the mini

When we found out I was pregnant with baby #2 Drew and I decided that {at some point} we'd need a bigger car.  Our SUV could certainly handle 2 children, but it would be so much easier to haul all of their stuff and get them in and out of a...minivan.

There, I said it.

A minivan.

I was the harder sell on this one.  Owning a minivan seems like a major turning point in a person's life - one that I wasn't necessarily ready for.  I'm making it seem very dramatic - but seriously, my mom had a minivan!  I'm too young to drive a van!

Except that I'm not.

Everyone I know who has kids can't say enough great things about their "family vehicle" so Drew and I went for some test drives.  The whole set up made so much sense I couldn't deny the appeal.  The doors slide, rather than swing - the seats move in 100 different configurations - the seats come in and out with ease - the back seats fold into the floor for long trip luggage/stroller/baby stuff hauling...it goes on and on.

So {we bought one}.

Meet mini.  :-)

She's my push present and I couldn't be more tickled.  The only hitch is that now I'm really committed to delivering this baby to hold up my end of the bargain.  darn.

After driving her around for the past few weeks I have to say, this is the nicest car I've ever owned.  It's making me tremendously lazy since virtually every feature is automatic!

I thought Asher might be confused at first - he was always a big helper in parking lots pointing out "Mommy's car", but with mini it was love at first sight.

He can climb into his car seat all by himself and requests that we drive places.  ha ha!

Obviously, we haven't truly put mini through her paces yet since ladybug isn't here, but I'm confident she's up for the task.

Welcome, mini.  We're so, so happy to have you.  :-)

wordless wednesday

nursery projects {bow holder}

I've really gotten on quite the crafting kick with this nursery!  It's so fun to make things myself - first to save money {which going DIY always has for me}, but also because I love having pieces in the room that I know no one else has an exact replica of.  Sure, all of these ideas were inspired by someone else's genius - I'm bad at that part - but I like doing a couple projects myself.  The latest DIY adventure for the nursery? 

A bow holder!  

At first I didn't think I'd need one, but then I started picking up bows here and there.  She isn't even here yet and they were already a mess in the drawer.  Since I had a blank spot on the wall I figured, why not?, we'll give it a try.

Most bow holders I found on Etsy are made with ribbons, which is so pretty, but I loved the idea of using chicken wire.  It lets you clip the bows on in any old fashion and if she isn't a "bow girl" then she can always use the frame to display artwork, postcards, anything really!

I didn't take photos as I went this time, so there's no photo tutorial, but here are the basic steps I did.  If you'd like more details on exactly how I made it just let me know, I'm happy to share the nitty gritty.  :-)

Basically, though, I started with a $3 frame from Goodwill.  Drew dismantled the "art" in it and primed it for me.  Then I attached the chicken wire {Home Depot} with heavy-duty staples, screwed hooks on the bottom {Target}, and painted/distressed it the same color as the canvas I painted previously {BM, Robin's Nest}.  Then I hot glued on a few gray felt flowers I found at Michaels for $2 and used twine to hang it up.

It took a naptime of work and about $15.  It actually only cost that much because I didn't have anything on hand that I needed.  I now have another bow holder's worth of chicken wire and hooks laying around if anyone wants to make one and split the materials cost with me.  :-)

I've actually been trying to make a few bows myself too.  After buying a couple and realizing exactly what they are, I'm having a harder time paying Etsy prices...

The little green clippies are homemade by moi!  Those are definitely the easiest way to start.  If you want to make some, follow this tutorial.  It. is. simple...and oh so cute!  I will be making lots more as I find ribbon on clearance.

I did buy wider ribbon to try to make a regular sized hair bow as well, but haven't tried it yet.  Those bigger ones intimidate me a little - ha ha.  I'll let you know how it goes!  

from the sewing room

I've been working on quite a few sewing projects recently.  I know just how hard it will be to get uninterrupted time once the baby arrives so I'm trying to do things now!

The first thing I put together was this pumpkin shirt for our friend Sophia.  I can't wait to see her in it!

I also made a onesie for my friend Abby's soon-to-arrive little lady, Madison.  I just love this pink and gray combo. 

