5 & 6 Month Favorites

1. BABY BULLET

We received the Baby Bullet as a gift (shout out, Kali!) and I've been using it to make Foster's baby food. It's so much fun! You could use a regular food processor and I'm sure it would do the same thing, but what I love about the Baby Bullet is it comes with serving-sized jars and a freezer tray! So far I've made bananas, pears, mango, peas, carrots, avocado and sweet potato. Foster especially loves carrots and gagged at the avocado. Next up apples, green beans and squash! I also want to try peaches, but they're not in season.

2. TINY LOVE ELEPHANT MUSICAL STACK N BALL

We also received this as a gift, which was a blessing because Foster really didn't have many toys. I'm sure he'll have plenty after Christmas ;) He loves this one! The little balls make noise like a rattle. He loves to hold onto them and shake them. He mostly chews on the elephant. He doesn't really understand the stacking concept at this point but it's fun to watch him learn.

3. BABY EINSTEIN STATIONARY JUMPER & ENTERTAINER

This is our favorite! Foster plays in this jumper for such a long time. When we first started putting him in it his feet didn't touch the ground, but it didn't take long! He goes crazy in there - this is a must have!

4. THE HONEST CO. ORGANIC HEALING BALM

This healing balm works miracles! Foster hasn't ever had a real diaper rash yet (knock on wood!) but he has had a couple red spots/bumps here and there. Slather him up with this stuff and the bumps are gone the next time I change his diaper. Seriously, that fast! He has a rash on his face now from teething/drooling. I've left it alone mostly, but around his chin is really irritated. I put some of this on it before his nap this afternoon. Fingers crossed when he wakes up I'll see a difference!

5. WUBANUB

Foster still takes a pacifier and we recently started using wubanubs. It doesn't make sense for him to use this at naptime/bedtime because he sleeps on his stomach (gasp!) and the wubanub would only get in the way. But this is perfect for using in the carseat! It's easy for him to find on his own which saves mama from pulling a muscle and crashing the car ;) We have this cute little triceratops and also a yellow duck. We used to have a cute little monkey, but LadyBuggs ate him.

3 & 4 Month Favorites

1. Bright Starts Safari Gym: We use this every day! Foster loves playing with the toys. It's also a perfect place for tummy time and learning to roll over. It folds in half so it's easy for travel. When my sis-in-law watches Foster I take this over with me. In my opinion, this is the perfect beginner toy. There are so many activity mats to choose from too!

2. Halo Sleepsack + Swaddle: Somewhere around 2-3 months Foster started busting out of his swaddle using the Aden + Anais muslin swaddle blankets. These were recommended by a friend and we have loved them. It's perfect for weaning them off the swaddle. You can do both arms in, one out or both out. We stopped swaddling a couple weeks ago. We'll move up to the next size which is just the sleepsack without the swaddle.

3. Sassy Attachable Toy - Loopy Ball: Foster loves this thing! We take it with us every time in the car seat and in the stroller.

4. Fisher Price Infant to Toddler Comfort Rocker: We use this every day too. We mostly use it without the toys attached - more like as a little seat. Foster loves the TV so he'll sit in his rocker in front of the TV while I get ready or a take a shower or just need a 5 minute break :) I also use this to feed him his bottle. He doesn't like to be held while eating really anymore. Wahhhhhhhhh.

5. Baby's Journey Easy-Reach Tub: I'm satisfied but not in love with this tub. There may or may not be other options. I was obsessed with the Puj tub but Foster outgrew it around 3 months and we have been using this since. I do like that it will grow with him until he can just sit in the regular bathtub.

6. California Baby Calming Shampoo & Bodywash: This smells like heaven. We use the bodywash and lotion, both in the French Lavender. We also use the Johnson & Johnson Bedtime Bath but I prefer the California Baby. We've also used Aveeno Baby wash but Foster's skin reacted to it. Every baby is different!

7. Bumbo Floor Seat: This is great for baby to learn to sit by himself. Foster enjoys it mostly, but gets sick of it after 5-10 minutes. You can also purchase a tray separately which I'm sure will come in handy when he starts eating puffs and things!

My Newborn Must-Haves

MUST-HAVES

1. Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets: these are the perfect size and light-weight, not to mention the prints are cuuuute. We have two 4-packs, so 8 total blankets which I think is the perfect amount if you're going to be swaddling every night.

