Monday, March 25, 2013

Cutest Elbow Ever.

Ok, so I'm still sorting through my favorite of favorites from my maternity session with Lydia at www.diaimages.com :) However, I came across one HECK of a shot I can't help but share...Anyone notice this little guy's elbow popping out by my belly button??

Baby Boy's Nursery

I've dreamed of ways to decorate my first baby's nursery most of my life. Call me weird, and maybe I am, but I think it has something to do with my desire to bring my newborn home mixed with my passion for decorating and putting rooms together. I remember when I bought my first house, I painted the guest bedroom knowing it could one day become a nursery, and it made me giggle with excitement. We found out we were expecting our first baby right after we sold our home and were about to move, and I remember a little part of me feeling sad that that room would never see our sweet baby.

When we found out Baby Fox was a boy, Brett instantly tried convincing me to paint his room navy blue and gold so that it could be a Notre Dame themed room. ...Men. I quickly made it clear that that would not be happening. I told him there will likely come a day when this little boy comes to me and says, "Mawmaw, I want 'fwutballs' in my 'wroom!' " and I know it will be impossible to say no to that sweet, speech impediment filled request. So until that day, this room will be what I want it to be.

So, what do I want it to be, you ask? Well I'd be delighted to tell ya! When I picture our little boy, I picture a bald, husky boy with a love for all things boy. Be it trucks or footballs or a tool belt, I picture him in his grass stained pants running around the house playing like a little monster. And I love him for that. So it was hard to come up with one theme that suited this kid. Plus, for whatever reason, whenever I would stop to think about what I wanted to do to his room, the song "Courageous" by Casting Crowns would get stuck in my head. I thought more and more about the words to this song, as it encourages men to be men, being brave and strong like a warrior, stepping out in obedience to pursue the Lord. Who wouldn't want that for their sons?!

After much debate, I finally decided to just do it all. There are planes and trucks and elephants and books and sports and camping equipment. My wonderful sister-in-law over at D.I.A.Images took the time to capture a few pictures of his room...be sure to check out more of this session and the rest of her work at www.diaimages.blogspot.com :) More information about the details of the room listed below.








This clock was one of the main inspiration pieces for the room. I found it years ago at Goodwill for $2. Never had a place to hang it up until now :)








I wish so badly I could take credit for this mobile, but I just can't! I found the idea via Pinterest,
you can read more about it here :)


Paint Color: Snowgoose by Pratt and Lambert
Green Curtains: Shower curtain $20 from Target, cut in half and hung as curtains. 
Crib: Jenny Lind in Ebony 
Clock: Goodwill $2
Life is a Journey Canvas: Hobby Lobby years ago, used to hang in our old guest bathroom
Rocker: Given to us by our cousin
Blocks: Gift given to us by a family friend, made from old blocks and an old book from 1957
Tool Chest: Also given by same family friend, she found it at Goodwill
Bookshelf: Target, $50
Football figurine: Goodwill, $2 Spray painted Orange
Books: All given by friends and family at shower
Lantern: Walmart, $6
Giraffe and Elephant figurines: Made by yours truly in high school
Airplane: Hobby Lobby $15
Pendant Paper and Cloud Material: Hobby Lobby, $14

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Library Themed Baby Shower

  My sister, mom, and family friend all worked together to throw an awesome shower for Baby Fox. They went with a book/adventure theme, and it turned out way cute. We were blessed to have so many take time out of their day to come celebrate with us and shower us with such generous gifts and books! Here are just a few pictures that captured the day! Enjoy :)













Monday, March 18, 2013

Dear Baby Fox (30 weeks)

Dear Baby Fox (30 weeks)


