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Sunday, February 28, 2010

Family Photos



Saturday we had Sheena Jibson over to take some photos of our new little family. She did such a great job capturing what I wanted: us just hanging out as a family. Nice and classic. I love them! You can check out a sneak peek of a few more on her photo blog.


{images from Sheena}

Before I found Sheena's photo blog, I found her everyday blog. I've been reading daily for a LONG time now...I felt like already knew her even though we'd never met. She has the most hilarious stories, cute kids, great pictures and yummy (healthy!) recipes. She is inspiring me to make lots and lots of homemade bread!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Baby Week

Continuing with my theme of "baby" all week long, I thought I would share two things I love right now. I think these onesies are absolutely adorable. I love the fun fabric choices.





{images via Lee Marie}

I'm also loving these adorable books. My friend Whit, gave me "In My Nest" for my baby shower. Now I have 2 others in the series. They really are such sweet little books and I love that each of them has a finger puppet. Around here, you can find them at Costco, but you can also find them on Amazon.


Hope you all have a happy weekend! We'll be catching up on sleep and snuggling our little baby! Next week, I have some inspiration boards to share and hopefully the big bathroom reveal.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Rilo's Birth Story

So I know this is going to be long, but I really wanted to have a record of my experience. I've always enjoyed reading other birth stories so I figured I'd put it out there for others to read.

My birth story really begins a long, long time ago. All growing up, I knew my Mom had all 4 of us without any medication. She always had such good things to say about her experiences that I always knew that I wanted to do the same. When I started doing some research and reading and recognizing that I had a nice, normal pregnancy, I really determined that a med-free birth was exactly what I wanted. I recognized though, when it comes to getting pregnant/giving birth, things don't always go as planned. I'm thankful for the miracles of modern medicine and the options that they provided for me. Luckily, I didn't need any of the interventions, but I really was glad to know that they would be there if needed.

By the end of the last week, I was beginning to worry that she might not come on her own. I knew I didn't want to be induced because it can make your labor much more intense. We had tried all of the tricks in the book to start labor, but she was not quite ready yet. Friday afternoon, while doing some work on the computer, I noticed I was having very mild period-type cramps. It didn't phase me though, because contractions had been described to me as wrapping from your back to your front, and this didn't seem like a contraction by that description. Adam and I decided to head out to dinner and by the time we were eating, I realized that I was having this cramping feeling much more frequently. We left the restaurant at 9pm, after I used my iPhone app to time the contractions. A quick walk around Target confirmed that they were getting closer and definitely more intense. We headed home and I sent Adam to bed.

I tried to get some sleep, but my contractions were coming frequently...about 3-5 minutes apart lasting about 45 seconds. So instead I wandered around the house, took a bath and a shower and tried to sleep the best I could out on the couch. By morning, I knew we would have our little girl that day and I was so excited! Contractions had intensified over night and began lasting much longer. I was just breathing through them, really concentrating on nice deep breaths.

Relaxing through a contraction with Adam. He was the BEST through the whole process.

I called my doula, Melissa, at 8:30 am and she came right over. I was also lucky enough to have a doula-in-training come as well. I'm so so glad that Hannah and Melissa were both able to be there. We spent the morning chatting away in my living room. When I would have a contraction, I would interrupt the conversation and turn and lean over onto something. Then Adam and my doulas would find their positions: one on each hip and one on my back. They would apply pressure while I would relax my muscles and breathe nice deep breaths. I would concentrate on letting my body help her move down each time. It was amazing...my body was just doing exactly what it needed to do. So we continued this pattern, chat and contractions, all morning and into the afternoon. My goal was to labor at home for as long as I could without feeling like I would have a baby in the car on the way to the hospital! So by 1:30 pm, we decided that it would be a good time to head over there. We felt fairly confident I was far enough along in labor that I wouldn't be sent home.

Adam applying pressure on my back


Hannah sat in the back with me, while Adam drove. I was dreading the car ride...I always heard it was one of the worst parts. Good thing Miley Cyrus had my back...When we started driving, Miley's song "The Climb" came on and we all had a good laugh about the motivating and cheesy song that happened to come on at just the right time. The car ride was actually really smooth...I just kept breathing and relaxing and remembering I would be holding a baby in my arms soon enough.

We got to American Fork Hospital and they checked us into a triage room. Since I was a first time Mom, I think they assumed I hadn't progressed very far yet. They told me I would have to be in the triage room to be monitored for at least an hour or two. After checking me, I was already close to 6 cm dilated. The nurse happily decided to admit me to my room right away.

We checked into my room and I hopped right into the jetted tub. Water during labor feels so wonderful! I spent a very long time just soaking away with Adam by my side, encouraging me. After awhile, my temperature spiked and the baby's heart rate went up. To avoid putting me on antibiotics, my midwife had me get out and put some ice packs on me to see if that would cool me down. Thank goodness it worked! They did a quick check and I think we were all surprised to hear I was already at an 8. Only 2 cm more to go! I labored some more, with the applied pressure from my doulas, midwives and Adam. I really could not have asked for a better group to be with. I actually had my midwife Kathryn and a student midwife there. I had so much extra support and encouragement! One of the things I really enjoyed about having a midwife, was that she was there throughout almost all of my labor. Instead of just popping in to "catch the baby", Kathryn and the student midwife were there to support me all the way through.

