Our Version of a Fairy Tale

Quinn is two months old

2012-01-27T13:01:00.004-05:00

Dear Quinn,

You are two months old (technically two and a half) and you have been keeping us busy! I can't believe another month (and a half) has flown by so quickly. I knew it would happen in the blink of an eye, but it doesn't keep me from wishing time would slow down just a bit.

You are nursing like a champ! You eat 4 oz every three hours and not a minute later. Your daddy says we could set a clock off of you. You aren't a fan if you have to wait. When I took you for your two month check up you weighed 11 lbs 3.5 oz (20th percentile) and were 23.5" long (75th percentile). This means you'll most likely be long and lean just like your daddy.

I've been so thankful for your sleeping habits. For the past week you've been nursing at 9 o'clock, go down by 10, and don't wake up until 5:30 in the morning! That has been wonderful!

You are currently in 3 month clothing. You have maxed out your footie pajamas and will be too long for them very soon I'm afraid. On the other hand, the growing has been good because now you are big enough to wear your cloth diapers. At first you weren't a fan. Every time you peed you would cry from the wetness. Now it doesn't seem to bother you a bit.

You have started smiling and cooing. I love it! It makes my heart happy when you smile at me and your daddy. I can't wait to hear your first giggle!

You love your play mat now. You bat at the animals hanging down and are captivated by the sounds, colors, and noises.

one month

two months

I love you so much!

Love,
Mommy

still here

2012-01-08T19:50:00.001-05:00

I've wanted to blog for a long time now. There's Christmas, our trip to North Carolina, New Year's, going back to work...so much to catch up on! Unfortunately I don't know when it'll happen. I'm currently dealing with a sick baby, sick hubs, and sick me plus we are flying up to MA for my grandfather's funeral. It's a bit crazy to say the least! I'll be back sometime.

christmas cards

2011-12-23T07:08:00.000-05:00

I love love love receiving Christmas cards in the mail. It's so lovely to get a little something that isn't a bill or junk mail. Normally I hand stamp my own cards to send out to our family and friends, but this year I felt I had a pretty good excuse to have someone else make them for me.

Since Quinn was born in November I combined our Christmas cards and his birth announcement into one card. Hooray for being savvy and cheap all at the same time!

I used Shutterfly and am very pleased with how it turned out. Here is this year's card:

life saver

2011-12-22T19:03:00.000-05:00

We recently purchased what I deem to be the best baby item to date, My Little Snugabunny Cradle n Swing. It seriously has been a life saver. Quinn likes to be moving, whether swinging, bouncing, or rocking it doesn't matter as long as he's not sitting still. This swing has been perfect.

My Little Snugabunny Cradle n Swing by Fisher-Price

The hubs brought it home and promptly put it together (which only took about 10 minutes) and Quinn has been enjoying it ever since.

While we're on the topic of baby items below are some things that work for us and are Quinn approved.

Avent Soothie Pacifier

I brought a couple of pacifier options to the hospital, but Quinn didn't like any of them. One of the nurses gave him the soothie and bam! we had a winner.

Boppy

I love the Boppy, but not for nursing. Quinn likes to sleep on his side and the Bobby keeps him wedged in the perfect position.

My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow

This is the pillow I love for actual nursing. It is a stiffer foam and clips around you which means at four in the morning when you're half awake the pillow will stay in place and baby won't roll off. I recommend having a second cover for the brest friend and the bobby so when your little one has a blow out or spits up (both have happened to us multiple times) you'll have a clean cover to put on the pillow right away while the soiled one is in the washer.

Graco SnugRide Platinum Infant Car Seat

We chose this car seat for two reasons. 1) it has wonderful safety reviews and more importantly 2) the hubs' sister had extra car seat bases that she was willing to give us so we didn't have to purchase them.

Baby Jogger City Mini Single Stroller

We have this stroller in orange. It is seriously the easiest stroller ever. It's light weight design and easy collapse handle are what initially sold me.

Baby Jogger Car Seat Adapter

Instead of having a travel system, we got this adapter to attach the car seat to our stroller. The travel systems just seemed so heavy and bulky to me. This keeps everything simple.

Itzbeen Baby Care Timer

This little timer has been wonderful. When you are sleep deprived there's no telling when baby's last feeding or dirty diaper was. With this timer, you never have to keep track, just push the button. It also has a little flashlight built in which I've used several times in the middle of the night when I don't want to turn on a light.

Puppy piddle pads

As crazy as it may sound, you'll thank me later. I don't know if it's a little boy thing or a Quinn thing but I can't count how many times we've been in the middle of a diaper change and there's a fountain or a blow out. Instead of having to change the cover over and over, I just throw away the soiled piddle pad and replace it.

Summer Infant Simply Clear Digital Audio Monitor

We weren't planning on getting a monitor since our house isn't that large. Well Quinn has a very soft cry and it wasn't waking me up in the middle of the night if he wasn't in the room with us. The hubs picked out this monitor and it has been just perfect. It plugs in or can be portable. The blue sides light up when the baby cries if you'd rather use that as an indicator instead of the volume.

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

I highly recommend having a breast pump before your baby arrives. We thought we were being smart by waiting to purchase a pump. What if something happened and I couldn't breastfeed? Then I'd be stuck with a very expensive pump. Unfortunately I ended up getting engorged and Quinn couldn't latch on. I was crying, he was crying, and the hubs was running around town trying to purchase a pump and get back home as quickly as possible. This manual pump has been perfect since I'm still at home but we plan on getting a Medela electric pump for when I go back to work.

So far these are the baby items we've used and loved. I know it's nearly impossible to predict what your baby will like, but hopefully this list will help the frantic soon-to-be mom searching "baby must haves" just like I was a few months ago.

I wasn't compensated for this post. It truly is just about baby items that have worked for us.

auntie shannon meets quinn

2011-12-21T19:03:00.000-05:00

Last weekend my best friend was finally able to meet Quinn. Because of busy schedules is was a short visit, but I do believe she enjoyed snuggling with my sweet boy. Saturday we went to Panera for lunch, ran some errands, then Cracker Barrel for dinner. The hubs spent the day hunting so it was just us girls plus Quinn.

While Shannon snuggled with the baby, the hubs snuggled with the fur-babies

Sunday was the perfect day to spend in jammies. We lounged on the couch until it was time for Shannon to head home. Hopefully the next visit will be a little longer.

Cegelis christmas party

2011-12-19T15:06:00.000-05:00

I'm a bit behind, forgive me, but I'm going to play a little catch up.

Two weekends ago was the annual Cegelis Christmas party. Every year our good friends Jessica and Bryan host a wonderful get-together that includes an ornament exchange. This was our third year going and I love each ornament that we have hanging on our tree. Such a wonderful way to capture the memories.

Quinn was the life of the party. Everyone wanted to hold and play with him. He did wonderful and slept through most of the evening except for one feeding.

I don't think I had Quinn out of the carrier completely before Neil asked to hold him

Jessica with Quinn

Kristen was hitting on my sweet boy and left a big kiss on his forehead

Jennifer had her turn with my sweet boy

ornament exchange

we celebrated the December birthdays by singing to Kristen

and Christie

Bryan finally had his turn with the baby

Such a lovely night with wonderful people. Hard to believe that just a few short years ago we were partying with these same people at college. Now here we are as married couples having Christmas get-togethers and babies. Oh how times have changed. We are growing up!

Quinn is one month old!

2011-12-15T17:09:00.000-05:00

Dear Quinn,

You are one month old today! I have no idea how this happened. The first month has gone by so quickly! I'm sure I'll be saying the same thing with every month and year that passes. While it certainly has been challenging, I've been trying my best not to wish this time away. I want to enjoy every precious minute with you before I have to go back to work, even if you're crying during part of it.

We have quickly learned that you have a sensitive tummy. I have to be very careful about what I eat so it does not upset you when you nurse. Hopefully you will outgrow this and become a great eater just like your daddy. The foods on the bad list are:

broccoli
bell peppers
onions
garlic
tomatoes
orange juice

As long as your tummy isn't upset you are becoming a great sleeper. You are up to four and sometimes five hours between feedings. You are still a little backwards on your schedule and like to sleep during the day and be awake from 2am-6am. We'll get you turned around soon.

We have really gotten the hang of nursing. You know exactly what to do and it makes mommy so happy! I wonder if you're going through a growth spurt though because after some feedings you are hungry again only an hour later.

I'm not sure exactly how big you are since your next check up isn't until you are eight weeks old. At your two week check up you were 7lb 15oz and 22.5" long. I'm certain that you've gotten bigger since then.

You are definitely a long and lean little boy. You have outgrown most of your newborn footies only because you are too tall. When you try to stretch out your legs there isn't enough room.

We are still using huggies newborn diapers. Your little chicken legs are so skinny that we're afraid of the potential blowouts. Hopefully you'll thicken up just a little so we can switch you to your cloth diapers. Disposables are expensive!

