Building a nursery fit for a princess

Well, it turns out that our baby is still a little lady!  There are some days where it almost feels impossible that things could be going this well.  The past few years have been incredibly rough.  In the last five years alone I lost my grandma, dad, and one of my best friends while my husband lost his stepfather, grandfather, and uncle, and our marriage came close to dissolving.  We battled infertility and made some incredibly difficult decisions along the way.  There were times when I honestly felt like life was out to get me and nothing was going to work out.

Now, everything seems to not only have fallen into place, but my dreams are actually coming true.  While infertility makes you recognize the importance of conceiving, carrying, and delivering a healthy child regardless of its gender, I still always dreamed of having a little girl.  I dreamt of silk, ruffles and lace, piano lessons and watching her from the stands at horse shows.  I am so grateful to be having a little girl that I really can't put it into words...at least not enough to do my feelings any justice.

After having a perfect anatomy scan, I finally felt comfortable enough to start having some fun.  Our little princess is developing as perfectly as can be.  While visiting my mom for Christmas, we had a girl's day out - all three of us - to pick out baby's furniture.

I knew early on that I wanted to spend more on quality furniture that will last until our daughter moves out someday (in the very far off future) as opposed to baby specific furniture that will need to be replaced in a few years.  I also didn't want anything that screams BABY FURNITURE!!! which is what I found at Babies R Us, Buy Buy Baby, and even Pottery Barn.  For some reason, stark white furniture seems very childish to me.  I wanted antique white.

When I first started looking, I fell in love with this set from Restoration Hardware.  It was exactly what I envisioned for my little girl.  However, I really don't know much about RH or the quality of its furniture other than the fact that it's gorgeous and expensive.  Brick and mortar stores are hard to come by in my area, so my mom and I traveled about 45 minutes to the RH closest to her only to find that they had a measly selection when it came to furniture.  The sales girl also told us that only a handful of stores in the country carry their Baby & Child items.  This wasn't going to work for me.  I need to be able to see and touch whatever it is I am going to buy - especially if I'm about to spend thousands on it.

Unfortunately, I found a consumer affairs website on which RH had consistently poor customer reviews when it came to quality, customer service, and delivery issues - and I only read through the 2013 reviews.  The complaints were too similar for me to think that it's just a few cranky people posting on a website because they have nothing better to do.  I can't say whether or not this is a reliable site, but it certainly deterred me from purchasing the bedroom set (although I am going to keep my eye on the Colette headboard just in case it should go on final sale within the next year or so).

While in Restoration Hardware, however, I was able to see and feel some swatches for a few of the crib bedding sets I've been eyeing.  I had already ordered several swatches (all free of charge) online, but they hadn't come yet (actually, I've only received one at this point).  My mom and I ended up ordering the crib bumper and skirt from my favorite set, which is called Antique Floral (in Petal), because it was on final sale with an additional 10% off!

Restoration Hardware Crib Bedding in Antique Floral.  Color: Petal

The quilt shown in the picture is the Heirloom Quilted Voile Toddler Quilt.  I wasn't crazy about the swatch or the color so I didn't get that.  It wasn't as soft as I'd like it to be.  In fact, the bumper and skirt aren't very soft either (they're a linen blend so that's not shocking).  However, the baby isn't ever going to be snuggling with either of those so I didn't mind that so much.  I am in love with the soft colors and elegant pattern of this particular set.  

The only downside to this purchase is the fact that I paid $21 for standard shipping.  I think that's a bit high since shipping to the store isn't even an option.  When all was said and done, I paid $195 for the set, taxes and shipping.  

Next comes the actual nursery furniture!  My mom and I went to the furniture boutique where both of our bedroom sets were purchased.  My favorite thing about this store is that most (if not all) of the furniture they carry is solid wood - no veneer!  In other words, it is built to last.  With that being said, you definitely have to be prepared to spend big money on furniture if you shop here.  

