5 things

I can't believe Becks is 2 months old (almost 3! I started this post a while ago). He has changed so much over the past few weeks. Don't get me wrong, I loved when he was a teeny tiny baby but I have to say that the older he gets the more fun he is.


1. He has the best smile. He has these two sweet little dimples on both sides of his mouth. Oh man, those dimples. I can not help but be happy when he flashes that sweet smile.

2. He has discovered his hands. And it is perfect timing because he is also starting to show signs of teething. Hands make the best teething toy when you are two months old. You can find him with his hands in his mouth seventy five percent of the time he is awake.

3. He coos and talks so much now. His favorite times to do this are in the morning and after bath time each night. The other night he went on for almost ten minutes straight. I think Sayer and I did not breathe that entire ten minutes. It will literally melt your heart.

4. Speaking of bath time. This boy loves his bath. We started a night time routine a while back which includes a nightly bath. We sing and splash and everyone is happy. Its our special family time each night.

5. He loves his play mat. I started putting him on his play mat about a month ago now but it took a while for him to figure it out. There is a cow mirror that hangs from the middle and every time he catches himself in it he smiles and laughs.


Becks has brought us both so much joy in his short little life. He is the best thing that has ever happened to our little family. After loosing a baby and a very hard year he has brought a lot of healing that we both needed. He is growing and changing so much every single day. I just want to soak up every thing he does because I know I will look back and miss this time in his life (even if it is trying and exhausting).

And I will leave you with a few cute pictures. I currently have over fourteen hundred on my phone. I cant help myself. He is just so darn cute!

Baby Becks

Things got crazy busy the last 6 or so weeks of my pregnancy and I did not end up finishing out my weekly posts like I had hoped to. We moved in to our new house and with all the moving, painting, shopping and decorating there was little time left for blogging. The past 3 months have been a complete whirlwind. But back to what this post is really about. This guy.

Meet Beckett.

Born May 2 (his due date) at 11:07pm
8lbs 4oz
21 inches long

We have been head over heels ever since.

I will be back tomorrow with more on our first 6 weeks with this sweet baby boy.

31, 32 and 33 weeks

We are closing on our house tomorrow morning (!!!!) and things have been just a tad busy leading up to that so this post is a little late. I am really trying to keep up with the weekly pregnancy posts but for some reason I can't seem to stay on top of it lately!

How far along: 33 weeks and 6 days

Size of baby: 20-ish inches, approx 4.9 lbs (I have an ultrasound in a few weeks so they will be able to get a better idea of how big this boy is)

Gender: A sweet little boy

Movement: Lots of movement still going on. More rolls then kicks. And lots of action in my ribs.

Sleep: I have pretty much come to terms with the fact that sleep is just not getting better at this point. I am up and down all night to pee. I flip from side to side all night because my hips are sore. And then add in some acid reflux and pregnancy insomnia and you have a recipe for no sleep. I think this is just preparation for the lack of sleep we will have once baby arrives! So I consider it a training period of some sort. Tying to be positive here.

Maternity clothes: Yes. Lots of leggings and t-shirts.

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks are still going strong and actually getting stronger. The past week I have noticed when I get one its a bit hard to talk until it goes away. Other then that and the acid reflux at night I am feeling good!

Aversions: None really.

Cravings: Fruit. I have been wanting apples, oranges, melon and pretty much any fruit I can get my hands on. I am also thirsty all the time for ice water. I guess there are worse things to be craving at this point. Oh and the chocolate milk craving has returned. I allow myself one a day. I figure thats fair.

What I Miss: Nothing really the past few weeks.

Best moment this week: My baby shower! This past Saturday all of the people I love the most came together for what was one of the best days I have had in a long time. I felt so loved and blessed to have all these women in my life. Baby Nixon is spoiled rotten already and he isn't even here yet.




