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Parker's Nursery

I've been meaning to post pictures of Parker's nursery for a while but every time I think about it, it's night time and it doesn't photograph as well at night.  It exceeds my expectations and is exactly what I envisioned!!!  It couldn't have come together without the help of my parents and in-laws!  Thank you all for your contributions.

The room is so light and bright with vivid pops of color!  A babies' dream!

This accent wall was where it all started and I went from here.  Parker loves being in his room and stares at all the visual interest.

Love this handmade shelf with hooks!  Right now it's mostly decorative, but I can see it serving in a more efficient manner as Parker gets older.

His bedding is a mix of patterns and textures and is soooo super soft!

I came up with this idea for a name feature wall all on my own.  Pinterest didn't have anything I liked so I brainstormed and the applique letters seemed like a good way to utilize the extra fabric I had.  I used empty 11x14 photo frames to frame the fabric and batting between behind the fabric to create a bit more dimension.  (My mom did the applique).

The rocking chair nook is super fun and the curtains (again, my mom) are so fun!  My friend Joe (Marne's husband) made the dispaly shelf with hooks on the left and it means alot that he built it for Parker!

I wanted a place to showcase photos, so I covered canvases in fabric and added photos on top.  The neat thing is that I can change these out as he grows older and the fabric behind the photos ties into the room's color scheme. This was way cheaper than getting large picture frames for each photo.

Dustin originally wanted a sports theme for Parker's room, but I was able to incorporate sports paraphenilia into his bookshelf/storage space in a decorative way.  One day in the near future, I'm sure these balls will not stay put on the shelves and will be played with but that's where the design becomes functional.

I originally looked for a mobile for Parker's crib and even contemplate making one, but this modern industrial fan on his ceiling has proved more entertaining than ever!  He also has a Cloud B Turtle my sister gave him that shines stars on the ceiling that is intriguing to babies.

I hope Parker loves it as much as we do!  Love you, buddy!

Christmas Day

Christmas Day we went to Gigi and Bubba's for lunch.  Carleigh looked especially festive and was in a great mood!

Ready to eat!

Gigi and Mimi were working on it!

Cousins Aubrey, Nuria, Caroline and Stella joined us and the kids had fun playing indoors and out.

They got a few more presents and Carleigh quickly set to work playing with hers...

...and organizing things.  "Don't touch!" has become a favorite phrase of hers.

Kisses and attention from family wasn't really on her Christmas day agenda.  Just eating and playing.

Of course Parker would fuss during lunch so I didn't get to sit down with everyone but overall it was a great time!  Not to be bah-hum-bug, but after two shot-requiring-migraines and little sleep this past week, I'm happy the holidays are pretty much over.  I'm ready for routine!

Parker's Newborn Pics

These are a long time coming but better late than never!  My friend Robyn of Pink Lemon Graphic Designs did the announcements and they turned out perfect!

(Front side)

(Back side)

Here are the photos we selected from our newborn photoshoot with Melissa Rodriguez of Photography by Melissa R.

Photos taken on October 25, 2011.

Christmas Morning!

Santa came!  He ate most of his cookies and drank some milk but had a full belly from a very busy night!

Carleigh awoke at 6 am and the first thing she said to me was "it's Jesus' birthday, Mommy!" instead of anything about opening presents!  I know she's just repeating what she's been told, but still, I thought it was cute.

Gigi, Bubba, Mimi, Papaw, Jen and Lori came over to witness Carleigh opening her presents.  A quick kiss for Maddie and a request for Maddie to move before the madness began!

While we weren't looking, Maddie decided to finish Santa's cookies!  Naughty girl!

I was expecting a little more "wow's" and "oohs" and instead, Careigh was very quiet and methodical about opening things.  Even her stocking!  She would pull each and everything out and lay it in some sort of line or order and then say a very quiet "thank you."  Very unlike her, since she's usually very outspoken, but I think the attention and barrage of gifts was a bit overwhelming.  Oh, and the fact that she's only 2.

Ready to get this party started!

She loved the doll sized princesses and insisted on getting them out immediately.

She put them in a lineup and wouldn't proceed until they were just right!

Jennifer and Lori gave her this awesome Cinderella carriage and horse that she had to get open, too!

I opened a few of my gifts from Dusty to show her what a typical reaction should look like when you open something you love.

She thought I was nutty.

She got so many things, but the one thing she'd been asking for from Santa was the last she opened!  Her beloved Ultimate Dream Castle for her Disney Princesses!

What a lucky little girl!!!

She was so happy with her presents that she gave everyone in the room, including Parker, a kiss!

What was Parker up to while Carleigh was busy with presents?

He slept. :)

But after everyone left, he woke up and looked at his loot!

His first Christmas was a success!

Oh, and, Maddie and Tyson were not forgotten either!  Gigi got them some fun stocking stuffers that were torn apart in minutes!  They may be old, but they still love to play.

Thanks to both sets of Grandparents, and the kids' aunts and uncles who helped make their Christmas unforgettable!