Last Day of January....

Something new from me....


Journaling reads: Seth, love you! More than ever, every day! Sweet hugs and kisses to my sweet, sweet boy.

For Credits, please click HERE.

:)

35 Weeks, Maybe?

So my belly shots from yesterday. Were they 33 weeks.... or are they really 35 week? Read on....

My Ultra Sound from yesterday~

Good News~ Bean has turned! YAY! He is now perfect position... face down, and face is towards my back. (Seth was actually transverse.)

He had the hiccups during the US, and that was really cute. He was fairly laid back, just relaxed, not moving too much.

The OK news, IE: "I Told You So Doctor!!" I am measuring BIG. The tech said that my EDD, according to all measurments, is MARCH 8. March 8!!! Thats a huge difference from March 20. My orig. edd was March 14, and being only one week ahead sounds normal there. Two weeks ahead?!?!? Um.... They say Bean is already about 4.5 lbs.

I don't think I'm making it to March 20, LOL! See, I KNEW when I conceived!

Here are some NEAT pics for you!!!





Look at his hair, LOL!! The tech was amazed at how much there was!


Can you see his white spiky hair there too?

There you go! I can't wait to hear what my doc is going to say about Bean's size come Thursday. If I were to get induced "2 weeks" early again at "38 weeks" it would still be March 10th!

Three years ago today I found out about a tiny baby growing inside me... now he's a 33 lbs toddler who sweetly snores and has "puppy breath." (from sucking on Puppy too much, Yuck!)

Yesterday afternoon Nate, Seth, and I headed over to Babies R Us & the mall. We picked up a Green Hamper for Bean's room. Seth has the one in blue. I figured to get a different color, b/c in a couple years when they share a room, they can seperate their laundrey into the 2. Lights in one, darks in the other.... LOL!

We just strolled the mall. It actually got really hard for me... I was having lots of contraction's from all the walking, and I'm to the point where its really heavy on my spine/ hips.

After that we hit Barnes & Noble where I finally spent my Christmas Gift Card on a couple books for later. Then we ate dinner at Panera Bread. While we were eating, I noticed this man getting his drink. He looked SO familiar, but I couldn't remeber why. I saw that Nate was looking at him too... and thats when I realized it was Frank Marzullo our News channel, WeatherMan! LOL! It was like seeing a celebrity... kind of. He was smaller IRL that I thought he would be. (sorry about the crappy video... I couldn't find a picture!) He sat in the very back corner and worked on his laptop. Today's forecast anyone?

Anyways.... LOL! We came home after dinner, and we were all pooped.

Lovenote Story Winner & 33 Weeks....

My CT had such a fun time reading though the lovestories submitted to us. They made us laugh and they made us tear up.

But then we voted and overwhelmingly.....

This is a long love story, but a good one. I first met Mitch while working at a record store in 1990. I remember looking up from the counter and seeing this good looking boy walking towards me, I still remember the feeling I had of just "recognizing" him somehow. I flirted unashamedly with him and ended up giving him my phone number.

For the rest of that summer we were totally inseparable. When we weren't at work, we were together, driving around in my goofy yellow Toyota Celica.

At the end of the summer he turned 19, and in our church that is the age whenyoung men can choose to serve a 2 year mission. Sure enough, he turned in his papers and got a call to serve in the San Jose Costa Rica Mission. I also remember the conflicting feelings of pride and sadness that my boyfriend, my sweetheart, was going so far away for so long. It was a difficult thing, and although we wrote to each other and I was TRYING to wait for him to get home... we drifted apart. The real end was on Christmas Eve when he got to call his mom's house. I was there, and when it was my turn to talk to him he told me that he didn't want us to date when he came home.

I was sad but determined to hold on to my pride. I ended up marrying the next boy that I started seeing after that phone call. During the nearly 3 years of that marriage I heard that Mitch had also married, and every once in awhile I would get a pang in my heart for my first real love. My marriage didn't turn out so well, by husband left me when I was 5 months pregnant. It seemed the reality and responsibility of having both a wife AND a child were too much for him to face. I was devastated and terrified. I wondered how I could make it as a single mom and if I could ever find anyone to be the daddy I so desperately wanted for my baby girl.

