Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Babyness and Bookness

Some of you may have heard me ranting about my happy, happy news that we're FINALLY expecting. Our youngest is now 8, and we've been trying for a while, so this is a HUGE thing for us. It's even more huge in the fact that my daughter has been begging me for a little brother or sister for forever. 

So my happy news today, we finally know what we're expecting:




Ready to guess the lie and win a book? 

Last week, Kai Strand shared WORTH THE EFFORT, AYDEN'S STORY with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook 

Kai's game: 


1. Kai once played the part of the planet Venus – dressed as a Venus Flytrap.
2. She considers herself a scorpion queen, because they tend to appear wherever she is. Yes, it's as creepy as it sounds.
3. She came down with the flu and missed being crowned Prom Queen.
And the lie is:

#3. Kai did not miss out on being Prom Queen due to an ill-timed sickness. She did, however, played the part of a Venus Flytrap and is plagued by the appearance of scorpions.

Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...


Congrats Tanya! 

And now to today's feature...

Alphabet Wildlife A to Z is a beautifully hand-illustrated book where children learn of many different animals that begin with the letters in the alphabet. 

This book introduces young readers to a variety of animals, many of which are unknown to people.

Get your copy HERE.
Nata Romeo a.k.a ArtistaDonna, is the author and illustrator of her first children's book, titled Alphabet Wildlife A to Z. Originally from Toronto, Canada, she now brews and sprinkles her art and stories from the Philadelphia skies. She dreams that her work gets swept up and tangled into a massive storm front so that her world can travel across the universe and beyond!

Nata's favorite cheese is blue cheese. Since she's the only one in her family who really appreciates this delicious cheese, she ends up adding it to just about anything she eats.

UNLIKE NORMAL, Nata gave me two LIES and one TRUTH to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the TRUTH will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an Amazon eBook of ALPHABET WILDLIFE A-Z. How awesome is that?

You have until Tuesday, November 18, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on November 19.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. Nata has traveled to Mars to study Alientology, she now speaks fluent Alien languages.
2. Thanks to the Aliens, Nata is now a prodigy in Polyglotism.
3. Nata enjoys writing and illustrating. She has conversations with her characters on a daily basis.
So which is the TRUTH? Have you ever had to wait a REALLY long time for something you wanted badly? If so, what?

163 comments:

  1. Congratulations to you and your entire family! Yeh! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. So thrilled for you, Crystal!!! My youngest brother and I are about the same distance apart (seven years) and my mom always says we got along better because of it. Congrats on the new addition to your family! <3 <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Julie, that's what I'm hoping for, along with the energy to chase after this little one. =)

      Delete
  3. Congratulations on the baby girl!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congratulations! I bet your daughter is thrilled about getting a baby sister.

    I think the truth is #3. I'm still looking forward to publishing my first book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And your first book will get there, one day. It's going to be an amazing journey in the meantime. =)

      Delete
  5. Congratulations on another little girl!!! So exciting. I'm sure your daughter is just besides herself with thrill. #happydanceforyou

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. #happydanceforme2 Thanks, Sherry. We are super excited.

      Delete
  6. Hi Crystal .. congratulations on your little one - a great Spring baby time .. and your daughter must be so chuffed for you all ... (pleased as eating cheese is) ...

    I guess #1 - because someone must have been to Mars and understands Alientology ... and Alien lingo ... so many speak it ... cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
  7. Aw, congratulations. What great news. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congratulations on your new daughter!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congrats on a new baby girly-girl taking shape :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh... I hope she's not a girly girl. I'm going to be in trouble... ;)

      Delete
  10. WOW! Congratulations, Crystal, that's beautiful news :) I've been away for a while so it's a lovely surprise. That little life is about to join a fabulous family x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, you're so sweet. =) I've been missing your snark, you know?

      Delete
  11. Congratulations! She should choose the 13th March to be born, since that's the best date in March (purely because that's when my birthday is!)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Congratulations on your new daughter -- and congratulations to your 8 year old on getting a little sister!

    ReplyDelete
  13. YAYYYY!! Congrats on the baby girl. It took us a while to get pregnant with our son and drs never thought I'd even be able to have him, so it's a miracle we get one :) I know how hard the waiting game is and I'm so happy for you!

    If the truth isn't number three ... well, then I'd be very impressed. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's so wonderful, Tiana! I'm glad you got your little boy. Nothing more rewarding than parenthood, eh?

      Delete
  14. Congrats, Crystal to you and the whole family!
    I love the illustration on the cover of Nata's book. And I'm pretty sure she didn't got to Mars unless she actually is an alien.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You never know. She could have an unregistered spaceship in her basement. ;)

      Delete
  15. Congratulations on your blessèd event!

    I'm pretty sure the truth is #3.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Congrats on the great news! That's wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Congratulations on your happy news! I am so happy for you♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! I'm happy for me too. =) Life is awesome, right?

      Delete
  18. Congrats on your wonderful news! It really helps keep things in perspective, doesn't it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So true. There are so many things that are out of our control in life.

