Nursery and a Name

We had so much fun putting together baby boy's nursery. From the get go, we decided to skip the paint since the room was already a light gray, and I knew we could add color easily throughout. I'm so pleased with how it all turned out and think it's the perfect blend of sweet baby things and bright fun colors he'll grow into as he is less baby and more little boy (I get sad even typing that).

When you first walk in, to the right. . I love this little shelf, and it was a last minute addition.

Can't wait to see those chunky legs in this sweet outfit. It was handmade by Matt's parent's best friends, and I love the thought that went into it.

Night Night Birmingham was a shower gift, and we just love it! It walks you through all the major attractions of our fair city, and I can't wait to read it to him.

This sweet elephant was also a shower gift from a friend and we were so happy to get some elephants in the nursery. Start him young:) It also plays music. Love this keepsake he'll have for years to come.

Monogrammed blanket from Matt's work friend.

A frame for his 4D. I don't think I ever shared these pictures, but they turned out so well. That smile and those chubby cheeks - oh my goodness, melts my heart.

Without further ado....

Wright Thomas Searson

It was a lot harder than I anticipated picking a name for little boy. I wanted something different, but not too strange. It took us a long time to finally declare this was IT, but now that we've been saying it for a while, I love it even more. Wright isn't a family name, we just really liked it. Thomas is Matt's mother's maiden name, his middle name, and my grandfathers first name, so it worked well on both sides.

These letters were a project over Christmas break. They are a knockoff from the Anthropologie zinc letters, and there are about 200 tutorials, so I will spare you mine. All that to say, it was super, super easy and cost a fraction of the Antrho price, as you can imagine. I'm really happy with how they turned out, and really happy that Matt got them hung with minimal frustration. 3M command strips are the best invention.

Another elephant for good measure. Yes, I'm aware of crib bumper safety. 
His bedding is from babybedding.com, which I thought had pretty good deals for custom bedding.

Changing table. The posters on each side are from avintageposter.com. I was super pleased with their selection and service. Highly recommend. The middle poster was an Ikea find when we bought the frames, rug, curtains and changing table.

We just need some pictures for the frames...

This bassinet will be going in our room soon for him to sleep in the first few weeks (or months, or not at all - we'll be playing it by ear). It was made by a family friend and has been used on lots of friends babies. We are thankful Wright will be using it too! The blue blanket was one of mine when I was a baby.

One of the first nursery projects was installing this closet organization system. I'm so thankful for all the space for clothes and gear. Between this and his dresser, he should be good to go.

View from the door.

 We had so much fun putting together this space and are anxiously waiting his arrival!

Five on Friday

At some point I would love to have a theme to some of these posts, but for now, I'm just thought dumping a few items that tickle my fancy. I hope you enjoy.

1. CND Vinylux

Saw this on Instagram, and when they said it lasted a whole week without chipping, I had to give it a try. It's a bonus that shipping is free on Amazon, there are tons of colors, and it's available on Amazon. I pink puffy heart Amazon. I've found this stuff dries super fast, which is great if you're of the 99.9% who don't enjoy being without your hands for 45 minutes. The top coat is vital in making it last 7-10 days. I really love the Rubble and Rock Royalty colors.

2. Old Faithful
Sometimes I am strayed from a favorite by packaging or sales. I admit, I digressed from my favorite eyeliner. I'm a sucker for marketing and went with a different brand (admitting it is the first step). I recently returned to the Almay Liquid Liner and it was a sweet reunion. The applicator is firm and makes it so.much.easier to apply.

3. Cookie Euphoria
I referenced these cookies in this post and have made it a point to not leave you hanging, because they are SO GOOD. Nestle double chocolate chip. Run, don't walk to find them in the cookie dough section. Running is also helpful, because I think I ate 6 in one sitting. It's like cookies and brownies got married, invited you to the wedding, and gave you a gift.

4. Valentine's Best
After you find the cookies, be sure to pick up some conversation hearts. They are my most favorite Valentine candy, and BREAKING NEWS - this year Brach's came to their senses and went back to the original flavors. That means BANANA instead of lemon. MS and I were seriously questioning their judgment and were overly excited to see they made the research. I'm not convinced MS didn't do some letter writing to Brach's. I would be appreciative.

