Completed Nursery Update

Even though I've had my nursery done for about two months, I realized that I still hadn't made a final post of it. I really tried several times to get some good pics of it, but the size of the room made that really difficult. These were the best that I could do:

The Chandelier

(that replaced the ceiling fan)

Crib and Wall Decor

Close-up of Name Decal and Paper Butterflies (that I handmade)

Changing Area

Close-up of Butterfly Mobile (made by me)

Baby Rocking/Reading Corner

Tissue Paper Pom-Poms (also made by me)

Small White Chest

(replaced oversized chest)

Framed Vintage Pattern Envelopes

&

Recovered Lampshade

So you see that I did a few little projects for the nursery. I wanted her to have some handmade touches in there. Click here to see how to make the paper butterflies on the wall. Click here to see how to make the butterfly mobile. Click here to see how to make the tissue paper pom-poms. Click here to see how to recover a lampshade.

Now we just need our little, baby girl to make it truly complete.....though we prefer for her to wait at least a month before she decides to make her debut.

Baby Shower

Three of my awesome friends and my wonderful little sister threw the best baby shower ever for me a few weeks ago. All of our friends and family who helped us celebrate made it such a special day. And as Greg said " Ellie Kate struck baby gold". Here are some photos from the day:

The Wonderful Hostesses

My Mom and I

Thank you to everyone who had a part in making this shower such a wonderful event!!

Maternity Photo Shoot ( picture HEAVY)

It's been 4-ev-er since I've updated the blog. Whatever, I'm pregnant in Memphis in July. I should get a pass on everything.

I got back my maternity pics last week, and I'm finally getting around to posting some of them. This are some of my very favs:

That's as many as I can get into one post. I'll post some more of the pics later.

Our photographer was great. I was amazed how many great shots she got, especially considering I was a sweaty mess. Check out her website Life in Arcadia.

I also had my baby shower a few weeks ago. All the girls hostessing and the guest made it an amazing day. There will be a baby shower post coming soon too.

Hope everyone one is having a great summer!!

Maternity Photo Shoot

Yesterday morning Greg and I headed downtown for our maternity photo shoot. Even though there was a heat advisory, our photographer, Chloe, made it fun. Check out her blog for a sneak peak.

I'll post more photos as soon as I get them. And I'm planning on taking a video of the nursery the I'll post soon too.

We start our natural childbirth class series tonight. I'm so excited about this class. I've heard that the teacher is inspiring and empowering.

This is whole baby really happening fast now!! Ellie Kate will be here before we know it.

babycenter Update

27th week update from babycenter.com:

"This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle."

And picture:

Cucumber

I haven't done a babycenter.com update in a while, so here is the one I got Saturday at 26 weeks:

"The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days."

And here is the picture that was accompanying it:

I got an email today from Motherhood that Heidi Klum has released some new items in the "Lovely" line that she has done for them. After checking it out, I decided that I needed to have this skirt:I thought that it was fun and hippie like. Also, it will hide any fat, swollen ankles (should I end up with them).

I'm definitely slowing down on the maternity clothes shopping though. I still seem to like my looser pre-pregnancy clothes better on me, and I'm running out of time to wear my maternity purchases. Though I'm sure they will be front and center in my closet by July.

I'm heading to the doctor this afternoon to check on how Ellie Kate is doing. I also get my glucose test today (fingers crossed that I won't have to be off ice cream after today).

Hope everyone had a nice weekend!! I'm off to take a walk in the lovely weather we are having this morning. Happy Tuesday!

Diaper Bag

In my recent post about the nursery, my new diaper bag was is some of the photos. I'm so excited about it, and I can't wait to start filling it with Ellie Kate's little things.

Here is my fabulous new diaper bag:

It's the AmyKathryn Gladiola Bag in Green. It has the two most important things that I was looking for in a diaper bag. It is 100% vegan and cruelty free, and it looks like a real bag that I would normally carry, not a pastel, goofy "baby bag". It's the perfect size for me, and I love the cross-the -body strap option.

If anyone is interested in this bag click here. You can purchase it from littledudesanddivas.com, and it's on sale for $80 (you'll save @ $27)!! This color option is actually discontinued, so I imagine they have very limited quantities left.

And it comes with this cool, matching changing pad (that has little pockets on it).

Here is another picture of my very own bag. Do you think that I'm maybe just a little excited about it, or what?

On another note, my mom and step-dad are quitting smoking in preparation for Ellie Kate's birth. They started Chantix last week and haven't had a cigarette since Monday night. Our whole family is so proud of the both of them. I feel so honored to be having the child to inspire them to make this great change for themselves. Please, please keep them in your thoughts. They need all the help they can get during this trying time.

So now I'm off to the gym and to work. Hope everyone has a wonderful spring day!!