Henry's Room

Henry's room is tiny and probably my favorite room in the house.  It was my office and coat closet and kept this identity when Chris moved in after the wedding last summer.  Around Easter, we started making the transition from office to baby room.  So weird.  Our computer was moved into the living room and I was forced to get rid of some clothes (and my sweet in laws are currently housing our winter coats, we will cross that bridge when we get there).  

Chris surprised me while I was away on Palm Sunday weekend and painted the room.  We had already purchased the crib, so of course as soon as I got home, it was a must to put it up.  Since the room is so tiny, storage is huge.  We found this crib on walmart.com of all places and I love the drawer under the crib.  This is great storage for his extra sheets, changing pad cover, blankets, and a few other odds and ends.  

We went rounds on what to hang above his crib.  Lots of prints?  A few prints?  Random pictures?  Just words?  We decided on a sweet line from Where the Wild Things Are, a tiger (of course), and a fun lyric from an Elton John song.  My dear friend Jenny put these prints together for us, as well as the print on the peg board.  I found this mobile from Wee Gallery.  You can spend a fortune on mobiles and when I read about them, you really are only supposed to have them up for a few months.  Didn't seem worth it to me.  I also read that the first few weeks a baby focuses in on black and white, so this seemed fitting not only for the colors of the room, but because we are all about eye care in this household.  If he doesn't like it, we didn't break the bank.  

Next up was the dresser.  My friend Nancy had painted a dresser in this fashion for her nursery and I fell in love.  My parents found this dresser at an auction and it is the perfect dimensions for a changing table.  We attempted to just paint the knobs white, that was a disaster.  So, off to Lowe's it was.  I think it turned out pretty darn cute.

I found the idea of putting a peg board above the changing table on pinterest (of course).  This is a great way to hold a few diapers without taking up any additional space and a fun background for a few special pieces.  I love the verse we chose to put on the board.  A constant reminder of how we hope Henry will be raised.  I have toyed with the idea to add a mobile on the peg board, but I haven't found anything I love and I am not the most creative being in the world.

The little book shelves were found at a garage sale by my mom.  Fifty cents each!  We sanded them and added some paint.  They are the perfect size to house some "special books" that can be easily reached.  

The shelves were already around the top of the room and I decided to keep them.  Henry has several books already and I wanted to display them as well as a place for his stuffed animals. There is still a hole that we can fill with some random toys or storage boxes if needed.  My favorite item on this shelf is Chris' childhood stuffed animal, Lenny the Lion.  He no longer looks like a lion.  His Grams was very sweet to get us a "Big Lenny" at our family shower.  I am sure Big Lenny will get his fair share of love.

Kind of dark, but I think you get the picture.

Chris also vamped up Henry's closet for him.  It used to just have one bar up top.  Chris added the shelf and another bar in order to be able to hang more clothing.  Down low we have a shoe storage shelf with boxes for bath toys, chew toys, pacifiers, etc.  Jasper discovered Henry's Sophie the giraffe one day and will now go back and scratch at the door in search of his friend.  We are going to have to watch him when we actually start using Sophie.  

My favorite piece of the entire room is the rug.  It is so bold and fun.  The little step stool was an auction find from mom and the pillow cases were made by a friend, Chrissy.  I was so sad the room was going to be too small for a rocking chair, I still wanted a comfy place to sit.  So, I thought the pillows would be nice if we were wanting to play in his room or for a late night feeding. 

And there you have it!  I am sure there are odds and ends I might add over the next few weeks prior to his arrival, but it is basically finished!  I love how cozy it is and I cannot wait to tuck the little guy into bed on his first night home.  

35 Weeks

Five weeks or less, FIVE WEEKS OR LESS!!!  This makes me giddy with excitement.  While I know I will go through stages of missing peace and quiet in this home, I am ready to meet my boy.  We will go in for an ultrasound at 38 weeks and hope at that time have a better time frame in mind for when he will arrive.  

This summer has been drastically different than most.  Makes me laugh at times.  While I normally am go, go, go and want to be outside as much as possible so I am sun kissed rather than Casper like, my air conditioned home is my refuge.  I have been puttering around the house a lot, avoiding the heat and when I have to get out to run errands or what have you, I am miserable when I am finished.  I kind of miss mowing the lawn and have thought several times about joining my neighbors in placing an above ground pool in the front yard...

I was looking back at pictures from 20 weeks or so and laughed at how small I was compared to now.  I remember crying to Chris about being so large, now it is just a joke.  I can only imagine what I will look like when I actually head into the hospital.  I have had several comments that I look small for 35 weeks, I think these people know how to humor a pregnant lady.  

