A Story

What does 10 weeks mean to you?

On October 17, 2006 it meant being scared out of my mind. Why? Let me tell you a story. [some of you know this story. :) ]

It was October 16th, 2006. I was 30 weeks pregnant with my 2nd child. It was also my dad's birthday. My husband, Angelina and I went to my parent's house for dinner to celebrate. My stomach begins aching like I ate too much. It becomes a regular coming and going stomach ache. We realize this. Begin timing. Coming every 8-9 minutes. Weird.

I call my doctor after a little while... she says "Go to the hospital." Husband [Mike] and I say "see you later" to mom and dad. Give Angelina a kiss. Leave for hospital. I am sort of freaking out in my mind. Wondering what is going on, and fearing my body is betraying me.

Get to the hospital. Hooked up to monitors. Things are fine. Until the nurse checks me... "Shealynn. You are 6cm dilated. We can't stop your labor."

That's when the world stops. Only for a moment. Everything pauses. I remember my mind blanking for a few seconds [which seemed like forever]. Then thinking, "What did she just say?" "What?" "NO! I am only 30 weeks pregnant!!!"

I come back to reality. Mike is incredible. Holding my hand. Telling me everything is going to be OK, as he always does. Because he's like that. He's great at comforting. I can no longer hold back tears. I am afraid. I am confused, and stunned, and wishing it wasn't happening. Wishing that Zoe would stay put for 10 more weeks. But she wasn't. She was coming early. Time to face it.

My doctor comes in. I LOVE her. She is very sweet, very comforting, and very nurturing. Like every great doctor should be. She must have seen the fear on my face. She holds my hand. Tells us that Zoe's survival rate is 99%. My fear temporarily subsides. Good. She has a 99% chance of survival. She is a girl, which ups her chances as well. We are told girls tend to fight harder. I am relieved... mostly.

I opt out of an epidural. I am not in much pain, so don't think it's necessary. Who was I kidding? 1 hour later. I was begging for it. It was too late. :( Child birth is hard to describe. The pain is so intense and I am writhing in pain. Can't focus. I beg for something. I get Demoral. It does not take the pain away. It makes me feel drunk. I feel like I have had several beers. That did not help my focus. A NICU team comes in. Prepares for Zoe's arrival. 10 weeks early.

I won't go into nasty details. But, after a while, Zoe was born. Mike teared up. Saying over and over "She's crying! She's crying!" Then I cried.

Zoe Rae
3 lbs 4oz
17 inches
Born at 2:41am 10/17/06
10 weeks premature



I am allowed to quickly kiss her. Then she is rushed off to the NICU. Since she is born at 30 weeks, she is considered "Very Premature". She had to be taken to another hospital. 1 hour after birth, Zoe is brought into our room. She is intubated and in an incubator on a stretcher ready for transport. I am not allowed to touch her, hold her kiss her. This is hard for me. Even now [2 1/2 years later]... I am getting teary. LOL!

Zoe is transported to a hospital 20 minutes away. I feel empty. Just gone into labor, but my baby isn't there. Mike comforts me. He is amazing. I cry and sleep, cry and sleep.

9am, we are up and ready to leave the hospital, and see Zoe. She was so tiny! I remember seeing her and being so shocked at her tiny*ness! So little. She was doing great!



Long story short...

Zoe was in the hospital for 5 1/2 weeks. Her lowest weight was 2lbs 12oz



Leaving the hospital she weighed 4lbs 3oz



She was TINY! :)

We surprised Angelina with her arrival home. Her sister was home to stay. Angelina was over the moon. We all cried. :) A happy ending to a scary time.




****

Why am I bringing this story up? I guess because I keep hearing about the March of Dimes Walk For Babies. It's bringing back so many memories. March of Dimes is a charity that helps fight against prematurity. If it wasn't for this charity, Zoe might not be alive today! This charity is so close to our hearts.

If your interested in donating to a precious phenomenal cause, you can donate in Zoe's name! At the very top right of my blog there is a link there. So many babies die every year of prematurity. It's incredibly sad.


Thank you for listening to my story. Any one of you had a premature baby?



