It's a...

GIRL!

We couldn't be more surprised or thrilled. I've been shopping for frills and pink like there's no tomorrow.

Welcome Porter Clark

Introducing Porter Clark Averett.

He was born at 3:25pm on Friday, October 8th weighing in at 8 lbs 14 oz and 21.5" long.

Labor went fairly quickly once they started me on pitocin Friday morning after trying to induce me Thursday night.  I was still able to deliver naturally as planned and once I had this little guy in my arms, I was beaming with joy.  {The picture above was taken moments after delivery}.

We are so happy he's here and are loving our new family of 4!

Caden's World

I can't help but feel a little sentimental these days. I know how much Caden's world is going to change in the next few weeks, and it makes me a little sad.

The past few weeks I've been obsessed with getting the entire house clean from top to bottom, and finishing some decorating projects.

As wonderful as checking things off the list have felt, it dawned on me that I need to be spending some quality time with this little guy.

Before his entire world is turned upside down.

So today we went to the park, had a cookie together and built train tracks upon train tracks. He helped me wash some of the baby's clothes, fold them, and match up socks. To cap off the day, we read books, sang wheels on the bus about 1600 times and counted to 6 about 1200 times.

It was a good day and now I don't feel so bad.

I know he won't be the only one with his world turned upside down, and honestly, I don't feel prepared for this baby at all. I'll admit I am concerned about having more than one child and being able to handle all that's on my plate. And most importantly, being able to be a patient and somewhat rested mother.

With Caden no longer napping, I don't know how it's all going to work. My goal is to work to have a more structured quiet time for Caden so we can all have about 1 1/2 hours down time. I figure Caden can have a quiet time basket with activities and/or toys that can only be played with during quiet time. (i.e. special books, movies)

Do you practice quiet time in your home? If so, where do you have it (Caden & the baby will be sharing a room)? What activities do you allow during this time? Any tips you can give would be so very helpful.

It's a ....

We found out that we're having another boy and couldn't be more thrilled!  I was momentarily disappointed that our future wouldn't be filled with ruffles and frills, but then I saw a healthy baby boy with everything in working order.

Now that we know what we're having, I'm going to start working on the room.  We are leaning towards a shared room at the moment.  If Jordan from Oh Happy Day can turn a closet into a shared room, surely I can make a small room work.  Did you see her amazing photos?

Check out more pictures over on her blog.

Custom Moses Basket Stand

Isn't this the most beautiful Moses basket stand for little ones?  Nathan designed it for his new little one.

But wait, it gets even better!

Butterfly joints keep some of the pieces together.

While other butterflies are engraved on the legs....

...and the platform where the basket sits.  Love the details that went into this piece!

Shared Room

{Sixx Design}

How do you feel about shared bedrooms?  The current discussion at our home is: Where is the baby going to sleep?  And the most likely option seems to be in their brother's room.  He will be 2 1/2 when the baby is born.

Am I crazy?

Cause I sure feel like it.

{Cottage Living}

I keep having visions of late night feedings waking up the toddler (he's a light sleeper) and then having to get two children back to sleep during my zombie-like state.

And to be honest, none of it sounds like fun.

{25 Beautiful Homes}

I know there are shared bedrooms happening everywhere out there.  Would you mind sharing your stories?  What has worked for you and what hasn't?  I would love to hear them.

Thanks for your help!

Oilo Nursery Decor

These lovely images appeared in my inbox this morning.  And I said, "Oh, my heart, be still."

{Glider with pouf footrest and pillows}

Have I told you that my son is turning 2 this Friday?  He is and I couldn't be more happy.  Now if I could just figure out a way to cure my longing to have another baby.  Yes, there's an easy cure for that, I know.  In due time, in due time, my friends. 

{Modern Berries set with double cylinder light and glider}

Don't you love this nursery set up?  It's all Oilo.  Oilo was founded by Annalisa Thomas to offer a chic, new solution for fashionable nursery décor.  In her quest to find modern and stylish nursery décor for her first child, Thomas she found a void in the marketplace for well styled nursery décor at an affordable price.

{Cobblestone set and cylinder lights}

Annalisa has since teamed up with her mother, Dorte Anderson, a former interior designer to offer a modern mom and fresh new approach to nursery décor. 

And good news!  As a Fresh Nest reader, you get 15% off your order!  Use the code fnd2010 for a 15% discount on any order from oilostudio.com.  Happy shopping!

