tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23470145017832298872024-03-13T13:30:20.962-05:00The Simpson SixKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.comBlogger405125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-54969092875573733542014-05-05T05:19:00.002-05:002014-05-05T05:19:24.168-05:00More Chalk Paint. And the Cutest Footstool Ever<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm on a little bloggy roll! I probably shouldn't jinx myself. </div>
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I continued my craft-a-palooza this weekend, and loved it.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oBEDSb9mOsw/U2dgoSKc9KI/AAAAAAAAMl8/lfm1rCOR-cw/s1600/gross+ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oBEDSb9mOsw/U2dgoSKc9KI/AAAAAAAAMl8/lfm1rCOR-cw/s1600/gross+ice+cream.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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We started our morning on Saturday going to a couple of yard sales (pretty much a bust) and getting some ice cream.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hGX32nJcFD4/U2dgob7rVkI/AAAAAAAAMl4/q15PedMo-0s/s1600/Jack+baseball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hGX32nJcFD4/U2dgob7rVkI/AAAAAAAAMl4/q15PedMo-0s/s1600/Jack+baseball.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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After this boy played baseball, my mother-in-law and I went to pick Henry up from my parents' house, where he had spent the night.</div>
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We ran into Goodwill on our way home, because I was looking for a little footstool for the playhouse. My friend Stephanie has an amazing ottoman at her house. It's one that her mom recovered, and it's covered with patchworky goodness. I.love.it. That was my inspiration for the playhouse footstool/little seat. I didn't really think I'd find anything at GW, because I normally can't go with something specific in mind.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-slWOa7zlpYg/U2dfWcScnBI/AAAAAAAAMlQ/lS2Dr2VvTVI/s1600/footstool+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-slWOa7zlpYg/U2dfWcScnBI/AAAAAAAAMlQ/lS2Dr2VvTVI/s1600/footstool+before.jpg" height="400" width="350" /></a></div>
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My MIL found this stool. AHHHH!!! Perfection! *I realize most people won't look at this and think "perfection".* It was five dollars and the absolute ideal size. It was also begging for a makeover. And yes, I realize how creepy Jack looks in this picture.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-szgMVnkTUoM/U2dfYsFaAPI/AAAAAAAAMlc/vZ2WIJ0ZrNA/s1600/footstool+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-szgMVnkTUoM/U2dfYsFaAPI/AAAAAAAAMlc/vZ2WIJ0ZrNA/s1600/footstool+inside.jpg" height="400" width="280" /></a></div>
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It has a lovely red velvet lining. Hideous, but the kids think it's hilarious. And the lining is in fine condition, so I left it. There was a receipt inside from Wal Mart in 1997.</div>
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I pulled off the trim and the 1,000 tacks that they used to hold it on, then pulled off the disgusting cover. All I could think was that some old woman used to prop her gross feet up on it to clip her toenails....</div>
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I used four fabrics and cut 4"x4" squares, then just sewed them all together, making sure I didn't have any of the same squares touching each other. I lined it up on top and stapled away. I had some jumbo red rick rack trim, so put that where the previous trim (which essentially disintegrated in my hands as I was removing it) was.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wb1NZnQg0Qg/U2dfXl0fviI/AAAAAAAAMlk/4R6nhltXkJk/s1600/after4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wb1NZnQg0Qg/U2dfXl0fviI/AAAAAAAAMlk/4R6nhltXkJk/s1600/after4.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is so cute with its little makeover, and I can't wait to see it in the playhouse. Though I like it in the hallway, and may need to be on the lookout for another! Total cost? $5.00. I had the scraps of fabric and rick rack, so the only cost was the stool and an hour of my time.</div>
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Yesterday, Jack and I got some flowers for the patio and porch. He and Katie helped me plant them. Have you ever had someone in a wheelchair who can't move half of her body help you plant flowers? It's interesting, to say the least. I'm fairly certain she got more dirt on the patio, herself, and me than in any pots.</div>
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After our flowers, Katie was crabby and she and I laid down for a nap. She actually slept for about 90 minutes, and that child NEVER takes a nap. </div>
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When we got up, I got her settled with a movie and iPad, and hauled our coffee table out to the porch.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3ZXxdYdOnM/U2dgobPyzXI/AAAAAAAAMl0/NtfNnATDrQU/s1600/coffee+table.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3ZXxdYdOnM/U2dgobPyzXI/AAAAAAAAMl0/NtfNnATDrQU/s1600/coffee+table.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I didn't take a picture of it, but this was it. This picture is from three years ago, and our living room looks NOTHING like that anymore. Thank God we don't have those couches. I hated both of them! I also hate that coffee table, and I don't know why I didn't paint it years ago. I really want a rectangular table, but this will have to do for now.</div>
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I used the other sample container of the paint I got for testing exterior colors for the playhouse. This one is <a href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6073-perfect-greige/">Sherwin Williams perfect greige</a>. </div>
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I also painted this little table, which had been on our porch for years. It was looking ROUGH. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eopzrOM5yF4/U2dhvxlqZEI/AAAAAAAAMmY/tnATwPgEW50/s1600/tiny+table+before.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eopzrOM5yF4/U2dhvxlqZEI/AAAAAAAAMmY/tnATwPgEW50/s1600/tiny+table+before.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="346" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEAnnmQA5p0/U2dhtfbICFI/AAAAAAAAMmQ/KXp2XKQEKrQ/s1600/table+after2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEAnnmQA5p0/U2dhtfbICFI/AAAAAAAAMmQ/KXp2XKQEKrQ/s1600/table+after2.jpg.jpg" height="348" width="400" /></a></div>
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I did some distressing on the coffee table, and it was almost dark outside by the time I was done so these photos are awful.</div>
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I did two coats of wax on the top, buffing in between. It is such a huge improvement! I'll have to take more pictures next weekend when I get do it with better lighting. (And, um, with no beanbag and discarded quilt in the background!)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79L6JMiG-70/U2dhvmnVbNI/AAAAAAAAMmo/UClIhyJKl2c/s1600/tiny+table+after.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79L6JMiG-70/U2dhvmnVbNI/AAAAAAAAMmo/UClIhyJKl2c/s1600/tiny+table+after.jpg.jpg" height="367" width="400" /></a></div>
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The little table came out really cute too. I have it on our porch for now, but it may end up in the playhouse. It might be too little, so we're just going to leave it on the porch for now and see once we get a little further along with the playhouse.</div>
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I hope you had a great weekend!</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-54042928883801193802014-05-04T05:41:00.002-05:002014-05-04T05:41:48.082-05:00Crafty Saturday<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm loving all of the things I've been crafting up lately! It's amazing how some nice weather is all the motivation I need. We've been sticking closer to home than normal too, with Katie's limited mobility, so that's given me the time to mark some things off of my list.</div>
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I made another sweet little doll quilt. This one is for a fundraiser auction. It's not live yet, but I'll edit the post to include the auction link when it is. When I reopen The Crazy Kukla Boutique, I will have these sets available. I think they are so cute!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWAlGA8rWcY/U2YVPVHKdOI/AAAAAAAAMkY/8CKugKWZZrc/s1600/Quilt+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWAlGA8rWcY/U2YVPVHKdOI/AAAAAAAAMkY/8CKugKWZZrc/s1600/Quilt+back.jpg" height="375" width="400" /></a></div>
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The back is a fun purple chevron, and it's got a little doll sized flannel pillow as well, with a coordinating pillowcase.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdRknYm6WIE/U2YVOphfDYI/AAAAAAAAMkA/iq0PGl6ku50/s1600/pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdRknYm6WIE/U2YVOphfDYI/AAAAAAAAMkA/iq0PGl6ku50/s1600/pillow.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></div>
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Remember Katie's Ikea doll bed?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UP0d3A-VK2s/U2YVLS6ll-I/AAAAAAAAMj4/mAWk019qM3A/s1600/Mattress.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UP0d3A-VK2s/U2YVLS6ll-I/AAAAAAAAMj4/mAWk019qM3A/s1600/Mattress.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></div>
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We've had it for almost two years, and it was just the unfinished pine, as it came.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KI0h1vyB3HM/U2YVPbObYfI/AAAAAAAAMkQ/gbqgJAP_Wcc/s1600/quilt+in+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KI0h1vyB3HM/U2YVPbObYfI/AAAAAAAAMkQ/gbqgJAP_Wcc/s1600/quilt+in+bed.jpg" height="400" width="342" /></a></div>
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Well I finally tried some chalk paint yesterday, and this was one of my pieces I painted. I love it! I used one of the sample colors I had for the playhouse exterior to make the paint, and I had enough (with leftover) to paint the doll bed, a table, and a picture frame. If you've been thinking about trying chalk paint but haven't, DO IT! It was SO easy.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51FC3uRhheU/U2YVSipAtRI/AAAAAAAAMko/9TsqCc_3_j8/s1600/cross+stitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51FC3uRhheU/U2YVSipAtRI/AAAAAAAAMko/9TsqCc_3_j8/s1600/cross+stitch.jpg" height="400" width="396" /></a></div>
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I got this little cross stitch at a garage sale for 75 cents. It was framed in this frame, which was a lovely shade of 1995 hunter green. I just popped the cross stitch fabric out, did two layers of chalk paint, and let it dry. (It dries <u>super</u> fast.) Then I went back and sanded it in random places to make it a little distressed. Finally, after I wiped it down to get off any dirt, etc., I wiped on a layer of finishing wax, then buffed it out. I know it sounds like a lot of steps - it's so easy. The steps don't take long, and it's such an easy way to make something look 100 times better. This frame was hideous, but it's a good frame. And for 75 cents, I couldn't pass it up for the playhouse. I love how it looks now!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oT3jenM8ggY/U2YVSlRMhuI/AAAAAAAAMks/kI_P_xbfjdg/s1600/table+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oT3jenM8ggY/U2YVSlRMhuI/AAAAAAAAMks/kI_P_xbfjdg/s1600/table+before.jpg" height="400" width="378" /></a></div>
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This is the table I started with. (And Katie's 1970s tupperware measuring cup in the background. . . that girl loves to measure some stuff, pour it into another container, bang the cups together. She seriously could be entertained for 30 minutes with some measuring cups.)</div>