5. Cha-cha-changes

We've said all along we don't think Namath will struggle with the baby, but the gear. We were recently proven correct. There's been a lot of anger towards Rock n' Plays, car seats and strollers.

But he's taken the opportunity to milk it. Note: he's not allowed on the furniture, and I'm not even sure how he achieved it, but kudos to you buddy. I was too impressed to tell him no. He thought he could and he did. A true tale of triumph over gravity.

37 Weeks

How far along?.37 weeks. 

Total weight gain: 23 lbs.My goal was to stay under 30, so I'm very pleased. Bring on the Fall 2014 races for motivation.

Maternity Clothes: Becoming limited. Accessories are the name of the game. 

Stretch Marks: No. I've used my fair share of creams and oils, but I really think it's just the luck of the gene pool.

Sleep: I think I'm still doing pretty well. Lots of bathroom breaks, and hard to go back to sleep sometimes, but I think things could be far worse. 

Best Moment this Week: Putting the finishing touches on the nursery and making his door hanger for the hospital. I feel like everything is coming together for us to be able to just wait patiently! The doctor estimated his weight this week to be a little above 7 lbs. Was that the best moment or the scariest? Verdict is still out. 

Miss anything? Being able to stand for longer than 5 minutes without being tired. Does that count?

Movement: Yep, lots of fluid movements and body parts. Thrilled to see him still moving and shaking. 

Food Cravings:  Salty wins every time, but Valentines candy is out, so sweet still has a chance in the game. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Too much dinner. 

Exercise:  This week I've really noticed things are a lot harder. Too much running makes me hurt all day, so I've had to swallow my pride and make some adjustments. I'm just happy to still be getting out despite being 37 weeks and cold temps. I know the longer I can stay active, the more benefits for D-day. That's my mantra when it's easier to stay in bed.

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: The day I turned 37 weeks, lots of people commented how much he had dropped. Confirmed at my 37 weeks appointment when despite no progress, she was shocked just how low down he was. I totally believe it. I almost get my daily exercise on the looong walk to the office bathroom. 

Symptoms: I made the mistake of wearing taller heels one day this week and my ankles paid the price. I will need to be creative with my wardrobe to get more flats in these last few weeks - at least 8-5. 

Most looking forward to: Besides birth day, I've been holding onto a deluxe pedicure gift card from Matt to use in the next week or so. I can't wait to be dipping my feet in that hot water soon!

36 Weeks

How far along? 36 weeks. Baby is packing on weight, at the rate of about an ounce a day. He's also shedding the waxy substance that covers his body, getting ready for all those first newborn snuggles. Can't. Wait. 

Total weight gain: 22 lbs.

Maternity Clothes:Feeling large and in charge and most comfortable at home in some leggings and sweatshirts. 

Stretch Marks: Nope.

Sleep: Not super tired, but I can sleep if I make myself stop nesting projects and go to bed. A lot of bathroom trips, and if I wake up, it's sometimes hard to go back to sleep. I've been catching up on lots of I Love Lucy reruns (4-7 a.m.) or Golden Girls if it's earlier in the morning. 

Best Moment this Week:  Dinner with Matt's parents to discuss plans for baby's arrival. Things are starting to get real, but at the same time, my mind cannot comprehend we will be loading the car and heading to the hospital in a matter of weeks.We also had Matt's work shower and were so excited to receive such sweet and thoughtful gifts. We are loaded and ready (as best one can be) for baby boy's arrival! 

Miss anything? Beer. It doesn't help MS has made some sort of campaign to try every craft beer in Birmingham. Sigh. 

Movement: Yes. I've been instructed to keep a closer eye on it, and some days he makes me a little nervous, but for the most part, he's pretty consistent and graceful, I might add. 

Food Cravings:  Hello, conversation hearts. Glad you've made your way to the point of purchase section of my local grocer. I heart you. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Too much ice cream at night makes me queasy. I battle through. It's a serious problem, but one can't dial back the Blue Bell Cookies n' Cream. I'll argue with anyone they make the best.

