Curious Cohen, The Curious Little Monkey...

Matt was holding Cohen last night feeding him and when I saw how he looked, I did not hesitate and took his picture.

Doesn't he look just like one of those baby monkeys?

I'm #3!

Alright, here's the moment I'VE been waiting for for the last week or so. I've never been so excited to be slated as #3. Yeah Brooke, I feel like I'm finally on the map. Thanks Erin, you rock the mic!! :)

Check me out!

#6 Download - Tiny Notes, Big Love

Today I will be featured on Design For Mankind and so I wanted to create a new download. I decided to create little Valentines cards that can be downloaded. Since Stella is in preschool, the subject of Valentines has already come up. These are tiny at a folded size of 1.75" x 2.75" I thought they might be nice little notes to place in your hubbies lunch bag in the morning for an afternoon pick me up, maybe slide in that crushes desk at work or just something "small" to mail to a loved one. I love tiny things that are cute, like my little Cohen. Pint sized treasures. Please enjoy!

Get them right here!

I Been Slackin'!

But, who could blame me when you have this face to stare at each and every moment. I've also gotten a little work thrown my way, and I can use anything at all at the moment. Be sure to check in tomorrow. I am hoping to have a cool download because I will be featured on Design for Mankind as part of a Friday Round Up. Not sure exactly what will be said, but I'm hoping it creates a little traffic to my blog and maybe some interest in my work as an illustrator. So, I'm hoping to be a busy little beaver, as long as the little guy participates.

#5 More Paper

These are some papers I did like a year ago, but rediscovered tonight. I had done them for submission to a company but didn't love them and never did submit them. They are simple, but they appeal to me. Maybe they will to you as well. This will have to do for today. Have some little lovelies I need to work on for a project with my Los Angeles contact (yes, I am that cool!) Then hopefully tomorrow it will be new business. Chow.

Oh Yeah, here's the link!

The Fourth Times An Alphabet

I decided to go with an alphabet because I personally like alphabets and secondly, it was pretty easy to get done in the time I was alloted. I used Century Gothic and a set of spray paint grunge brushes from Deviant Art. Not completely original, but it is what it is. Sort of ran out of steam today. I do hope though that you'll enjoy.

Get it here. 

Stella said something funny the other day. We were in the car just making conversation and I asked her if she was going to go to college. She said "No, I'm gonna be a mermaid!" So, today were talking about going to France and seeing artists and I mentioned to her that she could go to college and make art all the time and paint. She got a very excited look on her face and said, "I change my mind, I want to be an artist, not a mermaid!"

Number Three: Late, But As Promised.

Here is another paper. I know, sort of a cop out, but I've been really tired, what with a newborn and a 4.5 year old to take care of. Is anyone enjoying any of this. Please, let me know if you've done anything with this beyond downloading it. I would love to know. 

I call this one, "The Forest For The Trees" and, grab it here, as for the brushes used, I cannot take the credit and have misplaced the peoples names, but I found them here at Deviant Art, it's a great website for all things creative, check it out. Of course, if I ever do turn around and sell it, I cannot include those brushes and will indeed have to come up with my very own grunge brushes. I can do that, I've just been lazy. 

Well, I hope you like it.

Just A Funny.

Matt sent this picture to me, just made us laugh. Reminds us of Stella.

Whoop Dee Doo, Here's Number 2!

As promised, here is the next download. So far, so good. It's a 12x12 digital scrapbooking paper in which I expanded upon the previous wood grain bird theme. Please enjoy. Now, you can strictly use this digitally or if you have a large format printer, this should print out quite nicely there too. Of course, your paper won't include pictures of me! You can find the download here. 

In baby land, we are doing fine. He's still sleeping most of the time, so I'm able to go about most of my daily business. He does occasionally freak me out with strange noises he makes and he even made sounds like he was laughing today, twice. Now, I know that newborns don't laugh, but it did seem to sound that way. Welp, I'm tired it's 1am and my shift is over, I took the first shift and Matt is taking the second. Ahhh, here's to sleeping in a little tomorrow. 

