Archive for February, 2011
{37 Weeks}
I can’t skimp out on you too much.
Here is our 37 week belly shot.
Yes, she is large and in charge! Definitely building my back muscles with how much I have to balance myself from toppling forward. That, and trying not to feel like a complete bafoon when I ‘waddle’ from place to place.
We are almost there friends. We’ve got 2 weeks and 5 days max until we met our new addition. Of course I’m voting for tomorrow, but since when do kids listen to their parents?!? ;)
{mysignaturehere}
The Nursery Reveal
After a lot of work we have finally completed our biggest house project so far. I’ve shown you several posts along the way, but I’m excited to finally present the finished product. Without further ado, Sarah’s Nursery!
Here is the Before:
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Here we go with a picture-full post of the big baby-room transformation:
(Sorry the lighting isn’t the best, I’m still learning how to pick the best time of day for this room.)
Next up is an angle from if you are standing next to the crib. You can see the open-faced closet & future sitting/nap area.
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This is the view from the closet wall. I think it does a decent job of showing the small amount of space we had to work with. The room is 10 x 9, so it’s nice and snug. I think everything fits just right. Not too crowded and not under-used either.
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Here is the completed closet. We moved the rack up higher so that there would be ample storage/stacking space on top of the dresser, but enough room to stash things up top as well. Right now it’s hosting the Bumbo, an embroidered ’Sarah’ tote bag, and a recycle bag that I will probably find use for real quick.
We removed the door from the closet because I didn’t like the idea of having to open and shut it multiple times per day, especially if my arms are full with 1) a baby, 2) laundry, and/or 3) both. Removing the door was simple. I painted the inside of the closet one day while Stephen was at work, and the dresser fit inside perfectly. I had originally planned on hanging a curtain in front of the closet (a matching one to the window), but decided I like how open it makes the room feel. Who knew removing a simple door could make such a big difference.
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All 3 drawers are currently packed full of clothes aging from infant-6 months. Once she grows out of those I have a box stored under the crib with larger sizes. The bottom drawer is actually a holding place for shoes, hair bands, socks, and bibs. Laundry is fixing to get crazy!.
Some of the frames above the glider…
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These are the two outfits hanging on the wall next to the crib. I got the onesie for Stephen for Christmas, and our friend/realtor that sold us our house got us that cute little dress from Hawaii.
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This will be Sarah’s view, once she can sit up and stand on her own.
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If she has any desire to look up at the hanging lanters and cute Nature print, this is what she’ll see…(minus the shiny flash on the wall print).
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I scored these “outside” lanters on clearance at Target for like $4. I had a gift card so they actually didn’t cost me a dime. I really like what they add to the room. They remind me of a combination of scenes from Fern Gully, LOTR (in Lothlórien), and living in the trees like in Swiss Family Robinson. I think I may have a thing for living in the outdoors…
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This is a shelf that was my younger brother Jason’s all throughout childhood. He recently got married and after moving into a new apartment he decided he didn’t want it. I quickly snatched it up and painted it white. I’ll actually have a post up about it’s crazy color change next week 
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I love this cute calendar I got from my friend Kelly. She did a perfect job at picking it out because it carries the ‘feel’ I was going for with the room. A whimsical nature scene, if you can follow that idea. I love animals, soft colors, and more recently the feel of walking into a purple-walled bedroom. It’s amazing how a baby can change your idea’s on color.
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Right here we have our little door holder. Isn’t he sweet? He actually probably needs a bath. I got him from a yard sale for $0.25
Last here is the exit. You can see we have the diaper bag packed and ready. It has actually made a move from the nursery to near the front door, and in the car if we are going out (just in case). We like to be prepared!
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Well that sums up our nursery makeover. For now on when people visit they will be next door in the new-guest -bedroom-that-was-once-the-office. It’s bigger with more closet space and more windows, so I guess you could say it’s a nice little upgrade.
So what do you think? I hope the pictures do the room justice. It’s hard getting good angles when you are propping you 38-week pregnant belly in tiny corners with a camera.
We are done people. Sarah can arrive at any time and will have a place to eat, sleep, poop, and whatever else babies do.
{mysignaturehere}
A [late] Weekly Photo
I’ve been falling behind on showing you a ‘weekly bump’ picture and decided I’d give you one, even if it’s not the most current.
Here we are, 36 weeks along (aka: 2 weeks ago).
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I’ve got tomorrow’s post almost complete, so be on the lookout Also, since we are starting week 38 tomorrow keep your eyes peeled for a few more ‘belly pop’ shots!
Happy Friday-eve,
{mysignaturehere}
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My New Favorite Room
With only one more thing left to hang in the nursery I wanted to give you a little teaser… a little “peek through the window”. Of course the picture is from the inside, and the blinds are closed, but you get the idea.
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Be on the lookout for the “Nursery Reveal”! It should [finally] be popping up later this week!
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{mysignaturehere}
A Love Letter
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Dear baby girl,
You are almost 38 weeks old. We are so ready to finally meet you. Your daddy was telling you last night that he is ready for you to come join us. I think he is growing impatient, which is really cute to watch. Your grandparents are also more than ready for you to join us.
You should know, as much as I want to hold you in my arms I will really miss our moments together. Feeling you squirm around to get comfortable, being completely safe in my tummy. I will finally have to share you with everyone else. Is it okay to admit that I want to be your favorite?
I’m so excited to see your face. I can’t help but wonder what you look like. Will you have dark hair like your dad, or light hair like me? Will it be straight or curly?! Your grandpa Ringl had a dream about you and you had a head full of curls. I’m jealous he got to see you, even if it was a dream. When I dream about you it’s always really weird. One time you were born an egg and I had to keep you under a heating lamp. Yes, you have been giving mommy really weird dreams. I know whatever you look like you are going to be absolutely beautiful.
