Slippery, slushy, icy day today!
No school for Davy-do. . . .
The kids and I have spent the day together, with that excited “it’s storming outside!” feeling. A few times they got too loud and I had to go out on the porch and count to “10”.
It’s nice to watch them play together, though.
And we had an opportunity to take a few group pics, downstairs in the boy’s “dorm”.
I am so sleepy. I could just lay down and sleep at any time of day. . . .but, with my five noisy active youngsters it’s just not possible. In fact, if I try I just end up frustrated, so I don’t try. Tomorrow I will be 35 weeks pregnant. . .it’s exciting to know that in four or five weeks I’ll have my baby in my arms, instead of in my belly. I enjoy being pregnant but I can’t wait to see my baby boy!
This post is basically some updates on some of the preparations I’ve been making, for Seth’s arrival.
Here are some current belly-pics…Ethan took them….
This one is of me and my “old baby”. . .Caleb James. . . .aren’t his little folded hands cute?
The kids and I are in the process of making a blanket for Seth. Here is the basic hemmed flannel blanket, modeled by Caleb:
He likes Seth’s blanket. I like it, too, because it’s not the typical baby material. It’s earthy. I love brown.
And now we are working on embellishing the corners.
I embroidered a leaf. I was going to do an acorn but the brown floss I had was the same color as the blanket and would have been too hard to see.
Then Grace did some work. . . .
And made a bird. These pictures were taken at different times of day, and different lighting. The one with the paper pattern shows the true color of the blanket.
I put that “I love you” sticker on her pattern so Grace felt loved as she stitched. 
Ethan is now in the midst of his creation, a butterfly. Having them sew over paper makes it easier for them. When they’re done I carefully rip the paper off, so we don’t pull the stitches too much.
I almost cried when the UPS man came today with Seth’s things. It was THAT exciting. For the first time EVER, Rich and I bought a new swing for one of our babies! We bought a playpen, too, the second we’ve owned (because the first one got a big hole in it), and also a big box of diapers. Tomorrow or the next day should bring a changing table pad (just the pad) and a nice cover for it. I will put it on my dresser top.
It does feel so good to start preparing!
I set up the playpen because I want it to have plenty of time to air out and get that factory smell off it.
And plus it’s just so sweet to see!
I love that the top piece can be lifted up in place as a shallow crib, for the early days. Seth will sleep in this, in my room and the livingroom, until he sleeps through the night. After he sleeps through the night then he will go upstairs in a real crib.
And yes, it’s been up for about an hour and I’ve already caught David sitting in it.
That’s all from this big mama. I’m determined to have fun and enjoy life during these last long and sometimes exhausting days of pregnancy. I wanna smile and laugh and be silly with my kids. I don’t want to take life and all my responsibilities so seriously. . . . .I want to ENJOY. . . .and that’s what I’m trying to do although at times it is HARD. The noise never seems to end and I find myself thinking, “I want ear plugs more than anything”. LOL
So. I think I’ll go turn on some peppy music and dance around the kitchen as I finish up dinner. Ha!
Good to be Home 
I love that you are all working on a blanket together! how sweet. You are so radiant! Have a great evening!
I love it!! Everything!!! So happy for you, and so excited for Seth to come!
nice pictures. I like this post. My computer is down so I am borrowing one to have the net. I really like that blanket. Nice that you keep the kids busy embroidering on it. Seth will have so much love to come into! I can’t believe you have four short weeks. WOW. It has gone by fast!
I hope you did dance around the kitchen! Shan, you are so beautiful! I love the idea of the blanket and each sister and brother stitching, in love for their brother. It’s going to be so nice having so many helpers with this little Seth. Keeping Enjoying! Love, Lish
You look adorable! And despite the noise what not you have such an upbeat attitude and i look up to you for that đ You are definitely an inspiration! ……. i can tell your children are excited for Seths arrival as well and its too sweet!
God Bless!
-Kimberly
So wonderful to see all you are up to. Caleb in the blanket is adorable. You are still ” a little mama” in my book…your belly pics are so cute…love the tummy, and Caleb too! David loves the memory game, maybe we can play tonight. What fun to be making that blanket together, great embroidery! I know that baby Seth is already sooooooo loved!!! And the playpen/crib is great. Wonderful nesting I can imagine the noise. My one guy is capable of quite a bit, especially excitement when reading posts, he trills, whoops , laughs, and is generally goofy. Lord bless you mama Shanda (and give you JOY), and all your happy kids too! Jenny and David
I smiled at your excitement of receiving baby gifts in the mail for Seth. I can feel your anticipation and I’m so happy for you. I don’t know if your old swing was like that new one, but I loved mine. It swings sideways AND forward & back. Babies need a change of “swingery” sometimes, you know???!!! LOL!!So the boys “dorm” downstairs has worked out for everyone? That’s great.I’m glad you have found a way to enjoy your icy winter storm (& noisy!) day!Hugs to you, Shanda!CHERYLYN
Great post. I think we have a bit more snow up here in Maine.