This is where the story gets good again. Toward the end of my pregnancy... when I was as big as a house... my little sister and I were out running errands and happened to drive by Mitch's mother's home. I mentioned to my sister how much I missed his Mom, Marlene. She had always been sweet to me. My sister "double dog dared" me to stop at the house and say hello. For some crazy reason I did.

So there I was in my maternity overalls, knocking on the door of the house I had spent so much time in years before. Mitch's mom answered the door and luckily remembered who I was. We exchanged some pleasantries and then she called out-"Hey Mitch! Come and see who's here...! " I was SO mortified. I froze to the spot and my sister would tell me later that I blushed to the roots of my hair.

What an awkward conversation THAT was... so how have you been, yep, I'm pregnant, do you and you wife have any kids? No? You're divorced? Me too... or at least I will be soon... Well, anyway, nice to see ya.

It took a few days for him to call me at my Mom's house, where I was staying until the birth of my baby. We were still both so shellshocked from our failed marriages that our first conversations were awkward. But I needed a friend desperately and appreciated his support during that frightening wait for my little girl to arrive.

After she was born, he continued to be a good friend to me. He helped me move into my little apartment and listened to me when I needed to talk.

It was a long, slow, process as we both learned to trust again and got brave enough to open our hearts back up to each other. But, as the months passed and we spent time together, I watched his wonderful ways with my sweet daughter and remembered how we had been before. The amazing thing is how, when the time was right, the true love that we had for each other turned on just like someone - I believe it was Heavenly Father- flipped a switch on. Suddenly we both knew without a doubt that we were going to marry and be happy. That he was going to love my little girl with all of his heart and that everything was going to be okay. What a blessing it all was.

I'll never forget our SECOND first kiss... how many couples get to experience that twice???

To make a long story short- too late!- we married in the Mt.Timpanogos Temple of our church. Almost 10 years to the day after he left on his mission. We were older, wiser, maybe a little battered by life, but no less in love than when we were giddy teenagers. And even today- 6 years, a house, another child, 5 cats and numerous jobs later I'm grateful that I got another chance at life with my true love.

The end!

****************

New belly shots for you! Here you go.... 33 weeks pregnant.



And the progression....

16, 20, 24, 28, 33 weeks.

I have to go get ready for my US. They are checking to see if Bean's still breech or if he's turned.

:)

Amazing....

I have had a huge response to my Vintage Photo Frames, and I can't tell you how excited that makes me! YAY! For those of you who have asked, the .PNG version for PSP, PSPX, or DIP will be available next Thursday. Ask, and you shall recieve, LOL!

I am totally baffled at my state of mind yesterday.... I've edited my post 3 or 4 times, b/c I kept finding big mistakes, LOL! I left out that those LO's were done by my CT... I forgot to link to the frames, put the wrong link for Lovenote. I just shake my head at myself sometimes, LOL!

I just got the news that a very dear friend of mine delivered her second baby yesterday. IN her bathtub no less! I am completely amazed and in awe! She started her active labor early in the morning, climbed in her tub to relax a bit. All of a sudden her water broke, and her baby crowned! Her Doc made it just in time to help deliver! Her whole labor took about 45 minutes! Isn't that a story?!?! Mama and baby are doing great! Congrats again sweet friend!

Speaking of newborns.... I am newborn baby picture crazy. I already have some newborn shots in mind, but I'd asked for some links for ideas over on the 2Peas Photog Fourm. Here are two amazing websites someone set me up with....

Brittany Woodall

Captured by Carrie

Gorgeous shoots! I CANNOT wait to photograph this little one!

It is still snowing and bitter cold here in NW PA. But no one is sick.... I'm wondering if I can talk hubby into taking me to the mall or something tonight. I have been stir crazy and stuck inside for 2 weeks now.

Vintage Photo Frames....

New!

One of my favorite special touches that I like to do to my own personal layouts, are to add vintage frames to my photgraphs. Now here is your chance to add straight frames to your photo, or choose a slightly curved with shadows frame for your photo. Mix and match for a unique look!

Included in Vintage Photo Frames are 12 straight frames, 15 slightly curved frames with shadows, and2 negative strips. This version is compatible in Photoshop Elements 3, 4, 5, and Photoshop 7, CS, and CS2.

You can find the Vintage Photo Frames HERE at The Digi Chick.

Here are some LO's done by my CT. You can find Lovenote kit here and there, LOL! (Note: not all designs shown are Andrea Burns' designs.)