31 weeks




32 weeks



33 weeks

entryway issues

We are about 2 weeks away from closing on our first house! My head is swimming with ideas on how I want to decorate our new home. A lot of things will have to wait until one, we can afford more furniture and two, we have time. But one thing we will be doing soon after moving in is setting up the entry way table Sayer found at a second hand shop this past weekend.

This is what the current space looks like...

We plan to paint this formal living area a light gray to keep things neutral and open. The table/dresser that Sayer found will go between those 2 built-ins over by the front door. Now I just have to decide what color I want to paint it and how I want to "style" it. I have pinned a couple of ideas.
 

love this color and the gold knobs




High gloss black paint with a white picture frame collage. Simple and classic.




I already have a sunburst mirror.
Love the gray but if we did this would have to pick another wall color.



Navy and gold. Love the leaning mirror.

28, 29 and 30 weeks

I am starting to slack off with this whole weekly posting. Lets be honest, I have been for a while. I just have not felt like blogging lately and the farther along I get the less I want a picture taken of me. I promised myself I would keep up with it the whole pregnancy though so here goes!

How far along: 30 weeks and 5 days. Time is flying by lately!

Size of baby: 18 inches, approx 3.2 lbs.

Gender: A sweet little boy (and he has a name now but its a secret until he gets here!!!)

Movement: All day, all the time. I love it.

Sleep: Sleep is rough. I have developed a little acid reflux issue the past few weeks so when I lay down at night it seems to get even worse. Stomach aches all night are no fun. This morning at about 5am I had to get up and eat saltines and chug water to keep from puking. Its like 1st trimester all over again!

Maternity clothes: Yes and starting to wear Sayers clothes as well (just to sleep in). The belly is growing a lot.

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, pelvic pressure and overall just feeling a bit cramped in my own skin. But my energy is good and I am feeling healthy otherwise.

Aversions: None really.

Cravings: Nothing really the past few weeks. Just hungry all the time!

What I Miss: Feeling like myself. I feel so blessed to be pregnant but my body is starting to not feel like my own and some days I am ok with that. Today is not one of those days.

Best moment this week: Working on stuff for the nursery. I found a cute little Jenny Lind style kids rocker at a consignment sale and we picked out a cute yellow to paint it. I also finished his DIY sheep mobile. I can't wait to put them both in the new house.

What I am looking forward to: Closing on our house in 3 weeks! I am so ready to get in and get his nursery ready. I am excited about the rest of the house as well but mainly just setting up his space. I have been working on projects and doing lots of planning so I cant wait to put it all together.


28 weeks

























29 weeks























30 weeks



baby bag

I am on the hunt for a diaper bag for baby N. I have come across a bunch that I like but these are a few of my favorites. Trying to decide between something bright and fun or something more muted. I know the gray, black or navy will go with more but I just love both of these aqua bags. Maybe I need 2!

Aqua Classic Mom Diaper Bag

Babymel Cross Body Navy Stripe

Black Classic Mom Diaper Bag



Aqua Dot Harper Tote



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gray Classic Mom Diaper Bag

my baby daddy

This is a post about Sayer. I don't usually do these cheesy post but with all the pregnancy hormones floating around I can't help myself. Nothing will make you love your husband more then being pregnant. I have heard it gets even worse once the baby comes. I know I will loose it the moment I see Sayer holding our baby boy. Some days I don't know how I got so lucky. I really don't. He has been so supportive through all the ups and downs of this pregnancy. And there have been a LOT of downs.

I pretty much freak out every time I have a new pain or symptom and he is always supportive and comforting. He also helps to knock some sense into me. Sometimes we need tough love. There have been countless times when I have gone off on him about absolutely nothing (like leaving pot roast out over night instead of putting it away in Tupperware. Normal thing to get mad about right?!) and he just smiles and sometimes laughs. I have kept him awake with my constant peeing and tossing and turning and he never says a word. Sometimes he even reaches over and touches me after I have gotten up for the 12th time to pee just to let me know he is there.

