Gooey Layered Everything Bars

Maternity leave has so far been like a holiday. 

It probably helps that there is, as of yet, no baby who needs to be taken care of. 

I know my daily routine will be thrown up and flipped around in ways I can't even imagine once she arrives. 

Currently, after a terrible nights sleep, I get out of bed around 8-8:30 and have breakfast. Then the dog and I go for a long 90 minute to 2 hour walk in the park. Then we come home, she naps and I listen to Serial (the most amazing podcast - if you haven't gotten hooked on this yet, do it). 

Then I run errands, tidy up, think about dinner, etc. 

Last night I finally got around to baking some tea cookies (after having the dough sit in the fridge for about a week - the sugar cookie dough is still there begging to be baked) and I decided that today I would do a bit more baking. 

I did a quick search through Martha's recipes and found one that I haven't tried yet. 

So today's recipe is a fairly easy and delicious one, one that you can pretty much tailor to your tastes and one that would be well received by anyone you'd like to gift these too. 

And when it says gooey, it really means gooey.

Like, good-luck-getting-it-out-of-the-pan-in-proper-pieces gooey.

Gooey Layered Everything Bars

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place a layer of parchment paper in a bar pan.
• Using an electric mixer or a pastry cutter, mix 3/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup confectioners sugar, 1 1/2 cup flour, 3/4 cup rolled oats, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cut or pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Pour mixture into pan and press evenly into bottom of pan. Bake for 20 mins until lightly browned and firm.
• Remove from oven. Over crust, sprinkle 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup dried cranberries*. Drizzle with 1 can condensed milk, and 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut.  
• Bake until coconut is golden, about 20 minutes. Then remove, let cool and serve!

*I substituted dried cranberries. Martha's recipe calls for 1/2 cup raisins and 1 cup walnut pieces.  

A Merry Mat Leave Christmas : Toronto Christmas Market

I'm not normally one to brag about the sweet things my husband does for me but this one I have to share.

He knows I love Christmas.

He begrudgingly got and put up our tree earlier than usual this year so we could have it for the bad sweater party. 

On Friday he said he wanted to take me out on a date on Saturday.

We went to the Christmas Market, the most beautiful place during the holidays with all of its lights and christmas carols, warm drinks and inviting smells. 

While we wandered in the market he told me that this was day one of his 12 days of Christmas for me.

Earlier in the day he had gone shopping and after wrapping them up, plopped a bag of gifts under the tree. I assumed these were the gifts for his family being kept separate.

Nope.

All gifts for me to last the remaining days until Christmas.

He is the sweetest. 

I love that man. 

Our evening at the market was wonderful.

We had apple cider (with whiskey for the one who isn't pregnant) (I miss you, mulled wine) and shared a giant soft pretzel cuddled under a heat lamp.

This is the second year we've gone and the second year that we didn't buy anything other than food and drink. But it's so beautiful that walking around is more than enough. 

If you get a chance, check it out before it's gone!

It's open daily until December 21st 

Countdown to Baby E's due date: 8 days!

Maternity Shoot

About a month ago I met with a very talented and friendly photographer and had some maternity shots taken.

I debated spending the money on photos but I wanted something to remember this time in my life. 

I've had such a wonderful pregnancy and I'm glad I'll have pictures to look back on, to remember how my body changed to grow a little girl, how truly miraculous that is. 

And because this is my blog and I make the rules, I'm going to subject you to a few of my favourites from the shoot.

Worth noting: my dog is a ham and wanted to be in every single shot. We had to lock her out of the room a few times to get some solo shots.

...and for good measure, here is a lovely portrait of my sweet, beautiful dog. 

All photos courtesy of the very talented Krista Lii at Kristaliiphotography.com

Snow Day Nursery Update

If you live in Toronto or surrounding areas and if you've looked out of your window today, you might  have noticed that it is snowing. 

And has not stopped snowing since long before I woke up this morning at 6:30. 

After a sloooow and cautious drive to Canadian Tire to have our snow tires put on ("you left this right to the last minute, didn't you?"), and then a quick visit to my obstetrician for my weekly check up (not even a little bit dilated or effaced yet so probably no baby this week), I have spent most of the day curled up inside with the pooch. 

