2 {top baby photos of 2011}

Source: thestrollercoaster.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: ashleyskjaveland.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

0 {top interiors of 2011}

Source: thesimplyluxuriouslife.com via Tim on Pinterest

Source: roseuniacke.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Tim on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: remodelista.com via Tim on Pinterest

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1 {top nurseries of 2011}

When looking back at my favorite nurseries of the year, I find myself drawn to the natural woods and neutral colors. This collection of nurseries, except for the second one, is relatively gender neutral and has a sense of peace about it. I really believe that bringing natural things into your living environment creates that constant connection to something greater than we are. As you can see, natural woods, original art, and sun-filled rooms can also be playful and fun. Why not start that for your children when they are young? Either way, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Source: transitoinicial.blogspot.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: ontobaby.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: nationalpost.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: homemadeginger.blogspot.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: blog.holamama.es via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: bellemaison23.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

0 {top announcements of 2011}

I love Pinterest. A LOT.  Prior to it, when Tim and I found things we loved, we would file them away in one of many huge 3-ring binders. I mean, we had it down pretty good, but the super-convenience of now having it at my fingertips at any given moment? Priceless. It's so futuristic! We were stuck in the pre-digital age and now we are slowly catching up with the rest of the world. I have gathered a collection (and will continue to do so more this week) of some of my favorite pins of the year.

Source: ohsobeautifulpaper.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: designspongeonline.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: ohsobeautifulpaper.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: pressingletters.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: blogs.babble.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

5 {it all sucks}

So, today I called the doctor's office to get started on our next cycle. Because of the holiday, I wasn't able to make an appointment ahead of time, so I asked if they could squeeze me in. A few minutes later I got a call back. The tech (who is probably the most insensitive person I've ever encountered) told me (in her ridiculously insensitive voice) that we couldn't get in because the office was low staffed and that we would have to wait another cycle for our second IUI. My heart just fell. I'm actually really surprised I didn't throw the phone and start screaming. A whole cycle? My cycles are 5 weeks long...that's taking this into February before we get to start again. I'm begining to feel like I'm sinking into a never-ending black hole. This sucks. It all sucks! and I can't do a single thing about it.

The only thing that I can do is cry. And the only thing that makes me feel better is being in Tim's arms - knowing that he feels exactly the same way. 

0 {gift tags}

I always like to deck out our Christmas packages in ribbons, bows, and sparkles, but this year Tim got in on the action and made gift tags. He designed and screen printed them on mat board. We used butcher's paper and baker's twine for the wrapping and ribbon. It turned out to be more labor-intensive than both of us anticipated, but the time we spent on it was totally worth it.

0 {story of my life}

Laying in bed at 6:30am...

T: Yesssss...I'm so excited. We get to find out if we're pregnant today!
S: I'm not excited. I'm scared. I don't want it to ruin our whole day.
T: It's going to be okay...either way.

6:35am...no words...the tears start rolling (and they stick around all day).

0 {i feel it}

I feel it. I feel that this isn't going to work. I have been upset all day today. Tim has been off work today and I have been a crab. Poor guy. I have no desire to do anything. This should be a wonderful time of year and instead, I am curled up in bed crying.

0 {ham it up}

We have been listening to this playlist for the last 23 days. NON-STOP! (and we'll continue for the next 4...) We are big hams for the holidays. We eat it all up. So, I say to you...Be a kid. ENJOY all of Christmas' wonders - starting with the carols...

0 {game night}

Holiday Game by Tad Carpenter

Holiday Game by Tad Carpenter

Holiday Game by Tad Carpenter

 4 friends + Party People + wine = wonderful night

Tad Carpenter, a Kansas City based designer, makes a collection of Holiday cards each year. Last year he created his "Holiday homies" and this year he took his "homies" and created a fun Christmas board game. It's a combination of Candy Land and Life - two of my favorites - except instead of eating sweets and buying houses, the homies are all racing to Santa's Party. Our holiday cheer took over us and we bought it.  

We had a great time playing. 

