Nursery Inspiration with Land of Nod

The garage is coming along... slowly. And while most of the garage is still in Emilee's room, that doesn't mean I can't start decorating. In my mind anyways. I've actually purchased quite a bit for her room already and since she is getting Luke's old furniture, I'm really well on my way. At least that's what I tell myself. It's just going to be the act of getting it cleaned up and everything put in it's place that will be the real work.

I'm going for a shabby chic vibe - various shades of pink and green with a pop of light blue/teal. Pretty much everything in the room stems from this wallpaper I found a few months ago. I'm only doing one accent wall with it since it's so busy but I really think it's going to be beautiful.

Once I got the main inspiration for her room decided on, I headed to one of my favorite places for nursery decor, Land of Nod. They pretty much have everything you need as far as furniture, bedding, and storage for your child's room or nursery.

I've said it before and I will say it again, I'm a huge fan of designing a space that will grow with my kids. Not something that has to be updated every few years. I'm hoping that what I do in E's room now will transition all the way up into her teen years. I feel like the products Land of Nod offers echo that same sentiment.

After way too many hours on their fabulous site (and their Pinterest boards)... here is what I came up with for Emilee's room:

 

1. Jenny Lind Nightstand (Azure) // 2. English High Tea Wall Decor // 3. Bring in the Gingham Storage Collection (Aqua) // 4. Bin There Done That Wall Book Bin (White) // 5. Sherbet Stripes Throw Pillow  



The nightstand is quite possibly the perfect pop of blue I'm looking for - major find! And I'm in love with the teapot wall decor - I've never seen anything quite like it. Not to mention, it would be the perfect place to hang all her numerous headbands I've already started buying. Cute and functional - I'm totally sold.

Good news for me (and those of you who also live in Southern California), Land of Nod is opening a store at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa (3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626) on May 31, 2013.

If you are local, come shop the grand opening! There will be in-store giveaways happening throughout the day and free goodies for those who arrive early to shop. I can't wait!

Even if you aren't in Southern California, or near a Land of Nod store, you can still shop online and don't forget to follow them on Facebook. Right now they are having a fantastic online giveaway! Enter here now.

 

LAND OF NOD’S WIN A ROOM SWEEPSTAKES

The Land of Nod Win a Room Sweepstakes runs from now until 11:59 PM CT June 17, 2013.

Grand Prize and Approximate Retail Value: One (1) Grand Prize is available to be won.

The Grand Prize winner will receive a Room designed by The Land of Nod, including:

(1) Design consultation with The Land of Nod design team.

(2) Room makeover with selected product from The Land of Nod.

(3) Feature in The Land of Nod Real Families section of an upcoming Catalog.

Total ARV of the Grand Prize is $4,000.

 

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Land of Nod, but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NODinCA  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

Friday Fun Facts: T2 23 Weeks

Hello month 6! Only 4 more weeks left in the 2nd trimester. Which is crazy to me. I can remember when I was so sick early on and just counting down the days until 1st tri was over. And now 2nd tri is flying by! And technically, I'm still sick. I take my meds every other day now and if I don't, I'm in big trouble.

I had a really nice Mother's Day with my boys and they (well hubs) surprised me with the nicest gift - a prenatal massage and pool lounging with one of my BFFs! So on Wednesday, I dropped Luke off at my mother-in-law's house like I normally do, and instead of going to work I headed straight to Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa!

I kid you not when I say that after my massage my lower back hadn't felt that good since BEFORE I was pregnant. No aches or pain! I think I've got Chris talked into a massage being a monthly thing from here on out...well at least until the end of the pregnancy.

After our massages we were able to get a little bit of pool time in. It was the first time I rocked a bikini pregnant (I was pregnant in the winter with Luke.) and I couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious. I know I'm out of the "is she fat or pregnant" stage but I still couldn't help but feel awkward. Which is why there is no picture evidence that such events took place. Maybe I will get more brave as we head into summer.

What I do have for you is this week's bump pic:

 

Yes, that is a guitar and a screwdriver laying on the floor. For once I didn't pick up before taking my bump picture. (This should make you happy Les.) 

Oh and one last awesome moment I need to record this week. I bought my first pair of compression socks. Yep, I'm an 80 year old grandma. You guys, varicose veins are no joke and they hurt! So, I swallowed my pride and am sporting some awesome white knee highs anytime I'm at home for long periods of time...mostly in the evening when I'm on my feet cooking dinner. As hot as it's been lately, there is NO WAY I'm wearing those bad boys outside the house though.

Size of baby: Emilee is still the size of a papaya. From here on out, our fruit “status” doesn’t change every week – more like every few weeks - although she’s now more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound.

