New Baby, New Room

We knew we wanted to avoid buying duplicate items for #2 if possible, but told ourselves if Reed wasn't ready to give up something we wouldn't push it. That being said I started working on the nursery early on. I felt like this might help him get used to the idea of another person joining our family and we could also use it to set some boundaries/guidelines. He has been a trooper and willingly watched some of his old toys, books, clothes, rocker, and changing table get moved to the room across the hall for the last few months. The last challenge was his crib. I had no intention of trying to get him in a big boy bed before the baby if he wasn't ready, but then realized that because I will be for sure having a C-section I won't be able to lift him in or out of bed for several weeks. We went ahead and bit the bullet and about three weeks ago moved him into a twin mattress on his bedroom floor. Although we've had a few bumps in the road (especially around nap time), he seems to have adjusted well and is enjoying his new found freedom. That being said the Nursery is now complete and ready to be shared.

So a quick rundown of what we've got going on this time around. First, hanging above the bed are enlarged prints of vintage alphabet flashcards. We bought these when Jon and I were in Seattle. The shop was just across the street from our hotel and after making a few phone calls to share our news with our Grandparents and other family members as well as sending an email to our close friends it felt like just the right purchase to embrace that this was really happening a second time around. The crib and rocking chair are hand me downs from Reed's room. The pillows on the chair are handmade sequins pillows "G" Momma made for me almost ten years ago when I bought my first house. I splurged and bought black out lined curtains that are adorable (and super functional) and then a cute red and white gingham ottoman that I thought would be great for resting my feet on while nursing, but Reed has decided works much better as a perch to enjoy stories from.



 

 

I hung a hook by the closet door for pajamas, outfits, etc., but for now we have an Arsenal (Jon's favorite soccer team) onesie, that fits perfectly with the color scheme, occupying it. They have a big game on 11/10 against Manchester United so the baby will definitely be sporting it that day!

 



The changing table and trash can/hamper are hand me downs, again from Reed. We invested in a new wipeable changing pad that matches the room and a cute mobile that features red, white, and grey hot air balloons. Above the changing table is a black and white picture from mine and Jon's engagement photo shoot that includes both sets of Grandparents, Auntie "C", and Uncle Kyle.

On the wall opposite the window we have two bookshelves filled with books, toys, blankets, swaddles, and lots of storage cubes. There are two painted yard sticks with clothespins that I created to hold well wishes, cards, and pictures in the future, but right now have ultrasound pics and the unopened "surprise" envelope. Yes we have had the gender of our baby in a sealed envelope for months and haven't peeked!!! In the middle of the wall is a gingham covered board that features a worn out t-shirt of Jon's that reads "Established 1887 McClarty Farms" and then hand/foot prints of all of our family's members except baby - Reed, Dodger, Mom, and Dad.

There is definitely lots of room to add things as we collect items after the baby is born. The blue is a little more gender neutral than it looks in the pictures and once we know if it is a girl or a boy I will probably change around a few things and definitely add a rug that matches the gender. For now though it is done and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.

Lots of Sharing and the end of Wedding Season

Last week we had a play date with my friend Heidi and her two kids Drake (20 months) and Emie (3 months). We try to do this every couple of months and it has been so neat to watch the boys grow and become more capable of playing together. If they don't look like trouble - I don't know what does!!!

On Thursday "G" Momma got to town for Auntie "M's" wedding and we went over to my parent's house for dinner. I managed to remember my camera and tried to get a picture with both Grandmas and Reed. Grandpa was trying to get everyone to look at the camera and hysterical laughing by all parties ensued.

On Friday Uncle Kyle, Aunt Kari, and Annaliese arrived for the weekend festivities. Since Kyle was officiating the wedding ceremony and I was a bridesmaid we decided to have them stay with us for the weekend knowing we would be gone both nights late and in need of babysitters. It didn't take long for the two to warm up to each other and by the time we left for the rehearsal they were running around the house holding hands.

Auntie "C" and Tio came over to watch the kids on Friday night. I knew they would do fine but was worried Reed might have a hard time seeing two of his favorite people give someone else attention. The kids did great, we even got a few text updates of the fun that was happening back home. As an added bonus "C" and Tio each got to change their first diapers (#1s not #2s thank goodness) - Annaliese may have had to tell Tio hers was on wrong though!!!

I was gone all day Saturday being a pampered bridesmaid but the Kiddos once again had a great time together, including a visit from Grandma, Grandpa, and "G" Momma.

