Christmas Eve through Christmas with the Lapours

It's true. Christmas Eve I was finishing this gift. I just needed to stain half of the game pieces. I finished up this game over a month ago. I'm very proud of how it turned out.

Christmas Eve cat story time. Rhett read this whole book to the cat...again...very proud.

Mezmur ready to go on Christmas Eve.

I couldn't get a good picture of both kids together to save my life. The following are the best I could get.

Scooters from Santa.

Handsome man in a handsome man sweater vest...the one with all the cables.

There was a rousing game of checkers.

Rhett won!

It was a great Christmas. Lots of sugar was eaten, a tiny baby Lapour sweater was finished, multiple Christmas movies were watched, games were played, there were scooter rides, delicious dinner was had with lots of carbs eaten, presents were opened, presents were given, and all of this was done with only one bleeding injury...not so bad.

The Plan

A mom, a baby, and a Christmas tree at 25 weeks.

This may be a little early to be talking about this, but it is constantly on my mind. Let me first say...above all else we pray for a healthy baby...this is the MOST important thing.

Now, onto the serious stuff.

My goal...to have a completely different birth experience than I had with Rhett.

A little back story. I went into labor with Rhett on my due date. I had NO birth plan. I didn't want the pressure of a birth plan. I wanted to birth without epidural, but I promised I wouldn't be too hard on myself if I needed an epidural. After being in labor for almost 20 hours...I needed an epidural. From then on it was a downward spiral. Pitocin, baby's heart beat in distress, push for 3 1/2 hours, emergency c-section, had to be put to sleep, and Dan couldn't be in the room. We didn't get to hear, "It's a boy." We didn't get to hear the first cry. I couldn't stay awake the first time I held Rhett. This was definitely not what we thought would happen. It turned out he was posterior and almost 10 pounds. The OB didn't know he was posterior until the c-section. Above all the disappointment...we had a HEALTHY baby.

Now, I have a plan. I know what I want. I will not let the OB give me pitocin, I will try not to get an epidural (I still won't be too hard on myself if I need an epidural), I will stand up for myself, I will make SURE the baby isn't posterior before I push for 3 1/2 hours, I will make sure the person who gives me the epidural is experienced, and I will have a Vbac (Vaginal Birth After C-section). I will not have a C-section unless we (Dan, me, and the OB) determine that it is necessary (Breech, posterior, or emergency) .

The plan...After the holidays I will be going on a low-carb diet to help the baby stay smallish, I will do everything I can to help the baby not be posterior (Did you know there ARE things you can do?), I will demand more from my OB, and I will have a Vbac, because I CAN.

I have a fabulous OB, who not only is ok with a Vbac, but she said if we think a C-section is necessary, I can go into labor. The thought of scheduling a C-section makes me very sad. I want to go into labor.

In the mean time I'm reading and planning. This was a great article that has helped to empower me. I'm also daydreaming about pushing this baby out, hearing the gender, hearing the first cry, and being awake for the first feeding...this daydream is amazing and brings tears to my eyes every time.

Candy Houses

We had the Rices over for a little bit of sugar yesterday. While the dads put together our houses with hot sugar the boys ate half of the candy.

That's my sensitive boy adding a heart to his house.

Yes, it's true. Mezmur was in bed during the whole decorating adventures. To her, this house just magically appeared on our table after her nap and she got to eat a ton of candy for snack, so I think she is going to be just fine.

We had fun guys. I'm glad we could take you away from your rat troubles for an afternoon. :)

Christmas Eve Pajamas

Today is pajama day at Rhett's school for spirit week. He is wearing his Christmas pjs from last year. Here are this years Christmas pajamas. I think they will both be very happy. I used a Simplicity pattern for Mezmur's pants and I used the Weekend Sewing pants pattern for Rhett again. For the shirts I picked up Mezmur's at my favorite resale shop (Mama's and Papa's) and Rhett's at Old Navy. Rhett is always so proud of the things I make for him. Mezmur's favorite question is, "What making Mama?" She will love her pjs too.

Mr. Gnome

I have loved making these gnome dolls. I sort of want to keep them all, but I do have this one posted on Etsy.

Posy Quarterman Photography

Posy Quarterman Photography

I met Posy one day at Speilwerk and I just happened to have a couple of dolls with me. We got to talking and we both realized that there might be a trade in our future. She wanted a banner for her daughter's birthday and I wanted photos of the kids in their Ethiopian outfits before they grew out of them.

I DO NOT do a lot of trades, but when this one came up...I couldn't pass it up!

A Few Holiday Photos and Short Captions

We have entered the world of making snowflakes.

My favorite bridge in Portland on our way to cut down our tree.
Mezmur is happy on the farm.

Rhett is happy with a sharp tool.

The perfect tree.

Cozy at home with the little lap warmer.

Rhett's First Recital

Rhett had his first piano recital last weekend. He was nervous, scared, excited, and a little giddy about the whole experience. He likes piano lessons more now that he knows what to expect at the recital. He was acting out a lot at and about his piano lessons, but now he can't wait to go...well, for now.

I wish I had better pictures...I was taking pictures really fast, because I was the only crazy mom with the camera at the front of the room.

A little back story on Rhett and the piano. He begged us for lessons...BEGGED. Finally we thought he was old enough. He has loved the piano since he was tiny. Once on a trip to the beach all he wanted to do was play the piano and make up songs with someone...instead of going to the beach to play. I'm serious...it was all he wanted to do. He was 2 1/2.

