We are officially in the final 3 weeks of pregnancy!! I looked at my Ovia app and first thing I read was "You are at the homestretch!" Omg!! Most people say pregnancy went really slowly for them, but I feel like it flew by for us!! This past week or two has been a little rough, but nothing I couldn't handle. Just feel really big and uncomfortable at this point, but still trying to keep a positive mind. With that said, we are baby ready, for the most part! I don think we can fully and 100% be prepared for what is yet to come, but we're getting it together, and just going with the flow.


I finished packing our hospital bag the other day (with the exception of the camera bag and other goodies), and after crossing off 95% of the things off the list, I was getting more excited and anxious! I may have over packed a bit, but better safe than sorry. I don't know how long we'll be there. I was told between 2-3 days, depending on my labor and any complications that arises. Which I'm hoping for a smooth labor and delivery. One can only hope and pray for, right? Let me just say how much I am loving our JuJuBe set, which can be purchased at their website or other baby online sites!! I purchased these separately and I originally had a different design for the diaper bag, because they were sold out of the one I have now for a while. So as soon as it came back in stock, I sold the one I had and got this! I purchased our duffle bag from Amazon back in July when they had a sale. It is the the Superstar - Admiral from their Legacy/Nautical collection. The Fuel Cell and Paci pod were from Navy Exchange and was bought during the everything baby sale, and finally the diaper bag is the BFF - The Commodore! I originally had the Queen of the Nile and purchased it from the Navy Exchange for a reaallly good price, but sold it to purchase the Commodore because I really wanted it to match mine and John's hospital bag! Hehe! The Commodore was purchased at Bed Bath and Beyond and used a 20% coupon. The duffle bag consists of mostly my clothes and necessities and some change of clothes for John.  The fuel cell has snacks for John and my family and gum, paci pod obviously has the pacifiers, and then the BFF diaper bag has all of baby's outfits, blankets, and other stuff. We didn't pack much for baby because we were told the hospital provides most of the things we need. We will also be bringing an extra bag for all the hospital goodies we get to take home! 

Here's a picture of the rough draft Hospital Bag list I made. Never got a chance to finalize it or type it up, but you get the picture! Haha! I had to search Pinterest to get ideas on what to even bring, as well as going off of friends list and then just customized it to meet our needs.

Not pictured that we will also be bringing:

1. Camera/Tech Bag

2. Boppy Pillow

3. Pillows for John & I and a blanket for John
4. File binder and baby book

I think we should be fine. I just want to be as comfortable as possible when Im at the hospital! Im hoping to stay no more than 3 days. I will also  be asking them for a medicine ball to bounce around in!


Aside from the hospital bag being ready, John finally installed the carseat a few days ago! I cleaned the inside of my car on Thanksgiving day and have been asking John to install the seat! We decided on the driver side, for now. We will be taking it to the fire-station sometime this week to make sure it has been installed correctly. If the prefer it being in the passenger side, then its no big deal we will gladly move it there. We had to make sure that the driver seats were still comfortable and can be adjusted for John to sit on and he said it was fine. The stroller is in the trunk, window shades are up and the 'Baby on Board' sign that I gave John as part of the baby announcement is also up! Has it really been 31 weeks since the day I told John?! This year definitely flew by! It is officially December tomorrow!!! Ahhh!

Xx,
Jenn

As I mentioned, John and I have been together for a total of 13 years! Time sure flies! We don't normally do the typical halloween stuff (except for one or two years), cuz we're normally out doing our own thing. So as we were getting ready to head out for our annual anniversary dinner date, John says "This is it Mama, next year we get to join all these folks and do actual halloween stuff!" Eeep! It got me even more excited! We've only ever dressed up twice in the pats 13 years! I'm excited to do fun halloween stuff with our baby boy!

Anyway, since John had the day off, we didnt want to waste the day and headed for the zoo! Our original plans of heading to Baltimore and watching the Chargers game was canceled due to John's schedule being shifted and we weren't sure if he was going to have the weekend off! I was so bummed, because it would have been our last out of town trip before baby makes his arrival. John tried to make up for the change of plans by taking me out at the zoo since we both haven't been to the one in Virginia and we've lived here for 6 years! But before that, we strolled down Granby St and grabbed lunch at Grilled Cheese. The food was yummy!!!