First Creative Pursuit of The Year.

I'm trying to start rebuilding my portfolio, well, because I'm bored with myself and need the creative stimulation. So, for my first of hopefully many future *FREE* downloads, here is a set of bird and wood grain inspired address labels.I made these using an Avery label template available here. Nope, not trying to help Avery make more money, just trying to see if anyone would actually use these and trying to make it easy for you, but I assume that these would fit on any standard 10 up 2x4 address labels. 

My little birdie address labels are available here for a limited time download. I will be sure to give a warning before I take them down.

Thanks for looking and I do hope you try it out. If so, please give me some feedback to let me know how they turn out.

To 2009!

To smaller boobs and a brighter future.

Resolute or Indecisive?

This year I do believe is the year that I make no promises. All those seem to do for me is allow me to let myself down. Instead I resolve to see the "sunny side." For example, it's not that we are using the cheapest baby formula, rather it is the most cost effective baby formula. You see how I did that? It's easy, now you try it. You want another one? How about instead of me just being too cheap and lazy to put gas in my car and drive somewhere, I resolve to lessen my carbon footprint. I know I'm being silly about this, but really, I think it will help me to do this. I am way too negative most of the time and hopefully this will make me a more positive person on a daily basis. 

In other news, Cohen is just a great little guy. He and Stella are bonding nicely and she really seems to enjoy being the big sister. My mother has always told me that one is easy and that two is more than twice as hard. I didn't know exactly what she meant, but I did know that those words really worried me. What could she mean, more than twice as hard? Where was she going with this, and why couldn't she expand on that statement? NOW I GET IT! It's not that having a new little baby in the house is hard, it's dealing with that other little one that's been there in the first position for this long now feels like they are playing second fiddle. AHA!

Her personality has gone through such changes lately that I was concerned that she might have a mental illness. Going from so sweetly holding baby bro to making snotty comments at the least little thing. I spend most of my day feeling like I'm constantly trying to reassure her in not so subtle ways that she is still much loved all the while needing to scold some of the not so lovely behavior issues that have come up. Strangest part is, I don't feel old enough to have any depth of knowledge on this subject but at 31 with two children, I guess it is what it is. Matt and I can't help but notice all the personality differences between the two in relation to newborn behaviors. Cohen is SOOOOOO much more layed back than Stella ever was even just down to when he wakes up in the middle of the night. She would immediately wake up with this shrill cry that said "feed me know or pay later." All he does is sort of sqawk a bit and makes little noises to alert you that "hey, I'm here and when you get a minute could you feed me?" I think we could be feeling this way simply because we've done this before and we know what we're up

 against and anything less traumatic than what we've already experienced we chalk up to good luck.

He's precious and she's preciously precocious. 

This photo was taken just about 24 hours after giving birth to Cohen so excuse my strange look, but in this photo I really see how and why people say Stella is my Mini Me, weird how you don't always notice those things. 

I am happy to say that since having Cohen I have lost about 22 of the 30 pounds I gained during pregnancy and I'm guessing that the gigantic boobs I've been forced to carry around the last three days may just account for a couple more pounds, so I'm nearly back to my starting point and I would like to lose another 25 to get where I really want to be, hmmm, maybe I snuck in one shiny little New Years resolution. :)

But, since I am not quite there I've had to wear some of the early maternity pants because my regular jeans don't fit yet and today, the little miss asked me why my butt is getting bigger. Wow! Someone hasn't learned to be delicate about such subjects. Matt though did reassure me that it was just the pants that looked bigger on my butt, not the other way around.

