Pebble & Rae

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Beckham’s Nursery Design

June 20, 2016 by kschriefer 1 Comment

nursery wall

10 Months and I’m finally sharing Beckham’s nursery design! Now I’m not sharing these photos because I think I’m some awesome wannabe interior designer… far from it! But I love designing a room, and having a brand new room to design from scratch gets me so excited! It’s part of the reason we decided to have another child. Kidding : ) But it was a bonus!

I’m sure there are many things I could’ve done differently or better in this room, but it’s something that I put a lot of planning into (probably too much) and I’m really happy with the end result!

When we first found out we were having a boy, I knew I always wanted a “nautical” designed nursery. As I started looking up ideas, and pinning things on Pinterest, my concept shifted a bit. While I’m always a sucker for a beachy design, I realized that since we just did a beach-house look in our guest room, I should probably do something a bit different. Plus, I’m such a nerd for design that I wanted to challenge myself with something new and unique! So the concept shifted from nautical, to “lake house/rustic/industrial/with-just-a-bit-beachy-because-I-can’t-escape-it.” That’s totally a design style, right?

Joe gets involved in the process also. Sometimes he enjoys it, and other times he doesn’t have a choice because I get a design or DIY idea in my head and make him build it : )

We love to do some “high/low” design. Meaning, we love to save money where we can, and get things for cheap, or make them ourselves… but we also see the value in spending a bit more on a higher priced item that is totally worth it. We saved money on the picture frames. They were cheap white frames that we (Joe, because I was pregnant at the time) spray-painted gold. I also got him to build the amazing Restoration Hardware-inspired distressed floating shelves on the wall. That saved us A TON. The floor lamp behind the glider is so cheap from Ikea, spray painted gold. The monogram letters hung above the crib are “faux metal” from a very talented Etsy artist. (Real metal would’ve cost a fortune!) He also hung some wire baskets from Home Goods on the side of the changing table to give us some easy storage.

Our 2 big splurges, which we’re totally happy with, are the Stikwood wall, and the curtains. The curtains weren’t that insane, they weren’t custom sewn or anything, but they are from Pottery Barn so it wasn’t the cheapest option. But, after going through sleep issues with Kinley Rae, I would do anything to help her sleep… white noise maker in her room, and adding a blackout liner to her existing cheapo curtains from Ikea. And let me just tell you adding that cheap liner on her already cheap curtains succckkkks. It was constantly falling down and not closing properly. So getting high quality blackout curtains was TOTALLY worth it for us. They close properly, don’t fall down and keep the light out.

I realize that this room looks a little “mature” for a baby’s room, but I’m just not a fan of typical baby or cartoonish kid’s rooms. At least with this design I figured it will grow with him and hopefully not have to be drastically changed for a long time. I hope!

My talented friend, Jill took these beautiful photos during his newborn photoshoot. You can check out her work here!

With this being a child’s room, especially a boy’s room, it will probably NEVER be as clean as it was in these pictures!

wooden door signnursery photonursery lightnursery wall holding-b-600nursery photo

Products List:

Crib (reused from big sister): Babyletto Modo 3-in-1 crib
Changing Table (reused from big sister): Babyletto Modo Changing Table
Wall: Reclaimed Weathered Stikwood
Wall Monogram: Etsy Faux Metal Letters
Rope Chandelier: Light in the Box
Rug: NuLoom Moroccan Trellis, grey, Overstock.com
Hamper, Wooden deer head, wooden fish decoration, wire basket shelves, bronze tree stump side table, tan glider blanket, toy storage bin, , globe, hanging fish: HomeGoods
Curtains: Color Block Blackout Panel, Grey, Pottery Barn
Wall sea urchin set, chevron crib sheet, chevron changing table cover, wall tree hooks, wooden wall mirror, octopus pillow, glider, ottoman, picture frames (spray painted gold): Target
Bookcase: Stuva storage, Ikea
Lamp: Ranarp Floor Lamp (we spray painted it gold), Ikea
Crib throw: Barefoot Dreams Receiving Blanket, Nordstrom
Wall Illustrations: Etsy Shop: Wheatfield
Wall quote print: Etsy Shop: Velvet Crown Design
Wooden “Beckham” door sign: Woodums
Baby: Kerry & Joe

Filed Under: Child, DIY, Family, Home Design, Uncategorized — Tagged With: baby, Beckham, design, DIY, lake house, nautical, nursery, room, rustic

The BEST Father’s Day Gift for Every Guy

June 16, 2016 by kschriefer Leave a Comment

Can we all agree that guys are the hardest and most annoying people to shop for?? They won’t like the clothes you pick out, and they seem to not like much of anything when it comes to gifts. Or, like my hubby, they’ll insist they “don’t want anything at all.” So sweet and selfless, and so annoying because that doesn’t help me since I’m still going to buy him a gift and he won’t give me any ideas!!

