baby boy room

Here's the latest changes to our home.  And it has something to do with what they've told me is due TOMORROW!! Though likely could be longer... 

Either way, we are ready for him!  I didn't do the traditional (and I think overpriced) "room in a bag" with a themed crib set and wall paper border.  Instead this room came together just like any other room in our house... some things I've had, some I changed, random thrift store finds, and a little something from here and there :)  A lot of the inspiration came from thrift stores around town.  Also, my mom had a lot of vintage baby toys to donate to the cause.  

So I suppose you could call it a "vintage baby" theme :)

I might not be done... might put some more things on the wall and need to hang the frames above the crib. But there's time for that... right?? ;)

Notice the "go bag" on the book shelf.   

 Bookshelf was built by my parents and once held our children's books growing up. Navy bucket on right holds burp rags and is from Yankee Stadium in NYC for the ISU bowl game this year!

Books from thrift stores. Toys from my mom.  The basket of blankets on the bottom shelf is from Gordman's and is actually made from Chinese newspapers--  how awesome is that?!

Rocking chair made by Ben's Grandpa and says "Ben" on the back. 

SO glad I got this red Ikea Hemnes dresser. Tons of drawer space and it's pretty :)

Random assortment of "maps and places" things... Baby Jensen sign from China, knitted red baby mittens from a thrift store, Iowa  plaque from consignment store, dollar store frames hold vintage atlas pages.

These maps are from a 1903 (if I remember that right) atlas.  This is China (we've both been there), also have India (Ben's been there), and a map of "places in the Bible" in the middle.

baby closet! Double hanging attachment helps a lot... and we might have some of our clothes stuffed in the sides as well :)  Hanging baskets $1 from Walmart (long time ago) and bought a chain and hook to install.  LOVE it.  Currently holds baby socks, hats, and little toys.

Obviously, I am not a fan of closet doors.  So out that goes and had intentions of putting up a curtain... but I don't mind it without right now. 

Covered and cut cardboard to make size separators.  I've scored a ton of great clothes at  garage sales, clearance racks (of course), and I'm borrowing a lot from my aunt as well.  And a lot from baby showers! 

the current state of things

39 weeks 3 days!

The car seat is properly installed and checked by certified car seat people. I've sterilized the pacifiers and washed all the little baby clothes.  We've gotten out all the baby things and have properly tested them all on the cat :)  I do have a baby sling that is yet to be Dory-tested.

Dory the cat approves the baby play gym :) 

I am preparing myself for this baby to come tomorrow... and also come two weeks from tomorrow.  May 7th would likely be an induction date if baby decides he doesn't want to come on his own! But two weeks is still plenty of time for him to decide to meet the world.

The baby room is ready!!  Nursery tour post coming soon....

But here is the current state of things in our bedroom and guest room.

I feel like I'll have plenty of time this week to work on those rooms. If not, oh well :)  Be warned, family and visitors!

  I have one last fun day, a field trip day, and a family night for my after school job this week.  But I got through the necessary stuff and I'm relived that I have! That second pictures is mostly stacks of school stuff that needs to be sorted.  

Probably done with substitute teaching.  I've learned the past couple weeks that it kinda makes people nervous to have a full term pregnant person around.  Apparently if your baby is due within two weeks, one should not go anywhere!  Or you should expect a lot of "oh my!" comments!  I might miss subbing.. I had a lot of fun experiences this last month or so and felt like I connected with lots of high school students.  I've seen a few around town (or working at restaurants and stores) and I'm sure that will continue this summer-- but this time with my baby outside of me! 

And finally, a picture of a packed freezer. I am ready to not cook for a while! 

I'm looking forward to a week or so that looks a lot like this... 

look how cute I was...

Nope-- no baby today.  That is ME 24 years ago!!!   Man, I was really cute.  I would love it if our boy had hair like me :)

How I spent my last no-child-outside-the-womb birthday...

Slept well- only got up 3 times during the night!  We rearranged the bedroom so my side is closer to the baby room... and conveniently to the bathroom.

Heard my son's heartbeat! Going strong in the 130's-- which is actually the lowest it's been. He's head down and ready to go, but no dilated progress so far! Talked about what it would look like to be overdue and possible induction dates.  But a lot can happen before that may need to happen!

Lunch at my favorite lunch spot- Panera!

Pedicure and shopping :)

Relaxing on the couch with my cat listening to it rain outside. (I remember last year it snowed on this day!!!)

Dinner at a new place... got a free entree for my b-day.  Then I think they also comped our cake.  And the computers were down so we had to wait a while for our check. So they gave us $30 to come back within the year! Paid to eat out- I'll take that!

Wonderful well wishes from wonderful friends and family!!  Thanks!!!!

Great day and feeling very blessed!

30 seconds and 4 complaints

Here's a story of a lady I encountered yesterday at the sinks of a public bathroom.

I noticed her because she loudly exclaimed at how hot the water was and how it was practically burning her hands.  (There was two handles, one for hot and one for cold and they were true to their labels.)

She then said that's silly because the air conditioning is so cold in this place she's shivering.

Then she noted irritably that her pants match the carpeting in that place.  (She was wearing bright red corduroy pants)

The door to the bathroom was propped open and she commented at how stupid that was.

I knew this lady for a total of 30 seconds.  I walked away pondering the power of words and the power of our attitudes.

Our words reflect so much of who we are and how we see life. I tried to consider how I would react if I were in her place and thought those same things.  Would I comment about the freezing air conditioning and the doorstop in the bathroom door? Or would I just think it?  Is thinking it just as bad?  Sometimes I do look around and only notice what can be fixed or what someone did wrong.  Maybe I don't verbalize it-- but it's in my heart.

Those 30 seconds and 4 complaints reminded me to not be that woman. Maybe she was just having a bad day (or a bad 30 seconds at least...). But I don't want to leave an impression on strangers that shows that I am ungrateful or negative.  I want choose to see the positive in things.  Ultimately, I am working to be a reflection of my Creator.  It is definitely a training of the mind and an exercise or discipline to practice.  So... this week I will be practicing to see the positive  :)

Pregnant and I know it

"When I'm out to shop-- people be looking at me like I'm about to pop. I step to the beat, walking down the street in maternity. This is how I roll, belly band pants with the fold. Gained a few pounds, that's for sure."
- from this video...    http://blogs.babycenter.com/community_buzz/0322201video-pregnant-i-know-it/

If you have the right sense of humor and a few spare minutes-- this video sums up some of what I've been feeling!!

I've definitely had TUMS by my bedside, drank chocolate milk from the carton, and always feel like everyone is staring at me wherever I go!  And I might do the pregnant waddle sometimes.

BUT.... I am loving it.  I really am in no hurry right now to not be pregnant.  Yeah, sleeping is more difficult and don't remember not waking up in the middle of the night at least once.  But I love feeling him roll around and hiccup.

Ask me in a couple weeks and I might be ready then :)