Two down, one to go

My third trimester is here, and I can't believe it. When I sit and think about the time, it seems to go so slow. But when I look back over the months that have passed since we first heard about baby Miles, the time has really gone by. I couldn't have imagined myself at this point had I tried; nearly seven months pregnant with a son, a loving, patient, brilliant man who calls me his, and a family whose love I will always cherish. This part of my life is so very sweet, and it almost makes me sad to think of it passing.

But then I think about that sweet baby, about the responsibility we have to "train him up in the way he should go" (Proverbs 22:6) and about him growing up, I really look forward to it. No doubt having my sister's family to watch take off has greatly affected this newfound affection for the future.

Victor just got home today from filming a conference in Vegas. It was only a four day trip, but I was miserably homesick while he was gone. I've always been prone to homesickness, but now that we have so many things changing in our lives, and at an alarmingly fast pace, his absence makes those empty, sinking feelings so much stronger. Everything else can fall around me, but having him to snuggle up to at night is my constant. I almost worry about relying on that constant too much, for fear that that something might happen to him one day - where, then, would I be? What would I do? But it was no fool who said, "Tis better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all." So I let myself fall asleep at night when he's away with the promise of him coming home and keeping me safe. Now he's back, already asleep in bed, and though the house is a wreck, my hand is bruised from another trip to the ER (this time without him), and I'm still missing our little foster puppy, all is well because he is home. Being married - being loved, needed, loving and needing - has got to be, above all else, the grandest thing we can experience this side of heaven. And in just a few months, we will welcome our son into the world, whose birth and life is the direct result of our marriage. Life is good. God is good.

Concerning that hand of mine that I mentioned... wait. I haven't even blogged about ANY of these ER visits, have I? Well, well. Time really DOES move fast! At 25 weeks, I started having painless but frequent contractions. We're talking 20 or more an hour, lasting about 30 seconds each. Considering all my books and websites tell me to call the doctor if you have more than FOUR an hour, 20 should set the stage for an eventful evening. :) So we called the doctor, went in not knowing at all what was going on - was I in labor? Would we have this baby at just 25 weeks? I never got too worried somehow though. I just felt a peace about it. Turns out I have what they like to call an "irritable uterus". Ha! Tell me what pregnant woman - what woman at all for that matter - DOESN'T! The term was just hilarious to me. Really what it boils down to it this - they don't know what causes it, why some have it, but for some women, their uterus is just sensitive and contracts easily, with or without reason. Looks like mine has no reason. I'm hydrated and infection free, which are about the only two things they know to check for.

The good news about all of this is that I haven't dilated at all, so aside from the contractions, this pregnancy is still 100% normal. But SINCE I'm having them, they have to stop. So the hospital administers a drug via injection called Terbutaline - a tiny little shot with the bite of an angry pitbull. :) It also makes your heart race. So you're lying in bed, wrapped in a pitiful piece of fabric they call a "gown", cold because I guess that's how hospitals jive, trying to rest when, "Uh..." "I....*pant pant*..." "...*pant*..." "MAN! I feel awful!" - you're hit with what I can only describe as a drug-induced panic attack. You feel, rather you ARE, short of breath, lightheaded, shaky and flushed in the face. It's not fun, to put it mildly. But that part only lasts a minute or two before you settle back down to a "resting" pulse of around 110-120. That part lasts half an hour, at which time, if the contractions haven't stopped, they give you another one. Oh, goody. :)

Anyway, the first time we were there I needed three terb. shots before I was able to go home. Two days later we were back, same song second verse, but I only needed two. And again last night, after almost two weeks of normal braxton hicks contractions, they picked up again and I had to go back. The doctor on call wanted to try fluids first, just to make sure I wasn't kidding myself about being hydrated, and to save me from needing those shots. Unfortunately the fluids did little more than fill my bladder and leave me with a sore hand from my first IV. :) As I'm typing all of this, I'm smiling just recalling it all. The nurses have all been GREAT and I'm looking forward to delivering there.

