Andie Jean is here!

5.11.13

A very special day.  The best day of our lives.

Andie Jean arrived at 2:47pm weighing 5 pounds, 15 ounces and 18.5 inches long.

We are overwhelmed with LOVE for this little girl.  I can't wait to share her little birth story (she came  early, but is healthy, yay!) and lots more pictures.  But right now, we are just soaking in all of this time with her.  I wish time would stand still.  The days are passing too quickly!!  I have fallen even more in love with my husband.  He is the most helpful, loving, and generous man - and watching him become a father is a moment I will never forget.  This little girl has made our dreams come true.  We are abundantly blessed.

Here's a few pictures!

 Admiring our girl.  Family of 3!

 Taking her home from the hospital - very excited!

 Daddy and Pops giving her the first bath!

Our sweet girl - the photographer at the hospital took some great newborn pics (this was on a cell phone!)

Thank you to everyone for the sweet comments, texts, phone calls, etc.  It has meant so much to us to be surrounded by so many loving people.  We really appreciate all the love!

Andie's Nursery

I spent a lot of time looking around trying to figure out how I wanted to make this girl's room come together.  I created an inspiration board - and kept that in the back of my mind while we looked.  Once we found the staple pieces of furniture, the hardest (but most fun) part was figuring out placement and how to decorate it.

I am by no means an interior decorator and I am sure many of the creative ladies out there could have pulled it together better.  But I am pretty excited for this to be Andie's little abode when she comes home.  It's a good fit for us... and a whole lot'a love was put into it :)

...these pictures gave me something to work with, an idea.

Andie's Abode

Furniture:

Crib: Larkin 4-in-1 Crib 

Dresser/Changing Table: Larkin Hi-lo Changing Table 

Bookcase: Haylan Bookcase 

Rocking Chair & Ottoman: Wingback Convertible Rocker & Ottoman 

Side Table for nursery chair: Sleigh Side Table 

Window Coverings:

Rod & Finials: Estate Crystal Ball Finial on Oil-Rubbed Bronze from Restoration Hardware

Pink Curtains: Silk Blackout Panels from Pottery Barn Kids in Pink

White Sheer Accent Curtain: Voile Pole Pocket Drape from Pottery Barn in White

Decor:

Changing Table & Above:

Glass Apothecary Jars for bows: Home Goods & Marshalls

Round Mirror: Vintage Hand-Carved Mirror from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child

Frame & Picture: Gift from friend with a picture her daughter drew of Andie & I

Chevron "A" with Burlap Flower: Custom Distressed Letters from Bless Her Heart Designs on ETSY

Side Table Decor: 

Lantern, bird, yellow pot: Marshalls

Peony Flower: Cake Topper from my Birthday

Bookcase:

Baskets: Sabrina Basket Collection & Pink Harper Liners from Pottery Barn Kids

Chevron Totes: Gray Harper Canvas Pop Up Totes from Pottery Barn Kids

Birdcage & Yellow Vase: Home Goods

Pink & Floral Top Shelf Storage Containers: Marshalls

Crib Bedding & Soft Accessories:

Bumper & Quilt: We got it on clearance because it was discontinued from Pottery Barn Kids

Sheets: Chevron Crib Fitted Sheet & Chamois Crib Fitted Sheet from Pottery Barn Kids

Crochet Weenie Dog: From ETSY - Shop Little Kitten 

Plush Lamb: Textured Plus Lamb Chair from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child 

Rocker by Crib: Lamb Plush Rocker from Pottery Barn Kids

Wall Shelves:

White Shelves: Crown Molding Ledge from Pottery Barn

Pink Sparkly Pig: Gift from MIL

Frames: Home Goods & Marshalls

Yellow Vase: Home Goods

Why Fit In When You Were Born To Stand Out Printable: Gift from friend Hailee

Photos:  There is meaning behind the picture of TL and I and the Blue Mosque... :)  

Burlap Photo Board above Crib: Home Goods - those are all pictures of our family for her to see.

Paint: Behr from Home Depot, color: Silver Sateen

We are very excited to bring Andie home from the hospital and show her how much love we put into her little room.  It's crazy to think this place we have spent so much time and effort into creating will soon be hers.  I love going in there and just sitting.  I can't believe it's finished and ready for her.

Help Crossing the Street

TL likes surfing all sorts of websites, and one he looks at often is The Chive - so I will sometimes look through it {I know, it's a dude site} just so I can relate to him when he finds something cool on there.

Today, I watched this video... and I have to share... because this simple video says a lot about humanity.  It's from a Russian dash camera, give it a second to get started.

