Bath night

With all things boy and baby related now 100% healed, Jameson had his first real bath tonight.
He loved it.

HA!

Just kidding!

Look familiar? Cheyanne's first bath below.

H(w)e faired bath time quickly and got him warmed and wrapped. Look at him snug and happy in his towel. Wouldn't you know that at this moment as I snapped his happy pictures, he decided to pee all over the both of us- after the warm bath. 

Ah, sweet relief.

Snug as a bug in a rug, with his first successful baba, too.  

He's here and he's perfect

Now that he's been here over a week and we've decided he's a keeper, maybe its time I actually sit down and post…

Introducing our newest addition to this Wood household

Jameson Twain

He was born on January 15th, weighing 7 pounds 7 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long. He's our itty bit. One whole inch and an ounce smaller than Cheyanne was at birth.

He's a chest snuggler. He's a (constantly) good eater. And he loves watching and listening to his big sister. 

She is figuring out what it means to be a big sister more each day. For now, she loves to give him hugs and rub his head. She hates when he has a hat on so she always takes it off "for" him. He is so easy going, he usually doesn't mind being messed with.

We haven't figured out who he looks like yet. Definitely not me or Cheyanne. He has more of the Giant's features and coloring for sure. We're excited to see how he grows and who he favors.

Its been a crazy week since we've been home. My mom came down and stayed with Cheyanne while I was in the hospital and then the Giant's parents came the following weekend. We've been on our own all week which was great, until the Giant woke up with the flu 2 days ago. That has left me on my own with the two kiddos for the rest of the week. The Giant is in quarantine until Sunday in our bedroom so things have been quite shifted around in the house. I'm hoping he'll be in the clear by Sunday (72 hours on his meds) so that I'll finally get a chance to sit and write out Jameson's birth story before I forget the details.

Here's one of our first pictures together until then.

Why Pinterest is a pregnant girl's best friend

I thought about titling this post "The Nursery" but how unexciting is that?

With today being my due date (WHA???!), I wanted to get pictures of the nursery before it actually becomes a functional room and not just the pretty looking room. Like I told my sister, it only matters that its nice looking until the baby is here, then its all about functionality.

If you know me, you know I'm in a little bit in love with Pinterest. You can FOLLOW me on Pinterest HERE if you don't already. I've gotten so many good ideas for around the house from this site. A big ol' chunk of my to do project list started from my pins. I've gotten a lot of emails and facebook messages asking for specifics on things in the nursery based on a picture I put up on my facebook page. I thought I'd get specific and show you a little bit more here for those that are interested. I'm going to cut corners and just give you links instead of writing out step by steps on a lot of what I did. I'm pregnant and lazy. If you have specific questions that I don't answer, please let me know and I'd be happy to get steps for you.

Our loose theme for the nursery is "around the world" meaning mostly navy blue and white with some maps thrown in there. We're not exactly "theme people" but I LOVE how it has turned out. I wish I was better at taking pictures so it looked half as good in pictures as it does in person.

Most of the questions I've gotten are about the blue wall (for obvious reasons). I chose to go with one accent wall because we had already painted this room white last fall when we moved in and there was no way I was repainting the whole thing again. Not happening. But I knew I wanted to play up the navy blue somewhere. Thus the stenciled wall. You can find the original idea on my DIY board or you can see the link I used HERE. After painting the wall navy blue, I remade this homemade stencil to fit my design. With the help of a good friend and neighbor, I outlined it with white chalk then went over the chalk with white acrylic paint. Tada. A few hours on and off for about 2 days in between nap times, this is what I got. Love.

Across from the stenciled wall is the changing/dresser side.

Second most popular question I've gotten is about the drapes. Yes, I made DIY'ed them as well. Hey, I'm cheap. You'd be amazed at what a cheap and crafty pregnant woman is willing to do. Again, with the help of a friend (a different friend of course because you don't want to abuse a friendship too much when it comes to DIY labor), I bought a twin sheet (at Walmart for $4.97 big spender), cut it in half and sewed the correct hem length. Without going into step by step details, you can see the process I follow when painting drapes visit my friend Kate's tutorial. Inexpensive and easy. Minus the back pain that comes from hovering over curtains on the floor while painting, it is worth the labor.