I love when he gets really giddy and excited about the baby. And I love when he talks to him and sings to him. The baby loves it too because he always kicks and wiggles when Sayer gets down and talks to him. He is going to be such a great daddy and I am so excited for that day to be here.

I love you JSN. Thanks for being such a great baby daddy and life partner.

26 + 27 weeks

How far along:  27 weeks and 4 days. 3rd Trimester!! Wohoo!

Size of baby: 16 inches, 2.5 lbs. The size of a head of cauliflower (I don't get this!?)

Gender: A sweet little boy

Movement: LOTS of movement. I feel like he moves 24/7

Sleep: I am glad I enjoyed that week of good sleep that I mentioned because I have a feeling that is over with now. I never would have thought one person could pee so much.

Maternity clothes: Lots of stretchy stuff being worn.

Symptoms: I am having lots of Braxton Hicks contractions. I freaked out for about a week but my doctor says its perfectly normal so now I hardly blink an eye when I get one. They literally happen all day long.

Aversions: None really.

Cravings: Sweets. Preferably chocolate which is so weird because I have always been a salty girl.

What I Miss: Honestly. Drinking wine with girlfriends over dinner. I find myself turning down dinners lately just because I cant drink wine. I know that sounds pathetic and so selfish. Just keeping it real.

Best moment this week: WE GOT A HOUSE!!! After a few months of looking and putting several offers on what were the wrong houses for us we found THE house and if everything goes according to plan she will be all ours March 21st. YAY for baby having a nursery.

What I am looking forward to: My glucose test next week. I know that sounds odd because most people dread that appointment but after that I start going to the doctor every 2 weeks which means baby is getting really close to being here so for that I am excited.


26 weeks



27 weeks



24 + 25 weeks

How far along: 25 weeks and 5 days

Size of baby: approx 9.2 inches and 2 lbs The size of an eggplant!

Gender: A sweet little boy

Movement: Kicking, rolling and poking my ribs all day long. And I love every minute of it.

Sleep: We realized that if we make Lucy sleep in the living room that we both sleep MUCH better (she snores and makes weird noises all night) so we are working on keeping her in there. She is not so happy about it but Mama needs her sleep.

Maternity clothes: Pretty much maternity everything.

Symptoms: Started having some "cervical pressure" as my doctor called it. Not a very good feeling but they checked everything and she said all is normal.

Aversions: The thought of a chicken breast makes me want to puke.

Cravings: Roasted Chicken Club (makes no sense considering my aversion to chicken) from Brixx and chocolate milk.

What I Miss: Nothing really this week.

Best moment this week: Getting to see him at our 25 week ultrasound with Presby Maternal Fetal Medicine. He has gotten so big and had the sweetest little profile! And the best part was that we found out he has a perfect healthy heart. Sayer was born with a heart condition that baby could have had. We are so thankful the baby is healthy and now we just cant wait for May to get here!

What I am looking forward to: My shower in March. Katie and Grace (along with other friends and family) are throwing my baby shower and they have started planning everything. I am so excited for it to be here! It is going to be so great to have all of those people I love in the same room. Plus, who doesnt love presents?!

24 weeks

25 weeks

                                   

23 weeks

How far along: 23 weeks and 4 days

Size of baby: aprox 8.5 inches and 1.5 lbs The size of an ear of corn!

Total weight gain: approx 10lbs. Don't know how much longer I will be sharing this info.

Gender: A sweet little boy :)

Movement: Lots of kicks. I think we have a little soccer player on our hands.

Sleep: Has been pretty good this week. I am still up multiple times to use the bathroom but falling back asleep and getting comfortable is much easier the past week or so.

Maternity clothes: yes and some non-maternity tops and dresses. I don't know how much longer I will be able to do this. This belly is growing a ton lately.

Symptoms: Nothing really. Just feeling large. Is that a symptom?

Aversions: none

Cravings: chocolate milk and cheese (this may have something to do with why I feel large)

What I Miss: Nothing lately. Just very happy to be pregnant with a healthy baby. Ok maybe red wine just a little.

