Charlotte's Room

Charlie's room was inspired by some artwork we had from the Etsy shop Jellybeans. Taking the idea of trees with polka dot leaves and running with it, we designed a simple nursery that we absolutely love.

We opted for grayish blue walls so it wasn't quite so girly. (This may have been subconsciously influenced by the fact that I lived in an obscenely pink room for many years when I was younger.)

We found a tree decal on Etsy that was similar to the style of the artwork, and put it over the crib, which we got from IKEA. The bedding is Dwell Studio for Target, and continues that idea of abstract plant life. (Because of the controversy over bumpers, we used the one that came with the set as a makeshift window seat cushion.)

Our one splurge or this room was the rocker glider, and it was so worth it. For the amount of time spent in it you really want to make sure you have something comfy enough to doze off in. My sister in law made this beautiful quilt for Charlie, complete with her initials, and we've hung one of our Jellybeans pieces above the chair, where Charlie loves to stare at it.

We "made" the changing table from a bookcase and tabletop at IKEA, and it's the perfect height. Above it are two more Jellybeans prints, one representing a Daddy and Daughter, and the other a Mother and Daughter.

We also purchased a bigger version of the same bookcase for books and toys. The last Jellybeans print lives here, along with Charlotte's Web and some framed paper I found.

It's been a great place to display favorite toys and books.

We claimed the walk in closet in her room for ourselves (filled to the rafters with the storage that used to fill her room) so we found a wardrobe system at IKEA to hold her clothes. On the side of the wardrobe we've hung the Jellybeans calendar.

A few other details:

Some framed paper in the entry way

A DIY mobile:

A "night light" so diaper changes in the dark aren't quite so treacherous. We swapped out the winged frogs for some more of the paper I found.

That pretty much sums it up. If you see something I didn't give details on that you'd like to know about (changing pad cover, bins in the bookcases etc,) just let me know and I'll tell you where I found it. We love this room and are excited to see Charlie grow into it and personalize it.

The Final Selection

I spent over an hour narrowing down my favorites of Shutterfly.com's many, many holiday cards. When I finally chose one, I spent an equal amount of time selecting the pictures to feature on it (with some help from Tim, of course.) But I'm so happy with the end result, especially considering they were a gift from Shutterly (a $104 value!). I can't wait for them to get here, and I also can't wait to send them out! What a wonderful experience!

Charlotte's First Christmas

is coming up, so naturally I'd like to document it with as many photos as possible. One thing that is really important to me is to send out a photo Christmas card. Since she's so new (and wonderful), and changing and growing so quickly, I want everyone we love to be able to have a picture of her, and this is the best possible way to make that happen. So, with the help of Shutterfly.com, this years Christmas cards should be amazing! Here are some of my favorites:


I love the bright colors and simple styling of this one. It's sweet and festive.

This one feels so modern to me, and it can have multiple photos on it.

Again, I love the modern feel of this one, that it can have three pictures, and the colorful lettering.
Some possible card worthy shots from our days in the snow:

Having a snow ball fight with her grandpa (while blowing bubbles, a favorite past time of hers.)

Snuggling with me to keep warm,

And getting squishy smooches from her mommy and daddy.

Right now, Shutterfly has a promotion for 50 free holiday cards (what more could a new mom want?) All you have to do is blog about it! Simple enough. I'm thrilled that at a time when so many people are strapped for cash and are having to do away with certain non-essentials (for us, one of those things was going to have to be Christmas cards, actually), this wonderful company is making it possible for us to share with our friends and family. Thank you Shutterfly!See here for details.

Smiles

Is there anything better than baby grins? I submit that there is not!

My Baby Shower

My amazing friend Laura threw me the worlds most beautiful baby shower. Everything was color coordinated and custom picked to match the branch and berry paper Laura found. She even had her dad handmake this lollipop tree.

All the desserts were carefully selected to match...and they were delicious!

Most everything at the shower was handmade...Laura made a memory book that matched the invitations. All the girls wrote a memory they had with their mom for me to draw inspiration from. We also made the poms to hang among the streamers (Laura knows my motto is "It's not a party without streamers".) All the door prizes were also hand made...stamped tea towels, cards, jewelry, jams...they were awesome.

We had an amazing time...playing non traditional games, catching up with friends, and of course opening mountains of baby items!

It was the best party ever. Thanks Laura! We love you! (Also, most of these pictures are ones she took, as well as all of the ones on the previous post)

Where Have I Been?

To the two of you who still check this, you may be wondering where I've been. Here's your answer:

Charlotte Ellenor Fulton

Born September 29th 2010, 7:52 am

6 pounds, 14 ounces

19 inches

I've been learning to be a mom...and there is a lot to learn. We just love her, and it already seems impossible that we ever lived without her. If I succeed at updating here more often, there will be TONS of pictures, believe me. But first, I want to show you the amazing shower I was thrown just before she arrived.

Dreaming...

Now that I'm so advanced in my pregnancy (15 days to go!), I'm starting to day dream about things I can do after the baby comes. I've been letting Tim know the meals I'd like to eat so he can make sure he knows how to make them. :)

I miss egg yolk. Like you wouldn't believe. I had no idea this would be the item that I wanted the most, but I have made Tim swear that the first meal I have will be a perfectly poached egg on toast with asparagus, prosciutto and feta cheese. My mouth is watering. Yum.
I'm also missing my clothes. Maternity clothes were fun for awhile, but how many times can you wear the same 5 outfits before you are just plain bored?

I'm most looking forward to wearing:

My suede boots! Yes, they fit, but walking with any extra height is an extremely dangerous game when 1) you're clumsy to start with; and 2) you're pregnant

My leather motorcycle jacket...so pretty, so soft, so small...
My favorite jeans ever.
My pretty detailed tops.

As well as so many others...oh clothes (and egg yolk). How I miss you.
(All the clothes are of the recently deceased Martin + Osa variety. Hence, no links.)