Just two days before Christmas this past December, Joshua and I received the best gift ever.
The one we had hoped and prayed for.
The news of course being that we are expecting our first child.
I am currently 11 weeks along and only have one week to go before finishing up the grueling first trimester.
And it has been a bit grueling. But I am surviving it. Somehow.
My energy level has never been this low, so everything around here has slowed down along with me. But thankfully, I am blessed to have a career {if 3 Etsy shops constitute a career?} where I make the rules and can 'call in sick' when needed.
Little "Baby W." {as we have come to affectionately call our little one} and I have spent many a day resting and relaxing these past few weeks.
While I scour stacks of old magazines and decorating books, getting inspiration for our home...
and now...
a nursery.
We of course don't know what we are having yet {hopefully by the beginning of April}, but the nursery will be neutral shades either way...with lots of vintage touches that I have collected through the years...
Whenever I go to sales, thrift stores, flea markets, and even online shops, I can't help but add to my vintage baby collection...
I have wanted to be a mother for so long, that I even had a whole collection of baby items before I got married. {My mother and sister aided and abetted with that I will have you know}.
Including a very extensive Beatrix Potter collection.
I adore my little collection of characters...
And am especially fond of those from my favorite tale, The Tailor of Gloucester.
And this 1951 Hunca Munca is from my other favorite, The Tale of Two Bad Mice.
I have several other Beatrix Potter items including tins, photo albums, picture frames, cups, bowls, toys, stuffed animals, and all of the books of course {see I told you it was extensive}.
And even though I have grown quite a collection over the past 10 to 15 years, now that the time is actually here, I don't want the baby's room to be too "themed", but instead, have nods here and there to the lovely Ms. Potter and her friends.
If the room were to have any theme at all...I am sure you could guess...it will be vintage.
So yet another exciting adventure awaits us as we welcome a new little life into our world...
I do hope you will join us along the journey.
Till next time...
Oh happy day, Alice! You and Joshua must be "over the moon"...congratulations to you both!! I'm so thrilled to "tag along" on your journey to motherhood:) And I can tell by the photos that Baby W is going to have one Bee-u-tiful nursery;) Especially loving that teddy bear & letters l-o-v-e!
Posted by: Leah C | February 08, 2011 at 07:31 PM
Congratulations Alice and Joshua. Your baby is blessed to be so loved already. I hope you feel better soon. I love the antique baby girl shoes.
Posted by: Debbie | February 08, 2011 at 07:57 PM
congratulations!!!!! & beautiful images too
Posted by: paige | February 08, 2011 at 09:00 PM
Congratulations on your pregnancy and it a short time being able to hold an angel from our loving Heavenly Father. I have two children and even though they are teenagers, not a day goes by that I do not look at them and realize how blessed I am. I will pray for you that the rest of your pregnancy is calm and that your energy is restored. Many blessings sent to you, your sweetheart,and Baby W :)
Posted by: Janet | February 08, 2011 at 09:05 PM
My sincere congratulations! So happy for you ~
Posted by: A. Jarrett | February 08, 2011 at 09:15 PM
Congratulations, Alice and Joshua, what absolutely marvelous news!!!!! Can't wait to "tag along" on this journey to parenthood bliss!!!
Isabel
Posted by: Isabel ~ Maison Douce | February 08, 2011 at 09:18 PM
Oh Alice, I am just thrilled for you....a baby to love!
Hugs,
Margaret B
Posted by: Margaret | February 08, 2011 at 09:23 PM
So excited for you and Josh and have been thinking of you since hearing the news. What a wonderful blessing and joyous time.
In love with your beautiful pictures...and I too collected vintage baby treasures early on...I even purchased a white wicker bassinet with wicker canopy before we were even married!
Posted by: Rebecca | February 08, 2011 at 09:23 PM
What wonderful news Aiice, congratulations to you both! Now you have teh fun of decorating a baby's room in your new home - it will fun to see what you come up with.
I hope you are feeling better soon - I remember those days well, and in my case, the pre-natal vitamins made me even sicker - ugh! Thankfully you can lay down and rest whenever you need to!
Posted by: Jillayne | February 08, 2011 at 09:36 PM
Oooh Alice, I am so excited and happy for you and Josh!... You will make such wonderful parents... I can't wait for Baby W to arrive!... what does Renoir have to say about all of this?... I know he will love and protect little Baby W!... your nursery sounds adorable!... love your Beatrix Potter collection... thanks for sharing your wonderful news!... xoxo Julie Marie
Posted by: Julie Marie | February 08, 2011 at 09:37 PM
I am so happy for you two Alice! This new adventure will be one of joy. You both will make wonderful parents.
I love everything you have done in your preparation for baby W. It all looks so beautiful...but I didn't expect anything less from you. You truly are the most talented girl I know!
So, so happy for you...
June
Posted by: June | February 08, 2011 at 10:03 PM
Soooo very beautiful Alice !!
