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November 2010

  • Nursery Inspiration!

     

    As the plans for our new home move slowly but surely forward, I have begun to get really excited about the prospect of having a baby room (as opposed to just a baby zone/corner)!  I was completely unsure where to begin... then, on Oct. 16th I curled up on the couch to watch Sofia Coppola's film Marie Antoinette in honor of the anniversary of the day that Marie Antoinette was beheaded.  Lovely, I know.  I found that I couldn't take my eyes off the screen.  The color pallete of the film was totally mesmerizing me!  I have been adament about "no pink" since the beginning, but all of the sudden I found myself loving the pinks (and the greens, yellows and blues) in the film!  I immediately knew the direction I want to go with the baby room.  Maybe not quite as decadent as these images but using the color palaette in an organic and simplified way will be perfect!


    The sets, costumes, makeup and overall style are so lovely!
















    The macaroons are so inspirational!





    The shoes are the perfect colors!



    The Vogue magazine spread shot by Annie Leibovitz!






    My mother-in-law (Erika) and I set out to the fabric store to see if we could find some ideas that drew from the color palette of the above images.  We found nearly perfect matches!  A silvery, grey blue... a bright, sorbet pink... a pale, antique-y yellow...


     


    an earthy, natural green and a sweet, girly pink!


    I bought piping in each color to jazz up the corners of white washcloths, burp cloths, bath towels and use it to keep things in a simple and consistent color scheme.  I like things to match! 


    Then we happened across this fabric in the sale pile and bought it all!  The color didn't scan up perfectly, but it just matches up with the color palette perfectly.  Erika is whipping up a baby bumper from it right now! 

      

    It has been so much fun to explore and indulge in a bit of girly nesting! I love the idea of keeping everything white and clean (well, clean in the aesthetic sense) but using these simple colors to keep things varied and inviting.  

     

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  • Stella McCartney Kids Line

     

    Stella McCartney is one of my very favorite designers.  She did a kids line for Gap Kids last year which featured adorable little clothes!  It was limited edition and was gone quickly.



    After the success of the Gap line, she decided to begin her own line of kids clothing!  Her website is newly launched with the collection.  The collection features clothing for kids ages 0-12 but are derived (and shrunken down) from her main lain.  The overall aesthetic is sweet and modern. This first collection is for Holiday 2010 with a Spring-Summer 2011 Collection coming soon.  


    Here are some of my favorite looks for kiddos from her line:

     



     




     


     



     




    I won't be purchasing any of these adorable outfits any time soon because they are way outside of my kids clothing budget (not to mention my own clothing budget) but they are fun to look at!  This little video featuring the clothing is really cute!



     

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  • Sad Mac

     

    Hi Everyone,

    It's Sunday evening and I was sitting here in pajamas and enjoying writing my Week 30 blog post when suddenly my computer crashed.  As is the case with most people, I feel that part of my life is on my computer.  I am trying desperately not to panic (completely).  Tomorrow morning I will take my computer to the repair shop and hopefully they will be able to get it back to working form or, at least, recover my files.  It looks like this might be a quiet week on the blog front. Keep your fingers crossed for me and hopefully I'll be back faster than you can say, "I should have found the time to use the backup system I just bought".


    Love,
    Kacie


    In case you need a visual interpretation of my evening:


     

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  • Sad Mac: R.I.P.

     

    So...  I got my computer back... or at least the shell of my computer.  The hard drive (and all the data on it) was unsalvageable.  I spent the morning mourning the loss of my work, photos and a few truly irreplaceable things before opting to take a bath with a jar of peanut butter and America's Next Top Model and reenter the world with a (mostly) positive attitude.  I have to admit that the last two weeks, since the pre-term labor scare, have been rather grey around here.  I've had a hard time adjusting to the rest program because I've loved my daily walks and exercise, grocery shopping and cooking.  The house is half packed into boxes which is unsettling to a nesting-driven Mama-to-be.  We had to cancel my baby shower in Seattle.  I'm still having constant contractions which is nerve racking and uncomfortable.  Losing my work and personal things on my computer is truly devastating.  The docs told me to cut sugar out my diet so I can't even bake myself out of this slump! You can see where it's been hard to "turn my frown upside down".  


