Dream Book Design

Braylen's Birth Story Part 2

2012-05-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Part 1 here

It was almost as if the very next contraction was a whole new level. From that point on they didn't want me getting back in the tub in case I needed to push at any moment. I think that if I could have gotten back in it would have really helped, so thats a bummer. Instead I labored for awhile in bed. It was, to put things lightly, not fun at all. After about 30 minutes of that my doctor checked me and said that I was a 9 and needed to get out of bed and move around. I thought that that would actually help me be able to wrap my mind around them more, but wow, it just made them more intense. The whole time I kept thinking, ok this really freaking hurts, and I want it to stop, but I need to let them happen and get more intense for the end to come. Before this point I hadn't even come close to screaming through anything, but now with about 4 of these contractions I literally screamed. And then was kind of embarrassed the second it was over, thinking 'Oh gosh, my poor people in the rooms next to me!'. The contractions were happening so fast that I was only having maybe 30 seconds in between them. I was rolling on the ball, walking around, pretty much anything to help me get a grip on what was happening.

I can literally hear my thoughts in this photo. At this point I was probably saying to J that I couldn't do it anymore. That I couldn't possibly handle one more contraction, and that I was not joking about it: {and yes, I realize how haggard I look, but hey- I was laboring for about 8 hours at this point..forgive me;)}

The worst would be when I would be walking and one of sneak up on me. A few times I would just grab on to whoever happened to be closest to me and just burrow in to them! My nurse and I got really close really fast here;)

But then, before I knew it, I was back in bed with my doctor saying it was time to push. I was a little confused at this point though honestly. In all the hypnobabies studies they say you will have the uncontrollable urge to push. So, in my birth plan I had written that I wanted to do 'mother directed pushing' and not the typical count to 10 Dr. directed pushing. I told my doctor that I didn't have any urge to push yet, but she said I was a 10 and ready. So I kind of threw that plan of mine out the window and trusted her. Unfortunately, there was a little 'lip' of my cervix that wouldn't go away, so for the first few rounds of pushing, not only was there that going on, but she was also trying to move away that lip. That honestly was the only part of pushing that hurt at all, and that was over after probably three rounds. Initially I was trying to do the type of pushing that I had read about, keeping my mouth relaxed, being vocal, etc. but then we found out that if I saved all my energy for the actually pushing and not vocalizing things went much faster. Not gonna lie, it took me a little while to really understand 'how' to push. I had always heard to push like you are trying to poop. Well, apparently I couldn't remember how to poop because the first few rounds of pushing didn't do anything!Haha. Once I figured it out, I pushed for about 40 minutes {which honestly felt like 10}. Everyone had told me that pushing hurts, and that you feel this insane ring of fire, but that wasn't my experience at all. I really just felt like it was a really intense workout. I was sweating, I was using every freaking muscle in my body, but it didn't hurt! What a relief. It was so beautifully helpful to be surround by the people I was too. The whole time I was pushing {esp. towards the end when they could see the crown of his head for a few rounds until he came out} J, my doula, my nurse, and our friend Christi were all SO encouraging. They just kept saying how close I was, how he was almost here, to keep going, try harder, push longer, etc. I really needed that motivation because it was pretty strenuous. My incredible doula kept putting ice cold wash cloths on my face..and it seriously felt like heaven while pushing. Thank you Briana!

Then the most life changing thing ever happened to J and I. I delivered our son. OUR SON!!!!

As he was coming out my Dr. saw that his cord was wrapped around his neck twice! She yelled "CORD, woah cord TWICE!". It totally freaked us out but she said it hadn't done any damage at all. She said that he had one of the 'fattest, juiciest cords' she had ever seen! They immediately put him on my chest, all warm and gooey {which I thought might gross me out a little, but man in that moment there was nothing more beautiful in the world}. Of course being a boy that he is, he instantly pooped and then peed on me. Welcome to motherhood! They let me hold my beautiful boy while they rubbed him down a little. That first cry, oh man.

There was no better sound in the world. His big quivering lips letting out that huge sign of life. God is good! They didn't clamp his cord for about 10 minutes, which was awesome for him to be able to have that blood.

I held him for probably 20-30 minutes and then passed him off to J. Let me back track for a second. Seeing the way J looked at him..be still my heart. This man that I love with all my heart, now loves our son. We created this life, just the two of us. No one will ever love Braylen the way we do. I will never forget that look of Js crying face. It makes me cry even thinking about it. He was such a proud daddy. Proud of me, proud of our baby for making it in to this world. He kept telling me over and over again just how he was SO proud, and how much he loved me and Braylen. He was mesmerized by him. And I was mesmerized by both of them.

They had to spend some time stitching me up {UM OUCH} How did I not even think that that could be a part of my birth. Thank the Lord I didn't feel any of that happening while it did, my doctor even had to tell me that I tore because I didn't know. Crazy how our body can handle pain. While I was getting fixed up J was taking in our son and then eventually passed him of to get weighed. He was two weeks early and was still a super healthy 7lbs 7oz, 21in. long! Way to go baby boy!