Also this past week Victor and I became place-holder mommy and daddy to a little puppy. Our niece, Taylor, has asked for a puppy for her 16th birthday and was (rightly) told no. Their family is what I would call a "no pet" family. None of the kids are willing to take the responsibility of caring for any pet - believe me, they've had what seems to be dozens of opportunities to prove themselves. From ducks to dogs, gerbils to kittens, they've had 'em. And killed them or lost them or SOMETHING. It's a disappointing situation all around, really. It ruffles my feathers that the kids don't take better care of their things, let alone a LIVING thing, but alas, that is a story for another day. Suffice to say Taylor's mom was none too thrilled when Taylor "finds" a puppy and brings it home, just two weeks after being told no. She was so unhappy, in fact, that Taylor was told the dog wasn't staying there. At all. And the younger two sisters were toting him around in a bag - ugh... when the news got around to me I was worried. Then I find the dog... "Where did he come from?" "I dunno." "When was the last time he ate?" "I dunno." "Has he been to the vet yet?" "I dunno." Oh man, my blood was boiling at this point. The poor little guy was lethargic, had a bloated tummy and just looked pitiful all around. I love dogs. And I love babies. Naturally, my affinity for puppies s is almost beyond words. So we took the dog, told Taylor's mom to tell the kids he was ours until we could find him a home, and got to work on getting him on a fast track to feeling better. I took him to WalMart and set him up with the best IAMS puppy food I could find, some toys, puppy shampoo, a leash and a few training pads for him to pee on if he had to go in the house. Two days later we took him to the vet and found out to our relief that he was a very healthy little guy, but whose tummy was pumped FULL of roundworms. We got him his first round of puppy vaccines, had him dewormed, and 75 dollars later were headed home. It was a crazy few days. But in that time, Victor and I fell in love with "Charlie Puppy". He was an amazing little guy - sweet, snuggly, soft and oh-so kissable, with the even-kill demeanor that every would-be dog owner dreams of finding in a dog. He was a 5 star puppy. :) But we knew we couldn't keep him. It was torture on me, really. Here I am pregnant, smack-dab in the middle of nesting, readying myself for what is sure to be mine and Victor's greatest love, imagining what he will be like and LONGING to hold him and this puppy drops into our lives. I think all of my unclaimed love was thrust upon that sweet little guy, because I loved him SO much. And at the same time I knew he wasn't going to stay. It was awful. My appreciation for foster parents and the hearts of gold they must have grew exponentially while Charlie Puppy was here.

Just before Victor left for Vegas this past Wednesday, we started looking for a home for Charlie. By Friday we'd found him one. Well, to be honest, God dropped a family in our laps. We didn't do too much, but someone saw his pictures on Facebook, contacted a friend, and long story short, Charlie is home. And these people - I couldn't ask for a better family. They are going to be GREAT. So yesterday I took him to Nashville and said my goodbyes. I still miss him, but I'm also relieved to have resumed our "regularly scheduled programming". :) I have several pictures to remember him by, and I'm looking forward to sharing them with Miles when he's a little older, and telling him about the little puppy who lit up our lives.

This has been a long post, huh! Some days I just feel verbose. And others I feel like getting a lot off my mind. And others, still, I have both. Today is one of those "both" days. :)

Baby Miles, mommy and daddy love you.

24 weeks

1st picture: Miles' profile

2nd picture: He's in the middle of a yawn! It's very cool on the video.

