How I potty trained my 2.5 year old son in two days!

This past week I had about 10 more diapers left, and I told myself I would not buy another $40 pack of Pampers Cruisers again. My pediatrician had told me that my son was a great age to begin, and  be potty trained and I decided to go for it. Cannon right now, is two and half years old.  I had read many blogs before looking at what other mommies did, and saw all these posts about doing it within 2-3 days. At first, I thought "no way" because I heard from many others that it takes so much time, and how boys are so much harder... blah blah. I decided to go for it anyways. I wanted to potty train him and I was determined to not buy another diaper. So this is once again one of those blogs about how I potty trained in 2 days, really about two and a half because we started late one evening. I wanted to just share what worked for us, in hopes maybe another mommy or daddy out there could use the advice also! 
Side note: My son is in daycare, and has been constantly introduced to the toilet and starting this process beforehand. This wasn't a complete out of the blue challenge, he was comfortable with the potty, but had never actually used it before and done well. He also has worn "big boys" over diapers, having him pull them up and off, making him familiar with them as well. :)
Wednesday Evening/ Preparation Step 1: We went to Wal-Mart and he picked out pairs of underwear he loved, which ranged from Spider Man boxers to Paw Patrol briefs. Then I told him we were going to go pick out "potty toys". I explained to him that they were only for the potty, and he had to use the potty to get one. I think some people don't quite grasp just how much a two and half year old can understand, and he understood me entirely with the concept of "potty toys". We also grabbed a bag of M&M's for "potty candy". While checking out he even told the cashier "this a potty toy". Lastly, I let him pick out a poster board (which was eye piercing hot/bright pink), and told him we were going to make a potty chart. He understood entirely what was happening, thankfully. 
Step 2: Once home, we placed all his "potty toys" which ranged from airplanes, a pack of hot wheels, and a few balls in a gift bag right beside the toilet on the counter. He would say to me "these for potty, I have to use potty first", so he never bothered them. Then we sat down together and placed letter stickers on his chart that spelled out "Cannons Potty Chart". I involved him throughout the entire process of getting prepped. He even placed his toys in his gift bag. Next I drew out 4 sections on the poster, labeled uh-oh, tried, PP, and Poo-Poo. He immediately was intrigued and wanted to start his tally's, but I told him he had to go potty before we marked his poster. 
Step 3: He picked out his first pair of "big boys" (aka, underwear in our house) to wear that evening. This was roughly around 6 p.m. already, so we started late. I actually was worried that all this work and prep for the evening would be forgotten by morning, but it wasn't, thankfully. That evening, we had maybe 2 accidents before bedtime, in our house we called them "uh oh"'s. I told him it was okay each time, and never scolded him or shamed him for an uh oh, because accidents happen and I knew if I scared him he would be more reluctant to be potty trained. I wanted to encourage him throughout everything. That night he went to bed in a pull up. 

