Mei Tia Style Baby Wrap/Carrier

I have seen these carriers all over the internet and in all of my baby/pregnancy magazines. They looked simple enough so I decided to sew one. I looked at about a dozen or more websites to try and get a feel for how to make one. After seeing how a few were designed, I came up with this little bugger. It took me pretty much all day, but I think it was worth it.

I had to have my sister in law Haley try this out on my nephew Hunter. Hunter is 9 1/2 months and he fit in the carrier pretty nicely. The coolest thing about the carrier is that I made it for $0.00. Yes that is right. Zip. Zero. The body is made of an old scrub top of my husbands that is too big for him. The ties are made from an old sheet that was fraying at the ends. And the padding in the head support and straps is made from an old fleece blanket I got when I was in high school. Pretty inexpensive considering that these carriers range from $50-$100.

A back view of Haley wearing Hunter on the front.

I also had my sis in law Mary try this out with my nephew Peyton who is 14 months. He also fit nicely. Mary is wearing Peyton on her back.

A view of the back carry. You can also wear the carrier on your hip.

One more view of the carrier with Mary wearing Peyton on her back. I think I will make another Mei Tai and add some pockets, a hood, and an extra strap/hook around the middle. Come back soon and I guess we'll see how that one turns out!

Welcome Home Mother Goose

When I was little, I had a very special friend. Her name was Mother Goose. She was special because she would tell me stories, sing me songs, and illuminate the dark night. She wasn't only one of my favorite friends, but all of my family loved Mother Goose. Now, she is mine again. My dear, sweet, thoughtful husband found this treasure on Craigslist in Florida. He had her shipped here and gave her to me for my birthday. I couldn't love her more and I can't thank Bryce enough for getting her for me. She is so special. I am SO excited for my little one to be able to have her be a part of his life, just like she was mine.

I found her a place of honor right next to my little man's pack and play. As you can see, she is ready to read some stories to anyone who wants to listen. She has a tape player in the back of her and her head is a lamp. When the tape turns off, the lamp slowly dims and turns off. She put me to sleep many a night with her songs and stories.

Welcome Home Mother Goose. I missed you so.

Family Fun BBQ

Zack and Tyler glued to the tube

Bryce and I wanted to share a little time with our family and decided to have a BBQ on Sunday. The food was wonderful but the company was even more wonderful. Thanks everyone for coming and sharing the evening with us. Luckily, we were able to reserve our apartment complex lounge. The boys had plenty of toys to play with and movies to watch.

Cameron, Tyler and Zack having fun and saying cheese for the camera.

Peyton and Mary. What an beautiful Mom and the cutest baby!

Shon and Bryce getting ready to play a game of Bohnanza. One of our favorites.

Bryce gave me an early birthday present that night and I was shocked. It is my Mother Goose Lamp. I had of one of these when I was little. I have the best husband ever.

I couldn't have been more surprised and excited.

Wowee Wow!

A BOX, what I always wanted!

Sundays With the Jolleys

Bryce's parents live about 5 miles from our little apartment. I actually lived with them for a couple months while Bryce was away. It was such a blessing to be able to have family around to help ward off the loneliness. Since Bryce has been home we have been invited over regularly for Sunday dinner. (And weekday dinners when we are lucky) We always play a few games and when the weather cooperates we try to get outside as much as we can. Fortune has seen to it that the last few Sundays have been sunny and delightful. We are so grateful to be close to Ivan and Lori and will miss them, and their Sunday dinners, terribly when we move to Colorado. I guess we need to get as much time in as we can while we are still here.

A little game of "red-neck golf" never hurt anyone. Except I had to sit and watch after one game because I guess all that throwing and bending is difficult for a 9 month pregnant girlie.

Mad skills. Mad skills.

Bryce said that this is him striking an action pose for me. Which actually isn't action at all, he is just standing with the rope ball and waiting for the camera to go off.

A few weeks ago, Kailey had a week off in between semesters and Bryce really enjoyed spending some time with his sister. Since I lack abundant energy and stamina lately, Bryce was especially happy to have someone to burn off some calories with in the sunshine. I played catch for about 15 minutes before I decided that I needed to be done. Sorry Bryce! Soon I will be full of energy and wanting to play with you. The, of course, you will be in Colorado working your guts off at the hospital and you won't have the energy or time to play. Timing, oh timing.