They brought him back over to me once I was finished and we got to just breathe him in for a little while before our families entered. They were elated to meet their new grandson {and nephew}. It was as if the room couldn't have one more ounce of love in it, it was simply overflowing. Tears all around.
Unfortunately that was only able to last for about 15 minutes before the NICU doctors came in and needed to get started on his echocardiogram. They didn't want too many people in the room, so my family went back out to the waiting room. {Thanks for being so patient with us!!}. The echo took about 45 minutes. THE LONGEST 45 MINUTES OF OUR LIVES. J was totally the strong and stern daddy that never once left the echo techs side. He watched over the whole thing like a hawk. It was so hard for us to see our baby boy already be hooked up to so many machines. And to make matters worse, the techs don't give you any indicators that things are looking totally normal, or horrible. He just took image after image for 45 minutes. Then said "well, im finished, you'll know results probably tomorrow". Oh my gosh. Tomorrow?! It was almost too much to bare. Thats where our angel Christi came in again and worked her magic, and talked to the NICU cardio doctor and had him give her some preliminary results letting us know that there was no obvious coarc present! She them convinced them to let me be able to breastfeed as well. Those two things were music to our ears. So within about an hour and a half after he was born I was able to breastfeed him! What a difference from initially not being able to feed him at all for at least the first day! Again, God is good! With Christis help, he latched right on, and made me immediately cry tears of joy. What an indescribable feeling. The fact that my body knew exactly what he needed, and that he knew exactly how to get it! After feeding him we let the families back in and then transfered to our recovery room. I was already on cloud nine, and then even more so after about an hour of being in the recovery room. The cardio doctor came in and told us that he didn't need to stay any extended period of time in the hospital. He was able to go home with us when we were ready, and to just had to have a follow up echo and EKG a week later because everything looked so great. Again, tears and tears and tears. How did we get so blessed!?

above two photo Melissa Young Photography
Overall, his birth was one of my most treasured times. With the help of Hypnobabies, my support system and Christ, I was able to give birth without as much as a Tylenol. He created my body to do exactly what it did. My son was born after 9 hours of labor, completely healthy. The rooms that we were in those two days feel magical to me. From laboring in the tub and delivering in the delivery room, to soaking in those first few days as a family of three {or five, counting our other babies, Honey and Boomer!} the rooms are magical. It was there that we heard his first cry, woke up to our first morning together, snuggled and breathed him in time and time again. It was all so powerful. So beautiful. I wouldn't trade a second of it {even the hardest points of labor} for anything in the world, because it all led to Braylen. To us becoming a family. To J and I becoming parents. To experiencing a love that it truly indescribable until you feel it yourself. I will always thank Jesus for allowing us to have the birthing experience I so strongly desired. I also want to encourage any of you mommies out there {ones to be, or ones that are pregnant again} to try and go natural. Find a pain method that works for you, and give it your all. Not that there is anything less incredible or magical about having a baby with meds or C-section {please don't get me wrong here} but if you can try and go natural..do it!

Braylen's Birth Story Part 1

2012-05-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

I want to write all of this down before I forget any details {as some points during labor are already a little fuzzy!}.

It all started Wednesday afternoon, May 9th. I went in for my 38 week appointment and I had progressed to 3cm {never felt any pain yet} and my doctor asked me if I wanted her to strip my membranes. I was kinda caught off guard, so I said no immediately. She went on to tell that IF he is truly ready, this will simply help him come along, and if hes not- it won't do anything. I left the office and called J and told him the detials. I asked if I should have had her do it, and he said "well- babe were not going to get any more ready in the time to come, so if you want to- do it, and he'll come if hes ready". I went home and prayed about it for awhile and made the decision to call the office back to try to get them stripped. They gave me an appointment later that afternoon! Immediately after she stripped the membranes, I instantly went to 4cm! Woah, this could really be happening! I went home, napped, and then headed to the airport to pick up one of my longest friends ever. We were supposed to go out to dinner and hang out all evening. Well, around 6pm, I noticed some cramping and thought that possibly my contractions were feeling a little different than my normal Braxton Hicks. I of course had my car on empty, my phone battery at less than 10%, it was storming, and we were about 45 minutes away from home. I told Jackie that we needed to head to my house just in case something were to really start happening.
We got home, had Pita Jungle takeout, and her and I went on a long walk that ended at Dairy Queen! Who doesn't want a blizzard just in case they are going in to labor?! It was such a blessing having Jackie here, as it was amazing to catch up, and it totally took my mind off of the fact that my life was about to change incredibly. So glad that before she left I made sure to get pictures of us together, as well as a photo of me and J!

She went home around 9, J and I watched some TV and he packed up his last minute things {still just in case though, I didn't know yet if it was the real deal or not!}. We went to bed around 11:30, as I was thinking, if the contractions get worse or closer together they will wake me back up {at this point they were on average every 7 minutes}. I honestly thought I was just going to wake up again in the morning having the previous night be a false alarm! I had texted my Doula {Briana who was incredible} before going to bed and she said that if I woke up, take a bath and see what it does with the contractions. If its false, the bath could slow them down, but if it was the real deal- then they would keep on trucking. I told her at that point that I thought I was a rockstar, that if this was what labor truly was- then I was a serious rockstar at handeling the 'pain' so well. Well, I woke up at 1:30 because they were more noticeable. KEY WORD: noticeable. Still totally not painful! Praise God! I immediately went to make some brownies just in case the contractions continued, as I always planned to bring treats for the nurses. You know, just in case I was a miserable laboring patient! After a few hours of twiddling my thumbs I went to take a bath to put it all to the test. Much to my surprise, the bath actually made the contractions closer together, and I actually started to 'feel' them a little more. At this point there were on average about 4 minutes apart, and my doctor said I needed to head in when I was having them 5-6 minutes apart. I was Group B-strep positive so they needed at least 4 hours of the antibiotics to be in my system before delivery in order for Braylen to be protected. I woke up J a little before 4am, and we were out the door at exactly 4:12 {which I mentally took note of because that is our anniversary, yes I am a sap like that!}. I also called my doula and told her we were heading in and that I wasn't feeling like such a 'rockstar' anymore! Haha, she said that was when she knew I was actually in labor! We took one last picture of my belly before heading out! This was at 4am, 38 weeks and 1 day pregnant:

