Finished: Edgar Degas Inspired Nursery

My amazing neighbor made this beautiful blanket for my daughter. I cannot wait to see her playing and wrapped up in it. 

Here is part of my Edgar Degas poster that I had in a tube since I was 14 years old. I bought it at the MET and thought it would be wonderful to have if I ever had a girl one day. I danced for 10 years and loved Degas' style and artwork. 

This is my mom's ballerina doll from when she was little. I love that her arms and legs bend to create the dance positions. And, I love how vintage and delicate she is. We need to get her hair fixed, but other than that she is a perfect addition to Norah's room. 

Worn and loved. 

Knobs on her furniture. I love how they sparkle. 

My best friend came to visit and helped me add more crinoline to my purchased "tutu" bedskirt for the crib. I love how it turned out and will always remember that she helped make it. 

We cannot find my one and only pair of pointe ballet shoes, however, these were my last ballet shoes before I entered the "big girl" pointe shoe world. I love how I can still remember the feeling of slipping those on before class and how the leather smelled. 

 Those photos are of her ultrasound photos. One day, very soon, I will have her photos of her sweet face in these frames. I will have photos of her first smile and her gentle eyes in these frames. I am ready!

This frame above my (yard sale: $15) bookshelf is also my mother's. I love the intrique design and the resemblance to French design. 

My mom made this "Smile" cross-stitch artwork in 1978 (before my time) and it was the only one she ever kept. Thankfully, she was willing to part with it for her granddaughter's room. :) 

The changing table and other items are in her ginormous closet. It has double doors and we actually have a desk inside with her changing pad on the desk part. I love how the clutter is hidden in her closet, yet very accessible. We have to use it for other storage as well in our bungalow home. :) 

I hope you enjoyed the tour of my Degas inspired nursery. One more more week and my little Norah will be a part of our family and able to see her room for the first time! 

Open Windows

No AC on, windows open, fans on. July 30th morning?!?! Thank you. Yes, please!

We decided it would be best to move Jack's carseat behind the passenger's side seat. We told him that babies have to be behind the driver's seat. He is able to hop in his seat and wait for me to buckle him in while I get Miss Norah's carseat inside the car. Once he found out that he was "no longer a baby," and was able to move his seat, he was thrilled!!!! This transition has been very easy and I hope it continues when sweet girl joins our family.

Box fun

Working on some words! Who says learning has to be at a desk at school?!? 

Happy Monday!!

Splendid Afternoon

Watching my son's face as we attached the burley to my hub's bike made my day! He waved to neighbors and every car that passed. He loved riding in it to the pool and back home. I thoroughly enjoyed swimming today too! It was a splendid afternoon with my boys! 

Big Bro

Jackson is going to be the best big brother. We had a neighbor and her sweet baby boy come to visit this afternoon. Jackson shared his blanket and showed him his stuffed animals. He wanted the baby to climb up into this loft bed with him. The visit was cut short when he pooped in his diaper and they had to run home. Jackson was sobbing from the front window that he didn't want the baby to go home. He LOVES babies and will not leave their side.  He didn't care the baby was sitting in my lap and even asked to have him in HIS lap.  I think he will be a wonderful help and want to snuggle his sister with love constantly. I am one blessed mama because I have seen tons of cases where sibling jealousy is vicious. I believe his actions currently are an example of how he will be with his little sister.

Froggy

We added a little frog to Jack's balance bike.  It was mine when I went overseas to visit my hubs family in 2005. Sometimes, it is okay to save silly things to share with your kiddos. 

Daily

It seems that our boy is potty trained during the day and practically potty trained at night!!

He keeps a dry pull up during naptime, dry pull up at night if we take him potty before WE go to bed, and he is getting up to pee and poop at all times. :-) I can't remember the last time I changed a poo poo diapers! 

I hope this "stays" as our daughter will be arriving in the next 2 weeks. :-)

Gift from Norah

I just ordered online Jackson's gift from Norah when she arrives in a couple of weeks. I had been saving my Swagbucks. (If you don't know about Swagbucks, look it up….free money) and got $30 in Walmart gift cards. So, his gift was practically free. He is also getting a lion wallet. Yesterday, he said he bought the groceries for us. My hubs just laughed and I knew that the wallet would be a perfect gift.

Jackson said he wants to buy Norah a "Birth"day gift. I need to take him to the store to pick something out and we can wrap it together. I am thoroughly enjoying watching Jackson talk about things we need to do before she arrives. We have to get a gift, our "0" candle, and cake. This will be a special "Birth" day indeed!!