Henry continues to be active and his movements are becoming much more painful.  We both like to spread out, so whenever I have the chance, I am back in my room, laying on the bed.  This is where I do my reading and papers for work and have been known to eat a few lunches back there.  Sitting doesn't last long these days.

While I find myself complaining at times about my back aching, my feet being large, my knuckles hurting in the morning (seriously, I feel like I have claws), or just the fact that bending over takes a huge effort, I realize we are beyond blessed.  We have survived 35 weeks.  I have a sweet friend who is on bed rest at the hospital right now with her little man who wanted to make an appearance 11 weeks early.  She will stay there until the doctors feel it is safe or momma's body can't take it anymore.  I sit with Henry and pray over this sweet family daily and tell little man that he can stay in for a while longer if he needs to chunk up some more.  

Five weeks and counting.

Yes I had a mom to be moment about three weeks ago and cut off 5 inches of hair.  I miss my long hair, but love this length as well.  

A Baby Shower

A little over a year ago I was writing about my wonderful wedding showers, now I get to post about baby showers.  God's timing is funny at times.  

About a month ago (I know, way behind on the blog front), my amazing sister planned and threw me a beautiful shower.  She had help from my mom, sweet friend Danavee, mother in law, and Grandma Arnold helped with the food.  I have mentioned that my sister starting thinking about my shower from the time I announced I was pregnant, if you attended I am sure the details proved this fact.  

It was perfect.

She found several cute children's books and had a bed time story themed shower.  SO CUTE!  Each book had a coordinating food and there was quite the spread.  I received my pack in play which was all set up and gifts were placed inside, my mom made some cute mobiles which were hung, the table had a pillow and sheet like a bed, a chalkboard was hung on the front door saying, "Shhhhh", I opened my gifts from a rocking chair, it was just amazing.  Several family and friends came and Henry was spoiled rotten.  

Here are a few pictures of the shower (thank you Tammi for taking these).  I wish I would have thought to have gotten some more prior to everyone getting there and I am so sad I didn't get a picture with my sister and mom.  Take my word for it though, cutest baby shower!!!

My cute niece Kharis added the mouth to the fruit baby all on her own.

Delicious cake!!  We have a large piece frozen to eat once Henry comes home.

The glass, vintage baby bottles were a huge hit.

Kharis was a big help opening all of the gifts.

  Thanks Katie!!!!

Some More Fun News

I shared this information over a week ago on twitter, but most of my twitter peeps are church folk so I thought it would be time to share it on other social media avenues.

If you recall, my husband Chris has been working at a local VA for his residency this past year.  The experience has allowed him to grow more as a doctor, learn more, and provide a year for me of wondering what's the next step for our growing family.  Back in January we started to pray seriously about what that next step would be.  I knew it was still very early for him to have a job lined up (his residency ends next Friday so at the time, a good 5-6 months to go), but I am a bigger picture person and wanted to start discussing our options.  

The months flew by and before we knew it, April had arrived.  The job seeking had begun, but nothing was promising.  I of course became anxious, Chris was cool as a cucumber.  In May Chris was contacted by two potential jobs for interviews and spoke with both in a week's time.  I laugh about this because the week prior Chris had started searching for options in other towns (Kansas City and St. Louis, I think he even spoke with the school in OK?).  It was my way of knowing God was saying, hold on a minute, Springfield is where you are supposed to be.

After a few late nights for me of over analyzing every angle and Chris being at total peace about his decision, Chris has a new job which will begin July 2nd!!!!  

Chris will be the new doc at Sunshine Eye Clinic.  From very early on in our relationship we discussed long term goals for ourselves as individuals.  I remember him specifically speaking about how much he desired to be in a private practice.  The freedom and opportunities that could come from it and he mentioned Sunshine specifically.  A few years down the road, this desire has become a reality.  

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4

Still a work in progress of learning how to "Delight myself in the Lord", but this step in life has been a huge blessing of how He does provide the desires of our heart in His timing and perfect way. 

So, if your eyes are bothering you or if you are in need of an eye exam, be sure to look Chris up.  He's pretty swell in my opinion.  

 

Baby Overload

I haven't posted about baby since week 25...  I am now at week 31.  Yeah, sorry bout that.

Things have been hectic around here and while I will post about all that jazz in another all by itself post (because most of it is exciting), priorities have shifted over the past few weeks as well.  I try to not be at the computer very often.  I treasure my times where I can keep my nose in a book, go on a walk, go for lunch with a friend, and mostly spend time with Chris.  I think I have 5 posts that I never published over the past few weeks?  Just didn't seem important enough.  But, dear Jenny called me out and I shall deliver, ha!

