Parker's Nursery

Parker's nursery has been work in progress and I am still not really done but sharing his room with you is long overdue.  Nearly everyone in my family had a part in Little P's room.  I prefer things that have meaning in design and his room is full of sweet and funny memories already.  

The vinyl bible verse above the crib was applied loving (er, painstakingly) by Sissy and Doc.

The framed print above the changing table was painted by Parker's great grandmother (my Gammie).

Check out the post about the changing table/dresser here and the lamp project here.


These bumper pads really deserve an entire blog post to themselves.  My wonderfully fabulous mother (aka "Honey" to Parker) slaved over these bumper pads to get them just right (let's just say there is no "pattern" for square bumper pads that exist only in Kiki's head).  Sissy and I spent hours in a fabric store in Atlanta coming up with all sorts of fabulous ideas and my poor mother was left to execute our complicated vision.  An endless THANK YOU to Honey.  It looks awesome.  Perfect, in fact.  I am forever indebted. :)  

Oh - and don't worry, I have been informed this was a one time deal.  I have used up my bumper pad favors. I think I drove my sweet mother to cursing with this little project. Hmmmm...maybe she'll change her mind by the time we are considering #2.  Then again, maybe not.


How fabulous is the monogrammed window valance?  That was another "Kiki vision" that I coerced Coco, Sissy and Doc to execute one afternoon (I was conveniently on bed rest and "instructing" from the couch).  Check out Sissy's blogpost (courtesy of Doc) of this adventure here and here.  Oh, and construction of this little wonder didn't end here...Honey spent a number of hours trying to get the monogrammed button in place.  I believe a "thank you" is in order...I love my family!

As I write this post, I am reminded that it is a wonder my family still speaks to me!  Oh, that's right...I am partly responsible for this sweet face...and magically I am forgiven. :)

Let me know what you think of Parker's room.  I am not done...but I think my family is!

All Things Green and Blue

In early May some fabulous women generously threw a baby shower for me and Parker.  I promised weeks ago to share the pictures and am finally making good on that promise.  My sweet friends and sister are so fun, creative and fabulous - the shower was wonderful with sweet treats and so many creative decorations.  My Mom, Aunt, Grandmother and Coco's mom all came to town for the festivities!  We had a great time and received so many wonderful baby gifts!

The last pregnant pics of Kiki - so sorry but I am way to large to grace the blog these days!


Ashley made the diaper cake for Parker, isn't it adorable?

It even had fabulous MC items and a silver spoon engraved with "Parker"

All of the lovely ladies that hosted the special day

My sweet sister and Mom

My family that came a long way to celebrate

Parker's Grandmothers!

I had some fabulous pictures of some adorable gifts and the yummy goodies but I can't get Blogger to cooperate!  A huge thank you to my dear friends for such a lovely party for me and my little man.  I love you girls!

A little Parker update - so...my blood pressure is still up and my doctor put me on bed rest last Thursday.  Oh what fun!  Our sweet little boy is doing well, the bed rest is to force his very stubborn mama to park it on her fanny so her BP doesn't continue to rise.  I thankfully am able to work from my couch.  What a job Coco has keeping me planted! :)  We covet your thoughts and prayers as we navigate these next days and weeks.  I will be 37 weeks on Thursday and my doctor hinted that she might schedule an induction at any time if the BP stays up. I have full confidence in my doctor, but am a little anxious at the possibility of Parker arriving early!  I head back to the doctor this morning and will keep everyone updated!

Lamp Envy

I found the most fabulous Jonathan Adler lamp for Parker's room that I simply do not want to live without...

...but I will.  The $395 price tag is mystifying and appalling all at the same time.  I haven't spent $400 on a lamp anywhere in my home let alone an infant's room!  The lamp really is fabulous (I heart giraffes) but I couldn't even consider it (can we say STROLLER?).  Instead Coco and I came up with a way to repurpose a lamp we already had.  

We scoured the toy aisles of our neighborhood Target for an appropriate "filler" for this glass lamp that used to hold golf balls and golf tees in our "office".  Coco spied these wooden blocks for $15 and we knew it would be perfect.  I love the way it turned out and it only took Coco 10 minutes to do the switcheroo.  So, until we win the lottery I will stick with our repurposed cutie patootie lamp but I will definitely dream of the gorgeous, childlike yet sophisticated JA giraffe one!

Update...

This post is long overdue and will probably cover many topics!  Be prepared for pregnant brain randomness.  First things first - I mentioned the last time I blogged that I was super excited about my upcoming baby shower.  It did not disappoint, it was so special and so much fun!  And while a full blown post is coming soon, a little sneak peak is available on MC's blog here.  Check it out!


Our addition is officially complete!  It was actually official May 6th (just in time for all of our visitors for baby shower weekend!).  A few pictures to wet your appetite (hee hee) and another promise for a more in depth post soon.  