PP Setup 

Poo-Poo Setup  

"Potty Toy" Gift Bag 

Potty Chart 

Day 1: Thursday Today, we tried it again. He picked out big boys to put on each time, and we had A LOT of accidents. Probably roughly 8-10. I even was a little discouraged and doubted he was too young, or just not ready. I referred back to some blogs I had read, how to just keep persisting and trudge through, so I did. Although it wasn't successful in my book, this day I think was beneficial for him overall, because he didn't like the feeling of being wet or peeing on his underwear. It wasn't comfortable like a diaper had felt before. I also constantly asked him if he needed to go PP, or poo-poo but he always would say "I'm fine", or "no thank you". Again, every time he made an uh-oh we was never shamed for it, and he also would mark his chart each time. This day we also worked on trying, he went to the potty many times and would try. But nothing ever happened. Again, he marked that also. 
(Cannon was trained to stand up while peeing, and sit while #2. He would stand on his stool and hold the back of the potty....which allows for great aim for boys actually. And uses his Elmo toilet ring seat for #2.) 
Day 2: Friday  Once Friday rolled around, I tried a different approach. After obviously not getting anywhere yesterday, I wanted to try a different route. I began to think that he may have had so many accidents yesterday just because he still had that comfort and feeling of having something there to catch him when he went to use the restroom. Although 100% cotton underwear isn't a diaper, its just the fact that maybe he just felt like there was something there so he could go like usual. Once he was up this morning, first thing we did was go the restroom. We grabbed a lot of toys, and we closed the door behind us.  I also only had him in a t-shirt, he was butt naked from the waist down. I figured this way, he would recognize he is going, and maybe stop or at least tell me before he went to the restroom. Plus, he always go #2 in the morning, so I wanted to catch him with that also. Knowing his routine was beneficial. 
SO we hung out in the bathroom and hung out some more. We gave his toys very thorough baths (haha), cleaned the mirrors... did anything to occupy his attention to not want to leave. Then it happened, he started to PP and I immediately took him to the toilet and encouraged him with clapping and cheering him on. He then got to mark his chart, and get a potty toy, which he couldn't have been more excited about. 
After that we waited around for #2....and the same thing happened. He began to go, and I immediately said "stop" and took him to the potty to finish with encouraging cheers, marking his chart, and a potty toy. After this I think something began to click with him.
That day he stayed naked from the waist down entirely until bedtime. He would realize he was about to go, but had nothing there and would tell me and we went to the bathroom. Again, each time we would mark his chart, have a cheer session, and get a potty toy or potty candy gift. I began to get a lot more confident in him, and knew I was in too deep to stop now. Another piece of advice, look for indications of your kid needing to go. Cannon would touch his private area, or get really still when he was about to go. I also nagged him all day by asking, "do you need to go PP?", "Do you need to go poo-poo?" I stayed on him, which in turn was also a reminder every so often to him. He went to bed that night in a pull up again. 
Day 3: Saturday This day, we did the same thing but introduced his big boys back into the picture. I was afraid we would backtrack to Day 1 with that feeling of having something there, but he did great. Out of the entire day he only had 2 accidents. Even though they were uh oh's, he had started to go, and realized, then would go to the potty to finish, which in my book was a win. He had done great, and I considered him potty trained. 
This was successful for us, and I hope it is for another mommy out there wanting to train her kiddo! If anything, I hope it gave you some ideas that may work for your angel baby. It worked great for us, and even on Monday, while writing this, he went to day care and had no accidents!
Potty training in my book, just takes a lot of dedicated and persistence. If you can block off 2-3 days in your schedule and really dedicate yourself to your kiddo, you can definitely do it also. I doubted all the blogs titled like mine, but in the end it worked. I even question if I would've skipped to my routine on day 2/Friday, that he may have done it even sooner. Spending that morning in the bathroom, I feel like is what really helped him to learn. 

P.S. Thanks Winter Storm Jonas for snowing us in, allowing me to dedicate this time to potty train, while also having a blast sledding and enjoying my little man! :) Much appreciated. Thanks for reading, and good luck!! 

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10 Reaons I Want a Husband Like my Son

Weird title, I know... but it intrigued you to read my blog didn't it? No this blog is not what it seems to be or sounds like, but its true.. I want a husband that is like my one and a half year old son. Trust me, it'll all come together as you keep reading. It honestly is so true when they say there is no love like a mother and son. I think it is the same concept when it comes to a daughter and father. You become their first love, and they become yours. So here are my reasoning's...

1. He loves my unconditionally
He loves me day in and day out. I wake up in the mornings and get sweet kisses and hugs. He love me unconditionally and I love him unconditionally. He also knows when I need love. I swear one day I was so upset with a circumstance with his father, and my son literally just hugged my neck for 10 minutes when I got him out of the car. He just held me. I was on my knees outside, and I honestly feel like Cannon knew I was upset. He didn't say anything or move, but was there for me when I needed him and made everything better within moments.