We have made it to the sixth month. It's a very fun place to be. I am quite obviously pregnant, and I'm enjoying having people ask when I'm due. Miles has been a very busy boy these past few weeks, with more and more movement each day. What I thought were kicks are actually punches! So his little arms are now as strong as his legs were a few weeks ago. And his legs? Those are sitting somewhere pretty close to my bladder. I know because every once in awhile I'll feel a kick and simultaneously a panicky feeling of, "Oh no. I'm so about to pee all over myself." Granted, I don't because I don't actually have to, but it sure fools me for a second! :) His little body has finally turned, and his head is up. That made for a very happy ultrasound tech yesterday. Everything went so well, in fact, that I wasn't scheduled for another one. :( I've really enjoyed having them every few weeks! She said he's measuring in the 50th percentile, putting him right at average for his weight. Unfortunately, his momma isn't in the same boat. Since my last visit just four weeks ago, I have managed to pack on TWELVE POUNDS! How the @!%# did that happen?? :) Okay, I suppose to be fair I have to consider a few of these points: one - I work from home. Meaning, I'm home all day. I can eat whenever, and I do. Two - pizza rolls are NOT a pregnant ladie's BFF, no matter what they say when you pull them out of the oven, sizzling. And three - walking up a flight of stairs to go clean up Miles' new room does not count as exercise. Sigh... I was doing SO good, too. Only nine pounds put on in the first half of pregnancy. Then 12 in a matter of four weeks. Guess who came home whining the rest of the day? ME! So here I am now, watching my calorie intake like a mad woman. Did you know that ranch has over 100 calories in just TWO tablespoons? I eat ranch for BREAKFAST for crying out loud! I put it on everything! Bye bye, ranch. And fast food? Holy cow. It's horrendous. Thankfully, however, veggies are a safe ZERO. Nadda. And I love me some veggies. :) So today for lunch, we were on the road and I got a 6" turkey sub on wheat, no cheese, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, lettuce and red wine vinaigrette. It was tasty. But already my mind is fighting me - I feel hungry again just three hours later. I need pizza! Chips! Soda! Burgers loaded with cheese! AGH!!!!

I think these next few weeks are going to be tough. But it is well worth it for me to eat better - for stupidly obvious reasons - and for Miles. I'm no health nazi, though. I still plan on making room for fun every now and then. Well anyway, that's that. I can't show up at the doctor's next month weighing another ten pounds. I will be in serious trouble. :)

Back to Miles. He's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him near a pound and a half. Since he's almost a foot long, he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon. If he were to be born this week, his chance of survival would be in the neighborhood of 60%, with a 75% chance of having serious medical complications. While not great stats, it's reassuring that he would most likely make it. I keep on having this nagging feeling that he's going to be an early baby. I don't mean seriously early, just early. I dream about it. I guess it's just my subconscious screaming, "I can't wait to meet you, baby!!"

About a boy and a girl

This will just be a quickie, but my friend Alison, also my old roomie from my days back at Austin Peay, who ALSO happens to be - almost to the DAY - as pregnant as I am, just found out she and her husband are having a girl!! I'm really excited for them. Alison wanted a girl, and I just had this feeling she'd get her wish. :) Alison and Don are going to make a fine mommy and daddy, and that little girl is gonna have one crafty momma! I must admit, there is a tiny piece of me that envies the bond I know they'll have. Being the artsy ladies that we are, we look forward to having daughters to share that passion with.

Earlier in the year, when I first made Henry (the elephant in the picture), Alison fell in love with it (the woman is a fan of the pachyderms) and asked me to make her one. Funny, when I made mine, I made it with very boy colors. Not with any purpose in mind, I just liked the colors. Then Alison asks me to make her one. What colors? Brown, green, pink and white. Girl all the way. Who knew just a few short months later we'd BOTH be knocked up, each with a matching elephant-baby combo? :)

Now to get that little elephant all finished up and on its way to the Nation house!

Same song, second verse...

...a little bit louder and a little bit worse! :P

Come on, you guys remember that song, right? Anyway, today marks the official midway point of this pregnancy. This week Miles measures a healthy 6.5 inches from crown to rump, and 10 inches from crown to heel. From this week on, the official measurements will be from head to toe, which is fun for me because he seems so much bigger now! :) He is also starting to make meconium, that infamous tar that will fill his first diaper once he's here.