Our humble abode.  The roofline was extended, new shutters, new paint, less grass. :)

Master Bathroom

"His" Closet

Enlarged Master Bedroom looking into new bathroom

These pictures are not up to my standards (lighting is all wrong, bamboo shades are down, pillows are not fluffed, superfluous items on the bed - just to name a few) but I thought it was too cruel not to give you at least something after three months of teasing (and my house is in no shape for picture taking today).  We are still moving things around and collecting items for our new space, always a work in progress!  We made some changes in the kitchen and the screened in porch is just fabulous.  I promise to include some pics of those spaces soon.

I have had a few inquiries about paint colors so I have included the colors we used below:

Master bedroom/Parker's room - Sherwin Williams Woolskein

Master bath - Sherwin Williams City Loft

Exterior of house - Benjamin Moore Rockport Gray

Parker's room is coming along slowly but surely.  I anxiously await the crib bumpers my Mom has been so diligently working on.  I think I will have them in a few days!  In the mean time, I thought I would share the little dresser project we worked on this past weekend.  My parents generously gave us a piece of furniture they have been storing in their attic that was just the perfect size for Parker's room.  His room is small so we had to have something that multitasked as a dresser and a changing table.  The finish on the dresser was not quite our style so we made a few changes...

BEFORE

AFTER

I love the airplane and dump truck knobs I found at Hobby Lobby and spray painted to coordinate (you know my affinity for the spray paint :))

What do you think of the transformation?  We must give major credit to our faithful friend, Donnie, who was nice enough to strip and stain the top for us after we called in an amateur panic!  There are lots of finishing details to be done...a monogrammed (of course) cornice for the window, waiting on frames for the artwork, vinyl wording above his crib just to name a few.  It will all come together eventually!

Speaking of Lil P, I went for my 34 week appointment yesterday and my blood pressure is up.  Yep, my easy going pregnancy has hit a bit of a snag.  After three hours at the doctor's office/hospital, I had blood work done, an ultrasound to check fluid levels (and catch a sneak peak of our little man!), and a Contraction Stress Test (THAT was interesting).  All tests checked out normal and our little Parker is doing well and responding appropriately.  My doctor will be seeing me a bit more often now (twice a week) to check up on things and make sure all is well.  We are praying this spike in BP is an isolated event and we can keep him marinading just a bit longer.  Thankfully my activity has yet to be restricted (the Lord is GOOD) however I am trying to be good and rest as much as possible when I am at home.  Coco is quite the caregiver, I affectionately refer to him as my warden.  He is so concerned for his wifey and son and I am very thankful for his sweet love.  There is nothing to fret over yet (read that twice Mom) but we would love it if you would keep us in your prayers as we navigate the next few weeks.

Whew.  If you are still reading, I thank you.  Sorry for the long post!  I will update again soon!

Where oh where have my brain cells gone?

A while back I shared with you my first official pregnancy brain moment when I left my sandwich at the Schlotzsky's drive thru.  Ugh.  Well, I have entered the point of no return when it comes to losing brain cells.  My latest feat this week was turning on our home alarm so that it would greet our poor plumber with a loud siren when he used the key (yep, the one I left for him right BEFORE I set the alarm) to get into our home.  Many phone calls with the alarm company and more than one (yep, you read right) incident within a 2 hour time span of setting off the alarm for the entire neighborhood to experience and we got things straightened out.  Or should I say Coco straightened things out.  Poor Coco.  The same day I managed to leave work heading for the grocery store and instead I drove home.  Ugh.  This is painful.  I don't like losing my brain.  I was so proud of it before.  Oh how the Lord humbles me.


32 weeks and counting!  We can't wait for Parker's arrival.  He still needs to marinade for a bit longer but I am definitely ready to meet him and cuddle him and kiss him.  I guess I should pack a bag for the hospital...now what to put in it...

Baby Shower Bonanza Part ME!

Coco and I spent last weekend in Florida on a mini-Spring Break.  The weather was fabulous and it was so nice to get away from the construction zone otherwise known as our home.  I am so thankful that God doesn't give us more than we can handle and He so perfectly orchestrated this trip out of town at the right time.  Another night in the middle of our mess and it might have been more than I could bear.  Oh the sweet, sweet love of Jesus and a girl's parents!  The reason for our trip to the sunshine state was my first baby shower!  My sweet aunt, grandmother and my mom's dear friends were so gracious and kind to host a shower for me and Parker that included all of the wonderful people that watched me grow up.  It was so much fun to see everyone and share our blessing.  We were overwhelmed by all of the wonderful people and gifts - it was too much!  I included a few pictures from the day below!  For those of you who are DYING to see me with child here's your chance...and don't plan on many of these opportunities! :)

Here it is...the side shot.  Don't expect any more.

These were mini carrot cupcakes (my fave) that were scrumptious!

We do love a monogram :)

Isn't this diaper cake so cute?  Made for Parker by his Great-Granny

Our sweet friends from Jacksonville that drove all that way!

Sasha was so sweet to share words of Motherly wisdom

My dear friend, Briana - due in August with TWIN boys!