After the zoo, we went back home to rest before heading out to dinner. John made reservations at Texas de Brazil. I love the Brazilian steakhouses back in San Diego, and haven't gone to one out here, so I was excited to try this restaurant! The food was delicious! Pricey, but that was expected. There was one that was less pricey but we didnt want to make the drive up to Newport News. The lobster bisque and the potato salad and mushrooms and  lamb-chops was oh so delicious!!! Im drooling just thinking about it now! Yum!!! I dont know if I'd want to eat there again just for the heck of eating there because its $40 per person. Maybe on another special date night. Lol!

Xx,
Jenn

So today marks us being together for thirteen long, wonderful and chaotic years! I still can't believe we have survived and surpassed every challenges thrown upon us! Lord knows the struggle we have gone through in the past thirteen years. Our relationship is far from perfect, but I am glad to be where were at now, and being so in love with the one who has truly had my heart since I was 15. John is my happily ever after. He's my forever. When my kids ask who my high school sweet heart was, I wont have to grab my high school year book,  I can just point to John, and say "he's sitting right there." Corny, I know. But the thought of it just gives me butterflies!


All the struggles and challenges we have surpassed over the years have made us stronger individuals, and more importantly, a stronger team. John has shown me that real unconditional love exist. So cheers to us, my love. Its rare nowadays to find a couple who have been together for more than a decade long. I have gone through a lot of milestones with you, and we get to experience our biggest one yet. Thanks for being such an amazing person inside and out, for being my best-friend, business partner, lover and soon to be the father of my child. I can't wait to take on this new role with you! I love you more than I can ever express. I know I'm not always the perfect wife, and can be stubborn, but just know that I try my best every single day because you deserve to have all the love given back to you!

Xx,
Mamabear

Ever have trouble finding a nice comfy robe in the print you like that isn't pricey? Not I! I love wearing robes, mainly in the winter time because most of the robes I have are the thick, fleeced ones, which is too hot to wear any other time of the year! Plus, with labor and delivery nearing, I have been on a hunt for a nice comfy robe. Every time I went to the store, all I found were the thick fleece ones, which I have 3 of already, and when I do find the thin soft cotton ones, they don't have my size or its a little pricier than I'd like! So, I got my creative juices going and pulled out one of my robes and a kimono I was thinking of turning into a robe to see if I can imitate it, and went to the fabric store. I went straight to the clearance and sale section because I didn't want to spend too much since I was experimenting and wasn't sure how it was going to turn out yet.

Paisley - Sheer fabric
Purple Long Sleeve - Cotton and Poly blend
Polka Dots - Silk

Materials Used:

Step 1 (box 1) - I used the measurements that I got from measuring my old Kimono and added a few inches to the width since I have to consider it being wrapped around this big 'ol belly of mine and I just wanted it to bit a little more loose. Measurements I did for the back piece is 27.5 width x 36 in length (since I wanted it to reach my knees). I then cut out two more rectangle pieces, 10in x 26 for the arm pieces and folded it in half, hamburger style. 

** Now for the long sleeve it was a little trickier. I can't remember what the exact measurement was because I wanted it skinny towards my wrist area, so I trimmed it at an angle. I know I started off with 17in x 22 in, cuz this one was folded hotdog style. I measured from my shoulders to my wrist and added .5 in because I know I had to hem the end. 

Step 2 (box 2): I cut two more rectangles measuring 12in x 36in for the front of my robe (I wanted it even with the back part. But if you're making a Kimono you can change the length to 30in or however the length you want it to be so that the front is shorter). I put the front and arm pieces aside. 

Step 4: I put the front pieces on top of the back piece with the right sides facing each other and then pinned them. At first I looked at and something was off cuz It looked odd, so I cut sort of a V shape from the front pieces so that it wasn't just a straight opening. I started the cut from the armpit area all the way to where the neck line ended (see picture above). Then I got to sewing. I sewed the sides and the top edges where the pins are. When you sew, make sure that you leave an opening for for your sleeves. Mine was a 13 in opening, so that you can slip the sleeves in later.

