Almost August

There is one more day until Parker's birth month... 

And just a few days until he's full term. 

Parker's Arrival Poll had to come down a little earlier than expected, but here are the results:

(Really hoping that the 5 who voted for the week of July 30 are right!  Maybe with the full moon??)

To say I'm surprised that we made it this far would be a drastic understatement.  There were times that I didn't feel comfortable planning dinner, because I wasn't sure if the contractions would stop...  There were times that I worried our little guy would have to stay in the NICU...   And suddenly the focus has shifted from "keeping her pregnant" to "getting that baby out" (both phrases used by my doctor).

I admit that I'm scared, but I'm also ready.  I can practically feel my adrenaline boiling, just waiting for labor to begin.  I'm ready for Parker to be in my arms and not in my belly.  I'm ready to be home with my kids.  I'm ready to lay on my stomach and wear regular clothes.  I'm ready for a BIG glass of vino.  


And, in my defense, while it may seem strange to be this impatient at "only" 36 weeks and 3 days, I was told at 30 weeks gestation that he could be born in as little as two weeks...  So I mentally prepared myself for a much shorter pregnancy and a preemie. Combine that with all the preterm contractions, and you've got yourself one very frustrated pregnant lady.

36 Weeks

How far along?  36w1d.

How big is baby?  Honeydew!  Had a growth ultrasound on Thursday, and HOLY COW this kid is huge.  Park weighed approximately 6 pounds 14 ounces, which puts him in the 86th percentile.  (Apparently the size of his head is really driving those numbers - already measuring 40 weeks!)  Breathing, circulation, and immune systems should be up and running.

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 139.6 pounds this morning; which is a 1.6 pound gain from last week, and an overall gain of 30 pounds.  No new stretch marks and the belly button is out.  (Really looking forward to having an innie again.)  And I officially hate clothes.  I'm still cramming myself into regular pants and shorts, but they're starting to get uncomfortable now that Parker is getting lower; and all of my shirts are too short.  Seriously, there's no containing this belly.    

How I'm feeling?  Kind of like there is a knife wedged in my lower back.  Sleep is impossible and I literally dread going to bed each night because I cannot get comfortable.  My bladder sucks; I have to pee as soon as I stand upright.  The good news is that swelling has been minimal.  Still craving Icees and watermelon.  (We actually drove to six different gas stations in search of an Icee last Sunday...)   

What's been on my mind?  Getting this kid out.  Lulu and I were able to get out this morning and enjoy the cool(er) weather; we walked around the fountain and played at the splash pad while Daddy-O was at work.

What I'm looking forward to?  Finishing my Hypnobabies home study, and putting it to use.  I'm on class 4 of 5 and really enjoying the practice so far.

Best moment this week?  I had two awesome moments.  1)  The cashier at Sprouts told me I looked beautiful and 2)  Hearing that Parker is still head down at the growth ultrasound.  Goooooooo Park!

Viral Chest Infection

Well, crap.  I guess it's my fault for bragging about your good health in the last few monthly birthday posts...because now you (and the rest of daycare) have come down with a nasty bug.  (And passed it on to mom and dad!) 

You have this gross, wet cough that keeps you from falling asleep; your nose is full of junk; and, you're downright whiny and uncomfy most of the time.   

We finally decided to visit the pediatrician yesterday, because we worried it was Whooping Cough or Strep; but, much to our surprise, the doctor said your chest was clear and recommended plain ol' Robitussin.  (It's still strange to me to give you over-the-counter meds.)  Fortunately, the dosage is small, and it's brought you some relief.  Hopefully it'll blow over soon, because we're ready for the next healthy streak.

Freezer Meals 2.0

Believe it or not, this post has been a work in progress since April.  I decided to take a different approach to stocking the freezer(s) this time.  Rather than devoting an entire weekend (or two, or three) to cooking, I've been cooking larger dinner portions every night for months and freezing the leftovers.  It made a daunting task much more manageable, especially now that we're a two freezer family.  In addition to sparing my large, tired body from the aches and pains, I also saved money, storage space, and time.     

I tried to choose recipes that were crock pot friendly, budget friendly, and made with common household ingredients.  More importantly, though, I chose recipes that are absolutely delicious.  You can find the full menu listed below, with sources.  (Sorry for the lack of pictures!  I'm a much better cook than I am photographer.)  And don't forget to check out my post on Freezer Meals 1.0 for additional recipes not included in this batch.

