Baby Co Op one year later

Dusty and I had the babies last night for Baby Co Op. We have truly loved watching these babies grow up together. Although it is getting a little more difficult watching two year olds, it will be hard to take time away while we have the next round of little ones.

Last July ( 1.5 years old)

Last Night (2 years old)

Last July

Last night

Big Love for...

Big love. I hope you watch this show, it is great. I look forward to it every week. 2 weeks ago at the end of the episode they played this song as the oldest girl got married ( in her backyard... odd, you would need to watch to understand) but it was amazing. I love this song and whet on a fast hunt to find the artist. The first time I heard it all the way through I thought Allie ( my sister) would love it too. Please watch this is the artist ( Passion Pit) music video. The song is Moth's Wings

Red Alert!!

Of course... Dusty came home last night and told me that he doesn't want to find out the sex on camera! That he wants to have our doctor write it down and wait until the weekend to open the envelope for a special date night. I said "WHAT!~~~" No matter what, we will video the ultrasound, but as a warning we might not know the sex until the 6th. I'm still trying to convince Dusty that it will be fun for our family to see our reaction, but he might not budge. FYI. Sorry for the back and forth, what a buzz kill.

No matter the outcome I will close the blog to only requested friends and family to watch the video of the ultrasound, starting tomorrow night. We will be back up and running like normal on Wednesday.

Good handwriting

I'm a handwriting snob. I'm not quite sure why it drives me so crazy when people have poor handwriting. I think it's a sign of laziness, which is so snotty of me. ( I realize that it's not true, as some of the most amazing people I know have horrible handwriting) Just thinking about it makes me crazy. Come on people get it together! Silly I know.

You will often find me commenting about peoples handwriting, at the grocery store, random people that I see jotting notes while waiting in line at the post office. I feel compelled to speak up when people have great handwriting. Case in point. My sister Allie, AMAZING handwriting. Her managers at pottery barn kids comment on her handwriting while she is taking notes in meetings. My Mom, perfect elementary school handwriting. Girlfriend Felicia, elegant handwriting (although she will tell you it's horrible, it's classic, like your great grandmother handwriting in an old love letter) My Aunt Pat: Perfection she would teach a handwriting class.

Look at these amazing calligraphy pieces from Emilie Friday You can by stamps with her handwriting so you can fake good handwriting. These are beautiful and inspiring. Perhaps a calligraphy class is in my future.

Busy Bee

I have been running around like a crazy lady today trying to get everything together for Dusty to come home this evening, at 5 only 6 hours to go... but who is counting:)

House spotless: Check

Laundry done all sheets and towels cleaned: Check

Favorite Dinner cooking: Check ( Pot Roast, mashed potatoes, gravy and green bean... I even got the green beans in the can, which is a big deal for me. Why even eat vegetables when they have no nutritional qualities? Oh well, they are his favorite):

Chocolate Cake made: Check (and cooling waiting for frosting)

Welcome home Daddy sign made: Check ( Just waiting for Taylor to finishing coloring it)

Work emails and orders complete: Check

Finish Taylor's birthday invites: Check ( Can't wait to share these little bitties with you, they turned out great!)

What's left...

WOW, I need a shower, I look very scary

I'm making a fabric banner for Taylor's friend Bowman. It's his birthday tomorrow and it will be a perfect addition to his party. I have everything I need just need to put it together.

3 little updates

1. Monday is just around to corner and I am so excited to find out the sex of our little cricket. I have a good size list of family and friends who want to be part of our video experience. If you want to be added to the list please email me at ashleyedunaway@thepickledbean.com. Remember, if I didn't hear from you, you are not on the list. I haven't added anyone that hasn't asked ( even if they are family). The Pickled Bean site will only be available to those on the list from Feb 1st until the 3rd.

2. I have been having crazy dreams the past few days and they all center around little cricket being a BOY... interesting... Last night I dreamt that my Tutu ( my Grandmother, who past away a few years ago) walked up to me and said. " Ashley it's a boy" smiled and walked away.

( Tutu: although the Tutu in my dreams was when she was younger... like when I was a little girl and she was wearing a short Hawaiian mu mu, that showed off her perfect legs. I'm sure this is how she looks in heaven)

3. I "think" I'm really funny and perhaps my sarcasm doesn't express itself well in blog format but I want to assure you that I was only joking about the name Sunshine. I'm shocked at how many people have expressed there concern... and the gossip that gets back to me is hilarious. It has given me quite a few giggle moments. Don't worry, after this little cricket is born and we tell you the name you won't have to worry about my hippy roots coming back to haunt you.

