Has it been THAT long??

Wow, looks like I've been off the Bloggy Radar for months. :/ Been busy baking a baby. ;) Cornelia Ruth Hosanna was born on May 2 and I'm about to embark on the journey of making my new baby girl a special just-for-her quilt. I made one for my Josefine and, as a result, fell in love with the art of quilting! ♥

So, I'll get to the point...I'm joining a quilt along! And, I'm not exactly sure how it will go, but I'm going to try. I decided on using the Kaliedoscope block and this Quilt Along happens to be featuring that very thing. So, why not join the fun? :)

And I can't post this without a very darling picture of my newest Li'l Miss. :)

Excited to announce...

...that we're going to have a BABY!

That's right! I said BABY! B-A-B-Y!

:) It seems that this blog has turned into an update on our latest baby news...hehe...sorry! But, I'll try better to post more of what's going on in other areas of life as well.

Lately, we've been traveling like MAD...hence the lack of posts. And I've been so tired lately and feeling much more nauseated than I did with Josefine, and I've been working on oodles of photos ...and traveling (that one requires being mentioned twice).

We've been blessed, though. I have no complaints! Every twist and turn in life has run right into a blessing! We are so thankful for such a loving God!

Oh, yeah...and I'm due May 4. :) Yeeeeeee!

Stockings!

Oh, wow. I haven't written a post in for-ev-er...and I feel like a loser. Well, only KIND OF like a loser. A little bit...

I mean, seriously - it's been so C-R-A-Z-Y busy. I can't even begin to tell you.

But, I'll try.

First, we went on a road trip to Colorado for some meeting and to see the fam. Fun times, I tell you. FUN times. :)

I have lotsa pictures - none of which I have prepared to share. Because I am...so...busy.

Anyway - THEN, we got stuck in a blizzard on my birthday. So, I call it the Birthday Blizzard of '09. Pretty Snazzy, huh? So, the Hubs, Josefine and I stayed at a hotel on my birthday...with an indoor waterpark, which happened to be closed down because of the fa-reezing water temps. Se, we just hung out in the hotel pool, which was awesome enough, for sure. Josefine had the time of her life...I swear...this girl is a fish!

And, we finally got home last Thursday. And EvErY night (and day) since...has been BUSY. The night we got back, I had a party...Friday, Jim took me out *sigh*, Saturday we had one amazing Sunday School Christmas party with a fabulous (and hilarious) White Elephant Gift Exchage. Sunday - church, of course. Monday - a visit with our Germany-Bound friends. Tuesday was a Sign Language Class and Test, which I don't even think I've mentioned to you that I've recently taken up (and fallen in love with) Sign Language. Holy Cow...I totally don't need to bore you with my EVERY day of the WEEK busy-ness. BUT, it's just a little taste of how busy it's been.

Today, I had a wedding shoot. Beautiful and busy day for sure...I always adore weddings. I never cease to shed at least one tear out of happiness for the lovely couple. And here, I'm supposed to be taking pictures! Anyway - I've got tons of photos to update my photography blog with, too. See what I mean? Is your head spinning with MY schedule yet? I wouldn't be surprised. Mine is. ;)

And here, I've titled my post "Stockings." Oh, rabbit trail.

This is one thing that I've been spending all of my free time on...stockings! :) I have to make mine yet, but I was too excited not to show you Jim's and Josefine's! :)

This is where I got the pattern!

Just Because

Just wanted to post a li'l something...just because. :)

And a favorite verse I've been pondering on lately:

Psalm 19:14

May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Framed: The Unusual Kind

I'm a lover of photography and photos...and of course, what's a photo without a frame?

My latest acquirement is really unique...and I like it! Got it from Target and it's exhibiting some of my very favorite photos of Josefine.



Have a splendid day - and be inspired...go out and frame some of your favorite photos that deserve to be displayed. It brings such life and joy to our home to have smiling faces all over our walls! When we take loooong trips, I even bring some of my favorite framed photos to make everywhere we go feel a little more like home.

Bonnet Baby

Remember THIS *WishList* Wednesday Post? The ADORABLE bonnet?

Well, we got it a few weeks ago and now that it's chilly-willy outside, she's wearing it a lot...and she likes it. Seriously, whenever we put it on her wee little head, the biggest smile spreads across her face.

Here she is - sportin' the goods!







Want to see a few more "Bonnet" pictures of Josefine...a little more candid, and a little more hilarious! Go HERE.

Yesterday's *WishList* Wednesday: Fabric Fetish + The Fab Five + Friends

Whew...it's taken me FOR.EV.ER to get to my blog today. So, so busy...playing catch up and getting some much needed down time.

