31 Week Update

Here's a quick update since I haven't posted in a while:

• All's going well and Baby's growing fast. She's just over 3lbs now! Keep working on those cubby cheeks, girl!

• Doctor has agreed to do a scheduled induction (not necessarily a C-section, just the induction) to allow my medications to be controlled during the birthing process.

• This means Baby could be here in just 7 WEEKS! The induction date will most likely be in the range of Dec 28th - 31st. We'll know more specifics at the beginning of December.

• Patrick and I just graduated from Child & Infant CPR, although he's really showed me up in the class! He's so much better at the whole technique than I am. If we ever have to use this information, I sure hope he's around. 

• We start child birth classes next Tuesday and my wonderful husband has actually agreed to go with me - at least in the beginning or until he cant take it anymore. It may be traumatizing; it may be informative - not sure. I've heard mixed reviews, but we'll see for ourselves very soon and hopefully learn a few things rather than leave with disgusted, shocked, panicked looks on our faces.

• Baby's room is coming together! Patrick finished painting the dresser and it looks really great. Now, we just need all those little extras to pull it all together. And that's the extra fun part! Shopping... here I come! :)

• I think we're getting closer and closer to finally deciding on a name too. At this point, I'm hesitant to give too many details, though, since I'm still so impressionable. :) So, just hang in there a little longer.

28 Weeks Later

Yesterday, celebrates my entry into my 7th month of pregnancy! Yippee! I'm so excited to be getting closer and closer to the day when we get to meet and hold our little baby girl! Baby Girl, you have no idea how eagerly your daddy and I await that day!

Monday morning I have another doctor's appointment with our specialist where he'll do another ultrasound to check on her status. We haven't seen our little girl for 6 weeks now and I'm anxious to see her swimming around in her little bubble again and to taken in how much she's grown since our last appointment.

To add to the excitement, I registered yesterday at Target and Babies R Us. I only had time to do a quick list online, but it was still fun picking out all her baby stuff; although I was seriously perplexed at some of the items. There are so many weird things these days. These sites "recommended" some of the strangest items to me as I was registering... I honestly had no clue what some of them were! Like... sheet savers, piddle pads, (is there really THIS much pee!?!), non-staining drops, breast milk (ice cube) trays (why do we want breast milk ice again?), nipple shield (shield from what?!), booby tubes... what are these crazy things?!

Yall should see some the pictures to go with these things too!

All I can say is "Oh, Lord...."

See for yourselves!

...Bet that was an awkward photo shoot.

Breast milk ice.... why???

 Who wears a cowboy when they nurse?.... SERIOUSLY!!!

Am I the only one who thinks this picture is a little freaky?

I guess Asian hookers nurse too - small world?

98 and Counting...

Officially under the 100 day mark! WOO HOO! :)

And guess what... We (meaning Patrick) have painted the nursery!

These pictures snapped from my cell arent the best quality, but they're all I have for now.

The Crew

So excited "Modern Family" is FINALLY back on TV!

Not sure who's crazier.... :)

Or...

Slowly... But Surely

• Time is ticking on by! Hooray! I'm finally the BIG 6 MONTHS PREGO! And loving just about every minute of it! According to my countdown... I've got 107 days left to go! I'll be sure to report back when that number drops below 100. :)

• The nursery is taking on life! Patrick's been working hard assembling all the furniture even with his hurt foot. Pup's been right there in the middle of it all too, usually getting in the way. But I'm sure he's just trying to figure out what's going on. :) He'll have another thing coming to him, that's for sure!

• Baby girl is still growing according to plan and doing her best to be as spunky as possible when the doctors are trying to get a look at her. For the past few months, everytime we've gone in for an ultrasound, she's been upside and manages to "hide" exceptionally well (usually in my lower right hip - ouch!). But all is well - praise God! She's a skinny lil thing tho still. She needs to put on some lbs before her big debut. She weighs just over 1 lb now. So tiny!