Welcome: Cohen Sullivan

Yes, that is him and his prison number. I thought it was funny that when they discharged us, it was not by his name, but his number D5697. Hence the old time style prison photo and number. Let's see, I went in the day after Christmas at 8am. Instead of inducing me, they said I was already in active labor and so they weren't going ahead with the petocin. I was already at 4cm and progressing nicely. After a couple hours, they gave me a shot of Nubane to deal with the contractions and I was doing fine. That wore off and the contractions sort of stopped. They gave me a whiff of Petocin and the races were off. By noon, I was having heavy duty contractions with about 30 seconds in between them. I said I wanted the epidural. The guy came in all tattooed and buff acting bragging about how good he was at administering said epidural and began the process. The contractions were getting worse and worse and by now I was crying. After probably about 15 attempts, he was going to get someone to help him, something about the pockets between my vertibrae being small. Anyway, the nurse asked me if I didn't want Demerol instead and I said YES, don't let him get somebody else. He came in and looked all apologetic and let down and I was in so much pain I just said, "don't worry about it, I don't care." At that point I went from 8cm to 10cm in probably under a minute and KNEW that I was about to push. They came in and after I think 4 pushes, hard ones, he was out, by 2:33pm. He weighed 7lbs 11oz and was 20.25 inches. A wonderful little boy and we are so thrilled he's ours.

Here's a funny story though, on Christmas night Stella was spending the night at grandma's so that we could just go easily to the hospital the next day. I said, "what time to you want me to call you tomorrow?" She said, "2 o'clock, no 2:30." Wow is all I can say, I think she is slightly intuitive. 

Any way, I am tired, sitting here typing as Cohen is laying in his bassinet. And I'm thinking about heading to bed. Thanks for reading.

Visions of Sugar Plums Dance in My Head.

Well, I kind of owe someone an apology, not exactly sure who yet, but someone is probably due. Matt and I begrudgingly headed to the Health Department this morning and we were not prepared for what happened. I was already upset before we entered the building and basically told Matt, that he had to speak as I was already in tears. In my defense, I am 9 months pregnant and prone to emotional outbursts. So, this very nice girl tells us that she will squeeze us in on her break and we'll see if we can't get something. I'll spare all the boring details, but this amazing young girl whose only title was "Typist" is certainly much more deserving of a more inspiring title, maybe that of Goddess Representative on High, yeah, that's better. Whatever she did got not only Stella approved for MI Child - the very low monthly payment of $10/month with medical and dental which will allow her to continue going to the doctor in Plymouth that I absolutely love, but it also approved me for medicaid to fill in the blanks after I have Cohen and need all that follow up care, PLUS, she was able to qualify Cohen for the Healthy Kids program which is absolutely free!!!!! And, we were able to go back to Blue Cross Blue Shield, our beloved PPO. You do not know what it's like to go from having a PPO all your life to suddenly being thrust into the world of an HMO. I hated it and feel like I'm going home again. Before we left, both Matt and I hugged her and I told her that she had restored my faith in other people and I think I even called her honey, not like me, but I was again very emotional. So, needless to say, I finally feel like I am allowed to enjoy both this Christmas and the last few days we have as a family of three. Thank you again to our angel Nicole, you will never TRULY know what you've done for me and how I now trust other people with the things that are most important in my life. My hope is that someday I can do the same for someone else.

Merry Christmas!

Become A Dirt Ass, Get Rewarded For It!!!

*Alright, I am desperate. I know there are experts out there among you. Where can I go that I won't lose my house just to get my children seen or at the very least where can I take my newborn to get all the shots and checkups he needs? I am in a panic. We DO NOT qualify for any type of state funding, I make TOO MUCH money, however, at the moment, I can barely afford all my regular bills. Depending on when Cohen comes out, I will only have a day or so to get him to the doctor that I love, but will not be able to afford once I do not have insurance as a wellness visit would cost me $147 and a sick visit would cost me $87. What is wrong with this world where you are continually rewarded for leaching off the government. It's like if you are in the middle you are just f&%$ed! 

