Spring!

I have been loving this almost hot weather this Spring. It makes me a bit nervous about the summer heat( being pregnant). It has meant lots of evening walks, and time outside. Last weekend we braved the Omaha zoo, it was crazy. So many people where there. I have never before had to stand in a line to see zoo animals. Chloe ended up feeling under the weather so we cut our trip short. That began 5 days of dealing with a grumpy child. I am uncertain if it is connected or not but I gave a record number of time outs this week and even got 'child slapped'.it was trying and I think I learned a few things and am trying to be consistent.

Tired and impatient

I have been TIRED this pregnancy. I think having a very talkative and active almost 3 year old is wearing me out. I am hoping the 3rd trimester energy will come that I can do some nesting for baby girl. Speaking of baby girl, we cannot think of a name for this child. Chloe loves to try out baby names for her: Rainbow is her favorite right now. I always love how imaginative she is with names she picks out for things. I am hoping the name will come, just as it did when we both decided that we loved the name Chloe.

I have been struggling to be PATIENT with Chloe as she seems like she is constantly asking questions, saying "Mommy" 100x a day and transitioning out of taking nap. What this means is no break for me and she is beyond exhausted by 7pm. I can't seem to get her to have  'quiet time' in her room without her freaking out. I want to be more understanding and compassionate. She is curious and I love her mind, so I want to foster an environment of love, play, learning and creativity. Most of all we want to build in her Godly character. So all of you moms out there I would love some words of wisdom. I am worn down.

Resourceful

I have always been what I would consider a resourceful person. I like getting deals and though I am not a super coupon-er I like to wheel and deal when I am face to face with people. Lately, I have been finding myself using this skill as my little girl's imagination is running wild. She is SO into make believe and I love participating! I get to create the props with things lying around the house. This is a LOT of fun for me. It challenges my creative mind and I love seeing her enjoy these things that cost nothing! Here are a few of the things I have made lately...

Fabric Scrap Tu-Tu

I saw this concept first on pinterest, this pin. I adapted it a bit making it a bit easier to make and it took A LOT less time. I measured a thin piece of elastic using a pair of pants that fit my child just right and used a needle and thread to sew it together. I then got out all my scrap fabric and started to rip about one inch strips of all colors and patterns. I then looped the fabric around the elastic. I trimmed the length up once I was all finished. It was easy, took very little time and cost me nothing, I had everything already. Chloe loves it as a tutu and has even used it as a lion's mane!

Dance party!

 Booty Shake!

 Spinning.

ROAR!!!

DIY Cardboard Camera

Chloe always sees me taking pictures and asked me if she could have a camera that she could take pictures of her animals with. I started to think that I could easily build her a cardboard camera. I hit the recycling bin and grabbed a kleenex box, a toilet paper roll, and the cap of an empty chap stick. I cut a small kleenex box in half and pieced it together to make a square with packing tape. With an exacto knife I cut a hole for lens (toilet paper roll) and cut it down a bit. I used some strong glue (you could use hot glue) to secure the lens. I then cut a small hole for the shutter (chap stick cap) and glued it in place. I added a square hole in the back to see through and taped a ribbon onto each side. Voila! I might like this as much as she does. It was so much fun to create and if you wanted to get fancy you could cover it in fun scrapbook paper. 

SEATTLE!

I had the opportunity to visit my close friend for 4 days in Seattle, Wa. This means my AMAZING husband has been caring for Chloe during this time. It has been a great gift and I have has a great time away. I have seen some sights, but mostly have spent quality time with a good friend, relaxed and eaten a lot of good food.

This is a ring that I bought in Pikes Market. I always buy a unique piece of jewelry when on a trip. This one is a wearable ceramic ring. I love the glaze.

A beautiful day in  Seattle. Baby bump at 22 wks.

Pho! Vietnamese noodles. This stuff if AWESOME. The broth alone I could drink, but the noodles, herbs and with a bit of hosin and sriracha...wow!

IKEA! Need I say more?!

Love all the fresh tulips at the market.

Tourist worthy, for sure!

Cha su bao..A south china food. I loved this when I was 13 on my first trip to Hong Kong. It brings back memories. A bun with sweet BBQ pork inside. So tasty.

Everything is so bright and fresh.

Spring Roll. The peanut sauce is so delicious.

Asian salad with cabbage, chicken and other goodies. It was fresh and delicious.