Pre Diagnosis

After Wren was born we had three wonderful hours with her, until she took a turn for the worse. The NICU doctor, at her birth hospital, met with us after taking a look at her lung x-ray. He told us by looking at the x-ray, he thought she had some fluid in her lungs caused by being born so fast. He told us they would take her to the NICU, put her under an oxygen hood,  monitor her breathing and hopefully get us all home together, two days later. We followed Wren and the nurses as the took her down the hall and across the hospital to the NICU.  We then met the nurses that would be taking care of her that evening and watched as they stuck monitors to her and drew blood from her, put her under the oxygen hood and under the bili light.



  Before Wren was born, we had asked for no hospital visitors the first day, and for my parents to keep Ephraim (our 4.5 yr old) until we asked them to come, later in the day.  Ephraim had the best day with my parents. They made him feel so special, and made Wren's birthday, Big Brother Day for him.

You can imagine his confusion when he finally got to the hospital, to find me in a bed empty handed.

I will never forget him asking over and over... " Mommy where is baby Wren?" "Why is baby Wren not here" "I want to see baby Wren, I want to see her RIGHT NOW!!".

We all tried to explain it to him the best we could. NICU visitors at our birth hospital had to be over 12 years old, so for the next three days Ephraim wasn't able to meet his sweet sister.

 

Day One was all a blur.

I remember crying, pumping milk to take to Wren, more crying, going down the longggggg hall to see her multiple times and the strangest sleep I have ever experienced, that night.

The NICU nurses told us that if there were any changes through the night they would call us. When we didn't receive a phone call over night I expected to greet a baby who was doing much better.

That wasn't the case..

When we arrived to see Wren on Day Two, she was still under the oxygen hood, but was requiring a much higher oxygen rate than before, her blood gasses were not good and her sats were extremely unstable. The doctor met us and told us that he would be giving her a surfactant treatment that day.  He seemed to think the problem was that there just wasn't enough surfactant (Surfactant, a naturally produced substance, is a kind of foamy, fatty liquid that acts like grease within the lungs. Without it, the air sacs open but have difficulty remaining open because they stick together. Surfactant allows the sacs to remain open.) in her lungs, and this replacement therapy would help her condition immensely.  She would be given three doses of the artificial surfactant throughout Day Two and we were told that IF it worked she would be much improved by Day Three.

There isn't a lot I remember from Day Two, aside from sitting bedside looking at Wren, but not being allowed to touch her. I remember wanting to talk to her, but not really knowing what to say. It was an awkward situation with the nurses literally breathing down your back, in our tiny cubical, of a room. I wanted so bad to speak life to her, to pray for her harder than I have ever prayed before.

but I didn't...

 

 

  



Wrens Birth Story[my favorite story in the world]

Wren Eisley Nichols

Born: 6/15/15

11:46am

7lb 2oz //19 1/2in

this is the story of her birth...

Before we found out we were expecting, I had decided I would have our next baby without an epidural. I was not a fan of the one I received when I had Ephraim and the more natural birth stories I heard, I knew I could do it too!  

I had to be induced with Wren, due to high blood pressure, so we arrived at the hospital at 5 am Monday morning to start the process. Through out my pregnancy I experienced so much fear [you can read about that here] and Wren was laying breech until 32 weeks, that I hadn't REALLY given much thought to a natural child birth. I didn't go to any training, read any books, I didn't have a birth plan and I only mentioned it to my doctor in passing. So naturally, when the nurse walked in to get all of my info in their system, the first words I said to her were " just wanted you to know, I'm going to try to do this without an epidural, so don't offer me one unless I ask". She just stared blankly for a second, said "oh okay great" and went back to her paperwork. 

6:00 am-My sweet nurse comes in to start pitocin. She also tells me that they have 15 inductions today so she may lose us.

around 6:20am- my sweet bubbly nurse came in to introduce a not so bubbly nurse, that will be taking her place. At first I wasn't a huge fan of our new nurse. I thought I needed our old bubbly nurse to get through a natural child birth, to keep a pep in my step so to say. Turns out I didn't need her. God had given me the exact nurse I needed to help me through it all.

