Planning the Nursery - Blue, Gray, Dark Wood, and White

Those who know me well, know I'm a "bit" of a planner.  I feel when you are under pressure to find something, like a dress for an upcoming wedding, it can be very difficult and you end up disappointed with whatever you force yourself to buy and wear.  However if you see something amazing in advance just browsing, you'll be happy you have it when a wedding comes around.  Thats how I am in terms of planning.  I like to "browse," often years in advance.  This way, my choices are well researched and made with conviction.

Two years before my husband proposed, I had my engagement ring and dress already picked out.  When it came time to pick out rings and dresses, I looked at hundreds more, but I went with my original convictions, and never looked back.

So it should come as no surprise that I've been "browsing" for nurseries online for over a year.  I am drawn to gender neutral rooms, since I believe we will eventually have two kids sleeping in this room, and we are not sure what gender our next baby will be.   When I spotted the gray-colored nursery below over a year ago, I knew it was going to be my main inspiration.  I was so convinced, that upon moving into our new home last July, I had the guestroom painted the same color gray knowing this would be the nursery color regardless of gender (We can accent the rug and linens with more gender-specific colors).   I've been told I might change my mind, but knowing myself, I am pretty confident I am going to follow through with this idea.

Below are photos of my inspiration nursery:

http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2011/08/amazing-reader-nursery.html

Some of the pieces above are extremely expensive (click on link above for details).   I've looked around the web and believe I could pull off the same effect with far less money, and just as much character if not more.

I've put together a board of items I plan on buying or using existing items from my home below. 

1.  Pottery Barn Blackout Roman Shades so the baby can sleep during the day (the room is exceptionally bright).
2.  We are going to take the existing sofabed we have in our office and put it in the nursery to allow more seating space as well as additional sleeping space for guests.  We plan on turning our office into our official guestroom with a queen bed.  Although I like the white sofa in the original nursery, I am sure mine would get dirty in the first month!  I think the darker leather is a much safer bet.
3.  For some crazy reason, baby changers are ridiculously expensive.  We plan on buying Ikea's Hemnes black-brown dresser to use as a changer.
4.  However, we are going to buy some cool bin pull hardware to use on the dresser transforming it something much cooler.
5.  Not sure if we will buy exactly this rug, but something like it in a royal blue.
6.  Oh how I ADORE this alphabet art.  I've been drooling over it for years, as it has so many of my special travel places on it, including Dakar (where I served in the Peace Corps!).  Although originally I was directed to it by my friend Kate on Oopsy Daisy, I was happy to find Land of Nod sold it too, so I just added a registry there :)
7.  Staying with the affordable theme, we are planning on buying Ikea Hemnes bookcases in white to add storage to the room.
8.  When I first starting looking at cribs I was drawn to modern shapes and styles.  However it was not sitting well with me, as I didn't want our cute little baby in too "cold" or modern of a space.  A baby should be a baby, and I wanted something equally sweet for him to sleep in.  Thankfully, I fell in love with an old-school Jenny Lind style crib that adds a bit of "traditional babyness" to more modern room, and its less than $200 on Amazon, another place where I will register.  Score!  I thought of buying a "convertible" crib that turns into a bed, however we don't know how long we will stay in this house, or if we will have two children sleeping in this room.  So we decided to buy beds when the time comes and get a cheap (but lovely) crib instead.
9.  Love the grey and blue contemporary "New School" linens from Land of Nod, tying in the rug and drapes we plan on buying, but will substitute the blue striped fitted sheet above with the adorable grey and blue whales.
10.  We plan on buying a changing pad cover to match the roman shades above, also from Pottery Barn Kids.

I've certainly put more thought into the nursery than our master bedroom!  Clearly nesting is kicking in :)  What do you all think?  

First Time Shopping for Baby Boy

We are thrilled that our first will be a son and pray only that he is healthy!  But I have to admit that I felt a twinge or disappointment when I entered the baby section of the clothing store, saw all the adorable rompers, tutus, and dresses for little girls, and couldn't buy any.  But that only lasted a moment.  As soon as I hit the baby boy clearance rack, I was thrilled to see preppy, adorable Ralph Lauren outfits for a fraction of their original cost.   So I stocked up for baby boy Mac,-he is going to be one handsome and dapper well-dressed little boy!

I also found this little onesie online this week on Gilt Group, and naturally, could not pass it up!  Tito and baby Mac are sure to be best friends!

Speaking of Tito, my brother got me this awesome pregnancy book to get him prepared for baby Mac.

It came complete with a CD of baby sounds to get him used to them.  When I played the baby toy and squeaky toy tracks, he went on a hunt to find them!  I have a feeling these two will be fighting over their toys...

Down Syndrome and Trisomy Screening Results

Good news so far.  We just got our results from our Down Syndrome and Trisomy screening test.

Before screening, my chances for a child with Down Syndrome and Trisomy were as follows:
DS:  1 in 419
Trisomy: 1 in 791

After screening my chances for a child with Down Syndrome and Trisomy decreased as follows:
DS: 1 in 8,361
Trisomy: 1 in 10,000

This is just a screening test, so there is that slight chance....however my odds are greatly in my favor and I am resting easier. 