I had my 20 week ultrasound yesterday, where they measure all of his major organs and body parts. Everything looked great. Well, numbers wise everything looked great. Miles himself, poor guy, looks about as uncomfortable as can be. His little head is STILL resting on my cervix (he will soon outgrow that space and have to move up), but now that he's getting longer, he isn't able to just stretch straight out anymore. The result? A doubled-over baby whose head is tucked so tight down into his chest, and whose legs flop so far over the top of his body that at a glance he resembles a shrimp more than a baby. ;) Even the u/s tech couldn't believe that after 4 weeks (since my last ultrasound) he was still sitting (err... head-standing) that way! And because he was so tightly tucked down onto his own chest, they weren't able to get a good view of his heart or brain. So I'll be headed back in 4 weeks for yet another ultrasound. Can't say I mind though, because seeing baby Miles up on that screen is the highlight of my days, my weeks, and my months.

This past week Miles became even more active. Rather, this past week he grew and his acrobatics became even more noticeable. Victor got to feel him kick again, and we both got to watch my tummy twitch and jump a couple of times when Miles would get going. At this point, about any time he kicks I can see it from the outside and others can feel it. I'm just hoping little turkey straightens up! ;)

This summer has blown by, and to be honest, I'm really thankful. I know that there are families out there who are biding their time with their children before school starts back up, teachers who are taking a much needed break from the classroom, and people everywhere enjoying the fruits of the summer sun, but man. I am READY to meet this baby, and with each week that passes I get more and more excited. So fall, get here quick! Break out the Thanksgiving turkey! :D

"I like Papayas, I know that Mangos are sweet"

And what a sweet Mango he is! :)

This past week Miles was a polite little boy and shared his kicks with Daddy and McKenzie. It was very cool to feel him kicking and have other people feel him kicking, too. If others were feeling him at 18 weeks WITH an anterior placenta, I can't imagine how strong his kicks would feel if it were attached to the back like normal! Wow! The most magical thing in my entire life has been feeling him play around in there. It's so SO out of this world. I can't seem to wrap my mind around the fact that there is a baby, a living, peeing, PERSON in my tummy, growing and readying himself for this big world. I'm almost halfway done, and I am SO ready to meet him. I can't wait to smell him, feed him, bathe him and kiss him. Victor said earlier tonight that he's eager to meet him as well. I think feeling Miles kick this week was a big step in the "realization process" for him. And I'm glad he's taken that next step.

This week Miles gets some fuzzies on his head, and if he's like his momma, they'll be there. I was a full blown mohawk child by birth. Some studies also show that he might be able to hear me by this week, which is wild to think about. I haven't talked to him much yet, largely because I feel like I'm talking to myself, but I bet once I know he can hear me that will change. He's also about six inches now from crown to rump. Six inches! I know that with each week I'm amazed at his new size, but six inches seems so big to me now. Just a few weeks ago I was stoked about him being the size of a blueberry, and now look where we are. :)

I've registered at target.com, but have already discovered that I have single-handedly purchased enough sleepers to last him through his first 3, if not 6, months. Oops? As I'm typing, Miles is kicking away! This past week brought several changes in the "how much I feel him" arena. Before last week, I could only feel flops here and there if I laid down. Now sitting, standing or laying I can feel his little reminders. It's just awesome.

Happy 4th, everyone. I am extremely thankful to be an American. There are so many wonderful things about this place that I can't wait to share with Miles.

We're having an avacado!

And his name is Miles!!!! Here's the story:

Last Thursday, June 11, was my first trip to the doctor. If you know me already, you know why I've had to wait so late - since Victor and I weren't at all planning this pregnancy and I work from home, I had no insurance. As soon as I found out I was pregnant I started the whole 'enjoyable' process of acquiring it. It took awhile. So long, in fact, that I was in my second trimester before I was seen by a doctor. NOT the most comforting thing for an Anderson girl like myself, we tend to worry... but all is well. I did what I knew to do to take care of little one, and now it's all just a bad memory. :)

Back to the story.

