under-carriage.

Greetings my friends! I'm trying so hard to be a good little blogger. 

I have had better times, I have had worse times... 

but I'm only a few days from my last post, so it's not too shabby.

I'm still pregnant. I feel like I'm about 112 months along now. In reality I'm 37 weeks.

But I feel like that should read 37 weeks* 

(*I make humongous baby boys and they are always born early).

I have called the on-call doctor two evenings this week. 

Thursday I was sure we were going to the hospital to have baby Miles. 

But instead, I went to bed. 

And woke thankful my water didn't break on our Vera Wang mattress.

(I was not so lucky when Carson began to make his way into the world.)

I am starting to get nervous that I am going to have my third baby Little Green Notebook style.

So anyhow, we're still awaiting sweet Miles's big day. 

My youngest sister thinks he's coming this Wednesday, February 1st. 

I'll keep checking in... and will definitely report when he gets here.

For now... a quick change of gears! Some things I am loving right now.

My Keurig! Oh Heavens to Betsy-- this thing is too good to be true. 

KT doesn't drink coffee. I actually prefer a good Chai Tea Latte. 

This single serve coffee maker that my parents gave me for Christmas has been making my mornings!

I've only tried the Chai K-Cups and the Dark Hot Chocolate K-Cups, but may branch out.

 Do you have a favorite?

*

Also LOVING this Macaron scented candle by Voluspa. I love candles. I do. 

I burn through them at a rapid pace. This one smells good enough to eat. You should treat yourself to it.

*

You may or may not have noticed that my cheeks have taken on a rosy-red situation in the past year 

and a half. Something happened during my pregnancy with Slader and it's as if my skin 

and my hormones never recovered. I had finally gotten some medication and creams from my dermatologist when I found out I was pregnant again and had to stop taking or using them all. 

I decided to get a Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System with some Christmas money from Santa and am loving it. 

I got the Mia in bright Poppy Red. I've only used it a handful of times, but already I love it.

*

And last but not least, my two sweet boys must sense change is coming because 

they have been really sweet, really cuddly, and I have been soaking up their snuggles.

There's really nothing greater than holding my baby angels, getting open-mouth kisses from 

my wild-man Slade, and having what is usually a little boy tornado happening around me 

slow down and be still, quiet, and sweet for a moment. Loving these last few days with just my TWO boys.

 Just a few snapshots from the past few days... 

Slade's been climbing EVERY thing lately. Climbing onto tables, the back of the couch, 

pushing ottomans and pillows around to give himself leverage. He raises his arms triumphantly 

when he's reached the peak of whatever it is he's scaling. My personal favorite is when he's 

on our coffee table and begins to perform a river dance as you see here in this picture!

*

As I mentioned, we were pretty sure we were going to the hospital on Thursday. 

But before we could go, mama needed some rice krispy treats! 

Carson was more than happy to help me whip up a batch!

*

We grabbed dinner at Freebirds the other night and without intention, the boys went in their slippers.

And so did their mom. I feel great about that decision. 

*

It's basically spring time here. We skipped winter altogether which is beyond lame. 

So, my boys and I took a little wagon walk the other day to enjoy the pretty weather.

 And last but not least... on Saturday, some of my precious friends through a Monogram Shower 

for me and baby Miles. It was so thoughtful and incredibly generous, given that this is my THIRD 

baby boy. But admittedly, it was lots of fun and I was so excited to get a few new things JUST 

for this sweet boy. I got my hostesses a sweet treat from The Hampton Popcorn Company. 

I dare you not to lick your screen if you go read some of their popcorn flavors. YUM!

*

KT snapped a picture of me before I left... I looked at it and said, "OH MY! What's BIG and RED?!" 

to which my precious 4 year old replied... "a firetruck!" Yes, indeed. Big mama firetruck!

*

Miles got so many precious gifts... a BIG thank you to my incredibly thoughtful friends 

for coming to celebrate with us and for all of the darling things you blessed our little boy with.

*

My sister and brother-in-law gifted us with a rolling storage crate that he handmade the day before the shower. 

How incredible is that? I have loved the Serena and Lily version but it's not only ridiculously priced, but really small. Jesse made this one and it's darling and super special. We love it!

 ... and last but not least, I love my sisters! 

Makenzie, my youngest sister and her darling baby girl Harper came over to bring Miles 

some sweet little monogrammed newborn hats on Thursday. She was nervous he was going 

to be born and didn't want him to not have them for his hospital stay. 

