Didn't start out so pretty, but ended with smiles

12.30.2011
day 2

Well this morning was hard.  The reality of what is going on hit me like a bag of rocks and I was not a happy camper this morning.

It didn't help that I was having reactions to a couple of the medicines and they had been trying to figure it all out, but in the process I was going over 24hrs of a massive migraine that made everything sensitive and painful.

I couldn't believe, the more I thought about it, that I was here AGAIN!  That this was happening again, and this time was more serious than last.  Which, then of course worries me so much that this lil man is going to try and make his appear much earlier than he should.  Secondly, I realized what all I would be 'missing', Holidays will be NYE, Valentines, my husbands birthday, Saint Patricks day, possibly Easter, but most importantly in just a few short weeks, my oldest is turning 4.

So today, through the tears, I finished planning an awesome birthday party for him. Knowing that I would not get to see his AMAZING face light up with each fun activity, present opened, cake presented, candles blown and all the little things that I cherish at each one of these beautiful milestones in my babies lives.

To make matters worse, he is 'old enough' this go around to really understand what is going on, and as a typical almost 4 year old, is wearing his emotion on his sleeve.  It is so sweet, yet so heart breaking to hear him say that he misses me, that he loves me and wants me to come home to snuggle.  Especially when I can see that pain in his eyes, knowing that Mommy can't make that happen.

Then I have my 18 month old, who doesn't quite understand what is going on, but you can tell through his actions and attitude that he is in complete disapproval of Mommy not being home.

I know in time, they will accept this short term fate, and adjust to our new ways and 'new temporary lifestyle' but I can't say that in the meantime I like this transition one bit.  I can't stand to see my babies hurt.

But, my silver lining, my grace in all this is that God, over 12 years ago, put the most amazing man in my life.  He is the most amazing person, best friend, husband and most importantly father I could every ask for, for my boys and myself.  He is my rock in these days, and I cherish him dearly.  He got me through my tears and emotions yesterday and made my frown turn upside down.

Unfortuantely for me, sitting here is bad, but he has a full plate with his career, and now both boys alone and all the responsibilities of the house, chores, and boys; not to mention me and my emotions (or can I blame it on hormones) and the unknown situation and arrival of our littlest one. But I know, he will do an AMAZING job!

12.30.2011 first morning without Mommy

Well, can you believe all that was packed into my morning, yep.  Luckily I was able to talk my doctor into letting me have shower privelages.  OH THE LITTLE THINGS.  Only problem is I have a 'shower chair' that I have to sit in the entire time.   And if you haven't done that before, it is very odd and a little 'aging'.  But for me, 'sitting' in the shower, did help to release a lot of tension and help me take a new deep breathe to get through my day.

And I needed it; because when I got out of the shower, this BEAUTIFUL picture was waiting for me on my phone! He called it the 'I'm so happy to go see Mommy dance!' MELT MY HEART!!! LOVE this boy!

12.30.2011 The Mommy Dance

And before to long, my view of a beige and sterile hospital room, brighten up and turned magical.


12.30.2011 watching for helicopters



12.30.2011 watching for helicopters









I got the sweetest little knock on the door, with the question "Mommy, are you in there..." seconds later, the door opening and I had my two babies in my arms.  That definitely will put a smile on my face so quickly.

And the view in the room that I am in this time, has a MUCH better view, especially if you ask my boys.  I have a pretty incredible scenic view, but to them, it is REALLY COOL, because I am really close to the helicopter landing pad.  And oh my goodness, you should hear the squeals when they spot a helicopter coming in for landing or an airplane fly by.  LOVE IT!! 