I think it may sound strange, but I was actually really enjoying myself. I was so relaxed and in the zone. I was still smiling and laughing during the phase they call "transition". Everyone was teasing me because I was still saying "please" and "thank you". I can't really explain the how or the why, but it was all very bearable for me. It was a beautiful, natural process that my body was handling with ease. I had worried that in the heat of the moment, I would want meds, but the thought never even crossed my mind. I couldn't believe it when they told me that it was going to be time to push! Even though I had been laboring for a looong time, I was in shock we were at that point already.

Pushing was definitely the most challenging part of labor. I could feel the urge to push, but I didn't know exactly how to go about it. It took about a half an hour until I finally figured out the most effective way to push. It really is such hard work! I was tired at this point and really wanting to meet my little girl. Thank goodness for my great support team, because they really helped to keep me motivated! Finally after an hour and a half of intense pushing, Adam helped pull her out and onto my chest. Twenty-four hours or so since contractions started, we had our little Rilo Jane. It was the most amazing, beautiful moment of my life. I still can't believe that Adam and I brought a sweet little girl into the world. She is so perfect and we really couldn't be two happier parents!

"Pinking" her up with some oxygen...can you tell how happy we were?!


My amazing team of doulas! And me with my "I just had a kid" face.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Baby Cheeks

We snapped some pictures this afternoon. When we got home from the hospital, Adam surprised me by having our bed set up with the Pottery Barn bedspread I recently posted about. I love how happy it is (Thanks for the heads up about the words on it Alex)! And it makes for a cute background for one cute little baby.

For an 8 pounder, she actually is pretty little. My Mom was surprised when she saw her in person because pictures seem to make her look huge. She is quite the little peanut though!




I just want to eat those little cheeks!


Big yawn!


A quick glimpse of a smile.


And another hint of a smile!





We love this sweet little baby!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

We're Home!

Woo hoo...home sweet home! I couldn't have my bottom smashed on that hospital bed anymore! Here are some quick pics we snapped at the hospital. Tomorrow we'll take some nice pictures so you can really see how adorable she is. Have I mentioned she has Adam's dimples? Oh so cute!

This is what I found after I took a shower.

My two favorite people asleep.

A quick glimpse of one of her dimples!

Getting ready to finally go home!

Can't forget the hat!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Rilo Jane Webb

She's here and in my arms right now! Born Feb. 20th at 8:31 pm after a long, but amazing 24-hour med-free labor!! She is 8 lbs. 1 oz., 19.5 inches and such a doll. Pictures and birth story to come soon!!

Friday, February 19, 2010

A Big Thank You...

...to Heather from The Cotorie and to Priscila from Little Miss Heirlooms for featuring my nursery on their blogs! I've used both of these sites for finding inspiration so I am extremely flattered!

Make sure to check out Little Miss Heirlooms. Pricila's blog is a great resource for anything baby/child. She features adorable rooms and products. I actually happened to be on her site at the very moment she contacted me about the feature!

And in case you're looking for some more inspiration, my other two favorite nursery/baby/child sites are OhDeeDoh and Spearmint Baby.

Oh, and I'm really thinking this weekend could be the weekend! I think we're getting somewhere today!

Distractions...

Here is another project I'm going to work on this weekend: Soft baby blocks. You can find this simple tutorial here.


{image via Smile and Wave}

Next week, I'll post all the projects I've worked on this week trying to keep myself busy! Yes, I still have an inside baby...She is taking her sweet time! It's nice to remember there is an end in sight...I won't be pregnant forever! I am really crossing my fingers she comes on her own. We're going for a med-free birth and would really rather not have to be induced. Whether she comes on her own or through induction, at least I know she'll be here sometime next week! Hope you have a great weekend! Think lots of labor thoughts for me!

P.S. Sorry Utah, I guess yesterday's post jinxed us. I'm now watching a lovely little flurry happen outside my window!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Once There Was A Snowman...

It seems like winter is long gone here. The snow has melted and I've been going without a jacket. But I couldn't help but post this cute little snowman. I saw this on OhDeeDoh and have it filed in my "Things to Do As a Mom" section of my brain.


{image via OhDeeDoh via The Shabby Nest}

We always had Mickey and Minnie Mouse pancakes growing up (Minnie was defined by placing M&M's or chocolate chips on her ears for earrings), but I love this fun variation as well!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Happy Birthday Adam!

Happy 25th Birthday Love! Here's to:

many more trips to Cancun so I look this tan...

dressing up and getting kicked out of skating rinks...

going on horribly expensive, boring train rides (that's right Heber Creeper...you were NOT worth $70!)...

and any of the other fun and hilarity that ensues when we're together. I love you!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

For When I Have a Waist Again...

Love this tutorial for an elastic band skirt from Freshly Picked! It seems to be a fairly simple project. I actually have a few thrifted skirts that look very similar to this!