The three canvas artworks in between the changing mirrors were created at my baby shower. I love them because they are personal and so creative. I'm not sure who painted them all, but I hope whoever did sees them here and knows how much I love them.

The blue changing table mirrors were on sale at Lowes for $2.99 each. Scor. Mirrors are always a good distraction for the fussy baby that hates getting his diaper change. I wish I had thought of that when Cheyanne was itty bitty. That might have saved her a lot of tears.

The USA map was free. Free is always good! Intro map one. This one is just temporary until I find the right world map for in here. So far, I haven't found what I'm looking for. 

The frog is Ribbert, a Scentsy stuffed animal that I love. Once baby is here, I can put a Scentsy pack inside of it to make it smell good and smell like home when we are traveling. I hope he loves it. (Shameless plus. I sell these with Scentsy if you have any kids that could use a lovey that helps with home separation. Its pretty ingenious.

Up next, the initial maps. Now this is technically not a Pinterest thing, but more of a me thing. I have been saving maps this last year of places that I've been and that mean something to us, and I finally figured out exactly what I wanted to do with them. 

How to: a canvas, mod podge, a map, and the appropriate letter cut out of scrap paper. Put it all together and this is what you get. Oh, and a magic marker to outline the letter because it didn't pop out as much as I had hoped. The maps I used are of Charleston, South Carolina, and Virginia Beach/ Outer Banks. All important places to us. I had a full Virginia map that I had originally wanted to use but it didn't end up working right for this project so I'm holding on to it until I figure out plan b for it.

Obviously, his initials are JTW, given.

I've been staring at this wall for a while and I think I've finally decided why I'm not 100% settled on it. I think its missing a shelf underneath. It seems too empty in this picture. Thoughts?

My rocker! I can't even tell you how much I love this rocker. After going through a few picks that didn't work out for one reason or another, this one actually worked out and I couldn't be happier right now. Its blue and white stripe and looks much better in person than it does online (Target). Huge thanks to the Giant's parents for this wonderful baby gift.

I saw this pin and fell in love immediately before I picked anything else in the room. I was inspired enough to try my hand at my take on boy fitting artwork. These three prints are what I came up with. They are nothing fancy, but they fit exactly what I wanted for about the crib and show in the nursery. Totally different color schemes (since that room s technically designed for a girl, I took the "around the world theme" and twisted it here and there. 

There is still much more to come. I'm still looking for the right globe and world map to fit the room, but that can come later on once I get a shelf or two up.

This is the only picture I have up right now in the room, non artwork I mean. Its right when you walk in the door. His 28 week ultrasound. It makes me smile. I'll add more pictures below it once he arrives. Love.

Despite all my efforts in the nursery, I had been feeling a little guilty for the lack of my creativity in making something specifically for him like I did with Cheyanne. While I was pregnant with Chey, I knit her a beautiful soft patch blanket (which she has of course only used maybe 2-3 times…). I figure its something that she can always hold on to and know that her Mommy made it for her out of love. Up until last week, baby boy didn't have anything like that. With time running out, I lit a fire under my butt and got brainstorming. I had pinned this idea  a while back, and with all materials needed in hand, I got to work. Here's my labor of love for little man that I hope he gets more use out of than Chey's blanket.

I am so happy with how it turned out. Without any kind of pattern or tutorial, I got creative. You can't go wrong with minky material for a baby. I LOVE all things minky. And of course with hokies on the back, I love it all that much more. I think I even impressed the Giant with this one. :) That always makes me feel accomplished when he tells me good job. Its the little things people.

There are a few more things that are made and are going up tomorrow, but because for whatever reason I'm not posting his name yet, I'm waiting to show you those goodies. I promise I'll add them to this post after he arrives. They are actually some of my favorite parts of the room. Just wait! 

Thank you Pinterest for the help. With a creative brain mixed with pregnancy forgetfulness, you help me actually get things done without losing my thoughts. 

