The Great Paint Dilemma

Furniture, CHECK
Bedding, CHECK
Paint.... NOPE

Picking out a paint color should not be this hard!  What paint color looks best?  It's a baby's room so I want it to be fun but nice at the same time. 

These are the color options I have narrowed it down to.

This is Hudson's bedding. Decisions Decisions.... what am I going to do!  I have asked around and everyone likes thinks a different color looks best.  ugh

Happy 19 weeks!

To my dear baby Hudson,
You are 19 weeks (still in my belly) today! Apparently this is about what you look like, well probably not exactly like this, but by the looks of your last ultrasound pictures, you were pretty curled up!

This week "your sensory development is exploding".  At this point, there is an excellent chance you can hear me when I talk!  So, needless to say, I have been chatting with you like crazy!  You are starting to grow hair and are about the size of a large tomato!

Or, according to the ultrasound tech, the size of a Wendy's hamburger.  haha

WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH HUDSON! 

Lost and Found

Three years ago, Steve and I got these two little guys!  We went in only wanting one kitten, but ended up leaving with two!  I have no idea how that happened (note the sarcasm) haha.  They were the last two kittens left and were from the same litter, and I just couldn't take one without the other.  Otis (on the left) and Milo (on the right) were our only "babies" for about two years.  Then we got Sadie, our black lab, from the humane society.  Now, we are expecting our first human baby! 

Anyway, yesterday Steve and I woke up and realized that one of our animal babies had vanished!  Otis was nowhere to be found.  We turned our house upside down in a matter of minutes searching for this cat!  I checked under the sink, dresser drawers, closets, in the washer and dryer and Steve was tearing apart the unfinished part of our basement and garage.  After about an hour it was evident that Otis was not in our house (he is an indoor cat by the way).  I started walking up and down our street looking for him.  Then, Steve and I both hopped in the car and drove around the neighborhood for our lost cat, praying he was safe.  Aside from being terrified that something happened to our Otis, I kept thinking "if I can't keep track of one of the most low maintenance pets there are, HOW ON EARTH AM I GOING TO TAKE CARE OF A BABY".

After about an hour and a half of intense searching, we had to stop and take a break.  It was only 7:30am and the Humane Society wasn't even open yet.  So, I got ready to go in to work for a few hours and Steve did too.  We kept telling ourselves that when we got home from work, Otis would be waiting for us on the front porch wanting in.   It was all I could do to think of anything other than Otis during the time I was at the office.  When I was finally able to go home around 1:30pm I gathered all the vet records and made my way to the Humane Society.  Otis was not there, but I was able to file a lost animal report. The nice people at the shelter suggested I place an add on Craig's List under "lost and found" and make some signs to put up around the neighborhood.  So, I did.  In total I made and put up over 50 signs! 

When Steve got home from work we went all over our neighborhood and hung the signs.  Our last stop to hang signs was at the park.  On our way back to the car after hanging the last sign, we saw something move.  It was really dark out at this point, and couldn't tell if it was a cat or some other critter.  As we got closer we realized it WAS a cat!  I got so excited and ran over to it, picked it up, started loving on it, then thought to myself "WOW, Otis has thick fur, he's heaver than I remember, and looks darker than usual (but that's ok, its completely black out) , and his cry sounds funny...."  This HAD to be Otis.  I mean really, how many gray cats are there just wandering around outside (again sarcastic).  Steve told me to put the cat down.  I did reluctantly.  What if it was our cat and I just couldn't see him well enough. How bad would that be to find your cat, but leave it because you weren't sure?  So, I told Steve to check the cat out to see if it was Otis while I ran to the car to turn the head lights on so we could see it better.  The cat was not happy!  We soon realized that this cat was definitely NOT our sweet little Otis.  This cat had claws!  We were disappointed, but hopeful.  Because it was dark, and cats are more active at night, we thought it was the best time to hunt for Otis as he would probably be out from hiding, wherever he was. 

On the way home from the park, we decided that when we got home (after 10pm) we would walk up and down our street with a flashlight and cat food in hopes of finding Otis.  Surely he was hungry by now, and would be on his way home!  Once we got home, Steve ran downstairs to grab the supplies for our walk and I let Sadie outside to go to the bathroom before we left for our walk.  She started barking (didn't think anything of it).  I got my tennis shoes on and was ready to go.  After about 5 minutes I opened the back door to let Sadie back in the house and in ran Otis!  My jaw hit the floor and Steve and I just stood there staring at each other! After all the searching, phone calls, sign making/hanging, and Otis just showed up! 