And because of that, I'm writing three posts in one.

(yesterday's) *WishList* Wednesday: Fabric Fetish

I have this thing for fabrics...and lately (like, for the past couple of years) Amy Butler Fabrics have really, really stood out to me. Love them. They're just so...pretty. Yes..."pretty." I know "pretty" seems like such a dull and overused word. But, I really think that "pretty" sums it up for these prints. By the way...color is on my *list* of favorite things. ;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The Fab Five

My most recent giveaway was focused around my new Canon 50D and giving it a well-deserved name. I got 14 name suggestions, 5 of which my hubby and I chose to enter into the drawing for *winner*...and THESE are the Fab Five. Drumroll, please.

Phoenix

Glory

Pachabel

Ansel

&

Dexter

Stop by tomorrow to see which name was chosen by our handy-dandy....Random.org.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FRIENDS

I wish I could sum this section of my post up as well as Sylvia...she hit it right on the head...and now, can't think of a better way to share this exciting part of our yesterday (was that REALLY yesterday???). But, anyway...here goes. Eh-hem...

Like a speck on flower or the Man on the Moon

or the lashes of babies and the cool morning dew,

are two different people - not in sight, nor in view

but, find a friend in eachother and in time, through and through

blog post after blog post...and their friendship grew.

See, we found there wasn't so much difference between "me" and "you"

and that sharing and giving brought to life a bright hue.

I'm thankful for all the new blog friends I make,

but especially for those with whom I share coffee and "cake". ;)

For Sylvia.

It was also VERY nice to meet you and yours...until next time!

Show Us Your Life: BABY SHOES!

Show Us Your Life at Kelly's Korner

Ok...I have a fetish. Shoes. And not just ANY shoes, but baby shoes. Before we even knew if we were having a boy or girl, I was buying gender neutral (from my perspective) baby shoes. They are just too adorable! Sadly, my little one was born with big feet. And most of her *size zero* shoes didn't fit so well...I learned the hard way...buy AFTER baby is born. Anyway - these are a pair of shoes I should love to get for my little Josefine...mmmm, Owls (pictured below). Obsess, much? You can win a pair at LadyBug Soup!

Don't forget these darling birdie shoes (pictured below) from Bugaloo also featured in this post.

The bottom picture is of Josefine wearing her cute little (boy) loafers for the first (and possibly, last) time. I ♥ Baby Shoes! Oh, and as a side note - the top middle picture is of Josefine's swing mobile. Owls! Suprise...

Family!

As we travel, we're often blessed with opportunities to be with family and loved ones! This is one such opportunity - and we've enjoyed it so much! Below is a picture of some of The Sisters and our kids. :) Left to Right:
Emma holding Josefine, Annie holding Ethan, Me holding Dominique and Evy, Michelle holding Ellenora.

The Sisters: Sarah, Annie, Michelle, Alysa (not pictured - boo) & Dominique
Michelle's kids are: Emma, Ethan, Evy, and Ellenora
My girl: Josefine
Annie's girl: Lily (not pictured - boo)
Alysa's boy: Christopher (not pictured - boo)

My, how we've multiplied! ;)

And, boy - do I miss my Canon...I have taken so many pictures...and truly, I see the difference in quality. But, eh...we've captured some memories nonetheless!

MORE pictures HERE! :)

The Mail & Soft Leather Shoes

What does the mail have to do with leather shoes???? Good question. Well, the way my brain works - it makes perfect sense - so hang on for a bit - you'll see the connection in no time. :)


The mail comes at 1:30pm give or take (mostly give) an hour. Just moments ago I realized the mail could possibly be here, so I ventured out to the mailbox to find:

• baby bill.
• baby bill.
• mediacom-schmediacom ad
• MY NECKLACE and EARRINGS from SYLVIA C.

The earrings will be shipped of to my HonorMommy friend today because she was the winner of my first ever giveaway!

Which, leads me to leather shoes...

I L.O.V.E. these little shoes and think Josefine could stand to have a pair from Bugaloo - perhaps these little Bluebirds will suit her?

Well, Lindsay at Passionate Homemaking is giving a pair away!!!! Can't pass that up, huh? If I don't win them...there's a itty-bitty chance I might stow away $15 (that's all, $15 - unlike the other soft-leather-shoes-for-babies-companies that sell them for oh, TWICE that much!). Not only that, but 5% of each purchase goes toward ending child slavery. Worthy cause, I would say.

I Dream of (FREE) Diaper Genie Refills

We have received several Wal-Mart gift cards as shower gifts/thank you's lately. And the question is always "what can we get that so-and-so would think is a good investement, since it was a gift from them and all..."