Virtual Baby Shower

Hello everyone! I've missed you!! We are nearly snowed in around here so I have a little time to play catch up.

{invitations designed by me for Cami's shower}

So guess what?

My sister-in-law, Cami is about to have a baby. She could even be in labor this very minute. But I doubt that. She would have called. {Cause I know we're at the top of the list}.

And she's having a little boy {and by little I mean probably 10 lbs.- sorry Cami!} He will more than likely have red hair. And you know what they say about red heads.
While we were out in Utah visiting family, we threw a virtual baby shower. Yes, virtual. It's a sign of the times, baby! I haven't seen Cami with her little baby bump. Sad, huh? But we all still wanted to spread the cheer and get her ready for this little one. So here are a couple tips for hosting a shower virtually: {Sorry, no pictures... I was busy.}

1. Attention- make sure the person you are throwing a shower for is the center of attention. Use skype to bring in a video feed and make sure you have someone sitting in front of the computer talking to her and keeping her in the know when things are going on.
2. Play an interactive game- we had a sheet with questions that attendees filled out when they arrived. i.e. how much will the baby weigh, what color of hair will the baby have, when will the baby be born, etc. This helps keep the conversation going.
3. Have the husband (or fiance) make the mom or bride-to -be a special treat. They miss out on all the punch and cake by being away. And that's just no fun.
4. Gifts- ask that the gifts be sent to the mom or bride-to-be in advance so she has gifts to open while everyone watches.

Overall, I thought the shower went very well. I am so happy for Cami and Jon. We wish you the best!! xoxo

Monthly baby pictures

I wish I would have known about these t-shirts about 10-12 months ago. These would be perfect for monthly baby pictures. I may have to figure out how to recreate them as they would be perfect photo props too.

All images from Culpeper General

The Beginning of Caden

A little earlier than we thought he would come, but we are so glad he's here. And since I have been getting so many questions about his arrival, I thought I'd share some my account of how his little life began...

Casey had decided to go on a ski trip to Winter Park, CO with his brother in law, Corey and his friend, Jeff. We figured since it was three weeks before Caden was supposed to be here, that all would be fine. I had come down with cold and decided that it would be best to take it easy over the weekend so I didn't set myself into labor while Casey was gone. The boys left on Friday morning and were coming back on Monday the 11th. The entire weekend, Casey was very good about answering my phone calls as he knew if I were in labor, he would want to get on the road immediately.

Monday morning, I woke up earlier than normal (about 6 am) and just started going about my day and dressed for work. I went to have breakfast and when I finished, I got up to take my dishes to the sink, my water broke. This was around 7 am. Once I got all changed and situated, I called Casey. I knew it was about 6:30 am in Colorado and Casey had told me that they planned on leaving around 6 or 7 so I was very hopeful that they were already on the road. I called Casey and he didn't answer. I called again and it sounded like I woke him up.

"Are you guys on the road yet?" I asked.
"No."
"Well I think maybe you should be.... I think my water just broke," I said.

Needless to say, Casey was a little freaked out and couldn't believe that I was going into labor. Like I said, this is 3 weeks before Caden's due date and we figured there was no way I was going to go that early.

I called the doctor's office at 8 am and told them that I was pretty sure my water had broke. (By this time I had already changed my pants 2 times). Stephanie, one of the RNs told me to go to the hospital immediately. I called my sister, Kris and they boys had already given her a heads up so she was already getting ready to pick me up. I told her that I felt fine and could meet her at the hospital. She said I was crazy and I thought she was probably right so Jonzy and I packed bags and did a little light cleaning while we waited for her to show up. Jonzy knew something was up as he kept smelling my clothes and would not leave my side.

When Kris and I got to the hospital, they asked us to wait to be checked in. The lady that checked me in wasn't very pleasant and I wasn't really in the mood to deal with her. After all, I didn't see my labor ever starting this way and I really didn't think Caden was going to be born until the 23rd. And on top of that, while we were waiting, I had another gush. So here I was checking in with completely wet pants.

Once I was checked in, they took Kris and I to the labor and delivery room, room 456. It was comfy and cozy. My first nurses name was Elizabeth and she was really great. She was probably in her mid 50s and had 5 kids of her own. She was really good at listening to me and I think she knew that Kris and I didn't have any clue what we were doing. Since my water broke, they hooked me up to the monitor to check the baby's heart beat and monitor my contractions. My contractions were few and far between. My OB wanted me to start on Petocin immediately, but Elizabeth delayed me a little bit because she knew of our concern with Casey getting back in time. I told her I didn't really want Petocin because it usually lead to getting an Epidural. She said that she would start me off on a low dosage and slowly increase it.