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This table was - wait for it - TRASH! Like, literally trash. We park in a parking garage at my office. Someone left this table in the garage for probably a week. I thought it was the cutest thing. Obviously needed some love, but the table is so cute. I joked and said I was going to take it home. Well after it had been there for honestly a week and it was obvious nobody was claiming it, the girls from my office put it next to my car because they knew I would never take it! That was TWO YEARS AGO and I've let the thing look like this since then. I've been using it as my nightstand, and my intent was to repaint it and put it in the playhouse, because it's a little, little table.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fbfux8P7DMc/U2YVS1zykdI/AAAAAAAAMkw/6yzLvQ2RaCs/s1600/table+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fbfux8P7DMc/U2YVS1zykdI/AAAAAAAAMkw/6yzLvQ2RaCs/s1600/table+after.jpg" height="392" width="400" /></a></div>
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Excuse me. That's back next to my bed. Chris was so irritated when I brought this thing home, because it looked like a piece of garbage. It's adorable now! I'm so irritated that I waited two years to paint it. </div>
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The chalk paint method I used was:</div>
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Combine 2 1/2 tablespoons of <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/21798069?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=41833582510&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=19880599990&veh=sem">Plaster of Paris</a> with 1 1/2 tablespoons of water. Mix until it's smooth. Pour 8 ounces of latex paint into that mixture, and mix really well until it's smooth and fully combined. You don't want any lumps. (I suggest using a plastic container for this so you can just throw it away when you're done.) The paint dries and thickens quickly, so you have to work fairly fast. Just brush it on like you normally would and let it dry. If your mixture thickens up and becomes crumbly, etc., just mix in some more water and re-mix it all back to a smooth texture. Once it's dry, you can distress or go right to waxing. If you distress, make sure you wipe your piece down thoroughly to get any dust or dirt off, then let it dry again. To wax it (which seals the piece and also protects the chalk finish from dings, scratches, etc.), I used <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Minwax-78600-1-Lb-Paste-Finishing-Wax/21582446">Minwax finishing paste</a>. I wiped it on with a clean rag (I used a baby burp cloth - my magic cloth of choice for every.single.thing.) I let that dry, then just buffed it. And that's it! Seriously, so easy. And I have enough Plaster of Paris and finishing wax to last me about 30 years. You use such a tiny, tiny amount of each, your cost per project for your supplies is literally pennies. I'm going to do my ugly coffee table today!</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-26420282965224922862014-04-30T23:05:00.002-05:002014-04-30T23:05:50.800-05:00Crafty Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So with The Crazy Kukla Boutique not currently taking orders, I've had time to make some fun things. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEWiGFZjFaE/U2HGiQ5qhnI/AAAAAAAAMi0/xKO_pQrJfoI/s1600/doll+carrier+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEWiGFZjFaE/U2HGiQ5qhnI/AAAAAAAAMi0/xKO_pQrJfoI/s1600/doll+carrier+3.jpg" height="400" width="231" /></a></div>
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This is my new favorite gift to make for a child.</div>
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It's a doll size Mai Tai carrier.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--L1jIQPJEsU/U2HGjHZgvTI/AAAAAAAAMjA/GdAkbap3Mgo/s1600/doll+carrier+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--L1jIQPJEsU/U2HGjHZgvTI/AAAAAAAAMjA/GdAkbap3Mgo/s1600/doll+carrier+4.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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Jack used it for a kitty and Mr. Mouse.</div>
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And I had to pay him TEN DOLLARS to get him to try it on and let me take pictures.</div>
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He's quite an entrepreneur. . . </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GpYIvf-RaqA/U2HGiebd2jI/AAAAAAAAMi8/-TP5Hziz2-0/s1600/Doll+carrier+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GpYIvf-RaqA/U2HGiebd2jI/AAAAAAAAMi8/-TP5Hziz2-0/s1600/Doll+carrier+back.jpg" height="400" width="278" /></a></div>
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The carrier is so cute - seriously just like one that the mama wears.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Uw03ICPMVw/U2HGiXrVTXI/AAAAAAAAMi4/N6AaFEd3NZg/s1600/Doll+carrier+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Uw03ICPMVw/U2HGiXrVTXI/AAAAAAAAMi4/N6AaFEd3NZg/s1600/Doll+carrier+front.jpg" height="400" width="280" /></a></div>
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Jack pretended he hated it, but I knew he liked it. </div>
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There may or may not be one of these going into the playhouse.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pxe9QrBlbG8/U2HGkKm0aVI/AAAAAAAAMjY/dgCJ3kvIkjQ/s1600/sucker+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pxe9QrBlbG8/U2HGkKm0aVI/AAAAAAAAMjY/dgCJ3kvIkjQ/s1600/sucker+shirt.jpg" height="400" width="353" /></a></div>
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Tonight I finished a shirt and tutu set for a friend's little girl for her birthday party. </div>
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It's a Candy Land party!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZtb1rRPlAk/U2HGkblpcCI/AAAAAAAAMjg/zVF2u6qoGcw/s1600/tutu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZtb1rRPlAk/U2HGkblpcCI/AAAAAAAAMjg/zVF2u6qoGcw/s1600/tutu.jpg" height="400" width="381" /></a></div>
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And, um, I totally made Jack try this on too. He and Paisley, the birthday girl, are the same size and I needed a fit model. No photos of that little gem. :)</div>
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Next up?</div>
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Finishing up a sweet baby set for someone, and then a really, really cute project for the playhouse. I seriously have to restrain myself from doing that before the baby set. </div>
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And I'll leave you with something disgusting. Katie's foot.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-23osZpKidAQ/U2HGjZTUzaI/AAAAAAAAMjU/zNHD_m0jAik/s1600/foot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-23osZpKidAQ/U2HGjZTUzaI/AAAAAAAAMjU/zNHD_m0jAik/s1600/foot.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm sure you're thrilled I've shared. Her cast, which you can see a tiny bit of in this photo, is gortex lined. That seems to be sucking all of the moisture out of her body. And she rubs this foot on something all.day.long. Like it is her job. It is so ridiculously dry and cracked and lizard like. I can only imagine what it looks like underneath her cast. We've been putting cream on it, but tomorrow I'm busting out the big guns and going for the coconut oil. I sort of feel like that fixes anything, so I'm going to give it a run for its money with that foot!!</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-84477909763511260152014-04-29T05:24:00.001-05:002014-04-29T05:24:16.306-05:00My First Quilt! And Some Extras....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Most of you know I like to sew. I have an <a href="http://crazykuklaboutique.etsy.com/">etsy shop</a> and a <a href="http://Facebook.com/TheCrazyKuklaBoutique">FaceBook boutique</a>, both of which I've temporarily "closed". Katie requires so much more care than normal while she's in this cast. While I do my sewing after everyone has gone to bed, between working full time, taking care of my family when I get home, projects around the house, grocery shopping, etc. and the extra attention Katie needs, by the time everyone has gone to bed I do not have the energy right now to sit down and start working on sewing orders. Do I think it will be closed forever? Probably not. I love, love, love making things for other people. Do I know when it will reopen? No, I don't. I'm sure I will lose customers, but that's OK. I will get new ones. I would absolutely love for sewing to be my full time job, but it's not so I will do it when I can. Does a closed shop mean I'm not sewing? Um, no. I'm just doing it for us right now, which I have not done for a long time.</div>
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Katie has had the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10101664/">Ikea doll bed</a> for about a year and a half. It came with a "bedlinen" set, which was horrible. It was a tiny little flat pillow and a flannel blanket. Cozy, no? I want to start quilting, but didn't want to jump right in to a huge quilt since I've never made one before. I thought a doll quilt would be a perfect place to start. I used the <a href="http://www.theclothparcel.com/shop/pearl-flower-doll-quilt-pdf-pattern/">pearl flower doll quilt pattern</a> from The Cloth Parcel, and I left off the pearl flower. The pattern was SUPER easy to follow. It's one page. Without distractions, this could easily be completed, from cutting through sewing, binding, etc. in two hours. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSDAepIsL7A/U194N-M87DI/AAAAAAAAMio/QrARHZkBnIE/s1600/quilt+and+pillow.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qSDAepIsL7A/U194N-M87DI/AAAAAAAAMio/QrARHZkBnIE/s1600/quilt+and+pillow.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I used a mermaid fat quarter bundle I had from Joann (which also has seahorses and a cute octopus fabric), a pink fabric with tiny white polka dots, an aqua fabric with larger white polka dots, a solid turquoise, and a very faint blue and white chevron. The backing is a light green with tiny turquoise diamonds. I had all of these fabrics already, so my cost for this project was zero dollars. My favorite. </div>
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I made the quilt and put it on the bed, and it looked pitiful. There was no pillow, no mattress, nothing. Just a quilt on a wooden bed. So next I sewed up a little pillow. I didn't take a picture of just the pillow, but it's just a white cotton solid that's roughly 10 inches long by 6 inches wide. I measured the inside of the bed rails (12 inches) and just eyeballed it from there. Then I used some of the leftover fabric from the fat quarter pack to make the coordinating pillowcase. I still didn't love it, so I wanted to make a mattress.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V4ToB2e_4RI/U194M1O7zpI/AAAAAAAAMiY/nHk84qnqCVQ/s1600/Mattress.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V4ToB2e_4RI/U194M1O7zpI/AAAAAAAAMiY/nHk84qnqCVQ/s1600/Mattress.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></div>
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Thank you Pinterest, I found a <a href="http://sonotadomesticdiva.wordpress.com/2011/03/09/bedding-basics-mattress-pillows-for-doll-bed/">great tutorial</a> on making the mattress. I was planning to just get some foam and cut it to size, but I love this so much more. It was MUCH easier than I thought it would be when I started reading about a hand tufted doll mattress with box pleats. For real - less than an hour to make it from start to finish. And I had everything already (fabric, quilt batting, and polyfill stuffing that I took from a pillow that had a tear). These are about $20-ish on etsy, and I made mine for free with materials I already had and about an hour of my time. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cSB0mtnLCQ0/U194NUJYr8I/AAAAAAAAMik/vIkbhdS2UTc/s1600/baby+in+bed.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cSB0mtnLCQ0/U194NUJYr8I/AAAAAAAAMik/vIkbhdS2UTc/s1600/baby+in+bed.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="301" /></a></div>
