the nursery — phase 1

Is there anything more attractive than your husband, dressed in coveralls, handily creating the perfect nursery?

I submit that there is not.
Adam worked SO hard putting up beadboard in our baby girl's room. And it looks like a pro did it. He cut, he measured, he framed, he caulked, he used manly, manly tools (they were, like, totally loud and stuff) — and I seriously can't stop gazing at it.

I'm in love, I tell you. Love. (With the nursery and the coverall cutie.)

Below is a sneak peek at Adam's handy work. He got the wall up, and then we got our paint on together.

Phase 2? Decor, baby.
Oh, and these pictures SO don't do the room justice.

25 weeks, 25 goals

25 Weeks
Photo, once again, by co-worker/friend Dave Blackhurst

Oh, 2010. I adore you already.

And with said adoration comes an admirable attempt at goal making. (I know. This post is so Jan. 1.)

May I present my 25 goals for this most lovely year ahead.

1. Love giving birth. (I'm talkin' relish every moment.)
2. Elevate my writing.
3. Exercise, exercise and, umm, exercise.
4. See family, like, all the time.
5. Become crazy talented in the kitchen. (So as to have people say, "Gee! That Bri can cook.")
6. Get the word "gee" back in style.
7. Update the blog more. (You're welcome.)
8. Get that whole mom thing down.
9. Sing in the shower at least three times a week.
10. See my girlfriends more.
11. Stay on top of my prayers/scripture study.
12. Go on more dates with the husband.
13. Be a "mobile" mom.
14. Stop craving Quarter Pounders with Cheese. (Also see #3.)
15. Read for pleasure.
16. Take a gazillion more pictures.
17. Paint and decorate my house.
18. Have a friendly baby. (I want her to LOVE people.)
19. Remember birthdays and special days.
20. Laugh at least 10 times a day. (Adam makes this one easy.)
21. Wear perfume.
22. Find a fabulously flattering frock for the gala I'm throwing for work. (When, you know, I'll be eight months pregnant.)
23. High-five people regularly.
24. Write an essay/short story — and get it published.
25. Take life for granted? Not a chance.

worker bri

While I've been busy growing a human (now the size of an eggplant, mind you), I've also been mothering these two beauties.

No big deal.

(Note to self: No need to work on parental pride.)

you go girl

And the winner of the Gender Gander Giveaway is ... Who said, and I quote: "Give us a challenge next time. GIRL. FO SHO."

Now e-mail me your address, you fortune teller, you. {brianahstewartATgmail.com}

A girly gift will be charming your mailbox shortly thereafter.

well hello, little girl

Look who finally decided to show up! Meet baby girl Bradam at 21 weeks.

Boy, I love her.

P.S. To all those who guessed girl in the gender gander giveaway, I'll be announcing the winner this Wednesday!

P.P.S. Baby bump photo is by co-worker/friend Dave Blackhurst. Thanks, Dave!

gender gander giveaway

We find out what we're having in two weeks, and I thought it'd be fun to take a virtual vote on if we're having a boy or a girl. (Is it so 2009 or what?)

Oh, and don't count on my inclinations of yore. Remember how I thought I was having a boy? Well, any intuition I've had has flitted away. Being flutterpated has gone and left me all confused.

So, without further ado, please answer the following:

Bradam will be:

A) A girl. Obvy!
B) A boy. Dude!

Of the correct guesses, a winner will be chosen at random and will receive a glorious little somethin' somethin' from yours truly. (My very first giveaway!)

Be excited. Be very excited.

all-a-flutter

Mr. Doctor: So, have you felt the baby move yet?
Me: I don't think so. What would it feel like?
Mr. Doctor: Like a little flutter ... or gas.
Me: Then maybe I have!

Except last night there were no maybes about it. I was lying in bed trying to fall asleep when it happened.

Bradam fluttered. He flitted, she floated, he fleetly fled she flew.

Just call me flutterpated.