Blah, Blah, Boom!

Is it seriously my birthday today? The day might come and go without this sinking in - at - all. There is so much going on around here. Not only are we adjusting to the back-to-school schedule (yesterday, between us, Isaac and I made 6 trips total to and from the kids' schools -- 30-45 mins each trip!), but Elijah chipped a major chunk off his front tooth Wednesday night (emergency dental appointment), all of my licensing partners are asking for new artwork by the end of the month, and I still haven't figured out where we are going to put this baby -- who could come at any time -- but will be here by the end of the month no matter what.

We have two kids' rooms, one office, one open office, a loft, a turret-like play room... a closet. Do you bunk a newborn boy up with his 14-year-old brother who sleeps like a log, or with his 6-year old sister who doesn't? Neither is the obvious choice. Or do you turn the teensy turret into an adorable nursery -- that may only fit a crib and a nightstand. Nevermind the room is right over the front door (doorbell, barking dogs), it's insanely bright in there, and there's no sound barrier (such as a door). Or do you move the teenager into the office and the baby into the teenager's room? Isaac is convinced no teenage boy should have a downstairs room by himself -- much more a reflection of Isaac's teenage years than a concern over Elijah as a mischief-maker. Besides, we kind of need the office. 

I don't know. I've been telling myself that we'll just set up a bunk for the baby in our room for a while till we know what he's like and see how he does with sleeping & such. This is still 'the plan.' But, what I realize now is that his STUFF still needs a place. So, where do we put the clothes, the diapers, the blankets, the toys? My room, C's room, E's room, the loft, the office -- same contenders.

These are things a mother should probably address in the 2nd trimester before her energy is thoroughly drained. Alas, I spent all of my nesting energy on meeting deadlines and getting my business obligations squared away so I could focus on the baby when he gets here. Not a bad plan, really. But his baby stuff? I have to wash things and put them away -- well, somewhere.

So, here I am. Tick, tick, tick, tick... the timer is about to chime. He's coming out of the oven.

I should probably forget all of this for one more day and just go do something fun, huh? Antique-shopping would fit the bill.

Before I do, I have a birthday obligation to meet -- my annual birthday giveaway! I have four new Pocket Posh books out with Andrews McMeel Publishing that - are - stinking - fabulous. I've got two prizes for the guy or gal who can cheer me up / calm me down / get me jazzed / sooth my swollen legs with a funny birth or baby story, a great joke, amazing advice, etc.** Your call.

Each winner can have his or her pick of one of my new travel mugs and one of our new Pocket Posh books. (Which I have learned are the PERFECT things to keep in the car for school-pick-up-line boredom. PERFECT.) They don't just have clinical definitions and such -- they have history, and interesting facts, and smart stuff. They're really cool.

• 120 Words To Make You Sound Intelligent
• 120 Words You Should Know
• 120 Words That are Fun to Say
• 120 Job Interview Words You Should Know

** I reserve the right to be completely befuddled by all of your fabulous comments and to resort to the Random Number Generator for help if picking a winner is too stressful for my rotund self.

And, before I forget, can I say it is FAR easier to shave swollen ankles!? This fascinates me.

Comments

[Geoff & Joanna Falk]

Enjoy that new baby. They grow up so fast!

[Katarina]

Congrats for your birthday, but also huge congrats and blessings on your new baby!!So glad everything went perfect!

[Theresa N.]

Happy Birthday to you!!! I am expecting my 4th baby early November and the excitement of being able to shop for cute stuff is awesome. Even though my oldest is only 8 years old. It feels like there was nothing as "cool" available for babies but back then as there is now. It has definitely been stressful with all the back to school rush around here but I have some interesting baby finds for mommies that actually made me LOL (laugh out loud) and I hope it does the same for you!! Here are a couple:
1)Mom Spit- (http://www.momspit.com/) THE UNIVERSAL NO-RINSE CLEANSER FOR HANDS AND FACE. Seriously!!! This is crazy

