tickled pink: nursery sneaks...

Preparing for the arrival of a new baby is always an exciting time. This round we've had the added chaos of a move. Getting ready around a preschooler, a toddler and lots of boxes and renovations. It's been...interesting ;)

I've been asked several times if the nursery is ready. Not exactly. But, it's coming along. Our babies room in the master in a bassinet for the first few months, for ease of night feedings, so there is time. Before baby girl  nearly aware, her own space will be ready. For now, the crib is made up, the changing top is stocked and her dresser is full of teeny, freshly washed clothing. The rest is details. I thought I'd share a few pink peeks of the space so far...

 

Wall art: "Come what may" print by Paper & Pleats, alphabet and initial wreath (in back) were freebies found via Pinterest, others designed by me

 Lamp: WalMart

 Bedding: Pottery Barn Kids, Doll: Sophie and Lili

showered...

Saturday was my baby shower. It was a beautiful party with so many wonderful and generous family and friends. Baby Boom is already very loved and anticipated by so many people and we are so fortunate! I'll post a couple of pics when I have a chance to pull them off my card.

My husband pulled off a huge surprise by having my sister hand me one final gift from him at the end of the day (encompassing the shower, my birthday, Christmas, push present and 1st anniversary gift in one!). So, until our son makes his appearance I have a stand-in, brand new baby...

The Canon 50D with the 50 mm f/1.4 lens. Straight out of the box, with not a single inkling of what to do with a Canon, I got a few shots that I already love in very low indoor light. Power combo! Completely. blown. away.Plus this Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. Supposed to be fast, sharp and fabulous. I'm trying hard to wait to really use anything until my UV filters arrive in the mail (fingers crossed for tomorrow) and the glass is well-protected. Then, I'll be unleashed...as far as my swollen, waddling body will allow :-)

And new gear begs for new storage, right? I haven't been happy with my current camera bag for a long time. It served a purpose but, I never quite felt safe walking around (in NYC especially) with an obvious camera bag and specifically one that was a backpack and could have easily been unzipped and emptied, quite literally, behind my back. I've browsed here and there in the past couple of years for a bag that looked far more unassuming, offered great organization and protection and would easily hold the camera one or more lenses plus my personal things (wallet, keys, phone, sunglasses, etc.). Last night, I stumbled across the JoTotes site and this olive number sung to me. The reviews I've found are good, it fits all of my criteria and is far less expensive than most of the other bags on the market. I slept on it and this morning made my decision. Hopefully, it's already on it's way to me.

Baby Boom is sure to be one of the most photographed babies around, no?

oh, we're halfway there...

With the nursery, that is. Mr. Boom picked up our beautiful crib earlier today and we assembled it together this afternoon. I went into immediate nesting mode and had the bedding ironed and in the crib soon after - can you blame me?

Baby Boom's menagerie. The pillow came with the bedding set and will sit on the glider when we get it in the room. The animals will all have perches on shelves and other spots in the room before baby arrives.

And, a new addition we picked up last weekend...the giraffe mobile that plays Brahm's Lullaby.

-- posted from my iPhone

a tale of three burpies...

I was off work yesterday (YAY...offices were closed for Yom Kippur) so, I spent the majority of the day at home alternately relaxing and sewing (or, prepping for future sewing). I got it in my head a while back that I would make all of the burp cloths our son will ever need in his lifetime and, while I was at it, also make bunches for friends and their little ones.

I seriously underestimated the prep work for this project!

Although the three I finished came out SO cute (see above) just cutting the fabric for only six different color combos took hours hunched over my kitchen table. HOURS. Hunched over, needing to take frequent breaks because this little boy was pressing down on my pelvis and threatening to dislocate both hips.

I also seriously underestimated the amount of ironing that would be required.

Iron the fabric prior to cutting. Sew the three pieces together and press the seams. Iron the cloth diapers. Iron the ends of the decorative piece on all four sides to fit to the diaper center. Have I ever mentioned that I loathe ironing?

Regardless, the hours were all worth it and I have to admit that this little project was very satisfying. I'm a very novice sew-er and originally purchased my machine for sewing on scrapbook pages. This may have been a bit labor intensive but now, I now have a lot cut and ready to sew and go anytime I have a half hour or so to spare. I'll count it as a success of a day :-)

Later last night I was able to show Mr. Boom the results and his response, "You made these? Like, sewed them yourself? And, you didn't call my mom over to help?" Um, no...thanks for the vote of confidence honey. And then, "So, how much could you sell them for?"

[Credits: I merged the instructions for burpies from Susan Weinroth and Chickpea Sewing Studio to come up with my own take...thanks for the inspiration, ladies!]

and the verdict is...

Feeling very blessed today. Our baby is big and healthy, with a strong heart and "nice" brain (according to the OB!). And...
We had our amazing 20 week ultrasound this morning...got to count fingers, see all of the developed bones, parts of the brain and the heart chambers - truly astounding! When it came time to check the gender this little boy wasn't shy at all and gave us a clear view.

We are completely over the moon!

Baby Boom is measuring one week and one day ahead, which has been consistent with every u/s we've had so, we'll see at my if my doctor will make any due date changes at next month's appointment.

Let the shopping begin :-)

diaper bag lust...

When it comes to purses and bags, I'm a collector (much to my husband's chagrin). I love a well made, stylish and functional bag. Coach and Dooney & Bourke are my favorite go-to's for durability and fashion. I've seriously put a halt to my bag shopping over the past year but, the mommy-to-be instinct has me on the prowl again, this time for a great diaper bag. Here are my top three favorites so far:

Skip*Hop Studio in Charcoal
Rowdy Sophisticate Bowler in Tan

Petunia Pickle Pottom Boxy Backpack in Moon Over Macau (LOVE!!!)

During a trip to Destination Maternity yesterday, I saw the Petunia (oh, Petunia how I love thee!) and Skip*Hop in person and had to resist the urge to drool...omg, want! You know what? My birthday is coming around before this little one arrives so, I'm thinking - wish list? ;-)