Friday, August 31, 2012

Our Minnesota Trip: {Part Two}

Wednesday was a little quieter for us. My mom had to go to work later in the evening so we just hung out at the house all morning. I love hanging out in their living room while the sunlight comes in. It's even better with a baby in your lap :)
{What a cutie!}

We went to my dad's office and had lunch with him! After that, we went home and my mom headed to work. Jillian and I played, and she even had a decent nap. When my dad got home, we went to a special new church ceremony. A church in the area just bought land and had a special worship service to commemorate the occassion. Jillian LOVED the praise band. She would bounce in my arms and do her "jazz hands" of excitement. It was really cracking my dad up! They also had ice cream bars afterwards. Due to his job, my dad schmoozed and chatted while Jillian and I stood around and looked cute. {And before you ask: Yes, yes I did eat an ice cream bar for Jillian. I mean, why let it go to waste right? HAHA} My stomach reminded me that we didn't get a real dinner before the ice cream. We stopped by Arby's on our way home and got some food.

The next morning, my mom and I went to my mom's hair dresser and I finally got my hair cut! {That was 19 months overdue!} The stylist had a daughter 11 days after Jillian was born so we had plenty to talk about ;) She even gave me pointers for dressing Jillian at Christmas time. I just got a cut, but I am still interested in highlighting my hair again. {White/Gray hairs be damned!}
 {Before}

{After}

After losing 5 pounds of hair, we went to a local restaurant where I had a famous Juicy Lucy burger! It was very delicious and I can't wait to take Phil! Of course, no trip to Maplewood would be complete without a trip to the mall to buy Jillian $100 worth some new clothes for fall/summer-next-year ;) We then went to my mom's church where they had the last summer food program for the year. Even though it was pretty cloudy, it didn't rain as much as we expected. 

{We were hoping to go to the first day of the Minnesota State Fair, mostly to see the Princess Kay of the Milky Way's head sculpted in butter, but we decided not to risk getting wet. (Hilarious side note: All the runners up also get their heads sculpted in butter AND they get to take it home after the fair is over! Could you imagine having a sculpture of your head, made of butter, just sitting in your fridge? It would scare me every time I opened the door! Or maybe I'd freeze it, then stick in in someone's bed Godfather style ya know?)}

Sadly, we had to head home early Friday morning since we had a special stop on the way to KC. We said goodbye to my dad and headed off.
{Jillian with her Jemma and G-Chaz} 

{I do love this photo :)}

My mom and I have spent the last 17 years or so visiting all of the museums and sites for Laura Ingalls Wilder. I don't have photos of all the places and we only really hit the last 3 because my parents live MUCH closer to the sites than we ever did in Oklahoma, (or even Arkansas). We went to the final one, Burr Oak, Iowa! It's literally right across the state line between Minnesota and Iowa. Getting there wasn't too bad, and we even passed the Mayo Clinic in Rochester! {I also saw more Amish people on that drive than any other time in my life. Funny thing is, one store had a website painted on a sign. A website? For Amish goods? Seem funny to anyone else?} I really hope Jillian likes the books and wants to visit the sites too. I certainly wouldn't mind going to all of them again :)
{The Museum/Hotel}

{The main building and gift shop was located in a restored bank (the red brick building)} 

{Jillian and I outside of the hotel with a map of Laura's moving history} 

{Jillian and Jemma next to their replicated covered wagon}

Due to a crazy twist of fate, what would have taken us 10 hours to get to KC actually took us 12. It was ridiculous and a long day for all of us. However, we made it and all slept well once we got to my aunt's house.

Saturday, my mom had to leave before Phil got to KC in order to get home at a decent time. Jillian and I said a quick goodbye, (anything longer is too hard :(), and she was off.
{<3}

Shortly after 2, Phil made it and we were all reunited again :) We stayed in KC that night and headed home Sunday. We had some friends over for Phil's Fantasy Football draft Sunday night, but crashed shortly after they left. 

Overall it was a great trip. Even though we stayed longer than last time, it felt shorter. I don't think it'll ever feel like "enough" time for me. I am so thankful for my parents and the relationship we have. It's crazy to think that'll we'll be flying up there in less than 4 months for Christmas! Not only will the year be just about over, but Jillian will be 1 and more mobile than I'm prepared for. A wave of excitement hits me when I think about it, (and maybe a little dread if I'm being honest. Flying with a baby AND having a child who's growing up too fast is a lot to comprehend for this mama!).

I am sad that Jillian now has a cold, but at least it is while we're home. Plus, this is just another strand of cold that she will never get again. {Can I get a "what what" for immunity? Anyone? Bueller?}

Now that most of our stuff is back in it's place, I'm sure my posting will be a little more consistent. And if not? Just know I'm trying my best. 

