Brenna's Room

When searching all the department stores, Wal-Mart, and Target for the perfect bedding and nursery decor left me wanting something else, I almost gave up. Justin is extremely against too much pink, and I didn't know that I would be able to stomach a completely pink room for long term. I didn't want a theme that Brenna would grow out of quickly or bedding that had too many characters or a loud pattern. Needless to say, I was being rather picky!

When Justin and I walked into our local baby specialty store, their window display immediately grabbed my attention. It was set up with bedding and accessories that were in muted red, blue, and yellow. The patterns were classic and not too loud. I had fallen in love!

The bedding colors inspired the theme for the nursery, Wizard of Oz. As I quickly tell people when they ask about the nursery, I don't mean that it has a theme as my childhood Rainbow Brite bedroom had. (ie: bedding, curtains, vanity skirt, etc...All with a colorful Rainbow Brite character) As you can see in the photos, there are a few Wizard of Oz touches.

Athens Shower

Baby B is so well loved already, I don't know that she will be able to stand it when she finally meets everyone. Yesterday, my Athens friends threw us a Wizard of Oz themed couple's shower. It was perfect! They all pooled there flying monkeys, munchins, and Dorothy memrabilia and had Renata's house all yellow brick roaded out! All of the the guests seemed to have a great time. There was mingling among different circles of friends, Olympic speed skating cheering, guitar hero playing, lots of present opening, funny baby picture mixing, and general fun had by all. I hope that everyone knows how much we appreciate all the wonderful gifts. A special thank you so much to the hostesses: Kendra, Renata, Julie, and Amy. You girls rock!

A slight panic was aroused on Friday when the weather decided to drop 3-4 inches of snow on Athens. Luckily, my mom arrived before it started on Friday. We were able to get in some much needed Nana reminiscing time about my birth and reading of my baby book! She wrote so many sweet things! I had to run out a get Baby B her baby book today! Even though we were apprehensive if they were going to make it, Justin's mom, dad, and nephew braved the snow and made it to the shower! Both sets of future grandparents stayed with us Saturday night. Our new house was surprisingly well equipped for th crowd.

Paisley February Giveaway!!!
Some friends of mine from college own a gift and monogramming store in Cleveland, TN. They are doing a free giveaway. Read below for more details.

Up for grabs is an interchangeable stamp from PSA Essentials!



From paying bills to invitations you can put your PSA stamp to use and make a plain envelope look personalized. Great to use on note cards or stationery.
We are giving away 1 PSA stamp to a lucky reader this month and it could be YOU!

All you have to do to enter is comment on Paisley's Blog:

1. Leave a comment and tell us how you found out about Paisley.

2. For a second chance to win, post about this giveaway on your blog but be sure to come back and comment by giving us your website.

3. Become our friend on Facebook! Of course, you have to come back and comment again that you are a fan!

That’s 3 easy ways to enter to win! Please don’t forget to let us know each time you do one of the above, we want to make sure you all have plenty of chances!

We are also going to throw in a NEW peel and stick set for your stamp. This is great for Easter, Spring and Mother’s Day that are just around the corner!

So head on over to Paisley's blog and enter up to 3 times for your chance to win! The winner will be announced on February 22nd! Good luck!

Surprise Baby Shower

Yesterday, I invited some friends over to see my house, Brenna's room in progress, and to catch up. Little did I know, they had been scheming behind my back to turn the whole thing into a baby shower for Brenna! I was totally shocked. I have never been surprised before and thought it was perfect. The girls brought flowers, appetizers, drinks (preggo-friendly and adult-fun), dessert, and gifts.

Another added addition was the three baby girls that celebrated with us! Marion's granddaughter, one- year old Riley, was a total surprise. She toddled around, being the only walker at the moment, and helped me find all the areas that weren't walking-baby proof. Maeve, 11 months old, was the bow snatcher and ahead in the teeth department. Caroline, our red headed vixen at about 8 months, socialized and visited with all the other girls. I kept picturing my little one that will soon be able to join the party. I can't wait for her to meet the other girls!!

To all the ladies that contributed and schemed, thank you so very much!!

Room Preparations and More

Justin and I realized this weekend that we are down to the single digits on the week countdown. That is truly amazing! It has all gone by so fast. Do I think we are ready for Baby B to get here? NO! I am sure that you never feel completely ready, but we definitely still have a lot on the TO DO list.

We have accomplished the milestone of putting the crib together and Baby B's Ikea shelves are up and ready to be filled. Today, I completed the art pieces I wanted to do for the nursery. Her Wizard of Oz theme is in full swing with ruby slippers, the lion, the scarecrow, and the tin man. Justin asked me which one I thought would be her favorite. He decided the scarecrow, because he was Dorothy's favorite. I asked how he knew that and he said, "She says that she is going to miss him the most of all..." I love my husband! Ha!

Justin had his first track meeting today. The life of being a coaches wife continues... I thought that it was very interesting when I asked him how it went, the only thing he told me they talked about was how he was going to need his own transportation home from out of town meets. I like where his head is! The kids ride a bus and need coaches. His staff (which happens to be made up of some of our closest Athens buddies) made sure that there would be at least one seperate vehicle that could leave if Baby B decides its time.

Below are a few of the art pieces for Baby B's room and the building of the bed. When I get everything complete, I will post more.


Zeus and Odin really tried to help!

Holidays 2009

We had an extremely eventful holiday break! We spent a week away from home, then returned to Athens to move to a new home. I think every minute that we spent out of school was full of activity. As you can imagine, Baby B and I were very worn down.

Justin and I laughed because we defintely are in the stage of life where babies are involved. Within a week, we were able to see many friends and family that we don't get to visit with on a regular basis. Four of these visits included new additions to the families of infants and toddlers. I love babies and enjoy seeing the new parents way of dealing with whatever situation comes up! I learn so much from my friends and there new expertise everytime I am around them.

The family time that we spent was definitely special. We began our visit in Nashville with my mom. When we're together we can't help but look at all the little outfits and plan, plan, plan for our rapidly growing addition! It is beneficial to me to hear her reminise about her pregnancy and what I was like as an infant and toddler. While visiting with Mom, we were able to squeeze in a visit with "My Mary" and her new husband Eric. It was wonderful to see them and show off the belly!

I am writing this during my 1/2 day off for the Glucose test. My time has now run out...I will write more ASAP about our busy, but wonderful holiday!

Crib Purchase

When we were securely in our sixth month, Justin and I decided to register for Baby B's future needs. We had fun at Target with "the gun." I love all the little shoes, baby bottle debates, and super soft everything. Thanks to several of my experienced mommy friends and their baby spreadsheets the process was virtually painless. After Target, we went to the local baby specialty store "just to look around..." and found that they were having a major sale. When we saw the Emily crib and realized it was on sale, we had to scoop it up. Now we have a crib for our Baby B, but lack currently lack the house to put it in. (We will be moving between Christmas and New Years.) For the girl that had her wedding dress before the engagement, I think this is completely appropriate!

Unfortunately, when we went to pick up Baby B's future sleeping space, it would not fit in our car. Justin thinks that is the signal that he needs a new truck. Isn't it always something...Ha!