My NP got a good listen at the baby's heartbeat and was wondering if there might be two in there. We heard two heartbeats in two different spots, and even in her expertise she was unable to say one way or the other. Oh boy. Or oh boys? I just laughed. Laughing in the face of the unexpected is one of the many bonuses you get when you marry into the Albright family. They have an amazing ability to cope with the unknown. I love them for it. The NP also guessed that I'm in the neighborhood of 15 weeks, so it looks like I'm no farther along than we thought. She told me, though, to have them schedule an ultrasound as soon as they can since we can't proceed with testing, bloodwork or due dates until we know how far along I am. THAT was great to hear! She said on a normal day they would likely be able to see me after my appointment, but one of the ultrasound techs was out. So I have to wait till Monday. Thinking there are two in there AND waiting till Monday to know for sure was going to kill me! But oh well, what can you do?

I called mom to tell her everything went well and that I was to have an ultrasound Monday. Oh no. Not on her life. She told me to call the 3D imaging center and schedule a visit with them that day, her treat. DUDE! That was the coolest thing EVER. Not only did I go to the doctor, I was going to actually SEE my baby, too! I was squealing. Just ask Victor. I guess the rest is self-explanatory; we went in, had the ultrasound, and in the first ten seconds little Miles proudly displayed his boy parts! And he was kicking up a storm. It was the most magical moment ever. I left relieved and excited - not only was there just one in there, it was a boy. Absolutely perfect.

And what's better is I go back on Monday to the doctor for THEIR ultrasound to see how far along he is, and on Wednesday I go back to the imaging center to finish my session! I'll be seeing lots of little Miles in the next few days.

The tech said he looks to be measuring around 5 inches, which is right on track. That was also good to hear. I got to see his heart beating, his legs kicking, his hands waving and his perfect little body moving around. I love him!

We've come so far

My second trimester is finally here. I can't begin to tell you how I have longed for this milestone! This risk of a miscarriage at this point is so small. What a relief to be here. :) Since the last time I wrote, I have heard the baby's heartbeat (something I do at home frequently these days) and our little one has begun making an appearance in my tummy. Well, at least all the organs that have been pushed up and out as a result of our little one have begun making an appearance. ;) All the same, my jeans won't button, my shirts are getting a good stretch, and my sister grins wide every time she sees me. My energy is returning, along with my appetite (or should I say my appetite and THEN some!) and I feel all around great. We have our stroller picked out and at home - a good blend of teals, browns and creams - colors we love if this baby is a boy or girl.

The baby is now a good 3 1/2 inches, from crown to rump, making it a little larger than a lemon. I can distinctly remember hopping in the car with some friends a few weeks back and happily stating that the baby was the size of a lentil bean, which was SO big. ;) Now look where we are. I love it. In just a few short (okay, unbearably long) weeks, we'll know what this kiddo is. Jut keeping my fingers and toes crossed that our baby is healthy!

9 weeks and counting!

Today marks the 9th week of my pregnancy. That's right, folks! Krista's got a baby in her belly! I've wanted to get on here sooner and write something about it, but for a few reasons I've not. The last few weeks I've felt pretty miserable, coupled with the anxiety of another miscarriage AND keeping myself otherwise occupied, I've just not been around. But last week I started feeling like myself again, and this week marks a new era. The baby is now an inch long!

