A Tearjerker

I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face because I am about to get real honest with this one.  I was emotionally broken for what seemed liked forever after Theron was born.  And, I feel like I have to share this somewhere.  Motherhood can be beautiful but you know what? It can also be really hard with a high needs baby.  It can bring you to the highest of highs and the darkest of lows.  Here's a little snippet of my experiences.  

A couple of months ago, David and I were out for an afternoon at the mall and I stepped into this store and a beautiful song came on while I was there that I had never heard before.  It stopped me dead in my tracks. The singer's voice was so soft but scratchy and the lyrics, oh those lyrics. I had tears in my eyes as I listened.

I left the store, but then turned around almost immediately, and went right back to ask who sang it.  I HAD to know.  It touched me so deeply.

The worker told me that it was David Ramirez and that the song was, The Bad Days. Take a listen:

You know how when you feel like a song was written just for you? It was like he knew my experiences and spoke straight to my heart.

The beginning of the song brings me to tears, nearly sobs, every time I listen to it.  The rest of the song is beautiful, but changes direction for me.  It's essentially about a couple's relationship that can endure even through the bad days.  But for me, it's about Theron and myself.

I think some of you know how rough I had it with Theron for about the first 8 months or so of his life. When we brought him home, David and I were mentally and physically exhausted but elated to be parents.  Theron slept and acted like a "normal" newborn.

Dave had to go back to school after a week or so and then Theron took a turn.  He never stopped crying. Ever.  I, having absolutely no experience with babies, felt helpless.  He didn't want to be in the swing, he didn't want to be in his carseat, on his tummy? um...no, on his back? definitely no, he hated walks, wanted nothing to do with pacifiers and I basically felt like a big fat failure. Everyone said it would pass, 6 weeks would be the magic number, then 8 weeks, then 12 weeks...and well, you can kinda see how those mile markers never really applied to my boy.

My maw maw would come up during the days to help me out but I continued to feel so trapped inside of my own home.  My own child hated me and hated life.  Why in the world did he scream all day?  Did all babies do this?  Was I overreacting?  Why couldn't I comfort him, why could't anyone comfort him? Why did he despise doing anything but nursing? What had I done to my calm life? Was this going to be my new reality?

I cried literally everyday -- no, scratch that, SOBBED-- every day for many, many weeks.  I had a countdown for when I could return to work.  I told myself, that's when I could get a break.  I needed a break--craved just a break.  I breastfed and he didn't take a bottle or sleep through the night til 8 months.  I was never away from him.  His screams physically hurt my ears.   Because he cried during his waking times we couldn't go anywhere.  We tried two different chiropractors, multiple doctors, numerous medicines [prescription and homeopathic], everything imaginable--we tried it.

I thought I was losing it.  My family thought I was losing it.   I had never felt so helpless, hopeless and depressed in all of my life.  I was always known as the happiest girl people knew.  I never understood depression or sadness.  I mean, how could people just not be happy? I now want to punch that girl.  So smug I was.  I made the mention if it was socially acceptable I'd run away and never come back. In fact, David thought I had left after one specific moment when Theron's screams overwhelmed me and I went onto the landing near the kitchen and broke down sobbing into the fetal position.We're talking uncontrollable tears, shallow breathing, and wailing for myself. I almost didn't want to wake up in the mornings because I thought the day would finally see me crumble.  I just couldn't make it through another long, tedious day, of blood curdling screams.  Not to mention the fact that I ached for a "normal" baby.  A baby who cuddled and cooed. A baby who wanted its momma or dada.  I was so jealous of all of my friends on Facebook & Instagram and those in real life who were taking their babies to the mall, park, swimming, on walks, birthdays,  summer holiday parties etc., and enjoying simple moments at home.  These parents were basking in parenthood, not to trivialize their experiences because I'm sure they faced their own problems, but they were loving it.  Always commenting about their happy smiley babies.  We didn't do any of those things. We couldn't. Theron just couldn't get comfortable.  And his screams stressed everyone out.  We knew that.