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I'm in love with this little set. And with quilting. I can't wait to make another! We're putting bunk beds in the playhouse, and they will be smaller than a traditional bed. I'm considering making the mattresses for them with this method, and making some custom sheets and quilts to fit them. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dZ2sligVTc/U194NPO_oHI/AAAAAAAAMic/jQ76Rhz9kWE/s1600/Mama+K.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dZ2sligVTc/U194NPO_oHI/AAAAAAAAMic/jQ76Rhz9kWE/s1600/Mama+K.jpg.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Please ignore the spiderman pull-up, naked child, <br />and Spongebob duck tape on her cast!</i></td></tr>
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Little Mama liked the blanket a lot too. She saw it and immediately pointed to herself and said, "Yea! KK!," and asked for a baby. Jack, her happy servant, went upstairs to get her a baby, which she proceeded to snuggle, wrap up, sing to, pat on the back, and feed. This is HUGE. This child hates dolls. Hates them. She's terrified of them and would spank them and throw them out of the room. Loving on one and playing with it in an appropriate way is a big step for my little mama, and I was so proud of her. I keep showing her this picture and telling her what a good mama she was to her baby, and she gets very proud and smiles. I love my girl. </div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-57876359352689427032014-04-27T19:24:00.002-05:002014-04-27T19:24:31.708-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Remember what the playhouse <a href="http://thesimpsonsix.blogspot.com/2014/03/katies-birthday-present.html">looked like before</a>? We've started making some changes! </div>
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Chris tore down the little wall that was in there and opened the whole thing up. Clearly Jack was excited. . . </div>
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We searched locally everywhere we could think of for some small windows. We found nothing. Like, seriously NOTHING. I was so disappointed. Then Chris found these adorable little windows and shutters online at <a href="http://readyshed.com/">readyshed.com</a>. They were very reasonably priced (about $28.00 for each window and about $13.00 for each pair of shutters) so we ordered four windows and four sets of shutters. I just ordered window boxes for the windows too, and I can't wait to get them.</div>
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The windows and shutters arrived Friday, and we had fabulous weather yesterday so got started putting them in.</div>
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Jack was very helpful with the tape measure. We got him his own yesterday evening, because he loved to measure. . . </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dunqc_ktbQU/U12awOe7t2I/AAAAAAAAMhI/Ay_N9FzTG6g/s1600/playhouse+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dunqc_ktbQU/U12awOe7t2I/AAAAAAAAMhI/Ay_N9FzTG6g/s1600/playhouse+paint.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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The windows are up, so I painted some samples to test my color choices. The exterior will be the darker square, and the door will be the center green square. (The door will be the same color as <a href="http://thesimpsonsix.blogspot.com/2012/01/katies-room.html">Katie's room</a>. It's <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Glidden-DUO-8-oz-MSL129-Martha-Stewart-Living-Sea-Glass-Interior-Paint-Sample-GLD-MSL129/203448206">Martha Stewart Sea Glass</a>, and I'm still obsessed with it.) We will trim the windows out, hang the shutters, and put up the window boxes.</div>
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Inside we've got tons of work to do! The door will be made smaller and a window will be hung to the side of it. That will give us five windows total, and the door will be a dutch door. The goal is, obviously, to have a lot of air flowing through. We also ordered a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Solar-Application-70441-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B000MW60VO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398644499&sr=8-3&keywords=solar+exhaust+fan">solar exhaust fan</a> to help with circulating the air. </div>
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We're doing bead board paneling around the bottom of the whole house, with a thick baseboard and a chair rail. We'll hang a thin plywood above the paneling, and paint it white. The ceiling will stay open, and we're painting it white. The floor will be white with the same sea glass paint striped on the floor. The back left corner will have bunk beds. Katie's birthday party this year will be a playhouse warming party, so it will have to be done before then! </div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-19291964790223595552014-04-27T18:59:00.002-05:002014-04-27T18:59:52.972-05:00Surviving the Spica: Halfway There<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh the spica cast. . . we're four weeks and five days into the spica cast. I have to admit, it hasn't been as hard as I thought it would. Please do not misinterpret that to read that it hasn't been hard. It has been. <i>Very, very</i> hard. But not as bad as we were expecting. And the things that have been hard have been things that I didn't think about.</div>
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The hardest part has been Katie's frustration. Why is she frustrated? Um, hello. She can't move. Her ability to tell us if something hurts, is itchy, she's hungry, she wet her diaper, etc. is limited. She has a cast from chest to ankle. There's only so much Spongebob one person can watch. . . pick a reason. More than the frustration though, it's been the accompanying behavior that's been difficult. You can take the girl out of the orphanage, but you can't take the orphanage out of the girl. She's back to hitting herself (a lot), slapping herself, spitting, banging her head, and just closing her eyes and sucking on her tongue when she's upset and frustrated. This is like 100 steps backward in the emotional health department, and I'm hoping will quickly resolve when the cast is removed.</div>
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We aren't, however, letting the cast keep us down! Katie's been front and center at Jack's ball games, cheering on every.single.person who is up to bat, giving them a, "Go boy!" or a thumbs up, and some loud clapping and "Good job!" </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We went to our sweet friend Winnie's yard sale to tell her see you later as she got ready to move to Austin. We will miss her and her fabulous family!</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXejjzD2h38/U12Mr0mkgRI/AAAAAAAAMfo/zlwUMUhsMyE/s1600/Gatlinburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hXejjzD2h38/U12Mr0mkgRI/AAAAAAAAMfo/zlwUMUhsMyE/s1600/Gatlinburg.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last weekend we went to Gatlinburg for Henry's birthday. It's about three and a half hours from our house, and Katie did great on the trip. We stayed in a great cabin in the woods, and we loved every second of it.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOPT0GrbsNU/U12MsyjOMfI/AAAAAAAAMfk/3VEmgHJPC6U/s1600/Jack+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jOPT0GrbsNU/U12MsyjOMfI/AAAAAAAAMfk/3VEmgHJPC6U/s1600/Jack+picture.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jack drew this picture. He's been very protective of Katie. The kids were at my parents' house and Katie was in her wheelchair on the deck. My parents went into the yard and Jack said, "GIGI! Katie MUST have adult supervision at all times!" Today they were outside with my sister at our house, and it started to rain a little. Jack quickly flipped the brakes on her chair up, wheeled her around and hauled it back to the house yelling, "Katie's cast cannot get wet! Katie, you have to get inside!" Apparently our crazy protection of the cast has rubbed off. :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqFQ4iqcBXc/U12MuKQXAII/AAAAAAAAMfw/cl57wu9H4iQ/s1600/Mermaid+KK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqFQ4iqcBXc/U12MuKQXAII/AAAAAAAAMfw/cl57wu9H4iQ/s1600/Mermaid+KK.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Girlfriend loves a sponge bath on the counter. We thought she would hate it, but she's really enjoyed it. Her favorite part is when we're done and she gets to roll over and splash in the water in the sink. She's the cutest little mermaid I've ever known.</div>
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She's out of school until next year. She's receiving her therapies (PT, OT, and ST) at home, as well as three hours of educational instruction. So far, so good. We're starting with a speech app with her speech therapist to help her be able to better communicate. She really likes it so far, and she's done well with it. PT has really helped her to be more confident and less fearful in her cast. And we're continuing to work with OT on strengthening her arms and hands, improving her grasp, and working on her writing.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-cm6xAUNt8/U12Mu85S1xI/AAAAAAAAMgA/8i_WWcW2pUU/s1600/post+op+xray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x-cm6xAUNt8/U12Mu85S1xI/AAAAAAAAMgA/8i_WWcW2pUU/s1600/post+op+xray.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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She had her four week post-op visit to Dr. S. on Thursday. He was very happy with her bone placement and hardware, so we've scheduled our cast removal. WOOHOO!!!!!! We're set for May 29th, and we.will.be.ready. Her skin on her ankle and foot at the end of the cast is so dry. Seriously like lizard skin. I cannot imagine what it will be like under that cast. I think we need to pack our swimsuits and stop at the pool on the way home from that appointment!</div>
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As hard as it's been, our girl has been such a trooper. She's had, for the vast majority of the time, a fabulous attitude. She's handled this experience SO much better than I would, and we're very proud of our girl!</div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-77044298889957406672014-03-26T21:49:00.005-05:002014-03-26T21:50:50.379-05:00Katie's Surgery - Day Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not going to lie to you. Day two started out rough. . . All of her really <strike style="font-style: italic;">awesome</strike> strong pain meds and anesthesia wore off around 2 a.m. She had slept pretty much all day yesterday, so when she woke up at 2 she was up for the day. I had gotten up at 3:15 to get ready for her surgery that day, as we had to be at the hospital at 5:30. I did not love getting up at 2! I put in a movie for her and sort of dozed on the couch until about 4. Hospitals are not places for getting rest. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see here how high up her cast comes. Obviously that causes her not to be able to bend her torso at all, so no sitting up, turning, etc.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BnkCFo3DDyo/UzOK2ZtvdrI/AAAAAAAAMe8/FUqFAkYBYg0/s1600/20140325_221526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BnkCFo3DDyo/UzOK2ZtvdrI/AAAAAAAAMe8/FUqFAkYBYg0/s1600/20140325_221526.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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One bonus with the cast? I can prop her ipad up and she's good to go!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ax6v6ipAbgc/UzOK2fNK2HI/AAAAAAAAMfA/O1svG7rdbSo/s1600/IMG_20140325_202304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ax6v6ipAbgc/UzOK2fNK2HI/AAAAAAAAMfA/O1svG7rdbSo/s1600/IMG_20140325_202304.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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She's still on IV fluids and a pulse ox monitor. She's done great with that this time, and it usually drives her crazy.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b8BwiSmE3bc/UzOKkiIu3CI/AAAAAAAAMds/hKsoaNO2P2E/s1600/tummy+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b8BwiSmE3bc/UzOKkiIu3CI/AAAAAAAAMds/hKsoaNO2P2E/s1600/tummy+time.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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We rolled her to her belly this morning, which she did not love. It's all pretty scary to her right now. It's important for us to move her so she doesn't get pressure sores, and also right now to keep the stuff in her lungs moving because she can't sit up to cough it out.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfPNjC4U2ZI/UzOKxcl5vuI/AAAAAAAAMe4/BAhq-Ui6egM/s1600/IMG_20140326_090754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfPNjC4U2ZI/UzOKxcl5vuI/AAAAAAAAMe4/BAhq-Ui6egM/s1600/IMG_20140326_090754.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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She did eat some breakfast. . . her beloved hot dog and a little bit of eggs. </div>