We recently acquired Dan's parents piano. Rhett has been making up his own songs. He plays the piano everyday. Not only does he make up his own songs, but he remembers them and plays them again and again. He has taught himself how to play songs too. This Mama was proud when he figured out how to play Do-Re-Mi.

Ok, enough bragging about my musical genius child...

We also saw cute kids like this one on the drums and piano...this kid was so tiny and cute on the drums.

Now, once we figure out how to upload videos again I'll share the video from his recital.

Done!

Finished! First this was going to be for Dan's Father's Day gift, then his birthday, but officially, it will be for Christmas. He better like it and wear it...that's all I have to say! He wears everything else I make him, so I'm crossing my fingers. I'll share a photo of him wearing it on Christmas morning. This was my first cable experience and I must say...it was easier than I expected...it just took FOR-EVER!

Mezmur couldn't believe she was seeing the big guy in "real life." I thought she would be more nervous, but what was I thinking? Not my girl!
This Santa knew just what to say! Rhett has been talking about how Santa said not to fight for the whole year and that Santa wants him to cooperate at bed time. So-far-so-good.

Rhett asked Santa for a paddle ball (you know, the wooden paddle with the rubber ball attached) and a Razor scooter. I think he will have a very good Christmas this year.

My Wish List

Here is a little list of the things I can't take my eyes off of. I frequent all of these links often. Obviously fabric and yarn make the top of my list.

Fabric

Japanese fabric is the only way to go. Really, if I could go to Japan to fabric shop and clothes shop for me and the kids...that would be really great. So, I guess this wish is really a trip to Japan, but since that isn't very likely any time soon...I'll look at Japanese fabric online.

*This is the fabric I've had my eye on at Bolt for a while now. I love the colors! I just don't know what to make with it...maybe a bag?
*I love this Christmas fabric!
*This one too.

Selfish Knitting

I love the Tea Leaves Cardigan pattern. I have the pattern and plan on knitting it for myself once the holidays are over and I finish the super cute baby sweaters I'm knitting. I'm hoping to "splurge" on some great yarn for this sweater. 7 scanes in a pretty pile would make me very happy.

Art Prints by Inaluxe on etsy.

I'm loving these modern prints by Inaluxe.

*This is a great print.
* This one too.
*I also love these birds.

Nativity by Urastarhouse on etsy.

I'm in love with the nativity pieces at urastarhouse. I ordered the baby Jesus last year. I custom ordered it with brown skin. I would love the whole set, but I think I'll have to slowly work up to that.

*The angel and North star.
*The whole set.
*The three wise men.
*Not to mention, all the other great things. I would love a custom family made.


Cross-Stitch Patterns by Gera.

I can't decide which one I like more...I know, I don't need a new hobby, but they are all so cute! I love the wedding one. It would be a good anniversary gift or wedding gift. What do you think Aris and Meredith?

*Wedding cross-stitch.
*Three bears cross-stitch.
*Christmas cross-stitch.
* I love this one for Mezmur's room, but with little Mezmurs.

A Good Movie and a Good Song

We went and saw the movie 127 Hours. Wow. Danny Boyle did it again and oh, James Franco...we have loved you since Freaks and Geeks. I sobbed at the end of this movie. It had to do with how emotional the movie was, it had to do with my hormones, it might have had a little to do with the cup of water Dan spilled in my lap during the flood part, but it also had a lot to do with the song choice they used during the rescue. The song is by Sigur Ros and has been an emotional song to me since I first heard it. It's just such a good song that tells a story. At 4 minutes and 38 seconds your mind will be blown. I don't think I would've sobbed if it wasn't for the song choice. I surly would've cried, but sobbed... probably not. I recommend you listen to this song and go see 127 Hours.

Thanksgiving 2010

We had a great day of giving thanks. It was a small gathering, but nothing about Thanksgiving is low key. I brined the turkey and had my first successful roasted turkey. The only other time I tried...the oven broke half way through roasting the turkey.

We had a day of cleaning, cooking, playing games, watching movies, and being thankful we have a house to clean, food to cook, and a healthy happy family.

Rhett made the place cards for everyone. He worked really hard. He drew a picture of the individual on the back of the place card.
I was pretty proud of our table setting.
The turkey was the best turkey I've ever had...sorry, Dad.

The outtakes are always more fun than the final photo...I'm supposed to squeeze in between Rhett and Aris...not as easy as it looks.

It's a good thing we are thankful everyday.

Second Annual Hotel Stay

I enjoyed my annual hotel stay last weekend. It was just me, two nights, my sewing machine, lots of personal projects, and no distractions...it was glorious. I finished Christmas presents, a table runner with a cute squirrel for the Thanksgiving table, did a bit of knitting, cut quilt pieces for our queen sized quilt, made Christmas morning pj pants for the kids...all in two days. I was a busy little elf.

Pieces laid out on the couch for the table runner.

Ok. So, I invited my family to go swimming and some friends joined them...I know I'm so nice. I even went out for pizza with the family...that proved to be less of a vacation for me, but the pizza was good.

Full length mirror! We don't have one of those at home.

I cut 256 tiny pieces for the quilt I've been working on for our room. I'm done cutting the little pieces and now...on to the large pieces and piecing the quilt together. I might need a couple extra hotel stays for this one...

Christmas presents...oven mitts.

Thanksgiving table runner.

Next year will be very different with three kids at home, but hopefully I can keep up with the tradition.