Kailey was born with a mitt in her hand. Nice form girl!

You have to have a strong arm to make it this distance. I tell you, these two are pros.

Don't worry, I got it!

Kailey got a new seat on her bike and she was trying it out in the yard. Worked like a charm.

Baby Shower March 5, 2010

Another attempt at photo collage. I'm just learning how to do this. Baby Shower March 5, 2010. FUN FUN FUN!

Cute Cam

My nephew Cameron may be one of the cutest little boys ever. This picture is a few weeks old, but I had to share it. He was sitting in lounging on his Mom's bed watching cartoons. I love that his hair is poking up and his feet are in the air. Cute kid. I love you Cam!

Announcing a Jolley Baby BOY!

His little hand resting on his chin as he sleeps. Just like his Mom likes to sleep!

I know these pictures look like a bit of black and white nothings, but that is my little baby boy growing strong in his mothers belly. The due date of May 23rd was confirmed and everything looks just as it should. I am beginning to feel the little monster squirm and swim around in there. It is an odd and beautiful feeling. Sometimes, when I feel him kick, I am a little taken aback. Then other times I am just in awe that something is alive and flourishing within my womb. Holy Moly, I am going to be a MOM! My son is in my belly. My son. I often feel under-qualified and scared. But, I am ready for my this little one to show his face to us all. Everyone is interested to see if he will be a red-head or dark like me. It sure is a mystery, but I would be so happy to see a little orange fuzzed head, blue eyed wonder or a black haired, dark eyed joy. My next poll will be what everyone thinks. I will do that later, I am tired and need to sleep. This little one already takes the breath away from me and I am tired ALL THE STINKING TIME! I guess the majority of you who voted were wrong. Sorry. But, I am not disappointed in the least. A boy will be a grand adventure. No little girl this time round. We'll see, she might be waiting in the wings though.

Who is the Little Stranger?

I am almost 19 weeks along and Bryce and I find out if our little baby is a boy or girl on December 30th! EXCITING!

What do you think? Cast your vote. (see right side of blog)

My Little Sister The STAR

To see this as a full screen: 1: Click on it and it will take you to the album. 2: In the left corner a little button will say "full screen", click it. 3: Click play and enjoy!

A Happier Announcement and A Happy Thanksgiving

Bryce and I are happy, happy, happy to announce that we had a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Plus . . .

Yes, I did eat a lot this Thanksgiving, but not all of that belly is full of turkey. I wasn't the only one chowing down on stuffing, potatoes, green beans, and pumpkin pie this year. YOU GUESSED IT! There is a little baby Jolley in there that feasted along with us this year. I am sure that he/she enjoyed it just as much as me.

A washed out picture of all of me and my little bump. I am nearly 16 weeks along and happy to be feeling a little better than I have been for the last couple of months. I suffered a lot of yucky nausea and nearly daily trips to the toilet to let go of whatever meal I had just eaten. The sickness hit me right in the full swing of the semester and I have to say that my grades have suffered because of it. But, I am at least passing my classes and this little baby will be all worth it in the end.

Bryce and I have anticipated this for such a long time and I was honestly beginning to lose hope that I was ever going to be able to have a baby of my own. But, after years month after month of disappointment, it has finally happened. It has been a roller coaster, to say the least, and I still have a lot of apprehensions and doubts, but I am happy and Bryce is happy.

Thank you so much to our friends and family who kept us in your prayers. We felt all of your support and love throughout this and thank our Father in Heaven that he has allowed us to carry one of his children to this world.

On to THANKSGIVING! Here is the clan settled in our seats before the meal commenced. The Goodwin family was able to come down and we always have such a good time when they come. My little sister Bubberoo shared the week with us too and she was so wonderful to have around. The food was delicious and the company was even better.

The best part of Thanksgiving this year was having Bryce home with me. He was able to fly from Tucson, AZ home so he could spend a few days with me. Even though it was just for a few days, it was the best few days ever.