We still have no idea how he got outside, or when exactly it happened, but we do know that he was gone for over 24 hours!  Last night Steve and I both were able to sleep well knowing that we had all our "babies" at home!  Milo isn't sure what to think. Otis doesn't smell like Otis because he was outside for so long, so Milo doesn't recognize him.  Milo is just stalking Otis's every move and hissing at him if Otis gets too close...  This will pass as soon as Otis gets cleaned up and starts to smell like himself instead of the great outdoors.   I am so glad Otis came home when he did!  We had lots of rain and nasty weather last night! 

Right now, Otis is curled up sleep in the couch!  He is soooo sleepy after his BIG adventure yesterday! 

Anatomy Scan and Doctor's Appointment

Last night, I went to bed relaxed, feeling good, and excited about getting to see baby Hudson the next morning!  When I woke up this morning, I felt jittery, anxious, uncomfortable (not in pain, but just uncomfortable), fat, ugly (I am breaking out more now that I ever have) and sure something was going to be wrong with my sweet little baby.  I haven't felt Hudson move for about two weeks and my mind was just going through all the possible reasons why.  Of course, every scenario I came up with was horrible.  Steve got the brunt of my frustration.  I mean he couldn't breath without me getting irritated and crying.  It was just the weirdest feeling.  I knew it was ridiculous and I wasn't really upset about any one thing, but could NOT control myself at all. 

When we arrived in the parking lot of the doctors office, I broke down and just started bawling.  Everyone walking past us just stared or uncomfortably looked away while whispering something to whoever they were with.  They were probably saying "I'm glad I'm not the guy with that pregnant crazy lady".  Whatever!  When we finally made our way up to the waiting room Steve had to check us in while I sat down.  I was still whimpering and tears were still streaming down my face.  Why, God only knows.  It was so embarrassing. 

We didn't have to wait long before the Ultrasound Tech called us back.  As soon as she called my name,the tears just stopped. It was a miracle!  I laid down on the table and Steve sat in a chair next to me.  It was amazing!  Hudson was even bigger and more developed than the last time we saw him.  The Ultrasound Tech was able to show us his stomach, kidneys, all four chambers of his heart, his ears, spine, his arm and leg bones, brain, bladder, and all the tiny little bones in his hands!  O and yes, it was confirmed AGAIN that we are in fact having a little boy!  This was probably the coolest thing I have ever seen!  We found out Hudson weighs about 9oz and according to the tech is about the size of a Wendy's double cheese burger with everything on it.  haha I don't eat much fast food, but Steve laughed so he must know...  Hudson's heart rate was 167 and he was snoozing!  That just goes to show you that all the old wives tails are just that.  He is in the 22 percentile which is smack dab in the middle!  The doctor said that the average was between 20-24!  What a relief!  Also, Hudson is measuring about a week ahead of schedule.  It is too early to change my due date though.  Baby is not only alive, but is thriving!  Hallelujah!

This is baby's spine.  He is kina curled up on his belly.

You can see Hudson's stomach, bladder, and heart!

It's definitely a Hudson!  

Hudson is on his tummy with his little bottom up in the air!  haha

Here, you can see Hudson's little arm up by his head.  He is on his side in this one!

After the ultrasound, I had a doctors appointment.  I couldn't meet with my regular doctor though, because another one of her patients was in labor, so she had to go deliver the baby.  I met with the practice's nurse practitioner.  She was lovely.  According her, all of Hudson's measurements look GREAT and I am healthy as well.  I was concerned that I might be gaining too much weight, but she told me I am perfectly healthy and on track.  I have no clue what I weigh (don't want to know the number) I just want to make sure I'm staying within the normal range.  All is well!  Steve was a trooper through the whole 2 hour ordeal!  I am so lucky to have him. 

Later, I ran to Meijer to pick up some thing for our trip and for a dessert I'm making for tomorrow night.  While there, I herd my name being called loudly over the loudspeaker.  Surely they don't mean me.... O but they did!  As it turns out, I had put all of Hudson's ultrasound pictures in a pocket on the outside of my purse, and evidently they fell out while I was wandering around the store.  Thankfully someone found them and tuned them in!  When the store manager handed me the pictures, I felt like I had just won the lottery!  Wooo  I didn't loose my baby!  hehe 

All in all, it turned out to be a good day with a WONDERFUL report on Hudson!  Life is good!

The Belly!

