Being the good Michigander that I am, Michigan will always be my favorite place no matter how far away I am. However, it's always good to have a little mitten in the house.

Last year my sister got me the best birthday gift. A print of the great lakes using negative space to outline our  home state. Since then, it has been rolled up in it's tube waiting to be framed. It isn't a common size, so wasn't as easy as simply going to the store and purchasing a frame. Then, back in January, I came across this post over at Young House Love. I was inspired, and asked the hubs if he thought it was doable. Of course, he said yes, but like me, he's a busy guy, and couldn't make it happen immediately. Two weeks ago he presented me with his DIY picture frame.

Michigan, we know we don't get to you enough, but we can't wait to be there this summer at good old Higgins Lake!

Lately, the husband has been working on some DIY projects around the house. Checking things off of that honey-do list. Isn't he great? Anyways, all of this creativity in the atmosphere got me to thinking of other things that I'd like for our home, that he might be able to whip up for me.

We have some photos that since we moved in, in August, have just been propped on the ledge in our bedroom. While it doesn't look too bad, I'd love to either hang them or give them a shelf of their own! And then it came to me, we need a picture ledge for the wall! These are ever so popular lately, but I just can't resist some decoration in our bedroom that we haven't really done anything with since moving in.

I found these pictures for inspiration, and sent them to Dave for his opinion, since he's going to be the one crafting this project.

First I thought a floating ledge was what I wanted. Like this:

West Elm

Then, I saw this larger ledge that could hold some nick-nacks too.

Young House Love

And, then, I found these great brackets.

Restoration Hardware

As you can see, I'm a bit scattered in my vision. How will it turn out? You'll have to check back to see!

Today was yet another productive Sunday. Noelle's car seat is installed, and the nursery is officially complete! Things are hung on the walls, and all the clothes and bedding have been washed. I think it's ok to say now that we are officially ready. With about four weeks left, I'd say that's a good thing!

I promised nursery photos quite a while ago, but wanted to wait to show you the finished product. Below are several which give you an around the room tour. It's a small room, but perfect for our baby girl.

Some special pieces include "the princess is awake" sign on her bedroom door. On the reverse side it says "the princess is asleep." This is a Shy girl's keepsake. The quilt on the chair was made by Noelle's Great Great Aunt Irene - also the inspiration for her middle name :) And, hopefully she'll get the Silverman need for cognition. Her book corner is ready, and the ABCs wall hanging is from daddy.

Now that you have the nursery low-down, here's the 36 week update!

How far along? 36 weeks. 

Total weight gain? About 32 lbs. 

Maternity clothes? Absolutely!

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep? Eh, it varies. Starting to get a bit more anxious which doesn't help. When I wake up and need to adjust my position in the night, that is also getting more challenging. 

Best moment this week? Brunch with Brian and Kristen on Saturday, and finishing Noelle's nursery on Sunday. 

Miss anything? Probably the same as last week - a nice fall beer :)

Movement? Oh ya!

Food cravings? Nothing that I'm dying to have, but I did want and have fish and chips for dinner tonight - yum!

Anything making you queasy or sick? Not really. The only time I don't feel well is after dinner sometimes if my belly just is stuffed with good food and baby. 

Labor signs? Not yet ...

Symptoms? Swollen feet ...

Belly Button in or out? Sill in!

Wedding rings on or off? Off. 

Happy or moody most of the time? Mostly happy.

Looking forward to? Our doctor appointment on Wednesday. Excited to hear what the doc has to say now that we're nearing the end of this part of the journey!

Well, we survived the move, everyone! Dave is out finishing up the last few trips from the old apartment, so I thought I'd take this time to put my feet up and write up a quick post. 

The move was mostly uneventful, until we arrived at our new apartment, to find out the AC was shot, we had no hot water (but I'm not complaining, this is the one time a cold shower actually felt great), and almost thought our dishwasher didn't work. Thankfully, the AC man came out quickly and replaced the fan, showed us that the water heater was turned way down from the previous tenants to "conserve", and a light switch controls the power to the dishwasher. Oh the quirks of a new apartment! 

How far along? 32 weeks.

Total weight gain? Somewhere in the vicinity of 28 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Absolutely!

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep? Hopefully tonight I'll sleep really well. I was anxious about the move Friday, and woke up at 3 am Saturday morning! Last night, Dave worked, and I was really sore from the move, so didn't exactly sleep well the first night in the new digs.

Best moment this week? Getting in the new apartment, and having the actual moving part in our past.

Miss anything? Not really. 

Movement? Lots of movement. I think she likes yogurt. Whenever I have my afternoon snack before getting on the train home, she's always dancing around in there :)

Food cravings? I'm totally craving blueberry pie after seeing it on the menu at Dave's new work!

Anything making you queasy or sick? No.

Labor signs? No.

Symptoms? Well, let's just say my feet are women's size nine pillows ...

Belly Button in or out? In.

Wedding rings on or off? Half on normally. Today, all off. After a day of moving, and a day of unpacking, my extremities are what you might call large.

Happy or moody most of the time? I try and keep a positive attitude though this weekend, I will say, has been a challenge. Thankfully it's Sunday, which means back to a "normal" routine soon!

Looking forward to? A long weekend next weekend, and hopefully unpacking Noelle's room!

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. As we get settled, and closer to the finish line, I'll do my best to keep up the posting :)

I'm so excited that Noelle's nursery is "coming together." I use that phrase lightly because until we move, all of her things are in boxes.  I can't wait until we move, get to unpack, and really set up her room. Boxes are piled in our dining room labeled "Noelle's Room - Downstairs" and for the next month I just get to daydream about setting everything up!

Clockwise from top left: clock, mobile, crib, birdie pillow, bedding, chair, dresser.

Hope you enjoy this sneak peek!

In other news, if this heat continues, there's no way I'll be wearing my engagement ring much longer. The wedding band, thankfully, is still fitting perfectly!

Have a great week, all :)