The Mistress of Oxford

It's a New Year...

2012-01-01T17:10:00.000-08:00

So I better keep up with this blog!

So I think I am in purple curtain hell right now. I keep going back and forth on what curtains would work well in my new office. We just finished painting the room Gentle Rain by Behr and it has a little beige undertone, so my original plan for curtains, (see here) I don't think matches too well. It's a little magenta for that room.

Source: google.com via Amy on Pinterest

Now,I am LOVING this purple/plum color right now:

Source: community.thenest.com via Amy on Pinterest

But of course they don't carry anything like that for a window treatment. I wish these weren't discontinued too:

Source: urbanoutfitters.com via Amy on Pinterest

I have to be the pickiest person on the planet sometimes when it comes to accessories. I would prefer no grommets, but I think I need to look past that point now. Sigh......

At least I purchased my "must-have" lamp for my new office!

Source: homedecorators.com via Amy on Pinterest

Feel free to follow me on Pinterest! I love to share ideas!

I am now mobile!

2011-11-08T19:56:00.001-08:00

So since I last posted a lot has changed! Not only am I my own boss and wedding season is in full swing, I got an iPhone, which has made my life simpler and now I get to share things in real time. I am going to try and blog more, I miss it! I have made a decision to not take as many weddings as this year, so hopefully I can have a life again!

In honor of me coming back to blogging, I will share my most recent must try recipe - Pumpkin cupcakes with salted carmel buttercream. Omg. These are to die for!

for the pumpkin cupcakes:
ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree

directions:

preheat oven to 350 degrees. line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside. in a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, + allspice; set aside.

in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, + eggs. beat on medium speed until well combined. add dry ingredients + mix on low until smooth. fold in pumpkin puree.

divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about halfway. bake until tops spring back when touched, + a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 – 25 minutes, rotating pans once if needed. transfer to a wire rack + let cool completely.

for the salted caramel buttercream

ingredients
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 stick salted butter
1 stick unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups powdered sugar

directions
in a saucepan, stir together granulated sugar + water. bring to a boil over medium high heat. cook without stirring until mixture turns a deep amber color. remove from heat + slowly add in cream + vanilla, stirring until very smooth. let caramel cool for about 20 minutes, until it is just barely warm, but still pourable.

in a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter + salt together until lightened + fluffy. reduce speed to low + add powdered sugar. mix until thoroughly combined.

scrape down the side of the bowl + add the caramel. beat on medium high speed until light + airy, + completely mixed (about 2 minutes). mixture should be ready to use without refrigeration. if your caramel was too hot when added, it will cause your icing to be runny – if this happens refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.

They are a little labor intensive, but oh so worth it! Happy Fall!

3 Month Hiatus!

2011-07-05T04:28:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry I've been gone for 3 months. SO MUCH has happened since then. I've quit my job and now photograph full time! I am so excited I am able to do that and stay home with Sophie. So much has been jam packed into the time I have been "gone." With wedding season in full swing, I've been working nonstop. The house also calls to us. We've renovated and painted our kitchen cabinets. I can not wait to share the transformation with you - it is like night and day. We still have to paint the walls, but we hope to get that done very soon.

I will try to catch you up on the last 3 months very soon, but for now here's an amazing wreath I made, from The Pretty Poppy.

Sophie's 1st Birthday!

2011-04-13T04:20:00.001-07:00

Good morning Sophie! Happy 1st Birthday!

We got the decorations ready...

The cakes were AMAZING!

The little one is all dressed and ready for guests!

We open presents first...

Ready and awaiting cake time!

"Happy Birthday, dear Sophie..."

Let's see..what's the best way to do this...

Mmmm....I like!

This is pretty awesome!

Ah, screw it! I am all hands on!

A quick bath and outfit change...

Buh-bye! Thanks for taking a peek at my party!

Sophie's Birthday Sneak Peek - - Invitations

2011-04-06T04:05:00.000-07:00

Here are my handmade invites! I came across this idea on etsy and knew I immediately had to make these. I traced a formula can for the body and the head was half of a travel coffee cup. Made the black body/head first and then made a template for the wings. I bought a special hole punch for the spots on the wings and added a brad to make the wings open and close. I am really glad I made these instead of just buying a regular invite. They are exactly what I wanted! :)

Happy 11 months Sophie!

2011-03-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

Yes, just one more month until you are officially a toddler. You will always be my baby and I'm so thankful for that. Let's see what you've been up to this month...

You continue to be walking and are able to go further each day. Your record is 8-10 steps. You seem to crawl and walk about evenly now. The coffee table is your home base to help you stand up with guidance. You have also learned to dance while standing. It is so cute to see you shake your booty!

Feeding time is more difficult now and want what's on our plates! We have to finish some baby food we already bought, but then it will be big girl food. So far you like mac & cheese and chicken.

You are still in size 3 diapers, and 12 month clothing fits you the best. You may go to size 4 diapers soon, probably not next month but in a couple...You are still eating 5 oz. every 3 hours and have a nap an hour after each bottle. You take 4 naps a day and still sleep through the night. We always try to keep you on schedule for naps, Sophie. You like your sleep and can be grouchy when you miss the pivotal morning or afternoon nap.

You like when the freezer is open so you can put your mouth on the cool hinges and play with the frozen food. You don't like when we close it. Same thing with the dishwasher and cabinets. You have also figured out how to take the cap off of pens and markers. Mommy found you with purple marker on your mouth one day! You like to nod your head 'yes' and 'no' and wave to everyone. You are not a shy baby and love attention and people and are so interested and inquisitive about the world around you. Grammie likes to say you're a little dickens when you are rambunctious. Mommy says you're silly!

Every day is better than the last, little one. You are sooooooooooooo smart I can't believe it sometimes. We can't (can) wait for the next stage: toddlerhood!

My 100th post!

2011-03-09T05:18:00.000-08:00

For my 100th post I will give you all a sneak peek of the stairwell. We had to use scaffolding to get into the corners, and let me tell you, scaffolding + a ladder on top = freaked out Amy. My husband did most of it but I helped hang our new chandelier! I really love the way it looks.

Please excuse the horrible cell phone image - I took this in the morning when it was still dark out and did not line it up very well either.

Some may say it's too dark for that hallway or that little of a space, but I like how it goes so well with the fixture. We needed to give it more depth for that space and I can't wait to finish it and add my photo wall.

Recent etsy purchases

2011-03-07T10:54:00.001-08:00

I recently bought this fun fabric frayed clip from etsy last week. It's a little big for her head, so we will have to wait to use it, but still uber cute.

I also bought this adorable knit hat from OopsIKnitItAgain's etsy shop. It is for my photography business. I have ordered from her once before and was very happy with the quality. She actually made a custom one for me without the pom on top. I love the colors in this hat, it photographs really well.

I bought a whole bunch of stuff for Sophie's 1st birthday party on etsy too, but most of it is going to stay secret until the party reveal.

My crush

2011-02-16T10:40:00.001-08:00

I have a new celebrity crush. Marcus Mumford from Mumford & Sons. If you haven't heard any of their songs yet, you better get right on it! The band's catchy tunes get inside your head. I find myself longing to be right in the middle of a Boston, London or Ireland neighborhood bar with "The Cave" in the background and a Guinness to my right. (That is saying a lot since I don't even like Guinness!)

The biography on their website states: They create a gutsy, old-time sound that marries the magic of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young with the might of Kings Of Leon, and their incredible energy draws us in quickly to their circle of songs, to the warmth of their stories, and to their magical community of misty-eyed men.

Amazing sound? Check. Hot frontman with a guitar wearing a vest and button down? Hell yes.

The next project: Stairwell

2011-02-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

We've finally decided on a light fixture to hang above our stairway! But first we need to paint the stairwell. This is the next project we will tackle.Behr's Brown Teepee

I have been waiting oh so patiently to assemble my photo wall. I feel like my house is so photo barren without it. Growing up my mom had 2 HUGE photo walls and I would be caught often by them staring the photos...thinking about that day or stories to go along with the photos. I can still envision them in my mind and I love that. Plus, do you know how hard it is for a photographer to not have 10 million photos in their home?!!!

Happy 10 Months Sophie!

2011-02-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

Time is truly escaping me as I try to catch up to your monthly posts. As I write this you are almost 11 months! Can time slow down NOW?!!!

Sophie, as each month passes your personality is showing through even more. It's like I have a lottery ticket in my hand and I can't wait to scratch off the next part to see more of who you are becoming. I am that lucky. ;)

You took your first steps this past month and can say you will be walking by your first birthday! You are so strong and are in such amazement and wonder of everything. It is so great sharing every experience with you.

You tolerate your baby food, but are ready for big girl food all the way. Mommy and daddy give you a taste of what's on our plates all the time. You seem to like everything we've given you so far. I can tell giving up your bottles won't be a struggle either, you don't want to sit still for them anymore!

You are still in size 3 diapers, but now 6 month clothes are definitely too short for you and the 9 month clothes are almost too small too. You are now in 12 month sleepers, which makes you look all grown up! You still fit in your car seat, but mommy and daddy are now looking at big girl convertible seats for you. It will be odd to carry around a toddler in a baby seat! You are still eating 5 oz. every 3 hours and have a nap an hour after each bottle. You take 4 naps a day and still sleep through the night. You've gotten one new tooth since last month for a total of 6 teeth now. You are a pro at growing those!

Your favorite toys still include your Ni Hao Kai-Lan doll and Violet. They sing and talk to you which you love. You also like your Melissa & Doug animal zoo puzzle. The thick wood is great for you to put in your mouth. You also continue to enjoy being in the kitchen with mommy. You help her with the dishes and like to stand and climb in the dishwasher. You've just discovered how to open up the kitchen cabinets so locks will be going on there soon! You like to dance to any beat! Smiling at strangers is nothing new either. You love new people and are so outgoing. You enjoy watching everything around you, especially when we go out to eat.

Sophie, you are never one to miss a beat and are so smart already! Mommy and daddy are so proud of you - we can't believe you are our little walker and very soon a toddler. I cherish you always.

I Am Featured On....

2011-01-20T05:45:00.000-08:00

My closet turned turned entryway was chosen to be on the DIY Showoff. I am a religious follower of Roeshel's blog and have gotten a lot of ideas from her and her follower's craftiness.

Enjoy it here: http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/2011/01/closet-to-mudroom.html

Thanks again Roeshel!