Thinking about our day, Jackson was an angel during our errands. He went to 4 stores and out to eat with me, all without an accident or fuss. He was pleasant and talkative. We accomplished so much and he took a wonderful nap. (Mommy did too) All in all, it was a splendid day!

Mom's Night Out

I had a lovely time last night with some local moms having adult conversations and all exchanging stories and experiences. Taking time for yourself and adult time really helps you renergize to start a new day with a preschooler! My boy and I are up and ready to spend the morning running errands. I am happy to check off my list of things to do and have a date with my boy. 

Happy Wednesday, everyone!!

Quotes from Jack

Destination: When the GPS on our phones says "you have reached your destination," Jackson finally was able to correctly pronounce the word and let us know from the back seat that we had "reached our destination." We both looked at each other and smiled.

Mechanic: We talk about a mechanic shop a lot, but he has never in his own timing, stated that something need to go to the mechanic. We were reading "The Little Engine That Could" and it said "…and his wheels would not turn." Jackson asked, "Daddy, do they need to take him to the mechanic to get his wheels fixed?" I love how his brain works and remembers our conversations.

Difficult: Jackson was building a fort on the couch with the pillows. They fell down and he said "These pillows are being….(long pause) difficult." It was such a dramatic moment and we both giggled and told him that they were being difficult. I had no idea he knew that word.

Quote of the Day: (7/21/14)
As we were getting out of the car after eating a crumbly snack.
Jackson: "I need to get all these crumbs of my shirt or the birds will want to come and eat them off. That would be crazy."

Sunday, July 25, 2014: 

Driving mini cars on Daddy's legs he talked to himself saying "driving through a grassy field..." Oh, the imagination..

8/5/14

I was feeding Norah in the hospital the day she was born. 

Jack: "Mommy is feeding Norah from her chest. There is milk, water, and orange juice in there. "


8/29/14

Jack: When I was a baby I fell down the stairs and tumbled and blood came out of my head and there's lots of blood.

Me: "Jackson, that did not happen. You did not fall down the stairs. I would've let you know that. Who told you that?

Jack: God.

Quote of the Day

Jackson: (Sneezed 4 times.) 

Daddy: "Why are you sneezing so much?" 

Jackson: "I dunno. I guess I need to get some energy out." 

Jump Drive

Me: We need to go to Staples to get a jump drive.

Jack: What is a jump drive? Do you drive over it with the car? Will we hurt it? 

Oh, how his sweet mind works. He also told me that Staples had a post office inside so we could mail it there. I totally had forgotten about the P.O. Wow! 

Rain

Thank you, God, for watering our garden and flowers for us today.

Family Baby Shower

We had a lovely family baby shower yesterday. Jackson thoroughly enjoyed helping us with opening the gifts and being "Vanna" by showing everyone the gifts. He had such a serious face and would pause to each section of the room. It was quite comical. We enjoyed yummy food, great conversations, and watching the kids play together.

I can't believe my due date is 20 days away!! I am getting more and more excited to meet my girl and snuggle her in my arms!

Delicious Meal

I made an asparagus ground beef sesame stir fry (Pinterest recipe) and (finally) made my zucchini bread! An hour in the kitchen really exhausted my body, but I was happy to have a little energy to feed my family! 

Successful times

Well, Jack napped beautifully yesterday. I completely wore him out at the Splash Pad and playground. Then, he came home and had a successful time at the potty and then went to bed and slept for 13 hours. Then, I wore him out again at the playground this morning. By the time we were on the drive home from Home Depot, he was yawning and telling me he was tired. Score! Again, he got out of bed at nap time and told me he had to go poo poo. Here is hoping for a great nap time today! :)

In other news, I am going to finish up my girl's room today and wash her clothes for the hospital bag! It is becoming more real each day we get closer to the due date! I am looking forward to meeting this active little girl inside my belly!

No nap

Not sure why he likes to completely not nap somedays and other days, he naps for 2-3 hours.  He just rested in his bed for 2 hours. I thought he would give up. Nah....

I guess he will be going to bed early.