We went to Circle K really quick to grab some protein bars and J told the cashier that we were heading to the hospital to have our baby, and the guy literally said nothing! Haha! I think he was just hoping that my water wouldn't break in his store!! Now we were on our way to the hospital, but I realized we had forgotten the brownies, so I told J we needed to turn around! Thats when everything took a turn. My contractions instantly became real to me. They were still totally and completely manageable with breathing through them and thinking of them as just pressure, but that was the first time that I KNEW for sure this was really happening. We got to the hospital at around 5, and I got checked to find out I was 4-5cm and now 90% effaced. Progress!
Then things got kind of scary for a little while. My doctor called me and said that she had a meeting with the NICU doctor that night {because she said she KNEW once she stripped my membranes that I would be delivering within the next 24 hours!}.
This is a part of Braylens story that not many people knew about. At our 37 week ultrasound he was looking great, weighing 6lbs13oz and head down. The ultrasound took a quick turn when they started looking closely at his heart. They noticed the right side was enlarged. The u/s doctor quickly entered the room and took more images, and then apparently {not to my knowledge at the time} told the tech to switch from a normal u/s to doing an echocardiogram. They took about 45 more minutes of images, and told us they would let us know results soon. But of course, 'not to worry'. RIGHHTT. I went to my 37 week apt. after that and my doctor immediately called the u/s doctor and he told her that our baby, our precious baby boy, could possibly have a coarctation. The hardest part of all of this was that there was nothing else they could do to test for it until he was born. So now it was just a waiting game. We were told though that it was actually a blessing to be aware of this, because the only time coarc's get really scary is when they go unnoticed.
So now my doctor is telling me that she can have the NICU doctor come in and talk to us and give us all the details of what Braylens first few hours of life could look like. The doctor came in and was incredibly sweet and calm. He explained to us exactly what coarcation means and looks like {which we already knew because of the research we had done in the past week}. He then went on to tell us that because the u/s place had done an echo already and that he still looked like he had it, that they were pretty much going to assume that Braylen really did have it. He said they would let us have about an hour together after delivery {which my awesome doctor demanded for our sakes} but then they would have to take him to the NICU immediately, run tests, AND that I wouldn't be able to breastfeed him at all that first day. They would be feeding him through IV, in case he did have it and they needed to do surgery. They said that after running their tests, if he had it then he would immediately be taken over to Phoenix Childrens Hospital for heart surgery that night.
Pause, I had to go snuggle my baby a little bit after writing that last part and realizing what a blessing he is.
The whole thing seemed surreal to me. I was afraid for him. Trusting that God had him. Selfishly so sad about not being able to breastfeed him that first day {much less the first hour like I had wanted}. It kind of took us by surprise too, because up until that point, we knew it could be serious, but not enough to where our doctor would be having meetings with NICU doctors about it. After that meeting we got moved out of triage and into our delivery room. I was so happy about that because I knew that being in the tub would feel so incredible. At our hospital their policy is you need to be monitored every 20 minutes of the hour, but the rest of the time you could do as you please. I instantly hoped in the tub when I could and man it felt so good. My contractions {FYI- Hypnobabies calls contractions Pressure Waves, and thats what we called them while laboring, but I am calling them contractions for yall just so its easier}. Some of this story is hard to tell because I purposely didn't know the time at all once we got to the hospital, so I am sort of guessing and just asking J details he knows. After awhile of laboring in the tub they checked me and I was at 6-7cm. I was really hesitant to get checked because I knew that if it was a low number or not much progression, that it would totally bum me out. BUT I also knew that if it was a good number that it would be an incredible source of motivation. And for whatever reason, checks never really hurt that bad for me, as they do for some. After that I got back in the tub with a renewed energy. I was actually laboring without meds, and actually getting closer and closer to meet my sweet baby boy. I think I told J as this point that I honestly didn't know if I was going to be able to do it. That I had every desire to go drug free, but that when it came down to me really doing it, that I wasn't sure if I was strong enough. Well, the fact that I was already almost to transition {hypnobabies calls is transformation} and feeling pretty good {of course really focusing and breathing through contractions} was awesome. I also had a new motivation to go drug free just thinking about the fact that I had no control over what meds Braylen was possibly going to get within the first day of his life depending on his situation.
I labored more in the tub until it was time to get monitored again, and this time when they checked me I was an 8! This was right after they told me I was an 8 {first photo was in between a contraction, second photo..not so much!}

Hooray. It still seemed so surreal and amazing to me that my body knew exactly what to do, and that it was doing it at a great fast rate. Once they realized I was an 8, they called my doctor in. My Dr. was great because she knew my birth plan and supported it. I also trusted her opinion immensely, to where if she told me we needed to do something different, I wasn't going to wonder if she had mine and Braylens best interest at heart. After all, the whole pregnancy, she always told me that she was super confident in the fact that I could go natural {which she says she isn't always with patients}. She came in sometime after they checked me {I think I was told it was about an hour later} and asked if she could break my water so that we could get things going a little faster to pushing. Even though I was at an 8 that whole time, I was still able just really focus and breathe through them..until she broke my water. Holy Crap. Things got intense REAL fast.
Part two coming later this week!

Design Inspiration Monday

2012-05-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

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Welcoming Our Baby Boy

2012-05-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

Braylen Boots Lentine7lbs. 7oz.21in.May 10th, 1:24pm
We are so insanely in love.

Melissa Young Photo

For those of you who think we named him after footwear, theres a little more to it than that! His middle name is Js dad's high school nickname. We wanted his middle name to have family ties, so Boots it is:) And besides, now he has an automatic fun nickname!
I'll be back sometime soon with the details on his beautiful natural birth, but in the mean time... we are getting in all the kisses, coo's, snuggles, and wide eyed stares we can get.