I actually kind of expected to go into labour today because the weather is so terrible and until 9 am this morning we didn't have our winter tires on. 

Murphy's Law was apparently on our side this time. 

I have been venturing outside every two hours to try and keep the driveway from accumulating too much snow. I can shovel 2 hours worth of snow, I can't shovel more than that. And I'm trying to be kind to John who's had a sore back and neck the past few days. 

There is nothing quite so depressing as looking out the window an hour later and seeing most of your hard work undone by continuously falling snow. 

Stop it, snow. That's enough now. 

You're pretty, but that's enough.

Reese has been loving the snow, however, running all over the backyard every time I do my shovelling duties. As pretty as it looks outside, she may be the only one who loves this much snow.

Since it's been awhile, and it's a warm indoor thought, I figured I'd take a few pictures of the nursery to share. 

It's kind of messy in areas because we need somewhere to stash the car seat and stroller until she arrives so I only chose one picture to share.  

No one wants to see the messy corner of the nursery.

Or at least I don't want to share it!

I'm obsessed with the world map crib sheet and hope she doesn't poop all over it so I can leave it on for a long time. 

Due Date Countdown: 11 days! 

A Merry Mat Leave Christmas: DIY Garden Christmas Trees

I saw a really cute DIY project on Pinterest that I wanted to try, especially because we have limited lighting in the living room.

DIY Tomato Basket Christmas Trees.

As seen on Pinterest:

I was really inspired to try this project out when I found our umbrella lights in the shed. 

We never put up an umbrella in our table outside during the summer so the lights hadn't even been opened.

We grew a lot of cherry tomatoes this summer in the garden so we had tomato baskets galore. 

I brought one inside, washed off the dirt, and got to work.

I think standard lights would look great wrapped around the baskets, like in the Pinterest picture above, but I like the way the umbrella lights hung down from the  top of mine.

It's such an easy DIY Christmas decoration and looks wonderful. 

And then on Saturday we picked up our tree from Ikea and hung our stockings by the fire with care. 

Having done a lot of my Christmas shopping already, there are a fair number of gifts under the tree right now. 

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Countdown to Baby E's Official Due Date : 14 days.

A Merry Maternity Leave Christmas: White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

Though my maternity leave officially starts on Monday, I worked my last shift on Thursday so I am done work for the next 10 months!

On the first day of mat leave my true love gave to me 

a project and a recipe

(it kind of rhymes)

(also in this case 'my true love' = pinterest)

If you want a very simple recipe for fudge, I have just the one for you!

White Chocolate Cranberry Fudge

• Over low heat, melt 3 cups white chocolate chips with 1 300 ml can of sweetened condensed milk.
• Once the chocolate has melted, remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp vanilla extract and 3/4 cup cranberries (I used craisins). 
• Pour into a pan lined with tinfoil. Allow to set in the fridge for 2 hours or until set. Then cut and enjoy!

The DIY project (which is also crazy easy if you have the necessaries) I'll post tomorrow.

We'll end with a baby update - 

37 weeks + 5 days today!

We're playing the waiting game now for baby E's arrival :)

Her official due date is December 22nd but she's fully cooked and could come any day now.

Baby Watch 2014 begins!

Dear Daughter

It's been awhile!

As always I've been busy working away and trying to get things ready for baby E's impending arrival.

5 weeks to my due date!

I wouldn't be upset if she wanted to come a bit ahead of schedule though and join us before Christmas.

I thought I'd try to sneak in at least one more Dear Daughter before she arrives. I anticipate the next few weeks being a little bit hectic what with finishing up work (and trying to max out on hours for the sake of my bank account and my mat leave pay), getting all of the final things we need (changing pad, bassinet and bath tub - both borrowed - a carrier wrap for stroller-less walks, a diaper bag, etc etc), and also getting ready for the holidays.

So hopefully I'll get a few more posts in before Dec 22 (or whenever she decides to make her outside world debut).

Dear Daughter,

We are starting to get really excited about meeting you. 

You're due date is quickly approaching and you are also quickly running out of room in my belly. 

Your movements are way bigger now. Not so many kicks and punches but lots of rolls. My entire stomach will lurch from one side to the other when you do those big movements.

I'm not sure, but you may have dropped. 

Suddenly my bladder feels less reliable when I'm standing. 