There is one thing we've been needing. Diaper Genie refills. Now, Jim and I differ in opinion on the necessity of this little luxury. I think it's totally impractical to continue spending $6 per refill...it's starting to feel like a waste of money, but at the same time, Jim's point: it keeps the stink down considerably. He's right - but, I can think of much cooler ways to spend that $6...note "cooler" not practical. THAT's my husband...he's the practical one. He would have spent an entire gift card on Diaper Genie refills alone and would have been content to have a stash in the closet to last us the next several weeks. It's really not a bad idea. TWICE, I gave him the giftcard and said "Have fun, Diaper Genie Man." and TWICE, he brought back full card and no refills...mostly because he didn't have a chance to get to Wal-Mart while running other errands.

I took that as providence. I previously suggested making our own out of the bajillion plastic grocery sacks under the counter...I swear, those things multiply themselves in the dark recesses of the cupboard. But, Jim mentioned the cost of Duct Tape alone wouldn't be worth it and that we should just "bite the bullet and get the refills already." I was hesitant...but, again, handed over the giftcard. But...before he could get out of the apartment, my creative instincts came to.

THIS was the result...

Packing Tape + Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags cut in half for double the fun + a little hot glue = FREE Diaper Genie Refills...

Bring it.

Jim is showing Josefine just how wonderfully well this gadget works and instructing her on how to do it herself... ;)

7 New Things and a Surprise Ending

New Thing #1 - My Photography Blog, Ministry Blog and Josefine Blog (that's 4 blogs, Teena - including this one) are all newly designed and have MENU BARS! Woot! It looks sooo much more professional even IF the first try took, like, EIGHT hours. This one is NEXT! And my Josefine Blog has a new design, which rocks my face off...

New Thing #2 - New (and FIRST) family pictures! Jim's mom snapped these and this is the one we're giving to our home and sending church for the prayer board - will probably send them to our supporting churches as well. We're using this one on our ministry blog and for prayer cards.

New Thing #3 - I have a newfound interest in cooking lately. Especially baking! And will soon be posting the recipes and pictures for YOU to try!

New Thing #4 - My friend, Stacy, got Josefine some adorable new hair clippies. One is pictured above in our family photo (the yellow flower). I ♥ New Hair Clippies! Sooo, I've tried my creative hand at making one myself. Josefine's Granny got her a new dress, which she'll wear to the shower tomorrow night and I made her a new custom hair clippy to go with it!

New Thing #5 - My interest in knitting has been re-charged. That happens about this time of year. I can't seem to knit a single stitch during the summer. The idea of it just raised the temperature another 10 degrees. Another thing about fall - it just makes me want to break out my running shoes. But, I won't go out on a limb and add it to my list of New Things yet. My friends Sarah & Julie should be credited for inspiring my back-to-knitting days. I'm starting a new beginning on an old project. - and if you read her latest post, she's also inspiring me to start running again. Last year on Labor Day weekend, I tried and strained my achilles tendon. Since then, I've been in the pool. But, that has nothing to do with knitting, eh? ANYhoo, it's going to be a purse, and I'm currently working on the strap and gussett.

New Thing #6 - Josefine has a new head.

New Thing #7 - This is a FUTURE new thing, but I must, must, must tell you about it right NOW, but not without a preface. So, I was made aware of a jewelry giveaway that a million and one people will probably enter. I, on the other hand was reminded of my super-fantastic jewelry-making friend, Sylvia. She's a very creative designer of so-cute and so-fabulous (that one's for you, Sylvia) jewelry, and you must see her work. I am going to purchase this necklace with Josefine's name on it. THAT is my future New Thing #7.

Aaaand, because I teased you with the word "Giveaway" and a picture of some snazzy, handmade jewelry AND because we ALL love new things, I suppose I'll give in to the trend and host a giveaway of my own. It IS 09-09-09 and all, a perfect reason to give something away, no?

Soooo, I'm giving THESE away...a pair of Sylvia's MUST HAVE earrings. Very dainty, very pretty, very FREE when you enter to win! I'll purchase them at the same time I purchase my necklace, so they'll be ready to ship to one lucky winner.

Here's how to enter (four entries max):

1. Comment on this post - 1 entry

2. Link back to this post (leave a comment to tell me that you've linked) - 1 entry

3. Check out Sylvia's Etsy Shop and come back and let me know which piece is YOUR very favorite by leaving ANOTHER comment - 1 entry

4. Tell your friends on Facebook! Post a link to THIS POST on your profile page and come back and tell me that you did...on your honor! :D example post "I entered to win a free pair of earrings on Sarah's Blog!" - 1 entry

You must leave 4 separate comments for them to count!