2. Puj Infant Tub: this thing is amazing! It's soft, easy to clean and easy to store. It fits perfectly in the bathroom sink and Foster loves it. He is going to outgrow it soon, so I will be switching to some type of tub to use in the bathtub instead of the sink. Suggestions??

3. Boppy Newborn Lounger: this probably should have been #1. I didn't purchase this until Foster was 5 weeks old and I wish I would have had it from day one. We use this every day and will continue to do so probably until he starts rolling over. I suggest this over the regular Boppy, but in my opinion you should have both! The regular Boppy is great for breastfeeding and for mommy to use as a "donut" to sit on post delivery. It was my lifesaver! It's also great for tummy time. But the lounger is much better for baby to "lounge" in than the regular Boppy. It's perfect for naps during the day.

4. Fisher-Price Newborn Rock 'N Play Sleeper: we used this everyday the first several weeks. We use it less now as he's getting older. This is perfect for when baby is sleeping literally 20 hours per day at first. It's also a great for traveling. It's much easier and smaller than a pack-n-play

OTHER FAVORITES

Monitor: We use this Motorola digital video baby monitor. Foster has been sleeping in his own room since he was six weeks old. I love the peace of mind that comes with a video monitor. This monitor has once camera and one hand-held device. It comes with a rechargeable battery. It plays music and also has a microphone so communication goes both ways.

Breast Pump: I used the Medela Pump in Style Advanced. For his first 5 weeks, I pumped exclusively and fed my milk to Foster from a bottle. This electric breast pump was a lifesaver.

Bottles: We have both Philips Avent bottles and Tommee Tippee. The nipples on the Tommee Tippee bottles sometimes cave in which is frustrating. I prefer the Avent bottles. Some babies are picky, but thankfully Foster will eat from any nipple.

Stroller/Car Seat: We have the Britax B-Agile Travel System which comes with the B-AGILE stroller and the B-SAFE infant car seat. I could not be more pleased with this travel system. It comes with car seat adapters so the infant seat snaps right into the stroller. The canopy on the stroller is huge which has been perfect to shade Foster's entire body during this Texas summer. The stroller is so easy to collapse and it's light weight which makes getting in and out of the car super easy.

Diaper Caddy: We have this diaper caddy from Babies R Us. If you have a multiple-story house I definitely recommend having a changing station set up on all floors. It makes life much easier! We use this diaper caddy in our downstairs living room. Foster's room is upstairs and we have a changing station set up on his dresser with a changing pad, diapers and wipes. The pack-n-play is still set up in our bedroom which also has a changing station. Multiple changing stations is a must!


When I was pregnant and preparing for Foster's arrival, I always appreciated any information and suggestions from other moms regarding baby products. Each baby is different and what has worked for us might not work for you, but my hope is that just one person might find this information helpful.

Thoughts on Motherhood by a New Mommy

Thoughts on breastfeeding:

No one tells you how hard breast feeding is. It didn't come naturally to me or to Foster. It was a very frustrating and defeating experience for both of us. Not to mention it freaking HURTS. One of my friends described nursing as "the sweetest thing in the world" and I felt like a failure because I didn't feel that way. Once my milk came in I started exclusively pumping and feeding my milk to Foster from a bottle. We did that until he was five weeks old at which point I really struggled with the decision to switch him to formula. I knew it made more sense at that point for me to switch him to formula but again, I felt like a failure. I felt like I hadn't tried hard enough to nurse him. I just knew everyone was going to judge me. But with the encouragement of my husband and my cousin who recently went through the same thing, I recognized formula was the best decision for our family. AND IT WAS OK. But I may or may not have cried when Foster drank his last breast milk bottle. Do what works for you and your baby.

Thoughts on post baby body:

Unless you're Heidi Klum or my sister-in-law, you're going to be a bigger size or two or three than you were before. Accept it and buy a few wardrobe items in your new size. You'll feel so much better wearing clothes that fit even if they're a size or two larger than before. You'll get there eventually, but not instantly. (I'm talking to myself too). Also, unless you're Heidi Klum or my sister-in-law you're probably going to get stretch marks on some area of your body. You're not alone! My butt looks like I got clawed by a mountain lion. Dear husband, thank you for loving me despite what bearing your child did to my body. Learn to love the new you. Being a mommy is so much more fulfilling than being a model.

Thoughts on crying:

Be prepared to do it all the time and possibly for no reason at all. Just last week my mom, sister and I were watching the episode of Friends when Ross & Rachel have their baby. The nurse says "ok, it's time to start pushing" and I started crying. Then, the nurse hands Emma to Rachel for the first time and I literally had to excuse myself from the room because I was crying like a baby.