2) BamBOOBIES (http://www.buybamboobies.com/) Super Soft bamboo breast pads! Bamboobies are the new choice for mothers who want a washable breast pad that doesn't leak or show through clothing. I actually think these are pretty cool

3) I've also been looking into cloth diapering this 4th baby and many found many interesting topics such as what type of diaper rash cream is cloth diaper friendly and came across this particular item:
CJ's BUTTer (http://www.cjsuniqueboutique.com/?p=1003) An all-natural, cloth friendly BUTTer that’s perfect for everything from eczema to diaper rash to wintertime chapped cheeks, mixed/black hair and postpartum relief! Great for babies AND adults! And guess what scent got rave ratings??? Monkey Farts (LOL) and I can assure u that I ordered some and it smells yummy!

4) I also learned a new word that goes along with all this cloth diapering loveliness: POOPsplosion!!!! So if you decide to CD, be sure to choose something that can handle this type of serious stuff.

I am sooo enjoying all this baby talk and finding out about new/interesting baby/momma products available and finding daily deals on them is so much fun for me! I love when I can catch a daily "steal", but receiving a package in the mail is the even funner part of it all. I would for the chance to win your giveaway and to receive your cute designs would just be such a blessing. Hope you enjoy your pregnancy and all the fun that follows!!

[Littlebit91284]

I love your blog. I just found it today talking to someone about fabrics and they sent me your way. Happy Birthday to you and congratulations on the baby!

[Heather]

Well, if it's any consolation, my sister lived in a TEENY TINY appartment when she had her first baby. Instead of walking the five steps across the room to the crib, she bedded the baby down in a dresser draw at the foot of her bed.

Happy birthday!

[Luisa]

Hi Heather!! I know your baby is born and everything went fine (I saw your tweets yesterday!). Congratulations!!
I have 4 beautiful children and I'm hoping to have more!! :) I just want to tell you that you inspire me a lot and that everything you make is really beautiful. Best wishes for everything!

[Kathy McDonald]

I just read about your new studio in Where Women Create. It's BEAUTIFUL! I love the chandelier. What a fun, creative space. I hope you've found a place for the new baby AND all of his "stuff". Happy Birthday.

[Tracey Kruger]

Happy Birthday!
OK, where do I start...babies can, and will, sleep anywhere; many have been successfully raised in a chest of drawers, walk-in-robes etc, etc...teenagers, however are beings who should be locked in bedrooms! If the nook idea is close to your room,that would be extra good!
And a birthing story...we are on a farm, and on the day my son decided to arrive, DH was putting in crop. I gave my husband regular 15 min. calls..."when are you finishing??"and was under the 5 minute contraction mark by the time he came inside and asked if there was time for a shower, needless to say we still had a 2 year old to drop at the babysitters before the hospital so it was a quick "NO"get in the jolly car!

[patti morfeld]

Think of how exciting it would be if you had to share a teepee-all 5 of you cozy under the carcass of some slain beast hide! Makes having baby in your bedroom seem far ore bearable doesn't it...

[Michelle Stewart]

Happy Birthday. Hope you can get all settled with school starting and a baby on the way. What better way to start the new school year. Love your blog.

[Jen]

Happy birthday Heather! I hope it is marvelous!

Here are a few anecdotes from our house as of late...

Our 4 year old daughter asked her Grandma to go to the park with her, to which Grandma replied, "Not right now, Grandma's pooped." Wide-eyed Riley replied incredulously, "In your underwear?!"

-------

As far as advice goes, this is what my 6 year old son told me this week:
"A good mother never raises her voice." (Yup, well, I don't pass that test some days!)

[Kirsten N]

Hope you had a lovely birthday Heather! It is my mum's 70th on the 13th and I hope to see her soon to help her celebrate.

[Alisha]

Don't stress. Babies don't need too many things other than love, food and clean diapers. It would be quite nice to use the open rotund area for diaper changes and a dresser with stuff. We left our 2nd with us in our room (in a bassinet)for 3 months because I was nursing and then it was off to the guest room turned baby room for her once she learned to turn over. Her room still doubles as both.