Dear Baby Fox,
  I'm losing so much sleep just dreaming about you. I often wonder who you will be and what you will look like. Will you have your daddy's hazel greens or my blue eyes? Will you have my outspoken personality or will you have your dad's laid back, observant demeanor? I just want to hold you and know you!
  You are due in just a mere 10 weeks. When did that happen? I'm getting impatient to meet you and have you home with us, but I'm trying to savor these last few weeks of pregnancy. Your sweet movements melt my heart every time. In fact, you're squirming around even as I write this! I'm just feeling bad you're running out of room in there to really stretch and play! Rest assured, you'll be free in no time ;)
  Every day I pray for your life ahead of you, that it would be marked with the love of Christ and that you would be brave and courageous, impacting this world and bringing God glory. I pray for your health, that God would bless you and keep you perfectly molded and formed in a way only a Creator can! No matter what, your daddy and I love you just the way you are. 
  Let the countdown begin!!
Love, Mama


  • How far along?: 30 weeks
  • Baby is the size of a:  longer than a loaf of bread...WHAT?!
  • The Bump: still growing! 
  • Symptoms: Hip pain and still itchy at night
  • Food Cravings: Nothing crazy, just eating a lot. I actually ordered two meals at a restaurant for the first time!
  • Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Only when I go too long between meals
  • Sleep: What's that?
  • What I miss: Sleeping on my belly
  • Weddings Rings On or Off: On but getting more and more snug
  • Any Names Picked Out Yet: Maybe, maybe not! ;)
  • Movement: It keeps getting crazier and crazier...as much as I want to meet him and hold him, I never want those kicks to stop!!
  • Maternity Clothes: Struggling to find clothes that fit, a bit of my belly shows on the bottom of most of my maternity shirts 
  • Labor Signs: Not yet...starting to look forward to those!
  • Best Moment of the (last few) Week(s): Our baby shower...what an awesome time!
  • What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Maternity pictures coming up and Brett and I's "Babymoon."  Destination: TBA :)
  • Tuesday, March 12, 2013

    Baby Room Inspiration :)

    We've been busy putting together the baby's room! While there's still so much to do, we're making progress!! Here's a sneak peak of some pieces that inspired his room!!!

    Wednesday, March 6, 2013

    Dear Baby Fox (28 Weeks)


    Dear Baby Fox (28 Weeks)



    Dear Baby Fox,
      Hey there, sweet boy. Some people in your life that you'll come to love very, very much are planning a baby shower to celebrate YOU!! You are going to love being out here in the world! I can't wait to gather with friends and talk all about what life will be like once you arrive. I'm sure we're in for a few surprises, but I can't help but think it's going to be much sweeter.
      You are growing up so fast! You're already over 2 pounds!! You'll probably only grow another 4 to 5 inches before your delivery. You're far enough along that if you were born now, you would be just fine!! Your lungs are maturing and your little body is fattening up just enough to keep you nice and warm when you get here! Feel free to get just fat enough that your cheeks are extra kissable!!
      Our lives are about to change for the better. Your daddy and I are trying to spend as much time together as possible in these last few weeks. Don't misunderstand me, I couldn't be more excited to welcome you into our family! It's just crazy to think how much our lives are going to change, so we're trying to soak it all in before you get here! We continue to pray for your heart and your health and we simply praise God for all He has blessed us with! I love you to the moon and back, baby boy!! 
    My heart overflows, Mama


  • How far along?: 28 weeks
  • Baby is the size of a:  Eggplant, I believe. He is over 2lbs now!!!
  • The Bump: Sporting Brett's t shirts now as my belly hangs out the bottom of mine
  • Symptoms: Just lower back and hip pain
  • Food Cravings: Reese's Cups
  • Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope!
  • Sleep: Waking up about twice a night now to go to the bathroom...this kid is getting heavy!!
  • What I miss: My jeans...I've loved my maternity jeans from H&M, but they're getting tighter and tighter
  • Weddings Rings On or Off: On
  • Any Names Picked Out Yet: They are narrowed down :)
  • Movement: As fun as the wedding was last weekend, I was sad because I didn't get to stop and enjoy his kicks as much since I was so busy running around...love feeling his sweet love taps!
  • Maternity Clothes: I'm trying to make what I have last until the end...we'll see how that ends up
  • Labor Signs: Nothing.
  • Best Moment of the (last few) Week(s): Officially being in the last trimester, meeting my friend's new baby boy, and getting a pedicure :)
  • What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Our first baby shower in 2 weeks!
  • Sunday, March 3, 2013

