Feather His Nest Shower

So... the spoiling has officially begun. So far we've had two baby showers for our little boy and both have been amazing. Our friends and families have been so incredibly generous. Baby boy is lucky to have them in his life already.

This first shower was hosted by my incredibly talented sister-in-law Courtney. She threw it for me and my little sister who's baby should be coming any day now! (Please come soon!)

As you can see, she's got such an eye for detail (not to mention how beautiful her home is). The theme was "Feather His Nest." I wanted to show off some of the cute details:

(Moms-to-be with the hostess. Don't mind the silly faces; they just happen.)




(Not sure if you can tell how giddy I am in this picture, but this was how I reacted to every gift.)

Pretty awesome, huh?

One of my favorite parts of this shower was Courtney asked Jeff to write me and baby a letter. It's a letter I have cherished and will always. So sweet.

Thanks Court for throwing such an amazing shower for our baby boys!

***Pictures by Courtney.

New Music... finally!

Sheesh- I feel like I've been in a music stump for way too long. I don't know if I'm more particular about music these days, but not much has tickled my eardrums as of late. However, these two bands have:

The Watson Twins


I was first introduced to this duo when they were the backing vocals for Jenny Lewis' debut solo album. So, to hear them as the main vocals is very refreshing. Listen here. (New album comes out next week.)

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros



I was introduced to this band on NPR's All Songs Considered Weekly Podcast- which I finally caught up with- and really enjoy them. They're different and catchy and awesome. Listen here. (The track "Home" will be sure to be on my Valentine's Mix.)

What are you listening to?

We Like Robots

We just purchased this print for baby's room... don't you love these robots? They're pretty awesome. (I especially like "Q" bot.) Print purchased here.

Blast From the Past: A Little Craft

I put this garland back up in my house, as Valentine's Day is just around the corner. All you need to make this garland: cupcake liners (I used a variety of three different types.), string, and a needle.

Week 32

Self Portrait- 32 weeks

Here I am at 32 weeks already. I can't believe I'm 8 months along! More observations from my pregnancy:

+ A kicking baby is a comforting thing. (It hasn't gotten too uncomfortable yet for me.)

+ Baby is a night-owl just like his daddy. He goes crazy around 11:oopm-11:30pm'ish.

+ I think my face is the thing that is starting to expand (besides my belly) more than anything else. My lips are bigger- is that weird?

+ I really should be sponsored by Tums. I live off those things.

+ Food now scares me because I really, really, really, really hate heartburn.

+ Jeff has written a song for baby on the guitar. Last night he played it for baby, and baby was kicking all along- he loved it!

+ My goal is to write a song for baby on the piano before he gets here.

+ Putting socks on is starting to become a difficult task.

+ I had my very first baby shower yesterday; friends and family are so amazingly kind and generous when it comes to spoiling baby!

+ My third trimester has also brought a new wave of exhaustion. I have no energy most of the day.

+ I'm continually thinking of baby strollers, baby accessories, baby essentials- how much stuff do I really need?!

+ I already have a photo project planned for baby. I just hope I can pull it off.

+ I have just two months to go before we get to meet our baby boy; we cannot wait to hold this little one.

How to Photograph Your Hobbies

Here's the clip from last Friday's segment on "How to Photograph Your Hobbies." If you watch, you'll notice there were some technical problems in pulling up the correct photos to talk about the first example "Photography" and taking self-portraits. I was sort of rolling with it... but, at least I got through it!

However, I do need to clarify one thing. Since so many pictures were coming up at such a rapid pace, I mentioned that the yellow flowers in the first gardening example were from my garden. They're not. They're from a local grocery store. (I wish they grew in my garden!) So... there's that.

Because I was a little nervous to tape this segment, being almost 8 months pregnant and all, Jeff reminded me that I wouldn't be alone in the taping. Little baby boy is there too. All 3.5 pounds of him. (Which, is clearly evident!) BUT, that definitely reassured me.

Thanks again Studio 5 for having me on. I always have an enjoyable time. (Even at (almost) 8 months pregnant!)

Studio 5

Tomorrow I'll be on Studio 5 discussing "How to Photograph Your Hobbies." My segment should air around 11:30'ish, so if you can, tune in! (Why I'm going on television when I'm almost 8 months pregnant is still something I'm trying to comprehend. BUT, I'm still really excited that Studio 5 asked me back!)

Jeff Playing

Jeff's teaching himself the guitar, and I get to be serenaded to often. I love it.

Thanks, Your Heart Out!

If you have one of these buttons on your site, or if you've frequented Your Heart Out, read this. AND, more importantly, don't you think we owe Ali, the amazing creator of the blog, a huge thank you? I do. So, leave a little note for Ali too.