Thoughts on marriage after baby:

The last few weeks before Foster was born I had major anxiety over how his arrival was going to change my relationship with Austin. Everyone told me it was going to change but it would be for the better. And on the other side I can tell you they're right. I feel so fulfilled in my role as wife and mom. Motherhood has changed me for the better, which in turn has changed our marriage. Seeing Austin love our son is the greatest gift.... and the biggest turn on. Just saaaayin.

Thoughts on personal hygiene:

Don't be disappointed when you don't get to take a shower every day or every other day or every three days. Also, don't feel bad when you don't brush your teeth but once a day (or not at all).

Thoughts on going back to work:

Until a week or two ago, I thought I was going to go back to work full-time. I was heartbroken over it. I visited daycares and could not imagine leaving my baby there. I could not emotionally handle it. I cried on my first daycare tour. Thanks be to God, I have been given an opportunity to work part time from home allowing me to stay with Foster full time. To all of you mothers who want to stay home with your babies but don't have a choice at this point - I have so much respect for you. You are doing what is best for your family and you should be proud. There is not a harder decision and I commend you.

Thoughts on fear:

Motherhood does something to you - at least it has to me. It suddenly makes you afraid of everything. Afraid of sleeping. Afraid of driving. Every day I pray for freedom from fear. I pray God reminds me that Foster is His. Austin is His. He counts the hairs on our heads and knows the number of our days. He has a plan for our family. Worrying won't change anything, but it will steal your joy and your peace. I'm still working on this.

Thoughts on prayer:

At least fear leads me to prayer. I have never prayed so much in my life. Praying thanks to God for this sweet, perfect baby He has trusted us with. Praying in frustration that this baby would fall asleep and stay asleep. Praying that Foster will see Jesus in our home and in our marriage and will choose to follow Him.

Thoughts on faith:

Do you understand how much God must love you and me that He would sacrifice the life of His only Son to save our souls? I don't have that much love. Do you understand how much faith Abraham must have had that he would be willing to sacrifice the life of his son Isaac because God asked him to? I don't have that much faith. Lord, thank you for Jesus and His death so that I might have life. Lord, increase my faith.

Finally, my plea to other moms:

Let us stop questioning each others' decisions. Maybe you want your baby to sleep in your room with you for the first month, first 6 months, first year or maybe you want your baby to go straight to the nursery. Maybe you want to breastfeed for the first full year or maybe you go straight to formula. Maybe you want to use a sleep training technique or maybe you want to wing it. What works for you and your baby might not work for me and my baby and vice versa. Motherhood is already hard enough without us criticizing and critiquing each other. We need to encourage and pray for each other!

Birth Story

I can't believe it's been two months since we met our sweet boy for the first time. My water broke at 2:50am on May 28. I wasn't feeling well and had been sleeping on the couch since around midnight. I woke up to use the restroom and was on my way back to the couch when I started leaking. Sorry, I'm not sorry. I went upstairs and woke Austin telling him "I think my water just broke." He said "you THINK?" I told him I was sure and he could check my panties if he didn't believe me. I called my mom so they could leave Arlington and make it by the time he arrived. I called Lynsey a million times until she finally answered. Austin called his parents and his sister Abbey. We texted some friends. My sister had already been staying with us so we woke her and headed to the hospital. It was almost 4am when got there. I had started having contractions, but nothing more painful than menstrual cramps. I was only dilated to 2 cm. It took at least half an hour and 3 pricks to get my IV in. Mama was not happy about that. The first or second contraction I had once the belly monitor was hooked up, Foster's heartbeat dropped. I had no idea. The nurses ran in telling me to turn to my left side, then to my right side, then to get on all fours - my knees and elbows - while they put an oxygen mask on me. It was terrifying. The way Foster was positioned wouldn't allow me to lie on my back for the rest of my labor, so I alternated sides.

Four hours later and I had only progressed to 3 cm. The doctor decided then to start me on pitocin. All I have to say about that is HOLY HELL. My contractions came fast and hard. I can't even explain what it felt like. I cried through most of them and almost vomited through some. At 4 cm I had my epidural, which doesn't hurt at all by the way. But, I don't recommend a sunburn the day before delivery. It doesn't feel so great when they rip the tape off that was holding your epidural in place.

