Thursday, February 28, 2013

Capturing the bump

Before I pop and it is no longer relevant, I thought I would share a few images from our maternity session!

I know there are many people who think maternity sessions are pointless or who really don't want their picture taken AT ALL during pregnancy but I am not one of those!  I believe that this is a very special time and have no issue with my bump at all!  This basketball belly is only temporary!  Please tell me I am not the only one who starts dreaming of post preggo work outs before I have even gained the first pound????  Regardless, I was lucky enough to have, not one, but two wonderful maternity sessions!  The first, was a family session by someone local who came highly recommended...and of course, she did not disappoint!  On the morning of our session (beach session) it was cold and Aiden was NOT feeling it.  He didn't want to get dressed, he didn't want to wear a sweater, he flat out told us that he WAS NOT going to smile for the camera!  I contemplated canceling but decided to just go for it!!!!  Thankfully, Aiden was on point and the photographer (http://www.valerielynnphotography.com) knew how to work some sort of magic to bring him out of his shell!  In my opinion, solely as a mom, the key to a great photographer is being able to capture more than just a cheesy smile but documenting the personalities and relationship between the family!  Spot on Val!!! Here are a few of my favorites...












As for my second session, my wonderful friend Jessica, took some beautiful intimate maternity pictures of just me :-)  She came out to the house while Aiden was in school and made me feel beautiful in the privacy of my own home while focusing on the bump!  Again, this isn't some peoples "cup of tea" as one person said..."that took some balls" but again, I felt very comfortable and to be honest was usually wearing more than I would on the beach!  Although they were all incredibly tasteful, I will only share a few of the more "discreet" belly shots!




A Crazy Due Date

I had high expectations for today, my due date!  In the short time that Aiden was supposed to be in school, I was going to make a small grocery trip, walk buddy to the dog park, brush him, vacuum my downstairs, and meet a contractor for some minors "fixes" on the house.  Instead I spent the morning cleaning up vomit, cradling my sick boy, washing towels and bathrobes, mopping the floor where Aiden got sick and waiting on him hand and foot!  It made me think about a comment my mom made to me the other day.  She said "I really don't know how you do it all by yourself"...the truth is, I don't!  I am sitting here trying to figure out how I can still make my 40 week doctors appointment with the head doctor (that I made 3 weeks ago) and make sure that Aiden is properly cared for because Daddy has a meeting that, unfortunately, he is the only one that can attend!  Who do you ask to watch your sick 3 year old?  It's times like these that I wish I could just call a family member to help me out!  I really don't think I need a "bad" day to remind me to value my family...even when we don't see eye to eye...but moments like this remind me that regardless of how "together" I may have it, I will always need my family for whatever support they can provide!  I really hope that I never take for granted the things they do for me...regardless of how small they may be, or even whether they do it my way or not!  I have several sets of parents who, in their own way, would give us the world and I am really needing that today!  

So Mom, thanks for thinking that I can do it all because we both know that I try, but the truth is, I will always need your help and support!  The same goes for the rest of the parents :-) who all check on us frequently and are just waiting for me to say it's ok to head to VA!

As for week 40, despite todays dilemma's, I have to admit that for the first time ever (even at 42 weeks with Aiden) I am feeling a bit uncomfortable!  I am sleeping fine, have no swelling, and am moving around fine, but I just feel different!  I feel like I have a baby trying to escape and it hurts :-)  I continue to spend my days busy busy but by the time Aiden is in bed, I am too!   I know a lot of people are very anxious to meet him, as am I, but I hope to allow him to arrive on his terms, whatever that may mean!  My doctors have encouraged me to hold out for a VBAC, they think it is best for the baby :-) and I agree!  But I know that what is meant to be will be and his safe and healthy arrival is my #1 priority!
So the wait continues...and today, with or without my sick one in tow, my doctor and I will discuss our plan (again) and re-evaluate if needed!
For now I will continue to nurture this sweet little face in my belly...

And this sweet boy in my arms...

As for my furry fellow...well, he is still wondering what the heck happened to all of his attention and I am still trying to nurture him as well, but I just can't do it all ;-)
And just because I LOVE HIM...

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Aiden's big boy room!

If it seems like it has been an eternity since I started Aiden's big boy room...well, it has been!  Between trying to find the perfect pieces (on sale), watching paint dry (literally...3 coats of primer with a 3 days dry time between coats not counting the stripes...I think my painter was "fitting me in"), relying on others to do the heavy lifting while Leif was out to sea and my good old fashion indecisiveness, this project took forever!  But it was, without a doubt, a true labor of love and I am beyond thrilled with the way it turned out!  If you want to see the original plan you can check it out HERE!!!

And here it is....minus nightstands because I STILL can't find any that I LOVE!!!

LOVE how the wall turned out...still debating the rug though!

A fun little reading nook

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The closet is completely organized...just how I like it!

The mastermind...Uncle Josh!!!

Sophisticated mixed with fun
I love the room but more importantly Aiden loves the room.  He gets so excited when new people come over that haven't seen his "new big boy room".  It didn't take him long to get over giving up his original room to his baby brother!  OH, and he sleeps like a champ in his big boy bed!
I really can't thank Josh enough for 1. PUTTING UP WITH ME :-) 2. driving down here while Leif was away to finish "A's" room and start and almost finish baby "E's" room! 3. creating such an amazing design and working, researching, and forcing me to see it through! 4. For just being the amazing person that he is!  I was kind of an emotional wreck when he showed up and he tolerated me and didn't run in the other direction...we stayed up late and worked really hard for 2 days straight and I can't wait to do it again.  Josh, what's next????