That's FOUR chances to win! Now, go do it!

The deadline is next Wednesday, September 16th. I will draw at 11:59 pm (CST) and announce the winner then! :D Thanks for participating!

Everyday Josefine

Looking for pictures of our little Josefine?

Check out her blog! I try to post pictures daily!

Here is one of my favorites of Papa and Josefine! Oh, I could just kiss them both! ;)

Who is the Newborn Here?

So, we have a newborn in the house. Joyful occasion. Beautiful moments. Continual adjustements! I feel like the newborn here!

I asked Jim to tell me what he would compare this new experience to.

He answered, "It's like being a juggler, and adding one more ball."

I suggested what kind of ball that might be, "A bowling ball?"

He nodded his head, laughed and asked me what I would compare this experience to.

"I feel like there were two new people born on June 29th. Josefine and me. I feel so NEW at this...just as new as she probably feels in the outside world. I feel like a different person somedays, and not always because I want to be, but because I have to be. It's very unusual, but I'm thankful for it."

Pregnancy Diaries: Welcome Josefine!

She's Here!

Josefine Adelaide Engle

June 29

5:17 pm

7 pounds 15.7 ounces

2o inches long

Another random piece of information for the curious at heart:

I overheard the nurse telling Dr. that her umbilical cord was 44 cm long. And I just couldn't resist including that in Josefine's stats. I mean, seriously, it's been her lifeline for, like, 9 mos!

Anyway...on a more serious note.

It's been nearly 2 weeks now since she was born...just haven't found the time to blog. Most of my time is spent feeding, changing, adjusting, healing, etc. You get the picture. It's been a whirlwind, let me tell you. It's hard to believe she's really ours! But, the "new normal" (as Nurse Kristy would say) of it all is finally settling in. It's humbling. Truly. My prayer life has encountered a whole new level of desperation and dependance on God. I haven't felt such a need for His wisdom and guidance since...well, since my decision to trust Him for my salvation.

We are already praying this way for our little girl - that she would see her need for Jesus Christ as her Savior. But, we are also praying that she would sleep well, eat well, and grow strong physically, emotionally and spiritually. Pray with us along these lines. We need it! We're all learning here (all 3 of us)!

Oh, and if you're interested I have a blog set up for Josefine now, too. It's called "Everyday Josefine" and it will include a picture and short caption everyday about life with Josefine. I need to play catch-up first. I have almost 2 weeks of pictures and captions to post. "Everyday Josefine" is mainly a blog for our far away family and friends to get to see and stay up-to-date with our little Josefine. But, all are welcome, of course!

Pregnancy Diaries: Us 'R Babies

I just took advantage of some super-sweet deals at Babies 'R Us. Picked up 3 for $20 packages of Newborn Diapers. Good deal. And when Jim came home for lunch, he observed that the Diapers are good up to 10 pounds. He said with a Southern Twang (not sure why he used that accent), "They'll hold up to 10 pounds until we have to change 'er..." :D Bahahahaaaaa....Jim made another funny.

On another note, I also picked up our Pack 'n Play AND the swing that matches (from the Graco Utopia Collection)! Woo! (We already have the stroller/travel system.) All because I waited (amazingly) and saved up (more amazing) for the Pack 'n Play...a few weeks ago I had enough money saved up from photoshoots and babysitting that I could get the Pack 'n Play, but never made it to Babies 'R' Us to pick it up. In the meantime, I got a few emails informing me of some super good deals...and one of them was $15 off the VERY Pack 'n Play I wanted and 15% off ANY Pack 'n Play in the store! So, with all I had saved up, I was able to get both the Pack 'n Play AND the swing (which was also $15 off this weekend). I felt SO stinkin' awesome about it, I stopped by Krispy Kreme on the way home and got a dozen doughnuts, plus one for the road. A Baker's Dozen.

Oh, and to boot, the swing mobile has owls on it! I'm using owls as the decor for Josefine's room (or corner of the room!) and verses from the Bible about wisdom. Here are pictures of my "Inspirations for Josefine's Room."

Pregnancy Diaries: Music to Her Ears...I Hope

It is quite possible and very likely that Josefine can hear what's going on outside of her warm little cacoon. This is intriguing to me and I wonder how distinctly can she hear? Does my voice sound like the teacher on Peanuts? Waa, waa, waa, waaa, wa. Or can she hear us singing in the choir? Does it sound like the warble, warble of an underwater sea song?

