“How’s the nursery coming?” is the question I am asked most these days. The answer? ALMOST DONE. I am so happy! One of our remaining efforts is in my comfy, cushy new glider. I am particularly excited about this addition because when Davis was an infant we physically did not have room for one. He had an adorable Jenny Lind rocker (I am thinking of selling it if anyone is interested) that fit in his tiny nursery….almost.

Now, however, we have a big nursery. The glider will slide in quite nicely in the left corner by the windows (excuse the semi-dark picture):

I looked at several gliders including these:

Land of Nod: I spy a throw pillow that will be going in the nursery…

Serena and Lily: The Presidio Glider. So beautiful…so more than I want to spend!

Pottery Barn Kids: The Dream Rocker. I want a dream rocker…maybe just not a seat, you know?!

Rosenberry Rooms: The City Glider…in apple green, of course!

I was truly sold, however,  when I sauntered into a local store (Rattle and Roll) the other day and spotted Little Castle rockers all in a row. AND, they are all 20% off until July 31st. Um…you know I can’t resist a sale. AND, it happens to be the MOST comfortable seat I’ve ever enjoyed. EVER. I was also enticed by their “you may provide your own fabric” idea. No restrictions! Love it, love it, love it. Here she is:

I decided to go with “Camelot White” which is a light, fluffy cotton linen blend fabric for the upholstery. I may request apple green piping…joy! I’ll be gracing it with an apple green throw and a funky pillow. Keeping it white is keeping it serene…just what you need at 1am, 3am, 5am and even 7am.

Have a happy Tuesday and let me know what your favorite glider is!

Adrianne

Oh NO! I am totally blowing my budget for the new baby!!! Did you get the new Mini Boden catalog yesterday? I did. It is overwhelming how many cute things are in that catalog. I played a trick on myself: I went to the website and acted like I could spend whatever I wanted…put 15 things in the shopping cart. I cannot eliminate ONE THING. I just CANNOT! And, the 15% off, free shipping gig does NOT help. Here’s a sneak peak if you didn’t get the catalog (bless you if you have restraint).

The elephant with bird KILLS me. KILLS ME!

Seriously?!! My heart ACHED for this one. I can’t wait to put it on her chubby body.

Tights for both dresses…

Uh oh. I heart hedgehogs!

Pretty little cords…

Could this be any cuter? The answer is no.

She cannot have enough dresses, right?!

I’ll have the dress AND the cardigan, please.

So, you see? I have no restraint…and now less money. Ouch! Oh well, this kid will be dressed to the nines, as they say!

More tomorrow!

Adrianne

Yesterday, Tripp and I went together to my 24 week prenatal checkup. I had an ultrasound. I haven’t talked about this until now because I had to make sure everything was a-okay. It is – this is the good news. I want to share this brief story with you, however, because maybe it will help quell some concerns of the ONE in FOUR pregnancies that experience a condition with their baby called Choroid Plexus Cysts (CPC). CPC are cysts found in the growing baby’s brain. Yes, you read that right: cysts on the baby’s brain. Scary, right? Well, I freaked out when they told me this news after my 20 week ultrasound. It was, “YAY! It’s a girl!!!! ……she has CPC on a part of her brain. (What did you say? What is CPC??) There are four cysts. It may be nothing but to make sure you need to visit the High Risk Pregnancy Doctor for a Fetal Scan.” O.M.G.

For any of you that have heard those words or are currently hearing those words, I’m with you. I cried and cried and cried. I read about stories when the person says, “But this can’t happen to me.” You think, “Well, of course it can happen to you if it can happen to anybody, right?” When it’s you….it’s disbelief. It CAN’T happen to ME.

I was good, though, and didn’t Google “CPC” as soon as I got home. Searching the internet can lead to dangerous information…too much information. I had a friend look it up for me. The bottom line was that it is common (1 in 4 pregnancies) and in those that CPC’s show up, there is a 99% chance it’s nothing, that they go away by 28 weeks. I didn’t want to know about the 1%. I know, this probably seems like I had nothing to worry about. Remember, though, everything is supposed to be fine and perfect (I mean, it’s my baby, right?).

