Friday, June 25, 2010

Project Nursery - Act 1

One of the most fun parts of being pregnant (aside from seeing the baby, feeling the baby and hearing the heartbeat of course) is planning the nursery. I was dreaming of our first baby's nursery before we even conceived.

We've chosen our smallest guest room as the nursery. How much space can one tiny human need? So far, that answer seems to be a lot! But with proper planning, organization and thoughtful execution, I think it will work out just fine.

Follow me on this journey of creating Oliver's Nest and feel free to add suggestions (well except on his name, paint colors and furniture as those are set in stone). :)

Before picture of nursery/guest room...


Here's the project board I've created for inspiration after many, many hours of research:


Tomorrow my always-willing-to-help parents are coming over to paint the walls (Thyme Green - much brighter than pictured here due to scanning), paint the closet (light grey) and put up crown moulding. We'll be ordering the crib, mattress and dresser next week. I already have the adorable owl sheets and pillow from DwellStudio. Not pictured is a recliner that's being slipcovered in white as well as a crib skirt that's still in the design stage.

We are so excited to see this nursery come together!

Happy Painting!



Thursday, June 24, 2010

20 Weeks and Counting (DOWN)!

20 weeks 3 days

looking right at us
waving hand



Time to check in. I've officially crossed the halfway threshold of pregnancy. I had my 20 week doctor appointment today and all looked great. I got to meet the only male midwife on staff and I loved him! That's not to say I haven't been happy with everyone in the office...well, there was that one midwife... :)

How far along: 20 weeks and 6 days today!

Symptoms: Heartburn is still showing its ugly face, low back ache comes and goes, round belly continues to grow. I've been experiencing pregnancy rhinitis (stuffy/runny nose) for the last few weeks in addition to a growing appetite. Oh and I almost forgot my varicose veins and swollen ankles by the end of the day. No real complaints though, we're on our way to having a healthy baby boy and that alone makes all of this worth it!

Total Weight Gain: 7 pounds total. Midwife is happy with the gain. When else in your life can you gain 6 pounds in 4 weeks and get a high-five from the doctor? (Well unless you happen to be one of the Olsen twins.)

Maternity Clothes: Update: I added maternity underwear to my collection and if that ain't sexy I don't know what is!

Stretch Marks: Just a forgone conclusion at this point.

Sleep: How does one get comfortable with a melon in the belly? I'm still trying to figure this out.

Best Moment This Week: Having a detailed ultrasound, confirming Oliver is indeed a boy and starting work on the nursery!

Movement: I feel movement daily, especially right after eating.

Food Cravings: I'm back to eating pretty much anything. Chicken still isn't my favorite but I can eat it. I'm also back in the kitchen creating recipes which makes hubby very happy!

Belly Button: Still in but getting sore. I wonder how much longer it will be in?

What I miss: The gym!

What I am looking forward to: Traveling to Charleston to visit the in-laws (and check out all the cute baby stores there), getting the nursery finished and meeting Oliver!

Milestones: Over the hump!

How is Daddy?: Glowing. :)

How are the Grandparents?: Anticipating Oliver's arrival and eager to help do whatever needs to be done!

Stranger Encounters: Still occurring. I love when my friends and family want to touch the baby belly. Strangers? Not so much.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

And he shall be called...

OHE

Oliver Edmunds Holloway.

We've known since we conceived that if Baby H was a boy we would name him Oliver. Why you ask? Simply because we love it. It's different and not often heard anymore. The middle name, Edmunds, is from Brent's side of the family. Edmunds was Brent's great-grandfather. We feel good about not only getting a name we love but also one that connects this baby to the family he comes from.

Calling Oliver by his name makes this pregnancy seem all the more real. Last week Brent said something very simple, "when Oliver gets here..." and it completely caught me off guard. I think for the first time I actually was able to imagine what a tiny piece of our new life will be like. We can't wait to meet our little Oliver face to face.

A bit of useless information: The name Oliver means" kind one, olive tree (a biblical symbol of dignity and fruitfulness) and peace." Edmunds means "wealthy protector."

The cat is out of the bag. Let the monogramming begin!