Nursery Book Shelves

For the longest time J and I couldn't decide on exactly what type of book shelves we wanted for the nursery. I thought I wanted some sort of metal baskets, he wanted more on a self with a lip, and then one glorious day in Marshalls...we found them! For the metal baskets I had in mind, it would have required us to cut them to the correct size, while still paying full price for the baskets themselves. Marshalls had these perfect baskets for us, and we almost missed them. J said a lady followed him around the whole time he was there just waiting for him to put them down. 
To start we simply measured the wall, and spaced the baskets out equally. We love using painters tape to do the markings:

When we bought them, one was black and one was a brushed metal-look, so we obviously needed to paint them. 

We went with the brassiest {not sure that is even a word:)} spray paint we could find:

I want to add little tags in the slots but can't decide what I want them to say. 1,2,3,etc, or should I have them have actual words? You tell me! Overall, I love the baskets! They hold a ton of books, but even so- if we get many more we wont have room! That's one of the best problems I can think of having:)

Our New Nest Thermostat

For J completing his MBA at work his office gave him a unique gift.  First they offered to take J shopping after lunch one day...... lets just say J is not a good shopper in general and is even worse when others are watching.  He passed on that opportunity, and he showed up one day to work and was given a new...

Thermostat

But not just any thermostat, a cool digital one that can be controlled by an iphone.  Its called the Nest and we were stoked to get such a unique gift.  They said they bought it for him because it had to do with home improvement and it could save us money (because the Nest learns your habits on your temp settings)..... lets just say his co-workers know him all too well.

Since J now has his Saturdays back he took the opportunity last weekend and installed it.  It was super easy and the Nest has online instructions that walk you through each step.

Step 1: Remove your old thermostat.  (we actually really liked this touchscreen Honeywell one that we had used for years.)

 Take note of the wires and the corresponding letters.  There may be some wires not connected.  Make sure to turn your AC breaker off so you dont shock yourself.  Disconnect the wires and remove the system from the wall.

 You can see that this house has had many paint colors and thermostats:

 Next install the base to the Nest and make sure it is level.

 Match the wires up to the corresponding letter just like the previous thermostat.  Once the wires are connected snap the face into place and it's....

Do any of you have this thermostat? So far we are loving it. I think it will be especially helpful for whenever I leave the house fast, and of course forget to change the thermostat {because who remembers things like that with a newborn?!}. Changing it from my phone will be a lifesaver:)

Design Inspiration Monday

Some images that I found totally inspiring this week:
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I don't love everything in this photo...but that chair- I think I could live in that:via
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2nd Month Favorites

Ergo Performance- I literally cannot say enough great things about this carrier. Bray is small enough now to where I don't use the hood, but this thing is like a sleeping pill to him. Within two minutes of him being in it, he is out cold. And, he will stay out cold until I take him out. I know I am going to love it even more {if thats possible} once its not 100+ degrees here too! Ooh the idea of snuggling up with my baby when its nice and chilly out..sounds like heaven.

Nuk Pacis- These pacis are commonly recommended by lactation consultants for the fact that the nipple on these resembles us the most. No matter what others say, all I know is that he loves these pacis way better than any other type we own. Also, he is slightly tongue-tied and these ones stay in his mouth the best.

Planet Wise Wet Bag- We are cloth diapering our little sweetie and this bag is fabulous. We installed a little hook on the wall beside our dresser {changing table}and this bag holds all of our dirty diapers and cloth wipes. No smells escape, and I mean it. When it comes time to wash the diapers and wipes, I simply turn this bag inside out in the washer, never having to tough anything. The bag gets washed along with everything else, and you start fresh each time:) Even if you are not CDing, this would be great to have for pool/beach days, to hold the wet suits, towels, etc, while out and about. I have a smaller version of this bag for my diaper bag, so when we are on the go I have a place to contain his dirty diapers.

Munchkin Wipe Warmer- This is what I use to hold our cloth wipes. I simply put our wipes in, and pour a glass of water that has a feel drops of baby castile soap in it. This warmer keeps the cloth nice and warm, but never too hot. About once a week I wipe it down with alcohol to keep it super sanitary.

Pura Stainless Steel Bottles- I am so obsessed with these bottle. We also own Life Factory glass bottles, which rock as well, but I love these the most. There are so many perfect things about them: they have a LIFETIME warranty. Meaning, you scratch, dent, brake, whatevveerr it, and it gets replaced. They are incredible durable, and stylish:) They also are great because you can use something like 15 different nipples on them. Which leads me in to my next thing I love this month...

Mam Silicone Nipples- I love using these on our Pura bottles. This specific nipple I feel like really replicates what baby's do to your own...ouch, but true! Also, I feel like he takes in the least amount of air while using these. I just wish I could use these on the Lifefactory bottles as well. 

Grovia Cloth Wipes- Not gonna lie, you can totally use a cheaper item for your cloth wipes and be fine. I however love these, especially for big poopy messes. When it is just pee, I usually use these wipes, but for poop- these Grovia ones all the way. Its incredible how I can clean up even the most explosive nastiness with just ONE of these. When I was using disposable wipes, I swear I would use up to three every time.

