Seussville on Pelican Court

The nursery has been done for months now, but I am finally getting around to uploading the pictures. 

It was pretty tough to choose a nursery theme that was gender neutral. And after spending hours looking at nurseries online and in other blogs, I was almost prepared to make separate nurseries for Brett and Emma. But Brian was not having that. And I realized it would be way too much work (for him.) 

Then, one day I was getting my hair and makeup done for my maternity photos when my genius hairdresser suggested a Dr. Seuss nursery! What a super idea!!! We started painting the next day. 

I collected items for a while. Lots of online shopping - Home Decorators, Etsy, Ebay, Amazon, etc. It all came together pretty nicely. Now Brett and Emma are living happily in Seussville!

Presenting....Brett and Emma's room! :)

View from the bedroom door

LOVE the glider and bay window

Changing table with diaper stacker and bins

Bedroom door

Where the magic happens. Magic=Sleep

Closets

LOTS of clothes!!!

Intercom

Light plate and switch covers I ordered on Etsy

Another view of cribs with hamper

A good view of the stripes Brian painted and the cool bookshelf I found!

Bay window with valance and Dr. Seuss alphabet quilt

In a couple of years Brett and Emma will be moving in to their own rooms and all this hard work will be gone. And the thought of that makes me want to cry, so let's not talk about them growing up or anything else like that :)

Thankful Thursday

    Thankful Thursday #4!

     It seems I have a lot to be thankful for. And I mean a whole heck of a lot. But to be concise (and to continue having blog subjects), I will just narrow it down to one thing today. 


     I am so thankful for being married to the best guy, Brian. He does everything he can to make me happy. And I am usually pretty easy to please. But there have been a few instances recently where I have been quite difficult. Just this morning I was being less than friendly after a loooooooong night in the nursery. Instead of Brian reacting to my bad attitude he cooked me breakfast to cheer me up. Sometimes he can be so selfless. 


     Thanks, Brian! You are seriously amazing!!!


      And now, back to that nursery story. Brett and Emma have slept in their cribs all week. And it hasn't been easy. For the record, they are doing just fine in the cribs. I am the one losing sleep. We started by putting B&E in the same crib. A big crib can be a scary place, so we thought they needed each other. The first night I woke up to some crying over the monitor. No big deal, I could probably get by with just returning some pacifiers and be back in bed in minutes. When I went into the nursery, Emma had turned herself sideways and was kicking her swaddled little legs all over the place. And since she was sideways, those little legs were landing on Brett's face. The weird thing is, he didn't seem to notice! She was the one screaming. After completely freaking out and confirming that Brett was still alive, I separated them. The next night, I came into the room to Emma's leg hanging out of the crib. Freaked out again...but everything was fine. That same night, Brian found Brett face first into the side of the crib. I am so tempted to put the crib bumpers in. But, I am going to wait it out and discuss the situation with the pediatrician next week. Last night there were no issues, but I was having trouble sleeping and was up all night finding pacifiers. How these babies manage to get them out of their mouths and across the room is beyond me. 


     Emma is already in bed and Brett is yawning away in Brian's lap. So, cheers! Here is hoping to an easy night. Did I just jinx it?


     And PS - in case you didn't notice, the Bolts won game 7 last night and went to the next round of the playoffs! Game 1 vs. the Washington Capitals is tomorrow night. But we aren't scared, the biggest fans in the land live right here in Seminole, FL!

The first flag we have ever flown, haha!!

Daddy's playoff beard, B&E in their jerseys

The hospital bag!

36 weeks today, YAY! Brian and I are so excited :)

I wanted to have the hospital bag packed by today, but that didn't happen! By the weekend it will definitely be done. The first step was getting a bag. How crazy is it that I do not own one duffel bag! I have a couple of smaller overnight bags and some suitcase luggage, but nothing mid-sized. So obviously getting a cute bag for the hospital was the first step! For my birthday I got a very cute Vera Bradley tote bag from our good friends Adam and Marissa. So I decided to order the matching duffel from Amazon.com. I really love the pattern, it is Buttercup. It should be arriving any day now, and will be filled up with everything we will need in the hospital.