2.  He motivates me
I now have the biggest motivator in my life. My son makes me want to do my all out best in every aspect of my life. I want a man that makes me feel the same way. That pushes me to be my best, and do my best. He encourages me and gives me strength to push through every circumstance or obstacle I face and overcome it at the end of the day. He never slows me down or belittles me, it's always the opposite and for that I am thankful.

3. He compliments me
I am my best when I am with him. He brings out the best in me. He makes me happy, giddy, thankful, determined, hard working and on cloud 9 24/7.

4. I fall for him more and more every day
I have never loved something more in my life than I do my son. No matter what he does, I fall for him more and more everyday whether I want to or not. It just happens. I hope to find someone one day that makes me fall for him more everyday and gives me the type of love that I am excited to wake up to and have.

5. He knows where the line is...
He knows where the line is drawn and what is not okay. He may pass it and test the waters but he at least is aware of that line. He may aggravate me and step over it sometimes, but when he does he comes back to me asking for forgiveness. In the end he somehow makes me forget all about it, and then reminds me about how much I love him. He learns from mistakes and we forgive each other.

6. He is my "partner in crime" and "sidekick"
He may whine and not want to go shopping, but in the end he deals with all my little errands and goes on shopping trips with me just because he knows it makes me happy. He is willing to be my tag along and most of the time if you see me, you see him. We spend our days together simply because we love being around each other and time together is time well spent.

7. He is never lazy
He wakes up at the crack of dawn ready to go for the day. He somehow makes my mornings worthwhile..even on Mondays. Also, when he gets up he is a hard worker. He impresses me daily by his strong willed nature and determined attitude to figure out things or start something new. He is busy all day solving puzzles, drawing up plans, and building Lego skyscrapers. By lunch time he has worked SO hard all morning, he usually is ready for nap, but he deserves it. The good thing about his naps though, he wakes up ready to go at it again. He never gives up, and "works" hard all day long. He is simply the most impressive man I have ever seen.

8. I'm never bored with him
He never ceases to keep me entertained or laughing. He is always making me smile and we never get bored together. We go outside, go hiking, go on trips, go on dates, go to the pool, go shopping, dance together, go to the park, or just simply cuddle and watch Santa Clause movies. He never ceases to amaze me with all his "date" ideas, and never bores me. I look forward to every moment I have with him.

9. He shows me my worth with every breath I take
On the day my son was born, my eyes were wide open to reality. He has shown me what I deserve in my life, and also what he deserves. I realized that I wanted someone who would love and respect me at all times, and be a role model for him as he grew to become a man. I realized that I wanted to be with someone that I would be proud of if Cannon grew up to be just like him. He has shown me what unconditional love looks and feels like, and made me want the same in a husband one day.

10. He helps me out
Okay, granted I am talking about a one and a half year old here.. but he is so smart and helpful. He knows when to put things in the trash or clean up his toys. Before we left the house the other day my son made sure to turn the small trashcan the right side up before he went out the door. He loves to help out his mommy around the house!


John 16:21 "When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world."

