More Pictures Of Livie

I just can't help myself.  I have to post these last few pictures of Olivia that I got today.  I am dying over here at how much these pictures capture her personality.

 This has to be my favorite picture of all time. 

 May I add that she is only a dare devil when she is on top 

of benches and chairs..other than that, she is scared to death of anything that

is lifted more than half an inch off the ground.

 Big Cheeser - Can't tell you how much I get this look

everyday.

I can't thank Alyssa from Alyssa Vincent Photography enough for taking these amazing photos of Olivia.  She is one of the most talented photographers and lovely people I have ever met.

Our Little Beauty

I am so excited to share pictures from Olivia's photo shoot we did on Friday.  The pictures turned out so lovely.  I really couldn't be happier!

This was Olivia's little spring outfit she got for Valentines' Day.

This pictures completely captures Olivia's personality at

fifteen months.  

 I brought one of Olivia's hot air balloons that hangs

above her crib in her nursery.  That personal touch

ended up being WAY cuter than anticipated.

Kitchen Plan

Just for fun, I wanted to post my "Kitchen Plan" today.  I just chose the floral fabric for the relaxed roman shades I am going to make that will look similar to the picture below.  Bonus, this fabric is on sale for $12.20/ yard.

The large red picnic checkered fabric is going to be a tablecloth that I need to sew.  I just bought the fabric at Home Fabrics for $5.99/yard.  What a steal..and seriously, it looks so amazing on my table.

The recipes posted on the inspiration board are to give you a general idea of some recipes I am going to hang that I selected from a vintage, hand-drawn recipe book I have.  After buying the fabric for my table, I knew that they would be so cute hung with white matting and black frames in a grouping of four on my blank wall next to the table.

My grandma gave me an amazing collection of blue mason jars when she moved last fall.  I absolutely love them and can't wait to display them atop my new checkered tablecloth filled with fresh summer flowers.

And the rug that you see is a rug that I picked up from Target a few weeks ago.  It's playful and very happy--perfectly matching the overall feel I want for my kitchen!

I have a long blank wall that I am hoping to do this with chalkboard paint:

 

I can't wait to see this in real life!  I'll keep you posted on any updates.

My Wish List

I'm finding myself wishing I had all the money in the world this morning..mostly so that I can buy these for the girls.. 

Yes, this is what I am doing while the baby is sleeping, instead of 1) Teaching at school because Olivia and I are very sick and 2) working on my many blogging clients.  I guess I deserve a break after being on a conference call with one of them until almost 11 o'clock last night.

P.S. Please let me know when Old Navy is having a 50% off sale so that I can buy all of these things.  Thank you, in advance. ;)

One Excited Girl About Her Pigtails

 ..Olivia told me to tell you all this..

Hey, Guys!  Today my mom finally decided to do my hair and we found out that my hair finally can be put in pigtails.  I think it's pretty cute and I ran around the house flaunting my new do.

 {This is my excited face.  Aren't I the cutest?}

{From the top.  Mom did a pretty good job.}

Girls, girls, girls

Yes, it's a miracle that I have actually blogged as much as I have this week.  And, yes, baby #2 in the Altom household is another girl.  I am THRILLED!  I love my baby girl more than anything, and even though she's a total diva sometimes {well, most of the time}, I secretly love it and can't wait for two little divas to be running around here!

I can't wait to have another girl to doll up, terrorize with headbands until she's old enough to do bows; and, thank goodness someone else will get to wear that closet full of adorable newborn shoes.  I feel completely justified, now.

But, really, we couldn't be more excited about having another baby girl join our family.  She is perfectly healthy thus far and already loved more than she'll ever know.  You'll also be relieved to know that we have decided on two names: Emery or Lucy.  We love both names and think it may be a little hard to decide, so opinions, please!?

If Liv and I are going to fight over anything..

It's going to be a clothing catalog.  Seriously?  Yes.

Fifteen minutes ago Olivia fell and hit her head on the coffee table and immediately I grabbed for a clothing catalog that just came in the mail and flipped it open.  I ran to the feet of my hysterical child and excitedly exclaimed, "Clothes!"  Olivia sat straight up, stopped crying and grabbed the catalog out of my hand. 

