Invites via Minted and Etsy

With the upcoming holiday, work has been slow... exceedingly slow. Therefore, I've been engrossing myself in all things BABY to help pass the time. This week has been spent looking at invitations for the baby shower, planning, nursery finds, and more planning. Making way for Asher's arrival in the upcoming months.

 

When searching for wedding invitations months back, I found Minted, and downright fell in love with the array of styles and designs on this site. I had to take a looksy to see if they had the baby shower style I have been looking for. Minted didn't disappoint, of course the site had just what I was looking for! These are my top two favorite picks for the possible baby shower invite...

 

{Invite 1}

 

{Invite 2}

 

I was able to find a few more invites via Etsy. They're always my go-to place when I want to do everything myself. I usually order a digital file of an invitation, will then choose the style of paper and envelopes I want to use, and take the file along with supplies to a local printing company to have the printed and cut. This is the route I take 90% of the time because it's so much more cost effective in doing so. These are my top four favorites on Etsy...

 

{Invite 1}

 

{Invite 2}

 

{Invite 3}

 

Now to narrow it down and decide on just one... I absolutely love Minted, but do I want to spend $80 on 35 invitations? With a baby on the way, I can most definitely think of other things that $80 can be used on, fo sho.

 

Where are some of your favorite places to purchase invitations?

 

Wishing each of you a Happy New Year!! See ya in 2015.



What to Wear - Holiday Bump

I've been searching the web for ideas on what to wear for Christmas... How I'm going to dress the bump for family lunches and dinners on Christmas day. I wanted to share with you a few outfits to make my list of favorites.

 

This first set of outfit pieces can each be found at Pink Blush Maternity. They're currently offering 20% off and free shipping with coupon code: Holiday20. Go snag some super cute styles to dress your bump with!

Loving either of these tops with the denim skinnies pictured below.

 

Old Navy had some cute comfy looking dresses, and for a steal with some being on sale. Their site is offering 15% off online only with coupon code: SAVENOW. One of the dresses I liked being $11!

 

My last few favorites can be found at ASOS Maternity. The site always has good deals and sales going on. I love the variety of style and different looks shown.

 

Those are some of my favorite finds while I've browsed the selection online. I'm still unsure if I should go with selecting a dress, or dressing more casual. Decisions, decisions. Heaven knows I am quickly running out of time in finding what to wear. At the rate I'm going, I just might show up in my pajamas... cozy and comfy. I'm pregnant therefore anything is acceptable.

 

How are you planning to dress your bump for the upcoming Christmas holiday? What are some of your favorite styles and go to places for clothing purchases? Do share!



The Name Game

What's goes in to choosing a name?

 

Choosing a name for your unborn child can be pretty tough. I mean, it's not like it's really important or anything... they only use it for their entire life. When I was pregnant with Kaylee, we didn't decide on her name until 2 weeks before she was born.

 

I don't know about yours, but when it comes to choosing a name, my husband will ask the two following questions:

 

1) In what ways can this name be picked on or made fun of?

Ex. I loved the name Ian. So, he went through every letter in the alphabet rhyming it until he got to the letter "P". Ian and Peein'. That was an automatic no-go for him, and the name was removed from our "name list".

 

- As much as it aggravates me, this is a good thing to think of because kids can be really cruel these days, and will find any way to pick at something. 

 

2)  Do I know anyone with this same name?

Ex. "Hey, I really like this name, what do you think about it?" - "Hell no, I went to school with a girl named that and she was trashy." -OR- "I knew a kid with that name and couldn't stand him."

 

- Any name that could be associated with someone negative was immediately thrown out, no if, ands, or buts about it.

 

With that said, K and I have went through many names for Baby T. over this past month. I began getting frustrated, so I downloaded this Baby Names app to my iPhone to keep track of what he liked as well as the names I liked. He thought of the middle name, I agreed on it immediately. Over the next few weeks, we worked off the "First name" list until it dwindled itself down to 3 names total. One night we asked Kaylee which name she liked best, and she chose my favorite. We then took those same three names to work with us, and had a little poll to see which was liked the best. My #1 name was the winner of both work polls. Insert *happy dance*.

