Baby Strager's Nursery Reveal

Happy one month birthday to my little man! It's hard to believe that we officially brought Jaxson home from the hospital one month ago. It is also hard to believe how much he's grown, especially after our breastfeeding mishaps early on, but that's a blog for another day.  

Although Jax hasn't spent much time in his nursery yet, (other than tummy time) it is ready for when he makes the transition from the bassinet in our room to his own crib. After redesigning this room twice due to covid-19 delivery delays, I think this space came out beautifully and I wanted to share all the details with you. 

After our contractor constructed the Wainscoting molding on the accent wall and painted the room, I went to town on my blank canvas. Using Cashton's black and white hand me down crib, I build the room around the idea of a classic (not cheesy) giraffe/safari themed.  I collected my furniture and decor pieces from various places including Pottery Barn Kids, Amazon, Target, Ballard Design, Shades of Light, Wayfair, Etsy and more! 

I have linked all the shoppable photos below and know you will love the look and quality of everything you order! Enjoy! 

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Jaxson Joseph : Life Update

Bringing a newborn home from the hospital is an emotional experience, even when it's baby #2! You wonder if you have everything ready, if you forgot something, or if you have forgotten everything!?! Since 3.5 years have passed since we brought home our 8-pound 3-ounce baby Cash, all of those thoughts went through my mind! Let's be honest, you don't know, what you don't know! 

From the moment my 9-pound 1-ounce bundle of joy, baby Jaxson Joseph was placed on my chest in the delivery room all of those answers to my questions became a reality. Mommas, go with your gut! It's usually right. I had a hard time breastfeeding Cashton 3 years ago, so I knew it would be no walk in the park with baby Jax. I was prepared for the fact that I might have to supplement formula for Jaxson based on the fact that I had to with Cashton, but I was determined to be more successful this time... or at least give it hell. 

Not that supplementing or giving formula is bad in any way shape or form! It is a mommas choice and a fed baby is a happy and healthy baby, no matter what! I just made the decision that I would give it a little longer and try more tactics to get through the difficulties this time around. Plus I love a challenge, and it gave me something to focus on while I was locked up in quarantine due to COVID-19. I also have to admit, I am using a different breast pump this time around and its cordless wearable nature was a GAME CHANGER for me. Now, my insurance did NOT cover the cost of the pump but they did give me a $100 credit to upgrade to the Willow breast pump, but looking back it's been so beneficial I would have paid full price for it! 

When Jaxson was first born my milk had not come in yet and I was barely getting any colostrum (which is the small amount of pre-breast milk that has all the nutrients that your baby needs). My breast milk took it's sweet ass time showing up and I did have to supplement Jax with formula until it did, but I was determined. After weeks of cracked nipples, trouble latching, sleepless nights, and low amounts of milk I am happy to say that Jaxson is officially all breast milk, all the time. Now that might change as he gets bigger and demands more milk. If my body cannot provide for him I am prepared to do whatever it takes to feed my hungry boy! 

In other news, people have been asking a lot about Cashton and how he is adjusting to the new baby, which is REALLY sweet! Cash is doing great! Definitely, seeking a little more attention but so gentle and caring with his baby brother! Our good friend and photographer Catrina Earls got to capture Cash holding Jax for the first time and it warms my heart to see such a beautiful moment between brothers. 

The attention-seeking Cash is searching for is more "look at me" than jealousy. Cashton has been asking for Mommy and Daddy more, making loud noises in his playroom and (my favorite) taking everything out of the kitchen pantry for a picnic on the breakfast nook floor. 

All in all, we are surviving and doing well! We are without a doubt missing interaction from the outside world while we wait out our 6-week no-touch policy our pediatrician recommended but we are looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel. We will, of course, continue to be safe, wear our masks and wash our hands when that time is over but I am looking forward to Dallas's Mom and sisters getting to hold Jaxson and visit more often!  

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Baby Strager's Nursery Design

Well, I think we can all agree that this quarantine hasn't been easy for anyone! Being pregnant and cooped up in the house has been a challenge but not nearly as big of a challenge as putting together a nursery for the new baby. 

You see, I had this idea in my head that baby #2's nursery would have a safari theme, complete with giraffes and lots of jute/rattan materials. Well that idea quickly went out the window when I realize a lot of the textures I was looking for are manufactured in other countries and right now the import service isn't exactly working like clock work. 

All of the woven pieces I was looking for are on back order until at least July 31 (and that was BEST case scenario). After weeks of racking my brain on whether of not I was going to wait it out, I decided against the whole thing. If you have children you know that if it doesn't get done by the time the baby gets here, good luck! There are just not enough hours in the day. Plus, our little one is due to make his debut June 12th. 

So, back to the drawing board I went. I had to figure out a new game plan that would work with the pieces I had already ordered. I ended up being able to keep the giraffe idea but incorporating a modern elegance feel to the room. By swapping out my grass pieces for gold I was able to create a soft relaxing mood that I think might even work better than my original plan, but we shall see. 

We are still in the planning stages but all of our pieces have been ordered and construction on the wall molding starts today. 

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Black & White Nursery Design

When I found out we were pregnant it didn't matter to me whether it was a boy or girl. All I knew is that I wanted a healthy baby and a black and white nursery. Not because it was gender neutral but because it was chic. 

Now, black and white nurseries are all the rage but two years ago when I decided I wanted one, they were not. 

My husband didn't see my vision. He thought our son was going to grow up to be "Beetle Juice" junior. I can't tell you how many times I heard that! 

My entire family tried to talk me out of it. Don't you want a sweet frilly pink nursery? Or a cute blue and white room full of trucks and teddy bears? "NOPE." I told them, "I have a vision in my head and I just need you to trust me." 

I have done all of the interior design in my home and my mothers beach condo in Ft Lauderdale, Florida and I know sometimes my creative little mind thinks outside of the box but I just knew this was going to be a home run. 

I added pops of gold to break up some of the patterns in the room and compliment the room's hardware. I also opted to put the crib in the center of the room for a different look and feel. Ikea storage closets added to our lack of space and they were so affordable. Although they almost caused a divorce during install. I swear sometimes you have to have a PHD to figure out those directions. 

Now, I get more compliments and questions regarding the theme than ever before. Thus, I decided to blog about it and give you all the links you need if you're expecting a little one anytime soon! 

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