The Patriotic Peacock

The 105 Calorie Iced Mocha Latte

2012-06-01T16:54:00.001-04:00

I could drink this all day, every day.

Here's the super simple, super low cal recipe:

First, make a pot of extra strong coffee.

I make 8 cups and put in 6 tablespoons of ground coffee instead of the 4 tablespoons I usually do.

Chill coffee for a few hours.

I use a medium sized mason jar for this (about 12oz).

Fill 3/4 full with crushed ice

Add 1/4 cup of fat free half & half

Stir in 1 tablespoon of no cal sweetener of choice and 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup...honestly, I just give a squirt!

Mix well, top with whipped cream and enjoy.

And believe me, you will enjoy this!

Especially since it really is only 105 calories!!!

And if you leave out the chocolate syrup, it's only 55 calories and still delish!

Happy coffee drankin' Friday everyone :)

Mom Clothes

2012-05-31T12:24:00.001-04:00

I'm struggling to dress myself these days.
I've lost enough weight that my maternity is too big but not enough weight to fit into my old clothes. Luckily, Seth has been super understanding and bought me several "in between" pieces to get me through the next few months...and he also bought me a double stroller (think that's a hint???) ;-) ;-)

But you know me or actually, you probably don't...but if you do, I gotta dream a little, or a lot.
I'm a total dreamer...completely and totally which can be a good and bad thing, but I believe I'll save that for another day.

I love putting outfits together though and had some fun putting some "mom" outfits together...however, I would like to think these are super cool mom outfits...and the best part is that each piece is under $50 (and nursing friendly).

I'm a believer in off-brand and low cost brands. I don't think that it takes a special label or a lot of money to look awesome! I'd like to think that no matter how much money I have, I will always be frugal when it comes to shopping...something my mom instilled in me, I do believe.

I've had quite a few years of learning how to rock the off brand and no one has ever made fun of me for it!
Here area few outfits fit for any summer occasion :)

Summer Casual by retrogalusa featuring wedge heel sandals

colorblock by retrogalusa featuring a straw tote

chambray by retrogalusa featuring a tee shirt dress

patriotism by retrogalusa featuring a scoop neck tee

summer nights by retrogalusa featuring maxi dresses

one.month.

2012-05-24T15:53:00.001-04:00

I'm a couple weeks late posting, but I will say that I actually did take the pictures two weeks ago...it's just taken a little too long to actually post them.

She's a little sweetie and growing like a weed.

Thankfully, big brother still thinks she's pretty awesome ;-)

Alright...she's done!

The whole baby story

2012-05-21T14:08:00.000-04:00

So I left you hanging with the whole birth story.

This is a doozy so you might want to grab a cup of coffee and sit in your comfy chair.

I'm finally feeling like I have enough brain power to give the rest of the story some sort of justice.

Let me recap.

April 7, Saturday, I felt funny all day. Irritable, huge, super tired...thought I was getting sick. I had texted my mom that day and said, "If my belly gets any lower, it will be on my thighs!" I sent her a pic and she texted back. "Oh wow, aren't you miserable?" Well, yes, actually I was. What I didn't realize was that little baby had dropped, which was why I also felt like I was walking around with a bowling ball between my legs all day!

For some reason, I had the urge that evening to do some "last" things. For example, we went to Target and walked around just for fun "in case it was our last time for a while". Then we went to dinner at my favorite steak house. Seth wasn't really loving the idea of going, and usually I compromise and we figure out a place that we both want to go to. Only this time, I realllllly wanted a steak and I told Seth, "This might be my last meal, and I want steak!" Looking back at everything I said, it was almost as though I was knowingly foreshadowing my own labor...but I had no idea I would really be going into labor in a matter of hours.

We got home and Seth had rented what I believe to be the most boring movie of all time. So, as Seth laid on his side of the bed watching the movie, I laid on mine, playing on my phone.

I remember around 10:00, feeling a cramp. I ignored it and kept playing on my phone. Then I remember feeling another cramp, but I also ignored it. By the 3rd or 4th "cramp", I decided to start timing them. Every 10 minutes on the dot, for about an hour, I was having a super mild contraction. I decided not to tell Seth because I wasn't ready to give birth. The next day was Easter Sunday and we had big plans with friends and matching Easter outfits. Plus my mom wasn't going to get to my house until Monday around noon. I HAD to wait a little longer.

Around 11:30, we went to bed and I was still having contractions. I decided to give Seth a heads up. He freaked out and wanted to know why I didn't tell him earlier. I assured him I was just having braxton hicks and that he should stop worrying and go to sleep! The contractions had become almost unnoticeable, so I had even convinced myself that I was having Braxton hicks...I'm an airhead.

