Guess who has fancy little closet organizers? Our Nash! I kept spotting them online and in stores but gawked at the price tag. I knew there wold be an easy DIY option. And there was. When I stumbled upon THIS example over on Pinterest (follow us HERE) I knew this was the project for us. So I set out to grab up the materials we didn't already own and we spent our last Sunday morning, the day before Nash was born, making his closet organizers. Read on for the instructions and how-to.
Grabbed some wooden O's from Hobby Lobby for $.99/pair.
Walt wanted to spray paint them white...now I wish we would've chosen a more contrast-y color. But I'm always thankful for his opinion and help.
Spray painting the wooden O's.
Scrapbook paper, enough to cover each side of the O's.
Tracing time. We did this while watching Sunday church online. It was a dreary and cold morning, perfect for three C's: crafting, coffee, church!
Taking form!
The preservative. How we attached said scrapbook paper to the wooden O divider.
First painted the O with the podge.
Then used my finger to secure the paper to the mod podge surface. Use your finger and smooth out any bumps right away.
Then I painted over the entire piece of paper with Mod Podge to seal it on. Oh, I just have to point out my lil' hairy helper in my sweatshirt...funny pup!
Walt was on tracing/cutting duty and he was such a smarty pants. Why? The engineer in him knew that each side tracing was a bit different so he labeled them like this for me. I'd match up the numbers for correct placement before Mod Podging them on. It was really helpful to keep them organized.
Our makeshift drying rack...door knobs!
What was I noshing on during all this pre-labor work? Our homemade granola (scrumptious recipe HERE) of course! If someone told me I would have a baby in less than 48 hours from this moment...I would've laughed in their face, ha!
Oh no she didn't! (Said in my Real Housewives of Atlanta voice, ha! You know you watch it, don't even lie!) Zola fell asleep on the job, yo! At least we had our internet church to keep us crafting along.
Finished products, sans numbers! LOVE THEM! We chose pseudo boy themed scrapbook paper for our dividers. I can only imagine the cuteness level you could do for a little girl too.
Adding the numbers...
0, 3, 6, 9 and 12! That should just about cover all his hanging clothes for a while!
Fast forward weeks later and I finally had the chance to add those dividers into his closet! Look WHO was spotted, in his crib, in a chair! Nasher Doodle Doo...snoozing away! Actually, my Mom and I were cleaning up the nursery after Nash's cousin Minnie 'broke it in' while staying with us!
In the closet, I die at the cuteness level! Such an easy, fun and crafty project. And a great way for him to not only be organized but also learn his numbers and match up clothes sizes, etc. Ok, maybe that won't even happen but a Mom can dream, right?
This time of year is alwas so hectic, busy and overwhelming at times...do you agree? It's nearly impossible to get a healthy, quick meal on the table (especially for us, recently) throughout the week but we do have one trick up our sleeve: rotisserie chicken.
Either the store bought or homemade version (we scored ours at a garage sale, brand new, for $20) will do and it's an easy thing to make on a Sunday evening in preparation for the week to come. Here are seven scumrptious looking recipes we found with 'leftover chicken' as the main ingredient. We can't wait to try a few of these in the coming weeks!
So we've had one of the best Turkey Week's ever. Holy smokes, it was amazing! Almost my entire family was here with us and that was such a treat. We all missed my youngest sibling, Preston, but I was sure to send him daily texts and pictures to let him know how much we wished he were here too. These last few weeks have been over flowing with good food, amazing family and gracious/giving friends. We truly felt thankful for so much around us/in our life this year, more than any other. Just looking at Nash made me tear up multiple times over the last few weeks...I'm surely thankful for that little Bubs.
Read on for some of our favorite memories from Thanksgiving and Nash's first few weeks of life at CasaCullen. Thanks for all your sweet comments, support and words of encouragement. I had no idea the balancing act that would be Motherhood. Blogging, client work and being a WAHM (work at home Mom) are all such a blessing, but on top of baby, I'm finding it hard to 'find the time' to fit it all in. I plan to slowly get back/into some sort of routine so just hang tight if I skip a day's post...my main priority is now Nasher Doodle Doo, but I love every minute with that special priority!
Walt and my niece Minnie doing the dishes...one MUST do the dishes while donning only the highest quality princess dress! I do recall Walt saying multiple times, 'Ok, stop spraying...stop spraying Minnie!' They were a very cute combo!
The exact moment my Mom held her only grandson for the first time...magical! Nash loved his Mimi!
Per Zola's adorable usual, it was a cold week, so warm/un-folded laundry was her fort(e)!
Best...expression...ever! Oh Nasher Poo, what a funny/grumpy looking lil' old man we have!