Closet turned mudroom/entryway

2011-01-16T07:49:00.001-08:00

The long-awaited project has finished! The last update I gave you was here. Now look at our finished entryway in all it's glory:

Yes! That was once a closet! Pretty nifty, huh? Let's rewind and get you caught up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Corner bead, patching and tile in:

Closeup of tilework (In front of entryway)

Closeup of tilework (In front of garage and to the left of entryway)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And now:

Ledge cut and stained and molding up
Paint (Shale Gray and Cozy Cottage both by Behr)

THE DETAILS

Antique leaded window = $40
(We installed 3 individual hooks)

Entryway bench = $75 Kohls
Wicker baskets = $20 ($10/basket) Pier One
Pillow = $12 HomeGoods
Rug = $15 HomeGoods
Letter "S" (pictured above) = $6 HomeGoods

Cast iron hook = $15 Elements (Local décor store)

Keyholder = $8 HomeGoods (This is on the wall next to the entryway)

The row of 3 closets is now 2!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BEFORE - just a closet

NOW

For less than $300 we now have a very usable space in our home

I hope this inspires you that a simple change can really make a big impact in your home. I know that this project really has inspired me to take up more DIY projects in our home too. I can't wait to share more with you!

Happy 9 Months Sophie!

2011-01-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

With now less than 3 months until your first birthday mommy has been gathering a lot of ideas for your party. We are really excited and are going to make it a ladybug theme. "Our little lady is turning one!"

You are 16 lbs. 6 oz. (25th percentile), 27 1/2" long (50th percentile) You are in size 3 diapers and can still wear some 6 month clothes, but most are too short for you, long girl! You are mostly in 9 month clothes. You are still eating 5 oz. every 3 hours and have a nap an hour after each bottle. You take 4 naps a day and still sleep through the night. You got 3 new teeth (top 2 and left incisor) since last month for a total of 5 so far! You love chomping on everything! We're awaiting the right incisor any day. I can see it peeking.

Your hair is getting longer and curlier. I am finally able to clip a barrette in your hair and it stays!

We started you on more solid foods and LOVE grown up food. Your favorite foods right now are waffles, crackers and clementines. You know what the cracker box and orange ball looks like and if you see one, you will whimper until you get it. You have tried cheese and yogurt as well.

Since Christmas came, you have new fun toys to play with. Among your favorites are your Ni Hao, Kai-lan doll, Mypal Violet that knows your name, Grammie's old cell phone and Crayola jumbles. We took you out for your first sledding experience and it seems you were alright with it, but prefer warmer weather.

You are definitely more mobile than you've ever been. You've crawled the stairs all the way up and even took your first step! You are no longer content in your baby carrier when stationary. At restaurants you love to look around and watch people. You like strangers and smile at them especially when they say you're cute! You only like your jumper when Ni Hao, Kai-lan is on and it's a savior for mommy when she needs to do some cleaning. You are getting faster at crawling, if it's possible. Your favorite game is "I'm gonna get you!" and you crawl faster knowing mommy, daddy or grammie is behind you. You are a little climber and love pulling yourself up onto things. I love to see you dance, so usually I sing a little song and you bounce and bend your knees to my beat. It's adorable.

Sophie, you are really coming into your own as a person and it is so fun to have front row tickets! Mommy and daddy are so proud of you!

Fabric Sneak Peek for Living Room

2011-01-05T06:27:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share something with you since you all have been so patient with my entryway project. It will finally be done for real this weekend. All we have to do is paint the chair rail, clean up our antique piece and I have to find the perfect throw pillow for the little nook. Speaking of pillows, I found this lovely fabric online - just the style I was looking for. This is Richloom's Invigorate "Sky" pattern. My mom and I will sew them just in time for Spencer's birthday party.

Sophie loves waffles!

2010-12-27T12:52:00.001-08:00

Our family Christmas present

2010-12-27T12:28:00.000-08:00

Ta da! Spencer and I decided to give each other a new Panasonic 50" Plasma HDTV and a new stand from Costco. It really looks awesome in our living room and we actually switched the living room around a bit. We're up to a lot of changes in Oxford and we can't wait to share them all with you.

For now, a little sneak peek!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-23T14:25:00.000-08:00

Look forward to much more from me very soon! The holidays have almost eaten me alive, but I am determined to come out unscathed! My closet turned mudroom is almost finished and I can't wait to share it with you all! I am determined to keep up this blog a lot more in 2011 - here's to a much more organized and peaceful year! <3

Happy 8 Months Sophie!

2010-12-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

Sophie, this month you are 8 months old! You have mastered crawling and pulling up to stand. Even though you are still a little peanut, you are wowing us with your milestones!

This past month you celebrated your first Thanksgiving and your first Christmas! You spent a lot of time with family members and they've enjoyed watching you grow as well. You had your first visit with Santa at Meadow Brook Hall. You loved it. You touched Santa's glasses and smiled with him. We told him what you wanted and said you have been a VERY good girl. It was special for mommy since I used to visit Santa there when I was a little girl. Mommy did tear up a bit. We really enjoy this tradition with you.

Sophie, you have this attention getting scream/shout that is just too cute - it is very rare when you do it, but when you do it is too funny. Daddy is usually holding you and we both start laughing and looking at each other. Your personality is really starting to develop and we can see you have a little wild streak! You know what no means and like to test us by trying to eating the kitty's food, touching daddy's surround sound receiver and putting your hands on the fireplace gate.

Your favorite friend is still the kitty, Sevin. You squeal when you see him and Sevin likes to be around you too! He sits on mommy's legs when I rest them on the coffee table when I am feeding you a bottle. You like to pet him while you eat.

We have put down the crib mattress because mommy found you standing at 3 am in your sleep once! We wondered when that day would come and it's finally here. You are a very brave baby and we know you will be an early walker. You are already starting to scale around furniture too. You are mommy and daddy's little climber!

You have your two bottom teeth fully in and we are awaiting your next teething experience. You also have been getting a lot more hair. Daddy likes to style it in a faux hawk!

You still have a pretty good appetite and have been eating more finger foods. We started you on waffles in the morning after your first bottle. You really enjoy them and like stuffing a lot into your mouth at once. I have a very cute video to accompany this! You still eat 5 oz. every 3 hours and nap an hour after eating. You mostly eat stage 2 foods, but we've been introducing stage 3 foods in a thicker consistency. You like eating some snacks in the afternoon - your apple cinnamon rice puffs or "crunchies" as mommy calls them is your favorite. Soph, you are pretty easygoing with food. Your bedtime is around 10pm usually, but has been later lately due to the holidays.

You could still fit into size 2 diapers, but we moved you up to size 3. You are still very long and skinny. Mommy's supermodel. You fit in 6-9 month clothing now. You are in mostly 9 month because of your length, but it is still a little big on you. Since you are getting a lot more hair, mommy has been trying a lot of hair clips/barrettes on you now. Is it possible you look even cuter than before with headbands? Yes.

Sophie, I say that I enjoy every stage better than the one before it, but I know every day just keeps getting better. It is amazing. Almost 3 months until your first birthday and I really can not believe it. Mommy and daddy enjoy watching you learn and grow - helping you along the way. You are perfect and we revel in all of the moments we share as a family.

Happy 7 Months Sophie!

2010-11-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

As we creep closer and closer to the one year mark I am trying to cherish the little baby stage because before you know it my little cuddle baby will be a toddler. Still, 7 months is now closer to a year than 6 months. (I'm actually writing this when Sophie is 7 1/2 months, so technically she's closer to 8 months....but who's counting?!!!! Her scared mother, that doesn't want her to grow up is!!!!!)

This past month Sophie, you've gotten 2 teeth! The first sprouted by itself and a day later we saw the one right next to it coming up too. It was only painful for a a few days for you and we had to give you Tylenol to help you sleep, but you dealt with it fairly well. The same time your teeth started coming in you mastered crawling. You are like a baby torpedo - blasting from here to there...there is no stopping you! You like crawling after vents and the kitty.

You also like to get on your tippy toes when you crawl making an arch or the yoga pose 'downward dog' as mommy likes to call it. It is so funny to watch - sometimes I think you are going to go in a runner's sprint! Sophie, you also pulled yourself to stand for the first time this month. Daddy was laying on the floor and you crawled to him put your hands on his legs and pulled yourself right up! We better get the baby gate out now!

You are still in size 2 diapers and are eating 5 oz. every 3 hours. We've added a lunchtime "solid" feeding now, so you are eating rice cereal/oatmeal (you love!) and a fruit. You still have a dinner feeding and eat more at the dinner feeding. You now eat stage 2 foods and have also mastered your sippy cup. Sophie, you even know how to drink from a straw! It's so cute...you don't know how much water you are getting at a time yet, so some will spill out of daddy's waterbottle. You are still like clockwork and take a nap an hour after every bottle. Sometimes it's for 3 hours and sometimes it's just 20 min. You still need your naps - you don't like being cranky. You've pushed your bedtime a bit later, around 10:30, but it is ok since you usually sleep pretty well and sleep until about 8am.

You are in 6 month clothing now and 3-6 mo. clothing is officially tight. We've put you in some 9 month clothes, but they are still a little big/long for you. We bought you a winter coat and a snowsuit. Although we are not looking forward to dealing with the snow, we are looking forward to you having fun in it!

You are always so happy. Mommy and daddy get comments all the time on how well-behaved you are. You usually smile at people when they talk and smile at you. I can see you being a very personable baby. You are still the most adorable thing ever, and if it's possible, your eyelashes are getting longer! Even though mommy gets scared when you grow, daddy and mommy are both in awe of you are your little budding personality. You are a very happy-go-lucky baby. It is a joy to share life with you each and every day.

Our trip to Ann Arbor

2010-11-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to take a family trip for a day to Ann Arbor. It is about an hour and a half away from our house, but very much worth the trip. I have heard about Zingerman's - the best bakery/deli in Michigan, but had yet to step foot in the collection of 3 buildings on Detroit St.

One of my photography clients lives in Ann Arbor and after their engagement shoot on a particular hot, exhausting day, treated me to a Zingerman's vanilla iced latte. Heaven. Pure heaven. I was hooked. Hand shaven vanilla beans from Mexico? These people surely know their food. Literally everything is available to sample prior to purchase. A taste guarantee? I am in. Food is even shipped nationwide from the Ann Arbor location. See here for Zingerman's mail order.

My husband got J.V.W.’s Detroit St. BBQ - Zingerman’s BBQ Amish chicken, Nueske’s applewood-smoked bacon & coleslaw on grilled sourdough bread. Served with a side of applewood-smoked baked beans. And I decided on Dave’s Open Road - Grilled Amish chicken breast, applewood-smoked bacon, Wisconsin muenster cheese, Zingerman’s ranch dressing & lettuce on grilled challah bread. We also got a loaf of Parmesan Pepper Bread to take home. Sophie liked to test out her new teeth on a slice.

After our late lunch we walked around Kerrytown and discovered more shops. There is an adorable upscale baby store, Elephant Ears, that I wanted everything in it!

I am sure we will visit Ann Arbor again, there's so much to see and do. To be honest, my husband and I were reminiscing about the college days when we were there so maybe next time we will leave Sophie at home to relive our irresponsibility at the many bars downtown. :)

Sophie's officially mobile!

2010-11-01T06:47:00.002-07:00

Hope your Halloween was great!