    But... there is a lot to be grateful for.  We are just about to pass into the 32nd week (8 months!) in the pregnancy which means we can all breathe a little easier around here.  The baby's development (with the aid of the steroid injections they gave me) in the last two weeks has been incredibly important.  We are almost done with the purchasing process on the house and will hopefully get to move in around Thanksgiving.  I'm grateful not to be on total bed rest and am enjoying the little things I can do... like rebuild my computer.  I know that my attitude and emotions are intricatly connected to our little baby girl so it's really important to me to find joy in things and stay strong and positive even when things are really hard.  So I'm attempting to reboot my attitude and my computer and move forward into what's sure to be a lovely weekend.  I'll be back next week when I get things back on track.  


    In the meantime, these are a few silly videos that make me smile:

     



     






     

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  • Week 30 and 31

     

     

     

     

     

    Sweater: Liz Lange Maternity

    Camisole: Odd Molly

    Jeans: Gap Maternity

    Boots: Frye


     

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  • Pumpkin Cupcakes and Pajamas

     

    This weekend was wonderful!  We should have been packing, we should have been organizing and we should have been doing things to prepare for our move/baby.  But, instead, we spent the entire weekend reading and relaxing and watching movies and making pumpkin cupcakes!   We spent most day on Saturday in our pajamas, on the couch reading books and magazines, although we did get out of the house for lunch with friends and a short stroll around town.  I found the perfect birthday present for Poppy! Then we came home, put our pajamas back on and made chili and watched Project Runway. On Sunday, we went grocery shopping for the week and then came back home, watched football and Kyle helped me bake up these delicious Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting (recipes below)!  We took a few to our lovely neighbors and brought the rest to dinner at a friend's house.  They were really, really yummy and sweet. All in all, it was a fantastically simple and relaxing little weekend.  It was just what we needed after the last few weeks.  


    I wanted to make something very Fall-like and pumpkin cupcakes sounded like the perfect thing.  It's my good friend's birthday this week and we were invited to a dinner party so, I knew I could make them and give them all away.  I'm not supposed to be eating much sugar right now so this way I got to bake my little heart out and not feel guilty about breaking any of the doctor's orders!  I browsed the web and decided on the cupcake recipe from Martha Stewart and the frosting recipe from Ina Garten (click on the links above to get the recipes).  Although, I think next time I might skip the maple flavoring part of the cream cheese frosting because it seemed to overpower the simple yumminess of the pumpkin cake.  They were fun and easy to make and they made the house smell wonderful!


    Into the oven!

     

    The frosting station.


    My cute family watching the Seahawks win for a change... although I don't think Calypso was too invested in the game.

     

    Yum!

     

    and yum!


     

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  • Getting Our (Rubber) Ducks in a Row

     

    After our last hospital visit and a second brief one last week, (just had to get checked... they sent me home right away) I figured it was due time (no pun intended) to put together our overnight bag for the hospital!  I did lots of research online as well as in our birthing book, Birthing from Within, and came up with a list of items to use at home and to bring along with us.  I want to stay home as long as possible before heading to the hospital.  We live less than two miles from the birthing center/hospital so hopefully we can stay home until the last couple of hours.  We'll have a doula on hand to help us know when it's time to go! Obviously, if we have a pre-term baby all of this will go out the window and we'll be headed into Portland to an unknown hospital with unknown doctors and we'll have to just go with the flow.  We'll have a few changes of clothes/pajamas, a bathrobe for me, some of Kyle's t-shirts for me to wear (I'm not feeling the hospital gown program) and our own pillows along with the following items...


    The TENS Unit.  I got this for my back pain... it uses electric currents to stimulate nerves so you don't feel as much pain.  It's used a lot in pain management for natural birth.  Most insurance companies will rent/buy one for you.

     

    Eye covers and ear plugs.  I wish we'd had these the last time!

     

    Heat pillow and lavender oil (for relaxation) and coconut oil for back rubs.

     

    It's really important to stay hydrated and replace electrolytes.  I want to avoid an IV unless I really need one and staying hydrated is the first step!


    Everything I read suggested that you bring music along with you but, as Kyle put it, movies are my music.  The Audrey Hepburn Collection contains many of my faves: Breakfast at Tiffany'sSabrinaRoman HolidayFunny Face and Paris When It Sizzles.  Hopefully these will prove to be pleasant distractions.


    Call me crazy but smells have bothered me SO much during my pregnancy that I've stocked up on toothbrushes and mouthwash for people to use when the come to visit.  Actually, the birthing book recommended this too so I'm not the only crazy mom-to-be.