    My Soapbox

    Ever heard the phrase, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all?" My parents repeatedly instilled this in my siblings and I at a young age. Over time, we learned the importance of knowing when to speak and knowing when to be silent. We learned the uplifting power of kind words and the damaging power of sour words. We were five, and we were getting it.

    As an adult, I've noticed there are people who pride themselves on being "bold" and "outspoken." I've come to the understanding that, the majority of the time, that's just their sugar coated way of saying, "I'm rude." Now, don't get me wrong. I like bold, outspoken people. I happen to be one myself. I believe it's a God-given gift (as I do introverted people as well), and when God gives you much, much is expected. What good is it to carry this gift of boldness if you continually abuse it by using it to put people down instead of to encourage people, as it was intended? It is just as bold to say something confidently as it is to know when not to say anything.

    When you're pregnant and the bump is clearly a baby bump and not just a few extra pounds, you are inevitably on display. People look you in the eyes after first looking at your belly. Some people ask when you're due or simply congratulate you. Although it does bring upon some awkward interactions, I get it. Pregnancy is a beautiful thing that people are curious about. As a more extroverted person, I have no problem with people asking questions or looking at my belly. I actually happen to enjoy talking about this new love in my life. 

    However, a line has got to be drawn. While I welcome smiles of congratulations and questions about if a woman is having a boy or girl etc, I detest statements that belittle the woman carrying the baby. For instance, telling a pregnant woman she pulls off pregnancy well is one thing. Telling a woman you can't believe she's not due any day now...that's just unacceptable. 

    I'm astounded at some of the "bold" things I have been told. "I can't imagine you being any bigger." "Are they sure you're not having twins?" "Do they think the baby is just really big?" "I can't believe how huge you are!" "My friend is farther along than you and she's not showing at all!" TAKE NOTE: ALL THESE THINGS ARE NOT OK TO SAY. They are not words from a bold person who carries that weight responsibly. They are words from a rude person who think it's OK to pick apart your body. Completely uncalled for.

    As if I should have to defend myself, but let me relay a few facts for you. For one, most women 28 weeks pregnant have gained about 17-25 pounds so far. I have gained a whopping 10. I am not "huge" and I am certainly not carrying twins. There's no reason to believe the baby's weight is above average. I am actually below average on every level, so it's probably best you do a little research before opening your rude mouth.

    That being said, so what if I had gained 30 pounds already? What if I gain a good hundred before baby gets here? What if I deliver a 12 pound baby, complete with a beard and all? Or what if I was 8 months pregnant and hardly showing at all? Does that give you the right to just say the first thing that comes to your mind and pick apart my body as if I'm not right in front of you? Heck no.

    On the same token, how would someone feel if I made comments about how I felt about the baby weight they're still carrying? I guarantee most of us would be horrified at the audacity it would take to ask such a rude and degrading question, as we should be. How is commenting on a pregnant woman's weight any different?

    I'd like to tell you where you can put those outrageously rude comments, but I like to keep this blog fairly PG. So here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to beg you from the very bottom of my heart on behalf of us all to do every woman in the world a favor and keep those comments to yourself. Stick with the smiles and congratulations and stories of encouragement. Use your God-given ability to be bold and outspoken to make people actually feel good about themselves. Build somebody up today.

    **I should take the time to note that I've been blessed enough to be surrounded by so many who have done nothing but encourage me and make me feel like quite the babe. They have told me I look beautiful and how excited they are to meet our son. I treasure your sweet words and appreciate you going out of your way to be kind. Keep making people feel loved and beautiful! It means more than you know!