TADA!  This is it, the Belly picture!  After a few sad attempts of taking it myself, I had to recruit Steve to take it for me!  Up until this point I had no intention of EVER taking a belly picture.  However, once I started looking more preggers and less fat I changed my mind!  haha  So, there it is!  The 18 week 3 day picture of what mommy and Hudson look like!  Hope my super pale skin didn't blind you!

Finding a church

Steve and I have been looking for a church on and off for the past two years.  We are both Christians, but came from different backgrounds.  I was raised in fairly small a Baptist church until I was about ten and was baptized as a baptist.  From then on, I attended a Methodist church with my family.  Until this day, that is still my family's church.  Steve on the other hand grew up in a large modern nondenominational church.  We had the same belief foundation, but that was pretty much it.  So, once we got married we wanted to find a church where we both felt comfortable.  Its easier said than done.  We visited numerous churches over the past two years, but we could never agree on a church.  Steve wanted large and contemporary and I wanted small and more traditional.  Well, all that changed about 2 months ago.  I was invited to go to a Christian Women's conference by a friend of mine and ended up really enjoying it and everyone there. Steve and I began attending the Sunday morning service regularly and even started going to life group meetings.  Everyone at this church is so welcoming and kind.  The sermons are completely based on Scripture  and very thought provoking.  Every time the Pastor gives  the message, I feel like it was meant for me, like God wanted me to hear that particular lesson at that moment.  This is the first time in a long time that we both feel that this is exactly where we are supposed to be!  We have met some wonderful people and look forward to getting to know everyone better.  It will be so nice to have a group of people, at the same life stage we are in, to be able to go through life's ups and downs with.  What's even better, is that Hudson will have a church home, a foundation!  When Steve and I found out we were expecting (not that we weren't before) we made it a top priority to find a church to call home.  It's a God thing! We look forward to seeing what God has in store for us. 

We have so much to be thankful for! 

Random Rambelings

Hudson is one lucky baby!  The other day I was able to get together with some of my friends from Dental Hygiene school.  We went to the Ginko Tree Cafe at the Henry Clay Estate.  It was not only beautiful out there, but the food was soo good!  I miss all the girls so much!  Anyway, Hudson got some awesome goodies!  I feel so lucky to have such wonderful friends (There are no pictures partially due to the fact that I had a sunless tanner disaster).

Hudson got his very first monogrammed item!  I think that might be the most adorable blanket ever!  He also got some baby hangers, nail clippers that have a magnifier attached, some safety baby spoons, a toy, and a bath rinse cup!  

I have been ready baby books like crazy lately.  It's like I just can't get enough information.  Steve and I watched a video the other night about taking care of a newborn and realized how clueless we are!  So, I am reading every pregnancy/baby book I can get my hands on.  One of my sweet friends is letting me borrow Baby Wise (which I heard was a must read), The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy, and Hot mama!  I can't wait!  Below are the books I have already read.  The funniest and most brutally honest books I have read so far is Belly Laughs and The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy.  Hudson's pediatrician gave us the book Your Baby's First Year.  It is a pretty easy read and very informative. 

In other news, the drapes are ordered!  I was so excited to find the drapes for significantly less than what the manufacture is selling them for.  They are so cute!  The drape panels are made of the plaid fabric and the valance that goes across the top of the window is made of the blue and white striped fabric.  The fabric in the middle is only used for the fitted sheet.  Everything should be ready to be picked up in about 4-6 weeks!  They nice lady at the store let me borrow the fabric swatches so I could pick out the paint color for Hudson's walls.

Picking paint colors is much more tricky than I thought it would be.  I want to go with blue, but there are literally millions on shades of blue to choose from.  So now I have about 50 different paint color samples and am more confused than ever!  After much consideration I have it narrowed down to three. 

I am leaning toward the middle one....

Our little neighbor girls are so excited about Hudson!  Every time I see them, they ask when he will be here and every time I say October they start screaming with excitement.  They have even asked if they can babysit him.  They are the sweetest girls!  There are 5 of them and they roam up and down the street playing and laughing.  Earlier today, the doorbell rang and it was one of the older girls (about 7).  She just wanted to know if I needed any help with anything around the house.  She was board and wanted to hang out.  haha  The other day, when we thought Milo (one of our cats) had gotten outside, they searched up and down the street for him.  They even colored about 50 signs with a picture of a cat and "LOST CAT" written across the top.  God love them! 

