12.31.2011 New Year's Eve

Day 3

New Year's Eve, hospital style

The day started out with the normal... monitoring, which happens a minimum of twice aday.  It is always so reassuring to get to get this little one and know that he is ok, each morning and night.

Then I got a nice surprise, the egg crate for my bed was delivered - It truely is the SMALL things that make such a difference... especially when you entire day resides between 4 rather 'close' walls :o)

 But the afternoon turned magical.  My parents arrived with all kinds of goodies...  Including bedding and a rug for me to help the room feel more 'fun'.  All kinds of noise makers, party hats, goodies, decorations and treats so that I could celebrate NYE in 'style' when my boys came up.

Aren't the decorations fabulously fun!!

 

Then shortly after the afternoon came to an end, the most 3 handsome dates I could ask for arrived to help me ring in the New Year.

My NYE dates - BEST EVER

 The boys had such a great time, given the situation.  We played with the noise makers, colored, went to look at the fishes across the hall, and the piece de resistance... built and crashed things with duplo blocks. Here is a 'big' car that was built and then happily crashed into a wall breaking into tons of pieces :o)

Duplo crash car

After dinner, fun and play... even though it wasn't midnight we started to 'ring' in the new year...  We had such a good time, celebrating the NY.  - It was midnight somewhere ;)

NYE with my boys!

Happy NY from my family to yours

 Pop'd the 'bubbly' aka sparkling grape juice, which was a HUGE hit~

Poppin' the Bubbly

 Made some noise! With noise makers that were such a HUGE hit, and I gladly sent home with the boys so they could use them more - HA!

'cowbell' noise maker

noise makers

  

 

After all the celebrations were over, the babies were sleepy and I got to kiss and hold them tight one last time in 2011... Looking forward to the next time I could tuck them in, in 2012.

2011 was a beautiful year, full of many blessings, and I am looking forward to what is in store for 2012... with one blessing we will continue to patiently and annxiously await in this new year.

Until next time, squeeze your MoNkEyS tight,

Christina

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

Summer and Crawfish

Summer is here and boy is it in FULL SWING!

I am having SO much fun designing and embroidering all the fun 'summery' things!  From towels, to beach shirts, totes and party apparel...  it is 'screaming' summer in my studio.

Just recently, I had the honor to do Crawfish Boil shirts for a brother and sister, and I LOVE the way they came out.  Take a look and tell me what you think:


Crawfish Applique

And the girlie shirt, even got cuter when rhinestones were added ( I would have a picture but my camera battery was ka-put)!!  I love this set!  I can't wait to see pictures of these two georgous kiddos in their Party: Crawfish Boil attire!!

Looking at these cute shirts, it makes me want to throw a Crawfish Boil, here at my house, just so I can make the boys these shirts - HA!  Big problem though - I don't like crawfish!!

Well these shirts, not only are going to be worn by CUTE kids, but they are also part of a very important party. 

The particular CRAWFISH BOIL, that these are going to be worn to, is hosted by a friend of mine's husbands company.  They are raising money to send a very well deserving child to Disney World to meet Mickey, as part of his WISH from The Make a Wish Foundation.

If you have time today - please go and buy tickets, or even $5 raffle tickets to help support this AMAZING cause.  You don't have to be present to win the raffle.

Just think - if it was your kiddo 'making the wish' wouldn't you want EVERYONE to help out.  Whether it is by purchasing tickets or raffle tickets, or even spreading the word - every effort is AMAZING and greatly appreciated!

Here is the link: Make a Wish CRAWFISH BOIL

Thank you in advance!!!

Until next time, squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina

Summer is...

fast approaching!!

And I tell you, The week starts on Monday and I feel like I blink my eyes and we are at Church on Sunday.  I don't know where the days are going and how the time is going so quickly but WOW, I can tell that Summer is around the corner and it is exciting.

This week has been fabulous.  Been planning fabulous trips to the pools, parks, orchards, and fun Mommie things... and tonight is the big VBS planning, which is the first year for both of my boys to be able to attend. I am so excited to be apart/ teach this year at VBS along with my boys! 

The oldest is in full swing with 'Nastics' as he calls it (Gymnastics) and yesterday he had his BIG Spring Show and it was so CUTE!  He was so proud when he was awarded his medal (see picture below).  He wore it all day and showed everyone!  But even though he LOVES 'Nastics' his life would not be complete without his sports and that is what consumes our Saturdays :o)  Right now it is Soccer, and it is so FUN to watch him play.