It's been such a pleasure to contribute to Your Heart Out. I've loved this blog from the get-go and will definitely miss it. BUT, love that Ali set such a high standard in the world of blogging and has been a huge inspiration.

Leave a note of thanks here.

Thanks Your Heart Out!

Brecke

I got to take pictures of my beautiful little sister who is expecting her first in just a short five weeks. My sister is incredibly photogenic, so I had a lot of fantastic pictures to choose from. Plus, can't you see that pregnancy glow?

I'm so excited for her to meet her little one! She is such a loving person and is going to be an amazing mom.

Thanks sister...!

Favorite Songs of 2009

I wasn't planning on doing a "Best of" music post this year... mainly because I wasn't thee best listener this year. However, last night Jeff and I were going through all of our CDs looking for that one album we were dying to listen to, and I realized how much I love music. And, even though I wasn't the best music connoisseur this year, I still had favorites.

They include (in no particular order):

01. "You Told a Lie" by Camera Obscura from Maudlin Career (This is my favorite album of the year too.)

02. "You and I" by Wilco featuring Feist. Watch here.

03. "The Giant of Illinois" by Andrew Bird from "Dark Was the Night" compilation

04. "Basic Space" by XX

05. "Skeletons" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

06. "Cheerleader" by Grizzly Bear

07. "Eet" by Regina Spektor

08. "I Was Only Going Out" by Loney, Dear

09. "Gimme Sympathy (Acoustic)" by Metric

10. "Knotty Pine" by Dirty Projectors and David Byrne from "Dark Was the Night" compilation.

11. "Middle Cyclone" by Neko Case

12. "In These Arms" by The Swell Season

13. "Laughing With a Mouth of Blood" by St. Vincent

14. "All Is Love" From "Where the Wild Things Are" soundtrack by Karen O and the Kids

15. "The First Days of Spring" by Noah and the Whale. Watch here.

16. "I Wish It Was Christmas Today" cover by Julian Casablancas... this just made the cut this week. Jeff and I cannot get this song out of our head- I have a feeling it'll stick in your head too.

More fantastic "Best of" lists here and here. Enjoy!

Happy Christmas!

Fave Portraits of 2009

Here are my favorite portraits of 2009. As you can see, I had a lot. But, I absolutely love taking portraits. Thank you to everyone who was kind enough to be my muse this past year!

Fave Pictures of 2009

I decided to post some of my favorite pictures that I've taken this year. I know it's sort of a self-interested thing to do, but... with all the photos I take each year, I wanted to remember my favorites. Next- I'm hoping to put up my favorite portraits of the year too.

Thanks for looking!

Merry Mix 2009!

Confession time: this song will not leave my head-



It's that George Michael- his voice is just too catchy.

However, I made a mix for Your Heart Out to help get this pretty obnoxious song out of my head. It's a non-traditional mix full of new holiday songs. See it here, and enjoy!

PujBaby Tub

Look what came in the mail for me! I'm an official product tester for PujBaby. Soon, I'll be able to test the above tub (which I've heard is amazing) with my own little guy and review it right here on this blog. Puj makes baby bath tubs.

To learn more about PujBaby and the tub, go here.

So Little...

I recently updated my photo blog with pictures of this little guy, and I cannot believe just how little they arrive. Isn't he sweet?

Makes me so excited to meet my own little one.

More Observations While Being Pregnant

+ As shown in the photo above, we're starting to accumulate a small collection of tangible items to remind us that we're having a baby! (Isn't that hat adorable? His dad has one just like it.)

+ I'm constantly thinking about food. (Like right now- I need a snack. And, I've already decided what dinner will be.)

+ I also am constantly thinking about baby furniture. Should I really spend $90 on Shipping for a crib?!

+ I feel like the little guy knows when I want to feel him move- when I think of it- he moves. For me.

+ It's thee worst being sick while pregnant.

+ I don't think I should take anything to treat this ridiculous head cold of mine. Is anything safe?

+ Maternity pants are strange.

+ We feel pretty confident of what the name of our little guy will be. But... it's still hard to commit to- this is a huge decision.

+ I have to weigh myself at this week's appointment. I have a feeling it's going to be the most weight gain to date.

+ While staying home from work trying to nurse this head cold, I started watching TLC's "Baby Story." Probably not the best idea- I'm now admittedly scared of labor.

+ Black is the best color to wear when trying to not look so huge.

+ When people ask how far along I am, I can now say "I am six months." I don't think people realize I still have about four months to go when they reply- "Wow- that went by fast!"

+ I'm always daydreaming of what our life will be like when the baby is here.