in 2.5 weeks as a new mom...

I have learned more in 2.5 weeks than I have in any given period in my life, I am certain.

Just a few learnings from labor and delivery...coming home... and being at home with a newborn...( I know I have forgotten some... there may be an addendum!)


It is just as much work for the husband as the wife in labor and delivery... boat shoes was a support, a cheerleader, a hug and a hand to hold, an encourager and a great strength that I needed when I was sure I didn't have any energy left

Your OB makes all the difference in the world... mine was amazing. Intense, hard core, smart, aware, on the ball, supportive, funny and he loved that we turned our pandora station to jamming music before pushing time.

Epidurals are amazing, but they do not erase pain. People who say, "you wont feel a thing" are not telling the truth!

L and D and post partum nurses are Angels on this earth. Treat them that way!

The moment when you hold your precious healthy child is the best moment in life

Telling your parents about their healthy grandchild is a moment never to forget...and then seeing their faces when they lay eyes on him for the first time... unreal.

Pandora 24/7 in the hospital is inviting, warm and encourages nurses to hang for a few extra minutes to chat in the middle of the night!

Visitors in the hospital elicit big smiles and multiply joy.

Rooming in is a great concept... but with pain medicine and precious nurses, get a little rest and let that precious newborn make some baby friends in the middle of the night.



...and some learnings from home with a newborn



Baby boys make great fountains during diaper changes...be ready!

Stairs are for the birds. Move downstairs.

Babies require lots of laundry.

Breastfeeding is hard work. Hire a lactation consultant

Be careful drinking ginger ale above your newborn while nursing. It may drip on his face, and he wont like it!

Newborn photography is hard work as the photographer and as the mom. Take a nap before and after the session (and hire a professional!)

When Santa is closing with no line and you have a newborn- tack yourself at the end of the line so you dont have to come back... who would say no to a newborn?

Moby wraps are the coolest thing since sliced bread. I like pretending to be an African woman in it!

Sleeping is hard for a newborn.

Laughter is important.

Ask your mom- everything. She has done it before and chances are she will be the best resource of your life.

Let your mom live with you. Ask your mom to live with you. Ask your mom to live with you until your child is a year old. And when she can't stay that long, know that you will have a tear filled day and you will just want your mom back.

Weigh ins are fun at the doctor when the numbers go up! Way to go WCL!

Meals from dear friends make the evenings relaxing and calm.

Newborn clothes don't really fit newborns. Preemie size fit beautifully.

Snuggle them as much as possible, they change day by day, enjoy every second, minute and hour!

He is here!

William Cullen Luther was born on December 8, 2011 at 3:59pm.

He weighed 7lbs 14 oz and was 21 in!

Mom and William (baby boat shoes) are doing great... he is perfect! Dad and the two puppies are still quite awestruck!

Pictures are available at: www.bellababyphotography.com
Password: 1208williamluther

...and of course more pictures to come... as well as some of the birthday party day... and updates on our favorite things!

Oh...

and did I mention that I LOVE Pinterest?

favorites

Lets talk favorites...

First, pregnancy and then baby boy boat shoes PRIOR to his arrival (I always love the pre and post lists)

Pregnancy...
I LOVE fruit! Grapes and strawberries are the best but for some reason bananas and apples don't appeal AT ALL. I drink organic milk like its my job and as someone who typically only drank milk with chocolate chip cookies, this is a big change. I love orange juice and Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal (we buy the family box). Juicy Fruit gum is another favorite and makes my think of my grandmother each time I chew it! I do love a little ice cream but a spoonful is plenty... just a taste. I have enjoyed reading some great books about pregnancy and all of the things people "forgot" to tell you about this process. And finally, tums... I love them.







Now for items for the little one...