XOXO,

Shealynn


P.S. My oldest daughter's [Angelina] school is raising money for a charity called "Pennies For Peace". If you're interested in that charity, click here to donate for Angelina. You can read about the charity here.

Giveaway Perfect For Mother's Day!!

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED!!!
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON IN A DIFFERENT POST.
PLEASE CHECK BACK
TO SEE IF YOU ARE THE WINNER!

Hey everyone!! My husband is much better!!! :) Yay!

We have a fantastic giveaway this week! It's perfect for Mother's Day!!! Jewelry. :D

The shop is A Modern Twist. She makes beautiful delicate jewelry perfect for any mom!

This one is my favorite!! So, go one... enter away!!

1 blog point for leaving a COMMENT. Go visit A Modern Twist! Come back here, and tell me your favorite things!!

2 blog points added for FOLLOWING MY BLOG! You all know how much I love blog friends! ;)

3 blog points added if you BLOG, or TWITTER about this giveaway! If you do blog or twitter about this giveaway, please enter your name and blog/twitter address in Mr. Linky below instead of commenting in the comments. :) You can follow me on Twitter by clicking HERE. Or! You can also follow my shop on Twitter too by clicking HERE.

This giveaway will end on FRIDAY!!! So, get your comments in NOW! :)


XOXO,

Shealynn

The winner is...

The winner of their very own camera strap slipcover is....

#25 - Deanne, who said...

"I love your fabrics! Maybe some polka dots I am a big polka dot girl!"

Congratulations Deanne!!!
Email me!! shealynn [AT] gmail.com

If you didn't win, and want to purchase one from my shop click HERE.

Sorry... nothing else new as of yet... meaning no new product yet! I had to rush my husband to the hospital Friday night. He has a kidney stone!!! Poor guy! We didn't get home until 4:45am this morning and I really didn't get much sleep, so I was/am super exhausted. I will be spending a lot of tomorrow in front of my sewing machine getting as many orders sewn as possible - if my husband is up to watching the kids, and isn't in too much pain. :(

Until then...


XOXO,

Shealynn

New Because of You!

{SCROLL DOWN FOR THE GIVEAWAY}

So! Thanks for the recommendations everyone! Check it out...



Got all that today! [except the bottom 5] I know others of you have requests as well! Don't forget! I do take custom fabric orders for only $5 more! :D

So, stay tuned! 10-12 new camera strap slipcovers on the way - AND! A brand NEW PRODUCT!!! Yay!

Off to spend time my Zoe til we pick up big "sissy". Can you see the fabric? Any guesses what's in there? ;)


XOXO,

Shealynn

Books Anyone?

[SCROLL DOWN FOR GIVEAWAY]

I know this is my SECOND post today!! Crazy! Well... I have a question! You all know that I am a read*a*holic. :) Well... my collection is getting a "little" out of hand. ha ha! Anyone interested in buying some books? I have several that I am willing to part with... the list of what I have is below. If you're interested, email me: shealynn AT gmail.com

Evernight [paperback]
Stargazer [hardback]

Tantalize [hardback]

Eternal [hardback]

Skinned [hardback]

Tithe [paperback]
Ironside [paperback]

Eat, Pray, Love [paperback]

*******

Paperbacks are $5
Hardbacks are $10


More will be added soon! Email me if you're interested in any of them. The Wicked Lovely series will likely be up for grabs as soon as I finished the last book that came out today... but I don't know yet. :) Oh, and if you want to read about them... look in my bookshelves to the right of my blog.

I loved ALL of the above books!!! Hope you will to. :)


XOXO,

Shealynn

Finally a Giveaway!!

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED! WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY IN ANOTHER POST. :) BE SURE TO SEE IF YOU WON.

So, I feel bad that I have left you hanging. I know a lot of you look forward to my weekly giveaways... and maybe that's the only reason you follow me. :) I love to do giveaways! They are the best way to get your business out there. I do a lot of giveaways on other blogs! Today... I am doing a giveaway on MY own blog for!!! Yep, that's right! You can win one of my camera strap slipcovers right here!!!