Has anyone noticed the new FAN blinky off on the right side there? LOL~ I was making up my new Creative Team and Guest CT blinky, I thought I'd make one for my fans out there. Please feel free to grab it and sport it around town.

Happy Thursday!

Sledding Seth....

Thanks so much for the encouraging words yesterday. I really needed them, and I truly appreciate them. I have to admit I gained about this much weight with Seth, but I swear I'm eating better this time around than when I was preggo with Seth. I worked really hard after Seth's birth to lose my weight. I was running 4 miles and lifting weights (4 times a week), and it was all off by the time Seth was 6 months old. I was hoping to not have to work that hard again... LOL!

And nope Kristin.... we haven't announced Bean's name yet. We're waiting for his arrival first... but I tell you, its a GREAT name, and it goes fantastically with Seth, LOL! And Theresa.... its gotta be the First Cousin thing then... b/c I swear I did read that you couldn't smell! Ha!

I have spent the last 2 days getting over 250 pics of the LAST YEAR printed at Walmart and then put in order in an album, with appropriate quotes/ anecdotes/ dates. (This doesn't count the few pics I DID have printed out, like Seth's birthday, our beach trip, and and Halloween.) I can't believe how far backed up I had gotten.

It's been snowing pretty good here the last couple days, so Nate and I packed Seth up and headed to a nearby hill. He had the BEST time sledding with his dad. OK, I admit it... I went down once too....














LOL~ he did NOT want to come home.

Have a great Wednesday!

Baby Schtuff....

I had my 32 week appointment yesterday. Everything is normal, everything is fine. I somehow gained 5 lbs in the last 2 weeks, and I feel like crying. I now weigh the same as Nate. I am just completely baffled where the weight is coming from though.... I hardly eat lunch because I'm not hungry for it, and I eat well balanced breakfasts and dinners. I hardly snack. I do admit to snacking on chocolate when I DO snack, but its not ungodly ammounts or anything.

My Dr. actually asked me if I was wearing anyting different today, like heavier shoes or sweater or something.... kinda like she was surprised to hear about the weight too.

Where is it coming from!?!?!?

Bean had his first hiccups Sunday night, that was really cool.

One weirdo thing about this pregnancy that is different with Seth's, is that with Seth I had a dark linea negra. It took almost a year for it to disappear too. With this one, I have the slightest faint line, but NOTHING compared to the first. Isn't that funny?

Kristin~ you asked about my To-Do list.... well its just stuff like

Bring down Cradle, fix Crib (as in raise the mattress)
Set up swings
wash clothes
buy baby book, silver ID bracelet
Finish Seth's baby book (LOL!!), take him to Chuck E Cheese

You know... all this random little stuff. I've already taken care of ordering the ID bracelet. Its a latin custom to put jewelry on babies... Seth has his silver ID bracelet. I even have my own tucked away safely.

I also picked up Bean's baby book~

Isn't that cute? You can see it here at Babies R Us.

As for the Seth "stuff".... ROFLOL! I think once my baby hit 11 months old, I went into this denial that he was about to turn one and not be a "baby" anymore. So last night actually, I pulled his out ( a beautiful classic Pooh memory book from Hallmark) and was filling in details and making a list of photos I still needed to finish it. I also need to call his Pediatrician and get a couple details to update his medical pages. And the Chuck E Cheese? Well, I thought it would be nice to do something with Seth, one last time just "the three of us."

And while I was working on the photos needed list.... I totally realized that Digital Photography and Digital Scrapbooking actually has a Con.

I have been TERRIBLE at keeping up with getting photos printed out. I spent over an hour last night picking out photos and then burning them to a disk. From the last year. YEP~ from the LAST YEAR. When I shot 35 mm, you HAD to turn that film in to see what you shot and get your photos. I think with digital you can see them instantly, or even when you scrapbook them, get THOSE prints back, that I tend to forget I needed to print out the 4x6 photos.

So I'm off to Walmart right after this entry to print out a year's worth of photos. Isn't that terrible of me? I need to get caught up.

****************

Today is the last day to submit your Love Stories! Read HERE for details! Winners announced on Monday!

My New Creative Team....