I am so excited for you and Joshua !!
hugs
Lori
Posted by: Lori | February 08, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Oh Alice, this is very exciting news! I am thrilled for you!!!! Congratulations!!!
Love LOVE your little trinkets, and you have quite the eye for display. Fabulous!
Posted by: Jo | February 08, 2011 at 10:57 PM
Congratulations to both of you - what wonderous news!!!
I'm so very excited for you and will follow this journey with great pleasure.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Posted by: Kerryanne English | February 08, 2011 at 10:59 PM
Congratulations, Alice!! What an exciting time for you and Joshua. There's no joy any greater than being a parent, babies are definitely gifts from God. And I know your precious little one will be blessed, because she (or he) will have such loving parents. All your baby collections are just beautiful!
Sandra
Posted by: sandra blanks | February 08, 2011 at 11:02 PM
So very excited for you both as you embark on this wonderful new phase of your life. Enjoy each and every moment! Congrats!
Posted by: Sheila R | February 08, 2011 at 11:08 PM
Oh how lovely!!!
And I love that you have Beatrix Potter items... I have always loved. My own baby book is Potter.
Am so excited to see updates along your journey!
Posted by: Allison | February 08, 2011 at 11:09 PM
Oh, Alice - I am overwhelmed by the sweetness of your post!! What a lucky, blessed baby this will be! Sending much love to you!
Posted by: Jackie | February 08, 2011 at 11:12 PM
Congratulations Alice! That is so exciting!!! Love all your vintage touches in your babies room! I'm looking forward to hearing about your pregnancy and seeing your new little one!
Big Hugs,
Debbie
Posted by: My Shabby Roses | February 08, 2011 at 11:32 PM
Congratulations! May you enjoy every moment of your new journey.
Posted by: Anji Johnston | February 08, 2011 at 11:36 PM
Congrats!
I remember painting a plaster version of one of those Beatrix Potter figurines. I wonder what ever happened to it?
Posted by: Leanne | February 09, 2011 at 12:29 AM
Congratulations! That is such exciting news!
I adore your photos and collections you have shown here, especially those sweet felt/embroidered baby shoes. They're darling.
Hope you get your energy back soon.
Cerri xo
Posted by: Cerri | February 09, 2011 at 12:51 AM
Congratulations, such wonderful news. Both of you must be so excited. I love all the photos, you have a wonderful collection of baby items already so I can't wait to see what the nursery looks like.
Posted by: Megan Chamberlain | February 09, 2011 at 03:14 AM
You style like you breath ! C'est beau !
Posted by: Catherine Les vignettes | February 09, 2011 at 04:28 AM
Alice ~ I am so happy for you ~ such wonderful news! Enjoy every moment...
I too love vintage baby items ~ can't resist baby shoes!
Keep well
Ali x
Posted by: Ali Hocking | February 09, 2011 at 04:48 AM
The most wonderful news, Alice. So happy for you. Love your collection of vintage baby things. Just hang in there and you'll feel better soon...
Posted by: Zita - Mlle Magpie | February 09, 2011 at 06:57 AM
Alice, I am so happy for you! Congratulations to you and Joshua!
Your baby's nursery will be beautiful!
xo
Claudia
Posted by: Claudia | February 09, 2011 at 08:12 AM
Congratulations!
And now the fun begins...
Love the photos of your vintage baby things...beautiful!
:)
Posted by: Laura @ 52 FLEA | February 09, 2011 at 10:05 AM
Oh Alice, I am so happy for you!!! What a wonderful gift! Your baby is going to have a nursery that we would ALL love to live in!!! I look forward to more lovely pics and more happy news!
xo,
Karen
Posted by: Karen Valentine | February 09, 2011 at 10:38 AM
OOOOH, congratulations! you have a beautiful collection of vintage baby items everything is so beautiful. I also love all things Beatrix Potter.
Posted by: Karen | February 09, 2011 at 10:41 AM
CONGRATULATIONS! Yay! I hope you feel better real soon and your 2nd trimester treats you awesome.
Wow. . .those pictures. .. thee most serene nursery, ever.
Posted by: Mandi | February 09, 2011 at 11:11 AM
Happy, Happy, Happy for you!
Posted by: CeCe | February 09, 2011 at 11:28 AM
My sweet Alice, congratulations, what wonderful news! I'm sooo happy for you, especially because you seem to have waited for a long time. I know what that feels like... Wishing you all the best!
I adore Beatrix Potter and similar styles too, my little one has so many Peter Rabbit things ... and our favorite is this, you HAVE to get it: http://www.amazon.com/Beatrix-Potter-Nursery-Rhyme-Book/dp/0723262810/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1297268706&sr=8-3 We have been listening to that for months, and still we're enchanted.
Take care,
Chani
PS: The Tailor of Gloucester is my favorite story too... I had to cry when I read it. There are some songs on the cd with the rhymes of this story, they are wonderful!
Posted by: Chani | February 09, 2011 at 11:28 AM
You know how very happy I am for you & Josh and Renoir too.