1. Pampers - diaper of choice for now!
2. Bonkie swaddle - so soft, so snuggly and so EASY!
3. Little Giraffe blanket - again, so soft, so snuggly and will be perfect for chilly Winter. Packed and ready in the hospital bag.
4. Dr. Browns bottles - everything I read and everything I have heard RAVES about these bottles even for babies who primarily nurse. we shall see!
5. hooded pottery barn kids towel - could it be cuter? our little guy will be snuggled in the adorable frog
6. aden and anais anything! - the blankets, burp cloths and bibs are SO SO soft, snuggly and PRACTICAL
7. whale tub - Our best little buddy EG loves hers and we know that baby boy boat shoes will too!
8. puj tub - genious for newborn bathing and traveling... Naples what?!
9. sophie for the bath - the perfect bath toy
10. chicco key fit caddy - the car seat snaps in perfectly, its chic, rolls well and EASY to fold... did I mention it only weighs 8 pounds?
11. regular Sophie - apparently the best toy in the world...I know Lilly and Murphy like to hear it squeak
12. Chicco key fit 30 car seat - safe, reliable, chic, easy to carry, snaps into bases and key fit caddy with ease and did I mention safe?!
13. navy blue BOB revolution WITH handlebar console - with the car seat adapter our little one can go on great walks and once he is a little bigger can bop right in the stroller, the shocks are amazing, it handles beautifully and the cup holders are perfect for any type of beverage.

After we meet our little one and test all of these products we will update again with our "after" favorite list!

TTFN

patience. peace. calm.

Thought for today... "slow down, savor each moment, and really live in the moment."

I read a beautiful passage this morning that I am taking to heart and enjoying these last few days before our little one arrives... I am switching my mind set from "come on already, we want to meet you!" to "you will come when you are ready and there are plans that have already been made for you. your name is known, your birth date is known, even your birth weight and length. the Lord even knows how many hairs will be on your sweet little head. so I will be patient, peaceful and calm knowing that we will meet you soon... our sweet little son."

our bags are packed...

We are ready to go!

Baby boy Luther could arrive any day!!! The official "due date" for baby Luther is only 13 days away, so full term little one could arrive any time. We are continuing our weekly Dr. appointments and are finishing getting our home ready for his arrival! Boat Shoes wins "dad of the year" award already with his installment of the car seat and coordination of car seat with strollers... both the BOB, which we adore already, and the Chicco keyft Caddy that is the perfect "snap" for our car seat.

Pictures to come soon of the nursery and all of this precious little boy's parties in anticipation of his arrival. He is one blessed little boy!

A hot topic for many... WHAT to pack in a hospital bag~ So, I will list here what we think we need BEFORE going to the hospital and then assess again after to see what we REALLY needed! (this is a compilation of dear friends, family members and blogs so here we go...)

Things for Boat Shoes:
-cheezits
-sweet tarts
-comfy shorts and shirts for delivery room
-running shoes and socks
-toiletries
-small digital camera and charger (not fancy pants camera initially!)
-ipod touch with pandora... for ALL of us!

Things for Flip Flops:
-comfy socks
-adorable Tory Burch slippers
-monogrammed cotton robe to wear over ugly hospital gowns!
-nursing tanks
-nursing "supplies"
-toiletries including shampoo and conditioner in hopes of a warm shower
-flip flops for that warm shower
-going home outfit
-2 magazines
-thank you notes and Starbucks gift cards for my lovely nurses who I know will be lovely :)


For baby boat shoes:
-On the Night You Were Born book
-soft bunny lovie
-1 navy blue snuggly blanket for pictures
-beautiful white knitted blanket made by grandma flip flops when I was born
-3 precious Kissy Kissy outfits for photos in the hospital
-1 going home Kissy Kissy smocked outfit and snuggly blue bunting for over adorable outfit
-page from his baby book for footprints

A little Lilly in December?

It will depend on when Thump Thump decides to arrive but WOW... lots of changes to the Lilly Sale this year! Not sure how I feel about the no ticket process...Hopefully the sea of pink and green will be as fabulous as past years!

Have you missed flip flops, boat shoes and thump thump too?

I have missed my blog world SO much and am finally getting my photo storage crisis solved which means... more posts! However, I owe you all some updates... a lot has happened in the past 2 months (and baby thump thump has grown quite a bit!!!!) The last time I posted Thump thump could be compared to a small cantaloupe at 6.5 inches and weighing 10.6 oz and now he is compared to the size of a butternut squash at 15.25 inches and weighing 2.5 pounds! WOW!

