DIY chalk board

So I'm pretty excited about this post. I started the project Thursday and I'm finally done with the assistance of my parents! I have to give them credit because I did it at their house and my dad put it together. I'm helpless haha.

I have seen so many DIY projects and after chalk painting jaxens crib and frames (which I need to post) I ventured out to chalkboard paint. It's pretty simple.

I started with this dime piece of a painting 

I wanted something big so that way the kids could play with it to. It seriously comes up to hips. Not bad for a $10 thrift store purchase. Then I sought out chalk board paint.

$3.98 at Walmart... Not bad! 

Then I used some paint my parents had left over from their front door. In love with torquoise!!

Then I mixed the plaster of Paris in with the paint.

^^^^ $10 at Home Depot maybe?? Can't remember

Since I was at my parents my mom came up with this concoction so I wouldn't ruin any of her bowls. I'll post the chalk paint measurements in Jaxens crib post I promise!! 

After painting the frame my dad cut out some wood for me. I know a lot of people use the glass for the board but with a soon to be crawling baby I'm not too sure. Plus I accidentally stepped on the glass after outlining it. Fatty alert!! 

After super dad used his big ole electric saw, I spray painted the whole thing. Word to the wise, do it outside and not in the garage. Otherwise momma will get on to you. I sprayed that thing about 3 times and waited an hour after each time. The next day my dad stappled it in. Also you gotta prep it by rubbing chalk all over.

Then you're free to write what ever you want.

The lighting doesn't do her justice. The color is way brighter!

I spent like $14 all together. These things run like $50 on Etsy and I'm not down to pay that much! I hope this post has inspired you to bring out your inner creativity! 

.: 5 months new :.

 Here we are again. Another month older and so is Mommy. We are creeping up on your 1/2 birthday and I'm beyond excited!! You get more handsome everyday, I swear!!

We are weighing in at 17 pounds and 27" long!! Big growth spurt from last month! We aren't sitting up very well but super vocal! Laughing and talking to mommy and daddy all the time! We have tried rice, carrots, and peas. None of them are his favorite, but we're getting the spoon thing down. We loved our first Christmas and New Years together! Still in size 2 diapers. Scooting around, but not qute crawling. Love to cuddle with mommy. Sleeping 11 hours but this past week we've been getting up at 5am for feedings. As soon as I lay him down for bed, he rolls to his side. And when I go to wake him, he's on his belly. Just like momma:) 

All in all Jaxen you are a perfect baby. There is no doubt in my mind you were choosen for me!! I love you so much!

DIY Christmas Picture

Before Jaxen was even created I came across a picture on Pintrest that I absolutely LOVED! I said to myself "when I have a baby I will do this because it looks super easy!" And now that Jaxen is here, I got to do it!

Everything is still a learning process, as to what time he eats so I know when he'll be in the best mood.. and his, is right after a nap! So I gathered up my supplies. Todds old ornaments, Icicle Lights from Family Dollar ($8), small hat came with a bib from Walgreens ($5), big hat Dollar Tree ($1), pants from a friend (Carters Brand), and duck tape. If you decide to do this I suggest Clear Tape!

Next just add a cute baby and shoot away!

Photo edit from Ribbet and to the blog they go!! 

I really enjoyed doing these. It was super easy and fun. Hopefully I can get a better camera and continue my DIY pictures. Because professional ones can be pretty pricey! 

•4 months new•

Hello there 4 months, please slow down.

Looking back at Jaxens pictures I'm amazed by how different; but yet the same he looks. Its crazy! But were are hitting so may milestones!!

We are sleeping through out the night, 11 hours to be exact! In size 2 diapers, big boy!! We are talking all the time, smiling everyday, starting to laugh, almost sitting up by ourselves, wearing 3-6 month clothing, cuddle monster, going to bed on our own for over 2 weeks, and about to move to our crib.

Its time to cut the cord and for Jaxen to transition into his big boy bed. I'm just about done with it and hopefully come Sunday night he will be in there from now on. Mommy's heart is a little sad, but needs to be done!

I love you to heaven and back my handsome child!

...3 months new...

It's a few days after Jaxen turned 3 months. We spent the entire day cuddling while I caught up on some Revolution! Very fortunate my day off fell on this day. 

It, to me, felt like a huge milestone! We got past those first 3 months. I've heard from several people the first few are the hardest, but I disagree. The first 6 weeks were the hardest. Getting his feeding and sleep schedule down. Getting to know and trust us. Going back to work... But anyways. Let's focus on this past month.

Todd and I took his measurements. Jaxen is weighing in on 15 pounds and 26 inches long! We are beginning to be a rollie pollie, talking, laughing, squeaking, blowing bubbles, and having stinky farts. Now that I'm not breastfeeding his toots and poops smell horrid!! He loves to cuddle, is now sleeping from 9-11 hours straight. We are out of the swaddling stage since he's starting to squirm in bed and rolling over. We have started sitting him in his bumbo and he's almost got the hang of it, still leaning to the side a bit. But other than that he's the perfect baby!

I love you my sweet boy!

∆∆ 2 months new ∆∆

Well it's official, my little man cub turned 2 months new! I am seriously having the worst mixed feeling about this growing up thing, I could of sworn I was sitting in the hospital just the other day about to have my sweet baby, and now hes 2 months. Insert sigh..

This past month we have been growing like a weed. 12 pounds, 24 1/2 inches long (96%), did great with his shots AND rolled over twice at the doctor!! Pretty much out of all his NewBorn clothes and into 0-3. He eats like 6-7oz of formula. Awake for hours at a time. In size 1 diapers. He is a very loud eater and sleeper! Cracks me up all the time!! He smiles all the time, and even giggles a little bit. He has started to look right into my eyes now when I talk to him. And gives me the biggest gummy toothless grin ever!! It makes being away from him that much sweeter when I come home! Oh and he coo's and ahh's. It's the most presh thing ever!!! AND is starting to sleep most of the night. Going on 5 hour stretches!

Although I am sad he's getting so big on me, I am excited to keep writing about our little life journey.

Like I tell you every night.. I love you more than you will ever know Jaxen. You are my world!

Our 2nd month video... I hope you enjoy watching these as much as I enjoy making them!

~1 month new ~

No one will ever know the strength of my LOVE for you. After all you're the only one who knows what my HEART sounds like from the inside.

So I have been meaning to write this post for a week now but I recently started back at work so it's been a little crazy. Lets rewind to a week ago when we announced that Jaxen was 1 whole month old. Oh I can not believe how quickly that flew by. I hope this isn't how his first year is going to be.

Let me go over some milestones.

He was born on August 7th

I saw his first gassy smile the day we brought him home August 9th

I got peed on our first week home

Spit up on his 2nd week

He rolled over on his 4th week (it took him being very fussy and upset)

On his 1 month he had his first non gassy smile and it happened when I have him a kiss!!

My sweet baby is growing so fast I can't stand it. This is just the beginning of our life together and I can't wait to continue this journey. He is my entire world! 

I love you Jaxen Robert

I told myself before he was born, I would be committed to taking pictures and videos very often. So below is a video of our first month together!

Jaxens 1 month new! from April Godley on Vimeo.