Peeing my pants is a real and genuine concern.

As excited as I am to get to hold you and smell your sweet little head (don't babies' heads always smell so sweet?) I'm going to miss the selfishness of carrying you with me, feeling you start to stir and letting your dad know when to feel your gymnastics routine, the now all-too familiar pulsing when you've got the hiccups. 

Lately I catch myself sitting in your room and picturing you in there.  

Today I caught your dad nesting - he washed all of your blankets and sleepers and onesies and coordinated your outfits to your hats and socks/booties for when we bring you home from the hospital. 

God I love your dad. 

Tonight is my last night shift at work (!!!!) for 10 months.

Then I'll be on permanent night shift duty... unless you like to sleep. I hope you like to sleep.

Then I have 10 more shifts before I start my maternity leave on December 8th. 

The countdown is on!

Since this is likely the last time I'll write to you before you arrive, thank you for such an easy & enjoyable pregnancy.

The insane heartburn I could have done without, same goes for the occasional super uncomfortable jimmy leg, but I'd do it all over again. 

I'm going to miss looking down and seeing you move across my belly and feeling your movements (maybe not so much the kicks to the ribs) but I can't wait to look down and see your sleeping face. 

And your crying face. 

Let's be serious, you're going to cry. Probably a lot. 

And if I get frustrated with you, I don't mean it. 

I'll still love your crying face. 

Your dad and I are nervous about me going into labour.

He's worried he'll be at work and have to rush home. He's so afraid that he'll miss your birth.

I'm nervous about the entire process, truth be told. 

I'm afraid I won't recognize labour when it starts (sounds dumb but I like to worry. Let's hope you don't get my worrying genes).

But we both know that it ends with us becoming parents. 

Decent parents, hopefully. 

We'll try our best to give you everything you could possibly need and to keep you happy.

Except a hamster/gerbil/rodent-type pet.

We already decided that you have a cat and a dog and therefore don't need another stinky little pet. 

Sorry if you had your heart set on one.

See you on the outside, little girl!

You have a lot of people anxiously waiting to meet you.

We love you very very much.

Wanted: a Vacation

Maybe it's because I'm currently working a night shift and I'm pooped.

Maybe it's because I've been trying to work as much as I can without making myself exhausted.

Maybe it's knowing I've got about 11 more weeks of work and then I'll be on maternity leave.

Maybe it's because once I go on mat leave it'll be years before I take a vacation without having to think about a little one.

 

 

I want to relax and be pampered, eat good food, spend hours reading, and generally just enjoy the last little bit of my free time - while it's still my time.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly excited to be a mom. I've wanted to be a mom for pretty much my entire life and I'm beyond ready to turn my time into baby's time.

I'm just being realistic because, from what I know and what I've heard, while being a parent is incredibly amazing, it can also be incredibly tough.

I just want to end 29 years of selfish existence with a bang.

 

And maybe a beach.

 

Then bring on the diapers, the smiles, the moments spent just staring at the perfect little life we created, and the every-2-hour-feedings.

 

Dear Daughter

Dear daughter,

You don't know it, but you went on your first camping trip this past weekend. 

You should be proud, we hiked about 5 km in to Algonquin park to set up our camp in the rain. 

And your mom only cried once. 

*Your mom has never cried while camping before. She blames the hormones, being somewhat out of shape, and how uncomfortable backpacks are when you can't do up the waist strap and the weight is fully on your shoulders. 

What I thought about a lot while my body worked out the aches was this: why did I ever give my body a hard time for not being "perfect"?

Why was I ever hung up on how flat my stomach was?

Now my belly is round and full and and I catch myself smiling at my profile in mirrors.

It has never felt more perfect to me - and that's because I know you're warm and safe in there. 

Why did I ever size up my hips and wish them to be smaller?

They are as wide as they need to be to make your entry into the world as easy as possible (hopefully!). 

Why did I ever wish for my body to be anything but what it is?

It is 50% responsible for creating your tiny heartbeat and is 100% responsible for making sure you grow healthy and strong until we get to meet you.

I hope that, throughout your long, healthy, and happy life, I am able to instil in you a sense of respect for your body and that you never look in a mirror and hate what you see. 

I hope you feel beautiful everyday for all the things that you are, inside and out. 