Here are some pics through the past weeks.  Before I expose though, what is your FAVORITE makeup?  I thought I hit the motherload with the last kind I tried, but in pictures it looks terrible.  I know my hair is a crazy mess as well.  I go in this week to remedy that.  While I don't think my hair has grown fast, it has taken on a mind of its own during this pregnancy.  Not to mention the fact I hate blow drying my hair, hate.  

Enough with the vanity, here are some pics.

Week 26

Week 27

Week 28

Week 29

Week 30

Week 31

 A few more observations after seeing these pics... Chris needs to make sure my eyes aren't all weird before dismissing me from the door, I really like my navy tank right now, and my bangs need a good cut.

Anywho, back to Henry...

In the past several weeks the little man has mastered having hiccups.  The child hiccups all of the time.  One of my nurses says she feels it helps his diaphragm and vocal cords develop, another sign that I am in fact carrying a Boschen (they are a loud bunch).  He also can move so hard that a few things have been moved off of the belly (books, Jasper has been annoyed a time or two, etc.).  He can put on quite the show in the evening of rolls and jabs.  He is a strong guy.

At 28 weeks I had the wonderful gestational diabetes test... I failed by 6 points.  So, I had to endure the three hour test the following week.  They take four readings total, if you fail in two or more you are diagnosed.  I failed by one point in one reading and I think 15 in another.  So, I received a phone call the day before 29 weeks informing me I did in fact have gestational diabetes.  I won't bore you with the drama, aka melt down, that took place after that phone call.  However, what this means is I am now on a fairly strict diet (good bye most carbs) for the remainder of the pregnancy.  I also get to see a specialist now along with my regular doctor appointments.  While this freaks me out and honestly angers me at times (I feel like I've done something wrong, even though there is nothing that can prevent it), all is well.  I have a wonderful doctor who is very level headed (he doesn't fill my head with fear and anxiety that something will be wrong, but rather ensures me that all will be fine and Henry is healthy).  My specialist is extremely conservative and doesn't fret too much either.  PLUS I have a live in doctor who, even though he is an eye doctor, is pretty encouraging and knows we are doing everything we are being told to do and trusts that we are fine (helps to have someone who really isn't a fan of WebMD and looking up every possible bad thing that could happen by your side).  

As an up side to all of this I have ultrasounds much more frequently and was able to see the little guy at 30 weeks.  He is weighing in at a very healthy 3 pounds 14 ounces and while he is measuring a tad bigger than what is "normal" to me I think that sounds pretty darn good.  We will get to see him again at 34 weeks and I think every week after that.  If I get any good pictures, I will be sure to post them.  They were pretty blurry this last time.

The sweet residents who work with Chris at the VA down in Arkansas threw Henry boy a surprise shower this past week.  When he texted me I giggled and got a little misty eyed.  Chris got to be showered with some baby gifts for his little man and I bet it was a pretty sweet sight to see.  

Next Saturday is my family/friend shower at my mom's house.  My sister will fly in on Sunday and I am anxious to see what she has planned out for this event.  She has been excited for this shower since we announced we were expecting, crazy that it is already here.

We have kind of held off on Henry's room for now until we at least get through next weekend's shower.  I still hope to complete my to do list by mid to end of July, just waiting to see what all we get.  

So, there you have it.  We are all healthy and anxious for the next nine weeks to FLY by.  

I joked with Chris the other night that neither one of us have been hit by the "oh crap we are going to be parents and a little baby is going to actually LIVE IN OUR HOME" bug, but that's ok.  I don't see a panic attack anywhere in the near future.  I'll be sure to let you know, that would be pretty comical.

Hooray it's Friday!

So, let's see if I can get back in to this blog routine shall we?  

This past week has been full of fun times, FULL OF 'EM!  Hard to narrow it down to just five.

1.  My sister's dear family got into town this past Friday.  Katie and Brian were able to stay with us until Monday before heading up to KC (my brother in law donated his kidney to his father, surgery went well, he is doing great, seems heartless to include this in a parenthesis and with so many commas, but I am very proud of Brian and Katie for the selfless decision they made and am so very, very thankful everything is going well and pray it will continue to do so).  The two little people, Kharis and Ben, are headed up to KC tomorrow, so they have been with us ALLLLL week.  More on that in a few, back to my weekend with my sister.  I adore her and love seeing her.  We were able to finish up my registry, she gave me some pointers on baby room, we drank lots of Starbucks, AND she brought Henry a LOAD of stuff.  Hand-me-downs are awesome.

