more reasons why we need to decide on a name!

You know, it's really bothering me that we still haven't been able to agree on baby boy #2's name. Why, you may ask? Well, first of all, I'd just like to know his name!

Second, I have a lot of crafting and decorating ideas that I'd like to get started on, but can't until we, of course, decide on his name. Because his name or at the very least his initial is involved.

I want to put all four of our initials (A, J, E, and....? along with a big G) on a wall in the living room, something sort of like this:

Source: bhg.com via Jess on Pinterest

or THIS:

Source: s461.photobucket.com via Jess on Pinterest

I also can't wait to add baby boy's name above Elliot's on the nursery wall. I plan to use chip decor letters and fun scrapbooking paper again, so they coordinate well with Elliot's :) Some other interesting ways to do nursery baby names are below:

Different sized letters- not sure why I never thought of this?

Source: google.com via Jess on Pinterest

and how cute is this?

Source: Uploaded by user via Jess on Pinterest

Cute, right?!
I know, I know... just pick one! If only it were that easy!

I may be brave enough to narrow our choices down to just three:
1. Sullivan Grey (Sully)
2. Finnian Jude (Finn)
3. Milo Benjamin
... but I'm not sure that I want to let go of Cyrus Grey yet, though... so we'll see.

Part of me thinks that the perfect name is still hiding somewhere, and we just haven't found it yet...

I've been driving my husband nuts with this name thing. So I'm sure we'll decide soon... if for nothing else, just so we can be done with it and my husband won't have to listen to me talking about names 24/7.
I'll be sure to let you all know when we do!

A few of my favorite things

Here is a little preview of some of my favorite things in Elliot's room :) Bear in mind, with six {soon to be seven} people in this house, the last available bedroom is mine... which happens to be downstairs in the walk-out basement. So the walls are a little funky ugly. BUT we have our own bathroom- with a sauna and whirlpool, so that's a plus! :) And since 3 of the 4 other bedrooms are upstairs, we have more privacy down here. Thank god for 5 bedroom houses!


Elliot's crib, clearly marked with his name above it.


E-L-L-I-O-T spells Elliot :)


Part of the closet- with some of his cloth diapers {many more in the mail!} and his newborn and 0-3 sleepers and jumpers.


Drawer with extra blankets, burp cloths, and bibs {L-R}.


Drawer with newborn and 3 month onesies, stacked about 15 high! This kid has a LOT of clothes. Most of his newborn and 3 month pants are also in there.


And just because it's cute: a basket with random toys and teethers :)

You guys are amazing! Thanks for all the votes!

The best thing since sliced cheese!

I've been looking for the perfect baby bedding since before I even knew I was pregnant. No kidding. There are tons of different options out there- but most of them are too "cutesy" and "baby-ish" for me. So when I first discovered DwellStudio, I was in love. I was not, however, in love with their prices.
If you have modern, expensive tastes (like I do)- I found something that you should definitely check out.

It's called DwellStudio for Target. The very same designer that I fell in love with makes a line just for Target- and the bedding is JUST as cute, but 1/4 the price.
I actually found bedding in the Target line that I liked more than at Dwell Studio's main website! In fact, I went ahead and purchased the "Hippo" bedding set (pictured above) and matching accessories on the spot.
Here are two other designs that I liked. Click on the pictures to see the whole collection.


Thanks to Joy from Joy's Laughter for suggesting it! :)

bye, bye bumpers

Before I really did any research, I fell in love with a bedding set (which of course, included crib bumpers), registered for it, and called it good. But as I kept hearing more and more people question the safety of crib bumpers, I decided to do a little research. Here's what I found:

- Several organizations reccomend against using crib bumpers, including: the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Health Canada, the National Center for Health and Safety in Child Care, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the First Candle/National SIDS Alliance

Crib bumpers are not reccomended for several reasons, the main ones being:
- Crib bumpers inhibit the circulation of fresh air around the crib, which is a contributing factor to SIDS
- Bumpers that come loose (and the bumper ties) represent an entaglement and strangulation hazard
- A soft, pillow-like bumper can cause suffocation
- Crib bumpers can be used by older babies to help them climb out of the crib (and injure themselves)

Many people choose to use crib bumpers because they believe the crib padding prevents injury. Although they may prevent very MINOR injuries, the risks of using crib bumpers far outweigh the benefits. In fact, studies have concluded that it is nearly impossible for a child to seriously injure themselves on the crib bars.

I know what you're thinking. But everyone uses them! And bedding sets are so cute! I pretty much agree with you- but I just don't think it's worth the risk. Or the waste of money (quality bedding sets are usually between $175-$400!). So I found a better alternative: several companies sell fitted crib sheets, matching blankets and other accessories in adorable patterns and colors.
I especially love Dwell Studio.
Here are my favorites:

Owl Sky- This is the pattern I'll be going with. It fits perfectly with our whole green and brown, nature theme. If we end up having a girl, I'll accessorize with more "girly" items.

Sparrow Lilac- this one is gorgeous too {for a girl}, but the first ones match with our theme better, and I'm starting to think this baby is going to stick to his/her guns and refuse to show us the goods, anyway.

SOURCES:
Crib Bumper Study
Baby Bedding and Crib Bumper Safety
Healthy Children: Safe Crib Practices

Click? :) We're #102 now!

Nursery artwork

I've always loved artwork. Nothing bothers me more than plain, empty walls. It doesn't matter what color they happen to be painted- without artwork, they are dead. Lifeless.
So here are a few of my favorite prints from Trendy Peas which I plan to hang in the nursery.


Giraffe Print


Count to 10


Birds on a Tree


Baby and Mommy Elephant


Stacked Birds on a Branch


Summer Tree