My grandmother was a very smart woman who taught me a lot about life.  One of the things I learned from her is to never skimp on furniture - always buy quality.  All of the furniture in her house was made of solid wood and some of it still looks/ed brand new at over thirty years old.  I actually have a set of her club chairs and her dining room set in my house (they need to be reupholstered, but the bones are solid).  My grandma knew what she was doing, so I have no qualms about spending more money on something that I know will last for years to come.  

The set I chose is by a manufacturer called Redford House.  You can read about them here.  All of their furniture is made here in America using American hardwood, and their emphasis really is on quality.  

The Isabella dresser and nightstand together retails for about $4600 pre-tax.  Of course, I never buy anything at full price and was lucky enough to catch a holiday sale.  After tax it came to $3400 which is a savings of AT LEAST $1200.  I only ordered one nightstand for now because her nursery is way too small for two.  One may be a tight fit.    

It is true that I could have bought an entire set for much less than that but again, our daughter will have this furniture forever.  The bedroom set I grew up with had been my mother's.  So I know that quality furniture can last at least a couple of generations.  I wish I had kept that set, but who knew? 

Because we planned on spending more money on a dresser and nightstand, we decided to go with a less expensive crib.  Once upon a time I spotted a sleigh crib on Pottery Barn's website and loved it.  Unfortunately, it's no longer available.  Also, it only came in stark white which I'm not crazy about - especially since the rest of the furniture is antique white.  

My mother-in-law suggested JC Penney (which I never thought of because I don't shop there) and what do you know?  They have an off-white sleigh crib called the Savanna Bella which, of course, I nabbed on sale and with free delivery!  Well actually, the crib is a gift from my mother-in-law so she nabbed it :)  I can't find a picture of the crib anywhere except for the horrible stock photo that I have posted below.  It has a God-awful blanket covering the front of it.  

The crib is set to arrive in about two weeks, the bedding in four weeks, and the dresser and nightstand in 8-12 weeks.  The only thing left to do is wait!  

Isabella dresser, nightstand (both in Raw Cotton), RH Antique Floral crib bumper and skirt, JC Penney Savanna Bella Crib in off-white

Best moments of the week

On Tuesday December 10, 2013 I woke up with some spotting.  Nothing major - just a bit of pink on the TP (sorry if that's too much for you but hey, it is what it is) - but I called the doctor just to be on the safe side.  They wanted me to come in right away.  Yeah....couldn't happen since I work about an hour away from the office AND it decided to snow so I made an appointment for 4pm.  

Work decided to send us home at 11:30 because the snow wasn't letting up, so I called the doctor back to see if they had any earlier appointment times.  Turns out they had a 1:15 in their other, smaller office which happens to be about ten minutes from my house (I've been traveling 30-40 minutes to their main office) - why the hell didn't I know about this closer, smaller, and much more comfortable office sooner???  

Anyway, I wasn't too worried when I got to the office since I hadn't spotted any more than that one instance.  I even told the office this, thinking that maybe they would just let me keep the anatomy scan appointment which is scheduled for December 18.  Nope - they wanted me in that day.  Thank God though because it actually turned out to be the best day ever!  

The sono tech, who was super sweet and really thorough, did the scan and said that baby looked and measured perfectly.  She asked if we knew what we were having, and we said that we were told it was a boy at our 12 week/NT scan.  As we were discussing this, I noticed that she had a perfect view of in between baby's legs - which were spread WIDE open - and I saw absolutely nothing.  I mean, shouldn't his "nub" have grown a little more by now?  Did it fall off?  Oh no! 

The tech "tsk tsked" and said they should never tell anyone so early on what the sex is because they really do look the same.  And, as it so happens, our first tech was wrong.  WE. ARE. HAVING. A. GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

I was really happy with a perfectly healthy, growing, developing little boy and actually started finding and buying some nice looking boy things, but I was so ecstatic I almost jumped off of the table when she said girl.  Not only have I spent years praying for a baby, but I always threw "girl" into the mix for good measure.  It is literally my dream come true.  