Casey kept calling for updates and I felt really bad for him because he was worried that he wouldn't make it back in time. I knew that he would because I wasn't progressing very quickly and all the staff were very aware of our situation. Kris and I basically hung out in the labor and delivery room resting and chatting. We even played a game of black jack.

Casey called when they were pulling into Lincoln and asked me if he thought it was okay if he went home to take Jonzy out. At that point I was only dilated to about a 5 and I didn't feel like it was going anywhere fast so I said it would be okay. He showed up to the hospital at about 6:30 pm and was in a frenzy. It took him a little bit to calm down and fit into the peaceful environment that Kris and I had created. Once he had his mind set, he did great. He was by my side for every contraction and even did breathing with me. He was so helpful in keeping me focused and on top of my breathing. Shortly after he showed up, my contractions started to get worse. They started to be painful and more consistent. We also got a new nurse, Nicki and her trainee, Julie. Nicki was awesome and was the perfect nurse to get me through the labor. She was with me ever step of the way and helped me focus when I was getting off track. Her trainee, Julie was a newbie and it was pretty obvious. She would ask me questions mid contraction and keep asking me until I answered. I heard Nicki say a couple times to wait and let me get though the contraction. It was a little irritating at the time as she didn't understand that I had to retain my focus.

Nicki kept checking to see how far dilated I was and I remained at a 9 for what seemed like forever. After I had a couple contractions where I felt like pushing, she started to let me push. That started around 12 am. My OB showed up around 12:30 which I was thankful for because I thought that meant I was close. I pushed forever and ever. I was running out of energy with every contraction and push that I did. Luckily, Casey was on my right side, holding my right leg though every push and counting to ten. He helped me stay focused and helped me so much.

When Caden came out (at 2:47 am... yes, I pushed for nearly 3 hours!!) and I heard him cry, it was the most joyful noise I've ever heard. I was so glad he was here and okay. I was so glad that I had made it through labor and we had done it!! It was a long labor and I was very tired, but it was such a happy time. No epidural... which I am amazed at and there were a couple times I felt I was surely crazy for not getting one. It is truly amazing what our bodies can do when we put our mind to it.

Thankfully, I was surrounded by some of the best people to get me through it... mainly my husband, Casey. There is no way I could have done it without him. Now we are a family of 3 + Jonzy and I couldn't ask for a better partner in all of this.

3 weeks early

Welcome Caden James Averett!

He was born Feb. 12th at 2:47am at 8lbs. and 21.5 inches.
Baby and mom are doing well.

Cute, cute

If there's one thing my sisters know, it's party throwing. We all love having parties and getting everything organized and planned. My sisters threw a killer baby shower a couple weeks ago. It seriously rocked. And aren't these little party favors just the greatest? They were filled with candy and nuts. They were a huge hit.

(Made out of the bottom part of a styrofoam cup.)

Wooderful

Oh my gosh!!! Can you believe this?

Absolutely beautiful and perfect!
(This picture doesn't even begin to give it the justice it deserves)

Casey and my dad have labored extensively over this project and I couldn't be more pleased. This dresser is the perfect height so that I can put a changing pad on top for the baby. And it's even more perfect because it will be useable long after the changing pad is gone. Casey designed the dresser, my dad was the know-how and they probably the best thing about it is that they built it together! Oh, baby's gonna likey. And if not.... I have the perfect place to put it.... (uh-hm... can you say master bedroom)?

Looky-me!

I went in for an ultrasound this week. Yes, the baby is still (very much) a boy. And if you can't tell, this is a picture of his profile... with his hand up to his face. It's not that great of a picture. But I did see with my own eyes a great profile and I must say that this boy sure is going to be cute. (Not that I'm biased or anything).

And for the important question....

How much do you think he weighs?

(I have about 5 weeks to go).

Nudges

I'm feeling constant nudges lately.

Nudges to get stuff done and complete projects I've been working on for some time. Casey & I have been in organizing mode and have gone through every closet and pitched things we don't need (which, I admit, he is much better at doing). I have a slight issue with being a packrat. I wonder if I will ever need the item I am throwing out. So my rule of thumb is if I haven't used it in 1 year (or 2 years if I'm really attached), then the item can go.

