How to Make a Stuffed Animal, Part 3: A Hedgehog

Hey everyone! Here is the final video in the three part series on how to make three different stuffed animals. Here is the hedgehog! The pattern is below. ENJOY!

Hello Baby: Week 30

How far along: 30 weeks! 10 more to go! (or less if he comes early..eekk)

Gender: BOY!!

Weight gain: 10 lbs. 

Maternity clothes: Same old same old. Just comfy stretchy clothes. Looser shirts and hair ties around the button of my jeans. I have realized that because I wear comfy clothes to work when I go to dress cute I have no idea what to wear because either it doesn't fit, fits funny, or I just am not feeling it. 

Stretch marks: Yea.. the stuff I am using doesn't seem to really do much. any suggestions? 

Belly button in or out: Innie 

Sleep: It is getting worse. Lots of turning in the night. A few times this week I have woken up really hot and sweaty. I always complain about it being hot in the morning, which it isn't, we keep the house cool. My legs still get really achy which I am pretty sure that if I sleep in that is always going to happen. When I wake up early I don't have that problem... ha I have also been having so many weird dreams. This week I had a dream that baby was a girl...bahaha. Does that mean I am worried baby is a girl?? I really don't think it is a girl. I think baby is allllll boy. A few times this week it took me a while to fall back asleep after going to the bathroom or just waking up to move. This was frustrating. I really don't want to have insomnia. 

Best moment this week: My siblings and I made gingerbread houses at our Grandma Brown's on Sunday. It was so much fun. I felt like a little kid again. We used to always make and decorate gingerbread houses. We would end up having a little town with all the houses we had. It is such a fun creative activity and I am so glad we were able to do it this year. And with 3 of my siblings. I love traditions and I hope I can do this with my children. 

Miss anything: Not aching so much. It comes with the job though so I can't complain. 

Movement: My belly is all over the place. I feel him move so much. This week when I can't fall back asleep I feel him a lot. Which has me nervous about his sleep schedule! It is really cool to watch my stomach move or even push on my stomach and feel him move away or push back in reaction. Every time I cross my arms and rest them on my belly, I usually do this when I am sitting, he ALWAYS pushes back. It's like he doesn't like that I am taking up some of his space. 

Cravings: Nothing really new this week. Still wanting smoothies and Mexican. thirsty, ALL THE TIME. I can never have enough water. would you call that a craving..probably just a symptom. 

Queasy or sick: Still acid reflux, headaches, and achy back and legs but other than that I am doing great. 

Looking forward to: 1 day of work left. YAY! and Andrew has two days of school/finals left. Then off to California! I am so excited. warm weather, relaxation, and fun times. It was supposed to be a surprise but I found out we are going to see Wicked and I am SO excited! I love going to plays and this is the one you have to see, or so I am told, and I CAN'T WAIT! 

30 weeks! 

Me and my gingerbread house! 

At the park, Zoii found some weeds and laid right in them.
Then she kept coming back to it. Funny girl.

This photo doesn't do it justice.
The sunset was beautiful on my way home from work the other day.  

Here's to the last 10 weeks! Keep growing healthy and strong little one.

love,alex! 

Part 2: How to Make a Stuffed Animal: A Elephant

Here is the JPEG version of my pattern. If you click on the image, then right click and save to desktop, then print from there.

Thanks for watching and ENJOY!

Part 1: How to Make a Stuffed Animal: A Seahorse

Check out the latest video on Sewbliss! How to make a Seahorse. And stay tuned for two more videos in this series.

Hello Baby: Week 29

How far along: 29 weeks! 

Gender: BOY!!

Weight gain: 10 lbs. 

Maternity clothes: Same old same old. Just comfy stretchy clothes. Looser shirts and hair ties around the button of my jeans. 

Stretch marks: Same old stuff. 

Belly button in or out: Innie 

Sleep: It is going good. Restlessness and achyness. I was experiencing a little taste of insomnia a couple nights ago but that was probably because I had too much on my mind. It was rough, especially since I had work the next day. 