Chicken
{Crock Pot} Salsa Chicken
{Crock Pot} BBQ Chicken Legs
{Crock Pot} Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole
{Crock Pot} Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Chicken and Dumplings
Breaded Chicken Tenders

Turkey
{Crock Pot} Stuffed Peppers
Roasted Turkey
Turkey Meatloaf
Turkey Burger Wraps
Jumbo Pigs in a Blanket

Pork
{Crock Pot} Herbed Pork Tenderloin recipe below
Spiral Sliced Ham

Beef
{Crock Pot} Marinara Meatballs

Seafood
Teriyaki Salmon
Garlic Butter Salmon
Tuna Noodle Casserole

Vegetarian
Eggplant Parm

Pasta
Baked Ziti 
Emeril's Mac and Cheese
Lasagna

Sides
Sweet Corn Off the Cob
Parsley Carrots
Roasted Summer Squash
Roasted Zucchini
Buttered Radishes

Sweets
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Brownies
Luscious Lemon Cheesecake
Mom's Banana Bread recipe below
Meg's Zucchini Bread
Strawberries

Herbed Pork Tenderloin
2 lb. Boneless Pork Tenderloin
S & P
Onion Powder
Rosemary
Thyme
Minced Garlic
Olive Oil
Chicken Stock
Chopped Onion (fresh or frozen)

Dry the tenderloin between paper towels and season.  (I don't follow exact measurements, just sort of eyeball it.)  Use a paring knife to make 6-12 pockets in the tenderloin, and stuff with minced garlic.  Then, rub that bad boy with some EVOO (extra virgin olive oil, for those not hip to Racheal Ray's acronyms).  Sear the tenderloin on the stovetop until all sides are browned.  Place inside crock pot, on a bed of chopped onion, cover with chicken stock, and forget about it for 4-8 hours (depending on whether you prefer to cook on high or low temperature settings).  The cooking liquid makes a very nice, light gravy when thickened with a flour slurry. 

Mom's Banana Bread
4 C. Flour
2 tsp. Baking Soda
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 C. Butter, softened
2 1/3 C. Sugar
4 Eggs
2 tsp. Vanilla
2 C. Sour Cream
4-5 Bananas, mashed
1 C. Chopped Walnuts (optional)

Combine the dry ingredients in a separate mixing bowl and set aside.  Cream the butter and sugar until smooth.  Add in eggs, vanilla, and sour cream.  Then add the bananas.  Mix in the dry ingredients in three batches, scraping down the sides of the bowl in between additions.  Once combined, add nuts.  Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.  Makes two large loaves of bread. 

---

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.  I don't always follow a recipe, but I'm happy to explain my steps.  And for those who are still leery of freezer meals, here are two helpful articles that I recently found:
What can be frozen?
Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Second Freezer 

Do you make ahead and freeze meals?  I'd love to hear some new recipe ideas!! 

The New Birth Plan

My last birth plan was totally useless due to Lucy's breech presentation and the need for a cesarean delivery.  Fortunately, Parker is head down and my doctor has approved a VBAC.  I am excited (maybe a little too excited) for the experience.  That being said, I've been thinking long and hard about my priorities for birth.  Rather than create (another) 10-page birth plan, I'd like to convey a few preferences that are genuinely important to myself and Casey.

---

My delivery is planned as a VBAC.

During labor I'd like to stay hydrated by ice chips or saline lock.

For pain relief I plan to use hypnosis and massage.  Please do not offer epidural anesthesia or narcotic pain medication.

Please delay cord cutting until after it has stopped pulsating.

I'd like to breastfeed as soon as possible. 

I'd like to stay in the hospital as briefly as possible.

---

I don't think it's realistic to expect the hospital staff to consult my birth plan before every.single.procedure.  When the time comes, they will ask for consent, and I will use my voice.  If, for some reason, I cannot find my voice, I will kick Casey, and he will use his voice.  ;-) 

I believe we are in good hands, and I believe we all share one goal: a healthy baby.

I followed this birth plan template to get a better understanding of my options.

35/35

How far along?  35w0d, and 35 days to go!  Actually, that's not really true, but more on that below.

How big is baby?  Coconut!  17.2-18.7 inches and 4.2-5.8 pounds; he won't get much longer, but he will continue to plump up.  His hearing is fully developed and testes have descended.  (Have I mentioned that I'm not-so-secretly terrified of boy parts??)