A few minutes later I picked up the catalog and began flipping through the pages.  Out of no where Olivia looks up from across the room, gasps, and runs across the room toward me.  She grabs the catalog out of my hand, runs to the other side of the room and puts her blanket over herself.

I walk over to her and try to trade her a toy for the catalog and she just sticks her nose up in the air at me.  What a little stink.  So I try and pry the catalog out of her hands and before we know it the magazine is being tossed all about as we both try to claim what we rightfully think is ours.  It only took me probably about thirty seconds until I stopped and thought to myself, "What am I doing?  Yes, I am fighting over a catalog with my one year old."  And so I decided that it is my moral obligation to be the bigger person and let her look through the catalog first.

What a girl.  Girl, with a capital "G."

Just For Fun: Some Recent Designs

So, I have been cooped up in my house for literally a week working my little heart out.  I am so tickled with some of my latest clients and and their blogs that I decided to show you a bit of what I've been up to.. and yes, this is only what I've done within the past week.  It has been busy!

A much needed update..

So many wonderful things have been happening lately that I almost feel overwhelmed at where to start a blog post.  As Craig so eloquently announced a few weeks ago on our blog, we are expecting another baby in June.  We couldn't be more excited--I'm already finding myself nesting.  I have been organizing and cleaning out our apartment ever since we got back from the long Christmas break to make room for the new baby.  I even got a beauty of a dresser for our bedroom--a purchase way overdue.

We find out next Wednesday the gender of our baby.  Yes, I am already 20 weeks pregnant--I can hardly believe I'm half way through.  May the next half be just as fast and painless (without the morning sickness, though, please).  I truly think we are having another girl, but hate the fact that if we are, Craig and I will probably continue to debate about the name up until the day she is born.  Blah!

Craig and I both started school, again.  Yes, Craig is still attending and I am teaching.  Kind of funny to think of it that way.  As far as I know Craig is really enjoying his new classes and has already come home with great reports about his last semester of classes!  Wahoo!  So proud of you, honey!!

I am loving my classes this semester.  I have to just sit back in awe at these kids--what a blessing these young, brilliant minds are.  I love watching them grow and learn.  This experience has literally been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life--and they probably have no idea how much they have impacted my life for the better.  Thank you, kiddos!  Even you eight rowdy 7-9 years old's in my Creative Writing class.  At the time you seem a bit overwhelming and chaotic, but as soon as I get home and tell the Mr. about my school day, I find myself already laughing at your behavior.

Olivia is still my cutest, best girl!  She is learning so much, lately, and I couldn't be more proud of her.  She had the time of her life at Grandma and Grandpa Evans' last weekend while Dad and I got away for the weekend (what a wonderful break that was, by the way).   When we walked through the door after being away from her for the night, she didn't even flinch or crack a smile.  She just looked at me like, "Man, Mom, I was havin' a good time before you got here."  haha  She knows she can't live without me, though.  Take today {for instance}  I drop her off at the babysitter and she cries the whole time and wouldn't eat or nap.  The only thing that would fix it is curling up with a tube of M&M Mini's and me on the couch before bed.  Yes, you can't live without me, girl!  And the truth is, I can't even begin to think about living without you, either!

The other day I took a break from my hectic blogging work to spend the morning with Olivia.  Just girl time.  We both cut our finger nails and toes, put on lotion and did our hair.  It sounds like the dumbest thing, but being a Mom isn't as glamorous as you think, and having those few moments to pause from the world and have "Me" time with my daughter made my whole world.  And she loved every girly minute of it.  I love that you are just as girly as me, Olivia.  You have loved shoes, great outfits, and chocolate since day one.

So life is good in the Altom household.  We feel so blessed to have each other and couldn't be happier just being together, enjoying each other, and watching our love grow more and more everyday.  Everything isn't always perfect and we probably should do the dishes more often and keep things tidier, but things seem pretty perfect to me right now.  I love you Craigo and Liv.  You are my whole world!

January 19, 2011

We are excited to find out if we are having a boy or another girl in just two weeks from today.  Just thought you'd like to know a little bit in advance.

-Craig

A Quiet Tuesday Evening..