Step 5: Since I was making a robe, I added a little loop in the back piece of the robe so I can put the straps in. I put it on the center of the back pieces starting just below the armpit part. Make sure its centered. You can also add loops to the sides instead if you prefer it that way, it was just easier to do it in the back so I'd only have to do one. Pin & sew. Now you should have the back, front and loop pieces sewed together and only have the sleeves left to sew. 

Thats me trying it on after I made it. John wasn't home to take the picture so I had to do a quick selfie! It took me about 4 hours to do all three only because I sat there for a good 30-40 minutes trying to figure out measurements and how I was going to start it and also took a few breaks in between. I started it at around 8:30 and finished just in time for lunch! But it shouldn't take no more than 45 minutes to do or even an hour at the most. I just get distracted easily! Haha! Overall, I love it and was so proud of them when I finished! Im starting to step out of my comfort zone now and actually trying to make apparels. First the dress, now the robes. John is pretty impressed too. He asked me to make him a bathrobe to use for when he gets out of the shower, but the Terry Cloth material for that is pretty expensive and he's taller so Id have to get more yardage. So I said if I cant find him a robe that cost less than $40, i'll make it for him. You should try it, it's pretty easy! :)

Xx,

Jenn

I finished this project two days ago. It took me a couple days to figure this one out! I guess it was meant to be because when I finally figured it out and was ready to buy fabric, the fabric I needed, Knit ITY was 50% off, as well as the other solid stretchy fabric I needed!!  Don't ask me how that happens to me often, but call me bargain shopper! 

I am no seamstress by any means and just wanted to see what I can come up with! It doesnt hurt to try right? I had ordered two things from a well-known maternity dress retailer during their sales called Sew Trendy Accessories. I love love their gowns! I was able to 'win' 2 items during the sale, and it was chaos! Two of the items i really wanted was sold out before and I wasn't able to get them. I bought the items mainly for our clients use because I love to shoot maternity sessions! But the two items I didn't win, I really wanted to wear for my own maternity session, but it was a 3 week turn around and I wanted to do our session before our baby shower. Anyway, so I looked at the crop top that I had ordered to see how it was sewn. It took me a while to figure out, but I somewhat got the jist of it.. i think! 

Materials Used:

2.5 yards of stretch knit (I used ITY) - $9.00 (it was on sale plus I had a coupon)

Matching thread color - $1.5

1" elastic waist band (already had)

Scissors or rotary cutter

Cutting board

Measuring tape

Pins

Sewing Machine

Total: ~ $12.00

I wanted this to be a two piece item vs, an entire dress so that I can change the top out for future clients. It'll be long sleeve, and short or tube top. Since it's starting to get chilly, I wanted to make a long sleeve but still make it feel sexy, so I made it an off shoulder top. I grabbed one of my old fitted crop tops to use as a pattern and traced it on the fabric. I first did it on a fabric I didn't care too much for just to see how it'd turn out and thats what that white fabric is on top of the jade fabric. 

First step: I cut about 24 inches off the 2.5 yards, because the length of the crop top I cut was 11.5 inch and I needed two. You can cut the fabric according to how long you want the crop top to be. Fold the fabric in half and put your pattern on top top to trace. When cutting your pattern make sure you cut at-least an extra .5 inch from the pattern youre tracing for the part you'll be sewing. Since I wanted to make off shoulder, I cut off the neck part straight (using the original fitted crop top shirt I had. It was a turtle neck so I just folded the turtle neck part to where it goes to the shoulders, I hope that make sense!). I cut two pieces of this. 

For those that do not know, October is also Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month, and on October 15th is when they hold the wave of light. It is just a day for parents who have lost a child due to sids, still birth, miscarriage, etc to remember the little angels they lost. I actually do not know where to begin this post. It is a sensitive and emotional topic for me, but I have never been afraid to speak of my experiences. This may get a tad long and a little personal, but bare with me. 

Lets rewind a bit...You see, we were at a point in both of our lives where it would have been too chaotic to add another human being in the mix. It would have been unfair to the child to be brought into an unhappy home. Not many people know this, it wasn't all honeymoon and fairytale with us. We were at a rocky point in our marriage when it happened and we were just getting back to trying to rebuild and rekindle what we were so close to losing. The year before was just a year of lows and I felt like the roller coaster just kept dropping, where John and I could barely get along. I was at a point where I felt like I was gonna hit rock bottom, and eventually... I did. Many of you guys know that John and I have been together since we were 14/15, and I guess when you have been together that long you eventually hit a point in your relationship where you question a lot of things.  We went through an obstacle course, and we had to fight hard to get through it and survive. And that we did.