The guy who posted it said this:  

"It’s a cold, dark world, but people still take your hand and help you cross the street. I don’t know, I just think that’s kind of beautiful."

and I totally agree.

Hope you have a great weekend!

My thoughts on a Thankful Thursday

{via pinterest}

It's May 2nd... I truly cannot believe it!
Where has this year gone?  It's gone by faster than any other year so far.

I have so much to be thankful for.  I do my best to remind myself everyday.
Today, here's what I am thankful for:

1. my husband. my goodness, this man is my best friend.  I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited/nervous/anxious/every-emotion-you-can-think-of to see how this baby girl is going to change our lives, our relationship, etc.  I was awake before him the other morning and I laid next to him thinking about our time with just us two and how it is expiring soon.  We don't have a perfect relationship, but I am so crazy about his spirit & character... I have faith that we will make the most of our new chapter together.  I am so lucky to have him.  He makes me feel so loved & special... and most importantly, he makes me laugh.  Every day.

2. my mom.  She lost her mom when she was 17 years old.  The 40th anniversary of her death was on Sunday.  I know my mom misses her terribly - and if I could meet any person in the whole universe, it would be my grandma.  I have grown up hearing stories about her... she was a beautiful woman, I have no doubt.  It's incredible that in 17 short years she built my mom up and planted the seeds to make her the woman she is today.  She must have been something really special, because my mom sure is.  I am thankful everyday to have the relationship I do with my mom.  She's absolutely the most incredible woman I know.

3. my sisters.  It's so exciting that all 3 of us are going to be moms.  My sister, Julie, and I are both pregnant right now (sorry Juls, letting the cat out of the bag).  She is due in August with a baby girl and the excitement of our girls being so close in age is truly amazing.  I know the bond the 3 of us have will strengthen tremendously as we all become mothers.

4. my friends.  near and far.  I can't express the gratitude I have in my heart for the people in my life.

5. health.  all the way around.  My health, my family's health, and this baby girl's health.  We had a scare at 29 weeks - spent some time in the hospital, and we were spiraled into some unexpected ups and downs.  But, I have been reassured by our wonderful doctors that she is doing great.  I am so grateful for intelligent and trustworthy doctors and medical professionals.  I didn't write or expose much on my blog but I might, because I know many people can relate and have gone through similar situations.  I am so grateful for the family and friends who expressed so much love, support, and concern... and I am even more grateful that this little girl is still cookin' and getting stronger.  She had the best antepartum testing so far on Tuesday.  It's truly amazing what our bodies do, from the time of conception all the way through... I have learned so much about the science of it all, and it blows me away!

6. our home. air conditioner. food. the things we work hard for, are lucky to have and that are so easy to take for granted.  I am thankful for them all.

With yesterday being May 1st... I had a realization.  I called TL at work to tell him:

In the coming weeks, we are going to experience the best day of our life so far.

Now that is something special to be thankful for.

What are you thankful for?

Baby Lesh: 36 Weeks

How i'm feeling: Feelin' well.  Just soaking in all of the time I have left with her in my belly.  I know I will be thrilled when she is out, but I will miss feeling her move, hiccup, and kick.

How far along: 36 weeks 1 day

Size of the baby: 18.66 inches long, 5.78 pounds estimated.

Total Weight Gain: Not sure - going to doctor today.  Last check, about 15 pounds.

Maternity Clothes:  some maternity, some regular.  Whatever is comfortable!

Gender: a GIRL... Andie! #andielesh

Movement: yes, she is very active.  Her movements have changed since she has gotten bigger.

Sleep: depends on the night - I was up for 4 hours in the middle of the night and woke up at 4:30am today.  I think my body is trying to get a lil prepared.

What I miss: we're in the home stretch, so not too much - but with the warm weather we've been having - a glass of white wine or chilly beer does sound appetizing :)

Cravings: frozen yogurt... it's the best thing ever!

Symptoms: I get a little uncomfortable after a big meal, and in the evenings.  But truly, nothing major!  I have been having contractions for a few weeks now.

Best moments this week (past couple weeks):

+finishing her nursery!!  It's complete and ready for her to come home to whenever she is.  I will post pictures very soon.

+hitting the 36 week mark... can't believe we are this close!

+getting the diaper bag (thanks MIL), and lots of new clothes from both of her grandmas.

Looking forward to:

+every week.  I know she is getting really big in there, so I am just trying to enjoy feeling her move (even though it hurts sometimes) and remember it, because I know I will miss it when she is out.

+spending a few more date nights alone with TL.  I know I said that last time... but I am soaking it all in.  Our girl will be here soon :)

36 weeks... wow!

I hope your week is off to a great start!