Best moment this week: Saturday was Andrews birthday and I got to surprise him with a massage. I totally thought he knew he was getting one and it wouldn't be a surprise (and I LOVE surprising him so I was kinda bummed). But when he woke up that morning he asked what we should do that day and I just told him what I had always said for his birthday, whatever he wanted! But this time I then added, but we have to be in Idaho Falls at 3:15 because you have an appointment. He was like uh for what... I had been joking all week about how we should go get pedicures for his birthday so I was hoping thats what he would think. But then I told him he had an hour massage scheduled. He laughed and was REALLY surprised. I was so pleased with myself. haha He was pretty nervous about going cause he had never gone before.. I haven't either so I wasn't much help. I told him he had to do it because he had kept saying he wanted one so there was no chickening out now! He went and I went shopping. When I went to pick him up he said it was amazing! He wants to go all the time now and honestly I think it would be really beneficial health wise if he did. Now to find a way to pay for it. I am so happy he loved it and it was such a great surprise. After we went to Target to do a little shopping for him and then to Stockman's for the yummiest food. It was SO good. yumm. I told him if I could make steak like that at home I would make it once a week. It was a pretty relaxed birthday for him but that is kinda what I was hoping to give him because he has been so stressed out with school. 

Miss anything: Sleeping on my back. I used to sleep on my back all of the time and the bigger you get in pregnancy your not supposed to... so I have been trying not to and most of the time I am on my side hugging a body pillow but some times I wake up on my back. When I can't fall asleep I always want to lay on my back because I know I can fall sleep so easily. Soon enough I will be able to sleep on my back again ;) 

Movement: This kid is kicking and moving like crazy!! So much movement. I love it! There are times it kinda makes me/my stomach feel weird but I just remind myself that that is a human in there doing that, my child! AH. When we were at the doctors this week the doctor showed Andrew how to feel baby's head which is in between my hips and then he showed us how he is positioned in there. That was so cool because I can't really tell what is what right now I can just feel lots of movement. This week I have felt some intense movement in my ribs and we realized its his feet kicking me. It doesn't happen very often but when it does it makes me jump or at least need to move to a new position. That is such a weird feeling. 

Cravings: Lots of sweets. and smoothies. I have been wanting any type of drink that is smoothie like. and my regular at Jamba Juice, a mega mango. yummmm. However on Thursday I had to do the glucose test and I was 5 points over.. which is really lame. I think I jinxed myself because I kept thinking I probably do have gestational diabetes. But really I just need to eat healthier and not as much sugar. 

Queasy or sick: Still acid reflux, achy back and legs but other than that I am doing great. 

Looking forward to: I have 5 days of work left! YIPPIE! I am so excited to be done because then I won't be putting so much strain on my body and I can work on all my projects I have AND it will be time to go to California for Christmas. YAY! 

The doctors office was eventful this week. Baby is looking great. Strong heart beat, lots of movement, and measuring great! Myself on the other hand had lots going on. First they had to take my blood and the lady that did it did a horrible job! I am not really afraid of needles. I don't really stress about getting blood drawn but the way she did it, it hurt SO BAD! I looked at Andrew and got big eyes and kept mouthing ouch to him. Once the lady left he even said it looked like she did it wrong and it looked painful. My arm was sore the rest of the day and into the next day. I also have a nice bruise. man who knew getting your blood drawn was such an event! 
I then found out I had to get get a shot cause I have o negative blood type. Luckily that was a breeze. I really didn't even feel anything. And lastly I have slight anemia so I need to have a more iron rich diet.wowza. I'm telling you it was an event. I am just glad baby is healthy and we are keeping track of my health to keep him healthy.

When I looked at the picture this week I turned to Andrew and said no way am I this big! 

It really surprised me. 

Keeping growing strong and kicking around in there, little man. 

love,alex

Hello Baby: Week 28

How far along: 28 weeks! 

Gender: BOY!!

Weight gain:  I think 10 lbs. 

Maternity clothes: When I go to work I just wear sweats, t-shirts, loose shirts, hoodies, pretty much whatever is most comfortable. This has made it really easy in the maternity clothes department. However on days when I don't work it is starting to get harder to dress, mostly with pants. Shirts I still have a lot of loose ones that are super comfy. 