So, as you know, Matt was laid off the day before Thanksgiving and we'll be losing our health insurance as of January 1st. I was told by many people that my children at least would qualify for MI Child and potentially WIC. Well, I have absolutely no interest in applying for WIC, not a road I'd be willing to go down. But, for as far as health insurance goes, that is a necessary evil. Today I thought to myself, "gosh, I should really get that moving before Stella gets sick again and Cohen comes." So, I applied online. Well, guess what. We don't qualify because I make too much money. Gee Whiz, I knew that we were ROLLIN' IN THE DOUGH, but I didn't think that was any indication of whether or not my children would or would not qualify for the god given right to be raised healthfully? This is total BS if you ask me, and you should because I indeed have an opinion on the subject as you may have guessed by my post title. You see, in the eyes of the great state of Michigan, if you make anything above about $10/hour, you DO NOT qualify for a state funded program. Basically, we are being penalized for being 1. Educated, 2. Having Above Poverty Level Pay, 3. and basically Not Being Dirt Asses who always strive to be better, more productive citizens. Well, I for one am looking to purchase 4 tickets on the next train the hell out of this country and into Canada, maybe even France. Michigan and it's rediculous policies can kiss my you know what!!!!!

Do You Put Yourself Out There Too Much?

I do! How do you stop that behavior? At the moment, it can't be helped, but do you do it at the expense of your family and loved ones? I do! It's a pattern of mine that I'd like to end today! Why you may ask? Because it never seems to be reciprocated and it only seems to hurt the ones I love. Sorry, I'm just feeling low at the moment, I'll get over it.

It's A Marshmallow World In The Winter.

Well, the snow DID cover the ground, but most of our days go on as usual. All those lucky kiddies who don't have school today will be driving their parents nuts one day earlier than they would have. Took a couple photos of the yard and played with the color a bit, applied a Lomo Photo effect and then found a set of Vintage Photo Frame Brushes here to add a nice effect that so reminds me of the overexposed pictures my grandmother had in her collection of photographs that I was in love with. Feeling sort of blue today, but I always do when I miss my grandma. :( It's been 12.5 years, but she's never far from my thoughts, so this post is for your Margie!

An Amazing Gift.

Today when I opened my door to get the mail, there was a fluffy package there in that I was not expecting. But, I saw the name and knowing how talented this person is, I got so excited, I barely made time to put my other junk mail down. I ran to get something to open the package and what should be in there, but the most lovely little item I've ever seen, and it was all for me, well for Cohen anyway.It is the most absolutely loveliest little cozy sweater you ever did see. He is going to look so cute is this sweet little sweater. 

Sue, you are so talented and just once I want to hear you brag about how good you are at knitting and how you NEED to open a shop and how much people would just die to get ahold of the things you create. Please visit Sue's blog and encourage her to open some kind of shop where she can share all the beauty with others.

Sue, you are absolutely the best!

:)

One Last Picture.

Feeling really good today, and hoping sort of that it doesn't mean this is the calm before the storm. Or, maybe I do, I don't know. I decided I should probably take one last photo of the big ole belly before I give birth. We took Stella to see the lights at Hines Drive and needless to say, I was not impressed this year. Maybe it's the economy or maybe companies are bahumbugging it this year, but there wasn't nearly as much set up this year as the last. Hmmmm, not sure why it should cost $5 either. Oh well, not trying to be cheap, but if things aren't as good as last year, shouldn't the cost go down maybe? Well, feeling the pressure to remove old photos from Stella's scrapbooks as they are already falling apart and I'm going all digital. I can't help it, it kills me to see those stupid books already falling apart. I'm going with www.blurb.com for a large hard cover bound book. The cost isn't that bad when you consider what you'd spend on all the scrapbook paper products. You should check them out, they are so worth a looksee. Until next time.

My Zazzle Shop Items.

Just wanted to show you the items I have in my shop. I am sort of excited about them and who knows, maybe we can make a buck or two. Thanks for looking and remember, here is my shop.