6:30am- a doctor [not mine] came in and broke my water-- does it freak anyone else out that they basically use a huge chopstick? Anyway, at this point I hadn't progressed any from my appointment the week prior, so I was a whopping 2 1/2 cm and 70% effaced 

after that, we just hung out... Stephan (the hubby) was cracking jokes, and I was just bouncing and rocking on the birthing ball.
8:45am- they checked me again and I was only 4cm. That was frustrating, but I was in zero pain so I wasn't too concerned. At this point all my contractions were in my back so it was just pressure. I think the nurse thought I was crazy when I told her they were not hurting, because apparently they were pretty strong on the monitor.

I was in so little pain, that I was texting with a few friends.

here is a close up of the cat photo- my bestie has jokes, and we have a common love for cats

9:15am- I asked to be checked again because I was feeling more pressure and I wanted to know how much longer miss Wren was going to decide to stay warm and cozy in the womb. I was 5 and a half cm. Praise the Lamb! only 4.5 more to go. I went in saying if I can just get to 7cm I know I can do this drug free and at this point I was still in no pain, so I knew getting to 7 would be a breeze.

Still texting my friends and joking with my husband at this point. Between jokes, Stephan was helping me a ton, by applying pressure to my back during each contraction. Him applying counter pressure and heating packs were my bae during this time!

I get this lovely visual from Brittany

saying "yay you're past a daisy!!"

9:45-11:00am- I was up out of the bed, using the birthing ball, and a ballet bar at

the end of the bed, to help little miss turn over, because she was sunny side up. I wanted this delivery to be as painless as possible so I was determined she would turn over. I was getting really tired and the pain was picking up. We turned on a worship play list, my wonderful husband put together, to help me focus.

11:15am- my contractions were all in my belly at this point and around a 6/7 on the pain scale. I was almost 8cm so I got in the bed to take a break from laboring on my feet. The nurse told me she was going to give me a 30-45 minute break to rest or take a nap-- I am not sure what kind of woman can nap while having contractions that are on top of each other, but sure whatever works for ya.

From here on I lost track of the time, but my contractions went to being around a minute apart to sometimes 10 seconds apart. I had zero recovery time between them and I couldn't breathe. My nurse showed Stephan pressure points on my arm and hand that would help to counteract the pain-(Turned out, my nurse had only been st vincents for a few months, and she came from a natural child birth background-- God knew...). He was so great at talking me through each contraction, even when I wanted to kill someone.

Pretty soon I felt like I absolutely had to push, I wasn't really in pain it was just this indescribable amount of pressure and I knew it was time. A nurse came in to check me and I was at 9.5 cm.

I think at this point I was telling them I was going to push, they couldn't tell me not to and that I needed them to get my doctor now before they had to deliver this baby without her. My nurse told Stephan to hop in the bed behind me so I could lean on him-- and possible also so he could restrain me. After what felt like forever my doctor showed up. She told me it was time to get this baby out and I push, while also screaming that I am peeing a lot and I'm worried that Wren will be covered in pee. I know my husband was thrilled to hear this, since he was in the bed with me. He was probably thinking "dear God please don't let the pee reach me"--poor guy! 

 I pushed a grand total of 3x and at 11:46am she was here, with a  head full of dark brown hair, which was all could talk about when I saw her.

I wanted to do skin on skin, so they gave her to me immediately and I was so in love. I held her while they cleaned me up and for a while after then I decided to share and let Stephan hold her.  I got a bite to eat because having a baby will make you famished!

he was smitten. the first thing he said when he held her "oh goodness this is going to be so bad"

yep he was so wrapped. never had a chance :)

Wren came out grunting... The nurses initially thought it was due to her being pushed out so quickly. They told us that usually when that happens the baby will transition to breathing better around the 4 hour mark.  They gave us 3 hours with her. At the 3 hour mark, it was obvious she was not going to get better on her own. It's all a blur what happened next but she was taken from our room, to a little room behind the nurses station, where she had a chest x-ray an we met the NICU doctor...

