The Itch @ 21 Weeks

So I have been asked by several of my friends if my belly has started itching. I reply no I use Bio-Oil 2-3 times a day so maybe that is helping to prevent itchy skin.  Well I was so wrong- the itch arrived today and in a huge way. I was sitting in a training class and wanted to just scratch constantly. I'm not sure what causes it but it was so uncomfortable!! Besides the itch everything is going well. I get tired fairly easy and have aches and pains but nothing unusual.  Overall my pregnancy is going great.  I have gained a total of 20 pounds which is on target with the book I am following. I still don't have any cravings and get full really, really easy. Several nights I just skip dinner because I am still full from lunch. I included some bare belly photos below because the others just don't do the belly justice. IT IS HUGE! It is so funny because strangers will ask when I am due and I reply March 13th-- you should see their faces.

My favorite thing about being pregnant is feeling the sweet little kicks. I just love laying in bed and waiting on a gentle kick. I am so happy to be a mommy and am so in love with these sweet little babies.

Over this past weekend, Casey and Mrs. June, my mother-in-law, came over to help Jason paint the nursery and make Halloween cookies.  We had a great time baking cookies. The cookies turned out pretty "SCAREY!" as you can see :0)

Really Scary Cookies 

Mrs. June & Casey

On Saturday, my dad and Jason started the moulding in the nursery. I am so excited and can't wait to get it completed.  The moulding was dad's gift to us.  I love the way it turned out!! Below I included photos to track the progress. The nursery colors are cream and white so it will be neutral.  Jason and his mother caulked and painted all day Sunday.  I didn't realize the woodwork would be so much work.  Poor Jason was exhausted by Sunday evening! If you are wondering where my mom was- she was at home sick. She didn't want to be around me.

Before 

Working on the moulding

 

Moulding complete before painting

This weekend my sister and Jason's Aunt Lisa are hosting a family baby shower for me. I can't wait. It will be my first shower.

Baby Craft Projects

Since I have been feeling better I decided to make a few things for the babies.  Being an engineer, I am not very artistic but I can follow directions and copy other people's ideas.  :0)  While shopping for craft supplies, I came across the Christmas ornament below.  I just loved it and had to have it!

Closet Dividers
My good friend, Haley, made closet dividers for one of our friends. I just loved the idea and thought it would be helpful to organize the babies' closet.  She shared the following blog with me that she used to make the dividers:
http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2009/11/21/diy-closet-dividers/

I bought O's from Hobby Lobby,
craft paint, scrap paper, and Mod Podge 

Anna Kate's Dividers

Foster's Dividers

Anna Kate's Closet Organizers (The numbers look off in the picture but are even)

Foster's Closet Dividers

Anna Kate's Bow Holder

As soon as I found out I was having a little girl I was so excited to buy hair bows and lacy clothes. While organizing the nursery closet, I realized that I needed a means of organizing Anna Kate's hair bows so I looked on Etsy for ideas and below is what I came up with. All of the materials came from Hobby Lobby and were very inexpensive.

I bought all the materials from Hobby Lobby

I used wood glue to apply the letters and a staple gun to attach the ribbons.  I sewed a washer at the bottom of each ribbon to serve as a weight. I was going to glue the washer on but decided for safety reason's that I would sew the washer in. I didn't want to create a choking hazard.  I love the way this project turned out!

I made the ribbons really long to hold several bows

I think Anna Kate will love the crown and owl

I also made burp cloths but will include in a separate post since this one is so long.