 Merry CHRISTmas from me and baby C

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The Outcome

This week has started a new chapter for myself and Cannon. I went back to school full time, and Cannon will be starting day care due to that. I am very sad, but also very appreciative. I have been lucky to be able to spend his first year enjoying every moment, cry, smile, giggle, milestone, and kiss. Besides working a part time job, and a few online classes, Cannon has had all of my attention this past year. Many mommies do not get that opportunity, and I am SO thankful. But on the contrary, it also makes dropping him off at day care even harder. I wish I was able to just stay at home with him every single day, but that is just not a reality for me. I have to finish school, succeed, and be able to provide and support him. I don't want him to have a mom that gave up. So although this week has been hard, and I have felt like I was going to have anxiety attacks during class worrying about him, I have to look at the outcome.   Lately I have been focusing on the "right now moment"..which in some cases is the way that you should look at situations. To live in the now and not worry about what tomorrow brings. But I have come to realize that focusing in the now is actually very.. well depressing (for my situation). I have to focus on the future and the outcome of everything I am doing and where it will have me in a couple of years. Returning to school the other day did nothing but put me in a depressed mood. While walking aroud I felt very out of place. I felt as if no one was in my shoes. I felt as if no one had the lifestyle as me. I felt as if I knew no one and like I had no social life. I felt like I was just in a different place in my life compared to everyone else. Most people walking around either lived on or right off campus, and was worried about what party would be happeneing this weekend and where they are going for thirsty Thursday. Me on the other hand, just wanted to finish my classes and get to my baby. You cannot imagine how hard this was for me. I am having to accept that I am not the typical 21 year old anymore and that I have had to sacrifice everything for my son. I do not live that carefree, careless, lifestyle that most are in college. I have a job, priorities, and a goal that HAS to be reached now because I have another life that depends on me.    I also have found myself being very bitter. Bitter towards people my age. Bitter towards not getting invites to things. Bitter when I can't make it to something I'm actually invited too. Bitter towards Cannons father. Just bitter. I have come to realize my bitterness is the result of my own jealousy. Jealous that I am not that 21 year old anymore. Jealous that I can't just drop everything and go out. Jealous that Cannons father did not have to make the sacrifices like I have, and that he didn't choose to make those sacrifices either. I hold the weight of Cannon and with that it effects every aspect of my lifestyle now. Although, I don't even want to live that "21 year old, college" lifestyle, it's the fact that I didn't have a choice which brings my frustration.    But today I had a big slap across the face, and I have decided that I am not going to be bitter anymore. It has sucked all the life out of me lately. It is not a enjoyable way to live your life. I shouldn't ever be bitter, because I have the most precious blue eyed baby bouncing on the sofa next to me and hitting the computer making me have to backspace this whole blog. My luck, he actually has been sick this week with a 100+ fever... So on top of full time school schedule and work at 5am most mornings, I have had a restless cuddly baby radiating heat from his body for three days now. But during one of those restless nights he squirmed his way up onto my pillow, turned his nose to where it was touching mine and then put his arm around my neck. I melted. That moment I realized how truly blessed I am and how I could not live my life being bitter. I will never forget this moment with him. That moment made all the hard work and exhaustion worth it. It made all the sacrifices worth it. 

As hard as it gets, I cannot change the situation I am in and this too shall pass. I live a far more rewarding life that anyone else on Western Carolina's campus, and I could guarantee that. I have also realized that others will have to answer one day to their decisions. It's not my place to try to convince them of their wrongdoings and what they're missing out on, God can show them one day. God sacrificed it all for me, and now I'm sacrificing it all for one of Gods children whom I also call my son, Cannon. I know I will be rewarded for this someday.   So for right now, I am going to focus on the outcome. Which I feel like many people are in the same shoes as me. Feeling as if they are stuck in the same ole, same ole. They can't see what or why the particular situation that they are in currently will ever help them one day. Their situations aren't fair. They can't see a happy ending. I'm there. As much as I want to give up, I can't. I am now going to focus on my future and focus on what will be. So today I am going to challenge myself, and others that find themselves in situations where they can't see the end result, to focus on the fact that there IS an end result. Have hope in tomorrow and in your future. All of your hard work will pay off one day. There will be a plan, there is a reason for everything, and there is an outcome for everyone.     FTRRft berrrrg4v r4 4retrytr  vg <-- baby Cannon's motivation for you all   Verse for today's post.  JOHN 13:7 "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."  

   

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Reality of Young Motherhood

Its been a while since I posted a blog. I guess I'm not a faithful blogger like I had originally intended this blog to be. Heck, I hardly have the time anyways. But lately something has just been itching for me to type and post, and that's how glorified being a young mom "appears" to be in today's society. Notice I say, appears ladies! Appears!! Once again, appears. Okay.. I think you get it.

