Nursery Tree

I have been wanting to put a white tree on the wall in the nursery since the beginning.  And I finally did it, well a branch anyways.  For $1.  Literally.

These popular beautiful wall features in decal form run $60+.  A splurge I was just having a hard time swallowing (I am on a budget for this nursery).  I like to think I'm on my way to becoming a "crafty" person, but free hand drawing is not my strong suit and I couldn't convince my sister, Kelsey, to make a trip all the way to Alaska just to paint a tree on my wall.  I can't understand why.

Thus I improvised.

I just needed a way to somehow get a trace on the wall that I could paint.  Matt was all about buying a projector, but I vetoed that rather quickly.  I mean what in the world would we do with it on a normal day?  Anyways, I realized that my work has a projector they use for meetings.  I kindly asked to borrow it over the weekend...of which I was laughed at and asked "are you serious?", I then had to explain my excellent reason why.  But they were generous and let me take it for a couple days, thankfully.

I then found a branch picture online that I liked and projected it on the wall just as I envisioned it.  It actually worked out better than a decal, I think, because I was able to size it and place it exactly how I wanted it on the wall.

And no, I'm not doing this at 10pm at night. I'm pretty sure it was about 4pm.  It's just that depressingly dark here at that time.  Just about 2 more weeks til the days slowly start becoming longer again.  It's like a Christmas present in and of itself. 

It took me about 20 minutes to trace it with a pencil, one small bottle of acrylic paint from the craft store (where my $1 was spent), and a few hours of my life to carefully paint and erase erroneous pencil markings.

It left me with this above the crib.

I cannot wait for the curtains my mom is making to come to complete the nursery.  Now I'm just working on getting all the necessities washed and ready - and organize where all this baby stuff is going to go.  Goodness, who knew such a little person required so many things?

Santa Claus is coming to town...

Just a reminder...I absolutely LOVE Christmas. 

It brings joy to my heart.  I've been listening to Christmas music since early November and we got our tree out at least a week before Thanksgiving.  It can rarely be too early in my book.

Normally, I kinda pick through all our decor and get the most important things out.  Especially since we spend about 2 weeks around Christmas traveling to various celebrations. 

Not this year.  Few things were left in the boxes.  We are spending our first Christmas away from family this year - for good reason - as we hope to get the best gift of meeting baby Madelyn!  However, it is still very bittersweet.  I get a little sad thinking about not being "home" for the holidays.  Though trying to keep an optimistic perspective of starting new traditions with our family - Matt, me and Madelyn (and Mocha...lots of M's going on around here). 

Hence our house looking like Christmas exploded - and I love it. We even have all the presents under the tree - or shipped back south.  I've never been done this early - completely finished - I'm torn between being relieved and sad.  Who am I kidding, I'll probably continue to go overboard on all the M's in my life.

I also made a new wreath for our home.  I found the idea on my new favorite inspirational website, Pinterest.  It was super easy and I love the way it turned out...only cost about $8!

Here is our 5ft snowman we bought on clearance after Christmas last year (the best way to buy any Christmas decor).  He smiles at us in the back yard from our living room window. 

Matt also decked out our house with lights all over it - since we are an end unit, it's just that much better and brighter because they wrap around.  We may be the only town home in the area that put as many lights up.  I officially give us the prize.  (I'd put a picture up to brag, but I try to avoid obviously declaring where live on the internet). 

And just because...here is my mom's house. She has a two-sided fireplace. One has the grand kids on it (Wesley and Madelyn) and the other has all the grown-up kids on it.  Our family is growing!  I love it.  Wish we could be there this year in person...sigh.

We had our first Christmas party of the season this past weekend for Matt's work.  I enjoy getting all dressed up (though it was a bit more challenging this year!).  They took professional photos when you arrived and gave everyone a copy.  I don't know if we've ever taken such a posed photo, except for the wedding day of course.  But I like that we have a nice copy of our growing family!  Exactly one month from today Madelyn is due!!

33 and 34 weeks

Now that I'm almost to week 36 (wahoo!) here are weeks 33 and 34 growth pictures. (again, I'm behind.)

At this point if Madelyn decides she's ready to come, the doctor said she wouldn't do anything to try to stop her.  Though I'd feel a bit more comfortable if she waited at least a couple more weeks (not another 6...though it'd probably be best if I mentally prepare for that to happen).  A Christmas to New Year's Eve baby would be awesome. 