Major Developmental Milestones: With her sense of movement well developed by now, baby can feel me move. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that E's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as a dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner or her big brother screaming about who knows what — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

Food Cravings: So while I don't have any super bad cravings at this point, I have noticed some patterns to the things I eat. I'm not a big fan of tomato sauce this time around. I will eat it but it has never, ever sounded good. So pizza, pasta, etc. is on the outs right now.

I'm also leaning heavily towards anything vanilla flavored which is funny coming from a chocoholic like myself. I bought vanilla ice cream at the store last week - so plain! And I stopped at Rite Aid on my way home from the spa on Wednesday for some chocolate chip ice cream. Again, so plain Jane!

I have replaced the morning muffin with some Greek yogurt (vanilla flavored of course). I had high blood pressure towards the end of Luke's pregnancy and have read that getting enough protein daily really helps to keep it low/lower it. So, I'm trying my best to make sure there is some sort of protein in every snack/meal I eat. Not that I have high blood pressure now, just trying to be proactive.

Best Moment this week: We had what I hope is our last ultrasound on Monday and E looks great. Much more cooperative this time around and we got all the measurements we needed. She is growing right on track!

What I am looking forward to: Next month's prenatal massage?! Kidding. Kind of. I have all of Memorial Day weekend set aside to really get started on her room. I am looking forward to seeing actual progress in there!

Elevate

So way back in January I bought a ticket to a local blog conference, Elevate. It's a smaller conference (only 50 tickets sold) and it was literally happening in my backyard so I really couldn't say no. Plus, I billed it as the perfect Mother's Day present since it was literally the day before Mother's Day.

To be honest, the conference kind of snuck up on me. I feel like this year has been nothing but survival mode - this pregnancy has kind of taken over. So when I first got to the conference I felt a little lost since blogging has taken such a back seat in my life lately.

But I'm so glad I was there because the very last speaker, the fabulous Ashley, was fantastic and totally met me where I'm at in terms of my "blogging life." She said she often goes through a little exercise with her blog. "Ask Why, set GOALS, and then define SUCCESS."

Why do I blog? I don't blog to gain a million followers, make a ton of money, or to see how many new friends I can find on the Internet. Is it awesome that you all show up to my space and think I'm hilarious - you bet. Is it nice when I make a few dollars here and there from this little space - sure. Am I thankful for the friendships I've made - absolutely.

But at the end of the day, I blog for Luke. (And well for Emilee now too.) This blog is my "digital scrapbook" if you will. The ins and outs of what Thomas family life is like. And most importantly, who I am as a mom. I want to leave my kids a legacy - a place where they can come and look back on when I'm gone - read my words, hear my thoughts, and hopefully see Jesus in it all.

And secondly, I blog for all the other moms out there. Ashley said, "That which is most personal is most universal." And it's so true. I share my thoughts and feelings in hopes that there are moms out there who don't feel so alone after reading my words. Because while there is a wide range of information out there about motherhood the content sometimes isn't very deep. And sometimes we need someone to come along and say it isn't all rainbows and sunshine 24/7 and say things like the newborn stage really isn't there favorite. Yep, I said it. And thank you Lord for grace.

If blogging has taught me anything, it's really that we all are a lot more alike than we think.

So while I may not be as active as I once was on the "Internets," I'm still doing exactly what I set out to do.

Phew. That took a turn to serious town real quick, didn't it? I had every intention of just writing a wrap-up post about the conference with some fun pics and then I had to go and get all philosophical on you. Sorry, it's been awhile and my brain has been craving some deep thought. Pregnancy takes all your deep thoughts away. I can't wait for them to come back. Anyways, on to more fun pics:

I'm a huge sucker for a mason jar. Especially one with my name on it. But while paper straws are super cute, they weird me out. I can't handle the texture in my mouth when drinking out of one. Am I alone in this crazy? Probably.

Adorable hoop from one of my fave bloggy and in real life friends, Natalie. PS. She may or may not have done 2 hoops for E's nursery gallery wall. They may or may not be absolutely adorable.

And I posted WAY too many pics on Instagram while I was actually there so if you don't already follow me, you should.

Friday Fun Facts: T2 Week 22

I know, it's been a week since I've been here. But I'm too busy living life. And laying on my couch at night groaning like I'm 40 weeks pregnant. Which I'm not. I'm barely halfway even though I feel full term. It's only bound to get worse. Things ache and hurt crazy early this time around. Not to mention the awesome spider and varicose veins running across my legs like a map of America's interstate system. It's a cruel joke to be pregnant in the summer and your legs suddenly becoming hideous to look at.