You definitely recognize me and my voice. You turn when I speak to you and try to follow me with your eyes. It makes my heart so happy. You love your daddy. I can see you are starting to recognize him as well. I love seeing you two together.

This picture makes me laugh. You make the funniest faces. I just get so tickled when you go cross-eyed. It's normally when you are trying your hardest to leave me a little present in your diaper. Too cute.

We survived your very first month together. It had its ups and downs but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love you so much sweet boy.

Love,

Mommy

lights

2011-12-11T14:55:00.001-05:00

It's no secret, I love Christmas lights. One look at our house and you might say I like them a little too much. Lucky for me, the hubs likes them just as much as I do. This past week we went to see the lights on the river at Saluda Shoals and the lights at Riverbanks Zoo.

the lights on the river were fabulous

well worth the price of $10 a car

best part was that they let you go through again if you want

so of course we made the loop a second time

We met up with the Thompson family to walk through the Riverbanks Zoo. The Demay family was supposed to join as well, but unfortunately their little girl Emma had an ear infection. It was a chilly night so I made sure to bundle up Quinn.

first Santa picture

I was happy I didn't spend the money on the Santa picture at the mall because the Santa at the zoo let you snap your own for free!

boys being boys

I'm in so much trouble when Quinn gets older

such a fun night!

christmas pictures

2011-12-10T15:57:00.001-05:00

The hubs and I are very lucky to have many talented friends. One of those friends, Dana, is interested in photography just like the hubs so they decided to do a trade off. The hubs would photograph her, her son James, and her boyfriend Daniel and then she would photograph our little family.

We went back to our old rental house to the fields and barns where we took our maternity pictures. Dana was able to capture some cute ones but unfortunately we had lost track of time and Quinn was hungry so we weren't able to do as much as I wanted. I'm sure there will be many more photo shoots in the future though.

challenges

2011-12-07T12:33:00.001-05:00

For any mother who attempted breastfeeding this will come as no shock, but I need to put it out there if for nothing else than for the benefit of venting. Breastfeeding is hard y'all.

No matter how much you read, how many classes you attend, or how many people give you advice, you are never prepared. I had heard the horror stories but until it's four in the morning and your precious little baby has been crying and kicking with gas pains for the past three hours and you break down yourself, you just don't know. I didn't know.

Quinn definitely gave me a false sense of ease about breastfeeding at first. He was latching fairly quickly and was on a consistent two hour schedule. He slept soundly between each feeding and we all were happy. Well, this was when he was still getting the colostrum which your body produces late in the pregnancy. Once my milk came in everything changed.

One of the worst nights of nursing after my milk came in was when I had eaten broccoli for dinner. As a result Quinn had awful gas pains that his little body could not push out. We were up all night trying to comfort him. After three hours of being unsuccessful I completely broke down and the hubs took him into the other room. He managed to contort Quinn into what looked like the most uncomfortable position ever, but it must have felt good because he finally fell asleep.

Unfortunately the same thing happened the next day after I ate green bell peppers. It became quickly obviously that I needed to adjust my diet. I started eating bananas, oatmeal, saltines, apple sauce, basically all the foods you would eat if you were sick.

The next challenge came in the form of getting him to latch on. I couldn't understand what happened. It was as if he suddenly forgot what to do. He would be crying, pushing away from me, and shaking his head back and forth as I tried over and over to get him to latch. I realized that he kept his tongue on the roof of his mouth and couldn't figure out how to move it around so he could suck. I would have to take a deep breath and patiently wait until he moved his tongue so he could latch on.

Another challenge was keeping Quinn awake during his feeding. That boy can sleep through a bomb. It really was difficult to wake him up. We would have to bounce him around, change his diaper (which he hates), strip him down so he wasn't warm and cozy, and sometimes even put a wet washcloth on him. Feedings could take over an hour to complete and then in another hour we were back at it.

After all that, Quinn was still losing weight. He went from 7lb 10oz at birth to 7lb 4oz when we left the hospital to 6lb 15oz at his first doctor's appointment. For me, that was heartbreaking. I definitely felt like I wasn't doing enough, like I was failing as a provider for my sweet boy. The pediatrician had us add an ounce of formula to every feeding. She gave us syringes to use so he wouldn't get used to a bottle nipple and then refuse to nurse. Enter challenge number...how many do we have now? I believe he spit out as much formula as he took in.

After a week and a half of formula, Quinn was finally past his birth weight weighing in at 7lb 12oz. The pediatrician gave me the green light to go back to strictly breastfeeding, hooray! I brought him back to the office three days later to make sure he was still gaining weight and he was up to 7lb 15oz.

I absent mindedly became too comfortable and let my diet slip. Just as quickly the gas came back. While I wasn't eating any of the obvious gassy foods (beans, broccoli, dried fruit), I found tomatoes were upsetting him. No more lasagna, spaghetti, or pizza for me.

The past two days have been good days. On Monday my mother came over and helped. She kept Quinn awake during the day so that he would sleep during the night. I'm now working to make sure he stays on that schedule. I don't want to jinx anything so just pray that we have a third good night.

If you made it all the way through this post, bless you. I know it was a lot of rambling.

what a day

2011-11-30T14:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was rough on so many levels.

Baby level:
Quinn decided that he wanted to be awake from 1am-7am. I nursed and rocked and bounced and soothed and ignored his cries but he just wasn't happy with any of it. At one point I had nursed him at 4am, 5:30am, and then again at 7am. He was just a hot mess which made mama a hot mess. After the 7am feeding he finally crashed for a couple of hours and so did I.

Later that afternoon we went to the pediatrician's for Quinn's two week visit. While everything is coming along perfectly, my poor baby has thrush. For those that don't know, thrush is a yeast infection in his mouth. Since I breastfeed, I have it as well and let's just say it is not a pleasant feeling (omg I think I'm on fire!). He gets an oral medication four times a day and I get to apply a cream after every time I nurse. Pray that we both clear up quickly and don't pass it back and forth between each other.

Technology level:
My phone started beeping at me that I was running out of storage room and must clear out stored data as soon as possible. Somehow, someway I managed to delete all of my contacts and restore the phone back to factory settings. Ugh! Luckily I have backup assistant and everything was saved online, but on the flip side it took me over an hour to figure out how to download it all back on my phone.

I love my laptop. It may be a Mac Powerbook from 2006 but it works just fine for me. It's familiar and I know how to use it. Unfortunately things are starting to go. The battery doesn't last 4.5 hours any longer, more like 2 if I'm lucky, but that's not the major issue. When I plug in the charger it doesn't always make contact inside the computer. I have to twist and wiggle and jiggle until the light comes on indicating that it's connected. At one point last night it would not light up no matter how much I shook it around. Luckily the hubs found a replacement part on ebay for $40. I just hope that it works.

Family level:
I found out that my grandfather isn't doing too well. He's currently in a nursing home. He had been admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and a bladder infection and while the doctors were clearing up all that they found out he has kidney cancer. Since he is 87 years old there isn't going to be any treatment. Please pray that they can just keep him comfortable.

I had a feeling deep down that things were going south with him. I try my best to write him a letter every month or so and the past couple he never responded to. it's very unlike him not to send at least a little note back. It makes me sad that he might never see a picture of his great grandson. Maybe I'll be able to send him a letter to the nursing home and someone could read it to him.

these two are my everything

happy thanksgiving

2011-11-27T18:44:00.001-05:00

This year we (obviously) had so much to be thankful for. Our little family is happy and healthy, albeit exhausted. Luckily both my family and the hubs' family agreed to travel to our house for the holiday. The hubs fried the turkeys while my mom, his mom, and his sister provided all of the sides.

It was a wonderfully low key day filled with chit chat and relaxation. Unfortunately I forgot to take a lot of pictures but I did get a few. My sister-in-law dressed the kids in matching pjs for a Christmas picture. I didn't get any great pictures with my camera, but I'm pretty sure she did with hers.

cousin Ashley holding Quinn

cousin Eric holding Quinn

quinn reiter

2011-11-21T21:31:00.000-05:00

On November 15th at 7:12 pm, the hubs and I welcomed our sweet baby boy Quinn Reiter into the world. He weighed 7lbs 10oz and was 21 inches long. Below is his birth story.

The night before was spent preparing for his arrival. The house was cleaned top to bottom making sure every dish was put away and all laundry was washed. I wanted to be able to come home to a straight house. Of course we stayed up fairly late. Neither of us could go to bed considering how excited/nervous we were (maybe it was just me who was nervous).

The alarm went off at 4 am and I woke up with butterflies in my stomach. After a quick shower, I managed to get down a banana and I had the hubs take one last bump picture in front of the Christmas tree.

We also snapped one last picture of just the two of us before heading to the hospital. On the way the hubs decided he wanted a chicken biscuit for breakfast, but we couldn't find a McDonald's that was open before 6 am. We went by two different ones too.

We got to the hospital at 5:30 and were immediately put in a room. After changing into the lovely and stylish gown, the nurse started my IV and I got into bed to be hooked up. I had two sensors around my belly. One measured when I was having a contraction and the other kept track of Quinn's heartbeat. Then I had the IV in my right arm and the blood pressure cuff around the left arm. Let's just say going to the bathroom was quite the production!

