Sisters!!!

Verdict is in... We're having a girl! YAY!! Let the dress making and nursery decorating begin.

I so badly wanted this baby to be a girl. You might think me selfish, but I was really considering G. My sisters are delights in my life. I have two - both younger, and life would not be complete without them. We grew up giggling late at night playing mancala, riding double on our shared pony, stealing each other's clothes, and overwhelming anyone who dared hang out with all three of us at the same time. I want that experience for G and now for new baby, too.

My sisters and I in New York

Five years ago, my sister and I were in a bombing halfway across the world. I don't know how either of us would have survived if not for each other's support. We were in a hospital in a foreign country an ocean away from the rest of our family, but we had each other. That's what siblings are for. They're your whole life support - the only people around for your entire existence.

I'm so grateful for my sisters, and now, my girls will have each other.

New Dress

This weekend, I'm attending a wedding. It's the kind of wedding I really look forward to: family I love, sweet bride, I'm not part of the bridal party/family. Best of all, they're a Godly couple, so the imagery of Christ and the church really stands out.

While I'm excited to go, I had one major hiccup. It's been over a year since any of my formal clothes fit. I have one "maternity" dress, and it looks like a sack, an awkward mauve tent. Not exactly the statement I want to make at this beautiful evening wedding.

After a vision of sixteen outfit changes only to give up and where jeans, I started looking for something new. I found this dress. It's beautiful, sexy, slimming - everything a maternity dress should be. Did you check the price? Yeah, a hundred dollars. I think Tim could take me to small claims court if I spent that on a dress right now. After all, we have a new baby to pay for.

So, I did what any crafty momma does when she can't buy the dress she wants. I headed to the store for fabric to make my version of the dress. To hide pregnant awkwardness and cope with summer heat, I picked a rayon/lycra blend. Unable to find a pattern, I drew out a ridiculous sketch, scrutinized a couple dresses in my closet and started cutting.

To be honest, I surprised myself. The dress is a faux wrap (I don't need G untying my dress) accented with cap sleeves and a ruffled neck line. The belt actually ties at the side. The hanger is lame, I know. I promise to take a picture when I wear it Saturday. Also, I will try to make a digital pattern available.

Trying this dress on, I felt prettier than I have in months. Now, I really can't wait for this wedding.