38 Weeks Pregnant!

2012-05-10T04:00:00.000-07:00

How far along: 38 weeks! Total weight gain: gained 26 lbs total. Maternity clothes: Still able to wear some tops, but pants these days are either workout pants, leggings, or maternity. Can't wait to wear all of my jeans again some day!Stretch marks: Just the ones from Christmas Eve on my chest, but still using the amazing tummy stretch mark oil {here} and the chest cream {here}. I swear, that oil especially, is the best stuff EVER! Now just praying I can make it three more weeks free of them! In the photo it looks like I have some weird lines going on, but thats just where my super sexy maternity band was. hahSleep: I officially get up now 5-6 time a night to go pee. Over it!Best moment of this week: Finishing work for now the next 4 months!!! And just spending a lot of quality time with J before this little guy gets here.Miss anything:A full nights sleep {which I know I am going to be missing for a LONG time coming!}Movement: all.the.time. Food cravings: Been wanting a lot of pineapple, cantaloupe, and just cold fresh fruit in general. Smoothies have been my best friend lately, and back on a cereal kick too.Anything making you queasy or sick: nope!Have you started to show yet: DuhGender: Boy!!Labor signs: Made more progress at my appointment this week. I am now a full 3cm dilated, 70% effaced, and a -1 station! Yes please! Loving my Hypnobabies homestudy still! Listening to the positive pregnancy affirmations track all through out my days now- love the mindset it puts me in!Belly button in or out: The whole thing is out now..and I find it hilariousWedding rings on or off: They are so done..:(Happy or moody most of the time: Happy and excited to meet him.Looking forward to: Spending time with one of my oldest friends Jackie who is in town, and simply having more time with J again this week. Love having him home again!!

The Things I Will Miss

2012-05-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

I am officially 9 1/2 months pregnant. That.Is.Nuts.
For me, this point in pregnancy is such a contradiction. A large part of me is so ready to meet this baby boy and not be pregnant anymore, but there is an equally large part of me that wants to soak in every last second of this pregnancy.
I cannot wait to see what our precious boy will look like. Will he have Jeremys lips, nose, and hair? Will he have my cheek bones? Will he enter this world screaming and excited, or calmly and quietly? Will he be perfectly healthy? Will I transition to being a mom smoothly, or will I hit every bump in the road possible?! I know its going to happen, but how is it possible that I am going to love my husband even more once I seem him holding our son? Yep- just thinking about that future image made me cry. Now these are the future thoughts that make me curious and envious of the time to come, but for now, I want to reflect on the past 9 1/2 months..
I have loved being pregnant. I was terrified that it would take us a long time to get pregnant...for no real reason I was totally concerned. Welp- God knew my worrying heart and blessed us by letting us get pregnant our second cycle trying. How good is He?!
I love my ever changing body. I joke around that I feel huge {which in reality I do} but its not a 'huge' thats gross to me. Its a 'Man I am huge, but because of this insane miracle inside of me!!' My belly has grown to a size that I didn't think was even possible, and yet it continues to grow daily more and more. It is beautiful to me. I often find myself watching for my reflection past buildings, or taking an extra minute in the mirror in the mornings. Not looking at my face, my hair, or anything other than this beautiful big belly. I love that depending on where baby boy is laying my belly button is either a total outie, or just kinda flat. I love the humor in the fact that my 'dark line' is not straight on the top AT ALL. My genius idea when I was 18 to get my belly button pierced allows for my top line to start straight and totally go crooked heading toward my belly button.
I love how much it makes me and J laugh at the end of each day to see just how swollen my feet have gotten. Or as much as it is uncomfortable, how my hands feel as though they belong to someone who is 90. I for the life of me cannot open a can or jar of anything lately. Its like I instantly developed the worst stage of arthritis, and J is my younger partner that opens everything for me;) I now understand the need for those hilarious can openers at Bed Bath and Beyond that are just massive. I.Get.It!
I love how strangers everywhere always have something to say. Luckily for me 99% of the time the comments or questions have been sweet. The other 1% I just ignore. But, the questions of when I am due, boy or girl, name chosen, etc. make me feel good about this world. Most of the time strangers just go about their daily lives, ignoring those around them. But for some reason, this big belly of mine makes them stop for a second. Makes them think about others. Im sure makes the already mamas reminisce about their babies. It makes me have a renewed hope that people do genuinely care for others, but often just don't take the time to talk to the person next to them in line at Sprouts. And the teenagers that say stuff, they are the best! Super awkward and always sweet comments like "Wow, your belly is so big, I bet your kid will be awesome!" Haha.
One thing I love the most...

When J casually changes the spot in which he lays down on the couch so that he can put his hand on my belly and feel his little boy kick. It seems like it was yesterday that we would lay on the couch for hours waiting for just one little kick, and now, its like a circus in there. Punch, jab, kick, roll, all amazing feelings! Now that I know the exact position he is is it is especially fun knowing just what it is that is poking us. I said when I felt that first little kick that I didn't think I would ever get sick of it, and its true. Don't get me wrong, sometimes when he kicks my ribs hard I am not so excited, but I still love the movement. Its like we have a secret little game going on all the time, and people don't have a clue. I am going to desperately miss having him with me at all times {you know, without having to actually feed him or change his diaper!}
I have loved all the preparation that has taken place for his arrival. Not only spending countless hours working on and day dreaming about the nursery, or learning about all the crazy amounts of things babies 'need', but also my Hypnobabies study. I loved the homestudy that I have done. It makes me feel empowered, like I can take on the world. It makes me appreciate this miracle inside me even more than I already was.
Being close to our due date is somewhat like eagerly waiting for Christmas morning. I can't wait for him to be here, but I also love the lead up to the holiday so much that I almost want to slow down time till it happens so that its not over too fast!
Baby boy,Your daddy and I cannot wait to meet you. Cannot wait to hold you, kiss you, breathe you in. We pray for you daily, hourly. We pray that you feel so instantly loved by us and those who surround you. We pray that you are healthy, and also if we have an obstacle to overcome with health, that we and the doctors will be wise in our decisions. We cannot wait to see who you look like, what you will act like. We want you to come when you are good and ready, and not a second before. We love you with all of our hearts, and can only imagine how much more we will love you once you are here.Love, Daddy and Mommy