I treated three of my fave women in the world to a mani/pedi combo only 9 days after Nash was born. This was pre spa time! These three were SUCH a huge help and pretty much handled every aspect of Thanksgiving and stocking our freezer with good eats. And yes, I did pretty great being away from my 9 day old baby. But I did rush home afterwards to snuggle on him.
Minnie found herself a funny nappin' spot! Zola was happy to share!
We even made it out for our first family walk! Zola led the way and (of course) Nash slept the entire time.
Mirror image...this really does take my breath away. I framed this for my Mom and sister and thanked them for all they did while they were here!
Silliest...little...lady...cakes! Love my Minnie Moo Moos!
Some of my favorite moments were when everyone got into their jommies and sat by the fire. We chatted hours away and as you can see (click image and zoom in) little Nasher Bottoms was enjoying himself too. Just look at that little old man grin, ha!
Mad jokes about the 'Pope' around these parts! We're happy to inform everyone that my Mom purchased a few newborn hats that actually fit so we've retired his hospital versions for night-time wear. Seriously, our man has a rather small head so NONE of his hats fit yet!
Zola, the puppy parrot, always finds a snug place to snooze on her Papa's shoulder!
Instead of making breakfast one morning, we actually all went out for breakfast. It was such an awesome treat to have my brother Beckett and girlfriend Ediz drive (with their two VERY well behaved pups) all the way from Chicago just to meet Nash. We are blessed to have family members that love our little man so much!
Family pic from our Thanksgiving feast. How about that gorgeous leaf wall art (back there) that Minnie made for our dinner? ADORABLE!
Someone tiny and hairy and cute even got a snippet of turkey in her Thanksgiving bowl too!
"Pass the Cheetos please!" Yeah, we all got a good laugh about that. Somehow Minnie's Cheeto bowl got put on the table...hilarious!
Minnie Monet! Minnie made a very impressive work of art for Nash's nursery...I can't even begin to express how special this piece is to us/will be to him. ADORABLE!
Tradition! Two years ago we went as a family to the Chuy's Blue Santa children's parade in downtown Austin...this year we got to bring our own 'child' with us! A special day, even though Nash slept through the entire thing, ha!
Hilariousness ensued with Ryan (brother-in-law) grabbed Minnie and started playing her like an air guitar. As you can see by the looks of her grin, she LOVED it!
You have to watch this video above. Why? It will totally show you what KING SNOOZE slept through. Sirens, live music, kids screaming...not even phased. Awesome, awesome!
Minnie was the best helper (in her princess dress and tiny high-heels) for Christmas decorating on December 1st. It's a tradition that we've had all the years we've been married to decorate/drink egg nog/listen to Christmas music on December 1st! We've just never had such a cute helper before, ha!
Painted nails - check! Tiny adorable trendy boots - check! A Barbie loving smile - check! The greatest Mimi in the world - check!
And guess WHO got his first baffer baffer? Yep! I'm not gonna lie, there were certainly some baby pterodactyl screams but he smelled like baby heaven afterwards. But I think we have a typical boy on our hands, he wasn't a huge fan yet! Also, Walt did most of the work while my Mom gave us some great pointers. He'll have to show me the ropes during lil' Bubba's next bath. Yay for great Dadda's!
Hope you had an eventful, memorable and fun Turkey Week too! We can't believe we were in the hospital three weeks ago having our little man and now life seems incomplete before him. Thankful for his amazingness, for sure! Hope you enjoyed a peek inside these first few weeks!
My sister was in charge of our Thanksgiving menu this year...and it rocked! Obviously we had our hands full with the little mister so she swooped in and said she'd organize and shop for our Thursday feast. We had 8 adults, 1 pre-schooler and 1 baby. Quite the full table! I asked her to email me the list of recipes she was thinking about using and I couldn't believe my eyes when that email popped into my inbox. More than half of the recipes were from The Pioneer Woman. I had no idea my sister was such a huge fan but I guess she's been following Ree's success over the last few years, just like I have.
Likely, you've heard of The Pioneer Woman, but for those of you that haven't, I'm chomping at the bit ot make the intro. Basically combine Paula Deen with an Oklahoma cowgirl and you have yourself something similar. Her cooking is intoxicating and her down-home, casual eats are just what our family loves. I wanted to re-cap some of the sides we made for our Thanksgiving feast and also share with you a few recipes I'm dying to try of Ree's too!
Thanksgiving Sides from The Pioneer Woman
So Brittany's choice of sides (my Dad was in charge of smoking the turkey on the grill) consisted of these recipes from The Pioneer Woman. We actually forgot to make the sweet taters and I have to tip my hat to the mashers and mac recipes. If you're a fan of either, we highly suggest you try these recipes out too! Absolutely delish, mmm!