• We are still completely entrenched in the "name game" and taking all sorts of suggestions from anyone who offers. :) Names are hard! I envy other mothers who so quickly and confidentally choose their baby's name.

Here's a sneak peek of our evolving nursery for your viewing pleasure. I'll be sure to update as we go. I'm thinking of possibly painting the dresser/changing table as well as the walls. I'm thinking stripes are a possibly. But we'll have to see.

Worry Wart

Remember those tea cups from way back?

Well, there back. :(

This pregnancy has been such a roller coaster of thoughts and emotions. From day one of learning I've really struggled to keep the "what if's" at bay. Throughout the first month or two of my pregnancy, I was a mental basket-case. One day, I'd be panic-striken at the thought of eating something on the "do not eat" list and harming my child and the next day, I'd confidently regain my inner strength. And back and forth it would go. As my pregnancy has progressed and I gained what I envisioned was my own self-confidence, I've been able to defend myself from these mind-bombs.

But as of yesterday morning, I'm officially back on the worry wagon and despite all my "old tricks" which had once provided mental stability are rendered useless. As crazy as this may sound, yesterday morning at church a nice young guy got up in front of the congregation to give his personal testimony on how the home groups have really helped to heal his wounds and deepen his walk with the Lord. The only problem is that his story revolved around the unexpected loss of his unborn child just two weeks before his/her due date. Apparently the umbilical cord had gotten wrapped around the child's neck and it didnt make it. I could physically feel the worry and discomfort welling up within myself at hearing this story of his loss. Of course, the story actually has a somewhat happy ending - he and his wife now have a lil baby boy born perfectly healthy and a deeper walk with God. However, all I hear is the little nugget was THIS CLOSE to making it and didnt....

To make matters worse (sort of - at least in my messed up mind), at the doctor's office this morning, the doctor made a simple statement that I'm sure no other normal preggo would even notice, but I of course cant seem to shake from my mind. After hearing a normal heartbeat and grabbing our things to leave the office, the doctor mentions, "This is a critical time in your pregnancy. If anything changes, let me know." Uhhh... there I am again - on the bottom of pile of bricks. I can tell myself, "Everything is fine. She's got a strong heartbeat and I need to trust God," but the truth is I'm SCARED!

As if all of this isnt already too much! I get to work this morning and hear a co-worker's tragic story of how she twice carried a baby nearly full term (for eight months) only to give birth to not one, but two still borns.... How does all this pile up in 2 days? At this point, I just want to curl up on the couch and have a little pity party for myself, but really - how productive is that?

I just keep thinking of these women, who like me, want a lil perfect bundle of joy more than anything in the world! But only came home to an empty nursery and a world of hurt. I cant even imagine how much pain that must've been!

Well now that I've brought everyone else down today - I just want to ask that any of you who are fellow believers - please, keep me in your prayers today. I feel I'm in over my head with a mental battle with these negative thoughts. I know the Lord himself was the one who came to my rescue early on in my pregnancy and saved me from the deep whole your own mind can create. My plea today is that He'd do the same again. I need to be revived.

Esty Love

I dont know what I love more... finding/experiencing new things online or doing the same in real life! :)

This whole baby business has opened up a world to which I've never known. I'm still wholy and completely and new-be at all things baby, but the gems I've found so far have been so inspiring!

Check out some of my new found favs!
...And yes, I've been staying up all night on Etsy... :( But I'm addicted!

Adorable flower headbands

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55413458/pink-and-cream-double-dainty-flower-in

ABC Sunflower print (in a variety of nursery-matching colors!)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53617823/8x10-alphabet-sunflower-art-print-custom

 Pastel ABC Print (perfect for lil girl's nursery)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51948782/abcs-and-123s-nursery-art-print-8-x-10?ref=cat1_gallery_17

Pink Ruffly bloomers!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54979601/sissy-britches-ruffle-bloomers-diaper

 

HOW CUTE ARE THESE!?!? Seriously!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55212832/joli-petal-baby-shoe-linen?ref=cat3_gallery_16