And the most amazing thing was to hear my 18m try and say airplane as he saw the planes fly over.  He is trying so hard to get 'big like his brother'... and in so many ways to fast for this Mommy.  Wish that a brick on the head works at times ;)

Their visit meant so much to me.  I did get permission to take a quick 15 minute wheel chair ride, and I got to go outside with all three of my boys, fresh air, watch them run around and oogle and play near the fountain.  It is the little things that I hold on to each day to keep smiling.  My goal is one day at a time, and I know that before I know it, I will be watching all three boys in amazment run around the yard

To close out the evening, after my boys left, I was monitored, med's given and then technology allowed me to 'sit' at home at the kitchen table and have dinner with my boys...  LOVE SKYPE!!

12.30.2011 dinner with my boys via Skype

So the day might of started out rough, but ended so FABULOUS!

Until next time, squeeze your Monkey's tight!
Christina

Here we go again, 12.29.2011

12.29.2011

I know I have not posted in a while, With the holidays and end of the year, time each day has slipped away...

But yesterday was quite a turning point in my life, and for a temporary time I had to put my shop and store on 'vacation mode'.

A few short months ago, my husband and I found out that we were in for a surprise.  Already having a one and three year old at home, we found out that we were expecting number three. 



2011.08.04 It's POSITIVE

 

2011.08.12 Confirmation ;)



Delighted and yet a little scared with the news, we were apprehensive of spreading the glorious word so quickly.  Since the early weeks of pregnancy are so unknow, especially in my situations, fear over took us and we kept it hush hush.

2011.09.26 more growing



2011.09.08 growing





 

2011.10.07 Getting BIG

But each week prevailed with good news, and each doctors appointment was another beautiful step in the right direction.  

November 2nd, we went in for a sonogram and found out that our lil surprise, was another beautiful baby boy, and we couldn't be more happy. 



2011.11.04 BOY #3



He has some strong shoes to fill and will very quickly have to learn to stand his ground since he will be joining our other two rough and rowdy, boys.   But the pure joy that comes to mind, having all three boys so close in age, and growing up together tickles me pink, or I guess I should say blue.

Since my pregnancy with my current youngest (#2) wasn't easy, there has been a slew of doctors appointments, tests, labs and sonograms.  Each with their own degree of good news, except for yesterday. (*If you are unfamilar with my previous complications you can read them here: Only One Me )

Yesterday, I was 24 weeks and 1 day, and quickly had my world turned upside down.  I don't care how much you 'prepare' for the 'unknown' it is still something that comes up and bites you unexpectly.

Briefly speaking, my pregnancy issues revolves soley around a weak cervix, and yesterday I learned that it went from healthy and 'stable' to just about non-existant in less than one week.  Now, yes, having this complication before, it was already 'assumed' that it would happen again, but there is always a small hope for change :o)

  Yesterday at my doctors appointment, with my 2 sons and husband by my side, the doctor said those words... "Well... At least you made it through Christmas".  And I knew that I was not going home that night.  Luckily, my doctor was right, I did make it through Christmas, and that was a HUGE blessing that I am so thankful for, but now I sit here in this hospital bed hoping that this baby boy can stay put a while longer.

2011.12.29 The NEWS: "not passing go"

He is already measuring big and growing, kicking and doing all kinds of fabulous stunts, but the one stunt he needs to hold off on is arriving so soon. 

Luckily before this day came, I had a wonderful oppurtunity to see my sweet pumpkin in 4d!!!  He looks JUST LIKE his older brothers - LOVE IT!

2011.12.21 4d sonogram - Sweet Pea!

Here he is on my admittance day, SO HANDSOME!
 

12.29.2011, 24 wks 1 day, weighing 2 lbs



So, since I will be sitting in a hospital bed for hopefully close to 4 months allowing this lil handsome fella to grow nice and strong, I figured that I would document what I could of this journey.  Feel free to follow along with me on yet another wild ride.

Oh and yes, your assumptions are correct... my poor husband went from his Professional Job, to a stay at home Daddy of two boys, 1 and 3, while juggling worrying about me and boy 3, and his real day time career (which his bosses and coworkers are so AWESOME in understanding and altering work to help out with our 'situation).  I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful man, as my best friend and husband, he is my rock, and I know that he is going to do an awesome job over the course of this journey.  