 

Of course he was still really into one name, and I felt the same in regards to another. With K coming up with the middle name, it was only fair that I get to choose the first name. Right? Right. Lucky for me, he did like the name I had picked out, just not as much as his chosen name. I knew once he was given the meaning behind the name I had chosen, it would be a done deal... sneaky, sneaky.

 

As soon as I told him the meaning... it was a done deal! Signed, sealed, and delivered. Baby T. has a name, and we chose it during Week 23 of pregnancy. Hot damn!

 

Deciding on the name, and now referring to him by it as opposed to "he" or "Baby T." makes it that much more real, and we're getting even closer to meeting our little guy.

 

Our family is delighted to announce Baby T's name...

*Asher Graham Turner*

 

Asher is Hebrew meaning "blessed" or "happy";

In the Bible, Asher is one of Jacob's sons.

 

The photo above is a list of the top names we had to dwindle down. K chose Graham the week we found out we were having a little boy. I loved it and immediately agreed. I've adored the name Asher since hearing it a couple of years ago. I like the fact of how different it is, but at the same time it isn't too unique or crazy.

 

Kaylee helped to decorate the chalkboard while I wrote out the names. She really enjoys taking part in our "weekly chalkboard updates". Adding the snowflakes were all her idea :) That creative little mind of hers is awesome!

 

She insisted we snap a picture with our finished art piece. Don't mind my post-workout with chalk all over me, self.

(photo taken at 23 Weeks & 1 Day)

Kaylee's Christmas Wish List for 2014

Last year, we began the Christmas List Tradition by giving Kaylee toy magazines and telling her to circle what all she would like for Christmas. I always loved doing this as a child, and we thought age 6 was appropriate for her to begin with this fun little tradition.

 

Well, this year she decided to pretty much circle everything in said magazines. There were at least 2 items circled on Every. Single. Page. Of course, handing a child a magazine filled with toys on every page, this outcome should be expected. So, K and I sat down and told her that she very well couldn't have every toy in the twenty-five page spread. She then went back through and reevaluated the magazine, choosing the handful of items she truly wants.

 

... So I give you,

 

Kaylee's Christmas Wish List

Source: Monster High Castle

 

Source: Tamagotchi Digital Friends

 

Source: Lalaloopsy Color Me Doll

 

Source: Popcorn Maker

 

 Source: Monster High Dolls

 

Source: Zoomer Dino

 

Source: Y Sport Scooter

 

Source: Beados

 

... and that concludes the Christmas Wish List of our seven year old.

 

These are the main selection of toys that she put fifty circles around along with the words "please" next to each. She also informed me last night that she would like some more blank canvas sets, and new paint brushes for her painting projects. Lucky for her, Michael's currently has a sale on all of their artist supplies, including both, paint brushes and canvas sets, along with my 40% off store coupon. SCORE!

 

This year's list is definitely doable. I'll take buying these few toys over the original entire toy magazine selection she chose to begin with. She did much better choosing her second time around, and focusing on the toys she really wants Santa to bring.

 

8 days and counting...

Bring on Christmas and some good ole family time.



Nursery Inspiration & Style

Upon finding out that K and I were expecting, I had an idea of a gender neutral nursery theme. I wanted to go with a Tribal/Aztec style boasting arrows, dream catchers, mountain, tribal and Aztec patterns, along with a rustic woodland feel. Since finding out our little bundle of joy is a boy, I've imagined navy blues, grays, teal, gold's, and some black and white tones.

 

So much time has been spend on Pinterest and Google lately searching for styles to reflect the ideas I have swimming around in my mind. It's been tough finding exactly what I want, but have found designs and different concepts in other nursery's that will play in to my vision for Baby T's nursery.

 

I wanted to share with you some of my favorite finds and inspiration boards thus far...

 

These colors really go great together, I like them, but would want a deeper blue adding in to the mix. I'm still debating on going with a white crib or more of a rustic wood color.

 

Next is one of my absolute favorite finds. This nursery is the closest I've come to exactly what I'm envisioning. The color scheme is spot on, the mobile is so uniquely made, and the patterns just mesh well together. That little teepee... I die. It's a must for our little guy's nursery. I think it will make the perfect reading nook for he and Kaylee.