      Delete
  19. Congrats on finding out its a girl! (Or is it? I know sometimes they make mistakes. Then sometimes they find more! XD)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL. The ultrasound technician was pretty certain, as was my hubby. Besides, I craved chocolate, so...

      Delete
  20. Yeah! Congrats. I' hope she'll love cheese, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She better or she's not daughter of mine. *gulp* ;)

      Delete
  21. Congrats on the baby!! Btw, I have an award for you on my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Congrats!! I'm certain she will be beautiful, just like her mother. :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Congratulations, Crystal! I hope you're resting up while you can. :) Thanks for popping over to the Drench-a-Wench event. I'm giving away your generously donated book on Friday for the final day of it.

    Congrats to Nata too! My guess for the truth is #3. Though it would be cool if she had been to Mars. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! Christine, I wish I could have been a part of the whole Faire. It's such a cool event.

      Delete
  24. Congratulations, Crystal!!! Hi, Baby Collier! :) I love the pink bow on the ultrasound.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Replies
    1. Well as long as they're not attacking Earth, we should be okay. ;)

      Delete
  26. Congrats, on expecting a baby girl. Any Ideals on what you want to name her? Matt @ JC's Book Haven.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Matt! Yes, we have some names. Actually we've had a name picked out for years, but we have to settle on a middle name before making any announcements.

      Delete
  27. Congrats to you!!!

    Looks like a great book. Hmm... I'm guessing #3 might be the truth... ha ha ha.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Congrats, Crystal! I'm sure your daughter is so excited about having a baby sister!
    Nata's book is gorgeous! I'm guessing #3 is the truth...:)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Congrats, Crystal!! Sending you hugs through the virtual world. I love the pink bow on the ultra sound!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Anna! Guess what? I'm reading your book right now. Yay!

      Delete
  30. Remember, oh about a year or so ago, you said if I bought your book, you'd name the next baby Elizabeth? Well, lucky for you we didn't shake hands on the deal ;)

    Congratulations!!!!

    I'm going with number 3 as the truth.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL. I would totally name her after you...if my husband didn't object. We have one or two Elizabeths in the family.

      Delete
  31. Congrats on your baby girl!

    I'm guessing number three is the truth.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Congratulations on your baby girl. Thanks for hosting me last week and congrats to Tanya - enjoy Ayden's Story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! It's always a pleasure to have you, Kai. Always.

      Delete
  33. You SHOULD take the salute - you deserve it!! I totally thought of you and your amazing news when I posted today :) Yay baby girl Collier!

    ReplyDelete
  34. The third has to be the truth.
    Congratulations, Crystal!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. A girl! Congratulations! (Love the little bow on your ultrasound.) ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hee hee. A little digital manipulation does the world good, eh?

      Delete
  36. Huge congratulations, Crystal! That little girl will be here before you know it.

    Okay, I'm going with number 3 is the truth.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I hope not. There's too much to do between now and then! =0

      Delete
  37. Love the ultrasound picture! She looks all cozy in there!

    Number 1 has to be the truth! ;0)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cozy, and trying to break out these days. Whew! I've got a wiggle farm growing in me.

      Delete
  38. CONGRATULATIONS! And, that animal A to Z book looks wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Congrats, Crystal! The bow on the image is a cute touch. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What? No, that was part of the original picture. ;)

      Delete
  40. Congratulations Crystal! That's so awesome. I'm going to go out on a limb and say #3.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Omg, it's so vivid! I love how you put the bow on the picture. It's so creative!! More congratulations on your newest edition!

    Ha,ha, Nata is funny. ^_^
    #3 for the win. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Congrats, Crystal! Very good news :) And best of luck to Nata--her artwork looks amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Congratulations! I was one of those people who had to know what our baby was. I'm not sure how those others do it, waiting to find out at birth. I like to plan, at least when it comes to babies. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! I'm totally with you. I mean, not everything has to be tailored to a girl, but I at least have to know which clothes to pull out of storage.

      Delete
  44. A girl - how exciting! Congratulations to you and your gang! :) Very happy for you all. Although I know you'd be just as happy with a boy too. :) As long as they like cheese, all are welcome, right? And maybe even if they didn't, but we wouldn't have to highlight the part about the cheese.

    Thanks for the intro to Nata. Wishing her all the best. Have a great rest of the week! Thanks for sharing your news!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! Yes. Being a cheese lover is a necessity of survival in our household. my daughter tried to forgo cheese for a little bit. That didn't go over so well. Needless to say, she eats cheese regularly and enjoys it.

      Delete
  45. Congratulations, Crystal! That's wonderful news. I'm so happy for you.

    Cool book by Nata.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Oh, I love the pink bow on her little head! Congrats! And what a lovely lion, I've always been partial to them b/c of the meaning of my name. =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can totally see that. Next time I need to award you, I'll totally send a lion badge.

      Delete
  47. Welcome to the world, baby girl. I'll be glad when you arrive.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. =) I'll loan you all the sleep I'm not getting when she does arrive.