It's a BOY!

Happy Birthday to me!  Tomorrow is my birthday and today I got a wonderful gift, the gift of the baby's gender reveal.  The "Jack and Jill" test I took at the Center of Genetics this week just called with the results of the gender test, 99% accurate because they evaluate chromosomes, and it's a BOY!  Obviously, we would be thrilled either way but I definitely jumped up for joy when I heard the news, yay!

My husband is the oldest of 5 boys, so I knew this was likely.  But man I had no idea how strong his gender genes were!  Another baby boy Mac for this family!  Atleast everyone knows how to handle them!

Now, fingers crossed the other results come back healthy. 

3rd Ultrasound: We've got a handful!

Yesterday, I went into the Center for Medical Genetics to take my first trimester genetic screening, the Nuchal Translucency (NT) test, at 13 weeks.   The NT tests for Down Syndrome, and some other chromosomal abnormalities as well as major congenital heart problems.  According to www.babycenter.com, "It uses an ultrasound to measure the clear (translucent) space in the tissue at the back of their neck during the first trimester, causing this clear space to be larger than average."

It must be offered to every pregnant woman (so its covered by insurance) but it is optional.  My husband and I opted to do it to, a) learn if we were carriers for any major genetic diseases that may affect future children and, b) be prepared in case this baby is affected. 

We find out the results in 7-10 business days.

What I didn't expect with this visit was the very thorough ultrasound.  Previously, the ultrasounds were quick, mostly just to get a heartbeat calculation.  In addition to measuring for Down Syndrome, the technician went through each visible body part and limb, and I am happy to report that it looks like at this stage the baby has two legs and two arms, a head, a rib cage and a belly (phew).  This ultrasound lasted atleast 45 minutes, so I got a very good look at my baby from all sides.

Although these ultrasound appointments are lengthier, the technician told me mine was a bit of an exception.  Mine took especially long because the baby was "uncooperative."  By uncooperative, I mean it was doing flips, waving arms, twisting, sucking its thumb (how adorable!) etc.  Frankly, I thought it was precious.  At one point the technician was about to label some parts when the baby flipped on its stomach mid-analysis.  The technician exclaimed, "I think this is a girl, he/she is being difficult and playing tricks on us."  I was just happy to see such an active baby.  Clearly, its a child of ours!

Oh, because they are analyzing chromosomes, an unexpected result of the test is being able to determine the gender.  In fact, it is 99.9% accurate!  The technician asked if I wanted the gender result along with the others, and I said YES.  So in about two weeks, I'll also know if its a boy or a girl.

Baby Mac with his/her head on the right

Baby Mac with her/her head now on the left!  Also sucking his/her thumb :) 

Testing Positive for Something Negative - Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Gene

I remember the genetics lesson in my Biology class freshman year of high school clearly.   It shocked me so, that I remember exclaiming I was going to require any man of mine in the future to get genetically tested for bad recessive genes before I ever married him.

Little did I know, it would be me carrying the gene...

This is the first post where its hard for me to write.  I was going to just skip it, but I want to write down our family history so its there for future generations (as I plan on organizing these posts in a prenatal baby book for Baby Mac).  

At my 11 week appointment, our OBGYN discussed prenatal genetic testing that is optional but since its recommended for all patients by OBGYN society, its covered by insurance.  She explained that they will only test for major and more common genetic issues such as Cystic Fibrosis (CS) and Down Syndrome (DS).  We opted to do both, but had to wait a couple more weeks for the DS test.  Therefore we left with just getting the CF test done.

Apparently, 1 out of 25 (more or less) Caucasians carry the Cystic Fibrosis gene.  If one parent carries the gene but the other doesn't, there is no harm - the baby does not have a chance of getting CF.  However, if both parents end up carrying the gene, the baby and all future children have a 25% chance of having CF.   The doctor tested me, and further explained that in all likelihood I will be negative and no further testing will be done.  However, if on the off chance I was tested positive for carrying the CF gene, then my husband would need to get tested to see if he was a carrier as well.  As the doctor explained the probability, I listened, but kind of shrugged it off.  To my knowledge, neither my hubby nor I had any genetic diseases herewith known to us in our family histories.  

Imagine my surprise when I got a phone call yesterday from the nurse informing me that I tested positive for carrying the Cystic Fibrosis gene.  After a couple of hours of processing it, calling close friends and family, I subsequently proceeded to freak out.  How could I be the one that may cause harm to my children!?  Since my chances were slim of being a carrier but I ended up being one, will my husband carry it too!?  Oh. My. God.  Seriously, I know nothing is wrong yet.  But our probability just increased by leaps and bounds, and I am beyond myself with what to do.  I realize how much I love this baby already and all my mother hen instincts are kicking in.  I just want to protect this baby.  

Today I feel a little better.  My husband is incredibly supportive and a caring partner.  We will roll with the punches.  However, please pray that his results come back negative.  If they come back positive, we'll have to do am amniocentesis on the baby to see if he/she has CF (25% chance) and meet with a genetic counselor to discuss future reproductivity.  If he comes back negative, we are totally in the clear!  I'll know that the gene is present in our children's gene pool, but as you know 1/25 Caucasians carry it. In fact many couples may not ever know they carry the gene, since if the mom is tested negative, the dad never takes the test.  