Drew's grandmother was so sweet and gifted ladybug with a rocking chair for her nursery.  I wanted to do something special thank her so I embroidered her name on a small tote bag.  She often walks across their assisted living facility to visit Grandpa {who's now in the nursing center, rather than their independent apartment} and needs a small bag to carry her things.  Hopefully this will helpful to her - and it won't get mixed up with anyone else's bag!

This weekend was a busy one for us - Drew, Asher and I took a tour of the hospital where ladybug will be born.  It was good to get familiarized with their facilities...and at the very least know which door to come in through!  Hope you all had a fun weekend as well!

{phone dump friday}

Fall is truly coming and I love, love, love it. It was a pretty hot summer here so now that the temps have come down a bit we're getting outside a lot more. Today Asher and I met up with our neighborhood play group at a local park. There's a playground, but also a really neat pond you can walk around that has tons of turtles, fish, and ducks. Asher loved it.

This morning {before the park} they had picture day at Asher's preschool. The photographer only comes once, so even though Ash didn't have class today we still stopped by to get his picture taken. He ended up doing a great job, but had a lot of confusion over why we were at school but not going to his classroom. Actually, he got really upset. My theory is that he thought I was taking him to some brand new room when he'd just started getting used to the old one. Poor guy was in a tizzy...

Yesterday, though we made major progress on the school front. He was a little apprehensive waiting to go in, but then he walked into class on his own 2 feet {rather than me peeling him off crying}. Of course, as soon as he realized his mistake he started crying and tried to come back to me. At pickup his teachers said he stopped crying within a few minutes and didn't cry again the whole morning. Progress!

I've been trying to get the house ready for fall as well. I have ZERO fall decorations and waaaaay over estimated my abilities. I bought a bunch of stuff, none of it worked in my spaces, and took it all back. Anybody want to come decorate my house?? I scaled back the efforts and decided to just focus on the breakfast nook this year. Next year: the fireplace mantle and kitchen. :-)

Sometimes, actually a lot of times, Asher makes me laugh out loud. He refuses to use the potty at. all. but he does remember to put his cup on a coaster. I guess I'll take what I can get.

Tonight we're headed to Asher's first ever live football game! We thought getting out to support the local high school would be a fun way to get involved in our new home town - plus A's a huge fan of live sports, bands, and concession stand food. Where else can you find all 3? Happy weekend!

wordless wednesday {comfort}

Sometimes the ocean is scary and you need a comforting snuggle from your mama who is all too willing to oblige. 

A couple people gave me a hard time for picking him up as much as I did, but I know in my heart that some day soon he won't need or want me in the same way.  Until that day comes, when he asks {and I'm able} hugs it is.

bugaboo {34 weeks}

Baby bug is 34 weeks today! Overall we're still doing pretty well. She's cookin' away in there and I'm keeping busy getting ready for her ever approaching arrival date.

{self-portraits this week! exciting, no?}

This weekend I had Drew haul all the baby gear down from the attic. I was able to wash all the fabrics and wipe down everything else. Check out the awesome mess we made! ha ha. Hoping to get it all reassembled and put away in the next few days.

I still have to clean/sterilize all of the breast pump components, pacifiers, and bottles but that's a job for another day.

We also hung some decorations in the nursery! Unfortunately they have her name on them, so the room tour might have to go on pause until after her birth. Sorry, friends, this is hard for me - I'm so excited to show it to you! :-)

I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday. My list of questions, especially about their particular birth policies and procedures, is growing. Now that we're getting down to the final stretch I need to get serious about the way little lady will make her big debut. Drew and I go on the hospital tour this Saturday - I'm excited to see the place where lady bug will be born!

Toes? See ya on the flip side...

This week baby is the size of a butternut squash - perfect for fall. :-)

How far along: 34 weeks

Net weight gain/loss: 19 pounds

Maternity clothes: yes, but I'm still using some of each

Stretch marks: not yet

Belly button: fully popped

Sleep: I'm very uncomfortable but still sleeping pretty well, surprisingly

Baby movement: oh yes - she's very busy.

Gender: ladybug

Food cravings: crushed ice {is ice a food? either way, I can't get enough}

Food aversions: nothing really

What I miss: being able to go, go, go without getting completely worn out and sore

Looking forward to: making Asher and ladybug's "big bro/lil sis" shirts

Best moment this week: crossing some big baby prep items off my list

Milestones: baby can recognize simple songs that I sing

 

home tour {be our guest}

Please come and visit us - we have a space just for you!

