Here.

Introducing...

Oliver Ryan

Born 3.24.09

9:29 am

7 lbs. 11 oz.

20" inches

A few words that have been repeated over and over this past week:

oliver. hospital. perfect. epidural. headache.

spinal blood patch. pain. love. service.

family.

After a textbook delivery, terrible headache, trip back to the hospital and a few days recovery, I'm happy to report we are all healthy and happy. Everyone in the cozy brick house is over the moon for Oliver. Especially me.

40 Weeks.

Friday marked 40 weeks. Off this morning to see the Doctor. Wish me luck, friends.

Happy Spring!

{Do you like this pretty necklace? Me too! Another perfect piece from Elisa Shere Jewelry.}

Happy first day of Spring, friends! Today I will buy some fresh flowers for the cozy brick house, plant some primroses by the front porch, take the children to the park, enjoy the sunshine and absorb every second of this lovely 62 degree weather.

Have a lovely weekend!

p.s SuperHero Mom Karen would love a little help coming up with a new name for her blog. Go here and offer up some creative suggestions. There is a major award in it for the winner.

On My Mind.

::Our yard. Last fall Ryan [purposely] killed our grass so that this spring he could do our much needed yard makeover. The yucky wood deck is now gone, our new patio should be laid next week and the dirt is getting leveled out, ready for grass seed. Oh, and then there's the new swing set he's promised to build the children along with a tree house makeover.

::E*Trade Commercials. Every time one of these come on we DIE laughing.

::American Idol. I really LOVE this guy and CAN'T STOMACH this guy. Any man that wears more make up than most women I know freaks me out. His range is impressive, but he's too over the top to appreciate.

::Did you see my post over at My Favorite Things about TapeSwell? I love how something so simple can make me so happy.

::Stephanie's iPhone App post reminded me that I wanted to share with you how much I adore the White Noise App. Ryan and I drift off to dreamland every night listening to it. Our favorite sounds are the "sprinkler" and "crickets".

::Yesterday Audrey had her 18 month check-up. Her stats were very comical. Head-90th percentile. Weight-90th percentile. Height-4th percentile. Ryan and I had no idea we were raising a "little person".

::I somehow stumbled upon this blog yesterday and have been laughing ever since. I dare you to keep a straight face.

::Tomorrow is my due date and there are no induction prospects in the near future. Any wagers on whether I make it through the weekend?

Cookie Time.

When I was a young girl I participated in Girl Scouts. My mother was my troop leader and I was a cookie selling machine. Which isn't too hard of a task when the product you're selling pretty much sells itself. Last night for our Family Home Evening treat, we enjoyed Girl Scout Cookie ICE CREAM! It was heavenly. Your local grocery store has it stock for a short time. You can also locate Girl Scout cookie selling locations by going here.

In other news, remember yesterday when I said that baby should be here any day now? Well, apparently he's happy where he is. I may or may not have had a couple of spoonfuls of ice cream following my doctor appointment this afternoon.

Packed.

A few months ago for my birthday, my talented friend Lindsay made me this pretty bag. Isn't it lovely? I was instantly smitten and couldn't wait for some sunny springy weather to put it to good use. It's first job? Hold all of my/baby's necessities for our little stay in the hospital.

I love it's generous size and wood buttons.

The bag is now packed and this babe has my final "go-ahead."

Should be any day now...

{FYI: Lindsay is one of the most talented seamstresses I've ever met. Here is her Etsy shop.}

Relief Society Birthday Dinner.

The Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the largest women's organization in the world. And wouldn't you know, I'm blessed to be a part of it. This coming Tuesday my local congregation is celebrating the 167 years since the Relief Society's founding. We are having a simple dinner, listening to a few inspired talks, and enjoying time together as sisters of a loving Heavenly Father.

My contribution to this event was the decor. I decided to keep things as simple as possible due to my current [very] pregnant state. There will be planted spring flowers as centerpieces, sweet yellow and white dotted table coverings and these little treats for all that attend. Inside are flower seeds. Do you see a theme here? You guessed it...spring, growing, blooming. I'm thankful for this new season that's upon us and the fresh start it affords. I'm even more thankful for this amazing organization and the way it enables each of us to bloom as daughters of God.

And in case this babe doesn't hold out until the evening of the dinner, I've got everything packed and ready to go. Someone else will just have to set it up.

A Good Morning.

For the first time in over a week, I enjoyed a good night's sleep. Waking up feeling refreshed was a welcomed treat. Another treat? Finding this sweet note on my nightstand when I opened my eyes. That Abby is a keeper.