It was hard to relate to anyone, so I turned to Facebook and the internet.  This post in particular articulates everything better than I ever could.  If you have a high needs baby I urge you to read this one.  You cannot miss it.  Thankfully,  I found other mommas who had been through what I had been through.  They reached out to me and had me breaking down with their stories of screaming babies.  It made me feel not so alone.  It helped even if just a little.  Most people claimed that their babies were high maintenance for a long time and that things would get better but different through the ages.  I can agree now with those statements.  But I welcomed any change.

It wasn't over night, and it wasn't fast, but Theron did become better and his all day screamfests did stop. He is still a very touchy baby with tantrums galore and a kiddo who no one will ever call easy-going.  He's quite the crier--and probably will be for a long time to come.  But he is funny, and he laughs, and I laugh.

I always said, "Once Theron stops crying all day, so will I." And that was true.  I'm sure medicine would have helped my anxiety, but I knew me, I knew that I would be ok when he was ok.  Even if it took months for that to happen.

But back to the song, these lyrics hit so close to home with me because they are so true.  And the way I envision them is Theron saying them to me as a baby and then me saying them to him as a teenager.

Tears every single time.  Especially this part:

"There's gonna be days that you hate me, There's gonna be days that I make you mad
There's gonna be days that we don't know what we're doing...maybe somedays you wish
you could take it all back...But hold on tight, and don't let go.  We'll carry on I know we can find a way..."

I'm not embarrassed of those months or the challenging months to come, and I don't want moms who feel overwhelmed raising a terribly high needs baby to feel bad or guilty for feeling this way.  You are not alone.

Thanks for reading.  I hope someone out there that needs this can relate.  And if you ever need to talk, I am just an email away.

Love to you all.

xoxo

Gold Dipped Vintage Highchair Makeover

You guys know that I like to hit up the local thrift shops on Fridays after school as a sort of "Congrats! You made it through the week!" treat.  I usually head home with some clothes and maybe a toy for Theron but this particular week I scored this vintage high chair priced at $10.00. 

I almost passed on it because 1. We already have a highchair and 2. Our families have one, too.  You'd think that would be reason enough to walk on by but of course I had to have it.  

I knew I could turn it into something great for T to use at his first birthday celebration.  I decided to paint it white with gold dipped legs.  I used an all-in-one white paint & primer spray paint for the entire chair and then taped off the bottom of the legs to spray the gold.  It was incredibly easy and took under an hour. 

I have an arsenal of spray paint with a variety of gold options.  I randomly chose this one and I am pleased with the outcome.

I love how it turned out!

I can't wait to add some fun balloons to the back and watch baby boy smash a cake into his face!  I've been planning our little guy's first birthday for awhile and I hope I haven't gone overboard.

xoxo

3-6 Months: My Baby Must Haves

Can you believe my little Theron is almost 6.5 months old? In some ways it seems like time has flown by and at other times I feel like he should be a teenager already! You already know that he wasn't the easiest of babies and that I did not have the easiest of beginnings with being a momma of an intensely fussy baby...but, it's all getting better. Day by day. Minute by minute. Breathe by breathe. I have survived and will continue to survive and remind  myself to be thankful for the good and the bad.

I tell you, having a baby really threw a curve ball at this type A, control freak. Ha!

And now we're here; we're closer to one year old than the newborn days. Crazytown. I thought I'd whip up a little post to let you soon-to-be mommas know some of my faves from this part of my baby raising experience.  I'm sure it's different than some, but invaluable to David, Theron, and me.

1. JJ Cole BundleMe: In the first four or so months of Theron's life we would take him on walks and pray that he would calm down.  Now, we take him on walks because he enjoys them! Yahoo! Since it's getting cooler, this bundleme has been wonderful.  We don't have to worry about T getting too cold and he looks so dang cute all snuggled up.  

2. Learning Curve First Keys:  I think somebody got us these keys at our baby shower and I am SO glad they did.  These have EASILY been Theron's favorite toy for the past couple of months.  He puts part of them in his mouth and then plays with the others hanging out of his mouth.  --> I should also add that my grandparents bought this tambourine for T and he ADORES it. He immediately grabs for it at their house and it is clearly his favorite toy in the bunch while he's there. 