So, what exactly will we need?? That is a great question! After asking around and finding some lists on other blogs and websites, I was able to figure out everything I think we will need.

The List:

• Insurance Card
• Nursing bra and tank
• Nursing pads
• Chap Stick
• toiletry bag (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, hair brush,toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, deodorant, face lotion, body lotion, contact solution and case)
• glasses
• flip flops
• baby's grooming kit
• glasses
• hair ties, headband, and bobby pins
• snacks for Brian!
• cell phone and charger, headphones
• digital camera
• flip video camera
• laptop and charger
• books/magazines
• boppy
• receiving blankets

• outfit to wear home
• coming home outift for babies one newborn and one 0-3 month for each
• car seats installed in car

So for now I am piling everything up in the nursery so that I can fill my new duffel as soon as it arrives! If I forgot anything, please let me know :)

Once the bag is packed, our to-do list will be almost complete! Here is what we have left:

• Change blinds in the nursery to white
• Hang two shelves in nursery
• Hang picture frames in nursery
• Pick out coming home outfits in newborn and 0-3 months
• Install car seats and get them checked at the fire dept
• Trash can for nursery

This week I ordered a cute side table to go next to the glider and a window seat cushion for the bay window. The table is from homedecorators.com, my new addiction! I also ordered the nursery rug from here and LOVE it!

This is the side table, I think the shape of it goes really well with the Dr. Seuss theme!

And here is the faux sheepskin rug, which I ordered in 8 foot round, not rectangle like it is pictured. It is sooooo soft! Brian and I laid down on it and did not want to get up, it was so comfy!

I really need to get some pictures of the nursery on here! Now that we finally have all of the clothes put away and things organized, I can take some good ones. So be on the lookout for that :)

So...we are ALMOST done. It is so hard to believe!!

But, that is enough about that! How in the heck are the BABIES doing?!

"It’s the calm before the storm. Changes in your baby's weight have leveled off with only a few ounces of fat added this week. At this point your baby should weigh in at around 6.3 lbs and 19 inches (with boys somewhat heavier and longer than girls). Happily, as far as internal organs go, they are now developed enough to function in the outside world although the oh-so-important immune system is still developing and will continue to do so after birth. With a large boost of antibodies provided by breast milk when nursing begins. Fighting infection and staying healthy should be well within their physical capacity when your little fighter is born."

And these babies aren't honeydews anymore! Now that I am 9 months pregnant, they are a little bit bigger...

So that is everything for now!! Next week the babies will be measured again and we will know their estimated weights!

Goodbye 2010!!

This was such a great year :) Brian and I have a lot to be thankful for. So many exciting things happened.

2010 in Review:

In January we...decided to start our family!!! I slowly went off of my RA medications so that I could become pregnant. Brian ran the Disney Marathon!!

Race Morning Before: Approx: 3AM Race Morning After: Approx. 10AM

In February we...celebrated our 2nd Valentine's Day as a married couple :) We went to a charity dinner hosted by Shelton Quarles and were waited on by Bucs players. It was so much fun!

One of our waiters...Mark Royals!

In March we...were able to start trying for a baby!! All of my medications were out of my system and we got the all clear from my gynecologist and rheumatologist.

In April we...added a new addition to our family! I went to NYC for a weekend and came home with Rocco!! Brian was not too happy at first but it didn't take long for Rocco to win his heart :)

I sent Brian this picture and said "Can I keep him??"

Brian said "NO!"

And although he was a little mad at first...

he loves Rocco more than ever now!

In May we...celebrated Brian's 27th birthday. For his birthday he got a kayak! We also found out we were pregnant!!! It was on May 31st that we saw the positive pregnancy test :) No Memorial Day drinks for me!

Brian taking his kayak on it's maiden voyage from our dock, and Rusty jumped in the mud to try and follow him!

In June we...went to doctor at 7 weeks to confirm pregnancy. A quick ultrasound showed TWINS!!! We also went to Hawaii for a week with Brian's family! I had some morning sickness and Brian got the Norwalk Virus but we still had a good time.

