27 February 2012

Baby Stuff

I know I have said it before and I will say it again, whenever I am in "saving money" mode
I find just about a million things I want to buy.
Here is my "If money was no object, I would totally buy Amelia this" List.

1.  Tiny Toms :) In like every possible style but definitely the gold sparkles.
We could match.
2.  this onesie (OMG)!!  One of little miss Amelia's namesakes.


3.  and these are all so awesome!





4.  It's sad that I don't even know what this is but it had Star Wars in the title so I think Adam would love it and it's super cute.


5. Ok these little bloomers...precious!!!


6.  I will never stop loving this baby quilt.


7.  and my goodness, this adorable cloud pillow


And I am sure there are many many more things :) 
This is what I do while I wait for this baby, I look at pretty baby things!!!
torture.

xo
janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks. Click To Vote For Us @ the Top Baby Blogs Directory! The most popular baby blogs

February Sponsor Spotlight!

I can't believe February is already almost over!!!  I have had the great pleasure to host so many wonderful sponsors this month!!  Check them out :)


Lauren of ruthiepearl.com  has teamed up with the amazingly talented Shauna of ShwinandShwin.blogspot.com  to bring you yet another fabulous knitting pattern - The Shwin Skirt! This adorable skirt is perfect for the advanced beginner knitter, and it would look great on any little girl. It comes in sizes 12mos - 4T and is knit completely in-the-round (except for the optional pockets). For just $3.99, you can purchase the pattern, OR, you can win one right here! To learn more, visit the pattern page  HERE!
Just leave a comment on this post telling me one thing you are looking forward to this month  for your chance to win!! :)



Fabulous Stationary is also offering Run With Scissors readers and amazing discount code for their shop!!!The 20% code is runwithscissors good towards any regularly priced personalized sets of note cards, mini notes or social business cards. To redeem shoppers
simply enter the code in the coupon field at checkout. Not valid on sale, value sets or dollar card shop.
Promotion expires Sunday March 4th.





Please take a minute to check them out!! They are pretty wonderful if I do say so myself!
xo
janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks. Click To Vote For Us @ the Top Baby Blogs Directory! The most popular baby blogs

26 February 2012

full.


Well friends, tomorrow is the big day :)
Tomorrow our expectant mother is getting induced!
I have taken "family leave" tomorrow because my maternity leave doesn't kick in until our baby is home.
I plan on doing a lot of cleaning to keep my mind off of the wait.
As I mentioned before, we won't get a call until after the baby has been delivered so I will have NO clue when anything before that will happen.  I will just be waiting for the call.

It seems like only yesterday that we decided on domestic adoption after our Ethiopia adoption plans fell through.
I remember the labor of love that was our adoption application and spending every second going over and over it to make sure it was perfect.
I will treasure the memories from both of our home studies (one and two)
finally deciding on the perfect child placing agency.
Adam and I loved creating our profile book.  We have a copy that we are keeping for Amelia and "E" asked to keep a copy as well.
I will NEVER forget the day we got "the call," or the emotions I felt for at least a week while I was still in shock from it all :)
And finally, I will remember how I felt the day we went to meet "E."  The excitement from before the meeting was nerve wrecking and the peace I felt after the meeting was complete.
I can NOT wait to share the rest of this sweet little story with you all. 
Tomorrow our lives will change forever.  
I can not wait.
I love you all.

xo
janel

P.S.  Although I am sure that I will still be blogging like crazy, I have enlisted some amazing guest bloggers for you all over here too while I am busy being a new mommy :)  I hope you enjoy their posts as much as I have!!

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks. Click To Vote For Us @ the Top Baby Blogs Directory! The most popular baby blogs

25 February 2012

Booty Buns!




I am very excited to introduce you to Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers, one of the newest (and in my opinion–best!) one-size cloth diapers on the block.TBooty Buns have some extra features and they are one of the very best one-size cloth diapers I’ve seen!
 I can’t wait to tell you more about them.