After my epidural, I went from 4 cm to 9.5 cm in ONE HOUR. I started feeling cuhhhrazy pressure, so the nurse checked me. Then 20 minutes later I was fully dilated. The nurse said "it's time to start pushing" and I immediately started crying. I was scared. I didn't know what to expect. I was about to meet my baby for the first time. I asked Austin to pray for us.

The nurse said with your first baby you can expect to push for 1-2 hours. NOT TWO MORE HOURS OF THIS OMG. I pushed through two contractions and she made me stop saying if I continued the doctor wasn't going to make it in time because he was coming fast. Ten minutes or so later the doctor arrived and I pushed through three more contractions and after 9.5 hours our Foster was here! He was born Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 12:11pm. He was 19 inches long and 7 lbs 7.1 oz. He was perfect. He still is.

Pushing was by far the easiest part. SO easy in fact. Granted, I had an epidural. It sounds weird to say this, but I actually almost enjoyed the pushing. There is something miraculous about pushing a life into this world. Not so miraculous, though, that I wanted to watch it in the mirror as the nurse offered. I'd like to remember my parts as they were, thank you very much.  

Foster cried, but I didn't. The whole thing was so surreal. We had some time cherishing our first moments as a family of three before our family joined us.

I saw my mom and then I cried.

We stayed in the hospital for only one night. Then we brought our baby boy home where we've been figuring this whole thing out ever since.

Thank God for the Boppy. I sat on it like a donut for the first week. At a few points during recovery the pain was unbearable, paralyzing. I literally could not stand up, sit down, walk or move. But by Saturday I was feeling much better. If you're having a baby, you need a Boppy and an ice pack. Also, don't be surprised if your feet look like you have elephantiasis for the first 10 days post delivery.

I was blessed with an easy pregnancy and easy delivery for which I am so thankful. Carrying this child, pushing him into this world, loving him through life - this is what I was made for.

My thoughts on motherhood coming soon.

35 Weeks

How big is the baby this week: 18-20 inches long and weighs 5-5.5 pounds!
How far along: 35 weeks (and 2 days)
Due date: May 30, 2013 - only 35 33 days away!

Gender: Sweet baby BOY.
Total weight gain: 28 lbs
Sleep: Sleeping well, considering! I wake up with a sore back/hips but for the most part I'm sleeping like a rock.

Miss anything: Cold beer please. Looking forward to micheladas this summer!
Movement: Lots of movement! Mostly feeling his butt in my ribs and kicks on my right side. He has the hiccups at least once a day.
Food cravings: Reese's Puffs cereal - God's man's gift to man. Strawberry frozen fruit bars or strawberry sorbet.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Labor signs: Only false labor - I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions for about 4 weeks now.
Symptoms: Swollen fingers - no longer wearing my rings. Swollen feet - only sandals are comfortable. Back pain - I'm having a massage tonight!! (Update: my massage was WONDERFUL) Menstrual-type abdominal cramps.
Belly button in or out: OUT
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy! But tired, which makes me moody. I'd actually say my mood is bipolar.
Looking forward to: Getting some things crossed off my "to-do before Foster arrives" list this weekend.

One Year Ago

Today marks exactly one year since we lost our jobs. I posted about it here. I wanted to write this today to acknowledge the faithfulness of our God. One year ago we were without income, living in a rent house not sure how we would pay the bills, just the two of us. Today we both have great jobs, we bought our first house and we are expecting a healthy baby boy in just 5 short weeks! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

At some point, grace has to win over all things. And grace will. Grace will always win.

Dear Foster

On October 3, 2012, I found out you were on your way.  Your Daddy was out of town and I took a pregnancy test on a whim, not expecting it to actually be positive. My first words aloud were "is this a joke?!" followed by "oh my gosh" over and over and over again. I waited impatiently for your Daddy's plane to land so I could tell him I was pregnant. We told our family shortly after. Your Lolli, Aunt Lynsey and Aunt Abbey cried.

We found out you're a boy on January 19. To be honest, I never pictured myself as a boy mom. I always pictured pink, dresses and hairbows. But God is good and He always knows what's best. He had a plan for our family from the very beginning - a plan better than anything I could have chosen for myself. I don't know how to fish or hunt or make animal noises but I can't wait for your Daddy to teach both of us. You have the best Daddy.

Today marks 50 days until your expected arrival. Right now you're moving around all over in my belly. I love to feel you move - proof of our Creator.

