Ticker

I just checked out the ticker in the sidebar for the babies due date. I was SHOCKED to see see it with 64 days to go!! EVEN more shocked when I realized that was to 40 weeks. Twins are considered full term at 38 weeks, which is when we are scheduling delivery.. so technically, we have 50 days to go before we see our 2 new lovies!!! YAY!!!! I am so excited- but man, I've got a lot to do!!


When I have a bit I'll try to correct the ticker!

Slacker!

So, I am a slacker! I have been busy doing "nothing" around here and some how my blog has fallen off my radar. Now, I say "nothing" loosely. I mean, after all, I have been caring for, nuturing, loving and raising 3 active toddlers as well as growing 2 new babies in my womb... day and night!! And trust me- the nights are long! I think it's God's way of preparing me for their arrival and the sleepless nights that will ensue!
Speaking of growing... Emery and Shepherd are doing just that! We are now on weekly doctor's visits with an ultrasound each visit. I feel very fortunate to get to "see" my little ones at least once a week. I remember when I was expecting Puddin. We found out at 19 weeks she was girl from our 1 ultrasound appointment. The wait from 19 weeks to 38 weeks seemed to go on forever! At least now I get to see them weekly!
Each week they are measured and the Dr. share's with me their estimated weight. On Wednesday Shepherd weighed in at 3 lbs and 12 oz. (Big Boy!!!) "Little" Sister Emery weighed in at 3lbs. 15oz!!!! She's a whopper!! Just for the record, I have big babies! Puddin was 8 lbs. even 19" long. The Monkey's weighed and measured the same at 6 lbs. 13 oz and 19" long. So theoretically, I'm carrying 8lbs of baby now but my body has carried up to 14 lbs in the past! And let me tell you.... 14 lbs of baby is a LOT!!! So we'll just see how big they get. I have a feeling Emery is going to outweigh Shepherd no matter how long we go.
Even now I can see/ feel a difference in their personalities. Shepherd is shy and subdued most of the time. Now, he does and will squirm, just not for an audience. Whenever Hubby puts his hand on my belly, Shepherd immediatly stops moving. Same thing in the ultrasound. Everytime she tries to get a look at something he turns the opposite way. He's just a shy little guy and that's ok.
Emery, on the other hand, is not! She is very exuberent most of the time. She does back flips and cartwheels day and night and doesn't mind posing for the ultrasound camera! I swear I saw her "cheesing" at the camera the other day!!! Ok- not really but it wouldn't surprise me if she did.
For now I will say that she and Monkey See seem to have similar personalities while Shepherd and Monkey Do and Puddin seemd to be more alike in their ways. I guess we'll see when it's all said and done!
I do have a few pictures to post when I get time to pull them from my camera... may be this weekend. I have lots to do though. Considering we have an impending due date lurking closly by I thought it would be a good idea to get moving on the nursery. So-we have quite a bit to do with that as well. That's how life goes... just lots of things to take care of.
If you are still chekcing in on this little blog, I promise to try and do better to keep up with posting! I still owe pics of all the Christmas Puddins that I haven't posted either!
But for now, the sandman is calling!
Blessings to you and yours!
Melissa

Happy New Year!

Well, I'm back. I had a few days off to recouperate around here. I had Puddin Pop Kids coming out my ears for a while there! Thank you!! Seriously, the orders were fantastic but I think my babies in utero and out, would have liked me to to take a break!So, I took a few days off from the rest of the world. We have all of our Christmas boxed up and back in the attic- excpet for 1 tree, sanding naked in the dining room. Poor thing! Hopefully, honey will be able to pack it up soon.

As for things on the baby front, we are all well. I had a doctors appointment yesterday and things were great!!! Both baies are weighing at 3 lbs each and are very healthy and active! We have a tentative delivery date set for March 16th!! Woo-hoo!! We had a talk and these babies are staying put for as long as possible. We want them to be cooked fully and DONE before they make their grand appearance!

I will have to post more later- for now I feel a nap coming on!

Merry Christmas!

Who do you LUV??

These are my 4 favorite people in this world!

We had such a fun day! Hubby stayed home from work, we played in the snow... built a snowman... made hot chocolate... and took a long nap... priceless!!

How Big is a Puddin Pop Kid??