I just added 3 brand new fabric designs last week! I have added another new one this week... OWLS! However. I have not made the actual strap slipcover to photograph yet. I am awaiting the arrival of my labels... which should hopefully be here tomorrow!! My fingers and toes are crossed!! :)



So... you could win YOUR choice of a camera strap slipcover in my shop... except. Minky, personalization, and lens cap pockets.



Mother's Day is coming! Enter to win for yourself or someone you know! And, if you don't win, you know my shop is always open for purchases. ;)



So... you excited?? Good!

Here is how to win...

1 point just for commenting. But tell me this... what fabric do you not see in my shop that you think should be a camera strap slipcover. CLICK HERE to go to my shop.

3 points for blogging or twittering about this. [Make sure and tell everyone. Let's get the word out.] :) As always... if you blogged or tweeted about this.. please add it to Mr. Linky [below] and not the comments.

15 points for buying a camera strap slipcover BEFORE the giveaway is over!!! Please put in the "note to seller" that your are coming from my blog so I know to add your points. :)





Easy enough, right? :)


winner will be announced SATURDAY NIGHT!!! Please check back to see if you won!!!





XOXO,

Shealynn

For The Man

I had to post about my husband! He is the BEST husband on earth! Not only has he set up my garage studio for me - which looks fantastic!! But... today - he came home at lunch and opened the garage... at first, I thought, "Oh no!! He is letting that 98 degree outside air in!!"

But, he was holding a box... a box which immediately made me jump out of my chair with extreme surprise! This is what he brought home for me...



Do you know what that is? Yep! Happiness! It's an AIR CONDITIONER, people! My husband took his lunch break to go get me an A/C unit!!!!

I literally was clapping and jumping up and down! You have NO idea how exciting this is!!!! It's SO hot here already! Supposed to be 100 degrees tomorrow! Ahhhh!

To me... this air conditioner was the best gift! Better than rainbows and unicorns! I am just beyond excited.

My husband is incredibly amazing, and this just made him even more so! :D


So, THANK YOU BABY!!!!!

OK! Off to work in my no longer steamy studio!!! he he he! I am giddy!


XOXO,

Shealynn


P.S. There WILL be a giveaway tomorrow!! So stay tuned!

P.P.S. Sorry to inform those that this will affect... I am no longer allowing Anonymous comments on my blog. There is a person that's been leaving extremely rude comments on here, and as far as I am concerned... if you leave rude comments on someone's blog and don't say who you are... you are a coward. Just my opinion. :)

The rest...

So, here are the rest of baby Gramer! He is extremely adorable, and so so tiny! I definitely got baby fever! Now I am jonesing for a baby boy. LOL!!! No more littlies for us, though. :) This little one surprised me. We was wide awake for 99% of this shoot, which is rare for an 8 day old! He was a wiggly one too! ha ha! I had a blast for the entire 1 1/2 hours! And, yes! I DID get peed on! ha ha ha! So expected though. I really didn't care.

Here are the rest of this little handsome guy.



Color or Black and White? I couldn't pick...









Black and White or Vintage?













Yes... to answer the questions about these wraps... I did knit them. :) Remember the yarn I posted about?









I can't wait to get back into doing shoots! I miss it! And, I always have so much fun doing them. :)


XOXO,

Shealynn

Peek

A sneak peek for the parents of this adorable babe! He is incredibly cute, and so teeny!










Have a great weekend! More pictures of baby Gramer to come! By the way... this is Angelina's teacher's son. How stinkin' cute is he?!

Occupied

Not sure if you have noticed... I have been - occupied. So much so, that I continue to leave you all hanging and without giveaways. Hopefully giveaways aren't the only reason to follow me. When I sit to blog, I don't have much time to do so, so doing a giveaway post isn't really in my time slot right now. But, I will work on it this weekend, and schedule it to go up next week. I pinky swear. ;)

Aside from order making, what else have I been doing? Tuesday I picked Angelina up from school, and she and I had a mommy/daughter date. We went to Starbucks and each got a Caramel Frappucino, and then headed to Borders. We had such a great time together!! We are going to make it a weekly thing. Every Tuesday. Since Zoe is in school until 4pm, and Angelina gets out at 2:15, it gives us time just the 2 of us. I feel like times like that are important to do with our children. And, since I don't normally do it enough, I am going to now. We will do different things... mostly indoors things I presume... since it's supposed to be in the high 90's starting Sunday. BOO BOO BOO! ;)

I have a newborn photo shoot tomorrow. I am really really looking forward to it!! Angelina's teacher had her son 3 weeks early. I LOVE newborn babies! :D I am currently knitting something for it... show you when I show you the shots!