I am still in total shock that we have a baby. We...have...a...baby! Total shock. And complete awe. I find myself staring at him, in disbelief, that he's all ours. Telling myself that we are in absolute control and care for this little tiny human. It's all quite scary but extremely empowering too. So before I get to the complete story, here are his stats. It's hilarious to me that I used to get sort of annoyed seeing my friend's baby stats splattered all over Facebook. I just didn't get it. Why would everyone want to know that? Now I understand that they do serve a purpose.
PS - Be warned, if birth stories aren't your thing, I'd leave now and come back for tomorrow's post. I haven't spilled all the beans but I'll admit it's pretty graphic. I wanted to make sure to journal as much detail as possible so we'll have this for our family, forever!
Stats
Name: Nash Quay
Birthday: November 14, 2011
Birth time: 7:46 pm
Birth location: Austin, Texas
Height: 20 1/2 inches
Weight: 6 lbs 8 oz
Eye color: Bluish grey
Hair color: Strawberry blonde
Oh and just for the record, I can't believe I'm actually sharing the first picture ever, above. But guess what, we totally keep it real over here at CasaCullen and I still think this was my favorite moment of the entire birth, looking into my baby's eyes for the first time. This picture was taken by Walt and I just love the raw emotion because I was truly in disbelief that this amazing creature was all mine, all ours. He wanted us, we cherished him...we were now a team. I will always love this pic, no matter how dreadful, tired and worn out I look. It marks the beginning of a very important journey...a lifetime of love. Click HERE to see more pics from Nash's first week.
The Morning Of
I woke up super tired Monday morning. No walk for me. I actually made myself a homemade mocha latte and plopped down on the couch to get some work done. I typed out our post all about the guest room curtain panels HERE. Then I got to work over on RunwayDaily HERE, chatting about knee high boots and socks and how it's a really fun way to mix up your fall fashion staples. I answered numerous emails from clients and then it was shower time around 11am. It was a slow and relaxing morning...just the way I like it.
My good friend Jenn, over at Bump Club Austin, actually asked if I'd attend a yoga class at Kula Yoga. I'd never been there but I love that this particular center focuses on family. The yoga class was for a local news channel spot and she just needed pre and post natal yogis in appearance. Of course I informed Jenn that, even when I'm not pregnant, I'm hopeless at even sitting indian style on the floor. I might be the most un-flexible person she's ever met. She said it didn't matter and they'd love to have me. As I showered that day, I laughed at the absurdity of attending a yoga class that far along in my pregnancy. Little did I know this was my last shower, sans baby.
I actually snapped a pic to text to my immediate family because I knew they'd get a good laugh. Attesting to the ridiculousness that I was going to a yoga class, they're texts back were great. All I've done is walk my entire pregnancy and I knew this would be hilarious. I shot it off to all of them and they showered me back with laughter and 'go get ems!' I love that I have a picture from my last morning carrying him. It actually brings tears to my eyes to even look at my bump now that he's no longer in there. My pregnancy was by no means text book and easy, but I did embrace my bump and loved feeling my daily wiggle worm.
Yoga - Yeah Right!
Everyone was wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed being around such a great group of women. There were about 15 of us and the center was inviting and warm. I laid down on my borrowed mat and really tried to do so many of the moves. I'd started to notice, during the weeks leading up to this day, that he was making things rather uncomfortable for me. I carried super low so there was so much that made me uncomfortable. I powered through it though and thoroughly enjoyed the conversations with other Moms/Preggos that also attended the class...such sweet women! There were snacks (Honest Tea and Kind bars) so I snatched up a few and headed out at about 2:30pm.
Extra! Found the footage from the Fox News special:
I had a BOGO entree gift certificate to Pei Wei that I needed to use that night. I decided to pop by a few nearby stores and then pick up some takeaway for us for dinner. I was too tired to cook. My list of errands consisted of: Play It Again Sports (I was searching for a weight set for Walt), Hobby Lobby, Savers and then Pei Wei. Once I made it to the shopping center, I decided I also wanted to pop into Neiman Marcus Last Call to see if they're sale was any good. Oh my gosh, it was great! I was hook...line...sinker, SOLD and totally reeled into the NMLC sale rack extravaganza.
Was That Just Tinkle?
So I've been scouring the racks for around 30 minutes, already filling my arms with items to try on and gifts to buy. I was on the search for Walt, my Mom and my sister and I had some really great options for all three slouched over my forearm when 'it' happened. I literally starting wetting my pants. As you can see from the yoga pic above, I was thankfully in black pants which gave me some sort of privacy as the situation unfolded.