It will all work out just fine - plus you get a nice squishy baby to snuggle.

[Anna]

You shave your ankles??!!! Wow!! Amazing! You're already one step ahead of me. And..... wait. You can actually REACH your ankles?? There goes step two..... and I'm not even pregnant. =+/
Congrats on the new one!! Everything will work out juuuuust fine.

[Michelle]

Happy birthday! Shouldn't we be giving you the gifts? Sounds like you need a massage and some time to relax. Good luck with your sweet little one!

[Elizabeth]

It is the last day of the month, any baby news?

[christy]

Happy Birthday!

[jenny]

My entire body was swollen with my first child. I was sent in a number of times to test for Preeclampsia, but no, I was just swollen. I had a friend who was due six weeks before I was at work who also suffered from swollen ankles. One day we participated in a panel interview with one other person. I can only imagine the interviewee's thoughts as they came into a room with two very pregnant, swollen women in a conference room with their feet up on swivel chairs! We even interviewed that way ... feet up!

[littlelisalasi]

Just stumbled on your blog looking for useful projects to employ a lady desperate for work from along the street here in Phnom Penh. Can't promise not to try and resell so won't even take the time to look at your designs.

But before I search on, my comment? A birthday give away of gorgeous products in response to cheery comments. A surefire birthday pick me up. You are a crafty woman indeed.

Respect! And happy birthday.

[Diane]

whoa! what a loada comments and some long ones in there. Mine is short and sweet - enjoy your day as best you can.

[Lisa LeBlanc]

You are so funny! I couldn't even come close to shaving my ankles when I was prego with my twins...the hubs humbly shaved my legs for me..it was a benefit for him as well! One day at a time, live Fearless...the baby will be here when he is good and ready and could careless where he will be sleeping...as long as he is with his mommy and daddy...enjoy the last days of your pregnancy and don't miss living in the moment! Lisa in Texas

[Liz B]

happy belated birthday. got tons of funny kid storys but I will leave you with a helpful hint.
never ever ever leave a 7yo boy alone in the bathroom with box of mr bubble and a cat. you dont want to know..... (mauh) Liz

[Hee Jin Ramsey]

Happy Birthday! : )
Love the mugs! Words book is great too. Thanks for offering the fabulous prizes! I love your stuff!
Heejinramsey@me.com

[melinda Davenport]

Happy Birthday Heather! Maybe make a fetching baby hammock and hang him up high?

[amy]

I feel for you. We had my youngest, who's now three, when my other three were 13, 11, and 5. He was in our room for several months, then we turned the downstairs playroom into a bedroom for my 13 year old son. I turned the doorbell ringer off, in fact it's still off! It's all worked out, no extra space anywhere, but everyone has a bed and a roof over it!

[Janice]

Mom to a 20 month old, and 6 months preggo, were having a bit of a space dilemma as well. My solution for the new baby is a mini crib, one with a built in changing table. Small enough to fit almost anywhere, and has drawers and shelves for storage :) Check it out

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=sorelle+mini+crib&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=mC1&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=ivns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1280&bih=585&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=8638560412471624789&sa=X&ei=li1lTof4HsOrsQLC_e29Cg&ved=0CF8Q8wIwAA

As for something to cheer you up... The only thing I have been able to think about for the last few weeks is again facing the dreaded blow out. The up the back to the shoulders, through the onesie, outfit ruining blow out. I can't even remember how many times I would make it out of the house in an outfit I thought was clean and presentable, only to discover that I had poop somewhere. One time it was so bad (after a good 48 hours of no poop) that I cut the onesie off and threw it away. There simply was no saving it, and smearing poo over my little guys head was not worth the onesie. Ahhh good times, while it may not cheer you up, it definitely bring back some funny memories of projectile baby poop! And also be a little something to look forward to ;)

[san]

We share the same bday! The only one I have found in blogland, to date!
I just hit 55, and posted about it, http://the4rsramblings.blogspot.com
I have been lurking around yours for some time. Come and visit, we an share our Leo pride!