So I should be working right now.  In a perfect world, I would be starting another client and finishing up two that I got a few days ago.  But I am tired, and Christmas break seems to have already started for me tonight.  For at least tonight.  Tomorrow is always a new day!  Right?

I have a darling new client that I got today.  She loves everything vintage and charming, and is Mormon.  I love her already.  I have found myself lost in the pages of beautiful inspirational blogs she has sent me--one in particular, The Daybook.  I happened to like this blog.  A LOT!  I have seriously been captivated for about an hour now.  What a breath of fresh air.  She is a great writer and talented designer.  I want her wittiness, charm and clothes, now.  *Sigh.

Not a whole lot else is going on in the Altom household.  The Mr. is in watching  a BYU game and Livie is sleeping like a little angel in her bed.  What a little sweetie I have.  Tonight we went to dinner with Chris and Kimmie and she giggled and laughed until she tuckered herself right out.  She is turning into a very social, giggly little girl.  Her new tricks involve twirling and singing--can't get any cuter than that, if you ask me.

Tomorrow I am going to work hard on getting my presents wrapped, start a new client, and finish my poem books and deliver them.  I am so thrilled with the poems my students wrote.  I would love to post them on this blog for you all to read--you would be just as touched as I was while reading them.  It's amazing what nine to 18 year olds can think of and write.  I will be delivering them to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center for the children in the Cancer Unit.  What a special gift for them to receive days before Christmas.

Hope you are all having a wonderful week and aren't as last minute as me.  Merry Christmas!

What We've Been Up To..

So we haven't blogged in a very long time.  So sorry we have neglected you, poor blog.  I have been so busy with work and I keep thinking we don't really have a lot going on, but as I thought about it more, I realized that a lot has been going on since I posted last.

Our little baby girl is quickly becoming a very beautiful little girl.  She is growing up so fast, losing her baby fat, and even getting long, wavy hair.  Not to mention all those teeth she has, now.  She has 12 teeth--quite the mouthful!  *I need to get Craig to upload some pictures from our camera from Liv's Birthday and more recent events.

Craig is finishing up his last week of school for the semester!  We are both so excited to have one more semester down with only one more to go at LDSBC!  I'm sure Craig is so relieved that he will be attending a school just down the street next fall.  Thank Heaven!

Like I said, I am keeping very busy with school, custom blog design, being a mom, and finishing up final preparations for Christmas.    I have been working like crazy trying to finish up twelve blogging clients this month (I thought this goal was much more attainable at the beginning of the month.  I hope I can make it).  This is the main reason why I don't blog a lot.  Blogging on my personal blog doesn't seem very fun after a long day of chasing Olivia and doing custom blog work.  I decided to take a break today, though, and give our blog a face lift.  I had been wanting to for weeks..today seemed like a good day.

I hope to post soon about some other going's about in our lives.  I have a fun project I am finishing up with my students for Christmas that I want to share.   

Hope you are all doing well and having a wonderful Holiday Season!   

My Baby Girl Is One Tomorrow

I have a lot to be grateful for today.  My heart is absolutely full!  Tomorrow is the first birthday of my little girl, Olivia.  What a joy this first year has been.

As I sat, reminiscing [if you will], about where I was at at this exact moment one year ago, I couldn't help but remember what was going through my mind.  Excitement, fear, anticipation.  I was in the beginning stages of labor.  My contractions had started around 7:30 pm while I was on my way home from work.  I had made a trip into the hospital the night before, only to be sent home, so tonight I was going to wait it out at home as long as I could.  I didn't want to be sent home twice.  There's nothing worse than seeing a janitor cleaning the hallway in the hospital on the way in and being told, "Oh, that stinks!"  As you pass him on the way back out a few hours later.

I sat at home until around midnight and, as soon as I began to feel so nauseous that I began to throw up, I knew it was time to leave.  I remember getting in the car and driving off into the dark night.  We were going to have our baby!

When we got to the hospital I remember going up the elevator and feeling my heart beating really well, now.  Adrenaline rush!  I remember dressing into my gown and getting into bed.  Oh, how uncomfortable that bed was.  I don't remember the times as well as Craig, but I think it was about one o'clock when the doctor came in and broke my water and gave me an epidural.  The epidural was painless and not half as bad as I thought it would be.  In fact, I think the worst part was just having my IV put in my hand.  It might as well have been the first day on duty for the first nurse that tried to put the IV in my hand.  My vein kept jumping and she couldn't get the needle in.  It hurt surprisingly A LOT and I tried to play it all tough, but tears were running down my face.