BABY SHOWER
One of the ladies from Dental Hygiene School is having a baby shower this weekend.  She is almost to the finish line!  I am so happy for her!  Anyway, today I made my way over to Macy's to pick up a gift and fell in love with all the super cute baby clothes!!!!  I could have spent hours in there.  While browsing for my friends little girl, I found some adorable things for Hudson!  hehe  When we first found out we were pregnant, I told myself I would not spend any money on baby clothes until after all the showers....  BUT I just had to have it!  It is navy and brown and says I LOVE MOMMY!  Doesn't it just look perfect for Fall?!?!  I was thinking this could be a cute hospital or take home outfit (especially with the little zip up hoodie). 

18 weeks today!

Hudson,
Today you weigh about 1/2lb and are the size of a mango!  Along with getting bigger, you now have neurons forming all over your little body!  That may be why, in ultrasounds, you are a little wiggle worm!    Also, the soft cartilage that made up your skeletal system is starting to turn into bone.  I still have not felt much movement, but am sooo looking forward to feeling you kick and move ALL THE TIME!  According to all the baby books, you now have the ability to yawn.  How cute is that!?!?  In just a few short days I get to see you via ultrasound again!  This will probably be the last time I get to see you for a long time.  So, I'm going to take it all in and enjoy every second.

It his so hard to believe we are already almost to the half way point of this pregnancy!  People are starting to notice my little baby bump.  I have noticed it for weeks, but now other people can see it!  I have been feeling "larger" for some time now, but would be told constantly that I still didn't look pregnant....  All I wanted to say was "REALLY? REALLY?  You honestly think this is what I looked like 5 months ago? "  Maybe it's all in my head, but I feel like a big fat whale (and have for weeks).  My regular clothes (tops and bottoms) no longer fit at all.  I am now only wearing maternity tops and pants, but dresses are my best friend! 

Something else I am starting to notice is my face... It is starting to look fuller...  Again, this may just be all in my head, but I don't think so.  Steve and I went out to dinner to celebrate my graduation from dental hygiene school a week ago and we had a picture taken.  I was shocked when I saw it!  Surely that can't be MY face!  So now, along with breaking out, I have chipmunk cheeks.  And don't even get me started on my nose! Hopefully after you arrive, everything will go back to normal. 

All in all, this has been such an easy pregnancy (knock on wood)!  I LOVE being pregnant.  I only vaguely remember back a few months when I was "sick".  That seems so long ago now!  At 5 months pregnant, life is good!  We have so much going on! Steve and I are going on vacation here in the near future and I start my new job as a dental hygienist soon!  God is good!

Here is my to-do list for the next week:

• Order the super cute drapes that match the crib bedding
• Pick out a paint color for the walls in the nursery
• Look for a desk lamp/night light
• Continue reading the baby book Hudson's pediatrician gave me
• Clean the basement really really well in hopes that our furniture will be here soon
• Run some last minute errands before vacation
• Clean out our closet/disaster area
• Do a million loads of laundry
• Pack

Checking things off the list....

Find a pediatrician.  That was one of my top priorities on my to-do list.  Over the past few days, I have been to a maternity fair where I got to meet with some local pediatricians and have been contacting friends who have children, trying to figure out  who some good doctors are.  Well, the response was unanimous.  Everyone I talked to suggested using Commonwealth Pediatrics.  It's funny, because I met two of the doctors from that practice there at the maternity fair.  They were both so nice.

Today, I had a meeting with one of the doctors at the practice.  They are located in a local hospital and are very convenient.   When I walked in the office, I was cheerfully welcomed by the office staff and had little to no wait before being called back by a nurse (who was also very friendly).  The doctor I met with today was so nice and very informative.  I went in with a bunch of questions about what to expect at the hospital after Hudson is born, vaccinations, how to take care of him, feedings, SIDS, circumcision, development, well baby visits and fees....  I didn't feel rushed at all.  He was easy to talk to and was very interested in Steve and I and our "new family".  After the meeting, I left feeling reassured and confident in my decision.  This is where we belong.  These doctors are who I want looking after the well-being of my baby!!!  They just put my mind at ease.

It is such a relief to have found a pediatrician for Hudson!  The to-do list is slowly starting to shrink, which makes this soon to be mama very happy! 

In other news, I went ahead an ordered the glider for the nursery.

It is the Quinn swivel gilder from Storytime by Best Chairs.  This is obviously not the fabric we ordered it in, but that is the chair.  We got it in a really soft, "high performance" fabric that is easy to clean.  It is so comfortable!  I can't wait for it to get here!

Crafting

Well, today I thought I would try something new.  I have been admiring those cute little hanging letters for kids rooms on Etsy.com.  They are all so cute, but I didn't see anything that really went with Hudson's nursery.  So, I decided to try and do it myself. This way I get to pick exactly what I want.  After spending way too much time at Hobby Lobby, this is what I came home with!