3. Bobby Pillow: This was in my original favorites and it has still been a must-have in my book.  I know a lot of women don't favor them but I definitely do.  I am still nursing Theron so I use it all the time during his feedings [multiple night feedings are still going down in this household--bummersauce].  We especially use it on the floor since he is sitting up on his own to catch his [likely] stumble. 

4. Zippered Sleep 'N Plays: This may be a no-brainer for some of you smart ladies out there but I had no idea.  I thought all sleepers were created equal. I was wrong.  I am definitely a fan of zippered sleepers because they are so much easier to get on and off of a wiggly kid.  I like letting T hang out in these and he also wears one to bed under his sleep sack. 

5. Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes: Theron has been a big fan of this for a couple weeks now.  He loves the lights and vibrations and also tries to put it in his mouth.  It keeps him pretty entertained. 

6. Triple Paste:  Those moms that say their kiddos never had diaper rash are lucky ducks.  Theron has extremely sensitive skin and we pretty much use this stuff for every diaper change.  Not to mention we think we're battling multiple food allergies that often cause his nether regions to become inflamed.  We are big fans of this paste over the others we have tried.   It works as a preventive and healer. 

7. Baby Comfy Nose:  Like I mentioned above about the probable allergies & diaper rash, Theron has also battled a stuffy nose since birth.  Besides the hospital grade syringes {which are the absolute BEST} I have found this comfy nose to be better than the Nose Frida.  Many disagree but I think the comfy nose is softer and fits T's nostrils better.  I don't think it's gross at all and actually kind of like sucking out his boogies. Yes, I just went there! 

8. Baby Banana Toothbrush: Theron got his first teeth in his fifth month and was a chewing machine.  I read about this little training teether/toothbrush on Amazon and ordered it right up.  T absolutely loves it and he looks adorable chomping on it!

9. Halo Sleepsacks:  Once Theron started breaking out of the swaddles we immediately switched to sleepsacks.  These things give David and I a peace of mind that T won't get entangled in blankets in his crib.

The links are not necessarily for the places I purchased these items from but rather just a link for you to read up some more on each product.  I'm sure you could find them in a multitude of stores at a variety of prices. 

I hope these helped somebody! 

xoxo

Theron Drake Is One Month Old

Dear Baby Boy,

You, my dear, have invaded momma and daddy's cozy little world and we couldn't be happier. For the longest time momma wasn't convinced we'd ever have a little bundle of joy and then you graced us with your presence. Momma was so worried all throughout her pregnancy about being a good mom. I guess you can say that momma was the greenest of all newbie moms. I had never changed a diaper, fed a baby, burped a baby, or really held a baby before you. Minutes after you were born many of those mommy duties came naturally. Numerous people told me they would but I wasn't so sure.

Your daddy and I have learned a lot in this first month and I feel like it's gone by in a flash. Those first few weeks were very trying on momma. I was sleep deprived, nervous about your well being, and overwhelmed with your cues. Not too mention breastfeeding had me exhausted emotionally and physically. You're a hungry little booger. Daddy and I always said we'd breastfeed for as long as you and I were comfortable and beneficial for the both of us. I take it day by day and couldn't be more elated that we've made it a month and are still going strong. Momma has healed nicely and you've really found a rhythm to your nightly sleep patterns. Both daddy and I have our fingers crossed that you'll keep that trend up for years. : )

Some little things about you, Baby T:

-You love to be bounced. We're not just talking a light bounce here and there but a big bounce all the time. You're generally a pretty happy little dude but when you get fussy we turn to the big bounce.

-You're not a huge fan of tummy time on your play mat but you do like laying on mommy or daddy's chest and looking around at the world. You lift your head up like a champ during those times.

-You love to dance with daddy and momma and really like Citizen Cope and Jack Johnson. Daddy plays the same songs over and over in your room when he changes your diaper.

-You usually let momma get ready in the morning without too much fussiness but when it strikes, momma can count on the hair dryer to calm you for a little while.

-You're not a fan of your swing, playmat, or Bjorn bouncer {because you're not strong enough to bounce yourself}. You'd much rather be laying down by momma on your boppy and feeding. Like I said earlier, you can eat! Every 2-3 hours has never really happened...you're on your own schedule and like to eat every 45 minutes-1.5 hour. You don't give momma much time to get stuff done but there are those rare moments when you fall asleep for awhile and you nap in your lounger or Rock n Play.