DIY Vintage Airplane Baby Mobile

2012-05-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

Oh am I excited to show you guys this mobile! I knew from the beginning that I didn't want to get one of the classic baby mobiles out there that are full of cheesy-ness. {although this hot air balloon mobile came in in a close second in our minds, we loved this thing} I know that there are some things that need to be cheesy for the good of the baby, but I felt that we could somehow DIY a mobile, make it good looking, and have it be good for his development. I am so happy with how this turned out!
For his nursery we are doing the 'world traveler' theme, and we knew we loved these vintage planes we got off eBay for the mobile. The planes also have a special place in our hearts because they are the same type of planes that Js grandpa used to fly. The only thing was we didn't know exactly how we would turn them in to a mobile. At first we thought we could use one of my great scores from Savers, an embroidery hoop. We thought we would turn the hoop into a sphere and stick a plane in the middle and then hang the rest off the bottom. In reality, we totally could have stuck with that idea- until we got hit with a better one.
This past weekend we went to the Junk in the Trunk vintage market and scored an incredible vintage hat holder from Coley herself:) Now, im going to be really honest here, sometimes I hate that J has all the brilliant ideas. Obviously I would rather one of us have them, than neither of us, but sometimes I wish it was my idea! How is he always handsome and smart and creative?! Life's not fair, except for the fact that I tricked the poor fool in to marrying me;) Needless to say, he spotted the hat holder and had the lightbulb moment. We picked it up and went right home to create the mobile.
We knew we loved the planes but also knew we needed to edit them a little. The bottoms of the planes were open and nothing interesting on them, so we came up with the most simple and cheap solution ever:

We simply took cardboard, cut it out to fit inside the bottom of the plane, and used white and black paint we had lying around and did simple designs. The contrast of black and white is supposedly great for little babies minds, so thats what we stuck with. As he gets older, we can always switch out the cardboard pieces for something with color too!

Once they were dry, we hung one plane in the top piece, and scattered the rest along the bottom. To hold up the whole mobile we used a clear string we got from Lowes, and to hold up the individual planes we used plain white thread:

This is his view from below:

The cost breakdown is this:

Vintage hat holder: $20

Vintage airplanes: $20

Cardboard and paint: free

Clear string: $1.50

Thread: free

TOTAL: $41.50

So, do you love the mobile as much as we do?! I hope so- because I am kind of obsessed! J says its the "Best Mobile Ever!", but he is kind of biased ;)

Design Inspiration Monday

2012-05-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

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Most interesting bedside table ever:via
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Junk In The Trunk Vintage Market

2012-05-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

Attention all AZ residents: This weekend there is an incredible vintage market going on at Westworld. The talented ladies from Junk in the Trunk are hosting their second market of the year, but this time they have over 60 vendors, 3 DIY demonstrations, and live music. Originally J and I were going to do a DIY ottoman demo, but then I realized that being almost 38 weeks pregnant, not knowing when this baby is coming, and the fact that I swell from standing up in the heat in .2 seconds..we became lame and backed out. BUT we will for sure be there walking around checking out all the amazing vendors! Come say hi:)
Here are the details:Saturday, May 5th at WestworldEarly entry: $8 for adults {gets you in at 9am}General admission: $4 for adults {gets you in at 10am}Entry fee after 3pm: FREEChildren under 12: always FREE
Not only are there going to be a million and one vendors selling awesome vintage, rusty, and handmade items, but my great girlfriend Karen of Elan Photographie is also setting up a really fun vintage photo booth from 9-1 and will take perfect photos, you just buy the prints!
Hope to see you there- and if you don't live in AZ..welp- that sucks! Hopefully you have fun markets in your city:) Happy weekend

37 Weeks Pregnant!

2012-05-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

How far along: 37 weeks! Total weight gain: gained 24 lbs total. Maternity clothes: Still able to wear some tops, but pants these days are either workout pants, leggings, or maternity. Can't wait to wear all of my jeans again some day!Stretch marks: Just the ones from Christmas Eve on my chest, but still using the amazing tummy stretch mark oil {here} and the chest cream {here}. I swear, that oil especially, is the best stuff EVER! Now just praying I can make it three more weeks free of them!Sleep: Getting harder and harder to get comfy..and the roll that I have to do to get out of bed is quite humorous-let me tell you!Best moment of this week: Got a lot of the nursery finished AND J took his last test that now gives him three weeks off of school! Hooray for having a hubby back.Miss anything:A full nights sleep {which I know I am going to be missing for a LONG time coming!}Movement: all.the.time. Food cravings: Been wanting a lot of pineapple, cantaloupe, and just cold fresh fruit in general. Smoothies have been my best friend lately- that and icecream;)Anything making you queasy or sick: nope!Have you started to show yet: DuhGender: Boy!!Labor signs: Made more progress at my appointment this week. I am now a full 2-3cm dilated, 70% effaced, and a -1 station! Yes please! Loving my Hypnobabies homestudy still! Listening to the positive pregnancy affirmations track all through out my days now- love the mindset it puts me in!Belly button in or out: The whole thing is out now..and I find it hilariousWedding rings on or off: They are so done..:(Happy or moody most of the time: Happy and excited to meet him.Looking forward to: Meeting our baby, but also just soaking this time in. Also, Sunday is my last day of work- so thats gonna be lovely.