I can't wait to meet you. I can't wait to see your face and to hold you for the first time. I can't wait to bring you home and for LadyBuggs to meet her new brother. She'll love you. A friend of mine told me when I see you and realize just how much I love you it will be a glimpse into how much our Heavenly Father loves us.

I have been praying for you. I am praying you will know Jesus, that you will choose Him always because He is always worth it. I have been praying for me too. I am praying I will know how to guide you to Him.

I love you so much already. The tears in my eyes are only confirmation of what I know in my heart, which is that I was made to be your mother.

Maternity Pictures

My beautiful friend Ashley took these pictures for us.  I was 30 weeks and 2 days - now I'm 31 weeks and 5 days! I am so in LOVE with these pictures!

 

We had an ultrasound at 30 weeks - Foster looked perfect! The doctor estimated he weighed 3.5 pounds and expects him to weigh 6.5-7 pounds when he's born. We saw his little heart beating, his little lungs expanding and contracting, his little eyes opening and closing and his little boy parts :) 8 more weeks - we can't wait to meet him! Praise God for a healthy baby boy in my belly!

29 Weeks!

How big is the baby this week: About 17 inches long and weighs 3 pounds!
How far along: 29 weeks (and 3 days)
Due date: May 30, 2013

Gender: Sweet baby BOY.
Total weight gain: 20ish lbs
Stretch marks: nothing new.

Sleep: not so great. I've slept better the last couple of nights, but I'm having a hard time getting comfortable.
Miss anything: my clothes.
Movement: Lots of movement! He has found his comfy spot in my rib cage and on my right side. I felt him have the hiccups for the first time this week!
Food cravings: anything fruity and tangy - like Pinkberry Key Lime froyo.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Labor signs: Nope.
Symptoms: acid reflux, some rib and back pain, swollen ankles after sitting at my desk all day.
Belly button in or out: top is out.
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy! Except for when Foster's crib was delivered damaged for the second time!! I never thought I would cry and cuss over a crib, but that happened.
Looking forward to: this weekend - finishing the built-in in our closet, unpacking the rest of the boxes, hanging curtains and assembling Foster's crib - I think the damaged part will be hidden.... we'll see. (I wrote this on Thursday.... the crib is assembled!!)

28 Weeks - Third Trimester

How big is the baby this week: Almost 17 inches long and weighs almost 3 pounds!
How far along: Exactly 28 weeks - I'm now in my 3rd trimester!

Due date: May 30, 2013
Gender: Sweet baby BOY.
Total weight gain: 18.5 lbs. I only gained ONE pound since my last appointment. I'm now at 139.5
Stretch marks: nothing new.

Sleep: I wake up a few times during the night, but other than that it's fine.
Best moment this week: Hearing Foster's heartbeat at my doctor's appointment! I measured 28 cm which is perfect. There was a scary moment when my protein levels measured super high and they almost sent me to the hospital! But then I chugged some water and the levels went down. I'm mildly dehydrated..... more water for me!
Miss anything: fitting in my clothes.
Movement: Lots and lots of movement! It's my favorite :)
Food cravings: mint water and honeydew.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Labor signs: Nope.
Symptoms: acid reflux, nose bleeds
Belly button in or out: It's basically flat now but the top sticks out
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy! but tired
Looking forward to: Foster's crib arriving STILL. I'm not sure when the replacement order is supposed to be here- I'm becoming impatient! I'm ready to put the nursery together!!

26 Weeks!

LESS THAN 100 DAYS TILL FOSTER IS HERE!
*note to to self: don't wear sleeveless or horizontal stripes*

How big is the baby this week: Almost 15 inches long and weighs just over 2 lbs! (In previous weeks the baby was measured from crown to rump, now he's measured from top of head to toes)
How far along: Exactly 26 weeks

Due date: May 30, 2013
Gender: Sweet baby BOY.
Total weight gain: 18+ lbs. I'm guessing (hoping) here. Won't know for sure till my appointment in 2 weeks.
Maternity clothes: stretchy pants get in my life.
Stretch marks: nothing new.

Sleep: sleeping better with a pillow between my legs!
Best moment this week: We reached the double digit mark - 98 days till baby!
Miss anything: walking up the stairs without losing my breath.
Movement: I feel the most movement at bedtime - I feel more rolls now than kicks.
Food cravings: WATER. I feel like I've been in a desert.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Labor signs: Nope.
Symptoms: acid reflux
Belly button in or out: In-ish - the top sticks out.
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Foster's crib arriving STILL. His crib was delivered last week in a damaged box and all scratched up! They're sending a new one. Also, the bedding shipped this week!!