2010-11-01T05:38:00.000-07:00

Our pumpkins!

Happy 6 Months Sophie!

2010-10-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

Is it really halfway until your first birthday Sophie?! You are discovering everything with a big smile on your face. I live for those smiles. Six months has been a fun month!

This was one big month of learning and new experiences for you. You tried fruit for the first time! You are also a pro at eating your veggies. Mommy and daddy are so proud. You like squash the best along with peas and green beans. Unfortunately the green veggies are constipating for you, so we have to ask the doctor about that issue. You've also eaten carrots and sweet potatoes too. You also will be trying some avocado this week since I want to start making and freezing more of your food.

You were sick for the first time with a stomach bug that lasted for 2 weeks! We had to give you probiotics and change up your formula to a gentler, soy formula for sensitive tummies. At first when you were sick we thought you were in pain because of teething, but still no teeth yet! You also got a very bad diaper rash because of your upset tummy so we used a special cream to get rid of that.

You are still a pretty good sleeper, but when you were sick for 2 weeks, you didn't like falling asleep on your own. You now like to wake up around 5:30 am when daddy leaves for work and toss and turn a lot. I take you into mommy and daddy's bed so you can finish sleeping. You practice crawling in your sleep and toss and turn quite a bit.

You are an expert roller now and can get to anything you want by rolling to it. You scoot while trying to crawl and rock while on all fours. You go up on your hands and knees and then drop down to scoot with your head down and inchworm to the things you want. We are waiting any day now to see you take off!

You are still in size 2 diapers and are eating 5oz. every 3 hours. You have 2-3 tablespoons of rice cereal and 2 tablespoons of veggies/fruit at dinner. You are a pretty good eater. We're going to ask the pediatrician if you should start eating cereal or fruit in the morning too.

Sophie, you are wearing 6 month clothes now. In a span of one month you outgrew your 0-3 and 3 month clothes. Even some of your 6 month clothes are getting tighter! You must have had a big growth spurt. We even put you in a couple 9 month outfits.

It looks like you are getting a lot more hair this month too. It is very fuzzy and thick and daddy likes to style it often. You can officially sit and will play for a few minutes sitting, but you sure like to be on your belly to (try to) crawl.

We took you to your first football game this past weekend. You really enjoyed it! You liked looking at all of the people and the new noises. You helped the cheerleaders with some chants even! You looked especially adorable with your fleece outfit - you had everyone coming up to you to say hi! We also took you to the pumpkin patch to pick our pumpkins. You liked sitting with the pumpkins and touching them. You also like touching cornstalks. It is a new texture for you! We also went to the cider mill. We went twice so far. We will definitely go again. It is our favorite time of the year. You had a little bite of a donut - didn't seem to faze you!

Sophie, we love you so much. You enrich our lives by just being a part of our family. We share in your joy of every new experience with you. These past 6 months have been the most rewarding months of my life. I am so proud to be your momma.

What are you reading?

2010-10-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

What are you reading right now?

I am trying to get through my mound of Glamour, Real Simple and BH&G magazines.

What are you and baby reading right now?

We're starting the Madeline Complete Collection - The book was a gift from our shower from Sophie's Aunt Jaime. (My best friend/sorority big sister)

Tell me what is on your reading list!

Run Around....Sophie?

2010-10-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

Sophie recently likes this song - I had to tell my dad since he is actually close with Dion from Dion and the Belmonts. The word spread and so did this video straight to Dion's computer. He loved it!

Closet Turned Mudroom: Progress

2010-09-29T05:44:00.000-07:00

We have a wall of 3 closets opposite our 1/2 bath on the first level of our home. It is great for storage, but we really don't need that many closets. This winter we struggled to find a place to put our coats, boots and especially a seated area for my pregnant butt to get them on at! I didn't want to drag the snow and dirt in the house with me....so this idea was born. We are turning the furthest closet (in the pic below) into a mudroom! Yes! A closet turned mudroom.

Our hall of closets

Here are some inspiration pics:

Here is what we've done so far in the pic below:

Drywall cut
Rewired and relocated switch lower

Here it is mid-stage below:

Drywall cutting complete
Molding taken down
Window cut and reinforced ledge

What's left to do:

Cornerbeading
Patching
Selecting new tile
Install tile and grout
Paint
Build bench
Decorate

This is going to be AWESOME when it's finished!

Master Bedroom Reveal

2010-09-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

And now for the details:

My husband did an amazing job! He installed a ceiling fan and transformed the ceiling from a icky blue to a gorgeous white! The crown molding looks so much better too. Looks quite different than this, don't you think:

Got to love the seller's unmade bed when we did our final walkthrough! Ugh. I <3 my new bedroom!

Happy 5 months Sophie!

2010-08-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

Sophie, you are getting so independent! You love to stand more often and now like practicing sitting. You make sounds and babble quiet often!

You are eating 5 oz. every 3 hours now. You've eliminated your middle of the night feeding and are (mostly) sleeping through the night. It is great. Mommy and daddy especially like that part of your independence. You still rustle around quite a bit and about 1/2 way through the night you need to be turned to sleep on your tummy.

Everything goes in the mouth now and you are becoming quite the expert on pulling mommy's hair! You are still drooling, but no teeth yet.

You enjoy bathtime and are splashing around much more. Daddy likes to teach you how to splash. He certainly helps you make some big splashes!

You are officially in size 2 diapers - they seem to be a bit roomy still, but I think you like it. 0-3 month clothes are getting tighter for you so mommy broke out the 3 month clothes and some 3-6 sizes.

We even decided to start you on some solids! You tried rice cereal first. You didn't like it runny like we first made it for you...you preferred it a little thicker. After you mastered cereal for 2 weeks we started you on your first vegetable - carrots at 5 1/2 months! More info on that in your 6 month post!

Oh, Sophie. I am scared that next month you will be 1/2 a year old. I love this age for you. Everything is new and you are SUCH a happy-go-lucky girl. We love you so much and enjoy this lovely journey being your parents.

A day in the life - Amy

2010-08-25T04:30:00.000-07:00

Today I am featured in The Domestic Wannabe's blog! I had the opportunity to take part in her "Day in the Life" series. I hope you enjoy reading what a day is like for us!
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Hello blog world! I am Amy from The Mistress of Oxford. I am so happy to take part in Ashley's Day in the life series. I have a 5 month old daughter, Sophie, who we call "Pea" or any version thereof - "Peanut" ...."Peas and Carrots"...you get it. She makes up the best of my husband, Spencer and me.

Ahhh...those eyes...I get lost in them.

My husband Spencer and I are high school sweethearts - we've been together 10 years. A year ago we bought our first home and enjoy making it our own.

HE: Lover of paintball, hunting, fishing, welding & sports
SHE: Loves wine, photography, walks, shopping, traveling & dancing

To give a little background, this particular day is a Tuesday. I work part-time with a web company M,W,F and am off on Tues/Thurs. This seems to be the best schedule for us now as I build my side business on my off days and do shoots on the weekends. Yup, I'm a photographer. I love it and hopefully someday soon I will be able to quit my part-time job and run my own business full-time. On M,W,F we are lucky enough to have my mother come to our house and watch Sophie. My mother retired this year and now watching Sophie part-time is her new job! :)

I hope you enjoy a little glimpse into our life!
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7 am: I wake up to Sophie's gurgles and coos. I go in her room to see a big smile on her face. We decide on her outfit for the day and I change her diaper and outfit. Today is a cute striped polo romper. I bring her downstairs and tidy up a bit in the kitchen and wash a few bottles from the previous day.
8 am: Sophie finally realizes she's hungry and I make her a bottle. I balance her in my arms while I make it and mentally give myself a gold star for that task. (Hey, it's the little things!)

8:30 am: Sophie finishes, I get dressed (big accomplishment - another star!) and we head out to the local bagel shop to get our stash for the week. I decide on 4 cheddar poppyseed bagels and 2 everything bagels. I ask for one cheddar bagel to go with light cream cheese. The workers ooh and ahh at Sophie for a bit and we head on over to Starbucks. I get my summer regular (Grande Iced Carmel Machiatto) and get the car washed.

9:30 am: We get back and I put Sophie on her activity mat. Drool is everywhere. I attach a bib and let play away. I notice she has grown particularly fond of the crinkle leaves and keeps pulling at them. She giggles as I rub the leaves over her hands.

I can see she is getting frustrated and pick her up to cuddle with me on the couch.

9:45 am: Sophie fights sleep and finally falls asleep in my arms with a paci. I take her upstairs and put her in the Rock & Play Sleeper (LOVE!) next to the desk in our office. I sit down and start editing photos from a recent newborn shoot.

11:30 am: Spencer gets home for lunch. Sophie wakes up and it's time for her to eat. We sit at the table discussing our day so far.

12:20 pm: Spencer leaves to go back to work. Sophie falls asleep in my arms and once again I bring her upstairs to the office to finish editing.
1:30 pm: Sophie is up. I bring Sophie downstairs and catch up on a couple DVR shows.

2:30 pm: I make another bottle for Sophie. She scarfs it down. I grab my camera and snap away since she is full and happy.

About 2 seconds later, she takes little nap.

4:30 pm: Spencer is home from work. He grabs a shower and works on painting the master bedroom ceiling. We continue to play.

6:00 pm: Sophie eats. I contemplate about making dinner, but I think I am feeling pizza. We order it along with 2 chocolate malts. We all 3 pack up and go downtown to grab the dinner to bring home.

Now that I made you lick your monitor....

7:30 pm: Dinner is finished and I pack lunches and get the coffee ready for the next day. Spencer plays with Sophie.

8 pm: Spencer puts Sophie in her pj's and they unwind on they couch together. I put a load of laundry in downstairs. I tell myself I need to do laundry much more often than I do.

9:30 pm: Sophie takes her last bottle for the night and falls asleep right after.

10 pm: Bedtime for us!

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Q&A with Ashley

1. What is the most surprising thing to you about being a mother?

How things come naturally. You know every little thing about your child. You know what every different cry means and become "crylingual". The whole women's intuition comes into play for sure.

I am also surprised how well I am able to balance personal and professional life. Life gets hectic sometimes, but you just do what you got to do.

And, of course, how I could love something so much.

2. What are some tips you would give to new moms, or soon to be mommas?

No matter what your plans, your kid runs the show.
Never say never - You will do things you told yourself you wouldn't do as a parent.
Take time for yourself. A child is very demanding but it's important to do the little things for yourself too. A happy mom = a happy baby.
Go on a date night at least once a month. It's easy to get lost in baby. It gives you a break for a few hours and lets you reconnect not only with yourself, but your significant other too.
It's ok to feel overwhelmed. Let the mess in the house be, leave the dirty laundry alone and savor the time with your newborn. You will never get that time back.
Don't leave work to do when your 9 months pregnant. I can promise you that task will be 100% harder - let others help!
Invest in a good camera - you will be taking more pictures than you ever thought you would when your little one is here. It doesn't have to be the best out there, or a DSLR, just something you feel comfortable with and will last. It is worth the investment.