White Faux Sheep Skin Rug Obsession

2012-05-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

When we very first started talking and daydreaming about the nursery I kept on picturing a sheep skin rug. No matter what theme, color, etc. I always saw the same type of rug. The only problem? They all seemed to be a million and one dollars. Not exactly in our budget. Thank goodness though one day I was browsing on Home Decorators and saw an ad that said all rugs were 20% off, which lead me to just 'check real quick' for a sheep skin one. Much to my delight they not only had one with incredible reviews {scoring 4 1/2 stars from 300+ reviews}, and for a great price, but it was also on sale! The 5x8 size we got is originally $139, but we scored it for $111+shipping. I couldn't believe we were getting the exact rug I was wanting for well under $150!

The texture of it literally makes you feel like you are walking on a cloud. It is insanely soft!

Since we have only had it for a week, it is still in its initial shedding process, but its not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Most reviewers say that it only sheds for about the first two weeks. As for how the rest of the family likes it? The dogs won't get off of it. The second I open the door to the nursery every day, they run in and instantly lay down and fall asleep! It is the cutest thing ever.

Honey giving me the 'thanks for the rug mommy' look;)

Overall, I couldn't be more excited that not only is this our rug, but that we got it for such a great deal! Check out Home Decorators for deals on rugs, furniture, lighting, etc. We have loved everything we have ever gotten from there.
PS- I am officially housing a full term baby in my tummy! Best thing ever! So blessed that this baby has decided to stay put up until this point..so now at any point -he can come;)

So Much Progress

2012-05-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

This past weekend J and I made so much progress on the nursery! It is nearly finished. Still needs some things on the walls, a final coat of sealant, and an ottoman and side table..but its almost there! I am so ecstatic as to how it is looking! We also decided on its official 'theme': World Traveler. At first we thought we were just going to stick with vintage planes everywhere, but it has kind of developed in to modes of travel. So fun! Here are two great scores we picked up this weekend from one of our favorite shops on 7th ave, Qcumberz:

They were $20 total. I love when we can walk in to a store not really knowing exactly what we are looking for, but leave feeling like we found the most perfect items! And for cheap! {PS- the bottom photo shows the true wall color more than the top one does}.
Can't wait to show yall more of this little man cave! Also, I am talking about 5 different ways to document a pregnancy {for any newly pregnant mamas out there!} on Scottsdale Moms Blog this morning at 7am! Go check it out!

Design Inspiration Monday

2012-04-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

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Homemade Sunflower Seed Butter {Sunbutter}

2012-04-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

A month ago I showed you guys the incredibly easy way to make Homemade Almond Butter. I love that stuff but was wanting to mix it up a little, so I made my first batch of homemade Sunflower seed butter. Let me tell you, this stuff was so good. It tastes more like peanut butter than almond butter does {for those who don't enjoy the taste of almonds}, yet has double the fiber of peanut butter- score!

Ingredients:2 cups roasted sunflower seeds {either bought roasted, or bake at 325 for 15 min. or until brown}2 tbl. organic coconut oil {or grapeseed oil}1 tbl. agave {or other natural sweetener}1 tsp. salt
Add the seeds to your food processor {or blender- in my case, Vitamix} and mix until it starts to form almost a paste.
Once its clumping together like the paste add in the oil, mix for until smooth and then add in the agave and salt.
I keep one jar on the counter and one jar in the refrigerator {to last longer}. I love this stuff! Hope you enjoy it too if you make it! Happy weekend friends...

36 Weeks Pregnant!

2012-04-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

How far along: 36 weeks! Total weight gain: gained 24 lbs total. Maternity clothes: Still able to wear some tops, but pants these days are either workout pants, leggings, or maternity. Can't wait to wear all of my jeans again some day!Stretch marks: Just the ones from Christmas Eve on my chest, but still using the amazing tummy stretch mark oil {here} and the chest cream {here}. I swear, that oil especially, is the best stuff EVER!Sleep: Getting harder and harder to get comfy..and the roll that I have to do to get out of bed is quite humorous-let me tell you!Best moment of this week: In the midst of doing anything and everything baby I managed to squeeze in a little me time for a massage and a hair apt. Both were blissful!Miss anything:A full nights sleep {which I know I am going to be missing for a LONG time coming!}Movement: all.the.time. Food cravings: Been wanting a lot of pineapple, cantaloupe, and just cold fresh fruit in general. Might have something to do with the fact that it was 100+ here for three days last week!Anything making you queasy or sick: nope!Have you started to show yet: Yes, and I can't believe I still have 4 more weeks of growth to go!Gender: Boy!!Labor signs: Made more progress at my appointment this week. I am now a full 2cm dilated, 70% effaced, and a -1 station! How incredible would it be to go in to labor already dilated to a 3 or 4?! Yes please! Loving my Hypnobabies homestudy still! Listening to the positive pregnancy affirmations track all through out my days now- love the mindset it puts me in!Belly button in or out: The whole thing is out now..and I find it hilariousWedding rings on or off: They are so done..:(Happy or moody most of the time: Insanely happy! Looking forward to: Meeting our baby, but also just soaking this time in.

Baby Brain

2012-04-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

Ever since my doctor told me last week that she expects me to go 2-3 weeks early all I have been able to think about is baby. Cleaning for the baby, getting stuff assembled for the baby, freaking out about the baby, etc. Life as I know it has kind of stopped until I feel like we are 'ready enough' for him to come tomorrow. Friends and family have been amazing with helping us get ready. As of two days ago I was freaking out because I had approximately 6 newborn outfits {onesies and Pjs total} and now today, I have about 50. Seriously, some are borrowed and some were given..but either way we are overflowing with NB and 0-3 month clothes! How amazing to be blessed like that!

One inconvenient {but yet I find funny} thing that is happening is this:

You see, when your nursery closet looks like the photo below, but yet you need to get the laundry started in-case he decides to come early, your dining room table becomes your closet:

Side note: I cannot wait to write up the tutorial for the bench/trunk. This thing is so rad!!! And once it gets painted and stained it is going to be even better.

