Home Implosion, Part Infinity
September 20, 2005
Nursery photos! Now with new-and-improved visibility!
So see? It's a big...tree of some sort.
My mother-in-law handpainted the trunk and branches, then stenciled the 500 million leaves. And then handpainted veins and stems on those 500 million leaves.
I wandered around and whined that I wished I could help, and so she handed me a paintbrush and told me to stencil some falling leaves.
My bluff, she was called. But I sucked it up and stenciled three whole leaves and I think they look rather smashing.
I can't wait to show my son exactly which leaves I painted just for him. "That one! And that one! Oh, that one actually resembles a leaf, so no, not that one."
The whole thing is varathaned, by the way, so if the little one decides to explore his own artistic talents (that he will no doubt have gotten from me, with the mad-leaf-stenciling skills and all) all over the walls, we can recreate our favorite tableau from Mommie Dearest and scrub it off.
She also painted some adorable woodland creatures -- some on the walls and some on canvases. This raccoon will be hung in the tree as soon as we find some nails.
His name is Rocky, and he will be the star of a charming bedtime story involving the local saloon, a rival named Dan and of course, Gideon's Bible.
And because this is a little boy's room, we had to have some bugs. (Hi Ceiba!)
And a bunny. This one may have been more for my benefit.
And a seekrit hidden chipmunk on the windowsill. Which, no lie, she painted in 20 minutes flat.
Meanwhile, it took us about 45 minutes to hang a new chandelier in our dining room.
See the shades? And see how there are only five of them? Yes. We apparently cannot count.
(And guess where we got those shades from? No, just guess!)
(They are from IKEA. Pray for me.)
Actually, I lied. I did not help install the new chandelier. I claimed that I really, REALLY had to do my thank-you notes and hid upstairs while all sorts of home improvement projects were completed by other people. Trim and windowsills, painted! New paint for bathroom, selected! Caulking! Dusting! Organizing! Lightbulbs in ceiling lamps that burned out last winter, replaced!
I started to paint the bathroom door, but got light-headed and handed the paintbrush to Jason after like, five minutes. Then I took a nap.
THINGS LEFT TO DO:
1) Buy wrong-sized curtains for nursery, exchange said curtains for correct-sized curtains.
2) Buy a rug of some sort before our downstairs neighbor reports us for improper rug-to-bare-floor ratio.
3) Paint the bathroom, because ew.
4) Dilate and efface.
5) Kitchen cabinets.
6) Kitchen floor.
7) Kitchen countertops.
8) Buy groceries.
9) Order refills of all my favorite essential cosmetics because while I'm not so delusional to think that I'll actually make it to Sephora in the next few months, I'm still delusional enough to think that I will apply foundation occasionally.
10) Buy stamps and actually mail thank-you notes.
11) Remove baby registry link before anyone else buys us any gifts so there will be no more thank-you notes to write again, ever.
12) Assemble stroller.
13) Install carseat.
14) Repack hospital bag seven hundred more times because I know I am forgetting something crucial and I'm having dreams about how I've forgotten [something crucial] and they won't let me take the baby home because I don't have [something crucial] but no one will tell me what [something crucial] is.
15) GO INTO LABOR ALREADY. JESUS.
Your nursery is precious... the MIL? She is took all the talent the rest of us had too. Dayum woman. Wow.
I love your list, #4 Ha!
Posted by: suzanna danna | September 20, 2005 at 12:02 PM
Wow - your MIL is really talented. The nursery looks great.
Don't forget your favorite pillow for the hopsital! :)
Posted by: tori | September 20, 2005 at 12:02 PM
Maybe the [something crucial] you are forgetting is the Gideon's Bible. Rocky shouldn't leave home without it!
Room looks great. Of course the best part is the woodland creatures. Too cute.
Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Posted by: Isabel | September 20, 2005 at 12:04 PM
That is just too beautiful. If it was me, I would be keeping the tree on the wall until Babalah leaves for college.
Also, sending good-luck-type-thoughts for the labour (I thought saying that was preferable to, "Hey, sending good vibes to your cervix!"). Can't wait to hear the news of Babalah's arrival :)
Posted by: Zoe | September 20, 2005 at 12:04 PM
I am jealous of the nursery. Also? Don't forget the snacks! Not for the husband, but for you!
Posted by: Sarcastic Journalist | September 20, 2005 at 12:06 PM
Wow, you have one talented mother-in-law. And way to go on those three leaves! The nursery is beautiful. Truly. I'm sure Babalah will love it!