When Fear is Crippling

You are peace, You are peace
When my fear is crippling
You are true, You are true
Even in my wandering
You are joy, You are joy 
You're the reason that I sing
You are life, You are life, 
In You death has lost its sting

-Hillsong- Forever Reign

From the very beginning of my pregnancy, with Wren, I was overwhelmed with fear. We found out we were expecting at 4 weeks. When my doctor told me no ultrasound until 8 weeks I was scared.  We had been wanting to expand our family for so long, I just wanted needed to see that sweet little gummy bear on a screen.  Although, I begged, they wouldn't budge on the ultrasound, but they would have me come in for some blood work.  The blood work would give a rough estimate of how far along I really was, and how all my levels were looking- basically I was going into see if this was in fact a "viable" pregnancy.  I went in for blood work one day and then three days later for some more.  When the results came back I was told "We think this will be a viable pregnancy, but your progesterone levels are a little low. We want you to take a progesterone pill every night for the first 10 weeks of pregnancy until the placenta can take over and do its job.  This will help decrease your chance of a miscarriage".  This just wasn't something I expected to hear, so fear reared its ugly head and consumed me.  For the next 6 weeks I was totally crippled by the fear that I was going to lose this baby. I had awful dreams and most nights I hardly slept at all, in fear of dreaming. All the while I am praying constantly for this baby- to be full of life, to be healthy and strong not only in body but strong in the Lord, for peace and rest for me... and still there was fear. After my first ultrasound the fear subsided a little.I was elated to see that gummy bear and its heat beating on the screen. Still, I made sure to keep our pregnancy under-wraps til around the 12 week mark. 

Right at 12 weeks we announced to everyone we were expecting!

by way of Christmas card

banners by All Things Brite

Excitement grew and fear subsided through the holiday season.  We were just so happy to share the news with friends and family! Right after the new year, we had a sweet gender reveal with our closest friends and family

I think it goes with out saying, I was a little excited

Fast forward to our 20 week anatomy scan... We headd to the consultation room, doc came in and said... "Well, everything looks good, but she is just a little on the small side. I am sure I'm worried for nothing, but because I am OCD will you agree to do genetic testing just to make sure we aren't looking at any chromosomal issues".  So here comes fear...

After 10 years days we got the results in that our girl was just fine, tiny but perfect.  So the fear subsided.  I prayed for her every day that she will be kind but fierce, that she will love the Lord, that she will be a blessing to everyone around her, that she will be peaceful and bring joy to our home, that she will be an amazing sleeper, and totally healthy, perfect in every way- but never speaking directly to the fear.

Skip to the third trimester... My blood pressure started to be on the high side. I went in for non stress tests and blood work with each doctor visit.  We had an ultrasound at 36 weeks to check on her fluid and her size. She had grown, and was no longer as tiny as expected. Wren was estimated to be 6lb 7oz at my last ultrasound, so the doctor scheduled an induction for the following week [due to my blood pressure]. 

Welcome back fear... What was I afraid of? That was the question I kept asking myself and the question I would be asked by those who I shared my fear with. My answer was always,"I don't know, every thing I guess". That week was the longest of my life and the Sunday before being induced on Monday felt like and eternity. I will never forget all the tears I shed, from sheer terror that Sunday. 

Through the whole pregnancy I was constantly telling God "I know I shouldn't be afraid" but what I wasn't doing was confronting the enemy and telling him, he had no power over me. It wasn't until Wren was born that I realized the fear I was experiencing was not the fear of the Lord preparing me for something to be wrong, it was the devil consuming me with fear. He wanted me in a place of all consuming crippling fear, so that there would be no way for me to handle what was coming after Wren was born. For nine months I let the devil win, but not anymore.  

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

This verse rings true to the season we have been walking. God has strengthened me, He is helping me and He is upholding me. I will no longer let fear, ungodly fear cripple me.