But really, I feel like all I have done {other than work and some social life} this past week is prepare for baby boy. I have been a clothes washing, bottle sterilizing, mind preparing, book reading machine. Cooking real meals? Nah- I just use the stove for this lately:

Heres to hoping that my appointment later this morning goes well, and that we are making progress..but not too much progress- J isn't finished with this round of classes till Tuesday, and my MIL doesn't come back in to town until Wednesday!

Vintage Map Restored

2012-04-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

We love vintage everything, and usually that also means that we have to love the imperfections in the vintage items..or figure out how to fix the issue. A few weeks back we scored this beautiful vintage wall map:

We got it on eBay for $100, and oddly enough still don't know where exactly it is going in the house..but we do know we love it. We were so excited once it arrived and then went to unroll it a little excitedly, and tore it. When you pull down the map you are supposed to pull from the center, and J and his eager hands pulled from one side, ripping the map from the wood:/ In the photo below- the map is supposed to be connected to the wood the whole way, not just the last 1/3:(

We simply took a screwdriver and separated the wood holding the map in place, and removed the tiny baby nails:

Once separated, we pulled the map down about 1in. farther to make up for the torn part and began super glueing it to one side of the wood:

Once glued, we used clamps in a few spots to hold it together tightly, and then we lightly {and I mean lightly} hammered the nails back in to the map. This babies were so tiny, you had to be super gentle. Just check out how tiny and adorable they were:

In the end, you would never know that we tore it up and then fixed it. Now the only issue we have is figuring out where it will go. We initially thought the brick wall, but then realized it just wasn't right:

I swear, one day we will figure out what to put up on that stupid wall. I think its our fault considering we are too cautious to put any holes in the precious brick, but man its been a year and we still haven't found anything worthy of it. Soon...maybe before the baby makes his debut..but probably not;)

Design Inspiration Monday

2012-04-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

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How To Get Rid Of Armpit Stains..This Is Not A Joke!

2012-04-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

I have a very bad habit of pinning things on Pinterest and then never doing anything with them. How many of us are guilty of that? I would say probably most of us. Well, finally the other night I put one of my Pins to the test.. a DIY version of pit stain removal:)
Apparently the stains don't bother J at all, but I do the laundry and it drives me nuts! {HAHA oops- he just called while I was writing this post and was quite surprised I was going to be showcasing to the world his pit stains..apparently they don't bother him only because no one sees them..whoops!} I was tempted to buy him new undershirts the other day they were grossing me out so much. But..were having a baby...so spending unnecessary money isn't on the top of my list! So I got to looking through my Pinterest Cleaning Tips board and found a great tip for that exact problem...and I already had all of the ingredients-perfect!via www.Picklee.com
I followed the directions to a T:

I used 1/4 cup dawn dish soap and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide for the mixture to do about 15 shirts. Also, I knew that I was working with some serious stains so I automatically went ahead and scrubbed with a little baking soda as well. Here is what grossness I started with {you can also clearly see it in the above photo}:

I simply made the solution, and poured it on to the stains one by one in a large pyrex dish {to prevent any spills}. Once the solution was on I took a toothbrush and scrubbed on the baking soda. Side note: please tell me I am not the only one who has a toothbrush in their house specifically for cleaning?! Once that was all done I let all the shirts soak for a solid hour before washing them:

Now, i'm not going to lie..the end result wasn't quite as magical as I had hoped it could be. I think I might do this one more time to the shirts and see if that takes aways all discoloration. OR better yet- if y'all have your own fool proof method, please share! Here is what most of the shirts looked like in the end:

See? Pretty dang good, but not quite great! I am glad I tried this though, because now I have just one more Pinned item that I have actually followed through on.

Tell me, do you guys have any home remedies that you know and love for cleaning? I have tried a lot, but haven't quite found ones that I know I will continue to use time and time again. Hope everyone has a great weekend, we are going to be busy over here trying to get everything finished before this little man arrives! Yikes!

35 Weeks Pregnant!

2012-04-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

How far along: 35 weeks! Total weight gain: gained 22 lbs total. Maternity clothes: Still able to wear some tops, but pants these days are either workout pants, leggings, or maternity. Can't wait to wear all of my jeans again some day!Stretch marks: Just the ones from Christmas Eve on my chest, but still using the amazing tummy stretch mark oil {here} and the chest cream {here}. I swear, that oil especially, is the best stuff EVER!Sleep: When I am actually asleep, great. Waking up 4 times to go pee..not fun. Best moment of this week: My brothers wedding this past Saturday! Such an incredible time and seeing him so in love!Miss anything:A full nights sleep {which I know I am going to be missing for a LONG time coming!}Movement: all.the.time. Food cravings: Been wanting a lot of pineapple, cantaloupe, and still olives.Anything making you queasy or sick: nope!Have you started to show yet: Yes, and I can't believe I still have 5 more weeks of growth to go!Gender: Boy!!Labor signs: Contractions are continuing and just found out yesterday that they have actually been doing something. I am 1-2cm dilated and 50% effaced. CRAZY! My doctor said she thinks I will have him somewhere in between 37-38 weeks {but obviously could go to 41 weeks as well!} Loving my Hypnobabies homestudy still!Belly button in or out: The whole thing is out now..and I find it hilariousWedding rings on or off: They are so done..:(Happy or moody most of the time: Insanely happy! Looking forward to: Meeting our baby boy..can't believe its so soon! Heres to hoping we have an incredibly productive week- so much still to do! But also, I just want to relish in these last few weeks of being pregnant.

Nursery Update

2012-04-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

My handsome hubby has been hard at work over here between school,work, and nursery projects. In the last couple of weeks he has put up almost all of the board and batten, added trim to the door, painted {with our paint sprayer, i'll go in to more detail on that later} the board and batten, and just recently finished framing out the bench/toy chest! Here are some progress shots:

Prepping the windows for the paint. Cant tell you how many people have thought that the walls {with plaster} are what we want, possibly going for a cloud look! Cracks us up! No people, we are definitely painting the top of the walls.