Posted by: Jessie | September 20, 2005 at 12:06 PM
The nursery is perfect for the Prince of Everything!
Posted by: Kate | September 20, 2005 at 12:14 PM
Holy Talent Batman. That is a beautiful nursery. My favorite part is the chipmunk ON the windowsil. Adorable.
As for the list...breath, it'll all get done...and if it doesn't....it's ok, the world will not come to an end....it just means Jason might have to make an emergency trip to Sephora for you (funny!)
Posted by: wn | September 20, 2005 at 12:15 PM
Stranger...pregnant woman...delurking to say...
The (crucial thing), the one they won't let you leave the hospital because of... the car seat! Maybe bump that up to #1 on the list. It should definetely be before #4. :-)
I love your site and have for some time. I hope things go well for you and the babe... and soon!
...way too many dots today!....
Posted by: Johanna | September 20, 2005 at 12:15 PM
Ha -- nest much?
The nursery looks amazing -- you might actually want to hang out there with the little chub, instead of sinking into the recliner watching Oprah, like I did.
Sending happy, wide open thoughts to your cervix.
after thought: Good thinking on the wall coating. Boys have a tendency to pee all over your paint job. Just sayin'.
Posted by: supa | September 20, 2005 at 12:28 PM
Fluffy slippers. Not entirely as important as the car seat thing (which, I've never had a kid, yet I somehow know that they really won't let someone leave the hospital without a car seat. why do I know that?) but still. Hospital floors are cold.
Posted by: lissa | September 20, 2005 at 12:29 PM
So. Adorable.
Can I fly her to Chicago when I have a baby?
Also, I really like #1 on the list. Very nice.
Posted by: lakeline | September 20, 2005 at 12:31 PM
Holy crap, can that woman paint!
Posted by: Martha | September 20, 2005 at 12:33 PM
It is beautiful! You could replace that whole dilating thing with have my water break. Hey once it breaks they take this whole thing pretty seriously. Mine broke in Sears. No one knew but me, so don't be scared. I just felt like I needed a fresh pull-up.
Oh and you are so ahead of the game with the bag and the nursery. I was stuffing wrinkled clothes into an Albertsons bag as I ran out the door. No I don't have organization problems.
Posted by: Lisa V | September 20, 2005 at 12:36 PM
That's an Oak tree your extremely talented mum_in_law planted in babalah's room. When is she scheduled to come do my room?
Now go dilate & efface. Nothing else.
Posted by: Brian | September 20, 2005 at 12:38 PM
Amazing! Your MIL is amazing! Those are wonderful and what a cute little nursery this is turning out to be.
Best of luck to you and I hope you have baby soon...wait, is it babalah?
You're going to be a great mom.
Posted by: S. Faolan Wolf | September 20, 2005 at 12:39 PM
Aww! That is the sweetest looking nursery in the history of ever. The tree is beautiful-and those three leaves you stenciled? Clearly the best in the room!
As for the whole Ikea thing, I sympathize. IKEA is like the evil little boy who chases you around the playground and makes you like him, and when you finally succumb to his woos, you realize that he's not all he's cracked up to be but you just love him SO MUCH you can't bear to give him up.
But damn, does IKEA have some good meatballs.
Posted by: Maggie | September 20, 2005 at 12:42 PM
Dang, your mother-in-law is so amazingly talented. I'm in complete awe! What a lucky baby! Now, if he could just hurry up and come out so he could enjoy the nursery...
Posted by: Boozie | September 20, 2005 at 12:45 PM
That is the most darling nursery EVER.
Posted by: lizardek | September 20, 2005 at 12:45 PM
Wow, your mother-in-law is a talented lady. That's the kind of nursery I dreamed of for my daughter, and by gum, she'll have it one day too! And now that she's almost 10, she can even help stencil.
I wish I could help you remember what the [something crucial] is. For me, it was [my own name], but you seem a lot more together than I ever was, so that can't possibly be it.
Posted by: Pam | September 20, 2005 at 12:46 PM
I can't believe it's September 20th already and you have just 8 days left in the countdown. It seems like only last night that you were sharing the Great Untellable News That Dare Not Speak Its Name!
Your nursery is gorgeous and a true labor of love. Lucky, lucky Squishy!
Posted by: kentucky_kitty | September 20, 2005 at 12:47 PM
I keep thinking we should schedule our next move when I get pregnant again. I wouldn't have to do anything!