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We petaled her cast with some water proof tape to help keep moisture from going to the bathroom out of the cast. The last thing we want is a wet cast. There was also a spot at the bottom of her cast, right near her bum, that was pretty rough and was down too low. Someone from casting came up and trimmed it. With a saw. She was not excited about that, but he was so quick and so nice to her. He did a great, great job. He told her the noise would sound like a vacuum. He clearly needs a new vacuum if that's what his sounds like!</div>
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I brought a bag of new treats for her. She opened one after the cast trimming, and it was this little set of dress up bears. I seriously almost cried when she dressed this first one. She has a washcloth on her head and a thermometer coming out of her mouth. She pointed to her and said, "Kk," and frowned. It made me so sad! She also had her catheter removed this morning, which made her very nervous. She was really upset after the turning and the petaling and the catheter and the saw. We gave her some valium and some pain meds and she took a little nap.</div>
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We also had visits from a woman who taught us all about her cast care, caring for Katie in the cast, things we should and shouldn't do, etc. A woman from PT also came by to fit Katie for her harness for the car and to teach us how to use it. Because her cast is reclined, she cannot ride in her carseat. Or any carseat. She will need to be lying down in the backseat of the car, wearing her harness, and strapped into two seatbelts. This is how she will travel every.single.time. we have to go someplace. We are going to have to rethink our school transportation for the boys, because right now Chris brings them and picks them up. I'm not sure how feasible that will be with the cast, because it will literally probably take 30 minutes to get her in and out of the car each time she goes someplace. We've got a big learning curve here.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGSIqJiJC6U/UzOKqBRLYNI/AAAAAAAAMeU/5ngk8KZgmPM/s1600/IMG_20140326_130821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oGSIqJiJC6U/UzOKqBRLYNI/AAAAAAAAMeU/5ngk8KZgmPM/s1600/IMG_20140326_130821.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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This afternoon, a volunteer came by with some art supplies. Katie picked some watercolor paints to use. She loved it. </div>
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She painted lots of pictures. The girl had to get more paper three times.</div>
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She took it very seriously! She also wanted Chris and me to both paint with her, and she was very selective about the colors we would use. She may or may not be a little bossy.</div>
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We hung her paintings on her door and the walls of her room. When people come in, she makes sure she shows everyone her artwork.</div>
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She was very, very happy when Chris got her collection of movies from the car. A little Spongebob goes a long way with this girl!</div>
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The best part of her day was seeing Gigi! She and Gigi ate dinner together, and Katie ate all of her hot dog and all of her macaroni and cheese. She also drank a full cup of apple juice, which was the most she'd had to drink all day. Gigi brought her a bag of treats, and we did some pop beads and watched a movie together.</div>
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She also got a visit from Mabel, a therapy dog. Mabel was a Great Dane, and she was so big and sweet. She was really excited that Katie smelled like a hot dog! Mabel was like a pony - she was enormous! Her owner was very sweet and friendly, and Katie really liked seeing her. </div>
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If all stays the same, Katie should go home tomorrow. I think they would have let us go today, but I told them I didn't feel like we were ready. We're both going to try to get some good rest tonight and look forward to sleeping in our own beds!</div>
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Thank you so much to everyone who has been checking on her, praying for her, sending her sweet messages, and sending me texts to see how she's doing. We are very lucky to have so many people who love Katie and care so much about her.</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-66141129769121937072014-03-26T08:49:00.003-05:002014-03-26T08:53:26.716-05:00Katie's Birthday Present<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Katie will turn seven in June. When she first came home, she had no idea how to play. Like, as in, would look at a toy if you gave it to her and just smile. She had no idea what to do with them. She didn't know how to pretend to do anything. Now she loves to cook things up in her kitchen, have a tea party, push some dolls around in a stroller, and do lots of other pretend play. What does a girl who has a newfound love for playing need? A playhouse!</div>
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I know, I know. It looks like a shed. Um, it is. Use your imagination.</div>
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I have big plans for this little beauty! We're going to make the door into a dutch door, add some windows to the house, some window boxes with flowers, and add a little porch.</div>
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It's 8x10, and right now it's divided into two rooms.</div>
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I'm not sure if we'll leave it as two rooms or just open it up and make it one big room.</div>
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I've been pinning like a madwoman on Pinterest. Some of my favorite ideas are these:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyDxRP_RmGM/UzLaCWAgcYI/AAAAAAAAMcg/XUFUmX608jA/s1600/pinterest+playhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyDxRP_RmGM/UzLaCWAgcYI/AAAAAAAAMcg/XUFUmX608jA/s1600/pinterest+playhouse.jpg" height="400" width="131" /></a></div>
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I love this little porch with no roof.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9eS5Wjoge2M/UzLaCcvfG6I/AAAAAAAAMcc/UVU2b2N4snI/s1600/playhouse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9eS5Wjoge2M/UzLaCcvfG6I/AAAAAAAAMcc/UVU2b2N4snI/s1600/playhouse2.jpg" height="400" width="337" /></a></div>
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We will paint the door this color to match our house. And it's a dutch door!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-a_Fi8kS5I/UzLaPnvjazI/AAAAAAAAMc4/rHNQjpMsTKo/s1600/solar+lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-a_Fi8kS5I/UzLaPnvjazI/AAAAAAAAMc4/rHNQjpMsTKo/s1600/solar+lights.jpg" height="335" width="400" /></a></div>
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I want to hang some solar lights on either side of the front door.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-73KZgSmdYyU/UzLaOuYvumI/AAAAAAAAMc8/MbQepZEtAIg/s1600/kitchen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-73KZgSmdYyU/UzLaOuYvumI/AAAAAAAAMc8/MbQepZEtAIg/s1600/kitchen2.jpg" height="400" width="276" /></a></div>
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I love these little kitchens. We have a Pottery Barn Kids kitchen that our friends gave us, and we'll move that out. I want to hang some open shelves above it.</div>
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I've already started scouring Goodwill and can't wait for some yard sales to start up so I can find lots of goodies for it. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSH4cnJydoI/UzLbVYk3kJI/AAAAAAAAMdE/CaofP4K_4zg/s1600/drying+rack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSH4cnJydoI/UzLbVYk3kJI/AAAAAAAAMdE/CaofP4K_4zg/s1600/drying+rack.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I'm going to make one of these drying racks from a wooden tray table. I think it's the cutest thing!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AsUJpwKjXVg/UzLbVaIkxEI/AAAAAAAAMdM/3Hk6er-DgZM/s1600/floor+pillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AsUJpwKjXVg/UzLbVaIkxEI/AAAAAAAAMdM/3Hk6er-DgZM/s1600/floor+pillows.jpg" height="400" width="391" /></a></div>
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I plan to make a few of these big pillows to sit on and hang out.</div>
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I love these painted floors! I think I'll paint the entire inside of the house white, then stripe the floor with some of the paint we've got from when we painted her room. It's seaglass, and I love the color. I would also love to build a little "built in" bookcase between two of the studs. Thank goodness Chris is handy!</div>
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I promise you that I'm more excited about this project than my husband, and I will probably like the finished project more than Katie! I think that she and Jack will have a lot of fun with it though, and probably the big boys too!</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-65493810868546599002014-03-25T20:57:00.000-05:002014-03-25T21:00:07.408-05:00Katie's Surgery Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hwzlvkUAq4/UzIqBK0gk-I/AAAAAAAAMas/thfHE2OaN9Q/s1600/dr.+katie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hwzlvkUAq4/UzIqBK0gk-I/AAAAAAAAMas/thfHE2OaN9Q/s1600/dr.+katie.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our sweet Lady K had her hip surgery today. We originally planned for a combined femoral and pelvic osteotomy. We were also supposed to have her eye doctor come in and clean out her tear ducts and possibly stent them. Why? Because this is what we had going on for about two weeks. . . </div>
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It started as a sinus infection.</div>
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Then moved on to conjunctivitis. And a sinus infection.</div>
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Then that little face had nowhere for all of her infection to go, and her tear ducts don't drain properly. Because of that, she had bacteria back up in her tear ducts. </div>
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Five days after her first round of antibiotics, we were back to looking like a prize fighter.</div>
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We knocked that infection out again, and had big plans to fix the tear ducts today.</div>
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Womp, womp, womp. No go on the eyes. Our hip surgeon didn't feel comfortable with the tear ducts being flushed, as it could introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. That would be no bueno, since the hip doctor was also adding foreign material, in the form of a plate and some huge screws, into her body. And, you know, cutting her bone. There's obviously a risk of infection with those little details, so we nixed the eye procedure for today. And we were totally OK with that. I'd rather deal with some drippy eyes than a bone infection any day of the week.</div>
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She went back to surgery like a champ, happily playing on one of the doctor's phones. She waved goodbye and gave us kisses. She did so well, it made it so much easier to hand her over. Her ortho portion of the surgery lasted from 7:20 this morning until about 1:30 this afternoon. I thought it would feel like it lasted forever, but it really wasn't a bad wait. The nurse was great about updating us just about every hour.</div>
