He's here!

Tonight at 9:13 PM, he will be exactly 8 days old.

He's been here with us for about one week, but he's been on my mind and in my heart for years and years and years.

I always wanted a big family.

This tiny little guy makes our family feel more complete.

I have no idea how life was without him here; it's so strange that a few weeks ago, his baby soft skin wasn't pressed against mine as I fell asleep every night.

How was our family ever just the four of us?

It's amazing what the heart of a mother can do... the love just keeps multiplying, never dividing.

How lucky I am to be a mother.

<3

Please welcome Franklin.

He's new here, but you'll be hearing about him often.

Franklin Michael, my new baby prince.

 (We call him Baby Franky.)

Day 1:

6 lbs 8 oz

Day 7:

5 lbs 15 oz

We sure do like him.

A whole whole lot.

Happy Friday, friends.

xo

What's in my hospital bag? (Plus discount code!)

I had planned on writing up a post all about my hospital essentials.

I was going to publish the post to announce that I was in labor... it sounded like a fun way to let you know what was going on.

Baby had other plans.

He decided to arrive before I even had the photos off of my memory card- in fact, taking photos for the blog post seemed to only send my contractions into rapid fire mode.

The post is delayed.

Baby is here.

His will make his debut here on the blog tomorrow.

:)

One week ago, I re-packed my hospital bag; taking pictures as I packed.

Contractions were about 11 minutes apart.

Probably the least fun photoshoot I have ever created.

 

 

 

 

 Large zippered pouch c/o Gussy Sews.

Want to snag a zippered pouch for yourself?

It is the perfect accessory to any bag!

Be sure to visit Gussy's shop (CLICK HERE) and use the code WIMB10 for 10% off your order between now and August 30th.

Bummer that this post wasn't possible until after I had the baby, but yeah... he had all kinds of plans to get into his mama's arms sooner rather than later.

<3

Happy Wednesday.

xo

What I Whipped Up Wednesday

I'll be posting features at a later time, but don't have anything planned at this moment.

I hope you can all bear with me as I tackle contractions and approach my due date.

This place may be a bit boring for a bit.

I promise to come back in full-force soon!

Before I open the linky, I want to tell you about a place I wish I could go this upcoming weekend!

This boutique is super special because all of the booth fees go directly to the Ms. Wheelchair Foundation, whose mission is to help raise disability awareness and build a better life for those with disabilities.

You can get more details about the mission of this fundraiser and the fundraiser details HERE.

Recently there was a write up in the newspaper about the boutique and the Ms. Wheelchair Foundation. You can read about that HERE.

 I hope that you are able to attend!

If you go, be sure to tell me all about it!

Ready to link-up?

The party is open below- check back soon for features.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

xo

Facebook

I joined Facebook in 2007.

I was a true blue Myspace user, and hated thinking about switching to something new.

I eventually got over that when none of my friends updated their Myspace accounts anymore.

Facebook was here and I eventually became hooked.

Since my account dates back five years, there are TONS of personal things on there- status updates, tagged photos, uploads, "likes", etc.

I get emails all the time from people asking if I have a Facebook account that they can add me on.

I always cringe thinking about the old stuff being looked through, and struggled letting new friends into my life.

After lots of prayer, seeking advice from fellow bloggers, and a few looong talks with my husband, I've decided to start over with a new account.

This time, I want to include you.

There are so many wonderful friendships that I have formed, and keeping in touch isn't the easiest through email only.

If you want to be friends, you can add me HERE.

I'm really excited about this fresh start- especially since our new life as a family of five is just around the corner!

2012 is all about change... I hope that you will be a part of our story.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends.

xo

What I Whipped Up Wednesday + Features

Last week...

Amy from Home Happy Home showed off her awesome ceiling fan transformation:

 

Nancy from Nancy's Couture put together these fabulous switch flops:

 

Toni from Sugar Tart Crafts made a snuggly boy happy in his new ring sling:

And Vanessa from Vanessa's Values whipped up these yummy cherry cheesecake frozen yogurt pops:

Thank you to everyone who linked up!

If you were featured today, be sure to grab a featured button HERE!

All of today's features have been pinned to my Pinterest account for maximum exposure.

:)

Ready to link up?

Please be sure to link to a specific post- not just your blog's URL.

No linky parties, shops, or round-ups please!

Linking back to your hostess is always appreciated!

Have a happy Wednesday!

xo

Through my cell phone camera lens.

Life lately according to Instagram.

I thought my kids were in the playroom and saw them through the window doing this.

Totally safe.

Did a little video for Lemishine.

Got all kinds of excited about clean dishes.

 

End of the year school awards assembly.

Her award. His support.

Getting bigger.

Almost done.

I've looked for this owl cookie jar for over a year now.

Found it with a hefty pricetag.

Had to leave it behind.

(This is the Shawnee cookie jar, not the knock-off that Anthro makes.)

Banana split.

Yes please.

Summertime.

 Last Friday's doctor's appointment.

Doc said Baby could arrive within the next week or so.

I'm on bedrest for 5 days.

Today is day 3.

Boring.

Book page wreath rainbow style.

Hand painted and tediously made.

Because crafting passes the time.

What have YOU been up to, lately?

Happy Monday.

xo

World's Best Chocolate Cake

 

Hi Sugar and Dots readers! Today marks my first day as a regular guest post contributor on Kimmie's awesome blog! I am a princess of projects, as some say, so this is such a special, wonderful fit, and huge honor. I look forward to getting to know many of you.

If you dig reading about fashion, dessert, parenting, and self-worth, then come find me at MarigoldRoad. I am a seeker of friends.

I felt a recipe fit for celebrations would be suitable for my first post here. So, I chose my favorite chocolate cake recipe, passed down to me by my favorite aunt. It's a go-to dessert for me, especially during pregnancy when I'm craving cookie dough but can't eat raw eggs...this cake batter has no eggs!

Woop woop!

Ingredients for World's Best Chocolate Cake

original source unknown

3 cups flour

6 T. cocoa

2 cups sugar

1 tsp salt

2 tsp baking soda

Sift above ingredients together in a large bowl. Make a big hole in the middle and ad:

1 cup veggie oil

2 T. vinegar

2 cups water

2 tsp vanilla

Stir well with a fork. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees in a 9 x 13 or two 8-9 inch round pans.

Cool, then frost with your favorite fudge frosting (even premade will do if you are in a hurry), or a delectable buttercream frosting, like this one on Meg Duerksen's blog.

Lastly, indulge!

What I Whipped Up Wednesday + Features + Giveaway Day Winner

I hope you are all having a wonderful week!

I'm coming up to 35 weeks pregnant, and I have spent my week crafting and nesting.

Typical.

Before I start with the features, I want to mention the winner of last week's Giveaway Day:

Keri at Shaken Together

Please email me to claim your prizes, sweet girl!

Now on with the features...

Nancy from Owen's Olivia showed off this dreamy toddler room:

Megan from Crumbs and Chaos whipped up these double glazed funfetti donuts:

Amy from While Wearing Heels put a new spin on guestbooks with this fun fingerprint idea:

Sara from Sweet Little Gals put together this sweet vintage birthday party:

And Julie from White Lights on Wednesdays whipped up this yummy lemonade layer cake:

Thank you to everyone who linked up last week!

If you were featured, be sure to grab a featured button HERE.

All of today's features have been pinned to my Pinterest account for maximum exposure!

Yay!

Ready to link up?

Be sure to link directly to your post, not just your blog's URL.

(No giveaways, round-ups, or linky parties, please.)

Linking back to your hostess is always appreciated!

:)

Have fun!

Happy Wednesday!

xo