sunshine

seriously now.

nearly four weeks

for what I'm lacking in words, I hope that I make up for in pictures

sweetness

Here's a better glimpse at our little lady. So far, things have been pretty dreamy. I will be sure to write more later, but right now having my mother and mother-in-law here are tuckering me out more than a newborn!

An introduction is in order

Let me please introduce you to Nora James.

She came into this world at 11:37 p.m. on June 12th, weighing a respectable 6 lbs 14.5 ounces.

We love her so much it hurts.

a favor

(via flickr)

I've said it before - this blog has been so wonderful to me. When we were struggling to start our family, it was such a necessary outlet and strong source of support. And after we were fortunate enough to move past that trying time, it has been a space to share such happiness.
So thank you.

and

I was hoping that I could impose on you once again . . .

I'm in the process of putting together a bit of a playlist to get me through labor and those first couple of sleepless weeks. A sort of soothing soundtrack for both me and the babe.

I could really use your help.

If you have any suggestions for songs I would welcome them with open arms!

thanks.

Full Term

A few days ago, we reached a milestone -- This babe is full term.

I cannot tell you how happy I am to have reached this point.

Now if we could only decide on a name.

lost it?

via (free people)

Despite the fact that this memorial weekend heat wave has brought about a downright frightening pair of cankles, I cannot stop lusting after these shoes.

Sanity where have you skipped off to . . .

behind

I feel like I am behind in everything.

Normally, it wouldn't bother me - there is always tomorrow.

but this bun is just about done baking and the behindedness is weighing on me.

I realize this feeling is mostly due to the fact that I have a mental list of *things to get done* that just keeps growing regardless of how many items get accomplished.

I'm going to have to just accept that we're never really going to be ready for our new arrival and that is alright.

We have gotten heaps done though like:

*Finishing the nursery but for some shelving and a seemingly elusive rug

*Painting our master bedroom gray (love it)

*Convincing my husband that we *needed* to sell our perfectly fine master bed on
craigslist and replace it with the absolutely amazing edlund poster bed from ikea
*Beginning the process of taming our jungle backyard

*Lots of other impressive stuff that is currently escaping me

Oh, and at week 36 (I'm behind on the belly shots) the dilation and effacing has begun. Though, I'm convinced that I'll still be puttering about very much pregnant at week 41.

is that a torpedo in your belly . . .

newest corner of my home

Last weekend, I woke up early and came into the nursery. The light in the mornings is so soft and inviting. I sat in the rocker and tried to imagine what our lives will be like ever so soon

walls

Slowly, but surely we are making progress on where our babe will lay down her head. There was a time before I actually got pregnant, back when was blissfully ignorant to just how long it would take, when I used to day dream about decorating the nursery. I scouted blogs and magazines, stockpiling images and ideas. So many ideas. And then with each negative month after month, my hope faded, as did my enthusiasm for infant interior design.

A few weeks ago, and more than halfway through this pregnancy, I finally felt comfortable enough to get excited again.

This is really happening.

We bought a crib and then a dresser. Last weekend, my husband painted the walls. It's certainly still a work in progress, but I know at the end it's going to be such a perfect space.To help bring that space together, I've been sourcing some art.

Here's what I've decided on so far:

(the most precious baby animal prints from sharon montrose)

(an amazing mobile from Flensted)
(a beatiful print from Rifle Paper Co. I bought thank yous in the same design to use after my shower and asked if I could get the design in a larger format for the nursery. Indeed I could)

(clementine print from Jamie Shelman)

(alphabet cards in the loveliest colors from Ida Pearle)

week 26

This one's called "Blurry: late for work"

love

(not sure of the source)

Just too cute.

Makes you smile, doesn't it!

babymoon

we took a little trip to Mexico and it was as good as it looks.

toes in the sand, belly in the sun.

bliss.

week 21

a little straight on, bare belly . . .

stir crazy

Because it looked like this for most of the week

we spent way too much time here.

It was fun in the beginning.

more banana pancakes, a saints superbowl win, cozy fires...

but, the novelty soon wore off.

So glad to be getting back to normal.

Blizzard Belly Shot

So, it's snowing here in DC. Really snowing.

I thought that I'd memorialize the storm for the little one.

Happy 21ish weeks baby!

It's a

found (here)

GIRL


bring on the bloomers

guest appearance

For this week's belly shot, we have a special guest appearance by my husband.

His excitement over this baby (and is he ever excited) just melts my heart.

so little, but so loved.

affirmations

via (just jenny)

The most amazing thing has been happening over the past couple of days.

I can finally feel the babe kicking.

incredible.

outfitting

Recent purchases for the babe

I've been massively restrained when it comes to buying things for the little one. We still don't know if we're having a little boy or a little girl, so that helps. I'm just about to embark on researching items for our registry. The practical stuff, like car seats and monitors. But I couldn't resist these two less practical, but perfectly gender-neutral items when I stumbled upon a giant sale the other week. The blanket is oh so soft and I'm a sucker for bunting. We find out the gender in a couple of weeks and once we know, I know that my restraint will dissolve.

Recent purchases for me

A combo of some maternity and non-maternity items that I've found (mostly, all steeply discounted). I've been struggling to find clothes that still feel like me and my bump isn't even that prominent yet. These items are simple, comfortable and are exactly what I would wear even if I wasn't pregnant. The dress is for a little getaway that we just booked. We are both in desperate need of a vacation and I'm so looking forward to our trip.

Just have to hold out to early March.