Two days after this news, we went back for the Fetal Scan. The Fetal Scan confirmed that there were, in fact, four cysts in Miss Babe’s brain. It also confirmed that they were small. They examined every aspect of her in robust detail and explained that the hands are a big indicator of whether she is in the scary 1%. (After this visit, I looked up the 1%. I am not going to discuss it here). Her fingers were (and still are) long and not crossing each other…apparently an indicator of the 1%. Good news.

So, back to yesterday, we were hopeful but still holding our breath that these cysts would be completely gone. They are 100% gone. WHEW!!

The frustrating thing about this drama is that researchers think CPC’s are a normal part of fetal development. I’ll say that again “NORMAL” part of fetal development. It’s our advanced ultrasound technology that is now able to pick these things up. Kind of a double-edged sword, no? We know more than ever about fetal development but things like this cause a pregnant woman to go crazy with worry. If this is you right now, DO NOT WORRY. I know it’s hard, but remember, 99% chance is really, really good.

I hope this is not too personal or “real” for a Wednesday. I am just EXTREMELY relieved that everything checked out. I still have to have another follow-up ultrasound in a month. Now, however, I am encouraged we will have smooth sailing from now until Miss Babe’s arrival.

Have a happy, happy, worry-free day!

Adrianne

Thanks for your patience, everyone!! Our trip to New Orleans couldn’t have been more fun. We rode the Street Car:

visited good friends with a new baby (Davis LOVED the baby):

and had a great time with long-time friends:

We also rocked the Audubon Zoo and rode lots of airplanes, airport trams and buses to cars (rental and otherwise).  The weather was a little sketchy yesterday, naturally, putting us on “ground hold” in New Orleans for about three hours. Thanks, Atlanta Hartsfield! Thankfully, our connection in ATL was delayed as well. We didn’t miss any flights and finally arrived home after driving through a torrential downpour at 11pm. Doesn’t sound bad….unless you understand what it’s like to travel with a connection and a two-year-old that hasn’t napped and is WAY over-stimulated. Let’s just say we are home in one piece.

While catching up on all things Lambchop this morning, I noticed a lovely invitation from a friend to Zulily. Have you heard of it? I had but hadn’t pursued membership. I was thoroughly pumped to receive the invite! Of course, I had to immediately sign up and search the bevy of discounted kids gear there. I found some pretty sassy, sweet finds! Davis can be super funny and sassy a lot of the time…these would be perfect for him:

From Dogwood

From Dogwood as well. And, it’s right. Who needs sleep anyway???

How much do I love this Motley Crue, Dr. Feelgood tee? TONS. I may love the company’s name who makes it better…Rowdy Sprout. Perf!

And a keeper from Cafe Press:

Break it down!

Go rock on with your bad selves. See you tomorrow!

Adrianne

So we did go to New Orleans over the weekend. Travel yesterday was INSANE. Therefore, I need to post later today. Sorry to keep you in suspense!!

Check back soon, Choppers!

Adrianne

My husband reads Men’s Health.

I sometimes swipe it from him. I like to 1) make sure the info on women he is reading is correct (Yes, it’s true. Women (1) don’t like it when men walk up to them (me) and say things like, “I think an angel must be missing from Heaven….”), 2) read up on ab workouts I cannot do (read: check out the cover model’s story…unfortunately, it is usually just about how he maintains his abs and not about his role as a vampire in Twilight), and 3) look at the healthy recipes they print. Yes, Men’s Health prints recipes!

Yesterday, my hubs sent me this link: Short Order Cook. We cook recipes from the magazine a lot. Most of the time they are easy and fool proof. I love it! (Please read my quip about not cooking or having time to cook from Thursday’s post here.) These recipes are a few of our favorites:

Seared Skirt Steak With Tomatoes

1 1/2 tsp olive oil
1 skirt steak or flank steak (12 oz)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cherry tomatoes (different colors work nicely)
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
4 cups arugula

1. Heat the oil in a cast-iron or stainless-steel pan (or grill pan) on medium high. When the pan is very hot, season the steak with a few pinches of salt and pepper, and add it to the pan. Cook the steak for 3 to 4 minutes a side, until it’s caramelized and slightly firm to the touch. Remove it to a cutting board.