Praying to my grandmother in heaven and God that D-Mac's test comes back negative.  

Happy 3rd Birthday Tito!

It's the 3rd birthday of our firstborn furbaby, Tito our Boston Terrier.  We adopted Tito just after our wedding three years ago so he has truly been part of our family since the beginning, and that is exactly how he is treated.  As one of our own!

This year will bring new surprises for him, one especially brutal one, when baby Mac strips Tito of his only child status.

He has traveled with me a countless number of times from DC to Houston to Chicago.  He keeps me company every day when I work from home.  He greets my husband at 2am during late work nights when I am too tired too.  He has taught my husband and me patience and responsibility.  He makes us laugh and love 24/7 and that, ladies and gentleman, is better than counseling or Prozac.   He even hosts his own parties at our home!

"They" say we will ignore Tito when the baby comes....  I have a hard time believing that.  Although I guarantee I will have less patience with him and time as well, I just do not believe that I will ignore this adorable creature or forget about him all together.   Only time to tell, but I am willing to bet on it-- this dog will always be loved. 

What NOT to Say to a Pregnant Woman in her First Trimester

My hubby and I have told a few very close friends and family that we are expecting a baby.  Additionally, when someone has flat out asked me if I was pregnant, I had a really hard time saying "no" so I fessed up and said yes, but asked them to keep the news on the downlow.

Most reactions, actually all reactions, have been joyous and wonderful.  However a few times I walk away and am like "WTF did she/he just say?"

This morning our administrative assistant at work passed me in the hallway and flat out asked me if I was pregnant.  I nodded my head and put a finger up to my mouth gesturing to keep it quiet.  She let out a soft squeal, hugged me, and then whispered in my ear, "I knew it, your face was getting so fat."  I knew my belly was getting fat, and maybe my feet are a little swollen, but thanks for pointing out places on my body that I never thought I would have a problem with must be that grossly disfigured that it gave you the confirmation I was pregnant. 

I've been more comfortable with telling strangers I am pregnant for some reason, so I've told my manicurist, a few waitstaff, my landscaper amonst a few others.  Following the annoucements, three of those individuals proceeded to tell me tragic stories of miscarraiges and pregnancy complications of someone they knew......  I've been keeping this a secret for three months precisely because I am terrified this must happen to me, so thanks for highlighting it again, causing terror and worry and another sleepless night. 

My hubby told one of his colleagues with kids we were expecting.  After the initial congratulations, the colleague proceeded to warn hubby that our lives were over, and that he must maximize his time pre baby by going out all night long, to strip clubs, to bachelor parties, and sow as many oats as possible.  Thanks.  While I am home puking my guts out carrying your baby, yes please, go ahead to act like you are a 21 year old bachelor. 

So, FYI, please do not follow by bad example, and if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all :)

First Time Shopping for Maternity Clothes

I finally did it, I went into a maternity store and bought some clothes that were primarily made of elastic.

It all started earlier this week (at the start of my 12 weeks) when I flew to D.C. for a work trip.  My work headquarters is based in D.C. so although I work from home in Houston I fly to D.C. about once a month for meetings.  I packed all the same dress clothes I had packed for my last trip to D.C. (when I was 8 weeks along), and assumed nothing had changed.  As I was getting dressed Monday morning however, I could NOT. zip. up. my. pants. AT. ALL.  Whoa...reality bites.

I haven't "popped" yet, I don't think.  I've read it may happen in the next few weeks.  But apparently my blood flow has increased 50% causing me to be extremely bloated, and lets be honest, I must have gained some lbs already, so it is what it is.  Its that awful stage where people must be thinking, "Is she pregnant or is she letting herself go?"

So I embraced the inevitable, and the elastic.  I walked in the maternity store to get a belly band and walked out with an adorable new summer wardrobe that will look amazing with a bigger bump.  I know this because the dressing room actually has a FAKE 7 MONTH BUMP you can wear to try on clothes with.  How genius!  I think I had more fun looking at the bump than all the clothes.  It got me all excited, and now I am just itching to pop and embrace the belly. 

Here I am 12 weeks pregnant, looking 28 weeks pregnant due to the fake bump.  I would be thrilled if this is how I ACTUALLY look like at 28 weeks, only gaining in my stomach... Wishful dreaming I know, but I will try!

Second Prenatal Appointment

I chuckle when pregnant woman are asked, "What are you expecting?" as if they are expecting an alien.  Well, this week its evident we are indeed expecting a baby!  (Whereas the first ultrasound produced an image of a blobbish mass, unknown of what it was to become).   At 11 weeks, the heartbeat was loud and clear and things look good so far.  We took a bunch of tests however, since with increased maternal age comes increased genetic risks, and won't be sharing the news with the general public until we hear the results.

My hubby accompanied me this time and was just as taken aback when he heart the heartbeat and saw the baby as I was last time.  What a miracle.

Here is a clean picture of the ultrasound, followed by the same photo with labels.