Happy Memorial Day Lovelies

Hello lovely readers, I hope y'all had a wonderful memorial day. My day was filled with cooking, cleaning, crafting and a seafood dinner with family. How did you spend your day?

Have you ever tried to write a post with a Great Dane in your lap?! 

{He's 64 lbs now}

It's complicated...

A few days ago I realized I have never done a "getting to know me post." With new readers I think it is time for you all to get to know me a little better.

I'm Rachel.

I am 23, southern born and raised, currently living in Alabama. I am married to my best friend and the love of my life, Stephan. We've been together 6 years and married for 1.5 of those years. I have a funny, giggly, all together awesome 1.5 year old. He will melt your heart and be your best friend. Lyla is our 3 year old long haired Chihuahua and Samson is our .5 year old Merle Great Dane, we love our fur babies. I have terrible baby fever! I went to college for 2 years but never got any type of degree. The only class I excelled in was English, hence why I blog. I am happy to call Church of the Highlands my home. I love Jesus, plain and simple. I am loving all the precious people I am meeting in the blogging world. I love crafting and cooking, which is obvious in previous posts. I have a lot of ideas, hopes and dreams but sometimes I have trouble making them happen. I am working on that and this blog is helping me. I am very thankful for all my readers!

I LOVE: 

*Diet Coke

*Alabama Football- ROLL TIDE

*Reading

*Karamel Sutra- Ben and Jerry's

*Alice in Wonderland

*Sushi

*Running

*Summer Nights   

                                                                                                        

I DON'T love:

*TV Shows I love being Canceled

*Humidity

*Cockroaches

*Walking Through Spider Webs

*Rude People

*Bad Dreams

*Feeling Lonely

*Doing Dishes                                                                       

Where did my baby boy go?!

When bedtime rolls around in our home it's the same routine every night. E gets a bath, eats dinner, gets his teeth brushed, hugs his daddy good night, gets a diaper change, and then I kiss him goodnight and lay him down with his lovie. This has been the same every night since he was 3 months old (minus the teeth brushing since he is just now getting teeth). Tonight went differently. When it came time to lay Ephraim down he curled up into a little ball and started crying, not a normal cry either, that kind of cry where you can't catch your breath. After checking to make sure everything was okay with him he still wasn't happy. I picked him up and held him like I used to when he was a little tiny and swayed back and forth with him until he finally fell asleep. I honestly can't remember the last time I did this with him, or really I should say the last time he let me do this. He thinks he's grown! I am still baffled by why he was so upset tonight but that short time I got to cuddle with him in my arms made me feel so special! He fell asleep with his little hand clinched to the neck of my shirt just like he did when he was tiny.

Where in the world did that little baby go?! I absolutely love watching E grow and learn but I just wish he would slow down a tad... is that too much to ask?

Ephraim's Party

This post is LONG over due.

It has already been a month since our little man turned ONE. I can not believe it!

He had a wonderful first party filled with lots of wonderful family.

My sweet friend Kristen took all the amazing photos at Ephraim's party. I've known Kristen my whole life and I am so proud of the precious woman she has become! Please consider her when searching for a photographer!

I made Ephraim's caterpillar cupcakes.

And my awesome sister in law made E's amazing smash cake!

Enjoy all the following pictures ...

I know, I know, SO many pictures. I just think that these are the only way to really share how great his party was!

Happy Birthday Ephraim Brite!

Recently

Ephraim Brite Nichols

Born: February 15, 2011 @ 12:06pm

8lbs 1oz 21 1/4in

 

And that day changed our lives for ever...

When we brought Ephraim home Stephan got to take family medical time and was off and home with us for about three weeks. That time was amazing and I am so thankful he was here with us b/c honestly I'm not sure if I could have done it without him here.

Ephraim was a great baby from the start, never really crying for anything besides being hungry; but on the rare days he was just fussy Stephan was the only one who could calm him down.