Gestating is AWESOME.
You will totally go into labor as soon as the carseat is installed.
Posted by: Amanda | September 20, 2005 at 12:52 PM
SO CUTE!! Come on little babalah so you can enjoy your new room with the trees and woodland creatures and whatnot!
Posted by: Shelley | September 20, 2005 at 12:59 PM
Wow. It's so pretty -- your MIL is so talented. Does she want to come to California and do ours?
An oak tree, right? I think.
Posted by: Lori | September 20, 2005 at 01:11 PM
Wow..I try very hard not to get jealous when I see talent on that level.
I fail miserably.
You can say without a doubt that you are much cooler than I am, since I wanted to do my son's room in Harry Potter.
I know by the time he hits five he'll hate me.
Posted by: Magnolia | September 20, 2005 at 01:26 PM
Very lovely nursery...kinda makes me want a tree in my room too. Also like the animals.
I laughed when I saw #4 on your list. Very clever.
Hurry babalah!
Posted by: Heather B. | September 20, 2005 at 01:28 PM
Very lovely nursery...kinda makes me want a tree in my room too. Also like the animals.
I laughed when I saw #4 on your list. Very clever.
I would tell the Babalah to hurry, but I'm sure you're more than ready for his arrival.
Posted by: Heather B. | September 20, 2005 at 01:28 PM
My advice to you is to take an EMPTY bag with you for the baby's things because you can totally raid the bassinette and keep the teeny tiny little diapers and bottles of lotion and burp rags and pacifiers! They have everything there that you could possibly need, even if you do forget anything. Plus your insurance is paying for it so you might as well keep it.
p.s. keep in mind that you cannot buy hospital pacifiers ANYWHERE and sometimes babies are really picky about what kind of pacifier they will suck on so you may want to pilfer as many of those free binkies as you can.
p.p.s. make sure you bring something with you to read, especially if Babalah decides to enter the world on a Friday night because there is nothing on TV at the hospital on weekends. Unless you luck into a hospital that has cable, which I didn't.
p.p.p.s. You are allowed to request chicken mcnuggets from your husband or your parents and they are allowed to bring them to you in the hospital because you will eventually be ravenous and hospital food is nastay.
Good luck!
Posted by: Kristie | September 20, 2005 at 01:34 PM
The nursery is completely gorgeous! I'm already freaking out about how much I need to do around the house, and I'm only half-way through this pregnancy. Now all I need is for this nesting thing I've heard so much about to kick in....
Posted by: Amanda | September 20, 2005 at 01:40 PM
Your mother-in-law has got the mad painting skillz, yo..
Seriously...does she want to come paint my apartment??? And here I was all impressed with myself for painting stripiness in my bathroom this weekend--I now hate myself and my paint job.. :(
Truly awesome..
Posted by: Kathryn | September 20, 2005 at 01:42 PM
Its BEAUTIFUL! What a lukcy boy. And I think your leaves are gorgeous thank you very much!
Good luck with that list, especially numbers 4 and 15!!
Posted by: PaintingChef | September 20, 2005 at 01:43 PM
Wow, your mother-in-law is crazy talented. Hell, I wish I had a tree stenciled onto the walls of my bedroom.
Posted by: Fraulein N | September 20, 2005 at 01:43 PM
Yesterday I just wanted to make out with her, but today I kind of want to have her babies. And I don't even have a uterus anymore. Does that tell her how much I'm digging her artwork???
Posted by: Mir | September 20, 2005 at 01:52 PM
Here's a secret: You don't *really* need anything for the hospital. There are friends who can be called into emergency 'bring stuff' duty, and Jason can leave (after you deliver, of course). I think I packed the morning of. And then we drop the dog off at the kennel before going to the hospital.
Posted by: Lori | September 20, 2005 at 02:02 PM
I hope you don't think this is assvice, but this is the mistake I made -- and I don't want you to make it. I packed bikini underwear that rubbed against my c-section scar. I had my mom buy huge ugly granny panties ...
just in case you have a c section.
and I second raiding the hospital -- their burp clothes and swaddling blankets were the best.
not that I took anything from the hospital. ;)
Posted by: Lori | September 20, 2005 at 02:10 PM
I hope you don't think this is assvice, but this is the mistake I made -- and I don't want you to make it. I packed bikini underwear that rubbed against my c-section scar. I had my mom buy huge ugly granny panties ...
just in case you have a c section.
and I second raiding the hospital -- their burp cloths and swaddling blankets were the best.
not that I took anything from the hospital. ;)
Posted by: Lori | September 20, 2005 at 02:11 PM
I want a windowsill chipmunk! For Real Cat to chase and paw at! Just in case, you know, you feel like pimping out your mom-in-law.