So here's the story: In December, Victor and I traveled to Japan for some work. It was an amazing trip. I suppose being halfway around the world can affect the way our bodies work, because Aunt flow was pretty weird. Four days early ON birth control! That never happens. But it did, and when we got home, I was ready for everything to settle back to normal. Ahh... but it wouldn't. Somehow over the course of the trip, my next month of pills got lost... leaving me susceptible to... well... babies. But I was always convinced I'd have a hard time getting pregnant since my mom had endometriosis and I was SO much like her. Not true! By the beginning of January I knew I was pregnant. And so I was. Two weeks went by with light cramping and spotting, and on Saturday Jan. 24, I lost the baby. Talk about weird. I say "weird" rather than awful or other words because at the time, that's all it was - weird. My body hadn't even really started changing yet, but still, I lost a baby. Victor and I spent the weekend at home, in bed, crying and holding each other, and by Monday, we both felt really well. The doctor told me to wait until my next normal period to begin taking birth control again, so we waited. About 4 weeks later, there it was in all it's miserable glory. :) So I went to WalMart, got my Rx filled, and the next day... "Oh, sorry. We don't seem to have a record of you filling it." ??? Seriously? You can't mess around with these things. If you are supposed to be on the pill on Sunday, you don't wait till Tuesday to take it. You take it Sunday. Okay, okay. I can be ONE day behind schedule. "Ma'am, actually you don't have anymore refills. You'll have to schedule an appointment with your doctor." AGH!!! No way. NO way. So I called my doctor, and although you are NOT supposed to get Rx's over the phone, she completely understood my situation and told me she'd call WalMart and have them fill it. Well, either she forgot or they did, but come Monday there was no gift for me at the Pharmacy. Can you believe it? So home I went, empty handed and again, susceptible to babies...

I suppose the rest is history since I'm clearly pregnant, but wow. I'll tell ya. Victor and I have discovered that we are in desperate need of birth control! I am one fertile myrtle! These past few months have been an emotional roller coaster. The week before I found out I was pregnant again, I got very angry for having lost my baby. I mean, livid. I was jealous of everyone else who was getting pregnant, mad that my own baby was gone, and so upset that I'd soon be back on b.c. pills for who knows how long before we decided we were ready. I cried, yelled, and felt overall miserable. Little, SO little, did I know that already a new baby was growing inside me. :) I couldn't have imagined it possible.

So here we are now. Victor has been a pillar of strength for me through all of this, and has repeatedly expressed his joy over this little one. I know I'm not out of the woods yet, but nothing is like it was last time. No cramping, no spotting, and no gloomy feelings. That's something else. With the last pregnancy, even before there was trouble, I would tell Victor that something didn't seem right. I couldn't put a finger on it, but something was off. And every night, starting a few days before I found out I was pregnant, I would dream about the baby. Well, the night before I lost the baby the dreams stopped. I remember waking up that morning and telling Victor, "Huh. That's weird, I didn't dream about the baby last night." It's so sad to recall, but I am so thankful that it happened as early as it did. I am also so thankful to find myself pregnant yet again, and so soon!

About this baby - I have been so amazingly bloated. Already my jeans don't button and I feel like a fat cow! LOL! But I'm okay with that. And my boobs! Yowzas! I never knew they could hurt so bad! :) I'm eager for next week to get here, since that's usually when the uterus pops up high enough to start feeling it. Eee!

Victor and I have decided on Juliet Quinn if it's a girl, and if it's a boy, heaven help us. We have no idea. :) We kind of like Avery right now, but it's certainly not set in stone.

I guess that's all for now. No pictures yet, and I still haven't had my first appointment (which is driving me a little crazy. I'm SO ready!)

More to come soon!

So you think you love your pet, huh?

In one weekend alone, Victor and I have been around two accidents involving pets. On Sunday, Matt went out and was on a fairly busy road (the kind where parents don't let their kids play in the front yard) when he saw a dog in a driveway, standing there perfectly normal. As he got closer to this driveway, the dog jumped out into the road, I guess to cross it. He jumped right in front of Matt's car, and Matt hit him. He could feel the rumble of the dog under his car, and worse, could hear it. Matt stopped, got out of the car, and was soon met by a neighbor whose daughter had seen the whole thing. "There's nothing you could have done, he just jumped out. These people never keep their dog in the yard - we knew this would happen sooner or later." And again this afternoon, we saw another wreck.  For the past few weeks now, this HUGE dog has been coming around. He's the sweetest, dumbest thing I've ever met. :) We really like him. Well, for the most part we really like him. He eats Jack's food, gets into our trash, and puts Ava into a frenzy every time he comes over... but that's all manageable... Well today he was over and Victor and I were in the middle of getting Ava to calm down and just sniff the big guy when he took off in a happy dash towards to road. We live smack in the middle of a big curve. At that same moment a young guy on a 150cc bike was coming down the road - the two met in a horrible crash that sent the kid flying off his bike into the road. The dog, well I don't really know what happened to him. He was hit, but by the time we got our eyes off the kid in the road, he was gone. We still haven't found him. But the fistful of fur in the front tire sure doesn't look good.

