Oh yeah... October's almost over.

About a month ago I pulled out the decor from last fall, and my nose curled up.  There wasn't enough.  We had only moved in about 3.5 months before and we were on a tight budget that didn't include letting loose at Garden Ridge.  Also, we had very little furniture in our house at that time... so there wasn't much to decorate.  

A year later, our house is no where near "complete" - but we are a lot closer than we were 365 days ago!  I gave myself a strict budget of $100 and came back from Garden Ridge happy.  It's still not a lot - but it's an improvement from last year.  I know the longer we stay in this house the more season decor I will accumulate, so I'm taking it one year at a time!   With only one more day of October remaining - I  wanted to share these!  

The mantel decorations are the bulk of the new items for this year.  The vase on the right has an awesome glisten.  The fall "garland" was only $8 and helps fill the space pretty well.  My favorite items are the iron 'pumpkins' with orange candles inside.  They're just my style and The Husband actually liked them too!  The little broom is one of those cinnamon scented brooms that reminds me of fall.  

And here is a little side by side from last year's fall mantel.  

2011                                                                 2012 

As you can see, we hung the photo, added a fireplace "thingy" (for the brooms, shovel), and I recently added that plant to the left.  Even 2012's version is not ideal... I think it's an improvement from last year!  

Our front door:

The wreath is left over from last year and I think it still looks great.  I also love the way it looks from the inside of the house...

Our little "nook" in the entry way.  And another comparison:

2011                                                                2012

I think the win may go to 2011 on this one... it's certainly more spooky.  But the candles found a new home on the table that has been dubbed the "drop your shit" table.  

This is the "drop your shit" table

It's just inside the entrance from the garage door (where we enter/exit 99% of the time).  It's a perfect landing place for my purse, receipts, change, etc.  It's typically a disaster and shoes are generally stored underneath it.  The photo above is a true current representation. 

For what it's worth - I think the table is perfect for the space, and I love the art above it.  It's basically just a thick paper that I framed and turned different directions, but the colors are great for fall.  I'm planning on replacing the paper for Christmas this year for a cheap holiday decor.  

The dining room is also new this year.  The pumpkins that were on the mantel in 2011 landed here with another fall 'garland'.  

In other decor news, I've picked up a few new items that I never blogged about:

Pillows for the couch! (Purchased at Garden Ridge)

 

A fun quote painted onto wood for a wall that desperately needed *something*. 

(you can also catch a peek at another jack o lantern that lives on our TV stand)

 You can see that the wall where this quote is hung is the first wall you see when coming into our (bowling ally) entry way.  That same wall has an oddly placed thermostat that makes hanging larger items in that area more challenging.  The Husband doesn't love this item - but I had a $35 gift card to Pier One, and this was $32 and the correct dimensions... so I grabbed it.  

(coming soon ((hopefully)) will be carpet runners in this area to warm it up a little bit.)

Now, I'll tap my toe and wait until November 2nd when The Husband has given me "the go" to start decorating for Christmas.  Having a baby around Thanksgiving really changes the timeline of decor!  I will have my Christmas decorating done before I go into labor!  

Birth Preferences

The Husband and I have faithfully been attending our Bradley classes to help prepare us for the birth of baby girl.  My goal is a vaginal, unmedicated birth.  Although our preferences may not have been your preferences, I thought it would be nice to share our plan.   

Disclaimer:  I am well aware, like any plans you make in life, things are subject to change and in the end the heath of our daughter and myself are of highest priority.  

Birth Preferences

o   End goal:  A healthy mom and a healthy baby girl!

o   Overview:  We chose ("name of our hospital") for the birth of our daughter because of your reputation for allowing women to birth naturally. 

o   We understand that situations may arise that would cause deviation from this plan. 

o   We expect that any doctors/nurses/midwives would discuss all procedures with us before they are performed – including why it is necessary, risks, benefits and alternatives in order to help us make the best possible birthing experience for all involved. 

LABOR

o   Our desire is to use the Bradley Method as much as possible to help facilitate our desire for a med-free birth.                                                                       

PROCEDURE                        PREFERENCES

Vaginal Exams            Minimal internal vaginal exams.

                                 During any vaginal exam, I would prefer for my membranes to not be broken.

