Baby T's Nursery: Inspiration & Vision Board

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Even before we got pregnant, I already had a strong vision for what our baby’s nursery would look like. I knew I didn’t want the stereotypical all-pink or all-blue room, dictated by the sex of the baby. I imagined something more neutral, something stylish and in keeping with our personal aesthetic. I’d like a place that feels relaxing and calming — like a retreat, even in the midst of the newborn craziness that will undoubtedly ensue. And yet, I do still want it to feel like a child’s room, one where she will learn and play and, hopefully, grow into.

I’ve always been drawn to soft pastels and I adore succulents and cacti. (As one look at our wedding album would reveal!) And since Greg and I both grew up in Southern California, and were married in San Diego, it is no surprise that my inspiration for Baby T’s nursery is the colors and imagery of the desert. I would describe the design style as mid-century modern with a dash of bohemian spirit. I love the clean lines of mid-mod furniture, and a bit of boho flair — through geometric patterns, natural fibers and fringe — adds texture and whimsy to the room.

White, grey, sage and light wood tones were always the base of the color palette. But now that we know Baby Thilgen is a girl, hues of blush, lavender and peach are welcome in the mix. 

The nursery is still a work in progress — in my mind, at least. In fact, nothing has been done physically to a room because we are hoping that we will get released from our current military housing, though we are running out of time. I don’t want to be putting a nursery together weeks before the baby is due! Fortunately, we are not totally behind; we have purchased many of the “big ticket” items. It’s the little details that are still being debated (by myself, I’m so indecisive!), and since I don’t have anything actually set up, creating a vision board has helped to visualize how the room will come together.

This is the vision board I assembled before we knew “he” or “she.” It is the foundation to which we will add more colorful elements.

Babyletto Lolly 3-in-1 Convertible Crib - purchased!
Babyletto Lolly Changer Dresser - purchased!
JellyCat Bashful Toffee Puppy (reminds me of my favorite childhood stuffed animal) - purchased!
Lorena Canals Basket Leaf Natural
Cactus Light - purchased!
Ikea Shelving Unit and Baskets
Hexagonal Mid Century Accent Table - purchased!
Nursery Works Sleepytime Rocker
Leather Pouf
Wilderness Map Toddler Quilt - purchased! (thankfully, because it is sold out now)
Natural Canvas Teepee
Tassel and Feather Mobile
Anza Knotted Trim Dye-Stripe Rug
Initial Banner
Cactus Art by Wilder California

The past several weeks have been spent searching online for the perfect rocker and rug and while the jury is still out on the rocker (I love the look, but it is a bit pricey and I worry that the chair back isn't high enough) I did finally pull the trigger on a rug. Partly because, as I told my husband the other night, I was so over the rug hunt. I looked at what feels like hundreds of rugs online. Finding one that met my style expectations as well as budget was starting to feel like an impossible task! And even after I had narrowed my choices down to a few favorites, I then started to fret about what the rugs were made of. 

Because I work for Anthropologie, I knew the best deal would be purchasing a rug from Anthro or Urban Outfitters during employee appreciation, which recently came around again. So it was now or never, as they say! In the end, my husband and I decided on a tilework-inspired wool and cotton rug that was in the running early on, except that we went with a colorway we had initially nixed. But after seeing it together with the other items on the vision board, the rug suddenly seemed to be a perfect fit, adding a much needed pop of color and interest. Plus, there's (braided!) fringe, a must-have for me.

Caravan Rug

We've purchased a few other items not on the vision board, as well: a metallic gold watercolor hamper tote, crocheted crib skirt, and a small faux-sheepskin rug. I've registered for things too, of course, but I'm still searching for crib sheets that seamlessly work with the overall theme. (Though, I know I'll need several sheets on hand since messes will most definitely happen, and I'm trying to tell myself that it is OK if everything isn't perfectly coordinated all the time!). In addition, I'm debating between a few lovely artisan-crafted decor pieces on Etsy (this dreamcatcher, this mobile, this custom embroidered hoop) and I am planning on making, with my hubby's help, a hand-lettered wooden sign to hang on the wall.

Planning for the nursery has been stressful at times (I'm an indecisive and particular perfectionist after all), and we still have our fingers and toes crossed that we will get released from housing before October (!!!), but I've mostly enjoyed the process of dreaming up a room that Baby T and I will spend a lot of time in once she is here.

Am I missing anything from my vision board? Any nursery items or decor that I just have to have? Share in the comments! 

Wild and Free Embroidered Hoop

P.S. It goes without saying, I'll post a nursery reveal after baby girl makes her arrival in November!


(Top image graphic: Macrame Fringe Banner)

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Baby Thilgen is a...

He or She? What will Baby Thilgen be?

Dear Baby,

You’re a girl! You already know that, of course. But we just found out yesterday. It was so exciting! We’re halfway to meeting you and we still didn’t know whether to call you he or she. And you surprised us. We played a little game with our family and friends and made them guess. Most people were thinking boy — even your daddy! I didn’t have a strong feeling either way, but I’ll admit I was getting used to the idea that you were a boy since that’s what everyone was telling me!