Truth be told, being pregnant this time around is much harder than I remember it being with Luke. I don't know if it's because she's a girl (hello drama) or it's the fact that I have a toddler this time around. Whatever the case, this momma is tired and so thankful that this pregnancy is our last. (Note to self: Self, make sure you come back here and read this when Emilee is like 2 and you see a baby and your uterus gets all achy. #youruteruslies) I don't think my body could handle a third. I don't think Chris could handle me being pregnant a third time. It would be defcon 5, wheels coming off the bus status. Not pretty.

I had my monthly doctor's appointment this past Tuesday. Doc's scale says I'm up 9 lbs but my scale at home says 5. I'm going to chalk that extra 4 lbs up to the obscene amount of water I'm chugging always and the large turkey sandwich I stuffed my face with before the appointment.

Baby looks good, heartbeat of 154 and an extra ultrasound this coming Monday since she wasn't too cooperative at our last one and they want to make sure they get all the right measurements. Told you, drama.

Size of baby: Emilee is the size of a papaya! At 11 inches and almost 1 pound, baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn.

Major Developmental Milestones: Her lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and she's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath her gums. Her eyes have formed, but her irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside the womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her body and the deep wrinkles on her skin, which she'll sport until she adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside her belly, her pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

Food Cravings: It's funny because there really hasn't been anything this pregnancy yet that I absolutely have to have. Good news is my sweet tooth is back. Not 100% and I still look forward to savory/salty more than sweet but if it's in the house you better believe I'm eating it.

If I could have anything in the world right now, it would still be a turkey sandwich. I know so boring. I also crave wine. Weird right? And it stinks I can't have it. But maybe I'm not so much craving it as missing it. Especially when Chris settles down on the couch at night with a big glass while I sip my ice water. #firstworldproblems

I never missed wine when I was pregnant with Luke. But maybe it's because I have Luke now that I miss the wine?

Best Moment this week: A good, normal doctor's appointment.

What I am looking forward to: Nesting has set in full force and with the garage still "under construction" it's a recipe for disaster. I have such an itch to start doing things in her room but can't until the garage is finished. So basically I'm the "mayor of stress town" according to Chris. And I'm a contractor's worst nightmare. I want things done for as cheap as possible and I need them done yesterday. I would like to blame that on the pregnancy but I think that's all women. I would much rather invest my money in the items in the closet not the closet itself. Can I get an amen?

Friday Fun Facts: T2 21 Weeks

My apologies for the delay. I kind of lost track of time yesterday. Chris was down in San Diego all evening visiting his brother (who is here for work) so I had Luke from sun up until sun down all by myself. And this momma was tired!

And today I finally bit the bullet and went maternity clothes shopping. Mad props to Gagi for coming with me and being on Luke duty or I would haven't been able to try on a single thing. Being 2 now, he requires at least a 2:1 ratio if I'm going to get anything productive done. Kid. is. Busy.

And oh goodness, Gap, you never disappoint. The fact that I ordered even more clothes online as soon as I got home clearly demonstrates that. Good news is I think I've got the bump covered for the rest of this pregnancy... hopefully.

Size of baby: Emilee is now the size of a banana! (I know cantaloupe to banana – I didn’t really get it either but it makes sense. Think of it only in terms of length right now. Since she is now measured from head to toe as opposed to head to rump she is long… like a banana!) She weighs about ¾ of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long.

Major Developmental Milestones: You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, baby's eyebrows and lids are present now.

Food Cravings: There still really isn't a major craving. I'm definitely starting to feel more hungry and baby girl seems to like the savory over the sweets. I've been eating an apple and cheddar cheese everyday for an afternoon snack and yesterday I ran out of cheese. Womp. Womp. Also, my weekly Target runs have also started including Target popcorn. So good. And Luke loves it too. He had it for the first time a few weeks ago. Yes I waited until 2 to give my kid popcorn. Paranoid much?

Best Moment this week: Just like big brother, baby girl let daddy feel her move this week! I feel her regularly but some days are more active than others. Tuesday night she was throwing some kind of party and Chris was finally able to feel a nudge. I'm looking forward to when Luke can feel her too!

What I am looking forward to: Our monthly appointment next week and our first (and last) vacation as a family of 3 in a few weeks. I'm also looking forward to registering this weekend - bring on the pink!!!

Silent but not Quiet

Sorry for the crickets around here lately. I've been pretty silent but life has definitely NOT been quiet. I think I've mentioned like 1000 times before that this is our family's "busy" season. Need more proof? I purchased 18 cards at Hallmark this weekend. 18. And that only takes care of the month of May. Yikes.

I'm in full on nesting/panic mode. I realize that 19 more weeks is still a long way to go and yet it isn't all at the same time. And what would nesting be without a crazy home improvement project thrown in the mix? We're making room for the baby... by finishing our garage. Makes perfect sense. Insulation, drywall, ceiling, cabinets, etc. The works. Basically we need more storage in the garage because we need the spare bedroom (previously used for storage) for the baby's room. So once we finish the garage we can begin the work in the spare bedroom room.