Midnight rolls around. We had just fallen asllep good and I feel someone tapping my shoulder. It was poor, pitiful Caleb. His head was burning hot. Grabbed a thermometer and sure enough, 102 degrees. We gave him some medicine and made a big pallette with blankets in the floor of our bedroom for him to sleep on. I remember feeling the contractions again and thinking, "Seriously, they still haven't gotten the hint and gone away yet???" We all fell back to sleep somewhere close to 1:00 am.

Then, I woke up. This time I'm woken up by those same contractions that I was trying so hard to sleep away. I got up and decided I just needed to go to the bathroom really bad. Needless to say, going to the bathroom didn't make the contractions any better.

I decided to time them again while I was standing in the bathroom. After timing a few that were 3-4 minutes apart, I found myself having to hold onto the counter to make it through the next contraction. Andddddd that's when the panic ensued.

My hair was so dirty. I had planned to wash it the night before but I was exhausted and decided to wait until the morning...I was really regretting that decision in this moment! I turned on the shower and was going to try and make it out of the shower before waking Seth, but that wasn't happening. I went over to him and as non-alarmingly as possible, woke him up telling him I was going to take a shower. He said, "Ok" and rolled over to the other side of the bed. What a mistake I made thinking that he would get my hint when I told him I was taking a shower at 2:45 in the morning! I shook him again, this time I said, "Om...I'm taking a shower and getting ready and you need to too. I need to go to the hospital." His eyes got big and he sat up and said, "Oh! Ok!". He jumped out of bed and followed me to the bathroom. Right about this time, I started having a contraction and held myself up against the counter, closing my eyes. He watched me and said, "Oh wow! You're serious?!" Of which I replied, "Yes, I am!"

I got in the shower. Shampooing and conditioning between pretty painful contractions. I had intentions of actually drying my hair but these contractions were getting super painful with each one and blow drying was out of the question. I got out of the shower and started frantically trying to pack my suitcase. All I had packed were my pajamas. Thankfully I had the baby bags packed. I had texted and called my mom somewhere in this whole scenerio. I had a friend...a wonderful, glorious friend who was planning on keeping Caleb for me if I went into labor early, but I felt way too bad to call and wake them up at 3am! My mom was pretty stern when she told me, "Kathlyn, you need to call Lee Ann." When she said that, I knew this was for real...in my mind I was still thinking we would just go to the hospital and see if by chance I was truly in labor. My contractions were so bad by this point that I couldn't even call Lee Ann. I told Seth to pack Caleb a bag and call Lee Ann to ask her if she could watch Caleb, and thankfully, she said yes! Lee Ann and her husband were literal lifesavers...can't thank God enough for them!!!

This next part is going to really baffle some of you, while the rest will completely understand. I did manage to get a good amount of makeup on my face, and I blow dried my bangs...all I could stand to do to myself in between doubling over in pain. But hey, a girls gotta look good at major life events like this!

Poor Caleb was so confused during this whole ordeal. Since he was sleeping in our room, he was aware of the panic that had quickly encompassed the house. I vaguely remember him saying things like, "Mommy, what's wrong?" and "I wanna go to sleep in my bed". Poor little thing. I tried my best to comfort him, but those daggone contractions were making my job as Mommy pretty stinkin' difficult.

I do remember one funny story. I was looking for my black fancy flip flops to wear. I had just worn them the night before but for some reason they weren't in my closet. As I am looking for them, a huge contraction came so I found myself down on all fours in my closet floor, trying to find my shoes and make it through my contraction. I finally made it back on my feet, furious and frustrated that my shoes were missing. I gave up and just put on my old black boring flip flops instead. Caleb had been watching the entire thing from my bed. When I walked over near him, he looked at me and smiled and said, "Mommy! You better? You found your shoes! You better!" Hahaha! In that moment, I had a little laugh and realized he thought all the pain I was in this whole time was because I couldn't find my shoes...if only it were that easy!

We finally all got in the car. Seth still had to drop Caleb off at my friends house, which unfortunately was a good 10 minutes away...so that meant 20 minutes extra for me to endure. I tried to talk Seth into dropping me off at the hospital, but he really didn't want me to go by myself. Instead, I bit the bullet. As we were nearing my friends house, the biggest contraction came. I was panicking in my head. I literally thought I might have the baby before we got to the hospital. Lee Ann came and got Caleb out of the car...I was trying to give instructions for all his Easter things for the next day and try to tell Caleb goodbye in the middle of that big old huge contraction that literally lasted for longer than a minute, but it felt like an hour. Seth jumped back in the car, and we took off. Being that it was 4am at this point, there was no traffic and we zoomed through several stop signs...I was begging Seth not to stop, or hit a bump.

Seth barely gets the car parked and I am jumping out, walking as fast as I can to the hospital entrance, leaving him in the dust. I sat down, and of course I had a million papers to sign. Signing my name during a contraction was pretty ridiculous. I just remember sitting there waiting for the nurse to come with the wheel chair and that nurse was taking her ever loving time. I wanted her to RUN!!! I wanted my epidural sitting in my room, waiting for me and while they were at it, I also wanted a big southern style sausage biscuit.