I don't know what it was but Ephraim just took to him. At times I felt a little down because I wanted to be able to fix things for him but he just wouldn't calm down from me the same way he did for Steph. 

When it came time for Stephan to start back to work I was so nervous! I was thinking how in the world am I going to make it through a day without him here to help me...

It all turned out fine though and my first  day with Ephraim by myself went great. I've definitely gotten the hang of this parenting thing now! 

Ephraim is growing like a weed! I feel like he gets chubbier and taller every day haha.

I never realized how fast babies change until I had one. I try to cherish every moment with him because I know one day I'll blink and he'll be grown.

He is such a fun little baby! This picture is from this week

 I decided I would sit him up on the couch just to see what would happen, because he has such good control of his back neck and head already I was pretty confident he would be able to sit up on his own.

AND 

he did for about 30 seconds 

I could hardly take the picture for laughing so hard. I just couldn't get over how big he looked and the faces he was making!

 He is starting to do so much with his hands. He loves to play with his bib and he cuddles with his owl lovie with out us having to give it to him. If its beside him and he wants it he will grab it and move it all around. SO cute! He's started to take his pacie out of his mouth and toss it away to suck on his right hand, but sometimes he gets his thumb to far back in his mouth and will gag on it... silly baby!

I am debating trying to give him his first bite of baby cereal to see how it goes...

I keep going back and forth with it just because of things I read.

Our next doc appointment is May 9th so I may wait til then and just ask him.

I am pretty positive I am going to see how he does with it before our beach trip in June though!

I'll keep everyone posted on how it goes and I will be posting messy face pictures for sure!!

I know my cousin abbey has been wanting to see his room so here are a few pics of it

 Stephan built this awesome shelf and I decorated it!

I promise to try and update more regularly. Between taking care of Ephraim, working, trying to keep the house clean etc its been a little tough.

Keep an eye out for some post about yummy recipes Stephan and I have been trying and also Ephraim's bathroom makeover. 

One Month Til Due Date

One month from today is Ephraim Brite's due date!

And today I am working on my hospital bag checklist. I keep looking at all these websites for help but there is so much on their list I'm having trouble narrowing it down to what I really need to bring.

I'm hoping to get it narrowed down soon so I can have my bag packed and ready to go for when the time comes!

Can you tell I'm a little ready for him to be here?

Last week I was supposed to have a nursery update however, I dealing with this for 3 days

 

{Snow storm 2011)

On the Sunday the storm was predicted to hit Stephan dropped me and Lyla off at his sister and brother in laws house and went on to church to play at the night service... By the time he got there the bridge at 459 and Grants Mill was already iced over. Service got canceled and he headed back to his sisters house. We all stayed there Sunday night (in case our power went out, they had a heater that would work). The next morning we work up to about 5 inches of solid ice. Since Stephan works at the hospital he had to get to work so he left Monday and then couldn't get back home til 3 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon. Needless to say it threw off my week and I got nothing done on my dresser make over project.

This week we have been picking up some finishing touches, like picture frames, shelf brackets (for the shelf Stephan's putting in), hooks to hang diaper bags in his closet, stuff to hang the picture I painted above his crib, and paint and primer for my dresser project!

Saturday we will be cleaning out the shed to make room for me to work on my project and Steph will be picking up the wood for the shelf! 

My goal for next week is to have the shelf up and the dresser almost finished if not totally done.

His nursery is really coming together nicely and I can not wait to share pictures with everyone. I just don't want to post until it has the last two big elements in! 

 

The new year so far for the Nichols

Happy New Year!

We had a great and crazy busy holiday season and really enjoyed getting to spend time with lots of family.  Our year has started amazing and I feel like we are both going non stop, when really we should probably be taking some time to relax before baby Ephraim arrives.

What's new with us so far this year:

Well,

Stephan is back to playing guitar at church and teaching his class before their band practice on Thursday nights. I am so happy for him. I know this is where his heart is and that he is so happy to be back!