Source

 

Here is another inspiration board I found and like, but would possibly change out the green with a navy blue... maybe.

 

All of the rustic wood in this next inspiration board has me in awe. The barn doors are to die for; would love those as a piece behind the crib. This one has more of a woodland feel, but the tribal style still plays a role and ties in to it.

 

Love the DIY mobile, and the teepee in this next tribal nursery take. I'm not keen on the colors, it seems a bit dull and more neutral to me.

Source

 

The wooden floating shelves, and curtains are my favorite pieces from this next woodland nursery.

Source

 

The blue dresser pulls this nursery together. The boldness of it is what I'm desiring in a nursery. I've been searching for an old dresser to refinish similar to this for the "changing table". Loving the dream catchers hanging above the crib as well!

Source

 

The patterns in this blanket are the perfect mix of the style I like. Of course, I would add more of a deep blue to offset the colors.

 

Last but not least, another one of my favorites... this nursery comes in 2nd on my top list. The fox blends well with the tribal aspect, and the colors throughout are perfect. I wouldn't be opposed to the a black accent wall either.

Source

 

Each of these nursery's are inspirations for designing our little guys new home. These have their own unique quirks, but all embracing the style and theme I'm going for. I can't wait to begin working on this project, and seeing the end result of what I'm envisioning. 



Being His Peace

As I was scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed yesterday, I came across this Denzel Washington Tweet via a friend's post.

It really grabbed my attention to where I read it over a handful of time. Since getting married last month, there are so many things that I now notice and never would have stopped to read or look at before. 

 

March 2015 will mark 12 years that K and I have been together. I always pondered how different things would be once we finally said those vows and were indeed officially married. I remember asking friends/couples who dated long periods before marriage, how different married life was, and all gave similar answers... "There's a difference. Little things change, and you look at the relationship entirely differently because you're with this person for the rest of your life." They were right. K and I have both noticed, felt, and voiced feeling a subtle difference since our wedding day. It's without a doubt a good difference.

 

This message really hit me because I've now found myself encouraging him more than I have in the past. Sitting and truly talking about his goals and dreams together; really listening to the aspirations he has. I've gained joy from doing these things, and that's one of those little felt differences since getting married.

 

I want to be his peace.

 

The week following our wedding, I came in to work and had an email from my Nana waiting in my inbox. I opened it and got a little teary eyed while reading it... I'm blaming my raging hormones. This is what she wrote...

It's amazing at how spot on she was and is. This sense of peace has fallen over me since November 8, 2014, and has continued its stay. Married life is amazing, and I can't wait to see how much better it gets. We definitely should have done this soo much sooner... Especially seeing how awesome it can be. I love it.



Big Sis To Be

K and I found out we were expecting our current little bundle of joy around the 5 week mark. We knew that we wanted to tell Kaylee first before anyone else; She's only asked for a sibling (brother specifically) for the past 3 years! I had everything planned out, and couldn't wait for her reaction to this long awaited news. I knew it was going to be one of those must capture moments.

Our photographer was out of town for the weekend we had scheduled the announcement brunch with our family and closest friends, following breaking the news to Kaylee. So, unfortunately she wasn't able to be the one photographing our "announcement session" with Kaylee first thing that morning. Luckily, I was able to find someone else last minute to capture that moment for us because this was going to be one for the books!

... and in the books it went alright.

A week prior I had a cute "Big Sis" shirt made just for our little session, c/o Etsy, of course. Kaylee would wear it for a few of the pictures, and then again for brunch to announce the news to our family and friends.

    K and I wake up that morning telling Kaylee that we have a big surprise for her. We planned a mini photo shoot for her and this surprise. She's not much of a morning person - gets that from me. Our session was scheduled for 8:00am, mind you, so we were up earlier than the birds. The three of us quickly got ready, I grabbed the props, and we dashed out the door. 

We made it to the location a few minutes late, and weren't able to stop by Wal-Mart for the balloons I wanted to go with one of the props. I had to make it work without them since we ran out of time. This was our first time meeting and working with this particular photographer. Introductions were made and the spots we liked best for pictures were chosen. She first began with a couple family shots, then took Kaylee where little yellow flowers were sprouted while we prepared the chalkboard signs. This helped to let Kaylee get better acquainted with the photographer as well.