At that point I told Danny to go get himself some breakfast. I'm such a good wife ha! We spent the first couple of hours watching Home Improvement and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The contractions were coming on consistently but not too terribly painful.

Around 9 am the doctor came in to check me and broke my water. There was no going back now! Contractions were coming on strong at that point. I did my best to breath through everything and to stay calm. I kept telling myself what my friend Allison said, "I can do anything for a minute."

My mom had arrived at the hospital at that point and the three of us watched tv while I labored on. Around 11 the nurse could tell I was starting to really hurt and offered a pain medication to take the edge off. As she put it in my IV she said I would still feel the contractions but I would feel a little light headed and wouldn't care as much. She looked at me and asked if I felt anything yet and I was responding, "No, nothing yet...oh there it is!" I instantly felt like I had just consumed 3 glasses of wine.

An hour and a half later and it was time to call in the big guns. I was ready for the epidural. I applaud the women who have drug free births but goodness I'll never be one of them. After that point we just waited it out. I took a nap and the biggest pain I felt were hunger pains. I certainly was hungry!

I did have to be put on oxygen to keep Quinn's heart beat up, but that was the worst of it. At one point I looked at the hubs and asked, "so do you still think I'm sexy." Everyone seems to get a kick out of that.

Danny's mom came to the hospital after her classes that morning and everyone chit chatted while we waited.

At 5:30 I was only 6 cm along so I was trying to tell everyone to go get dinner. The nurse predicted it would be nearly 9 pm before I was ready to push. An hour later everyone was about to leave when the doctor came in and decided to check me. The nurse jokingly said, "come on 9 cm" and the hubs replied, "no, we need to wish for 10!" Wouldn't you know the doctor looked up and said, "well you're at 10 so it's time to push." The hubs and I almost thought he was joking!

Forty five minutes later our sweet boy came into the world. It was a very surreal experience. Both the hubs and my mom were there cheering me on while our nurse Jill cracked jokes. I was so appreciative of the laughter and lightheartedness. I would have had the hardest time otherwise.

Waiting to hold my bundle of joy

I can't believe I'm a mommy

After things had calmed down my mom went out and brought back Subway. It was by far the best sub I've ever had haha. Since I wasn't allowed to eat or drink, I think I also sucked down 3 ginger ales and a water in record time. I didn't care that I would have to get up and use the bathroom, everything tasted so delicious!

I was able to nurse for the very first time before we were moved to the recovery room. Luckily he latched on right away and nursed for 10 minutes on each side. After finally settling into our room (which was the size of a walk in closet lol), we started going through all the sweet sentiments sent by family and friends through texts and facebook.

It was quite the exhausting day, but it just flew by for me. I never thought 12 hours of labor could go so quickly. The next day brought on lots of love from lots of visitors.

my brother, Uncle Casey

Miss Kristen came to visit

Quinn cuddling with daddy

he's a bit dramatic when he sleeps, ha!

and ends up in the oddest positions

our little family is heading home!

going home in Clemson and camo

memere came to visit

first nap in his crib

loving on Miss Jessica

so cozy in his fleecy sleep sack

Truth: it took me three days to complete this post...ahhh mommyhood

the time has come

2011-11-14T21:09:00.001-05:00

We get to meet our sweet boy tomorrow!

I had another check up this afternoon and the hubs wanted to come along to tell the doctor of our decision to induce by the 21st so we can be home on Thanksgiving. Funny thing was that he never had the chance! The doctor came in and first words out of his mouth were, "if you are still showing signs of progress, would you be ok with being induced?"

Ten minutes later we were walking out with an appointment for 5:30 tomorrow morning. I never thought I could feel so many emotions so quickly and all at the same time. My stomach is still doing flip flops.

I'm beyond thrilled that the time has come, but I'm still terrified of the unknown. So many questions are racing through my head! I'm trying my best to stay calm and know in a very short time my son will be in my arms. Wish us luck!

bump & baby update: 39 weeks

2011-11-12T15:52:00.000-05:00

Not much news to report this week. The doctor checked me again and said I'm 2 cm dilated and still 80% effaced. Q is squirming around and both mommy and daddy are getting anxious to meet their little boy.

We were hopeful for an 11.11.11 birthday, but as the day came and went we quickly realized it wasn't happening. He's already shaping up to be as stubborn as his daddy, ha!

I asked the doctor how long they'd let me go before inducing and he said a week. Seeing as a week past is Thanksgiving day, I wasn't thrilled to hear that. I have another appointment this Monday and we plan on asking to be induced on the 21st giving us a couple days to recoup before coming home for Thanksgiving with our families.

We'll see if Q decides to come on his own before then!

which one?

2011-11-08T13:40:00.000-05:00

I'm back on the crossbody purse train and I need help. I realized I still have a $100 gift card to Zappos and it doesn't have to be used on shoes! Here are the three contenders:

Number 1:

Source: zappos.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Metro Messenger by Jessica Simpson

Number 2:

Source: zappos.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Vintage Re-issue II by Fossil

Number 3:

Source: zappos.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Brooke Suede Flap by Etienne Aigner

I think I'm leaning towards number 2 because it reminds me of something I would have found in my grandmother's house, a little vintage treasure. Which one do you vote for?

bump and baby update: 38 weeks

2011-11-06T09:22:00.000-05:00

Nothing too exciting to report this week. I'm still pregnant. The doctor checked me this week and I'm 1.5 cm dilated and 80% effaced. The only thing this really means is that my body is preparing to kick out Q, but we still have no idea when.

The list of things to do before baby's arrival is down to just a couple tasks and truthfully they don't matter if he comes before they are completed. I had two majors that I wanted done.

1. Complete the nursery - check!
2. Put up Christmas decorations - check!

Yes, you read that correctly. I have put up our Christmas decorations. We normally put them up right after Thanksgiving, but with my due date being the 17th I knew I wanted it done beforehand. I'm not ~~foolish~~ hopeful enough to believe that it can be done with a newborn. Christmas shopping will be plenty a challenge!

happy halloween

2011-11-06T08:30:00.000-05:00

Halloween was pretty low-key for us this year. We did manage to put out all of our decorations, which are the same as last year except for one addition. My mom got us a white Christmas tree at a yard sale and instead of putting it up in the attic for a month to just have to bring it back down, we decided to make it into a Halloween tree. It went on the front porch and I added purple, pumpkin, and ghost lights to it.

Monday night was spent with the hubs boy scout troop listening to ghost stories by the campfire while roasting marshmallows.

two of the boys dressed up as the scout master

The hubs didn't dress up, but I did..as a magic 8 ball!

I wore my magic 8 ball shirt to work and actually won a $25 gift card for best costume. Pretty good for something that cost me less than a dollar to make, ha!

Next year will be lots of fun since we'll have a little one to ~~torment~~ dress up!

our vintage circus nursery

2011-11-01T22:13:00.000-04:00

Here it is y'all, our big nursery reveal! I'm so excited to finally be posting pictures of the final product. Lots of love went into the room and not just from me, but from the hubs too. He put some serious sweat and effort into this room and I couldn't be prouder of the outcome.

So enough gushing and onto the pictures!

As y'all know our theme is vintage circus. The hubs had the idea to turn the crib into a circus wagon. My wonderful mother helped turn that idea into a reality. She painstakingly painted each piece and hand-crafted the wheels.

Another idea from the hubs was to paint the ceiling to look like you're in the inside of a circus tent. Taping off the ceiling to paint was...fun, ha!

Here's a closer look at the bedding my mother-in-law helped me sew. She made the bumpers and even thought to add the red piping around the top. I added the embroidered circus tents on the head and foot pieces.

The giraffe is also from my mother-in-law. He makes soothing sounds and velcros to the crib so he stays out of Q's way.

Here's a close up of the embroidery.

I just adore the way the entire crib turned out.

We weren't planning on having a separate changing table, but my mom surprised us. She found one and painted it to match our room colors. I purchased the canvas totes at Bed Bath and Beyond to help keep everything organized.

The circus posters were purchased from a store on ebay.

The rocking chair is extra special to both of us. It was the hubs' godmother's and I can't wait to spend our future nights rocking Q to sleep in it.

I sewed the custom fit pads for the chair. It was by far my most challenging sewing project, but totally worth it. The side table was another gift from my mom.

The circus wall paper boarder was another ebay purchase and another idea from the hubs.

The vintage circus toys came from the hubs' parents. They are just the perfect touch.

There are two little wicker rockers in his nursery, also gifts from my mother.

Hope y'all enjoyed the tour! If you have any questions on any of the items or details, let me know! There are still some things missing in the pictures, but that's because they have his name on them ha!

I'm almost ready...

2011-10-30T07:30:00.000-04:00

These days I've been in project overdrive! The reality of how fast Q's due date is approaching I believe has finally sunk in ha! While most of the projects can't be revealed just yet (they have his name on them!), there was one that I just finished that I can't wait to show off.