As of right now:

• Swimming is my favorite exercise.  I wish I had a lap pool a bit more convenient.  It's like I'm not even carrying this bowling ball around!
• My hands are beyond swollen and my not sure if my hips can handle getting any bigger.
• Maddie likes to squirm around - not so much punch me anymore.  Which is a nice change of pace.
• Wondering if I'll ever fit back into my pre-baby jeans again...but oh so looking forward to sporting the rest of my closet again soon.
• Trying to find a pediatrician, register at the hospital, pack the bag, write the birth plan, finish the nursery, train replacements at work, get all Christmas shopping done and shipped...there are so many things to prepare for!  But really all I can think about is holding my baby...
• Getting tired easily again, but certainly soaking up those opportunities to sleep in.
• Matt officially helps me put on my boots now when we leave the house.  Bending over is a thing of the past and with 33 inches of snow the past 3 weeks, boots are a must.
• I'm not really sure I understand the concept of some women who say they felt their prettiest while pregnant.   I understand pregnancy is a beautiful blessing, but the whole feeling physically attractive thing - nope.  Thankfully it doesn't last forever.
• Anxiously awaiting Madelyn's arrival!! ...over 8 months and counting...

Alaska baby luncheon

I'm a tad behind in posting life as of late. 

A few weeks ago, my sweet friends here in Anchorage hosted a small lunch/dessert/spoil me rotten shower.  The four of us have been getting together since the beginning of the year and just share life together.  They have been a huge blessing to me during this transition of moving all the way across the country and now as Matt and I embark on this new journey of parenthood. While us ladies talked all things baby, the husbands enjoyed an afternoon of football and eatting.  

Nicole, me, Sayward and Anne



Opening gifts and photo op with Anne!  They certainly went overboard. 
I felt sincerely loved.

The yummy treats during gifts.  Good thing I am pregnant and feel more or less guilt free indulging.

We even had a family of moose join us right outside the window. 
Until our mean neighbor lady opened her door and starting throwing things at them.
Haven't seen them since:(.



Maternity Pictures

Back in early October when we were in Texas, my mom arranged to get some family photos done.  As you can imagine, I was thrilled that she decided that after 15 years since our last family photos she decided it was important to get them done while I was 28 weeks pregnant.  However this did give Matt and I a great opportunity to get Michael Hansen (a photographer from her church) to quickly take a few maternity pictures for us in addition. 

Then Matt and I attempted to get a few of our current habitat about 33 weeks.  Sadly, the shoot didn't last long as the single digit temps kept killing the camera battery.  But such the difference between Texas and Alaska.  We are almost at a record snow fall for November.  33 inches so far.  Good thing I love the snow (and notice I said snow, not below freezing temps)!

nursery coming together

Matt and I have been working on finishing up the nursery.  We just have little things left, but time is running short as the holidays approach and we are already 33 weeks!  Wahoo!  Here's a little update of what has been completed.

Remember this TV cabinet we bought off Craigslist? 

It is all finished!  It's probably my favorite piece in the nursery.  Matt painted it, added magnetic strips so the doors would close, built in a shelf (to alleviate the open TV space), and added handles.

Here's an up close of the handles I found at Anthropology while in Seattle.  They go perfect with the nursery.

And inside, in case you were curious, of course.  I found the baskets at a craft store for half off.  I'm kinda an organizational nerd, so the baskets make me happy.  One is full of hats. And one of little shoes.  Sometimes I just rummage through them to bring a little joy to my day.

 And you might remember these prints I found on esty?

They are finally framed and hung above the piano.  I also hung the banner and the "M" my sister made for Madelyn for the baby shower in Texas.  So proud of her craftiness. :)  Also displayed is my Le Mutt, a prized toy from my childhood that has seen better days. 

I also made this wreath for the nursery. Clearly I'm getting a little antsy for Maddie to get here so I'm making up projects to keep myself preoccupied.  I still don't know where it'll be hung.

And a bookshelf which matches the toy chest we found at a garage sale that Matt painted.  I'm pretty sure this bookshelf was found in one of our college dorm rooms at some point.  But that plywood all painted sure does make a great display for all the books Maddie has (and quite a cheap option, since we already had the paint).

I will eventually have a post to show the whole room.  But only when it's all done.  I'm currently working on a baby book...when that's finished...who knows.  Got any ideas?

Snow

I'm clearly a southern girl, because all this snow still fasinates me.  We have gotten a ton of it the last week or so.  We are having to go buy Matt some knee high boots so he can take Mocha out.  It's that much.  But it is beautiful.  And as long as I'm not out in the single digit temps, I greatly enjoy it. :) We didn't get nearly this much at this point in the year last year. 

The first night of snow.  About 11 inches. And still coming down.

I love fires.  Matt chopped all this for us.  I love him too.

Did I mention a little snow?  And this pile will continue to grow until they haul it off in a dump truck. 
In additional to garbage dumps in down, we also have snow dumps. Lots that hold all the unwanted snow from the streets.  It's still a new concept to me. 

Have I mentioned Mocha also loves the snow?  It is beyond difficult to get her to come inside.  How does she not get cold?  I wish she could give me some of those genes.