Since I don't have a waist right now, and might not for a little while, I will settle upon making the little girl/baby version of the skirt. So darling! And since I have some waiting time on my hands, why not make several for my baby girl this summer!?


{images via Freshly Picked}

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Bathroom Update #1

It's Monday...and still no baby! I can't say that I'm surprised. She has not been showing any signs of coming anytime soon. I'm still feeling great...antsy, but great. To keep myself busy, I have a bunch of little projects to do this week so I don't go crazy.

This weekend we tackled painting the bathroom. Remember this inspiration board?
After taking out the old sink, we discovered some really awesome 80's wallpaper. They apparently didn't care about removing it since the sink was going there.

I wanted to paint the top half of the bathroom white and the lower portion a darker greyish shade of the aqua color called "Aqua Smoke" by Behr. Home Depot happens to be having a paint sale where Glidden paint is only $14.97 for a gallon. So I had them color match the Behr color using the Glidden paint. Well, let's just say it DID NOT TURN OUT. You can see for yourself.


Oh well for color matching!! I am not going for a child's Caribbean themed bathroom thank you very much. I was going for a calm, serene color. So today, I'm headed back to Home Depot to get the right color this time.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Lots of Love...


I made these last minute Valentine's decorations. The wooden letters were half off at Joann's. Then I grabbed some fabric, Mod Podge and glued. (Thanks for the idea Jess!)

Hope you all have a very happy Valentine's Day! I'm hoping to have TWO Valentines this weekend...wish me luck!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Free Printable Birthday Calendar


I don't know about you, but I have really been trying to figure out the best system for keeping track of birthdays. I have a pretty good memory, but I have lots of new family and friends to keep track of these days. Facebook is helpful, but it only tells you a few days before and not everyone is on Facebook. I've tried various methods...saving an email, updating in my iCal, writing it in on a normal calendar but they never seem to work out. My hard drive crashes, I forget to look at the email, I throw away the calendar at the end of the year, etc. SO, I've been wanting somewhere to write down birthdays that I can keep year after year and that looks nice at my desk.

Somewhere, in the vast space that is the internet, I saw a birthday calendar where you could write in the birthdays of friends and family for each month and I decided to make my own! And I thought I would share it with you!


{ If I missed your birthday, just know that I just did this quickly purely for the sake of pictures :) }

After I cut out the calendar, I punched a hole at the top of each month and hung them on my craft pegboard. But you could easily put a binder ring clip on them or put them on your fridge with a magnet.



You can download the Birthday Calendar for free by clicking the link and then the download button on the new page it opens. My internet is not cooperating with me today, but I'll hopefully be able to fix it into a direct download later. For now, this works! Click here to download the PDF

Don't Forget!


Today is the last day to enter into the giveaway for a pair of our cufflinks over on The Cotorie. You have until midnight tonight to comment and the winner will be announced tomorrow! Good luck!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Dear Little One,

Here I am when you were just a tiny little thing.
What's up with my hair?

And here I am now! It looks like you've grown...and so have I!

I hope this is the last one of these pictures I have to post....Maybe you'll be like me and come exactly on your due date! I won't hold my breath though. I think you're coming on your own time and that's okay.

I am just so excited to meet you! I am trying to "enjoy my sleep" as everyone keeps telling me. But really, I think you'll be worth the lack of sleep.

Your Dad is excited too! So excited that while on a business trip to Chicago and Indianapolis a few weeks ago, he stopped by 2 large H&M's. Even though it's his favorite store, he didn't buy one thing for himself. Instead, he came back with all of this...just for you!



He even remembered the little things. Like shoes and socks.


And even matching headbands.
You are going to be one loved little girl!

Patiently (or more like impatiently) Waiting,
Mom and Dad

P.S. Please don't turn out to be a boy. I mean, I wouldn't love you any less, but I'd have a lot of returning to do.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Fabric Flowers

I am most definitely using this tutorial to make some fabric flowers. I have plenty of little white onesies that could use some sprucing up! And maybe even a shirt or two of mine. I'm also thinking a garland of these flowers might be a nice spring decoration.


Monday, February 8, 2010

Cufflink Giveaway

If you're interested in winning a pair of our cufflinks, head over to Heather's blog The Cotorie. Heather is doing a giveaway for 1 pair (of your choice) of Pinstripe and Plaid's cufflinks. (Plus you just need to check out her cute blog!) You have until Thursday to enter! We're also offering free shipping this week...we'll do our best to get them to you by Valentine's Day. And seriously, you don't want Adam to mess up his 4.0 do you?! We've added a ton of other options so be sure to check them out!

How To: Gutter Bookshelves

This project was so easy, I don't even think a "how to" is necessary. But here is a quick version of what we did!

First, we measured the length under the window. Then Adam used his hand saw to cut the gutter to the right length.



Next, we put on the end caps and the special gutter brackets (you can find both these things with the gutters at Home Depot or Lowes). Then using our level, we marked the 2 holes for drilling and drilled.


Then we just screwed on the gutter! It was seriously that easy. I think it took us about 10 minutes total, including cleaning up the gutter after it had been sitting in the basement for a year.