Part of Me

It's been a little over 12 weeks since I gave birth to Lydia. The past 12 weeks have certainly been a whirlwind. I can not believe that my little lady is going to be 3 months next week, that I have been off of work since June 17, and that it was 2 years ago when I thought being a mom was only in my dreams. Time actually does fly.


Motherhood has certainly stretched me (even to my limits at times). I could honestly not prepare for what these past 12 weeks have brought me. I had no clue how demanding a newborn is, especially when they are ravenous in the middle of the night. I had no clue that some times babies just cry for no stinking reason. I had no clue how amazing and frustrating breast feeding can be. I had no clue how disgusting poopy diapers are and that a little baby can fart louder than a grown man. I had no clue how long it would take to get out the door-on time is a distant memory. I had no clue how much I would miss sleeping. I had no clue that some days an accomplishment is that I was able to put my contacts in and change out of my pjs. I had no clue.

But I also had no clue what those middle of the night cuddle sessions felt like when Lydia rested her tiny little head on my chest because that was the only spot she could get comfy enough to sleep in. I had no clue what joy I would feel when Lydia smiles up at me while she is feeding letting me know she is content. I had no clue that her little squeals and kicks of delight would melt my heart. I had no clue how much I would rather watch Lydia play on her floor mat or stare at a fan than my favorite TV show. I had no clue how proud I would be when I see my daughter swat at her toys or smile at her daddy. I had no clue how beautiful my little girl would be. I had no clue how much I would love Lydia. I had no clue that my life now is ten times better than it was when Lydia wasn't a part of it.

Motherhood has changed me and Lydia was worth the wait. She was worth every tear shed wondering if I would ever get to hold my own baby. She was worth every doctor's appointment and every procedure I went through to have her. She is a part of me.

Lydia Sue

Lydia is one. I can hardly believe that this journey started with not knowing if I could ever conceive 3 years ago to having a beautiful, one year old daughter.

Lydia's life started at 12:32 pm one year ago today. She was born at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital and was given the best of care. She was born with amniotic fluid in her lungs, so Matthew and I didn't really get to hold and cuddle with her until she was over 24 hours old. Thinking back to those short, few days waiting for her oxygen levels to rise is surreal. It feels as if those days were all a dream, like they never happened in comparison to all that did happen.

Lydia is more than I could have ever imagined. She has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. She has a very determined spirit. She is fierce and strong. She lights up a room with her smile. She is a good eater and sleeper. She can be stubborn and mischievous. She loves to dance. She loves to "put" on clothes, shoes, and jewelry. She loves to chat, especially if she can chat about her "Da". She is friendly; saying "Hi" to everyone that passes by. She is a blessing from up above and I am so completely honored to be chosen as her mother.

Nesting

One of the most exciting parts to me about having a new baby is decorating the nursery! I had so much fun doing this that I kinda feel bad that my other children probably won't get the same time and effort put into their nursery. I just couldn't help myself.

The Before

The room used to be a catch all room and Matt used the room for his closet. Matt once had dreams of using the room as a Man Cave, but that just never happened. Here is a picture of the room last summer before the floors and trim were updated after the flood.

This is my poor mother. She spent about 10 hours of her life completing the chevron wall that I was just a little too particular about. I was actually not allowed to touch it, so I just project managed, informing her of any angles that needed fixing. I don't think she appreciated my side comments too much.

The After

Here is the completed chevron wall. Pink and White. Perfect in every way. 

Overall picture of the room. Three walls aqua, accent wall chevron pink and white. 

Triangles Rug in Gray: Pottery Barn for Kids

Curtains fabric: Joanne Fabrics; made by my mom and Auntie Jenny

The Crib

Fisher Price 3-in-1 convertible in Misty Gray compliments of Mom and Dad Loerop

Bed set is Circo Geo Girl from Target (this was actually my inspiration for the color scheme) compliments of Evergreen Academy Teachers and Staff.

Circo Fitted Crib Sheet in Elephants from Target compliments of Uncle Taylor and Auntie Jamie. 

Wall collage designed by me

The Wall Collage

I really wanted something special over the crib that really tied the room and all of it's colors and themes together. I was inspired by Pinterest and Etsy, but most of the design is my own. 

Love mirror: Hobby Lobby

Elephant Chevron and scripture sign art: Etsy (seller karimachal) This also includes a Monogram of her name, but I am holding back on framing that until after she is born.

 The next three pictures were designed by me. The frames were purchased from the dollar store. I painted them using the left over paint from her room. The first image is Psalm 139:14. I thought this was appropriate since Baby Girl is a gift from God.

The second image is a quote from one of my favorite children's books, "Love you Forever" by Robert Munsch. 

The third image is of themes that I hope my Baby Girl develops over her lifetime. Hope in her God, Believe in her God, and Love her God.

The Rocker and Chifferob

Eddie Bauer Chair and Half Rocker in Gray: Target; Compliments of Grandma and Grandpa Loerop

Decorative Pillows: Etsy (seller: PillowsbyJanet)

Chifferob: This is a family heirloom. My Grandma Boender used this for all of her three daughters, my mom and aunts used this for their babies, and now I get to use it for my babies. I painted the drawer and door faces gray to compliment the rocker and crib.

Circo Changing Pad Cover in Pink: Compliments of my Aunt Cindy and cousins, Faith and Kayla

The Bookshelf

Room Essentials Three Shelf Bookcase: Target

Lamp: Ikea

Elephant Bank: Tiffany & Co, compliments of my very good friend Sara. 

Basket o toys: Karis Jordan and family; toys are purchased from friends

Books: Friends and Family

The Storage

3 Floating Shelves: Ikea

3 Storage baskets for diapers, pacifiers lotions, and other baby type things: HomeGoods

Chevron Laundry Basket in Pink and White: Target, compliments of my Aunt Cindy and cousins Faith and Kayla

Bow Rack: Frame is from Hobby Lobby. I nailed fishing line across in three locations. The clips have small gray flower stickers on them.
All the bows are gifts from the baby shower. I think she is set for a life time.

As you can see, I just couldn't help myself.