Painted all beautiful!

The framing not quite finished, although now it is. I am so excited to be able to use this bench for not only mass amounts of storage, but also a reading nook.

Today we have an electrician coming and adding another outlet {the room currently has one}, adding a junction box in the closet ceiling so we can put some sort of pendant light in there, and making our current single light switch in to three. We will now be able to control the fan, the fans light, and the closet light all from the switch! Hooray for some serious modern conveniences.
Also, last night I tested one of my latest Pins trying to remove pit stains from Js undershirts..i'll report back on Friday if it was successful or not!

Vintage Nautical Baby Shower

2012-04-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited I finally get to share these photos {by Melissa Young} with y'all. A few weeks back my sister and two best girlfriends threw me a seriously amazing baby shower. I knew with their combined talents that it was going to be great, but they really blew me away! {My family shower was incredible too, but I don't have photos from that yet.}
I'll let the photos do most of the talking here:

All the guests received organic bars of soap:

Can't believe my girlfriends even thought of the adorable details like these:

Kylie found this adorable vintage toy at a local shop

The table centerpieces were perfection:

My moms rice krispy treats are literally heaven..craving some more now:

Sangria for the non-preggo people, yummy lemonade and water for the rest:)

My mom and mother-in-law are not excited to become grandmas at all;)

My beautiful mother-in-law

My amazing {and also pregnant!!!!} sister

The ever so fabulous Melissa Young

This sweet girl came all the way from CO!

Our baby boys are due two weeks apart! Can't wait for future play dates

Mama and sis:)

Now here was one of my favorite parts of the shower..Kylie {owner of Modern Manor}brought a ton of incredible vintage iron-ons and her press and everyone made bibs, onesies, shirts,etc. They turned out so great!

By far the best part though...everyone laying hands on me and the baby for a time of prayer.

So grateful for all of the gifts

Me and the beautiful hosts of the shower:

It was such a perfect afternoon celebrating baby boy. They put so much thought in to every little detail, and it totally paid off. Thank you to everyone who came, we love you all.
What do you all think? Wasn't this such a cute shower?!
Also, I talked a little bit about The Savvy Sale over at Scottsdale Moms Blog this morning {at 7am}. Go check it out if you are interested in seeing the steals you can get at baby consignment sales.

Design Inspiration Monday

2012-04-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

SO many amazing rooms this week:
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4 Years Of Marriage

2012-04-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

I wrote about celebrating two years of marriage, three years of marriage..and now its four years!!!!! That is one thing I love about having a blog, always being able to look back in time.
Yesterday was our four year anniversary, and we barely saw each other. Haha, no but really- my brother is getting married this weekend so it was my future sister-in-laws bachelorette party, and J had class. Don't worry though, we are celebrating on Sunday!
In this last year it is incredible how much J and I have grown separately and together. I have gained a whole new level of independence since he has been in school, which I think was really healthy for me. Now don't get me wrong, I haven't loved having him be so busy all the time, but I do think it actually made us appreciate each other more. We cherish our time together on a whole new level.
And now.. well in about a month our marriage is taking a whole new twist. I cannot wait to see J as a daddy. He is so incredible and I know without a shadow of doubt, that he is going to be the most loving, fun, caring, and wise daddy there is. If this experience coming up is anything like what our relationship has been so far, I will need J for balance...and thats so perfect. I will worry about all the little things, and he will comfort me-yet bring me back to peace {and reality} with all the little things. He reminds me to not take life too seriously...see:

Jeremy,I love you with all of my heart and soul. I have never been more sure of anything else in my life, than the fact that God created you for me. You have always been the best example of Christs love in my life, day in and day out. I am so excited to see you take on a new role this next month, and I am also excited to keep our marriage first. As cheesy as this sounds, you complete me. I love you babeh, forever and then some.

34 Weeks Pregnant!

2012-04-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

How far along: 34 weeks! Total weight gain: gained 20 lbs total. Maternity clothes: Still able to wear some tops, but pants these days are either workout pants, leggings, or maternity. Can't wait to wear all of my jeans again some day!Stretch marks: Just the ones from Christmas Eve on my chest, but still using the amazing tummy stretch mark oil {here} and the chest cream {here}. I swear, that oil especially, is the best stuff EVER!Sleep: This week was a little rough. Some nights I was even getting up 4 times to go pee..and I wonder why I get tired in the middle of the day!Best moment of this week: It has been a week {really a month} of celebrations. Bridal luncheon this past weekend, and celebrating my brothers 30th bday last night. Also, reading that if our little man were to come today- as long as he didn't have any other health problems, he would most likely be totally fine! So relieving to hear that.Miss anything: Being able to be really productive and active without worrying about having too many contractionsMovement: all.the.time. Food cravings: Been wanting a lot of pineapple, cantaloupe {ironic for this week!}, and still olives.Anything making you queasy or sick: nope!Have you started to show yet: Yes, and I can't believe I still have 6 more weeks of growth to go!Gender: Boy!!Labor signs: Still lots of contractions, but taking it easy. Loving my Hypnobabies homestudy still!Belly button in or out: The whole thing is out now..and I find it hilariousWedding rings on or off: Umm..sadly yesterday I tried to put it on and it wouldn't make it past my knuckle. Really hoping it was just a random swollen day, but might be time to say bye to it for awhile:(Happy or moody most of the time: Insanely happy! Looking forward to: Celebrating 4 years of marriage to my amazing hubby, being in my brothers wedding this weekend {yep- about one week shy of being 9 months pregnant..as a bridesmaid!} and hopefully making lots and lots of progress on the nursery this coming week..were running out of time!