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When the doctor got into the operating room and Katie was sedated, he did a range of motion test and took lots of pictures and videos. He'll compare that to the pictures and videos he'll take when she goes back to the OR for her cast removal. On her left side, she had about 180 degrees of range of motion. A typical person has 90 degress - 45 to the left and 45 to the right. Her doctor was able to turn her left leg so that her foot was pointing at her head and her knee was pointing at where her foot should be, without dislocating her leg. While that sounds impressive, it's not great. It can cause big problems down the road, as she gets bigger and weighs more. The bone makeup and ligament laxity on the right side is the same, so he's not really sure why she doesn't dislocate on that side, but he thinks it just has to do with the positions she likes to sit in, sleep in, etc. He was able to adjust the position of the head of her femur and to place it in a better spot in the hip capsule so he's confident that it will be much more difficult to dislocate. He obviously cannot promise us that it won't happen or that she won't have to have the surgery again. He did not adjust the pelvis at all today. He said that, if we have to do a pelvic osteotomy, we can wait until she's about 10 or 11 and has grown some more. Because she's so little, to do the pelvic portion now he would have to cut a lot more than when she's bigger and her growth plate is open more. I hate the thought of having to do this again, but we trust our doctor and are comfortable with that if he thinks that's what's best for her.</div>
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She's in a spica cast from her mid chest (literally right at her nipples) to her ankle on the left leg. It's a reclined cast, meaning she cannot sit up at all. Her leg is in a bent position and out to the side at about a 25 degree angle. This will certainly make things like riding in the car, going to the bathroom. . . um, ok really everything, interesting. Her doctor is hopeful that we can stretch this cast out for eight weeks, then go into the OR to check healing and move directly into a brace. Originally he thought we'd do 12 weeks in the cast with a change at 6 weeks, so we're cautiously optimistic that 8 weeks will be enough. That puppy is going to smell in 8 weeks. It's a gortex lined cast, and it's got a big opening for potty business. We will very likely have to do a diaper stuffed inside the cast and something over it to hold it all in, because she obviously can't get herself to the potty independently, and the last thing we want is a bunch of urine in the cast. </div>
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After her orthopedic doctor finished, her ENT doctor checked out her ears and did an endoscopy to check for obstructions that could still be causing sleep apnea. She's had two sleep studies. The first was in August of 2012, and it was horrendous. She had her tonsils and adenoids out in November 2012 and we hoped that would help. It didn't really. She had another sleep study about three months later, and the results were marginally improved, but still not great. Today her ENT discovered that she has inflammation of her nasal passage, which causes swelling and narrows the area for air to flow through. She's also got a "floppy palate" and a very wide tongue base. As she sleeps and relaxes, her tongue slips back in her throat, obstructing her airway more. At this point, he feels like a surgical repair is necessary. She will have another sleep study so we can collect that data, but he's pretty certain that this is the best route. It's not pretty. He'd like to do a <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007563.htm">turbinate reduction</a>, a <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: proxima-nova, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uvulopalatoplasty">uvulopalatoplasty</a>, and a <a href="http://www.mountsinai.org/patient-care/health-library/treatments-and-procedures/glossectomy">partial glossectomy</a> to remove part of that tongue tissue. Those can all be done at the same time, and he said recovery is about the same as with tonsillectomy. We will revisit that surgery in the summer. Until then, she will be on two daily nasal prescriptions to help with the inflammation and hopefully open that airway up a little bit. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: proxima-nova, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px;">So for now, she's resting comfortably. She's off of all oxygen and breathing room air. She's been knocking on the cast a little when she's awake, and she's been unhappy about it, but not crazy. I think tomorrow, as she's awake and aware more, has her catheter removed, and things like that will be harder. This is, again, another time when I'm so, so thankful she's got a mama and a daddy to love her and help her through this. </span></div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-16331523916909539832014-01-04T17:02:00.002-06:002014-01-04T17:03:10.198-06:00Surviving the Spica: What's Cooking?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Remember last year when we found out <a href="http://thesimpsonsix.blogspot.com/2013/03/hippy-chic.html">Katie needed surgery</a> to correct her hip dysplasia? Then her <a href="http://thesimpsonsix.blogspot.com/2013/03/fast-forward.html">surgery got pushed up three and a half months</a>? Then her <a href="http://thesimpsonsix.blogspot.com/2013/04/surviving-spica-no-spica-needed.html">surgery got canceled</a>? Oh well it's back on. We're currently scheduled for late March, but hopefully will get bumped up again on the cancellation list. Sooo....That means I'm cooking.</div>
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I went today and got lots of foil, foil pans, freezer bags, and muffin liners.</div>
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I'm also pretty sure that this fridge in our laundry room has never been so full. </div>
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Seriously? I don't think I could cram one more can in there.</div>
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I have lots and lots of goodies on my list to make. I'll share all of the recipes with you after I get cooking tomorrow.</div>
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Also on my surgery prep to-do list? Making Katie some cute hospital gowns to wear, a few new pillowcases, and some of each of those goodies to donate to other children in the hospital. She might as well look cute while she's laying there!</div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-86325395829939704032014-01-02T22:07:00.003-06:002014-01-02T22:07:49.528-06:00The End of Vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We leave tomorrow to head home from our vacation. Boo! We've had such a fabulous time. I really needed to spend this time with my family. I feel like I haven't seen them for months. I was so glad to do things like laundry and pick up after them. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I feel like I haven't been able to do those things because I've been so crazy busy.</div>
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Last night we went swimming. At night! The kids were so excited.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XTjeF3hqB9I/UsYybAa5BiI/AAAAAAAAMGs/bK3F_XMVbWM/s1600/Night+swimming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XTjeF3hqB9I/UsYybAa5BiI/AAAAAAAAMGs/bK3F_XMVbWM/s400/Night+swimming.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This little pumpkin was most excited. She's a little fish.</div>
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They all loved it. The pool is huge and warm, and they were so good and fun.</div>
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Today we went to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney%27s_Hollywood_Studios">Hollywood Studios</a>. (Universal? I never know what to call that place.) David and Jack rode the Tower of Terror, and Henry wasn't interested. And, um, Katie would have died with nervousness. Henry, Katie and I watched the Muppet 3-d movie, got some lunch, and just hung out. David HATED the Tower of Terror. Jack, the dare devil who knows no fear, loved it. Katie would seriously maybe have died. She threw up on the Haunted Mansion and the Epcot Spaceship Earth. Neither of them were fast or scary. I think she gets nervous when it's an enclosed, dark ride. And, winner, winner chicken dinner, I was riding with her both times.</div>
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I rode Star Tours with the boys. I liked that ride! And they loved it. Jack screamed, "This is the time of my life!" like 10 times during the ride. And told everyone in line that he's almost six, he's already five, and his birthday, "is in like 9 days or something." That child has never met a stranger.</div>
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We came back from Hollywood Studios today and were locked out of our room. Oops. That may or may not have been my fault. The kids were so good just sitting on the porch and playing while Chris went to get a new key. Katie played with a piece of trash from Jack's toy. That's some entertainment...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5sN-8U3EK8/UsYybHzO6bI/AAAAAAAAMG0/a6hceQikyYE/s1600/Jack+at+Ikea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5sN-8U3EK8/UsYybHzO6bI/AAAAAAAAMG0/a6hceQikyYE/s400/Jack+at+Ikea.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Tonight Jack and I went on a date to Ikea. We got a few things and are going to go back in the morning after we check out of our hotel to get an island for our kitchen. I've been wanting it for quite a while. I got a nice Christmas gift from my boss (ie: money), and haven't used any of it, so I'm going to get it. So hey kids! Push over so my flat packed kitchen island can fit in the car for our 10 hour ride home. Don't you wish you were coming with us?!</div>
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We've had a great time. I'm excited to get home and start cooking. It's time to get ready for Katie's surgery! My mission for the weekend is to fill our freezer with foods so that if we get a cancellation appointment for her surgery, we're ready to go. I'm spending our time in the car finalizing my list of foods and my grocery/supply lists. Or at least that's my plan. . . I promise a nap will take place too. ;)</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-85289084765964432782014-01-01T08:53:00.001-06:002014-01-01T08:55:16.154-06:00Happy 2014!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's a Christmas miracle! A blog entry! Does this thing still work?!</div>
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I can't believe it's been six months since I've blogged. That's the longest I've gone in five years of blogging. </div>
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We've had a busy, busy six months. I'm sure you have too!</div>
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Katie has spent some more time at doctor's appointments. She's failed two more hearing tests on the right side, but nobody seems too concerned with that. Um, other than me. Her tubes are starting to work their way out, and I completely expect her to get another set. Before that, I'm going to insist on another hearing test, because I think that the hearing on the right side may be effecting her speech development. With all of that said, I'm not overly concerned with it. We'll get it worked out one way or another.</div>
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We also <u style="font-weight: bold;">FINALLY</u> got an x-ray of her dislocated hip! HALLELUJAH! I never thought I'd be so happy and excited to see a bone out of the socket. She is scheduled {again} for a femoral and pelvic osteotomy on the left side. She's currently scheduled for late March, though we're hoping for a cancellation spot to open up before then. Her doctor estimates 4-8 hours for surgery and then 3-4 days in the hospital and 6-ish weeks in a spica cast. Good times! We're trying to have no expectations so we're not disappointed about how hard it will be. I hate for her to have to go through it, but I am looking forward to some resolution. . . hopefully. </div>
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In August we celebrated Chris' birthday. </div>
