Since I finally figured out how to do an inspiration board (or whatever they're called, these boards that all the interior design websites do nowadays), here's one I've put together for our daughter's nursery!
I'll first mention that we're not going with a theme per se, except to have a room where an imagination can grow. It's a room for a kid, so I think the most appropriate things to have are color, fantasy and fun.
Some things to consider: the picture of the crib is the only one online I can find, and it's lovely with the bedding but obviously that's not the bedding we'll be using. Instead our bedding is from Target, and pictured there to the right of the crib. We're registering for individual sheets and blankets, so it's kind of a mish-mash.
I also was unable to picture some Etsy pictures and wall decals that I've had my eye on, so I'll include some links to those below.
Finally, I want to mention that three walls of the nursery are Behr's Grass Cloth (Green), and the one large wall is Behr's Clear Water (Blue).
Star Wall Decals 1 & Star Wall Decals 2
Tree Picture
Monday, December 21, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
The Answer!
It's a GIRL!!
We are thrilled that we will be welcoming a little girl into our lives this coming May.
We are thrilled that we will be welcoming a little girl into our lives this coming May.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Baby Boy or Baby Girl??
Tomorrow we have our anatomy scan ultrasound, where we'll find out if we're having a girl or a boy!! Hooray!
Our plan is to have the tech write it down and put it in an envelope. Then we'll go someplace private and open it, just husband and me, and find out what we'll be having.
Can't wait!!
Our plan is to have the tech write it down and put it in an envelope. Then we'll go someplace private and open it, just husband and me, and find out what we'll be having.
Can't wait!!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Pregnancy Picture - 17 Weeks
The last picture was at 14 weeks (10/28/09) and looked like this:
My most recent (and impressive!) picture was taken Thanksgiving (11/26/09). I am about 17.5 weeks here:
My most recent (and impressive!) picture was taken Thanksgiving (11/26/09). I am about 17.5 weeks here:
Exciting Upcoming Baby Things
We have two really exciting baby-related things coming up next week:
1. Tuesday is our anatomy ultrasound where we will learn if we are having a girl or a boy!
2. Wednesday is our first Centering Class at the Cooley Dickinson Midwifery Center!
We are super excited about both.
For the ultrasound we've decided that we are going to ask the technician to write the gender down on a piece of paper & put it in an envelope. Husband and I will then go out for lunch where we will open the envelope and finally know which name we can call this little one (Yes! We have the names picked out and have for years now!).
For anyone who does not know what a Centering class is (we didn't), it's prenatal care in a group setting. Because we haven't started yet, my understanding might be off here and there, but this is how I understand this to be:
The origin of these groups were created by the March of Dimes (so I was told) and geared toward lower socio-economical groups to encourage both physical care as well as the sharing and discussion of parenting tips, interests and know-how.
A Centering class group consists of several (7? 8?) expecting couples/singles and will be group led, with one of the Midwives facilitating discussion. That is, we will be often dictating the topics of discussion. The classes take the place of our prenatal office visits right now, so we will also learn to take and record our weight and blood pressure, and we will have a few minutes of private time with the Midwife, and then joing the group discussion. (We can always make a separate appointment for a private, "regular" prenatal appointment if we need to.)
These classes seem like a great way to meet other expecting people (especially since we are new to the area and don't know many people), and learn about new things that might not otherwise come up in a regular visit.
Do you know about Centering classes? I'd love other people's feedback or experiences!
1. Tuesday is our anatomy ultrasound where we will learn if we are having a girl or a boy!
2. Wednesday is our first Centering Class at the Cooley Dickinson Midwifery Center!
We are super excited about both.
For the ultrasound we've decided that we are going to ask the technician to write the gender down on a piece of paper & put it in an envelope. Husband and I will then go out for lunch where we will open the envelope and finally know which name we can call this little one (Yes! We have the names picked out and have for years now!).
For anyone who does not know what a Centering class is (we didn't), it's prenatal care in a group setting. Because we haven't started yet, my understanding might be off here and there, but this is how I understand this to be:
The origin of these groups were created by the March of Dimes (so I was told) and geared toward lower socio-economical groups to encourage both physical care as well as the sharing and discussion of parenting tips, interests and know-how.