And these!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54555904/little-wool-shoes-midnight?ref=cat3_gallery_31www.etsy.com/listing/54555904/little-wool-shoes-midnight?ref=cat3_gallery_31ry_16

And of course a girl's gotta have some comfy casual shoes too! ;)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53285454/organic-cotton-little-button-loafers?ref=cat3_gallery_25

Gotta keep those lil ears warm!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55335018/ships-for-one-dollar-shabby-chic-cream?ref=v1_other_1

Really cute and customizable "Birth Print"

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55006634/8x10-birth-print-for-girls-custom?ref=cat3_gallery_38

Hope you enjoyed my lil Etsy show.

Please feel free to send on any great websites, blogs, must-haves for the nursery/decor ideas, anything! I'll share some of the ideas I have for her nursery with you all later. :)

Enough with the Suspence!

We are having a GIRL!
Here she is!

Look at her cute lil face!

Our super skinny upside-down lil pumpkin

Ok, now for the money-shot. View at your own risk. :)

But she's definitely a girl.

Tales from the Bump

Great things about being prego:

• Maternity jeans! Need I say more?
• Giving up the "sucking in." I'm finding its physically impossible when growing a baby bump anyway.
• Hubby constantly asking me if I need anything. :) Who doesnt love that?
• Vacation from Aunt Flo!
• Living in my pjs
• Planning... and shopping! YAHOO!
• Buying cute little baby clothes and things for your OWN baby!
• Being so happy and excited to start our own little family! :)

Not-so-great things about being prego:

• Being forced to visit every public restroom known to man.
• Generally feeling bloated and fat every moment of every day.
• New-found fear of sneezing.
• Unprecedented boob pain!
• Living in pjs - cause nothing fits!
• Fantasizing over all the things you cant have. Mmm sushi... cold beer...
• The on-going stuggle to contain the twins.
• That oh-so-terrifying day when somehow this little pumpkin's gotta come out :(

Can I get an Amen, ladies?! What other things did you love and hate will prego?

Life's A-Changin'!

Dear Blog,

I'll admit it - I've been avoiding you. But its only because I've been trying desperately to hold in our fantastic news!

We're absolutely thrilled and feel sooo very very blessed!

Can you tell?

I promise to write again soon! I've got soooo much to say now that all that is out in the open! ;)

Love,

KB

P.S. Thanks to our wonderful photographer who went to so much trouble to get these shots for us. We really appreciate your help! :) Thanks, Care!!!

Remember Me

A recent quote from a movie that's found a way to stick in my head and inspire me deeply -


"Whatever you do in life will be insignificant.
But it's very important that you do it."


As my life's changing completely as I know it, I'm feeling compelled to consider things I've never once stopped to notice. My mind compounds questions at a freightening pace. Decisions are looming over-head like a black cloud. But the truth of the matter is - whatever I decide, whatever I do... it's insignificant. It's amazing to me to sit and really soak that in... No matter what we do in life, it really doesnt matter. Yet, at the same time, its so vitally important that we DO whatever it is that we feel or need.

Our lives may be trivial in the grand scheme of things, but to me - it's all I have. And the decisions I make... the path I choose... are all very meaningful. The decisions I make day-to-day, will define my life. Generate fond memories or regrets. So, here-in lies the dilemma....

What will I do?

I'm so excited to make a change... a BIG life-change, but soooo scared to choose.

OBX Baby!

We just spent a lovely week long vacation in the OuterBanks, North Carolina with Patrick's mom and family. It was a great time to rest and relax with great company. Here are some photo-highlights of our time in OBX.

Enjoy!

Can't Get You Off My Mind

I just cant get over these BEAUTIFUL images! Anyone have an old wood door I could have? Hehe :)

Doesn't this just look so fun? Big bright windows, exposed brick... living high above in a big city! Ohhh... love it!

Love the wall color and the mis-matched pillows! And the comfy white comforter just makes it look so plush!

The old is new again! So much character!

Beautiful wall color and plaid throw! Love how they used a old wooden ladder as a quilt rack! So creative!