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 138.0 pounds this morning; which is a 3.2 pound gain from last week (what?!?!?!), and an overall gain of 28.4 pounds.  I admit that I've been eating junk food lately, but not THAT much junk food...  And I can't blame the weigh gain on water retention because swelling is minimal.  Really hoping Parker had a growth spurt!  No new stretch marks and my belly button is out.  Still wearing regular pants and shorts with the belly band, maternity tops, dresses and skirts.  I had my first internal exam yesterday and I am 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced.  Parker is head down and low!  All very exciting news!!!

How I'm feeling?  Pretty good!  I seem to have had a burst of energy this week.  And, I even had two nights of blissful sleep (i.e.: no trips to the bathroom).  Having an average of 2-4 contractions per hour, and more in the evenings.  No specific cravings since I've been eating a ton of junk food lately.      

What's been on my mind?  Having this baby.

What I'm looking forward to?  Having this baby.

Best moment this week?  Hearing the words, "You're having a vaginal birth" at my prenatal appointment on Thursday.

I had an interesting (and unexpected) conversation with my doctor yesterday.  About being induced.  Due to my low PAPP-A levels, she will not let me go past 39 weeks.  The most common, and dangerous, complication associated with low PAPP-A is intrauterine growth restriction, and at a certain point it actually becomes detrimental to baby to remain inside.  Another growth ultrasound has been scheduled for next Thursday, and, depending on the results, the induction may need to be sooner.  Fortunately, my cervix is already progressing and we're hopeful that I'll go into labor on my own very soon.  My doctor offered to induce as soon as I reach 3 or 4 cm, if I'm still not in active labor...but I'd prefer to avoid intervention if possible.

16 Months

Another month, Lu.  I don't know how to feel about it.  There's a possibility (PLEASE GOD) that you'll become a big sister within the next month...  Part of me wants the month to fly by so that I can no longer be hugely, uncomfortably pregnant finally stay home with you.  But the other part of me wants to freeze time so that I can savor our little family of three.

At 16 months you are:

Communicating very effectively.  You answer yes or no questions (Are you pooping?  Do you want to go to sleep?  Do you want a cookie?); your vocabulary now includes shoe (chu), poop (poooo), and stop it (dopit); and your facial expressions are extremely direct (just watch the first 3 seconds).  

Pursing your lips to say, "chuuu"

Moving too fast, and climbing on everything.  You have no fear.  You never look where you are walking, so you're constantly tripping.

Hiding in closets and behind furniture, and it's usually so you can poop in privacy.  (Is that a sign to start potty training???)

Closing the door behind yourself.

Very helpful.  You throw away your nighttime diaper (since it's a disposable), empty the silverware caddy, and hand us laundry to fold.

Eating less these days, and, as a result, you're slightly less messy.  (My extremely delayed attempt at a splat mat is a little ironic...)

Using a fork, in addition to a spoon, at meals.  You love to stab food.

Signing All done after meals and bathtime.  It is much appreciated!

Destroying the kitchen on the daily.  You move the bar stools, turn the lights on and off (while I'm cooking), drag measuring cups and whisks across the appliances, and tear through the ONE kitchen drawer we were unable to baby proof.

Crafty.  You've covered the fridge in art projects.

Really into music.  You sing "Ah, ah, ah, ah" to the Lemon Drops and Gumdrops song on Barney and Friends.  You are a Jack Johnson fan, and dance as soon as the music starts.  And Grammy is proud to say that she has been "working on musical scale" with you and you recently started singing do, re, mi while playing the piano.

Cursed with Momma's stinky feet.

Very much a Pisces.  You cannot get enough water, be it at the pool or sink.  If you hear water running, you dart over to the sink and say, "Up, up!"

A big sweetheart when you want to be.   You give so many hugs and kisses, and you blow kisses to everyone when you say Bye Bye.  You even blow raspberries on my belly.

Also a bully when you want to be.  You bite, pinch and smack  (One kid actually had the nerve to bite you back on Monday!)  We recently started using 1-2-3 Magic and time-out to curb those behaviors.

Attending daycare Monday through Thursday, and stay home with Grammy or Auntie on Fridays.  Soon you'll be home with Momma, though!!!

Still needing two naps most days.

Sleeping from 7:15 pm - 6:30 am.

Toothy, with 10 teeth, including two molars.

(Approximately) 25 pounds and ... inches (hoping to update later). Wearing 18-24 month clothing, size 2 diaper covers and one size pocket diapers during the day, and size 4 disposables at night.