So Harps brought them over early for her cousin. 

*

And my sister Megan and I were texting on Satuday night... and... well... have you seen Bridesmaids?

She's awesome. We laugh a lot. 

Hope you had a wonderful weekend.

I'll let you know if the under-carriage leg hike has any success is bringing Miles into the world.

psalm 127:3

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord."

We had a "baby Miles checkup" yesterday... and things are, well, progressing. 

It could be hours, days, or (hopefully not) a week or two before we meet our third son.

We are so excited. In fact, I was thinking today, that I may be the most eager to meet this 

baby boy than I have ever felt before. With Carson, there was excitement, but also the fear 

of the unknown with a first born. With Slade, I had mixed emotions over welcoming a new baby 

and going from one child to two. I kept feeling sad that it wouldn't be "just Carson." And then 

Slade came and my heart grew exponentially and I realized that I do in fact have the capacity to love 

and adore two children with all that I am. It's something you can't explain until you've lived it. 

So, now that I know what to expect, and I know how much I already love and am going to 

love sweet baby Miles, I am really excited to meet my third son.

In ways, it feels like this was just moments ago... 

KT and I celebrating 3 years of marriage, excitedly awaiting the arrival of our first son.

... but lo and behold, our sweet Carson is 4 years, 3 months old!

... and it really DOES feel like "yesterday" that we were counting down to meet little brother Slade!

... and yet, we've been a family of four for over 19 months!

 ... and today, with growing anticipation we're ready to meet our third baby boy, little brother Miles!

I can't believe I will have three sons in just a matter of weeks. Love my angels so much!

{three brothers shirts by the amazing & adorable lulu mcgee}

happy birthday JiJi!

Today is my PRECIOUS, WONDERFUL, AMAZING, INCREDIBLE mom's birthday!

We had a fun family dinner and get-together planned at my sister and brother-in-law's for Sunday 

but we had to back out because of the Poison Ivy Epidemic that hit our family. If baby Miles 

hangs in there for another week, we are hoping to get to celebrate her as a fam this weekend. 

After our doctor's rounds this morning, we stopped by and dropped off some flowers, some candy 

and her birthday present. Later today JiJi came by with an ice cream cake to share with her grandsons!

Carson was so excited to "celebrate with my grandma"-- he wanted to hide and surprise her.

I am sure she'd have had no idea what those two lumps were beneath the sheet at the door. 

We love you JiJi... sorry your birthday celebration wasn't as spectacular as you are!

You are loved beyond belief. We are so thankful for you and all you do! 

Happy, happy birthday to YOU!

brought to you by eeyore.

Y'all.

It's been a wee bit chaotic, overwhelming, and down-right not fun around these parts.

Poison Ivy has taken over the Tichenor family and 3 out of 4 of us have been miserable 

for almost two weeks. Yes, TWO WEEKS. First, Kevin got it. Then, I got a tiny patch of it 

for the first time in my life (if you don't count a random rash I got while vacationing in NYC 

with my mom when I was 16). My dad and sister are both seriously allergic and somehow I grew 

up in a household with them and never once got it. And finally, Carson got it. It's been brutal. 

We all three still have it and it's been spreading and attacking with a vengeance. 

I have been counter-attacking with NIGHTLY bedding and sheet changes. 

A "wear it once and wash it" laundry policy... I clean the bath tubs or shower after every wash, 

the whole house has been cleaned, we've washed shoes, rugs, door knobs, 

every possible place you could think of where the evil poison ivy could be lurking. 

Sunday, January 8th the boys went on a "nature walk" around the neighborhood 

and that's when/how they originally came in contact with it. PRAISE THE LORD 

Slade has not gotten it. I had already turned into a Hermit as of late--
staying home with the boys, running minimal errands, and saying "no"
to almost every plan, party, function, or get-together. This has sent me into serious
hunker-down mode. We even had to cancel on my family for my mom's birthday
get-together on Sunday. If you know me, you know that's a huge deal. 

My best friend Jacci texted me yesterday to check on me (and probably make sure 

I hadn't gone off the deep end for good)... I told her my day had been way too crazy 

to text about and sent her the following recap of my Monday... 

I woke up and called my dermatologist first thing to get in to figure out what to do about this 

HORRID poison ivy-- got a 9:30 appointment. Dropped Slade with my mom, took CT with me. 