[crystal driedger]

wow, hard to compete with 277 comments already! Happy birthday. I am in "danger" of sharing my birthday with my second child too - this October or November (who can remember such details when a baby sucks up precious brain power). For my first baby, I concentrated on getting everything ready in my illustration business before I really found a baby room but this one for some reason I'm bulbous belly deep in closets and dust bunnies organizing gift bags and Christmas ornaments and trying to find my second winter boot so I don't have to do so with my toddler and newborn crying at my feet. I have no advice as to where to put baby. All I remember is that I didn't really even need a "baby room" or a separate place for my baby to sleep (fit in a little rocker by the bed for the first 5 months) for a long time. Other than that, it's just a cute little box for diapers and wipes and a space for clothes. You'll do great!

[DebbieB]

Happy Birthday to You! I would love one of those beautiful travel mugs... wish, wish...

Would a story about our 2 yr old grand girl qualify? Yesterday while her mom & I were in the checkout line at the fabric store she peeked around Mamaw (me) to tell the lady behind us, who was just holding one or two items,that "YOU need a buggy!" Grandgirl is going to be a shopping fool!

[Cynthia Cronan]

close you eyes, breath in breath out. You will be fabulous.

[Aunt Clara]

I completely missed this, and the chance to wish you happy birthday, and most importantly, to tell you we have the same birthday. :)

And good luck with your baby.

[Anne-Lore]

Happy Birthday! My husband and I made a song for our babygirl Lena in the middle of the night, when she couldn't stop crying. At first we tried the classic lullabies but when that didn't work out we turned to:
My name is Lena, I am a showgirl, with yellow feathers in my hair and a dress cut up to there. I dance the chacha and the merengue. Together with my boyfriend Tony, I have lots of fun, i have lots of fun...
She instantly stopped, and we still use it!
We wish you lots of fun with your little Lena/Tony and the others from the copacobana!:)

[Heather]

I don't know if you will ever read this.....but I found your blog through my friends blog, HomeMade Happy. I clicked on your name randomly out of all the ones on her list, and nearly laughed as I read your post- we went through this EXACT SAME situation when my youngest was born. We have 8 kids- we already had three girls sharing one room, two in another, my 16 year old had her own space (she is Type 1 diabetic and often has to get up at night to test blood sugar levels). We went back and forth between putting baby in our office space (by the front door, too small for anything but a crib due to a built in desk/wall unit) or having her share with her 15 year old brother. We decided he needed a roommate. Two years later, it was the best decision for our family. He has developed a love for her that I don't know would have happened if they weren't sharing that space. He has been so tender with her (most of the time- there are certainly times he has grown tired of waking up to her yelling his name!) and it has been wonderful to watch. I just wanted to let you know. I'm sure whatever you do will be what is best for you and your family!

[Janel Hutton]

Well.... I could tell you the story of my 8 month old mistaking her poo for chocolate (she had just had it for the first time), or when I was in an important meeting that I had been late too (thus not putting in necessary padding) and had a bit of a breast-milk muddle. But both of those stories are quite gross and not what a soon to be mother to be--again---needs to hear. So instead...

This will be the perfect baby.
You will be the perfect mom.
This baby will not poo, cry, or do otherwise disgusting bodily functions.
Neither will you.

Congrats! And no matter where you put that baby, it will be loved... that's what's really important!

[Nathalie]

If it makes you feel better, we have a 4 bedroom house, a 4 year old girl and a 7 month old girl. I was planning to have them in one room. All bedrooms, except for the master, are upstairs. After multiple trips upstairs for nightfeedings, I threw the towel and moved baby dowstairs. Life is good now. Good luck with the delivery! Worry not, you will find the best solution!

[Jess]

Sometimes a simple, but firm and lingering, hug is all someone needs to de-stress. Hang in there momma!