Some highlights since our "What will baby BEE party!"...

July~
*4th of July adventure to Time Out in CT with our dear friends Kate and Jen! A super fun road trip and a weekend full of laughter and sunshine with Kate's family! What a memorable weekend!


August~
*a lovely babymoon, just me and boat shoes... a week in Naples filled with sunshine, sand, relaxation, beach palapas, yummy meals and TIME together!

*baby thump thump's furniture arrived!

*Boat shoes can now feel thump thump kick and move around - what a miraculous feeling!


September~
*a TN adventure to see lots of besties... first stop: Nashville, TN to see Elizabeth, Clark & Sterling; Adam, Christie & Dave; Angel, Todd & Elizabeth Grace and attend the first football game of the season... Vanderbilt vs. Elon.. my two alma maters and then on to Knoxville for time with my big brother Bentley & Jessica and the Andrews family at their beautiful lake home

(road trip tips for pregnant gals... stop often, bring lots of snacks, laugh alot, dont look at the clock, enjoy!)

*a Charlotte, NC train and road trip for time with family, my first baby shower in Charlotte with so many old friends from life! It was such a humbling experience to hear so many tips, pieces of advice, congratulations and for baby Luther to be showered with so many precious things from lovies and blankets, to bottles and bibs.. this is one loved little boy!


Now for some pregnancy updates...

Cravings...
I LOVE fruit! strawberries, pineapple and watermelon have been my top 3 choices; however, bananas and apples are not appealing at all! I have not had any, "I need this now" cravings; however, I sure enjoy a nice warm cookie from time to time (I'm just not sure I can blame that on pregnancy!)

What I miss...
Apples!
A glass of red wine on a chilly fall evening with my husband
Going for a long run... Cant wait to run with a BOB stroller and our precious son one day!

What I can't wait for...
our next ultrasound!
completing the nursery... hanging thump thump's beautiful new painting from Shower Me with Love in Charlotte; putting his adorable whale bedding in his crib; choosing a name that we love; ordering his first monogrammed outfit
seeing our professional maternity photos

Milestones...
Boat shoes and I completed our 8 hour childbirth class and toured the labor and delivery floor at the hospital where baby thump thump will be born!
THIRD TRIMESTER!

a precious baby BOY!

We are having a SON, a precious healthy baby boy. We are so thankful and so excited!

I can't wait to watch him follow his dad... he certainly has a phenomenal role model. He will be a gentleman, he will be kind to others and he will be the best dressed little guy in boat shoes you have ever seen! We have had such a wonderful few days "getting to know him." It is fascinating how the minute we knew he was a little boy, every little part of this experience became even more real and more connected. We are so thankful we made the decision to find out if baby thump thump is a "he" or a "she!"

We have picked out some precious outfits for our little punkin' at janie and jack (a new favorite!) and I have spent some time gathering nursery ideas! I have also found some wonderful new sites for unique ideas and decorating tips! (list provided below collages!)

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.poshtots.com/

www.rosenberryrooms.com

www.thefrogandtheprincess.com

www.luxurybabynursery.com

www.sweetretreatkids.com

patiently awaiting pix...

I know you all are patiently awaiting pix from our "What will baby BEE party!"

Boat Shoes and I have been having some technical photo difficulties the past few weeks... so one down side to a new passion in photography is taking so many photos that the space on your computer gets low and thus photos can not upload from said camera.

Womp womp.

Any suggestions from Mac users on storage for photos, using external hard drives, using internet storage etc. are greatly appreciated!

Until then... I will update you on our EXCITEMENT about baby BOY luther and some nursery brainstorming ideas...

Flip Flops or Boat Shoes?

Everyone has been sharing their guesses... Pink or Blue? Flip Flops or Boat Shoes? 

Play the video below to see the big announcement! 

The Franklin Fountain

What a wonderful Saturday in the city! I enjoyed seeing my dear friend Katy, Virginia Vines, and her sweet family. Her parents recently moved to Philly, which we are all celebrating! They are closer to Katy and Hunter, therefore, closer when "baby girl" is born... and... they are a hop, skip and a jump from Boat Shoes and I!