Twins!

Boksen family photo in Hawaii

In July we...enjoyed the summertime. We watched the 4th of July fireworks from Brian's parents condominium in downtown St. Petersburg. We went to lots of Rays games and BBQs with our friends and families.

In August we...had an awful flare-up with my RA! My hips were inflamed and I was not able to walk. I was out of work for about a month and Brian took great care of me!

In September we...found out the genders of our babies! We had a party with our families to tell everyone the good news. It's a girl...and a boy! I was able to go back to work after the inflammation in my hip finally went away.

Baby A is a boy! Baby B is a girl!

In October we...really started to get serious about baby business! We painted the nursery and Brian started putting together the cribs and changing tables.

In November we...went to Naples for a babymoon! It was a fun and relaxing trip and our last out of town adventure before the babies.

In December we...celebrated the holidays with our families! We celebrated our 2nd year wedding anniversary and my 25th birthday! Brian bought a new car! He loves his 2011 Ford Edge, and I am a little jealous.

We are so happy to have shared so many great memories with our friends, families, and each other. We know 2011 will bring us many more great adventures. Thank you to everyone who makes every day so special for us. We cannot wait to see you in 2011!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

28 weeks!!!!

At the beginning of November, Brian and I went to Naples for the weekend. We had a really nice time. We stayed at the Naples Grande Resort, and it was very nice. I would seriously recommend it to anyone visiting Naples. Brian planned the whole thing all by himself! Very impressive :)

We are still working on the nursery! Brian put together both cribs and a changing table. The painting is done. Now I am busy searching the internet for Dr. Seuss decor! I found these adorable outlet covers and shelves online.

I know this isn't the best picture, but they are very very cute! The outlet covers are from Etsy seller Starrs Creations. The shelves are from eBay seller mine-n-yours_2008.

I am also waiting on some wall decals that I found on Etsy. I cannot wait to get them on the walls!!

The babies have been moving around so much! They practically never stop. Between the two of them there is always something going on :) It is so weird to see body parts rolling across my belly! I don't really feel "kicks" anymore. It is more like rolling or strong, heavy moves. Every time we go to the doctor the babies are in a different position. I know they are getting cramped for space in there, but they are still finding ways to get comfortable :) At my last appointment, both babies were breech. That means their feet were down. They have plenty of time to switch positions, but if they are breech when it is time for me to deliver, I will need to have a c-section. I really do not want to do that, but obviously it will be whatever is best for the babies!

It might seem a little early to be thinking about delivering, but it is really so close! I only have about 9 more weeks, at the most. Anytime in January would be OK for the babies to be born. The later the better, but definitely before January 27th they will be here!!

I went in for a one hour glucose screening this week and passed! The nurse told me with twins and being on prednisone I would likely fail the one hour and need to do the three hour test. Luckily that was not the case! YAY!

I am off of work for the next week and will be sleeping a lot! Also shopping for the nursery, making appointments to meet pediatricians, and getting ready for my baby shower on Saturday. I am SO EXCITED! Susan brought some stuff for the shower over this week and put it in the outside room and told me not to look. I am being so good, I promise I haven't peeked! But it is killing me. I would have never thought to go in there anyways, now I am so curious.

How far along? 28 weeks, 3 days
Total weight gain/loss: 45 pounds
Maternity clothes? Jumped sizes in maternity clothes from small to medium!
Stretch marks? ugghhhhhhh

Sleep: Lots of sleep, 10 hours a night! More on the weekends!
Best moment this week: Watching the babies move!

Movement: Yes
Food cravings: Not really...just enjoying eating whatever I want!
Gender: One boy and one girl!
Labor Signs: Nope. Possible Braxton Hicks but the babies move so much I can't really tell.
Belly Button in or out? Making its way out!

What I miss: A lot of things!
What I am looking forward to: Meeting the babies
Weekly Wisdom: Don't make eye contact with strangers or they might talk to you FOREVER -- I am sticking with this one!

