Baby Girl's Nursery

This room came together somewhat naturally, and really - pretty easily. I knew I didn't want to go over the top, I didn't have a ton of motivation while I was pregnant, and with some simple touches, this has quickly become one of my favorite rooms. So come take a look. 

The gold mirror gallery wall was really the only inspiration I had for the room, and so I really did everything around it.

It took me a long time to find drapes I liked. These were a score from TJ.Maxx and they're not quite thick enough to be great for light blocking, so we'll have to figure that out when we get there, but for now, I love them. 

 

Joel and his dad installed these extra long book cases from Ikea and I sort of envision finding a sheep skin rug or something cozy for a little reading nook down the line. 

 

 

Leo is still sleeping really well in his crib and we had zero interest in rocking that boat, so I'm borrowing a crib from my cousin until he makes the transition to his big boy bed.

For now, the wall behind the crib is blank until I find something that I love. I'm leaning towards blowing up three black and white pictures once we have our new born pictures taken, and may do them on a canvas type of situation so that nothing heavy would be over her bed. 

 

 

My california besties gifted baby Drew her hand painted sign, and Leo's babysitter gifted us the precious doll house. I'd like to have all of the doll house pieces in a different wicker basket, but for now, this is doing the job just fine. 

Drew lucked out with a really big walk in closet, and Joel added a few extra wire shelves to make it that much more efficient.  

I'm still getting used to all of the girly clothes and just can't handle all of the cuteness.

 

What We Got for Baby #2

Leo and his baby sister will be 2 years and just shy of 3 months apart when she arrives, so for the most part, I feel like I just had a baby! 

With that being said, there wasn't tons of stuff that we needed but all of a sudden, the list did get a little longer than I expected. 

This time around though, I had the insight to know where I felt like we should splurge, where we felt like we could borrow from friends and family, and the times I felt like we could really could get away without needing (like 100 swaddle blankets).

My mom and sisters hosted a baby sprinkle for me a few weeks ago, and a few guests asked what they could gift us that we really needed. It prompted me to create a wish list on Amazon of some "necessities" - plus we did take advantage of the completion discount - so I thought I would share that with you. 

For the most part the "supplies" that I really feel like we need this time around don't require much explaining (like a new, pink crib sheet), but then there are other things that I just didn't need with my California baby that I will need with this winter Midwest bambino (like the JJ Cole Bundle Me for her car seat). 

Lots of items on this list, I used with Leo and wanted again - Zutano bootie slippers, a new humidifier, Vitamin D drops since we plan to breastfeed, breastfeeding supplies (like storage bags and microwaveable cleaning bags), as well as pacififiers, baby hangers and a car mirror/ipad holder for her side of the car. 

Probably the only new baby item I'm going to give a try is the Boppy lounger. I never had one with Leo and lots of my friends that have had babies in the last two years have said that it's a must-have item for the first few months, so I went ahead and registered for it and I'm excited to give it a try (except, I really wish it was a softer material). 

As for the stroller, we decided to go with a Double Bob. For our lifestyle, I really only need a double stroller (I think), for long walks around our neighborhood, to the beach/pool/zoo, etc. and don't anticipate using it for grocery store visits or what have you. What will I do with two babies in the grocery store? I'm not totally sure, but I plan to wear the Ergo a lot, and just figure it out. We also have the single UppaBaby Cruz and a few double umbrella strollers as well, so we should be ok. 

Also, I did buy one of these Ikea carts so that we can have a moveable command station on the first floor.

My sister-in-law (and mother of 4), was also super generous of letting me steal a lot of her baby supplies that she is done with (extra Rock and Play's, swings, and bouncers), and my neighbor brought over like 30 newborn sleepers that were in like pristine condition. 

For the most part, I feel like we are set. I know that once she comes I'll be putting in a large order at Amazon, but for now, this is what we've stocked up on.

Do you have any Baby #2 must haves? Anything I should plan to get before she arrives?

Five on Friday

::: 1 ::: 

Last weekend my girlfriend Shelby came to stay with us from LA. She helped host my baby sprinkle and was able to attend our mutual friend Jenna's wedding.When we lived in LA, Shelby lived on the first floor of our building, so we have a friendship that is just so real, and authentic, and she is truly one of my soulmates. I miss her all the time being in Chicago and it was so nice to have her at our house for a few days and catch up like no time has passed. 

 

::: 2 :::

Have you ever seen a more gorg bride? One of my best friends got married in Mexico a few weeks ago - and it is the 3rd wedding I've had to miss due to pregnancy or just having a baby - but thankfully had a local celebration that I was able to attend. It was such a fun night, such a special occasion, and my entire family was there which made it so much fun too.

