Manning Up, Redefined

So I'm recently back in the game after taking a few months off to have our baby. It's surprising how long it takes for the brain to readjust after having been reduced to doing nothing but reminding you to feed baby, change baby, feed baby, change baby.

Not only were our lives changed by the fact that we are now 3, but the hubs decided to quit his icky day job and take on a new profession: stay-at-home dad. I went a bit crazy the three weeks I was alone with Bean; how in the world would he do it full-time?

Well, I'll tell ya how he does it: beautifully, methodically, effortlessly, patiently, lovingly.

Never in my life have I known a man to sacrifice as much as he does to raise our daughter. Not that he was a fan of long meetings or being stuck behind a desk all day, neither am I for that matter, but I'm just cut from a different cloth. It takes a certain person to devote what he does to a child.

He chose to stay at home with our daugther, and I just thank my lucky stars that I chose him.

Poof, just like that.

Well, hello there Mr. Blog. It's been a while...a loooong while, but I promise my absence is not without reason. While I was away, I accomplished quite a feat.

Rewind to Tuesday, June 1: We go to what we soon learn will be my last OB appointment.
Doc: "Well, you're a week overdue and it doesn't look like she's coming on her own. Time to do this thing!"
Me (deathly afraid of being induced): "I think we could wait a few more days. I'm sure she'll come on her own time, and I'm completely comfortable (lie)."
Doc: "See you tonight at 6 pm!"
Me (Big swallow, big breath): "OK..."

We make a reservation with the hospital, which is the strangest thing I've ever done. "Yes, I'd like a room for two, make that three, with a big bathtub, and a rocking chair. And don't forget the transformer bed!"

Throughout my pregnancy I had dreams of what the big day would be like. How would I know I was in labor? How long would I labor at home before heading in? How fast would the hubs drive to the hospital? Would he take the route I wanted? Well, I never had to worry about any of this because this girl was not coming out on her own. Why should she? She had a great menu of tasty foods and a nice warm bed...what more could a girl want?

Fast-forward to June 2 at 11:55 p.m.: Yes, you read that right...31 hours after checking into the hospital, our beautiful little Bean was born. To say that I "labored" is an understatement, but so is saying that it was worth it. I never could've imagined what she brings to my life.

So now I'm a mom! Poof, just like that. I have so much to share so stay tuned for posts on everything from nursery design to look-at-what-my-kid-can-do...and the occasional papery post :)

We're Having a Baby...Time to Party!

I know it's non-traditional to design your own baby shower invites, but I couldn't resist! Thank you, Courtney and Bkah, for kindly obliging your very pregnant and hormonal friend. We can't wait to gather with friends and family to celebrate our little Bean.

Living in a Twirling World

OK, for some reason (I'm guessing it has something to do with the fact that my favorite color is black), once we found out we were having a girl, I took a stance that I would not be the mother who dressed her daughter in bows bigger than her head or in ridiculous tutus. Fastforward a few months and here I am, perusing the adorable goods of a local artist/mom/entrepreneur, ooohing and awwwing over the cutest petticoats and rhinestone-encrusted beanies. Yes, I have traveled to the glittery side...and I liked it.

With that, I'd like to give a shout out to Stephanie's Wonderland, a local business operated by a mother of two that offers the prettiest petticoats, terrific tutus, and other gorgeous goods. Shop at her home store, or host a party (online or in-home). But what I like most of all...her prices!!! Compare to retail and you'll flip. I did...and bought some baby legwarmers, a knitted beanie, and a tutu...in black of course.

http://www.stephanieswonderland.com/

Photo courtesy of Blink Photography

Feel Good #3

Photo: Michelle King via 100 Layer Cake

Feel Good #2

Bella Notte bedding

Feel Good #1

"Don't worry...30 is the new 20 and mommy is the new gay!"

- My wonderfully big-hearted little sister, Courtney, wishing me a happy (prego) 30th birthday

Game On

So my 30th birthday recently came and went, and seeing as we're expecting our first child during a recession, we were looking for something inexpensive and fun to do. We love entertaining, so I figured why not have a game night!

It was so simple...1) Gather good friends; 2) Gather good games (we dug out our oldies - Scattegories, Catchphrase, Taboo - and a newie - Wii); 3) Cook up some yummy treats (Shane fixed everything from red pepper hummus to mini gourmet pizzas); and 4) Think of the most bizarre animal starting with the letter "C" (cuckoo bird).

Good times :)

Beautiful Bean

When I realized what it was, the fact that it came from Tiffany's was irrelevant.

Who would've thought a girl could care less about the little blue box?

Fresh

Well hello there 2010! With this new year and new beginnings, I deliver some new news...we're having a baby! We're about 5 months along, and the whirlwind is just now dying down. It has been a surreal 5 months, to say the least. Lately, I've been able to focus on searching for the essentials (strollers, carseats, high chairs), and I've started designing the nursery...ahhh, what happiness interior design brings me. I don't know if it's the thought that my lil' Bean (you can guess the origin of the nickname) will be playing in the room before we know it, or the new types of furniture we're searching for (vintage cribs are so beautiful), but I've tackled this project with a fervor.

With that, I wanted to share a newfound favorite. Mission2Modern offers beautifully restored furniture at beautifully low prices. Neil has been absolutely wonderful to work with, and I'm excited to see our finished walnut crib :) You can check them out at www.mission2modern.com.

And it should come as no surprise that I've already started thinking about the fabulous invites I'll design for my showers. I know, it's a little strange to have the guest of honor do any work related to a party in their honor, but I can't not create papery goodness when an opportunity presents. So I've been thinking, and in the spirit of creating new life, I found this:

www.botanicalpaperworks.com

That's right, paper that, when planted, grows beautiful wildflowers. It's nothing original, but what a great opportunity...grow new flowers to symbolize new life and help save the planet for the children we're producing. I know, I'm nothing more than a tree-huggin' Earth mama...and proud of it! I'll post a pic of the finished product.

Happy New Year to all!