Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Modern Vintage Nursery Design: Part 2
We have been busy, busy, busy, trying to get this nursery done! We still have small details that need to be addressed (of course there always is), but we're almost there! I thought I would share some of the pictures at the half way point. Bear with me, it has definitely been a work in progress!
The Room
Like I mentioned in an earlier post, we decided to give Baby B his/her own room and I am SO thankful we did! There was absolutely NO WAY we could have done what we really wanted to do in our room. We took over my mom's sewing room, and let me tell you...there was four generations of fabric in there! I'm sure you can imagine that it literally took us a full week to go through all of it, but after sending 12 bags to donations and about 7 to trash we finally got it organized into labeled bins :0)
Before & After!
Unfortunately, I did not take a picture of the room before we started, but the pic on the left is after we got the fabric out, but then needed to tackle everything else inside. Just imagine, there were 6 pieces of furniture inside. Enough said.
We removed wall paper and brown carpet that had been up/installed since my parents built this house....31 years ago!
So now that the room has been cleaned out, has fresh paint and new carpet (we are also going to install a ceiling fan/light---we'll see if that actually gets done before Baby B's arrival) it is finally ready to put the baby furniture inside. I am so excited.
The Furniture
We have had a little bit of bad timing or luck, call it whatever you will, on some of the pieces we wanted to put in Baby B's room. I am convinced that whenever I post something that we plan on getting for the baby whether it's on here, FB, Pinterest, etc it's out of stock or has officially been discontinued. This happened with our glider, stroller and I thought our hardware, but thank goodness I was wrong. I can't do anything but laugh about it. I guess there are a lot of people out there with the same great taste! :0)
Let's begin with the glider...We LOVE the style of the Luca glider but there was no way we could justify spending $1000 just for the glider. It is out of our price range. So we decided on the Lacey Klaussner glider at Babies R Us for $399 and the ottoman for $199. A bit more practical. Well a few weeks ago, we went to order it and it has been discontinued and all models are sold out practically everywhere! In our city we have only one BRU so we looked into surrounding cities or cities that we have family in....no such luck. We immediately started searching for a similar glider and had to up our budget based on it. We have now bought the Babyletto Nara glider for $699 (which if you look for it now, is back ordered sometime between June-August at most stores). We did decide to hold off on the ottoman for a few months. Our glider arrived today, whew! However I am still a little disappointed that we didn't get the one we originally wanted. I really liked the straight lines more than the curvy, but I have to say I do love the Nara glider...it is very comfy and I can't wait to use it with Little Baby B!!!!
The one we originally wanted: Lacey Klaussner Glider & Ottoman
The one we bought: Babyletto Nara Glider in Slate with Ecru Piping
Now for the dresser...the dresser was a steal to find in my parents barn. It did need TLC. When we brought it up to the garage the drawers were falling apart, there was no bottom and the spindle feet were either somewhat chopped off or a little chewed on. So gross. We sanded the whole dresser down, used wood filler for the splits and chews and also replaced all the feet with new spindles. Here's a few pictures so far.
Beginning
Middle
New spindles for the feet!
New spindles for the feet!
Along with the nightstand, we sanded this little baby down. This took a little effort because the more difficult pieces had to be done by hand...which is not fun. It also has this cute little drawer that was lined with ugly red felt, I ripped it out and replaced it with a bold pattern paper. We were originally going to paint this white as well, but Mike thought we were going to have too much white going on in the room. So to be a little more creative we're painting it a similar color as the hardware that's being used on the main dresser. I say similar because although we chose the blue colored hardware over the green, the blue still has green in it and we are using more blues than greens. I can't wait to share the final pictures with all of you!!!