It was February of 2012 when John and I found out we were pregnant for the first time. Us... we were going to be parents. Most people would have been ecstatic, but I was in shock. Happy, but in shock. I still remember that day so vividly. I was so nervous to tell John who was still lying in bed that morning. It came as a big surprise because we were not trying at all, nor we're we expecting it to happen soon after I got off of my birth control, but it did and all we could do was accept it. Ready or not, it was a responsibility we couldn't turn our backs on and we knew we had to work hard at it. We tried so hard, but life just kept throwing challenges at us that sometimes made things very difficult. 

And then the unthinkable happened. We found out the baby had stopped growing and had no heartbeat during our first OB visit at a little over 10 weeks. I still remember the doctor doing the sonogram and the look of concern on her face when the baby popped up in the monitor. She was quiet for a minute and I already knew something wasn't right. I squeezed John's hand as she looked at me and told me the most horrifying news I have ever heard. I looked up at John and cried. She said "maybe we just have your due date wrong and that your earlier than we had thought, come back in a few days and we'll do another ultrasound." We walked back to our car devastated. We went to church that day and we prayed together. My mind was spinning, 'Why?' and then thinking, I deserved it. I wasn't fit and ready to be a mother, and He knew that. I didn't want to be angry nor upset, but as a human being, it came naturally. We didn't even have to go in for another ultrasound because later that evening John took me to the ER because I was spotting, and they confirmed there that the baby indeed did not have a heartbeat. So they asked me if I wanted to do a D&C or just wait it out and let my body do the work and do it naturally. I chose the latter. 

I was going into week 12 of the pregnancy when it happened. So imagine how hard it was for me to carry a baby that I knew wasn't growing. I was a wreck. It was in the middle of the night and John had duty that day so he wasn't expected home til the next afternoon. I woke up from really bad cramps, and at the moment I knew it was happening. I squeezed my belly in hopes that I could stop it from really happening, but there was no way I could have saved the baby because he/she was already long gone. Luckily, I wasn't home alone. I called John at work and told them it was an emergency and he immediately called me back. I could barely even say a word because the pain was that bad, I was speaking under my breath to try and tell him the baby is leaving. I don't remember exactly what happened after that but I assume he got in contact with our housemate who was sleeping across the hall because before I knew it, I heard knocking on the door. I was already on the floor crawling by this time. I let him in and he assisted me to his car to drive me to the ER. I just remember screaming and squeezing his hand because the pain was unbearable. Poor guy, I can tell he was panicking! When we got to the ER I was wheel-chaired in and seen right there and then. They took my vitals before taking me into a room. John showed up an hour later to blood all over the floor.  I was crying. He walked over to me, grabbed my hands and reassured me it'll all be okay. Was it going to be? After that hospital visit, we were going home... with no baby in hand. 

The loss broke me. It was the last thing that would bring me all the way down to rockbottom. I cried everyday, sometimes hiding it from John because I knew he was tired of seeing me cry. Our friends had no idea for days/weeks. I wasn't ready to talk to anyone about it. We saw friends during Easter that year and someone came up to me and rubbed my belly asking how baby was, and I just wanted to break down. But I held it together before walking over to John asking him if we could just go home. That was also the day we did our little memorial. We went to the park and let go of blue & pink balloons because we never even got the chance to find out if we were having a boy or a girl.

For a while, I questioned everything. I was back to my unhappy place. It hurt in all aspects; mentally, physically, emotionally. I was drained. I was angry. I was confused. I would never think of doing such thing, but at that time disappearing just seemed a lot better and less painful. I would talk to the baby and say sorry that I couldn't do anything. I blamed myself.  But I knew I had to get myself together. I had to pick myself back up, as hard as it was to do. If I wanted to experience being a mother someday, I had to get myself together. I grieved for weeks, months, but life kept on going and none of it stopped for me. So I realized I had to move on. 