2. While the steak rests, lower the heat to medium, and add the tomatoes and garlic to the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is lightly browned. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for 2 more minutes, until the skins of the tomatoes start to split. Remove the pan from the heat; add salt and pepper.

3. Slice the steak thinly against its grain. Divide the arugula between two plates, top each pile with the steak slices, and pour on the tomatoes and pan drippings. Makes 2 servings.

Per serving: 460 calories, 47 grams (g) protein, 11 g carbohydrates (2 g fiber), 24 g fat, 150 milligrams sodium

Chipotle Turkey Burgers

8 oz lean ground turkey
2 wheat or whole-grain buns, toasted
1/2 avocado, sliced
2 Tbsp chipotle salsa
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Pinch of cumin
1 tomato, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp low-fat sour cream

1. Mix the meat, salt, pepper, and cumin, and form it into two equal patties.

2. Preheat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Coat with a bit of oil and add the burgers, cooking them for 4 to 5 minutes a side, until slightly firm to the touch.

3. Dress each bun with avocado slices, tomato, and red onion. Top with the burger, sour cream, and salsa.

Per serving 419 calories, 27 g protein, 37 g carbs, 21 g fat (5 saturated), 7 g fiber, 685 mg sodium

Enjoy your summer weekend! I’m off to New Orleans. It’s true!

Yes, that is really me at The Columns.

Adrianne

Little Davis will be three in September. I cannot believe it’s two months away! He also starts a brand new school the beginning of September and HAS to be potty trained to go there (work in progress). He ALSO gets a new baby sister in October/November. He ALSO, technically, should be moving from his crib to a big boy bed or toddler bed. WHEW! Can someone give this kid a break? I mean, that is A LOT going on for him, don’t you agree?

As his mother, I feel completely responsible for all of these mighty milestones being thrust upon him. I started to think about what we could change or not change about the situation to reduce stress on the little guy. I obviously can’t help that he will turn three. Unchangeable. And, I can’t really change his school situation…paid for. Therefore, I cannot stop trying to get him fully potty trained by the end of August…again, work in progress. And, this baby girl is coming whether anyone likes it or not.  So, the easiest thing I can do for him is to let him keep his bed, right?

I’m asking you, is this a silly thought? Should I be converting him to a toddler bed? Is it my own fear that he won’t stay in it and be traumatized that’s holding him back? Or, is he really not ready? He towers over the crib railing but will not climb out. I honestly don’t know why! I would love your thoughts! In the meantime, let’s explore what his toddler bed would look like if we decide to go that route.

Here is the crib now:

Pottery Barn Kids Sleigh Crib

Here is the Pottery Barn Kids photo of what it should look like when converted to a toddler bed (ours is not white, however):

Here are the sheets and quilt I love for for the bed. D will ultimately have to pick them out, however. Ok, well, here are his choices (all from PBK…so easy!):

Don’t forget to send me your stories on crib to bed transitions – I truly need advice!!
Adrianne

A friend and fellow blogger has asked me to guest blog on her site over the weekend. What an honor! If you haven’t checked out The Birthday Girl Blog, you are in for a treat. She writes about great party ideas and the value of adding detail to any theme. Below is the blog post I penned for her site. Enjoy!

Hi Everyone,

My name is Adrianne Bugg and I own Lambchop Designs, LLC. Lambchop Designs is a business devoted to making kid’s rooms more fun. We provide a vast collection of “Fun Art for Cool Kids!” (among other things like super great t-shirts!) Anyway, Becca asked me to guest blog today and I couldn’t be more excited! I love talking parties so let’s get to it.