One of the best things about Booty Buns as a company is that they give to charity! Shannon, the owner of Booty Buns, has a heart for giving to those in need. For every diaper they sell, one will be donated to a baby in need in a third world country. What could make you feel better about purchasing something than knowing that–beside purchasing a quality product–you are also helping to diaper a baby in a much less fortunate situation!!  
Here is her statement from her shop:

What Made You Decide To Give Cloth Diapers To Babies In Third World Countries?
My husband, Sean, served a 2 year mission in Bolivia. He has often relayed stories of the poverty that exists there; each time he did my heart was deeply moved by these poverty stricken people. When I started researching cloth diapers & the money we could save by using them, he shared with me how most people in Bolivia don't even diaper at all. He said that most people there simply wrap their babies in old t-shirt or sheets to catch the solids. It makes me so sad to think about all those babies who don't have what we consider to be a basic need. I have several other friends that have shared their stories from countries like Honduras, Ecuador, Peru, and other South American and African countries that mirror Sean's from Bolivia. I have always had a deep desire to help people & have longed for a life filled with charity and service; so, I am excited that I have found a way to fulfill my desire through cloth diapers!

There are 5 rows of rise snaps on the Booty Buns diaper. Most one-size diapers only have 3. Combined with the lengthy row of waist snaps and the TWO crossover closure snaps, this makes for one fantastic one-size diaper. 




The diaper snaps down incredibly small to fit preemies and tiny newborns and unsnaps completely to be huge, and I can truly see this diaper fitting from birth to potty training. There are very few “one-size” diapers on the market that areTRULY one-size, and I am very excited to say that Booty Buns are!



In my opinion, Booty Buns are one of the very best one-size cloth diapers available. All around, I definitely recommend them to anyone who is cloth diapering or would like to try it!



                         You can purchase Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers
for $29 each directly at Booty Buns!
Make sure to stop by to follow them on Facebook and Twitter too!
xo
janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks. Click To Vote For Us @ the Top Baby Blogs Directory! The most popular baby blogs

24 February 2012

oh hey!


Oh hey Monday!
Sooo...I got an email today and our expectant mother will be induced on MONDAY and delivering on TUESDAY.
NO big deal :)
Want to know something else really cool??
Adam and I's anniversary is Tuesday as well.
I can NOT think of a better anniversary surprise.
I am on pins and needles my friends!!
prayers are appreciated!!

xo
janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks. Click To Vote For Us @ the Top Baby Blogs Directory! The most popular baby blogs

friday.

(a peek from inside my journal)

1.  I am heading out of town for the weekend with my sister.  I know the second we get to where we are heading (two hours away) I will get the phone call right?!
2.  We are now accepting March Sponsors!!!
I have a feeling the month of March is going to be REALLY exciting here on Run With Scissors, so it will be a great month to advertise here.  Check out the sponsor page for more information.
3.  Our hospital bag is 100% packed and ready to go.
4.  My husband's blog melts my heart. You should check it out :)

You all are so incredibly amazing.  I mean seriously words can't express my gratitude to you.  Amelia is so lucky to have so many people out there who love her.
Thank you!!!  God is good.
6.  I'm making really cute ceramic goodies to sell in my shop.
Look for them next week.
7.  There are still some more quilt squares too!!!  Go grab yours :)
8.  I love you, all of you.  you have no idea the impact you are making in my life.

xo
janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks. Click To Vote For Us @ the Top Baby Blogs Directory! The most popular baby blogs

23 February 2012

Twinkle Twinkle...


Twinkle Twinkle Little Rockstar contacted me about advertising on RWS and asked if I would like to check out some of their lullaby CDs.  Being the music lover that I am, I was more than game.
Music is so extremely important in my life and I know that it will be just as important in our little one's life as well.
I love the idea of Lullabies created from popular songs.  I mean LOVE it.  When I checked out their site, I was so blown away by all of the choices...
Grateful Dead to Wilco, to Jack Johnson, Adele, Britney, Paramore, Nirvana, and even classics like Pink Floyd!!
There are also groups from the 80's, Country Music, and even soundtracks (can someone say Twilight saga lullabies?)