Hope you efface soon--although to me, that just sounds like a portrait on E! entertainment television...for which, of course you'll need makeup, so thank God for that clever ordering!
Posted by: Real Girl | September 20, 2005 at 02:19 PM
That is *the* loveliest nursery I've ever seen! Your MIL is incredibly talentd! : )
Posted by: Irina | September 20, 2005 at 02:30 PM
Great mother in law! Wow for her!!
During my second labor, I found a pair of warm socks useful, as I was shaking all over and was extremely cold.
Posted by: Franci | September 20, 2005 at 02:46 PM
Those pictures were worth the wait! That is the most precious room I have ever seen and I want to know only one thing - how much does your MIL charge!?!
Posted by: Sarah Holland | September 20, 2005 at 02:47 PM
OH. MY. GOD. Beautiful!! That's all I have to say. Oh, and this: I delurked! I delurked! Wheee!
Posted by: Lori Ferrari | September 20, 2005 at 02:51 PM
Varathane walls!? Don't you know they'll KILL THE BABY? (j/k. Lame joke, but I did so enjoy you telling off the assvice brigade the other day).
Awwwww on those animals. My dad used to sing Beatles songs to me every night, then when my sister came along she made him act out Rocky Racoon with a large cast of stuffed animals.
Posted by: Liz | September 20, 2005 at 02:57 PM
The top secret, hiding in the window-sill chipmunk is awesome!
Posted by: kerri | September 20, 2005 at 03:03 PM
Aaargh! Am so jealous of nursery! Totally love it! Can I borrow MIL please? MIL is bloody talented.
Hope that you deliver SOON! Am holding thumbs (which incidentally is almost how I paint - HA!)
Posted by: Maria | September 20, 2005 at 03:29 PM
That raccoon is the cutest thing ever!!
Posted by: Undisclosed | September 20, 2005 at 03:30 PM
Wow! Your MIL is very talented.
Have to agree with bringing the extra bag...you can snag whatever you can carry from the room (we couldn't fit the chair in our bag...gonna have to bring a bigger bag next time...)
Posted by: sheilah | September 20, 2005 at 03:31 PM
Make note --> when in the hospital, grab an extra tube of vasoline for the boy. They do not sell tubes of vaseline anywhere. All you will find is jars. And it's easier to squeeze bits onto your fingers to apply on the little man's man-parts for protection from a tube. And also, if you did not squeeze enough, you can squeeze more, but with the jar? You will have to wash your hands and re-dip because you don't want to dip a contaminated finger INTO the jar.
The room is way too cute - can you send her to my house next? And can she paint dinosaurs?
Posted by: VHMPrincess | September 20, 2005 at 03:40 PM
Your MIL is phenomenal! Does she care to come paint some grapes on the walls of our kitchen? Truly I couldn't even take pictures that good much less PAINT them. Gah!
Posted by: callistawolf | September 20, 2005 at 03:42 PM
I love your nursery! It's beautiful and fun and how lucky you are to have such a terrifically talented and generous mother-in-law. No doubt she will be an awesome Nana, or Grandma, or Grams or whatever she wants to be called.
The critical thing I did not think to pack because I gave birth in August? Socks. Wore flip flops to the hospital and when I decided it was 110 fucking degrees in the room and made them CRANK the a/c -- the only thing that needed to be warm and cozy were my feet. God bless my sister for giving me the SOCKS OFF HER FEET. So my assvice is to pack some cushy, cozy athletic socks. You'll want them for your time in the hospital post-delivery too.
Posted by: ktbug | September 20, 2005 at 03:43 PM
Aww, your MIL did a fantastic job. That nursery is super adorable.