Best moment this week: Getting his coming home outfit in the mail. I ordered a really sweet onesie and booties and I can't wait to bring our sweet boy home in it.

What I am looking forward to: 2 doctors appointments next week. We have our last appointment with Presby Maternal Fetal Medicine to check the babys heart and I also have my monthly appointment with my regular OB. We will have an ultrasound at the MFM appt and I am so excited to see him. We have not seen him since about 16 and a half weeks so a lot has changed since then.

Baby Nixon's coming home outfit and my 23 week bump

22 weeks

Happy New Year!! 2013 will no doubt be an amazing year. 2012 was a very hard and trying time for us and I must say I am glad it is over. I am looking forward to all the changes and exciting things to come.

How far along: 22 weeks and 5 days ( I started this a few days ago. I am 23 weeks now but of course I am behind on posting)

Size of baby: aprox 8 inches and 1.2 lbs

Total weight gain: 8-9 lbs

Gender: A sweet little boy :)

Movement: Lots of movement. This is one active little boy already.

Sleep: I have had a few good nights of sleep and it has been glorious.

Maternity clothes: ALL maternity pants (how will I ever wear regular jeans after this?) and a mix of maternity and non-maternity tops/dresses

Symptoms: I am feeling good this week! no major symptoms.

Aversions: none.

Cravings: I took the chocolate milk thing to a new level and bought a bottle of chocolate syrup. No more of that pre-mixed stuff.

What I Miss: Nothing. Feeling very blessed to be pregnant with this sweet little boy.

Best moment this week: New Years Eve with Sayer and our sweet friends. It was my favorite New Years to date. So many great memories and baby boy was jumping around all night.

What I am looking forward to: Working on his nursery. I am not setting anything up yet because we are still looking for a house but I have decided on the look I want and have started to order things for his little space. I can't wait to see it all come together.


Here is a pic of the belly at 22 weeks.

20 + 21 weeks!

I am so behind on my weekly post. We are now in week 22 but I still have not posted weeks 20 and 21 so I decided to combine those 2 and I will be back in a few days to post week 22. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!  We drove to TN to spend time with Sayers family. It was so great to see everyone and we even had our first baby shower while we were there!

How far along: 20 + 21 weeks

Size of baby: 8 inches, approx 1 lb. The size of a spaghetti squash!

Total weight gain: 6-8 lbs

Gender: A sweet little boy :)

Movement: I felt the first real kick on Thursday (Dec 20th) night but could not feel from the outside. This past Saturday morning when we were laying in bed and I felt him kick a few times so Sayer put his hand on my belly and got to feel him kick too. It was so special and the best Christmas gift. He has pretty much been moving non stop since then. When I lay down at night I can really feel him and Sayer usually can as well.

Sleep: ehh. not great. I fall asleep initially and sleep for 3-4 hours but then after that I have a hard time staying asleep for more then 45 minutes at a time. REALLY need to get that pregnancy pillow. Any suggestions for getting good sleep at night while pregnant?

Maternity clothes: Almost everything I am wearing now is maternity but that is more for comfort then necessity. Maternity pants are a must though.

Symptoms: Feeling pretty good! I am exhausted by dinner time but during the day I feel good.

Aversions: none lately.

Cravings: A girl can never have too much chocolate milk. I should probably lay off since I have my glucose test coming up in about 6 weeks.

What I Miss: Endurance. I don't have much these days. I get winded really easy.

Best moment this week: Sayer and I both being able to feel him kick. Best moment of my month, actually.

What I am looking forward to: Our 1st baby shower! (I started this post before we left for TN) We are heading to TN tonight after work for Christmas. Sayers family is throwing us our first shower tomorrow and I am so excited. Can't wait to see all the cute things they get for baby Nixon. (We got our car seat and base and a bunch of cute clothes/things for baby!)