Lena Bradenburg

Sabrina Lopez Dupre

Christina Kirk

Kresta Littleton

Kellie Penn

Sandra Stanton

I had so many wonderful responses for my call, and this was freakishly hard to decide. Because there were so many wonderful applicants, I decided to add 6 girls instead of 4, AND take on a Guest CT member for each month for the next year!

And my first Guest CT spot~ Paige Eckenfels

These girls already join my fabulous team of Traci Branscum, Tegan Coffman, Melanie Colosimo, Laura Kannady, Julie Lopez, Angelina Schwarz, Novita Solihin, and Darla Vasquez.

Be sure to check out everyone's gallery. I am so in awe of all my girls' talents. How blessed I am!

And for the other wonderful ladies who applied... I am really sorry I couldn't choose everyone. But be on the lookout, I will be sending a special goodie in the email, just for you! :)

****************

Finally did my Christmas LO! And boy is it a BUSY one, LOL! But isn't that what Christmas is about?

Credits: Janet Phillips Template, Holly McCaig's Good Tidings kit, Michelle Coleman's glitter edge, stocking, stars, bling, snowflake, holly, and present. Gina Miller's light strands, Amber Clegg's button. Font: Pea Jenny.

Its my first time using a template.... you can see it here~ Janet Phillips' Holiday Pack.

****************

Over the weekend I made up a list of "To-Do's" before the baby gets here. I feel so unprepared. The list could take me... oh, maybe 3 days to do everything, so I am pushing myself to wait until mid-February. No point in washing his clothes now, or setting up a swing when there are 7 weeks left or so.

And can I tell you, my sleepless nights streak continues. I have no idea if its truly is because I am so uncomfortable and hot, or if it's just God's way of preparing me for a newborn's sleep habits. Couldn't He just wait a little longer? LOL~ its been a full week now of tossing and turning. Did I mention there are still 7 weeks left? I seriously could just cry.

Well, I have to dash. I have another Dr.'s appointment and I need to get out of my PJ's.

Ta-Ta!

Pajama Talk....

Today it is finally the winter I am used to, and it looks like a beautiful Winter Wonderland outside! Big fluffy snowflakes swirling around and everything is covered in snow. About time!

Nate came home at lunch yesterday sick as all get-out. He kept trying to say it was just a sinus allergy thing... but I've never seen a fever so high and such an achy body with "just allergies." So soley taking care of Seth yesterday, along with all the cleaning responsibilities and cooking, and bathing/ bed.... it wore me out! Nate's feeling better today, and I am taking it easier, LOL!

BUT, because of the snow and his sickness, our date to PF Chang's tonight has been called off. Oh well, there's always Valentine's Day....

This morning was the first morning that Seth got up at about 6 am, ready to play. I heard him by his door (we have a baby gate up) saying "Up! Up!" then a couple minutes later I heard some of his toys go off, LOL! So I went in a laid down with him for a little bit and he fell back to sleep till 9 am! I am glad to have gotten that little bit of extra rest. Every night this week I have not been able to fall asleep before 1 am... my Philippa Gregory books are waaaay to GOOD to put down before 12:30 and then our stinkin' room is so hot. And I AM covering the vent, and turning down the heat around 10 pm. LOL!

Check out these PJ's I ordered for Nate a couple days ago.... They are HERE at Red Envelope. LOVE their stuff!

They customize them with your name in the heart, LOL! Like him wearing your name on his heart or like a tattoo! I couldn't help myself, I thought it was cute.

And then I got to thinking.... Nate owns more Red Envelope stuff than I do! What's up with that?!?!?! LOL!

I was also thinking, you could prolly make your own graphic with your name like that, and then upload it to Cafe Press and have a T-shirt made. Of course I thought of that after I ordered, but then again at CP, it'll be made on the front of the shirt and not the arm.

Oh! I am so excited! Old Navy restocked their Nursing PJ's and matching Baby Sleeper sets, so I was finally able to order one in BLUE last night! It is going to be so cute to wear in the hospital! I AM a bit disappointed that once they restocked their sizes... their sale went off.~ But at least Bean and I can match in the hossy. Here it is in Blue~




And they only had the whole set preview in the pink~ but I thought I'd show that to you as well! Just imagine its all blue, LOL!


You can see them HERE at Old Navy.