Last night I thought you were trying to kick your way out of my belly. It’s so fun to watch you move around and make my stomach look like a big bowl of Jello. I have a feeling you are going to have some powerful lungs, getting the hiccups twice a day must be building them nice and strong! Loud or quiet, we are ready to hear you.
I’ve been told that the moment we lay eyes on you we will understand an entirely new form of love. Which is hard to understand because we already love you so very much. I can’t wait to kiss you and count all your tiny fingers and toes. I wonder how big you’re going to be? The Doctor said she thinks you’ll be about 7 pounds. Of course I know there is no way to really know until you get here. I bet you will look so tiny in your daddy’s arms. He set your car seat up in the car for you. We even have your diaper bag packed and ready.
Feel free to knock when you are ready to come join us. There are a ton of people waiting to answer.
I love you,
Mommy
Florida Sun
I am sitting in my parents backyard right now and I can’t help but be overwhelmingly thankful for the life I am living. I have a wonderful husband, great friends, an awesome family, and today – beautiful weather!
It’s currently 68 degrees with not a cloud in the sky. As much as I enjoy the winter, and cuddling up on the couch with a blanket, the sun has a way of just lifting my spirits. I’m sitting on a swing, outside, in February, with a healthy and growing baby in my stomach. What more could a girl ask for? Okay, maybe a glass of ice lemonade, but I’m not that greedy, my water bottle will do.
Here’s a little glimpse into what I am “currently” up to:
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To answer the first question going through your head, Yes, that sandwich is delicious! And second, that “beach ball” on the left of the picture is 3 weeks and 1 day away until her due date!
Now I think it’s time I get back to that sandwich…
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{mysignaturehere}
Just Another Monday
Saturday night our church youth group put on a valentines banquet for the adults. With Stephen being the new youth director at the church we were definitely in attendance. We brought our digital Canon SLR and new tripod (thanks Matt) to use for ‘couples photos’. We had 12 girls volunteer and they did a great job with the decorations and serving all of us a delicious 3-course meal. The night was put together to help raise money for the youth summer trip, so it was great to see a room full of people participate and help raise some funds.
Here’s our Valentines Banquet photo.
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Stephen and I aren’t big Valentines Day people, we usually stay in and watch a movie – anything to avoid the massive crowds & overpriced candy/flowers. Stepping out of our normal routine, tonight we are headed to Home Depot to celebrate with a “to our home” gift. Hopefully the parking lot won’t be too packed…
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{mysignaturehere}
Weekend Highlights
In case I haven’t told you, I’m a lucky lady. The past two weekends I was blessed to have been given 2 lovely baby showers. One by my family in Biloxi, and the other from my sister & mom-in-law. Both were amazing and so overly generous of the friends and family that attended. Baby Sarah is one lucky girl, and other than some last minute things, she is free to enter the world at anytime, with a nursery close to complete for her!
Here are some pictures from my shower in Biloxi.
Mom & I
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Cousin Angie & Myself
(I have her to thank for my new hairdo)
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with my Aunt Patty
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Angie’s girls: Paige & Kaley helping me open gifts
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The sweet diaper cake
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The whole gang!
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Then, the following weekend we had a shower at our church…
the decorated fellowship hall
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This picture makes me smile – can you see why?
ya, the funny guy in the background is my awesome hubs!
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My sister, Val, and 2nd mom
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My family that came: Sister, Mom, Aunt Vicci & Judy
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The Sweet Cake
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We have some very amazing friends and family. We know that so many people have been praying for us, and for this baby, during and before this pregnancy. We are so excited about getting to meet this child and share the love of Christ with her. I pray that she will yearn to get to know Him and love Him as much as her father and I, and that we can be the examples He wants us to be.
We’ve got a little over 4 weeks people. Well, that is if we hit on or before our due date. I would like to encourage you all to pray that she comes on or before March 11th, I don’t think I can wait any longer than that 
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{mysignaturehere}
Fancy Drawers
Here’s a little sneak peak into a DIY Nursery project I’ve been working on.
Remember this dresser I redid a few months ago…
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Well the inside of those 3 drawers were a little behind the times for my personal taste. Let me show you what I mean…
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So I grabbed this roll of green & white wrapping paper I happened to have on hand.
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Next I grabbed some double sided tape and cut the paper to the drawer measurements. Easy enough.
Here’s a little preview of what the drawers looked like before I filled them with adorable little girl clothes:
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I look forward to revealing the Nursery to you when it’s finally complete. We don’t have too much more to do (yay!)
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{mysignaturehere}
A New Accomplishment
I accomplished something new today. I, Cassie Ringl, baked bread from scratch. Not only did I bake bread, but it actually tasted better than it smelled!
I have to admit this wasn’t my first try. This was my 3rd go-around with a bread recipe, the only difference is this one worked. It took 5 days for the starter to prepare itself and become bake-ready. I’ve discovered that one of the reasons Sourdough Bread is so amazing is because of the patience you have to practice while waiting for it. Then again, I’ve never made it before and still thought it was amazing, so… I guess it’s delicious either way.
Here’s my ‘baking station’ with the laptop open for step-by-step instructions:
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That’s the dough after I let it rise overnight:
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Knead the dough for a few minutes:
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Split the dough in half and place in bread pans:
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Let the dough double in size
(mine took about 3 hours)
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Then bake & drool as you smell the aroma of fresh bread wafting through your home
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Here’s the link to the website for the starter and recipe. You should check it out and try it. Trust me!
Makes me wish I lived in a small town where bread was baked fresh everyday and you could smell it when you walked to work in the morning, or visited the market. Wait a second, I don’t have to wish that… I can make it come true in my own home! I am so excited, feeling like a real ‘homemaker’ right now
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{mysignaturehere}