I was also totally startled by the fact that I was tinkling my panties because I've had zero incontinence issues during my pregnancy. I literally threw all my goods over one of the racks and waddled as quickly as I could to the little ladies room. I sat down, went tinkle and realized...that wasn't the same feeling. That wasn't the same hole. Then the fear set in.
I exited the restroom at around 4pm and started towards the door. Everything seemed to move past me in slow motion. I rushed past the snakeskin Rebecca Minkoff clutches that I'd eye balled on the way in. A blonde lady glanced up at me as she added the Elizabeth and James cocktail dress in fuchsia that was also in my try-on pile. The bathroom, unfortunately, was at the back of the store so I definitely had some ground to cover before I was out in the parking lot and safe in my Xterra. All I could think over and over was, 'Was this really happening? Could this be it?'
I immediately got out my phone and called Walt. It was at this time that I realized that my water was breaking. It was broken. More and more kept gushing out of me as my waddle intensified. Holy smokes that was a very vivid, weird, scary and amazing feeling...all rolled into one. As soon as Walt picked up his phone, this conversation ensued. And yes, I even asked him for exact wording as his memory is much more clear than mine.
W: "Hey beautiful."
M: "Baby, I think my water broke. Where are you? I'm really scared."
W: "Ok, don't worry and don't get upset. This is really exciting. I'm way up in north Austin but I'll head that way now."
M: "I'm really, really scared. I'm not ready yet. I want him to bake longer than this. I can't believe this is happening."
W: "Have you talked to your Mom? Have you talked to the Doctor?"
M: "No, I'll call them both right now. Baby, I'm sitting on our Envirosax in the car and it just keeps coming out. I'm scared."
W: "Don't worry, don't worry. Call them and call me right back, ok?"
M: "Ok."
Blowin' Up
I called my Mom. She said to call the Doctor. I called the Doctor and the labor receptionist said head directly to the hospital. I called Walt, he said that he'd race home to get our perfectly packed hospital bags (we'd completed that task only a few days earlier) and he'd meet me at the hospital. Everyone that I spoke to made sure I was a-ok to drive and I felt confident that I was.
I called my Mom back and she proceeded to tell me that her first delivery (my older sister, Brittany) only took 4 hours. She worried that I might deliver similarly, so she suggested Walt come straight to the hospital. I called Walt back and told him the new plan. No hospital bag pickup from home and come directly to the hospital. He agreed. I'd see him in 45 minutes.
Then I called my Mom back and she actually talked to me the entire way to the hospital, which was about a 15 minute ride. I cried and told her how scared I was. She asked if my contractions were getting worse and I admitted that they were. She said that once your water breaks it all just starts happening. She also reminded me over and over again how special it was that Nash was coming on his own terms, on his own clock, in his own time, in his own way. We wouldn't have to be induced and this was ALL HIM. It gave me a huge sense of relief and she certainly was that voice of reason I needed at that exact moment.
Committed, I Mean...Admitted
I pulled into the hospital at about 4:30pm and this was, without a doubt, the most surreal parking job of my life. I must've looked like a deer in headlights because as I stumbled through the lobby, there were a few families gathered in the lobby. They all stared at me, through glazed eyes with blank stares. I wanted to scream, 'My water just broke and I'm scared to death.' I was waddling, clearly in some sort of pain. I was also squeezing every bit of my nether regions together in hopes of stopping the water flow. Into the elevator, up to the second floor...and down to labor and delivery I headed.
When I arrived, they immediately knew who I was and why I was there. Thankfully, the Doctor's office called ahead. I was taken into a room and they checked my fluid. Diana the nurse said, 'Well Morgan, it's surely amniotic. Looks like you're staying, lady. We'll move you down to room 217 and get you admitted and checked in.'
Hospital gown on, I met with Joanna from admittance who proceeded to ask me a million questions. While she did that, I actually caught up on some emails on my phone, in between contractions, while I waited for Walt to arrive. I knew I was in for hours of hard work ahead of me, so I was super thankful that I snatched up and ate two of those Kind bars from the yoga class. They'd be my only source of sustenance to come. I waited for Walt and emailed and waited and waited.
Finally he arrived at about 5:15pm and the nurse informed us that I was only 2 cm dilated, 80% effaced and Nash's noggin was at station +2. We had a ways to go. She suggested we get up and walk laps on the L&D floor for the next hour and half and then they'd re-check me then. I already felt like a crazy woman because of the pain. I had no idea how bad it would get.
