Lay Baby Lay - Nursery Inspiration & Delights!

The other day as I was running a few errands with Vivi, I had my hands full (really, it was just her and my bag, but considering she is 25 pounds, her plus anything is a handful!) and somehow the buttons on my phone got pushed, and the song “You Can Call Me Papa” by Donovan Frankenreiter started playing.  I haven’t heard the song in forever, and never really thought much about the words behind it, but as I was carrying my little Peanut, I suddenly realized what he was saying.  I thought it was sweet – and a sentiment worth sharing with all of you.  I think one of my biggest fears after Vivi was born was that I had ruined Chip and me.  I know that may sound silly, but in a hormone and sleep deprived stupor, it made perfect sense.  It turns out that absolutely wasn’t the case at all, but print this out if you need a reminder, or if you are one of the fellas reading this blog (are there men reading my blog?  I have no idea.), put it in a pretty frame, and give it to your baby mama.  She will love it, I believe.  Or at least love the feeling behind it.  The size is 8 x 10, and if you click here, you can download the pdf.

I’m throwing a baby shower with some friends this weekend, and the mama-to-be plans to use monkeys throughout the nursery, so I created a little sock monkey illustration to use for some of the shower decor.  I thought it might be fun to share with all of you, so in the margin you will find some fun treats.  There is a “sips & sweets” poster, an “it’s a girl” or “it’s a boy” poster, and small little cards that you can print, fold, and label with the names of the dishes you will be serving.  Note you can choose pink or blue for each item, and there are two different poster sizes available – a larger size you can print online somewhere (such as uprinting) or an 8.5″ x 11″ size you can print at home.  The size in inches is included in the name of the download.  (Please play nice, and don’t reprint/use for profit!)

**Updated 11/11 with neutral/green versions of each!

Just for fun, today’s post features an invitation download and a giveaway!  I’m working on some test prints for some other projects, and I had a few done for Lay Baby Lay.  The above wooden sign is a 12″ x 24″ print of my hand drawn flamingo.  It would be perfect for a baby shower over a dessert bar, or in a nursery!  If you are interested, just leave a comment – about whatever you would like.  Winner will be drawn randomly next Tuesday!  Whether or not you get the sign, though, feel free to use the download!  (And, p.s., isn’t that personalized cupcake stand so sweet?)

I recently found this fantastic scone recipe while looking for fun items to include in my sister’s bachelorette brunch.  I thought scones would be difficult to make, but these are surprisingly easy, and extra delicious.  I changed the recipe slightly (using self rising flour for simplicity) and I like to use the extra large chocolate chips – and twice as many!  You also need to use a good bit more orange juice than the recipe link calls for, so just keep that in mind.  I love making them for a friend who has just had a baby – taking over supper, and including a few of these makes the gift last longer, because they can have them for breakfast the next morning – or a middle of the night sweet when up with a baby who has no concept of time.  It’s like a hug when they need it most.  Those long nights can be hard, and who doesn’t need to feel like royalty at such a time?  Download the 4″ x 9″ recipe card in the margin to print it out and include with the scones – maybe tuck a few of your favorite hot teas in there, too!    These would be a super yummy pairing!  (Link to the pretty pretty artwork is in the margin.)

Today’s post features a “take to the hospital” checklist download.  I found all of the items on the list very helpful and handy to have, although you might find me to be somewhat of an over-packer.  (I like to live by the boy scout credo, “always be prepared.”)  Chip and I arrived at the hospital around midnight, with bags on shoulders and pillows under our arms and me having contractions.  The nurses actually laughed at us, saying they have pillows there, but I loved having my own.  Getting good sleep at the hospital is an absolute must before bringing home an infant who has no concept of night or day!  I hope this is helpful to you, as I found this to be one of those last minute, had to get done things that left me not knowing where to start.  Also included in the links are my favorite pair of yoga pants ever (that are great post-baby, because of the waistband that can fold up or down) and the extra art boards I brought so the nurses could put Vivi’s footprints on them for us to take home (more on that later!).  Happy Memorial Day!