2.  This past Sunday was Mother's Day.  While baby Henry is still tucked away in my belly, it was an overwhelming day to be recognized as a mom.  Chris got me the Bible study I have been eye balling and a Sonic card for some treats.  My mom gave me a fun clutch that can be thrown into the diaper back and holds all the essentials (phone, debit card, cash, and keys).  And Chris' parents gave me some spending money to do whatever I desire with (I bought a pair of shorts and two shirts).  Fun day indeed.

Can't cuddle with Henry this Mother's Day, Jasper was a good substitute though.

3.  Tuesday was my birthday.  I took the day off and headed to the zoo with my mom and the little ones.  SO FUN!  We fed the giraffes, went to the petting zoo, saw the snakes...  The only downfall was that every school seemed to be there to survive the end of the year.  The little ones were fine, the junior high kids... good gravy (don't get me wrong, I think junior high kids are hilarious, but those without manners you just want to sit on).  Chris surprised me with a Kindle Touch and a stream of texts throughout the day of memories over the past three years.  He also got off work early and helped out with the kiddos, that guy is great.  Kharis made me a beautiful cake and mom made me breakfast for dinner (my favorite).  Great day.

Need to finish my 800 page book my friend Natalie got me hooked on then on to my first ebook!

I will post some pics of Kharis is another post.  The girl is busy and rarely stops for a photo.  Ben is the same, but you can entice him with food.  He was all for sitting on my lap for some birthday cake.

4.  I ordered a rug for Henry's room.  Here is a picture of it from another blogger who used it in her nursery.  It is loud and I love it.  Will be interesting to see how it works in the room, but I don't care.  We were looking for something with black in it because we haven't incorporated any black accents and when I saw this...  how could one resist?

Source

5.  Monday I was also able to start back up with my gal pals and our Bachelorette watch parties.  We attempt to do this every summer and it is so much fun to know you get to see everyone at least once a week.  Now that I am not teaching, my time with some of these ladies has changed drastically and I miss them so.  Snack foods are brought, commentary is made, and laughs are shared.  Good times, good times.  Danavee was the only bright one who took pics of our first party.

Really good week overall!  My dear teacher friends are all bragging about getting out of school this week or next.  Yeah, yeah, yeah.  One thing I do miss about teaching are those nice summer breaks.  However, hopefully I will be able to see my kiddos during the day over the summer and not work so late into the evenings.  Maternity leave starts 13 weeks from today!  Happy Friday all you cool cats!

 

Baby Update

Good gravy it has been a while.  That's what a good book, client overload, a mound of paperwork, and a mile long to do list will get you.  It has been a hectic few weeks up in here and any creative juices I would have put towards the blog have been trumped by my avoidance to sit down at the computer (I am currently 12 case notes behind, much better than my 30 number which was last week).  

But, baby Henry and I are doing great and the boy is growing.  I had my 24 week check up last week and he gave the nurse his typical kick and a good strong heart beat.  Sources say little man is nearing two pounds and I have been told by more than one person that if I were to have him now, he would have a good chance of survival (seriously, who tells a pregnant lady that, but it is comforting... I guess).  

Henry is a big time mover and it has become a nightly ritual to watch my stomach move.  Pretty weird and hysterical all at the same time.  He tends to be pretty quiet while I work, which I am thankful for.  He perks up when I am laying down at night or early in the morning, hope this isn't a sign for what is to come.

I have been trying to be more active and cautious of what I put in my pie hole lately (as a result of my weigh in last week).  Popsicle are the new craze (the all fruit kind) and walking is my new game.  The weirdo trainer guy at the gym continues to approach me when I come in and cheer me on for "keeping up the good work" and promises to "motivate me until week 40".  I need to find out his schedule and avoid him.

Henry's little room got a peg board this week above his changing table.  Pinterest is full of ideas and I jumped on this one.  This will be used to hold his little diapers, perhaps a framed item, and any other essentials needed at the changing table.  It looks pretty cute.  The rest of his bedding should be in this week, it was back ordered until June so this is exciting.  We still need to find him a rug, a few floor pillows, build some bookshelves, order and print three or four wall hangings, and I tracked down a mobile to hang.  That's nothing, right?  After that check list is complete it will be a wait until showers period to fill in all of the holes.  Kid's gonna be spoiled.

And now, the long awaited pictures, I know you've been on pins and needles.  Chris has been taking my pictures in the evenings so my make up is worn off and I have that look of "please just let me put on sweat pants".  But, they serve their purpose.

Week 23

Week 24

Week 25

 Hopefully I will be back sooner than later to fill you in on all the non-baby things happening in our neck of the woods.  My sister, brother in law, niece and nephew come in today for a week long visit.  I am overly excited to have some sister time and seeing the sweet faces of my two babes helps, too.  For now, it is off to the DMV (or DAV as I so often refer to it), to update my license aka birthday is coming up, ha.