I have also been reading. Need some new recommendations? Good, because I've got a lot! ha ha! I have read the following since the last book recommendation post back on March 26th...

Evernight & Stargazer: This was a good series... I am assuming there will be a 3rd book coming out.

Tithe & Ironside: It took me a while to get into the first book, Tithe, but once I did, I *really* liked it. There are 3 books in the series, but the 2nd book had really nothing to do with the other 2, and there was somethings in it, I didn't want to read about. So I skipped it. But, I loved Ironside! :)

Graceling: This book was SOOOO good!!! It's a new favorite.

Wicked Lovely & Ink Exchange: I really like this series so far! This 3rd and last book in the series comes out next Tuesday! :) Can't wait.

Tantalize: This book surprised me. I wasn't sure how it was going to be, but I actually really like it.

Eternal: The cover of this book is very attractive. As far as the book... it was OK. Not horrible, but not great.


I am currently reading The Graveyard Book. Will let you know in a few weeks how I thought it was.

Also... not sure if you noticed. Someone recommended that I go to shelfari.com and get bookcases to put on my blog... have you seen them? One has books I am planning on reading and one has the books I have already read... so you can always see what I recommend or what I am planning to read. They are updated regularly too.

Read any new books lately? Have you read any that I recommended? :D


XOXO,

Shealynn

Well hiddy ho!

Hello friends!

I just wanted to drop in with a few things... First off... our new kitties' name has been changed. LOL! Not Pearl anymore. Just didn't fit her. Her new and permanent name is Alley. Yes, like in 'Alley Cat'. ;)

Would you like to know what Jenn and I do while we sew late at night together? :D





She goofs around and I document it. LOL! Please note that this isn't a constant state of goofing around. LOL! We actually DO get work done. ;)

OH! And. 3 New Camera Strap Slipcovers have now been added to my shop!! Lookie Lookie!







They are available in my shop Now! :) Click Here.

I so hope you are all doing well! :) Are you?


TaTa for now!


XOXO,

Shealynn

Nevermind!

We just agreed on a name for her!!! Her name is now PEARL! :)

XOXO,

Shealynn

Happy Easter!!!

I know! I am SO lame at blogging lately. Sorry about that. But, I am here now, and I actually have pictures and things to share!!! *gasp* ;)

First of all... I would love your suggestions!! There is someone I would like you to "meet"...



Isn't she cute?



She "found" us last night... here's the thing... We are stuck on a name... we can't all agree. I like Katniss, Katsa, and Suki... Angelina like snowball, glitter and something else I forgot. Mike doesn't like much of anything we suggest. LOL! Here's where you come in...

Do you have any cool and different names you can suggest? Please leave them in the comments!! I would SO appreciate that. :) I will let you know what we choose. I am trying to avoid anything cutesy.


Here are some other pictures from today...





I know! Her hair is a total mess! LOL! That's just how we're rollin today. ;)



AND!!! Here is a sneak of the 5 new fabrics I just received yesterday!!



I plan on sewing the new ones from before tonight so I can photograph them, and get them up! So, stay tuned. For now... I am off to enjoy Easter... relaxing is SO what I need. The kids got lots of goodies from the "bunny". :) And Angelina and I painted eggs last night. It was nice to spend some special time with Angelina last night. I need to do that more often. :)


How have you been? Anything great going on?