I eventually started to look at the pregnancy and the loss with a glass half full. It helped me cope with the loss.  I kept telling myself that God knew we weren't ready and he wanted to give us time to work on ourselves and our relationship. And even though for a while I felt some kind of anger towards Him, I had to eventually let it go and find my way back and trust that God's plans are better than my dreams. I started going back to church, praying a lot more and seek in him whole heartedly. I surrendered. "Lord its not so easy, sometimes the pain in my life makes you seem so far away. But I'll trust you... through the tears and the pain, through the heartache and rain." Before I even realized it, I was doing just fine. I still had days when I broke down, but I was no longer angry.

There were still so many things we wanted to do and accomplish before becoming parents. That pregnancy saved us in ways we didn't know then, but looking back at it now, if it never had happened, sometimes I wonder if John and I would have still been together. And we could have easily given up on each other after the fact, but instead, that experience brought us closer together and realized that we can go through hell and back, so we worked on us. And that is why I say that the pregnancy saved us, it saved me. We may have lost the baby, but it served a bigger purpose in our lives for that short amount of time.  It gave way for us to work on ourselves and our marriage. 

And today, more than 3 years later, here we are... more in love than ever, stronger, matured, and ready to take on this role. Although it took longer than we had hoped for, I can't imagine our lives going any other way and I can't imagine going through it all with anyone else. In those three years we became homeowners, John got promoted, he also went back to school, I graduated and got my bachelors degree, became a licensed teacher and officially became a photography business owner and was able to travel to four different countries and took as many trips as we could. So you see, you really have to appreciate the tough times and the struggles because it leads you to a path where you could have only imagined back then. You never know how strong you truly are, until that is your only option. 

So on this day every year, I light a candle for an hour to honor that little angel of ours. For being our savior. Although he/she came and went, that baby left a big mark. When we found out we were pregnant this second time, I joked and said his big bro/sister whispered to God and told him "I think they're ready now." For 3 years, we struggled to get to this happy place.  A lot of tears were shed, heartaches, pain. This is the reason why Ive embraced this pregnancy so much because I promised myself that if we ever fell pregnant again, that I was going to treasure every moment of it.  As I type this, feeling the baby move and stretch is a feeling I once thought would never happen to me. But here we are, a little over 9 weeks to go. Having a good, healthy and normal pregnancy so far is still so surreal to us, but we cannot thank Him enough for this little miracle and blessing. 

Everyone copes with loss differently. Although I kept to myself the first few weeks/months, I decided to share my story because often times you don't hear of miscarry or loss stories because many women would rather keep it to themselves and struggle on their own, not because they want to act as if it never happened and it didn't exist, but because the pain of talking about it is unbearable. It hurts, and the pain never truly goes away. I still sit here and wonder how life would have been if the baby was born. What kind of characteristics they would have had, who it would have looked like. And the fact that October was our due date makes this month just a little bittersweet. But I can't be sad forever. I have just gotten to the point where I no longer cry when I speak about it... I will tear up, but not cry as hard as I used to.  That is totally fine. But I wanted to share my story for those who are trying to find comfort in others who have gone through it. Because I know when it first happened, I tried to find an outlet of people who can relate. However you grieve, cope or handle it, as long as you are able to pick yourself up and keep going. This goes for any of the struggles in your life. Failures don't matter, what matters is how you get back up.  Do not blame yourself. I learned from my experience that there really wasn't much any one could do and blaming yourself just makes the process of healing even harder. Life does move on, but you will always carry that little angel in your heart and memory. 

We are 1 in 4. We never thought it could happen to us, but it did. We share our story so that those who have experienced it won't feel like they have to go through this alone. To give them hope.  If sharing your story helps you cope, then share it. I'm sure someone out there would be glad to read and know they aren't alone. But if you'd rather stay silent and keep the pain to yourself, that is fine too. For everyone who has experienced some type of infant and pregnancy loss or know any one who has experienced it, light a candle up for them.

Xx,

Jenn

Pumpkin patch! Its been 3 years since we've gone to one. We had some spare time to kill before a photography session we had to do later that afternoon, so off to Hunt Club Farm we went! I really wanted to check out Bergey's but they're closed on Sundays! We didn't pick any pumpkins this year, but we're definitely going to be picking some next year!! To be honest, I'm normally on track with getting fall decors out, but not this year! I haven't gotten any of our fall decors out, normally I'd have them out and displayed by the end of September! Its because all our seasonal decorations are in the attic and I have not been in the mood to go in there and dig through the boxes to get to the decorations, and John hasn't really been home a lot to help. So I said, "Forget it! We'll just decorate for the Christmas holidays this year!"