Between four Grandparents living close by and Reed's allergies we have never had anyone else stay with him. I was a little concerned when I realized that they would all be at the wedding as would all the rest of our immediate family, several friends, and some trusted co-workers, not to mention I wouldn't be there when the sitter arrived to go over Reed's medicines, etc. Luckily we quickly realized we could ask our close friends Michael and Megan to watch the kids. Reed adores them, they are both great with kids, and we trust them completely - thankfully they were available. This meant I could enjoy the wedding without worry, THANK GOODNESS!!!

Jon managed to get a quick picture of Megan and the kids before heading off

When Auntie "M" asked me to be in her wedding I was so touched. She is like a Sister to me, we grew up on neighboring ranches, are co-workers, and are lucky enough to be great friends. The last time I was pregnant I was a bridesmaid in Auntie "C" and Tio's wedding and have always thought of how special it was that Reed got to be a part of their celebration. I was so worried to tell Auntie "M" that I was going to be uber-pregnant for her Big Day, but she felt the exact same way and hasn't stopped talking about how special it is that the baby will have been part of the celebration. In all honesty she was one of the most beautiful brides I have ever seen!!

Now is when my camera failures come into play. I took a few getting ready shots so you can see just how beautiful "M" looked, but aside from that I don't have any of Hunky Kevin, the wedding itself, or even the reception. It was such a perfect day and I know the photographer captured so many moments, I just don't have any of those pics to share here!!! I also failed to take out my camera the next day when we went to Visalia to spend time with family, specifically Great Papa Ken and Blingy (it was her Birthday) - bad Mommy, bad Blogger!!!

This was the sixth wedding I attended while pregnant and while I have to admit I'm glad I don't have to squeeze into anymore dresses or wrap anymore gifts, it is so great to have so many people celebrating life and love around you as you grow and nurture a new little life of your own!!!

Pumpkin Patchin'

As if last weekend wasn't busy enough we hit up the Pumpkin Patch across the street from Nonna and Pepe's before dinner on Sunday. Reed and I have been growing pumpkins in our garden so we didn't really need to get any more, but we wanted to take Reed because they have an awesome steam train you can ride on and some other vintage farm equipment that we thought would make for good photo opportunities.. It ended up being really fun and we even took a token pumpkin home with us to add to our collection.

 

How much fun can a Kid have at the Dentist?

On Sunday Reed and I made a special trip to my Dentist office. It just so happens that my Aunt Penny is my Hygienist and she was cleaning Auntie "M's" teeth (making sure her pearly whites are ready for her wedding this coming weekend) and said we could come too if we wanted. I jumped at the chance to have Reed get familiarized with the office, tools, procedures, etc. with only a couple of people around - all of whom he knows well.

I was expecting Reed to do just fine, but he LOVED it. He was willing to lay back in the exam chair, have Penny count, brush, and pretend polish his teeth. He also grew very attached to the water sprayer and "Mr. Thirsty" (the suction/vacuum thing) both of which were put to heavy use at his request. I hadn't been able to confirm my suspicions that a few of Reed's two year molars had come in, but Penny did, he has three of the four! I really couldn't have asked for a better first dental experience and an added bonus is that Reed has been great about letting us brush his teeth since.

A little apprehensive to start

Auntie "M" makes a great Dental Assistant

Think someone was enamored with
Grand Aunt Penny?

Paging Dr. Reed

The Big Fresno Fair

Growing up the Fair was always in town for my Birthday so I have fond memories of going with my family to celebrate a few times. We decided to renew the tradition this year since Reed is now old enough to enjoy some of the exhibits and even a ride. Hopefully we can indulge in fair food with him in a few years, but we weren't ready to attempt that yet. Instead we went to In-N-Out after and this Mommy even got to enjoy the incognito shake that I have been craving!

The Little Guy was pretty overwhelmed the whole time we were at the Fair - not scared, just unusually quiet and with a constant expression of amazement. We hit up the pig races where Reed got a prime view from Jon's shoulders. Then we went to the livestock and horticulture barns, the mutton bustin races, the Merry-go-Round, ball toss, local fruit/veggie display, and then caught a few songs by an a cappella group that was performing. Even though he was a bit stunned he walked most of the time only being carried once it got really crowded and we wanted to leave. Of course the moment we walked out the gates our normal Chatter Box started in asking to go back for more games and telling us about all of the animals he saw.

Reed was a little slow to understand how the Merry-Go-Round works and despite mine and Jon's best efforts we never quite got a good picture of him looking at me. Did I mention I wasn't allowed to ride because I was pregnant? Ridiculous!

Reed's general expression during our
whole time at the Fair!