25 Weeks!

How big is the baby this week: 9+ inches long and weighs 2 whole pounds! And baby's eyes are open now!
How far along: Exactly 25 weeks

Due date: May 30, 2013
Gender: Boy!
Total weight gain: 17 lbs! which means I gained almost EIGHT POUNDS since my last dr's appointment - Thank you, Shipley's Donuts.

Maternity clothes: leggings & maternity jeans. I'm still wearing normal tops for the most part though I did just order some maternity tanks/v-necks from Old Navy for Spring.
Stretch marks: nothing new since 23 weeks.
Sleep: not sleeping as well... I wake up often with sore hips and shoulders from sleeping on my side.
Best moment this week: my dr's appointment! heartbeat was 142bpm. She measured me for the first time and I measured 24cm which is perfect since I was 24.5 weeks. At my next appointment I'll be in the 3rd trimester!
Miss anything: same.
Movement: All the time!
Food cravings: Chick-Fil-A sweet tea - yes, I still drink caffeine.
Have you started showing yet: Maybe a little? ;)
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Labor signs: Nope.
Symptoms: burping/reflux. acne. so basically I've re-emerged as a teenage boy.
Belly button in or out: In-ish - it's really shallow and the top sticks out.
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Foster's crib arriving - it shipped last week!

23 & 24 Weeks!

I didn't make a chalkboard for 23 weeks.... but here's a pic.

How big is the baby this week: 8.5 inches long and weighs over 1.5 lbs.

How far along: Exactly 23 weeks!

Due date: May 30, 2013
Gender: Boy! Foster Quinn <3

Total weight gain: 10-11 lbs?
Maternity clothes: Yup.
Stretch marks: Sad face. The "girls" have seen better days.
Sleep: Sleeping great! I'm not even waking up to use the restroom as much.
Miss anything: cold beer
Movement: All the time! I love laying in bed at night and feeling our baby move all over.
Food cravings: pb&j - strawberry jelly only please.
Have you started showing yet: see picture above
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Labor signs: Nope.
Symptoms: some round ligament pain
Belly button in or out: In-ish. It's flattening... quickly.
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to: This weekend! We're headed to Philly to visit our honeymoon besties and celebrate their little boy's first birthday! I can't wait until Jack's friend Foster is here :)

How big is the baby this week: 9 inches long and weighs over 1.5 lbs.

How far along: Exactly 24 weeks!

Due date: May 30, 2013
Gender: Boy! Foster Quinn <3

Total weight gain: 15ish lbs.... I won't know for sure until my dr's appointment Monday.
Maternity clothes: Yup.
Stretch marks: see above post
Sleep: like a champ.
Miss anything: beeeeeer. I had O'Doul's for the first time last weekend.... good enough!
Movement: You can SEE him move now! It's my favorite.
Food cravings: lemon mint water.
Have you started showing yet: see picture above
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope.

Labor signs: Nope.
Symptoms: nose bleeds? my feet and legs feel swollen after sitting at my desk all day.
Belly button in or out: In-ish... not for long.
Happy or moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to: My doctors appointment next week - I always love hearing that heartbeat!

Nursery Planning

Now that we know we're having a boy, I can start planning the nursery!! I am so excited to put Foster's room together. We're doing a woodland themed nursery - think owls, foxes, deer, squirrels, bears, OH MY! I'm in love with the crib I found and I'm reeeally wanting the linen bedding from Restoration Hardware *fingers crossed* it goes on sale at some point or else I'll never be able to get it! I've been looking on Etsy too but of course can't find anything I love as much. We already have a canoe bookshelf from my Grandmother & Bobba like the one in the picture below. I can't wait to reveal the nursery once we have it finished!!

crib / bedding / mobile / pillow / stacking blocks / fox print / squirrel clock / wood slice / love you print

Now - a question for all of you mamas out there - what other items are MUST HAVES for the nursery? What are your favorite products??



Gender Reveal!

This was possibly the best weekend of my whole life so far. We moved into our new house, our family and friends were in town and we found out we're having a baby......

 

BOY!!!!

His name is Foster Quinn Adams.

 

We were so blessed by our friends and family who made this day extra special. It was so much fun to find out with all of the people who mean so much to us. (Though were were missing a few!)

My sister-in-law Lynsey did all of the decorations and preparations cause she's the best everrrrrrr.

After the party we made our first stop.... BABY GAP :)