Sorry for the self pic but I forgot to get Sayer to take a picture of me the past 2 weeks. This was last Thursday before my doctors appt. I was 21 weeks that day. I swear my belly is growing daily which is probably why it feels so tight all the time. I ordered some new baby bump lotion that a friend recommended. Hoping this helps with the tight skin feeling.

waiting on baby

19 weeks!

I can't believe we are almost half way through this pregnancy already. Time is flying and I have a feeling the 2nd half will go even faster then the first.


How far along: 19 weeks and 5 days

Size of baby: 6.5-7 inches and about 10oz.

Total weight gain: Not sure. Have not weighed myself at the gym in a week (because I have not been...)

Gender: A sweet little boy :)

Movement: Just flutters when I lay down at night. Hoping for some big kicks soon!

Sleep: Not so great. Having a lot of "strectching" pains this week which makes it hard to get comfortable.

Maternity clothes: A little of both

Symptoms: I thought I was done with morning sickness but it decided to come back this week. I think baby is doing some serious growing!

Aversions: nothing really.

Cravings: chocolate milk. chocolate milk. chocolate milk.

What I Miss: A good nights rest. Sleep does this girl real good so no sleep equals cranky April.

Best moment this week: Getting the cutest little jacket in the mail for our boy. I can't wait to put it on him next fall/winter.

What I am looking forward to: Going to TN next week for Christmas with Sayers family!


I had 3 holiday parties this past weekend. A girls cocktail party Friday night, Sayer's firms party Saturday and then an ornament exchange with my bible study girls on Sunday night. Here is a picture of me and the bump before the party Friday night.

A space for baby boy

I have always heard people talk about wanting to "nest" when they were pregnant and now I know what they mean. It's bad. We are in the process of looking for a house and plan to be in one by the time baby comes so that means I can only dream about the nursery for now (and shop for it, of course). I am still not sure what color I want to paint the walls but here are a few of my favorite nursery inspiration pictures.





































I love pom-pom trim. It would be so adorable added to drapes or a crib skirt.




I have already started collecting prints for a gallery wall. I love the Sharon Montrose baby animal prints. We will definitely be adding a few of these to the nursery.

I love mint & yellow. I think a mint color will more then likely be the wall color and I plan to have a few yellow accents. Nothing too "themey" because thats not my style but I like the colors together.

I have been in love with these drapes that Erika from Urban Grace Interiors had made for her little girls nursery a few years ago ever since she posted them. I want something like this. I also love the bamboo shades.

I also want to do something cool for book storage. We plan to read a lot to this baby boy. I have seen a lot of neat ideas on Pinterest with shelves, hanging crates, etc.

I am working on a DIY for his crib mobile. I found this adorable mobile on Etsy but I just can't see spending that much money on something I think I could make myself. I am going to give it a try!

Lots of ideas going around in this crazy pregnant head of mine so I am sure this wont be the last nursery post.

18 weeks!

How far along: 18 weeks and 4 days

Size of baby: 6 inches and about half a pound. The size of a mango!

Total weight gain: 2-3 pounds.

Gender: A sweet little boy :)

Movement: A few flutters here and there but nothing big. Hoping to feel him soon!

Sleep: Sleeping pretty good this week.

Maternity clothes: I invested in more maternity pants this week from ASOS because I can hardly wear my regular jeans anymore.

Symptoms: Feeling great! I have had a lot more energy the past few days. I actually dried my hair today!

Aversions: Me and food are friends again. Now I just have to be careful not too over eat.

Cravings: sweets! So odd because I have never been a sweets person...

What I Miss: Having motivation to work out. I have none.

Best moment this week: Seeing the baby last Friday at our 18 week anatomy scan. The doctor said he looks healthy and perfect. Music to this Mommas ears :)

What I am looking forward to: Holiday parties this weekend! (not baby related but I will be showing off my bump to a few people for the first time)

Picture Sayer took of me tonight in front our the Christmas tree!