Exercise: Still doing what I can. Losing a little motivation, but I'm oh so close.

Gender: Boy!!

Labor signs: None whatsoever. Keep cooking.

Symptoms: Stomach has gotten really heavy, so I've had to slow way down. This is hard for someone with a new vacuum cleaner to play with and a dog that sheds constantly. 

Most looking forward to: His birthday!

35 Weeks

A little sneak peak of the nursery!

How far along? 35 weeks. Measuring length this week, and he's as long as a head of romaine. I don't think I realize how large I am until I see these pictures...

Total weight gain: 22 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: Is it even necessary to answer this anymore? But I have reached the stage where I've started to think about what I will wear post-baby. It feels like a whole new world!

Stretch Marks: Still winning the battle.

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well. Trying to follow everyone's advice of getting sleep now while I can. I've become best friends with the Snoogle. 

Best Moment this Week: Baby shower! I have such sweet friends that made his shower so pretty and special. Post to come. He is set up with everything he needs and we are just about as ready as one can be when your world is about to get turned upside down. 

Miss anything? Nope. 

Movement: He likes to roll and get those feet up in my ribs.

Food Cravings:  Eaten a lot of cookies and cream ice cream this week. Blue Bell is the taste winner, in case you were wondering. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Eating too much. 

Exercise:  I've about reached the point where running is getting uncomfortable. I think I'm going to experiment with adding in some more walking, since I'm so close to the finish line. 

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: Had my first check this week. No reason to think he'll come early. Good thing. Mama needs her roots done first.  

Symptoms: A little more achy some days, but still feeling good! 

Most looking forward to: The nursery is done, the freezer is almost stocked. Just a few more things to check off my list and we'll just be tapping our fingers. 

34 Weeks

An unflattering picture is better than no picture at all. That's my motto. New Year's Eve 2013.

How far along? 34 weeks. Baby is the size of a cantaloupe!I believe it. He's a heavy little thing. 

Total weight gain: 19 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: When I'm not rocking Matt's oversize sweatshirts and t-shirts, as seen above.

Stretch Marks: Still winning the battle.

Sleep: Sleeping really well still. If this keeps up, I'll consider myself lucky. For a few more weeks.

Best Moment this Week: Spending NYE in with pizza and some good friends. 

Miss anything? Vacuuming without needing to sit down and catch my breath afterwards. 

Movement: Lots of rolls.Lots of body parts. It freaked me out a lot at first, but now it's kind of fun.

Food Cravings:  I really hoped this area would be more exciting, but I just like food. It's going to be hard to get back in line after February - I've been much more lax with my calories and sweet intake. All for a good cause.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Eating too much. Prenatal vitamins. Haven't quit either.

Exercise:  Still going strong. Really trying to stay motivated, and it's hard.

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: Nothing yet.

Symptoms: Just getting tired/achy easier than usual. But overall, I cannot complain one bit.

Most looking forward to: Baby shower! This Type A is ready to get everything organized.

33 Weeks

Shamefully no picture again. Sad trombone. 

How far along? 33 weeks. Baby is losing his wrinkly appearance and gaining fat. From here on out, he's just putting on the pounds. What a job.

Total weight gain: 19 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: It's how I roll.

Stretch Marks: Still winning the battle.

Sleep: Vacation has meant staying up later (read: past 9 p.m.) and sleeping later (7 a.m.) 

Best Moment this Week: Having all day to do as I please. I finished the letters for his wall this week and even got a freezer meal made. 

Miss anything? Vacuuming without needing to sit down and catch my breath afterwards. 

Movement: Lots of rolls. I think he's graceful.

Food Cravings:  I really hoped this area would be more exciting, but I just like food. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Eating too much. Hasn't slowed me down.

Exercise:  Still at it. Even had some warm days this week where I got to wog in shorts and a t-shirt. Got to love the Alabama winters. 

Gender: Boy!

Labor signs: Nothing yet.

Symptoms: Just getting tired/achy easier than usual. But overall, I cannot complain one bit.

Most looking forward to: Finishing the nursery and our baby shower.