Baby's Nursery :-)

Since I'm hoping to someday get around to printing this blog into a book, I wanted to post some pictures of the nursery. I had such a fun time picking everything out and putting it together, and I love how it turned out! 

Originally, I had planned to put the old white book shelf (that my grandma made and was in Brett's nursery) against this wall, but quickly realized the room was just too small to have another piece of furniture.  So instead, I found this awesome antique looking hanging shelf at World Market. It takes up just enough space on the wall, and is perfect for displaying books and little woodland animals :-)

I chose Beatrix Potter/Woodland animals as the theme, and had fun picking out these pictures for above the changing table that fit. The first thing I bought was the Beatrix Potter alphabet print from Etsy, and then I added to that. The squirrel picture on the left started out as a small page in a book from when I was little, and then I took it in to Staples and they blew it up for only a couple bucks! The ABC picture on the right and "baby asleep' sign on top are from my dear friend Zuzana. She made the sign when her kids were babies to place on the front door during nap time, and I loved it so much she loaned it to me for our baby :-) And lastly,my mom made the cross stitch little bunny for my nursery years ago. I love how this is a little collection of old, new, and borrowed :-)

We ended up having to put the crib against the window because it was the only place that it fit without looking awkward and taking up the whole room! I'm not too worried about the draft because this is the warmest room in the house....plus, we can cover the window with curtains and even plastic if we need to. And thank goodness for sleep sacks!

Another view :-) Eventually, I'll probably add something to the blank wall on the right :-)

One of my favorite parts of the nursery is the hedgehog mobile hanging above the crib :-) Love it!

I still want to add a valence or curtains to the window, as well as a lamp in the back right corner....but other than that, it's done and ready for Baby Bingham #2 to arrive! I'll be 37 weeks on Saturday, and Brett came at 38, so I'm hoping it won't be long before I get to hold my sweet baby boy in my arms :-) Oh, I just can't wait!!!

Surprise Baby Shower!!

A few weeks ago, my friend Zuzana planned a "Girls Afternoon" at her house for a small group of us to hang out and catch up......or at least that is what I thought! When I arrived I instantly noticed the beautiful blue flowers on her front steps as well as some other friends, including my best friend Rachel, sitting on the back patio. What was going on here?! This wasn't the plan! Well, they got me. Our 'small gathering' was much more than that....it was a surprise baby shower filled with many friends! They did such a great job at keeping this is a secret, and although I had a few suspicions at times, I had no idea that this kind of party would be awaiting me. Surprised, thankful, loved, and happy are just some of the feelings I felt that wonderful afternoon. It was definitely a day I will never forget :-)

I couldn't stop smiling as I walked out back and saw everyone that was there :-)

Zuzana did such an amazing job decorating!! From the food table, gorgeous flowers, delicious cake, and baby decorations, it was nothing short of perfection :-)

The cake and cupcakes were simply amazing. Zuzana also gave me the sweet Elephant ornament on top to take home for baby's first Christmas :-) 

A close-up up one of the beautiful bouquets of flowers. 

Chatting away with Deborah and Jen.

Gathering around the table for good conversation and FOOD!

So thankful for all these wonderful ladies!

Then it was time for presents! Lucky baby!

Yes, those are plastic cups I am holding up! Laura stocked us up with plastic ware and a Cottage Inn gift card so we can have a night off of cooking and dishes once Baby Bingham makes his arrival :-) Such a great gift!

Showing off another cute outfit :-)

Laura also gave me some of Owen's old newborn clothes, and here I am holding up the outfit I bought for her before he was born. I love that our baby will get to wear it too :-)

Words cannot express just how thankful I am for all of my wonderful friends that came together to celebrate our baby boy. We have waited so long for this next chapter in our lives, and my heart couldn't be more full.  I appreciate each and every one of you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support! Now the real excitement begins.....any guesses on when Baby Bingham will arrive?

Our Lego Boy

Brett loves reading the blog so much he now asks me to write about certain things :-) I love that these "journals" already mean something to him and that he enjoys them as much as I do! The latest thing he asked me to write and take pictures of are of him and his LEGO creations. Ever since Brett was a toddler he has loved taking things apart and then figuring out how they go back together. This hobby has continued into more complex things, and his favorite of all is LEGO building! He is a wiz at putting any LEGO kit together himself, no matter how hard or how many pieces.....but what really amazes Kyle and I are the creations he puts together all on his own, only using his bright mind and imagination. Future Engineer? Probably :-) Here are some pics taken in the last few days of his newest 'projects'.

This is a small train station Brett built in hopes to get his picture in the LEGO magazine he receives every month. Unfortunately, his slacker mom (aka, me) still hasn't printed it out to send in!

Brett took these next two pictures himself. He wants to be a mailman and photographer when he grows up :-) Pretty good shots for a 5 year old!

This one is a dinosaur. He did a great job as usual!

This "Monster Truck Garage" may not be made of LEGO's, but is still pretty darn cool. All this boy needs is a cardboard box and some blocks and his imagination goes to town!

More with LEGO's!

This one is by far one of my favorites. Brett built a small city with roads, a firetruck (on the left), a truck (up front), a van (in the back), and two small buildings. Love it!

After Brett builds something, he usually goes into great detail explaining all the parts to us. There really is a rhyme and reason for every piece he puts on and his pride always shines through when he is finished :-) 

Albers Apple Orchard

We just got home from a fun afternoon at Albers Apple Orchard, and as always we had a great time! As soon as we drove into the parking lot Brett blurted out, "I remember this place! We came here with my preschool last year!". I love that he is at the age where he is remembering our adventures from year to year :-)

Brett had a blast running through the hay maze, over and over again :-)

We then went for a little walk to explore. I love this picture of Kyle and Brett looking at each other as they share the excitement of the day together :-)

 After our walk, it was time for Brett to pick out his very first pumpkin of the season. He chose this one because he could carry it himself :-)

And of course, no trip to Albers is complete without standing next to the big apple to see how tall you are....almost 4 feet! Yep, our boy is growing!

We then ventured into the store to buy apples and apple cider ---- yum! We were a little disappointed because we had been looking forward to warm donuts but quickly found out that they were sold out. Bummer. Thank goodness for warm apple cider though! 

Turtlemania!

Brett loves animals and reptiles of any kind, so when Kyle read about "Turtlemania"  happening at the Eddy Discovery Center last Sunday, we knew we had to check it out! Brett was so excited and from the moment he woke up that morning kept asking when it was time to go :-)

We got seats up close and waited patiently for the show to begin! 

As soon as the presentation started the turtles came out! We saw all different kinds; Box turtles, Soft Shell turtles, babies, an angry type of snapping turtle, Painted turtles, Tortoises, and more! They brought each turtle around for everyone to touch and get a close up look at, and even let some of them roam around the room!

 This little box turtle had been placed across the room, and when the presenter called for him (and brought out the lettuce) he quickly made his way back, just like a dog! So fun to watch!

Turtles, turtles, everywhere!

All the turtles we saw were kind looking and nice....except this one! He was downright scary!

After the show, we explored the discovery center for a bit before heading outside to take in the beautiful day.

LOVE this boy!

We had a great family afternoon and Brett is already asking to go back :-)