And because my garage is empty right now, Emilee's room looks like this:

Seeing this picture makes me want to hyperventilate a little. Which is why the door is ALWAYS closed right now. I'm telling myself it has to get worse before it gets better.

 I've got bedding picked out for baby girl and we're hoping to go and register this weekend. It's going to be the shortest registry ever. Thankfully most of our baby stuff is gender neutral. But a girl's got to have some things of her own, right? Plus, you better believe I want that registry discount.

Luke's furniture started arriving this week for his big boy room. I'm super excited to see it all come together, hopefully by the end of the month.

Speaking of Luke, he amazes me daily. He has spent just 3 Sundays in his new 2s and 3s classroom at church and he already knows his first bible verse. "Jesus is God." (It's actually "Jesus is the son of God." But essentially all the same thing.) Blows me away what only 3 hours can do. And also makes me realize that I should be making more of an effort at home. Especially since the excuse of "he's too little to understand" doesn't really apply anymore.

Just when I think he can't get any cooler, he does. Case in point... (or is it point in case? I never know!)

A balloon... in a toaster... with a tool belt full of tools. Just a typical Monday morning in our house. It made me laugh because it kind of reminded me of college. 2 and 22 really aren't that far apart age-wise. At least when a few drinks are involved.

Up next is Mother's Day and then my birthday. Which will be spent in San Diego at Sea World celebrating Luke's birthday. Because that's what you do when you're a mom. Celebrate other people on your special day. I wouldn't want to be with anyone else or anywhere else for that matter. Besides everyone loves Sea World.

Chris and I are trying to find a time to celebrate our 5 year anniversary (coming up in June) but realized after a quick look at the calendar we don't have a free weekend until the end of June. Yes, I realize today is May 1st. (Told you we were busy.)

Ok I think that wraps up where I've been and where we are headed. At least for now.

Friday Fun Facts: T2 20 Weeks

Halfway. 50% finished. It's kind of hard to believe. The weeks drug by so slowly when I was sick but now that I'm feeling better I feel like they are zooming!

Plans are finally starting to come together for the nursery. No actual work has been done...yet. But things are getting bought! We decided to give Luke's furniture to baby E (crib and dresser) which means new furniture and some new big boy bedding for Luke. I figure it's the least we can do since we are going to totally rock his world come September.

Don't worry, I will post a pic when everything is finished in his room. And while nothing is actually here yet (just ordered), I can still say that I LOVE the way his room is transitioning into a big boy room. I was very mindful when I was decorating the nursery that I wanted his room to be "timeless" and not something that needed to be changed every few years as he grew. I'm confident that the room we are creating now for 2 year old Luke will still fit 14 year old Luke... At least I hope so!

Onto the bump:

You can see Luke's 20 week bump here. I think I look about the same size but I'm carrying E much higher than I did Luke at this point.

Ps. Don't you love how I was in shorts and a tank top last week but this week am in long sleeves and jeans?!? Thank you crazy California weather. Also, I tied my shirt up just for this picture - I promise I didn't leave the house like this today.

I know I don't look it but I feel 40 weeks pregnant at night. Like my stomach is going to explode. It's hard to imagine getting bigger but I know I will. Lots bigger. Yikes!

Size of baby: Emilee is now the size of a cantaloupe! Baby is measuring 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against her torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of her head to her bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, she's measured from head to toe.) Baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces.

Major Developmental Milestones: She's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in her bowels, and we’ll see it in her first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery). Luke's first poop wasn't THAT bad. Although man is that stuff sticky! Bleh!

Food Cravings: Turkey sandwiches are still king around here. And I'm noticing that I'm most hungry in the morning/early afternoon. It doesn't matter what I eat, by 3pm, my appetite is just gone. To the point where nothing sounds good for dinner. I'm not sick, so I'm thankful for that.

Best Moment this week: I don't know if it was a "best" moment but I went to the dentist for my semi-annual cleaning and found i have 3, possibly 4 cavities. Yikes! I had a cavity with Luke along with severely inflamed/receding gums. My teeth do not like pregnancy! So I kind of had a feeling this was coming and was dreading my appointment. However, in the grand scheme of things, baby girl is still healthy and mom can deal with an afternoon of numbness.

What I am looking forward to: Starting to get her room put together. We have lots of home improvement projects that are just getting started. I will be excited to start seeing progress in her room. It kind of freaks me out that I only have 20 weeks (possibly less if she comes early like brother) left of this pregnancy. September is going to be here before we know it!