I purchased some wooden letters from Hobby Lobby (They were 50% off so each one was $1.50), some paint brushes ($1.99), coordinating scrapbook paper that was big enough to cover the letters ($0.44 each) and some Mod Podge in Matte ($4.50).  I also found this super cute wall hanging for Hudson's nursery!

Anyway, I took each letter and covered it with Mod Podge from edge to edge using a paint brush.

Then I placed one of the sheets of scrapbook paper on top.  It is important to rub the paper over the letters so you get all the air bubbles out.  After the Mod Podge had time to dry, I cut around the letter, leaving about 1/2 inch.

Next, simply apply more Mod Podge around all of the edges.  Using your fingers, fold the paper over the edges and smooth it out until you have no lumps and bumps.

Finally, put another coat of Mod Podge over the top and the sides and let them dry.  It goes on white, but dries clear.   Easy as that!

Once they dry, I will be able to attach ribbon to hang them on the wall.  If you don't want to use ribbon, they have nail holes on the back. Ta Da!  The up side to doing this your self:  you get exactly what you want and it is really cheep and easy to do.  The down side:  it takes some time (about an hour) and is messy.

We pulled the trigger!

We purchased our little baby's furniture!!!!  This is what it looks like!  Only we have a night stand too!  It is Stratton by Westwood Design in Chocolate Mist!

We ended up getting a great deal!  It is funny, this baby has nicer bedroom furniture than Steve and I.... something doesn't seem right about that!  haha o well!  Now all we need are the glider and bedding!  Here is what I am seriously considering/want really bad!

This picture doesn't do the bedding justice!  In real life, it is blue, white, and a little tan seersucker fabric!  I am in LOVE!!!!   

This is the glider I want really bad, only in a light blue very soft corduroy!  TADA!!!!!  Baby's room plan!  The best part, is that I came in UNDER BUDGET!

Nursery Time!!!!

To my precious baby Hudson,

Your daddy and I have been working hard trying to get your room ready for your arrival in a few months.  I know it's early (I'm only in my 17th week), but I start my new job in a few weeks and won't have enough time  to get everything done the I want to if I don't start now!  So, yesterday your daddy and one of his good friends went and picked up all your nursery furniture!  I have never seen such beautiful baby furniture!  While at the store, I went ahead and ordered your crib bedding!  Again, I LOVE it!  I hope you do too when you get here! 

Your nursery/bedroom is not even close to being finished, but at least we have all of your furniture.  Well, almost all of it!  We still want to get a big comfortable glider to put in the corner.  This is the one we are looking at, but in a different color.

Your daddy did such a great job putting your crib together!  He made it look so easy! 

Our other babies love your new bed too!  Don't worry, your mattress still has plastic over it and I'm sure I will be cleaning everything a few hundred times before you get here!

This is your O-So-Adorable bedding!  As soon as I saw it, I knew it was exactly what I wanted for your room!

This is a picture showing the fabric we we want to get for your glider.  It matches perfectly with your bedding. 

There are still so many things left to do for your nursery:

• Order matching curtains for your widows
• Order your glider
• Paint the walls
• Find a cute mobile that fits your crib
• Get some cute pictures to hang on your walls from Etsy.com
• Get a coordinating lamp

We love you so much Hudson!

PS.  I am positive that I felt you moving for the first time yesterday.  I was driving home from the maternity fair with my sister when off to the left side of my stomach I started feeling little bubbles...kind of like popcorn.  This is the first time I have EVER felt anything like this, so I am almost positive it was you.  I can't wait to feel it again!  It makes me so happy to be reminded that you are there (not that I could ever forget). 

It's official...we are having a BOY!!!!!!

Today I went back to get a second ultrasound to try and confirm the sex of the baby!  My friend Christie went with me (so fun) because Steve was out of town on business.  Last time we went (when all our family was in town), baby was very uncooperative and decided to sit upright with HIS legs crossed the entire time.  This time, I had some chocolate and drank a bottle of Mountain Dew before I got there!  Lets just say the baby was moving around doing flips and was not shy at all!  HE gave us some great shots and made it very clear HE was a little boy!!!!!  Welcome to our family....

Hudson Michael Farmer

You might hate me later for putting these in here, but O-WELL!  I can't wait for you to get here Hudson!!!! 

17 weeks today!