Wasn't Grey's Anatomy last night terrific? We watch all the CSI's (we tape the Vegas one and then watch it promptly after GA) and Grey's is my girly indulgence during the week, LOL! I can't wait to see the 3 shockers next week! I kinda like the Alex and Addison thing... can't wait to see where that goes too! I was just over at the Grey Matter Blog, and just read that George's Dad's story was based on a real life event! Awww...

TGIF!!

Lovenote kit & Contest....

New~ Lovenote

Remember those special lovenotes passed back and forth between you and someone special? Here is your chance to scrap those memories! Lovenote kit is perfect for scrapping the ones you love.

Included in Lovenote are 8 textured and worn papers, 3 heart gems, 3 stitched ricrac, 3 tags, 2 satin bows, 2 stamps, 1 glitter heart, 1 rusty frame, 1 rusty doodle, 1 Pua shell large bracket, 1 Pua shell photo prong, 1 fabric heart doodle, and 1 fabric heart trim. Also included is a full Pua shell alpha, numeral, and symbol set.

There are also seperate paper and element packs available as well.

You can get it HERE at The Digi Chick. There is an introductory price of 20% OFF till midnight CST, tonight!

And look! I scrapped using the kit! LOL!


The little bit of journaling reads "de mi basia mille" which means "a thousand kisses."

And now check out these FABULOUS layouts done by my Creative Team! These gals really make my job so easy and wonderful, LOL!

And now, for a ...... CONTEST!!!

What a great way to express your love!

Email your love story in story form to andreaburnsct@hotmail.com

You could win her new Lovenote kit, AND have your story published on her blog.

Entries due by Jan 25.

Babies & Rings....

Does anyone here read Glamour Magazine? I have a subscription, and I really enjoy it. Over the weekend I got my February issue. Inside there is a story about a mother who gave birth to a baby at 27 weeks. The whole point of the story was that she blamed herself for being too active before the birth, and the giult that followed that. Her son ended up being just fine, and is a happy active boy today.

My point of this ramble, is that they showed this picture of the small baby right after he had been born. It completely amazed me that there was this baby, already looking like a baby. Yes, he was small, and very thin.... but it was an honest to goodness baby. And then I realized that my own son, in myown belly, at that moment, was already 3 weeks older than he. Three weeks fatter, and 3 weeks further in development.

Isn't that amazing? Doesn't that boggle your mind? If I were to give birth tomorrow (Lord Forbid!) my son would have a great fighting chance. And he's already a baby, KWIM?!?!? I know I'm not expresing myself very well right now. When Seth was born, I was just amazed and astounded that a couple hours before I was just pregnant. Then Seth came out, and he was an honest to goodness baby with all this hair and distinct features.....

I can't wait to meet this bean!

***************

Today is the LAST day I am accepting applications for my Creative Team Call. Midnight, EST is the cut off time. I have recieved some great applications, and am sweating at the idea of actually really reviewing them and coming to a descision. Hopefully I'll have it narrowed by this weekend!

****************

I am a self proclaimed dork, LOL! Ya'll know that one of my all time favorite books is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Well, there is this wedding scene that takes place when Claire is forced to marry Jamie. He gives her this silver ring with thistles on it. Years later, (and in a different book!) she removes it for the first time and actually sees an inscription. The ring reads, da mi basia mille. It means A Thousand Kisses.

Well, do you know how excited I was when I recently learned that a jewelry company got permission from Diana Gabaldon to recreate the ring? The site for orders launched on the 15th, and I bet I was one of the first to make an order. LOL~ my mom made hers a couple hours after I made mine.

Here is a pic of the ring~

To get your own Claire's Ring~ Click Here

I ended up getting the silver ring, with antiquing, and with the engraving. In my opinion, it wouldn't be Claire's ring any other way.

I think Nate is going to hold it back for Valentine's though. Which is fine! :)

Happy Wednesday!

Three Things....

Melanie tagged me yesterday, so here you are! :) I'll be back with my normal rambling tomorrow morning...I promise! :)

3 Things Survey

THREE NAMES YOU GO BY:
1. Andrea
2. Beatrice (a lovely nickname from Nate)
3. Mrs. Burns

THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU HAVE HAD:
1. AndreaBurns
2. raggedy_andrea
3.

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. hair color
2. Smile
3. curves

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU DON’T LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. Stomach
2. Thighs
3. Skin (I've been battling acne for 12 years or so!)