A friend of mine approached me last summer to help her make a stand for the cupcakes at her son’s 1st birthday party. She handed me a bunch of terra cotta pots and wondered if we could paint them in a fun way. I thought this was an amazing idea! So, for my “nefew,” Mac, I painted these:

This picture isn’t as bright as I’d like but look closely, I painted light blue dots all over the white pots. How did we do it? Well, I turned the pots and trays upside down and painted them white. Then, I painted the light blue dots, Mac’s monogram, and date of birth. For fun, we added a Gerber Daisy through the top (upside-down bottom) of the smallest, top-most pot. Voila! Here are some other pictures of my first cupcake stand:

The precious family!

The Top Tier

The Top Pot with Monogram

I loved the idea so much, I made one for my son, Davis, for his “Big 2″ birthday party! We had a “water” theme going on for his party.  I painted a sailboat with a monogrammed sail on the biggest pot. I used the pot trays to paint “water and waves.” As you can see below, I decided to do a cake and cookies rather than cupcakes. (Side note: We have a fantastic gourmet bakery in the tiny town next to my tiny town called Carried Away Cuisine. DEE-lish and so professional and CUTE! Check it out!)

Here is the desert table. I separated the main “cake” stand to accommodate different desserts and used the pot trays to display the cake and cookies.

The Main Stand: complete with a collection of sassy Gerbers and Zinnias sprouting from the top! (I couldn’t just leave it plain, right?!)

Davis’ custom cake from Carried Away Cuisine.

I mean, this may have been the BEST cake I’ve ever had. I was dense and moist vanilla almond cake with raspberry filling…DIVINE! You can see how I used one of the “water” painted pot trays to display the cake. It fit PERFECTLY.

I used a bigger pot tray to display the crab and “#2″ cookies we had made. They were also amazing!

When I shopped for the terracotta pots that would ultimately become my stands, I found small pots I thought I could use for something. They ended up being great “moorings” for the main stand. (See pic above.) It was also a great way to display the extra cookies and bring in more of the light blue from the table cloth. Also note the Zinnias on the top…again, I just couldn’t leave it alone!

It was really fun to have a custom stand for the party. It really helped pull our theme together and add a bit of detail that I always look for and love. Let me know if you have questions or want to have one made for your special party!

If you aren’t as keen on the custom route or don’t have time to have one made, I have found some other really cute cake stand options:

I love the bright colors in these different height cake stands from Pottery Barn Kids

Hmmm….I can’t decide what I like better, this funky stand from Williams Sonoma or the beautiful cupcakes on it!

What a cutie!! I love this red dot stand from Amazon. Yes, AMAZON!

Of course, if you want me to paint a flower pot stand for your upcoming bash, let me know!

Thanks, Becca for the opportunity to post on Birthday Girl!

Adrianne

I hope you all had a fun weekend! Ours was jam-packed with great fun (see schedule from Friday’s blog here). In addition to all the fun stuff, I ran the Lambchop Designs booth at the Irvington Farmer’s Market. What an amazing Market – record numbers of people from all over, record breaking weather (high of 83…thank you!), and the best show we’ve had this year! Thanks to everyone that stopped by to say hello!

If you weren’t able to make it, I’m sorry to say that you missed a few things…1) we had a special drawing for a FREE painting for those that came by, 2) the new crab design t-shirts debuted and were wildly popular. The winner of the drawing (congrats, Lori!) will be able to choose a painting valued at $100 or less to adorn her child’s walls. I can’t wait to see what she picks!! As for the crab shirts, you didn’t totally miss out. I still have some left! BUT, (and, this is important) you need to reserve your shirt immediately. They will be posted for sale online in our new Etsy Shop as well as on this website later this week. It’s very possible I will sell out! Here is a sneak peak:

The Infant Crab Tee (white shirt with a red crab). It is $25 and available in 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months sizes. I’ll ship it to you anywhere in the US for $5.

Here is the Toddler Crab Tee. (Also white with red crab (difference is the red ringer), $25, $5 shipping in the US.)

This is a close-up of le crab!

And here is how it comes to you!

Let me know what size you need, Choppers!

Have a great day – back to reality!

Adrianne