-You're not a fan of pacifiers and while we're happy about that we also would like it if you'd like them just a little. The few times you've taken them they have really soothed you. However, you usually get mad when we try to give them to you and spit them out 90% of the time. Your puppy sister, Scout, has stolen them on numerous occasions. Silly girl.

-You're a pretty good night sleeper. Daddy and I start your bedtime routine at 8:30 p.m. and after your feeding we swaddle you up, turn your giraffe and turtle on, and you sleep for around 4 hours straight. When you wake up we change your diaper and feed you again and you go back to sleep for another 2-3 hours. Thanks for those hours, kiddo.

Thanks for entering our world and making our little family complete. We love you more than you will ever know.

xoxo

Mommy and Daddy

One Month: My Baby Must-Haves

When I was pregnant I scoured the internet for mommy blogger must-haves and questioned my best friend, Cori, about her baby faves. I saved lists/items/gadgets to pinterest and made wish lists on Amazon. I wanted to be as prepared as humanly possible and wanted to know what I could possibly need/not live without. It was fun and just a bit overwhelming! It's a good thing love me some shopping,

Fast forward a few months and I am flabbergasted at how fast time flies! I am so happy to say we made it through Theron's first month and now I have a group of my one month favorites. Crazy to think I'm a mommy. Still. so.weird. My picks below have truly been a life saver in many ways and I recommend them to you future mommies out there who may be overwhelmed with the never ending choices you're faced with while registering and/or shopping {being overwhelmed is more like it!} at Babies R Us.

Let's get to the goodies, shall we?

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16

1. This is my favorite thing of all of the items, the Baby Connect App. Thank you modern technology! What you see above is a screen shot of an absolutely awesome app for your phone. It has been invaluable to David and me. I use it to track T's weight & stats, save doctor's appointments/questions, track his feedings & diaper changes {very important--since he's getting breast milk it's incredibly important to keep count of his wet ones!}. It times everything out, has charts and customizable screens...I could go on forever. Seriously, please invest in this app if it's the one thing you buy. : )

2. The boppy. Does this really need an intro? It goes with me from the bedroom to the couch every.single. day. It keeps the little dude propped in place during those marathon-around-the-clock feedings.

3. Our stroller, the 2011 UppaBaby Vista {Mica}. I've loved this stroller for years, literally. While some may scoff at the price, it honestly did not matter to me and did not deter me from wanting it. I say that because I saved my mypoints for Amazon giftcards for years before I got pregnant knowing that this stroller is what I would someday spend them on. Plus, David's parents generously gifted us the remainder of what my gift cards {accumulated over 5 years of never cashing them in} didn't cover. David and I have already taken Theron on numerous walks and we love the UppaBaby. Right now T's in the bassinet feature and looks all comfy on his little jaunts. I can't say enough good things about this stroller. It was and is love.

4. SwaddleMe blankets. We registered for these not knowing if we'd use them or not. In fact, for the first couple weeks we didn't use them. Then one night, I convinced David that Theron needed a bedtime routine and that maybe swaddling should be a part of it. I don't know if Theron's a fan of them or not but I do know he sleeps a solid chunk of time being in these bad boys. He occasionally busts one or both of his arms out but mostly stays all wrapped up like a little burrito.

5. The Sleep Giraffe. This is another piece that's become part of our bedtime routine. Again, I don't know if T likes it or not but we turn it on every.single. night. My favorite sound is the white noise and if it's part of the equation for him sleeping two 3-4 hour stretches then I will gladly keep Mr. Giraffe doing his thing!

6. The Cloud B Twilight Turtle. Again, this is another item that's become a part of our bedtime routine. We make sure to turn it on before we put Theron in his crib and it lights up the whole room. Theron's been a pretty great sleeper since birth so if the turtle is helping the turtle can stick around!