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We also had first days of school. Kindergarten for Jack, fourth grade for David, third grade for Henry.</div>
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And Kindergarten for this sweet thing. She started at a new school with about 60% of her day in a general education class and 40% of her day in a special education class. There have been a lot of bumps in this road, and we're slowly working them out. Inclusion into a general education class has not been an easy process for us, but we're not giving up. That's a whole other blog post for a different day.</div>
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We took a trip to Washington D.C., which everyone loved. It was a surprise for the kids, and we had an awesome time.</div>
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We loved D.C., and we'll definitely go back. I felt like we only got to see and do a tiny fraction of what's there.</div>
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We also got to see these sweeties and their mama, which made my heart very happy.</div>
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We had a fun Halloween. Gone are the days of me picking cute costumes for them to wear. Katie loved going to everyone's house and saying "Trick treat!" More than that, she liked handing out the candy at our own house. She was a great helper.</div>
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We had a fabulous Thanksgiving at Gigi and Grampy's house. My grandparents came to visit, which was wonderful. My <i><strike>only</strike></i> favorite cousin and his girlfriend came also, which was a surprise for everyone. It was a great weekend, and I wish they all never had to leave.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four generations of my mom's side of the family, including my grandparents with all of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I love this!</td></tr>
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We surprised the kids with a trip to Disney for Christmas. They were shocked!</div>
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We've been having a great time. Disney at Christmas is some crowded business. That doesn't always translate well with a child with sensory issues, but we're having a lot of fun.</div>
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I think they all loved the beach more than Disney. . . something to think about for the next time, for sure.</div>
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Most of my last six months has been spent sewing. In July, I launched my little sewing business, The Crazy Kukla Boutique. That little venture was far, far busier than I ever could have imagined. It turned into a second full-time job. I would come home from work and start working on sewing until 11:00 or midnight, every night. I made almost 200 Little Mama Diaper Bag sets between July 1st and December 23rd. I had 96 sales through my etsy shop during that time period, and easily twice that through my Facebook page. Chris would spend large portions of his day cutting things out for me so they were ready for me to sew at night. I could never have made it through the Christmas season without him and his help. I bought a monogramming machine, which I am in love with, and that made me even busier. I absolutely love my sewing business, but I didn't want a second full-time job, nor did I <b>ever, ever</b> anticipate that it would turn into one. I was completely overwhelmed and stressed during Christmas trying to get the orders done. And for what? Sure, I made some extra money. I made a lot of cute things. I had a lot of sales. I don't think, in the end, it's worth it. I am going to cut way, way back with the sewing in 2014. I'm still figuring out what that will mean for The Crazy Kukla Boutique, but I'll figure it out.</div>
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I hope you had a wonderful 2013. I'm looking forward to what 2014 will bring. </div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-57288065476493329322013-07-31T05:50:00.005-05:002013-07-31T05:50:53.672-05:00We're Still Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We're still here!</div>
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My little business - The Crazy Kukla Boutique - has exploded.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5FIgjm-meM/UfjgG0gDqxI/AAAAAAAAL_w/PiRiWFAJRMI/s1600/1070084_404539832988276_55517488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5FIgjm-meM/UfjgG0gDqxI/AAAAAAAAL_w/PiRiWFAJRMI/s400/1070084_404539832988276_55517488_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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It seriously has been beyond anything I could have anticipated. </div>
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It is SO exciting for me! I cannot believe how receptive people have been. </div>
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I've had more orders in the first three weeks than I thought I would have in a year.</div>
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Chris has been a HUGE help. He's the master cutter and is so willing to help me with anything I need.</div>
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I have so many new exciting things in the works too!</div>
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People are so crazy about a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/156108063/little-mama-fully-stocked-baby-doll">Little Mama Diaper Bag Set</a>. Like, Ca-Razy.</div>
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I've added some Halloween things like this candy corn dress and trick or treat bag.</div>
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I'm so excited about how busy I've been and so thankful that people have loved what I'm making!</div>
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This was my favorite Little Mama set yet.</div>
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I'm going to do a Halloween version of this skirt for Lady K.</div>
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We went to Memphis last weekend and went to the zoo. It's a fabulous zoo!</div>
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K loved the carousel. I'm pretty sure we all did actually.</div>
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She loved the ice cream too. . . And I loved that shirt while it lasted.</div>
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The boys' favorite part of the zoo? The water splash area. Remember the trip to the aquarium? I will clearly never learn.</div>
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We also met up with <a href="http://lifeandtimesofalayna.blogspot.com/">Rochelle and her family</a> and had lunch. Jack and sweet Alayna were in love with each other. He's still talking about her. Dariya was the cutest, chattiest, squishiest little thing, and I wanted to put her in my pocket and take her home. Aidan was so kind and smart, I think that he, David, and Henry would have a lot in common. They are a lovely family and I was so happy to spend some time with them.</div>
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Two little Reece's Rainbow babies together - they were so stinking cute together! </div>
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Next week? Back to school. Yes, already. I have parent meetings, open houses, school supplies, new backpacks, football registrations, and lunchboxes coming out of my ears. Can you believe ALL of my children will be in school for full days??? </div>
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Happy Wednesday!</div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-51002457465648596442013-07-12T05:30:00.002-05:002013-07-12T05:30:59.859-05:00Hipster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iy40cqNp-qk/Ud_aG7JFArI/AAAAAAAAL_g/uDOTS_lNvDM/s1600/maxi+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iy40cqNp-qk/Ud_aG7JFArI/AAAAAAAAL_g/uDOTS_lNvDM/s400/maxi+skirt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lady K had her follow up appointment with her hip doctor yesterday. And he said essentially nothing. They did x-rays, examined her, and said she's perfect. We don't even need to go back, unless we have another issue. Whaaaat? Three months ago we were scheduled for a major surgery and now we don't have to go back again if we never have another issue. It's the craziest thing I've ever heard of. He still firmly believes it's the illiotibial band syndrome, but he said no restrictions on what she can do and we'll just deal with it if it happens again. Excellent news, clearly, but a little frustrating and weird that we're now exactly where we started! Thankfully she's not had any instances since April, so I'm just hoping that continues. </div>
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Happy Friday!</div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-31109757676525093712013-07-11T05:36:00.001-05:002013-07-11T05:36:15.039-05:00Three for Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1. The Crazy Kukla Boutique is busy! I have had twelve items ordered since Sunday, as well as the two giveaway dresses that I did. That is crazy to me! I'm so excited and am loving working on these things. One of the things I cannot wait to make is a bow tie. . . one of my adoption friends has ordered three bow ties and a coordinating dress, and they're going to be so. cute.</div>
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2. One other order that I've gotten is for outfits for beach photos. Eek! We picked some great fabrics, and I think these are going to be awesome!</div>
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The floral is the main fabric. LOVE.</div>
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These will be accent fabrics, and I need to find a good khaki or gray for some pants for the boys. They're going to be so, so cute.</div>
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3. I've filled out Jack's registration form for. . . football. Like, full on pads football. How many weeks do you think he'll play before he breaks a bone?</div>
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And a bonus. Today Katie follows up with her hip doctor. Happy thoughts please!</div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-82566226996266570562013-07-10T05:29:00.001-05:002013-07-10T05:29:09.494-05:00Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today I'm shipping out the first dress from my giveaway at The Crazy Kukla Boutique! I went live with the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheCrazyKuklaBoutique">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrazyKuklaBoutique">Etsy</a> sites on Sunday . . . Three days ago. Since then, the Facebook page has had over 400 likes, and I've gotten orders for eleven items and given away two. WHAT?! </div>
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This dress is going to my first giveaway winner. I drew a random winner when the Facebook page reached 250 likes. I drew a second random winner when it reached 400 likes, which happened yesterday. </div>
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My first winner has a little girl and two boys. She picked this super cute Star Wars fabric for the main dress fabric on the bottom (seriously? George Lucas is a marketing genius.). I did purple and pink polka dots on the outside of the bodice and white fabric with white starts on the inside of the bodice. I'm in love with it. I hope her little lady is too! This Star Wars version will be listed in my Etsy shop today.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wsZoJ9ikmW8/Ud00y0Qpn5I/AAAAAAAAL-o/MwQ_KzuBvUI/s1600/IMG_4309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wsZoJ9ikmW8/Ud00y0Qpn5I/AAAAAAAAL-o/MwQ_KzuBvUI/s400/IMG_4309.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Each of the items from my shop will have this hang tag. It says, "Handmade with Love By: The Crazy Kukla Boutique". </div>
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The winner of my second giveaway chose a dress for her daughter's birthday. And she's a blog reader! I was so surprised, and I'm SO excited to make the dress for her. I cannot believe how great people's reactions to The Crazy Kukla Boutique have been, and I can't wait to show you what else I am working on!</div>