3. What are your top three baby products?

Fisher-Price Rock & Play Sleeper
Number one product hands down. Most mommas buy this as an inclined sleep solution. For the first few weeks Sophie would not sleep on her back. We were apprehensive of letting her sleep on her belly in the pack and play next to our bed so we looked for a more permanent solution. I like how light and easy it is to fold and move. Sometimes she will nap/lay in this while I am editing photos and she is content.

Itzbeen Timer
Like Karen from Karen At Home, I view this product as a must-have especially early on. It's easier to see the pattern your child distinguishes. There can be a lot of chaos when you have a newborn and knowing exactly when your child last ate, was changed and how long they nap for is simple with a touch of a button. This is great for sleep-deprived moms and dads who don't want to write down/remember the last time their child. The first week we almost forgot we had the timer and let me tell you, life has been a lot easier since using it. It even has a nifty clip on the back of it. I carry it with me even in the diaper bag. It gave us a good sense of Sophie's habits.

Boppy Pillow
Initially for use as a pillow to help breastfeed, we keep the boppy on the couch so Sophie can sit with us. We only use it for her to sit in while we are supervising her. She loves hanging out and playing with her toys and teethers while sitting up like a big girl.

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We hope you enjoyed your glimpse into our lives! Being a mom is definitely a full-time job, but very worth it. It is just amazing to see our love in one person - our daughter who I am in awe of everyday.

Thanks Ashley for the opportunity to share our day with your readers!

Daddy loves to make Sophie laugh

2010-08-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

Sophie loves laughing with her daddy!

Sophie Laughs

2010-08-10T13:30:00.000-07:00

Here's some Sophie laughs to brighten up those Monday blues!

The Lip Video

2010-08-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

This is the famous lip. It comes out when Sophie gets frustrated or very hungry! This was taken around 3 months....a little late, but oh so cute.

One year ago...

2010-08-09T06:12:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to think that just one year ago we found out we were pregnant!

It is even more amazing to know that this:

and this (wow - look how faint!):

turned into:

and this:

and then a couple weeks before her birth:

And ultimately this:

I never knew two pink lines would change my life forever, for the better. I love you Sophie!

Guest Bathroom

2010-08-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I haven't posted this update! Actually, I can. The week I went into labor, we finally finished the guest bathroom. About 4 months late, but here it is nonetheless! If you remember the bathroom looked like this:

And now this! It is amazing what a little paint and new fixtures do to a room. I love how the damask just pops against the orange paint. The first photo is my attempt at a panoramic shot.

Happy 4 Months Sophie!

2010-08-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

Sophie, you have made so many amazing strides this past month! You rolled over, found your feet and are babbling to us. We even transitioned you to your crib, which has been seamless and it helped mommy and daddy sleep a lot better too.

You still eat every 2.5-3 hours, however you are favoring 3 hour stretches and sometimes require 5-6 oz. Most of the time though, you think 4 oz. is enough. You wake once a night to eat around 4am. Mommy and daddy still take turns getting up and feeding you. Mommy thinks that you like when daddy puts you to bed. He seems to know what positions you like the best. About halfway through the night we hear you rustling and we know it's time to flip you over to your belly to sleep. You love that.

Your drooling is into overdrive now and we are expecting to see teeth sometime soon. We don't think you are in pain yet, but you sure like to put your hands in your mouth and chew on them!

Your 4 month well baby appointment isn't until August 19th (you will be almost 19 weeks by then) so we will have your official stats then. You are getting transitioned into size 2 diapers. You are getting too long for the size ones!

We get told you are such a pretty baby. We know you are gorgeous, but when we are out, you gather quite a crowd! You even took your first trip to Maryland to see your second family. Aunt Jaime was so happy to see you again. You even got to meet Mama Carol and Aunt Jaime's sister and close family. Everyone loved you and mommy and daddy got a break since Aunt Jaime's family doted on you. You were SO good for the 11 hour car ride and even slept through the night one night in Maryland. You liked it there. Daddy even bought you a special toy since you were so good. It has become one of your favorites.

You're still our "pea" and we love that nickname. Daddy uses it the most. You still like to stand and sometime whine a bit when you want to do it. You are so excited when you stand you open your mouth wide and smirk. ADORABLE!!!

Each day just gets better and better. Watching you grow is the most amazing experience. I can honestly say it is a pleasure being your mommy!

Master Bedroom Tease

2010-07-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

We're halfway there....The paint is on the walls. Now we just need the trim painted white and ceiling sanded and painted. Whoever thought that awful ceiling looked good that color blue? Oh yeah, the same guy that painted his daughter's room salmon, the half bath electric yellow and the master bath puke brown. Almost a year owning the house and we're finalizing the master bedroom. FINALLY! (Note: The color green you see isn't the right color of course...I took this later in the evening but remember my Color Splash post? The right color (Mother Nature by Behr) is shown there.

I've been collecting decor for a year. I am still struggling with an idea for above the bed - I've heard about the ceiling tile craze so I ordered some free samples. I want to head to HomeGoods this week to browse again too. What's above your bed?

And while I am at it....

What's your favorite piece of decor in your bedroom? What makes your bedroom unique?

Happy 3 Months Sophie!

2010-07-12T10:39:00.001-07:00

The third month has gone faster than any other month so far. So much so that I am scared for what the fourth month will be like. Three months marks the time mommy had to go back to work. I hated leaving you -- I dreaded it for months. The positives: I work PT at my desk job now, which leaves Tuesdays and Thursdays for Sophie time! I am very happy and fortunate that I can do that. Also Menga gets to watch you 3 days a week. There is nothing better than sharing you with her! She loves you so much too. Daddy works super hard for us and mommy has her side business that is very busy too. We are already saving up for our first family vacation together! We are working so you can have everything you deserve and more.

Very close to your 3 month birthday you were making strides in development!

You are only waking up to feed once a night now and you treat us to frequent sleeping through the night sessions! You are better at head control and you favor your belly or side to sleep. You had a growth spurt towards the end of the month and thankfully that lasted a day. You are pretty adaptable to change and our schedules. You still feed about every 2.5-3 hours a day. You are at 4 oz. now, but I see it changing in the next 2-3 weeks for sure.

You drool a lot now and even though we have checked for teeth, nothing yet! We always have a burp cloth nearby for you. You also like to give us "the lip" which i have a video of. It's a pouty face. You know just when to pull it too! It gets mommy and daddy every time.

At your 2 1/2 month appointment checkup you got your shots and were such a trooper. You didn't even need Tylenol. We went to Babies R Us and got you a new fruit teether, which you like and a giraffe blankie teether. At the appt. you weighed 10 lbs. 6oz. and are now at the 50% in weight. What a difference from last appt. when you were in the 20th percentile! You still are going to be mommy and daddy's petite pea though!

You are now in 0-3 clothes and are starting to wear 3 month clothes. The 3 month clothes are still kind of big on you though! You are still in size 1 diapers. We weighed you the week of your 3 month birthday and you were 11.5 lbs! You are getting there!

Sophie, you are getting prettier and prettier - if that's even possible. No matter where we go a stranger always comments that you are "beautiful", "adorable" or "cute". I think you got the best traits between daddy and mommy. Your eyes are captivating. They are such a deep complex blue. I love staring into them.

We like taking you out for walks and you take everything in. You got to play in the grass for the first time this past month. You weren't too sure what to do with it! You are such a happy baby too. I live for your laughs and smiles. They make me do funny and crazy dances around the house. You follow me around the room with your eyes.

Sophie, we play lots of games, but my favorite is in the mornings when I set you in your lamb swing and you smile away at me. I say, "I'm gonna eat your toes!" Then I make a funny eating/munching sound and you giggle. I can't wait for a huge belly laugh - you are almost there! I heard one in your sleep once. I don't think you know you are capable of it, but you are!

This is my favorite stage so far. You aren't teeny tiny anymore, so we can play and bounce with you. You also don't have the newborn cry anymore. Not that you ever did anyway (you grunted instead!) but I don't miss the occasional angry, piercing cry. Now you wail, but it isn't so bad and doesn't happen often since you are the happiest baby. You are sleeping through the night and at just the sight of mommy or daddy's face you smile. Happy 3 months Sophie!

Aunt Amy

2010-07-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

I'm an aunt again! Jamison William Henry was born on July 9, 2010!

Lawn Care

2010-07-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

This is what I want my lawn to look like:

This is what it looks like now:

How to fix?!!! Short of calling a company to come out, we would like to remedy the problem first. We have dry matted grass on the bottom of somewhat green blades of grass. We've raked...we've seeded...It has only worked in the places where there wasn't the matted grass. Now we bought this to help us out with that.Our lawn was neglected from the previous owner after the lovely realtor listing picture was taken. In a span of 2 weeks, he let the lawn go to crap. Thanks guy!

We will see what happens! Meanwhile, tell me how you got your lawn in tip top shape! Did you call a company? Which one? How did you like it? Did you do it yourself? What products did you use?

Tell One Tell All

2010-07-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

Normally I don't post my photography business stuff on here (I have my own site/blog for that), but I figured it was SUCH an amazing sale, hopefully someone can benefit from it.

The winner is...

2010-07-01T13:33:00.003-07:00

As much as I would love to get all 3, this one won! I can't wait to see it on my baby girl! Thanks to etsy shop Chaleigh - Bella Bebe for making this adorable headband!

Which headband should I buy?

2010-06-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

Choice #1

Choice #2

Choice #3

Cuteness overload....what to do..what to do?!

#1, #2, or #3?

Or all 3?! Eeek. Don't tell Spence.

B&W Baby Love

2010-06-26T06:24:00.000-07:00

"If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle."

- Vincent Van Gogh

Spencer's Father's Day Present....

2010-06-23T07:17:00.001-07:00

Spence LOVED his gift, but loved hanging out with his beautiful daughter even more.

Smilin' Like a Pea...

2010-06-10T07:45:00.000-07:00

Happy 2 Months Sophie!

2010-06-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

How quickly this last month has gone by! We are learning more about you every day. You started to sleep a little more, which makes mommy and daddy happy. You also slept through the night 3 times in a row....although we haven't seen that since. You still like sleeping on your belly, and also like to sleep on your side. You also go longer stretches to eat. You are at 3 hours. Sometimes you surprise us with a 4 hour stretch during the day.

We have new nicknames for you everyday it seems. You are "pea" to mommy and daddy and "pooper" to daddy. Sometimes mommy calls you "pea and carrots" too. You seem to like it. "Sophie kicks" is also another favorite from pregnancy when you used to kick me!

We don't think you look too much different from month one, but you have sure filled out in the belly. Sophie, your eyelashes are finally long enough to see. They are very long and gorgeous and definitely take after daddy's lashes. Can't wait to take photos of them!