I finished Q's coming home outfit! I made him an orange corduroy romper embroidered with a tiger paw and his name. I covered his name with a piece of newspaper so I could show yall the outfit. I'm so so happy with how it turned out especially since I didn't have a pattern. That's right, I made this one completely on my own!

The shoulder straps have simple white buttons and the bottom has snaps for easy diaper changing. I plan on pairing it with just a simple long sleeve onesie and white socks. Our little tiger will look adorable!

meeting miss abigail reese

2011-10-29T07:43:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, October 25th at 4:52pm one of my really good friends Allison gave birth to her beautiful baby girl Abigail Reese. I couldn't be happier for Allison and Randy. Their little bundle of joy is absolutely precious and gorgeous as well!

Wednesday the hubs and I went to visit the Hodge family at the hospital. Of course I got to hold the sweet little bundle and little she is! Abigail was only 6lbs 13oz and 19" long...teeny!

The new mama and her little angel

I can't wait for all the future play dates between Abigail and Q. I'm also very excited to have Allison during this whole pregnancy/labor/new mommy stage in my life. It's been wonderful having someone to talk with, ask questions, and share stories. We have many new adventures ahead of us!

bump and baby update: 37 weeks

2011-10-28T14:34:00.000-04:00

This past Wednesday I had my 37 week check up. Q was wiggling around as usual and had a strong heartbeat. When it came time for the doctor to measure my stomach, I was a little on the small side. He decided to schedule me for an ultrasound to make sure everything was fine.

Even though you tell yourself over and over that the doctor is just being cautious, those awful little thoughts creep into your head. I was worried that I would hear either "we're putting you on bed rest" or "we're going to induce you" and neither sounded very fun.

Thursday I had the ultrasound and luckily everything looks just perfect. Q measured 6 lbs and 7 oz which puts him in the 54th percentile. The doctor told me I'm just small so that is my new normal. I was so relieved!

I think everyone is a little more ready for Q to make his arrival than I am and that includes the hubs! He's ready to try every old wives tale and trick in the book to get Q out. I just haven't hit that stage yet. While I still don't like being pregnant, I'm not dying to go into labor. Truthfully, I'm scared! I know it's going to happen eventually, but why rush it?

the rest of the maternity pictures

2011-10-24T19:39:00.000-04:00

I've been working on the nursery trying my best to finish up all the projects before Q makes his arrival. I really want to do a big reveal when everything is done though, so you can't see just yet. To tide you over, below are the rest of a maternity pictures. I am in love!

bump and baby update: 36 weeks

2011-10-20T21:57:00.000-04:00

Y'all I'm slowing down something fierce. I'm sure it's apparent by my lack of posts lately. I can think of a million things I want to accomplish each night, but it just isn't happening. I've finally been able to get the house back under control and it's taking everything I have to keep it that way.

Here I am at 36 weeks. It's still so shocking to believe that in less than 4 weeks I will be able to hold my sweet baby boy. The hubs keeps joking that he could come any day now. That definitely wigs me out, but as each day passes I'm becoming more and more ok with the idea.

I had another doctor's appointment this afternoon and everything is progressing along. Q is still head down and I'm pretty sure he's dropped, another reason the hubs things he will be making his appearance early. The best part of the appointment was when the nurse told me I hadn't gained any weight this week!

The nursery is really coming together! I'm so happy with how it all looks. The crib is painted, assembled, and ready for a sleepy baby. This weekend mom will be finished painting the dresser. All of his clothes and blankets have been washed and put away. I purchased the canvas bins for the changing table, filled them with baby goodies, and put them in place. We purchased a 5' x 7' rug to soften the room. There are still a few things to be done though.

paint frames for circus posters then hang
sew pads for rocking chair
get pad to put under rug so it won't slide around
find lamp to put over changing table
paint bookcase

After this weekend I'll hopefully have crossed off a couple more items. Time is ticking down so I must stop procrastinating!

bump and baby update: 35 weeks

2011-10-13T18:45:00.001-04:00

Another week, another update. I had my doctor's appointment this morning and everything is trucking along. Q's heartbeat was at 145 and he was dancing around for the doctor. I'm measuring at 34 weeks which gives me hope he'll be a smallish baby ha! I've gained a total of 25 pounds so far and while that isn't terrible I'm afraid of how much I'll add to it these last five weeks. Hopefully not too much!

This past weekend while we were in Clemson, my mother-in-law helped me sew the crib bedding. I'm so in love with how it turned out. I'll do a nursery reveal post when everything is put together. Right now the room is an explosion of clothes, toys, and tissue paper.

I've been trying to straighten our house for what seems like weeks upon weeks. I'm just so worn out by the end of the day that I'm lucky to get a load of laundry done. I'm hoping to get things in their place this weekend since we aren't traveling any more. We'll see!

go big or go home

2011-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

Purses that is! I've never been able to carry a small purse. There are just way too many things I have to have with me at all times. I know I'm a little crazy, but I like to be prepared!

Since I was changing over to the gorgeous Kate Spade purse my mom got me, I decided to show y'all what I carry with me. Be prepared, it's a lot ha!

excessive? maybe...

orange coupon holder, wallet, D tissues, regular sunglasses, prescription sunglasses, reading glasses (my eyes are terrible from being prego)

the following is kept in the sage green make up bag: lotion, purel, hydrocortisone cream, dramamine, tylenol, floss, sinus meds, tide to go pen, cough drops, bobby pins, safety pins, hair tie, nail clippers, nail file

ipod and charging cord, compact mirror, paint and fabric samples for the nursery, burts bees chapstick, lip gloss, burts bees cuticle cream

camera plus charger and cord, usb drives, keys

and yes it does all fit...see

I'm sure I don't need to carry all of this with me all the time, but I just can't get rid of a thing ha! What do you carry in your purse? Tell me if you have as much stuff as I do {or more!) or do I seriously have a problem.

bump & baby update: 34 weeks

2011-10-06T19:18:00.000-04:00

Wow y'all, I'm at 34 weeks. I got an email today saying if Q was to arrive early he'd be just fine. While I don't want him to pop out quite this early, we're (semi) ready. He has clothes to wear, a place to sleep, and this past Sunday we purchased his car seat to take him home in.

This morning at work I was surprised with a baby shower. Everyone contributed towards a Walmart giftcard which is greatly appreciated. I'm sure it'll get used before he's even a week old haha. We also received some more adorable clothes, blankets, and lovies.

Another lovely thing about work...my boss is letting me work from home in the afternoons. I honestly thought I would make it to the end no problem. Boy was I wrong. The achy-ness and tiredness have just slapped me across the face all of sudden. I guess the weight of this little bundle of joy is finally wearing on my body. It helps to be able to prop my legs up on the couch and lean against lots of pillows. I'm so very thankful work allowed this.

I took tomorrow off so the hubs and I are headed to Clemson early. Tomorrow his mom and I are sewing the crib bedding. I'm so excited that this will finally be finished. I've been putting it off for too long.

Saturday we're going to the Clemson homecoming game. Hopefully my one and only game will be a victory so the Tigers will be 6 and 0! We'll see...go Tigers!

wordless wednesday: double rainbow

2011-10-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

octoberfest

2011-10-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Saturday morning, Shannon and I headed to downtown Newberry to check out Octoberfest before the shower. We definitely could have spent hours there looking around. Main street was closed down and filled with tents showing off local arts and crafts plus all of the antique shops were open. We only had enough time to look at the tents. Next year we will plan for more time!

I was so tempted to get Q a wooden truck, but decided to wait till he's actually old enough to play with it haha

Shannon left there with a little goodie {jewelry!}, but I managed to resist and not scoop up anything. Trying to stay on a budget while there are crafts around me is hard!

showered with even more love

2011-10-03T07:49:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday I was lucky enough to have another beautiful shower thrown for me and Q by my mom. She did such a fantastic job. I was especially excited for this one since she let me help plan it. I just love party planning so she and I came up with the decorations, food, and activities together.

Shannon came to visit for the weekend and attend the shower. That morning we went to Octoberfest in downtown Newberry {more on that later} and then headed to my parents house for the shower. Everything was just perfect!

Shannon posing haha

We were going to line the walkway to the front door with these balloons but the wind had other ideas so we moved them inside.

The dessert table! Mom ordered lemon, carrot cake, and chocolate cupcakes as well as petit fours from Parkland Cakes. They were so delicious!

I took the picture before all the food was out, oops. Mom served mini lasagnas, olive penguins, bite size mac & cheese, and mini cups of veggies with dip.

I was finally able to use the gorgeous silver punch bowl my Aunt Michelle gave me. It held apple cider while the decanter held sweet tea and we used mason jars (with striped straws!) for the cups.

Everyone was sent home with a goodie bag full of sweet treats!

Instead of playing shower games, my very creative mother came up with the idea of having everyone decorate a onesie for Q.

She purchased a variety of sizes and added iron on transfer designs to each. Everyone was able to color in the design with fabric markers.

