nursery progress

The baby's room is definitely coming along and it makes me so happy. I love going in there and I think our baby will enjoy the bright, happy space.




It is still a work in progress. The stuff on the bookshelf will probably change. The crib bedding is being made. I am waiting for some artwork for the walls. And I may add some fabric to the curtains.

And, judging by the boxes, I still have some cleaning up to do.
I have a few weeks to finish everything and I can't wait to see it all come together.


One of my favorite things in the room is this chair.

I knew I wanted a rocking chair in the room but I was having a hard time finding one that wasn't super bulky or way too expensive. After doing some research, I found a couple blogs that solved the nursery chair dilemma by taking an Ektorp Jennylund chair from Ikea and retrofitting the bottom with a rocking mechanism. This seemed like a great solution! After a trip down to Ikea and sitting in the chair, I knew this was what I wanted to do as well. Peter ordered and installed the rocking piece and my nursery chair was complete. I love the feel of the chair, the washable slipcover, and the fast that it is small enough to fit nicely in that corner.

I am excited to finish the room in the next few weeks!

new trees

The almond trees surrounding Peter's parents home were taken out at the end of last year. After 23 years of producing nuts, they were old, tired and ready to be replaced.


As you can imagine, this greatly changed the landscape around their house. But the exciting thing is, new baby trees have been planted - continuing the legacy of almond farming in the family.


Fun tidbit is that these new trees were planted in 2012. So they will be the same "age" as our baby. I am envisioning yearly pictures with our little one in front of the trees, tracking both their growth :)

Week 34 and 35

Is it just me or do I look a LOT bigger in the 35 week picture? I mean, I know I am still growing but jeez. I am choosing to attribute some of it to my shirt. And probably some of it to the large YogurtLand I just finished eating. They say at this stage your baby is just putting on fat. Hmmm...I would agree.

I am actually almost 36 weeks as I write this post. Normal things are becoming increasingly difficult. I find myself completely winded after getting dressed in the morning. Putting on socks? Forget about it. Lugging my lunch bag, gym bag, purse, and various other items from my car to my office every morning? Exhausting. You know its bad when its 8:15 am and you already need a nap. Heartburn is in full swing, no matter what I eat and my right leg seems to hate me and cramps up in protest every night.

But the tiny elbows and feet jabbing me. And the kicks waking me up every morning make everything worth it. And after the birth of a dear friend's baby this weekend (welcome to the world, Ruby!) we are even more excited to start this new adventure.

baby shower

This past weekend, Baby Frantz and I were showered with love and gifts by friends and family.




We enjoyed a yummy breakfast, complete with homemade coffee cake, farm fresh oranges, German sausage, and (my fav!) a waffle bar.







My friends did an amazing job with planning such a wonderful event. It turned out so perfect! Super cute and definitely my style.







I was overwhelmed with the love and support from everyone there. It is so nice to know Baby Frantz is already so loved!

Auntie Nikki and Grammie

Auntie Tara and Grandma Sue

Auntie Vanessa




All thanks to these girls! I could not ask for better friends.

Week 33

My belly button has not popped out (yet...) so ignore the lumpy tummy. My dress is not doing me any favors apparently.

I had a amazing baby shower this weekend (pics to come soon!) and we have made more progress on the baby's room, so everything is starting to really come together. For so long February 2012 seemed so far away and now it is right around the corner. I am at that stage of feeling more prepared, yet still having many to-do lists floating around in my head. Thankfully, I have about 6 weeks to get it all done :)

the only proof Christmas occured in my home

Every year, I try to remember and take pictures of my Christmas decorations. Its fun to look back and see changes we made to our home throughout the past few years.

This year, I took one photo. Here it is.

And yes. Its blurry.

Needless to say, I did not take very many pictures this year.


Although I did score this gem of a Christmas photo at my parents house.


My dad. Some weird santa/elf/reindeer hat. And his dog in a sweater vest. Asleep.
Priceless.

Week 31 and 32

I am trying hard to catch up on these photos. More than anything, they are fun for me to look back on and see the growth of my belly. And to think I thought I looked huge at like, 20 weeks. Ha!




Things are starting to get more and more uncomfortable. Mainly in my legs. I was not prepared for the intense leg pain. All day, everyday. Small price to pay, of course. And I am thankful it has not spread to my back. Sleep is also becoming more elusive, as it is hard to shut my brain down every night. Work lists, baby lists, house lists, its never ending.

I am trying hard to enjoy these last few weeks though. Last few weeks of feeling baby kicks. Last few weeks of my full-time job. Last few weeks of just Peter and I. In all the excitement that is to come, I need to remember not to get ahead of myself and enjoy these moments.