A Centering class group consists of several (7? 8?) expecting couples/singles and will be group led, with one of the Midwives facilitating discussion. That is, we will be often dictating the topics of discussion. The classes take the place of our prenatal office visits right now, so we will also learn to take and record our weight and blood pressure, and we will have a few minutes of private time with the Midwife, and then joing the group discussion. (We can always make a separate appointment for a private, "regular" prenatal appointment if we need to.)
These classes seem like a great way to meet other expecting people (especially since we are new to the area and don't know many people), and learn about new things that might not otherwise come up in a regular visit.
Do you know about Centering classes? I'd love other people's feedback or experiences!
Snow Day!
It's a snow day here in the Pioneer Valley!
Easthampton and Northampton Public Schools are closed today, and that rocks. Being a teacher, and a transplant from NYC, a snow day is a new and exciting experience for me.
As I watch the snow fall (and listen to the scraping of my husband shoveling outside), I plan on making my Czech mother in law's awesome chicken soup with liver meatballs (it's much tastier than it sounds!) and then some sweet treats.
Off to cook! Happy Snow Day!
Easthampton and Northampton Public Schools are closed today, and that rocks. Being a teacher, and a transplant from NYC, a snow day is a new and exciting experience for me.
As I watch the snow fall (and listen to the scraping of my husband shoveling outside), I plan on making my Czech mother in law's awesome chicken soup with liver meatballs (it's much tastier than it sounds!) and then some sweet treats.
Off to cook! Happy Snow Day!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Crib Madness!
If you remember from an earlier post, there was a time, a while back, when I was a bit obsessed about what crib we would buy.
Finally my mother sent me an email with a link to a crib that she saw when visiting Albee Baby in NYC, up the block from her apartment.
She said it was nice and came in different finishes, and seemed tall enough for me, etc etc. I looked up the stats on Consumer Reports and it was ranked super high for safety and all that. Although I hadn't seen it in person, my mom had, and that was good enough for me. So I ordered that sucker!
This is good that I've moved past the crib madness, because yesterday there was a giant recall affecting something like 2 million Stork Craft cribs, and today there's a big piece in the Chicago Tribune about the dangers of drop-side cribs (remember I mentioned that?).
And here's the crazy part - we got the crib four days later! I heard that it could take up to 15 weeks, especially because the finish we wanted was all special order. But, no...four days! So now it's sitting in the garage, waiting for us to paint the nursery and then put it together.
Here's a link to the Albee Baby site that lists price and all the details. And here's picture of the crib in the finish
we went with (Chestnut).
Finally my mother sent me an email with a link to a crib that she saw when visiting Albee Baby in NYC, up the block from her apartment.
She said it was nice and came in different finishes, and seemed tall enough for me, etc etc. I looked up the stats on Consumer Reports and it was ranked super high for safety and all that. Although I hadn't seen it in person, my mom had, and that was good enough for me. So I ordered that sucker!
This is good that I've moved past the crib madness, because yesterday there was a giant recall affecting something like 2 million Stork Craft cribs, and today there's a big piece in the Chicago Tribune about the dangers of drop-side cribs (remember I mentioned that?).
And here's the crazy part - we got the crib four days later! I heard that it could take up to 15 weeks, especially because the finish we wanted was all special order. But, no...four days! So now it's sitting in the garage, waiting for us to paint the nursery and then put it together.
Here's a link to the Albee Baby site that lists price and all the details. And here's picture of the crib in the finish
we went with (Chestnut).
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Supernanny?
I finally looked it up and saw that - yes! - Supernanny Jo Frost has parenting books out there.I've find myself drawn to "Supernanny" over the years and especially now that I'm pregnant and planning how I'll raise this one.
So, am I the only first time mom-to-be to be thrilled that Jo Frost has written books? I want to start reading them now!
Being a teacher, I'm all about structure, rules, encouragement and rewards, and I think it's never too early to start implementing them.
Has anyone out there read any of her books? Are they great or overhyped? Let me know!
It Worked!
We heard the heartbeat! Hooray! Friday the 13th is officially our lucky day, I guess.It was amazing, of course, to hear the heartbeat, especially when I'd talked myself into the idea that we'd never hear it. What was also amazing was hearing several "blurps!" which was the baby moving! Our midwife told us we have a very active baby, just as the ultrasound tech told us last time we were there and saw the baby swimming and dancing around. 16 weeks tomorrow, I guess it's just a matter of before I feel those movements firsthand!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Total Eclipse of the Heart(beat)?