     

    The birthing book also recommended bringing your own washcloths since the hospital ones are less than luxe.  I also have a little bit of makeup (concealer and blush), dental floss (I'm obsessed with dental hygiene), hair rubber bands and chapstick. 

     

    Simple (yet important) toiletries: shampoo and conditioner, face wash and lotion, soap and deodorant. 

     

    THE birthing book, our birth plan ideals and a scrapbook page for footprints! 

     

    A few newborn diapers, wipes and breast pads and the outfit I came home from the hospital in.


    Thanks to my Aunt Carla we have a car seat now and with this stuff all packed up and ready to go we are feeling pretty ready.  Of course we are hoping for a full term babe, but if she does decided to make an early appearance we'll at least be prepared for her arrival!

     

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  • It's Official...

    We are now home owners!!!!


    (Well, technically we own half of a home and Kyle's parents own the other half).

    After what seems like months of paperwork, faxing and signing today everything finally went through and we are officially the owners of a cute little three bedroom home.  The house is in perfect condition with loads of potential.  I can't wait to start painting, decorating, putting the nursery together, putting in different flooring, putting in a new kitchen and making all kinds of fun and exciting changes.  Kyle's parents are coming to stay for a week and help us pack, move and unpack.  We're so blessed to have such supportive parents!  To celebrate, we are going to see the new Harry Potter movie tonight!  I hope I don't get too excited and go into labor again!  


     

     

     

     

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  • Wonderful Weekend!

     

    First off, I have to tell you all that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows was great!  The acting was good and the story was accurate and well told.  It completely lived up to/exceeded my expectations and, let me tell you, they were pretty high.  I made popcorn and got M&M's and we held hands and thoroughly enjoyed the film.  Now we can begin the countdown for Part 2.  What a strange concept that, when the final installment comes out, we will have to hire a babysitter take advantage of our parents in order to go see it.  


    Warner Bros. Entertainment


    After the movie was over we went to go get the key for our new house and wandered through all the rooms.  It was such a strange and foreign sensation.  I have a feeling it's going to take a while to set in that we actually own a home.  When you've been renting for ten years and moved a dozen times, it's very strange to think that we are moving into a place of our own.  



    My sister (Meghan) and her husband (Rob) surprised us by calling to say they wanted to come spend the weekend helping us pack and move, which is great because I'm so limited in what I can do.  It will be do great to have their help but, mostly, it will be great to spend time with them. 



    Maybe we'll get most of our boxes moved!

    Maybe we'll finish packing the apartment!

    Maybe we'll paint the baby's room!

    Maybe it won't snow!

    Maybe we'll eat fajitas and play Yahtzee!

    Maybe we'll cuddle and watch old movies!

    Maybe we'll get drunk on red wine warm milk and honey and go dancing to bed early!




    The possibilities are endless!  


    I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  


    Love,

    Kacie

     

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  • Week 32

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Jacket: Prairie Underground

    Scarf: Cashmink

    Dress: Gap

    Leggings: LA Made

    Boots: Frye

     

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  • Happy Birthday Poppy!

     

    HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY POP-TART!!!


     


    I can hardly believe that today is Poppy's fifth birthday!  I have spent four years with the remarkable Miss P and today she leaves the land of tots and officially becomes a kid-lette/micro kid.  Poppy is a loving, sweet, silly, kind, ridiculous, conscientious little girl and I am seriously blessed to have her as a part of my life.


    One!

     

     


    Two!


    Three!

     


    Four!

     

     


    Over the years she has kept me entertained with...


    Her WONDERFUL optimism:


    "I have my shoes on because they make me want to dance.  I knew I wanted to dance today!"


    "It's sprinkling.  I think someone turned on the rain because they wanted to play in it."


    "What a beautiful day it is today!"


    "Someday, I want to try everything!"


    Her inquisitiveness:


    P: "How did the baby get in there?"

    K: "Uhhh... that is a great question for your Mom!"

    P: "Why?  Did she watch?"


    "Do boys eat frog legs?"


    "How did that lady get so fat?!


    "Do you have fuzzy girl parts?"


    P: "What are those?"

    K: "Those are called blossoms."

    P: "Blossoms are beautiful!"


    Her knack for speaking the truth:


    "The longer you take, the less time you have."


    "It's not nice to show people your panties unless they ask to see them."


    "My Dad is my owner."