Posted by: Polichick | September 20, 2005 at 03:49 PM
Your nursery is so beautiful. When I was getting on into the 39th week I used to go into the nursery and tell baby about all the stuff he had and didn't he want to come out and see it all? I even made a deal that for every day he came early I would buy him a present. Since he came two days before my due date I should probably make good on that. He's only 8 weeks old and man it seems like forever ago that I was about to pop. As for the hospital, I highly recommend bringing a sleep mask. Cause when the epidural kicks in, which is the best feeling ever, you'll have like an hour where you will feel no pain and be totally relaxed and the best thing you can do is at least shut your eyes and rest even if you can't sleep. I made the mistake of using this time to talk and giggle with my mom and sister and then when my back labor started and the epidural was wearing off I realized how stupid that was. I wish you all the luck in the world and I hope you get the childbirth experience you want. It is the most amazing feeling to know that you cared for this child and protected it for 9 months and all of a sudden it's laying on your chest and crying. I'm getting misty-eyes just thinking about it again. I was terrified of pushing a full size baby out of my hoo-ha but I knew I could do it for him. Which is what pisses me off about the whole Britney Spears thing. She had a c-section just because she was "afraid of the pain of labor." C-sections are fine, if they are medically necassary, not just cause you don't feel like going through labor and birth. All pregnant women are afraid at some point but the majority of us want what's best for the child, whatever that may be. Plus, that's what epidurals are for. Ok, off my pedastal now.
Posted by: Siobhan | September 20, 2005 at 03:50 PM
Bunny! You have a BUNNY! I am have one TOO (mine's real). Sorry, I am partial to small woodland creatures and I am so digging the bunny, raccoon and "seekrit" chipmunk. Too cute!
Never having been pregnant, I have no advice (and, of course, no assvice) so....um...good luck with that effacement and dilation! Or is the other way around? See, I told you I have no idea.
Posted by: Amytoo | September 20, 2005 at 03:51 PM
Wine. You are forgetting the wine.
Posted by: Zoot | September 20, 2005 at 03:54 PM
I am have one?
Yikes. Type much? I really should start using the "preview" option.
Posted by: Amytoo | September 20, 2005 at 03:55 PM
The nursery is beautiful. What a lucky baby!! I can't remember when your due date is... soon right? Don't worry about forgetting anything for the hospital - you probably won't use half of it anyway!! The hospital will provide you with everything you REALLY need, like numbing spray for your privates, and Tuck's medicated pads. Do bring your own Ibuprofen, or whatever pain killer you like to use, because one pill costs roughly $3.00 when they give it to you. I took facial cleansing pads that were pre-moistened. Very nice to have! And definately chap stick.
Posted by: Robyn | September 20, 2005 at 04:09 PM
Now that the throne room of the prince of everything is so beeUteafull, maybe he'll come out? Because, to the non-pregnant lady over here? He looks like he's got to be almost crib-sized, right? Definitely bigger than his woodland creature friends. So he needs to start the freeloading where he can give back by being cute.
Posted by: KT | September 20, 2005 at 04:17 PM
Johanna, you CAN'T be serious. WHY are you reminding this woman to bring the CAR SEAT? How DUMB-DEE-DUMB-DUMB do you think she is?
Amalah, you are brilliant. Enjoy everything that's coming your way. Blessings on you and yours.
Posted by: Shiz | September 20, 2005 at 04:23 PM
That is the coolest nursery ever. And Amalah, you are so cute!
Posted by: Lisa B | September 20, 2005 at 04:30 PM
Was anyone else freaked out by the first nursery picture? I thought, "Jeez, they have some SERIOUS wildlife issues in DC this fall...." SO glad that wasn't a real raccoon, but man! was I fooled.
I hope your hospital is one that provides you and Jason with a lovely candlelit romantic meal: we got filet mignon or lobster tail with all the fixins AND a screw-top bottle of wine.
But what I really wanted was Thai....! And yea! That is bring-innable, but alas! not insurance chargable.
Steal the hospital bassinet BLIND.
Bring socks and a funny book that will make you laugh out loud. And my nurse tried to make me use a sanitary pad WITH A BELT!! A BELT!! In 1993! It was so much fun to send my husband to the store for maxipads! Hee!
Good luck, God bless you all. And I hope your mom is doing all right, too!
Posted by: Lori | September 20, 2005 at 04:39 PM
Hey there! Little Miss Zoe (a very mature 7wks now) and I are chiming in to yell a big full-throated LUUUUCK all the way from California! You can SO DO THIS, and your little man will be insanely lucky to have you and Jason for parents, and that way cool Beatrix Potter-esque nursery for a room to live in. You are READY. Get with the program, silly cervix.