Healthy!  Though we seem to be having trouble identifying a food allergy...

You are so fun, Lulu.  Just the other night, Daddy said, She is the funniest girl I know (as you so delicately relocated all of your sweet potato from one end of your highchair tray to the other).  I know this is annoyingly repetitive, BUT, it is undeniably true that you have become more and more fun with each month.  We love you mucho.

34 Weeks

***WARNING:  This post was written by a very cranky, very pregnant lady***

How far along?  34w0d and I WANT THIS BABY OUT!!!  I didn't reach this level of discomfort until 35 weeks with Lucy. 

And, just for fun, a side-by-side comparison:

18 weeks vs. 34 weeks

How big is baby?  Butternut squash!  At this point, the average baby weighs between 4.2 and 5.8 pounds and measures 17.2-18.7 inches.

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 134.8 pounds at my NST visit on Thursday; which is a 0.8 pound gain from last week, and an overall gain of 25.2 pounds.  No new stretch marks and my belly button is out; it's funny to see my outie through my clothing.  Still wearing regular pants and shorts with the belly band, maternity tops, dresses and skirts.  Some of my tops are getting a little short...

How I'm feeling?  I'm just a big, uncomfortable heap of pregnancy at this point and have very little motivation to do anything other than lay down.  Letting myself eat whatever I want, whenever I want...my appetite is almost non-existent, but I do enjoy a cherry icee every Monday and Thursday after NST.  Contractions seem to have picked up, having 4-5 contractions per hour; they are extremely distracting.  Sciatica and heart burn are raging.  Also had the pleasure of taking two antibiotics this week for one (misdiagnosed) infection.  Fuuuun times! 

What's been on my mind?  Babywise and Hypnobabies.  Very excited to put both to use.

What I'm looking forward to?  Labor.  Bring it, Park!

Best moment this week?  Getting my thank you cards mailed.  (For my last shower, I was actually writing thank you cards while in the hospital waiting for Lucy to be born...)

One nap isn't cutting it.

From what I gather, a lot of kids transition to one nap after their first birthday.  (Not that they HAVE to, according to this sleep chart.)  Lucy isn't one of those kids.  That girl needs her two naps, or she turns into a major fuss pot. 

Her schedule has been a little unpredictable the past two months...  Most days she takes two 1-1.5 hour naps, around 10:00 am and 2:00 pm; but there were some days that she would take one short morning nap (30-45 minutes) and one longer afternoon nap (1.5 hours), or only one looong nap (2-3 hours) in the middle of the day.  Then, a couple weeks ago, she changed classrooms* at school. 

Lucy's teachers felt that she was ready and would be happier playing with the older kids in the Trainer Room (18 months to 3 years).  Casey and I felt relatively comfortable with the idea, except for one detail:  Trainers only take one, scheduled nap per day. 

My poor, sleepy peanut...
Can't even keep her head up at the dinner table!

I'm sure most of my readers are rolling their eyes right about now, and thinking, "She'll adjust" or "She'll get over it".  And that may be true, evenutally, but, for the time being, my poor Goose is really missing her second nap.  And I miss my happy, well-rested girl! 

There is a noticeable difference in her disposition on the days she goes to daycare; she's whiny and clingy, impatient, and uninterested in eating her dinner.  There have even been times that she's fallen asleep on the car ride home from daycare...and we literally live across the street from the center!  That's how tired she is!!  I understand why daycare has to do this, but that doesn't mean I like it.  And you better believe when Lulu is at home, she gets her two naps!    

*Our daycare is the only center I've seen that does not have a One Year Old Room; instead it has an extended age range in the Infant Room (8 weeks to 18 months).

Nighttime Diaper Solutions for Toddlers

Lucy started waking up earlier than normal a couple weeks ago, by about 30-60 minutes.  She had been waking between 6:30-7:00 for months, at which point she was content to play in her crib for another half an hour; but with this earlier wake time, she wanted to get up right away, and her usual half-hearted whine became a more persistent, unhappy cry.  At first I thought it was because the sun was rising earlier, but Casey quickly pointed out that the nursery faces west and does not receive any of the morning sunlight.  My next thought was that Lu's bedtime was too late (8:00 pm), and that she was overtired by the time we put her down.  So we moved her bedtime to 7:45, then 7:30, and finally 7:15...none of which delayed her morning wake time.  