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:
1. Cuban (50%)
2. Scotts
3. American Indian, Cherokee Nation

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:
1. Anything happening to my kids/hubby
2. Spiders
3. Whatever is hiding or lurking in the dark

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:
1. coffee
2. hugs and kisses from my boys
3 . comfy clothes at night

THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1. blue maternity sweatsuit
2. wedding ring
3. Silver Earrings

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS OR MUSICAL ARTISTS:
1. Dave Matthews Band
2. Dixie Chicks
3. Casting Crowns

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS:
1. Let's Be Lovers by Dave Matthews
2. While You Were Sleeping by Casting Crowns
3. Shout to the Lord

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP:
1. Honesty
2. Romantic
3. Loyal

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE (in no particular order):
1. I love photography
2. I lived in Peru for 5 years
3. I once worked as Regis Philbin's assistant

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT THE PREFERRED SEX THAT APPEAL TO YOU:
1. Smile
2. Eyes
3. broad shoulders

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1. Digi scrapping
2. Photography
3. cooking/ baking

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1. get a decent night's sleep... and on my belly!
2. Move out of our house and into our dream house in our dream location.
3. Spend time with my grandparents

THREE CAREERS YOU’RE CONSIDERING/YOU’VE CONSIDERED:
1. School Teacher
2. Digi Scrap designer
3. write children's books

THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION:
1. the beach
2. a tour of Scotland/ Italy/ Australia
3. Cruise to the Caribbean

THREE KID’S NAMES YOU LIKE: (not counting Seth's and Bean's names)
1. Audrey
2. Nolan
3. Claire (Nate thinks this is a guy's name... um... okay)

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1. To Travel the world as much as possible
2. Watch my kids get happily married, have their own families, and believers in Christ
3. Build our dream home in our dream location

THREE WAYS THAT YOU ARE STEREOTYPICALLY A BOY:
1. I can eat many men under the table, LOL!
2.
3.

THREE WAYS THAT YOU ARE STEREOTYPICALLY A GIRL:
1. I LOVE girly clothes/ skirts!
2. I like to have my nails/toes done.
3. I love to shop

THREE PEOPLE THAT YOU ARE TAGGING: Theresa, Kim, & Sarah

Preggo Pains....

Pregnant in my third trimester, things are NOT fun anymore. For one things, the baby likes to push down on my bladder. Here I am sitting unaware, and BAM! Extreme pressure on my bladder and I am desperately trying to not have an accident, until the baby lets up. For two, I have become very uncomfortable. I can't get a decent breath, my back is achy, and I am constantly trying to find a good position to get comfy in. But its doesn't happen, because this heavy baby shifts to which ever side I am entertaining. For three~ it is a Party in my Pants come 10 pm, and Bean parties ALL NIGHT LONG. For four (will my complaining ever end... LOL!) the last two nights I have been up till 1:30 or 2 am, because our bedroom is stifling hot, and my husband has been snoring. Nate disagrees about the heat, as he's cuddled under the quilt. No kidding though, last night I was so hot, I had to get up and walk around to keep from getting "physically sick."

Needless to say, I am very tired this morning.

My mom just called and told me the most interesting piece of info, ie. boys and potty training. She was talking to some of the moms of boys that she teaches with, and they ALL told her that boys tend to PT later, around 3 or so. Then one teacher told her that she read somewhere that boys don't physically feel the need or sensation to pee as early as girls do. Isn't that interesting? It would explain why Seth would pee on the potty, declare to be done, and literally come to me a minute later saying "wet... wet." And indeed wet.

Food for thought, 'eh?

Credits: ScrapArtist Simple Pleasure papers and lace. Michelle Coleman's Chelsea's Dream flowers, Lighter Shade of Pale stitching, and her Hand Stamped Alpha. Nancie Rowe Janitz's Bleached Linen's buttons. Katie Pertiet's Grace kit Trim. Debbie Knorr's Bent It photo templates. Fonts: Pea Jenny & 1942 Report.

The pics are of my dad (in Cuba 1957), myself (in Peru, 1981), and of course, Sethro (in PA, 2006)!

Journaling reads: They’ve always said that you looked like me. Imagine my surprise when I found an old picture of my father. I see a whole lot of his young face in your features. Then again, no one can deny the resemblance between us either.

And.... the finished product of my purse! The blue looks a bit brighter than it does in real life, but you get the idea! I LOOOVE it!