 

Check out those mums! I wanted to take the home with us! Hahaha! Btw, I'm looking at these pictures thinking how fast my hair has grown in the past 3 months! Those pre-natals are definitely working wonders on my hair and nails... my skin not so much! Normally I regret cutting my hair short, but this time around I am so glad I did! My hair definitely feels so much thicker and healthier because I cut off all the dead ends where it was fried from getting "re-bonded" from when we went to Philippines 2 years ago. The lady totally messed up my hair. I should of known not to trust a lady who comes to the house to do your hair and not have all the proper equipment! Haha! I've also cut off all my short layers making my hair feel fuller and thicker! 

Of course I have my personal paparazzi following me around snapping away! Hehe! Btw, that sweater makes these pictures feel so much like autumn! I love it! Ever since moving here many years ago, Fall has become my favorite season. We never really got to experience the autumn season in San Diego because there are only two seasons out there: Spring and Summer. Haha! Anyway, we didn't stay too long because we had to head to the store to return something before heading to the park for the session. Ah! The session we did that day was a maternity one and it got me excited for ours! John's doing my maternity and a good friend of mine is doing our family one! So excited!!

We checked out one of the parks we liked to see if the leaves have changed colors. Its one of my favorite locations to do a session during the fall season! It hasn't completey changed colors yet, but it is getting there! Give it a few more weeks, Im sure by mid October it'll be ready for my fall sessions! When we got there, there were a bunch of people kayaking and I got a little jealous because we haven't done too many outdoorsy things like that all summer. But its okay, we'll make up for it next year. Before heading to the parks, we ate some Korean food because I started craving it when a friend I was talking to that morning mention KBBQ! Oh my goodness! The original spot we go to was closed and I started tearing up in the car. I was seriously crying. John was like "you dont have to cry! We can go somewhere else!" He just doesn't understand the struggle, the hormones and the cravings all in one and its messing with me! We were almost going to grab some sushi (dont worry I only order the cooked ones!), but decided to try a new Korean spot we havent been to. Eh, it was okay, not the best, but I guess it somewhat satisfied my craving. Nothing beats your usual spots though, right?!

So I took the plunge and bought a Sony Alpha! I have been back and forth and contemplating for months whether or not I want to go ahead and purchase my own. I decided not to get it, until this good deal came along! I was scrolling through OfferUp, as I do at least once a week, and the a6000 popped up for $350! That rarely ever happens! We were JUST at the Nex during the weekend and I turned down the sale they had for it, for $749 for the bundle. I didnt really need a bundle. I just needed a small enough camera that takes amazing photos for everyday use, because we all know how bulky a Nikon d600 is! So I contemplated all morning until John got off and asked for his opinion since he already owns a Sony a7r (the full frame mirrorless dslr model). And he said go for it, its a good deal! So I offered to buy it for $300, and was afraid the guy would turn me down! Nope, he accepted and off we went to meet him at Town Center. Prior to paying for the camera, I had John inspect and test out the camera. It came with the 16-50mm lens, 8g memory stick, international plugs, and a case. I was so excited! The a6000 is the cropped version of John's camera! He hogs it when were out or traveling, so now I have my own to use and the best part, we can share lenses again! I still have my Nikon d600, thats for business use. I call it my money maker! ;] I snapped that picture of John after I officially owned it! 

I am loving it so far! I just snapped a few photos before we headed back to the car! I can't wait! Blog photos will definitely be a lot better (vs. using my phone all the time) or using John's camera. His files are always so huge and my Nikon is usually tucked away in my camera bag, so sometimes I get lazy to grab it! Ha! It was tough going out and spending the money on this because baby funds are the priority, but I had some cash put aside. Plus!  I've been selling a few stuff on OfferUp as well, and have broke even already. I sold 2 old canon cameras that I used to use for vlogging ($200), and is in the process of selling our Nikon d90 plus two lenses ($500), and other knick knacks that I no longer use. So I didn't really spend money on this, as I like to think of it. lol!

