Lily's Nursery

Over the past few months you've had an opportunity to see bits and pieces of Lily's nursery as we've worked to pull it all together. From the hours Jerry and Jeremy spent installing the board and batten, to the painting, sewing, and constant reorganization of that small space... it is all done.

We could not be happier with how it turned out. She certainly has the nicest room in our house! It is such a calm place and we love spending time in there. Now we just need Lily to join us.

Here it is!

From the bedroom door

She has a lot of little friends waiting to meet her:

And do not get me started on her closet or her superb collection of clothes:

Her diapers are washed and ready for use:

Our cozy corner is stocked and ready with all that we'll need to spend time with Lily. The iPod (loaded with some good tunes), a support pillow, clock, and of course a good selection of books (housed in a magazine rack/holder that Grandpa Jerry made when he was in school - how cool is that?!).

Folks, I think we're ready. In classic Sarah fashion, I may even be over-prepared. I suppose my Type-A, Virgo, personality could have produced a worse flaw than my need to plan and prepare. We are just too excited to sit still.

We are forever grateful to everyone who helped pull this together. Our parents played a huge part in pulling this off - from shopping, to building, to making sure it had elements of our own childhoods, the handmade blankets and art from family, the amazing books, and our friends and their never ending generosity. There are consignment sale finds, hand-me-downs, designer items, handmade features... The thing I love best about Lily's room is that there really is no theme - it is the eclectic assembly of her whole family - blood or otherwise. We couldn't be more ready for her to love this space, and the people that made it happen, as much as we do.

39 Weeks

Lily is approximately 7+ pounds and should be around 20 inches long. This week she's compared to the size of a mini watermelon (my fav!). Her outer layer of skin is sloughing off, along with the remaining vernix, and new fresh baby skin is replacing it.

We've had a few contractions the last couple days - nothing we need to be sounding alarms for, it could still be a few weeks before she's here - but it's a nice little start to say things are at least moving in the right direction. My belly continues to get bigger, something I wasn't sure was even possible. Did I mention here the story about the lady in the elevator at the doctors office? If not, basically a complete strangers eyes bugged out as she exclaimed about how huge I was. Even when a woman is obviously pregnant - a damn near at the end - when did it become okay (at any time?!) to comment on a woman's size? For those that don't know or forgot - the answer is never. Ever. Being told you're huge, for whatever the beautiful reason, no bueno. There, I'm glad we got that lesson out. Now go forth and spread the word like gospel.

Physically - this part is hard. I know I've said it a thousand times now, but pregnancy isn't for wusses. Or maybe I'm a bigger weenie than I thought. Overall I've been pretty fortunate, but even with just the 'typical' stuff, it certainly isn't easy! I'm fairly achy most days, my hips especially after sleeping, I've had some days of decent swelling with this hot weather, heartburn, fatigue, etc. Thankfully I've been able to soak in a cool bath and that seems to offer some good relief on these 90 degree days.

Mentally I'm in a pretty good place. I was worried that when I got here I would be pacing up and down the hall, impatience at it's peak, losing my mind because she hadn't arrived yet. Just in case you don't know me at all - I skipped the day they handed out patience, and I've managed not to collect any more of it over the years. But here, I do have to give myself a bit of credit... I'm doing pretty well. I'm certainly ready to be done with pregnancy and to meet our daughter, but I haven't turned into Captain Crazy Pants. Yet.

Jeremy is definitely ready for her to arrive. When we went to sleep last night he laid in bed, rubbed my belly, and was sweetly asking Lily to come out. "I love you, Lily. You can come out now." I love those moments. Almost every time I stretch or groan he gives me a hard time, "Is it time yet??" He's like a kid anticipating the best Christmas morning ever. I absolutely love his enthusiasm. People continue to give him a hard time with the, "Oh, you just wait!" but he really is just as cool as a cucumber. I think his calm and excitement is really what is helping to keep things together for me as well. He's going to be a great daddy.

Our weekly visit with the doc is on Wednesday of this week, so we will continue to keep you posted with any exciting updates!

Tick Tock - the countdown begins!

39 Weeks:

(Final complete nursery photos will be coming next week!)

38 Weeks

Another week closer to meeting our Lily!

At 38 Weeks Lily is just under 20 inches long and probably between 6 1/2 and 7 pounds. All of her organs have full matured and she is ready for the outside world. She's not the only one - we're ready too! While we are excited and know that she could arrive at any time - we are preparing for her to take her time. We've had no signs of labor what-so-ever.