3:58

This is where I was standing at 3:58. It's been a busy, busy Tuesday. There was the morning drop off to school. A trip to the post office with 2 very large packages, an even larger pregnant belly and a waddling 17- month old. Then, off to Fed-Ex. 20 minutes later a doctor's appointment telling me "we'll see ya' next week." And then to McD's for a lighting fast lunch so I could make it in time to meet Ryan at the school for the children's conferences. When I finally got home Miss Audrey was in desperate need of a nap and frankly, so was I. When nap time was over I made my way to the kitchen to tackle our morning dishes. The smoothies and oatmeal that my dear husband treated us to a few short hours ago are now caked to their respective plates/mugs. I am a person who tries to NEVER have dishes left in the sink, but it's just been that kind of day. Once the dishes are complete, I'll dust. And do a quick sweep of the wood floor. Oh, and then I'll put the bath towels in the wash. I'm obsessive about the house staying spic n' span for the arrival of this babe who I fear is getting a little too comfy in his current residence. That lovely sun streaming through the windows is making it all more bearable.

What were you doing at 3:58?

Fruit Pizza.

Yesterday was a happy, sunny day. To celebrate the extra hour of sunlight the children convinced me to make one of our favorite summer time desserts. I only had strawberries and blueberries on hand for toppings, but no one seemed to mind. Delicious! Wanna make one too?

Fruit Pizza

::Crust::

1/2 C. butter

3/4 C. sugar

1 egg

Beat until light and fluffy.

Add 1 t. cream of tarter

1/2 t. soda

pinch salt

1 1/3 C + 2 T. flour

Press into sprayed pan, bake 12 minutes @350.

Let cool.

::Filling::

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 C. sugar

2 T. pineapple juice

Mix together and spread over cooled crust.

Top with fresh fruit.

For Posterity.

Happy {Springy} GIVEAWAY WINNER!

Oh my! Thank you for all for your cheery Spring comments! It was so fun reading through your responses. We have a lot in common, you and I. Open windows, tulips, lilacs, green grass...so much to look forward to. I'm thrilled to be sending a little happy mail to Melanie Anne who said:

"Fun Giveaway! My favorite thing about Spring is that my tulips and apricot tree bloom!! Also it is two of my sons birthdays!"

And because I can't bare to disappoint you dears, the first 3 people who comment on this post will receive a sweet treat in their mailboxes too.

Have a lovely weekend!

Baby Names.

Ryan and I have a couple of name options we LOVE for this baby boy, but I keep feeling like I'm forgetting something great. I need your help, friends. Tell me a couple of your favorite baby boy names. I'm keeping the ones we already like a secret for now. Also, keep in mind our other children's names: Easton, Abigail, Owen + Audrey. We obviously like vowels but aren't tied to the trend we've created. Please, please share!

[via Oh Happy Day]

Treasure Tins.

The weather is really lovely in this neck of the woods today. The sun is shining, the sky is blue and the children will be bounding in the door any minute from school. While scheming up a way to keep them entertained outside to soak up some much needed vitamin D, I happened upon some tiny leftover tins in my craft room. Eureka! Treasure tins will be the perfect solution to keep them busy this afternoon.

Supplies:

Patterned paper

Tins with lids

Scissors

Round paper punch

Glue Stick

Super Glue

Instructions:

1::Use paper punch to create round disks that will fit perfectly inside the clear lid of the tin.

2::Trim around disks with scissors if needed.

3::Use glue stick to adhere small picture or clip art to the round paper disk.

4::Run a small bead of Super Glue around the perimeter of the inside of the lid.

5::Place round paper disk in lid and hold until glue bonds.

I'm anxious to see all of the "treasures" they find to fit inside.

Happy {Springy} GIVEAWAY!

I know I'm jumping the gun a little here, but I can't help it. I'm ready. For Daylight Savings time, Peeps, green grass, open windows. I'll take it all. To celebrate the arrival of March and the ever so close arrival of Spring I decided it's time to host a little giveaway. You've all been so kind and lovely, and I'm sure you could use a little springy goodness too. What's up for grabs? Some happy mail just for you! A Spring In A Can, some cupcake boxes and a few treats I'm keeping secret {that's part of the fun with happy mail, no?}. I promise it will brighten up your day. All you have to do is post a comment telling me about your favorite spring thing. I'd love to hear from you! And if you share the giveaway word on your blog, enter twice! I'll announce the winner bright and early Friday morning.

Happy March!