So this isn't project nursery related so I had to figure out another category for this, since I started with Sew Fun as the title of the other post I did, I figured i'd continue with it. Today post is on the DIY Burp Cloth I made. Sewing has been addicting this past week. I haven't sewed this much since, I cant even remember! When I said I was on a roll, I meant it! The past few mornings, after I do my morning routines, I take an hour or so to do some sewing. I've looked around for affordable burp cloths and pacifier clips that I really liked. One burp cloth that I liked was about $13 for a pack of 3 or 4 and a custom made paci clip on Etsy runs from $5.50+ each! So one morning I thought, "let me just go ahead and try and make them!" So I went to my handy dandy go-to: Pinterest to find some inspos!

Burp Cloths: Find tutorial here.

The burp cloth tutorial I went off of is from the link above, and then just adjusted to my liking. Below are images of materials and fabrics I used. I bought my fabrics from Jo-Ann's through sales and discounts as well as Wal-Mart's fabrics section.

I mustve been back and forth at Jo-Ann's fabric this whole week taking advantage of their sales plus 2 50% of coupons one regular price item, and a 20% off your entire purchase. I didnt know you can use them all at the same time! So I came back another day and bought more materials for whatever else I was planning on making!! I wont bore you with the steps since I provided the link above. I swear its that simple! I also finally purchased a cutting board using a coupon of course! ;) So i got that big 'ol board for $12! Its making cutting a lot quicker cuz I can finally put the rotary cutter I bought a while back to good use!

After looking through Etsy and other websites numerous times for changing pad covers and decorative pillows, I have decided to take the plunge and sew my own! Most of the ones I really liked on Etsy are well over $30! Seriously!? Why so expensive? Haha! Since John has fixed my sewing machine the other day, I went to Joann's Fabric recently and bought fabrics! I bought one for a changing pad cover, two pillow cases, a banner type wall art I plan on doing, three fabrics for the hot air balloon mobile John wants to make, and baby blanket. After discounts and a coupon, I spent $25 for all these fabrics! If only Joann's fabric had more designs that I really liked would be more convenient because I could use coupons and I wouldn't have to pay for shipping! I did find some patterns that would work well in the nursery. As soon as I got home, I threw all the fabric in the washer, dried them, and ironed them so they'll be ready for me to work on the next day! 

Pillow Case Covers: 

I went ahead and started doing these first because I've done several of them before! These are easy peasy! If you guys didn't know, Im not an expert when it comes to sewing! Im very much a beginner! I got 1/2 a yard of the Mutli-Expedition Map fabric and 1 yard of that natural colored muslin. I got a yard of the muslin because I will be using some of the left over fabric for the wall banner I'm making. I already had extra pillows laying around the house so it was perfect! For the muslin one, I decided to draw out a compass, sorta. I just used a sharpie. Ghetto fab! I didnt have black fabric paint! Im not very artistic so I kept it simple. It's not perfect. I made the arrows to wide. Woops! But it'll do!

Total cost for both: $7.00

DIY Pillow Case Tutorial found here.  -- This tutorial was the easiest I found, no need for zippers! 

Changing Pad Cover:

Knowing how to make something as simple as these really saved me a lot of money! I am still so glad John got me that sewing machine for Valentines day 5 years ago! It took me a while to finally put it to use, but once I figured out how to use it, it was a game changer! I even taught John how to use the sewing machine so that he can sew on his own patches for his uniform! Now I never have to do it again! He's actually pretty good at it! 

Xx,

Jenn

The shipping was quick! We ordered the wrap on Sunday and it was delivered today! I was scrolling through my Instagram and saw that they were having a sale, and ya'll know me, I try and buy discounted as much as possible!! This wrap was on our registry and I was joking around with my Mom to buy it for me, and she actually said go ahead and order it and she'll pay for it! This was also the same time my parents said they'd buy the crib and mattress for us! Actually, my mom said make a list of things and she'll send money in September! Ahh! They're pretty amazing! This helps us a lot because I'm currently not working, aside from photography gigs, but that isn't enough to live off of, yet! And I don't go back to subbing until mid-Sept! Anyway, I couldn't wait to unbox my wrap! I have yet to try it out (with a teddy, of course).