Tomorrow is my due date, but I had my weekly checkup this morning and the baby doesn’t seem to be in any rush to get here. I am in full-on nesting mode for sure at this point, and focusing on little details. Stacking books just so. Rearranging the display on the fireplace mantel. Hanging art. It’s imperative that I find both a blue cachepot and a beautiful decorative tassel, and I’ve come to find that the cabinet doors in the library (which have been just fine until now) need knobs ASAP. I’ve also picked up two new houseplants to care for — perhaps because I’m feeling extra nurturing right now? It’s satisfying to walk around the house, tinkering and playing with the decor.
I snapped this picture yesterday when August got back from school. A few toys, a few pets, family… the house feels good. Comforting, colorful, and cozy.
The baby’s clothes have been washed, and the nursery got its coat of primer. I’ve given the cradle a good cleaning and had Brandon bring it up to our bedroom. We feel ready, and not ready. Excited and nervous all over again.
Eleanor was born fifteen days after her due date. Labor was induced at 42 weeks, and took nineteen hours. August arrived four days early. My water broke while Eleanor and I were napping, and he was born less than three hours later. (Ten pounds and an all-natural birth, which was an experience, to say the least.) I had some complications after the deliveries of both babies, so I’m nervous about it happening again, but I’m ready and trying to remain optimistic. I wonder how baby number three will make his appearance; we’re so looking forward to meeting him!
51 comments
Violet
You are going to do amazing! I am in awe of the amount of energy you have right now. I’m sending all my good vibes your way for a happy and uncomplicated birth.
Love from San Diego, Violet
Jaclyn
This photo perfectly captures your creative genius in not only making a beautiful space, but designing a beautiful HOME. I cannot stop looking at the masterful play of colors and texture, and the ease your adorable kids and pets so obviously feel at home. Amazing.
chris
Good luck! I hope everything goes smoothly. Love these pictures of your house – it really seems like a home and a lovely place to bring home a baby to!
becca
hi nicole, i was catching up on your blog and was wondering what products you use in your hair. it looks so dang cute. mine is just about your length, a little shorter, but i’m hoping to grow it out to your length. the product that i used in shorter hair now makes my longer hair look greasy and gross. any product tips? thanks! and hope that baby comes soon!
Glenda
I LOVE your house! your décor… but especially in LOVE with your library! I LOVE LOVE books and library’s.
Out of curiosity: how tall are you? Just asking because you don’t look very tall and your bump looks to be all baby…and E & A were big babies.
Sending you contraction vibes and the best delivery!
Kristen
I love that piece of art behind August, where did you get it? Who’s the artiest? Hoping for a safe delivery for you and the baby.
Making it Lovely
The painting is by Emily Rickard.
RebeccaJ
I’m really enjoying the evolution of your home. Your style is a beautiful alternative to all of the white, white, white (which I can also appreciate) I see everywhere. Congratulations on your pending arrival!
Helena
This wonderful moment of stillness and anticipation… My little girl was also 2 weeks late which meant induction, the waiting can be quite something :) I so much wanted a natural birth and I tried everything the last few days, from eating pineapples to walking up and down stairs for the sake of it :) But it all turned out well, even with the induction :) wishing you and your family all the very best xxx
Brittany Lauren
Enjoy the time! Everything goes so fast! My was born 14 months ago was late 2 weeks after due date and we had to be induced. He was almost a July baby by a few days! It’s exiting to see which month at that time! Wishing you lots of love and joy for your family!
Vanessa
Hi Nicole – I stumbled across your site shortly after the birth of our third (and final) daughter in June last year (tablets and iPhones are great aids in feeding marathons). I have been intrigued by your use and mixture of colour and textures in your home rather than the 50 shades of white in my Tudor / deco bungalow. By contrast, Australians favour a more neutral palette which I believe is probably an attempt to reflect the abundant sunlight we have. I must say I’m so envious that you have gone to term on this pregnancy; I had 40 wks with #1, 38 wks with #2 (mercifully as I had beginnings of preeclampsia ) but despite my urgings to baby to stay put, I only got to 37!wks with #3. Not only was it inconvenient due to not even having assembled the bassinet but I felt deprived of any chance of nesting and sharing the sort of ‘kodak’ moments you have just posted. Needless to say, baby remained in our room for 8 months whilst I prepared her proper nursery. I wish you and your family the best for the imminent arrival of bub 3 who will add another layer of colour and movement in your home and no doubt make you wonder what you did with all your time when you merely had 2 children.
Laura
Thinking good thoughts for you on the impending arrival! Where did you get that beautiful painting? Love how it pops off the wall!
Making it Lovely
It’s by Emily Rickard. She sells prints of it, in addition to lots of other original paintings!
Lindsay
This post brings back happy memories of waiting for my twins to arrive. As if their future comfort and well-being depended heavily on the perfect arrangement of pillows on the sofa. Best wishes for the birth!
Making it Lovely
Isn’t it funny how it can feel that way? Must get them just right…
Fabienne
Good luck and lots of health for the baby from Germany!
I’ve been reading and enjoying your blog for ages now (before Eleanor’s birth). Love your photos, stories & sense of style & interior design. :)
Kari
Wishing you a safe delivery! Can’t wait to hear what you name the baby!
Josephine
May the force be with you! Hope baby’s arrival is smooth, swift and healthy!
Katie @ Red House West
Your home looks so beautiful and cozy. I’m excited for you and sending good thoughts your way!
Stephanie
Ooh your home looks so cozy! I love the dog and cat in the photo keeping close to mom. Happy birth!! Not too long now.