Walk the Walk
Holy bonkers...we walked and talked and walked and then didn't talk for over an hour. I'd grab the handrail and do my breathing techniques, working through the harder contractions. Walt was the amazing support system I needed. By the time 6:30pm rolled around, I informed him that the contractions were getting too uncomfortable to walk around anymore. I wanted to go in the shower and feel the water beat on my back. I was experiencing some back labor and it was getting the best of me. We slowly walked back to the room, called the nurse and she explained the shower to Walt. She also suggested I get checked again.
It had only been 1 hour and 15 minutes and when she checked me, I had progressed to 5cm, 100% effaced and he was now at station 0. Diana kept praising how well I was doing to move from 2cm to 5cm in a little over an hour. She said that first time Moms only usually progress one cm an hour. If I kept going at this rate, I'd have a baby in 3 hours or less. That gave me hope. But I still wasn't sure if I could labor, naturally, through all this pain. My birth plan was a natural birth. No pain management, no epidural. I wanted that, I wanted it...bad!
Potty Mouth
Here's where the birth story takes a funny turn. So it's now 6:45 and Walt is preparing the shower and I inform him that there's no way I can get out of the hospital bed and make it to the shower. He looks at me in total shock. Ten minutes ago I was gung-ho shower. He walked across the room and rubbed my back and asked me what I needed. I tell him to stop touching me...please. And then I apologize for being crazy. He laughs and says it's fine. He's awesome, always.
The contractions have gotten so bad, so close and seriously painful. I'm was now in a fetal position, laying on my left side, with both hands firmly grasping the handrails on the hospital bed. I was longer speaking, except for explicit words mumbled over and over and over again, under my breath. I was breathing through every contraction with every bit of effort, concentration and intensity I could muster.
Cheryl (the night shift nurse) came in to check on me at 7pm and I inform her that I'm not going to make it. I need drugs and I need them now. I could barely even tell her this because the pain was so intense. All hopes of a natural birth were done. I couldn't labor like this anymore. The paint was unbearable, tears were streaming down my cheeks. I'm was done. Done!
I told Walt that I won't be a hero but I don't care. I want to remember this moment. The pain was now so strong I started seeing two of Walt. He asked me a questions but I entered back into my own little world of contraction pain again. I hear nothing. I say nothing. I see double. Breathing and cursing like a sailor, my two choice words rhymed with duck and pit. I said them over and over and over again. (Sidenote: This is a gal that barely ever even mutters a naughty word in everday life, fyi.) Walt knew it was serious when he heard these. We laugh now, but not then. It was 7pm.
Giddy Up
The epidural was ordered and I felt a huge sense of relief. Then Cheryl asked me to put my legs into the stirrups so she could check me. Put...my...legs...into...the...stirrups? Are you serious lady? It took a while to process it before I really got it. Then I couldn't decide if I wanted to scream obscenities at her or just start bawling. I could hardly raise my eyelids, let alone, move my legs. How in the world was I going to hoist them into said stirrups. One glance at Walt and I knew he'd save me. I quietly muttered to him to grab my legs and put them in. Again, he's awesome and just knew what to do.
I prayed silently that I'd at least be 7, possibly an 8. That would mean that I'd only have a bit more to go before he'd be here. I knew, with an epidural, I could do it. Cheryl headed down south again and literally, I saw her eyes bugged out. She said, 'Morgan, you're a 9 1/2. We're gonna have a baby in 10-15 minutes. The epidural isn't going to make it. I'm calling the Doctor.'
I know she was trying to remain cool but Cheryl was in pure shock. I could tell she was nervous even though I was seeing two of her. So what does this all really mean for me? I had actually labored through the most rugged, rigorous and painful part of labor...the transition. I now shudder at the mere sound of that word. I have a new-found respect and appreciation for it. But I was almost through it. I'd slayed the beast and didn't even know it. It was 7:15pm and Cheryl had left the room to go find help.
Red Button
I'm laying there, with just Walt in the room, and I can remember asking him over and over again if I'm dying. I'm also still cursing like a sailor and I still have my body twisted around in all sorts of ways because I was firmly grasping the left side rail with both hands while also keeping both feet in the stirrups. I told him at 7:30 that something was happening. He asks what I'm talking about. I just stare and repeat, 'Something is happening.' He doesn't understand.
I can't even speak. I stare at the double image of my husband. It was a feeling that I can only describe as something straight out of Alien. What was happening to my body? I felt a massive shift inside me that scared me, I start to think that he might be coming through my stomach. It's like a mini-hurricane going on inside me and it hurts like hell. The pain is indescribable...greater than hardcore crying or alligator tears. It's shocking, alarming and has me unable to even utter a phrase. Finally I muster the strength to have this conversation:
M: 'Baby, push the red button, he's coming!'