Shannon and I didn't get to take a picture together at the last shower so we made sure to get one this time.

It was so cute watching everyone color their onesies.

I can't wait to dress Q in all of these!

After some food and some crafting it was time to open presents!

So many goodies!

My mom spoils me rotten. The card said it was a present just for mommy. She got me the Kate Spade bag I had been wanting!!

He will be one very well dressed boy!

With all the craziness I didn't get to take pictures with everyone who came, but I did manage to get this one. Left to right - Bethany, Molly, me, Shannon, and Amy.

And the best picture for last, my mom and me! Thank you so much mom for hosting a gorgeous shower!

pinnable me: halloween

2011-09-30T13:29:00.000-04:00

Time for another link up with Paw Prints & Pastry Bags! This Friday I have Halloween on my mind. I've been itching to get the decorations out of the attic. The hubs said I had to wait until October to put up any decor so guess what we're doing this weekend!

Of course we already have plenty, but I can't help myself. I want more!

Source: lifesabatch.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: frostmeblog.blogspot.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: goodhousekeeping.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: sassysanctuary.blogspot.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: bystephanielynn.com via Desiree on Pinterest

And because I just couldn't resist...

Source: target.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Q's first Halloween costume! (for next year of course)

bump & baby update: 33 weeks

2011-09-29T13:21:00.000-04:00

Another week has come and gone. As much as I'd like it to, time is not slowing down as requested. I'm starting to hit the frantic stage a bit as thoughts of Q arriving early enter my mind. The to-do list before he gets here is still quite long and there are some major items that need to get done, like, oh I don't know, sew his crib bedding.

Lord knows I'm the princess of procrastination, but with a deadline that isn't set in stone I'm taking a big risk. This Saturday my mom is hosting a shower for me and the bestie is coming to visit. I won't be able to do a million projects but I'm sure I can convince Shannon to help me organize all the baby things after the shower.

Here's the 33 week bump picture. While I still show no signs of stretch marks (thank goodness) my skin feels so tight I think it may pop like a rubber band. I've been marinating in lotion pretty frequently, but it seems the only real relief is to squeeze my belly so the skin isn't stretched. I'm sure this makes for an interesting picture as I sit at my desk at work poking and prodding my own stomach.

Q is still moving and shaking around, although I've notice the frequency is dying down a little. I suspect our little bean is quickly running out of wiggle room as he is packing on the pounds. Today's check up went well. His heart beat was at 166 and my belly is measuring at 32 weeks (a week behind). The hubs decided this could be a good thing because it hopefully means no 10 pound baby that I have to push out (I was 10 lbs 2 oz).

No new pregnancy ailments yet, unless you count the dreaded waddle. My back still bothers me, but I haven't started swelling and sleep is only interrupted by bathroom breaks.

Seven weeks to go!

an apple a day

2011-09-28T13:26:00.000-04:00

I love this time of the year. Yes the cooler weather, fall colors, and clothing options are glorious, but I love the fact that one of my absolute favorite candies is back on the shelves.

Source: mypartyplanner.com via Desiree on Pinterest

There is just something so addictive about caramel apple lollipops. I could eat a dozen a day if given the opportunity. It might have something to do with my love of apples, another reason why I love this time of year.

My grandfather used to have an apple orchard on his farm. I have so many memories of going down to the backyard to pick an apple off the tree. We'd get out a clean cloth to shine up the apple before biting in.

Source: google.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Grandpa would have the best apple cider made from his apples and we'd drink it by the gallon. The stuff you can buy in a grocery store around here is not bad, but definitely nothing fantastic like what I grew up on.

Source: healthydrinkrecipes.org via Desiree on Pinterest

Every year he sends us a box of honeycrisp apples. They are by far my favorite type. Their sweetness and crunch are just perfect. I hope I get a box this year!

Source: google.com via Desiree on Pinterest

And who can resist a real caramel apple? It's the whole reason I go to the fair. This year I might be skipping all of the rides and attractions and instead just zipping in to grab myself one of these beauties.

Source: familyfun.go.com via Desiree on Pinterest

maternity pictures

2011-09-26T21:07:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, the hubs and I had our maternity photo session with Erica. I went to high school with Erica and we had many art classes together. I've always known how talented she is, but recently have fallen in love with her style of photography. She works with Tomme Hilton and as soon as I became pregnant I knew I wanted her to be the one to take our pictures.

We went out to our old rental house to take the pictures. The open fields, old barns, and classic tractors provided for the perfect setting. Erica posted a few pictures on facebook today and it makes me even more excited to see the rest!

pinnable me: go tigers!

2011-09-23T13:21:00.000-04:00

Time for another link up with Paw Prints & Pastry Bags!

This football season has been very odd for us since we only plan on going to one game. With me being prego this season, the early games are just too hot and the later games are just too close to my due date. Luckily homecoming falls right in the middle on October 8th so that is the game we plan on attending.

I love love love tailgating on Clemson's campus. Most go all out with decorations, food, satellite tvs, couches, and games. While we aren't that into it (yet), but I am starting to plan my menu.

Source: thepartydress.net via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: gimmesomeoven.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: clemsongirl.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: taylortailgates.com via Desiree on Pinterest

With a full belly I'll be ready to cheer on my tigers!

bump & baby update: 32 weeks

2011-09-22T13:21:00.000-04:00

When I searched back through my posts to see when I last put up a bump picture, I had no idea it had been 4 weeks. I can't say it enough, time is going by way too quickly! I had a doctor's appointment last Wednesday. I seem to be having quite the uneventful pregnancy and I'm completely ok with that. I'm measuring right on target, my blood pressure is fine, my weight gain is normal, and Q's heartbeat is strong and consistent.

29 weeks

30 weeks

31 weeks

32 weeks

I felt like I was growing before but holy cow! Look at the difference between 31 and 32 weeks. I can only imagine how popped out I'll be at the very end.

Even though he's losing more and more room in my belly, Q's activity has seemed to increase tenfold. He gets the hiccups at least once a day and I can now see the rolling ripples across my stomach as he shifts from one side to the other. I'm still not the biggest fan of all the gut punches but I've gotten used to it.

One morning I hadn't felt him move yet and panic began to set in. I was downing orange juice and eating chocolate at 11am to try and get him to wiggle around for me. Luckily right as I sent the freak out text to the hubs, Q gave me a kick. I remind myself to take nothing for granted. Even an uncomfortable moment is a good thing.

I heart lists

2011-09-21T22:03:00.000-04:00

I'm a list maker, always have been and always will be. I love making lists because it helps me stay organized, keeps me from forgetting things, and feels so gratifying when I can cross things off.

Source: inbetweenlaundry.blogspot.com via Abby on Pinterest

While I love a written list on actual paper, sometimes that's just not practical for me. I hate when lists get crumpled or torn from being carried around for long periods of time. That's where the lovely app on my phone, ColorNote, comes in. It's a pretty simple app that lets you create lists and notes. My favorite part is when you complete a task on your list is crosses it off instead of just removing the item. Brilliant.

Currently the longest list in my phone is my project list. It's a little ridiculous. Let's take a look:

2010 scrapbook album (currently in June/July)
2011 scrapbook album (obviously haven't even started)
sew master bathroom curtain (I was hoping to have enough fabric left over from covering the headboard, but sadly I didn't so the window is still bare)
monogram guest bathroom towels
paint Christmas village (that's been on my project list for the past two Christmases)
sew Clemson bubble for Q
sew protective cover for our Coca-Cola table (it's currently on the back porch covered in a tarp)
sew craft room curtains
sew crib bedding
embroidered my dad's carhart jacket with his company logo (have to do this before it gets cold out)
refinish dining room chairs
sew dresses (I have fabric and patterns for about 4 or 5)
finish sewing fleece vest (I had almost finished it for last fall then needed a different zipper and...well it's still sitting there)
sew jackets (again I have fabric and patterns for 2 different jackets)
hem curtain for linen closet (I was about to do this the other weekend until I realized my spring rod wasn't the right size)
recover couch (we've had the fabric for over a year)
sew rocking chair cushions
paint wooden SCALES letters
sew skirts (have fabric and patterns for 2 or 3)
embroider T on burp clothes
finish sewing truck seats (technically this is the hubs project, but I'm sure I'll end up helping him complete it)

Some of the items won't be done anytime soon, like all of the clothing I want to make, but others I would love to accomplish before Q gets here. Any guesses on how much I'll get done?

teeny tiny wonderfulness

2011-09-19T21:23:00.000-04:00

I have to say I'm pretty proud of myself for making it this far in my pregnancy without going hog wild on buying things for my sweet boy. It's been hard! There are just so many adorable

things that I can't wait to wrap him up in.

Like I said in the previous post, I did a little shopping at the Carter's outlet this past Friday. How can you pass up 1) outlet prices, 2) a 50% off sale, and 3) an additional 20% off coupon? Answer - you can't {or at least I couldn't}! Here are some of the things I scooped up:

microfleece sleep bag

long sleeve bodysuits

striped button-up

sleeper gowns

snap-front sleep & play

The prices at the outlet were even better than the prices they have online. Of course there was plenty more that I would have loved to bring home with me, but I tried to show a little restraint. I plan on embroidering his name on the bodysuits and possibly the gowns as well to make them a little more personal. Can't wait to see a little boy wearing all this cuteness.