XOXO,

Shealynn

Stopping In - FINALLY! ;)

Hello!!! Sorry I have been so lame about posting on my blog you guys! I will be better once I get caught up around here. :) I have been so busy making these...



that I have neglected this blog. :( Thanks for sticking around, though! That means a lot to me. :D

So... last weekend my wonderful husband moved all of my sewing stuff to the garage. So, I now have my own space!! Welcome to my new garage studio... please keep in mind that it will begin to look better. LOL! Right now it's pretty bare, except for the GQ mag with Robert Pattinson on the front, my skein on fantastic yarn, and a picture of my girls... I need to find my pictures of Mike to add up there too. :) I also plan to paint my peg boards turquoise...







I will take more pictures once it's more done. :) Last night Mike put up a few pendant lights over our workspaces! It's looking great! I BIG BIG BIG thanks to my wonderful husband! He even swept and mopped that GARAGE for me! LOL! What a guy! :)

Oh, and here is that fantastic rainbow yarn I was talking about...



I saw it in this etsy shop, and HAD to have it. :D I have plans for it.

Well... sorry to say, but that's all for now!!! I will be back soon. Oh... no giveaway this week... I have a terrible headache, Zoe has a cold or something, and I am just really swamped... but, next week for sure. ;)

Please tell me what you've been up to!!! I do love hearing from you all. :)


XOXO,

Shealynn

Winner is....

And, the giveaways go to:

M and E Who said...

I like the scallops on lavender necklace and the blooms on lemongrass necklace from Jessica, and the spring elegance and chiklet necklaces from Bethany. Great giveaway!

Congratulations!!! Email me - shealynn AT gmail.com to claim your prizes!!

Regular posts to resume soon! Sorry everyone! I am just incredibly busy! :) So, for now... head on over to these ladies' shops and buy yourself somethin purty! ;)


XOXO,

Shealynn

3 products ONE winner to get them ALL! GIVEAWAY!

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED!! THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY IN A SEPARATE POST.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED! :)

OK, well, I have neglected giveaways ... so this week we have a treat! 3 wonderful shop owners have so kindly volunteered to giveaway something from their shop! Woo hoo! There are no pictures... it's a mystery... so you will have to go to their shops to see their wonderful items. ;)

First up...

Shortcake Scraps! Look at these SUPER cute cards she wants you to have! Who couldn't use some 'Thank You' cards? I know I could always use more! :)

She has some super cute stuff in HER SHOP! Check it out!


Second up...

Jewelry By Jessica! She makes really cute jewelry! And, ladies... I know you'd love more jewelry, right? Well... she is giving you YOUR CHOICE of anything in her shop!! Go see what you like best!!


Last but Certainly Not least!!

Bethany Tramel Designs! She makes really pretty jewelry as well!!! :) She is also giving you YOUR CHOICE! She also makes keychains. I want one! So... go check out her shop too!!

Are you excited? Good! Here is how to win...

1 blog point for leaving a COMMENT. Go visit these ladies shops! Come back here, and tell me your favorite things!!

2 blog points added for FOLLOWING ME! You all know how much I love blog friends! ;)

3 blog points added if you BLOG, or TWITTER about this giveaway! If you do blog or twitter about this giveaway, please enter your name and blog/twitter address in Mr. Linky below instead of commenting in the comments. :) You can follow me on Twitter by clicking HERE. Or! You can also follow my shop on Twitter too by clicking HERE.





5 blog points for EACH item Purchased BEFORE the giveaway is over! Be sure and let me know if you did!! And, tell them Shealynn sent you! ;)


Giveaway ENDS sometime on Saturday!! ;)

** Be sure and check back to see if you won! **

Tell All Of Your Friends!!!!

Good luck!!!

If you're new here, WELCOME!! Grab a cup of coffee, cocoa, tea, or soda, and feel free to look around!! :)



XOXO,

Shealynn

Giveaway Tonight

Sorry everyone! I was supposed to post the giveaway yesterday, but didn't have time. I was sitting at my sewing machine most of the day yesterday. Today my back is mad at me, and it hurts just to move. :( So... I will post the giveaways later on today. Keep your eyes peeled. ;)


XOXO,

Shealynn


P.S. Thank you so much for all the inspiration! Please keep it coming! I am loving everything you all have sent me!! :) You can join in too... read the post below this one.