My mom used to joke about how weird the epidural was and having to holler at my dad to help her slide her legs back on the table.  I had no idea how funny this actually was until I lived it.  Maybe our legs really aren't sliding at all, it's just a combination of the drugs and the fact that we can't feel or control anything at all from our waste down.

After several hours of having the epidural I was very ready to be done.  I was nauseous, uncomfortable, and tired.  I don't know how people can sleep in a hospital bed or even relax enough to fall asleep while you're in labor for that matter.  My attempt at obeying my doctor and sleeping was not very successful.

I must have fallen asleep, because my doctor woke me up at nine o'clock and told me that I was fully dilated and ready to go.  I panicked and my initial reaction was, "I'm too tired."  I was scared out of my mind.

The next few minutes were not half as bad as I thought they would be, though.  My doctor joked with me that I couldn't tell anyone in Relief Society about how easy the actual delivery was.  Phew! 

There's nothing more magical than the first moment with your baby, though.  I will never forget when all of the doctors had left and it was just our little family.  The spirit testified to me so powerfully that my baby was truly a daughter of God.  Her spirit was so strong and beautiful.

She's finally here!

One of my favorite things of this day was watching the proud dad show off his little girl.  I think I have never heard of a prouder Dad, flaunting and showing off his little girl in the nursery after she had taken her first bath.  My family couldn't get over how much they loved Craig holding Olivia up like a scene out of Lion King while they all stood, ecstatic, behind the glass wall of the nursery.

 

Olivia and Daddy right before we left the hospital.  Bundled up in the quilt her great Aunt made her.

 

Craig loved the cafe' in the hospital.  He was one happy boy at this moment.

Over the next few hours and days I can't express enough gratitude to the friends and family who came to visit our new family in the hospital and showered us with your love, support, and beautiful gifts for Olivia.  It truly meant the world that you all sacrificed time out of your busy lives to celebrate the birth of our baby girl.  What a special moment that we will never forget.

My new baby and me!

So little!

Tag

1. What is your favorite commercial on TV right now? Wow, I haven't honestly watched TV in a long time.  The 40' tree that fell on Monday took out our satellite so we are going without TV right now.

2.What do you and your significant other argue about most often? 

Um, probably laundry and who has to switch it out and fold it..I hate laundry!

3. If you were the lunch lady at school, what would you make to gross the kids out?  Eww! probably jello.  I hate that stuff!

4. What clique would you say that you belonged to in high school? 

Um, I'm really trying to put my finger on it.  I guess you would say that I ran around with the really "nice" group.  You know, the group that everyone knows and admires?  haha jk All of my girlfriends were really outgoing and really, really, sweet.  And pretty.  I was always playing match maker--hated it!

5. Open up your picture file on your computer. Count across or down 7 pictures, and you are not allowed to skip! Post it for us to see with a caption explaining if you would like.

 

Wow, this is a classic.  How could anyone top this Halloween costume?  Don't even try!

6. What is your worst experience as an employee? 

Wow, how to even choose.  I think getting a phone call from the police at one o'clock in the morning and being interrogated about missing till money is at the top of the list, though.  I thought my poor, innocent self was going to be put in jail that night.

7. What item can you never walk by in the grocery store without being seriously tempted to buy?  Hmmm.. Probably brownie mix or goodies of some kind.  

 

8. The most awkward thing to happen to you last week was...

hmm..I really can't think of one off the top of my head.

Oh, sheesh..I just realized that Ash has questions of her own.  I am not even going to bother to erase these and I'll answer the ones below.  Bare with me here. 

Ok...my questions...

1) Go to your picture folder...go to your forth picture folder and choose the 3rd picture (no skipping), post and explain

 This was taken at Lake Mead on our Honeymoon.  *Sigh* I got very sick and threw up in the water, but aside from that, I only have good memories of this experience.