W: 'Are you sure?' (His expression was a combo of complete shock and total fear. And another sidenote, if a pregnant lady tells you to push the red button, don't ever question her judgment, ha! We will laugh about this for years to come!)
M: 'Walt, this baby is coming...push the red button now!'
He presses the red button and they ask what we need. Walt informs the nurse that I keep saying, over and over again, that the baby is coming. In 20 seconds Cheryl's back down below, checking my progress and she agrees, he's coming. She told me to hold strong and refrain from pushing.
This is where things get almost laughable. Really lady, refrain from pushing? At this point I can only describe the feeling as my vah jay jay dry heaving over and over again. You know when you get a stomach bug and you just keep throwing up but nothing is coming anymore. That's precisely what it felt like, down there. There was no stopping it, so I just started crying to Walt. I couldn't NOT push.
Cheryl raced out the door and swooped back in with my Doctor and a few other nurses. We can't recollect how many people were in the room at this moment, but it was a full house and I was spread eagle...nice. Still dry heaving down there and still being told to hold him in. This was one of the craziest feeling in the world, powerful indeed. Mother Nature, I'm your bitch.
Push It Real Good
Now this was what I had trained for all those months. This is what I had mentally and physically (walking, lunges and kegels) prepared for over and over again. Its the part I'd read about, the part I feared the most. This is what separates the good from the great, the weak from the strong. But now that I've been through it, I completely realize that's such a dumb way of looking at it. I wanted an epidural...but I was just too far along. I also caved to the pain, but there was nothing they could do. Now it was go time, no turning back.
Walt grabbed a leg, Cheryl grabbed a leg. My Doctor and another nurse were 'in place' and ready to rock. Doc told me to push for 10 seconds straight and don't stop pushing. We tried that once and she reiterated that I needed to hold the push for an entire 10 seconds. My second attempt was better but I still wasn't holding it the full 10 seconds. I was out of it, unable to even full grasp the directions she was telling me.
The third push was pathetic, I was in too much pain. On the fourth push Walt exclaimed, 'He has red hair baby!' Half of me wanted to slap him for his big beautiful smile and painless body and the other half wanted to leap out of bed and hug my awesome Irish man. I vaguely remember his expression, it was priceless. Something between elation, excitement and complete joy.
Now it was time for a 'talking to' from my Doctor.
Doc: 'Morgan, listen to me and listen to me closely. We're going to push three times in a row. Each one you will absolutely hold for 10 seconds and not let go. You'll take a few breaths in between but then push again. This baby is coming.'
M: 'Ok'
Ready, set, push. Fifth push and that lil' ginger haired squirt was almost out. Sixth push and hello 'ring of fire' pain and his head came through. One more push (that makes seven) and Mr. Nash Quay was in our world. Our boy, our son, our red-haired baby love monkey. He cried briefly and then he was totally alert and aware. He stared at both of us with huge dark blue eyes. Blinking and watching, taking it all in...he didn't even make a peep. I couldn't even imagine what he was thinking at that moment. I was head over heels, love at first sight. (Pic above)
I will never, ever forget Walt's expression when Nash came out. It radiated more joy than I'd ever seen from him. Even when I tried to re-explain it to my Mom yesterday in the car, I started tearing up. He repeated over and over again to me, how much he loved me and how proud he was of me. We both kept staring at our baby and saying 'Nash' over and over again. We laughed, our eyes watered...but most of all our hearts were taken from us. They were no longer just for each other. We now shared our hearts with someone else.
Check out the best video ever! (Obviously, I'm biased.) Nash would've been only a few minutes old in this video. Apologies for the quality of video/pics because our camera was in our hospital bag, still at the house. This was all done from my new iPhone which we're super thankful I had with me. (PS - click the Youtube link on the bottom right of the video if the stupid ads annoy you!)
Hotel Seton, I mean...Hospital
Here's some of my favorite pics (below) from our hospital stay which was actually totally blissful and beyond enjoyable. All the nurses kept laughing and making jokes about how relaxed Nash was. They said they'd never seen a baby so alert and also so relaxed.
The one funny thing about baby boy Nash for the first week was the fact that he was cool as a cucumber in most circumstances (ie: blood draws, circumcision, etc) but the second you try to change his clothes or diaper...he screams bloody murder. I mean the only way I can describe the shriek that comes from is tiny mouth is ear piercingly abrubt. We've now deemed it, 'Baby Pterodactyl!' He is not fooling around when those pipes get going!
Now he's totally a-ok and much better with diaper and clothing changes but all the nurses got a kick out of the fact that our boy, was all boy. He wanted to be in dirty clothes and he didn't want his diaper changed, ha!