I may not be the total imagine of a "teen mom" because frankly I'm not a teen. But I am definitely a single, young mom. I got pregnant going into my third year of college. Which I couldn't imagine being one of these 16 year old moms. Or even middle school! Yes, I've heard of middle school aged moms!! But regardless at any young age, it's tough.  My life consists of working a part time job, stressing about how I'll ever finish school, and what I should even major in to be successful enough to support my son in the future. I have to deal with lawyers and child support crap, I'm still living with my parents so I don't have even MORE expenses, and I'm trying to find peace in Gods plan for me through it all. Which can actually be the toughest part of it all. If I get to shower, or take a bath, that literally is my new Haven and "get away". Shaved legs, then its a dang good day. Frankly, I don't even know how I made the time to write this blog. Makeup is my obsession, but I rarely get to put on my whole face for fun. Thank goodness for all these editing apps out there now a days. Kidding. Even if I do take a picture, its of Cannon anyways. Never me. If you follow me on anything, sorry. It should be renamed to Cannons Twitter, or Cannons Instagram. Oh well.

Okay, so back on subject. The "thing" that has just completely been itching me the wrong way lately is when my friends or any young girl or lady say things to me like....

"You're such a milf"

"I have baby fever"

"I want a baby"

Etc.

Just no, stop.

Let me first just say that motherhood is the single best calling I could ever be blessed with.

There is absolutely nothing, I mean nothing I love more in my life than my son. So do not take this blog as if I wish I wasn't a mommy, because there is nothing I love more. Clearly my blog title can express exactly how I feel about my son. I embrace it, and love every single second I have with this precious gift from God. I wouldn't trade him for anything this world could offer. I live for that boy, and I always will. But.... I'd also give anything if he had made his beautiful appearance like AT LEAST five years down the road from now. Five may even be pushing it. I would've liked to have been married and completely swallowed in love by a man that endlessly adores me. I also wish I had been done with school. Today's society glorifies being a teen mom. Yes, it is the most rewarding thing a woman could go through but its tough to be a single, young mom. Thats the difference. If I didn't have the support like I do, with my family mainly, I really don't know how I would make it.

On a day to day basis I worry about my life. As a mom your life takes a dramatic 180 degree spin. You go from care free, loving life, partying, friends, living a selfish lifestyle (which is how your 20's should be)... To a complete 180 of that when becoming a mom. Things aren't about me anymore, they are about Cannon and frankly I am okay with that. I have to watch all the rest of my friends in their 20's going out, going on spring breaks, studying abroad, having a BLAST.. while I'm cleaning up spit up off the floor or chasing a baby around the room so he doesn't bust his head open because he just learned how to crawl. Cannons worth is far more than a drunken spring break anyways. Take that back, MY WORTH is far more than a drunken spring break or clubs. I constantly worry about finishing school to pursue a career that can support myself and Cannon. My goals and dreams are now surrounded by a beautuiful, blue eyed boy. The love a mother has is so incredible. Its so selfless, and its never ending.

 

As a mom, you have your child twenty-four seven, you may have to quit school for a while, may not even be able to go back to school, you have to work, hire lawyers, have day care expenses, what you do make working pays for foods/clothes/anything baby (never anything for yourself). Which is reality when you become a mom, they are all you want to spend your earnings on anyways. I never go to the mall and say "ulta first" or "forever 21, I'm coming for ya". My first stops are Baby Gap and Gymboree. You know I hit up Babies R' Us too.

The worst part of it all, is how unfair it is to be a single young mom. As far as the dad goes, his life doesn't change at all... Yeah, he may have to pay child support (if he even wants too or is forced too, one) but other than that his life is the same besides he gets to play with a baby on the weekend or when he pleases. Dads just don't have it hard. They don't even have to be apart of the child's life, they can sign rights over and it's like their sperm never existed. Disgusts me. And that outcome was a reality for two of my good mommy friends actually. And boy, are those guys missing out on some incredible and beautiful blessings. That house with the white picket fence is just sadly not a reality. I mean look at the shows "teen mom 1-2-3" (however many there are). How many of those girls have it easy? Not a single one of them... Most didn't finish their schooling, are constantly in court houses, on drugs, dealing with dead beat dads, getting married because they feel lonely, or being forced to marry by parents, someone cries at least every episode, or their pregnant AGAIN for God knows what reason. Some people may think that show glorifies being a mom, but I completely disagree.. The only part that may glorify young motherhood is the fact that their on TV, and some have over 100k followers on twitter probably. That's it ladies, there's absolutely nothing graceful about those shows. The worst part is not one of them follow or know God. Or if they do its not expressed at least.