As you leave the kitchen there's a little mudroom between the garage door and the guest room.  I l-o-v-e this bench and cubby system.  We don't wear shoes in the house, so having this space not only keeps our shoes corralled, but also makes it easier to get shoes on and off the little one.

There's also a small closet for coats/brooms/steam mop...

and, of course, our DIY cork board.

Guests have their own suite just off the mudroom.  I love having the guest bedroom and bathroom on the first floor.  It makes it easier to keep our personal messes out of sight upstairs and gives guests some privacy as well.

I'd love to do more decorating in this room sometime soon - curtains being first on my list.  It's just one of those spaces that get forgotten about with other higher priority spaces demanding my attention.  Might be a fun winter project!

Not the most thrilling space, but it works well and we haven't had any complaints yet.  :-)

Please come see us!

{phone dump friday}

Completely random catch up phone dump week. Here we go!

First, a ladybug cameo! She's already planning her escape {or maybe I just need a bigger shirt...}

Asher loves his tiger costume from last Halloween and has been asking to wear it more and more. I just got his costume for this year and I'm SO excited about it. It's totally "Asher" and will be adorable on him. :-)

Now that the baby's dressers have arrived I got to work washing all of her clothes and blankets. Holy laundry, Batman - look at all that pink that tumbled out of my dryer!

Asher has started to realize that I can't keep up with him like I used to and is taking full advantage.

We've been having gorgeous weather this week - cool mornings and highs around 78 by afternoon. Love! Asher and I have been taking full advantage and eating breakfast on the porch nearly everyday.

Check out my little Elliott - c'mon ET, we have Reese's Pieces for you!

On Monday Asher and I headed to our favorite park to 'ride neigh-neighs', play on the swings, and cruise on the train.

We saw a bunch of ducks this time which made Asher's day. Then a turtle showed up and things could scarcely get more exciting. :-)

As A was watching the carousel go around through the windows I took his picture and realized later that he totally got photobombed by little sister. Ha!

I'm trying to have as many special dates with Asher as I can before the baby arrives so we went out for an ice cream cone the other night after dinner. He loved it and managed to get ice cream everywhere. Good times!

Drew has been gone all week but comes home tonight and we can't wait! Asher woke up from his nap with a fever yesterday and has had a runny nose ever since.  Thanks, Preschool!  Ha ha - seriously though, I figured this would happen. Hope he feels better soon so we can have a fun family weekend.

Happy Friday, friends!

it's a shore thing

Let's turn this boat around for a sec and go back a few weeks so I can revisit our family beach week.  Somehow time has completely gotten away from me and I haven't blogged about our fun times on the Jersey shore yet!

Asher's favorite thing this year was playing in the sand - specifically, being buried in the sand. 

His daddy was happy to oblige.

For Asher's 1st Halloween he was a lobster, so it only seemed fitting that we revisit a classic.  Turns out Drew is quite the artist.  :-)

The house we rented was just off the sand so we enjoyed this beautiful view with our coffee each morning.  Love the ocean view!

This, however, was as close to the water as Asher wanted to get.  He still is NOT a fan of the ocean.  Maybe it's the vastness or the noise, but he wants nothing to do with it.  Someday he'll be splashing around like a crazy-man, I'm sure, but for now he prefers to stay safely in someone's arms.

Asher's other favorite thing about beach week was playing with his big cousins.  This is the first summer he's really been able to play with them and he loved it!  They are turning 5 in a few weeks and were so sweet and kind to Asher.

They are pros at playing on the beach and I'm hoping that they'll teach Asher some of their secrets to enjoying the shore!

The 3 boys looked so cute in the shirts I made for them!  I'm excited to have another cousin in the picture next summer.  :-)

We did have one rainy morning, but thankfully Grandma came prepared with fun activities for the boys.

There was also a birthday party for Papa Gene!  There are few things Asher loves more than "happy cake" so this front row seat pretty much made his day.

Did I mention that the house also had a pool?  Asher became even more accurate in his water shooter aim - sorry Uncle Matt!

We didn't get a single picture of the whole family or even of my little family - boo.  This was our last vacation as a family of 3 and we had a great time!  Can't wait to take ladybug next summer!

{by the way, if you actually made it to the end of this post and you aren't a grandparent, super props - you deserve a prize.  :-) }