Unfortunately, one of my most favorite items ever this month is no longer sold, anywhere. I am fortunate enough to have a beautiful friend loan me hers, and Bray is obsessed with being in it. Most people have normal play mats, and that works great for them. However, when you have sweet dogs like mine, they want to lay on anything soft...meaning his play mat would turn in to their new blankie. This play yard it fantastic because it has sides, and is a great size, and you can add whatever toys to the bar you like. Here is my little babe loving life in his:

I can put him in here and listen to him coo, bat at the toys, and smile for at least 20 minutes at a time. Even enough time for me to do a stupidly hard Bodyrock workout. I just started a 30 day challenge of theirs, and on day 3, I think I could die!
Anyway, these are the items that made our life in month two just a little bit sweeter and easier. For those sweethearts that replied yesterday about my sleep {or lack there of} THANK YOU! I know that 'this too shall pass' and that maybe even one day I will look back on this time and miss it {even though the middle of the night crap seems impossible to miss right now, just be real here}. We are doing Babywise, and technically he should be able to sleep at least 8 hour stretches at night by now. But guess what, thats not what happens. I think I just need to accept that, and love him for whatever he gives me. I can't complain too much, he only wakes once in the night to eat, but still, I am SO not a person who functions well on little sleep. During the day he is a dream, naps beautifully, and is a Babywise baby to a tee, seriously, this boy loves his schedule during the day. Just not ready to sleep through the night yet... one day:) Hope y'all have a fabulous weekend...and thanks for loving me through this sleepless, tired, only-baby-minded, time in my life- you guys are the best!

Easiest Side Table Ever

We are still plugging away over here trying to get his nursery FULLY finished. The fabric for his crib skirt just came in yesterday {after being on back order for over a month!}, so I am so excited to get that going. One easy-peasy project that J did a few weekends back was put together a side table for me. We got the great base for it at Modern Manor and simply added the top that we loved. 

To attach, simply find the center of the table and mark:

Then before attaching, if you are wanting to stain it, do so now. First lightly sand with a fine sand paper, then proceed. We went with the same stain we used on the bench in the nursery, Dark Walnut:

J normally wears gloves when staining, but this apparently our gloves had seen their last day because who knew 110+ degrees doesn't help. This is what happened when he tried to put it on, haha:

We only did one coat of the stain, and wiped it off after about 45 seconds. We chose not to seal it this time, because I honestly want that look of it being beat up. I know that by having water glasses on there, and just life in general, this table top could look pretty great all weathered. Now, if we change our minds down the road, then we can simply sand and re stain.

We got the wood top from Lowes. And its as easy as that... 
PS- I don't know how all you mamas do it. Bray is almost 2 1/2 months and these sleepless nights are killing me! He is such a great baby, but I am so missing my sleep! This too shall pass, right?!

Girls Night Out With A $150 Giveaway!

A few weeks ago I got to go out for a girls' night {with Braylen in tow}, and it was a blast. We ended up at Applebee's, and I was kinda nervous/excited to try it out. I had never been to the Applebee's right by my house, and it turns out it had just been reopened from its remodel.
The place was so great. The bartenders were hilarious and totally personable, and the food and drinks were delicious. How can you go wrong with a big, cold glass of Blue Moon?! It was so nice to catch up with my mom, mother-in-law, and sister. Even though we are all family, they are also some of my best friends.
With life being so crazy for all of us, sometimes our interaction comes down to messaging back and forth on Facebook, or writing emails. There is something so much better, though, about being able to sit face-to-face and dive into what life has been like lately. It doesn't hurt either when there is this happening during the whole thing:

Yes, I do know how to put him in correctly, but he insists on having one leg out the whole time..that and pulling down my shirt- what a boy

We must have looked like quite the crew as well. Me being the typical swaying mom to keep the baby happy, which results in eating food in interesting ways:

To my pregnant sister sitting at the bar enjoying a yummy, virgin strawberry daiquiri:

We stuffed our faces with the awesome Appetizer Sampler, then moved on to individual entrees, and finished with dangerously good chocolate dessert:

How beautiful are my moms?!

And this great bartender kept us entertained all night:

Another great thing about Applebee's is they understand the balance between seeing friends in person {see their slogan: Life is Better Shared} and interacting online. Join Applebee's for some fun on Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and Tumblr!

Overall, we had a blast. It was a great spot for a girls' night where you can either go casual or fancy. The staff was a blast, and the food was perfect. We all need girls' {or guys'} nights every now and then, don't we? Well I think we do- which is why I am giving away a $150 gift card to Applebee's, courtesy of Applebee's and BlogHer!! To be entered for a chance to win, Leave me a comment telling me the last time you had a girls' night, and for more entries, see below:

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 7/16/12 ñ 8/3/12.

Be sure to visit the Applebee's Life Is Better Shared page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggersí reviews and find more chances to win!