Congratulations, cher ami!
xoxo~Tracie et Zeke
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | February 09, 2011 at 12:49 PM
Congrats to you both...here is hoping the rest of your pregnancy is smooth sailing! xo
Posted by: tara | February 09, 2011 at 12:49 PM
Oh congratulations Alice! I am so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!! What wonderful news! These pictures are all absolutely darling!! Many blessings...
xo
:) T
Posted by: tracey | February 09, 2011 at 01:22 PM
Hi Alice,
I just read your article in Somerset Life... I needed a new blog to visit too.
And so I found you! And this wonderful news! Congrats to you and you Hubby. When you are halfway the pregnancy you will be on overload with energy. Believe me... I am 33 weeks and expecting my 6th! Every pregnancy is different but the tiredness and energy seems to always be the same.
I will tag along in this beautiful journey you are on. By the way... When I was still living in the Netherlands I had my first. And I too enjoyd Beatrix Potter in the nursery. Thank you for sharing these beautiful moments with us... Blessings...
You can follow me and my pregnancy on my blog if you like.
Posted by: Sandy B. | February 09, 2011 at 02:04 PM
congratulations! truly wonderful news. Lucky baby to have such a creative mama :o)
take it easy, and enjoy your pregnancy.
Posted by: sadie | February 09, 2011 at 04:00 PM
<3 This is so beautiful Alice, I'm so happy for you, I can not even put into words. May your world around you grow as you grow with your new precious little family <3 I love you even though we have not had the chance to fully get to know each other. You were there for me and my family in the most important part of my life and for that you are a sister that will always have a special place in my life. Love Your Sister in law threw marriage and love :) lol <3 I am proud to know we are part of your life and family. Love always, Belle
- This is a absolutely beautiful page and your songs and photos are so wonderful! xoxo!
Posted by: Michelle Hayes | February 09, 2011 at 05:15 PM
Hello Alice!
I don't know if you remember our past talks , but It seems we have another thing in common! My husband and I are expecting our 1st in the beginning of August. So right now I'm in my 16th week. I'm finally getting my energy back, so I hope to work on my blog and etsy shops. As soon as we find out the beginning of March of what we are having, I'm hoping to post about getting the nursery ready. Be sure to check it out, as I will with yours.
Congratulations and best wishes!!
emily
Posted by: emily | February 09, 2011 at 06:40 PM
This is the nicest baby bedroom I have seen! I love it! Thank you for sharing your blessing with us.
Posted by: Fran | February 09, 2011 at 09:46 PM
oh Alice! i'm soooo happy for you! what wonderful news! i'm thrilled for you both! i love all your beautiful things, baby W is one lucky baby to have such a sweet Mama!! hugs, susan
Posted by: susan | February 10, 2011 at 06:57 PM
That is the BEST news I have heard today!!! Congrats to you and Joshua! You're going to make wonderful parents xoxo
Posted by: Natasha Burns | February 10, 2011 at 10:31 PM
OH Alice!! I'm so, so excited for you. I know this is something that your heart has longed for. BIG, huge, congratulation HUGS... Polly
Posted by: Counting Your Blessings | February 11, 2011 at 10:05 AM
Oh Alice I am so happy for you and Joshua and of course our little Renior is now going to be a big brother. Alice I knew it from what you were saying for your I think it was Birthday wishes I always felt that you were talking about starting a family and now you have been truly blessed. I'm so excited for you keep us posted and you make sure to take good care of yourself okay!
Posted by: Debra | February 11, 2011 at 07:18 PM
Congratulations! Your nursery will be gorgeous with all those vintage items. And I *love* your Beatrix Potter items...so precious and charming.
Posted by: Melanie | February 12, 2011 at 05:21 PM
Congratulations on your blessed news. How very wonderful. Love your collection of Beatrix Potter figurines. I have often given them as gifts, and wish I had my own collection. I so love your blog...so inspiring and pleasing to the eye!
Maureen
Posted by: Maureen | February 15, 2011 at 01:32 PM
Congratulations Alice and Joshua! That is wonderful news. I can't wait to see your beautiful nursery. I know it will be just perfect for Baby W.
Hugs,
Judy
Posted by: Judy | February 17, 2011 at 01:41 PM
Congrats to you and Joshua! I'm sure you will make fabulous parents!
Love the nursery ideas, I had a Beatrix Potter theme for my son and daughter's nursery 19 years ago (they are 18 months apart:)! I have some of the figurines that you have. I think touches of this theme will be wonderful for a girl or a boy (it worked for my kids!).
Posted by: Fabulous Finds Studio | February 24, 2011 at 01:57 PM
You have such a beautiful collection already. I love the Beatrix Potter pieces. When my daughter was born, my sister gave me a book of vintage Peter Rabit posters, which I framed. Although my daughter is older and has changed rooms, I still have a few of them hanging in my office. They make me happy.
Posted by: Betsy | April 07, 2011 at 03:07 PM