I began to think more about this last night as I was tooting along (sorry, there is no better word for it) on my bass clarinet during a concert. There were times tears came to my eyes (which is NOT a good thing when you're trying to read music and follow a conductor) at the thought that she can hear this beautiful and powerful music. Then, I was pulled out of my dreamy state and the reality-driven side of me said "No, all she can probably hear is the low, tonal vibrations of my bass clarinet. It might sound terrible from her perspective!"

On the contrary, during the handbell pieces she would bump around like I had just eaten a teaspoon of plain sugar. "Wow, maybe she likes the handbells...it's a soothing sound and might have a lullabye affect on her." Then it dawned on me, "Wait a minute...lullabye's put baby's to sleep. She definitely not sleeping! Maybe she prefers the bass clarinet rumbles to the soft sound of handbells. That's my girl!"

Either way, and I'll never know for sure, but I think it's amazing that she can experience everything I experience by way of sound. Even the hilarious ways Jim tries to communicate to her by saying "Poppy loves you!" through the imaginary microphone of my belly button. Oh. My. What a guy!

Pregnancy Diaries: Meet Josefine via Ultrasound

Click HERE to see more pictures of Josefine! :)

Pregnancy Diaries: Heads or Tails?

Last night, again around midnight (are we seeing a pattern here), Josefine was up and rolling around. In another attempt at recreating the amazing experience from last night, I told Jim he should see if he could feel her bump around again. He tried, and after a few loooong minutes, she bumped up a few times.

"She's saying Good Night to her Poppy!" I interpreted.

Then, all of a sudden, the kick was on the other side of my tummy, in the bottom left quadrant - the first was in the top right.

"Wow, she's really moving around!" I said as I tried to anticipate the next bump, and where exactly it would be. I placed my hand opposite of where I felt the last bump and I felt something distinctly firm.

"Jim, I think I can actually feel HER!" It was either her head or her little bum - maybe even her back. But, it was for sure Josefine, because as I pushed and prodded (gently, of course) she would change positions. Eventually, I could feel the little bumping, but not a head, bum or back. I'm assuming she inhabited the back section of her temporary home - the Uterus (that one's for you, cousin Joe) -to avoid any more disturbances from Mama. I don't blame her. :)

Pregnancy Diaries: Hop, Skip and a Jump

They call it "kicking," but I wondered last night what exactly little Josefine was doing in there.

It could have been a swinging arm, a prodding elbow or even a butting head.

When, for the first time this pregnancy, Jim and I both felt Josefine moving around, we opted for the traditional kick.

It was shortly after midnight and Jim and I had just shared a midnight snack, which included a cold glass of Raspberry Lemonade, which may have been the cause of all the ruckus in my tummy from little You-Know-Who.

"Jim, she's wide awake." I informed my groggy husband.

"Cool." was his response. He's heard me tell him what's going on in the bubble-life of Josefine before. Often, he asks "Do you think I could feel it?" and I answer "No, it's still too internal." This time he didn't ask. I think he assumed it was still "too internal."

I put my hand in the place where I felt her move the most and Bu-UMP, my hand raised up from my tummy as if she had pushed it up. "Jim! I think you'll be able to feel her! I pretty much just saw my tummy MOVE!" It was a new experience for me as well; another evidence that there is, indeed, a living person growing, bouncing and floating around inside of me.

I reached for Jim's hand and placed it where I thought she might "kick" again. No movement. I was slightly dissappointed - I knew Jim wanted to feel more a part of this pregnancy. Granted, he had already experienced a number of pregnancy events that would certainly make him feel included.

1. He's cleaned up 2 maybe even 3 pukey messes.
2. He's made a few late night trips to the grocery store because I NEEDED applesauce or strawberries RIGHT THEN.
3. He's been to both ultrasounds.
4. He's allowed me to drench his shirt sleeve in tears without even understanding why.
5. He's been forced to avoid re-heating any leftovers - the smell was just too overwhelming.
6. He's done sink-fulls of dishes - another smell thing.
7. He's even put up with the probably VERY annoying question, "Do I look pregnant yet, or still just fat?"
8. And, of course, he's listened to me say over and over "She's moving! I can feel it!" or "She's awake and rolling around!" without ever getting to experience the joy himself.

Well, last night was an exception and a sort of promise that he's not going to be on the outside of this pregnancy any longer.

"Whoa!" Jim's hand raised up from my belly and back down again as he felt the biggest Bu-UMP! I've ever felt from Josefine this whole time. Jim was elated.

"It's like Josefine is saying 'Hi' to her Poppy!" I exclaimed. And just then, he felt another smaller bump. "Confirmation!"

As 12:30 am approached, and we drifted off to dreamland, I somehow knew that Jim would probably fall asleep with a smile on his face.