Here's what I'm getting at. Both of these dogs were collared and socialized, which tells me they are loved, at least on an emotional level, by someone. And this breaks my heart. Somewhere tonight, some pet owners are missing their sweet dogs. And then my blood boils. It's all their fault. If you love your pets, take care of them. Love is not a selfish thing. Love is not just the warm feeling you get from holding you dog or getting a nice "shake" from them. It's looking out for them, feeding them, protecting them, and teaching them how to love back. When I see dogs running around, I see lazy lovers. Seriously. And it breaks my heart. So love you dogs. We have Ava and Audrey on an invisible fence to prevent this very thing. If you have a pet but aren't doing what you can to protect him, don't tell me you love him. You're a liar. That, and a selfish lover. That's all there is.

Oh, and let's not forget the person laying in the road. Thank the Lord he didn't break his neck. But he wasn't moving. He could talk, but had to be carried off on a stretcher. And my poor brother in law - he literally almost got sick on the side of the road, and will likely feel the burden of this for a long time. And why? Because someone's lazy? That's unacceptable, people. Absolutely unacceptable. So love your dog. Love your neighbor. And save yourself the grief and possible lawsuit.

Blythe Themed Paper Dolls

Here are a few of the Blythe-themed paper dolls I've been working on:

Handmade: Sushi Socks for Baby

I have plans for this. :)

Just take six pairs of socks - 3 white, 3 black, roll 'em up, add cut felt pieces for a little extra flair, and you're done! How cute is that??

Handmade: Origami Light Box

I was reading a neato tutorial here about making your own light box for 40 cents. It looks collapsable so storing it would be a cinch, and it's super cheap. Now we thrifty folks can take pictures on a white background, too. :) I've actually got a light box that I made myself from an old box, but it's big, can't be folded down and stored, and just sits around all ugly... I think this will make a nice replacement.

Handmade: Beaded Flowers

This article on Oh So Crafty blog was pretty neat. It's an easy-to-do beaded flower that has so many fun uses! ...Maybe even an accessory for a new little Blythe doll...maybe? ;)

A possible next purchase

Sometime around Thanksgiving I discovered Blythe dolls. At first I just thought they were cute. Then I developed an affinity for them. Then I started to think about what it would be like to have one. Now I want one. :) But at $135 per doll, they're hardly something you pick up after work. At least in this household. ;) So I'm starting to figure out the logistics of getting one and whatnot... but anyway, I actually think I'm going to get one. Why on earth a married woman wants a doll for herself is beyond me, and I'm quite sure beyond any person reading this. Especially Mom. Mom, if you're reading this, no; this is not a result of a deprived childhood and no; I'm not losing my mind. :) It just sounds like a lot of fun.

Now when it comes to actually choosing a doll... gracious. That's the hard part. There are SO many! But I think I may have found one... we'll see what Victor says about this whole thing. :)

Where have all the good paper dolls gone?

I've been looking around for some paper dolls to print off and make. I guess my childhood memory has betrayed me, because what I remember of them is so much cooler than the ones I'm finding now. I'm wanting cute ones - fun, girly, bright, little dolls. I don't want plain, gingerbread shaped dolls, but I don't want frilly Victorian era ones, either. I like (au contraire, love) Blythe dolls, and am thinking about making some in Illustrator based on them. But does anyone out there know of any cute, modern, GREAT paper dolls? :)