7. The Newborn Lounger. I didn't even know this thing existed until David insisted we get it. He had heard from one of his coworkers that it was a staple item. I must strongly agree with that person. For the first two weeks Theron would nap here and hang out here all of the time. As he started getting more alert and fussy, he wasn't as big a fan of it. I still use it for him during my showers and sometimes during his naps. Theron can be sound asleep on me after a feeding and when I go to place him on the lounger he wakes up and wants back in my arms. We still really love it because it is so light, comfortable, and most of all useful.

8. The AngelCare Monitor. This came highly recommended from two friends that have babies of their own. I am obsessed with this monitor and am so glad we registered for it. It has a temperature display {so I know his room is always kept between 67-72 degrees} and a breathing monitor to let me know little T is still ok in his crib. It gives me peace of mind and I would almost pay anything for that. While I was pregnant I had planned on Theron sleeping in the Rock N Play next to our bed for sometime but one night I was up reading the Amazon reviews and could not shake the negative ones. So that same night {very early on} we moved Theron to his crib {Dave slept on the floor} and he's been a champ in there ever since. This happened a whole heck of a lot sooner than I had planned and I'm comforted by the fact that our house is so small and his room is right across the hall. I'm super paranoid about him but thankfully I think this will be the best option for all of us now and down the line.

9. Diapers {with the wet stripe indicator}. David and I plan on using reusable diapers when Theron gets a little bigger but we found ourselves loving any diaper brand with the wet indicator stripe. I have been a freak about charting all of T's dirty and wet diapers since I am breastfeeding and that's really the only way to know if he's staying hydrated and fed. The wet stripe really helped David and I tell what was happening in that little ol' diaper. : )

10. Hand Sanitizer Dispenser. I saw this idea on Pinterest and thought, "that's cute!" I never thought I'd use it as much as we do! We use it every single time we do a diaper change and really many other times too. It looks so much prettier than some old plastic bottle and I'm glad Pinterest showed me the idea.

11. Aden + Anais Blankets. I had read numerous bloggers gushing over these but didn't think about registering for them. I fell in love with the skull and star pattern via 77 Kids and ordered them primarily for that reason. While we don't use them to swaddle, we do use them to cover the carseat, as a blanket, and as a pillow to prop T's head up to nurse. They are breathable and light and I love their versatility.

12. Shea Moisture Organic Ointment. I just discovered this goodness the other day at Walgreen's. I picked it up to have more diaper ointment on hand and was pleasantly surprised by the fresh scent. I am so in love with it that I am going to order the body cream and wash for myself. It is divine. -->Update: Theron just got a little bum rash and unfortunately this stuff smelled amazing but didn't do the healing as good as our Butt Paste. I still love this ointment for a moisturizer and smell good, but it's not cutting it as a healer.

13. Nursing Tanks. Oh, breastfeeding. I could seriously talk your ear off with my feelings about breastfeeding. It has been a complete emotional rollercoaster. I am pleased to say I have made it over a month breastfeeding and am continuing to take each day as it comes. It's hard--that is no joke. These nursing tanks are amazing and I wear them every single day. I love that it allows only the breast to be exposed but keep the rest of you covered. I highly recommend them for home and at the hospital.

14. Newborn Size Clothes. This probably seems obvious to many of you but it wasn't to David and me. So many people advised us to pass on newborn clothes and we did. However, Theron is a month old, nearly 10 pounds, and still too little for most of his 0-3 clothes. I wish we would have purchased more newborn sized items but I guess you live and learn.

15. Munchkin Disposable Pads. My best friend, Cori, had sent these to me as a recommendation to use on the changing pad cover. These have been wonderful for us. For a couple weeks, Theron would pee and poop every single time we changed him. The boy was super fond of his open air accidents. David and I found ourselves washing the two changing pad covers all of the time. With these disposable pads we can just place them directly on top of the covers and keep them safe from those accidents. The pads aren't super cheap but totally worth it.

16. Medela Lanolin. To help soothe my body during those first weeks of breastfeeding this cream was superb. I also used the Lansinoh version but the Medela version is so much softer and gentler. And since the main reason you're using it is for the sensitivity, this Medela version is a no-brainer.

Phew--what a post! I hope this was a little bit helpful for you sweet mommies-to-be.

xoxo

Baby Boy Is Here!

I have just a few short minutes so I would like to introduce you all to our sweet little angel, Theron Drake Svezia.

