Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from our little aerobics instructor!!

Saying Goodbye to the Dust!

Y'all.  Two months later and our home renovation is complete!*

*Well, minus a plumbing issue that presented itself this morning.  And I may or may not have had a tiny little meltdown when they told us they'd have to cut through the living room ceiling AGAIN.  But then we decided to deal with this issue post-Rocky, and I decided my breakdown was a little ridiculous and dramatic.  I mean, in the big scheme of things, who cares?  We are so fortunate to have been able to even do these renovations, and we love the finished product!

So, anyway, here ya go... some before and after pictures!

MASTER BATHROOM:

It was in desperate need of a total redo.

We loved the separate shower and garden tub.  But the shower was way too small.  Which became even more apparent the bigger my belly grew.

It was all just so white, and blah, and plain.

So, we knew we wanted modern, but transitional.  And I'll go ahead and warn y'all - we love us some grey!  Here is the view looking in from the bedroom...

We knocked down the wall between the tub and shower, installing a new garden tub.  We extended the size of the shower and wrapped it in a custom, frameless glass door.  The shower has a seat and multiple shower heads, including a rainshower fixture on the ceiling.

I see myself sitting in this tub a LOT post-Rocky to heal this body after giving birth to a toddler-sized newborn.

The vanity was custom built and painted by our contractor's cabinet-maker.  We picked out all colors, pulls/knobs, fixtures, etc.

The countertop is also custom... we went to a granite remnant warehouse where they have pieces left over from bigger projects.  You choose your stone and they come and template based on your countertop.  I love it!

HALL BATHROOM:

The hall bathroom serves as the bathroom for both guests and kids.  Because of this, we wanted it to be eye-catching, but clean.  Here is what it used to look like (unfortunately, this is the only picture I snapped before the reno began):

Once the reno had begun:

Subway tile going up in the shower above a new, cast-iron tub!

Finished product!

Again, love the countertop from the remnant warehouse.  This vanity was also custom-built, as is the one over the toilet.

I am obsessed with the tile in this bathroom.  We decided it was a little too busy for the master bath since that bathroom required a lot more tile than the guest, which is why we chose to use it here.

LIVING ROOM:

And now, the downstairs!  The second we walked into this house while house-hunting last November, I knew I wanted this wall to come down.

It was all you'd see when you walked in the front door, and it made the downstairs space feel so closed off.  Our kitchen opens right into the living room, and there's another separate dining room, so this wall just needed to go.

 The wall formed this little, sectioned-off room connected to the living room.  The previous homeowners used it as a music room.  We used it as an, "I-don't-know-where-to-put-this-so-I'll-stick-it-in-here" room.

So, down it went!

Mid-construction.  The temporary wall beams, hanging plastic, floor coverings, and sheetrock dust dominated our downstairs living space for weeks and weeks.

But with this finished product, it was all totally worth it!  This is the new view when you walk in the front door.

Also, look back at the previous pics for the old wall color.  The entire interior (other than the rooms we've already painted) used to be a yellowish khaki.  We decided to go ahead and re-paint the entire interior while everything was under construction.  With the suggestion from our contractor, we chose Benjamin Moore's Revered Pewter.  I am in love with the color and think it's the perfect shade for covering interior walls.  It has given the house a completely different feel and looks great against both browns and grays.

Now our living room opens right up into this extra space.  So far, we're keeping the extra room minimally decorated because we know it'll likely turn into the kids' space for awhile.

I am SO happy with how this open space has changed the entire feel of our downstairs!

So, there you have it!  Two months of construction, lots of setbacks, some pregnant hormonal breakdowns, lots of analyzing and perfecting from my hub, lots of support from friends and family, dust and dirt and letting go of having my house clean for awhile... and I am in love with the changes and so glad we decided to take this plunge!  And I stand by the fact that pictures really don't do the renovation justice - so come visit us and see it in person!  :)

Currently...

I'm back with a post I always love writing, but haven't done so since January!  So here's what's going on in my little corner of the universe, a universe that pretty much revolves around our baby countdown.

Currently, I'm...

Loving - being a mom to a 3-year-old!  Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of timeouts and deep breaths and tantrums and emotional breakdowns and frustrating moments... But y'all, she's HILARIOUS.  She keeps T and I on our toes and laughing all.day.long.

Reading - my old blog posts from when I was this pregnant with CK.  It's been a rough few days around these parts, physically speaking.  Yesterday I wondered, was I ever this uncomfortable and tired the last time I was 38 weeks pregnant?  Yes, yes I was, accordingly to my posts circa October 2011.

Waiting for - all of these crews and construction workers to leave our house for good!  No, the renovations STILL aren't complete.  BUT... we should be bidding the last worker farewell sometime tomorrow!!  I'll be sure to post before and after pics when I can!