[Rachelle]

From a Mama to 4, it's time to relax. Just do enough to get by and then take a nap! (oh and teach the teenager how to make those muffins - could seriously come in handy over the next few months ;-) Happy Birthday!! Xx

[Stephanie]

if you posted one, i missed it...i didn't see a deadline for entry. so here i am! i LOOOOVE your stuff. and, i love that you're about to be a momma again!

[Jean Kuxmann]

Happy Birthday! You are awesome. Get your rest when you can. The baby can sleep anywhere as long as you are near:) Your fabric and everything is wonderful just like you! Congratulations in all you do. Put your feet up when you can, keep your fingernails long and hang on.

[Leah J]

Happy Birthday Heather! I love the books and mugs, as I love all of your fabric and have made some lovely things with it! All the best with the birth of your little son, you'll find the right place in your home for him. What about setting up a book shelf for all of his clothes, diapers, blankets, etc.

[julie b]

I am just super impressed that you can still reach/find your ankles! You Go Girl!

[Sharon]

Happy Birthday first! Alas I have no funny birth stories that come to mind but I do thoroughly feel your frustration as I had no other choice to turn a closet just behind our front door into a very small nursery when my 2 ms born was born and I had all those issues you spoke of. The knocking at the door, the door bell, the dog barking at the door and also when people came in they were loud (unknowingly) and so it was for sure a struggle! Up until the baby was about oh I'd say 5 months old I had him sleep in the room with us in a bassinet. It was much much less stressful. In the end it all came together and I have faith that it will for you too. Well wishes and again happy birthday : )

Sharon
buell33@gmail.com

[EmmaJ]

Happy Birthday Heather!
LOVE the travel mugs. Seriously, they are the perfect friend gift, teacher gift, play date mom birthday gift- I need at least 10 of them.

[Mona]

The busiest time in life, I know! Children, work, house... :0)

Bet you know so well, but always a good reminder I think:
Remember to take a sec and feel the joy and happines that follow just beeng a mum, for those wonderful kids of yours!

Sometime I dont have time to remember and sometime Im just to tired to, so Im greatful if someone do remind me. And you did now :0) I remembered when I was reading this! Thank you for that!

Bet you have tre wonderful kids now -ENJOY!

[Julie]

Hi Heather! You make me smile, every single time I read your blog, look at your patterns and your work. Truly, a joy and an inspiration for me. I hope you have a Happy Day and yeah, it's my birthday too! Blesssssings.....JULES

[Christine]

Happy Birthday! Love those little posh books and mugs.

[sarah barnette]

Happy Birthday. I haven't checked your web page for a long time. Congrats on the new member to your family soon to arrive. No advice
you will get plenty. I scrolled down to the section on the books, your readers had some really good selections. I have read some and enjoyed them. The Potato Peel was great, it you love books you can't help but love that book. Have a super B-day and thanks for all you do.

[Victorious Vixen]

happy birthday heather! love the books & coffee mugs...hope to win a set! =)

my advice...get lots of ice packs, as a matter of fact, get the gloves filled with ice...they stay colder, longer! =)

[Naomi Vela]

It's not really a baby/birthing story, but I still giggle at it from time to time....when my son (now 13) was a couple of months old, his elder sister (13 at the time) took him to change his nappy (diaper) and she's calling out to me that he was all stiff....thinking he was doing his trick of tensing up his whole body (maybe he was the worlds original planker!) so I told her to tickle his feet and that normally works. She starts giggling and asking how/why that would work...so I decide to go in and investigate...what she was actually trying to get help with, was she didn't know how to get the nappy to go down over her brothers stiff you know what..(girls really are sooooo much easier to deal with at times like this)...no wonder my daughter was confused as to how tickling the soles of a males feet would stop an erection...maybe she thought I'd re-written sex-ed or something.....I won't tell you how we used to deal with this issue with the lad, but suffice to say, this story still brings a smile to my face...I can just imagine the puzzled expression on her face before I walked in to help rectify the matter. Hope all goes well with your impending birth. Hugs Naomi

[Linda]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY1
THANKS SO FOR SHARING!