Beginning
Middle
Middle
Fabric
Mike and I agreed pretty early on that since we were not going to find out Baby B's gender that we would try and keep everything as neutral as possible, hence going forth with a white and gray color palette with accents of blues and pinks. We have definitely added some shades of blue (more aqua) to the room knowing it could go either way. I did share a few different fabrics that we chose for the baby that are being made into blankets and/or changing pad covers. I ordered all my fabric online from a few different places and they were a little more expensive than your average cotton that can be found at a Hancock Fabrics or JoAnn's Fabric store. Since the fabrics we chose were a little more expensive I was not about to just cut into them without making what I call a 'Mock Up.' For me to make a 'mock up' I actually did go to JoAnn's and bought cotton at about $3 per yard. I did this so I could play with my patterns and if I needed to take more fabric in or whatever I didn't feel bad screwing up the practice one. I did this for practically everything: changing pad cover, fitted sheet, and our blankets. Here's are the 'mock up' or practice pieces.
Fitted Sheet...I LOVE how our fitted sheets turned out! Mike thinks maybe I should open a shop up on Etsy...maybe! We'll see!
Changing Pad Cover...Pretty much exactly like the fitted sheet except for the dimensions.
This adorable flannel blanket was made by my mom. She makes these for everyone she knows that has a baby. Usually she will have some boy and girl ones made and then once the baby arrives, she embroiders them with the baby's name and birth date. She wanted to have one ready for us so I picked this as my 'boy' blanket. We typically use basic receiving blankets and put them together to made one double thick blanket. This blanket was made with Carter's receiving blankets. It came with three prints: elephants, polka dots and stripes. I have always loved these because they keep your little babe warm and they are awesome for baby to lay on/play on.
Flannel Blanket
This adorable flannel blanket was made by my mom. She makes these for everyone she knows that has a baby. Usually she will have some boy and girl ones made and then once the baby arrives, she embroiders them with the baby's name and birth date. She wanted to have one ready for us so I picked this as my 'boy' blanket. We typically use basic receiving blankets and put them together to made one double thick blanket. This blanket was made with Carter's receiving blankets. It came with three prints: elephants, polka dots and stripes. I have always loved these because they keep your little babe warm and they are awesome for baby to lay on/play on.
Needless to say, we've been making these blankets for a very long time and don't need a 'mock up' blanket. I am making a cotton/minky blanket for Baby B and I am making a 'mock up' one of those.
Here's a panel blanket that I made for a very good friend of mine who is also expecting in just a couple weeks. She and her husband are having a boy and have decorated their nursery with the monkey/jungle theme. I came across this flannel panel a few months ago and had to snatch it up for her!
Like I've mentioned before, I'm fabric obsessed! I just have to have Mike keep me in check so I don't get too out of control.
Here's a panel blanket that I made for a very good friend of mine who is also expecting in just a couple weeks. She and her husband are having a boy and have decorated their nursery with the monkey/jungle theme. I came across this flannel panel a few months ago and had to snatch it up for her!
Like I've mentioned before, I'm fabric obsessed! I just have to have Mike keep me in check so I don't get too out of control.
Other Decor
In the last several months Mike and I have purchased a few other small pieces to help with organization. We've bought baskets, a container for toys and blankets, etc. I've also found some Google images that I really liked and I'm printing them to be framed. I've also designed some of my own prints using PhotoShop and I will also frame a couple of our maternity pictures that we had my dad take for us. We will share those soon with you too!
As for baby toys and books, well I'm working on a post all about great baby toys that Mike and I have found and love! I hope to post that within the next couple of days. Books...oh my goodness we have been receiving some awesome books from the book exchange that we participated in. We are so thankful to those that have followed through and have blessed our baby in that way. Baby B has a great little library started already! I can't wait to share the final photos with everyone.
Our little babe has continued to kick and punch a lot. Just the other night I had a little hand squished hand on my hip and a little foot up in my ribs, I joked to Mike that the baby was trying to do the 'star' yoga pose. We are getting SO close, I can't believe we only have 3 to 4 weeks (give or take) left until we get to finally meet our little one!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
11 MONTHS
Kensington
Age: 11 months
Weight: 20lbs 5oz
Height:
Firsts: WALKING!
Events: Cinco de Mayo
Travel: None
Foods: She's become a protein nut! Anything that's meat she'll eat, chicken, beef, roast beef; she loves it all.
Favorite Toys: Anything she can stack or match together.
Favorite Thing to Do: When she's asked to walk, she crawls over to her walker, grabs it and walks all through the living room and kitchen.