We FINALLY made it to our room. Our first nurse was horrible, but luckily she was only there for about 45 minutes before the best nurse in the world showed up. The first nurse checked me and said I was only at a TWO! I wanted to cry but before I could, another nurse came in to double check and sure enough, I was at a 5/6. Thank you Jesus. She offered an epidural and before she could finish the word "epidural", I was telling her how awesome she was.

Unfortunately, I still had over an hour still left to labor through those knife stabbing contractions before the anesthesiologist showed up. This labor was so different from my labor with Caleb. I was induced with Caleb and it was a 22 hour labor. This time, I would get to my hospital room at 5am and give birth at 9:05am. I wasn't prepared for how fast everything was moving. During my contractions, I wanted Seth to stand beside me so I could smack his arms. I know, I'm such a weirdo and yall should've seen the face he was making. I knew he thought I had totally lost it, but I didn't care. I just wanted to smack his arms and hands, while singing the alphabet (of which later he told me I was singing wrong). My thought process was that if I could make it through the alphabet, my contraction would hopefully be over.

I also kept telling all the nurses that were coming in and out that if they could just hurry up and give me my epidural, I would be a lot more fun! I think my exact words were, "I'm really a lot more fun than this. I promise that after I get my epidural, I will be a new person!" I really laugh hard at myself when I think about all the crazy things I must have said to them. I just remember them laughing at me...but I was serious.

Finally, an angel walked through the door armed with my epidural equipment. The needle going in my back felt awesome because I knew that in just a few moments, I would be nearly pain free. The anesthesiologist said that my epidural was textbook perfect...amen. I told him I loved him and I really meant it. He laughed but when he left, he sincerely told me he was glad to do it and that he hoped everything went smooth for me. I really loved that man.

before epidural...

after epidural :-D

Now things were so much different. I was able to text my family and let them know we would be pushing soon. Seth and I *tried* to nap, but seriously, how can anyone nap when you're about to push a baby out??? Even though I felt relaxed, pain wise, I was as anxious as ever to find out if a little baby boy or girl would be joining our family.

About an hour after my epidural, it was time to push. I had the best doctor ever, Dr. Marker. She was a dream. I kept thanking her for missing Easter service for me and she kept telling me there was no place else she'd rather be than helping me birth this baby...I really love her too.

The pushing took about 20 minutes. I pushed HARD! The little bit of working out I had done throughout my pregnancy was really paying off. We laughed in between contractions. We talked about who thought it was a boy and who thought it was a girl and I told them that when all of this was over, I was really looking forward to breakfast, because apparently being pregnant turns me into a ferocious, eating monster.

Then, the big push arrived. It was surreal because no one told me how close I was.

We were doing 3-4 sets of pushes for each contraction. On the final push, I had only done one set and was getting ready to do the second when Dr. Marker yelled, "STOP!!!" Apparently, my baby was head up with the cord around the neck which isn't a good thing. I forgot all about whether it was a boy or girl because I was trying to make sure everything was okay without completely panicking. I later learned that a lot of head up babies result in C-sections because they're super hard to push out....I told you I was pushing hard!

After getting the cord away, Dr. Marker pulled my baby out. They let Seth tell me what it was but he was having a hard time getting a good look. Finally he yells, "It's a GIRL!!!!!!!!"

They put her on my belly. She was screaming and she was so pretty. I didn't cry because I couldn't stop smiling. I wanted to stare at her and figure out everything thing about the way she looked. They took her away, wiped her off and then announced that she weighed 7 pounds and 11 ounces...a perfect sized baby.

Seth told me that as the Doctor and nurses walked out, they said, "That's one of the most fun deliveries we've ever done!"

I wasn't lying when I told them that epidural would make me a much happier person. I love that I enjoyed the whole pushing process and that I was able to have a few minutes of peace and quiet with Seth right before Lorelei arrived. I'm not a martyr when it comes to giving birth. Having a baby is no cake walk no matter if you do it drug-free or with drugs, soooo give me that epidural!!!!!!

first day

The first day in the hospital was great. I took a shower while Lorelei slept. My family was in the car, on their way to see us. The only sad part was that Caleb wouldn't be able to meet his baby sister until after Seth took him to the doctor. He had a bacterial ear infection, so he had to wear a mask around her for the first 24 hours, then he could take it off.

It was a sweet meeting when Caleb met Lorelei. He just kept staring at her and to this day, we haven't had any issues with him being jealous of her. In fact, he loves her to pieces and is always asking to hold her. He also gets upset when she's crying and when we show her off to our friends for the first time, he proudly says, "That's my sister!"

With Caleb, my labor and delivery and recovery were pretty rough. I prayed all throughout this last pregnancy that God would help everything to go smoothly. I'm so thankful to Him for giving me that gift. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I will never forget it and I can't wait to do it again...in a few more years ;-)

Bubbles

2012-05-07T12:22:00.001-04:00

I came across a very neat idea on Pinterest yesterday. We had all the "ingredients" so I decided to have some fun with Caleb while Lorelei napped away.