Excited about - ummm... surely this goes without saying?  HOLDING THIS BABY IN MY ARMS!!!  It's so cliche t0 say, but I honestly cannot believe we're so close.  Physically, I am ready.  Mentally and emotionally, I am all over the place.  It all just feels so surreal.  I had my 38-week checkup this morning, where "Rocky" passed his/her NST (non-stress test) with flying colors.  This is where they hook you up to some probes and measure the baby's heart rate fluctuations and movement for about 20 minutes.  Anyway, I go back next Monday for one more NST and checkup, and then the induction process is scheduled to begin Wednesday morning!  My heart truly skips a beat when I think about holding and snuggling and hugging and kissing this little miracle. <3

Trying to -  make sure I truly enjoy these last 9 days, just me and my girl.  I've kept this week pretty unplanned so we can do what we wanna do, when we wanna do it.  I keep trying to take moments during our one-on-one time to pause and soak in all of her - her voice, her facial expressions, her silliness, her personality, the way her hand fits into mine, how it feels to kiss her sweet little cheeks.  I know once #2 is here, things are gonna be blurry for awhile so for now, it's all about focusing on my Cameron Kate.

Working on - building my business!  As most people know, I am an Executive Consultant for Rodan + Fields, and have been for over a year and a half.  This company has changed my life... and more importantly, it has changed my skin and the skin of all of my customers.  I had hoped to have a launch event here in my new town before the baby's debut, but that obviously didn't happen.  So, I'm working on a plan to try to get the word out and let all my C'ton friends in on these awesome products.

Enjoying - food.  For real.  I've been ok this pregnancy in terms of my eating habits, definitely letting myself indulge when I want to (see: dessert after every meal, even breakfast).  But I'm always conscious about what I eat.  However, now that I'm 9 days away from not being pregnant anymore, I'm letting myself splurge.  A lot.

Using - as many fall-scented things around the house as I can!  I love all things fall!!

Wearing - about five things on rotation, because they're the last five things that still barely fit over this belly.  Even T's undershirts that I wear to bed don't cover my stomach anymore!  I'm a big ball of sexy, letmetellyou.

Planning - a surprise, for someone very special and deserving. :)

Singing - this absolutely adorable acorn nut song CK learned in preschool.  I literally cannot get it out of my head, probably because I ask her to sing it all the time... I can't get enough!

Needing - someone to come stock my freezer full of post-baby-#2-meals!  I have 10 ready to go, but I really wanted to make more; however, I'm too tired (and lazy) to get motivated to do it.  Maybe this weekend!

Learning - to not take a minute of these last uncomfortable pregnancy days for granted.  Last year at this time, we were days away from finding out we'd lost another baby.  I would've given anything to be where I am today... <3

Listening to - the new Taylor Swift cd.  No shame.

Wishing - hoping, praying for a smooth delivery and a healthy baby girl/boy...

Doing - tons of cleaning, purging, reorganizing, throwing away, NESTING.

Dreaming of - lying on the couch with a newborn sleeping on my chest, and a glass of wine in my hand...

Full Term!

"For in this hope we were saved.  Now hope that is seen is not hope.  For who hopes for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."  (Romans 8:24-25)

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."  (Romans 12:12)

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."  (Romans 15:13)

Full term.

FULL TERM!!!

Here we are, with the finish line in sight.

I cannot help but think back to the day I held up the stick that said "pregnant" to show T.  He was in the shower.  He jumped out and wrapped me up in his arms, soaking me from head-to-toe.  We were SO happy, so scared, but so hopeful.

And now, here we are, with a full term baby in my belly.

And we are still all of those things - happy, scared, hopeful.

My induction is scheduled for two weeks from today - two weeks people!!  Though, in actuality, this baby could decide to come at any moment.

We had an ultrasound on Monday, which once again confirmed that I will be birthing another toddler.  The estimated weight on Monday was almost 8lbs.

With two weeks left to get even bigger.

Despite his/her size, if it were up to me... this baby would patiently wait in there for two more weeks.  We HAVE to finish these home renovations, and I really wanna take my girl trick-or-treating next week!  And no matter how miserable I am, I wanna soak in the next two weeks with my little family of three while cherishing what is most likely my last pregnancy, appreciating every kick, every hiccup, every belly rub.

You guys?  

We're gonna have a baby!!!!!!!!!!

"Rocky's" Nursery

Well, I guess it's time to reveal our little one's room!!  I am so excited about and in love with how it turned out, and I cannot WAIT to show "Rocky" his/her space in our home.

When I started brainstorming nursery ideas, I obviously knew it had to be gender-neutral; however, I didn't want it to be plain or boring.  This baby has already brought us SO much joy, and hope, and restoration... and I wanted the nursery to show that.  I wanted bright and whimsical and happy, and I think we accomplished it perfectly.

It's hard to tell in the pictures, but the walls are painted a very light gray, the perfect background to splashes of colors and patterns and textures.

So without further ado, here it is!!

 The view from the hallway

The crib bedding was custom-made after lots of collaboration between the amazing Goat & Lulu and myself.  The piece over the crib is something T and I made together, starting with some untreated fence posts from Home Depot.  We treated, painted, nailed them together, and then topped with sealant.  Totally inspired by Pinterest, of course. 

 Close up of the bedding.  Y'all?  I LOVE it.  It is exactly what I had envisioned.  As I've said, Amanda from Goat & Lulu is so talented.