Well, I delivered 19 Puddins, 3 Peanuts, 2 dresses and a scotty rattle this weekend!! Only 9 Puddins, a few aprons and a couple of dresses to go to finish out the Christmas orders! Things have been busy here! On top of all of the sewing we have tried to make some family time and enjoy the true meaning of the season. We had a wonderful weekend and I will share more on that later.

For now I needed to address something I heard a lot of this weekend... "I didn't know they were that big!" Apparently, my photography skills are lacking and I should have been adding the size to the info on the dolls. The dolls range in size from 19-24 inches. So, they are not little as the picture might make some people think. I don't use a pattern so each doll truly is unique and one of a kind. The size just depends on what I cut out!!

Speaking of cutting out... I had better get to it if I want to finish anytime soon!Below are a few of the babies I delivered this weekend!
Have a great day!

BUZZZZZZ

Do you hear that sound??? No, it's not crying. No, it's not Santa's reindeer. It's the sound of my sewing machine buzzzzzzzing away! That baby has been working hard the past few days! Speaking of which- I better get back to it! I'll have pics to share soon!
Oh- BTW- the waiting is over!!! I have green babies to share! (later- gotta get back to work!)

Much love,
Melissa

Waiting

I am waiting. I have been waiting for 2 1/2 weeks. Waiting does not make me happy when there is really no reason I should have had to wait in the first place. UGH!

I recently had an order for 2 darling Puddin Pop Kids and the request was for green minky fabric. Unfortunately, I was out so I went to the local unnamed fabric store to purchase some. I then found out that they were also out but was assured they could order it for me and it would arrive in a week. That was 3 weeks ago. I found out on Tuesday night, after I had been over to the store 2 other times to pick up my missing fabric, that the fabric HAD NEVER BEEN ORDERED!!! Better still.. it was SEASONAL and they couldn't have ordered it anyway. Now, why wasn't I told that from the beginning?? Or maybe on my 2nd or 3rd visit to the store to pick up the fabric?? So, tonight I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and to believe that maybe, just maybe the manager didn't know what she was talking about. I drove over there again believing I would find my fabric sitting on the shelf...I.DID.NOT!

So tomorrow, after dance class, with 3 hungry, sleepy children, I will drive to
Mt. Juliet in pursuit of green minky fabric... wish me luck!! Better yet, pray for me!!
BTW-I forgive the local store... I just don't/ won't depend on them anymore.
Thanks for letting me vent and if you are the sweet, patient person waiting for your adorable green Puddin's... hang on! They're coming!!

babies... update

I had a doctor visit yesterday to check up on my little nuggets. Shepherd is doing great! He has flipped head down now but is quite the wiggly little guy! Even though the ultrasound pictures are sometimes hard to see I just think he looks absolutely precious!! When the tech started he and Emery were head to head...must have been sharing secrets at that time. Anyway, once she was ready to scan Emery she was gone! The little stinker had flipped the opposite way and was trying to get away! Poor little Shepherd kept getting kicked in the face!!! She was doing somersaults and flips like crazy! At one point it looked like she was laying on he back and lifting her legs up over her head! She was definitly stretching out!!

They are both so precious.. it still amazes me the capacity to love someone so much that you have never really seen! Hubby and I feel so blessed to be the mommy and daddy of all of our little ones, these 2 included. I can't wait to hold them and see their little faces! Each phase of babyhood on up has been my favorite! isn't that wierd?? I just love it all. Don't get me wrong, a little more sleep and peace would be nice too but watching them develop and seeing those personalities emerge is definitly a blessing.

Unless of course, one unnamed Monkey turns quickly into a possessed, screaming, raging monster that you have absolutely no idea what to do with... I'll save that post for later. I am actually still recovering from that event and may need therapy!!
Happy Thursday to all of you!

Puddin's In Stock and available

Here are the PPK's I have left in stock. These dolls sell for $20 each. If you see one you like let me know!
Details about each PPK is listed below the photo.

Girl Puddin- pink minky fabric- brown eyes- red wavy hair- brown dress with pink polka dots- Scripture reads: "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:2- Doll measures 22 1/2 inches from head to toe.



Boy Puddin- Green minky fabric- red wavy hair- black eyes- john deer overalls- Scripture reads: "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23- doll measure 22 1/2 inches from head to toe.