But I have found the ultimate gift for ANY guy, that is sure to be a hit.

For the most part, guys don’t like gift baskets, or themey gifts, or any of that cute crap that us girls would actually care about. But there’s a manly makeover to the gift basket, and I have to admit it’s really pretty cool. It’s called “Man Crates.” They have a ton of different options to choose from… beer, whiskey, bacon, pizza, tools, camping, sports, gaming, etc. Then they ship the gifts in an actual wooden crate, that your guy has to be all manly-man-like and physically pry it open with a crow bar (that’s also included.) It’s totally unique and kinda funny too. Joe received one from some coworkers a few months ago and he absolutely loved it. Not only did he think the stuff inside was cool, but he had fun trying to bust open the crate!

They also have stuff sent in ammo cans as well. Hopefully Joe’s not reading this because I maaay be getting him one of those for Father’s Day.

CA-great-coffee-gift-for-guys-on-the-go__63404.1463689428.702.702

This is what the crate looks like shipped:
wrapping-standard

And here are just a couple examples of what’s inside:pw_sophisticated_whiskey_gifts_for_claseey_guys__93998.1448062180.702.702pg-cool-gift-for-guys-who-love-pizza-and-grilling__24325.1461948961.702.702Isn’t it cute?! I’m pretty positive that the Man Crate company did not have that word in mind when they developed this product. But it’s still cute.

They have plenty of rush shipping options too so you can order it now and get it in time for Father’s Day! 

Filed Under: Family, Holiday, Shop, Uncategorized — Tagged With: Dad, Fathers Day, gift, man, man crates

How Do You Do It?

June 13, 2016 by kschriefer 3 Comments

Beckham will be 10 months old this week. I’m already starting to think about his 1st birthday party and I can’t handle it. How did that happen so quickly? As any parent knows, the saying “The days are long but the years are short” is so painfully true. While these past 10 months have seemed to fly by, having two kids now has had it’s blessings and challenges, and has kept me very busy during the long days.

Just practicing for my 1st Birthday!

Just practicing for my 1st Birthday!

I knew after I had Beckham I would be busier, but I naively thought I would somehow be able to keep up with my blog. And that just hasn’t happened at all. Here we are after 10 months and I have only managed to write one measly post in that time. It frustrates me because I follow other bloggers… some stay at home Moms, some working Moms, and I just can’t figure out how they find the time to do it all! Taking care of your kids, house, work, and somehow squeezing some time for yourself in there too. I look at my day and it is jam-packed from Beckham’s first early morning cry, until the end of the day when I can’t wait to pass out in my bed. If there’s any “down time”, like when Beckham’s taking a nap, it’s a competition between whether I should clean up the mess of dishes, baby food, toys, laundry, or take a shower that day. Then time’s up and it’s back to taking care of Beckham, picking up or taking Kinley Rae to school, dance class, or whatever activity she has that day. At the end of our day, when the kids are finally asleep, my hubby and I cherish the brief time we have to ourselves to eat dinner together and watch a little bit of tv. Then it’s time for sleep before Beckham gives me my first middle of the night wake up call. So as I analyze my day, I realize it’s all about choices and having to make some sacrifices. Do I skip a shower? Or instead of taking time to relax for a bit at the end of the day with Joe, do I take the time to blog then? Or do I get even less sleep and go to bed later or wake up even earlier? Selfishly I guess I’m not willing to give up those things!

So how do YOU do it? Whether it be blogging, or just getting some time away for yourself, how do you make it work?