Meanwhile we've been really focused on collecting the last few essentials we need before her arrival. I've also had a chance to finish a few projects for her nursery - including her ruffled crib skirt! (yes, FINALLY)

We found an amazing deal on a jogging stroller, ordered a few more diapers, and a number of other little items (crib mattress protector, cover for the changing pad, etc) to finish everything off. Otherwise my week has been filled with loads of baby laundry and organizing her room. With the exception of a few things we're still using, we are also all packed and ready for the hospital!

Here are a few of the items we hung in the nursery:

 A finished crib skirt!!

Our sweet new jogging stroller: (Yes, that second photo is Jeremy chasing our dog through the yard with the stroller. Meanwhile I'm laughing like a lunatic and snapping photos. Oh yeah folks, we're going to be parents. Go ahead and let that sink in...)

And lastly, me, at 38 weeks:

We have a doctors appointment this evening, so we'll reporting anything exciting!

35 Weeks

Today marks a fun day in our pregnancy timeline:

35 weeks down / 35 DAYS until our due date.

Doesn't sound like much, does it? Probably because it isn't very long at all. All of the books/phone apps/websites say that she's running out of space in there. No book needs to tell me she's feeling cooped up, I can vouch for that little gem of information personally. If I have sat for too long, or God forbid am getting up after laying down - we're in full waddle mode. I even received my first stranger comment (besides simple, albeit appreciated, congratulations) at the grocery store, "You've got to be almost there!" Yes, ma'am. I think we can officially call this the home stretch.

She's weighing in over 5 pounds (probably about 5 1/4) and is well over 18" long by now. Pick up a honeydew melon or a coconut - that's just about her size. She's got fully functioning kidneys and her liver is already processing some 'waste'. We just love to hear about these final touches coming together. Lily's just got to kick back (literally kicking most of the time) and put on some weight. Basically, she's living the good (even if a bit cramped) life.

We had a short, but sweet, visit with our doctor on Friday. Her heartbeat sounds excellent (about 140bpm) and we both got the stamp of approval. Doc got a good chuckle out of my yawning a half dozen times throughout our brief appointment (at 1:30 in the afternoon no less...) and reassured me that all of my aches and pains are completely normal. To get plenty of rest, try and relax, and to brace myself - cause they're probably not going to feel better until after she's arrived. It was a good pep talk - I'm ready!

In just a couple weeks we will have our final ultrasound, get an idea of her weight, do a final test or two... and then we'll be ready to have a baby! You know, when ever it is that she decides to grace us with her sure-to-be adorable presence. She will probably follow the old cliche 'Always late, but worth the wait.'

Friday evening we had a fun date night. It started with getting our maternity pictures taken! We found a great deal with a local photographer we hadn't used before. He and his wife were wonderful to work with. They made us feel so comfortable. I must say - I do like being behind the lens better. :) Once we get them back, I will be sure to share!

This weekend we also assembled a few more final touches in the nursery, finally installing the mirror and shelf. Just a couple more things to do!

Please, oh please, take pity on a girl with very little left of her higher brain function and just pretend I actually cleaned that mirror in the background before taking a photo of it. I promise my mom taught me better and appreciate you looking the other way on that one.

35 Weeks:

30 Weeks

30 Weeks... Three-Zero... Wow!

Here I am:

This week Lily is about 3 pounds and 17 inches long. I am definitely noticing her weight and size. My tummy is getting bigger and by the end of the day I feel the strain in my lower back. Not to mention how funny it is for me to get in and out of bed or a low chair. Jeremy often gets a good chuckle while he lends me a hand in getting up. Speaking of getting up... I'm doing that a lot now as well, since Lily clearly finds it amusing to use my bladder as a soccer ball! Even as things become more cumbersome I wouldn't change a thing. I could not feel more blessed to have this experience. We've waited quite some time for this sweet little girl and she's worth each extra trip to the bathroom. Lol

Our weekend was hugely productive. Jeremy was very sweet and took me to Ikea on a Saturday. His intentions may have been more to provide me with a spending chaperone, but I'll take it! We picked up a floating shelf, rug, sheer curtains, mirror, frames and even an accent table. Quite a score! After a stop at Home Depot, the rest of our day was spent working in Lily's nursery.

Jeremy hung the shelf above the window (which will also hold the rods for the window treatments):

We also got our adorable prints matted, framed, and hung on the wall:

Aren't they adorable?? I love that our pups are in Lily's room.

We put together the end table and topped it with an adorable lamp we found (and an old alarm clock):

And lastly, we hung the floating shelf that will house some books and other treasures:

Our vision is taking shape and it is really starting to come together! It is such a calm space, filled with features we love, and we love spending time in there. The room will translate well for a future kiddo and even a big kid room. Beside the fact it is on the small size (closet too), there isn't a single thing in there I don't love. Okay, maybe the carpet isn't my favorite... but now I'm being picky.