Theron made his entry into this world on Easter Sunday at 4:34 p.m. He weighed 8 lbs 4 oz and measured 22.25 inches. I took notes throughout my whole labor process so when I have even more time, I will sit down and write up a birth post. I know I was very interested in reading them so I hope mine can somehow calm the fears and anxiety of other pregnant women out there.

I am currently on maternity leave and adjusting to life as a new mom....still so surreal to say that.

Little Theo has stolen our hearts and we are positively smitten. I promise to be back soon.

xoxo

A Few More Nursery Updates

Once I realized we'd have room for an ottoman in our tiny nursery I scooped up this moroccan pouf from Overstock. It was on sale plus I had a coupon code so that made the deal even sweeter. It came very quickly and is legit leather and super stuffed. I am pleased David and I will have somewhere to prop our feet while rocking/feeding our little guy.

I decided to move the sheepskin rug that was in front of the crib to its new location in front of the changing table. This way it breaks up some of the white that the ottoman brought in.

I am pretty sure the room is done. But I think I say that every week. : )

Oh, and in case you may be curious, I received a couple emails about some other sources so I hope this helps some of you:

Changing Pad Cover: Land of Nod [I don't see it on the website anymore]
Black and White Striped Bin in Closet: Container Store
Acrylic Wall Frames: Michael's Craft Store
'Hello, My Name is Theron' wooden tag: Gift from a friend

xoxo

My New Addiction

Well it seems as if I've found myself a new hobby. Since I can't very well shop for my own body at this stage of the game, I've resorted to buying stuff for our little guy on the way. As most of you know I take a weekly trip to two of my favorite thrift stores in the town I teach in. I used to search for home decor items and now I make a bee-line straight to the baby clothes. The past 4 weeks or so I think I've scored pretty big!

I've purchased numerous items from Baby Gap, Old Navy, Target, The Children's Place, and other brands I'm not so familiar with. Most of the stuff I buy is around $1 a piece and some I've even scored for about 50 cents a piece. Suh-weet!

I don't feel so bad that the total amount I've spent on baby T's hauls is less than what I would spend on just one or two pieces for myself.

Here's a peek at the goodies I've come across:

While baby boy clothes certainly don't get as much attention as the little girl pieces, I thoroughly enjoy hunting for the really cute baby boy stuff! It's almost like a little game to me.

Now, if Baby boy comes out a she...well then "she's" going to be one heck of a tom-boy dressed in boy clothes and a pink bow. ; )

xoxo

Oh, and p.s. Did I mention I'm 39 weeks pregnant? Cue freak out mode.

Theron's Nursery Reveal {It's about time!}

Good morning, everybody! I had originally, oh-8 months or so ago, planned on updating you all on nursery progress along the way but I just fell behind. I did do a couple sneak peeks here and there but time got away from me. I am happy to say, at week 38, the nursery seems to be complete!

I'm about to take you on a picture filled tour so I hope you're ready for an overload of images. I will do my best to source items at the bottom of this post.

To remind you all of where we started, here's our old guest room just waiting to be made into a fun little nursery for baby...

And now ready for baby boy...

Oh the source list...

Paint: Benjamin Moore Silver Plate or Silver Chain...not so sure {oops!}
Rug: Crate and Barrel Olin Rug in size 8x10
Glider: Jennifer Delonge Luxe in Graphite [Made possible by generous cash gift from Mom & Tom + Maw Maw and Paw Paw ♥]
Giraffe: Melissa and Doug
Crib: Baby Mod ParkLane 3-in-1 from Walmart.com [gift from Aunt Emily & Uncle Tim ♥]
Crib Sheet: This one from Giggle
Crib Skirt: Made by me out of this fabric with the help of this tutorial
Balloon Mobile: Fjorn
Stuffed Zebra: Pier 1 [gift from Cori Lee ♥]
Clear Bookcases: Clear Solutions [we got them in the 36" length]
Changing Pad Tray: Lovingly made by made Father-in-law
Blue Velvet Black Out Drapes: Overstock
Flag Bunting: Oeuf
'Theron' initial plates: Urban Outfitters
Giraffe Lamp: HomeGoods
Yellow Bookcase: Urban Outfitters
'T' initial pillow: PB Teen
Chevron Closet Storage Boxes: Target
'T' Yarn Art: DIY via this tutorial
Gold Dots Art: DIY via this tutorial
Dresser/Changing Table: Vintage & updated with Behr paint in Peacock
Dresser Knobs: Anthropologie
Closet Doors: Purchased locally [Trimmed to fit, painted, and installed by my Father-in-law ♥]
Closet Organizer: Lowe's [Lovingly installed by David ♥]
Large Ferris Wheel: CB2 [no longer available]

