Introducing....

Andrew Harrison

Born: December 23, 2013

6lbs, 15oz

19 inches

We are so in love, and feel so abundantly blessed by this precious boy already.  Mommy and baby are doing wonderful!  

Baby Andrew is the sweetest baby.  He loves to snuggle, have his head rubbed, hold onto Daddy's finger, listen to his Papa D play the guitar, and hear his Mimi read him stories.  

We got to leave the hospital Christmas morning- 

the best present we have ever received!

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, we are so grateful.

Nursery Tour

When we found out we were pregnant, we wondered how we would turn our cozy second bedroom into a nursery for our little one.  We happen to live very far from our family, so we wanted to keep our guest room available as much as possible, while creating a place for the baby too.  

Because we will hopefully be making a move in the next 6 months to a year, we also didn't want to go too crazy with decorating/painting/completing the room like we probably normally would.  But I did want it to be special.  Special for our sweet baby boy, and special for our wonderful guests who visit.

Without further adieu, our guest room/nursery!  

view from doorway

glider/reading nook area

I love his closet!  I find myself looking through his clothes all the time, and picturing him wearing each outfit :)

the other side of the closet - with plenty of hanging room for guests above the storage.

crib and changing area

I wanted to do a simple gallery wall above his changing table, and I love how this turned out!

A peek inside his dresser

I am really happy with how it turned out!  We actually plan to have the baby sleep in a bassinet (the one I used as a baby) in our bedroom for the first little while, as we plan to have guests for the first month or so.  And then we will transition him into the nursery to his crib.  I actually like having a bed in there too, as I could sleep/nap with him if needed.  Always good to have the option.

I wanted to make the room sweet, simple, and not-too-baby.  I love the baby blue accents, the stripes, and the soft textures.  I still have a little bit more to do (crib pillows, and a few more art pieces to hang), but we are pretty much done! 

Crochet "Baby Sleeping" Hanger - family heirloom

Striped Queen Bedding - Pottery Barn Outlet

Woven Toy Basket - Homegoods

Side Table - Ikea

Wall Shelves - Ikea

Glider - Walmart

Striped Glider Pillow - Marshalls

Polka Dot Glider Blanket - PB Kids

Sheepskin Rug on floor - family heirloom

Crib - Bellini "Vanessa"

Closet Dividers - Etsy

Woven Stacking Baskets in Closet - Homegoods

"Andrew" Hamper - PB Kids

DIY Fabric/Canvas Art above Crib - Hobby Lobby

Changing Table Pad Cover - Aden and Anais

Changing Table Caddy - PB Kids

Caddy Insert - PB Kids

"Love you More" Frame in Wall Gallery - Paper Source

Dresser Drawer Dividers - Ikea

Crochet Animal Mobile - PB Kids

Crib Sheet - PB Kids

Crib Skirt - made by my Mom ;)

Maternity Must-Haves

Well - better late, than never right?  I'm 39 weeks, and I've been thinking a lot about the last 9 months lately!  I've honestly had the most wonderful pregnancy, and I know I'll look back at the year with such gratitude and joy.  And nothing but wonderful memories.

I do want to finally share some of my pregnancy must-haves with all you mommies-to-be!  Or for future mommies-to-be, to bookmark for later!  ;)

There were lots of things that helped me get through pregnancy, and from the list below, you can see it's all about comfort and feeling as much like yourself as you can.
Embracing your growing body, being confident, and enjoying this exciting transition!

1- Cozy Cardigans: I stocked up on Forever 21 cozy cardigans (one size up), that  I could wear throughout the pregnancy, with maternity tanks.  And I'll be able to wear them after baby too!  
2- Yummy Body Wash: Baths are discouraged during pregnancy, because you don't want to get your body temperature too high...so I've loved pampering myself to yummy body washes, lotions, and candles during my morning/nighttime routines. 
3- Pretty Bralettes : I got a few of these pretties on sale at VS, and they have been the perfect combination of comfort and style...love them for sleeping, and when the ta-ta's are quite sore at the beginning.
4- Maternity Tanks: I LIVE in these, and own probably 5 or 6 of them.  They don't scream "maternity", and wash and wear so well.  So comfortable.
5- Comfy Slippers: Speaking of comfort, my little piggie toes don't like boots, or shoes, or flats.  So I basically wear these 24/7.  These or Uggs, yep, I'm that girl.
6- Nude Eyeliner: This is magic.  From restless nights, to face puffiness, my face has seen better days.  This nude eyeliner (placed on the lower waterline) instantly freshens and revitalizes, making your face look bright and awake.  Will be great for after baby too :)
7- For the Tum Tum:  I have dealt with some pretty nasty heart burn/acid reflux, so these bad boys are basically my best friend.  Assorted berry flavor is my jam.
8- Palmer's Lotion: Now, I have had a couple stretch marks creep up over the last 2 weeks, so I can't promise this will keep them away.  But it is very moisturizing, smells yummy, and feels so good on your stretching, itching, and growing belly.
9-  Luxe Leggings: These are not maternity, but I have worn them almost the entire 9 months.  They suck you in, and make you feel firm and tight, even though you know the truth of what's going on underneath. Pricey, but worth it. Love.
10- Dry Shampoo: What would I do without this?  Blow-drying my hair might be my least favorite thing in the world, especially while pregnant, so this is a life-saver.  Adds the perfect amount of texture, and soaks up oil like magic.  
11- Extra Pillow: I didn't get the body pillows made for pregnancy, but I would recommend an extra pillow (or 2) to wedge underneath your growing belly for sleeping.  And one in between my legs made my hips/back feel great too.
12- Stomach Settler: I did have some nausea during the first trimester, so I went through ginger ale (mostly diet) like it was my job.  It truly made a big difference - ginger is known for helping stomach uneasiness!