Mommy was away from you for the first time this month. She missed you lots. Nana watched you while mommy and daddy had a wedding to go to. In the time we were away you discovered your hands! I still can't wait to see your new discovery. You watched your mobile on your lamb swing today very intently. I even documented it.

Your laughs and smirks are the most adorable thing. We hang on every moment you give us your toothless grin. We love taking pictures of you and filming your funny faces!

You are almost out of your newborn clothes. You're starting to wear 0-3 month clothes! Yay! You are still in size one diapers and last week you weighed about 9.5 lbs. Getting bigger! We are looking forward to your 2 month appointment next week when we get all of the stats.

Likes:
Daddy
Mommy
Nana
Menga
Seahorse rattle
Key rattle
Warmth
Pacifier
Car seat

Dislikes:
Loud noises
Pooping
Clipping/filing nails

(Mommy guesses it's good you have more likes than dislikes!)

Happy 2 month birthday Sophie! We love you!

Our Favorite Things: Newborn Edition

2010-06-01T07:23:00.001-07:00

The Fisher Price Rock n Play Sleeper is a godsend. Sophie will not sleep on her back so sleeping on an incline has been great for her. Her favorite position is on her belly, but until she has better head control (it gets better every day!) we put her in here next to our bed. I like how light and easy it is to fold and move. Sometimes she will nap/lay in this while I am editing photos and she is content.
The Boppy pillow is a must have item. Great for breastfeeding and infant positioning, I usually have this on the couch when we're hanging out. Sometimes we even use it for naps when we're supervising her.

This is the Itzbeen timer. This is great for sleep-deprived moms and dads who don't want to write down/remember the last time their child: had a diaper change...ate...slept...etc. The first week we almost forgot we had the timer and let me tell you, life has been a lot easier since using it. It even has a nifty clip on the back of it. I carry it with me even in the diaper bag. It gave us a good sense of Sophie's habits.

Gereber's 12 pack Birdseye Diapers has come in handy for us more times than I can count. No, we aren't cloth diapering, but I use these for burp clothes, spit up rags, but most importantly emergency pee mishaps during changing times. It's super absorbent. Sophie sometimes likes to surprise us when we change her, so I always keep one by our changing areas.

Happy 1 Month Sophie!

2010-05-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

Sophie, you are one month old.
Four weeks.
730.5 hours.
43,829 minutes.
2,629,744 seconds.

All equal to countless moments you take our breath away....

This has been a month of adjusting, learning and experiencing. Not only for you, Sophie, but for us, your parents. There have been many sleepless nights in our house - mommy is not used to this, since she loves her sleep - but you are so worth it. Right now you go about 2.5-3 hours between feedings and occasionally give us a 4 hour stretch at night. In the first week we tried to put you in the PNP and you did not like lying in there flat on your back. We brought your lamb swing upstairs for a couple nights and then stumbled upon the Fisher Price Rock and Play Sleeper and you seem to sleep pretty well in that. Your absolute favorite is sleeping on your belly with mommy and daddy. That makes us nervous so we reserve that for very early mornings when you are fussy and nothing else will console you. You still like to be swaddled and being held.

You rarely cry, but you grunt a whole lot which is comical! Daddy says you are his little gremlin! Haha! You like your car seat and taking rides and you will sleep in there for hours on end, but you know when we get home since you try to escape the confines.

You are a very expressive baby. You love to dream and in your REM cycle you raise your eyebrows, grimace, frown, laugh and of course smile. I have the cutest video of you laughing...it melts my heart. You have amazing blue eyes that I hope you keep. They are such a deep blue...so complex - just like you. I love when you are awake so I can stare into them. I see my reflection in them and wonder if you see me making silly faces and singing songs to you.

You are still in newborn clothes, but we did graduate to size 1 diapers. Your next appointment with the pediatrician is in June for your 2 month checkup.

We can't wait for next month's milestones. Living with you, Sophie, is a treasure and you are a joy to wake up to each and every morning!

Our favorite shots from month 1:

Our Most Dazzling Precious Treasure

2010-04-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

Can I tell you a story
As we dance while the sun starts to bleed
Song of songs love is calling
Daughter wake up from your sleep

Refined I’ll become the most dazzling precious treasure
I’ll be treasured over all the earth

Bearing the gift of a new heart
Patience ablaze
I’m slowly burning

Refined I'll become the most dazzling precious treasure
I'll be treasured over all the earth
Refined I'll become the most dazzling precious treasure
I'll be treasured over all the earth

I am in awe and in shock
I’m in love and given away
I’m reserved with these words

Can I tell you a story
As we dance while the Son starts to bleed
Trees rejoice with the wind here
Hallelujah, Yeshua

Tonight I’ve become the most dazzling precious
I am treasured over all the earth
Just look at what he’s done
How he’s laying down his life
Take this life
oh most dazzling precious treasure

Tonight I’ve become the most dazzling precious treasure

I am treasured over all the earth

Flyleaf - "Treasure"

Welcome Sophie Victoria!

2010-04-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

Sophie Victoria
Born April 9, 2010 @ 9:26 a.m.
7 lbs. 9 oz.
20" long

Can't believe she is 2 weeks old already!

Birth story to come!

Sophie Victoria's Birth Story!

2010-04-24T07:57:00.001-07:00

Who would've thought just 2 days after my last post I would go into labor with Sophie!

I was scheduled for a non-stress test (NST) at the hospital on Thursday the 8th in the am. I was feeling fine during the day - no different than any other pregnancy day. The nurse commented that she was REALLY low and that I had measurable contractions on the chart. I went to work afterward and finished up the day. My stomach was extremely tight and staying that way. After work my husband and I went out to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings. (I was told to eat light so I had a salad) We went home and watch tv and went to bed around 10 pm.

I woke up at 11:50pm and felt the tail-end of what I thought was a contraction. I got up to go to the bathroom thinking it was just another pee break my body was waking me up for. As I walked to the bathroom, I started leaking liquid. It was my water breaking!!! I wasn't sure if it really was my water breaking or not, but knowing I couldn't stop the flow was a big hint. I started having regular contractions after that and woke up Spence to help me start timing them. They were 4 minutes apart right off the bat and started getting stronger and stronger. We timed them for an hour. My water was continuing to leak and then I knew it was my water breaking. (There was no way I had drank THAT much that night! Ha!) I called the after hours answering service and they told me to go to the hospital right away.

Spencer and I gathered up some of our last minute things for our hospital bag (we overpacked of course) and headed on out. I remember climbing in the car and being so thankful that I went into labor on my own. This is always how I pictured it - my water breaking and getting excited with my husband knowing we would have our daughter in our arms very soon. I called my mom and he called his mom waking them up to let them know we were on our way to the hospital and that this was it.

About halfway through the car ride to the hospital I could no longer talk through contractions and needed to squeeze/clutch something to get through the pain. We had to be admitted through the ER entrance since it was the middle of the night. The security guard took me right to the L&D floor while Spence parked the car. I couldn't walk too well, so I got to ride in a wheelchair - yay. I got into a room immediately.

They gave me a few things to sign which I immediately handed to my husband since I couldn't even read anything. He pointed where I needed to sign and they hooked me up to the monitors. They tried to start an IV and poked me 4 times before getting a good vein. I had to have a bag of fluid in me before I could get the epidural. It took about an hour and a half. During that time I was extremely agitated by smells and other annoyances. I was told I should go to the bathroom, but I didn't need to. They really wanted all liquid out so they did a straight catheter, which didn't hurt. About an hour after that my mother-in-law came and my mom shortly after. Soon the waiting room starting filling up with family members. I got my epidural, which was amazing and didn't even feel it. My lower extremities were very warm and I was relaxing. I couldn't really feel the contractions anymore.

I had almost 2 hours of no pain before I was told we would have to start practice pushing. Without knowing it they turned down the epidural so I could feel the contractions to push. At this time another mom-to-be was in the room next to me at the same level I was. Of course she saw the same doctor as me. The nurses told me I needed to be the one to go first and gave me great encouragement to push. I was actively pushing for an hour and a half and then Sophie was born. It was 9:26 a.m. She was 7 lbs. 9 oz. and 20" long. I remember the nurses and my mother say she has so much hair and constantly giving me encouragement. Soon she was placed on my chest and she crooked her head to look at me. And with that one look, I fell in love.

They say different moments can be a blur and believe me, some parts of labor were. I wish I remember watching my husband cut the cord, but I don't. Everything happens so fast, especially when the baby is out. The nurses took Sophie and cleaned her up. She was slow to cry, but she did let out a few wails. They had extra oxygen on hand immediately since she had labored breathing. I told my husband to go over to her and see what was going on. He came back and explained to me that she needed to go into the special care nursery to get extra attention. She needed to get more oxygen, but other than that she was fine. I didn't know she was going to be there for almost 48 hours.

The nurse explained to me what all was going on with her and I remember crying and missing her so much. My mother and husband comforted me. I remember being so sad for my husband because he didn't even get to hold her. I wanted that for him so much. He just held her little fingers before they took her to the special care nursery.

We had lots of visitors after Sophie's birth, but unfortunately couldn't share her with our family just yet. Only my husband and I could go to the nursery to see her. Soon after our lunchtime visitors left, we went to the nursery and I saw my poor baby with tubes and cords on her and an IV in her head. It was very sad for us, but we knew she was in the place she needed to be. It wasn't what we had expected, but my husband was my rock. He really kept me sane. Sophie needed to stay under oxygen until she could breathe room air comfortably. She was off oxygen in a day and was making great progress in the hospital. The last night in the hospital she was brought in our room about 3am. It was a relief knowing she was fully ours and we could take care of her and everything was great. We left on Sunday (two days after Sophie's birth) and took Sophie home with us that afternoon.

She has now been a part of our life for 3 weeks and 4 days. It has been amazing. We live for the little smiles and laughs she gives us. She is definitely a full-time job, but very worth it. She reminds me so much of my husband. It is just amazing to see our love in one person - our daughter who I am in awe of everyday.

10 days...

2010-04-07T05:52:00.000-07:00

I can't believe after 9+ months of pregnancy, Sophie will be here very soon. We had a growth ultrasound done since she was measuring almost two weeks ahead by fundal height. We found out she isn't as big as originally thought, she is a little over 7 pounds, but has a good layer of fat on her. Take a look at this:

Those cheeks! Those lips! Oh my gosh I just want to kiss her whole face she is too adorable. She has my lips for sure and Spencer's chin. I can't wait to hold her in a few days!

We did also find out that I have polyhydramnios, which is an excess of amniotic fluid. I need to go twice weekly to the hospital to get a non-stress test. They strap 2 monitors on my belly - one for my contractions and one for the baby. It usually takes about an hour. Just a precaution for the excess fluid -- usually they start NST's (non-stress tests) if I go past my due date anyway.