My family is close to Katy and now her family is close to us... we feel very blessed! If we can't have our own families, we might as well have each others! We had a great time catching up, talking about everything babies, and spending time together at the Franklin Fountain complete with a waffle cone and mint chip ice-cream. They Young family had two very happy pregnant ladies on their hands!

Happy Birthday Precious Baby Samuel!

Welcome to the world precious baby Samuel! We are so excited to call you our nephew, to meet you and snuggle with you. You are a very blessed little baby...loved by many!

Camille, Sam and baby Samuel are all doing well! They are enjoying family time together before Sam is deployed to Kuwait at the end of July. We wish them all the best!!!

Happy Father's Day!

To the greatest Dad to Be! We enjoyed a wonderful brunch with my family at Nudy's Cafe in Wayne... perfect pancakes and delicious hash browns were enjoyed by all!

Thank you Trader Joes

Dear Trader Joes,

I want to say THANK YOU for your lovely new product ...your Iced tea / lemonade.




At 16.5 weeks pregnant I still love lemonade. When I feel nauseous...lemonade. When I am thirsty... lemonade. When I am tired... I love lemonade. And even better... I love lemonade and iced tea mixed together!!! An Arnold Palmer is the B E S T... I simply love them!

Love,
Flip Flops and baby Thump Thump

Supper Club

We are so excited about an upcoming dinner...

We were invited to join some of our dear Philly friends for supper club~ It rotates homes every other month, the host creates the menu and the main dish and the other couples bring the apps, side items and dessert. What fun! Boat Shoes and I are so excited to join this lovely crew for our first Supper Club...4 couples... yummy food and an all around great time!

The menu was revealed to us today:

Appetizer:
Grilled Shrimp


Salad: **Boat shoes and I will create this!
Orzo & Zucchini Salad



Side:
Eggplant Mixed Grill



Entree:
Plank Grilled Salmon with Lemon & Fennel



Dessert:
Grilled fruit kabobs

Lilly Lover Days 2011

Angel needs your vote for her PRECIOUS little Lilly Lover!!!!

Go to this link to VOTE... once per day for this adorable pumpkin... she deserves the grand prize!!!

Thump Thump

 

 

thump thump, thump thump.... that precious little heart beat was the best noise Boat Shoes and I have ever heard.. and we shall call you Thump Thump!

It has been such a joyfilled 15 weeks! From finding out we are going to be parents to a precious little one to sharing our happy news with our families and dear friends... it has been an adventure.

A few questions that we are asked often and happy to answer!

-are you going to find out gender? Yes, we are! We are excited to know if little Thump Thump is a BOY or a GIRL!
-are you going to share the name? undecided.
-how are you feeling? Overall, much better. Morning sickness never really existed for me, it has been evening and night sickness. Ginger ale and saltines have been great friends of mine.
-how did you tell your families? see beach photos above! a cute poem and a lovie!
-do you have a theme for the nursery? not yet, but the furniture has a "cottage" feel
-how many children are you going to have? whoa, just starting with 1!
-have you had dreams about the gender? no, but I was convinced we were having twins... we aren't... just one little Thump Thump
-can you still wear your clothes? some, yes and some, no! more blog posts to come about cute maternity clothes and frumpy maternity clothes!
-do you like your doctor? Yes, we adore him... favorite quote at the first appointment... "Well done team, well done!" (while clapping!)
-have you bought anything for your little one? Yes! We bought a precious little "Kissy Kissy" sleeper with pea pods on it at Born Yesterday in Rittenhouse
-have your friends been AMAZING? ;) YES! I feel so blessed! So many hugs, tears, smiles, congratulations, cards and thoughtful little "happies!"

This is one loooooved little baby Thump Thump!

Bed, Breakfast, Best Buddies & Lilly

 

 

 

The past few days have been WONDERFUL! After working all of Memorial Day weekend, I got to have my own holiday long weekend... which I like to call Lilly Weekend 2011!