I'm sure I'm missing a lot, but these are some of my must-haves.  
What were some of your must-haves?  Hope this helps!

39 Weeks and Counting!

*Our last fancy night out last weekend - At John's work holiday party!*

How far along? 39 weeks...it's truly going to be any day now!  

Baby Size: Baby is the size of a mini watermelon - WHAT?!  

(He is still measuring just a little small)

Total weight gain/loss: Thanks to my daily ice cream addiction, about 40 lbs!  

Maternity clothes? I live in my leggings, maternity tanks, and big sweatshirts.  

Stretch marks? A few small ones popped up these last few weeks around my sides.

Sleep: For being so close, I'm sleeping pretty well!  One bathroom break, and that's about it!

Best moment this week: We scheduled our induction date!  Dec 23!  Baby may decide to come before then, but this is the plan for now!

Miss Anything? It's been margaritas this entire time...and deli sandwiches.    

Movement: Feeling tons of movement, hiccups, and I'm feeling him very low!

Food cravings: I haven't craved ice cream until now!  And I have it daily.  And diet coke!

Anything making you queasy or sick: No nausea since week 14!

Have you started to show yet: Oh, just a little - I feel like I can't possibly be bigger ;)

Gender: BOY!  

Labor Signs: At my appointment yesterday, I was 1cm dilated, and 30% effaced.  Still feeling normal, just a little more pressure lower.

Belly Button in or out? In. But barely!

Wedding rings on or off? They are off - my fingers and toes are the chubbiest little things! 

Mood? Nervous, anxious, but excited!!

Looking forward to:  Meeting our sweet boy!  Being a mommy! :)

Holiday Gift Guide - For Kids

Happy December!  It's officially just a few weeks until Christmas!
I had a little too much fun putting this Holiday Gift Guide together - it's all about the little ones :)
Our little one is due Christmas Eve, and I have put just a few little presents under the tree for him us to open on Christmas morning.  After our wonderful showers, little man doesn't need anything at all, but it has been so magical to pick out and wrap a few small things (a Storybook Bible, a handprint ornament kit, and the tiniest Christmas pajamas you've ever seen.)
Hope this guide gives you some ideas for the kiddos on your list!

1- Lego Clock  2- Pacifier Clip  3- Fire Truck 
4- Sippy Cup  5- Striped Pajamas  6- Bubble Bath  7- Mermaid Bla Bla Doll  8- Bracelet Kit  9- Boat Shoes

The Happiest Thanksgiving

We had such a beautiful and wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!  My brother flew up from Florida to see what the Northeast was all about ;)  We like to think we showed him a good time, and we definitely filled our bellies with only the best Thanksgiving goodies.  At 37 weeks pregnant, I fluffed my own feathers by cooking and baking up a storm!  It will probably be my last big hosting gig before baby arrives, and I actually really enjoyed it!  

John was in charge of the turkey - and oh.my. did he do a great job!  It was delish!

Friday afternoon, we worked off our casseroles and pies by strolling all around Princeton's campus, and downtown.  And then to the annual Christmas Tree lighting celebration! It was chilly, but beautiful!

Saturday, we took the train into NYC for the day, and had the best time!

We explored amazing art and jewelry exhibits at the MET....wandered through the magical and romantic Central Park...

Ate the biggest and best sandwiches ever at the Carnegie Deli....

And then ended up getting fabulous seats at the "Rock of Ages" on Broadway for the evening!

We are still exhausted from all the laughing - it was definitely a weekend we'll never forget!
Family time is the best - one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. 

So thankful for this year, the memories we have made, the love we have shared, the new friends we have made, and the blessing of this precious baby boy who we get to meet in just a few short weeks!

Thank you Jesus for it all - For "every good and perfect gift comes from above."
Hope you all had a wonderful week!