In terms of progress, I am 1cm dilated and 70% effaced.

We are so looking forward to meeting her and feel very ready for her arrival. I have had things ready for over a week now, so time is of course crawling by. Tomorrow I will be in single digits. A lot of the family and friends have bet on this weekend and early next week for her arrival. We hope so. I say the 11th and Spencer says the 10th. I am getting more uncomfortable and more anxious each day. Spence is really cute to watch to see how excited he gets. Each day gets more and more real for us. Come on Sophie, we are super excited to meet you!!!

Hi, I'm a Mac.

2010-03-31T05:18:00.000-07:00

My old PC finally took it's last dump on me - I did restore it, however I now have to re-install everything - itunes, image editors, my beloved wireless weather station, Word, Excel...ugh...the list goes on. I have had the computer since my early college days - 2001 and it needs to go. I am sick of dealing with the little bugs PC has and "extra" installs that eat at your computer. Not to mention the extra speaker cords, endless program setups and lag. Imagine bringing a new computer home, opening the box to find a monitor, keyboard and mouse...all wireless. And it comes with one power cord..yes..that's right. One.

We've made the leap and are going all Mac, my friends! This is the one I want. (Oh, 27" display...how you will bring me so much joy....)

Spring has sprung

2010-03-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

Greens, yellows, pinks and pastels remind us of the warm air and longer days in our future...I like to think of spring as a rebirth and regeneration. For this reason I am itching to clean our home and revitalize each space. After hunkering down for winter, I am longing to open the windows and let the scent of emerging blooms and new grass fill our house instead of heavy candle scents. Obviously I will have my hands full with a new baby very soon, but I want to re-evaluate each space and put away the winter reminders. I love the feeling of being organized and a fresh start to each room couldn't hurt either!

Here are my inspiration photos for Spring:

I love how this room divider works for a headboard - so light and airy!!!

One of my favorite throws for Spring: Ikea's Ofelia

The must-have fashion staple for Spring: Old Navy's trench

Better Homes & Garden's inspiration photo - I'm IN LOVE with this purple hue on the ceiling!

Horchow's Beverage Dispenser - $65

A pop if unexpected color works great with neutrals and welcomes the new Spring colors - I love tulips!

Random Updates and 30 days left!

2010-03-17T05:55:00.001-07:00

Sorry, a no pic post again...but it will be well worth the wait since I will be updating next week with Sophie's nursery finally done! Her bedding is on the crib currently, but I still have to put away some blankets and extra linens. It actually looks like a baby could live in the room soon! I will also be taking my maternity photos this weekend too!

And for you non-baby crazed followers I will have photos of our guest bathroom finished. That will be quite the transformation. We've been waiting to finally feature the new color and design.

So now I've addressed that....let me freak out. ONE MONTH FROM TODAY IS MY EDD. What?!!! And....in one week and a few days Sophie will be a full-term baby. Yes...a baby. I will say that time has slowed down a little. I am aware with each passing day that my daily activities will change and that my job will be to solely care of little Sophie. We are almost ready for her. We have our friends and family now guessing dates as to when she will come out. The earliest? April 3 says my dad, while the latest April 14, my mother-in-law is still before my due date. I have always said I didn't think I would last until April 17 and it seems others think the same as well. Only time will tell. Until then, she is still very active and I am now cramping and feeling contractions each day. My mom said she was in labor for a month before she had me....looks like I'm being paid back for it now!

Pregnancy can do this to you

2010-03-11T06:40:00.000-08:00

7: The number of bathroom breaks I've had today and it's not even 11am yet. The cruel irony? I am CRAVING cold ice water. I am talking from the depths of the deepest well on Earth.

The unsuspecting Meijer employee dared to remark that it "must be spring because people are wearing their flip flops." I immediately shot back, "Well, these are the only shoes I fit in right now." Ugh. I bet he's sorry he asked.

I looked back at my 15 week pregnancy photo and thought, "damn I look skinny!"

4: The number of black stretchy yoga pants I own. They are in constant rotation at work and on the weekends.

You overtest baby toys and gear to make sure your own baby won't hurt themselves. Do babies have the same strength as a 25 year-old woman or a 27 year-old man? I don't think so. But it puts my mind at ease.

You are envious at all women in high heels. All women.

You start noticing people's ankles and staring...wishing....

You start to wonder if your internal organs will ever be the same again.

Within 38 days we need to...

2010-03-09T05:25:00.000-08:00

Finish painting the guest bathroom
Cook and freeze meals in bulk
Wash her linens
Buy unbought items off of registry (Where ARE you registry completion coupons?!!)
Take maternity photos (We've been waiting for our glider and bedding)
Pack the hospital bag
Meet with the pediatrician
Put together glider

Hmmmmmmm....Seems like I am missing some things - but this is the big list for now!

Sophie's Friends & Family Shower

2010-03-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

My friends and family shower was held this past weekend. It was great seeing everyone. Sophie is already a very spoiled little girl! The cake was amazing - not only the way it looked, but in taste too! It mirrored the invites. For hostess gifts I got my mom and my mother-in-law Coach purses. The last pic is all of the loot! We fit it all in our Trailblazer - it's mostly organized now, but the baby stuff has definitely invaded our household! I am lucky enough to have a work shower this Saturday. More things to organize!

Sweet Surrender

2010-03-04T05:21:00.001-08:00

Now this is what I call a good morning! Panera's finest asiago cheese bagel toasted to perfection with light cream cheese and a tall hazelnut coffee. (Sorry Sophie, I had to give in to the caffeine - don't go too crazy in there!)

What's your fav 'go to' breakfast?

Hello...lover

2010-03-03T12:57:00.001-08:00

When most women see the sight of a shoe closet and fall weak at the knees, this is what I fall weak to:

mediterranean wine cellar design by new york interior designer Olga Adler

Simple things...

2010-03-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

You know what makes me smile? That my husband fell asleep last night to the kicks of our daughter in my belly.

Sophie's Bookcase

2010-03-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

This is the 'Billy' bookcase from Ikea. I apologize for the horrible cell phone photo, but don't fret - I will re-feature her room soon in the daylight and with my pro camera and new lens!!! After 2 trips to Ikea to return the wrong-colored 'Expedit' bookcase, we feel in love with the 'Billy'. Fav feature? The cool slantable shelves and "magazine feature" holder on the top.

See the birdhouse at the top? That was a find at our local antique store for $8. And that bird lamp? That's a $20 HomeGoods find! Watch out for Sophie's total room feature coming very soon!

Coach = Love

2010-03-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

This is my new Coach purchase! I needed to pamper myself and the opportunity arose where the Coach Factory store by me was having an extra 20% off their existing 50% sale. I couldn't pass it up. I also got a couple more purses for the hosts of my baby shower. I think they will love what I picked out for them. Another post with the owners and their purses will follow next week!

Baby Legs!!!

2010-02-27T06:19:00.001-08:00

BabySteals.com sold these this week @ 4 for $20. I thought the deal was amazing so I snatched them up right away. This will be great for in between spring and summer and a quick solution to pants for Sophie. The best part? One size fits all from newborn to 10 years! Sold!

50 Days

2010-02-25T08:16:00.001-08:00

Uh, really? Fifty days?! It could be less. I bet you it's less. Wanna bet? How does one know? I've had this feeling that I will be going early, but you know what happens when people say that...they jinx themselves. Watch me...I can see it 42 weeks.....J/K. My OB won't let me go past 41, but I am anxious! I want to meet my daughter!

I hope this next week goes fast. I am looking forward to my first shower. I finally found a dress/long tunic that I will be wearing from H&M. Yes, you heard that right...a non-pregnancy store! I first went into Motherhood Maternity but wasn't happy with their selection so I wandered on into H&M hoping that the bigger blouse/tunic style was still in. (I have not been in the fashion world for almost 9 months now, so things could've changed!) I found a purple/eggplant tunic and happily walked out of the store with my purchase. I plan to wear it with heels or boots. Not sure yet. I wish I could find a pic online to post to get some of your feedback. We shall see.

In other news I had my 32 week appointment on Wednesday and it was quite an eyeopener. Instead of handing me paperwork on what to not eat or a signed permission letter for massage therapy like the last few visits, I was handed a payment schedule for the birth. Eeek! My OB bills separate from the hospital and it was interesting to see the breakdown of what things cost. Thank goodness for insurance, but I'm still liable about 10%!!! I also had to sign a consent form that I plan to give birth vaginally, but if an emergency situation arises they can tear me open. Things are getting seriously real over here, y'all. In two weeks I go back for another checkup. I wonder what they'll hand me then? A shower gift? I doubt it.

Our L&D Tour

2010-02-24T05:58:00.000-08:00

Last week we went on our long-awaited labor and delivery tour. I have been waiting for this tour for a long time. It's basically the reason we signed up for the 4 week class, so this was our icing on the cake. Before we could see the rooms, we talked about pain meds - epidurals and narcotics...we got to watch an epidural be performed on video and then saw a couple c-section videos. One was an animation- showing how the whole process works and then the other was a real c-section. I actually did watch it and it wasn't as gross as I thought. One couple had to leave the room! I was surprised how much they tugged on the belly to get baby's head out. The stats were surprising too. Thirty percent of births are c-sections! That means only 70% are vaginal....crazy.

We headed over to the L&D floor and I was surprised that it was smaller than I imagined. Not in a bad way, just thought there would be more birthing rooms. I think there were 7. (Hey, I could give birth on a full moon ya know!) It was a lot nicer and more personalized than any other L&D floor I've seen. Each L&D room is private and has a baby warmer right in the room. There's a flat screen tv and a personal bathroom and shower, but other than that it's pretty basic. Our instructor showed us the bed and the monitor and also all the lights in the room. Now there has to be about 10 different kind of lights in this one room. Two of them particularly scared me. They were flood-like lights that illuminated the bottom portion of the bed....so basically where my "you-know-what" would be. Scary.... I think I literally gasped when our instructor turned those things on. Maybe I can tell Sophie to follow the light....lord knows she'll see it..it'll be bright enough!

So after delivery they would move me to a postpartum room, down the hall. It's bigger (again private) and has a bigger tv and couch for Spence along with a bigger bathroom and windows. The night after my delivery we get a special parents dinner and Sophie goes to the nursery during that time. I'm not sure how amazing a filet mignon will be at a hospital, but I'll give it a try. Last resort - there is a BW3's, Jimmy John's and a Pei Wei right across from the hospital. An average stay for a vaginal birth would be 2 days. A c-section is 3-4. They only allow visitors 2 at a time and no one under the age of 14 unless it's a sibling. So that leaves my nieces and nephew out. :( I am bummed about that - but hopefully they will be able to see the baby soon afterward. All in all, I was very impressed by the L&D floor and the staff seems very accomodating.