      Delete
  48. Huge congrats!!! When my baby girl came into this world, the men in her life did 180 degree changes. :) Gosh, you are in for some great times!! I'm so happy for you. :D

    ReplyDelete
  49. Awww, congratulations on your new little lady! :)

    ReplyDelete
  50. Congratulations! Do you have a name picked out yet? Because if not, I'm sure some of the dozens of writers that come here are just full of suggestions. ^_^

    As for if I've ever waited a long time for something I really want, that's kind of my entire life right there. O_o

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL. I am harboring a whole family of writers. My oldest and my daughter are constantly volunteering new ideas. Thankfully we've settled on a name--just need a middle name. (Which we may have already.)

      Patience is the hardest lesson, eh?

      Delete
  51. Wahoo! Super congrads my Vegas pal. YaY! A precious little girl.

    #3??? I'm NOT good with these things. GAH! Congrads, Nata.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! She's precious enough to validate me missing out on so many online things, eh? Whew!

      Delete
  52. Congratulations! Well, I'd say it just has to be #3! And, I guess you could say I waited a long time for my hubby to pop the question. We dated for 7 years! But, I guess it was worth waiting for - we have been married for 36 yrs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh man! Seven years? That is a while--and that must be the real reason for your 36 years. You've got significant patience. =)

      Delete
  53. Congratulations Crystal, this is wonderful xox

    My oldest daughter is due to have their second child the end of April, my grandson says he wants a sister... He is so cute about it :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw! Your oldest isn't too far behind me then. Congrats, Grandma!

      Delete
  54. Congratulations! I am still in a waiting period...not always easy but when done will understand why so long I believe!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Congratulations! Love the ribbon. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  56. aahhh Crystal this is amazing!!!!!! HUGE congrats!! <3 and yes, I think waiting makes it all the better. My biggest "waits" : getting a pet (begged from ages 3-10 and finally got my baby at 10--just lost her this past August :( landing my internships with Conan and Fallon (I applied SO MANY TIMES and it was so hard to get in, since I had no prior intern experience!) and getting agented (3 yrs/3 MSs) now here's hoping my wait for a book deal with pan out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've got my toes crossed for you, Beth. You totally deserve it.

      Delete
  57. Congrats.

    The truth? I'm guessing... Hmmm... #3

    ReplyDelete
  58. I'm really happy for you, your family, and your little pink-ribboned WIP.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I think #3 is the truth! I have heard great things about this book. :)

    Congratulations on your wonderful news. How exciting to know what you are having! I am sure you are all excited to meet your little girl. :)
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So excited. It's all the kids can talk about sometimes. Thanks!

      Delete
  60. Awww, love the pink bow on the sonogram. Our two sons are 6 years apart and it works out just fine!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Congratulations. I know EXACTLY how this feels!

    ReplyDelete
  62. That is a beautiful ultrasound. So happy for you.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Congratulations on the wonderful news.

    ReplyDelete
  64. YAY! Congratulations!!! Little girls are SO much fun. I noticed you haven't had many comments on the lie--news like this just steals the show!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It totally does. (Sorry, Nata!) But truthfully, there have been more guesses than you think. They just hide well in the middle of comments. =)

      Delete
  65. wow, first time I read a baby announcement on a blog, that is so cute! congratulations !!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wait, is that socially acceptable? Ah, who cares. Let's establish a new norm. =)

      Delete
  66. Congratulations and enjoy every moment of your pregnancy and your family. They really do grow up too quickly.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Congrats Crystal! I'm so happy for you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  68. #3 Truth!

    And wow!!! I think your post could have just stopped after the news. Congratulations!!! I'm so happy for you and your family! What a wonderful blessing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I suppose it could have, but my Nata totally deserves a spotlight too.

      Delete
  69. I'm so happy for you!!!! blessings for the health of you and the baby!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Congrats on the baby!

    My gut is telling me 3 is the truth.

    ReplyDelete
  71. The truth is no.#2! I just know it is...
    I love that pink bow...too cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! Just like the baby wearing the bow. Great to see you, Michelle!

      Delete
  72. I think number 2 is the truth=)
    Alphabet Wildlife A to Z sounds like a fantastic book. I've done exercises with kids where we write out the alphabet and try to come up with animals or insects that begin with each letter. It's a great way to stir around their brain and help them learn about new and interesting living things.
    Big congrats to your baby news!! I'm sure your daughter is super excited for the addition. Now I wonder if it will be a boy or a girl=)

    ReplyDelete
  73. Woo HOOOOOOO!!! Hooray for girls!!! Congratulations again, Crystal!!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Wow! March 2015! Congrats on the baby!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Nata's book looks and sounds awesome! And to you and your family Crystal, my warmest congratulations. I wish you a trouble-free pregnancy with a lovely little girl to be fussed over by you all.

    Denise :)

    ReplyDelete
  76. Congratulation! How exciting. An 8yold should be a lot of help.

    ReplyDelete
  77. baby, baby, baby!!!! fantastic news! hope all goo goo goes smoothly =)

    and i love the truth/lie pieces - a scorpion queen - love it
    this time, i have a strong feeling nata did not travel to mars...

    great news all around! yay!

    ReplyDelete

Hit me with your cheese!