::: 3 :::

Ok, I'm FINALLY feeling the bug to get the nursery done! My goal is to have it totally done in the next two weeks so I'm putting a major push on it. Once we finish the nursery, we have plenty of other things I'd like to get done before the baby comes, along with Christmas - so it would really be in my favor to hustle. 

 

As you can kind of see in the picture, I'm picking up a lot of gold - which is all over my house - so clearly I'm drawn to it. I  went to Ikea with my mom yesterday and bought some white floating book shelves, I have the nightstand (just need to get a new one for Leo), and would like to find a few gold dipped baskets for toy/blanket storage. I need to find some type of storage/dresser for the closet, get clothes hung and organzied, and then call it a day. All of a sudden five weeks is not feeling like a lot of time!

::: 4 ::: 

I saw Bad Mom's 2 this Wednesday with a group of 7 other moms on Wednesday. I love a good excuse to go see a movie with friends during the week, and while this movie was no where near as good as the first one, it was overall enjoyable (while still totally overdone and quite a bit eye-rolly). 

::: 5 :::

 

The big tasks of this weekend are: 

1. Get working on the nursery

2. Put up Christmas and find 2nd Christmas tree along with purchase outdoor Christmas lights/decorations

3. Celebrate a friends baby shower on Saturday night and host and hang with one of my besties who will be in town from Colorado for the night.

Oh, and about 68 other little things!  

Thank Goodness for Ice Cream ;)

Baby Girl Nursery Help

When I found I was pregnant with Leo, a boy, I knew exactly how I wanted his nursery to look.

That was his nursery in LA, and his nursery here took a similar theme. 

And while his nursery here (which I have never taken pictures of!! I need to do that!) is going to see a big boy update come October, I need to figure out what the heck I'm going to do for baby girl's nursery. 

The few things I do know:

•  we don't want to paint - so we're sticking with the Repose Gray that's currently in the room
•  we're using some furniture from Leo's room (the glider and dresser)
• The espresso-colored crib
• A gray glider
•  A gray dresser
• I don't want to go overly frilly or girly and I don't want it frilly.

Other than that, I really, really, really don't know what direction to go in.

Here are a few pictures I've been drawn to on Pintrest, but beyond that, where do you start when you don't have a clue?

 

 

It seems like lately I've been drawn to a lot of brushed gold details, and I do think that would be pretty with the paint color in the room, along with a really, really light pink but who knows.

I am crushing on these Land of Nod drapes, in the floor length option, but they seem a little pricey (especially since I need six)....but these are the kind of thing that I think I could do the whole room around, so I am hoping to find something similar to this to really latch on to. 

 

So that's my long stream of thoughts when it comes to this nursery that has seen no effort and really has no direction as of yet! 

Five on Friday

Whoa, this week just flew the heck by. We are most definitely in the throws of the last month of pregnancy and it's not for the weak! Along with now weekly doctor appointments, there's all of the other stuff that I'd like to get done before baby (other doc appointments, oil changes, vet appointments, house stuff etc). Add in a birthing class every Thursday, trying to get work done, and calendar full of other fun celebrations, we've got ourselves a jam packed month!

::: 1 :::

Thankfully last weekend we spent every day at home getting major work done. This was the nursery on Saturday night. 

It's come a long way, I promise!! 

::: 2 ::: 

 With every forward step we took in the nursery, it left us with two extra steps in another room of the house.  All of baby's bath stuff, meant we needed to reorganize the guest bathroom. It was just a joke, but it feels so good now to have everything feeling as organized as I can get it. 

 

::: 3 :::  

Plus, since I was clearly nesting....the fall stuff went out too while we were at it. I don't need the extra clutter, so I'm keeping it really easy this year, but I'll show some better pics next week! 

 

::: 4 ::: 

It's been very, very hot in LA this week....and after a long walk, Roscoe popped up on the cool tile fireplace to cool off. He used to sleep up there all the time as a little pup....pass me some kleenx.

::: 5 ::: 

We don't have much planned for this weekend which I'm really, really thankful for. Aside from my cousins wedding shower on Sunday, we're going to lay low. Hopefully make it to a bar for the Vols and Hawkeye games, and that's about it! Hope you all have a great weekend! 

 

 

Weekend Report

Friday night we decided to keep it chill, make enchiladas at home, and get the guest room ready for the handyman to come on Saturday morning. Our weekends lately have taken a serious adjustment...but we honestly need the time to get things done, so it is what it is.