 My happy place.

A couple photos of us just lounging around - but I promise we were working hard! So were our helpers. We have a few more decor pieces to hang and we have bedding, curtains, and a few other accents to add, but I'd call those final touches!

This week we have our appointment, which will now be taking place every two weeks instead of monthly, doing the hospital tour, and taking care of our pre-registration. I imagine that is going to make it feel even more real.

Tick - Tock! Only about 10 weeks left.

29 Weeks

This week Lily is about 2 1/2 pounds and about 15 inches long head to heel. She's still working to build up her lungs and her head is getting bigger (hopefully not too big!) to accommodate her growing brain. She is getting bigger and is quite an active little girl! We've been highly entertained watching my belly move while she does her water aerobics.

This weekend I picked up sewing materials to get started on her bedding. I'm hoping the project gets underway very soon. We've also assembled and started painting the shelf that will go above the window (and hold the curtain rods). One more coat of paint and we hope to have it hanging up tomorrow! I even scored a great deal on curtain rods at Ross this weekend. Now if I could just find curtains, or fabric to make them... the hunt continues!

Sleep can be tricky some nights, finding a comfortable position, getting up a couple times a night, and sometimes waking up a bit sore. I am starting to work in more stretching and even a regular date with my lovely heating pad. My good pal Rachel saved my life this week when she gave me a wedge for my belly. The support when I lay on my side makes a world of difference - thanks, Rach! I'm certain it will continue to come in handy as I get bigger.

Here I am at 29 Weeks:

And just for fun, a little comparison:

What a difference!

28 Weeks

This week starts our third, and final, trimester!

(yes, that noise you hear is me breathing deeply into a paper bag)

Little Lily is weighing in over two pounds now and is almost 15 inches long. She is growing very quickly these days. Her eyesight is continuing to develop and she is even growing eyelashes and eyebrows now. Outside of those finer details, she is just working to pack on the pounds and increase her brain development. All things that are critical for her as a soon-to-be outside baby.

We are both very excited to be starting this next phase of pregnancy. Lily is a constant topic of conversation in our house. Between the little house projects, stocking up to prepare for this new family member, trying to figure out my leave options at work, how to handle introducing her to the dogs, etc.... she's always on our minds. Already this little girl has changed our world. We are so grateful and are not taking a single moment of this for granted.

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend a warehouse sale for baby shoes. I went with my dear pal Rachel and she and I (and by 'she and I', of course I mean our daughters) scored some very very cute shoes:

Just a sampling - baby shoes kill me every time. 

We also spent some quality time with my family on Sunday. My dad was in town and we all got together for lunch and a bonfire. We got to see a few of my uncles I hadn't seen in quite awhile, my mom and sister were there, and most importantly (no offense everyone else!) some good quality time with my grandma. I love a lazy Sunday with nothing better to do than eat watermelon and burgers next to the fire. We shared a thousand laughs, like we always do, and my grandma Shirley gave us this:

She handmade this beautiful blanket for Lily. Yes, I cried when she gave it to me... and I may have again when we got home. I love it so much. It is gorgeous and simply perfect. There have been a few of these overwhelming moments where I feel so blessed and grateful that Lily has such an amazing support system already - this was one of them. Boy are we lucky. We love you Grams, thank you!!

Reminder: to read all of our other weekly updates, please click the header "Scott Family Escapades" above and it will take you to the main page. Sorry for any link confusion!

27 Weeks

Wow - 27 weeks! The final week of our second trimester.

Lily is now almost two pounds and should be about 14 1/2 inches long head to toe. She is now opening and closing her eyes, and breathing amniotic fluid. Even her brain is showing increased activity - already working on becoming a genius. While things still need to mature, she is basically a functioning little person! It's amazing to think about all of that happening in my tummy right now...

This last week we shared a new experience - hiccups! While out to dinner one night, I felt the regular rhythm of her tiny hiccups. Had I not been paying attention I may not have noticed, but it was fun to think about. They are very common, can occur multiple times a day, and will get stronger as she gets bigger.

The nursery is really coming along. Wednesday afternoon Lily's dresser was delivered. Jeremy did a great job putting it together and there are already little clothes in the drawers! Also, on Saturday morning we went to Babies R Us first thing and picked up our glider. It is an amazing piece of furniture and I am really looking forward to the hours Jeremy and I will get to spend with Lily in that chair. I already spent an hour in the glider, sitting in the sunshine and snuggled up with a book.