As a single mom I have to take on roles that aren't particularly intended for a woman. I have to be strong, a provider, and much more. God calls women to be the weaker of the two in a relationship. He intends for men to the head of the household, and women to be the neck and shoulders. I have to be the head, neck, and shoulders and it can sometimes become overwhelming. As women we are strong, beautiful, creatures that deserve respect from a man 24/7, 7 days a week. 365 days a year. You are worth far more than diamonds, according to God. So you should be treated just as delicately ladies. Wait around for that too.

Proverbs 31: 10 

A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.

I guess my whole point in this blog is to say, yes motherhood is the single best blessing any woman could be given. But as a young mom, the road is just a little tougher. There are far more things to embark on before you reach that step to motherhood ladies.

Us single mommas have it tough. Just a reality of it. So to all you ladies out there, in middle school, high school, college.. Motherhood is the single and most rewarding and toughest job out there. I hope any female reading this will take my advice... BE SINGLE,  live your life on your own terms, travel, make friends, finish school, get your masters/bachelors/associate, whatever you may want to do. Find who you want to be in life, where you want to be in life, go camping, hike a mountain, skydive (because you can't do that when another life depends on you haha), buy your first dream car, walk the isle with your dads blessing, fall in love, a few times maybe, buy designer clothes and bags and shoes, do something good for your soul and someone else, USE PROTECTION and every type of protection too. Don't be stupid. Take advantage of contraception. It only takes 1 time, and that's the truth!

And for all you single young mommies out there. You're not alone. You are loved by a forgiving, merciful, graceful God who has an incredible plan for you and your child. Even though at times it's hard to see. Everything I listed in the paragraph above you can absolutely pursue and do the same things (well just maybe not the skydive part lol). It may take us a little longer and it may be a tougher road but it can happen. Don't loose hope, because I'm not. There will be a light at the end of the tunnel. The strength and heavy hearts with chains you have had to carry and mold into will one day be lifted. Keep going, keep pursing where you want to be in life and your goals whatever they may be.. because you can do it. You will do it. After all, we do have the biggest motivators out there, ya know?

 

 

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DIY Crib Bumpers in two fabrics

Taking on this project was pretty big for me. I knew I would need nursery bedding but I didnt want to spend a ton of money and I also wanted to make the nusery modern and look well with the rest of the house. Its a pretty long process, but the end result is so great. Its also fun to say that you made all the nursery bedding for your baby to other people. Pretty impressive ;)

• • • • •

What you will need

Any Sewing Machine
Foam Baby Bumper Pads - package of six measuring 10" x 26" x 1"
Fabric for inside of six crib bumpers: 2 yards of 45” wide fabric: I used the blue chevon shown below
Fabric for outside of six crib bumpers: 2 yards of 45" wide fabric: I used the green shown below
Fabric for piping around bumpers: 1½ yards of 45” wide fabric: we used the orange shown below
ribbon to match your orange piping
6 yards 3/8" diameter cotton cording
All-purpose thread in colors to match fabrics
Iron and Ironing board
See through ruler
Fabric marking pen or chalk pencil
Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
Straight pins
Iron and ironing board
Corner template (see download below)
5" square piece of cardboard or template plastic for template (check your local craft store for stencil material)

• • • • •

Getting Started

• • • • •

Cut your fabric and trims

Download the corner curve template and trace it onto a piece of cardboard or template plastic. Cut out.
http://www.sew4home.com/sites/sewmk.mervideo.com/files/images/articles/patterns/0256-corner_pattern.pdf

1. Cut six 27" x 11¾" pieces of fabric from both the blue chevron and the green (six pieces from each fabric). (Note: To make this amount of fabric sufficient, cut 11¾" pieces along the 45" edge of the fabric.)
2. Using the template you made, mark a rounded edge on each corner of each 27" x 11¾" piece of fabric. Cut the rounded corners. Using the original template pattern (the paper), transfer the markings (the dots) onto your fabric using the fabric marking pen. I like to make a tiny hole with a pin right in the middle of the dot, then I line up my pattern on my fabric and make a mark with my pen through that hole.   