Stretch marks: Same old stuff. 

Belly button in or out: Innie 

Sleep: It is going good. A lot of waking up and moving from restlessness and aches and pains. If you know Andrew and I you know we can sleep in pretty late.. but now-a-days my legs get so achy I have to get out of bed and move, usually at a more normal hour.

Best moment this week: We went to St George for Thanksgiving with Lisa and Richard, Kate and Jace and their cute little kiddos and my sister, Emily. It was such a great break from work and everyday responsibilities. I love not having to think about what to make for dinner or what I should be doing when all I really want to do is sit on the couch and watch TV. haha. Thanksgiving was a great day full of cooking and chatting and then some Black Friday shopping. Andrew went to Walmart for movies and the girls went to Down East. We also got to go to the temple and do sealings for family members on Thursday. It was wonderful. I had never been inside the St George temple and it was absolutely stunning! So much history and beautiful architecture and details. 

Miss anything: Being able to breath when I bend over.. Haha. At work I am always bending and moving and it puts even more pressure on my lungs which causes breathing to be really difficult. It is a weird feeling and I obviously don't like not being able to breath. 

Movement: So much movement. I love it. It is getting stronger and more frequent by the day. It is the coolest feeling. Most of the time just me and my little guy know its happening which makes it even sweeter. It is our little secret. and then the other half of the time I LOVE showing Andrew and having him feel baby. He is starting to make my belly move so much more. I find myself staring at my belly waiting for it to move like jello. I think I have felt his foot but I'm not sure if I have felt other body parts or what it is. I thought I felt hiccups the other night but it wasn't for very long so it might not have been. The movement is almost always on my left side. 

Cravings: Chocolate. Still Mexican. and probably just sweets in general. 

Queasy or sick: Nothing has really changed. Still acid reflux, achy back and legs but other than that I am doing great. I have been feeling a lot of pelvic pressure, which is just weird and annoying. It almost makes me feel like he is going to fall out of there..haha if only thats how easy it will be. 

Looking forward to: Andrew's birthday is on Saturday so I think that will be a fun day full of surprises and getting to hang out with my man. I am also just looking forward to Christmas and my last day of work!!! I was supposed to have my 28 week appointment today but the doctor had to reschedule.. I'm assuming someone went into labor... so now I will go in on Thursday. I am doing the glucose test. Yippppyy. I am crossing my fingers I don't have gestational diabetes. 

Most of pregnancy I have been really nervous about having a baby. I have wanted to be a mom for so long but now that it is really happening it is pretty scary. Lately I have started to feel the excitement creep up on me. I am so glad. I can't wait to hold this little guy in my arms but then again I can. He can keep cooking for 12 weeks. Pregnancy has been everything and nothing like I expected. I feel that motherhood will be exactly the same way.

Week 27- We put up our Christmas decor!! YAY

Week 28!!

The girls on Thanksgiving :) 

My handsome man!! 

Our cute little family. 

Aren't we just the cutest? I love it.  

Emily and I on Thanksgiving. 

Our beautiful Thanksgiving Day cookies.
 We spelled out things we were thankful for and placed them all over the table.  

Culver's anyone? haha

Driving home. Zoii would try to sneak onto Andrew's lap.
But she would get stuck and end up needing help.

Andrew, Richard, and Emily went on a ride and came back realllllly dusty.
I had to get a picture of that scruff with all that dirt.

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now it is time for the most wonderful time of the year! I love the spirit of Christmas. It is a magical and beautiful time. 

Love you little one. 

love,alex

Our Puppy Zozie.

On June 7, 2014 we met Zoii and she joined our family. We were a little worried at first. She was VERY shy and nervous, especially around Andrew. She didn't like men very much so it was hard to bond with her. We had two weeks to decide if it was going to work out or not. After the two weeks she had become so friendly and really started to break out of her shell. She fit into our family perfectly. She is the sweetest most gentle and loving dog. I feel that over the past 5 1/2 months that we have had her, we have really gotten to know each other and figure out each others wants and needs. 

I know exactly when she needs to go outside. 

We know she LOVES the park. She wakes up every morning ready to go! 

She loves to play fetch. frisbee or ball. 