The thing I couldn't have lived without in the hospital? My boppy. Trying to nurse with a regular bed pillow just doesn't cut it, it kills your back. And hopefully you've got the type that you can slipcover, because that thing that's so important to you? Breastfeeding immediately after delivery? Important to me too...had requisite cute slipcovered boppy right there...which Zoe immediately shit all over. Meconium shit, which has the consistency of a partially digested tire. No lie. SLIPCOVER FOR YOUR LIFE, GIRLFRIEND.
Other than that - make sure to take all the good wishes and love of your husband, assorted varmints, family and huge masses of faceless Internet cheerleaders in with you.
LUUUUUCK!!
Posted by: Kymba | September 20, 2005 at 04:44 PM
Nice leaves bit pants trunk. Am wishing you best of luck for birth and can't wait to see pics of the babalah
Posted by: Sal | September 20, 2005 at 04:44 PM
Hey there! Little Miss Zoe (a very mature 7wks now) and I are chiming in to yell a big full-throated LUUUUCK all the way from California! You can SO DO THIS, and your little man will be insanely lucky to have you and Jason for parents, and that way cool Beatrix Potter-esque nursery for a room to live in. You are READY. Get with the program, silly cervix.
The thing I couldn't have lived without in the hospital? My boppy. Trying to nurse with a regular bed pillow just doesn't cut it, it kills your back. And hopefully you've got the type that you can slipcover, because that thing that's so important to you? Breastfeeding immediately after delivery? Important to me too...had requisite cute slipcovered boppy right there...which Zoe immediately shit all over. Meconium shit, which has the consistency of a partially digested tire. No lie. SLIPCOVER FOR YOUR LIFE, GIRLFRIEND.
Other than that - make sure to take all the good wishes and love of your husband, assorted varmints, family and huge masses of faceless Internet cheerleaders in with you.
LUUUUUCK!!
Posted by: Kymba | September 20, 2005 at 04:45 PM
Oh!!! I have tried to post for past week didn't really think would get posted cos never works but now feel bad for saying the tree was pants. but is bit pants. leaves good tho, also have drunk wne so no offence intended. Also as much as (being a Brit) I love Sienna and Kate's stlye think you snark on Kate Moss because (hoorah) she is not perfect and is big huge druggy with crack head blokie (hoorah!). Obviously if you would rather give birth etc before the snark I will not hold it against you.
Posted by: sal | September 20, 2005 at 04:48 PM
Oh!!! I have tried to post for past week didn't really think would get posted cos never works but now feel bad for saying the tree was pants. but is bit pants. leaves good tho, also have drunk wine so no offence intended. Also as much as (being a Brit) I love Sienna and Kate's style think you should snark on Kate Moss because (hoorah) she is not perfect and is big huge druggy with crack head blokie (double hoorah!). Obviously if you would rather give birth etc before the snark I will not hold it against you. (Note to self: You are pathetic co are v excited about birth of child whose parents you have never met) xx
Posted by: sal | September 20, 2005 at 04:50 PM
Many apologies, shall never again drink wine when on internet. and again I'm wishing you the best of luck x
Posted by: sal | September 20, 2005 at 04:53 PM
Lovely nursery. Lucky you to not have the MIL from hell, but I took that bullet for you.
When I read that you were worried that you haven't got something in your bag, cell phone charger popped into my head. Cosmic message? Probably not but a handy thing to have (even though you're not supposed to use a cell phone at the hospital but I've never actually encountered the cell phone police, so you'll probably be just fine.)
Posted by: beth | September 20, 2005 at 04:53 PM
Lovely nursery. Lucky for you to not have the MIL from hell, but I took that bullet for you.
When I read that you were worried that you haven't got something in your bag, cell phone charger popped into my head. Cosmic message? Probably not but a handy thing to have (even though you're not supposed to use a cell phone at the hospital but I've never actually encountered the cell phone police, so you'll probably be just fine.)
Posted by: beth | September 20, 2005 at 04:56 PM
I am jealous of your to-do list. Mine includes:
1) Getting engaged
2) Getting married
3) Getting a house
4) Getting pregnant
The only time I have done any of these things in when I play the game of Life.
Posted by: Frema | September 20, 2005 at 05:03 PM
Don't worry. You'll wear make-up again. I took powder to the hospital and put it on the first morning. I was wishing I had brought more make-up. I needed it. :)
Posted by: Pavlina | September 20, 2005 at 05:16 PM
I want that baby to come out now. Come out baby!
Not that the nursery isn't lovely or that your MIL doesn't deserve some insane props for it, but for the last few days I've been stopping by your page anticipating something like, "Well, we're off to the hospital to have the baby!" Or something Jason's posted that says, "Amy had the baby!" I'm dying for some baby pictures here!