Sitting Up: Yes
Rolling Over: Yes
Crawling: Yes
Walking: Yes! All month long she's been taking a step here and there, but on her 11 month birthday, she stood up and starting walking to her daddy!
Smiling: Yes
Talking: Yes, repetitive words. Does screaming count??
If talking, what words: Mama, Dada, Lala, Ni-Ni (night night), Du-Du (Duck)
Sleeping Through the Night: Waking up once or twice to eat most nights.
Other: Kensi loves being outside. She enjoys playing in dirt a lot and smelling flowers. She scrunches up her nose as she 'smells' them and says "mmmm"! With the warmer weather we have made more visits to the park; Kensi loves to go on the swings and giggles every time, she even kicks her legs as she swings and we joke she's already mastered pumping her legs.
Other: Kensi loves being outside. She enjoys playing in dirt a lot and smelling flowers. She scrunches up her nose as she 'smells' them and says "mmmm"! With the warmer weather we have made more visits to the park; Kensi loves to go on the swings and giggles every time, she even kicks her legs as she swings and we joke she's already mastered pumping her legs.
Friday, May 11, 2012
PACKING A HOSPITAL BAG
I'm down to the last month! At 35 weeks it blows me away how fast this pregnancy has gone and seriously how soon Mike and I will be meeting Baby B! I can't stress enough how nervous/excited/anxious we are. We still have items to pick up and we still need to finish the nursery!
Our Shopping List
Boppy pillow
Diaper Pail
Stroller/Carseat Adapter
Glider
Changing Pad
Boppy pillow
Diaper Pail
Stroller/Carseat Adapter
Glider
Changing Pad
The list isn't super long, but because we are having our big baby showers AFTER Baby B arrives, it does make it a little difficult to have everything ready. But I have some of the best girlfriends who threw me a small shower at a restaurant with just the ladies. I had so much fun and felt so blessed to have them there to celebrate with me!
In the last few weeks my What To Expect When Expecting June forum board, has been discussing what to pack in their hospital bags. As a FTM (first time mom), I really have no clue. So like always I began researching quite a bit and have also asked my sisters what they would recommend. When one of my sisters was in labor and delivery a few years ago, I remember she told me she had asked the nurse if she could get some Chapstick, you would think Chapstick is pretty minor right? WRONG! The hospital ended up charging her something around $10 for it. RIDICULOUS! Now like I said that was a few years ago, but the lesson learned was to pack the minor stuff or go send hubby out to buy it at the store across the street. Geez!
Anyways....after reading a few different lists as to what to pack for labor, here's what I plan on bringing... some items are not essential (I will definitely update this to make changes if need be!!!)
I'm packing everything in a small carry-on size suitcase and our diaper bag. For a lot of the toiletries such as deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, etc I bought the little travel size ones at Target just so I could pack them and not worry about grabbing them out of the shower at the last minute.
LAST UPDATED AUGUST 2012!!!!
Click HERE to read about the updates from our hospital visit.
For Mom
Health Insurance Card
Drivers License
File Folder (any loose paperwork from the hospital)
Something to help massage back
Robe
Pajama/Comfy Lounge Clothes (sweatpants/shorts)
Slippers/Socks
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Face Wash/Moisturizer
Shampoo/Conditioner
Body Wash/Bar Soap
Hair Dryer
Brush
Deodorant
LIP BALM :)
Makeup---not necessary, but I don't want to look like a total wreck!
Hair-ties
Nursing Bra
Nursing Pads
Boppy Pillow
Underwear (Hospital ones are super comfy!)
Maxi Pads (check to see what your hospital will supply for you!)
Going Home Outfit
Cell Phone/Charger
Snacks/Hard Candy
Magazine/Book
Health Insurance Card
Drivers License
File Folder (any loose paperwork from the hospital)
Something to help massage back
Robe
Pajama/Comfy Lounge Clothes (sweatpants/shorts)
Slippers/Socks
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Face Wash/Moisturizer
Shampoo/Conditioner
Body Wash/Bar Soap
Hair Dryer
Brush
Deodorant
LIP BALM :)
Makeup---not necessary, but I don't want to look like a total wreck!
