Finally the Moment You've Been Waiting For!

Ok no I haven't had the baby yet...sorry to get you so excited.  However, I am finally ready to show off the new nursery!

I am so happy with how Conley's nursery turned out!  My husband found the whale image online and then graphed it out to a larger scale.  He sketched it out on a thin piece of wood and then cut the whale and the wave out with a jigsaw.  Conley's letters are from Michael's, and we just spray painted them an aqua color.

The crib is from Wal-Mart and by Baby Mod which is made by the Million Dollar Baby company that also makes the same/more expensive cribs: Da Vinci.  Baby Mod is just the division that produces for Wal-Mart.  Nolan's crib is also from this collection, and I have been very happy with it.  I really like the modern look and clean lines of Conley's crib. 

The rug is from Overstock, and I absolutely love the pop of color it adds to the room.  When I purchased it, it was on sell for $80 but now it looks like the price has gone up to $100.

The bumper was made by my mother-in-law.  We purchased the fabric from a local store, and I really couldn't be happier with the outside/inside bumper fabric.  She did a fantastic job!

I bought the Nemo crib sheet from Babies R Us, and I actually made the bed skirt!  Isn't that just amazing?  Maybe I do have a little domestic ability after all!

The paper lanterns and the awesome table are from World Market.  I bought that table for only $16.99!  What a steal, and it was already in the perfect color.  The coral box, plate, and welcome sign are all from the Targer dollar bin.  The green lamp and the white shade were also purchased from Target.  I made the window valance out of the same material that we used on the crib bed skirt.  The glider is the same one that we had in Nolan's room. 

The pillows were sewn by my sister-in-law and match the room perfectly!  The sea horse book ends and the empty photo frame were purchased on clearance from Target for less than $6 a piece!  The shelves and the little boxes are also from Target.  The monogrammed burp cloths were purchased on Etsy.

The Badger Basket Bin I purchased from Wayfair.  It is actually going in Nolan's room when we switch the changing table in Conley's room.  We are setting up the Pack 'n' Play in the living room, so I figure I will be doing most of my baby diaper changes in there since the baby will first be sleeping in our room.  Plus Nolan still just lays on the changing table, so I will keep using it while it lasts!  I will switch out his monkey/giraffe bins and put Conley's aqua and orange ones once we make the change.  I also have a Nemo changing pad cover, and my mother-in-law made two other ones from the left over material from the crib. 

The prints in the white frames and the coral/fish artwork were designed by my sister-in-law's sister.  Is that confusing enough for you?  Anyhow, she is SO talented and can recreate anything you send her.  Literally she can work with any medium whether it is paint, graphic design, clay, and many other types!  I'm so glad she was able to help us with our little boy's room!  I purchased the picture frames from Big Lots for $3 a piece and then spray painted the ugly, gaudy frames white.  I was very happy with the final product.

I have a few other items I will post later but thought this would do for the moment.  Now I just patiently wait for this little guy to make his debut!

Mission Possible! A Review & Giveaway

After having our first son, my husband and I were already talking about his education.  I know that's very early considering the fact at the time he was less than a year old, but a lot of big decisions come into play when thinking of where your child is going to school.  It can affect where you live or how you save money.  Would we send him to public or private school?  Of course we know that we are already paying out money for public school with our tax dollars, but are those schools what we want for him?  Don't we want to be able to make a decision on where he goes based on something besides where our property is zoned?    Soon after this discussion, we saw a show about charter schools.  I was amazed at what I was hearing...it was talking about how these charter schools were successful no matter what area they were in---even in very poor areas where these schools historically had the worst test scores and drop out rates.  This show continued to tell me how no matter what the child's race or gender that these students were excelling and loving school.  Kids loving school, isn't that unheard of in this day and age? 