Morning Photoshoot

I accepted a photo session gig for a family in need because their photographer couldn't take their photos due to illness. At first, I was like "NO WAY." I am like 3 weeks away from my due date and it is HOT outside. July. yeah. Then, I knew we could use the money and scheduled it early enough that the heat wouldn't be too bad. The Lord provided an even better situation with temps in the 70s! Score! It felt amazing and we all had a great time at the session. I felt so comfortable around the family (all 7 of them) and I look forward to going through all the photos tonight.

I am also determined to make some fresh bread (Gluten free, of course) and some more popsicles for the family. But, first, I think I will take a quick nap! :)

24!

36 weeks

I am making progress on my little girl's arrival. I went to my appointment and I am at 2cm, which is more than I was the day I gave birth to my sweet boy. When my water broke at 8am, I was still at 1 cm. They had to finally induce me at 4pm. So, we are farther along than sweet brother.

The nursery and part of our living room were painted yesterday! I did NOT think that would get done and had already excepted it, but was pleasantly surprised when my parents came down to help accomplish the task and pick up some furniture that needed another home.

Overall, it was a successful couple of days and I am ready to tackle washing my girl's clothes and getting them ready for the hospital bag!

3 weeks and 6 days left!! Meep!

Kisses

Jack has been in a phase for a while of just giving me kisses and hugs anytime he is near me. Kisses on my arm, cheek, on a boo boo, if he accidentally hits you, on my Preggo belly, etc. When I give him a kiss back, he gets this big smile and says "thank you!" In the five love languages, Jack's is definitely "touch."

My sweet boy really knows how to melt your heart! 

Sleeping in....

My parents are here. My son doesn't know it. He is going to flip out when he finally wakes up from him slumber. 

Operation: Paint Baby Room happening today.

Oh, boy!

While reading "The Little Engine That Could" Jackson was listening intently, however, when Ben said "the waiters on the car..." Jackson interrupted and said "Daddy, why are there wieners on the train? Did they go pee pee?" 

Y'all. We had hold in our laughs. Bringing up a boy.....

First Baby Shower

I had my first official baby shower for Norah and I yesterday. It was so sweet and wonderful. I enjoyed conversations and watching new friendships being made. The ladies made bows and headbands for my girl and I can't wait to put them on her little head. I will have to remember that idea for the next baby shower I throw. I am always intimidated by making hair bows and headbands, but the ladies showed me the ropes and it looks like I might be addicted to making her headbands now. :)

The food was all yummy and Gluten Free. (my friends love me so much) My friend also made a delicious punch! I love shower punch!

Norah Kate received a lot of wonderful things that will help her with drooling, snuggling, eating, and dressing. She is going to be one stylin' girl!

I mostly enjoyed hanging out with the ladies and enjoying adult conversations without having to wipe hands and help a potty training toddler to the bathroom. :) hehe

Nightly Chores/House Showing

I have started picking up and cleaning up nightly to make sure everything is ready for the big day. 

I go around and clean as if we had our house on the market. The minute I go to the hospital, I will have tons of visitors coming and going and I want the house clean. 

I am also trying to stay on top of laundry too. That is a chore, but I would rather not bother our parents to do our laundry since the laundry room is in our bedroom. 

I have a few more projects to tackle, but I think I am almost ready. After that....rock and read! 

Better mood

The day did not start so well, but we are having a blast now! Play dough and tickle time really helps the mood. 

6am

I slept from a little after 5am until 6am. Little dude decided it was morning time. 

Mama held out until 6:30 and then turned on a morning show for him. 

What happened? We will be taking an early nap. 

Dark Outside

I heard my son get out of bed. He came and told me (4:30) that he had to go pee pee (wearing his DRY pull-up). That is fantastic considering the night before he woke me up at 11, 3, and 6:30 for random junk. However, 30 minutes later, he woke me up again turning on the hall light and telling me it was morning and Daddy was calling him.  Daddy is at work. And, the flood lights are on....darn flood lights. 

I hope that is the end of our nighttime social hour. 

Zucchini bread

I think I am going to make some bread tomorrow. I am on a kick in the kitchen lately. I guess I should start making freezer meals for my girl's arrival! 

One month

One month until my due date. :-)

bed time booger picking

Jackson always waits until he is in bed to "dig for gold" up his nose. He calls out after 5 minutes telling us he needs a tissue. Today, he was having a hard time getting it out and asked for a Q-tip. Geez! Thankfully, we got his nose all clean and he is sleeping soundly. I think I will nap today too! :)

Birthday Party

Jackson loves celebrating people at Birthday parties! We had a birthday party for Jesus at Christmas. He loves cake, presents, and decorating. 