Girl Puddin- Blue Minky Dot fabric- brown highlighted hair- brown eyes- yellow dress with ribbons- Scripture reads: "Let your light shine!" Matthew 5:16- Doll measures 22 inches from head to toe.



Girl Puddin- Yellow Minky dot fabric- brown wavy hair- brown eyes- purple dress with ribbons- Scripture reads: "Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14- Doll measures 23 inches from head to toe.




Boy Puddin- purple chennile fabric- green overalls- blue eyes- brown hair- Scripture reads: "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10- doll measures 24" from head to toe.




Boy Puddin- Blue minky dot fabric- sports themed overalls- brown highlighted hair with brown eyes- Scripture reads: "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith." Hebrews 12:2- doll measures 22" from head to toe.

Pillow Case Dress

I had a few people ask to see Puddin's pillow case dress for Thanksgiving. It's made of the same fabric as the one I featured before but I put Puddin's name across the bottom instead of her initial. Unfortunatly, this is the best picture I have been able to snap so far! I did find some beautiful fabric to make her and her new baby sister matching dresses for the spring! They are going to be soo cute!! Now, I just have to find something coordinating for the boys! Yes, I am one of those moms!!

HELLLOOO!

Things have been super busy here as with everyone else I'm sure! Anwyay- just a quick post to say what a great Thanksgiving we had with 3 sick little ones! It all worked out though and we ended up having a great day!

Also a quick note to say that I will be closing Christmas orders for all things Puddin Pop on Dec. 15th. So, if you want to order please put your order in before the 15th!! So far, I am running about a week turn around time for those poeple who are local to the 'boro. If you live outside of the boro it takes a little longer due to delivery. this includes dolls, aprons, quilts, rattles and pillow case dresses.
I plan to open orders back up in January but I also have nursery to put together sooo... wish me luck!

Blessings!!!


enjoying a little popcorn as they watch an all time favorite.... Barney!

'Bout this time last year....

I was thinking last night as I watched my luvies play that they have changed soooo much! It's amazing how quickly time flies! Just imagine this time next year!!! WOWEE!Next Thanksgving I will be loving on a 4 year old, two 2 year olds and two 8 month olds!! God is so good!
Anyway, here are some pics of my luvies.. minus hubby.. he hasn't changed since I married him!! Enjoy!

For Isabella

This is a sweet little "Thanksgiving" dress I made for a friend's little one. Finding Cute Thanksgiving fabric was not easy so I opted for something other than turkeys. I think it turned out super cute! Of course, I made one for Puddin too!

What's in stock??

I've had several orders come in lately and lots of questions about what colors and fabrics I can use to make the PPK's and aprons. I thought it might be easier to just post what I have in stock for you. Hope this helps!

chenille fabric is pink, cream, and blue (used to make the bodies of the Puddin Pop Kids)



minky dot in stock (also used to make the bodies of the PPK's) Available in pink, yellow, blue, cream and hot pink. Limited supply of baby blue left).



Micro fleece (also used for bodies. Very similar to minky dot but without the dots). Available is pink, blue and green.



This fabric is available for the PPK skirts. The last fabric is a little harder to see. It's actually chocolate and hot pink polka dots.



Fabric for the PPK boy's overall's... plaids and gingham. Not pictured: red gingham.



fabric available for little girl's aprons. Hot pink/ green, Turquoise/brown, pink/brown. Not pictured: limited supply of pink/ white polka dots.



The other question has been about price... the Puddin' Pop Kids are $25 for a custom doll and $20 for dolls already in stock. Apron's are $12. Baby Quilts (not pictured in this post) are $40 and can be customized to meet your needs.
Please contact me if you have any other questions. If you leave a message in the commnet box it will be sent directly to me and I will answer asap.
Have a great night!

For Meredith

This little Puddin' Pop is for a special little girl named Meredith. She can't wait to move to Arkansas and be with you Meredith! Happy Thanksgiving!

Princess Dreams

I love my Puddin. She is such a joy and everyday I am so grateful to be her mommy! Each day I get to see more and more of her personality develop. She definitly has her favorite things. Right now they include:
1. Princesses (anything princess related)
2. Her friend M*****n. She LOVES playing with her!
3. Going to church
4. Her new babies, especially her sister.
5. Her family
Now let me say, princesses usually rank #1 but the rest can be interchangable depending on her mood. This weekend my mom was talking to her about when her new baby sister gets here. She told Puddin that they could be princesses together and baby Emery could share her princess dresses. This was quickly met with a stern frown and reply, "NO! I will wock the door!" (When she plays with her toy princess dolls she goes in her room where her sweet, little brothers can't get them and run... which they like to do quite often! Who would have thought terrorizing your sister would start so early??)