I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge on the subject when I was able to read the book, "Mission Possible: How the Secrets of the Success Academies Can Work in Any School."  In this book, Eva Moskowitz the founder and CEO of the Success Charter Network in Harlem and Arin Lavinia, designer of THINK Literacy, a common sense approach to balanced literacy, lay out the ground work on how they developed the highly successful and effective Success Academy charter school system and how the program could change the American education system.  Within 3 years the schools were producing results that were comparable to public schools with gifted students and elite private schools.  One might think the success is due to cherry picking their students but the Success Academies students are chosen by random lottery.

"Success Academies are not screened or specialized schools for the gifted and talented.  We admit by random lottery, with a preference for kids living in the surrounding area and for those currently attending a failing school or whose native language is not English." 

         Author Eva Moskowitz

       Author Arin Lavinia

One of the main focuses of the Success Academies is that they believe the success of the scholars is all about the adults.  The are constantly training and developing their teachers pushing them to be the best and encouraging them to challenge the status quo.  These teachers are constantly attending training sessions and receiving feedback from their peers and the principal.  A principal's sole job is to continuously improve the teachers so much so that a separate building manager handles all the administrative duties.  This allows the principal to focus primarily on the role of being the school's instructional leader. 

The book addresses the issue that many teachers struggle with stagnation, being unable to accomplish one's job at a high level.  Why is the teaching profession treated differently than any other profession?  The Success Academies have a belief that teachers need constant training and support so that they can lead these young scholars to success and a college graduation.  In other professions, this training and accountability is standard but many times is measured much differently in the teaching profession.  The principals at the Success Academies have the belief that they have moral obligation to improve teachers fast or they are failing the students and their families.  New teachers to the Success Academies attend a four-week-long training session called the Teacher Success Academy, the principals attend eight weeks of Principal Success Academy, and throughout the school year teachers also receive nine more weeks of training.  This intense focus on adult learning is what they believe is the key to their success and the way to dramatically improve public education. 

Are you concerned about your children's future and education?  If you are like me, I know that you are and want to do something about it.  That's why I'm excited to let you know that one lucky reader will be receiving their very own copy of this book! 

Here are the ways you can enter this giveaway to receive your very own free copy:
---Be a follower of From Corporate to Domestic by GFC or RSS feed
---Be a follower Follow @corp2domestic on Twitter
---Tweet about this giveaway and use the hashtag #readmissionpossible
---Leave a comment on what you would like to see change in our current education system.
---Like the author Eva Moskowitz's page on Facebook
---Be a follower of the author Follow @MoskowitzEva

Please leave a comment for every separate entry and good luck!

Giveaway will end on Monday, August 6th at 10pm EST.

I was compensated for this post, however all opinions about this book and charter schools are all my own.

There Goes the Neighborhood

It's been awhile since I gave you guys the 411 on my new neighbors.  Remember this post about the tons of kids moving across the street?  Well obviously it's summer and school is out which means these kids are outside most of the time.  I constantly hear them out and about since like I mentioned before they play in the front yard---because the house doesn't have much of a backyard. 

Yesterday these kids knocked on my door asking for money.  That's correct---just asking for money.  They weren't selling anything just wanted $1.50 to buy a game.  I kind was in shock because the kids are very young.  I never knew how many there were until later yesterday when they knocked on my door again.  My husband answered and went outside to talk to them.  They were again asking for money, and my husband quickly said oh I'm sure your mom has money.  He then started talking to the kids and told them to be careful in the street because people are known to fly through our neighborhood (it's an older one not your standard cul-de-sac planned subdivision.)  The 8 year-old boy then replied, "Oh yeah I am supposed to be watching my 3 year-old and 4 year-old brothers because mom is on the phone inside."  He also continues to tell my husband that because his mom is on the phone the 11 year-old is making dinner again and that she has an adult body and is 5'6" (oh the things kids will say!)  So let's count here...we have a 11 year-old girl, an 8 year-old boy, a 5 year-old boy, a 4 year-old boy, and then the youngest boy at 3 years old.  I am really worried about these kids getting hit by a car especially the boys who are so little and don't know any better.  They are always in the road, and the mom is never out there watching them.  I hate to cast judgment on someone without knowing them, but seriously those little boys are too young to be outside without supervision of an adult. 