Lesley Ann Sturge
I just love your house. It looks so cozy and and lived in. Wishes you all the best with your new bundle of joy.
Vanessa
So exciting! Sending super healthy and happy vibes your way!
Alana
Oh sweetie, I feel for you. Let me know if you need someone to make an emergency decorative tassel run & delivery. :)
See you very soon, Baby Boy Balch!
Making it Lovely
Do you have a line on some good tassels? Bring me a gold one! Or a hot pink one! (Kidding, but do come see us after the baby’s here. Tassels are welcome but not required for entrance.)
Kelly K
You’ll be bringing your little one home to such a cozy nest! I remember having to go through and organize EVERY photo right before my 2nd was born (He was two weeks late). When I was waiting for my third (two weeks late too ;), I made a ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Big Sister’ box with treats for the older kids to make them feel extra-special – some games, videos, books, etc. So I know what you mean about nesting! Wishing you a speedy, safe, healthy birth! Sending all the best to you and yours!
Making it Lovely
That’s such a good idea!
Kelly K
Highly recommend! There really was no jealousy and I attribute much of it to the Big Brother and Big Sister Box!
Melanie A.
I’m with ya; I was due yesterday and i’ve been spending lots of time doing little tweaks in the decor here and there (I thought it was imperative to get some cozier/fall-like decor out before the baby comes)…I want the top of the piano to look nice when I’m stuck staring at it from my nursing chair! This is #4 for me; here’s hoping we both have babies very soon. :) Blessings!
Making it Lovely
Gotta get that piano top looking right! Here’s to hoping our babies decide to arrive soon.
Michaela
Best of luck! Here’s hoping for a quick labour and delivery….
erin
So I may or may not be checking this blog obsessively waiting for news. :) I love the feeling you captured in the photograph–just the beauty of everyday life. I hope these next few days (hours? couple of weeks?) before baby comes are restful and enjoyable.
I had complications after my first was born (uterine atony) so I understand a little of the wondering and apprehension. All three of my births were so different. Praying for a smooth delivery and no complications for you.
Making it Lovely
Thank you. My other two were very different from each other, but both had scary (related) problems. I’m really hoping that for the third one, my body will finally get the whole thing right!
Kelly B.
Sending positive thoughts your way. While I’m not sure what complications you’ve struggled with after your first two, I do understand that worry. I am currently battling pelvic-floor dysfunction, or overactive pelvic floor muscles, a result of the birth of my son two years ago. My husband and I would love to have more kids, but I want to get my PFD under control first, and it has proven to be a stubborn beast.
So from someone else with postpartum complications, I wish you a smooth delivery and speedy recovery.
-Kelly
PS – Love the shot of the house! So cozy. We too have natural wood trim and doors, and I am always inspired by the way you incorporate it into your fresh decor style.
Making it Lovely
Thank you, and all the best to you.
Sandra
I love that dark wall color with the colorful painting. What color paint is it? I am also sending you all the positive vibes for the arrival ;o)
Making it Lovely
Thanks! The paint is Black Beauty, Benjamin Moore.
Sarah
Aw, Nicole. I can tell that you’re hoping that this is the final post before baby boy! I hope that he doesn’t delay as much as Eleanor did. Best wishes…hope all goes easily and you are able to enjoy your family of 5 very soon.
Making it Lovely
Oh, I certainly hope not too! Those 15 days past the due date felt very long.
Marcee ... ILLINOIS
P.S. Ohyeah. I’m totally famous for my post scripts. Ha! Had to mention ur family pets. Ours are everywhere …. Lila is next to me, her main spot. Gidget is on loveseat. Sadly, no more kitty cats. I do miss them all. One time years back, we had 3 catties + 4 poochies. Although Mollee & Max were ill at the time, both 15. Things are somewhat easier these days. Nevertheless, Gidget and Lila make plenty of daily messes! Enjoy your beautiful family + weekend Nicole.
jbhat
I recall your feelings exactly–nervous, excited, ready, not ready from the births of my first and second/last . It’s a wonderful combination of emotions. Enjoy, and hang in there!
jbhat
Making it Lovely
It is! Such an interesting time. I want to pause and enjoy the last of this pregnancy (three kids might be it for us), but I’m also ready to meet our little guy.
Celeste
Wishing you a safe (and timely!) delivery. <3
Marcee ... ILLINOIS
Wonderful you are in “nest mode” Nicole …. enjoying those big/little pleasures of life. So love random snaps of August. Using my imagination, often easy to realize (or not!) what he is thinking ….. toys, monsters or just plain ole thinkin for August’s age. House = lovely. Waiting to see nursery! Maybe baby will decide to arrive October 1. An easy date to remember. Keep chillin! ;))
Making it Lovely
I wonder if it will be September or October. I’m hoping it’s sooner than later, but October is nice too.
Molly
Sending contraction-y vibes your way!
I’ve been reading your blog for years (since before Eleanor was born) and somehow I missed that you have a cat and dog. Am I crazy or do they not get featured much?
Making it Lovely
We have a dog and a couple of cats, yes. The cats predate the start of the blog, but I did write about our dog, Murray when we got him. That was years ago though, before we had any kids! The pets show up in pictures now and then, but there isn’t all that much to write about them. They’re cute and furry and we like them, the end. ;)
Stephany
The house looks gorgeous!
Good luck! Can’t wait to see the new baby!
Rachel
Beautiful photos!
Sending you lots of good thoughts! Perhaps your next post will be a baby announcement?!
Making it Lovely
I would like that! Maybe I’ve got another two weeks though — who knows.
Cookie Monster
Awww…so exciting! Truly.
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