A Refreshing Visit to Kentucky

Last week Cody and I travelled to our old stomping grounds in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Cody had an orthodontist appointment last Wednesday, but we headed down a little early to spend time with friends. While we were there we were able to see our friends twins. This was very exciting for us because the last time we saw them was last January when they were born! The twins were so big already, and it was neat to see their personalities:)

On Wednesday, we were able to go back to Lost River Elementary (the school where I used to teach first and second grade). I realized how truly blessed I was to have worked with such a caring group of people. I was able to see all of my old teaching partners and catch up with other staff members. It was so refreshing to see them again! Cody also had his ortho appointment, and the orthodontist said everything looked great. He only has to wear his retainers at night now! Hooray!

We spent each evening with our dear friends Aaron and Annette. We dined at our local favorites including The Smokey Pig, Peppers, and Brusters for dessert. At their house we relaxed, watched movies, made them sit through our Europe slideshow, and just enjoyed each others company. We are truly grateful for their friendship and miss them up here in Ohio.

We headed back to Ohio on Thursday morning, and we met my sister, her friend, and my mom in Dayton for lunch. (My sister was in England for 8 months, and she's back in the states for good now:) We made it back to our house around 6pm Thursday evening. It was good to be home:)

Modest Mommies

I've been trying to think of things I could do from home to create a little extra money before the baby arrives. As I'm browsing baby items here and there I am constantly shocked by how overpriced certain items seem to be.

I was talking to a new friend from our church who jsut had baby number 2, and we were talking about the nursing covers that so many moms have now. They seem so practical, but again, so overpriced. As I was talking to my friend, I began to think about how many people I know that are having babies or have had babies who may not have a nursing cover yet. Therefore, I knew there would be a demand for them. So I decided to entertain my entrepreneurial idea of this nursing cover and started researching online. I found a free pattern and that got me motivated.

I went to Hobby Lobby,picked up a few yards of colorful fabric, other supplies, and began sewing. I finished my first nursing cover, and to my surprise, it looked great! After the first one, I decided to make a couple moderations to the pattern by adding pockets and making the corners angles. This made the cover look more like an apron than simply a piece of fabric with neck straps. I've already given away/sold the first 3 I've made, so when fabric goes on sale again, I'm going to make more! I really enjoy making the nursing covers and hope to expand to diaper bags and crib sheets one day. Hopefully my "Modest Mommy" business idea will come to fruition!

16 weeks and All is Well!

We went for our 16 week appointment yesterday afternoon. We praise the Lord for a healthy baby thus far. They simply listened to the baby's heartbeat (always a joy:) and checked my vitals. The doctor said everything looks great! On Sept. 2nd (2:00pm) we will go back to the doctor for our 20 week appointment. Hopefully, at that appointment we will be able to find out if Baby Finn is a boy or a girl!

I still can't believe how fast this pregnancy is going, and by watching the great changes in my niece, it seems that things won't slow down even when Baby Finn arrives! Cody and I are truly blessed to have a great parenting example go before us- Seth and Becky (Cody's older brother and sister in law). God has provided so much insight for Cody and I as we are able to watch Seth and Becky raise Hannah. Becky is a stay at home mom and does such a fantastic job, from creating fun activities, keeping her house in order, selflessly sharing Hannah with the rest of us when they visit, to frugally investing in the needs of her family. I always thought Becky was an excellent teacher, but it's so amazing to watch her fulfill her greatest spiritual gift- homemaker and mommy! Seth is not to be outdone with such a fantastic wife. Seth works selflessly so Becky is able to stay at home with Hannah. He is a great spiritual leader and provider for his family, He loves Hannah to pieces by reading her stories, cuddling, and dare I say it... disciplining when needed. It is truly special to watch Seth interact with Hannah- what a great dad! Thanks Seth and Becky for providing Cody and I with such great wisdom already, and we can't wait to be able to impart all that we're learning on our little one!