Posted by: kim | September 20, 2005 at 05:22 PM
If nesting is a sign of how much a baby is going to be loved, well then, I'd say that Babalah will be THE most loved baby in ALL the world!
Posted by: Shelly | September 20, 2005 at 05:28 PM
I'm so completely in awe of that painting that I can't come up with any cute or witty repartee... Babablah is going to love it!
Posted by: Angela | September 20, 2005 at 05:52 PM
Even though it has probably been said at least 500 times already, that room looks amazing.
Posted by: anna | September 20, 2005 at 06:32 PM
What is with all the double-posting?
Post doesn't show? Hit REFRESH.
I'm snarky today.
Posted by: Shiz | September 20, 2005 at 07:19 PM
bring throw away flip flops - you don't want to bring anything that touches the floors home!
Posted by: jill | September 20, 2005 at 07:47 PM
What a beautiful nursery! Definitely take socks, and your discharge nurse will most likely tell you to take everything in the bassinet since you paid for it anyway. Many hospitals have a room with snacks just for moms, juices and milk and graham crackers, and you should get at least one free diaper bag when you leave. Hurray for free stuff!
Posted by: Elizabeth | September 20, 2005 at 09:03 PM
You totally chose Jason because of his awesome mother, didn't you? Because a woman who stencils that many freaking leaves with no complaints and no requests for help is a saint!
I think your son is just going to LOVE staring up at that tree.
Well, once he's born.
On that note, I'm hoping #4 happens very soon!
Posted by: Dillygirl | September 20, 2005 at 09:49 PM
i'd delurk but i can't because? i am dead. dead from the atomic intensity of the cuteness of that room! leaves? gah! chipmunk? squeeze-kill-cute!
Hurrah for Amalah! who will soon have her babalah! all brandnew and pink-uh!
and Jason!
*please note Jason is NOT an afterthought - he just doen't rhyme...
Posted by: Libertine | September 20, 2005 at 10:56 PM
oh no. am so sad.
the way-too-cute nursery has made me confront a terrible reality.
soon amalah will actually have babalah and relating entire life to internet will no longer be so important.
sigh.
anyway--
for what it's worth, and however crazy it may sound, whenever i'm having an especially bad day i find time to go to the computer and visit amalah. if there's a new post, i get to forget about my stupid-bad-day-shit and laugh for a minute.
so, thank-you amalah.
and good luck.
Posted by: tiffany | September 20, 2005 at 11:42 PM
Wow. Awesome room. I always wanted to do a different sort of room... not one that was Disney and the like. Not that there's anything wrong with that, I just always wanted something different. Like Starry Night or something.
Anyway, good luck! Sending warm and effacing wishing to you from Down Under.
Cheers!
Posted by: Stephene | September 21, 2005 at 04:56 AM
There's this handy thing called a husband who is required, while you are in labor, to get you whatever you need. Anything you have forgotten he must go get. So try to relax, and let that baby come out! (my third is due Oct 8 and I have been following your blog with great interest. You are SO MUCH more together than we are. Our crib is assembled, but that is about it.)
Good luck, and the only thing I could NOT have done without in the hospital? The epidural. So, see? You're covered : )
Posted by: BabelBabe | September 21, 2005 at 06:37 AM
VERY CUTE! I'll admit a tiny part of is jealous. I have done very little to our nursery. I had plans to paint an adorable built-in alcove, but I couldn't get motivated since it looks like we may very well be moving to NE Virginia by the end of next year - ironically enough.
Posted by: Cagey | September 21, 2005 at 08:57 AM
The nursery is so freaking awesome!
Your ML totally rocks.
P.S. For all the un-crafty types out there (myself included) you can achieve the stencil-look by stamping. You just buy a rubber cut-out (in my case flowers), dip it in some paint and lightly stamp the wall. Presto! You have the stencil look w/o all the intensive work. Or you can get your sister to do it for you (as I did).
Posted by: Lisa Ann | September 21, 2005 at 08:58 AM
I have been lurking on your site for months now and decided that now would be a good time for me to wish you happy (soon) birthing thoughts, offer up my congrats to you and Jason, and tell you that you will no doubt be a wonderful mother. I know you are so ready to have that baby!! I was due December 10th and my little one didn't make an appearance until the 20th! And even then it was because we MADE her come out.