Now when he is at 'Nastics' he likes to tumble, he doesn't like the beam, but he LOVES the uneven bars, especially when they get to do 'advanced tricks with the instuctors help.  Here he is getting to do a back flip dismount off the uneven bars...  He did well and was SO EXCITED!

 

Of course at the very end was the awards ceremony, and here he is getting his medal - he was one proud boy and I was one proud Mommie :o)  Still am - I love this boy so much and all the energy he has!

 

Of course, I think it is busy now, but Summer 'school' session hasn't started and the youngest is still attached to my hip - HA!  I can't imagine what the schedule will be like trying to chase after both of their schedules ... Exhausting I am sure, but I am looking forward to it!

Don't you just LOVE the arm sneak from the youngest for the medal ;)

Don't you just love that picture... even at such a young age - sibling rivarly has began.... My youngest is definitely my 'sneaky' one!!

In honor of all the FUN sports that have been going on around here - I found a 'Varsity' Stitch with Raggy Edge that I paired with personalization that I completed the other night.  Here it is - tell me what you think:

Varsity (raggy edge) applique with personalization
can be done in any color combo

The varsity tee can be found on my Etsy (HERE) It can be personalized for both boys or girls and in any color scheme!  Don't like the way the name is, you can move it to the bottom or across the letter - YOU PERSONALIZE :o)  It is all custom :o)  Enjoy!
Until next time, Squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina

It's just a...

...Haircut

Me and my Baby <3

But for me today and for my little boy, today it was so much more.

He went into the barber with his baby fine, beautiful hair... LOOKING like my baby and...



left...

looking like a little boy.

I don't, honestly, know where the time has gone, but it sure has gone fast.  I know I said this with my first, and because of that, I have tried to 'savor' more with this little bundle but WOW, I do think it is going at supersonic speed.

I don't know if it is because I am also chasing after his older brother or what but WOW, I can't get over how fast it has gone.

Pretty soon, actually in just a few weeks, we will be celebrating his 1st birthday and I am SO EXCITED.  I have been planning like crazy and it is all coming together, so stay tuned for that 'reveal' - it is going to be a good one...

But for today, I smile with tears in my eyes as I saw  my sweet baby go into the barber for a trim and come out with a hair cut that truely defined him as who he is: a sweet, smiley and gentle, walking, 'dirt loving' (sometimes eating), rowdy, rough and 'tough' LITTLE BOY. ( but always a Mama's boy ;) awwww)

And well, if one get's something, the other must too.. So both of my boy's got their 'handsome' - Don't they look divine :o)

Until next time, Squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina

new trend

In my line of 'secondary' work, first being Mommie :o)  I am privi'd to get the oppurtunity to create beautiful and handsome pieces for children.  A lot of the time, I am blessed to be able to create the oh so SPECIAL Coming Home Outfit, which, everytime, I get to do this, tickles me to the core!!!

How super special to know, that something you put your time and love and effort in, is going to be used on such a monumentous day, a day that will forever be remember in the minds of Mom and Dad, and a the special family member that get to be there to witness it!

I am just in awe each time, I get to read special notes or Thank you's, on how my pieces were the 'perfect fit' - which in other ways makes me giggle because as a Mom of 2, I know that nothing ever truely 'fits' a newborn :o)  but it always ends up looking perfect :o)


Lately, though, I have seen a trend, and I am so EXCITED about it, but don't know if I could ever do it?!?!  Let's see what your thoughts are...  When I show you this picture what are your thought ...

Double Set

Did you guess, twins?  Well, your wrong if you did - Ha!  The answer is this:  The customer is one of many fabulous customer's I have that want the *S*U*R*P*R*I*S*E* !!!  How AWESOME is that!  I am thrilled about this but not sure if I, and my 'ocd' could ever let me do this - ;)

Why 2 in the picture you ask then:  So instead of finding out what your having around week 20, you get that BIG surprise in the delivery room - WOW! So they buy one boy and one girl outfit since they don't yet know.  This is so cool to me and yet so strange - I LOVE IT!  There are so many things in life now that are there, right there in front of us, and not much is left up for a surprise, so why not take this beautiful blessing that is given to us and let it be a surprise.

I know, trust me, you are wondering about the nursery and shopping and all the other fun things that go along with 'finding' out.  I have been thinking a lot about this, and come to the conclusion of : Why not do this after the baby is born?

With both of my boys I found out they were boys early on - and it was EXCITING! but if I am ever given the oppurtunity to have another, maybe, just maybe, I will let it be a surprise for a few more weeks :o) 

They always say the best things in life are worth waiting for...

Just something to think about.

Have a wonderful day

Until next time, squeeze your MoNkEyS tight!
Christina