We've now got all of her furniture! We still have shelving to make and install, and definitely some wall decor to figure out, bedding to make and/or purchase... but all in all we're in good shape!

I couldn't possibly finish our weekly update without mentioning Mothers Day. What a special day and a new perspective for me. I have always loved celebrating my own wonderful mama and to be included in those festivities was a real blessing, albeit a bit surreal. :) Jeremy woke me up with sweet card (have I mentioned lately how lucky I am? Good.), had made reservations, and took us all to The Farmhouse - a tasty restaurant about an hour north of us - for breakfast. We stuffed ourselves silly, and did a little antique shopping, before we came home and I got to relax most of the day in the sunshine while Jeremy tackled a few of his projects.

I hope that all of you Moms out there (new moms, veterans, grandmas, those still trying to conceive, expecting moms, step moms, dog mamas, etc) got to enjoy some relaxation this weekend. The weather here was stunning and it made the day all that more special.

Edited to add:
I realized that I didn't have a photo of the glider! It is a cell phone photo, but here it is:

26 Weeks

At 26 weeks, Lily is about 1 2/3 pounds and about 14 inches long. This week the nerves in her ears are more developed and is able to hear us as we chat. Her eyes are forming and she has eyelashes now. It won't be long before she's opening them.

We got good news about both our dresser and glider - we should have them both within the week! Also, in the mail this week we received the fabric we'll be using the make most of Lily's crib bedding. Not all of the pieces will go into the bedding, but also a few pillows and other accepts in the room.

I love the colors and patterns we've chosen:

We have the materials now to start making the shelf that will be above the window and we've starting to shop for other shelving and frames. We also purchased a couple prints this weekend from an Australian artist on Etsy. Aren't they adorable? Our Lacey and Harley!

  You can find her site here: Wallfry

Her space is really starting to take shape in our minds and it is exciting to see each piece come together. Not too long from now it will be ready and waiting for her!

We have an appointment this week and are looking forward to a little peek at Lily. She's moving around like crazy now and I am even able to feel her in multiple places at once. Just another wonderful sign that she's filling up the space in there! Only 14 more weeks of growing left before we get to see her sweet face.

23 Weeks

Our Lily is now over 11 inches long and weighs in at just over a pound! About the size of a large mango.

Her hearing has become more sensitive and she can even feel the movement when we dance. She can recognize the dogs barking and the sound of the vacuum, now when she joins us on the outside - months from now - these noises won't phase her a bit.

This week I saw my belly move for first time. It takes a particularly strong kick, but boy is that crazy to see! She moves more and more these days, some I can even tell are rolls compared to specific jabs. She's really filling the space in there.

Jeremy has finished painting the board and batten in Lily's room. Also, this weekend - we got a crib! We are in love with her room and always looking for a reason to spend time in there. There are little things hanging in her closest and blankets in her baskets. It is amazing to watch it all come together.

23 Weeks:

Jeremy has worked so hard on her room. He's been ever the perfectionist making sure it's just right for Lily.

 Jeremy surprised my Saturday evening and put together her crib!

22 Weeks

Lily is about 11inches long this week and weighs in at almost 1 pound. She's about the size of a papaya or spaghetti squash. Oddly enough, this week she is forming tiny tooth buds beneath her gums. Her lips and eyes are more developed, and most everything is proportionate now. She's looking like a miniature new born!

I am feeling her move around more and more. It still catches me off guard most of the time! Jeremy has been able to feel her a few more times as well. It's a lot of fun to be able to share those little moments as a family.

The Belly at 22 Weeks:

As you can see behind me, Lily's room has seen a big transformation this week! Jeremy primed the board that was put up last weekend and on Saturday Jerry came up to help us install the molding and batten. Just like any DIY project there were a few tricky moments and a couple trips to the hardware store, but by that evening it was all up! Sunday morning we patched the nail holes and now it just needs a coat (or two) of paint.

It's starting to really take shape and we're both very excited to see it come together. Here's a few photos of the progress we made this week:

 Definitely the first time Jeremy's been excited to paint!

 Saturday morning and the moulding is starting to go up!

 Measure twice!

 Because this time, we didn't. Oops! Thankfully it was our only mis-cut.

 The three of us had a good system down. I measured and marked, Jerry manned the saw, and Jeremy installed the batten. It made it go really fast!

 It looks GREAT! We are thrilled with how it came together.

Jeremy plans to finish the priming and painting this week and then we'll officially be done with this part of Lily's room. I'm happy it turned out so well. Thank you, Jerry, for all of your help! We couldn't have done it without you.

Now it's time for furniture shopping!