2 day 36

Still no sign of a period.


If I don't see it this week, I'm going to call the RE.

I STARTED MY PERIOD TODAY! WOO HOO!

0 bella napoli

My grandma's brother comes in town once a year and it's always a time for celebration. We spent Saturday evening catching up, eating Italian and drinking wine. A great time, as always.

2 styleboard 7

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The picture above was my inspiration for this styleboard. The emerald green in bold patterns along with the natural wood and fabrics makes this space so yummy. As far as the items include...I love the idea of a DIY project for the curtains. I have found a million tutorials on making curtains and painting fabric. I have yet to try them, but can't wait to. Have any of you painted fabric? How did it turn out?

WEEGO BABY - Empire Rocker, $1350

 

RESTORATION HARDWARE - Kenwood Dresser, $749

PABLO PICASSO - priceless

0 100th post!

This time last year, we were snowed in for a week. We were bundled up like Eskimos, walking to the grocery store just to get out of the house. We cuddled and sipped Boulevard in our sweats most of the time. Winter. Love it. Funny thing, though, we haven't had any more than a dusting of snow this year and it's been in the 50's the majority of the time. I am begining to choose ballet flats over my riding boots. I am skipping my peacoat and grabbing a jacket instead. Today, I just need a little reminder that we have a true 6 weeks left of winter...or else my spring fever is going to get the best of me.

Also, Happy 100th post to The Stroller Coaster!

5 my crazy

Recently, I have noticed an increase in the amount of tears I have shed and a decrease in the amount of time it takes for me to become overwhelmed and irritable. This isn't anything new - it just seems to be more frequent. Most of the time I am really upbeat, but when I get in those lulls, I have a really hard time pulling myself out. There are some moments when I truly feel like a crazy person who cannot control any of her emotions.

It's like my inside emotions seep through when I don't even expect it to. I spent the entire day last Friday, crabby, frustrated, and annoyed over nothing. Nothing out of the ordinary, anyways. Did you hear that correctly? It was a Friday - who gets mad on Fridays? - and I was a crab-ball. It made me even more mad that I couldn't do anything about it.

And that's what leads me to the purpose of my post...of all of you who (I'm sure) have experienced a similar situation...What did you do? Did you go to therapy? If so, did you bring your hubby along? Did you have different relaxation techniques? Exercise? How did you get yourself out of it?

More than anything I want to get back to my "normal" self. I feel like I'm at 75%. I need my other 25%. It's my sane part. I used to be confident that Tim and I could do this on our own (emotionally speaking), but I am starting to think that maybe we can't. I'm not sure how much longer either of us can take my "crazy".

0 she's back

In an earlier post I mentioned the frustration I had with my mom regarding her response to our infertility. At the time, I felt so torn with what I wanted to say to her based on the reaction I needed and the one I knew I was going to get. I had been so frustrated with her. She had friends who were going through the same thing and seemed to understand their struggles and pain, but when I talked to her about it, she seemed to loose sight of what I needed. I needed for her to tell me that it was okay to be upset and that it really wasn't fair that we were going through this. I needed her to hold me and love me.

We went out to dinner the other night - me in all of my frustrated glory - and her knowing something was definitely wrong. We ate at a little Italian place near my house and only about 10 minutes into our glass of wine, I burst into tears. I couldn't really tell her how I was feeling or why, I just told her that I couldn't do it by myself - and she listened. and she cried too. It was at that moment I got my mom back.

0 love letters

 

In my attempt to decorate for the Valentine season (without using a stitch of red or pink), I dug up some old love letter's I had written to Tim. They were so funny, and cute, and ridiculous. I can't believe I was am such a sap. And I can't believe he held on to all of them!

0 styleboard 6

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Each time I create a styleboard I ask myself "would this flow with the rest of my home?" In this case, I feel like it's screaming "SULLENTRUP HOUSE". Soft blues, rich woods, and beautiful art. This space feels so serene - I could slip into that chair with my little one dreaming in my arms. I'm seeing a stone grey on the walls with dark wood beams through the ceiling and floor to ceiling drapes. Love it!

Let me know if you have any suggestions for styleboards - I would love to hear what you guys think!

0 day 23

I'm going on day 23 of this cycle - it has surprisingly gone by really quickly. There is only one little problem - I don't think I've even ovulated yet. My cycle has never been one to be easily predicted, but I generally know when I'm ovulating and if my period is on it's way. And to this point, neither are close.  I remember in college not having a period for a whole three months - many many times. (Talk about freaking out Tim...) You'd think that would have been my first sign that baby - making was not going to be an easy road. At the time I thought I had hit the jackpot. No period. EVER. Little did I know...