What a great post!! i LOVE the “old baby photo” – that one is by far my favorite. I love the baby blanket, too, and how you are all working together on it. I agree that the brown color is lovely especially since it is not a typical “baby color.” I am sure that it is something that Seth will cherish for years and years đ
Mmm. Babies are so sweet. I think it would be fun to get ready with everyone so excited and involved.
You look great!
It is so great to see your preparations! I’m so happy for you!
Love the pics, Shan! I was just praying for you this morning, that you would get the rest you need, and that your family would be an encoragement to you these last few weeks. I don’t think you qualify as a big mama!! Love the blanket that each is stitching- so sweet and meaningful! I’m headed to Anchorage in a few minutes- grocery shopping, other shopping, and time with my sis. Ryan is off this week, and he is keeping ALL the kids so I can just go. I am overwhelmed by his generosity! He is even taking Sarah to physical therapy in the morning. What a guy! Love ya! Keep smiling, and keep the peppy music going. If you can’t beat ’em (the noisy kiddos) join ’em!!
I’d love to see you dancing around with your baby belly! Our bed is almost exactly like your bed, I was excited when I saw that. We share common tastes. I think if I ever embroidered something I’d do it with the paper “stencil” too, that’s a great idea. Grace’s bird is adorable on there. Seth will like it too.
Very, very soon, you will be able to cuddle little Seth and draw in that sweet baby smell ~ very soon ~
Sweet pictures. I love the idea of sewing over paper, that’s great. The blanket is so cute. How exciting to be getting prepared for your new little one! Oh, the noise of busy children! I totally understand. It tries my patience, often. Right now my kiddos are playing in the garage, it’s not quiet at all. Hmmm, I wonder if I could close the door…tempting, but I won’t.;)
You definately look great, just a ball of a belly! I’m glad you guys are having fun and that you want to enjoy life! That blanket is SO cute; the special little emboiderers must be so proud of their work. I love the “group” shots and the ones of you. I hope that the baby’s birth goes really well. He will be like a little king with all the adoration surrounding him! love, Gail
Wow…I have been gone for so long….congratulations and I absolutely adore the name Seth!!! What a beautiful pregnant woman you are!! God bless you and your family and may you have lots of days where you get to just enjoy being pregnant…one last thing….that blanket is breath taking…I cant wait to see a pic of it finished and having the kids help is definitely a memory keeper…Have a peaceful night..Lisa
You wear pregnancy so well! You look beautiful. it was fun looking at these photos and remembering our own excitement in our home just five months ago when we welcomed our son.
I’ve been needing a Shanda Fix! It is sooooooo exciting! Thanks for the post!
How wonderful to see all the preparations, and such happy faces! I love the pics of your pregnant self. For some odd reason, I never had even ONE picture of myself while I was preggers. Not one! Now what a shame is that?! But you look beautiful dear Shanda. Thank you for sharing!!
Love your belly. Love the blanket with contributions from the kids. Happy preparing!
You look so cute pregnant. Did you go early or late with your other children? I see the boy’s got haircuts to, you have been busy. How fun to be able to prepare like that. I had to laugh when you put that you already found David in it:) I hope you were able to dance!! I love the blanket that is very special for Seth.
Oh my, I LOVE the embroidery…that is just so sweet. That little Seth is one lucky baby. I love your belly still, you’re so cute. Listen, let’s make a time, if you want, for me to come and take some pictures with the kids, with your belly…if you want, I mean đ It would be fun, and a nice keepsake for you to have. Not that Ethan didn’t do a marvy job though. đ Hope you had a lovely evening. Love, Trish
What a sweet little blankie for little Seth!Won’t be long now….Love those Pack-n-Plays….I have one for the grands to use.We’re getting more snow tonight.You know what that means…It’s on the way to you as well!Have a good Thursday with your kiddie-boooooooos!:)
Aww how wonderful:) Your tummy is getting so big and ripe. I can’t wait to read of little Seth’s arrival.
My baby is in a playpen in my room as well for now.
Do you breastfeed your babies or bottle feed?
hey, be careful w/ dancing too hard… baby Seth may just pop out early!! =) as i’m sure he’s already anxious to get out and join in on all the fuN going on around there.thinking of you in these final days.{{big hug}}
I love being pregnant with all of my four, i did lose two, but am so happy that God blessed us with four others ,Enjoy every day with them for they grow up so fast you have a lovely family and the blanket is going to be beautiful and will always have special memories my prayers are with you as you wait for little Seth God bless you all,
SANDY
I love how you actually get real once you have a few kids. Like instead of get 3000 things for the nursery you come to the realization that the baby does sleep in your room. Love your realness. We are working on a house and I was actually still trying to convince myself that I should leave a room a nursery in case we had another baby. I had to come to terms with the fact that my past 2 nurserys have been strictly to make others think they actually had their own room lol
I forgot to tell you how adorable you are…..love the belly
I know you make these post for your self and family BUT you make us all feel like part of your family!Your joy and excitement capture my heart and I too anxiously await Seth’s birth.My Bri didn’t sleep through the night till she was 13 months old and had started to walk.How about yours, did they all vary?
