Monday Tuesday

As I awoke to the sweet strains of Old McDonald and BINGO!, I realized with a start that today is the first day of Ike's summer vacation. Moms everywhere know what this means -- basically that time for showers, house cleaning, and blogging is suddenly diminished to the point of non existence. Le sigh. So while you may not see me more than a few times a week while Ike is running rampant through the house, smearing jelly on anything that will stand still, be not afraid (at least that's what I'm telling myself). I'll still be around.

I also want to say a big huge sloppy THANK YOU for all your kind and generous comments last week. It's amazingly comforting to hear from people I both know and don't know -- many of whom have been there, done that, and lived to tell the tale. And for those of you without kids, don't worry too much. It's not all tears and sleep deprivation. It's also a lot of hugs and sweet baby kisses and funny stories about legos and pizza that make no sense.

So, short post today. But I'll probably be  back tomorrow and until then I need for you to put your heads together and figure out how to make my kitchen look like this. It could happen, right?

Ike's room is almost done, the nursery has been painted, curtains just got boughten for the fireplace wall, I've made 8000 trips to Ikea recently, and I still need help with the master bedroom and kitchen.

We have lots to discuss. Stay tuned.

Things That Keep Me Awake at 3am

So yesterday I went to the outlets again in search of more mongolian fur pillows, but they were all gone -- probably because I broadcast the message of cheap West Elm stuff far and wide, which was incredibly altruistic of me. But also maybe not so smart for a bargain hoarder. Anyhow, I ended up buying this:

[Not my house! See the entire nursery here]

While it would be a total score if I could walk into an outlet and buy this whole room, I was still pretty happy about snagging that  bassinet for half price:

Isn't it cute? So cute that no fewer than five middle aged women told me how their ovaries just melted before I could even stuff it into the car.

So I wheeled my fancy new bassinet into the bedroom next to the bed, where I plan to house Baby X after I hit the ejector seat, and then I went to sleep.

And then the nightmares started.

This whole pregnancy, throughout all the complications and bed rest, I've been in total denial that we actually have a baby coming. I didn't want to get too attached in the beginning because Baby X might not make it. And also my experience with Little Infant Ike was not exactly a cakewalk -- he wouldn't eat or sleep. He colic cried for four months straight. My nipples cracked and blistered and bled until he was six months old. He slept (or didn't sleep) for eight months in our bed. I did everything I could to be a "good mom," but I seemed to fail miserably. Still he was cute and smart as all get out, and most importantly he was healthy, so I just buckled down and made it work because that's what parents do...

Now there is a crib in our bedroom again.

When I woke up at 3am and looked over, it reminded me of nothing so much as a lawnmower, coming straight at me Stephen King style. I tossed and turned for hours, wondering how I'm going to make this work again. I finally have a kid that is relatively self sufficient, and now I'm starting all over? W. T. F.

I worried about the blog -- who's going to take over while I'm recovering? Will anyone read when I come back? Does it even make sense for me to blog at all anymore?

I worried about my livelihood, not just for money but for my sense of self worth -- I haven't taken a photo or decor job since I went on bed rest.

I worried about Ike -- he's not going to be happy to share the spotlight.

I worried about our marriage -- having a newborn is stressful.

I worried about my mental health -- I don't think I need to elaborate on this one.

I'm 10 weeks away from my due date, and of course I'm still worrying about furniture and paint and wallpaper and kitchen cabinets, because those are things I can control (barely). There's progress in there somewhere.

So I apologize if I sound crazy and stressed and wishy washy. And if it seems like I'm incapable of making decisions for myself, it's because I am.

I just wanted to say thank you for being here and reading, for indulging my hysteria (using that term with the original root in mind). It helps more than you know. I feel a little ridiculous and sappy sentimental saying that, but it's true.

Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone. I hope we can all engage in some much needed R&R.

See you Tuesday, ready to talk decor.

[Isabel Lopez Quesada]

Buy My Awesome Stuff

I have the urge to purge. Ok, and the need to bring the benjamins, because I have to pay for my fancy new table somehow. You know, the table which I have not yet ordered. Sorry to disappoint you guys -- I've been busy, but hoping to order asap.

Anyhow, if you live in the Austin area and are interested in any of my fine wares, please leave a comment or respond to the craigslist ad and I'll make you a sweet deal.

First up, I still have this stupid table. I have gotten a trillion emails about it, but no takers. Please come get it.

Craigslist ad HERE.

Oh, I also have a pair (yes, TWO) of those Knoll executive chairs for sale, but they're not posted on the Craig. They look like this but with five legs:

Upholstery is a gray green wool in good condition, although there are some spots. Casters are a bit sticky. Knoll labels still intact. Sorry I'm too lazy to take new pictures. Make me an offer.

Next up, vintage cube table.

Craigslist ad HERE.

It's in pretty good shape, and it's taking up valuable real estate in my living room.

Next I have a pair of (TWO) Lane walnut end tables.

Craigslist ad HERE.

You can kind of sort of see both of them here:

These are dope. Solid walnut, inlaid edges. A few nicks and one spot in the finish pictured.

Buy them before I change my mind...

And then there is this brass console table, for which I have only hideous pictures.

Craigslist ad HERE.

Um, yeah. That is a shamefully bad picture. But hopefully you can see through the glare to the majesty within.

Brassy is as brassy does.

What else? Oh yes -- this:

The infamous blue velvet and chrome rocker. She's Italian, I think. Sexy as all get out. But if I can get the right price, out the door she goes.

A lot of people have expressed interest, but I'm going to try to sell her locally if possible. If you live in the area, make me an offer.

That's all I have for now.

Buy my stuff, please.