Over the past two months since we were told boy, I can't lie and say I didn't feel little pangs of jealousy over people who announced they were Team Pink.  We have our full anatomy scan in six days, and I'm now praying that she's still a girl.  I'm sure she will be.  The tech spent quite a while checking and rechecking from every possible angle and all she was able to show us was the "hamburger" - aka the three lines that are the labia.  There wasn't a penis in sight.  So, here she is!  

Knowing that my baby is, in fact, a little princess still feels surreal.  Hopefully after Wednesday's appointment I'll feel better and then it's time to start shopping! 

Another favorite moment, however, came last night.  My husband always says goodnight to my stomach.  He'll say "goodnight little one" or "baby".  Last night it was "goodnight princess" and it absolutely melted my heart.  I can't wait to see him with her, and I'm pretty convinced that she already has him wrapped abound her itty bitty fingers :) 

Registry Fun

I couldn't wait to register.  I never had a shower before (we planned a wedding in two months because my grandma and dad both had limited time left here with us so I really didn't care about registering or a shower) and baby stores are just tons of fun as far as I'm concerned.  So the first big question was where to register.  

We browsed a few stores including Target, Babies R Us, and Buy Buy Baby.  Target was out right away - I didn't like their selection, there is NO ONE to help you, and I've heard nothing but horror stories about their return policy.  That left us with the other two giants.  

I fell in love with Buy Buy Baby for a few reasons:  

1. They take those 20% Bed Bath and Beyond coupons that everyone gets in excess.  I love saving money and would prefer that anyone who chooses to shop off of my registry also has the opportunity to do so.  
2. They carry what are, in my opinion, better brands - particularly this Burt's Bees clothing line  and a bigger and better stroller selection (I'll write more about my stroller issues another day).  
3. A personal consultant who will accompany you while you register (with an appointment).
4. If you do not choose to take advantage of a personal consultant (which we did not) there is someone in each department who is knowledgable and more than willing to answer your questions and or really show you the ins and outs of a product.  I think the gentleman in the stroller department spent about 40 minutes with us, and he really knew what he was talking about.  
5. Their floor models are all in good working condition.  Most of the swings were plugged in so we were able to see the motions and hear the music on all of them.  
6. Their website is easy to navigate.  I have been online at least a dozen times to make changes to our registry.  
7. They have a gift wrapping station that is free of charge.  
8. If you want to win me over, free stuff is the way to go.  Like I said earlier, I love saving money and I love getting samples.  Therefore, the Buy Buy Baby registry gift bag made me very happy.  

Buy Buy Baby Gift Bag

This is my BBB gift bag.  On top of the registry book, BBB coupons and other miscellaneous literature, I got some great samples.  They gave me two different kinds of personal lubricants, a belly salve, facial cleanser and moisturizer, breast milk storage bags, disposable breast pads, lanolin, nose wipes, gummy snacks, formula, wipes (Pampers and Huggies) and a teeny tiny diaper, a pacifier, and some really awesome coupons for bottles, breast feeding supplies and diapers.  I had lots of fun going through everything here.  

While it is great, there are a few cons to Buy Buy Baby:

1.  There are only two locations in my area and they are out of the way.

2.  Unlike Bed Bath and Beyond, who take expired coupons and will overlook the exclusions listed on the coupons, Buy Buy Baby actually sticks to them.  

3.  The store is older, so it's not as nice and shiny as the new BRU but it gets the job done.  

As much as I love and prefer Buy Buy Baby, I ended up moving the bulk of my registry over to Babies R Us **sigh**.  They came out with The Sweetest Registry Deal Ever that gives you up to 10% of what is spent on your registry in a gift card up to $200 10 weeks after your due date.  You had to register by November 15 in order to get the deal, but they have extended it through January 31, 2014.