The tour made it real that Sophie was on her way. It's a good feeling. Knowing that I will be in those rooms in a month and a half is surreal. I can't wait for that moment when Spence and I get to meet our daughter.

Happy 101 Award

2010-02-16T05:34:00.000-08:00

A big thanks to Suzanne over at Sunshine and Wine. I am glad others enjoy my blog - I like to hear what you enjoy reading! I am inspired by Suzanne's new home and great shopping finds. With this award I have to post 10 things that make me happy along with 10 blogs that I enjoy. Ok, here we go!

Top 10 things that make me happy:

1. My husband, of course!

2. Sophie growing strong in my belly

3. My kitty - Sevin

4. Decorating our house

5. Buying baby stuff

6. Tim Horton's Iced Caps

7. Friends and Family

8. The Sun

9. Quietness

10. Martinis

10 blogs to nominate that I enjoy:

1. Crossed Fingers @ My Lovely Lady Bump : All about TTC, charting, life surrounding TTC
2. Meredith @ La Buena Vida : New mom, follower of 101 in 1001, budding photographer
3. Amy @ 20 Paws 4 Feet :Great recipes, house experiences and renovations, classic style
4. G+D @ All Things G+D :New mom, inspiring house photos, pregnancy & fashion weekly
5. Roeshel @ The DIY Showoff :Everything DIY and more, featured blogs and master of DIY
6. Ashley @ The Domestic Wannabe: Amazing nursery, pregnancy weekly, yummy recipes
7. Lisa @ The Pieces of My Life : New mom (again!) infertility, pregnancy, Meal Planning
8. Karen @ The Day in the Life of Karen : New mom, everyday experiences, decorating
9. Melissa @ Dear Baby : New mom to beautiful Everly, photo posts, life in San Fran
10. ihatemichigan @ If I Could Only Find the Words : Pregnancy & every day experiences

Less than 10 weeks left

2010-02-11T08:16:00.001-08:00

I can't believe I am almost 31 weeks along! I feel like I've been in the twenties forever. I am really looking forward to my shower to see family and friends before Sophie is born and to finally feel prepared at home. It really hits when you think that I could give birth at 38 weeks, so that leaves 7 weeks left..or 39 weeks so that leaves 8 weeks, etc!

I've still been feeling pretty well - "the waddle" has definitely started and the bathroom breaks are intensifying. Still have not had any Braxton Hicks (false labor) contractions that I can feel yet. Sophie is now a little over 16 inches long and weighs about 3 1/2 pounds. She is actually heading into a growth spurt!

Tonight is the second week of prepared labor classes. Spence and I have been enjoying them as it puts us in the mindset of our upcoming miracle. Tonight we are going to be talking epidurals (hell, yes.) and massage. Sounds like a good class to me. Last week we focused on breathing and relaxation techniques and even watched a video of a birth.

For those of you that are interested, I came across a site that shows what my body has been through these past 8 months. Crazy, huh?

In house news I am hoping to get some new shots of our kitchen since I still have to show you our new chandelier and curtains. :)

Kitchen Chandelier

2010-02-02T06:21:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we made our weekly trip to Home Depot and discovered they were having a clearance sale. We had gift cards from Spencer's birthday so we bought about $340 worth of things and only had to pay about $30. Bought in this lovely little raid we were on a mission to replace the kitchen chandelier. The gold still stuck out like a sore thumb against our paint color. We installed it and it makes a world of difference. Not only is it brighter, it ties in perfectly with our wrought iron accents. I will take a pic of it installed this weekend along with our new curtains in the kitchen! Yup....we did it - no more vertical blinds!!!! Stay tuned!

Sophie's Heartbeat

2010-01-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

Here is Sophie's heartbeat from my last checkup at 28 weeks and 4 days. It was a strong 150 bpm. :)

Beautiful Blogger Award

2010-01-29T05:21:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Crossed Fingers over at My Lovely Lady Bump! I received my first blog award. For this award I have to do the following:

Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
Copy the award and place it in your blog.
Link the person who nominated you for this award.
Tell us 7 interesting things about you.
Nominate 7 bloggers.
Post the links to the 7 bloggers you nominate.

7 Interesting Things About Me:

I am a retired writer/poet (for now) and my works have been published in magazines.
Give me a Tim Horton's Iced Cappuccino and I will be happy. (If you haven't tried one yet..what are you waiting for?!)
I am an exact copy of my mom and I love it.
I don't really care for pizza or fast food.
I have extremely long toes and can pick objects up with them.
I still have and sleep with my baby blanket/pillow. I don't have an unnatural attachment to it, like I have to fall asleep with them, but my husband doesn't mind!
I can do an amazing Boston accent - Watching Cops feeds my addiction and makes me go off on a tangent for about 30 minutes saying things like, "I need to go out for 'cowfee' with Jerome" and "I told Johnny I didn't want him out of the house past midnight 'cause he'll be in 'danga'."

I nominate:

G+D at All Things G&D
Meredith at La Buena Vida
Karen at A Day in the Life of Karen
Melissa at Dear Baby
Ashley at The Domestic Wannabe
Sheila at Sheila's Wonderful Life
Mrs.CFH2 at My Happy House

Thanks for following and commenting on my blog - I enjoy blogging very much and look for much more in the near future!

Drumroll please...

2010-01-25T05:21:00.001-08:00

My wonderful husband applying the decals:

It only took 2 hours!

Ta da!

Perfect pattern:

View from the door:

Dresser/changing table from JC Penney

Hi Sevin! A glider will go by the window.

Gathered valance by Nicole Miller from BB&B:

We spray painted "Dream" to match the furniture

She's quite on her way to a full wardrobe!

Her room is still a little bare, but I know that will change in a few weeks. We want to wait to get the rest of her bedding and decor. The shower will be here before I know it! Oh! If you want to get an idea of the before....here it was:

Good riddance!!!

Sneak Peeks of Sophie's Room

2010-01-20T05:18:00.000-08:00

Yes..sneak peek. I apologize. But ever since I found out yesterday afternoon that our big wall decal was on it's way (it should be on my doorstep tomorrow!!!) I am apprehensive to post the room. It is such a BIG part of the decor and transformation, so I will be holding off. I knew you would be disappointed, so you don't go home empty handed.

Here is her valance I am in love with: (The paint is hard to see in this early morning cell phone pic, but it's a very, very light pink)

Her closet with a word wall DH spray painted from Marshalls for $6

This weekend I promise it will be done (minus her bedding and glider) and you will get to see it.....with better pictures I might add. Hope you enjoyed the sneek peek - it is so great watching it come together.

By this time tomorrow...

2010-01-19T05:59:00.000-08:00

I will posting photos of Sophie's nursery! We still have one night ahead of us with finishing touches, but we are finally done painting. Also keep in mind when you view the photos tomorrow, that we don't have our bedding yet. Our shower is early March, so we will have to wait a bit to fully "finish" her room. We are also waiting on a decal that has yet to be shipped and I am sure that will make the room, so think of tomorrow's post as an update.

In the meanwhile I have been preparing for Spencer's birthday this weekend. He gets not one, not two, but three celebrations. That leaves me with preparing dinners and cleaning the house for a whole weekend. His father's side is coming over on Saturday and his mom and my side are coming over on Sunday. All in all I have about 30 people coming to see the house this weekend. My house needs to be CLEAN. Last weekend we put away the Christmas decor and have been seeing "holes" where we think things should be. Our tree, for instance, is by our front window. Now nothing is there...so I have been trying to convince Spence that we need an accent chair there. The window is too low for a table...you can see my past living room posts here. We have put the black and white brocade chair here in the past, but it doesn't match. I recently looked online for options, and came up with this beautiful find from Target:

Unfortuntely, Spence does not like the pattern. It's a GREAT price and would tie in every color in our living room! But, he does know we need something there so he is open to me browsing Marshalls (one of my favs) to find a unique piece just for that spot. Now I just have to make it over there....I hope I can find something before the party - that is my goal.

Can it be cankles?

2010-01-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I do have a pregnancy symptom. Puffy ankles. A.k.a Cankles. :( I felt my feet tingling last night and took off my socks to see why and immediately noticed my beautiful skinny ankles swallowed up by water retention. WHAT?!!!! How can this be? I have no swollen face, wrists, fingers or toes...just ankles...

I guess I should be happy it's not sandal season. I'm keeping my cankles elevated for the next few days to see if it goes away...In the meanwhile, my fake Uggs are my BFF.

The shopping fever hits again

2010-01-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

Blame it on nesting instinct, or whatever you like, but I have to be organized when Sophie comes! I found adorable pink and brown clothing dividers on etsy.

I found the cutest outfit yet for little girls...Enter Gymboree with their "Monster Sale" - come summer, watch out for the cutest little girl in Oxford!

Shopping for me is one thing...shopping for my daughter? Watch out!!!!

2010-01-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

Aren't these just the cutest baby shoes ever?!!! I HAD to have these when I saw them at MamaBargains.com - and thanks to designer Taylor Joelle as well - this is the second item I bought from their store.

This beanie also made it to my house last week courtesy of Mama Bargains @ over 50% off!

Wishing You a Happy, Safe & Healthy New Year

2009-12-31T10:54:00.000-08:00

As I reflect on the past year, I cannot believe how much we have been blessed. A new house, a baby on the way and great health -- there is never a day that goes by that my husband and I don't realize how lucky we are.

I am so grateful that I have a husband who is my true soulmate. He gets me in every aspect of life and loves me for it. I am so proud that my daughter gets to grow up with a true role model as a father. My husband supports me in every decision I make. He knows just how to get me riled up and bring me down to earth again. Everything - our children, our home, our families, our personalities stem from a part of us - I couldn't imagine anyone else I want to share it all with. Having my husband become a father in 2010 will be amazing to watch as his bond with his daughter continues to grow, even now inside my belly.

Our goal of buying a house this year was attainable after last year's unemployment and money woes. I guess I never expected life to creep up on us so quickly! Even though everything in my life is planned (if you know me, you should know that by now!) sometimes it takes my breath away knowing that all of these wonderful things are happening to us all at once. How did I get so lucky? Obviously things don't happen like magic - there have been bumps in the road, but I don't view them as so. They are bumps on the way to a perfect paved road ahead. Everything happens for a reason - I am a TRUE believer in that. Everything in my life has shown me so. The houses we lost or walked away from weren't really "our" houses in the end. I will always remember that Thursday afternoon, seeing a "too good to be true" house showing up in my house search results. The huge yard, big kitchen, the cranberry red door.....I swooned. We made an appointment to see it the next day and just one day after that, put a bid on it. I will leave the rest of the boring details out, but we have been happy (and busy!) ever since making it our own since September of 2009. Just one month earlier I had found out we were expecting.