 

2) What is your most embarrassing dating moment?  Well, I honestly can't think of anything, personally.  I am a flawless date, you know.  But I would have to say that my date pooping his pants at junior prom, my senior prom date throwing up, a date breaking the door off when opening it for me, and Craig forgetting to bring cash to pay for parking on our first date and me having to write a check are pretty good embarassing date moments.. let me know if you want any more!

3) What is your favorite song and explain why?  I am honestly loving Katy Perry's Teenage Dream right now.. I don't know if I'm having a mid (sort of) twenties crisis right now, but somehow it makes me feel young again.  Motherhood has a way of suddenly making you feel old and not "cool" anymore.

4) What is the worst name you heard someone give a baby?  Oh, I don't know.  I gotta watch what I say, because I have been offended by people not loving names I have loved my entire life (this comment is not directed at you, Craig).

5) Where is your favorite place?  I absolutely love Bear Lake.

6) Funniest thing you have ever been asked?  If I wanted the sixteen and under discount at an ice skating rink while on a date when I was nineteen.

7) Look to your left...what do see?  My messy bed.  Making the bed is way over rated these days.

8) Post your favorite recipe as of right now...

Q Doba's Queso Sauce on Breakfast Burritos ( I would eat this every day, seriously)

 

Queso Sauce

 

1 cup of shreddred monterey jack cheese
1 cup of American cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 roasted poblano peppers (finely chopped)
8 oz tomatoes ( finely chopped)
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 tbsp of ground garlic
salt to taste

 

For the breakfast burritos I totally just winged it.  I cut up an entire green and red pepper, along with like 1/4 of an onion and a few cloves of garlic.  I sauteed this in a skillet with spicy Italian sausage.  Once everything was cooked, I added like 6 eggs and some of the cream.  Oh, and some crushed red pepper and salt and pepper to taste.  

 

Wrap it all up in a tortilla and enjoy!!

 

 

Liv and Me Lovin Our Kitchen

My little design assistant and I would like to show you our humble little kitchen. It is one of our favorite rooms in the house--and we think it looks quite cute!

{ Miss Liv's favorite part of the kitchen--her shrine on the refrigerator and the pretty bird magnets! }

{ Posing for the camera--shocker! }

{ Our little shelf that we love! An Ikea find. }

{ Love our new chairs with the dining table. What would we do without you, KSL?! }

{ One very proud little designer after showing off her kitchen. }

Failing is Just Proof That You are Trying

Today I read this lovely quote on a dear friend's blog and just had to share. I made this poster really quick for me to print and hang in my office. I'm sure every time I look at it, it will put things back into perspective.

A summer of great memories

Today my heart is feeling very full. I just got back from a beautiful lunch with one of my dearest friends. There is nothing better than spending a lovely afternoon with someone so dear to you and laughing, crying, reminiscing, and leaving with a warm embrace. Afternoons and moments like this are what make up a lifetime full of happiness.

This summer has been one of the greatest summers of learning and growth for me. Just as every season of our lives has its ups and downs, this summer has had its ups and downs. I am so grateful that today while driving home, I was finally able to see things in perspective, and realize that everything that has been hard is foreshadowed by everything that has been so good.

When I think of this summer, I think of sitting in Todd and Ashleigh's living room in Indianapolis watching TV shows with two other beautiful women, and laughing and conversing about life. I think of an amazing day at an amusement park and racing down water slides and watching Olivia's joy as we floated the lazy river. I think about spending wonderful, relaxed Sundays with Craig, Olivia, family, and friends. I think about getting on that escalator in the airport and seeing my brother and sister for the first time in four months, and feeling completely overwhelmed with joy and relief. I think of being there to witness Chris and Alycia being sealed in the Temple, and the sweet and pure love of a beautiful new couple, as they embrace with tears of joy in their eyes. And I wouldn't change a moment of it.

I want to thank my Heavenly Father for teaching me that the greatest things in life and the things that really matter are: Craig, Olivia, family, the Gospel, dear friends..and the blessing of being able to crawl into bed at night with my best friend and the love of my life. Nothing could ever bring me more joy and peace. My heart is overflowing with gratitude.

Craig, I love you and hope you know that you are my hero and my best friend. I can't wait to see you soon and jump into your arms. I think I will probably never let go!!