Nursery Reveal

Eleanor's nursery has easily become my favorite place in the house.  As soon as I knew I was going to have a baby girl, I knew I wanted it to be somewhat clean and neutral with just enough sass for my little girl. I went with a white, gold and pink color scheme, instead of picking an animal or overall theme. I wouldn't say it is 100% complete, considering we still need a bedskirt, closet doors, and to paint the door, but it is good enough for a blog post :)

This wall is my favorite part. I've seen it all over Pinterest and finally found a shop on Etsy that could make my dreams come true. It was so easy to do. All I did was sit in the chair and tell Nick where to place each and every dot ;) Bless his heart. 

Tassel garland is from Studio Mucci on Etsy. This is my second garland from their shop and I am obsessed. I know I could have made one myself but their quality is unbeatable.  

Yes, I will move it once baby girl can reach it.

Bookshelves are from Ikea. Curtains are from Lowes, but I added the pom pom trim with hot glue to mimic these Pottery Barn curtains. So cheap!

Sign language/alphabet blocks are also off Etsy! I got a set of 26 for her play with, but couldn't resist displaying her initials in the meantime.

Nick helped to design this gallery wall which is probably my second favorite part of the room!

Each item on the wall has a little story...

• Gold E for Eleanor, obviously.
• A picture from our gender reveal with my family.
• Gold print of lyrics from the hymn 'Come Thou Fount'.  I clung to this hymn a lot during the days we were trying to conceive and through the first months of pregnancy. When I saw it in gold at hobby lobby, I knew I had to have it in her nursery. 
• A picture of my Great-Grandmother, Eleanor, who she is named after, holding me with my sister by my side.
• Gold print off Etsy of Wisco where we have laid our roots to begin our family. Plus I just really love living here.
• Another picture of my  Nana holding me as a baby.
• Pink and gold painting done by Nick specifically for baby girl.
• Pregnancy announcement with my sister and little nephew.

Just about 6 more weeks until this room will be occupied by our sweet baby girl!

I.

cannot.

wait. 

Week 33

Week 33 was rough.. can you tell by the lack of creativity? ;) Life hit us hard this week.  Between attending a 3 hour childbirth class, teaching sign class, then attending a 3 hour breastfeeding class…all on top of starting my last graduate course and working... we were spent.  My brain was complete mush this week. Thankfully though, we are healthy and our hearts are happy.  Baby girl has been kicking away, getting bigger and bigger everyday, which is all we could ask for. 

In the midst of a crazy week though, my coworkers surprised me with a 1/2 birthday party since we aren't in school during my actual birthday.. complete with ice cream. This was pretty amazing.

And I wore this shirt again, which reminded me of my little 19 week bump just 14 weeks ago. Grow, baby, grow!

<3

Eleanor's Shower (and Week 32)

Just a few hours ago we were celebrating Eleanor's coming arrival and I am blown away by the generosity and support by those who came.  I sat down to re-open all of my gifts (you know, hold up all the little clothes, dream about swaddling her, and smell all of the baby lotions), and I couldn't believe that I was just handed all of these things from women who support me. The generosity of my friends and family blows me away. I feel so unworthy of such great love, and I wish I could return the favor to each of them right then and there.

The theme was "Baby, it's cold outside!" So perfect, especially since we had a few -30degree windchill days this week!

32 weeks + a few days

  M'sweet baby daddy

Auntie Lindsay

And some of those in attendance..

To those who attended.. thank you from the bottom of heart. Thank you for spending your Sunday afternoon with me. Thank you for your generous gifts. Thank you for believing in me as a Mama. Eleanor is so lucky to have all of you.

Special thanks to my Mama, sister, Mother in law, and BFF Gabes for all of your hard work on such a beautiful day!

Dear Eleanor {Weeks 30 and 31}

Sweet girl,
It's only been a little over a week since I posted on this blog and we've done so much together!

Christmas Eve was spent playing bocce ball and enjoying an italian dinner with your Grandma Deb, Grandpa Ed, Great-Grandma Joan, and Great Aunt Maggie.  Christmas Day both families came together at your Grandma Sara's house.  

Grandma and Grandpa on Christmas Eve

You had the most gifts under the tree this year from your Daddy.

 Christmas Day at Grandma Sara's (Daddy was there, but our picture was terrible)

Christmas morning though, was probably my favorite as your Dad and I were able to make breakfast together, open gifts, and just relax! Actually, this whole 'break' has been amazing for us. Although we had to postpone our 'baby moon' due to me having the stomach flu, we've really been able to enjoy every single day together. We start our mornings slow, make some coffee and your Dad always makes breakfast. We've been getting the house ready for your shower and your arrival, slowly organizing every corner of the house and checking things off our 'to-do' list. Your Dad has officially joined me in 'nesting' mode which has been very exciting! 

We spent a lot of time with your cousin, Lucas, over New Years, which always makes me and Daddy so happy. We love your cousin so incredibly much.. and we love that he lets us practice being parents on him! ;) I placed him on my belly on New Years Day and you gave him a good kick as he gave me a big smile. I cannot wait for you two to meet and become best friends. 

He loves you already..

As for you, little one, you seem to be doing very well. You have flipped head down since your last appointment which was SO exciting to hear! I swear you did it when we were walking around downtown Chicago a few weekends ago as I felt a pretty large and somewhat painful 'flip'. You like to punch my left side, especially if I push you back. Your heartbeat was a strong 146 and its always music to my ears to hear!

The reality of you coming hits me harder everyday. The fact that you are growing inside me, and you are mine, still blows me away.  I found the calendars that I used to track your conception this morning and I wanted to cry.  I still cannot believe that God would bless us with you. I feel so unworthy to be your Mother, but I promise to do the best that I can. I can also promise you that besides the Lord, no one will love you like your Daddy and I do. We have wanted you for so, so long and promise to never take advantage of the gift you are to us. 

A little less that 9 weeks (+/-) until we get to meet you! If it was up to me, I'd love for you stay in there as long as you possibly can! Although I am dying to meet you, I just want to be able to protect you and let you grow as long as possible. 

Love, 
Your Mama

Week 30 - week of Christmas! Thankfully my swollen ankles are a bit more under control. That pregnant face though.. yikes ;)

Week 31 - As I said before, the stomach flu hit me hard this week :( Thankfully I was able to heal at home through lots of rest and an insane amount of gatorade. As terrible as it was, I loved all the time I was able to spend on the couch feeling baby girl. Because I was pounding ice cold sugary Gatorade, she was loving life.. flipping and punching me all day long. I felt miserable, but my heart was filled with joy knowing that she was completely unaffected.