Got prescribed a cream and an allergy pill-- no steroid shot for the preggo. Went to drop off my prescription 

at CVS and they didn't have it in stock and said it would take 2-3 days to get it, so I took my 

prescription back. Went to pick up Slade, drove to HEB pharmacy only to find out that with our 

new insurance we can ONLY fill prescriptions through CVS, so if I got it from HEB it would cost $426.00-- 

picked my prescription BACK up. Took Carson back to the doctor at 11:15 to reassess his poison ivy 

and figure out what to do for him since he absolutely refuses to drink any form of medicine or steroid. 

After the doctor and I pinned him down trying to get him to take medicine, he decided the only option was 

to give him a shot twice a day to relieve the symptoms. So, he got one shot around noon and I was 

to bring him back later in the day for another round. Left there, took two prescriptions for CT and mine 

to another CVS (where they had my meds in stock), dropped those off-- came home, put kids down 

for naps. Woke them up at 3:45 to go back to the doctor for Carson's second shot of the day. 

Went to CVS to pick up all of our prescriptions and came home a little before 5:30. 

We go back in the morning for another shot for C, then again tomorrow afternoon. 

At least three days worth until his symptoms start to improve. 

So, that was our Monday.

This morning, the boys woke up, I fed them breakfast and started to get them dressed 

to go back to the doctor for Carson's first shot of the day. I took Slade's pajamas off and he had 

a rash on his legs. I seriously almost burst into tears-- certain he was now covered in poison ivy. 

I put some of the steroid cream on him and loaded the boys for our Tuesday at the doctor. 

I was feeling pretty defeated as we waited in the waiting room-- Carson about to get his third shot 

in 24 hours, thinking Slade now had poison ivy... it was just TOO much! 

{my sweet little troopers on Monday AND Tuesday at the doctor}

Finally a bit of relief came when the nurse asked what medicines Carson was on 

and I told her he was only taking the meds prescribed the day before-- 

the cream and a meltaway steroid tablet that (HIP HIP HOORAY) he would 

actually take. (we're calling it a vitamin around these parts, wink wink!) 

She told me that if he was taking the steroid orally then he didn't need any more shots, 

GREAT news. Our doctor came in to assess Slade and assured me he did NOT have poison ivy, 

but more likely a heat rash with really bad timing probably from sweating in his sleep last night. 

A double-dose of good news under all of the circumstances. I think we finally have the 

best combination of medicines and a scrub/clean/medicate routine down 

to get rid of the poison ivy once and for all. 

Sweet Carson got a "post-shot Mustang" from CVS yesterday evening after shot #2.

I made one of our family's favorite meals the other night: "crunchy chicken" as Carson calls it. 

Really it's panko/corn flake crusted chicken with homemade mashed potatoes. 

A little comfort food was in order after a weekend of itches!

 ... and in preparation for my mom's birthday celebration that we had to back out of 

I made a huge batch of the "World Famous Paradise Bakery Sugar Cookies" recipe. 

 ...amidst all of that, we're still anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby boy #3. 

Doctor's appointment tomorrow... looking forward to a "progress report."

never perfect: kid's new rooms

You can thank Pinterest indirectly, for the contents of today's post. 

I saw a little quote that said, "If you wait for the perfect moment, you'll never get anything done."

Wise words, folks. I've been working on the upstairs... transitioning Carson's room into a bedroom 

that both he and Slade can share... and redoing the nursery for baby Miles. We don't plan to 

make the switch right away... Miles will be in the bassinet in our bedroom for a couple of months, 

and when the "time is right" we will transition Slade into a twin with Carson and move Miles 

upstairs to the crib. I'm still waiting on a lot to be done in the nursery and have a few things ordered 

or undone for the Big Brother's room... but nevertheless, I feel like Miles could come at any moment 

and I want to show you all their sweet rooms before I have three tiny boys at home. 

A very rough look at what's to come in the nursery.

I made the buffalo check drapery panels and crib skirt. 

The Tattered White Linen Crib Bumper is by Matteo.

The chew marks on the top rail of the crib are by Carson and Slade.

Here's a few snapshots of a dresser I redid for Miles. 

It's a distressed white now, with navy vintage garden hose knobs for handles.

I also made the scripture art above the dresser. It's Joshua 1:9 and love what it says!

 A few of the DIY photos I took along the way putting the nursery together...

 The before and after of the dresser for Miles's room. It was a dresser of Kevin's before 

we were married and has been living in the gameroom closet storing random things 

for a couple of years. I love how it turned out... the knobs definitely "make" it!