Anyway, I quickly explained that it would be a while before Emery would be able to play princess with her and that Puddin's princess dresses would be much too big for her. I would have to buy Baby Emery her own little princess dress. That satisfied her and she was fine. Anyway, I say all of this to tell you that she apparently dreamed about it last night! This morning Hubby went upstairs to wake up the kiddos and start the "Sunday morning rush to get to church on time" craze. As he was waking Puddin he said she suddenly said to him, "Daddy, I am a princess and I'm gonna play princesses with my new baby sister and my mommy is gonna buy her a wittle princess dress!" SO, SO Sweet!!! Oh how I pray that she and Emery have a strong bond and will be close as they grow up! She loves her little sister and her little brothers so much! Tonight she even sand a song to Baby Emery and Baby Shepherd and ended with "I wuv you soooo much!"
My heart melts!

The Great Debate.... Cloth vs. Disposable

Well, we have made the switch. Yes, some of my dear friends have called me crazy but we went ahead and took the plunge. We have switched from disposable diapers to cloth. I know.. crazy, right? Let me explain...

Very, very soon we will have 4 children in diapers, all the time, every day and 1 still wears them at night. My friends, that is a lot of diapers and a lot of money! When Puddin was a baby I had played around with the idea of doing cloth but never took it seriously. Anyway, after I calculated the cost of 4 children in diapers I quickly started to change my mind.

So I started with 2 diapers and tried them out. Let me just say, they were AMAZING!!! Cloth diapers have come a long way since the 70's.These things are great! They have velcro closures, a waterproof, leak proof barrier and SUPER absorbent padding! We have been using them for a month now, every day without fail and have never had a leak! Not ever! Plus, as an added bonus, they are so absorbent I don't have to change diapers nearly as often as I did before. My monkeys go a lot. So before I woud have to change them every 2-3 hours and we were running through a ton of diapers. Now I can easily go 4 hours in 1 diaper and they are fine. They are so absorbent that when I change them their skin is dry! Truth be told, on Monday they were in the same diaper from 8:15-1:00 because we were out around town and busy and I just didn't get to change them!

Now, I know you are all wondering about the poopies. Yes, they are nasty... not fun at all, but it really isn't that bad. I just rinse them in the potty and drop them in a bucket of hot water and oxy clean until I have a load of diapers to wash. When I consider the $$ I am saving will help put Puddin in preschool next year it's all worth it! And honestly, had I know it was this easy I would have used cloth a LONG time ago!

In case you're curious, we are using the bum genius brand ***fabulous***. We bought ours off diapers.com but here is a link to the website http://www.bumgenius.com/. Hopefully when the monkeys are awake from nap I can snap a couple of pics of them in their fabulous diapers to add to this post!

For now, I'm off to enjoy naptime!

Baby Quilts

I promised a while back to show some pictures of the quilts I have finished. So here they are...they are made of the same fabrics the PuddinPop Kids are made from. I usually add a scripture to them but sometimes I have requests for names and DOB or wight and length. I added the ribbon taggies to them because from my experience, babies love tags! Anyway, they are super snuggly and soft, machine washable (gentle), double stictched and great, great baby gifts! The quilts are $40 if anyone is interested.

More Puddin's

Well the past few days have been super busy. I finished a big order of Puddin's going to my hometown and went to a craft fair here in Murfreesboro. There have been lts of things going on so I have tried to recouperate and rest on top of everything! Plus, I am just itching to get my Christmas stuff out and set up... but a little worried as to how the monkeys are going to react to the tree! And, I am also trying to figure out how to put together this new nursery.. fabric, colors, etc. I'm thinking of going along the same lines I did with Puddin and do a children's book theme but I'm just not sure yet. I welcome your ideas! If you have a suggestion please leave a comment and let me know!

Anyway, none of that really has anything to do with this post so let me get to the point! Here are a few of the Puddin Pop Kids that will be heading to Pulaski this week. I think they just turned out great! Each one definitly has it's own personality!