I'll be back tomorrow for some Design Inspiration:)

Dreams Are Now Reality

Yesterday it hit me like a ton of bricks...my dreams of baby's came true. I had always dreamed of the day that I would have a precious baby of my own, specifically wearing little footed jammies. Don't know if its because I grew up wearing those jammies all the time, or what, but thats something I always dreamed of. Yesterday I put Bray in a pair of those jammies, and he looked freaking adorable. Up until then, I had him only in normal onesies, even for sleep. When its 100+ degrees outside, and you fully swaddle your baby, they dont need more than a basic onesie. Now that he is sleeping with his arms out of the swaddle, on his tummy for naps, more clothing is great! Look at this sweet babe:

He's clearly a fan of the jammies as well, I mean, just look at this little ham:

The point of this post is just to remind myself that by having this baby, he is making my dreams come true. I have always wanted to be a mommy, and now I realize why. Sure there are some bad parts to it- aka- sleep deprivation, but man- it is so good. I still cannot believe that God not only created him, but gave us the blessing of raising him. This little love is totally dependent on J and I to raise him, provide for him, nourish him, love him, etc. What an incredible gift. 

Now, well now I will get back to my #1 priority in life right now, making this little man fatter and fatter;) He likes this goal of mine!

baby, please dont hate me when you are older for this photo, I made sure to hide your privates;)

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

2 Month Baby Update

Cannot believe that it has been two months already, and yet only two months! It feels like we have had this little man around forever, yet when we go on date nights- that feels more 'real', its really weird. Here are some fun facts that I want to remember about Braylens 1-2months of life:

• Best thing about this month hands down: his SMILES! Oh man. Sometimes they come super easily, other times I have to work for them, but either way- they are the freaking best thing ever. It suddenly makes this whole mamahood thing seem just a little sweeter.

• Second best thing- he slept one night for 7 hours straight. Which means I know he is capable of it, and it will happen again. Lets just hope sooner rather than later:)
• His schedule for the past month about has been 7,10,1,4,6:15/6:30, 10:30/11, and then one middle of the night feeding usually around 4:30/5. The 10:30/11 feeding is called a Dream Feed, and its incredible. I literally grab him out of his Rock-n-play and pop a bottle of my milk into his mouth. He eats, I burp him, and he goes back down without ever really waking up. The rare nights that he randomly wants to be up a little afterwards are no.fun.at.all. But those are really few and far between. Giving him a bottle instead of nursing is great, because when I would do this while nursing him it always totally woke him up.
• Just last week we started having him take all of his naps in his crib, laying on his tummy. Tummy sleeping is incredible for him. He will have some days where I can put him down almost totally awake and he was just fall to sleep within 5-10 minutes. Its like magic. Don't get me wrong though, there are still days where we struggle with naps, but for the most part- the tummy sleeping is heavenly. 

• He is much more alert and reactive to voices now. He will follow us with his eyes, and sometimes smile just because he hears me or J.
• He still lovesss his bath time. It relaxes him no matter what mood he was in before hand. 

• We have gotten a pretty good bedtime routine down now. I feed him around 6:30, then its bath time, naked front porch time to get him all nice and warm. Then I massage him {which I am about to take an actual infant massage class this next week- so excited!} Then its white noise, swaddle, and rocking him.
• We are about to have him sleep during the night in his crib for the first time ever tonight- SO nervous and so excited!
• J's favorite thing to do with him is help him stand. He wants this boy walking come 6 months;)
• We took him to church for the first time this past month. He did amazing, slept the whole time in the Ergo...I freaking love the Ergo.

• We celebrated Js first Fathers day with both of our families at Js parents house. It was such a great celebration.

• He had his first trip to Last Chance, and of course a lady scolded me for taking my young baby there. Keep in mind- he was in the Ergo the entire time. Gotta love people and their opinions that they voice so clearly;)
• We started him on Zantac at around 7 weeks. His reflux was not getting any better, and we had a few days where every time he ate he just seemed like he was in a ton of pain. Crying at the boob a lot, etc. It has definitely helped!
• We visited daddy at the office a few times. Everyone there just loves him:)

• We also left him overnight with my parents!! We stayed at a local resort with a group of our friends to celebrate Js graduation. It was glorious sleeping from 1045-930!!!!!!! I was super excited to get back to seeing him though:)

• We celebrated my 26th birthday with friends at the pool, and then family over the weekend! It was so surreal having a birthday..as a mom. I took him swimming for the first time on the 4th, he loves the water. J was amazing that day, and literally took care of him the entire day. Gave him bottles, wore him in the Ergo for his naps, etc. Best hubby ever!

Three above photos Melissa Young Photo

Basically, this month has been way harder than the first month of his life. Physically for me, it was obviously easier- being healed and all, but for him, it was more tough. We had a lot of fussy days, a lot of issues with eating and reflux. BUT we also have had a lot of days of smiles, coo's, and firsts. I love being this boys mommy, and just cannot wait for him to keep experiencing life with us.