We started with a shallow dish, finger paint, bubble solution and a straw (you can also use dish detergent as we found out later).

We also ended up needing a few rags!

We poured the bubble solution in, squirted some blue paint in as well and mixed with our straw.

Tah dah!

Then the fun begins!!! Stick the straw in and blow away...

Then have fun popping all the big bubbles.

Lots of fun.

Make sure everything gets reallllllly messy, otherwise you're probably not having enough fun.

Then, after you run out of bubble solution, grab a bigger dish and fill with lots of dish detergent...you don't even need bubble solution!

Caleb left with really clean hands...and I didn't care how big of a mess he made because it was just water and soap.

Best and easiest activity/science experiment ever.

Kept him busy for a good 20 minutes, and for a 3 year old, that's a lonnnng time!

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

Kathlyn's Kaviar ;-)

2012-05-03T20:52:00.000-04:00

I've been eating this for lunch every day this week.

It's a great, one handed meal for new, nursing mama's, it's good for you, it's easy to make, and it's delish!

Here's the recipe:

1 can corn

1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)

1 can black eyed peas

1/4 cup cilantro

chopped tomatoes

1 green bell pepper

6oz Italian dressing

Mix together, add Italian dressing and top with grilled chicken if you'd like!

You could add some spice in there too, but again, I'm nursing and I have a particular eater on my hands here!!!

We are still trying to figure out little Miss and all her habits.

How she likes to sleep, eat, play, and what her cries are all about (and why in the world does she want to play in the middle of the night...doesn't she know I'm sleeping???).

Big brother has been beyond helpful and doting with Lorelei. I couldn't have asked for him to treat her any better...he loves her so much and his sweet, caring heart is always worried about why she's crying and what she's doing.

However, listening to his mama and all this whining he does could most certainly use some work!!!

I'm sleep deprived but not kiss deprived. I think I brushed my teeth today, but then again, maybe that was yesterday.

My best friends right now are my Moby wrap and the Swaddle Me blankets that I never used with Caleb because he hated them.

This little girl is so different from her brother, it's not even funny!

We are making it one day at a time. I'm getting use to my new life as a mommy of two. Twice the love and twice the fun...and guess what? Tomorrow is Friday which means I am one day closer to having my husband home to help me for a couple of days. He is a rock star dad...except I'm still waiting for his milk to come in so he can help me out in the middle of the night ;-)

Luckily, Lorelei took her first bottle this week, so just maybe I will get some middle of the night help this weekend...just maybe.

Still Here!

2012-04-27T09:50:00.001-04:00

Pardon my blogging absence.

I'm just enjoying my time with this cuddly girl and her wild brother ;-)

She "ponders" a lot :)

Her outfit of the day...elephants, bows, and Mary Jane's from Aunt Donna.

Here's that wild brother...who loves his little sister to pieces!

All dressed up for her 2 week doctor appointment.

Have a very happy weekend!

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Side note...I've been breaking out in hives the past 3 days for some unknown reason. They show up in different places each time. Anywhere from my eyelids and chin to my ankles and under my arms.

After doing a little research, I read where there are quite a few cases of women experiencing hive break outs after giving birth. Have any of you experienced this? Any information or help is appreciated! I've never had hives before in my life so I am a bit taken back by their sudden appearance. I've been taking benadryl but it literally knocks me out. I need another option to stop this itching! Help?!

egg hunt labor day

2012-04-17T16:10:00.000-04:00

Saturday, April 7, 2012.

Our neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt day.

I was so excited about taking Caleb.

We got all Easter-y and I was dead set and determined to get pictures.

I especially had the urge to get Seth to take a 39 week belly picture of me (FYI Seth hates taking pictures AND being in pictures) since most of mine were done via bathroom mirror with iphone in hand.

I am so glad I made him though because unbeknownst to me, it was my last "belly shot".

Sometimes it pays off to nag your husband ;-)

Then of course I wanted one with my little man.

He was about as thrilled to be in the picture as his daddy was to be taking it.

We walked about a 1/2 mile to the egg hunt. I needed the walk, even though I was feeling a little strangely tired and worn out at 10am.

Caleb had a good time even though it took him a minute to understand the rules of the game.

I had been coaching him on proper egg huntery all week long, but he was really out of it Saturday morning (later we would find out he was sick...).

My coaching skills need work apparently.

Luckily, I had Seth to the rescue. We managed to score a good amount of eggs...Caleb was happy and so were we.

Easter Egg Hunt success!

The egg hunt was fun but I could tell Caleb wasn't feeling great.

After watching a grown man, who didn't know we were walking straight towards him, throw his candy wrapper in our wagon (seriously people?!?) we headed back home after about 30 minutes of egg hunting and bounce house jumping.