I chose to review Adele and Britney Spears and I was NOT disappointed.  Not only did I love listening to them for the review, I have loved listening to them many times since :)
The music is so calming and also so refreshing because of it's familiarity.


These albums are a great way to unwind. Perfect for yoga, mediation, and go great with a nice warm bath. LOVE these!
 Check out TTLRS and all of their remixed lullabies today!

The best part about these albums is that you can download the entire album for only $6.99!!!
I have a list of like 10 more albums I want to get.

Visit http://www.ttlrs.com/. All mp3 downloads are just $6.99 per album. You can alternatively purchase the cd at Amazon for $13.99. A steal!


The best part about this is that TTLRS is offering one lucky reader the Britney Spears Lullaby CD!!!  There are two ways to enter the giveaway:
2.   Leave a comment on this post saying which artist you would like them to do a tribute to 
 This giveaway will end Sunday February 26th!!!  Good Luck!!

Connect With TTLRS here :)

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star on Facebook
Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star on Twitter
Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star @ Apple iTunes 
CD's available at Amazon.com 


xo
janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks. Click To Vote For Us @ the Top Baby Blogs Directory! The most popular baby blogs

22 February 2012

my husband...

My sweet husband wrote this amazing post over on his blog and I just had to copy it over here because it spoke to my heart so much.
This is such a great picture of just one of the many reasons I love him so much and I can not wait to see him as a dad :)
Thank you Adam for being mine...


What Adoption Means to Me
 by Adam

People often think that you would only ever want to adopt because you couldn't have your "own" kids. My adopted kiddo is going to be my own! I can't wait to hold her, tuck her in at night, and have that Superman stopping a speeding train feeling of "She is my daughter and the world can't stop us." Adoption has it's own period of waiting, hoping, worrying, and ultimately fruition as we wait for the expectant mother to come to full term. With the health issues (blood clotting) she has the baby could come any day, but she is scheduled to be induced on February 29th. Our social worker is probably going crazy because we seem to call every few days with the same questions. "When is she being induced?" "When is she ours" "Is this normal??" It's a hectic time and it's hard sometimes to put what you're thinking or feeling down to read because unlike a birth child when you have that feeling of completion, the birth of the baby doesn't signify "ours" yet. There is a lot more to do.

I have conflicted feelings about having a child taken from her birth mother. That bond will always be there and a part of me wishes it would work out for her because of it. Then the majority of me steps up and knows how much we can't wait to parent and love our child (that part wins.) Janel and I are excited to have an open adoption so that our baby knows exactly why her nose looks like that or why she likes Gloria Gaynor (from the womb lol.) I wish adoption weren't necessary, but it is, and I'm so blessed to be part of the overall tapestry and story that baby Amelia will create in this life. Our expectant mom wants a strong father figure in her baby's life, and the birth dad is a deadbeat. She will be going to school and working full time and wants a family where there aren't other children so that her baby girl can become the princess and star for a new family. No problems there! We've been prepping for 3 years now. Everyone says that everything will change. I feel the same way as I do every time I start a new job. You know that feeling when you walk by the folks in the lunch room and everyone is so strange. You walk through the building and you can't imagine ever being familiar there. The interview goes swell and you get the job but it takes a while before you are in control. Waiting for your child is kind of like that. Amelia, you're so much more worth it! Bring on the sleepless nights and the stinky diapers, I know that your smile will melt my heart. I'm waiting for that contented sigh while you nestle in to sleep. That twinkle in your eye that signifies you just made a mess. Baby girl, you are going to be trouble. But I'm ready for you. And guess what, I'm bringing backup. Let's do this sweet thing. It's time for you to join us.