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Our Minnesota Trip: {Part One}

This will only be a two part series so that I don't overwhelm with photos :)
Also, Jillian does indeed have a cold. More than anything, I want her to feel better. It is hard knowing that you can't do much aside from making your baby as comfortable as possible. I would hold her all day if it made her better! She does seem to have improved since yesterday which is a good sign!

Even though Phil stayed home for most of our trip, I don't really like to advertise we're going to be gone. It is safety issue with me. However, I was SO happy to go spend time with my folks for a week! I try to go as close to my mom's birthday as I can. This year, her birthday just so happened to be the week we closed on and moved into our house. Since I was a little busy, I had to wait to go.

Phil took Friday off and we drove to Kansas City to meet my folks. KC is about a 5-1/2 hour trip for us and a 7 hour trip for my parents. With family in town, it's an easy place to stop and spend the night. I have driven the entire trip alone, but I doubt Jillian will be ready for that anytime soon. Before we left, I wanted a quick picture with my girl :)
{It was game day in KC so we were showing our support for the Royals!}

We stayed with one of our family members. Phil's birthday gift from my folks were tickets to a Royals game, and this was the first one we could manage. We were going to go with my dad, but my uncle expressed interest in going. I decided to let the boys have a night out and stayed home with the girls. The Royals even won their game! {We have a family curse that they lose the few times we go to a game at Kauffman stadium. I mean, I can count on one hand the number of times they've won when I attended a home game.}

In order to save a little space in the car, (since babies require TONS of stuff), I took Jillian's inflatable ducky tub to use for her nightly baths. Our first night on the road was her first time to use it.
{She eventually warmed up to it. I think the quacking threw her off HAHA}

The next day, we said goodbye to Phil as he headed home and we went north. We got to my parents' house around dinner time on Saturday. Jillian and I did go to my mom's church in Wisconsin and I sang an impromptu solo during service on Sunday morning. We then spent the next 24 hours just relaxing and recovering from our car ride. 

Monday morning, we had a fun filled day planned! First, we got Jillian dressed and ready to go after her morning nap...
{Hanging out with the dog}

{Story time with Jemma}

Then we went to a place for lunch called Java Train Cafe!
{We were sitting outside, but were chased in by a bee who wouldn't take "no" for an answer! This is After we finished eating and Jillian needed a little amusement. She looks like such a big girl!}

Then we headed to the Como Park Zoo! It was a great place to go on such a nice day. The best part? This zoo is the perfect size for little kids! We got to see all of the animals inside. 
{This is as easy as it looks with an 8 month old}

 {Jillian and the Polar Bear paw mold}

{Attempting to point out the giraffe as Jillian makes faces in the wind. This is how most of the zoo went, but we still had fun ;)}

Due to a meeting he had, we had a girl dinner that turned into a vegetarian meal! We had a baked acorn squash, (thanks to the amazing Pioneer Woman!), salad, corn on the cob, and bread. Very yummy! Once dad got home, we did our own taste test of the Ben & Jerry's flavors inspired by Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert. Although both a good, (and somewhat similar), I preferred Jimmy's while my folks liked Colbert's. {Jillian did not have any, but we described the deliciousness to her.}

The next day, we had a relaxing morning at home. Jillian discovered the tall mirror at the house and was just having a blast!
{Look at that cute baby!}

We had a great lunch at a local bakery and walked around downtown. My dad came home a little early and we introduced Jillian to her kiddie pool!
 {Here we go! She wasn't too sure at first...}

{but after Jemma showed off some toys,}

 {she was a little more excited.}

 {Then she figured out you can splash just like in the bath tub!}

{Quite a successful first time in the pool :)}

After we got a dried off, my dad and I went on a daddy-daughter date! He is always so busy and I wanted to spend a little time with him. What can I say? I'm a daddy's girl through and through :) We saw The Dark Knight Rises, then had dinner at Chili's. I had a blast and I think he did too!

To be continued...

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Wordless Wednesday {8/29}

{Messy night + messy hair + messy face = <3}

{I am working on editing and watermarking photos from our trip. Please bear with me as I do this with a clingy/teething/possibly-dealing-with-a-cold-but-I-love-her-anyways baby. I will return soon :)}

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Jillian's Nursery Reveal

This post is a much anticipated post and I'm beyond thrilled to share.

Because we lived in an apartment at the time Jillian was born, I didn't really get to set up the nursery before her arrival. Trust me, I had it all planned out. I drew sketches of what I wanted it to look like. I made lists of items I wanted to purchase or make for the room. I was ready. I even kept the theme of the room under wraps until I was able to do it.