Until next time, squeeze your monkey's tight!
 Christina

Boot Scootin' CUTE

I was recently asked to do a 'twin Texas theme' set, and well, a few things crossed my mind, but nothing says Texas 'louder' than Cow'girl' Boots and Cow'boy' Hats. 

Being the twins were one boy, one girl - I wanted them to be 'alike' but different, and after a lot of dilberation this is what we can up with:

Twin Boot Scootin' Set

Isn't the set PRECIOUS!!! The cowboy hat for the boy is done in brown minky with a blue and brown band, and the cowgirl boots are done in pink for an extra girlie touch - I just loved them together!!

 Here are the shirts seperately:



Cowgirl Boots



Minky Cowboy Hat





And in all fairness, I must say that the set can easily be switched or done both boots or both hats :o), which I think would look equally CUTE!

In taking the CUTE factor to the NEXT true TEXAS level, I was also asked to do a little more 'louder' version of the boots for another girl, but this time on one of those gorgeous pink ruffle dresses; and here is how it came out...  (be prepared for CUTENESS overload)... 

Blingy Boots PINK ruffle dress

Don't you just LOVE the hot pink sequin boots on the pink ruffle dress!  Let me just tell you, in person - it is AMAZING.  It shines and glitters and sparkles just right :o) 

This particular dress was for a special going away present, so the princess recieving will have a 'piece' of Texas to take with her... I think it was accomplished in sheer style!

Here is the full length of the dress:

Bling Boots Pink Ruffle Dress

The Twin shirt set, the shirts individually and the dress will all be added to my shop shortly :  Three Monkey's Unique Etsy Shop

Pink Ruffle Dress with Pink Sequin Boots

Don't forget, you can ALWAYS change it up to match your MoNkEyS personality!!!  All fabric options are listed on my facebook page

Hope you loved these as much as I did!  I sure enjoyed making them!

Until next time, Squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina

Three Monkey's Unique
http://www.threemonkeysunique.com/

www.facebook.com/threemonkeysunique

all the rage... custom

More time consuming, why yes... but it is SO MUCH FUN!!!

Lately, I have been getting so many requests for 'custom' items, and I am loving it!

It is a great way for me to 1. broaden my shop 2. know what is 'wanted' out there 3. break up the beautiful designs that I do so much of :o)

I love my shop, and the items that are in it, but I also love a good challange.

This particular customer, say something on my shop and wanted to 'tweak' it... so I got a very kind convo asking if a 'custom' order would be taken...  OF COURSE ;)

I am always up for the challange, but I loved the way this all came together.  Take a look and see:

Here are the rendetions of the 'vision' that I was sent, along with the tutu it needed to match:

I just loved the idea of the whole outfit, and couldn't pass up the challange, so I got to work.

After some searching and design work on my part - I was ready to complete this beautiful tank and cross my fingers that it was a hit with Mama, since it was for her princess' pictures :o)

Here is the finished product:

Name Frame TANK

Don't you just LOVE it!   I did, and was so excited to show Mom.  I sent the pictures and anxiously awaited a response...  keeping my fingers crossed that she, too, loved the design, since it was for her Princess' special pictures :o)

And it was a winner!

Mom's response from the picture I sent:

"OMG ARE YOU KIDDING ME????????????????????????????????????????????????? That is perfect! You are so the bomb Christina!!!!!!!! WOW!"

Mom's response after recieving the tank:

"Let me just say...I emailed her a 'drawing', and WOW!!!! Christina went and purchased a tank for my daughter (I was supposed to ship one to her, but….long story), and she transformed my drawing into EXACTLY what I wanted!!!! This is one of the best purchases I have EVER made! My daughter’s tanks is so awesome!"

I must say, those comments were DAY MAKERS :o)

I love creating all the gorgeous and wonderful pieces, but what makes my late nights and long hours all worth it are the comments from y'all that I get - LOVE 'EM!