Shannon's Birthday Weekend

2011-09-18T21:57:00.000-04:00

This weekend I made the trip to Atlanta to visit my best friend Shannon for her birthday. Technically her birthday isn't until the 25th but she'll be in Charleston that weekend (lucky duck) so we celebrated early.

I left after work on Friday and we met in Commerce at the Tanger Outlets for a little shopping. I have been working some overtime these past couple of weeks and I told the hubs I wanted to use the extra money to buy myself a fancy purse from the Coach outlet. I also wanted to go to the Carter's outlet for some baby clothing cuteness. While I didn't find a single purse I just had to have at Coach, I did find plenty I just had to have at Carter's. I'll do a separate post on all the new goodies for Q later.

After Carter's we headed to Cracker Barrel for dinner. Along with some delicious southern comfort food I also received ~~unsolicited~~ free baby advice from the cashier including:

take the paci away at 6 months and
(as I was looking at the cute baby clothes) don't buy anything because my mother and mother-in-law will buy everything for at least the first year

Um, thanks? PS - Pretty sure that's not how you go about trying to sell things in the general store.

Even though it was nearly 11 o'clock when we got back to Shannon's apartment I made her open her birthday gift right away. She kept making the goofiest smile faces ha!

Rachel Ray mixing bowls in eggplant! Her kitchen colors are eggplant, orange, and lime green and she just happened to mention to me how much she likes Rachel Ray cookware so I took full advantage of the sale Kohl's was having.

Saturday we stayed in bed until 9:30 and then stayed in our jammies until almost 11. I love being able to do that! We finally got dressed when another friend, Travis, showed up. The rest of the afternoon was spent watching Clemson beat Auburn, woohoo! I don't want to get cocky, but it sure was nice to watch the Tigers win.

That night a handful of us went to Two Urban Licks for dinner. The company was great, the food was good, the atmosphere was interesting, and the bathrooms were downright creepy haha. If you ever have the chance to go the watermelon salad is fantastic, but proceed with caution when using the restroom.

Sunday, we decided to go paint pottery. Shannon and I had been previously and had so much fun, but it had been years. She picked a pumpkin and I picked a container. I wanted to something circus themed for Q's room, but I couldn't find anything I liked.

not sure what I'll put in it, but once fired the colors will match his room haha!

we ended our visit with cupcakes from Gimme Some Suga - not the best in the world, but not horrible either

While it's always sad to leave the bestie, I get to see her again in two weeks for another baby shower! Hooray!

murtle the turtle

2011-09-16T13:19:00.000-04:00

Source: creepicrawlies.tumblr.com via Karen on Pinterest

These days the best way to describe how I'm feeling is like that of a turtle. Not one of those cute little things you see swimming in a pond or lake, but more like one of those huge 100-year-old ones that are at the zoo and you wonder if they are even still alive because they haven't moved in the last two hours.

I move a little slower, I waddle back and forth, and heaven forbid you put me flat on my back. I'd be stuck like that for days. I'd much rather be a crime fighting, butt-kicking turtle if you ask me.

Source: etsy.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Of course it'll all be worth it in the end to have my own little turtle.

workaholics

2011-09-14T13:25:00.000-04:00

Source: ballarddesigns.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Are you a workaholic? I'm not, but shhhh don't tell my boss that. Now let me clarify that statement a little before I get myself in trouble. I work hard at my job and I make sure I do it efficiently and effectively, but I am not addicted to it. At the end of the day when I've worked my 8 hours and I can go home, I do.

Source: theyallhateus.com via Leith on Pinterest

I was chatting with a friend of mine about the job market in today's economy. He's currently looking for a job {after quitting so he could travel for awhile, read here} and mentioned that he's been to interviews that made it blatantly clear that the company expects more than 40 hours out of their employees right now. The ratio of people looking for a job to job openings has tipped in the company's favor, so if you aren't willing to work the 60 hours then they can find someone who is.

What an awkward situation to be in. When interviewing you of course want to put you best foot forward and show them how eager you are to contribute to their company, but when faced with working 60 hour work weeks, I'm not sure how I'd react.

How do you tell a company, "I'm sorry I work to live, not live to work"?

Source: google.com via Erin on Pinterest

I like being able to come home at the end of they day, make dinner, watch tv, relax, have plans, or don't have plans. That's the beauty of working to me, no "homework" once I leave the office. Now we have smart phones and laptops and wireless and freedom to work anywhere we please. I've actually worked in the car on my way to a funeral {the hubs was driving}. Isn't that a bit much? And yet it seems to me that's what companies expect.

Source: awelltraveledwoman.tumblr.com via Laura on Pinterest

When will we all just learn to relax?

weekend of projects

2011-09-12T22:26:00.001-04:00

Thispast weekend the hubs and I worked on our long to-do list. He spent his timeworking on the nursery and I'm so happy that it's almost finished. He's beenworking so hard! Here's what he has to do:

~~rip outcarpet~~

~~teardown sheet-rock~~

~~rewireelectrical~~

~~scrapepopcorn off ceiling~~

~~put upnew sheet-rock~~

~~mud andsand~~

~~prime~~

~~paintcream base coat on walls and ceiling~~

~~paintred circus tent stripes on ceiling~~

~~installnew ceiling fan~~

~~installwood flooring~~

~~painttrim/crown molding/baseboards~~

installtrim/crown molding/baseboards

caulk

put upwall paper border

I won’tlie; I was a bit worried it would all get done in time. I really had preparedmyself for Q to be sleeping in a pack & play in our room for a littlewhile. The hubs has done an awesome job and I’m so proud of him. The nurserydefinitely makes my heart happy. Now I need to get going on my list!

~~sewcurtains~~

sew cribbedding

sewrocking chair pads

findvintage circus posters to frame {I think I found them!}

paint hisname or some sort of circus scene on a canvas

move allbaby items into the nursery

Currentlythere are baby items scattered throughout the entire house. I’m very ready toget everything in Q’s room and organized.

baby junk in the dining room

in the living room

and in the guest room!

I've been taking pictures of the nursery progress and plan to do a huge reveal post when it's all complete. Until then this is the only sneak peak I can offer.

nursery curtains

I got on a curtain kick this weekend and decided to make the topper for the guest room. I've probably had the fabric for 6 months now ha! I also recovered the vanity stool with the same fabric to make it match.

While it was a very productive weekend, there's still plenty left on our lists!

labor day weekend

2011-09-06T22:15:00.001-04:00

Over the holiday weekend we had a full house. Not only was it my shower weekend (which meant Shannon was coming to stay), but we also had the hubs friend Julie and her son Ethan visiting from Virginia. Not to mention we only have one guest room and the current state of the nursery was less than ideal for a guest, ha! Thankfully the hubs did some major cleaning on Friday so we had a place for everyone to sleep. I was so thankful to come home to a clean house after work.

On Saturday the hubs took Julie and Ethan to Riverbanks Zoo, to Frankie's Fun Park for some putt-putt and arcade games, to McDonald's for lunch, and then back to the house for some swimming while Shannon and I were at my shower.

For dinner we went to the Antley's for a cookout and some football watching. Poor Ethan was so worn out he slept straight through dinner! He had quite an eventful day.

On Sunday we took the boat out on the lake. After swimming around a bit it was time for tubing. Ethan wasn't that excited about it at first, but he was quickly shouting, "faster!"

the hubs and Ethan playing with water guns

Shannon

Julie and Ethan

I think he had fun

Shannon went for a spin

After some fun in the sun, we ended the day with Cracker Barrel. Why do long holiday weekends seem to fly by even faster than regular weekends?

baby Q is so blessed

2011-09-05T23:15:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday our little boy was showered with love by our friends and family. Two of my fabulous friends, Jessica and Kristen, hosted a wonderful baby shower for me and Q. It was held at Jessica's house and was just perfect. Everyone really enjoyed themselves.

Kristen and Jessica opening their hostess gifts before the guests arrived

I monogrammed a scarf for each of them

so blessed to have them in my life

the decorations were so cute and I loved all the shades of blue

rocking chair and elephant from Memere

lots of goodies!

bobby pillow from Kelly H

Clemson baby bag full of Clemson goodies from our niece Ashley

Quiet Bunny book from Susie

Hilton Head Island tee from Grandma

puppy dog outfit from robin

blanket made by Kelly B

diaper bag from Allison

circus tent from Shannon

Amanda, me, and Beaty

Allison and me

Abigail and Q's first kiss!

me and Susie

Q's Memere and me

all the wonderful gifts we received!

lots of Clemson gear for our little tiger

Petit Ami Christmas outfit

bumbo

soothing sounds giraffe

car mirror

Skip Hop diaper bag

boppy pillows

bath essentials

hats, mittens, and onesies

left blanket made by Kelly B

right blanket made by Jessica

City Mini stroller from Memere and Granddaddy

Trend pack & play

I am so very thankful to have all of these wonderful people in my life. Baby Q is certainly loved very much already and he isn't even here yet! I can't express how happy this makes me.

because 100 projects at once wasn't enough...