Have a good Monday everyone! I know I'll try to have a better one!

Winter's Grace & SALE!

oh. my. word.

there was poop everywhere a couple hours ago....

That just about made me puke. SO GROSS.

It was like cleaning after a dog, except it was Seth's. And of course he tried to "clean himself up" and now one of my white handtowels is in the wash.

(sigh)

Its only been 4 days.... when can I wave the white flag and just admit that he isn't ready for Potty Training? Its just my gut feeling that he isn't ready yet. He is now in diapers, and maybe I'll try again later this summer, but definitely again when he turns 3 in Sept.

But to make it all better, a couple hours later~ Guess who said "I love you" for the first time to his mommy today, unpromted?

New! Winter's Grace~

Winter's Grace is a soft and snowy kit perfect for both boys and girls. The color palette is both frosty and chilly, and sure to suit your winter layouts perfectly.

Included in Winter's Grace are 8 textured and worn papers, 3 buttons, 3 tags, 3 glitter snowflakes, 3 satin ribbons, 2 fabric borders, 2 crotcheted snowflakes, 2 frames, and 2 twisty ribbons with snowflakes hanging off of them. Also included is a full glittery snowflake alpha and glittery numeral and symbol set.

You can get it Winter's Grace HERE at the Digi Chick.

Introductory sale price of 20% OFF till midnight, Friday the 12th,CST! There are also seperate paper pack and element packs available.

Some fantastic Layouts from my CT featuring Winter's Grace!

And FYI! I am having a HUGE Retirement Sale!

Aqua Floral

Baby Boy Mine

Baby Girl Mine

Embrace

Fresh

Months Paper

Pretty Posie Paper

Simplicity

Sour Apple

Homecooking & Add On

Motherhood

This also includes any coordinating paper packs. From the 10th to the 14th. Once the sale is over, the kits are GONE forever! Get yours while you still have a chance!

Beautiful Baby....

I had my 30 weeks appointment yesterday, and everything is completely normal, completely fine. I passed my Gestational Diabetes test, which I thought I would.

I've gained a total of 30 lbs, which my OB says is fine... but is freaking me out. I now weigh 5 lbs less than Nate... ACK! I must try to eat better the next 8 weeks and not gain as much.

She commented that Bean was "big" but nothing to worry about. I go back for another sono in 4 weeks to check on the breech position, but she says he still has plenty of time to turn.

I asked about the chance of tearing, and she said that there is less chance I'll tear this time around. 1) I'm a bit more stretched out since having Seth and 2) she doesn't think I'll have to push as long this time around. (I tore up both sides inside, and had to push for an hour and a half with Seth. He was only 7 and a half pounds.) It was a big relief to hear, but I am still skepticle.

Oh~ and she is NOT changing my due date. I thought maybe she might since Bean was measuring ahead. When I asked her about it, she said that the 7 weeks sono is the most accurate. There is a big difference between a 7 week baby and an 8 week baby. I guess that makes sense, b/c of lung development and such... So March 20th it still is! I am now seeing her every 2 weeks.

Potty Training was fantastic on Monday. Only 1 accident all day. Yesterday.... not so much. He had 5 or 6 accidents, 1 of them being poop. I got really frustrated at about 6:30 and threw a diaper on him for the rest of the night. I wish I hadn't done that now. I'm going to give it the rest of the week. If the lightbulb hasn't gone off by the end of the week, I very may well just wait till he's 3 in September. When I was coming down the stairs last night I dropped our brand new timer. DOH! So now I really have to watch the clock like a hawk and run out to WalMart later.

These are my first real nice shots from my new D80! Seth is still loving his big boy bed, and we are too! I can't get over how easy the transition was! Western PA is notorious for poor light and rain, so when the sun popped out 2 morning ago, I took full advantage. Regis and Kelly started their Beautiful Baby Search yesterday, and I went ahead and submitted the first photo.

Nikon D80, 50mm, F2

Have a great Wednesday!

Creative Team Call

Andrea Burns is looking for 3 or 4 active, enthusiastic, and inspirational digital scrapbookers to become part of her creative team.

Details:1. As a part of my team, I ask that you create 3-4 LO's a month. You will receive a minimum of 2 free kits to work with each month.

2. You must create 1 to 2 original layouts with each kit you are given and post to at least 3 major online galleries (2 must be TDC & DST) and e-mail me the links to the layouts. You must properly credit me as the designer in your gallery postings.