When we went to the doctor’s office for our ultrasound yesterday, I became anxious. I started tapping my fingers and toes, and generally getting antsy. They always make us wait forever, baby! But once it was our turn, the technician, Erin, was kind and fun and made the whole experience an enjoyable one. She kept your secret and didn’t tell us boy or girl. Instead, she filled out a card that I had made for your dad and I to open later, in private. We started this journey together and we decided it would be that much sweeter to hear the news, just the two of us.

Because we couldn’t wait any longer, we left the doctor’s office in Walnut Creek and drove to a beautiful park nearby. It was a hot summer day. We sat on a bench beside a lake, shaded by trees. Daddy wanted to rip the card open but I made him wait a few minutes and took a couple photos. Then I prayed for us, and for you. Finally we were ready. Dad held the card in his hands and, while looking into each other’s eyes, we counted 1, 2, 3… We looked down at the now open card and your papa shouted with joy and amazement, probably loud enough for the other park-goers to hear: IT’S A GIRL! We laughed, I cried, we kissed. We were so, so happy, little one. We would have been either way.

Because the very best news we received yesterday was that you are looking healthy and strong. Your growth is right on track. You weigh 13 ounces! Your heart, brain, lungs and kidneys are looking perfect. We were even able to count your fingers and toes. Tens for both! You were quite the mover and shaker during the scan, and all your “boxing” and wiggling made it only slightly difficult for Erin to capture photos of your heart. But we loved it. You made us all chuckle with your feisty behavior. You seemed to know that we were trying to get a good look at you, that a camera was in your face. And, much like your mama, you weren’t so into the pictures. You held your hand up in front of your cute mug and we imagined you saying, “No paparazzi!” Daddy thinks you might have my nose, and I’m sorry if that’s the case. 

To celebrate the big reveal, we went shopping for you! (You’re welcome. Many shopping trips with mama are in your future.) We picked out a pretty, rose-colored dress with floral embroidery at a sweet children’s boutique in Lafayette. I think you will look absolutely adorable in it come next spring. (It will likely be cold, and maybe rainy, when you are born.)

We also shared the news with our nearest and dearest, including all the grandparents, and your Auntie Marielle, who has a little girl, too! I hope you and Ellie will one day be wonderful friends.

Baby, we are so grateful for you and can’t wait to meet you in November. We love you so much already! And thank you for all the bedtime kicks this week — daddy felt one of your jabs last night. Feeling you makes mama’s heart so glad.

With lots of love and belly rubs,

Mommy & Daddy

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Pregnancy Update: Second Trimester, Weeks 14-20

This past Friday, June 30, marked the beginning of my 20th week of pregnancy — I’ve reached the halfway point! It is hard to believe that I’m halfway to meeting my little love. These past seven weeks seem to have flown by and gone so slowly all at once. Looking back, time always seems to have gone by faster than it felt in the moment. Because waiting for the next ultrasound, waiting to feel the baby kick, waiting to see my belly grow into something that looks more discernibly like a baby bump… All of that waiting made time feel like it was ticking by at a snail’s pace. And then, before we knew it, we were in week 20 and our anatomy scan is just days away. Read on for the full lowdown on how the second trimester is shaping up so far.

One day shy of 18 weeks.

Baby’s size: Depending on which app you look at, Baby Thilgen is the size of a mango or a small cantaloupe. Weighing in at about 10.5 ounces, the little one is about 6.5 inches from head to bottom, or 10 inches from head to heel — about the length of a small banana!

Weight gained: My scale is driving me a bit batty this week. A few days ago I hit 163, which would mean I had gained about 9 pounds thus far, putting me right on track since my OB said I should ideally gain 10 pounds by week 20. And yet, the past two days I seem to be losing weight, at 162 and, today, 161. I’m going to try not to worry because, 1) my scale is probably not the most accurate (but it is the same one I’ve been using since the beginning!) and 2) weight does fluctuate. But it is something I’m going to bring up at my next appointment. I want to make sure I am gaining enough to support baby’s development.

On a related note, I've been having bump envy/anxiety most of my pregnancy, but especially since about week 16. My bump is simply not as big as other expectant mamas-to-be and while I know every body reacts to pregnancy differently, I can't help but be envious of other's big round bellies and feel slightly anxious that my smaller bump is a sign that something is wrong. At my last OB appointment, the doctor told me not to worry, that I shouldn't really be showing until about week 20 anyway. I try to remember that when I feel worried, and I have grown in the weeks since that visit with my doctor. And yet, in the morning when I first wake up and my belly looks not so pronounced, I can't help but feel almost sad. At the end of the day, my bump always looks larger, but if you didn't know me you likely wouldn't guess that I'm with child, especially since I tend to wear flowing, A-line dresses. This is the one time in my life where I weigh myself every day and wish that the number would climb higher. The only time I've ever looked in the mirror and wished my stomach was bigger!

20 weeks, day two.