If you have more questions, let me know. I'll try and be as specific as possible. And, if you like what you see, pin away :)

Maybe next post, he'll finally be here. Today is my due date by the way… 

Correction, its now exactly midnight, yesterday was my due date :( You're late son!

UPDATE:

Found idea on Pinterest HERE.

Confessions of an impatient momma

It's confession time.

I'm tired of being pregnant and want to not be pregnant anymore but am terrified of not being pregnant anymore.

I'm quite sure that doesn't completely make sense to everyone, but I'll explain.

Here I am.

I'm 39 weeks today. I can't believe I'm still pregnant. I was "sure" that Little Man would have made his debut by now. But as I'm learning, my children have their own timeline and there is absolutely nothing I can do to control it. Cheyanne came at 39w1d with induction. This time I have no induction scheduled yet so its all a waiting game. That alone, I'm not good at- waiting- not my strong suit.

This post is going to be so much to read. Short version: I complain.

I'm fat. I'm sore (all over). I'm being a jerk to my husband despite his efforts to help out around here, or I'm just "moody" as he safely puts it. I'm chasing a wild toddler around all day who has no idea that Mommy is moving at half her normal speed. My legs have started to swell this week. And I'm just so ready to not be pregnant anymore.

That being said, I'm not prepared for life after not being pregnant. I mean, his room is ready, his clothes are folded and put away, our hospital bags are packed. My neighbor friend is on speed dial for go time so Cheyanne has someone familiar to be with while I'm in labor. We know our first call lists will be to the grandparents so they can start making their way down here to take over Chey during our hospital stay. The dog, well, the dog will have to deal with whoever is in the house at the time to feed her and let her out. Logistically I'm ready.

Mentally I'm most definitely not. There will be two kids in this house in a few days, forever. That is something I've always wanted, but now reality is starting to set in and I'm getting nervous. For 2 1/2 years, my one and only concern and responsibility every day has been Cheyanne. From the time I wake up to the time I go to bed, she is my main concern. In a few days, I have to share that with another little one. More importantly, Cheyanne will have to share me, something that she has never had to do. I'm terrified. I know I know I know that things will work out and life will be fantastic and I will love this little guy more than I could ever have imagined, but I'm still scared. I have no doubt that love will take over, no doubt at all. I think the changes that will happen around here are the scary part of this.

I have never spent a single night away from her since the day she was born. I can count on one hand the number of times that someone other than me has put her to bed in 2 1/2 years. And in just a few days, I'll be away from her for the first time. All day and all night. AH. I'm not prepared. The Giant and I have already agreed that he will come home at night to sleep with her while I am in the hospital which makes me feel a lot better about the situation, but that's still not me putting her to bed. I know it won't be easy for either of them, I'm just praying that it is easier than my mind is letting me imagine. I am so thankful for God's timing right now though and recently turning Chey into a daddy's girl, something I never thought I'd see.

I have so many fears running through my head. Two kids, at one time, how do people do it? I already am not sleeping well, like averaging about 4 hours a night I'd say. I hope this little boy is a sleeper. Between getting up 3-4 times a night to pee, rolling over a bazillion times to relieve my hips and back, and then the fantastic nightmares that seem to be recurring, sleep is a luxury right now. Bad dreams must have been in the air last night because Chey woke up at 4am yelling for me telling me she had a "bad dream!" and then when I finally got back to sleep after settling down it was my turn and dreamed she flushed herself down the toilet and I could hear her singing Jingle Bells the whole time- random and HORRIBLE!!! Needless to say, I didn't sleep much after that- and I made sure the toilet lids were closed. Cheyanne never has been so the idea of having 2 non-sleepers is beyond exhausting. And then there is the fact that I'll be on my own for quite a while shortly after he's born. That doesn't help stop my mind from completely exploding at 3am from stress. Hey Moms, how does it work? How do you share yourself between 2 and still stay sane and not let one suffer while the other gets attention? I'm so stressed out about Cheyanne will handle her baby brother being here. She is such a wonderful girl but she is demanding and requires a lot of extra momma attention. I don't want to make her sacrifice even more than she already does. I have major guilt today. She goes so much without her Daddy. I feel horrible with the idea of her going without her Momma too! How is that going to work?!