My fabulous Mom

Thank you so much to Aunt Linda, Granny, Ms. Tina, Mrs. Sweet, Ms. Susie and Ms. Becky for hosting such a fabulous shower!  And thank you Mom and Dad for taking care of your little girl - it was a MUCH needed long weekend away.

Name this...

So...its about time we shared with you what we are going to call our little tyke.  If you can't tell we are some serious planners so it should come as no surprise (especially those of you who know us personally) that as soon as we walked out of that fateful 20 week ultrasound, our little one was named.  Yep.  We are THAT couple.  Coco and I had a boy and girl name picked probably before we were pregnant with our little guy {you know that planning thing I was talking about - we had been "planning" to start a family for a while and God gave us a little time to make sure we were properly "planned" :)}.


I could drag this out for days and give you small hints but that would be cruel and, well, my creative juices are currently being sucked out by the life growing inside me.  So without further delay, we are so excited to introduce the world to Parker Riching Marshall.  Coming early Summer!


*Two things to note - yes, we are aware our son has three last names - we thought one just wasn't enough. :)  They are all family names and we love that Parker's name means so much to us.  He is already a special little boy and his name should be no exception!

It's official...

I have baby brain.  Yep.  I have crossed the threshold.  It's only just begun.  While I was out running errands on my lunch hour yesterday, I picked up lunch.  Or so I thought.  I got my drink, my check card, receipt and pulled out of the sandwich drive through...without my sandwich!  I got all the way to the office (at least 2 or 3 miles) and realized I had no lunch.  Imagine my sheepish grin when I pulled back to the drive thru window and asked for the sandwich I left.  Geez.


On a more intelligent note, progress is going well here at the house. :)  We have sheetrock and the tile and carpentry are starting this week.  It has been a flurry of paint colors and grout selection around here.  Pictures to come soon I promise!

Sneak peak...the nursery

In the midst of all that is going on around here, Coco and I managed to make time to work in a little nursery shopping.  We have picked out some fabric and my sweet mother has offered to make all of the bedding for our little boy's room.  Here's a little sneak peak of the fabric, crib and chair for the nursery.

The chair will be in Chocolate twill

Whatcha think?  Next on the list is lighting, artwork and organization!

Register this.

So, it is that time for us in our "with child" journey to begin the registry process.  This is an incredibly daunting task for those of us who are not at all well versed in all things baby (have I mentioned my breakdown the first time I stepped foot in BabiesRus?). Help.  Please.  What items can you not live without?  Is there one thing that made your life that much easier?  What is a waste of money?  I know that most of these things are very personal decisions but I would love your feedback.  Please help a hormonal pregnant woman make some decisions! 

Introducing...

Price Andrew Caudell

I was not a very good blogger in December when this little bundle of joy entered into the world so I just had to share him now.  I recently received Jordan's birth announcement and since it is so fabulous it was a great excuse to share him with you!  He is a healthy baby boy and growing like a weed!  He's a great snuggler, too. :)


Isn't he precious? 

It's a...

BOY!!!!!!

Coco and I are super excited!  He is healthy and growing strong!

Patience is a virtue...

Apparently the blogosphere thinks bows and tutus are in our future (check out the poll in the upper left hand corner)! I can't wait to find out if you are right or wrong! I know that the timing of finding out the sex of your child is a VERY personal thing and not everyone has the same opinion, but I am super anxious to know! Thursday cannot get here fast enough. Is it just me or is this week d-r-a-g-g-i-n-g on? Patience is apparently a virtue that I need to work on because I am pretty sure mine has run out!

Boy or Girl?

Two weeks and counting until we find out whether the little one growing inside me is a boy or a girl (provided our little bambino behaves)! To commemorate this exciting event, I added a poll on the side bar to start the wagering. Let us know your vote! We will be sure to reveal our findings after the ultrasound!

Baby Shower Bonanza Part 3

I have some precious friends expecting and having babies and have been able to share in their baby shower fun over the last six months! About a week and a half ago, I helped host a shower for my sweet friend Ashley. Ashley and Matt are expecting a little girl, Brooklyn Elizabeth, in just three weeks. We had so much fun at her shower and Ashley received some ADORABLE things. I cannot wait to meet Brooklyn! Check out her fabulous nursery!

The beautiful Mommy to be!

Aren't these little cookie favors adorable?

Eleanor hung out with us while she waited on Dr. Dad to pick her up. (Isn't she too cute here with her mom Marlee?)

I HEART these!

Marlee made this fabulous diaper bag for Ashley...I think I need to put in my own order for one!

I also got to make my first baby GIRL diaper cake. It was so much fun finding little girlie things to decorate with. Of course I got some items from MC - a cute little diaper cover and a preppy burp cloth. I also picked up some cute hair bows, frilly socks and passies!

Thanks for letting me share in your joy Ashley!

**Click here for Baby Shower Bonanza Part 1 and Part 2.