We're settling into some sort of routine and we think we've figured out only one feeding from midnight to 8am. So that gives us two huge chunks of sleep, which are much appreciated these days! Hope you enjoyed his birth story as we're still dying laughing about my water breaking at Neiman Marcus Last Call. That would happen to me!
Also, if you would've bet me one million dollars about his birth time being 3 hours and 46 minutes after my water breaking...I would've laughed HARD! This little man was ready to come meet us, that's for sure. Maybe we should've named him Mario...Mario Andretti! I could go on and on and on about our love and adoration for this amazing little man, but I won't bore you with all that jazz. Just know that we're totally smitten and completely overwhelmed by our the level of adoration we have for this blessed bundle of baby boy joy.
Ok, the first rule of motherhood...don't promise something you can't deliver, ugh! I'm just not able to get the post up about his birth story, sorry. I just feel the need to take this second week off and enjoy my baby and my visiting family. So I totally apologize to the readers, family and friends whom I told we'd have the story up today. It's just not going to happen. But I can guarantee it'll be live on here in one week, so pop back by then and we'll back to our regularly scheduled programming. You will NOT even believe this story, it's really wild!
As we get used to life with baby, we're so enjoying every single second and are amazed by the daily changes and milestones. Y'all, I can't even believe the love we feel for this little man. This evening, at 7:46pm, he'll actually be one week old. Seems hard to believe it has already been a week because it has literally flown by. We are really overwhelmed by how much we love and adore him.
I still just NEED this week to just get used to everything and prepare myself to not only juggle motherhood but also blogging and the wonderful clients I have on board too. I've realized my most important job is mothering this tiny little man and that is such a gorgeous and empowering feeling. Please just be patient as we figure it out and I promise to be totally honest about any changes to the site, etc...but I don't foresee any, just a break right now! Truly, these two weeks of 'maternity leave' are exactly what this family needs.
We can't wait to share his birth story next week and even some really great DIY projects we've tackled for his nursery recently too. Below I wanted to share some of my most favorite pics so far from our week with him. We've already had so many amazing moments and truthfully the time in the hospital and our first few days at home were just shy of magical.
I already have some of my family in town to celebrate his birth, meet him and also enjoy Thanksgiving week. CasaCullen will be overflowing with love, blessing and Thanksgiving fun this week. I feel so lucky to have almost my entire family here around me. We hope your turkey week is just as blessed and we're sending warm energy your way. We are so thankful for our readers and all that they bring to our lives. So...thankful...for...you! Hugs and we'll be back on Monday!
Much bloggie blog love...Walt, Mo, Nash and Zo
A Few of My Favorite First Week Moments:
Really truly holding him for the FIRST TIME! I loved when they laid him on my chest and I just looked into his big bluish grey blinking eyes and just said, 'You're my baby and I've so wanted to meet you!' He was super calm, very alert and just stared at me. It was magical. This was after they got him all cleaned up but I just had no idea the love rush I'd experience when I first met him. My Nash.
Of course there is something so special about the fact that Nash is a mini-Walt. I mean, right down to hair color, features and yep, even his toes. It's hilarious! I love seeing my two men together because it's just like Walt and his Mini-Me. This is a good shot of his sweet ginger, peach-fuzz hair...and I'm completely bonkers in love with it. I don't even care if it changes, but for now...I'm hooked!
Heading home from the hospital. It was actually a really blissful and surreal stay. We delivered a smaller hospital in Austin and I kid you not, it was like staying at a hotel. Two words: complimentary massage! I'm not kidding you, all new Moms are given a complimentary massage. Yep, LOVED IT!
This was literally only 10 minutes after Nash and Zola met. Zola immediately took on the protective big sister role and has been by our side ever since. She's super curious, loves to kiss his head and fingers and is wagging her tail more everyday. The first few days were a little rough and we were getting concerned but Zola has turned a corner and is slowly getting back to her great puppy self. She and Nash are going to be the best buds ever!
And finally, at his first pediatrician visit. Is this one relaxed baby or what? I think he looks like the Priceline gnome in this pic, ha! Plus I love how comfortable, secure, safe and completely at ease he is in his Daddy's arms. Magical...completely and utterly, magical!
So HERE'S the last time we chatted guest room. After all the painting, organizing and de-cluttering...we just threw some pieces in there and called it a day, right before our company arrived. Well, we're still in the same exact design boat, but this time we've upped the ante a bit. We knew we wanted to add the curtain panels so we tackled that project (finally) this past weekend. We've had the fabric and curtain rod up for months (no joke) so all I needed to do was get those panels on the wall, ding dang it!