She loves anything that squeaks. 

She learned that we like to sleep in and she got better at sleeping in too. 

When she wants attention she comes over and puts her nose under your arm/hand. 

She puts up with all of our games and teasing/putting things on her.  

Once the sun goes down she gets pretty tired and is lazy the rest of the night. She is adorable when she is tired. 

She loves to chew on antlers. 

She loves to have her neck scratched. 

She loves to cuddle. 

 

 

Pretty much she is the cutest thing. and yes she is our child at the moment. We love her and I am pretty positive she loves us too. I feel very motherly towards her too.. I feel horrible when we leave her for too long or don't take her to the park or don't show her any love. I think part of it is being pregnant and the other part is just me. dogs need love and friendship too. I hope we are giving that to her cause she deserves it.
and yes I just did a whole post dedicated to my dog. I love all the pictures I have of her!
We love you Zoii.
love,alex &andrew

Hello Baby - Week 26

How far along: 26 weeks! 

Gender: BOY!!

Weight gain:  I'm not too sure right now.. probably 8-9lbs  

Maternity clothes: Although most people would probably not even notice, my belly is starting to pop! I am starting to actually look pregnant although I am sure a lot of people think is she pregnant or just chubby. I still feel like I am in that awkward looking stage, just about to hit the "okay she is pregnant" stage. haha I'm enjoying the smaller belly while it lasts. Especially while I'm working, bending and pulling and doing all kinds of stuff. 

Stretch marks: Same old stuff. 

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: Sleep is going alright. I fall asleep quickly and want to sleep a lot. However. I have a ton of WEIRD dreams and end up waking up/ feeling a lot more restless these days. I usually have to pee once in the middle of the night but other than that I just wake up feeling achy so I change positions and fall right back asleep. I am actually pretty scared of the lack of sleep I will get once baby gets here. I really like my sleep. 

Best moment this week: Is it weird that I actually loved getting the house clean on Saturday? I feel pretty lame saying that was a great moment of the week but I felt so productive and relaxed afterwords. We were able to just stay in and watch football and basketball and eat pizza. It was one of those nights that was great just doing nothing. On Friday night we went to dinner and a movie which was just what the doctor ordered after such an exhausting week for both of us! We saw Interstellar. It left our minds blown and with so much insight and ideas. I was nervous at first about sitting through a 2 and a half hour movie but it wasn't too bad. 

Miss anything: No back pain.. I'm pretty sure this would be my answer every week if I didn't want to be so boring. It really sucks. especially this week. 

Movement: He is moving and grooving all up in there. I feel like certain positions I lay or sit in, really get him moving. And I notice when I eat how much he likes it. When I wake up in the morning he has started to really move and let me know that it is time to eat. (whenever I get to sleep in that is usually what gets me out of bed, foooood) 

Cravings: How many times a week is it okay to eat Mexican? I'm pretty sure I could have it every day. Broccoli Cheese soup from Panera has sounded amazing lately.. but I don't know if that is the freezing cold weather talking or the baby. 

Queasy or sick: Just lots and lots of acid reflux. every single night. like right now. I need to take a pill. I usually take one every night and it works like magic but I think I need to start taking it at lunchtime. My back was bad this week. I think I had a rib go out because it was my upper back causing all the problem. I think it is better now. Usually when I go to work I find out what body part is going to bug me that week so we will see how it goes tomorrow. As for my lower back still stretching and I started putting Doterra oil on it and it seems to be helping a lot! Why I didn't think of this earlier I do not know! 

Looking forward to: Thanksgiving... or better yet Wednesday the 26 at 2pm. I will have worked 3 days in a row and I am almost positive it will be really rough on my body, soooo I might be realllllly dreading it. and I am really excited to go to St. George and have warmer(?) weather... haha I'm already done with the cold winter, I'm screwed. 

hello cute belly. 