I feel like there’s something I could be doing differently, because there are plenty of other people and bloggers with busier schedules than mine and they’re getting it done. Sometimes it gets to me, and makes me feel like I must be doing something wrong to not be able to find time to get everything done that I want to. As if us Moms need another reason to think we could be doing something better?! So to make myself feel better, I’m going to assume those bloggers I see with their seemingly perfect lives and regular blog posts have some help hiding behind the scenes. Maybe there’s a babysitter or nanny that watches their kids so they get some extra time to themselves. That’s what I’ll tell myself anyway!

To get this time to finally write a post, my sweet husband told me to get out this weekend and take some time off for myself. Which he basically had to push me out of the house because I felt guilty leaving and not spending this time with my family. So I’m using this brief time out of the house to finally get back to my blog, and get back to a little time for me.starbucks-pic-600

So how do you find time for yourself? Do you get up extra early? Or do you sneak away from the kids by yourself on the weekend? It’s not easy, and clearly something I need to work on to save my sanity. But I know it’s important, and taking the break will even make me be a better Mom. Or so I’ve been told : )

Filed Under: Child, Family, General, Uncategorized — Tagged With: Blog, blogging, starbucks, time

My Birth Story: The REAL Reason I Chose a Natural Birth

October 5, 2015 by kschriefer Leave a Comment

FullSizeRender-(3)Our little boy has arrived! He’s already a month and a half old, so I’m a little late on writing this post!

To tell his birth story, I have to first tell the birth story (the short version), of our daughter, Kinley Rae. When I was pregnant for the first time with my sweet little girl, my husband and I were very nervous about being first time parents. We were so concerned with the fact that we had never changed a diaper before, and had no clue how to swaddle, bathe, or just keep this tiny little human alive, that we didn’t pay a whole lot of attention to the birth part. We took a birth class that taught us some breathing exercises, but we didn’t practice or remember much of anything we learned. I just figured that I would go to the hospital when it was time, eventually get an epidural just like almost everyone else I knew, and do whatever my doctors said. Pretty simple, right? Well here’s the thing I quickly discovered with giving birth. You can never plan on exactly how you think it will go, because there’s a good chance something will happen to throw a wrench in your plans.

I was a week overdue with Kinley Rae when I was induced at the hospital. After about 10 hours, I decided the contractions were starting to get pretty uncomfortable, and it was time for the magic epidural that would take all my pain away and make everything easier from then on. Fast forward to about an hour and three anesthesiologists later, plus 6 holes in my back from their various attempts, they all concluded that my body would not accept the epidural. I have scoliosis… and although I knew that, I had spoken to more than one anesthesiologist prior to labor and was assured that my scoliosis shouldn’t affect my ability to receive the epidural. Well, they were wrong, and now I was being told that the epidural wouldn’t work at all, and I would have to have a natural birth. Since I wasn’t planning on that, and hadn’t prepared for natural labor at all, this news was pretty terrifying to me. My sweet husband was even googling breathing techniques by my side as I battled my way through the end of labor. It was a long 19 hours, but I did it. Our little Kinley Rae Schriefer arrived on June 28, 2011 at 3:58pm. After that stressful experience, I realized that if and when I ever gave birth again, I would do things much differently…

Look at me, I’m drug free!

Three years later we found out I was pregnant with our little boy. I knew that since my scoliosis would not allow me to have an epidural, that I had to have a natural birth. I also knew that I didn’t want to have the same stressful labor that I had with Kinley Rae, so I began doing extensive research about drug-free birth. My Mom had natural births with both me and my brother, and had always encouraged me to try it, but I thought she was crazy. Why would I suffer through that if I could get the drugs and make it soooo much more tolerable? Well now I knew I didn’t have that choice, and if I was going to do it, I was going to prepare myself for it this time. So I started researching. I felt so fortunate that my sweet friend Lauren had just written a book about natural birth around the same time. “Natural Birth for the Mainstream Mama” was exactly what I needed. It’s a quick read, funny and very informative. It explained why certain interventions and medications should be avoided, and how to successfully overcome the pain to achieve a drug-free birth. It’s also directed at modern “mainstream” Moms, without being too hippie. I was so fortunate to have Lauren to talk to and ask advice from. She was like my natural birth mentor! I also watched “The Business of Being Born”, a documentary about natural and home births. If you ever want to punish your husband for something, make him watch this. Mine basically wanted to remove his eyeballs about half way through.