Now here's where things get a little serious.  The neighbor right next to them is an older couple with a 40 year-old son living with them.  He is of questionable character or at least that is what the other neighbors say who have lived on this street for over 15 years.  He looks creepy....and supposedly does a lot of drugs and continuously gets fired from jobs because he's always getting into physical fights with his co-workers.  I have personally never talked to the man nor do I have any intentions of doing so.  However the mom lets all of her kids go over there and play without her over there.  Sometimes it's just the youngest boys...who again are just 3 and 4.  This really worries me because I just don't trust this guy, and I would never NEVER in a million years let my children go over there to play and especially not even think about it unsupervised.  While my husband was talking to the kids, the creepy guy was driving by and slowed down because again the kids were running in the street.  He then spoke to one of the younger boys and said, "You better watch out or you'll get ran over," and my husband said that little boy had the strangest reaction to the guy.  He put his head down and was very shy--kind of embarrassed.  Guys this really worries me!  With all that goes on in our world with kids being abused, I worry about these little boys or any of these children.  I would just hate for something bad to happen one of them just because their mom is too busy doing who knows what and lets the random neighbors be her babysitter.  This is a sick world we live in and as parents we have to be on high alert.  My parenting instincts kick in, and I want to protect the innocence of these children because honestly I don't feel like this mom is looking out for her kids.  I know that sounds bad, but something is really off with this woman and her different visitors all the time and how she is always pushing her kids outside while she stays inside with these visitors.  I'm willing to give anyone the benefit of the doubt, but I must say I've not seen these kids get a lot of attention or direction which is sad because they are JUST KIDS. 

What would you do if this was going on in your neighborhood???

Wordless Wednesday-Water/Olympic Style!

Whoa is that a plane?  And why does this sprinkler keep getting water in my eye?!!!

Who's ready for the Olympics?  THIS GUY!!!

Throw a Dog a Bone

Meet my dog Teddy:

He will be six years old this December.  I am usually not one to give my dogs food scraps, they usually ONLY have their all natural dry dog food by Innova.  But yesterday I made a pork loin roast which had the bone in it.  My husband said we should give the bone to Teddy---saying it was safe to give him this one because the bones don't break like chicken bones. 

Anyhow, fast forward to midnight last night (or early this morning whichever you prefer) and I hear Teddy making that disgusting throw up sound...you know that gag sound dogs make that sound like they are going to have no stomach left.  Then after about 3 more times of this, I let him outside.  Have you ever wondered what your dinner would smell like after your dog has eaten it?  Ok I didn't think so...so I'll leave out those details.  His dog bed will be going through some major cleaning today.

Needless to say we won't be be "throwing the dog a bone" anymore.

Hope your Monday started off on a better foot than mine!

Only the Lonely

Last night I had a rare event---I was kid free and husband free.  I originally was slated to go to a movie with a friend to a movie but plans changed, and I was on my own.  But this wasn't a bad thing.  I took full advantage of it knowing that it will probably be my last for awhile.

So what's a girl to do when she is on her own?  Well get a pedicure of course!  I sat there with my gossip magazines and enjoyed a nice pedi and had my toes painted a cheerful fuschia pink.  I may or may not been hoping that it helped me go in labor as everyone says a pedi has been known to do that.

After my feet were nice and new, I decided to do a little shopping for the post pregnant me.  I really just can't wait to be in normal clothes again!  I feel like I rotate the same maternity clothes because nothing fits anymore.  And I must say as I was shopping, I kept seeing myself in the mirror or window thinking, "Holy cow I look really REALLY pregnant right now!"  I mean I feel like my belly is ridiculously out there and that people are probably thinking I am having a kid at any moment.  Truth be told...I guess I could be now that this boy is fully baked. 

Sometimes being alone is just what the doctor ordered :)

Anticipation

Right now I can't sleep because my brain won't shut off from all the worries, excitement, and anxious feelings I have. 

I worry that Nolan will be sad that he will no longer have all of my attention.