Anyways, however long it takes, let's hope that the time flies.

0 {grey goodness}

Who says grey has to be drab? These grogeous nurseries each use grey as a dominant color and I have to say, they anything BUT drab. My favorite? The first one. I love the bold art mixed with neutral colors, natural wood and wicker.

Source: google.com via the stroller coaster on Pinterest

Source: dobranocpchlynanoc.blogspot.com via the stroller coaster on Pinterest

Source: nurserynotations.com via the stroller coaster on Pinterest

Source: ohdeedoh.com via the stroller coaster on Pinterest

Source: ohdeedoh.com via the stroller coaster on Pinterest

0 {blessings in disguise}

As ridiculously frustrated as I am that we can't try our 2nd IUI this month, I will have to say, I feel so good. The sun has shined for a month straight - which is a miracle for a Midwest winter. We have had only had a handful of days that have been below forty. Seriously - it's truly a miracle. Last year around this time I was off work for a week straight due to 12+ inches of snow. Ah...global warming. I'm not sure that it's a bad thing.

Anyways, the weather has helped tremendously, but I really credit my high spirits to having a little time off from the whirlwind of stress that I had been under. This time last month, the progesterone pills were making me miserable. Well, it was more that the "doctor's orders" were making me miserable. It was suggested that I didn't do any physical activity during my IUI cycles. Granted, I could use a few pounds, but the mere idea of not working out or running made me so frustrated. That is my stress reliever - it's what makes me feel good. It didn't help that every morning I woke up with a bloated belly from the meds. (When the doctor tells you it will make you look 5 months pregnant, he's serious.) I'm not sure if anyone noticed, but I could definitely tell! The shots, the missed work, the ultrasounds - it all made me crazy!  I feel that this forced month off has been a blessing.

I feel so good. And I love it.

0 {styleboard 5}

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As soon as I saw this chair, I was completely inspired. I'm not sure if I'm daring enough to ever buy it, but I love the traditional shape mixed with the modern color and print. It would be the perfect, bold conversation piece. Plus? I think being surrounded by that gorgeous print would take a little stress away from those 4am feedings. To soften the room, I felt the other elements in it should be a little more reserved. Overall, the combination of bold patterns, handmade art, and clean-lined furniture created the perfect mix for this funky nursery.

ANTHROPOLOGY - Finn Rocker, $1698

This gorgeous handmade artwork was made by Ashley Johnston. 

She did a great How-To on her blog. Check it out!

I'm not sure if it could decorate any nursery without a little Restoration Hardware/Pottery Barn thrown in. Hence, the lighting, rug, and pillow. I feel those are the places to keep things traditional. Keeping that in mind, it doesn't mean that can't still add some punch.

REJUVENATION - George, $190

I love this nursery - mostly that chair. Are there any other products that you would suggest? Decor? Bedding? (it's so hard to find bedding...) Paint color? Fill me in!

My only complaint? They don't last forever.

Thanks to Pinterest (and one of my best friends who has an even better food board), we took the "nothing" that was in our cupboards, and made the most delicious breakfast! These fancy little crepes were filled with fresh whipped cream, almonds, and cranberries. Then, they were topped with a berry syrup, more almonds, and powdered sugar. YUM!

The new pots and pans I got for Christmas have been used more in the last 3 weeks than my old ones have been used in the last 5 years. And I have had so much fun!

Has anyone else found a great recipe on Pinterest? How did it turn out?

0 {TGIF}

It is really rare that Tim and I have ZERO plans for the weekend. Now, when I say "zero" I don't mean that we get to sit around and do nothing (which is impossible for either of us to do), I just mean that there are no get-together's, no house work, and no "must do's". We get to do whatever we want to do...all weekend long...! (Translate - work on art/design projects.) I am so looking forward to the two of us hanging out in the office working our own art (and listening to a lot of Flogging Molly and Avett Brothers) bouncing outrageous ideas off of each other and feeling so good when they're accomplished.  It's what we do best.

I remember being in my freshman year of college and meeting Tim at the lab so he could work on his design projects. He would work into the late hours of the morning, while I just sat "oohing" and "aahing" over his mere talent. I would give him my opinions and suggestions (and he listened!), while working on my own little ventures. I didn't want to be anywhere else - even if I was exhausted - I would have rather been there than in my own bed. When I think back, I can't believe I stayed up so late (2am is late for me now. Ha.), doing nothing, just being there with him in our own little world - but it was those moments that made the two of us fall closer and closer into each other. And this weekend? We will catch ourselves back in that same position - asking questions, needing ideas, appreciating each others talents. Falling in love all over again.