Now we're in curtain panel lovin' business! I loved this fabric and even though it looks mighty hippie dippy boho-chic in there now, we'll slowly make some changes for a more cohesive design feel. It really always amazes me how much better a room looks with some window dressings. Read on for how simple and easy this process was for us and how cost efficient we made it.
First up, this was a curtain rod that the previous owners left in that room. It was hung un-evenly and gold just isn't our thang in that room.
Although the the mosaic glass finials are pretty, I told Walt I wanted the whole thing sprayed. He actually really struggled and kept questioning spraying over the finials. I reminded him that they'd just sit in 'his garage' if he wanted to keep them golden. He no longer tried to convince me after I pointed out that fact, ha!
The brackets...
And our miracle worker!
Love, love, love it! Walt is a really good spray painter. He takes so much pride in his even coverage and light handed spraying. When he sees me spray painting, I know he cringes...I just don't have the skill like he does! Thankfully, during my pregnancy, he's done all the painting work so we've had some gorgeous pieces produced.
Mmmm, the delish fabric I spied at Jo-Ann's on super sale and just had to have. They had the perfect amount (only about a half yard more) for both of our curtain panels. I was pumped! We're actually using the backside of the fabric which is a more pinky/army green hue because the front is a really dark red and hunter green...which didn't really do with our guest room palette.
PS - If you're an avid reader I know you're sort of chuckling at how much pink we have present in this room. We just felt the need to honor the room's previous owner's choice of color (more on that HERE) and there are always certain shades of pink that make this girl so happy! The one I've leaned towards in our guest room accents is totally one of those shades.
Walt is measuring where to put the brackets for the curtain rod.
And here's our trusty clip rings that we scored at Lowe's for $5 a package.
It...looks...GREAT! We still want to add trim to the guest room and nursery so we've left ample space to do that.
Now I just need to cut off the pseky trim on the fabric edges that says Jo-Ann and was all frayed.
After the edges were trimmed, we didn't even hem these and just threw them up. At first Walt was like, 'What? Isn't that going to look ghetto?' But I explained that this fabric was pretty silky and for now, he wouldn't even bat an eye. Once they were on the wall, he agreed. It looked pretty dang good!
PS - I will obviously hem them at a later date and have left them long enough to even do a pocket rod enclosure at the top. So no worries, it's just because my sewing machine still needs to be repaired and well, we have a baby to-do list the size of Texas!
Here's a close up for those of you that love some detail. We also plan to switch out that mini blind for a wooden venetian blind in the near future...but for now, it serves a purpose!
And this angle! We have guests arriving this weekend (my sister and niece) because we're within days of meeting this little boy. We're so thankful to have so much family come and help us as we make the transition into parenthood. Hopefully, everyone will enjoy the new guest room curtains!
How awesome is this? Hahaha! Today we're giving you a sneak peek at some more nursery wall art, that we've added on the fly, that didn't break the bank. Two pieces that make us smile and we know our lil' man will just love (or be reminded of) too. Read on for how/where we scored these sweet deals.
We scored this awesome Hammerpress print from Urban Outfitters for half off. I literally stared at it for about ten minutes and couldn't decide if I wanted to spend $17 on it, or not. Then I realized how ridiculously frugal I was being and how much it absolutely made me smile. So before I had a chance to talk myself out of it, I quickly raced to the register and busted out my wallet. Done and done! It was the only one on sale and was totally meant for his room.
Here's a snippet about Hammerpress...a company I love.
We scored this great frame from Michael's on super sale...it was only $11. So in total, this piece of wall art only set us back about $30, so worth it.
Why I love Hammerpress! Little nuggets of pressed paper goodness and you can actually see how the print is raised, very cool!
Walt trimmed the edges for us and it fit perfectly in our new frame. Love this!
And here's the image in all its nursery hanging glory. It's sitting above two storage ottomans and a tray (more on that HERE) in the corner of this nursery.
Here's the other piece of wall art we've added. We spied this at IKEA when my parents were here but they didn't have any more in stock. I waited a few weeks and Walt popped by when he was near our IKEA and low and behold, they had it. It's a $10 piece and totally great, right? So worth it! We'll have to name her something extra special...like Mabel. Other suggestions are being accepted.
And I love how the cow print actually sits off the wall like a museum piece. It comes with these great brackets already attached for super easy wall mounting. That made Walt super happy, of course.
Here's a sneak peek at where we are. We still DO have so many other ideas we'd like to tackle before his arrival but it's coming, fast and furiously. We know his nursery will always be a work in progress and we hope to share the room, in its entirety, next week. Maybe in a video and multiple picture form so get ready for that. We have a few more creative projects up our sleeves that we'll tackle (in the next few days) and share soon but then we're hunkering down nad just enjoying the space, for now.
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