1/2 mile back home we go, laughing at the man who must have been really embarrassed when he realized we totally caught him ditching his trash in our nice, red, radio flyer wagon.

Okay, can you tell I was 9 months pregnant and just about everything was really irking me???

I just got sidetracked...back to the story.

We got home and I started to clean the house but after about 30 minutes, I had to stop and sit down. I ate a baked potato thinking that would help, but it didn't do that much for me.

I just kept telling Seth I was super tired and I didn't know what was wrong with me.

Caleb had been sick on and off again so I was thinking that I was coming down with whatever he had...little did I know that by the time 2am rolled around, I would be in the middle of major labor!

I can't wait to tell you the rest of my birth story, but right now I need to take a nap while both of my little chillen's are asleep!

All I can say is that going into labor naturally is a lot more eventful than being induced! ;-)

to be continued...

We love our girl

2012-04-16T11:07:00.000-04:00

My blog posting will be sporadic for a few weeks until I can get myself into the swing of our new life with a sweet baby girl.

I will have to say, she is such a great baby.

She's laid back and sleeps through just about anything...including her 3 year old brother's crazy, random yelling!

I can't stop looking at her and taking pictures. Caleb is already super protective of her and it just melts my heart.

We are having so much fun laying around the house and soaking in all this new baby goodness!

This set of pictures just makes me smile...her faces are priceless.

Happy Monday to you all.

Here's to a fabulous week!

Our Easter Baby

2012-04-11T14:41:00.001-04:00

We had a wonderful surprise on Easter...our sweet baby came a week early!

We have ourselves a precious baby

GIRL!!!!!

Lorelei June

born 9:05am

7 lb 11oz

She is such a good baby.

We are enjoying being at home with our new bundle of sweetness.

I can't stop kissing these chubby cheeks.

She already has her daddy wrapped around her finger and big brother couldn't be prouder.

I am in a cloud. I'm just so happy and in love.

This is going to be fun :)

Everyone is happy and healthy.

We are so blessed.

Baby #2 Nursery Reveal!

2012-04-05T14:47:00.000-04:00

I made the curtains and throw pillows from the same grey and white material.

The bunting garland was made by cutting out triangles of different fabric and sewing them together.

Someone wanted in on the pictures...

I found a large framed piece of art at TJMaxx for $10 on clearance. I took the frame off, spray painted it yellow and then used chalkboard spray paint to paint the glass, then I used chalk to create my "art" which I can switch out when baby gets older.

I created the "tree" by grabbing some lightweight branches from outside and putting them in a big pot.

I painted these onto 2'x2' wood boards.

I didn't originally plan to do woodland animals but it just kind of happened and I really like how it all came together.

When you're doing a gender neutral nursery that is already painted blue, it's hard to figure out a good happy medium and animals are perfect for a boy or a girl.

This is the beautiful crib quilt that my sister in law, Sarah, made.

I love it so much and can't wait to take pictures of little baby on it!

I love these smocked outfits!

I found both of them for under $10 and I am so excited to find out which one I will be using.

Caleb painted this picture all by himself for the baby. I have to give the credit for this idea to Seth. I was stumped on what to put above the bed. Ideally, I'd love a headboard but that just wasn't happening right now, so Seth came up with this idea! We found this great sized canvas at Hobby Lobby for $15 after using the 40% off coupon and Caleb had a lot of fun creating this for his baby.

I asked him if he would go stand beside his painting so I could take a picture and this is what he did...he is such a nut!

I also made the crib skirt from the same material as the curtain and pillows.

Now that the nursery is done, all that's left is to wait for the baby to get here and we are so ready...especially this little guy!

Shhhhhh....

2012-04-03T14:12:00.000-04:00

I have been wanting to make one of these for months now.

Then, I spotted a cute one on Pinterest and decided it was now or never.

I was taking a walk and found some scrap wood my neighbor had thrown out...so I grabbed a piece, knowing it was the perfect shape and size for my sign.

Some of you, especially if you've never experienced the joy of finally getting your baby to sleep, only to have someone ring your doorbell, may think this is rude or extreme.

But I can almost promise you that if and when you have a newborn and you're so sleep deprived you can't even find the energy or brain function to brush your teeth, when you look at this sign you will literally see glowing halo's all around it.

Okay, maybe not halo's but it will make your heart skip a beat!

I spray painted it aqua (surprise, surprise!) and then I used a circle foam brush to make polka dots.

After that dried, I used a Sharpie oil based paint pen to write my wordage, and just an FYI for all you paint pen folks, I will NEVER use another brand of paint pen again.

The Sharpie oil based pens are amazing and they go on so smooth and even!

No shaking or messing up because a big blob came shooting out.

I can't say enough great things about them.

After that, I hammered in a metal hook to the back and used ribbon to attach it to my door.

Cute and functional...and I dare someone to ring my doorbell when my sign is hanging up! ;-)

Baby update:

Went to doctor this morning for 38 week check up and she said she definitely is seeing some progress!

