Mooshy Belly Bunny Easter Project

We had a wonderful Easter Holiday. Enjoyed dying eggs with friends. Made bird nest candies and I even had time to do a little sewing. In honor of Coralee's first Easter, I made her this "Mooshy Belly Bunny" a free pattern and tutorial from Chez Beeper Bebe.

4G Network {Coralee's Birth Announcement}

 Our family and friends waited with anticipation for the arrival of baby Evans #3. We kept the gender a surprise and so, on new years day, when Coralee Ann joined our family many giggled at the thought of our future with three girls in tow. Comments like: "Poor Steven. He's so outnumbered." "No shortage of hormones in that household." "How does it feel to be floating in a sea of estrogen?" During one such conversation, my brother-n-law, Kevin, coined the phrase "The Evans Family 4G Network." (4G aka Four Girl). I thought it would make a humorous and fun birth announcement design concept. And, as often happens, I couldn't decided which design I liked best! Here are the final two designs. I added the tag line "Life in High Speed." We are truly in for a ride!

Pink, Please

The girl's room is finished! What fun its been to plan this PINK girly bedroom for my babies. To put the excitement into perspective for you, when I was pregnant with Marin, my four and a half year old, the wall behind her bed was studs and insulation. Since then, we've rewired (the entire house), hung sheetrock. Installed a ceiling fan, painted the walls. Stripped and painted the trim. Had the floors refinished built closet shelving, bought furniture, hung curtain rods and curtains, bought bedding on sale...well, you get the picture. It's been a LONG TIME COMING. I've added sources for most of the items in the room at the end of this post (if you're curious).

The last two photo show my favorite items in the room. Spinning duck music box and hot air balloons plus the walking hedgehog toy I bought while pregnant with Marin. My shadow box of vintage letter toys and the antique mirror hanging on an old door knob that was salvaged from an exterior door of our house.

Don't let these dreamy photos fool you. It's a kids room and at some points it looks like this:

Sources: Pink Curtains (Anna's Linens). Henley Stripe Quilt (Pottery Barn Teen). Pink polka dot sheets (Target). Throw pillows were handmade by my sister-n-law, Beth Evans. Modern Classics Rocking Chair bought on sale via (HauteLook). Darby Bed with trundle (JCPenny). Crib and Dresser Baby Mod Oliva (Wal-Mart). Ringum Circle Rugs (iKea). Wooden Toy Hedgehog Walker purchased from a toy store in New Mexico, but you can find them online too. Hot air balloons are made by Authentic Models and are available through Amazon. I bought ours from a novelty shop in Virginia. Wall color is Restoration Hardware Silver Sage.

Sip-N-See for Coralee {The Event}

My sister-n-law and a group of wonderful friends hosted a beautiful Sip-N-See for baby Coralee. The theme was inspired by her New Year's Day arrival and her classic name. Thus the black and cream with touches of baby pink. No detail was missed starting with these "Kisses from Coralee" party favors adorned with stickers featuring Coralee's silhouette. The same silhouette used on the invitations.

 The table was not only pretty, but filled with tasty sweets. Handmade paper flower, strings of pearls and vintage broaches were used as decoration as well as fresh flowers tucked here and

 Guests were offered a variety of teas served in china tea cups.
 My brother-in-law created a simple piece of artwork to show off her name. Very unique and pretty.

 A special moment of the day was when Coralee was held by her Great Grandma Posey. Coralee is named after Posey's Mother, Cora.

 The guests of honor sleeping peacefully.

Guests were asked to write humorous messages on diapers which we took home with us and put to good use. Some of my favorite "diaper thoughts" included: Look Out Below! Did I do That? This One is for Daddy. Elmo loves poo poo. Enter at your own risk.Oh Crap! and There's more where that came from. I took these diapers home and mixed them in with the plain diapers. Many times it was just the chuckle I needed in the middle of a chaotic day! A fun baby shower activity!

 Me and my sister-n-law as the party was coming to a close. What a special, fancy party for a special baby!

Sip-N-See for Coralee {The Invitation}

My sister-n-law hosted a beautiful Sip-N-See for baby Coralee in February. Above is the invitation. And if you're wondering, yes I created it. Is that weird? I hope not, because I had a blast creating it. Yes, that's her actual silhouette (love). A baby, born on new year's day, who was given a very classic name inspired a beautiful black and cream event. Shower photos up next!

John 16:21 {Coralee's Birth}

Before I had children I was terrified of childbirth. Seriously thought it might be something I wouldn't survive. That is, until I witnessed a natural childbirth with a midwife in a birth center. Calm, rested, happy mommy. Alert, baby placed on mommy's chest for warmth. Quiet, comfortable atmosphere. No beeping monitors. No bright lights. Yes, please!

Coralee's birth was hard work. It was painful at times. And in the thick of it I wanted out. But all those feelings vanished the moment her warm, fresh, little body entered the world and my arms. It's a mountain top feeling. That moment when you face the most challenging task of your life and win. A rush of emotion. A swelling of relief, pride, excitement. Witnessing the miracle of birth with a clear focused, awareness and full involvement of all your sense is a ride like no other.

A few photos from the ride that was Coralee. January 1, 2012.

It's a girl!

First kiss.

A proud, and very excited big sister says hello.

Coralee Ann Evans

Our new baby girl. Born January 1, 2012. 8lbs 11oz. Happy and healthy!