2011-08-30T07:39:00.000-04:00

...we decided to make it 101! When we first moved into the new house, one of our first projects was to remove the flower wallpaper in the hallway. We replaced it with beadboard and painted it a caribbean blue.

A year later, the hubs decided he wasn't feeling the blue anymore (and he was the one that originally picked it out!). He wanted a color that fit better with everything else in the house. We decided to go with a sage green that matched our couch.

a couple hours later and we have a freshly painted hallway

the green looks a million times better

I also purchased new throw pillows. My homemade ones were beyond tattered and torn looking.

The new pillows are from Walmart here and here

nursery progress

2011-08-29T07:07:00.001-04:00

Most people spend lots of time and effort creating the perfect nursery for their little one. This normally includes clearing out a room, painting, finding the perfect crib bedding, and maybe even creating some original art.

We are doing all that...and then some. The hubs saw this as the perfect opportunity to completely remodel the former guest room. Below is what we started with.

Nothing special really. The first step was to remove all of the furniture from the room. I didn't want to lose our guest room in the process though so I moved all of my craft things to the room in the back and then the guest room into the former craft room.

The hubs tore out the carpet next. Our first plan was to have it re-stretched when he was done with everything else, but now he is going to put down a hardwood floor instead.

The walls were covered in textured paint. Instead of trying to sand the texture off, the hubs ripped off all the sheet-rock.

After the sheet-rock came down, he rewired the entire room. The guest bath electrical was tied into this room so if you blew a fuse while blow drying your hair, half the outlets in the nursery went out.

The popcorn ceiling also had to be scraped. Fortunately it was not put up correctly and easily peeled off. The only room left in the house with the popcorn is now the back room.

New sheet-rock went up!

The bathroom had built in shelves that we decided to get rid of, mainly because if you wanted to hang a picture in the nursery the nail would come through the other side of the shelves in the bathroom.

The hubs mudded all the screws and seams.

Three coats of mud and sanding later, he primed the whole room.

Now the walls have the first coat of paint! The color is Eloquent Ivory by Glidden but Candy Apple Red will be added soon.

I have to say I'm feeling much better about this very large project seeing how quickly things are moving along. In the meantime, my mom is helping us by painting the crib and dresser that will be the changing table. Hooray progress!

pregnancy confessions

2011-08-28T17:06:00.000-04:00

Source: polyvore.com via Desiree on Pinterest

I keep reading that this is the point where my hair (all of my hair) becomes thick and luscious, as in, bust out the razor. I've always had thick hair on my head so it doesn't feel different in that area and I haven't noticed any need to increase my shaving habits, but I have noticed that my hair hardly ever looks oily. My confession: I've gone up to 4 days without washing it. Gross, maybe, but I'm completely ok with it.

Source: None via Desiree on Pinterest

I've mentioned before how being pregnant is not my favorite. I don't find kicks and movement magical. I really don't think I'll miss this special time where it's just me and Q. I have even started feeling some of the pregnancy ailments such as back pain. My confession: even though this is how I feel and I stand behind my own opinions, I've started lying to people. Lying and saying that everything is great is just so much easier. People expect a happy girl who loves being pregnant, so that's what I give them to avoid the weird looks.

I went to the grocery store during my lunch break to buy klondike bars. What would you do for a klondike bar?

Source: intimateweddings.com via Lily on Pinterest

I crave sweets all-the-time. I think I could eat nothing but until my teeth fell out. I know I should be more careful about how much I consume, especially since my mom had gestational diabetes. I also should make an effort not to gain absurd amounts of weight during my pregnancy since it'll just be that much harder to get it off later. They're just so yummy!

Everytime I look down at my belly I can't help but think people see me as fat and not pregnant. I know this is a bit ridiculous because when I look in the mirror I can see the roundness of my prego belly. The view looking down is just so deceiving.

Speaking of bellies...here are my last two weeks of bump pictures.

27 weeks

28 weeks

happy 3rd birthday eric!

2011-08-25T18:42:00.000-04:00

Last weekend the hubs and I went to Clemson to celebrate our nephew's 3rd birthday. Hard to believe the little guy is 3 already. Time sure flies by. I'm sure it'll go even quicker when we are celebrating Q's birthdays.

the hubs cooked a low country boil and hush puppies for the party

of course Ella and Shiloh wanted to help

note: it's not a good idea to give a bunch of 3-year-olds wooden croquet mallets

Danny and Kevin dumping out the goods

all the guests loved his cooking

Eric loves Thomas the Train

the birthday boy

Danny's godfather, George, helped Eric put on his party hat

Danny's sister, Kathy, with her big boy

George couldn't get the cake in his mouth fast enough, ha!

opening gifts was all about speed this year

looking at the presents isn't as fun as tearing into them!

Uncle Danny helped open some of the toys

Eric with the fire truck we gave him

such concentration

I think the hubs is getting excited about having a boy and all the fun toys in our future!

pinnable me: crossbody

2011-08-19T06:53:00.000-04:00

Time for another link up with Paw Prints & Pastry Bags!

One of my personal goals for when I become a mommy is to do so with class. Just thinking about all the items I'm going to have to juggle {purse, diaper bag, baby carrier, etc.} has me a little frazzled. To help with this upcoming situation I've decided I *need* a new purse, a purse that won't fall off my shoulder or get in the way. Enter the crossbody bag. Below are just a few I'm lusting after.

Source: belk.com via Desiree on Pinterest

michael kors hamilton east west satchel

Source: coach.com via Desiree on Pinterest

coach madison leather convertible hobo

Source: coach.com via Desiree on Pinterest

coach kristin leather hobo

Source: katespade.com via Desiree on Pinterest

kate spade cobble hill small leslie

Towards the end of September I'll be visiting the bestie and conveniently along the drive there I pass the Coach outlet...hmmm. I just might have to stop inside and see if I can find something that suits my fancy.

growing boy

2011-08-14T12:18:00.000-04:00

Looking back at my bump pictures, these last two weeks have been the most drastic in change. You can definitely tell our little boy is growing!

week 24 - taken while we were at the beach

week 25

week 26!

Now I have to admit, the week 26 picture is a bit deceiving. My belly was bigger based on it being later in the day and having a full tummy after lunch. I am noticing many more comments on my size though. I can tell people are much more confident I'm pregnant and aren't afraid to mention it.

While most comments don't bother me {your belly is really popping! look at that baby growing!}, there have been a couple instances that just make me shake my head. One being, "did you have a really big lunch?" and the other, "I'm gonna rub your belly!" Here's a little secret, I do not like being touched, so when someone declares that they are going to touch me panic begins to set in. I did manage to grab her hand and say, "please don't", but it didn't stop her other hand from reaching. I just don't get it.

Q is really starting to kick. I can see my belly shake and while I'm still not the biggest fan, I'm getting used to it. I know it's a mixed blessing because if he wasn't moving around that would be worse. The hubs hasn't really shown interest in feeling him move. I think he finds it as odd as I do ha!

I'm finding it increasingly difficult to bend over and pick things up. Between a growing belly and a bad ankle squatting down can be a challenge if I don't have anything to pull myself back up with. I haven't started swelling yet, but I am going to get a foot stool for under my desk. I noticed I'm starting to get some spider veins from the lack of circulation and I'm sure sitting with my feet underneath me isn't helping haha.

As I begin the third trimester, I hope everything goes smoothly!

isle of palms

2011-08-13T14:34:00.000-04:00

During the last week of July, the hubs and I rented a beach house on Isle of Palms with a great group of friends. It was a fantastic week of relaxation and laughter. Next year will be a little different with Q coming along, but I still can't wait. I'm ready to go back!

Megan, Shannon, and Neil were the first to arrive so we headed out to dinner

the hubs somehow talked his way into a free drink

the restaurant overlooked Shem Creek which made for some great people watching

Shannon helped me in the kitchen most nights

Shannon, Amanda, Megan, and I may have taken a couple of trips to Sonic

blowing up the air mattress for Amanda

the market now has a section that is completely indoors and air conditioned, super fancy!

the hubs and I could eat our weight in pralines from River Street Sweets

out of the 9 of us, 5 are teachers

Neil enjoyed playing with Amanda's new book

there was plenty of beach time even though it rained for a day and a half

while at the grocery store we found "juice boxes" of wine

and apparently they did not taste good at all

Megan even tried blessing the wine to make it better

on Thursday night we all dressed up and went to The Red Drum for dinner...I highly recommend it! Danny and I have been 3 times now

Shannon's salad

Shannon's fiesta chicken

Jessica and Bryan at dinner (they got a little sun ha!)

my dinner, knife and fork grilled chicken tacos

Megan found a puzzle at the beach house and everyone worked on it throughout the week

finished product!

on Saturday the hubs and I went on the Ft. Sumter tour before heading home

during the ferry ride we saw the coast guard practicing

dolphins!

this is my favorite picture of Charleston from the week...such a wonderful trip!

pinnable me: party in a jar

2011-08-05T19:08:00.000-04:00

Time for another pinnable me Friday with Paw Prints & Pastry Bags! Join us and link up!

