Our little man

So our big 20 week appointment finally came this past Monday. We were so excited to see the little nugget again and find out the sex. This ultrasound was so cool because they went through all the different parts of the baby to make sure everything is going as it should, so we got to see a lot. Of course, I have to be a proud momma here and show off the little one. So here are a few pics from our appointment.

Baby's profile:

Face: It was so difficult for them to get a good shot of it because his back was facing us most the time. 

And finally, there's no mistaking anything here!

We were so excited when we found out it was a boy that Brian and I actually cheered in the room, hahah. I had a feeling all along it was a boy and we both kinda wanted it to be since we had gotten it in our heads that it was. I mean sure, of course we would have been thrilled either way, but it was nice to find out I was right all along.

As for names, we've actually settled on that too. But we're keeping it a secret for now. Can't wait to meet this little guy. I'm so excited!

I've got it!!

Finally I found some nursery bedding that I actually like. I'm so excited. I like the Peter Rabbit collection from Pottery Barn for Kids. Luckily, I only want the sheets and quilt because unfortunately I have expensive taste. Here is a snippet of what it looks like below.

It just about melted my heart when I saw it, so I knew it was a winner. Of course I then looked to see if there was anything else I would want from this collection and this caught my eye:

So friggin' cute! With this bedding in mind and the soft grey we got over the weekend I think I'm going to go with that kinda nostalgic and sorta vintage looking theme to the room. I definitely want to print some of those nursery rhyme illustrations out from one of my books growing up. I think they would look so sweet in the room. And in the bookcase I can do a mix of some of my favorite old books from when I was a baby/child and new ones. I am so glad this is coming together. Now we just need to decide on a crib and furniture, along with some lamps (the place we have has no over head light in that room). Although, I suppose first things first, we're going to finish straightening up in there and paint it next weekend. I'll try to remember to take a before and after pic of it too. Can't wait to get started now that I have a solid idea! Yay!

Getting down to business

With all my talk of nursery and decorating stuff in previous blog posts, you would think I would be on top of my game when it comes to putting ours together. However, now that the time is finally here, I'm a little stumped. I have some ideas, but for the most part I am up in the air about everything. I'm hoping some things will solidify themselves sooner rather than later. At least we've agreed on color: a soft grey for the walls. I want something neutral that we can pair with a couple bright colors as accents throughout the room. I also want to DIY my mobile over our crib . . . we'll see how that goes. But I love paper ones and I thought it would be fun to do one with paper cranes. I love the meaning behind them. In Japanese culture they symbolize long life, happiness, good luck and peace. All good things to hang over you I think. I'm not sure if I'll mix them with these poms (below) or not, but I like those as well. All good ways to add come color.

I also know that I kinda want a mini library for my little one, well more like a reading corner. I like this idea of displaying the book faces and this is a cute piece that could do just that.

However, I am still stumped on bedding. Although, Brian and I both agreed to keep it simple and to go without the bumper. I love what they have at New Arrivals Inc. But it's hard to get a sense of what it really looks like when it's just online and you can't see it at a store.

Anyway, right now I am focused on paint. We'll be painting our bathrooms this weekend and after that's done the next project will be the nursery. I am excited about the process and definitely a little nervous. I hope to take some good before and after pictures though so you guys can see the end result. 

Until then, wish me luck!

Seattle Bound

That's right! We finally made our flight reservations and we will be on our way to Seattle 18 Feb-26 Feb! I could not be more excited. I have been wanting to go back and visit for quite some time now and I can't believe it is finally going to happen. I am so looking forward to eating great seafood, enjoying incredible coffee, visiting with my grandparents, and showing Brian around the place I called home for 12 years. There is so much we want to see and do while we are there, I just hope we can fit it all in some how.

Only 37 more days to go!

And Then There Were Three . . .

Finish the Living Room: Check!

So happy that I can finally check this off my list of things to do. At the end of December Brian and I set off to complete our living room. I was impressed with our success and even more pleased with the end result. Unfortunately, the beloved Eames chair had to go . . . it just didn't fit in our pace as well as we had hoped. But here is the end result and even without an Eames chair I have to say it looks pretty nice.

Now, we just need to add some art to the walls and we're all set!

Coming to a close

Well, the year is coming to a close and it's time to do a little reminiscing. This past year has been amazing, but by far the best part was buying our new home in Alexandria. Deep down neither of us really wanted to leave the area we called home for the past three years. However, with prices being what they are here and what you can get for it, there was a time when we thought we would have to look out further for our first home. As luck would have it, just when we had just about given up hope, we were able to close on a place right up the street from where we were in the same development. And honestly, I couldn't be more happy here. So far everything has really come together. We finally have a dinning table and an almost complete grown up living room (no futon to be seen). Now all that's left is a couple more pieces (bookcases, area rug, & coffee table) and we'll have successfully finished the downstairs at the same time clearing most of the stuff out of the spare bedroom.

The biggest trip this year was to Chicago, which also marked a mile stone for Brian when he finished his first marathon! I was so proud of him. We had a great time in the windy city before, during the race (well, up until mile 22 or so for Brian), and after. We were even able to meet up with an old friend of Brian's, Jay, for dinner our last night there. In all a trip that made a dream into a reality and lit a fire to find the next marathon to conquer . . . Brian has the Marine Corps marathon in his sights for next year.

I was only bummed that we couldn't make it out to Washington before the year was over. However, with everything else going on, we just could afford that too. Next year I want to make it out there in March. Here's hoping everything goes to plan. I have one other trip before then planned with my girlfriends from college. The first week of the new year three of us, one from FL, and the other in Baltimore, plan to head north to see our two other friends in New Hampshire and Mass. I'm looking forward to the girl time and praying it doesn't snow.

I am also finally planning to hold a house warming Mad Men party at our place in late January, or early February. SO excited to flex my cooking muscles when it comes to making fun orderves and serving fancy drinks. As well as, finally having friends over to show off our new space.

Even though I have these things and more to look forward to in 2012, it's hard for me to focus on that when I have a tree full of presents in my house and some at my parents as well for Christmas. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Even though I keep trying to convince Brian to open one early, he's been good, and he'll most likely make me wait. Here's hoping the week goes fast and that you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!