So, we just decided we would have a birthday party for Norah when she is born. He asked if we could get a cake (including a candle) for her and began to show me how she would eat it. (Like a little mouse or squirrel) I giggled and told him he could eat a piece for her. 

I guess I better fill the grandparents in on this new development. :-)

Post Office Fail

Due to Jack not having a nap, he just fell apart in the middle of the quiet post office line. He wasn't bad, just devastated he couldn't get a treat. They know us too well and spoil my boy. He was sobbing. Sadly, this late in the pregnancy, I could not pick him up. Also, the sweet lady taking care of us put in the wrong zip code and had to start over making the visit more uncomfortable. I remained calm, but I am looking forward to his bedtime tonight. Mama needs a mental break. 

No nap day

We tried for two hours. I give up. I guess we will run errands now.

Packed Hospital Bag

We packed our hospital bags tonight. I still need a couple of things, but it is nice to have a good start to them. Plus, we live two minutes from the hospital. With our first child, we were an hour away from our home. 

I am starting to get nervously excited to meet my girl! 

Quiet time

Boys are sleeping in and I am enjoying the quiet time. 

It is a great way to start my 35th week of pregnancy. 

Kitchen Deep Clean Project

I cleaned out and wiped down the refrigerator.
I wiped down with inside and outside of each of our kitchen cabinets with this method.
I reorganized 2 of our cabinets. The tubberware cabinet is my least favorite, but the one that always seems to need the most help.
I gathered some kitchen items to give away/sell.

I started at 10am and finished at 3pm. (I did take a break for lunch and to hang out with my boys) However, my hubby knew I was on a roll and let me keep going on these projects.

I think I will rest and play the rest of the day. I feel that I have been very productive and can relax when  my mom and mother in law come to cook/help with Norah. I hate to have a messy kitchen where everything is misplaced and unorganized.

Happy Saturday, everyone.

9am

We allowed our son to watch fireworks on a boat for the first time. Best experience!!! We went to bed at 11:30, however, he slept until 9am!! Yes!!!!!

My new favorite kitchen item!

Diaper count

With couponing, gift cards, left over diapers from friends, and cvs dealing, I have been buying diapers since January. I found numerous mommy blogs about how many diapers you need in one year. I know this is a guesstiment, but I love seeing these numbers to help me with Norah's diaper needs. Plus, with Ben going back to school, I love knowing that I won't have to stress over not having diapers in the middle of the night. :-)

After counting all of my diapers, this is the latest number of diapers that I need...whew! 

Size 1 418 more!! 

Size 3 1512 more!!

I finished buying size 2! Yes!!!!

We won't even talk about wipes...I think I might have two packs...opps! 

First Dentist Appointment

Jackson has his first dentist appointment today! I am hoping we get a great check up! 

Splash Pad Fun

Yeah……we will be going back to the Grantville Splash Pad very soon. It was a lot of fun and Jackson enjoyed running around the entire time we were there. He finally ran so much he asked if we could leave he was so tired. A good time was had by all!!!

Success

Dry pull-up all night and got up during nap to go poop! Yes!!

And, sweet little observation today. Jack loves to go to my parents' church at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church when we visit. Today, while riding around town, he saw the Methodist cross and said "look, mommy!!! It is like Nene and G's church!!" He wanted to take them there the next time they visited us. Such an observant little guy! 

Hot

9am walk only lasted 10 minutes. Way too hot to walk. I did attempt it and got my heart rate going. 

Heading to walmart to cool off in the aircon. 

Baby book

I was diligent about printing photos of Jack the first year. However, they never made it into an album. I am checking off my list before baby Norah comes! It took me 3 years to get this album done. Oh, well! At least it will be done. Better late than never. :-)

Baby sleeping

I had to get a quick shower while my boy was sleeping. I have my 34 week appointment today. At the end of my shower, I hear the doorbell ring...then again!!! Ahhhh! It woke him up and he is having a hard time falling back asleep. 

I promptly put a sign on the door and hope that people think before ringing my doorbell during naptime again. If they have my cell number, they should call me. If not, please let my child sleep. :-)

Wet two beds

He is either dehydrated or pees through his nighttime pull-up. 

Last night, he wet his loft bed AND a toddler mattress on the floor. 

There was no way I could change twin sheets on a twin bed 5 feet up in the air. 

No water after 5pm!!! :-)

Happy Tuesday, everyone!