This week all I want to do is plan, clean and make things or dream of making things for baby. Is that nesting? I feel like it is and I am allllll for it. I haven't really gotten much done for when baby comes and I am pretty okay with that most of the time. But then those moments come where I want to do EVERYTHING! There are so many things I want to make and then there is the extra bedroom and that is FULL of all things sewing and crafting... I should probably make some room for baby. I'm not too worried about the stuff we need to get for baby because I feel that will all come with time, however I do feel a little stress about getting a car seat since you need that to be allowed to bring the baby home! If you have any recommendations for a good car seat or stroller let me know. I have researched a lot but I also want a good deal! I'm all about those good deals. I am scouting all the Black Friday deals these days. If you know of any good baby ones, send them my way!

Keep growing strong little man. 

love, alex 

Hello Baby - Week 24

How far along: 24 Weeks, that is 6 months! AH 

Gender: BOY!!

Weight gain: 7 lbs. 

Maternity clothes: Nothing new. Some of my shirts fit funny so I don't really wear them often but don't want to get rid them, and they are working great as maternity shirts! ha I think I might just keep them for that reason. It has been nice not having to buy anything just yet. I am sure somewhere down the road I will need some different pants but for now it's all good.  

Stretch marks: Same old stuff. 

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: Sleep has been great. A little achy here and there but I feel that my legs aren't doing as bad when I wake up. I usually am exhausted by bed time so falling asleep has been really easy. I hope it stays that way (the falling asleep fast, not the exhaustion). 

Best moment this week: I have a new niece and baby boy has a new cousin! YAY we are so excited that she is here and that mom and baby are doing great! Her name is Ava Marie Checketts. She was 9 lbs 2 oz and 22 inches long. Big beautiful baby girl. My mom, Emily, and I took Taeden and Caleb to meet her on Tuesday night. She was born Tuesday, October 28, around 11:30am. It was so adorable seeing the boys meet their baby sister. and to see those cute chubby cheeks in person. I am so excited to see her grow and to get to grow up with our little guy. They will be about 3 1/2 months apart. It will be so much fun. 

Miss anything: I'm not a fan of when my breathing gets heavy/ it's harder to breath. This happens because baby is pushing everything in me up making it so my lungs don't have the same amount of room they did before. I really don't like it and it makes me feel weird. I know it will only get worse so I will say breathing normal is what I miss. 

Movement: Again, lots of movement. I know it is going to continue to get more and more prominent and I love it. Sometimes it feels like he is going to kick right out of me, he is so powerful already. When I am really paying attention I can watch my belly move. Andrew got to see it earlier this week and he was amazed. He just gasped and was like ohhhh myyy goshhh. He was in shock that baby was doing that and we could actually see it. It is pretty shocking and amazing and just a miracle. It is amazing what our bodies are capable of doing. Every time he moves it is still the craziest thing to me. 

Cravings: Nothing new this week. I still haven't gotten a good old caramel apple but I think I will buy some yummy caramel dip the next time I am at the store. That will be very satisfying. 

Queasy or sick: Just acid reflux. There are times I feel I have a harder time breathing or have to breath deeper. I feel like my legs and back haven't been as bad so I am crossing my fingers it stays that way. I think it really helps having every other day off of work. 

Looking forward to: Date night. I don't care what we do. Where we go, if we even go anywhere, or even what day it is, as long as it is this week and it happens and it includes me and Andrew together, with no homework distractions. For the last month Andrew has worked every Friday and Saturday night. He has also worked Monday and Wednesday nights. He has had a ton of homework keeping him busy on all other nights so I am really excited that work is over and we can go out again. I am thinking a good old fashioned dinner and a movie date night. 

little baby bump of 24 weeks. 

On Saturday Anna and Jordan threw a birthday party for Ryder Jay. He is turning 1 on Tuesday! I honestly can't believe he is already one. I feel that he was just born. Which made me think the next year of our little guys life will probably go by just as quickly. Ryder was enjoying his party so much. He was laughing and talking the whole time. He was riding the ponies and loved his birthday cake. He just started playing with it until Jordan put some in his mouth and he realized it tasted good too and really went for it. It was an adorable mess. haha

The birthday boy all covered in frosting. 

yummy yummy

cuties in plaid

Baby Ava and I on her birthday :) 

Baby boy, look at all the fun you will have out here! I am glad you still have three months inside but I am getting so excited to meet you. 

love,mom/alex :)