Missing Daddy

Taylor and I have been missing Dusty like crazy. 2 weeks is far to long to be without him. Two days ago Taylor was playing in her room and she came out with one of Dusty's used white undershirts. (A side note: not sure where she found it. I have organized all of our closets and finished all of the laundry... it's quite a mystery) She walked up to me and said " Dada, on, on" and put it up to her face. Yep, it smells just like him. I put it on her, just liked she asked. Boy was that a mistake. We had had two of the biggest tantrums over this shirt. SHE WILL NOT TAKE IT OFF. not even for bath time, that was the biggest meltdown. We have been to the grocery store, a friends house and Target with that dirty white shirt. She misses him so much. Who could blame her if she wants to smell like him too.

Getting Ready for Baby #2

When we had Taylor we were lucky enough to have great friends that lent us many goodies. There are a few things that I really wish we would have splurged for. I love the idea of having all of our babies use the same products. I wish I could bring this new baby home and place her in the same bassinet that her sister first slept in. Here are somethings we need before June. Good thing I'm thinking about this now, these are pretty pricey we will need to space it out over the next few months.

Bassinet ( from Pottery Barn)

Bob Double stroller ( totally out of our price range, but a girl can dream)

Play Yard ( not in love with this one, But I like unisex in case we have another)

Baby Swing ( again not in love with this one but I can't find anything that I really love)

We also will need new bedding but I won't need to get that until the baby is 2-4 weeks old.

Yes, please

I am dying for this book. One Yard Wonders. Think of all of the little crafts I can whip up.

I would start by whipping up this cover for my sewing machine.

New Project

Allie sent us a new Pottery Barn toddler pillow for Taylor to try out. This is the first step toward her transition to a toddler bed. I made this pillow case for her. ( since it's not a standard size pillow) I used pink jersey material, vintage floral fabric and pink satin ribbon. I wanted to make the floral fabric have a balloon stitch and gather the jersey fabric around the seam. I would give it an 80% for my first time. Next... and blanket to match.I'm just waiting for the organic batting to come into the fabric store.

New do.

WHAT A CHANGE! I was trying to think of the last time my hair was so short. I really can't think of a time. I must have been in the 5th grade ( after a really bad perm)

I was so desperate for a change. When I was pregnant with Taylor I really felt like I had a glow, I felt beautiful. This pregnancy has been the complete opposite. I have never, in my life, felt so unattractive. This hair cut has lifted my spirits! I hope you all like it, it's going to take some getting use to but I feel really good about the change. I had a great time playing around with it last night when I got home and I can't wait to try new little things.

{Super thanks to Brenda who spend 4 hours cutting and highlighting my hair... while her husband watched Taylor. I am blessed with the best and most talented of friends. }

old hair

nasty

new hair

{sorry I had to take these in the bathroom this morning. It's so dark in our house because of the rain... and Taylor hasn't quite figured out the camera.}

Rain rain go away

The weather has been SCARY around San Diego the last few days. It's amazing how rain can send this place into a tizzy. When we first moved here from Portland Dusty and I would laugh at how a little rain would make people freak out. Well this my friends, this is a real storm. The fact that there are tornado warnings, floods and power outages all over the city should say enough. And it looks like it's not going to let up until tomorrow afternoon.

Needless to say Taylor and I are in lock down and we have been for 3 days. Let's just say we are getting a little stir crazy. Today the plan is to bake some more.... clean and organize some more.... Color our 10 millionth picture.... and throw in a movie or two. We really miss Dusty, and our friends, and the sunshine, and our 75 degree weather.

Busy... organizing

I really miss my husband, and the fact that he will be gone for another ten days is absurdly depressing. However, I have to admit that I have gotten SOOOO much done in the 30 hours he has been gone. OK, it doesn't hurt that it has been raining so hard in Southern California that San Diego has basically shut down ( we actually had tornado warnings yesterday!)

I'm in the process of going through all of our closets, reorganizing and donating ( which is much easier without my husband... Goodbye ratty fraternity tee shirts that will never be worn again) I pulled out all of my kitchen cupboards, cleaned and treated all of the stainless steal. Organized and sanitized all of Taylor's toys. Baked homemade blueberry muffins and banana bread. And today I am reorganizing my work area and tackling Taylor's Birthday Invitations.