I went from absolutely ZERO signs of labor last Tuesday to 2cm dilated today, so I'm happy :)

At least baby plans to come out at some point.

Here's my 37 and 38 week belly pics:

We are getting super excited about little baby!

Now, we just need to decide on a girl name since we are fairly sure about the boy name ( I say that reluctantly because it seems as soon as we think we are certain about a name, one of us comes back with another idea...ha!).

I'm off to finish the nursery...hoping to post pics by Friday...I have worked on this nursery for several weeks and I can NOT wait to show you the fruits of my labor...which hopefully will be followed by actual labor ;-)

Published :-)

2012-03-29T18:01:00.000-04:00

I've officially been published...TWICE!

The excitement of receiving the magazines in the mail, knowing my articles were in there were priceless!!!

Ironically, the two magazines aren't affiliated in any way but I was published in the March edition of both of them.

One is our local magazine. My sweet friend, Lee Ann, asked if I'd be interested in doing a DIY piece and of course I said YES!

She wrote the article and I created the Easter crafts (during Christmas...which was very weird).

I made an Easter-y tree, a chalkboard, and a bright, Spring wreathe (my favorite craft- very Lily P. if you asked me!)

I love the way it turned out and I am so grateful that she asked me to be a part!

The second magazine is Military Spouse Mag.

I wrote the article and did the DIY projects for this particular assignment.

The article was about easy, inexpensive ways to decorate your home when you are constantly changing homes. This was obviously geared toward military families.

I did a chalkboard tutorial, a personalized family monogram canvas, and some framed children's art.

I'm inspired to seek out more writing and crafting opportunities in my future!

It really is so rewarding to put time and effort into something and then be able to see the finished results in hard copy.

I'm hooked!

For the Girl...For the Boy

2012-03-26T18:27:00.000-04:00

I will just have to tell yall that the suspense of not knowing whether Baby Wade #2 is a boy or a girl has finally gotten to me! I just can.not.wait to find out!!!

I am a little over 37 weeks and I go for my checkup in the morning. Last week, my blood pressure was high but it came down before I left the office so I didn't have to go to the hospital and be monitored. I hope it isn't high this week. I've been trying to relax and not let anything upset or worry me...which is easier said than done! I'm thinking I should go get a prenatal massage...what do yall think??? :)

Being that I can't stop thinking about whether we are having a baby boy or a baby girl, I decided to post some of my favorite baby things for both genders.

For the GIRL

Source: etsy.com via Paula on Pinterest

Source: u-createcrafts.com via Paula on Pinterest

Source: cutelittleclothes.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: rikshawdesign.blogspot.com via Paula on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Paula on Pinterest

Source: janieandjack.com via Paula on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via melissa on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Melissa on Pinterest

For the BOY

Source: etsy.com via Paula on Pinterest

Source: linesacrossmyface.blogspot.com via Paula on Pinterest

Source: craftycouturebylauren.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Paula on Pinterest

Source: ralphlauren.com via Agnieszka on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Paula on Pinterest

Source: livinglocurto.com via Paula on Pinterest

Moroccan Herb Pot DIY {Re-Post}

2012-03-24T17:30:00.000-04:00

{This was originally posted April, 2011 but I decided to re-post for all my new followers throughout this year, especially with gardening season in full bloom! I hope you enjoy!}

I am such a cheap-o. I LOVE all of the pretty pots that are everywhere, but I refuse to pay $20 for a POT! So, I decided to make my own.

Supplies:

One can of spray paint (color of your choice!)

Terra-Cotta pots (I purchase my medium sized ones at Walmart for $1.98 a piece)

Plant

Chalkboard Paint (not pictured)

Lay out your pots, leaving a good amount of space in between. It's a good idea to spray paint outside because it can be messy and smelly!

Give it as many coats of paint as you would like...allowing the pots to dry in between coats. I did 2 coats...I liked the worn look of not covering the pots completely. The terra cotta soaks up paint and creates a neat, rustic finish.

Make your own stencil. Fold in half to make sure that you have an even stencil. I did a Moroccan stencil, but you can do any shape...circle, square, polka dots....

Hold your stencil (or if you're not lazy like I am, tape it on!)

Using a permanent marker, trace around your stencil:

Then you paint inside of your stencil with your chalkboard paint. It took 2 coats for me to cover the pot good.

Let them dry reallllllly good!

Plant your plants (I used herbs) and then label with your chalk.

Last year, I planted a big pot of 3 different herbs. I used them to make a bean salad when my mom came to visit. Later, I realized that one of my "herbs" was really a weed that had started to grow in my pot! If I would've used a pot like this, I wouldn't have added a weed to my bean salad! Although it makes for a pretty good story because we ate the salad before we figured out what I had done :)

Spring means...

2012-03-23T09:16:00.000-04:00

It's definitely Spring around our house.

That means a lot of great things.