When Janel and I first met through E-harmony back in March of 2008 (Our Match-a-versary is officially February 28th, and we were married the same day a year later) she asked me how I felt about adoption. I knew that I wanted kids "some day" but I wasn't knocking down the door looking for the stork to deliver that instant. It was an interesting question because my sister is adopted but I never really interpreted that as different. I know how much our family loves her and while her story is unique and she has been through a lot in her life she could show up on my doorstep tomorrow and I would give her anything within my power. Adoption is just as powerful a bond, if not more so, than birth, even when it happens later in life. Sometimes you have to work harder at communication, sometimes certain things don't come as easy, but it's no less family, no less rewarding. The best thing about adoption in my life is the victory in it for family. I love hanging out with my niece and nephew when we visit home. They are two of the best kids you could ask for and they wouldn't be in my life without adoption. Sign me up right there! And should my sister threaten to steal the whole spotlight, both my brother-in-laws were adopted too. I mean how cool is that? If there was ever a family where adoption was the norm instead of the exception it's mine. So when Janel asked how I felt about adoption it was easy to draw from a wellspring of love and answer easily, "Yes, let's do it!"

The last thing that I want to draw attention to is how greatful we are to all our friends and family for their support. In the first post you became aware of a financial need we have as this expectant mom came out of nowhere with a birth date in less than 4 weeks (we were expecting 4-6 months notice so we could utilize more normal fundraising methods.) When we got "the call" we were in shock for about a week. Then all of the sudden we realized, we need money! It's embarrasing to put yourself out there especially during a vulnerable time when your child literally depends on you being able to pay. It's tough. We give all praise to God that we have such great family, friends, church family, and readers who are ready to help! The provision is just pouring in left and right from friends I had in college, family back home, our amazing church family, Janel's awesome blog readers, and friends all around, it's so awesome! You have no idea how touched we are every time someone says, "This is for baby Amelia!" It all adds up and we are close to $6,000 raised in such a short period of time. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your help. Every one of you will be part of our daughter's story, and we can't wait to share her with ya'll.

Every time I worry about things going right with this adoption, I know it's time to pray. My favorite "don't worry" verse is Philippians 4:6. I also love 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, and I think it captures my heart and victory through adoption in Christ's family and trusting in the Lord's wisdom, not my own:

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

Be blessed friends,
-a

21 February 2012

Quilt Squares for Amelia...

** This post will remain on the top of my blog for the rest of this month.  Please scroll down for newer posts :) Thank you. xo **



Awhile back, I cam up with this concept for a fundraiser idea for adoption and it was a hit.
Our little tracker over there is inching it's way up but we do still have a ways to go.
I thought that it was time to put this little idea back out there for all of our new readers who may want to take part in our "Quilt Squares for Amelia" project!!
Here you go:

* I had been collecting vintage sheets to make a quilt for Amelia when she arrives.
This quilt is 10 squares by 10 squares so far.
That is 100 squares.

Here is the plan.
YOU can purchase one of these squares for only $10.00.
Why?
When you purchase a square, I will hand embroider your name onto it.  







During our fundraiser, last February, we were able to sell 40 of these squares!!!  It was amazing :)
There are still 60 squares left to fill!!!
I know that we can do this everyone!!


Each square will have a different name of someone who helped us bring our baby girl home.
Each square will be a lifetime reminder to her (and us) of all of the people who loved, and supported her, and brought us all together as a family :)

So, the goal is this...
Sell all 100 squares.
Have 100 names to add to Amelia's quilt
Thus, a keepsake to remind her forever of all of those who love her.

Click HERE to purchase your quilt square!!!

xo
janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks. Click To Vote For Us @ the Top Baby Blogs Directory! The most popular baby blogs

20 February 2012

February Sponsors!

This month we have been so fortunate to have so many great sponsors!!
These blogs and shops are so lovely.
Please click on the photos below to head over and check them out yourselves.  You won't regret it :)











Seriously they are adorable :)
Check them out.

xo
janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks. Click To Vote For Us @ the Top Baby Blogs Directory! The most popular baby blogs