I worry about him going to his Mother's Day Out program at the end of August.  Will he nap, eat a good lunch, or be scared because mommy is not there?

I worry about being a mom to two---instead of one.  What if they both need me at the same time or I am feeding the little one, and Nolan is getting into things he shouldn't? 

But even though I have these worries, I also am excited.

I am excited about meeting my new little boy.  Will he look like Nolan at all or be totally different?

I am excited about snuggling a little newborn and smelling that sweet baby scent.

I am excited about seeing Nolan as a big brother.  He has such a sweet disposition that I know he'll always take care of little brother.

I am excited about not having a huge belly anymore and being able to get around easier!

I am excited about what the future brings for my soon to be family of four.

You Know You're 9 Months Pregnant When...

Hey everyone I am guest posting over at Sarah's It's a Vol about my list of "How You Know You Are 9 Months Pregnant."  Because for some reason that last month lasts the longest and is the hardest in my book considering I am dealing with it right now!  Please head on over and read my guest post and show Sarah some love!

A Little Sneak Peek...

Here's a little sneak peek of baby Conley's nursery :)

Have a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday-Big Shirt Style

Nolan just thought it would be so much fun to put on his Daddy's shirt!

4 Adults, 2 Highchairs

This past weekend my friend Beth, her husband and their little boy came to visit us.  We decided when we met up for lunch or dinner we would do so at a "family friendly" restaurant.  When you have a 20 month old and an almost one year old, you never know what might happen.

The first night out we met up at Red Robin which I would definitely say is one of the most kid friendly establishments.  When approaching the hostess, we told them we had 4 adults and 2 highchairs.  They then replied, "So you have 6 people?"  Yes we do have 6 people, and 2 of them are kids.  When they finally called us up to seat us, they said, "Oh I thought you had 4 adults and two boosters....sorry we can't seat you now."  Ummmm....ok now how does that make any sense?  Wouldn't 2 highchairs be easier to have at the end of the table than having 6 seats?  Apparently, Red Robin a place that has kids running around non-stop still doesn't understand how to handle 4 adults and 2 children.

At this point, I thought it was just this one hostess that couldn't get it right.  Oh boy apparently this is an epidemic.  We then went to Mimi's Cafe for lunch the next day which again is another family friendly restaurant.  So instead of getting us a table they seat us at a booth where they think we can squeeze 2 highchairs at the end of the booth table.  Let me answer this puzzle for you, NO it does not work.  Again, this was totally the hostess's fault.  If your job is to seat people all day long, don't you think you should know how to do it?  The waiter couldn't believe they seated us here, and thankfully a nice group of ladies switched with us for a table.  We were very thankful for nice people and a thoughtful waiter and had a good meal after all the confusion.  I just didn't realize that seating 4 adults and 2 children would be rocket science...guess I'll have real fun when I add an infant to the mix!

I forgot to take any photos, but we had a great time.  It was a good weekend even with the crazy restaurant drama :)   

Hope you had a great weekend too!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July everyone!  We made it to our local parade this morning where Nolan got his fill of firetrucks, helicopters, big trucks, police cars, and horses.  Here's a pic from this year with Nolan sporting his Team USA shirt and last year when we were on vacay in the mountains.  Oh my has he grown!

And yes that is my child sitting in the middle of the parade route.  Don't worry it was before the parade made it our way :)

Let's Share, Shall We?

I have been holding off on sharing the name of Baby Boy #2, but now that the date keeps getting closer I thought I would let you guys know!

Our 2nd little boy's name is.....

We were looking for something that was Irish like Nolan's name, but also a name that is not too common but not too weird.  I find that is hard to do with boy names!  Conley means: strong-willed and wise.  Those are good attributes, right? :)

I am super excited that the nursery is almost done---my husband worked all weekend on finishing up some small details, so hopefully I will be sharing the big reveal with you guys next week.  It is coming out better than expected, and I am falling in love with the room.  Just being in there makes me happy and relaxed.  Hopefully baby Conley feels the same way!

Happy HOT July my friends :)