This was also the first weekend that I felt like Roscoe was all about my bump. I'm not sure if it's all of the house changes that are being made or the noticeable size increase that's been happening the last few weeks but he is all about it and it's precious. 

 

We took down the guest bed, watched a bunch of hilarious episodes of Chrisley Know's Best and called it a night.

Saturday morning we were up, excited, and ready for the handyman to whip our room into shape!

He was supposed to be here at 9am, and let me just cut to the chase, he never friggen showed up.

I was livid. We had confirmed with him on Thursday after talking for weeks, and the guy just totally blew me off. Never called me back, never returned my texts...nothing.

I took a steaming walk to try and relax but, I'm going to be honest, it kind of ruined my day. I had such high hopes of seeing that room come together, but it's obviously not the end of the world. It'll get done in time.

Joel was nice enough to attempt to put up the decals, and even though it literally took us the entire day, we made some progress.

 

My math was off, so we only have half the wall done, but it's going to look great when its done.

We took an afternoon break to tour an apartment for my parents in Marina Del Rey where they are hoping to stay for six weeks over the winter. It's in a great location and the views were beautiful so I'm hoping it works out.

 

I just couldn't shake my annoyances from the morning, and Joel and I were pretty much at each other's throats from the aggravation of the day (hanging 100 decals straight in a perfect grid box should be in marriage bootcamp), but cupcakes, music and a grill session outside helped a lot.  

There is something about eating outside, or just sitting outside with a drink, that always help cool off hot situations for us. 

Sunday I was thankful for a fresh start. Joel got in a nice long run (like 20 miles long...) and I lounged in bed until he got home, so we both felt pretty blissed out.

We had to run some errands on Sunday, but didn't find what we were looking for. Afterwards, we met up with my cousins and their sweet baby Nolan at Golden Road Brewery. 

 

Nolan was such a joy - we had a blast hanging with them - and Golden Road is a really great place to hang out. Besides the fact that it's god awful hot in the valley, the brewery has great beers, it's super family friendly (and dog friendly *on cooler days), and lots of food options so I'm thinking it will be one of our most visited spots come the winter.

 

 We ended up having an enormous lunch....followed by more cupcakes... so when we got home we were stuffed and just relaxed for the rest of the evening. 

 

 Obviously, I'm on the hunt for a new handyman, but that will have to wait until after my trip home. I head back to Chicago for my baby shower so this week and next are due to be filled with lots of good stuff. 

Four on Friday

 ::: 1 :::

Our Monday night started out with a bang since we celebrated our two year anniversary. We kept things simple and stayed home to celebrate. Joel had prepped dinner for us over the weekend, so when he got home from work we were able to just enjoy. We started with a fondue (we dipped apples, french bread, and asparagus) and then had some of the best crab cakes I've ever had.

Joel bought the crab in shell and pulled all of the meat out himself, so the crab cakes were like 95% crab meat which was amazing. We went for a walk after our amazing dinner, watched our wedding video, and talked about our goals for our 3rd (how is that possible) year of marriage. It was perfect.

::: 2 :::

We booked our babymoon!! We had tossed around a lot of ideas, but when we finally decided what we wanted out of the time; rest, relaxation, romance, pool time, and good food....we decided that we really didn't need to fly anywhere to make that happen. Instead, we're going to drive about 45 minutes south and stay at Terranea in Palos Verdes. The resort looks beyond indulgent and I'm already so relieved that we decided to go this route.

::: 3 :::

 I'm actually really enjoying putting together the baby's room slowly but surely. I know I could go click crazy at PBK and have the whole thing done, but I've been liking finding random things here and there and crossing my fingers that they all work. I found that cute wooden whale at World Market this week, and I'm kind of obsessed with the dresser from Honest Co. that I stumbled upon on Pintrest. My biggest worry with the room is that I have a lot of wood colors going on (espresso, white, and now maybe this) but there isn't any way around it so c'est la vie.

::: 4 :::

 

We leave on Wednesday for Chicago! I'm so excited to spend some time at home. Chicago in the summer is amazing, and 4th of July weekend is by far the best of all to be home for. I'm a little anxious about splitting up my time, but it again...it just is what it is. All of Joel's family will be home, all of my family will be home, and it already stresses me out that we can't give each family 100% of our time. If you live away from your family, you know how it goes, but I'm trying to mentally prepare myself (and our families) so that I don't get over the top stressed while I'm there. There's just never enough time.

Oh and before Wednesday, I have two friends in town, about 17 loads of laundry to do, a house that needs to be cleaned, work that needs to get wrapped before I take a week off, and 14 other errands that need completing before we can head off. Wish me luck!