Weekend happenings and a recipe

This weekend was so relaxing and lazy which we both really needed after a stressful and busy week at work. We shopped, cooked, cleaned, wrapped presents and decorated for Christmas. I am almost done with my Christmas shopping. Just have a few more gifts to get. I will actually be able to relax and enjoy the rest of December for once! A few pictures of the Nixon abode all decorated and ready for the holidays...

 

Sunday night I made a really easy and delicious recipe that we both loved. Original recipe found here. I adapted it a little bit.

Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu

Ingredients:

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half (butterfly but cut all the way through)
12 thin slices of deli honey ham
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
12 thin slices of Swiss cheese

Parmesan-Dijon Cream Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 chicken bouillon cube, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt (I did not add salt until the end and just added to taste, the parmesan adds a lot of salt)
1 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Coat a 9" x 13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter
Lay the chicken breast halves in a single layer in the baking dish
Layer each breast with two slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese
Sprinkle/pat the bread crumbs over the top of the chicken.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

While the chicken bakes, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat
Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cook for 1 to 2 minutes
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly, make sure there are no clumps
Stir in the bouillon. Whisk constantly until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5 to 7 minutes
Remove from heat and stir in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and Parmesan cheese
Stir until the cheese is melted. Add salt to taste. Keep the sauce warm.

Remove chicken from oven, plate, and top with sauce and chopped chives or parsley. Enjoy!

17 weeks!

We are pregnant! Most of our friends and family know by now but I wanted to make it official on here as well. After everything we went through earlier this year we were reluctant to tell anyone until we were pretty far along but the news is finally out! I started working on this post a few days ago and forgot to post it (pregnancy brain). I am almost 18 weeks now so it is a bit outdated. I plan to do these weekly pregnancy post because I think it will be nice to have later on. It will also be nice for friends and family who we do not get to see much to be able to see how things are going. Sayer and I could not be happier. We are so excited and feel so blessed to be welcoming this sweet baby into our lives this coming May.


How far along: 17 weeks and 5 days

Size of baby: Approx 5.5 inches. 5oz. The size of a sweet potato!

Total weight gain: 1-2 lbs

Gender: A sweet little boy :)

Movement: Felt my first flutter 2 weeks ago but have not felt much since then. It may have just been gas lol

Sleep: Sleeping a lot better the past few weeks but still getting up to use the bathroom 4-5 times during the night. Need to invest in a pregnancy pillow ASAP.

Maternity clothes: Some maternity, some regular. Regular pants are getting really uncomfortable these days.

Symptoms: Round ligament pains. Ouch! Also lots of random aches and pains. I feel like I am all of a sudden 85 years old.

Aversions: No aversions lately.

Cravings: Pizza. Its pretty much my only craving this whole pregnancy. Salty, savory, cheesy, yummy pizza.

What I Miss: Red wine and seasonal beer. Just being honest here.

Best moment this week: Telling our families that we are expecting (on Thanksgiving). So special to finally share the good news with them!

What I am looking forward to: Our appt this Friday when we get to see our boy again!



I dont really have a good picture from this week but here is a picture of weeks 14, 15, 16 & 17.

Be back in a couple days with a week 18 post!

It's the most wonderful time of the year

No this is not a Christmas post.

It has been a while since I posted. The last few months have been hard. Really hard. Also, I didn't exactly know how to follow up after such a heavy post. Things are starting to feel more "normal" around our house and I can say with experience now that what doesn't kill you does indeed make you stronger. Without our amazing friends and family I don't know that we could have made it through this. We really are so blessed.

But on to something I am really looking forward to and the reason for this post. Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the food. The weather. The pumpkins. The beer. Its just the best. Fall is slowly making its way to Charlotte. We have had a lot cooler temperatures the past week and I hope its here to stay. I have been obsessing about fall decor for our cute little rental house. Its the first time in 3 years that I have had a porch to decorate and I plan on going all out. I found a bunch of inspiration on Pinterest. Here are a few of my favorite ideas...