and a toy or book for each (they were very good), and some maternity clothes for me.  But mostly I got school and grow into clothes for Chick, and some things for the babies.  The first sale we went to was at my brother & SIL's house, and that's where I got the baby stuff and maternity stuff.  Including a maternity swimsuit that fits well and is green, but will still take every ounce of self confidence that I possess to get me to go out in public in it.
Funny thing about the garage sales: about 3 people asked if Monkey and Moose were twins (they were in a double jogging stroller).  I would respond by saying that no, they were 18 months apart, but that I am expecting twins.  Then the people would look at me and say, "Really?  How cool!  But you aren't very big!"  Seriously?!!  And no joke, it was about three different occasions--different people, different g-sales, same conversation.

One lady also said that I must be Mormon.  I don't know if she was kidding or not, but I told her that I was...to which she said something about us not believing in birth control.  I said that we're fine with birth control, and her friend said that we just like our families.  Exactly.

Speaking of liking my family: Moose has started saying his own prayer at night (with help, of course) and it is SO CUTE.  It's a good thing he is so cute sometimes, because he's a serious stinker sometimes and he needs to keep a good balance for self-preservation.

Ok, so here's my belly.  you can decide if you think I'm big or not.

I felt pretty huge with Moose...and looking at this post, I was pretty close to the size I am now...but my belly this time is a lot more rounded out--wider, higher, lower, etc. 

K, also HH worked on painting the nursery, but that'll get done this week, so no pics yet.
I didn't start the blessing dresses.
So for next week: nursery pics, blessing dresses.  That's probably all for this coming week, since I'm teaching preschool this week and will be starting layout as well.

Projects and Purchases

Ok, so I'm not purchasing many new things by way of baby stuff...I've already had two girls, after all.  But we do need a few new things.

So I went to three local "Moms of Multiples" sales.  The first two were on the same Saturday, and the third was last weekend. 

Here is a picture of the baby loot from the first weekend.  Baby seat, portable swing, baby clothes, & several pairs of shoes.  I also got things for the other kids-- grow into clothes for Moose, ballet tights, etc.  I spent $100 for everything.  I got one matchy-matchy outfit set (pictured on the right), but in general I'm avoiding outfits that are EXACTLY the same...I'm worried about my other kids being able to tell the babies apart, so I like coordinating outfits more than exact matches.

Anyhow, this next picture is from the second weekend (third sale).  More grow into stuff for the other kids, Sandals for Monkey--but I bought two pairs of them so the twins will have matching sandals when they get to that size. 
Moose got one of those stuffed animal backpack harnesses.  Judge me if you want--I've always looked down on them myself-- but he has no concept of parking lot safety, and carrying two infant seats and having him bolt into traffic doesn't sound like the best option.  I'm pretty sure that anyone seeing me with my crazy little brood will agree that sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
Anyhow, I got one more little matchy outfit set...These adorable Christmas dresses and sweaters!!  My other girls were both approximately a year old at Christmas, so I knew I'd need dresses anyhow.  Plus all four items were only $13 and are in perfect shape and are seriously so cute.  I also got more onesies...things of which I suspect I'll go through quickly enough to warrant having extras.....

I procured a second infant seat for free, so we're set for those. : )

I'm still on the lookout for a triple stroller, though I recently read that someone used one of those metal yard carts/wagons...and that's an interesting idea. What do you think?  Which would you get?  It'd be for going on walks and for outings such as the zoo.

Ok, so that's it for shopping.  Now on to projects!!  After almost a complete year and a half of having the components sitting in various locations in my kitchen, I give you: the bow frame.

I know, it's super simple, and should never have taken so long to get finished and up.  I have no excuse.  But all that matters now is that it's done, and I like it.  : )

And here is the hat and cocoon set that I knifty knitted.  I did them slightly different--one has a 1/1 knit/purle pattern, and the other is 2/2.  And one has a rolled edge, but I broke it up so that each set has one of each...not sure if I'll keep it like that.  Anyhow, I did a big notch at the top of each cocoon, and then a little loop and button to close it up.  The buttons aren't sewn on.  I'll wait to see how the babies fit inside before finalizing the closure.

I'm going to make little flower clips to accessorize the hats.  Here's a picture of a sample of what I have in mind, but I'm not using that color...I have to buy the right color yarn still...

I'm thinking of either the fuscia-red or the aqua in the picture below.  Which would you do?

We've also done some little home projects, but no pictures.

I'm also growing some babies, but I'm also missing a current picture of my pretty impressive belly.  Soon, I  promise.  But as of a few days ago, the babies were doing GREAT.  They're both about 1#5oz, and developing equally and healthy in every way (that you can tell in an ultrasound).

I've gained 10 pounds so far, which still amazes me, since my other pregnancies were 30-40 for singletons.  But of course, I'm only 24 weeks along, and will likely start packing it on as the babies get bigger.

Next up: hair flower clips for all four girls, name bracelets for the twins (yup, we have the first names picked and are just deciding on the middle names!), painting the nursery, and blessing dresses.  Maybe I can get that all done this week and post next weekend with the results.

I got fabric for the nursery bedding and decor, but I want to get the room painted and the carpet done first.

Ok, that's all.  Signing out.

My date with Monkey

So, Monkey's birthday was over 4 months ago.  I'm a little embarrassed to admit that we JUST got around to doing her birthday photoshoot and date!  But so it is. 

My aunt watched Chick and Moose, and Monkey and I went  out for our special date.  It was very fun...she's a sweet little friend.  We went to the temple for our photoshoot, because I needed pictures of Monkey at the temple for an Easter present that I'm making for her.  It was a rainy day, but had enough dry moments for us to get pictures taken.

Then we ran a couple of quick errands, and went to Dairy Queen for ice cream.

Then we had a little more time, so we stopped for thift store shopping.  I LOVED some Easter dresses at Fred Meyer, but couldn't rationalize spending so much when they don't really NEED dresses.  So we found some at the thrift store ($10 for both...I can handle that).  They don't match (like, at all.  totally different styles) but I guess it doesn't matter, right?

Anyhow, that was our date.  It was fun, because she really is a fun little gal.  She picked out her outfit and hair accessories.

Outtakes:



This statue was her favorite part!