Gender prediction: I don’t have a strong feeling either way. And if I do get a strong sense, it will flip-flop. One day I think boy, the next I think girl. Greg still thinks boy, but he also occasionally says “she” when talking about the baby. Most of my friends and coworkers think boy. I just keep telling everyone that there is a 50 percent chance they are correct! :)

Symptoms & Sleep Status: I’m feeling pretty good! I haven’t had any morning sickness in the second trimester. I do have more energy in general, but I still find myself tired on my days off, which I’m chalking up to the kind of work I am in (retail). The need to pee every half hour hasn’t let up, and I don’t expect it to, but I (thankfully!) tend to only get up once in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. The anxiety dreams continue, but like all the other things listed here that is totally normal to experience during pregnancy. Only one perplexing symptom: My skin has been acting up. It is very dry, easily irritated and I’ve been getting unusual, almost rash-like red bumps across my forehead and around the perimeter of my cheeks. Not sure what it is but luckily the bumps are relatively flat and somewhat eased when moisturized.

Movement: I’ve been a bit bummed the past few weeks that I haven’t felt much movement. I know that it is not typical for first time moms to feel anything before week 18, and sometimes not until week 22, on average, and so I was being patient with myself. Every pregnancy is different and some women don’t feel anything until closer to week 25, but I’ve been eager to feel something inside just to have the reassurance that baby is, quite literally, alive and kicking! Of course there have been instances where I feel a twinge and think, maybe that’s baby. But it’s such a vague and fleeting feeling, that I can’t be certain. I haven’t felt the flutters or other sensations (like a fishy swimming) that other women who are about as far along as I describe. That is, until last night. 

Last night, as I was laying in bed, I put my hand on my belly. I was having a lot of gas (sorry if that’s TMI!) but I know that women often feel their babies most when they’ve settled down for the night. So I was scrolling on my cell phone, as I tend to do before bedtime (guilty), feeling the tiniest of movements under my fingers but unsure if I was feeling gas or baby. (Sometimes I even feel my tummy kind of puff up but, again, I’m never sure if that’s baby repositioning or excess air.) I’m reading something on my phone when I start to sense what feels like a gas bubble moving up my abdomen when BAM! Something kicks my palm! It was so sudden and distinct that it scared me. I literally jumped and gasped. I put my phone down to try to focus and I felt more little flicks. I was debating whether to wake my husband up and I finally did but of course once I shifted over to get closer to him the movements subsided. Greg believes he felt a tiny kick. I kind of wanted someone else to feel what I was feeling so I would know it was real! Nevertheless, I feel fairly certain that last night’s bubbles, pops and taps were Baby T saying hello.

My typical, albeit more patriotic than usual, breakfast.

Food love: Still carbs. But I’m starting to get back into veggies and definitely eating more fruits than I usually do. My typical breakfast as of late: blueberries and vanilla yogurt, with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Lest you think I’m super healthy, I do get the odd craving now and again, and my sweet husband usually obliges. Just the other night I had a hankering for cake. Not any kind of cake, mind you, but bundt cake. Vanilla bundt cake with chocolate frosting. And vanilla ice cream. Greg went to the store and got the closest thing he could find, a “pudding cake” ring with chocolate chips and Ghirardelli drizzle. He’s pretty great, that guy.

Food hate: My aversions have subsided. I’m still picky when it comes to dinner, but salmon has been introduced back into rotation. (I told my husband that I just need the fish to have some kind of sauce, so he’s started making our old favorite, teriyaki salmon, again.) 

A sweet message from my husband.

Currently living in: Dresses at work and leggings (or a swingy nightgown) at home. But my leggings are starting to feel a bit tight so I just ordered a pair of maternity leggings! My first piece of maternity wear. My skinny jeans — the only kind I wear — are totally out of the question now. I can squeeze into them but it is unbearably uncomfortable so I’m stuck when it comes to dressing casually. I may have to give in and order some maternity pants soon, too.

Baby/pregnancy-related purchases: We ordered the crib and dresser! (It’ll be several more weeks until it comes in though.) We have a side table already, too. There was a mini appreciation at work last month, so I took the opportunity to scoop up (at a discount) a quilt and baby book from Anthropologie. I also bought a cute stuffed animal (that reminds me of my favorite childhood toy) from Biscuit and recently ordered a cozy gender neutral outfit from Target, since it was being discontinued. In addition, I got a couple more pregnancy/baby books — I just need to start reading them!

This is how Jasper feels about reading pregnancy books!

What I miss: Nothing, really. Once it gets really hot I think I’ll crave a glass of rose but honestly it hasn’t been difficult giving up my wine-loving ways. It’s not forever, anyway!

What I’m loving: Feeling the baby kick last night.

At 19 weeks, day three, during a recent trip into the city to visit Giggle for some registry recon.
Jeans were a no-go, so I oped to put on a fitted dress and embrace my tiny baby bump!

Looking forward to: Finishing the registry. Ha! It seems like a never-ending task and all the research and product comparing has just upped my stress levels. But the main things I’m looking forward to are seeing the baby at our next ultrasound appointment on Thursday, finding out the sex of the baby, feeling more kicks and seeing my bump expand. Grow, baby, grow!

Best moment of the week/month: I think the best moment of this trimester is just a few days away… so stay tuned! ;)

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