The tank, I feel in love with, so of course I had to 'expand'.  White tanks are now offered in my shop from 6m up to size 7.  They are available with any applique or embroidery you design or can 'dream up' :o)  If you love the framed named and want to tweak it to make it your own, remember you can choose ANY fabric, ANY color scheme, and ANY font.  All my fabric swatches are on my facebook page at www.facebook.com/threemonkeysunique under photos -> fabric swatches....  If you flip through there and still can find something you LOVE, don't worry, just ask - I LOVE going shopping for fabric!

The tank is listed in my Etsy Shop here :  TANK

Hope everyone loves it as much as I do, and I can't wait to see Princess Ava's pictures!!

Have a blessed day!

Until next time, Squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!

Christina

Three Monkey's Unique

www.threemonkeysunique.com

www.etsy.com/shop/threemonkeysunique

Independence

Wow, what an amazing 4th of July holiday weekend! 

I hope that everyone had a safe and Happy 4th of July, and enjoyed all the fun and festivities around you, I know we sure did.

My boys and I started on Friday and we did not stop until Monday night :o)  And the way the little ones are sleeping today, sure shows how 'well' we wore them out - HA!

Friday and Saturday we scoutted around town(s) doing all kinds of fun things... just hanging as a family - it was great.  And those wonderful days started with an awesome morning and afternoon at Church, which my boys looks 'Oh so handsome and Patriotic' :o)

Saturday -  Fun wear for Fun Festivities

Sunday - Handsome Patriotic wear for Church

But most of the fun happened Sunday night and Monday.  Sunday, my oldest got to go firework shopping with Daddy, and he was one happy boy, and one not so happy baby boy - ha!  Next year will be a different story:

at the stand

picking out the right 'boom'

One happy boy

One NOT so happy boy, because he had to sit in the car :o(

Prep work

 

His turn :o)

and the pretty sparkler show :o)

They were so CUTE!  While my oldest was 'excited' about the fireworks, he was LESS excited about the F*I*R*E and the Boom!  So he would of much preferred to keep them in the containers and just 'carry them around' HA!  Finally after a little encouragement and a few tears on his part, we did get him to do a sparkler and he enjoyed it.  But one was enough.   Now it was a completely diffferent story for my baby - he was 'all about' the 'fire'/ sparkle...  and wanted to be apart of it all - So FUNNY!

And then there was M*O*N*D*A*Y, the party that we all had be waiting for... and it was no disappointment!  It ROCKED!!!

All dressed in their, TMU shirts... we were off... Don't they look CUTE!

So glad I got that picture of the boys in their shirts, because as soon as my oldest MoNkEy saw the waterslides and bounce houses and play houses, etc... it was on with the swim suite :o)

 

 

 

And, yes, he did this OVER, and OVER, and OVER, and OVER...  from approximently 4 pm til 8 or 8:30pm ;)  HA!

But once it was 'too dark' to slide and jump - their were other activities:

Bean Bag toss, horse-shoes, baseball...

 Needless to say he was exhausted, but the only one who showed it was the one who couldn't jump with the big kids, so he ran around all day in the heat:

Playing 'catch the baby' HA!

So SLEEPY, trying to 'cool down' and 'rest'

But, there was a point in the evening when everyone got silent and waited...  and this is what we were waiting for:

Fireworks (pre 'fire')

Fireworks (pre 'fire')

I have been to a lot of firework shows in my life, but I must say our friends put on a FABULOUS show!  Thank you so much B Family!!!  It was Top Notch!  27 minutes of pure beauty, all choreographed to music!

We enjoyed every moment of it!

patiently waiting

all the kids got to kick off the show by doing sparklers

And it begins

TOTALLY
CAPTIVATED

Ear Muffs and Watermelon
the only way to keep him outdoors
to watch the show

 

Happy 4th of July!

From my family to yours!!

We are worn out and tired but one HAPPY family!

Hope everyone had a safe and Happy 4th!

Until next time, squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!

Christina