And while I hope I can teach you these things, I hope that you remember that you taught me this as well. 

How could I ever think ill of the body that is giving me you?

I hope I can remember to always look past the sags, wrinkles, and extra weight here and there and remember that my body did what I wanted it to perfectly: created you.

So, thank you, body,

You're perfect.

And thank you, dear daughter, for teaching me this. 

Peach Cake

If there's been a lack of posts lately it's because I've been going to bed by 9 pm most nights. 

I was working quite a bit and also battling a gross cold. 

Sinus congestion and throat pain - oh my!

I'm starting to feel better, finally, but still tired. 

Something tells me I'll be tired almost constantly now for the next few years...

Inspired by a basket of peaches and a jar of amazing peach jam courtesy of a friend, I decided to put a fruity spin on a coffee cake recipe and make a peach cake. 

It's a good one. 

And a good way to use up those last-of-summer peaches. 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• For the crumble: In a bowl, mix together 1 3/4 cup flour with 3/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tbsp cinnamon. Cut in 6 tbsp butter using a pastry cutter or two knives, until the mixture is the size of peas. Set aside.
• In a bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup sugar. Add in 2 eggs and 1 tbsp vanilla. Mix in 1 cup of vanilla yogurt. 
• Stir in 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda and a pinch of salt. 
• Pour 1/2 of the batter into the bottom of a lightly greased loaf pan.  
• Cut 3-4 peaches into slices and layer on top of the batter. Sprinkle with the crumble mixture. 
• Top with the remainder of the batter. Spread on a layer of peach jam then top with the remainder of the crumble mixture. 
• Bake for about an hour or until cooked through. 

Let cool, then slice, share with friends, and enjoy!

Let's Go To (the food building at) The Ex!

Summer, for me, always wraps up with the opening and closing of The CNE - The Canadian National Exhibition, or The Ex. 

Even though we'll still have summer weather (and technically summer since fall doesn't start til later this month) for awhile longer, it always just feels like a summer full of long days and warm nights has wrapped up. 

This is extra ridiculous because the weather this summer hasn't been particularly hot. 

But today was a hot one. 

John and I made our way down once I finished work to take in the sights and sounds (and tastes, more importantly) of the Ex before it closed its doors for another year. 

I haven't been big on the rides since I was little - also cause as I get older the voice saying 'hey, this event runs for two weeks every year. How safe do you think these rides are?' gets a little louder - but this year I had a definitely excuse to stay off the rides. We did splurge on tickets for the ferris wheel though. I've always enjoyed it and it's  great way to see the entire grounds and the masses of people. 

Plus Baby E seemed to enjoy it, as she gave me a few good kicks as we made our way down from the top. 

Then we walked around, watched some people play games at the midway. 

We saved our money for food. 

As always, I was excited to see what the new additions would be to the food building. 

The big ticket items were the Thanksgiving waffle, the chocolate fried chicken, the chunky Elvis grilled cheese & the spicy peanut butter sriracha rolls (both were no-goes on my list), the far east taco (like an Asian spin on the classic beaver tail), the butter coffee, and the crowbar. 

I had two of those things. 

I had to make a decision between the cocoa-infused chicken and the Thanksgiving waffle. I went with the chicken.

It was divine. 

The batter they use has - you guessed it - cocoa infused into it and then it's deep fried. It's amazing. 

We had an option of two dipping sauces. I forget what the other option was but I went all in and opted for the chocolate ketchup. 

If this comes back next year GO FIND IT.

And save me some.

John went a different route (in hindsight he refers to it as the gut rot route) and got the colossal onion. It's a massive onion that they deep fry. Then you pull the pieces apart and dunk them in dipping sauce. 

It was like a big helping of onion rings but we only finished about a third of it before we had to say our goodbyes. 

This is a staple at The Ex so if you want one of your own, never fear. It'll be back again next year.

The Crowbar. I tried to talk John into getting the butter coffee also being sold at this location but he was full with the onion. The crowbar is the beautiful love child of a chocolate bar baked into a croissant-like pastry. I went with the Mars bar (Caramilk, and Reese's Peanut Butter cup were also options) and was not disappointed. The cronut was the big hit last year and I missed it so I didn't want to pass up the chance to try the crowbar. 

I still have half sitting on the counter to be picked at and savoured over the next few days.