Here is Oprah's list for organizing Month by Month. Baby steps to a clutter free life. Does your home rise up to greet you?

January: Fresh Start
It's a new year and a good time to purge holiday decorations and practice the in-out rule with new gifts.

February: Shred Mania
Get your paperwork under control! Get a jump-start on your tax return and file as early as possible. Update insurance policies and other legal documents and create a message center to organize your daily household bills.

March: Reinvent Spring Cleaning
Get your home sparkling, inside and out. Create a task list and assign each family member to a certain duty. Make a schedule and put it in a safe place so you can refer to it next year.

April: Explore the Black Hole
It could be the garage, that space under the stairs or the basement. Tackle your storage areas!

May: Discover the Great Outdoors
Focus on the outside of your home. Check and fix outdoor play equipment, fire up the grill to make sure it still works, plan a summer vacation and organize your kids' summer activities.

June: Teach Your Children Well
They're off of school, and now is a good time to get your kids involved in the maintenance of good systems in your home. Tackle their rooms, make kid-friendly closets, sort through old toys, establish new routines and make sure to reward them!

July: Have a Yard Sale
Consider using eBay or find out how to throw a great sale yourself!

August: Prepare for Back to School
Good planning and organization makes the transition back to school a little easier. Check out their clothes and gear, stock up on school supplies, organize your computer files and go school shopping.

September: Make the Season Switch
As winter approaches, get ready for those bulky sweaters and store away your summer items. Now's also a good time to figure out what you no longer wear and can donate.

October: Brace Yourself for Winter
Winterize your home before the first frost! Clean up the garage and designate zones for various items. Get your chimney cleaned and take care of other maintenance that you can't do until spring.

November: Gear Up for the Holidays
Don't let the holidays stress you out. Get a head start by planning meals, making card and gift lists, and start shopping early.

December: Relax and Enjoy
As the rush and celebration of this month descend, stop and take a moment for yourself to reflect on the past year. Celebrate your successes and commit to making the changes you want for next year.

Do you follow...

The Idea Room? This is another add to you favorite list if you are crafty. Some of her ideas are a little much for me but every once and a while she is inspiring. I saw this post a few days ago and I am eager to try it out. Since it's been raining for the past few days and will continue for the next few more I think this is the perfect time to get crafting. Here are some pictures ( from the idea room)

All you need is a Styrofoam heart ( or circle in my case, I think the heart is a little much) and a bunch of 3 inch felt circles. Idea room also has some great ideas on how to turn these into other little crafts.

Tomorrow

I am cutting off ALL of my hair. A few people are trying to talk me out of it, but there is little left to save. It is NASTY people... The dead hair has got to go! If I hate it, it will grow back. About a week later I will go back to the salon and become a blond again. Can't wait.

{ this is a little like what we are going for... but shorter}

Reason # 5,2847...

... why I love my Peanut...

When we were leaving Starbucks today. I had my drink in one hand, Taylor on my hip and was texting a girlfriend ( yep, I multi-task) A very nice gentleman opened the door for me and Taylor said... "Tank You" to him. I almost died. You should have seen the mans face! It was amazing. Dusty and I have been working very hard on manners in our house. Looks like all of our work paying off! She is an angel ( most of the time)

{ Taylor playing with her kitchen, she is wearing her apron}

Fatty Clothes

I hate maternity clothing, yes hate is a very strong word but it's truly how I feel. Seriously, every time I see a cute pregnant girl with a great outfit I ask her where she got her clothes and she says... " it's not maternity, I'm just stretching out my old clothing". Most maternity pieces are extremely ill fitting and I find it hard to justify spending so much money on designer maternity clothing. When I was pregnant with Taylor I could wear my jeans until I was almost 6 months pregnant and, like a lot of girls I know, I stretched all of my nice clothing over my belly. ( which I regret)

Since I'm showing much earlier this time around I have realized that I will have to get over this hatred and go on the hunt for some nice/cheep things that can get me through the next few months. Here are some of the first things I came across ( at Gap) the true test will be seeing them in person.

{These pieces should be cute with my new hair... which I'm getting this week!}

This week for dinner

Dusty will be out of town for two weeks! If I really had it my way, aka: I wasn't pregnant, I would only eat veggies and whole grain pasta. However, my doctor would kill me and I would start fainting again so I'm on a.... eat every two hour and at least 4 oz of protein a day plan. Here is our girls only meal plan.