I came across this cute little chalkboard announcement via Pinterest, and fell in love with the idea. K and I made our way to Kaylee with the chalkboard and some chalk. She was eager to find out what this big surprise was, and we were ready to finally let it out... by this time I was 12 weeks along. Holding the news in for almost 7 weeks was pretty tough!

So, this is how we announced the big news to Kaylee...

In these photos, her reaction is perfect. Exactly how I expected it would go, and the entire reason why I wanted it captured. This is the reaction I imagined when we told her the news. 

Well, pictures can be deceitful at times... The smiling picture above, I have absolutely no idea how the photographer was able to capture that within the split second of these next two...

Poor thing. Long gone was that happy smiling face. When the photographer sent me the photos, I was scared to even open them and take a look. I knew there wouldn't be one of her happy or smiling during that earth shattering news, but she managed to capture that one and only split second of a smile, thank goodness! I was shocked when I scrolled through to that one picture because I don't even remember a smile after she read the "I'm a big sister" sign.

Of course, this led to her wanting absolutely nothing to do with the shirt I had made for her. Which is the reason you won't see it in any of the pictures. I had to bribe her with cinnamon rolls for breakfast to get her to sit at the table for the next pose and give me a smile, be it fake or not. She obliged, but wouldn't budge on putting that shirt on for the remaining pictures.  

I got a fake smile, but it works. I'm happy with that over the crying bit. On the ride home she refused cinnamon rolls, and cried almost the whole 20 minute drive. K and I couldn't get mad or be upset with her though. We had to put ourselves in her shoes, think of how she's feeling, and what could possibly be going on inside that little mind of hers. She's seven. It's been the three of us for the past seven years! Adding a baby into that is a big deal for an only child. 

We got home and sat in the living room to talk with no crying; asking her why she's so upset about something she asked for a week prior, not to mention the last three years. Her response being, "What if I'm not a good big sister?", "Babies are a lot of work (referring to helping with her twin cousins)." Once we were able to grasp and understand her worries, her outlook completely changed. She apologized for being upset, hugged me and kissed my belly telling the baby that she loved it. It was the sweetest thing.

Kaylee wanted to be the one to break the news to our family and friends during the brunch. We had brunch downtown, and tricked everyone into coming by saying it was "wedding related" so they had absolutely no idea. We ate and spent time with everyone for a couple of hours before making our way outside by the water fountains. K and I unrolled the shirt and handed it to Kaylee. We blocked her from view to get the shirt positioned correctly, and had her stand on one of the fountains in clear view of everyone. She then told them to "Be quiet everyone, I want to show you my new shirt!" K and I stepped to the side so she could hold up her "Big Sis to be" shirt for everyone to see and read. Mouths dropped, OMG's were said, and happy tears fell. No one had a clue, and we were able to surprise them all! It was so awesome, and such an amazing feeling. As cliché as it is to say... It was perfect.

K and I have included her on every little thing pertaining to baby. Since our family chat in the living room that morning, she has been so involved asking every question imaginable. The three of us read the weekly updates courtesy of the pregnancy app on my phone. Kaylee helped choose and vote on the name. She has nicknamed her little brother "pipsqueak", and has told her teachers and friends at school that she's going to be a big sister, along with a handful of strangers. Ha. She's excited and proud. A day hasn't passed without her kissing my tummy and talking to her brother. It's the sweetest. She undeniably is going to make an incredible Big Sister, and I can't wait for that day to come.

I'm not going to lie... being in the moment of that initial reaction, I wanted to die. I just stood there and cried while she cried. I was so upset. So many thoughts swam around in my head... "She doesn't want this." "She's not happy." "She's going to hate the baby." "What do we do now?" My thoughts were all awful, but after hearing her reason being that she was mostly scared she wouldn't be a good big sister, every bad thought disappeared.  

Thinking back on this story and at the memory we now have from that day, K and I just laugh about it. Her reaction was literally priceless. I laugh every time I tell someone this story. It's one that I can't wait to tell her when she gets older. Like I said, it's one for the books. Our books.