I always knew I wanted to have children - but I never imagined how much this experience would mean to me. Let me just warn you by saying, I am one of those pregnant women who love their pregnancy. No, I never had morning sickness, or nausea or the unexplainable tiredness. (For those of you who are groaning already, feel free to wish me all of the aforementioned symptoms on my next pregnancy.) I never saw myself "glow", but my friends and coworkers just recently have been telling me this.
After a scare around 12 weeks along, life meant something different to me. It was precious, something to cherish. No longer was it my own life that mattered - it was my child's. Once I learned everything was right in the world and with my pregnancy, (thank God) I looked forward to bonding more with Sprout (what Sophie was before we knew she was a girl).
The moment I found out I was having a daughter was indescribable. I closed my eyes and said to myself, I am going to have a daughter. I could feel everything that I had hoped for my children come alive in Sophie. At that moment, she was no longer "it" -- she was a teeny version of me. I feel so blessed to be having a girl. I think about all the hopes and dreams I have for her and all of the fun, exciting shopping trips with my mini me. Life since then just seems to get better (is it possible?!) and Sophie is already a part of everyday life and routines. In just 3 1/2 short months (about 106 days) we will become a true family and I can not wait to lay eyes upon my sweet daughter.

I'm welcoming 2010 with open arms in anticipation of Sophie's birth, friend's weddings, a new niece/nephew and much more quality time with those I love. And, oh yeah....to have a sip of alcohol...to be exact -- a pomegranate martini......So, here's to a prosperous, healthy and safe New Years filled with amazing life experiences that make you proud of who you are and who you will become.

Updated Master Bath Before and After

2009-12-30T05:19:00.000-08:00

BEFORE (from inspection walk-thru):

AFTER:

New white ceilings, Behr's Feldspar on the walls to brighten everything up - new faucet, bath fixtures and lighting! Spencer also did a new caulk job around the sink! Obviously we still have to put the light switch covers on the wall still and get brushed nickel cabinet pulls, but other than that we are finished!!!

Slow progress

2009-12-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

The dresser is finally finished! After waiting for missing drawer parts for a week, we have a new piece of furniture in Sophie's room. This may be the final placement for it, but we have to see since it is actually over a vent. We still have random things in her room still, but in the next month they will be cleared out for painting and stay out. When my husband finished putting this together, he called me in to check out the final product. I have to admit I gasped a little....I think the changing pad on the dresser made it all too real. I will be changing my child there in 4 months. Wow.

In other home news we are in the middle of painting the master bathroom and updating the brass fixtures to brushed nickel. These match the half bath downstairs with one exception - we are getting a different light fixture. We should actually be finished with the room right around the New Year. Can't wait. Of course on the agenda after that is to start Sophie's room. We also will be contacting a local company to come paint our upstairs hallway because this isn't going to get done by me or Spence!

Good things come in 3's

2009-12-16T11:43:00.000-08:00

Three posts in one day?!!! Is it a miracle? No - much more to come - but I do want to share this quote I found that explains my love for Sophie:

"No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you, after all you are the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside."

Oh, Soph...

2009-12-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

Oh Sophie...you are one character already! You know when daddy and I are waiting for you to move. You know when daddy's hand is on my belly waiting for you to move....so you don't. You know when our eyes are on my belly waiting to catch a glimpse of a jab or kick...you. don't.move. Are you playing some kind of uterus hide-and-seek I don't know about? Why do you choose when I am away from home in the office chair to do your dances? Do you like the angle of how I am sitting?

I sure know some of your likes already:
Chocolate
Cookie Crisp cereal
Cheese
Mommy
Daddy
Your glow seahorse
fudge brownies
Tim Horton's Iced Caps
Let's start getting some healthy things in you, huh? After all, you are tasting what I am tasting!

And your dislikes:
Cold
Dog barking
Mommy bending over
You are a pretty good baby so far - I can't complain. I love this pregnancy - I love you. Daddy and mommy are each formulating a letter for you. There is so much we want to say. There has never been a love like this - I am so happy I have a daughter. Now grow big and strong!!!

I still can't believe how far I am already! 22 weeks and 4 days?! Wow. Halfway through 6 months? How can I have been pregnant for a 1/2 a year already?!

It's Christmastime!

2009-12-16T05:06:00.000-08:00

This is our lovely tree, but it will get retired after this year as our "main" tree:

Our mantle with a nice roaring fire:

Close up of mantle decor:

Our stockings hung with care:

Our kitchen table decor:

What a beautiful sight...

2009-12-09T05:23:00.000-08:00

Look at this lovely crib....::stares::..This is the Graco Lauren Classic Convertible Crib in Espresso. Lovingly recommended by Baby Bargains - a.k.a - A new mom's bible. I will post more about Baby Bargains later - but for now, let's just appreciate Spencer's hard work and Graco's lovely craftmanship. And, look - Sophie's Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Soothe & Glow Seahorse is waiting for her arrival. I just had to get it for her!

Integration

2009-12-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

Ok, so in an effort to combine my house blog and what's going on in my life, this blog will integrate with something else big in my life - my pregnancy!!!

I am in love with Blair from Heir to Blair. Ok, call it a girl crush. What an amazing woman! She is a great writer and she inspired me to integrate this blog with my newfound love in life, my daughter Sophie, who is cooking in my belly - halfway done!

I apologize in advance for my followers who are trying to escape the rampant world of TTC, I promise this blog will keep giving you the stuff you love - before and afters, paint inspirations and fun decor. But now you get to see me navigate through mommyhood for the first time...something not to miss! ;)

Here it is! The Half Bath Transformation!

2009-12-02T05:19:00.000-08:00

This just goes to show you how much paint and a couple fixtures can REALLY fix up a space. Remember the 1/2 bath before? The yellow walls were screaming at me! And (drumroll please..) after much thought and sweat, here is the after! The walls are Ralph Lauren's Natural Grey. (Also please excuse the darkness and my early morning pregnant pajama shot)

Half Bath Fixtures

2009-11-19T07:46:00.001-08:00

Spencer and I finally finished the shopping needed to complete our 1/2 bath downstairs. We have our lighting, a new toilet paper holder and faucet that I can't wait to install. Nineties brass be gone! Right now the ceiling is painted, but a couple things need to be patched, taped and then we paint! I am hoping it will be finished before the end of the month.

Hubby can be handy

2009-11-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

Instead of buying another trashcan for returnables, the hubby got creative one day at work and made a recycle bin for our cans and bottles. I was so impressed I had to blog about it. I wasn't expecting it and thought it was cute he was making things easier for us. On the plus side, it doesn't take up as much room as a garbage can. :)

Our Kitchen is Painted!

2009-11-03T16:51:00.001-08:00

Here it is!!!! Remember the old kitchen? Dark, drab and dreary turn into bright and vibrant! My Tuscan kitchen is taking shape. I love our star and wine tasting decor on the wall. I couldn't wait to share it with you - but we do have some finishing touches to add. We will be swapping range and refrigerator out for new stainless steel models soon along with replacing the brass fixtures. I will also be adding maroon drapes to the window by the kitchen table. Our pendant light above the sink was originally $80 and we got it for $19 on clearance. It looks awesome when on - it has a wood grain look to it when lit. I love being in my kitchen now!

New Washer & Dryer

2009-09-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

I'm lucky enough to work for a company that allows me to get discounted appliances and electronics, so I have been taking full advantage of that lately! We did not have the luxury to inherit the previous owners washer/dryer so we had to buy new ones of our own. I was fine with that, since after having crappy washers/dryers for years in apartments and rental homes, a new pair would be lovely. Finally! Really clean clothes!

Spence wrecks havoc on his clothes because of his job. I have to wash his clothes separately and I usually have loads upon loads to do just between us two!

In comes our future washer/dryer - the GE Energy Star 4.0 Cu. Ft. King Size Capacity Frontload Washer and matching 7.0 Cu. Ft. Super Capacity Gas Dryer. This pair is one of our "Top 5" washer/dryers on our site/stores. It gets great reviews. We will be ordering it next week and have it delivered that Saturday. Ahhh...I can smell the Tide and Bounce right now....

Happy Almost Autumn!

2009-09-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

I had the family over last weekend to help ring in the Fall season. We only moved in 2 weeks ago, but I was brave enough to cook a couple dishes from scratch and show the place off. Here is a few photos of our house decorated for Fall. Including the after photos of our living room!

Sevin is a star!

2009-09-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

So not really house related, but I thought I would give my kitty, Sevin the spotlight over at the DIY Showoff. They are doing a pet parade over there and Sevin is there with his famous outstretched pose. Go Sev!

New desk

2009-09-16T05:32:00.000-07:00

After being picky as can be about an office desk, I finally chose one last night at Office Max. It was between this one and other desk, but this one really appealed to me because of the stainless steel accents (hard to see) and the glass top, which I liked instead of the all wood. We have this color wood trim in the room, so it ties the black and wood together. I only paid $129 for it, much better than the $200 I was budgeting for. Spence will be putting this together tonight and hopefully I can get the in-house photo up soon.

Progress has been made!

2009-09-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Remember the living room before?

Icky walls, green crown molding...

Brass chandelier sconces from 1990....

New paint, new sconces, new couches! (I will have an updated photo for you soon - we painted the molding last night so it's not in this photo, plus a complete view of the whole room)

We made it!

2009-09-11T05:50:00.001-07:00

We closed! Everything we pretty smoothly - we officially got the house last Thursday and moved in on Saturday with the help of 12 family members! So we've been homeowners for a week and I wouldn't have it any other way. What an amazing experience. Early Sunday morning I woke up and found myself staring outside at our sub cul-de-sac all peaceful and quiet. I couldn't believe we bought this place and feel so lucky in every aspect of our lives. Stay tuned for our after photos! We are trying to transform the place as quick as possible!

You can now post comments!

2009-09-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

Comments are now fixed so you can leave one from here on out. Sorry for the confusion! Comment away!

Possible Rug

2009-08-25T05:34:00.000-07:00

This is a possible rug from Kohls for the living room. There seems to be a shortage of brown/blue rugs at stores. I have seen a lot of maroon and red rugs, but for my living room colors, this one is perfect. I will have to measure and hopefully order soon!

Living Room/Guest Room

2009-08-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

I just bought a new chair at Marshall's that I just fell in love with. I am not sure if I will be putting it in the living room or the office/guest room upstairs.

A pretty nice addition! I can not wait to decorate! Only 17 days left until we get the keys!

New house photos!

2009-08-14T13:13:00.001-07:00

Our inspection was last week and we got a chance to go through the house again and take even more photos. I will walk you through:

Downstairs 1/2 bath:

Stairway (Standing on second level - You can see front door on right)

Upstairs Guest Bath:

Upstairs Hallway (I LOVE the cutout for artwork! You KNOW one of my photography shots is going to go here) Hi Spence!

Office/Guest Bedroom:

2nd Bedroom:

Master Bedroom:

Master Bathroom:

Basement: (Haha - it's like a panoramic!) Go Wildcats!

Only 20 days left until closing! I can't wait to get started on the "After" photos!