So while my food samplings didn't quite rival that of other years, I'm pleased with my decisions.

And even happier about an afternoon well spent with my main guy.

Fall Wish List

Summer is still upon us though the cooler weather as of late has gotten me thinking about things I'd like to buy for the fall. 

Usually this consists of sweaters and warmer outfits.

This fall, however, I'm going to stay away from clothes because my size is expanding every day. 

I did get a gift certificate to Thyme for my birthday and plan on buying at least a few more maternity pieces. 

But thinking about other things to purchase, I came up with this small list below.

1. New Toms in black. I currently own a green pair that have seen better days. My big toes are starting to poke through the ends of both shoes. I love these shoes for work though. They're easy to slip on and so comfortable to wear. 

2. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel polish (in 'Wine Stock' and 'Dig Fig'). Yes, those shades are very similar. Yes, I still want them both. This miracle gel polish is supposed to be as good as shellac manicures without the need for a UV light to set it. Worth a try.

3. Asymmetrical 'E' necklace. For the ever-growing Baby E. Only probably not the one in the picture as that one is quite pricey. I took a quick peak on Etsy but was unable to find an asymmetrical E on my first hunt. I've got a few more night shifts to go during which I can spend searching in my down time. 

4. Kate Spade 18 month planner. My current planner is a small calendar I got from my nursing union. It does the job but I kind of want a big flashy one. Especially since at the start of 2015 I won't have any work shifts to put into it and it'll likely only be doctors appointments and maybe penciling in visits from friends (it'll give me something to put in the planner and make me feel like my days aren't just spent changing diapers every 2 hours in between regular feedings).  I can also keep track of sweet things like E's first non-gas/poo related smile, first giggle, when she can hold up her head, etc. 

And that's it.

That's all I've got so far. 

I'm currently on night 4 of a 7-in-8-nights string of night shifts (I know, I booked these shifts accidentally and will never do it again) so I'm thinking a shopping spree is going to be my reward for making it through the rest of these shifts alive!

Monday might just be Treat Yo' Self day.

The Ultimate Brownie, or The Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Brownie

I haven't done any baking in a loooooong time. 

A long time.

And now that I have this wonderfully big, open kitchen, there's no excuse.

Spurred on by the colder weather we've been having as of late, I decided to turn on the oven and get to mixing.

A few weeks ago I bought a bag of cookie mix, having been craving a large, soft chocolate chip cookie that day. By the time I got home the craving was gone and the bag sat in the cupboard for awhile.

 

So.

What could I make with a bag of President's Choice The Decadent chocolate chip cookie mix?

What if I whipped up a brownie mix?

What if I layered the brownie mix over the cookie mix?

And what if I added some cheese cake mix, whirled into the brownie mix?

Well Jamie, I do believe you'd have The Ultimate Brownie: The Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Brownie.

If you want to make your own, here's how:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Mix chocolate chip cookies according to instructions on bag (your best bet is the kind that only needs butter and water. No raw egg means you can lick that bow clean without worry). I used about a 1/3 of my cookie mix to completely cover the bottom of the pan. 

2. Spread in an even layer along the bottom of a 9x9 pan, pre-greased with butter or cooking spray.

3. Bake for about 8 minutes, until set around the edges but not completely finished. Remove and let cool but don't turn the oven off. 

4. In a small microwave safe bowl, mix 3/4 cup chocolate chips with 3 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp vegetable oil (I substituted with olive oil cause it's all I had and it didn't affect the overall taste). Heat for 30 seconds then stir together. If not quite melted, heat for another 15 seconds. 

5. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar) , 2 egg whites, and 1 tbsp vanilla extract. Pour in the melted chocolate and mix until smooth. 

6. In 3 additions, mix in 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, and 1 tsp baking powder. Mix until combined. Set aside 1/2 cup of this mix and pour the remaining brownie batter over the chocolate chip cookie, being careful to spread the batter around without ruining the bottom layer. 

7. In another bowl, mix together 1 pkg softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp vanilla extract, and 1 egg. Use a whisk to smooth out the lumps. 

8. Pour evenly over the brownie batter then drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter into this. Use the back of a spoon to swirl the brownie batter into the cheesecake layer. 