Coincidentally, I noticed that Lu's diaper had leaked every morning that she woke up too early.  I immediately assumed Casey put her diaper on incorrectly and felt a little peeved.  (Until I put her nighttime diaper on, and she still had a leak the next morning...)  It finally occurred to me that we had an absorbency issue.  I tested our pocket diapers, and they were not repelling; the problem was with our inserts.  We have been using a BumGenius 4.0 pocket diaper with one microfiber insert and one hemp insert since Lu was 4 months old (the last time we thought to increase absorbency).  Unfortunately, a toddler's output is substantially higher than an infants - the two simply cannot be compared - and the same diaper cannot be expected to meet the needs of both.  

My focus suddenly shifted from Lucy's early waking to Lucy's leaky diaper problem.  We began using the disposables we had on hand at nighttime, while I researched various cloth solutions.  The first result in my Google search was this blog post, and that's when I learned the two problems were related.  Lu was waking up early because her diaper was so full and leaking onto her jams!  I continued scrolling through the results and found the following nighttime solutions to be the most commonly used:

1)  Increased number of inserts, natural fibers only - like bamboo and hemp (no microfiber).  

2)  Hemp fitted diaper with a wool cover.

3)  Knickernappies Superdo insert in a standard pocket diaper. 

And the fourth (most surprising and most popular) option...

The majority of participants in the cloth diaper forums used disposable diapers on their toddlers at nighttime.  And not the regular, daytime disposables...  (I had no idea any other kind of disposable existed.)  They were using Overnights or Extra Protection diapers.  It seemed many of the parents had tried to find a cloth solution first, none of which were able to stand up to the ridiculous volume of toddler pee, and ultimately opted to use disposables at nighttime. 

After weighing our options, we decided to forgo the spendy cloth solutions and went straight for Huggies Overnight disposable diapers (since the cheap-o generic disposables we had on hand were leaking too).  We did try the first option, adding a second hemp insert and replacing the microfiber insert with a prefold, but the result looked very bulky and uncomfortable for Lucy.  And since Lucy's comfort is my primary concern, I am more than happy to go whatever route necessary with our diapering.  Lucy has been in Huggies Overnights for the last week, she hasn't leaked once, and she's gone back to waking up at a decent hour!    

The first kid is just for practice.

At least that's what I keep telling myself.  (Sorry, Lulu.) 

I'm over at Phase Three of Life today, guest blogging about the 7 Things I'll do differently with Baby #2.  Go check it out!

33 Weeks

How far along?  33w1d

How big is baby?  Durian!  (I included a picture for those - like myself - who are unfamiliar with this scary-looking fruit.)  According to the growth ultrasound on Thursday, Park weighs approximately 4 pounds 10 ounces (54th percentile).  His little eyes are open, bones are hardening and his brain is developing.

Physical differences from last week?  I weighed 134.0 pounds this morning; which is a 1.8 pound gain from last week, and an overall gain of 24.4 pounds.  No new stretch marks and the belly button is out.  Still wearing regular pants and shorts with the belly band (some pairs are starting to get uncomfortable, though), maternity shirts, dresses and skirts.

How I'm feeling?  Had a much needed burst of energy this week!  Did some cleaning, baking, and actually played with Lulu (instead of laying on the floor and letting her climb all over me).  I've been craving my mom's ambrosia salad since July 4th.  Must make more this weekend!  Sleep is sucky, so I try to nap on the weekends.  I've been having 2-4 contractions per hour, but Park is doing just fine according to the NST. 

What's been on my mind?  Babywise, Hypnobabies, meeting Park.  Really hoping it's within the next 5 weeks!  (Which reminds me, have you voted on the When will Parker arrive poll??) 

What I'm looking forward to?  MATERNITY LEAVE. 

Best moment this week?  Hearing that Parker is head down.  Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Lucy, I said NO!"

My saucy, saucy girl...  Sadly, the time has come for us to start disciplining.  As much as that daycare report comment annoyed me, I know that your teacher has a point.  Biting has, without doubt, been our biggest problem - but certainly not the only problematic behavior.  You constantly test us to see what you can and cannot get away with...climbing the stairs, grabbing the night light, turning the humidifier on and off, hitting, scratching, throwing things...  (I guess I can stop there.  You get the point, right?) 

Prior to your 15 month check-up, we had only used our "firm" voices to deter bad behavior.  That was it.  We would repeat ourselves over and over and over again. 
Lucy, no. 
No, Lucy, that's not a toy. 
Lucy...I said stop.

Until I'd finally snap and yell, Lucy, I said NO!!!  (Mother of the Year, I know...)