Through my research I learned so much! How Pitocin, the drug used to induce labor, can actually make your contractions more painful, compared to the natural contractions your body produces. More pain?! No thank you. I learned the negative side effects that can happen with an epidural, and how the c-section rate in our country has skyrocketed and almost become the norm versus a vaginal birth. On one hand thank goodness that we have c-sections, because sometimes they are medically necessary and can possibly save both the mother’s and the baby’s lives. But on the other hand, they are sometimes performed for reasons such as the convenience of the OB’s schedule, because a mother has been in labor for what they feel is “too long”, or for other reasons where they are perhaps not absolutely necessary.

I decided to join a midwife practice, after learning that midwives can sometimes be more sensitive and supportive to natural birthing mothers than OB’s. Through their referrals I also found a doula, a trained support person to help guide me through labor. We took another birth class for natural labor, and this time we paid attention! I still didn’t feel super confident with how to breathe, labor positions, or getting in the right mindset, so hiring the doula gave us the reassurance that someone would be there to support and guide us through. (I say “us” because the doula gave my husband almost as much support as she gave to me!)

It was like climbing a mountain… the first time I got up the mountain, but it wasn’t pretty. I hadn’t trained for it, or had any of the necessary tools to make it to the top. This time I was going to learn, train and have the right tools to climb that mountain like a pro.

Now let’s be completely honest…

It would be easy for me to get up on my high horse, touting how incredible and better natural birth is, and act like I’m a better person for choosing it. But that would be B.S. Yes, I learned incredible things about how great natural birth can be. How great it is for you and your baby’s health, well-being and recovery, and how it can drastically cut your chances of needing a c-section. (By the way, I especially wanted to avoid a c-section since my body wouldn’t accept the epidural, there was a chance it also wouldn’t accept a spinal, and I would have to be put completely under general anesthesia. This was another motivator towards a natural birth.) HOWEVER… if I didn’t have scoliosis, and had I been able to successfully receive the epidural with my first child, and had a healthy delivery… I never would’ve pursued having a natural birth for my 2nd child. I would’ve been totally happy to get the epidural the 2nd time as well. I would’ve been shouting for an epidural so fast and high-fiving the anesthesiosolists that hooked me up with the magic juice. So that’s the truth.

labor-ball-600

Laboring at home on my birth ball… right before I went to the hospital!

LABOR DAY

Braxton Hicks were coming and going for my last few weeks of pregnancy, sometimes even down to 3 minutes apart. I was past my due date, and the midwives would allow me to go to 42 weeks before they’d induce me. Now I really didn’t want to be induced, so I started trying every natural method I could find to bring on my contractions. Taking long walks, eating pineapple, drinking raspberry leaf tea, acupressure points, and some homeopathic tablets from Whole Foods that my Midwife recommended. I was 41 1/2 weeks when I could feel my contractions getting a little more uncomfortable. It was about 10pm on Saturday night, and they were still tolerable, so I figured we would go to bed and get some rest to prepare for the big marathon of labor. The next day the contractions still felt the same. I scheduled a prenatal massage in the afternoon to try and induce labor naturally. It did seem to help, and by 5pm I called my wonderful doula, Odile, and decided that they were strong enough to go to the hospital. When we got there, Odile met us right away in the monitoring room. I wasn’t sure if they’d keep me, or decide that I wasn’t far enough along and send me home. The midwife examined me and informed me that I was 5cm dilated, and would be admitted and transferred to the labor room. Phew! I was much farther than I thought I was. Once in the labor room, I was able to have soft music playing from my iphone, the lights dimmed, and I even labored in a birthing tub. Yup, I went there. I was such a hippie. I told Joe that if you would’ve told me 5 years ago that I would be having a natural labor and sitting in a labor tub I would’ve thought you were crazy! But I learned that being in water can help with relaxation and pain relief, so I was all about it! (I was a little uncomfortable with giving birth in the tub, so for that I moved to the bed.) From there I labored with the amazing help of my doula and my husband. They were so supportive and helped move me towards more comfortable positions and supported me with whatever I needed. It was incredibly challenging and I definitely felt like giving up towards the end (although that really wasn’t an option), but I did it! Beckham Chase Schriefer was born at 8:46pm on August 16, 2015. He’s beautiful and looks so much like his big sister!