 Shelves that are on the wall directly to the right when you walk in.  Just some splashes of the primary colors that we wanted to dominate the room.  And a perfect little angel holding up the word "hope," a gift my sister-in-law Jamie sent me soon after we found out about this little miracle.

A new, low-profile fan we installed.  But we wanted to make it look cute, so we got this adorable lamp shade from IKEA and T attached it upside down!

 We used this same piece of furniture in CK's old room with pink square buckets, but got some new yellow ones.  Both the shelf and buckets are from IKEA.  The ABC print is from Life Made Lovely, and the buttons and lamp are from Hobby Lobby.

 Another favorite part of the nursery!

 This is the same glider we had for CK, but my mom so graciously had it recovered in red for us (done by one of my talented aunts!).  The curtains and pillow are just PERFECT, and were done by, you guessed it, Goat & Lulu!

 This is the same dresser/changing table we used for CK, but we switched out the knobs for bright, whimsical ones from Hobby Lobby.  The shelf has a mini Radio Flyer wagon, (empty) picture frame, and a large mason jar full of ABC blocks.

And last, the mini gallery wall!  The cross was a very special gift from one of my oldest friends, Dana.  It has the most perfect bible verse:  "For this child, I prayed" (1 Samuel 1:27).  The frames will eventually have pictures of our sweet baby, of course.  I painted the hearts canvas, got the clock on Amazon, and the tiny mirror at Hobby Lobby.  Best of all?  Cameron Kate painted the LOVE canvas.  I affixed some large scrapbook letters to the plain white canvas and then let her go to town with the colors to match the nursery.  Once it was dry, we pulled the letters off and were thrilled with the final product.  It is so special to have something in the nursery that she made. :)

Well, there ya have it!  Rocky's little space in our home.  18 days (or less!) 'til we get to see that sweet face and let him/her know how lucky we are... how blessed we are... and how we've been waiting our whole lives to meet him/her.  <3

We Came, We Saw, We Birthday'd!

Well, I'd say we got all we could out of my sweet CK's 3rd birthday!  Here are some highlights from her birthday party, which was the weekend before her birthday, and then her actual birthday!!

First, the party day.  I knew I wanted to outsource this year since I'd be so pregnant.  Also, I'm basically allergic to Pinterest and sweat when someone mentions the word "crafting."  So I knew I was going to keep the decor and everything else very simple.  Hang a few streamers, order some pizza, and call it a day.

Cameron Kate really wanted a "banastics" (gymnastics) birthday party with a Minnie Mouse cake.  I didn't wanna go all Minnie Mouse crazy, so I let her have her cake (and eat it, too) and stuck with Minnie's colors (red, pink, and black) for the color scheme.

 Sweet girl woke up VERY excited about her birthday party, and insisted upon wearing this crown!

 She LOVED her birthday shirt, made by none other than the awesome Goat & Lulu!

 The main request she'd had for her party for MONTHS was that we have balloons.  She was so excited when we picked them up!!

As I mentioned... very simple and cheap (and lazy) decor.  This is the party room at the gymnastics center.

 Thanks to my mother-in-law, Sandy, there were quite a few creative touches to the party!  Delicious homemade cupcakes and these adorable Mickey-shaped rice krispie treats!

 My mother-in-law also made this awesome cake, which tasted as good as it looked!

Again, girl/boy treat buckets, thanks to Sandy!  (Basically all I did was order pizza and provide the birthday girl.)

 Playing in the foam pit while we waited for all of her friends to arrive!

 Stretches!

 Brave on the balance beam with her cousin, Burns, who she adores.

 Love!

Excited about her cake!

 She had the sweetest face while everyone sang "Happy Birthday!"

And then my heart melted when she told me, without prompting, that she was making a wish for "the baby in Mommy's tummy."

 The first year she really got into opening presents... she couldn't tear through them fast enough!

 My girl...

 My people <3

Now, for her actual birthday, I had decided we were going to keep it low-key, and do whatever SHE wanted to do.  The night before, T and I worked hard to make sure she would wake up the next day knowing it was a special day...

 Growing up, my mama always put a present on the foot of our beds for our birthdays.  I'm so excited to carry on that tradition!

 Birthday breakfast of choice?  Cinnamon rolls with sprinkles!

 I swear, all morning she just wanted to play puzzles in her underwear.

 We then went to do something we love... feed the ducks!

And we sat on this swing together, enjoying the beautiful weather while I told her all about the day she was born. <3

 What's for lunch, you ask?  Ice cream, of course!

 And Daddy stopped by to surprise the birthday girl on his lunch break!

 After her nap, we watched Cinderella and ate popcorn.  And when Daddy got home from work, it was finally time to open presents!  Her favorite?  A Barbie she's been asking for for MONTHS.  I tried to avoid Barbies, but she wasn't gonna let this go.  And y'all, she's been playing with that thing nonstop!

 For dinner, her favorite... tacos!  And she LOVED when she got to wear the sombrero and listen to everyone sing to her!

It's safe to say this little girl had a great 3rd birthday!!

1 day, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years.

My girl. <3