Dr. P suggested the use of 1-2-3 Magic, time-out, and a (gentle) tap on the mouth for biting.  Not having read 1-2-3 Magic, I can only reiterate the concept that Dr. P shared with us:
You are given three chances to stop the bad behavior before there are consequences.  Using our "firm" voices, we say why the behavior is wrong and that it's the first/second/third warning.  After the third warning, if you persist, the activity is over.  We remove you from the room and redirect your attention.  

1-2-3 Magic is meant for children ages 2-12 years, and uses time-out as a consequence for all bad behaviors; but we've reserved time-outs for biting only.  (I think Lu has had two total...)  And we decided that the tap on the mouth wasn't for us.  We primarily try to anticipate and avoid situations that we know will provoke bad behavior, but when that's not possible, we ultimately have to remove and redirect.  Even though that occasionally means enduring a tantrum...  But I can ignore handle tantrums.

I'd love to hear from other moms on the subject.  What methods are you using (or planning to use) to discipline your kiddos? 

Daycare Report 7/5/12

Oh I'm sorry, Morning Teacher, should I not have been encouraging Lucy to bite others??

/dies 

Low Papp A and High HCG

These two {STUPID} proteins have caused more grief than anything else this pregnancy.

Doctors don't know a whole lot about their purpose; but they do know that this combination of proteins is statistically proven to pose a higher risk for the following:

• Down Syndrome
• Placental problems (previa, accreta, increta, percreta)
• Preeclampsia
• Preterm birth
• Intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight
• Heart defects

For more info, click here and here (page 12-13).

When I arrived at my prenatal appointment last Thursday, the nurse came to find me in the waiting room and said, "We're going to do things a little differently from now on..." and brought me back towards the Non-Stress Test room instead of the usual exam room.  Before she left, she smiled and said, "You're going to be an expert at this pretty soon."  My doctor then proceeded to tell me that I will have Non-Stress Test (NST) monitoring twice weekly and monthly growth ultrasounds for the remainder of my pregnancy.  And, as an added precaution, I am to remain on pelvic rest until 35 weeks.

I'll be honest, it's a little alarming to me.  My doctor has tried to calm my nerves by saying that this is standard precautionary care for women with these protein levels; and that Parker hasn't given us any reason to be concerned.  Which is true, and I try to focus on that; he has consistently measured one week ahead and shown no markers during ultrasounds.  Unfortunately, my happy thoughts are usually interrupted by the mother of all contractions, and that brings me back to reality.  All we can do is have faith and be patient.

Praying for you everyday, buddy.  I love you.

That nursery I've been teasing you with for months...

IS FINALLY FINISHED.  And I am in love.  Lucy's nursery was kinda blah.  {Ok, like really blah.}  This nursery is not.  Bonus points for having it done way earlier than the last!

BOOM!  Matching cribs and a seesaw.

The no-sew crib skirts that I slaved over. 

Old faithful(s):  Glider and changing table

The no-sew valance I also slaved over. 

I know what you're thinking.  You're thinking, "What is all that crap hanging behind the bedroom door???"  Patience, my friends, I shall discuss my {brilliant} Pinterest-inspired organization technique in a separate post.

We changed everything in this room: the paint, the area rug, the layout, THE THEME.  Seriously, mutant  vegetables...LOVE.  I bet you wish you thought to use it first.  A big thank you to IKEA for having inexpensive, awesomely cute fabric!  I am so happy that we finally decided to re-paint this room; the shade(s) of green are really soothing and completely transformed the space.  You may have also noticed that we got rid of that way under-utilized twin bed, to maximize toy floor space - we anticipate the toy situation will increase exponentially in the coming months.  This room is done.  It's perfect.  And I am so happy with it!  The one small addition I would like to make in the future is a photo collage above the glider and changing table (says the girl who has yet to print a single wedding picture).

It's totally nuts to see two cribs when I walk into the nursery.  Even though Park won't sleep in there right away, it still makes it feel very real.  Whenever you're ready Baby Boy, we're ready!!!  

All accessories can be found at IKEA.  If you'd like to make your own DIY no-sew crib skirt or valance, check out this tutorial. 

Thank you, Baltic Amber Teething Necklace.

For months I wondered if you were legit...  This week, however, you earned your keep.  Lucy cut two of her bottom molars, and we didn't even notice.  So thanks for that.

Anyone else having luck with their Baltic Amber Teething Necklace?  (Or not so much??)