3.  For the ties, cut twenty-four 16" pieces from orange ribbon

4. Cut six 30" lengths from cording.

5. Cut six 2¼" wide bias strips according to the instructions below. Each will need to be about 30" long.
 



Cut your bias strips

1. On your cutting surface, lay your fabric out flat, right side up, with the selvage running along one side.
   
2. The selvage is the woven edge of your fabric where it was originally attached to the loom. The fabric's pattern does not continue onto the selvage, but there is likely to be some information printed there that identifies the manufacturer or designer.
3. Fold the fabric back diagonally so a straight edge is parallel to the selvage.
4. Press the fold and use this crease as a guide to mark your parallel lines.
5. Use a straight edge to make continuous parallel likes 2¼" apart.
   
6. Cut along these lines with good, sharp scissors or a rotary cutter and straight edge.

 • • • • •

At Your Sewing Machine & Ironing Board

 • • • • •

Join bias strips

1. You may need to join two strips to make one that is the necessary 30" long. To do this, take two of your strips and place them right sides together at right angels to each other.
2. Stitch straight across.
   
3. Lay flat, press the seam open and trim off the overlapping edges.
   
4. Repeat until you have one long fabric strip.

Insert the cord

1. Place one 30" bias strip right side down on a large flat surface.
2. Lay a 30" length of cord in the center.
3. Fold the fabric over the cord, keeping the cord centered and matching the raw edges of the fabric.
   
4. Pin to hold in place.
5. Carefully move to your sewing machine and adjust the piping so the raw edges line up on your seam allowance marking and cord pokes out to the left of your foot.
   
6. Using the Zipper Foot, stitch slowly staying close to the cord and keeping your seam allowance consistent. Remember to remove your pins as you go so you don't sew over them.  

Stitch cording to bumper fabric

1. Pin cording to the right side of a 27" x 11¾" piece green fabric. Using the dots you made with the template, start pinning the cording at the large dot in the center of left curved edge, stretching along the 27" straight side, and ending in the center of the curved edge at the large dot on the right side. Be sure to match the raw edges of the piping insertion fabric and the base fabric. Your cording should be centered between the dots.
    
2. Stitch in place using the zipper foot. You are stitching around a curve so you'll need to gently ease the fabric, which means it might ripple slightly. That's okay.
   
3. Repeat to add cording in this same manner to all six 27" x 11¾" Petal Flora pieces.

Make the ties

For me I saw a tutorial where she used fabric to make the ties, which is fine if you choose but I decided just to go with orange ribbon because it wasn't near as much work.. But if you want to know how to do it with fabric just comment below and I will send you her tutorial that has the instructions for that part. You will need to cut four pieces of ribbon at 16 inches for each bumper if you choose to just do ribbon like mine!

Finish the bumpers

1. Pin a ribbon to the side of a green piece, with the right side of the fabric facing up. Use the template to determine where to put them - you will pin them just below the small dot on the upper corners and just above the small dot on the lower corners. Pin them so the unfinished edge is matched along the edge of the green fabric 
2. Stitch the ties in place. Be sure to reverse stitch and normal stick to ensure the hold 
3.  repeat on all six pieces of green fabric
4. With right sides together, and ties and cording on the inside, pin a blue chevron piece to the green piece. It's very important that you make sure your ties are all facing in and free of the seams. Pin them if you need too

 

5. Stitch along THREE sides using the zipper foot. On the top edge, stitch slowly and as close to the cording as possible. On the edges without cording stitch using a standard ½" seam. You may change to a regular foot if you are more comfortable sewing with this on these edges. Leave one short edge open for turning and inserting the bumper pads.
6. Turn the cover right side out so the cording and ties pop out... ta-da!
7. Insert bumper pads into the cover.
NOTE: It will help give you a nice snug fit if you use the corner template to round the corners of the foam just as you did with the fabric panels. I even had to cut about an half inch off the width too to make them fit right without bunching any
8. Turn under the seam allowance so your seam edges are flush to one another, and slip stitch the opening closed.
     