3. I prefer that you become an active member of the posting forums of the galleries you post to. I feel that if people "know" you, they will pay more attention to your work in the galleries.

4. You can be a member of any other design team or website creative team as long as you are able to keep up your commitment to complete the layouts for the kits you have received.

Application:

1. Please download a sample of my work here:

Link 1

Link 2

(please only download if you plan to apply)

2. Create a LO using the sample items. You may supplement a couple items into your LO, as long as my items are still the main focus.

3. Email me your LO to andreaburnsct@hotmail.com sized to 100k.

4. Along with your scrapbook page, please include the following information in your e-mail.

Complete name and contact information.
A link to your most complete online gallery.
A short description of your scrapping style and what you feel your strengths and weaknesses are.
Any additional information you want to share.

Deadline is Wednesday, January 17th by Midnight EST.

BBB & Potty Time (Am I Crazy or What?!?!)

I cannot get over how well Seth has transitioned to his Big Boy Bed. I had nightmares from listening to different people that there would be a struggle keeping him there... that we'd see his face at 3 am.... LOL! But he has done really, really well. He doesn't fight it, he actually welcomes it. And he stays put. One time, during one of his naps I heard a toy go off, and by the time I got to the door, he was already half up in bed, LOL!

I think he was so used to us coming to get him from the crib that it extended over to the BBB, b/c he waits for us to come get him out of the BBB too. I can't believe it!

Last night he stayed awake in the bed for a while, but at least he's stayed put.

Today marks another big day.... we have started to Potty Train! He has all the signs of readiness... why not, KWIM? Keep your fingers crossed for us please! We are doing the cloth Training Pants, every half hour potty time approach.

A Special Request!!! .......If you still have your Dec. issue of Parents, I'd love to have "The Best Baby Names" story out of it. I accidently recycled my issue before tearing it out. If you are going to get rid of it, I'd love to have the story, torn out and folded to mail is just fine! Just leave me a way to contact you, and we can talk addresses. THANKS!!!

ETA: I've got the article coming now, so don't worry about it anymore! LOL! THANKS!

Here are some pics of Seth sleeping away in his BBB!! I can't get over what an easy transition this was for us!!!

Story time with Daddy on the first night.

And now... napping....

By now, MANY of you have heard about those fabulous Princess Purses over at Paper Princess. I got one for myslef and for my lovely sister in law, before Christmas. I finally got around to making some inserts for the purse, and I can't wait to get them and show them around town! I'll sport the blue one until Feb, and then sport the Valentiney one!

Michelle Coleman's Merry LIttle Christmas papers and snowflake pin, all you need is love trim, Nancie Rowe Janitz's frosty flourish, and Holly Jolly felt swirl and snowflakes. Traci Murphy's photo frame.

Everything from Michelle Coleman's All You Need Is Love kit and Traci Murphy's Photo Frame.

Ack! There's the timer... its Potty Time!

29 Weeks Sono....

Nate and I were both a bit confused about what we were getting done. We were both so excited because we thought it was one of those really cool U/S's.... but those are 4D. We just had a regular one and one that was 3D.

Here's Bean!! (and yep, he's still ALL boy!) These are all of his face.

And the 3D one... which in my opinion isn't all that much better than the other ones....

He's measuring at about 30.5 weeks, so ahead by 10 days. She calculated my EDD 10 days earlier to the 10th. Bean is already 3 lbs and she could already see plenty of hair on his head, LOL! Bean was playing with his tongue and opening his mouth, it was really neat. At the moment he is in breech position with his head over on my left side. Another neat thing~ he was laying his head on an artery. The blood flow was making the artery pulse, acting like a bouncer/ rocker for Bean's head. Isn't that sweet?

Last night was Seth's first night in the Big Boy Bed. He did GREAT! We explained that it was bedtime and NOT playtime. He stayed in bed! YAY! I just checked on him and he did move and lay down at the foot of the bed, but I flopped him back into the right place. He stirred for a moment and I kissed him telling him he did a good job staying in bed and that he was such a big boy. He whispered back "big boy" and went back to sleep. awwww.....

Today I have plans to finally finish a winter kit that has been half finished for about 3 weeks, LOL! I love how it has turned out, I'm just in the middle of elements.