I <3 blues! Look at that fantastic view of the beach out the window too! Oh, what I wouldnt do to be there now. I'm really digging the white wood planks on the wall too

I'm telling ya! It's all about the blue!

Have you ever seen anything like this?! LOVE IT!

Exhaustion Sets In

It's Monday... everyone could use a little spiritual inspiration, right? :)

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

"'Bring the full 10 percent into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this way,' says the Lord of Hosts. 'See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure.'" Malachi 3:10

"Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future.'" Jeremiah 29:11

"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and wondrous things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3

"I will praise the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim with me the Lord's greatness; let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. Psalm 34:1-5

Spring Brings New Things

Now that I'm completely obsessed with reading and fantasizing about home decor blogs, I've been trying to put theory into practice in our own home. For some time now, I've felt that our home need a lot of work. Although we love it and it's beautiful, it's so cookie-cutter. I've been trying to spruce it up while on a budget to, hopefully, move from the cold and personality-less, to a warm, inviting, expression of ourselves.

Here's what we've accomplished over the past month or so... Much more is needed, but I'm trying to focus on quality pieces for minimal cost. I'd love to just go crazy at Pottery Barn, I'm slowly learning that its fairly simple to take an idea from PB and bring it to fruition with much less money spent.

I did a little shopping of the house this weekend and found lots of great turquoise dishes and pillows! I think Spring is the perfect time to bring these back out to play! I cant believe how different our whole living area looks with just a slight color change!

This orange rug has GOT TO GO! But I cant find anything that "feels right" for this space. Any ideas?

This poor long empty wall just isnt getting much attention, but frankly I just have no idea what to do with it. I've been thinking of pricing built-ins to go along this deserted wall. I could re-arrange the living room furniture to face this wall if it didnt feel 10 miles away. Hmmm...

Patrick and I picked out a cute little antique green entry way stand at Kirklands - very reasonably priced too, I might add. But I'm still just a little hestitant about how it will "fit in." I'm definitely ready to get rid of those wood picture frames and maybe the rug too. I want that lil sucker, but I'm just not sure that it has a place in the Barton home.

This area just irks me! I'm finding an open concept floor plan is very difficult to decorate. No defined spaces make for odd nooks and crannies. This Ikea media stand still doesnt seem right on this wall. Last night, Patrick suggested cutting windows into the wall to allow us to see into the office and bring in the light from the front windows. I thought that was a neat idea.

My favorite TJ Maxx find! Only $29 and I LOVE IT!

The buffet and hutch that made my weekend! I found this on craigslist for a measly $75! I absolutely adore it on this once empty wall. Really helps to bring the eye up and away. So fun to decorate too! I'm just dying to go out and grab all sorts of little trinkets for its shelves, but so far I've been content to shop the house. :)

I recently picked up an oar from Walmart for $11 which I love! I'm not sure if I want to use it in our guest bath or our guest room. The bathroom already has a cool coastal vibe and I'm in the process of transforming our guest bedroom into a nautical haven. :)

Oh! And my other favorite TJ Maxx find! Isn't it adorable!? I've already moved it around our house so much - I think I want one for every room! :)

One of the first pieces I picked up for the house when we moved it. I still love the colors and the silly-ness of it all.

I also found some discount bar stools at World Market that were on clearance, but as luck would have it - they only had one in stock. :( I coulda cried. We desperately need new bar stools, wouldn't you agree? Even Pup thinks so! They were a mixutre of brown rattan. I'll have to search out some similar ones.

Our bedroom is still a disaster zone (please do not notice the un-made bed). We need lamps in here like CRAZY but I just cant find the right one to work with my sunburst mirror (on sale at Pier 1). I'd like to re-organize our layout too, maybe try to incorporate a sitting area in the corner. But then I'd have to coordinate bedding with chairs, lamp, etc... which makes my heart race and palms sweat. Ekkk! :(

Bringing spring to our porch -

These caught my eye at Kirkland's for just $7! What a steal! I love them more every time I see them!