Funny thing.....I was 2 cm dilated and effacing some in November. My doctor told me to take it easy because I was progressing early and he thought I could possibly have her by Thanksgiving. It came and went, then December came and damn near went. I ended up being 3 cm dilated, completely effaced and STILL had to have my water broken plus the pitocin and all. 43.5 hours later, with the aid of vaccuum extraction, my beautiful 7 lb 3 oz daughter was born. On the other hand.....my cousin was 38 weeks, no sign of her cervix or body being ready to have a baby at all. She went in for her OB appt, he told her much the same things your doctor told you and that VERY NIGHT, her water broke, she went to the hospital, and delivered a 9 pound baby girl after 4.5 hours labor and only 6 pushes. Go figure. It was the first baby for both of us.
This isn't told to scare you by any means at all or to put any ideas about what might happen in your head. I merely am saying that it doesn't really matter what they say. You will have that baby when you have that baby. I looked like I was ready and was way overdue and had me a little bitty thing. My cousin was told she would go over and ended up going early and having a big baby.
It will happen, he will be gorgeous and you will be so awestruck by the whole experience no matter when or how he arrives!
Best of luck and much love to you!
Posted by: Theresa | September 21, 2005 at 09:32 AM
I am an artist FOR A LIVING, and I was all proud of myself because I painted stripes on my daughter's walls this weekend. Shit. Bubble has officially burst now.
Posted by: Bonanza Jellybean | September 21, 2005 at 01:22 PM
I found your site through snarkywood.com. I've been checking in periodically through this whole pregnancy period, and just about daily for the last two weeks hoping to find the BIG announcment. Just want you to know we're thinking about you here in Atlanta. Hope your little guy arrives soon. His place looks great!
Posted by: Donna P | September 21, 2005 at 02:33 PM
i was looking back in your blog and I thought I would give a comment, this is your blog and you have the right to stop peaple from trashing you thats just my opinion though. The room looks awesome your mother-in-law is a great artist and her hand painting it will make the room more special.
Posted by: christina | September 21, 2005 at 04:33 PM
Hey Amy, this has absolutely no bearing on your nursery whatsoever, but I thought I ought to let you know this bit of news verizononline just gave me. McDonalds is offering an IPO on Chipotle! Consider how much money you yourself spend there! (if your posts are to be believed). Shareholders as of November 15th will be able to get in on the IPO. Since I have no money and thus no money to invest, I thought I'd pass that along.
If it weird that I think of you even as I read stock news?
Posted by: Theresa | September 21, 2005 at 08:17 PM
OK, so lots and lots of advice up there......I have to say, that almost none of it really made any difference AT ALL to me.....except ONE HUGE HELP. If you haven't already gotten some from some really nice friend, go out and get some Lasinoh breast cream. Purple tube, "For Breastfeeding Mothers" written on the front. Complete and total sanity saver. Learned by son 2 (from having NOT done so with son 1...very.very.painful) to use it FROM THE FIRST TIME SQUISHY TOUCHES LIP TO NIP, and everytime thereafter until you both get good. I wish you luck, and remember, it's your baby, your body, your choice for whatever....and whatever, it will be ok. Enjoy.
Posted by: mmc | September 21, 2005 at 09:50 PM
Oh, and so how many people did MIL knock over to get in the talent line that many times. Insane!
Truly lovely.
Posted by: mmc | September 21, 2005 at 09:53 PM
Long time reader, first time commenter. Love your blog! I think you're very witty. I love snarkywood!! it rocks! Good luck on the baby!! I bet you can't wait!!
Posted by: Sarah | September 21, 2005 at 11:22 PM
Lactation consultant, use her... she's FREE in the hospital, even if you think the lip to nip thing is going well... Yippee, love the nursery.
Posted by: katbliss | September 22, 2005 at 01:21 AM
Wow! Your MIL is talented. The nursery looks great.
Posted by: erika | September 22, 2005 at 08:45 AM
Holy Birthing Batman, I just looked at the date...could it be that combining your and your doctor's predictions, you might be popping in 4-6 days?! I dunno, but I totally see some dilating in your future. And I plan to tune into the E! Face True Amalah Story any friggin day now....
Posted by: Real Girl | September 22, 2005 at 09:19 AM
I wish I had a fraction of your MIL's talent. My "baby" is almost two and I haven't quite gotten around to finishing his room yet!!
Posted by: Yammer | September 22, 2005 at 12:13 PM