Caleb got to paint a special painting for the baby's room.

I'm not sure what his inspiration was, but I really like his abstract eye ;)

Spring means beautiful flowers, in pots and flowers beds.

It means bright front doors...

and colorful, handmade wreaths.

It means flying the American flag proudly in the warm breeze.

Growing some veggies, like these green bell peppers.

Fresh tomatoes off of the vine,

and fences covered in cascading flowers that Caleb pulls off and uses as his trumpet.

Spring is one of my favorite seasons.

It's so fresh and new and bright.

The air is clean and there's still a slight coolness in the air.

It means longer days outside visiting with friends and neighbors and enjoying God's beautiful creation after the staleness of winter.

For us this year, it not only means new flowers and blooms but it also means a new little addition to our family.

This may be my favorite Spring of all time.

What is your favorite part about Spring?

Wanna be a guest on The Patriotic Peacock?

2012-03-22T18:31:00.000-04:00

As you all know, I'm boutta have a baby here soon!

I was brainstorming as to what I was going to do about blogging during those first few crazy, sleepless weeks after a newborn comes into the picture.

So...I decided to let you all help me out!

If you are interested in being a guest writer on my blog during the month of April or May, send me your best post you can come up with to kathlynwade@hotmail.com

Winners will be chosen by March 31!

Some ideas for posts would be:

DIY's, crafts, parenting, fashion, tips, decorating, devotionals, etc.

The better the pictures and the more original the content, the better chance of winning a slot!

All blog posts must be your own words and ideas.

This is a great way for some free advertising to your shop or a shout out for your own personal blog.

Each guest blogger will have a bio included in the post with links to their shop, blog, twitter and or facebook page.

I can't wait to see what you all come up with!!!

Email: KathlynWade@hotmail.com

Deadline: Midnight of March 30, 2012

Spring and Summer Maternity

2012-03-21T08:45:00.002-04:00

It's already super warm down here in the south.

I literally am telling Jesus thank you that I won't be pregnant in the hottest part of our summer!

It's only March and the tanks and sandals are already being worn by just about everyone here in town. Here are a couple ideas for some fun and fashionable maternity styles for the Spring and Summer.

Summer Maternity Fashion by retrogalusa featuring steve madden wedges

Maternity Fashion by retrogalusa featuring oversized sunglasses

Both of these purses are actually diaper bags! They double as fantastic purses too though...and if you are like me, I never leave the house without my water! Especially right now when I can't seem to get enough to drink.

I hope you all have a fabulous Wednesday!

Sew For Yourself: Rain Cloud Burp Cloth

2012-03-20T08:45:00.003-04:00

For this project you can use brand new fabric, or you can upcycle some fabric.

I used a blouse that was just waiting to be transformed into something else.

I started by cutting out a rectangle from the back section of the blouse.

Then I cut out a piece of white fleece, the same size as the rectangle I cut for the blouse.

Placing right sides together, I sewed the fleece and blouse piece together, leaving a small section unsewn so I could turn the burp cloth right side out.

(Small Hole)

After I turned the burp cloth right side out, I hand sewed the small hole closed.

Now you should have something that looks like this:

Here comes the fun part!

Using white felt, I cut a cloud and rain drops out and pinned them onto the burp cloth.

I also added some fancy stitch work to the edges...this is totally optional.

Next, sew your raincloud and raindrops on.

When I flip my burp cloth over, I not only have the design on the front, but it created a neat monotone design on the back. I love these easy details!

I'm a fan of the lime and aqua fabric against the stark white. Makes for a very unique and soft burp cloth for your little one...or the perfect gift for someone else's little one!

I love seeing your re-creations!

Please email me a picture or link to your blog if you decide to make your own burp cloth :)

This morning I am headed to my 36 week check up.

I don't remember feeling all this heaviness with Caleb.

This week, I think I may be experiencing what they call "dropping".

Suddenly my belly feels so heavy and I also feel like I've morphed back to the 1st trimester with the amount of potty trips I'm taking. So much pressure everywhere!

I've also had contractions. Several random ones just about every day and I definitely didn't experience that with Caleb.

I guess they are Braxton Hicks although some hurt way worse than others!

We will see what the doctor says today.

I'm getting antsy to meet this little squishy babe!

thirty.four. thirty.six.

2012-03-16T22:01:00.001-04:00

34 weeks

Today, at 36 weeks

It's hard to believe I am less than a week away from being "full term"...which means I could give birth to a healthy baby very soon! Chances are, I will be overdue by a week like I was with Caleb but I have high hopes of going into labor on my own and slightly before my due date :)

I hope my hope's aren't dashed!

For now, I am going to focus on spending time with my husband, my sweet little man and enjoying feeling these kicks and hiccups while I can.

I really do enjoy being pregnant but I just can't help but be anxious when I am folding teeny, adorable baby clothes.

I can't help but wonder, "Boy or Girl?" "What will this baby look like?" "What will Caleb's first reaction be?" and on and on and on...