Today, you are about the size of the palm of my hand (about 5 inches)!  Can you believe it?!?!  It seems like just yesterday you were the size of an olive...  You now have the ability to suck and swallow! I am so proud of you!  Other than feeling like a giant whale and breaking out more than I would like to admit... there is nothing to complain about!  I am no longer nauseous (or vomiting), and am enjoying eating...all of the time!  Earlier this week was the first time in weeks I have been able to eat any kind of meat.  Your daddy made me a yummy stake dinner!  He has been so good about putting up with my random cravings and mood-swings.  You are so lucky to have such a wonderful daddy.  I just know the two of you will have a special relationship.

Some of the thing I have been wanting a lot lately are:

• eggo waffles
• toaster strudels
• bagels and veggie cream cheese
• canned peaches
• fruit of any kind
• nutella and bananas
• meat free chili
• crab cakes 

In a few years, you will get to try all these yummy foods!  Because the this is the food i am craving while pregnant with you, I wonder if you will like them??? 

I haven't felt you kick yet, but I know you are there!  I love you so much! 

What's up Doc????

When you are pregnant, you are at the doctor's office ALL THE TIME!  Seriously!  I never realized how often pregnant women had to go in to get poked and prodded. I LOVE my doctor, so that helps, but still!  As of now, I am going to the doctor every 3-4 weeks.  As this pregnancy progresses, I have herd that you go even more often (ever other week or every week).  I guess it's good that they monitor everything so closely. 

Yesterday, was another doctors appointment.  It was the usual check your weight (which I have not known for months), pee in a cup, take your blood pressure.... Everything looked A-O-K! My blood pressure has actually gone down since I became pregnant.  It went from 120/60 to 108/60.   So, yea!  That's always good!  Yesterday, the doctor used a doppler for the first time on my belly!  It was really nice being able to hear my baby's heart beating!  She said that baby's heart rate was in the 150's!  You can't ask for anything better than that!  Then the doctor told me it was that time... time to get blood work done again!  Dun dun dunnnnn  Luckily it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. They lady who did it was super nice and quick!  Thank God!  All in all, mommy and baby are doing great!  Both seem to be very healthy!  :)  GREAT NEWS!

Tomorrow, we go back in to confirm the baby's gender....  I just hope baby is more cooperative this time around!  I have a Mountain Dew chilling in the fridge and some chocolate on hand so baby will be awake and moving!  I don't usually drink soda or any caffeine, but I have been told by many people that this is really helpful when you need baby to move and wiggle!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

All things baby!

I always knew there were a lot of cute baby things out there, but I had no idea the extent of baby gear that is available!!!  Entire stores and websites are completely devoted to everything from baby clothes to diapers to baby furniture!  It is just AMAZING!  Last weekend I went shopping with my mom and mother-in-law and they were both so surprised at how much "stuff" is out there! 

While it is so nice to have options, it makes it difficult to decide on nursery themes, types of diapers to use, and even strollers....  

Bedding I like:

 

 Baby Gear:

This is the Fisher Price Little Lamb Swing.  It is so cute and has great reviews!  Grandma & Grandpa Farmer purchased this for baby Farmer.  I just know it will be a lifesaver!  

This is the Cortina stroller by Chicco!  It is awesome!  It comes with an infant carrier and care seat with a base!  I think it will be really nice being able to movie baby from the stroller to the car without having to wake the baby up!  It also folds up really easy.  This was a graduation gift to me from my parents (Grandma and Grandpa Smith). 

I think this is the coolest thing ever!!!  It is not only a playpen, but it is also a changing table and bassinet.  We are planning on using this instead of getting a separate bassinet for the first few weeks!  This also folds up really small and seems like it would be easy to fit in our car.  I can't wait to get one of these puppies!  

This lovely contraption is called a mamaroo.  I have never seen anything like it!  From what I have been told, this would work in place of a baby swing.  It is supposed to mimic different soothing movements.  For example there are settings for car ride and ocean wave.  The mamaroo also plays sounds that babies find comforting.  It also has a place to plug in an mp3 player or i pod.  The down side is that it is pretty expensive.  I don't know if we will be getting one of these, but it sure is interesting. 

Furniture:

 

I found these on Etsy.com and fell in LOVE!!!

 

As you can tell, I am having so much fun getting everything ready for baby! 

While I was browsing through tonz of baby websites, I came across the website:  makemebabies.com It took a picture of Steve

+

And I picture of ME

=

and come up with a picture of what our baby would look like using our two pictures.............

Ahhhhhh  Well, I guess in a few months we will see if BABY looks like this....