jettie’s first room

jetties_room_girls_nursery_7When Sticky and I were looking at homes I couldn’t help but ponder which room in each house would make a good nursery.  If life were to bless us with a baby I wanted to know where his or her space would be.  At that time we were committed, but not yet engaged, so I kept my nursery ideas to myself (talk about scaring off a man). I would proclaim that the smallest bedroom would be “a good place for the treadmill”.  This room did indeed make a good home for the treadmill.  Which worked out nicely because running gives a person a lot of time to think.  Will it become a space for a boy, or a girl?  What color will we put on the walls?  Where will the crib go?

As the years went by, and uncertainty began to creep in, the only thing this room symbolized was what we didn’t have…at least not yet.  Hope was never lost on this tiny little space for baby.  The day it officially became what it was meant to be, well, that was pretty amazing.

jetties_room_girls_nursery_1 jetties_room_girls_nursery_2Knowing we were about to have a little girl we wanted a room that not only looked like it was meant for a “her” but reflected us as a couple as well.  A space that felt soft, sophisticated, fun and sweet.  I didn’t know exactly how to put all those things together until I found her bedding fabric.  A larger scale floral in soft hues of grey, violet, pink and putty.  With that in hand the rest of the room fell into place.

jetties_room_girls_nursery_3 jetties_room_girls_nursery_4 jetties_room_girls_nursery_5 jetties_room_girls_nursery_6There are many things I could claim as my favorite in this space.  The gallery above her dresser, the bedding made by her Grandma Kim, the white armoire that fits so perfectly – I love it all.  But if I had to chose it would be the mix of patterns that I am most fond of.  For weeks I pondered over solid colored rugs and curtain textiles.  None of them felt right.  Once I decided on a graphic chevron for the rug I still couldn’t envision a solid shade for the windows.  Enter a bold black and white floral and somehow they all work together as they should.

jetties_room_girls_nursery_8 jetties_room_girls_nursery_9 jetties_room_girls_nursery_10 jetties_room_girls_nursery_11 jetties_room_girls_nursery_12 jetties_room_girls_nursery_13Fast forward to today and this room is currently transitioning into my office as Jettie moves into a bigger space that will eventually be shared with her brother.  While I’ll be keeping the overall feel of her room for myself, I can’t help but be sad to see it’s days as “Jettie’s room” come to an end.  Hopefully someday another couple will envision baby in this same sweet space.

xo,

brandyjsig

 

 

Posted in abode, kids room | Tagged | 4 Comments

the best of fall

Before we dive into this new season, I wanted to look back on last fall- particularly all of the yumminess that came from it.  Summer is fun- citrus flavors and fruit pies, whats not to love?  But fall, oh my.  Cinnamon, caramel, pumpkin, struesels.. be still my heart.

Here are a few of our absolute favorites from last fall, that are not to be forgotten!

Fall Sangria:

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Cinnamon Roll Cookies:

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Pumpkin Crumb Cake:

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Spiced Pomegranate Apple Cider:

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Salted Caramel filled Snickerdoodles:

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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup:

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Chex Scotcharoo’s:

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If your’e ready to dive into fall- here is a good place to start.
XO,
shansig

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{36.5 weeks} September…

We flipped the calendar to September, and here we are.. looking at our due date.  What a miracle it is to still feel baby kicks, for each Saturday to roll in and to turn another week further into our pregnancy.  Oh Locke, we knew you were strong, but you are shocking us more and more everyday.

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Today we sat in our specialists’ office and as I wanted to crumple your kicks each reminded me that there is a plan.  To not let go.. not yet.

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The last two weeks have been a roller coaster.  A few sucker punches, I’m quickly learning that this journey will never get easier.  Answers will never be black and white, decisions will never happen without tears and questioning ourselves.  My never-fleeting feeling of wanting to run fast and far gasping for fresh air that is no where to be found won’t end.  September is here, despite the statistics, despite our fears, despite our doctors predictions and all of the things we prepared our hearts for months ago.

Right now, information seems to be changing as quickly as we are receiving it.  Today we had an ultrasound and the good news is that Locke looks very good.  His heartbeat is strong, my fluid levels are where they should be, his kidneys are functioning.  The bad news is that our doctors are now pushing for me to have the amniocentesis done.  Because of the 8% error rate in the blood test, we are being told that hospital policy may keep us from getting to hold Locke as soon as he is born, unless they have the 100% accuracy that only the amnio will give us.  None of this was explained when we chose the blood test over the amnio at 20 weeks- so all of this is a lot to take in now, at 36.  Honestly, there are a lot of small details that we are still absorbing but where we stand now we are taking a leap of faith and refusing the amnio.  All that we want is to be heard, and to be part of the conversations that take place immediately after his birth.  We want to hold and love him, and not for him to be rushed out of our room to be poked and prodded.  After speaking to one of the neonatal doctors today, we feel a bit better about everything.  We are trusting that things will unfold the way they are intended to and hoping that extreme medical intervention is not needed.  If we are granted time with him, we need every second to shower him with love.

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The coming weeks hold so much for us.  Tonight I sat outside, staring at the sunset and the tears wouldn’t stop.  My heart is in turmoil, I’m so ready to say hello, but not to say goodbye.  Praying so so hard that we are granted any small amount of time with him.  Praying that he knows nothing but comfort and love, and that we have the opportunity to hear his sweet cry..if only once.  Will my heart keep beating if his stops?  We have come so far, and my love runs so deep.

Please continue to pray for our miracle.. our Locke. 

All of our love,

shansig

 

Posted in Baby Maxey Updates | Tagged | 6 Comments

diy apple cinnamon body scrub

apple_cinnamon_scrub_1Ever since our coconut brown sugar post I have been loving diy body scrubs.  Not only are they far more cost effective than pre-made versions but you know exactly what is going into them (and onto your precious skin).  Unfortunately of late doing something for myself doesn’t even make the list of daily to-dos.  Feeling a little less than fabulous the realization has hit me that even the smallest of things, like making an easy scrub, can make a huge difference.  And since it’s about to be the best season ever why not make a nod to fall with an apple cinnamon scrub.

apple_cinnamon_scrub_2Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir until combined.  Apply 1 to 2 tablespoons onto wet skin (simply dip fingers in scrub) and lather all over.  Rinse.  Store in airtight container (a 4oz jar works well for this) for up to 2 weeks.

*Coconut oil makes this very slippery – be careful when using in shower.

*Add Vitamin E drops or honey for extra moisture power.

apple_cinnamon_scrub_3 apple_cinnamon_scrub_4Apples and cinnamon – is there a better smell?  Gladly treating myself a little early for fall.

xo,

brandyjsig

 

 

 

Posted in beauty, diy, skin | Tagged | 10 Comments

labor day

4965a8ceab2d1bf81b1a3fd0ef610381Sometimes all we need is a moment to simply breath.  Happy Labor Day!

double_name

 

 

 

Posted in holidays | Tagged | 2 Comments