Augmentation             If baby and mother are healthy, I prefer to go at least 12-14 days over my due date.  If induction 

                                     becomes necessary, I would like to try natural techniques first (with guidance of my practitioner).

IV                              I would prefer a heparin lock over an IV.  Please place it in my forearm. 

Fetal Monitoring          I prefer to be only intermittently monitored to allow for as much mobility as possible during labor.

Pain Relief                  I am prepared to try to handle pain with natural and alternative methods.  Please do not offer pain 

                                    medications.

2^nd Stage Labor          I would prefer no time limits on pushing, as long as baby and mom are healthy.

                                 It is important to me to push instinctively.

                                 I would prefer to tear, rather than receive an episiotomy.

                                 Please use methods such as oils, compression, massage and encourage me to breathe properly for 

                                 slower crowning.

BABY

o   As long as my baby is healthy, I would like for her to immediately placed skin-to-skin on my abdomen after birth.   I would like for her to stay there for a minimum of two hours. 

PROCEDURE                        PREFERENCES

Cord Cutting          Please wait for the umbilical cord to stop pulsating before clamping.

I would like for Husband to then cut the cord, if desired, after the pulsing has stopped.

Placenta                 I would prefer for the placenta to be born spontaneously without the use of pitocin.

Breastfeeding         Please do not allow any visitors until after my baby has successfully breastfed on both breasts (at a 

                              minimum of two hours).

                            My baby is to be exclusively breastfed.  Do not offer formula, water, or any artificial nipples

                             I would like to see a lactation consultant for further recommendations and guidance.

Rooming In           I would like full rooming in, no separation, no exceptions, unless my baby is sick. 

                  I would like to have all routine newborn procedures in room. 

Bath                      Please do not bathe my baby.

Eye Drops             Please do not administer eye drops to my baby.  I am willing to sign a formal waiver.

Vitamin K              Please do not administer vitamin K to my baby.  I am willing to sign a formal waiver.

Immunizations       I prefer any immunizations to be postponed to a later time.                   

Any suggestions?  Things to add/delete?  I'd love any additional feedback - as long as it's constructive and understanding that these choices are ours (my husband and myself) to make.       

Pregnancy: 34w, 6d. Nursery Reveal.

Since my last post we I have been in preparation mania for baby girl.  It seems like there is so much to do.  I have been trying to keep my hands busy, so my mind doesn't go into panic about how I will be giving birth within the next 7 weeks, and then about how we have to parent her for the next... well... forever.  Thankfully, I know The Husband is in this with me, and he's the best partner I could imagine.  He's really been a rock star through the pregnancy and seeing him with baby girl is going to be the highlight of my life.  

Over the next few days/week, I have several posts planned.  

• Nursery Reveal Photos - today!
• Baby Gear
• Birth Plan
• Hospital Checklist

All of your experienced mamas lurking on this blog... I would love your feedback, ideas and helpful hints.  I am certainly a researcher by nature, but nothing beats first hand experience!  So comment on the posts or email me directly! I'd love to know what worked for you!  

Now... the Nursery Reveal.  I'll try to include as many details as possible.  If you have any specific questions, leave me a comment and I'll try to look it up!  We tried to keep her (small) room very light and bright, and clearly very feminine.  I didn't really have a vision for the end result... but I love the way everything has come together.  I hope baby girl loves it too.  

View from when you enter her room. 

The door on the left side of the photo is entrance into her closet.  You can see the pink/green/white stripe runs throughout the entire room.

This is the first thing hanging on her wall when you walk in.  It's our family tree.  This was handmade by one of my amazing friends.  It's so special to me.  

Another view from when you take your first step into her room. 

Another step in.

Eventually, I would like to add a small bookshelf, or display case to this area.  I foresee many books being read together in that rocking chair with the owl lamp on.  

That quote that we had painted onto wood (see below for Etsy Shop Info) is quite possibly my most favorite thing in her room.  It really speaks to me, as a mother, and what I want to instill in my daughter.  That quote is something that I hope becomes apart of our baby girl's soul.  I hope our little one is brave, strong, and smart.  

This is the start of her library (sitting on top of the tall 6 drawer dresser)

I stalked PBK for those owl bookends to go on sale.  My patience paid off!  They're perfect.  