Hair-ties
Nursing Bra
Nursing Pads
Boppy Pillow
Underwear (Hospital ones are super comfy!)
Maxi Pads (check to see what your hospital will supply for you!)
Going Home Outfit
Cell Phone/Charger
Snacks/Hard Candy
Magazine/Book
For Dad
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Deodorant
Change of Clothes
Pajamas
Underwear
Quarters (Vending machines)
Cell Phone/Charger
Camera/Charger
Snacks/Drinks
Computer or book
Pillow/Blanket
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Deodorant
Change of Clothes
Pajamas
Underwear
Quarters (Vending machines)
Cell Phone/Charger
Camera/Charger
Snacks/Drinks
Computer or book
Pillow/Blanket
For Baby
1 easy outfit
1 onesie
2 Going Home outfits ---the first one could get pooped in/spit up...you never know.
Socks
Baby Mittens
Receiving Blanket
Swaddle Blanket
Hats
Diapers
Diaper Wipes
Infant Carseat
Infant Carseat head support (Only if your car seat doesn't come with one, ours did!)
1 easy outfit
1 onesie
2 Going Home outfits ---the first one could get pooped in/spit up...you never know.
Socks
Baby Mittens
Swaddle Blanket
Hats
Diapers
Diaper Wipes
Infant Carseat
Infant Carseat head support (Only if your car seat doesn't come with one, ours did!)
I hope this list helps you pack your own hospital bag! Feel free to comment and/or leave suggestions, they're always appreciated!
And to finish with a cute puppy photo...
And to finish with a cute puppy photo...
Had to share...Stella a.k.a. our 'Soggy Noodle' because she loves to snuggle and nap, has officially taken over my Snoogle pillow.
Friday, April 27, 2012
UPDATES!
Like many of you out there, I have become addicted to Pinterest. I love the site and all its many many ideas that are shared! I have created a board on my Pinterest called The Sweet and The Salty follow the board to get more ideas! I am also addicted to Instagram, Mike got me hooked about a month or so ago. I love the fact you can instantly upload pictures, it's like insta-blogging! Follow me there, rmbraden09.
Sneak peek of more of Baby B's fabric for boy and girl! I have a serious fabric obsession. These will be made into blankets, changing covers and boppy covers!
Update on the nursery furniture...everything is sanded down and we are currently fixing the drawers so they open and close more smoothly, then all we need is our coats a paint and voila! We also decided to put baby B in his/her own room. We were I was getting a little concerned on spaced and decided to take over my mom's sewing room. It's a good thing we decided to do this because when we do move out my parents will now have a nice empty room that they could potentially turn into a walk in closet, which is ALWAYS NICE to have! We're just about done sorting through fabric and what not and we'll be able to put the furniture and the rest of Baby B's things inside! Nothing like down to the WIRE! But honestly, my family works best under pressure :)
I also decided to purchase a few girl items and a few boy items for Baby B's newborn pictures. I found all of them on Etsy and I had to share my excitement because they are all just so cute and little!!!
Red, white & pink headbands---ElluraSage
Black, white, & red bloomers---Sweet Shop Bowtique
Baby Boy Knit Hat---CarolinaKnots
Red, white & pink headbands---ElluraSage
Black, white, & red bloomers---Sweet Shop Bowtique
Baby Boy Knit Hat---CarolinaKnots
Baby B has been moving a ton lately and is making my belly look more like a torpedo :0) I have to admit, feeling this little guy or gal kick, roll, punch and turn inside me is one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced!
FYI ruffles on a preggo belly make you look much bigger than you actually are! Also, has anyone else experienced this....I workout, but it seems like it does nothing! Seriously I feel like I'm getting more squishy even though I'm working out, it doesn't make sense! I'm just hoping it's water/fluids.
Getting closer! We are so EXCITED to meet our little peanut!
Mike and I also spent our Easter weekend taking a little mini baby-moon. It was SO relaxing and fun to just spend time together, shop and eat :) I highly recommend going away, even just for a weekend before your Little One arrives!
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