...until I spilled my glass of wine on it.

0 {christmas at the sullentrup's}

I love the way the garland hangs over our bed - can I leave it all year? The next one is the entrance to our office. Tim keeps commenting that I have "Santa" hanging in there. It is - in fact - a sailor, but I guess he can call him Santa for a few more days. Our tree turned out so pretty this year. I added some pheasant feathers Tim brought me from his hunting trip. The presents are only half wrapped. We are making some tags for them. I'll post those when they get done. Three stockings - Mine, Tim's, and Mason's. The garland made it's way to each part of our house, including as wreaths over our frames hanging in the living room. Finally, Tim was responsible for our chalkboard - he had a great time. He ended up writing all of the lyrics to "Feliz Navidad" along with a few maracas in case you couldn't "feel" the music already. He was really proud of it.

0 {tim's christmas list}

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

0 {samantha's christmas list}

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

0 {it's-not-healthy-to-be-thinking-about-all-of-this}

I feel like I'm getting close to the it's-not-healthy-to-be-thinking-about-all-of-this mode. You know? The one where you start to imagine and plan to the detail how the rest of your life is going to be - all based on something that hasn't even happened yet or might never happen. Yeah, it's bad. Fortunately, my hopes and dreams have been squashed so many times that I have phased myself out of that mode. I have kept my head on straight for the last year - trying to think practically about every step we've been through. Unfortunately, all of those inner pep-talks have gone out the window since our IUI. I am full-on ready for this baby. I am confident and sure that the IUI worked. I pray and pray that I am right because in about a week and a half I'll either be praising with joy or face down in a pillow. I am hoping for the first option. I am sure of the first option. It's the only option I'm giving myself right now. I'll probably regret this later, but these hopeful and positive thoughts have to count for something, right?

0 {already yours}

3 {just might work}

Laying on an exam table wasn't as horrible as I imagined. I mean, it wasn't magical, but it definitely wasn't horrible. Tim was with me and it was really quite exciting. We sat (well, I laid, he sat) in that room for 15 minutes looking at eachother, laughing, talking, being silly, hoping, smiling. We were like little giddy kids when we left - knowing that the odds were in our favor. This just might work! We just might be expecting parents in a few short weeks. What a Christmas gift...

0 {you heard right}

I've been on my Follistim Pen for about 5 days now. When Tim and I went t the doctor today we found out that my eggs were maturing quite nicely. I had three between 16-18m and quite a few smaller ones. They took my blood to see how my estrogen levels were and today I got a call saying my estrogen was at 700. She said we were ready for our HCG shot and to come back Friday morning for the IUI.

You heard right - we head in for the IUI on FRIDAY!!! Tim and I could not be more excited!

0 {some things...}

It might not be happening how we want it to or when we think we need it to, but if we're meant to be parents, we will be. It just takes a little time.

0 {holiday spirit}

Man, I love these boys. Mason sat so sweetly with his antlers on while Tim and I decorated the Christmas tree. They're both about as handsome as can be.

I'm not much of a baker, but I love to blast the holiday tunes, put my apron on, and pull out the Kitchenaid mixer. It just screams Merry Christmas. After a few emergency trips to the grocery store, I ended up with delicious Almond Poppy Seed cookies - brought to you by Betty Crocker.

 

0 {on our way}

 Friday night, I pulled Tim into the office and asked him to watch me give myself the Follistim pen. I did the whole thing exactly the way the nurse practitioner showed me. I filled it to 150u, screwed on my needle, pulled off my caps, pinched my skin, and....nothing. I couldn't do it. I tried. I tried really hard, but there it just something unnatural about giving yourself a shot. It took me about 10 minutes of looking at my little pinched skin before I caved and gave the Follistim pen to Tim. Funny thing, it didn't take him any time at all to give me my shot. He didn't seem nervous or anything. In fact, I think it was kind of exhilarating for him. Either way, I gave him a big kiss and thanked him. The two of us together - along with our pen - are on our way to making a beautiful little baby.