Monday: Roasted Veggie Lasagna and Green Salad

Tuesday: Grilled Shrimp and Roast Veggie Salad

Wednesday: Slow Roasted Chicken Breast, Baked Potato and French Green Beans

Thursday: Tomato Soup with grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.

Friday: Dinner with girlfriends

Saturday: Dinner with girlfriends

GAME DAY

There is a lot of Charger love at the Dunaway House today. Check out our man LT... hilarious.

Luau?

I've been trying to come up with a theme for Taylor's Party. I have felt extremely uninspired lately and I'm struggling with the ideas, which I need so I can start the invitations! We are planning a pool side BBQ at our complex. There is an amazing club room with a huge kitchen and private patio and grill. ( one of the benefits of living in San Diego is that you can have a pool party in February!) So I am leaning toward a luau theme. Look at these amazing pictures from Party Perfect. This was just what I needed to get my creative juices flowing.

to share the news.

This should be fun...we will be video recording our next ultrasound and....we are going to let the doctor tell us the sex while we are recording so you can see/hear our reactions!

The appointment is scheduled for Monday Feb 1st in the morning. I'm going to lock the Pickled Bean that day so that only close friends and family can watch the video for the first 3 days. ( it will be locked on You Tube also) I receive over 150 hits a day to the website from all over the world and I want to make this a little more personal.

How this will work: If you would like to be on the list of people that see the video on Feb 1st please comment or leave me an email with your email address. If I have your email address you will be able to look at The Pickled Bean the same way you always do. If I don't get an email/comment from you, you won't be on the list. Please don't assume I will add your address if you are family. It will make my life a little easier if everyone does this the same way!

Afterwords Dusty and I will decide if the video will be posted to everyone.

I am so excited!! Two nights ago I had a dream that we were having a boy... last night Dusty told me that he has always really thought it would be another girl. Funny hu? I feel like I have really started showing this week. My pants are getting tighter, and I have started to feel a little more uncomfortable. Cricket is a mover and shaker. I am feeling little kicks constantly... I'm not sure if she/he ever rests!

email address: ashleyedunaway@thepickledbean.com

Soccer Class

Last Saturday was our last Soccer Class. This was so much fun for the whole family. Taylor got a metal for most huggable. Much deserved if I do say so myself. Here is her class picture.

This week for Dinner

From Last week: Portebello Swiss Burger, Crinkle Fries and corn

From Last Week: Shrimp Tacos, Spanish rice and black beans

Sunday: Dinner with friends: I brought angel food cake, fresh whipped cream and berries

Monday: Spaghetti Carbonara with Garden Salad

Tuesday: Chicken Piccata, Egg Noodles and Asparagus

Wednesday: Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad with bread sticks

Thursday: One of Dusty's Dearest Friends will be here from the Mid West. We are taking him to a nice dinner and drinks

Friday: Chicken Cordon Blue, Rice and Broccoli

Perfect

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns,

or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."

~ Abraham Lincoln

I have taken the time this week to work on ridding myself of the "glass half empty". I think it's working ( people, places & things) My only resolution.

xoxo

Thanks a Bunch

New Thank You Cards. Please feel free to contact me directly for an order at ashleyedunaway@thepickedbean.com

front: fold over card

set of 8, plus envelopes

inside:...it was just what I wished for

Baby Poll

Just for fun...

I put up a poll. Do you think our little Cricket will be a Boy or Girl? It will be fun to see what people think. ( top of the page on the right hand side of the blog) Enjoy

Bummer

We had to move our next ultrasound back a week, because Dusty will be training in San Francisco for his new position at Paramount. ( He will be gone for 2 weeks, another reason for a sad face) That means we won't be finding out the sex of our little Cricket until the first of February. I have a fun plan on how to share the news with you... but you will have to wait with us.

Visitor

Today we have had the most delightful visitor! Little Brayden has been hanging with the girls today while his Mom and Dad move to a new house. We have had a wonderful time, Taylor is quite the little mother. She has been gentle and kind, she brought him her favorite Mickey Mouse, helped me feed him and played quietly while he napped. I was interested to see how she would react to my attention being diverted but it has been a breeze! She even brought him her wubby when he got a little fussy and said " baby... wubby.... here you go" Darling!!