9. Bake at 350 for about 40 mins or until set. Allow to cool then cut and enjoy your slice of heaven. 

With this cooler weather I expect to be in the kitchen a bit more in the next little while so stay tuned for more recipes.

Dear Daughter

*This original post was inspired largely by John, though he doesn't know it. More recently I've been inspired to turn it into a series of posts by a friend who is writing notes to her unborn child for him or her to have forever *

Dear Daughter,

Recently your father and I were at our friend's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding, heartfelt and cozy. Also the chicken was probably the best chicken I've ever eaten at a wedding. Your dad ate all of his and the last half of mine. My stomach doesn't hold as much as it used to, now that you're growing bigger and pushing my organs aside for more space. 

At one point during dinner your dad turned to me, with emotion in his eyes (and admittedly a few beers in his system), and said, "imagine that one day we'll be at E's wedding." 

Though it is many, many years away, I hope you fall in love with someone like your dad. 

Someone who is kind and caring, someone who has a strong work ethic and a zest for the adventurous side of life, someone who will love you the way your father and I love each other.

You might be able to imagine that your dad almost cried during the father-daughter dance, thinking about himself dancing with you someday. 

Pregnancy (me) and beer (your dad) are obviously two great emotional stimulators. 

If you need a heads up, please watch our wedding video. Specifically my father-daughter dance with your grandfather. We both sobbed the entire time. 

I hope you have that same experience.

This is assuming that any partner you want to spend your life with will be able to make it to the house, passed the porch where your dad will be sitting, cleaning his shotgun.

I think he's mostly kidding when he says this. 

I hope he is.

We've also decided that any romantic partner you have needs to come to the door when picking you up. Honking from the driveway is unacceptable.

I promise we'll be nice. 

Considering your dad only finally - certainly - felt you kicking his hand through my belly a few nights ago, I think it's safe to say that we're getting ahead of ourselves. But we're so excited to watch you grow up and can't help but think about every amazing thing you might experience. 

Don't feel you need to grow up too fast, though. 

Oh, dear daughter, you are already so loved. 

With love,

your mother (who will likely embarrass you throughout your life, considering I may have started doing so 4 months before your birth)

P.S. Don't feel you need to grow up too fast and don't feel you need to wake up every few hours overnight either. Ample sleep will make us all happier. And trust me, you'll wish for all the sleep you can get once you hit your teens and adulthood. 

Sneak Peak at the Nursery

Before we started moving a ton of furniture into the new place, we bought paint and got busy painting the baby's room. 

We chose yellow as we didn't know what we were having, and more so because I wouldn't have painted the room pink or blue anyway. 

Let's avoid those horrible gender stereotypes from the get-go, amiright?

Plus I've always been drawn to the colour yellow with its inherent happiness.

The first shade we bought I hated. 

Of course I hated it after I painted the entire room.

So we decided that rather than repaint the entire room we would buy a lighter shade and make the room two-toned.

The result ended up being fantastic.

I love that room a little more every time I go in there.

Especially now that we've started adding furniture and pictures.

For my birthday, John sneakily scoped out my pinterest 'Baby on Board' board and found links to Winnie the Pooh prints that I had fallen in love with on Etsy.

He set up an Etsy account and ordered the prints. 

I cried when I opened them. 

The effort and the thought and the perfection of them was all it took to get me teary (though truth be told most things have what it takes to get me teary these days).

These Winnie the Pooh prints came courtesy of CloudNinePrints on Etsy and they are beautiful.

You may notice that one is actually Jeremy Fisher, the beloved Beatrix Potter character. 

And you might also notice the Life Aquatic print at the bottom left (courtesy of ArthursPlaidPants on Etsy) - this one I bought for John a few weeks ago. 

Thankfully the colour scheme of Steve Zissou goes perfectly with the room. 

We made a stop into Ikea last night for picture frames (and meatballs. And curtains for our living room - yay!), knowing that we wanted the white RIBBA frames. Now the pictures are up on the wall and I'm even more in love with Baby E's room. 

Sneak peak #1.

Sneak peak #2.

The hard -to-make-out yellow blanket in the basket is courtesy of my coworker who knit it for me. 

The colour matches the room perfectly and the gesture, again, almost moved me to tears.

In the coming months expect more updates - with a crib, once we get one!