So now all that's left on my BBB registry is what BRU doesn't carry (my car seat, some stroller accessories, an Aden + Anais pack of swaddlers in a pattern that BRU doesn't have, and some clothes).  Thinking about how the two stores compare, I can say that if BRU wasn't running this registry incentive program, I probably wouldn't have bothered to register there for a few reasons:

1. There is no one to help you.  They hire [mostly] teenagers to stock shelves and many of them are not very knowledgable when it comes to finding out where a product is located in the store.  Forget asking about specs on a product.    
2. They claim to accept competitor coupons, but they will not take Bed Bath and Beyond coupons, and they have a lot of exclusions that they don't tell you about until you are on the line trying to use a Buy Buy Baby coupon.  I have yet to receive a BRU coupon in the mail.  
3. It's always a mad house in there with lines that are way too long. 
4. Many of their floor models are badly damaged.  My husband refused to register for the Snugapuppy swing because of how badly broken it was in the store - he is now convinced that it's junk.   
5. No gift wrapping station - but you can purchase lots of overpriced baby wrapping paper and gift bags.  
6. They don't carry all of the higher end brands.
7. I couldn't log in to manage my registry because they entered my information incorrectly at the store.  On the plus side, their customer service was pretty good and gave me a new password over the phone with no trouble.    
8. Their gift bag is kind of eh.  

   

   Babies R Us Gift Bag

   It included some wipes, a diaper, breast feeding pads, butt paste, and a couple of pretty decent coupons.  Other than that, it's pretty boring.  However, the deal was just too good to pass up.  Even if we only get $100 back it will be great to put towards diapers or other essentials.  The other big advantage to having our registry at BRU is the fact that they are everywhere.  No one will be inconvenienced should they choose to shop there (especially us as it is about 7 minutes from our house) via back roads.   
   
   
   As far as registering itself, it was fun.  I would recommend, however, finding and printing out a registry checklist.  It did get overwhelming and we forgot quite a bit while in the store.  Other than that though, knock yourself out and happy registering!     
          

 

Black Friday Traditions

Whoa!  Who knew I could actually post a picture?  It's a pretty primitive looking one, but it is a picture nevertheless.  

Black Friday (or maybe now it should be Black Thursday) is a tradition that started [a lot of] years ago for me and my parents.  On Thanksgiving, it was early to bed.  My parents would then come and wake me up at about 4:15am.  We would hit the road by 4:30 - my dad in his Santa hat which he wore every day, everywhere he went until the day after Christmas - stop at Dunkin' Donuts for hot chocolate, and drive to the outlets which opened at 5am.  There we would split up, do some shopping, and meet up again to brag about our deals.  This was something I looked forward to every year, despite having to wake up before dawn after having put myself into a food coma the day before.  

In November 2010, my dad was in really bad shape.  He barely made it through Thanksgiving, and the cancer claimed him three days later at the age of 52.  It was the first year that there was no Black Friday, no hot chocolate, and no Santa hat.  The following year, I couldn't bring myself to go.  Last year, I tried it with just my mom.  We got to Dunkin' Donuts and it was just too sad.    

So this was really the first year that I enjoyed Black Friday since 2009, and I dedicated it to my dad.  More than anything, he wanted to be a grandpa and this shopping excursion was all about finding baby related deals - he would totally approve.  It was very different - I went with my husband on Thursday night instead of Friday morning, was too full to stop for a hot chocolate (and it wasn't cold at all), and, my biggest regret, not having a Santa hat.  I feel like someone has to wear one, right? 

Anyway, he must have been there with me just as excited as I was to see what we could find for baby because it just went too perfectly.

The outlets open now at 10pm on Thanksgiving night (which I think is crappy for the people who actually have to work but they were all overly peppy for working such a crazy night).  My husband and I got there at 9.  I expected a line of cars leading into the entrance of an overly crowded parking lot.  What we got, however, was a parking lot that was completely empty save the employee cars.  