Our first guest arrived Tuesday, Rebecca, from Charlotte .. one of my favorite Lilly friends! Sam joined us for a sleepover before the sale on Wednesday night after waiting all day for tickets. We were pleased with our numbers... 58, 60, 61, and 62. (a random girl was in the middle of our fun group for the line up)

The shopping was FABULOUS. I found quite a few great tops to wear through the summer as baby Thump Thump continues to grow and a few adorable dresses. I was excited to see some Pea in the Pod Lilly attire which we scooped up quickly! It was so much fun to shop for so many precious little girls... Elizabeth Grace, baby girl Hankins and baby girl Knierim to name a few.

Next came Susan, a dear friend living in Annapolis! She came in for a fun dinner with our friends Nicole and Dave and some shopping at Lilly! Such a nice time catching up!

And then to top off the weekend... some of my besties from college... Julie, Sam and Kate! It was Sam and Kate's first ever Lilly sale which they survived with big smiles! My dear friend Kate from here in Philly also joined for some shopping fun! The weekend was filled with catching up about life... celebrating birthdays, new homes, and a little baby on the way! I am so thankful for them!


As I think about the past week.. it has been filled with dear friends, laughter, relaxation, pink and green, shopping, baby talk and FUN...I am so blessed to have so many daer friends!

From inside the Lilly Sale

It's not often that I hear from Flip Flops and Company from inside the sale. So, you can imagine my surprise when I got both a message and a picture!

Hope there's a tie or two in that pink bag!

Mom Flip Flops and Pam visit Philly!

 

My mom and one of her very best friends love traveling together! When Pam mentioned she has never traveled to Philadelphia, my mom decided that would be a perfect trip. They arrived via Amtrak on a Thursday and over a long weekend we adventured all over!

While I was working one day they enjoyed the city, breakfast at Bonte, Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal Market, and the Constitution Center with sweet Boat Shoes!

We all adventured to Lancaster, PA together to learn about the Amish community and tour one of the farms. Two interesting facts we learned... 1. the women do not sew their dresses together, they are held together by pins and 2. every family keeps a bed or couch in their kitchen so when their children are sick they can still be with the family. Mom and Pam both having taught elementary aged children for years loved the school house!

We also enjoyed one of our favorite italian restaurants, Cafe San Pietro, in Ardmore, PA and had a big CHEERS to dear friends and baby Thump Thump!

The Devon Horse Show

 

hats. sundresses. horses. lemonade. friendship. sunshine! (and 14 weeks pregnant...baby thump thump is the size of a lime!)

Celebrating Camille and "Peanut"

 

 

 

 

My sweet sister in law Camille is expecting a little bundle of joy that she calls "Peanut" in just 4 short days! A few weeks ago we all gathered at one of her best friends homes in DC for a precious litlte baby shower. The food was yummy, the company was delightful and we all had such a nice time celebrating Camille and her precious little one on the way! We can't wait to meet you Peanut!

Happy Birthday Lilly Bean!

 

You are two years old Lilly Bean.. my how time does fly! My what adventures we have had together... you have become a true member of our family. You are the sweetest cuddler, the best walk companion, an excited welcome home, a sensitive buddy when needed, and above all...a great puppy dog! Happy Birthday to Y O U!!!

Cheers to you Christie and Dave!

 

and they danced...

 

the night away!

JOY

 

 

 

It is truly a great JOY to stand beside one of your very best friends in the world when they say I DO! I met Christie in Nashville, TN when I was in grad school at Vanderbilt and we were best friends from the start! I was so honored to stand by her and Dave as they said I do in the "sink hole" at Christie's parents beautiful home.

"When you are in Love you can't fall asleep because reality is better than your dreams."
-- Dr Seuss

dance dance dance!

 

 

 

The reception was beautifully arranged inside at the Athens Bontanical Gardens. The menu was completely vegetarian per the bride and groom's requests and was simply delightful! What a party!!!

The beautiful evening continues...

 

 

 

Congratulations Meaghan and Rob!

Meaghan and Rob say I DO!

 

 

 

a beautiful garden setting in lovely Athens, GA... the sun was shining bright... the bride and groom were beaming... and everything came together perfectly...