My world is about to be rocked in about 4 weeks...until then, I am going to soak up every second of my life just the way it is now so that I can forever have the memories of being a family of 3 stored in my mind and heart!

Change of Command

2012-03-14T08:26:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a big day for our family.

Seth took his first command!

It's a big honor and he was hand picked for the job. God definitely orchestrated this job move for us...in many ways. I am so proud of Seth and his hard work and this amazing accomplishment so early in his Army career!

The start of the Change of Command weekend was a huge surprise for Seth.

His dad drove down from Virginia and Seth had NO idea!

I love the facial expressions and how surprised he was.

Here are the pictures from the ceremony yesterday.

It was at such a great venue...I love the huge American flag.

Made you proud to be an American just to stand in front of it.

This little guy had WAY too much fun.

He was a little angel during the ceremony and he was eating up all the military stuff going on everywhere.

Caleb was chomping at the bit to eat some cake so he got to have the first piece.

I am pretty certain that Caleb thought he was just as big as all the other soldiers. He sat with them and talked to them.

Seth's dad witnessed a pretty funny situation.

All these soldiers sitting beside Caleb stood up to leave and they told Caleb goodbye. Caleb stood up and saluted them and they all saluted back...without laughing at him.

He thought he was big stuff.

I wish sooo badly I could've caught that on video, or at least witnessed it myself.

He was also given TWO coins yesterday and if you know anything about military coins, that's a pretty big honor!

Caleb loves being on base and loves all the soldiers.

I'm pretty sure the cake was a hit!

After the ceremony and reception, we followed Seth over to his new office.

It's so much nicer than his old one.

We are having a little office decorating party on Friday.

I have all his certificates and diploma's framed and ready to hang.

We also bought him a snazzy name plate for his desk.

It was a great day.

I'm just so proud of my husband.

I know I'm probably driving all my facebook and twitter friends crazy about how proud I am of him, but I just can't help it.

He's a one of a kind man!

j-u-m-p

2012-03-09T17:24:00.000-05:00

Let me just start out by saying how completely awesome of a neighborhood we live in and even more awesome than that is our wonderful neighbors!

One of our neighbors, whom we have grown really close with and consider some of our closest friends, gave us their trampoline when they were gifted a new one...om, seriously???

They asked us if we wanted it and then they brought it over and put it in the yard without even telling us. We were and are ecstatic about it!

Caleb has woken up every morning since we got it and the first thing he says is, "Can I jump on trampoline?"

He has spent quite of bit of this week jumping...and begging me to jump with him.

I so wish I could!

I didn't ask my doctor if I could, but I'm fairly certain just by going off of common sense, that it would be a definite no.

I LOVE trampolines...but at least now I know how I'm going to get this baby weight off :)

Here's my little grasshopper...

There's a lot of silliness going on around here.

30 second break

Did I mention it's been in the 70's all week???

He jumped until it was dark and then got to jump with daddy!

We LOVE our trampoline...and so do all the neighborhood kids ;-)

Happy Weekend to you!

Surprise!!!

2012-03-07T08:15:00.001-05:00

We are part of a small group with our church here.

Wednesday, they majorly surprised me!

I walked into what I thought was Bible study night but really I walked into all of this!!!

They threw me a surprise baby shower!!!

With rain showers and rainbows...I think they did a GREAT job since they don't know if I'm having a boy or girl...such a cute, cute idea!

The food was great and adorable.

Especially these awesome cupcakes.

We sent the boys off to eat and all the ladies stayed around for the fun!

Gotta love the diaper candy bar game :)

Yummy!

I was definitely showered with great gifts and wonderful friends.

My first genuine surprise party and I WAS surprised!

If I had a clue this was going on, I would have fixed my hair and wore something nicer...haha.

It was a blast and I am so blessed to have such a great small group!

Peanut Butter Crackers

2012-03-05T08:08:00.000-05:00

Since I can remember, my dad's all time favorite snack has been peanut butter crackers...well that and raisins.

Ever since Caleb spent a few days by himself with my parents (he calls them "Cack Cack" and "Ma"), he has a newfound love for peanut butter crackers too...and now I know why.

I caught the two in action...

This one makes me laugh...especially Caleb's, "Cack Cack, what are you doing???" face.

Those crazy cracker heads

Photoshop Dabble

2012-03-03T09:38:00.001-05:00

Seth bought me photoshop back in the fall...of course it was something I had been wanting badly for a few years.

I finally got it!

There was only one problem...I had NO idea how to use it!

So, I decided that it's time to start dabbling with figuring it out.

This will take years, seriously. There are SO many things to learn and SO many possibilities.

But I had to start somewhere.

Here are 3 pictures I fooled with this morning.

The top picture is the original picture and the bottom is the photoshop edited version.

I found some great tips on Pinterest that helped me get started.

Do you use Photoshop?

What has been your best source for learning how to use it?