    "If you had one humongous ear, you'd probably topple over."


    "I'm like a little fat person!"


    Her love for her family:


    "My Daddy knows how to fix everything."


    "My Mom is the cutest!"


    And, her... uh, uniqueness:


    "I'm just being silly.  It's what I do."


    " 'Member when I pooped in your bathtub?  I don't know why I did that."


    "Man, I LOVE beans!"


    "I like to craze it up!"

    Five!!!

    Opening presents (Alice in Wonderland and a sous chef apron)!

     

    Making cookies!

     

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  • Thanksgiving!

     

    THANKSGIVING!


    For the third Thansgiving in a row, we headed up to my Dad and Stepmom's house for their annual dinner.  Two good friends, Scott and Kurt, are chefs at the Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, WA and they make the most amazing food!  Everyone else that attends is either a food or wine lover and pitches in with fabulous dishes or incredible bottles of wine!  It's nothing short of gourmet.  Here's a little story of our day in photos...



    We got up early and made Grandpa Apple Pies and...


    Craisin and Pine Nut Stuffing.  Meanwhile at the Ranch...


    Dad was smoking a ham and...


    The turkey was on the BBQ.


    It was snowy and lovely at the Ranch.


    The bees were definitely hibernating.


    My stepmom Nance had created lovely place settings for everyone...


    with their own special name tags...


    and a thoughtful gift.


    Kurt whisking up his excellent gravy.


    This is what happens when foodies and winos collide!


    Nance and Kurt!


    Before dinner = 37 inches!


    Checking the turkey.

     

     

    Scott and Bill cooking up caramelized carrots and sage potatoes.


    Turkey's done!


    The plate of Thanskgiving food I've been craving for months!!! Corn bread, rice salad, stuffing, turkey, ham, green beans, carmelized carrots, sage mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry sauce!  Yum!!!


    After dinner = 39 inches!


    Dad in his Hawaiian shirt and bee apron getting ready for clean up.


    McCoy, Jack Jack, Max and Lucy begging for scraps (of which they got plenty).


    Col Solare!  My wine ration of the BEST wine!  Yum!


    Dad, Kurt and Nance.


    Judy brought these bizarre headdresses... and we may have had a little too much fun with them!




    Judy and Nance.


    Dad and Kyle.


    Silly Daddy.


    Erika.


    Me.


    Time for dessert.  Cranberry pudding, pumpkin chiffon pie, pumpkin chipotle custard, apple cherry pie, and apple pie! 


    I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have a perfectly relaxing weekend!


    As for us... it's moving day and it's snowing (and there's a bit of freezing rain)... should be interesting!


     

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  • Week 33

     


     

     

    Your Nona is a little uh... creative and decided to wrap this tree on their property with fabric swatches!

     

     

     

    This is a pet dinosaur that my Uncle Matt made.  Get ready for LOTS of creativity with this family.


    Scarf: Cashmink

    Sweater: Shae

    Jeans: GAP Maternity

    Boots: Frye

     

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  • Home Sweet Home

     

    Planning:


    Before moving I made this layout of the new house and the furniture using my home makeover planning method to make the transition easier.  Most everything is in it's place now and when we get the last few boxes unpacked I will take photos of the finished rooms!

     

     

     

    The whole house.

      

     The office and guest/kid bathroom.


     The master bedroom and bathroom.


     The guest/kid bath and the baby's room.


    The kitchen and dining room.


    The entry and living room.

     

    The big move:


    Moving in the ice and snow proved to be a bit of a challenge! 


    Me being grumpy about having to sit still.


    But, with the help of Kyle's parents (Dave and Erika) we got completely packed, moved and out of the old apartment and into the new house!  We couldn't have done it without them.


    While everyone packed, moved and cleaned I started unpacking the kitchen at the new house and made Lemon Spaghetti and Chicken Saltimbocca.


     

    Our first dinner in the new home!


     

    Our first gorgeous sunset view from our new home!

     

    Kyle and his Dad putting up Christmas lights.

     

     

    On Sunday night we bundled up and went to see Harry Potter with Dave and Erika (they hadn't seen it) and it was a perfectly relaxing end to a hectic and busy week!  They headed home on Monday morning and today we woke up to.... snow!!!

     

     

     


    It was enough snow to cancel Poppy's school for the day so we are going to be cozy in the new house our sweats and bake M&M cookies!  

     

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