There's something about a mason jar that makes me so happy. I love the way they look and feel. The memories they bring back of finding boxes and boxes of them in the hayloft of my grandparents' barn. They are simple, classic, and will be around forever.

Last November, the hubs and I had all of our friends over for a Thanksgiving party. I used mason jars as the main theme. I'm just dying to have another party {unfortunately I think it'll have to be after Q arrives} and of course I want to use mason jars again. I think the next time all of the food should be in jars!

Source: pawleysislandposh.blogspot.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: elizabethkartchner.blogspot.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: salad-in-a-jar.com via Desiree on Pinterest

salad...so simple

Source: giverslog.com via Desiree on Pinterest

chili with cornbread

Source: giverslog.com via Desiree on Pinterest

layers of rice and barbecue

Source: theitaliandishblog.com via Desiree on Pinterest

lemon pound cake parfait

Source: howsweeteats.com via Desiree on Pinterest

smores! perfect party dessert

Source: blogs.babble.com via Desiree on Pinterest

what's more classic than cherry pie in a mason jar?

Source: intimateweddings.com via Desiree on Pinterest

what's in a name?

2011-07-25T21:00:00.001-04:00

The hubs and I decided a long time ago (before we even knew we were prego) that we were going to keep our baby names a secret. This actually wasn't a hard decision to come to for us, but I've definitely been asked why quite a bit. I feel like there are two main reasons.

Reason #1
Picking out a name was not easy for us. It had to be special, unique, not too hard to spell, not easily made fun of, badass (hubs' requirement), oh and we both had to like it. We spent lots of time suggesting and analyzing and picking apart names until we finally decided, "this is it...this is the one" and then it was still changed again after someone else used part of it.

After all that effort we didn't want anything to ruin it. People have opinions. It's in their nature and we understand that...but we don't care.

We don't want to know if you like it, love it, hate it, it reminds you of something, know someone with that name who was awesome, or know someone with that name who was awful. It doesn't matter to us. We especially don't want you to try and convince us to change it or question why we chose the name that we did.

His name is extremely special to us. That is what matters. That is what we care about. To us, he is already this little person with this unique name. We love his name and we love him.

Reason #2
It is so special to have something that the hubs and I can share just between us, if only for a little while. This secret brings us together as we lay dreaming about his future, discussing what his personality might be like.

When someone asks us what his name is we both smile at each other knowing what the other is thinking as we respond, "we are keeping it a secret until he is born." We are the only members of the name knowing club and we like it that way.

We did decide to reveal his initials. They are QRS. Since we live in the land of the monogram, we figured it was a fair compromise for those that first respond with, "but I want to give you a gift with his name on it!" Truthfully though, I wish we hadn't told even that little bit.

Now instead of reactions to the name, it is a constant guessing game. We have said over and over we won't tell you if you guess correctly and while it is sometimes fun to giggle at the guesses and frustration, it's also getting old. People just don't give up!

While I know there will still be comments and opinions after he has arrived, we hope the delay in knowing will lessen the amount. We hope people will take the time to understand how special he and his name is to us.

In 16 (give or take) weeks we will share our secret with you. We promise.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

you always know

2011-07-23T06:20:00.000-04:00

pinnable me: vintage circus nursery

2011-07-22T06:31:00.000-04:00

I'm linking up with Paw Prints & Pastry Bags for another Friday installment of pinnable me. Fair warning, this week is a long one for me.

I have a very opinionated husband. He claims that he doesn't care about most things but this is normally how a conversation goes:

me: I'm going to pick out new bedding (just for example), do you care what I pick?

hubs: Whatever you want babe...but not flowery, or girly, or stripes, or...

me: How about you come with me?

(later at the store)

me: Do you like this one?

hubs: ehhhh

me: This one?

hubs: Hmm it's ok...

me: I thought you said I could pick out what I wanted...*eye roll*

I knew deciding on nursery decor was going to be a challenge. I felt like nearly everything I picked out, he shut down, until one day I remembered a piece of scrapbook paper I had saved.

I showed it to the hubs and he liked it! We had our theme, vintage circus! Our main colors will be red, navy, and little touches of yellow. Below are some of the things that have inspired me.

Source: nurserymuralsandmore.com via Desiree on Pinterest

We plan on painting the ceiling like this one, but with red stripes instead of blue

Source: etsy.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: poshtots.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: thebabygardner.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: interiorly.wordpress.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Love the striped curtains

Source: hudsongoodsblog.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: ellamaesbarngathering.blogspot.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: kidsbabydesign.com via Desiree on Pinterest

Source: potterybarnkids.com via Desiree on Pinterest

23 weeks and a confession

2011-07-21T12:07:00.000-04:00

Wow these weeks sure are flying by! I was watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey (yes I watch junk tv) and it was Christmastime on the show. That made me think how fast the holiday season is going to sneak up on us along with the arrival of our little boy. Hope we're ready!

Time for a little confession. I don't like being pregnant. I'm not saying I've had a hard pregnancy, far from it. The morning sickness went away. The tiredness went away. I haven't put on much weight. I'm not huge and uncomfortable. I don't have heartburn. While I consider myself extremely lucky, I just don't enjoy being pregnant.

I have many friends that love everything about their pregnancy. They love seeing their body change shape, feeling the baby move, reading all the articles about the miracles happening inside them. I guess I'm just not one of those girls.

I much rather have my baby in my arms than in my belly!

want a smore? some more of what?

2011-07-18T21:51:00.000-04:00

You're killing me Smalls!

The Sandlot has to be one of my all time favorite summer movies. One of the best parts of summer that the movie highlights is making smores. What could be more relaxing than sitting around a campfire roasting the perfect marshmallow to make into the perfect smore?

At the end of a summer day you should smell like campfire smoke and bug spray and have sticky marshmallow fingers!

mmmm...yum!

Right now we are in the middle of a big renovation. The hubs has torn down his old work shop and is replacing it with an 18' x 35' garage. On the backside of the garage we are planning to build a deck that will wrap halfway around the pool and also house the hot tub. I thought the perfect addition to the deck would be one of these beauties.

garden treasures metal firepit

While the whole project won't be complete until next summer I can already picture it. We'll play all day in the pool, BBQ in the evening for dinner, and spend the night sitting around the fire enjoying smores. Perfection!

coke hummingbird feeder

2011-07-17T19:32:00.000-04:00

Today I finally finished up a project that has been in the works for only two plus years ha! The hubs helped me turn two of my old coke bottles into hummingbird feeders. Here they are hanging on our front porch.

To make the feeder, the hubs took an i-bolt and a washer and glued it onto the end of the bottle. I had found the feeder tubes with the rubber stopper on Amazon. After the glue set I just had to fill the bottle with red sugar water and plug in the stopper.

I just love the way the feeders look. It's like a little touch of vintage hanging from the porch ceiling. Hopefully the hummingbirds will actually drink from them.

While I was out hanging up the feeders I went ahead and put up our new flag {that we got as a present last Christmas haha}. Our previously Clemson flag was so faded that the orange and purple had turned pastel. The new one looks so pretty!

friday inspiration

2011-07-15T06:50:00.001-04:00

22 weeks

2011-07-14T21:56:00.000-04:00

Today marks 22 weeks into the pregnancy. It's a bit surreal to think I'm more than halfway done and we will soon be meeting our little baby boy.

This dress does a good job of showing off the bump. I've had it for years but would only wear it when I was feeling especially skinny since it clings to my stomach. Now that I've got a prego belly I don't mind the cling ha!

The only news to report is that I now feel Q (that's the first inital of his name btw) move all the time. He is seriously boogying down in my belly. I thought I read somewhere that they are supposed to sleep the majority of the day and then start squirming when you're ready to go to bed. Well not this little guy. He moves all day long!

I recently ordered some maternity clothes from Old Navy and Gap. They finally came in the mail today! I love getting packages in the mail.

I now own a pair of maternity jeans! I've spent the last 3 casual Fridays in dresses or linen pants because I didn't have any jeans, but tomorrow will be a jeans day for me! I really love the way these fit. The full belly panel is very comfortable and I feel like the skinny cut makes my legs look lean.

full-panel skinny jeans

pure body cap-sleeve t

In the above picture I'm also wearing this tshirt from Gap. It's super soft and only $4.99!

ruffle detail t

I couldn't resist getting this shirt. I really liked the little ruffle as well as the light lilac color. It'll look great paired with all of my orange jewelry.

drape-front top

This top was the last item I picked out. I thought it would be great to wear to work, church, showers, or maybe even maternity pictures. Hopefully now I have a little bit of everything and I can make the clothes last as long as possible.