His new obsession is cooking anything on our new grill. It cracks me up since it is the middle of winter.. but I'm not complaining because we've been eating pretty darn good the past few weeks.

And 

I am working as much as possible at Victoria's Secret preparing for my awesome new position when I come back to work after baby is born!

My new obsession is the book series that the HBO show True Blood is based off of. Stephan got me the first two for Christmas and my sister-in-law got me the third and forth and I'm half way through the third book already. I'm loving them, much more than the TV show! 

With even less hours open in our schedules now it's making it hard for us to get Ephraim's room completely finished.  

Yesterday Stephan worked on and finished all the spots we hadn't already done on the walls and while he did that I organized his closet with all the things we have for him so far.  However, while doing all this I realized how empty his walls will be once we get everything in place.

So

Stephan's new project to finish in the next few weeks will be to build a shelf that will go on the wall above the changing table. Pictures to come when it's finished!

My project to finish in the next week or so is Ephraim's changing table. I posted a picture a while back and was so excited about working on it. The reason it isn't finished is because I've really struggled on what exactly it needed to look like. With Stephan's help, we've figured it out and I'm going to get on it right away!!

Stephan's mom brought over some pictures that Stephan made when he was in elementary school and my mom has kept all of mine as well so my second project is picking three pictures that Stephan and I made when we were kids and finding the perfect frames to hang them in.

Once all these projects are done I know I will feel much better about his room looking perfect!

My goal for this week is to post pictures of Ephraim's room with everything in its right place and the changing table in progress! So everyone keep and eye out.

** Also I wanted to let everyone know that we will be getting out our wedding thank you notes as soon as wedding pictures are in our hands! I'm making them and want to use one of our pictures for the front. I promise we haven't forgotten and aren't trying to be rude! We are very thankful for everyone and everything we received**

First post as Mrs Nichols!

 

Our wedding was gorgeous! We are both so thankful to everyone who was involved. We have been so very blessed!

As fun as wedding planning and the whole wedding process was.... I have to say I'm relieved that it is all over with! I am glad we can both just relax and be married. We're both getting settled in nicely and adjusting to our new life together. I love being married to my best friend! Best thing EVER! We had a wonderful 3 day honeymoon thanks to my aunt and uncle. It was nice to get away for a little while. We got to enjoy some much needed rest! It was great to get some quality time together before baby boy gets here!

Speaking of baby....

I have not been able to think of anything else for the past few days! There is so much coming up in the next few weeks with all the Christmas things we have with family and I should probably be focusing on getting through it all but I can only think of baby! 80 days til he's here (if he's here on his due date). I am itching to see him again but we wont have another doctor scheduled ultra sound until like two weeks before he is due. However, I asked Stephan for a 4D ultrasound package for Christmas, so we are just trying to find a good time in the next few weeks to get that done. I can not wait!! We're are also pretty much finished with the walls in his room.... so that means time for me to work on his changing table/dresser! I'll find time to start on that in between working and doing all my "wifely" things haha! I'll post pictures of the progress on that too! Then as soon as that is finished we will be putting everything in the room in its place. So exciting!!

Progress

Stephan and I had a great trip to Ikea! We got some great deals and met up with some wonderful friends while we were there.

Here is what we came home with:

The crib (from my last post)

{this amazing chair} 

and {this} 

to go above the changing table instead of the shelves from my last post 

we also picked up these {cute little blocks} that I love!

We got a few other things to finish up what will soon be our master bedroom, and also things for our kitchen!

After our Ikea trip we decided to use the Lowe's and Home Depot gift cards, we were blessed with at our wedding shower, to buy paint for baby Nichols room and also our master bedroom. Then we got to painting! Master bedroom was first and it looks wonderful, and baby's room was second. We still aren't finished painting all the walls yet because we've both been working, but here is our progress:

I love it so far! 

I feel like I'm way ahead of myself since he still wont be here for 17 more weeks, but when I think about how fast all of it has gone by so far I guess I'm not too far ahead!