What a weekend. 

0 {flag fever}

Source: ohsobeautifulpaper.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: blog.effortless-style.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: ohsobeautifulpaper.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: kellimurray.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Source: ohdeedoh.com via thestrollercoaster on Pinterest

Flag fever, anyone? Since summer, I have not seen a nursery or event without a few flags thrown about. In fact, when planning my own sister's wedding, I strung old Dr. Seuss book pages from tree to tree. I only wish I had saved them for a nursery some day. I love the playfulness in each of these nurseries and events. My favorite, though? The gorgeous Save the Date. The colors are neutral enough to feel adult, yet the styling of the event seems to be youthful and free. It is the perfect inspiration for any little girl's nursery. I'm so in love with the peach and grey - I can see it already. 

0 {christmas break}

I get a whopping two weeks for Christmas break. Yes. It is awesome.

TOP 10 from CHRISTMAS BREAK

10. Our "let's meet the significant others" art teacher dinner party. 

9. Going to watch the second Sherlock Holmes movie on Christmas Eve Day. 

8. Making breakfast with my NEW DISHES that Tim got me. Breakfast sandwiches, anyone? 

7. A couple latte's every day - in my pajamas -  because (guess what?!?!) I'm not at work!  

6. Mimosas at 11am with the girls. On a weekday. 

5. Christmas Eve with my family. Pretty sure you could have cut the steak with a spoon. Oh yeah, and Kim Crawford showed up. I like her.

4. Waking up Christmas morning and being in no hurry whatsoever! And then moseying our way to visit family and celebrate Christmas AGAIN! 

3. Our New Year's Eve surprise! Ahh....the whole night really.

2. Being able to spend 9 of my 12 days off of work with Tim because he, too, stayed home.

1. The two of us, laying in bed in each other's arms, cuddling like there is no tomorrow.

And now, back to reality. I go back to work tomorrow. In the mean time...I gonna go back to # 1.

0 {new logo reveal}

My original logo for The Stroller Coaster was designed with the intention of Tim creating a final logo soon after. I quickly threw our old look together over the summer and have been anxious to replace it since then. Well, one beautiful Saturday afternoon (here) Tim and I grabbed our sketchbooks and began drawing up a new logo. After a few more sketches and even more changes, it's finally time to reveal it. Drum roll, please.

This is our original logo. 

These are our sketches.

Final sketch

And this is our re-designed logo.

Tim did such a great job - he created the perfect mix of sophistication and playfulness. I love it! If you're interested in seeing any of his other work - feel free to check out his website, Dribbble, or Twitter account. I think he's pretty awesome, myself.

Be looking for a few more changes around here - I've got plans..

2 {new year's eve}

For as long as we've known Sara and Carlos (in the middle), they have wanted to move to the Northwest. Oregon, Washington - one of the two. Tim and I have always told them what a terrible idea it was and that they would turn into vampires, but they didn't listen to us. They made a plan. The plan was to pay off the VW (and some students loans), save some money and move. Job or no job - they were prepared to go. In October, the v-dub was paid off. In early November, Carlos got a job as a graphic designer for a small ad agency in Tacoma, WA. It was settled. They were officially moving. The day after Thanksgiving, Carlos packed up his car and headed to his new home. He's been gone five weeks now. Sara has stayed back to tie up loose ends here in KC. As soon as everything sunk in, I was filled with emotions. This was what they have been wanting for so long. This was their baby. They had been saving and planning for this move for as long as I can remember and it was finally happening. They were living their dream.

That brings me to the picture below. Tim and I threw a New Year's eve party this weekend. The house was full of sparkle, the table was set for 12, appetizers were out, and friends were beginning to arrive. Soon, Sara walked in. A few minutes later, I looked out the front door and saw a ghost. Except it wasn't a ghost. It was Carlos, there, in the flesh. I screamed. Really loud. My heart started to pound and my hands began to shake. I thought we wouldn't see that boy for another 9 months! And there he was, in my living room, ready to ring in the New Year with his best friends (and his beautiful wife, of course).

Meagan, Logan, Sara, Carlos, Tim & Samantha - NYE 2012

The night couldn't have been more perfect. We were all together - laughing, and dancing, and just being us. It makes me realize that no matter much Tim and I might be struggling with the whole baby-making thing, we have so many other things to be thankful for. We have each other and we have the best friends in the whole world. I'm not sure if I could ask for more.

So, here's to a great 2012!