I blame being very pregnant and apparently sleep deprived for my severe complaining mood. I'm sure this post is about as much fun to read as it is to write. Sorry. Today, my plan was to go on a long walk but after waking up with some beautiful kankles, my new plan is to keep my feet up a few hours this morning while the Giant takes Chey to the playground. My list of things to do today is just going to have to wait a few hours. I'll get that laundry done and that walk in later. Not that the walk is going to help induce labor since I've decided I'm just going to be pregnant forever at this point.

For.e.ver.

A few Christmas traditions

Mostly so I don't forget next year in case Daddy isn't around to remind me… I'm making a little list.

This being our first year together as a family for Christmas, the Giant and I made our goal to establish our traditions this year with Cheyanne. Some things we did were great, some things not so much for this year, but we had fun trying to make the most of the season together.

Besides the typical gingerbread house/sugar cookie decorating/ watching Christmas movies traditions, we started other fun traditions too.

Examples:

Reading Twas the Night Before Christmas before Christmas Eve bedtime

Sprinkling oats and glitter on the front lawn for the reindeer because they like oats and the glitter is to help them find our house

Checking the fireplace before bed to make sure Santa isn't stuck up there yet. Nope, not yet.

Not sure this one worked out like I'd hoped. An overnight french toast recipe I found on pinterest. It was not as good as I'd hoped it would be.

We left Santa cookies and milk. He loved his homemade gingerbread cookies.

Homemade advent calendar. We had two each day. One was Daddy's, a chocolate advent calendar similar to this one and one homemade by me. I sewed each baggy and stuffed it with a related bible verse, thing to do for the day, and 2 M&Ms. Daddy's was more popular...

Santa left Cheyanne a message in the mirror before he left. 

It was pretty busy around here Christmas Eve… so Santa told us later.

Christmas Catch Up

This Christmas has proved me two main things this year. One, I love having my husband home for holidays. Holidays just aren't half the fun without him around- even with a toddler that has limited attention span on an abundance of new toys. I think I had forgotten that after the last few years without him. Two, I'm the worst blogger and photographer ever. All photos stopped after 9:30am, after we'd opened all of probably 3 presents since it took Cheyanne days to get through opening her presents. And, I have ZERO pictures of our family. None. Nada one. Seriously.

Here's Cheyanne with Daddy.

Here's Cheyanne with Mommy.

See, we were all there, just not in one picture together. Fail on my part.

We had a nice Christmas together though. Knowing Cheyanne, I tried not to go overboard on presents because I knew she wouldn't be interested in quantity. We went for two big presents and lots of littler ones for fun. Santa brought her the Mercedes, yes my daughter now has a nicer car than we do. Mommy and Daddy got her an art easel. The Mercedes turned out to be a little big for her. She likes it but has a hard time reaching the pedal and steering at the same time. Mostly, she just hasn't tried to steer it much yet. She has a little growing to do. 

But, the art easel was a hit! Magnetic on one side, chalk board on the other. She spent hours designing both sides. 

Look at what Santa left for her! Pretty good I'd say.

She loved opening her stocking. She mostly got coloring books and crafts in there, which are always a hit with my little artist. Of course, the mounds of chocolate that a certain daddy through in there were a hit too...

All that chocolate may have very well been what led to her first bad behavior time out of her life (on Christmas of all days). After a little temper tantrum that involved pushing over the trash can filled with uncooked turkey junk while Mommy was prepping our Christmas dinner, Little Miss earned herself her first 2 minute timeout in her room. After that, she actually became our little angel again. I guess she just needed to get her crazy Christmasness out of her system. I felt bad that of all days, she got punished, but it seemed to do the trick and we were able to enjoy the rest of our day.

We did presents on and off. We took a Christmas nap. And then we got Christmas dinner ready just in time for Grandma and Grandpa (or Papa now as Cheyanne has renamed him) to arrive and spend a few days with us. Of course I have zero pictures of any of this… 

sigh.

Christmas pimp ridin'.

We hope you had a wonderfully merry Christmas like we did!! Oh and happy new year too!