This is my very first DIY Pinterest Project.  A headband holder!  See below for details.  

You can see the things on top of the dresser from afar.  You can also see how meticulous The Husband was in making sure those stripes were p.e.r.f.e.c.t.

Changing Table.

In those baskets are cloth diapers, cremes, shampoos, etc.  The bottom box holds all of the sweet cards I received at the baby shower.  Someday it will be more storage.  

My sister found inspiration online and created these three owl canvases.  She used three kinds of fabric and glued them to individual canvases and then had them framed.  I love them.  I was also able to use her extra fabric for that headband holder.  

On the interior wall is her crib.  It was hand painted by my dad and very special to me.  

I just love the bedding.  My mom really wanted to buy bumpers.  I'm not sure if/when we will feel comfortable using them - but because little miss will be camping out in our room for the first few months, they are there to display.  We will re-evaluate in a few months. But they are very sweet. 

We purchased these wooden letters off Etsy, and I love them!  The Husband and I spent a solid hour and a half measuring out everything and making sure each letter was perfectly spaced.  See below for details on Etsy shop.  

 There you have it.  E's sweet room.  I go in there on a daily basis and sit in the rocker and imagine what life will be like in a few very short weeks.  I am so excited, nervous, anxious, and filled with anticipation about my life as a new mother.  Hopefully E will be understanding and patient as I learn.  

Here are the details I can remember off the top of my head.  If you have any additional questions, just let me know! 

Walls:  

• Pink Paint Color:  Behr Ultra "Radient Rose" (we color matched to a Glidden eggshell)
• Green Paint Color:  Glidden "Fresh Guacamole" in eggshell
• White Paint Color:  Glidden base color (nothing added) in eggshell
• Tan Paint Color:  That is the color the builder used throughout the house.  It's called "Montgomery Sand" but I don't know the brand.  

Furniture: 

• 6 drawer dresser:  Ikea Hemnes (we paid $199 on sale)
• Changing Table:  Garage sale find that The Husband and I painted with leftover white paint from the walls (we paid $15)
• Rocker:  Pottery Barn kids Wingback Rocker in green twill (we paid approx $700 for this chair).
• I must say, this chair was a huge splurge for us, but I bought it in green hoping that it would be used with all future children.  I'm not a fan of the wooden gliders, and this chair was incredibly comfortable. We did receive a gift from a family member of cash that enabled us to swing this chair.  
• Night Stand (2 drawer):  Ikea Hemnes 2 drawer dresser (we paid $79 on sale)
• Crib:  My mom bought it for us, and my dad painted it.  (free to us)  I have no idea the name.  
• Curtain:  Pottery Barn Kids, Audrey Chenille Dot Blackout Curtain - Green ($89)

End Table Decor:

• Owl Lamp:  Target (shower gift, and I replaced the shade with an $8 find at walmart).  
• Moon Bank:  Shower gift.  I have no idea where she found it. 
• Purple Christopher Robin Quote:  Etsy Seller "WallBling" ($70)
• Sound Machine:  Babies R Us, The First Years Sounds... ($40)

Dresser Decor:

• Owl Bookends:  Pottery Barn Kids ($19 on sale).  (They don't appear to carry the blue anymore...)
• Faux Wood Mirror:  Homegoods ($29)
• Books:  All shower gifts
• DIY Headband Holder:  Found this on Pinterest (this ended up being free, as I had everything on hand)
• Headbands you saw on the holder:  Etsy Seller: "SnuggleBugBowtique" (and omg, these are precious!) (total cost:  $45)
• Cool Mist Humidifier:  Babies R Us, Crane Cool Mist Drop Shape - Blue  ($40)

Changing Table Decor:

• Changing Pad Cover:  Amazon.com, Carters Super Soft Dot Changing Pad Cover ($15)
• White Storage Cubes:  Target, Fabric Folding Bin - White (shower gifts)
• 3 Owl Photos (on the wall):  Handmade, by my sister (free to us).  I know she found the wooden frames at Aaron's Brothers.

Crib/Bedding:

• Bedding:  Pottery Barn Kids, Haley (all of the bedding was a gift from my parents)
• Wooden Name Letters above her crib:  Etsy Seller:  "goinggaga" (12 inches) ($76)