Art Wall:

'La Vida Es Un Carnaval' Print: Etsy
Peacock Print: Free Printable via Children Inspire Design
Ferris Wheel Photo: Etsy
'Te Amo' Print: Etsy
'This Is My World' Print: Etsy
Ferris Wheel Quote Print: Free Printable courtesy of Brooklyn Limestone
Hot Air Balloon Print: Etsy
'You Are My Sunshine' Print: Keep Calm Gallery
Colorful Scales Art Print: Society 6 [gift from Debra ♥]

Thanks for being so patient! I hope you all liked Theron's special space. We can't believe he'll be here in giver-or-take 2 weeks.

xoxo

Another New Toy + Nursery Sneak Peek

The other day I was getting so frustrated at my Android phone. It was turning off and on at random times and freezing up at other times. To say I was over it was an understatement. I have really wanted an iPhone ever since I got my Android phone but I was just a tad too early since Verizon, at the time, did not carry it.

Well fast forward to a couple weeks ago and I was able to upgrade a little early to an iPhone for a discounted price since I've been a loyal customer for over 10 years! Heck yes!

I am obsessed with it now and must say it is 10x better than my old Android. My iPhone holds a charge, has a better camera, faster internet, and the overall interface works so much easier. I guess I can kind of see why people are Apple obsessed.

My favorite app has been Instagram, which I'm sure comes as a no-brainer to all of you veteran iPhone users.

Since we're so super close to finishing the nursery I've had some fun snapping some sneak peeks. I promise to do an official reveal super soon! Plus, I've got some shower pics to share as well!

Baby boy's name:

Fun mobile over the glider and bunting on the window:

Art wall above our painted vintage dresser/changing table:

Stay tuned for more! : )
xoxo

I'm Still Here : )

Thanks for all the emails and kind thoughts. You guys are the best. I really do have lots to share but little drive to do it! I am currently almost 32 weeks pregnant and so, so excited!

Recently I had another opportunity to be on St. Louis' KMOV Great Day St. Louis TV show and we got to talk about a baby shower I helped throw last year for one of my best friends, Cori!

{I think I was about 28 weeks or so pregnant at that time.}

If you have a second, here's the video. I haven't even watched it--I don't think I'm ready to see my nearly 8 month pregnant self in motion. : )



Next time I go on their show I will be showcasing the nursery {or at at least I think that's the topic!} & I hope you guys stay tuned. Have a great week!
xoxo

Kate Spade Inspired DIY

My latest DIY project comes straight from the wonderfulness that is Pinterest. After spying this lovely Kate Spade inspired canvas, I knew I had to make one of my own for our soon-to-be baby boy's nursery.

I am happy to report that this project is rather simple and quick to complete.

Materials Needed:

1) Canvas {you decide the size}:



2) Gold Scrapbook Paper:



3) 2" Circle Punch:



4) Adhesive {I chose to use a hot glue gun to avoid fumes}

Process:

To achieve the Kate Spade inspired look above, first take your 2" circle cut-outs and place them randomly on your canvas. You can decide how many circles you wish to incorporate. Being random is not as easy as it looks!

Once you have decided on a layout, glue the cut-outs to the canvas. Next, lay the canvas flat to dry and then hang in the perfect spot of your choice.

Our version is waiting patiently in our crib to be hung up as the rest of the nursery decor comes together!

If you are not a fan of gold, you could always use a plethora of other color options. The possibilities are endless! The nursery is coming together and I am super excited to share some updates with you guys soon.

P.S. I hit the 30 week mark this week and am officially freaking out.

xoxo