Now that Phil and I are officially homeowners, I was able to bring my dream to life. It was the first project I wanted to do in our new home.

Without further ado, Jillian's Alice in Wonderland Inspired Nursery :)



  











Items:
Crib - $160: gift from parents from Babies R Us
Crib Mattress - $130: gift from in-laws from Babies R Us
Crib Sheet - $12: gift at baby shower from Babies R Us
Crib Bumper - $60 from Babies R Us
Large Lion - Free: Christmas gift from my brother
Paper Lanterns - $3.95 each - $12 total from Crate&Barrel
"Let Her Sleep" - $12 made by me: materials from Michaels
Toy Box - $70 from Babies R Us (with 20% off coupon)
Rose Hooks - $40 (with shipping) from Anthropologie
Hamper - $23: gift from brother from Babies R Us
Changing Table - $150: gift from baby shower from Babies R Us
Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dumb Print - $12 (with shipping) from Etsy - Lisa at WonderlandShop
Curtains - $19.99 each - $40 total (two panels for one window) from Target
Curtain Rod - $13 from BedBath&Beyond
Curtain Holdbacks - $9.99 from BedBath&Beyond
Pink Curtain Finials - $12.99 - $26 total (two pairs for holdbacks and rod) from BedBath&Beyond
Room Paint - $32 per gallon - $64 total Behr: Bella Rose PPKR-25 from Home Depot
Black Lamp -  $25 from Target
Ceramic White Rabbit - $29 from Pottery Barn
Stopwatch Desk Clock - $39 from Pottery Barn
Rocking Chair - Free: gift from my parents - found at a local thrift store
Table: $9 from BedBath&Beyond
Table Cloth - $12 from BedBath&Beyond (on clearance)
Scentsy Heart Burner - Free: already owned
Wall Shelfs - $25 for the smallest 3 (it was a set), and $26 for the longest shelf (2 ft) - $51 total from Target
White/Red Roses -  $4 made by me: materials from Michaels
Letter "J" - $2 from Michaels (on clearance)
Tea Pots and Tea Cups Prints - $41 (with shipping) from Etsy - Kasia at Ink Five Prints  
"Impossible Things" Print - $17 from Etsy - Carrie at Grandma's Tap Shoes
Short Bookcases - Free: already owned from Target
Rules Painting - Free: made by friend
Key Wall Hooks - $30 (with shipping) from Plasticland
Mirror - $40 from IKEA
Cross Stitch - $8: made by me 
Button "J" - Free: made by Sister-in-law
Baptism Shadow Box - $15 from Michaels
Baptism Certificate Frame - $122 custom framing from Michaels
"Eat Me" - Free: I used a piece of styrofoam from a package and cling wrap in the kitchen
"Drink Me" - $5 (with coupon) from Michaels
"Eat Me"/"Drink Me" Labels - $1.95 for set of 3 from Crate&Barrel
Cheshire Cat - $25 (with shipping) from Disney Store
Picture Frames - I found most of the frames from Target, Marshalls, or Michaels. They ranged from $4 to $15 depending on the size. 

Anything else that you're curious where it came from or the cost? Feel free to email me! 
mrs {dot} c {dot} ondemand {at} gmail {dot} com.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Our First Home: Photos {Bedrooms}

As a reminder, I am purposefully leaving out Jillian's nursery in this post. Her big nursery reveal will be after this post.
If at any time you have a question about where I got a decoration, please feel free to email me! I can't promise I'll remember, but I'll do my best :)
mrs {dot} c {dot} ondemand {at} gmail {dot} com

{Guest room as you walk in}
{The window faces west so I wanted to be sure I got curtains}

{A partially decorated wall}
{I'm hoping to finish up a Pinterest inspired art idea that involves the mirror. I would also like a chair for the corner at some point}

{Other side of the room}
{That closet is huge! However, it has a lot of our seasonal decorations and miscellany in there right now so no photo of that ;)}

{Master bedroom - office area}
{The door to the left is the entry to the room fyi}

{Our windows and the family cradle you may recall from this post}
{Those shelves were left by the previous owner. We may or may not keep them}

{Our beautiful new bed frame and matching bedside tables}
{It's nice to have a headboard again!}

{Dresser that goes in between the bathroom door and the closet door}

{Large walk-in closet}
{Pardon the piles of laundry! We were waiting on our washer/dryer to be delivered when I snapped these photos}

{More closet}
{Sadly yes, I did need more shoe room! What's a girl to do?!}

But I Know What It Feels Like

This post is going to be awfully vulnerable and hard for me, but I really want to finally say it out loud. I got permission for my daughter ...