We're leaving in 10 minutes for another appointment where we will attempt to hear this baby's heartbeat...
here's hoping he/she cooperates this time!
here's hoping he/she cooperates this time!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Baby Furniture in Western Massachusetts
So, I'm in a bit of an obsessive rut right now, which is focusing on what has become a nearly dreaded word in my house...
the crib.
See, our nursery isn't huge, so I'm looking for a crib that isn't either. I'd like to avoid a huge, hulking crib that takes up the whole room. That's why I think we'll go with white, too, because it's not as heavy looking as some dark wood (though of course my husband prefers Cherry, which is pretty, but...)
And then there's the other issues:
- Should it be convertible? (And if so, how convertible? To a toddler bed? To a full size bed for adults? Oy.)
- Should it have a drop side? (After talking with a good friend who had a baby 6 months ago and who did a ton of preparatory research, the answer is no... drop sides have been more related to incidents of SIDS and apparently Toys 'R Us has even stopped selling drop side cribs. That makes that decision pretty easy.)
There's a lot going on here. And least of all - other than Babies 'R Us in Holyoke, I don't know where else to look for baby furniture.
I'm on the hunt. I'll let you know what I find!
the crib.
See, our nursery isn't huge, so I'm looking for a crib that isn't either. I'd like to avoid a huge, hulking crib that takes up the whole room. That's why I think we'll go with white, too, because it's not as heavy looking as some dark wood (though of course my husband prefers Cherry, which is pretty, but...)
And then there's the other issues:
- Should it be convertible? (And if so, how convertible? To a toddler bed? To a full size bed for adults? Oy.)
- Should it have a drop side? (After talking with a good friend who had a baby 6 months ago and who did a ton of preparatory research, the answer is no... drop sides have been more related to incidents of SIDS and apparently Toys 'R Us has even stopped selling drop side cribs. That makes that decision pretty easy.)
There's a lot going on here. And least of all - other than Babies 'R Us in Holyoke, I don't know where else to look for baby furniture.
I'm on the hunt. I'll let you know what I find!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
14 Week Baby Bump
Here's my 14 week picture. I'm starting to show a bit! I wasn't the skinniest to begin with, but I'm fairly confident that the bump that's starting to show is baby and not ice cream and Halloween candy (*I hope!*).
I think I'll do a bump pic every two weeks, so maybe we can see a difference from picture to picture.
And tomorrow I am taking my first prenatal yoga class! I'm a little nervous, because I've never taken a yoga class before, only done it in my own home following some yoga cds. I hope it's great and I don't embarrass myself!
I think I'll do a bump pic every two weeks, so maybe we can see a difference from picture to picture.And tomorrow I am taking my first prenatal yoga class! I'm a little nervous, because I've never taken a yoga class before, only done it in my own home following some yoga cds. I hope it's great and I don't embarrass myself!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Body Pillow
I want a body pillow. A snoogle, a boppy, whatever.
I'm researching. Do you have a favorite, one to recommend? Remember, I'm new at this, I'd love to know!!
And yes, it might be early for me to be looking, but I already sleep holding a pillow by my side, I feel I might as well get a fancy one now! But some are pricey and I don't want to get something that will end up being a waste!
I'm researching. Do you have a favorite, one to recommend? Remember, I'm new at this, I'd love to know!!
And yes, it might be early for me to be looking, but I already sleep holding a pillow by my side, I feel I might as well get a fancy one now! But some are pricey and I don't want to get something that will end up being a waste!
12 Week Ultrasound
Actually, this is 11 weeks and 4 days.
Our midwife tried to hear the heartbeat through a doppler at 9 weeks 4 days... but couldn't.
She'd warned us that would probably be the case, but arranged another appointment at 11 weeks 4 days to try again.
And, again, it didn't work.
She wasn't nervous, and I wasn't (that) nervous, but she had us go over to get an ultrasound so everyone would be happy and not full of anxiety.
And there was our baby! That little wiggle worm - which is what we call her/him now - was moving around SO MUCH that it's no wonder we couldn't hear the heartbeat!
That baby was jumping! And swimming! And dancing! And waving!
And then the baby calmed down enough to let us get this perfect profile picture of her/him.
What a profile! The baby's the size of a large plum right about now, and those facial details look so well formed already!!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Our First Baby Purchase!
After our midwife appointment last week, we went shopping!
I thought it would be great for Andy (my awesome husband) to pick out a little something - our first little something! - for the baby.
