Bits and Pieces // Living Room

Yesterday, I posted the first post in a new series called Bits and Pieces. I've decided that I wanted to share parts of our apartment and share a little bit about my style. 

On this wall, our apartment has 3 windows. Two in the living room and one in the dining room, so when the windows are open it makes the apartment very bright and full of natural light. I absolutely love it. But, we live on the first floor, which is kind of really awkward when the windows are open and people walk or drive buy. Therefore, I've gradually started putting up sheer curtains. These curtains are perfect because no one can see in and it still lets the light in. I absolutely love it. I still need to get a few more for the dining room, but I am happy so far.

I love to read, so a lot of the things that decorate our living room are books. Books that I have read, that I want to read. I try to buy bargain, used, or thrift and I love setting them about. I also have a chinese bookshelf that I have tons of books on and records. I also have another book shelf underneath our television that has movies, video games, board games and eventually child books and baby things.

I have a record player, therefore I have records and I like to display the album artwork. I think its fun. Also, I love having pictures of us and things we like around. Then random string art. Oh, and I love pillows. I'm still searching for pillows, but these are what I have as of current. If you know of any place to get pillows on a budget, leave it in the comments.

This is my spot. This is where I sit, relax, do work and everything in between. I also knitted that blanket (: I need to get more blanket. I love blankets. 

Do you have a link to your living room or your favorite parts of your living room? Leave it in the comments.

Bits and Pieces // The Kitchen

Living in a one bedroom apartment, things can be limited. As in what you can do design wise and how you can change things, so on and so forth. 

So, with that in mind, I can't really do much to our lovely little galley kitchen, except add a pop or two of things here and there. We have a lovely window with a window sill over our sink, which ads a lot of light to our little kitchen. That's where I will put flowers (real or fake) and some random thrifted trinkets, depending on my mood.

Currently, I have these lovely sunflowers in the window. I've been looking for different flowers to put there, even eventually a few herb plants or succulents. Except, around here, it is hard to find quality and in good health plants. I have a lot of goals when it comes to making everything functional in our small apartment with a little one on the way. I really need to get on to that, at some point (: 

Thrifted gem.

So, that big ol' gray box is attractive, right? I really can't stand it. But, this is our back wall in the kitchen between the two sets of cabinets. I made a little calendar so we could keep track of the days we were working and our ever growing hectic schedule. I love having pictures everywhere and I plan to keep putting them everywhere. I'm pretty cheesy, but I enjoy it making anywhere we live homey. It gets challenging sometimes, but I enjoy the challenge. 

I love having things displayed on the counters, but without taking up too much space, especially when you have very limited space.

First Pair of Shoes // 29 Weeks

Alexander's first pair of shoes! They are so little and cute. I absolutely can not wait to put them on him. They are Carter's up to 3 months and I really hope he is ok with wearing them for little outings here and there. I've really had to control myself going out and constantly buying clothes and cute things for him. And I have been doing relatively well so far. My mom, on the other hand, is having a hard time controlling herself. I think it is absolutely adorable. I would constantly spend money on him, but I know there are tons of people that are going to spoil him rotten and I have to keep that in mind because little babies grow so quickly and I don't want him to not wear the clothes that he gets. 

I am anxiously awaiting his arrival. I have anywhere from 8-11 weeks. I have been looking forward to his arrival and starting our new life together as 3 (plus 3 animals). It will be a trial, but it will be something that we will have to adjust to and I am looking forward to that. 

Tea Time // Hospital Etiquette

I've realized that I haven't exactly been on my A game lately when it comes to this blog. Pregnancy has really thrown me for a loop and now that I am finally adjusting to it, it is getting closer to the end. Now, I still have 12 weeks until my due date, but time is seriously flying. 

Anyways, I've decided that I want to start something called "Tea Time" where I just sit an talk and imagine that someone is reading (and maybe even responding). 

Today's topic is hospital and birth etiquette. 

As it gets closer to my due date, I have thought about a lot. Mainly baby stuff; co-sleeping, breastfeeding, family, my birth plan and lastly but definitely not least, do I want people visiting me at the hospital?

I'm at the point that I'm unsure. I've hear a lot of different opinions on it, but as a first time mom, I'm scared. Scared of all these people being around my brand new child, touching my brand new child, seeing me after I have given birth and am extremely tired, seeing me in my most vulnerable state, and I'm adjusting. And it isn't just me adjusting, it's my Other Half too. As new parents, the hospital gives us those moments to have professionals around while we have questions and while we are adjusting to the new person in our family. And I don't know if I want people bombarding us while we have that time. Even if it is family, especially since a lot of times family wont text or call first.

So here are some pointers:

1. Respect the new mom and dad's wishes. No offense, but they may not want you there. And don't get so easily offended by it. It isn't about you. It's about them and their baby. 
2. Text or call the new mom or dad before you head out. If they don't respond, they may be sleeping or already have visitor's. They will get back to you, so don't be pushy. When they text you back, ask if there is anything that they need or want. If they have pets, ask if someone has been by to check on them. Be helpful, you'll get your chance to see the baby.
3. Don't stay longer than needed. Especially if the new parents are allowing visitors. That means that they will be having a constant influx of people coming in and out to visit. Say hi, ask how they are doing, visit with the baby and carry on. Once the new parents are adjusted, you will have plenty of time to see the baby.
4. Don't bring children. This should be self explanatory. Just don't. 
5. Don't give advice. Unless asked. The new parents are just starting out. They don't need you to tell them to do this and that. Let them figure it out. If they want your advice, I'm pretty sure they'll ask for it.

These are just a few things that I know will irritate me. It may sound rude, but boundaries are needed at certain times in life. Do you have any tips on how to let family members down easy? What's your opinion? How'd your hospital stay go?