Milestones: Nursery is still coming along very nicely :) Babies are moving a lot!

Giraffe for sale!

Guess what!!!

Brian and I decided on a new nursery theme! Dr. Seuss!! We are soooo excited, it is going to be super cute. We decided on it last weekend and then immediately started painting! So it is official :)

I wanted to do a striped wall and I think this came out so nice! I was nervous to paint ourselves but I am very happy with it. Brian and I were so lucky to have lots of help from Katie and Lauren!!

Thanks so much!

Brian worked so hard on painting!

I have found A LOT online for Dr. Seuss nursery decor and I am pretty much obsessed. I am especially loving cartoon furniture and am trying to find some pieces at a reasonable price.

Doesn't this stuff look so fun??

Over the weekend we also went and had maternity pictures done! Our photographer posted one picture on facebook and the rest will be on her blog next week. We loved her! She was very nice and professional. I cannot wait to see the rest of the pictures but here is the one she posted...

We still have a lot to do before the babies come! We are finishing up our registries, signing up for birthing classes, and picking out a pediatrician! Lots of important things.

The babies are growing quick and moving a lot these days. They are each about two pounds! I feel them move all day and night and it is such a fun feeling :)

The babies are about the size of an eggplant!

I cannot believe at one point they were just poppy seeds...it is crazy to think how fast this has gone by!

Well, that is everything for now! Thanks for reading :)

20 weeks!!

WOW! I cannot believe I am over halfway done with this pregnancy. Thank God. I honestly am not a good pregnant person. I used to think that after a few weeks I would LOVE being pregnant and I felt a little guilty when other women said they loved being pregnant. I kept thinking "I am sure I will feel that way, soon!" Well guess what. No freaking way. I am way too vain for this. It is a truly humbling experience. Somebody told me that when you are pregnant with a girl, she "steals" your beauty. I must be growing a Victorias Secret model inside of me!!

I feel a little better getting that off of my chest. In a few years when Brian and I decide that we might want more children, please refer me back to this post so that I can be reminded of how very little I am enjoying this. THANKS!!

Here are some updates:

1. We are getting wood floors installed upstairs next week!!! We are very excited. Once those are done we can put together the nursery. I need to get a picture ASAP of the "before."

2. I am trying to decide between two fantastic area photographers for a maternity photo session for me, Brian and the wombmates. I am very torn between Jason Angelini and Dawn Haas. I am sure we will use the same person for a newborn session within the first two weeks of birth also, so it is a tough choice!

3. I went back to work this week and it is so great to be back. I missed my kids! And the week went by so fast. I am actually sleeping much better because my job gets me so tired.

4. We have an appointment on Wednesday to see the babies hearts during an ultrasound called a Fetal Heart Echo. We love seeing the babies so much, they are bigger and bigger at every appointment! And we get to learn a little about their personalities. Someone is always doing flips off the others head or something crazy. Who knows what Wednesday will bring!

20 Week Poll

How far along? 20 weeks, 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: 20 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes -- every day!
Stretch marks? Nope! Using cocoa butter every day on all the B's and it has done a good job so far!

Sleep: I have been sleeping a lot since going back to work! My job wears me out.
Best moment this week:Feeling lots of kicks!

Movement: Yes, a few times a day I feel something.
Food cravings: Not really.
Gender: One boy and one girl!
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out?Almost a total outtie!

What I miss: clear skin
What I am looking forward to: doctor appointment on Wednesday
Weekly Wisdom: Keep smiling!

Milestones: Over halfway!

Until the floors are done and the nursery is ready...here is a picture of our baby furniture piling up :) We ordered the Graco Lauren convertible cribs over Labor Day weekend when they were on sale with a changing table and mattress! Even though we probably won't use the convertible beds (I am thinking car and princess beds!), it was a really great deal. You can see Rusty and Rocco are not that excited, but Brian and I are! And you can catch a little glimpse of the green carpeting on the stairs. The whole upstairs is carpeted that color and in a week it will be wood! The stairway will be carpeted a lighter color that matches the wood very nicely! I can't wait for it to be finished!