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Have a great Wednesday!</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-5261229232144516822013-07-08T05:19:00.001-05:002013-07-08T05:19:24.563-05:00The Crazy Kukla Boutique<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bh1VYHtkfc/UdqIsNe9HPI/AAAAAAAAL8Q/f4ik1smVA_E/s1600/open-for-business.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bh1VYHtkfc/UdqIsNe9HPI/AAAAAAAAL8Q/f4ik1smVA_E/s400/open-for-business.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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My Etsy shop is open for business!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhF64Khf5do/UdqLgYiUpvI/AAAAAAAAL8g/aEmh5wPtBYQ/s1600/Business+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IhF64Khf5do/UdqLgYiUpvI/AAAAAAAAL8g/aEmh5wPtBYQ/s400/Business+Card.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I launched my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheCrazyKuklaBoutique">Facebook page</a> first and said that when I reached 250 likes I would give away a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/156098358/custom-superhero-dress?ref=shop_home_active">Superhero dress</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vBhh0r-q8vU/UdqL7xVWSTI/AAAAAAAAL94/8jAfBNlfVno/s1600/IMG_4295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vBhh0r-q8vU/UdqL7xVWSTI/AAAAAAAAL94/8jAfBNlfVno/s400/IMG_4295.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
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I named the winner at about 11:00 last night, which was about an hour after the page hit 250 likes. I could not believe it! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUgk76GjqBc/UdqLvqGCFgI/AAAAAAAAL80/ByrcuGHlzGw/s1600/992789_401475456628047_1937114200_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUgk76GjqBc/UdqLvqGCFgI/AAAAAAAAL80/ByrcuGHlzGw/s400/992789_401475456628047_1937114200_n.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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The Facebook page is up to 296 likes this morning! I feel like I should give that Sally Field speech about how "You like me! You really like me!"</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GrWrvSBusuM/UdqLved4XNI/AAAAAAAAL8o/JixYoemXF6Q/s1600/1016740_401476039961322_1256587924_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GrWrvSBusuM/UdqLved4XNI/AAAAAAAAL8o/JixYoemXF6Q/s400/1016740_401476039961322_1256587924_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You know that feeling we've all had? The one when you have a party and invite a bunch of people and then the day of the party you get nervous and think maybe nobody will show up? Yeah, that's the feeling I had. After I pushed post and invited people to like the page, I seriously thought for a minute, "Wait! What if this stuff really sucks and people think it's ridiculous?" Thankfully that wasn't the case!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/156105290/ruffle-capri-and-peasant-top-set?ref=shop_home_active">Reagan Ruffle Capris and Peasant Top</a></td></tr>
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I went live with the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrazyKuklaBoutique">Etsy site</a> last night after I put Katie to bed.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/156104542/american-girl-swimsuit-set?ref=v1_other_2">Aloha Doll Beach Set</a></td></tr>
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I had my first Etsy order at 9:10 p.m. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/156097154/fort-kit?ref=shop_home_active">Fort Kit</a></td></tr>
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Shut the front door. I was shocked!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/156109659/mustache-skirt-and-embellished-bib-top?ref=shop_home_active">Jennifer Mustache Skirt and Embellished Bib Top</a></td></tr>
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I also had an order through the Facebook page. For three items!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/156110156/katie-ruth-peasant-dress-with-applique?ref=shop_home_active">Katie Ruth Peasant Dress</a></td></tr>
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I am so excited!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEQLk_M5IB4/UdqL3ox6POI/AAAAAAAAL9s/VG4U0lxDddU/s1600/IMG_4288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEQLk_M5IB4/UdqL3ox6POI/AAAAAAAAL9s/VG4U0lxDddU/s400/IMG_4288.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/156098910/mickey-mouse-applique-peasant-dress?ref=shop_home_active">Mickey Mouse Applique Peasant Dress</a></td></tr>
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Once the Facebook page reaches 400 likes, I'm going to give away another Superhero Dress or a Fort Kit (winner's choice).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zS_Kj6YHjl8/UdqL8Bh4dQI/AAAAAAAAL90/w4bymRCC6YE/s1600/IMG_4291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zS_Kj6YHjl8/UdqL8Bh4dQI/AAAAAAAAL90/w4bymRCC6YE/s400/IMG_4291.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/156108863/matryoshka-doll-apron-skirt-set?ref=shop_home_active">Matryoshka Doll Apron Skirt Set</a></td></tr>
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One of my Superhero dresses is also in a Facebook auction to help an adopting family raise funds to bring home their little guy with Down syndrome. I am <b><i>so excited</i></b> that sewing can allow me to help other people adopting children like our sweet Katie. We were so fortunate to have so many generous people help us with our fundraising, this is one way for me to pay some of that forward and help other families and children like Lady K. Please visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=170045066508332&set=pb.169651966547642.-2207520000.1373278489.&type=3&theater">Operation Ollie Auction </a>and bid on my Superhero dress (or any of the other items!) and help Ollie come home to his sweet family.</div>
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Please like The Crazy Kukla Boutique's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheCrazyKuklaBoutique">Facebook page</a> and follow my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrazyKuklaBoutique">Etsy shop</a> - I can't wait to give away another dress or a fort kit! I plan to add new items to the shop this week!</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-3567395408768252092013-07-07T23:26:00.001-05:002013-07-08T04:38:14.824-05:00Trip to the Aquarium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbpZeJ4DEpc/Udo7mtM9lGI/AAAAAAAAL5s/SsN6o3AA_s0/s1600/995895_10151480598517172_520276254_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbpZeJ4DEpc/Udo7mtM9lGI/AAAAAAAAL5s/SsN6o3AA_s0/s400/995895_10151480598517172_520276254_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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We went to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga today. </div>
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I seriously took two photos inside. It's too hard to take photos when I'm trying to make sure Katie doesn't disappear. Have you been inside an aquarium lately? They're dark.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3nicbvjM8Uw/Udo7mYTf4NI/AAAAAAAAL50/s9_cqf9VDj0/s1600/1011472_10151480718512172_1670035746_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3nicbvjM8Uw/Udo7mYTf4NI/AAAAAAAAL50/s9_cqf9VDj0/s400/1011472_10151480718512172_1670035746_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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It was $107 for our family to buy tickets or $115 to get a family membership. Uh, hello no brainer. Chattanooga isn't far from us at all, and we love it, so I can see us using that membership a lot. </div>
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What was everyone's favorite part? Well after we got past the freaking gift shop (Hello, please don't make me exit through the gift shop. It makes me hate you.) we got out to the outside area where they have little "rivers" all throughout. We paid $115 for them to like the free area the best.</div>
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I am completely serious when I say that I would drive an hour and a half for them to play in this water. They loved it. And yes, I let them splash around as much as they wanted while they were completely clothed. They were a little surprised about that at first!</div>
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Henry wasn't really digging it. Why? Because he wanted to get ice cream after and wouldn't have been able to go into Ben & Jerry's if his clothes were wet. Dude has priorities.</div>
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Lady K didn't give a rip about getting wet. She was all in.</div>
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Jack? Please. Soaked within 60 seconds of stepping into the first area. That may even be generous. It was probably more like 30 seconds.</div>
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Katie absolutely loved it. It was so much fun for her.</div>
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Jack's clothes were completely see through and his superhero underpants were on full display for everyone involved.</div>
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David, who cannot stand if his tag is rubbing the wrong way on his neck, had zero qualms about jumping in completely dressed. I was a little apprehensive about how he would react, but he loved it.</div>
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Katie thought it was the best thing she's ever done. She kept saying, "Kk!" and signing swim. She is amazing.</div>
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She loved to drink the water. Awesome.</div>
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We literally could have stayed in this area all day long.</div>
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People may or may not have been walking by us staring. There were other kids in the water. Maybe it was because mine were completely dressed? Whatever.</div>
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Jack looks like he's bathing in the river!</div>
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And, miracle of all miracles, David and Jack played together! And didn't hurt each other! </div>
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They even seemed to have fun! Good thing I caught it on camera or I never would have believed it.</div>
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As you can see, while the other kids were playing, Henry turned 25 and looked like he was waiting for a ride.</div>
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Once we were done with the water, Chris brought the wet ones to the car and Henry and I got some ice creams at Ben & Jerry's. Thankfully he hadn't gotten wet in the river, so he was able to come in. ;)</div>
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As we sat in our car and ate our ice cream in the parking lot, two people pulled up on the bikes you can rent in Chattanooga. They parked them by the spot where you pay to park, and they got off the bikes and started talking. Then they started kissing. A lot. Chris and I were cracking up. Like, who just stands in the parking lot and makes out? Then the guy got down on one knee! I realized he was about to propose, so I got out my phone and started taking pictures. They had nobody around them and I would want a picture of that if I were them. So I went all stalker on them and got like six pictures. Then Chris got out to throw our ice cream trash away and took their picture together and got their phone number so I could send them the other pictures. It was really cute, and made me feel less creepy about them making out in the parking lot by the ticket booth. Although I'm not sure that's where I would want to get engaged! Chris said they told him it was where they had their first date. {The parking lot?!} </div>
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And on the way home, we had this sweet vision of success - a chocolate mustache, sleepy, naked little boy. I could eat his face up he's so sweet. {I feel that way mostly when he's sleeping...}</div>
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I hope you had a great weekend!</div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-20807163756814469702013-07-06T09:49:00.003-05:002013-07-06T09:49:53.438-05:00See Mama Sew: Day Seven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