@ilovemykids3 – I’ve gone at least a week early with all my other babies. The earliest was 2wks before my due date.
@momto9 – I’ve nursed all my babies until they were almost a year old.
@broncomom – My last two babies slept through the night pretty early on. I was more determined to keep them on a schedule so I could get the sleep I needed to take care of them and the rest of their siblings! The older three varied. Honestly, I don’t mind the middle of the night feedings, I get to sit in a quiet room in a quiet house with my baby. . . .it’s sometimes hard to go through at the time but the memories are priceless.
What a sweet blanket for baby Seth! You will have lots of “babysitters!”
Looks like mommy is nesting! đ
I am sosoosso excitd too! You look great and love the new blanket you are all making for Seth what a great idea! Last night Jason told me lets start keeping our phones turned on constantly so when they call we will be ready even in the middle of the nght!I guess he is very excited to we love all of you and can’t wait to see little Seth…He is going to make Wes seem like a monster! (Can you believe he is turning 1?)
I love the personalities of your children and the beauty that you capture in your pictures. I love the blanket, too. So cozy! I am amazed at the little details you manage to include in your daily life and attention to your children in spite of all the responsibilities on your plate. I would be a basket case. You seem to handle it all with such grace.Praying for peace, rest, happiness, an easy rest-of-the pregnancy, easy labor and delivery and a healthy baby boy!Mrs.KW
I like your comment about sitting in a quiet room with your baby in the middle of the night. That’s what I liked about late night feedings to, being able to just be you & the baby.
Lovely! blanket for baby Seth ! My mom has made a special blanket for each baby here – all different colors and prints and such – the children love them – funny to me too, each seems to fit their personality. Baby blankets are wonderful~And so are your belly pics. You look wonderful — I’m always so slow to show so I look forward to belly pics. đ I never took any with any of my pregnancies until the last two and I wish I had done it before that – it would be so wonderful to have pics of all their pregnancy stage.Blessings on your day and the children and your home ~lys
I woke up with you on my mind, so I prayed for you, as you near the nearly time for Seth. You look so wonderful. I have to tell you I looked like I was having an elephant for my sixth. The blanket is perfectly wonderful. Brown is my favorite color right now. I love you Shanda. Gentle Southern hugs. m
Love the way you are so determined to embrace life and to make your family’s home a little heaven on earth. Blessings to you today and as you wait for baby Seth’s arrival.
@purpleamethyst76 -Just like Grace, Bri was not a cuddly baby. I had to carry her facing out so she could see everything. If tried to turn her towards me she would cry. I got into the rythmn of night time feedings, and I nursed her till she was 2 for helping her fall alseep for a nap because it was such a precious, quiet time for us both. I think it kept her healthy too, she didn’t have her 1st cold till she was almost 3.
Look at that baby bump! Your first pictures kind of make me miss the snow. Not really miss the cold but, I miss when its so cold outside that all you want to do is curl up under a blanket and read a book!
The blanket is so beautiful are all the older children going to make their mark on it? Theres nothing like getting everything ready for the arrival of the new little one to get you more excited to hold them in your arms.
Hope you had fun dancing in the kitchen. I often do this with Jyllie when I’m making dinner also!
What wonderful pictures. I love the blanket you are making for Seth. It is so important to let the older ones be a part of this great event!! These last weeks will fly (no it won’t seem like it now, only on hindsight:).
I loved all the new baby stuff too. How exciting!!!
wow it seems like that came fast, I bet you relax inside knowing that some of the things you need are ready now!
The photo with the folded hands and your belly was so nice Shanda.
The blanket was a great idea b/c it involves the kids, they must have increased anticipation because of it! Seth will be wrapped up in so much love!
You make such an ADORABLE pregnant Mama. What game are the kiddos playing? It looks like a matching game.
Three cheers for LUVS diapers!!! they are the best!! :)love the blanket idea with all the kids help… so precious.You have to stop showing pictures of your gorgeous (what seems like huge) house… I am starting to covet. The boys “dorm room” looks awesome! I will need a girls dorm room in a few years when they get older!!
You look beautiful! It is so exciting to see the new baby coming— and the snow! We do not get snow here:( so I am so excited to see pictures of others enjoying it!! Thank you so very much for the reference to beautiful girlhood that you put on my site/comments. I am using it to read to the girls! It is amazing how much I am learning through it all!
Such a beautiful family. I love the needle point work. I can’t even sew a button. The blanket was just beautiful. Sorry to make so many comments, but, I just found your site through Danish Doll and Theologians Cafe and now I am catching up on everything that I have obviously missed out on…