Along with preparing for baby Nichols this week we've been dealing with some attitude problems from our other baby... Lyla. However, what she gives in attitude, she makes up for in cuteness!!

As soon as the wedding is over Lyla's boot camp to prepare for baby Nichols will begin...

I'm not sure she's ready for this

Room Make Over Time

This week my sweet bridesmaid Casey came to visit me from Panama City! We got to make sure her dress fit and also went to my wedding dress fitting. I loved having her here for support! She couldn't stay long and I miss her already but she will be back in less than a month. 

That means the wedding is a month away!!!

Time is flying now... this makes me very happy

I'm trying to focus on wedding stuff as much as possible now and wait to get all involved in baby room makeovers until all that is over but I just cant help myself! So on Friday Stephan and I will be headed to Ikea for this crib(ignore the mattress and bedding inside)

   

{SNIGLAR Crib}

And these shelves 

 

{MAMMUT Wall shelf}

While we're there we will also be looking for curtains, possibly a rug and then I'm sure we'll pick up some nick- naks too!

I'm so excited about our trip and I can not wait to start putting everything in baby Nichols room.

I've been feeling pretty crafty lately so today I made this for above his bed

 I'll add his name to it later....

I'm planning on painting two more pictures for his room of some funky trees so more to come later!

I sure hope he likes them!

 

 

 

Snips, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails...

Apparently that's what little boys are made of? I'm not sure if that's what ours will be made of maybe something like converses, awesome baby hair and mad guitar skills? That sounds about right! For all of those who I haven't sent out a text to our called yet today you're hearing it now...

IT'S A BOY

and here is our little guy

He's facing the camera and waving! What a ham!

And right now I think he knows I'm writing about him because he's doing all kind of things in my belly.

The question of the day is "What's his name" and to everyone other than me and Stephan it is still just baby Nichols. We do have a name picked out but for now we are keeping it to ourselves!

After all the baby stuff was finished for the day we pulled into the drive way and I was given money to use to get milk tonight along with...

This!!!!!!!

 

And believe me this picture doesn't do it justice! It is amazing! He did a fabulous job!!

I have been waiting for it because he was having it made special for me! Oh what a wonderful man I have!

Today has been one of the best days of my life by far! I cant even imagine what my wedding day will be like! AH only 43 days!!

Oh baby, oh baby

Baby Nichols is busy busy busy. It had a schedule for about two weeks where it would move at 9:30 am every morning! Too sweet! Stephan said "hey do you think it'll keep this same schedule once it's born?!" He's cute ha ha! Unfortunately I don't think that will be the case. It has already created a new schedule of moving whenever it feels like it, even if that means bothering me while I'm sleeping. You would think I'd be used to feeling this little baby move by now but it's still strange every time!

7 days til I find out what baby is!!

So ready to talk to it and be able to call it buy a name, instead of "It"

That's so impersonal!

Sunday night we had dinner with friends. They have a new baby and I had the pleasure of seeing his awesome nursery. It inspired me! So this week I went to the thrift store with my soon to be mother in law and sister in law in search of finding... anything that would get my creative juices flowing in the "making the perfect nursery" area. 

And I found this!!

 at the super saver thrift store- in Roebuck

and yes I know... Missing handles and not the prettiest thing anyone has ever seen. However, when I get done with the extreme makeover I plan on carry out on this piece it will be as good as new!  It's going to be the baby's changing table and then dresser when it grows up.

Stay tuned for the revile (but don't get too excited it probably wont be 'til after the wedding)

As of yesterday I only had plans for a baby girls nursery. I am in love with the plans I have for it but realized that it's a little unfair to the baby that I've been so excited about all these girl plans when I'm still not positive on what it is yet. So yesterday with the help of Stephan we came up with a pretty awesome boy nursery as well. I am now equally excited about both! 

Before I go... Quick wedding update!

This week we started marriage counseling at church. I was nervous at first but now I am very excited about what all we are going to learn and how much we will grow!

50 days til the wedding!

That is less than two months AH I cant believe it!!

I cant wait to be married to Stephan!