Sunny Days...

This past weekend we went to Ohio and Michigan for our last road trip before the baby comes.

Friday night we made a grueling trek across a snowy Indiana turnpike to Brett's parent's house. By the time we got there, there was a little time to hang out with the family and then go to bed.

Saturday was the big day and real reason for going out (besides seeing family, of course). We took Owen to see Elmo Live. It was his first live show and he absolutely LOVED it. Surprisingly, he did really well and sat through the whole thing.

Cousins Bennett and Caden came for the fun along with their cousin Dalton (on right).

The whole family before the show

It was cute to see all of the characters. Not sure if they had this type of thing when we were little but I think I would have loved it.

Owen and cousin Ben watching togetherHanging out with Nonni Pat

Total Amazement

This video is dark and hard to see, but it captures Owen's excitement perfectly.

A great time was had by all. But thank God it was only an hour of actual show. I don't think I could have taken any more...

Saturday afternoon we just hung out and played cards while Owen napped and then we headed up to spend the evening with my Mom in Michigan. It was nice and relaxing.

On Sunday morning we went back to Toledo to have breakfast with Amy, Todd, Cooper, Gus and Baby Bieber #3 before heading back to Chicago.

You may remember from my last post that I was part of a paper doll swap. I received the one from my partner and she is absolutely fabulous!!!! She is just beautifully done and they even made her a hat and cape. So lovely.
I think that Owen is definitely ready for a playmate. Right now his favorite friends are the cats. And only Penelope will actually put up with him...

For a short time anyway...

We are getting really excited that spring is around the corner!!! The 5 day forecast has us steadily in the mid to upper 40s, which I'm sad to say, is making everyone around here very excited. Spring fever is in the air for sure.

Special Craft Post

I recently joined a paper doll swap on swap bot. I really wanted something that would challenge my creativity and skills as a crafter. Since I had never made a paper doll before, it was perfect. It's not just drawing out some paper clothes and folding over the tabs like the kind we had when we were little. You have to make the doll jointed and make her clothes.

I debated for awhile as to what I was going to do, but after reading my partner's profile, I learned she was really into the comic book character Harley Quinn so I used that for my inspiration. Thanks to my Aunt Lulu for her suggestion of using felt. It worked perfectly!!!

First came the doll itself. I used the pattern from the swap to create the doll. To make her jointed, I found adorable star-shaped brads in the craft section of JoAnn's. They added such a cute touch.

Then came the hard part which was crafting the outfit. Since Harley's clothes are reverse on each side, I cut out the same exact pattern on red and black felt then cut it down the middle and flipped it over to make the different colors line up. To give it some staying power, I used heavy card-stock in the middle which gave it some weight and stiffness. I used small pom poms around the collar.

Then I had to make the hat and the mask which were the hardest, but it all turned out really great in the end!!!!
I used clear velcro to attach the clothes (thanks again to my Aunt Lu for the suggestion) and overall I am REALLY happy with how it turned out. It was a lot of work but a lot of fun. I can't say it's a passion so I probably won't do it again, but it was great to try something new.

Happy President's Day!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

We hope you have a great day with all of your loved ones!
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Yesterday we took advantage of a nice sunny day to check out the snow from last week. This is the first time Owen has played in it. We had so much fun!!!! Last year he was scared to death of the snow and the only other real snow we got this year (I know, sorry to all of you in PA and the east coast who have been hammered this year), by the time the weekend rolled around the temperature did not get above 0. I was not about to go out in that!

We had some crazy ice on the side of our house.
In the afternoon I got some mommy time and hung out with my friend Jill. We got mani/pedis and then went to a little cafe for some coffee and a bite to eat. It was wonderful!

Here is what Owen will be doing this month in school.

In honor of the snow, I thought I'd post this cute snowman Owen made.

And last but not least, I was poking around on the PBS kids website and they had a cute area where you could do a photo mashup. I made this one with dinosaurs and Buddy from "Dinosaur Train," Owen's favorite TV show.

Catch-up

The week has been a bit nuts, so I'm just getting last week's update posted.

We had an unexpected guest last weekend which was nice. Ed, my Aunt's husband got stuck in Chicago while on his way back to Baltimore so he got to experience all of Owen's antics.

On Saturday Owen and I went to the children's museum with my friend Kristy and her daughter Ava. It was lots of fun!

Playing with the boats (a favorite)

Drumming with Ava

Driving the boatPlaying with the duckieDriving in the car (Owen looks a little possessed here but I think he was just concentrating)

On Sunday morning Owen had swim lessons and is starting to get more and more comfortable with the water which is great. Brett had him floating around and swimming after the shark and even holding his breath and going partially under water. Getting the shark toy from the week prior was no small feat. But, Brett managed to get it for Owen first before another kid got it (I'm so proud of him!) so we avoided a major meltdown.

On Sunday afternoon we went to Jeff and Jill's for a Superbowl party. It was lots of fun and Owen had a great time playing with their doggies.

Today Owen had a "Hearts" party at school (they won't say Valentine's Day, ugh) so we went and hung out for while. Here is Owen painting a flower and everything else he can find. He's not into arts and crafts so I'm just happy he made it this far.

Sitting with his buddy Jay and Jay's younger brother Ben

We hope to play in the snow tomorrow and then I'm headed for a girls afternoon with my friend Jill. Mani/Pedis and dessert at a place called Hot Chocolate. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!

Lastly, we want to give a shout out to Papo and Nonna Barbara who are in New Zealand for 5 weeks. We hope you are having fun!!!!!

Baby G #2 Update

It's hard to see my belly in this shot, but I'm 26 weeks now and getting bigger! I feel bigger and more tired a lot earlier this time around I think. Although Brett tells me I'm the same as my first pregnancy, I just have mommy amnesia. True I'm sure.
The rest of this blog is all about crafts! My Aunt Lulu and Ed sent us an early Valentine's present this week. It was filled with FABULOUS goodies. I just love handmade gifts and this package was so special.

She knit Owen a stuffed triceratops. So great.

And made him a stuffed TRex (he was so excited I thought his head was going to pop off)

They also got him some great dinosaur books, including a pop-up book. He was so excited. Given how much he loves dinosaurs, I'm not sure they could have sent more perfect gifts.

My Aunt Lu made me this adorable penguin ornament. I can't wait to hang it on the tree next year!
Another great thing they sent us was this clock that you can insert pictures into (and I think it talks) that they filled with pictures. It is really great! Owen had a blast looking at all of the photos.

As you may remember, my Aunt I did a swap together. I sent her jewelry and she sent me these awesome tea cozys. It is a little pouch you can put tea packets in to carry with you in your purse. So cute.
Last but not least, I received my swap items from my partner for a recent crafting swap I was part of. I got these great potholders and some earrings. I love both of my swap items!!!

Owen's been busy at school with creating his own masterpieces.

Owen's Dinosaur Train

Purple CloudOwen's "Nest"Wheel of HandsSpaghetti and Meatballs

I'm definitely still in the crafting mood. Tomorrow I'll be working on my next swap which is making a paper doll for someone. I'll chronicle everything and share it with you when it's ready.

Have a great weekend!