See Mama Sew. . . a string bikini?</div>
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Yes, that happened. I made a string bikini for Katie's doll. It is more like a tankini on her Bitty Baby, but also fits her knock off American Girl doll (from Target, with the wildest hair I've ever seen). </div>
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And because a doll bikini wasn't funny enough, I also made her a grass skirt. Aloha!</div>
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Then, because every girl at the beach needs a towel, I made her one of those too.</div>
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I think this would be a perfect little present for a friend's birthday party! And I looked up <a href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/html/item/id/214168/ctc/SI">American Girl swim sets. . .</a> $32, and not as many pieces. If I was going to give this as a gift, I'd include a little beach bag too. Cute, cute, cute. Someone please invite Katie to your party so I have a reason to make another! </div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-26841888503694836812013-07-05T07:51:00.003-05:002013-07-06T09:43:06.191-05:00See Mama Sew: Day Six<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I took a day off from my See Mama Sew project, so today I have day six. And perhaps my favorite project, to date. {I think I say that about all of them...}</div>
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This is an in progress shot of my superhero, chevron, polka dot dress. I love these fabrics together! It's a little wild, but so is Katie.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XdDbu-H7wTU/Uda-PiBy0UI/AAAAAAAAL4M/ZxBrosWVfFs/s941/1011860_10151475923527172_1637064725_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XdDbu-H7wTU/Uda-PiBy0UI/AAAAAAAAL4M/ZxBrosWVfFs/s400/1011860_10151475923527172_1637064725_n.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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I used the Adele pattern from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RubyJeansCloset">Ruby Jean's Closet</a>. She has some great patterns, and I'm excited to make some things from her others. Her directions were great, and it was very easy to follow along. </div>
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I made the dress in an afternoon. The part that took the longest? Turning those shoulder ties right-side out. For real. I thought I might hurt someone while I was doing it. They look great though, so I've gotten over my fury! All in all, it probably took me two and a half hours to make. We ran some errands, got lunch, picked up the house, etc. while I was working on it, so I didn't just sit and sew until it was done. The pattern calls for gathering the top of the dress like a ruffle, but I opted to pleat instead. I love a pleat. I've added two green buttons to the front polka dot part, but didn't take another photo. </div>
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This dress will be available in my ETSY SHOP!!! It will be live by the end of the weekend. I'm so excited I could bust. It will be a custom order, and I'll have it available in sizes from twelve months to size eight. </div>
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Have you ever seen this child look so serious? She was a wild woman while I tried to take her picture. I finally bribed her with ice cream and she stood perfectly still. Ice cream is her love language...</div>
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Happy Friday!</div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-21148803029078750032013-07-02T09:16:00.002-05:002013-07-02T09:16:59.718-05:00See Mama Sew: Day Five<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I will confess. . . I didn't sew this on day five of See Mama Sew. Instead, I spent the evening having dinner with some friends of my parents who we only see once a year. They are some of our oldest, dearest friends and we are so lucky to have spent time with them. Jack absolutely adores them and calls the husband "Uncle Frank". It's so cute to see, and I'm so happy we got to see them.</div>
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So instead, I'll give you a project I made for Katie's birthday. She got a Bitty Baby doll for her birthday, and I wanted to make some little things for her to use with her doll. I started with a little canvas bag with three pockets on the outside. It's a perfect size. I added the Matryoshka trim around the top and added the k applique.</div>
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I stocked that baby up! </div>
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I made a quilt, six diapers (and one was on the baby when I took the photo!), two bibs, and some cloth wipes. Apparently the wipes must be in use, because they weren't in the bag. The quilt is a soft vintage floral fabric and a sweet pink with tiny white polka dots on the other side. The diapers are my favorite part. They're so tiny and cute! And the little bibs are adorable and fit her baby perfectly. </div>
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I also got a little baby care set from WalMart with two bottles, a bowl, a spoon and fork and put those in. It was such a cute gift for my little mama!</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-19844404179193773822013-07-01T04:47:00.000-05:002013-07-01T04:47:16.185-05:00See Mama Sew: Day Four<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For my fourth day of See Mama Sew, I made a sweet minky blanket for my friend Kelly.</div>
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Kelly and I met through the crazy process of international adoption. She and her husband adopted a little girl from Russia also (who also has Ds), and are in now in the process of adopting a sweet baby from Ukraine. Kelly asked me to make two identical lovie blankets for little baby L. - one to use, and a spare. Smart, smart mama. </div>
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The blanket is big - about 36x36. It's got super soft yellow minky on one side and a <a href="http://www.hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/riley_blake_designs_house_designer/chevron/small_chevron_in_rainbow">great chevron</a> (see, I'm not the only person who loves chevron <b><u>so much</u></b>!) on the other. I hope baby L. loves her blanket!</div>
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Happy Monday!</div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-70593521102642403092013-06-30T07:18:00.001-05:002013-06-30T07:18:30.551-05:00See Mama Sew: Day Three<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The first thing I worked on for day three of my See Mama Sew week was finishing the pants from <a href="http://thesimpsonsix.blogspot.com/2013/06/see-mama-sew-day-2-tiny-clothes.html">day two</a>. They were so cute and little! I forgot how small twelve month clothes are. I was very happy with how the set turned out. I think the birthday girl (or at least her mama!) was too.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Xo4wDoyfyY/UdAgJAU5BiI/AAAAAAAAL2U/BY_c_b3J5as/s1600/ruffle+capri+outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Xo4wDoyfyY/UdAgJAU5BiI/AAAAAAAAL2U/BY_c_b3J5as/s400/ruffle+capri+outfit.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Next, I worked on something for my little monkeys to wear to our little friend's birthday party. Her party was a Minnie Mouse party, so I had to run with it.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8qr51nwmNI/UdAgH88VETI/AAAAAAAAL2M/jgzu0imcWyk/s1600/insta+mickey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8qr51nwmNI/UdAgH88VETI/AAAAAAAAL2M/jgzu0imcWyk/s400/insta+mickey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I appliqued this shirt for Jack. When I showed it to him he said, "Uhhhhhh, I think I will look ridiculous." </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-0FhHvS7L4/UdAgKrc993I/AAAAAAAAL20/nI9nCEnjx9c/s960/1044917_10151467455132172_365941141_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-0FhHvS7L4/UdAgKrc993I/AAAAAAAAL20/nI9nCEnjx9c/s400/1044917_10151467455132172_365941141_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I did a chevron (LOVE!) dress for Katie with the same Mickey applique. I seriously cannot get enough of chevron.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ol6-nUtj_NM/UdAgKrT7_MI/AAAAAAAAL2s/7Ll_9eGB8OU/s960/1044352_10151467440747172_1450406574_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ol6-nUtj_NM/UdAgKrT7_MI/AAAAAAAAL2s/7Ll_9eGB8OU/s400/1044352_10151467440747172_1450406574_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I don't think that they've ever done matching outfits before, and I loved it. Jack is probably getting a little old for some matchy-matchy business, so I better do it now if I'm going to!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8ADz-nQUnA/UdAgI9aPJ2I/AAAAAAAAL2Y/MoXV_bhj0fo/s1600/dress+and+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8ADz-nQUnA/UdAgI9aPJ2I/AAAAAAAAL2Y/MoXV_bhj0fo/s400/dress+and+shirt.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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They looked so cute! (And how big does Jack look in this picture?!)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXbw2sqopgI/UdAgKgZtNkI/AAAAAAAAL2o/lPbIHfjLeQw/s960/1013458_10151467730792172_1726837136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXbw2sqopgI/UdAgKgZtNkI/AAAAAAAAL2o/lPbIHfjLeQw/s400/1013458_10151467730792172_1726837136_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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See Mama Sew: Day Four will be some sweet little treats for a baby who is getting a mama and daddy!</div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-48589993565838965092013-06-28T12:33:00.001-05:002013-06-28T12:33:21.106-05:00See Mama Sew: Day 2 - Tiny Clothes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's day two of See Mama Sew. </div>
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Last night I made this sweet little peasant top for our little friend Reagan's 1st birthday. I was on the fence about adding the r because it's already pretty busy, but I like how it turned out. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--43ytxcHo8U/Uc2vuBa8NsI/AAAAAAAAL1w/3dqs3G3ftHY/s1600/peasant+top.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--43ytxcHo8U/Uc2vuBa8NsI/AAAAAAAAL1w/3dqs3G3ftHY/s400/peasant+top.JPG" width="300" xya="true" /></a></div>
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I *almost* finished these little ruffle pants to match. I just need to slap the ruffles on and it will be ready to wrap!</div>
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I love how these turned out, and I love that we're giving her a homemade gift. She's a sweet little muffin, and they're going to look so cute on her.</div>
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Happy Friday!</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2347014501783229887.post-81818948548395504482013-06-27T07:34:00.001-05:002013-06-27T07:34:20.747-05:00See Mama Sew - Day One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For my first See Mama Sew project, I started with a dress I had last year that I only wore once. It doesn't fit me anymore, but I loved the material and didn't donate it to Goodwill.</div>
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It was this style, and it's a knit jersey material.</div>
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I gave that dress a little facelift.</div>
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I could eat this child with a spoon. How did I live my whole life without her?</div>
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This is the dress now - it's a maxi skirt for Katie.</div>
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Are you freaking kidding me? It's SO cute!! I'm in love with it. </div>
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I'm so excited about my project for day two. It's a birthday gift, and may be hard for me to part with. Happy Thursday!</div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16710417701918440850noreply@blogger.com2