 I ordered them from this etsy seller who was a delight to work with. 

They were actually a brighter blue when I got them so I sprayed a thin coat of darker blue on them.

 I made the drapery panels by following a Young House Love tutorial. 

I was amazed at how simple it was to make my own panels. 

I made 90" panels for both of the boy's rooms, which equates to about 2.5 yards for fabric 

for each panel-- or 5 total yards for one window. I did not adjust the width, just made them 

as wide as they came off the bolt of fabric. They are unlined, but we have blinds and a white 

black out curtain behind the panels so it's plenty of coverage against light.

I won't even bother with a tutorial because YHL did a great job. 

 The scripture art was really easy too, although I did make a mistake and never realized it until I had finished. I got a piece of ply-wood cut to 16x24 from Lowes for less than $4. I reused the vintage driftwood frame I got from Hobby Lobby for the Christmas Bag Art I made. I used my Silhouette to design and cut out the words after measuring and getting a rough estimate of what size would fit 

based on the length of my scripture. My mistake was that I printed everything on cardstock and not poster paper which I've found to be MUCH better when paint is involved. So, my letters bled a lot 

more than I wanted... but we're pretending they are vintage-y not messed up. I rolled one coat of white paint primer onto my plywood... let that dry then cut out the strips of words and glued them in order with craft adhesive to my board. Then I dabbed navy paint on with a foam brush and after letting it set for a few minutes, peeled off the card stock to reveal my scripture. Once that had completely dried I used some of my leftover stain from the dresser to wipe across the board, then I distressed a few parts of it with some steel wool. I literally glued the plywood to the inside of the frame with wood glue, and voila!

... there will be more to come in Miles's nursery... but that's where we're at for today.

Just down the hall is where big brother Carson and little big brother Slade's room is! 

I am so pleased with how it's coming together. These sweet Sferra Jungle boudoir pillow shams 

are at the monogrammer right now and will sit in front of the turquoise pillows on each of their beds. 

The lighting isn't great in my photos... I am a mom, not a budding photographer. Clearly.

The headboards are vintage Henredon that my sister and brother-in-law found while shopping 

at Round Top this year. One quick picture text later and they were bringing them home to us!

The duvets are the Holt Collection by Serena and Lily. The orange sheets are from Walmart. The white bedskirts are from Target. I made the turquoise pillow shams using Robert Allen Khandar fabric.

I bought the mirror from an antique seller on etsy and repainted it so it wasn't granny looking.

I was able to find this cute monkey print fabric before Christmas on a major clearance. 

I bought 4 yards not exactly sure what I'd do with it. When I decided it would be perfect 

for drapery panels, I realized I didn't have enough. So, I improvised! I bought an extra 

$5 flat orange sheet and ordered some vintage pom pom trim to finish off the length. 

I love how they turned out and am actually glad I didn't have enough of the monkey fabric afterall!

 Hanging to the right of the window are two Sharon Montrose baby animal prints. 

I love her prints-- they are masculine but still so sweet for my little boys. 

 You may have noticed that I moved the Micah 6:8 art I made for the playroom into C & S's room.

There's now the sweet little alphabet wall in the playroom. I bought (then ripped all the pages out) 

of Paul Thurlby's alphabet book. It's the cutest book ever, with the most darling images. I actually 

bought two so we'd actually have a copy of the book. Anyhow, my mom cut the pages out for me, 

and I framed them. It was some serious business figuring out how to perfectly align & hang 26 frames.

 I started with the center grouping: E, M, N and V.

 From there I was able to calculate and measure out where the nail holes 

should be for the remaining letters. It was tedious, but so worth it. I love them!!!

Last, and well, probably least, ha! is the boy's bathroom. 

It didn't get much of a makeover but a few things got added and changed up. 

I added a double shower curtain, which I am loving and moved both of their growth charts in there.

 

... and totally random, but I took down the chalkboard frame from our kitchen that is supposed 

to have our weekly menu written on it. BUT, it rarely gets updated. So I wrote the lyrics to one 

of mine and KT's favorite songs "to each other" and hung it above the settee for Valentine's Day. 

Definitely not perfect, but it makes us smile. Love it!

 

... there will be finishing touches and more to come, but for now, 

without waiting for "that perfect moment" this is what their rooms look like!

If there's anything else you'd like to know that I didn't mention, just let me know. 

Have a great rest of your week!