  

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Cheetah Mom

Well I am officially six months prego as of last Wednesday, yay. Counting down, it seems like it is seriously flying by. I'm in love with all my maxi dresses of course at this point, and its just one of the most comfortable things to wear at this point and still look fabulous going out. I have maxi dresses and a few maxi maternity skirts that are just wonderful and I would definitely recommend as an essential for that growing prego belly, plus you can re-wear maxi things after baby which is a win win!

 

 

 

Black maxi dress- Victorias Secret, cheetah top- TJ Maxx, Cheetah Flats- Rack Room Shoes, Michael Kors Watch

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22 week update

Considering I am just now starting my blog, I already am 22 weeks pregnant, 5.5 months. Over half way there, yay! But just recently is finally when I popped and woke up looking pregnant too. I haven't had anything until maybe two weeks ago, I got the belly and the kicking all in one. Being so small already my doctor told me that I would end up popping about this time, and she was definitely right. I have had three ultrasounds, one extra because he moves so much they didn't get all the necessary pictures for the doctor. It's been such an easy pregnancy too, I couldn't complain about one thing.

 

How far along: 22 weeks, 5.5 months

Gender: Boy

Total Weight Gain: only 4 pounds!

Maternity Clothes: Oh all the way now, they are so much more comfortable and luckily I have had some great hand me downs of all the essentials. Who needs to spend money on clothes they will wear for 9 months?

Stretch Marks: not yet, moisturising moisturising (fingers crossed)

Sleep: eh not so great, one night I will sleep amazing! Then the next, its just I toss and turn and just cannot get comfortable at all. I have a Leachco Grow to Sleep - Adjustment Body pillow though... looks intense, but it seriously helps.

Movement: One of the absolute best feelings is when you finally get to feel your baby moving and kicking. My little man is a mover too, he is non stop it seems like. This just started within the last two weeks and it is so surreal. Garrett even got a feel.

Belly Button: Considering I already had an outie, my outie is even a more intense outie now!

Moods: Happy! I just am so excited, I don't feel like I have been one of those crazy emotional wreck kinda pregnant women. Everything has been so easy for me, no sickness, no nothing! Its been wonderful.

Looking forward too: Starting my complete DIY nursery which I will be posting all about. I am making everything, even my bedding because I just could not find boys bedding that I liked well enough so I have some great ideas that I can't wait to share!

Not looking forward too: Getting my glucose test next appointment in March!

Nutrition/ Workouts: I walk so much at school, that is honestly a great way to get my exercise. Its recommended for pregnant women to exercise by just taking a nice walk, and I do that constantly. I also will go get on the elliptical occasionally and do some strength training. Nutrition, I try to be as healthy as possible. I do splurge but every so often when I might have a slight craving, but I really try to eat as healthy as possible. The whole "eating for two" myth is not real, as long as you're never hungry and adding about 300 calories a day that's plenty for a mommy and baby.

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Baby Bean

Ultrasound 2: 17 weeks: Its a BOY!

 

Baby bean at 22 weeks, his profile picture! Its amazing to have seen the growth just from the first ultrasound where he looked like a gummy bear to now, where he actually looks like a full fledged baby. I get so excited for ultrasounds, it's so fun to be able to look at your baby. We have a perfectly healthy baby and mommy so far, and praying for that to continue.

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Bump Ahead

One thing that Garrett has agreed to do for me was take pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and newborn pictures with me. I came across a picture on pinterest with a Bump Ahead sign and I loved it, so I bought one for myself. We had a small photo shoot, just with my mom taking a few pictures and I wanted to share them with you! So here ya go :))

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