joe-beckpoppy-600sani-600FullSizeRender-(2)

Disclaimer

I have learned so much through my two very different natural births. I am so happy and proud that I was able to have the natural birth that I wanted. So what do I think of the way YOU gave birth? Whether you gave birth via a c-section, with the help of an epidural or other medications or interventions, or if you gave birth naturally, whether it was intended or not… I think it’s beautiful. Natural birth was right for me, but I know it’s not for everyone. However you brought your baby into this world is incredible and you should feel proud and accomplished. Us Moms go through so much through carrying our babies for 9 months… the stress of delivery and recovery… the stress of caring for your baby and making the right decisions. No matter how you brought your baby into this world it is an impressive accomplishment full of ups and downs, pain and joy. So be proud of your birth story, it is uniquely and beautifully yours.

birth-beck-pic

 

Filed Under: Child, Family, General, Health, Pregnancy, Uncategorized — Tagged With: Beckham, child birth, drug free, epidural, Kinley RAe, natural birth, pregnancy

My First Friday Favorites

April 24, 2015 by kschriefer Leave a Comment

Happy Friday!!

woo-hoo-friday

Today is my first Friday Favorites where I’ll be linking up with A Little Bit of Everything, Grace and Love, and Mix and Match Family.

FridayFavorites-logo

ONE

On Tuesday Kinley Rae and I joined some of our awesome Stroller Strides friends for a visit to Oregon Ridge Nature Center and then some serious hiking. Ok it might not have been SERIOUS serious hiking… but for a pregnant girl and a 3 1/2 year old that likes to be carried or pushed in a stroller on long walks… I was very proud of us both for how far we walked! The kids had a great time climbing around and seeing the animals.

oregon-ridge-kids-600px

TWO

Cosi restaurant. Have you been? It’s my latest obsession. The food is SO freakin’ good, and they have plenty of healthy options. The only thing that we’re concerned about is that when we go to our closest Cosi, it’s ALWAYS practically empty. Is there something we don’t know about? Did someone die there or something? I don’t know, but I don’t think I want to know.

photo by le creme de la crumb

photo by: le creme de la crumb

THREE

Kinley Rae’s sweet little “accent”. This age is so adorable. Most of the time I gently correct her when she makes a grammar mistake, but sometimes it’s just so darn cute and I know it’s a short-lived phase, so I have to let it go. Some of my favorites are “Mom, have you been seen Queen Elsa?”, or “Hey Mommy what’s she’s name?” There’s also the cute little accent. Any word that rhymes with “boo-boo” is pronounced “beauuu-buuu.”

FOUR

My brother surprised us and came to visit this afternoon! He drove up from SC for some work in DC this week and was able to visit us for lunch and a quick visit. Kinley Rae was SO excited, she just loves her Uncle Andy! She kept asking if the “real” Uncle Andy was coming… I’m not sure what that means. She made sure to show him all of her toys and how well she can ride back and forth on her scooter in our garage 85 times. We wish we lived closer, but we’re always grateful for every visit!

andy-kr-600px

FIVE

This week Joe and I made a big decision. It’s one that we never, ever thought we would make. We SWORE up and down we would never cave to the pressure. But, it looks like it has happened. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but it looks like we’re buying a mini van. (The 20-something version of myself just punched me.) But with another baby on the way… needing the extra room… driving Kinley Rae around all day… trips down to SC… it just makes sense. It will be way more functional than my SUV, which is what matters right now. Besides… who do I have to impress? I’m telling myself that in about 10 years, when the kids are older, I’ll get the cool SUV that I really want.

So what are you guys up to? Have an awesome weekend!!

SPRING oh hey friday_zpsual7vhsf

 

Filed Under: Child, Family, General, Uncategorized — Tagged With: brother, Cosi, favorites, Friday, hiking, mini van, Stroller Strides

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Kerry. Wife, Mama, Designer, Creator of random projects.

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10 Months and I’m finally sharing Beckham’s nursery design! Now I’m not sharing these photos because I think I’m some awesome wannabe interior designer… far from it! But I love designing a room, and having a brand new room to design from scratch gets me so excited! It’s part of the reason we decided to […]

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