I am also feeling nudges in the middle of the night. I wonder if this baby will be born with a walking stick. At night, it feels like he is hiking Mt. Everest and poking and prodding everything along the way, as if to say, "Mommy, mommy, look what I found!" He sure wants me to be awake for the entire journey. When I finally fall asleep, I am nudged again, but this time it's by Casey. Apparently I have developed a tremendous snore. Casey says it would even put a drunken 60 yr. old's snore to shame. I have been reassured that this will go away after the baby comes, but for now, Casey isn't getting the greatest sleep either.

Nudges to get the house clean. Heck, I'm even cleaning things that are already clean! I have this horrible compulsiveness right now to go, go, go... Ah, the joys of nesting... a little bit obsessive and crazy.

Happy Pregnancy

This was me last night.... working away in a Spinning Class at the YMCA. My sister invited me to tag along with her because the Y is open to visitors until the New Year.

Thankfully it was only a 45 minute class because it was sure hard. Carrying 20+ extra pounds sure makes a difference!! Afterwards a guy from the class came up to me and said "Geez, that class almost put me into labor and I'm not even pregnant!"

It's so fun to be pregnant.... I swear I've had more conversations with strangers than ever before.

Last week, we went out with some friends for dinner and while waiting for a table, we sat up to the bar. The bartender said, "I bet your having a shot of whiskey tonight." I said, "Yeah, but make it a double." Oh, the chuckles we had!

Another thing I like about being pregnant... and this may be bad to say... but it gets me out of some things that I really have no interest in participating. There were a lot of old friends in town for Christmas and they all wanted to meet at a local pub and catch up. They were calling it the High School Reunion, part II. Needless to say... hanging out in a bar while pregnant came as a very welcomed excuse. Casey was sure happy to ride the coat tails on that one too. It's not that I don't like seeing people from the past, it's just that I've kept in touch with many of the people I have wanted to.

And we are nearing the count down, people. Can you believe it's almost 2008? That means Casey Jr. will be here soon (2ish months). Crazy!

3rd Trimester

28.5 weeks

The coolest thing happened to me this morning. I was lying in bed watching the news trying to see how bad the weather was. Then I got a call from work....

"We're not going to open until 10:30 this morning." I'm thinking yeah!! Great!! I get to stay all warm in bed for a little bit longer and enjoy this winter morning. And if that's not cool enough, guess what else happened?

As I lay there, with my hand on my belly, I feel the baby. It was more than his normal moving and kicking around. I actually felt one of his body parts moving. I stared at my stomach. There it is!! I can see it. Is it a hand? Is it a foot? An elbow? Come back!!! So I sat there poking and prodding my stomach all morning with smiles and giggles the entire time as if I were playing a game with the little guy. He seemed to enjoy the attention as he kept playing along with me.

News! News!

We interupt Flashback Wednesday for some exciting news.

****************************

Baby A. has decided not to dress up for Halloween.

Instead, HE has just decided to be HIMSELF.



Yes, that's right, we are having a boy!!

I'm not so little anymore

(22 weeks)

This picture was taken last night and as you can see, I was very tired. These days, I am ready to crash at about 9:30 pm and wake up around 6:30am. This is the most sleep I think I've ever gotten in my life! It is wonderful!!

I chose this location in the house for my picture to also showcase my first official sewing job. Yeah for curtains and yeah for moms. Every room in the house (except for the baby's room) has window treatments. Yeah!!!

Stay tuned next week for a BIG Halloween announcement!

What will Baby A. be for halloween?

(hint: boy or girl??)

Living on a Prayer

Yeah, that's right, we are half way there. I'm just over 20 weeks! Hard to believe, but oh so exciting. This weekend we went to register at Targét and I have to admit, we were a little overwhelmed. So many different types of bibs, burb clothes, bottles. Is there really that big of a difference? We kind of got off track and spent a lot of time in the electronics department.

Nintendo Wii?
I hear it's a must have for 3 month olds these days. According to research (see below) it helps them steer clear from depression and boredom.

Plasma tv?
The baby needs it (that is if s/he wants to be cool at play group).


Am I just a little off track?

Help a sister out... what is something you couldn't live without?

What makes your must-have list for babies? (Diapers, bottles, slings, big ticket items, anything and everything!)