First thing on my list was Coach (which ALWAYS has the longest line of people waiting outside) because I wanted to see if I could snag a diaper bag.  Well, I was lucky number five in the line!  They let us in at 9:45 which was awesome, and I was in and out with exactly what I wanted and didn't even wait to check out.  I scored a diaper bag for 50% off the original price plus an additional 10% off on top of that.  

The best Black Friday deal, however, was our UPPAbaby Vista stroller.  My mom had offered to buy it for us and I was making her wait until I got my 10% off registry completion coupon.  She ended up finding it on this website for 20% off with no sales tax and free shipping!  I must say, Pish Posh Baby is amazing!  Not only did my mom find this amazing deal, but she ordered it on Wednesday night, and it arrived via FedEx early Saturday morning and came with a little thank-you gift and card as well as a special "Mom consultant".  We didn't need to use the consultant, but it seems like a really great thing to offer.  I would definitely shop with them again.

Of course Black Friday also landed us some other great buys (especially for my husband who made out like a bandit at Brooks Brothers), but the baby buys were by far the greatest.  I know for sure that Dad is proud :)         

It all makes sense inside my head

Hello Internet World,

I'm new to this whole blogging thing so bear with me as I figure it all out.  Actually, I'll be doing a lot of figuring out over the next several months, years, decades, etc.  as I am currently 17 weeks, 2 days pregnant, although my doctor calls me 18 weeks - I guess it makes sense as I am in the 18th week of pregnancy...right? Sure.

What doesn't make sense to me, however, is why I'm actually trying my hand at this blog business considering I find it a bit strange and at times unnerving, to post about myself all over the great unknown that is the internet.  Oh well.  Here I am.

Now why, exactly, am I here?  Well, for starters, I've read a few blogs written by pregnant women and/or new moms and I find myself laughing hysterically at the asinine nature of just about all of them.  Being the opinionated loud mouthed pain in the ass that I am, I have to respond to the nonsense - even if it's to no one other than myself and the few poor friends that I may try and coerce into reading this.

Second, I would just kind of like to start actually documenting my pregnancy.  From day one I swore that I was going to do weekly belly shots (but every Saturday I look like crap so it's never been a good picture day), keep a pregnancy journal (too tired to write by the time I get home from work), and loads of other cutesy stuff that just hasn't happened.  And here I am at 17 (or 18) weeks, with a pretty adorable just popped baby belly and zero Pinterest worthy things to show for it.  So why not start a blog?

I've been toying with the idea for about a month now and have a laundry list of articles I'd like to write (are they even called articles on a blog?  Who knows?).  Now let's see if they actually get done.

And who the hell am I?  I've already established that I'm opinionated and loud which you can probably (and rightfully so) interpret as a bit obnoxious.  But I'm also relatively low maintenance when it comes to pregnancy.  I've yet to make it through a single pregnancy book (though I'm about halfway through one now that I've been enjoying - will review it later), I've had a glass of champagne or a few sips of wine here and there [insert gasp here], I haven't changed my eating habits, and I don't think that I or my baby is too fragile to do all of the normal stuff I did before I was pregnant.  I'm pretty easy going about the whole thing and I fully intend on keeping that mentality throughout actual motherhood - hence the name of this blog,  "Let Them Eat Cake".  Cake isn't going to kill anybody.  Neither will wine, champagne, dirt, exercise, sex, or any other crazy thing that nutty pregnant women avoid like the plague.  Maybe it will change, but until then I am pretty determined to continue on with whatever works for me and my little family which, by the way, consists of hubby and puppy (baby will be thrown into the mix in early-mid May).  I'm a professional who is fortunate enough to have a job in the great armpit of the United States that is Long Island, NY (which, if nothing else, has taught me how NOT to raise my child[ren], and I like long walks on the beach.

On a serious note, however, if you're made it this far, thanks for reading.  Hopefully you'll continue and please feel free to comment and let me know how I'm doing on this new blogging venture.  Even if you don't agree with my point of view, it works for me as I'm writing it, and it all makes sense inside my head.

~M~