Jenny and Bryce enjoyed a little chat before dinner as the rest of us slaved away in the kitchen.

DeeAnn, Grandma Norma, Kimmy, and her fiance Mike also sat back and relaxed before the meal was served.

Kailey, Lindsey, and Jenny trying to cool off with the door open. The house really got hot with all that cooking and extra people.

Whit serenaded Lori as she rests from her labors of the day.

A WICKED Good Day

Bryce and I spent the day with Emily and Jake yesterday. We had lunch at Red Robin and then Bryce and I watched the kids while Emily went to a doctors appointment.

The Klein boys. Jake, Tristan, and Rohne. Rohne was in kind of sour spirits. The only way I could get him to look at the camera is if he made a silly face. I told him to stick out his tongue and that worked.

Jakes sister Jessi was there and i got this great picture of her holding the baby. I think it is just precious.

While Emily was at the doctor we did something really fun. Emily got some autumn cling on's for the window from her Mother in law. I helped a little, but Taylee and Rohne decorated most of this window. They are proud of it. Again, Rohne wouldn't smile so I told them to make silly faces and since it worked I just went with it.

Another silly face shot. You can see the scarecrow in this one. Good Job Rohne and Taylee!

Taylee smiled for this one, and I just couldn't get Rohney to do it, so here is a half silly, half smiley pic.

Emily and I have been wanting to go to Wicked. We procrastinated a little bit and didn't end up getting tickets for the show before they were all gone. BUT, luckily Craigslist has us covered. We had kind of decided not to go, but we checked on Craigslist two hours before the show started to see if anyone was selling tickets, and JACKPOT! We got REALLY GREAT seats from a guy who bought tickets and couldn't use them. We saved about 20 bucks in the whole transaction as, so that is WICKED. I have already seen the show in Omaha, but I couldn't resist a second time. It was utterly amazing. I loved each and every second. Even though the theater was pretty hot and I got pretty sweaty, I still loved it. I could go a million times and never get sick of this show. It took all my efforts just to not sing along. OH glorious day. Thanks for going with me Em, it will be a day to remember. And Bubber, you will get to see it someday. I KNOW YOU WILL! I thought of you the whole time and wished you were here with us. We love you Whit!

Happy 5th Birthday Taylee!

My niece Taylee wanted a Halloween party this year for her birthday. I think that her cousin had a Halloween party last year and she wanted one as well. I went up to Bellevue for a few days to help Emily with all the preparations. My favorite thing was decorating this bat cake. Sharon (Grandma Nanna - Jakes Mom) used to do decorate cakes for Albertsons and she is a pro. She has all the fun decorating stuff and she taught me how to do it all. It really was soooooooooooo much fun. I really want to be a cake decorator now. We thought it turned out great, but Sharon is such a professional she knew there were a lot of flaws. Taylee loved it and that is all that mattered anyway.

I wrote the words on the cake as well. I wasn't trying to write straight, if any of you were wondering why the letters are all over the place. I learned that when doing type on anything, if you try to write straight it usually goes crooked. But, you write crooked and it ends up looking prety symmetrical. I don't know.

This was my other contribution to the party. Taylee got a Barbie Musketeer for her birthday from Grandma Honey. She calls her Barbie Mouseketeer. The Barbie has a mask that turns into a tiara on her head. And Taylee go her own "Mouseketeer" mask as well. So, Emily and I decided to play pin the mask on the Barbie Musketeer. I drew this picture of the Barbie and made a bunch of masks to pin on her face. It was fun.

The next day, Bryce came up to pick me up. While Emily was putting Tristan down for a nap, we went out and picked blackberries. We came in and made blackberry ice-cream parfaits. YUMMM! Plus, they are so cute too.

On another note: All these recent pictures are from our NEW CAMERA! For our anniversary we usually go out and splurge on a really nice dinner. It ends up being a little pricey. So, this year we decided to use that money to buy a new camera. We really needed one. So, we had dinner at Burger King and bought a new camera with the rest of the dinner fund. It was a good decision. Here is Bryce trying out the new camera. Turns out, he looks super good in this pic. I never look good in self portraits like this.