After all, I know I'm pregnant because I am the one who goes back and forth between feeling fat, grossly nauseous and amazingly awesome due to the little bugger in me. I'm aware of it constantly.
But Andy, the poor guy, he only knows I'm pregnant because I tell him I am. Sure, we have a couple ultrasound pictures, but he's kind of removed from the whole thing.
So, the idea for him to be the one to pick out a nice little thang for our sweet baby.
Of course, we don't know the gender yet, but we found a super cute unisex onesie at Essentials in Northampton that cost wayyy too much, and is way too cute. Since it's our first purchase, we thought we'd splurge. (And never again spend $35 on a onesie!!)
I thought it would be great for Andy (my awesome husband) to pick out a little something - our first little something! - for the baby.
After all, I know I'm pregnant because I am the one who goes back and forth between feeling fat, grossly nauseous and amazingly awesome due to the little bugger in me. I'm aware of it constantly.
But Andy, the poor guy, he only knows I'm pregnant because I tell him I am. Sure, we have a couple ultrasound pictures, but he's kind of removed from the whole thing.
So, the idea for him to be the one to pick out a nice little thang for our sweet baby.
Of course, we don't know the gender yet, but we found a super cute unisex onesie at Essentials in Northampton that cost wayyy too much, and is way too cute. Since it's our first purchase, we thought we'd splurge. (And never again spend $35 on a onesie!!)
Monday, October 5, 2009
Prenatal Yoga, Yo
After I found out I'm all knocked up and such (10 weeks +!!) and I knew that I wanted to do prenatal yoga.
I've done yoga videos (er, DVDs, I mean...I might've just dated myself and revealed my 31 years) before, but I've never taken a class. I knew this was the push I needed to finally get my sorry ass into a yoga studio.
I was also feeling excited about prenatal yoga because I'm new to the area, and would love to meet other awesome people, possibly pregnant chicks, like me. Who live around here. In Easthampton. Or Northampton. Or Southampton. Somewhere around here. Even Amherst. I'm not too picky.
But the only yoga studios I've found only offer prenatal yoga once a week, if at all, and always at about 5:30, which is right when I get off work, thus making it impossible for me to get there on time.
Luckily, my job days/hours change as of November 1st, so I've already arranged my schedule to make me available for classes.
But, goodness, I'm surprised that I didn't find any prenatal yoga classes during the day anywhere around here in the Pioneer Valley.
Anyone else have a similar dilemma? Or know of a yoga studio that I might have missed?
Sunday, October 4, 2009
I'm New and I'm Pregnant
Hi there.
About me:
I live in Easthampton, MA.
I'm 10 weeks pregnant today.
I'm due on May 2, 2010.
I'm pretty sure I conceived the baby (with the help of that guy, my husband) on Sunday, August 8th.
I'm planning on having the baby at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. I am using their Midwifery Center. So far I'm totally digging their midwives.
My first sign that I was pregnant was many instances of intense dizziness.
Since then, I've experienced serious nausea (yet only one instance of vomiting - hooray!), sore boobs, vivid dreams and massive amounts of fatigue.
The morning sickness has been gone for about 4 or 5 days now... for good, I hope.
Things I've craved:
potatoes, brisket, salt & vinegar potato chips, sour pickles, rice pudding, chicken livers.
We think the baby will be a boy.
No real science behind that... I just have some friends who just had/are having girls, and I figure, someone's gotta supply the boys.
I look forward to sharing this experience here on this blog. I hope you'll come back!
About me:
I live in Easthampton, MA.
I'm 10 weeks pregnant today.
I'm due on May 2, 2010.
I'm pretty sure I conceived the baby (with the help of that guy, my husband) on Sunday, August 8th.
I'm planning on having the baby at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. I am using their Midwifery Center. So far I'm totally digging their midwives.
My first sign that I was pregnant was many instances of intense dizziness.
Since then, I've experienced serious nausea (yet only one instance of vomiting - hooray!), sore boobs, vivid dreams and massive amounts of fatigue.
The morning sickness has been gone for about 4 or 5 days now... for good, I hope.
Things I've craved:
potatoes, brisket, salt & vinegar potato chips, sour pickles, rice pudding, chicken livers.
We think the baby will be a boy.
No real science behind that... I just have some friends who just had/are having girls, and I figure, someone's gotta supply the boys.
I look forward to sharing this experience here on this blog. I hope you'll come back!
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