I have a niece!!

Meet Anderson Grace Nilles!  born 12-27-11, 5lbs-6oz.

We are so excited to welcome our first niece into the world.  To be honest, I was scared that it wasn't possible for Nilles men to create Nilles girls, seeing as until now, the only Nilles women are those who are married to Nilles men.  Anderson was a surprise, no one knew if she was going to be a boy or girl....except the ultrasound tech of course.  I have to admit, though...I knew this baby was a girl.  I don't know what it is, but I am always able to guess the sex of a baby....and I've never once guessed wrong.  I don't know what it is.  It's not the shape of mom's belly, or the heartbeat, or any other wives tale.  It's just a feeling I get.... and I am NOT a believer in psychics or any other crazy thing like that.  

Anyways, I'm already having a blast shopping for this girl.  I got her a beautiful pink embroidered blanket from pottery barn that has her name and birthday (the same blanket I got Max when he was born that he still carries around).... and some 1 month, 2 month, 3 month, etc. stickers to put on onesies that she can wear on each of these birthdays and take a picture in.  My best friend does this with her baby boy, and they make for AWESOME scrapbook pictures.  

 I also got Max something for being the big brother....and I think I might like his present more than Andie's.  I got him a sleeping bag from restoration hardware baby with his name embroidered on it.  Look at this!!! 

Of course, his says "Maxwell" instead of jacob.  It is soo soft, and I am so excited to surprise him with it.  I love that little guy and I can't wait to see what he's like with his baby sister.  Alright picture time.  More to come after I see her in person this weekend!

Wedding updates.

Ohh this wedding.  I'll just be glad when it's here.   This whole planning process is stressful, mostly because I'm very indecisive.  And it's expensive.  Ridiculously expensive.  So expensive I've considered many times just heading to Hawaii with J to elope.

I think we have a date & a venue though.  I think...   but I won't feel better until we have signed the black dotted line.  We are planning to sign the contract on Dec. 22nd, so more updates then.  don't want to jinx anything before then.

But here's a hint...think, "treehouse."  That's what this venue reminds me of.  It's so unique, gorgeous, special.  I fell in love with it the first time I saw it and now after J has seen a few places, he loves it too.

Wedding planning.

Feeling pretty good after a weekend of wedding planning.  Sunday, I went to a wedding expo with my sisters & mom.  We had a blast.  I started out the day by formally asking my sister to be my MOH and my sister-in-law to be a bridesmaid.  (gave them bracelets that were handmade from Etsy with their initials...super cute.  I hand-made little boxes for them to go in that had cute little poems I found/wrote asking them to be my MOH/bridesmaid).  


We had a blast at the expo.  I didn't really go with the mindset of looking for vendors.  I really just wanted to enter for all the free stuff.  I have a friend who won her honeymoon at one of those expos.  Either way, we had a great time getting in the wedding mood and gathering all the free stuff, including three gorgeous wedding bouquets that some florists were giving away at the end of the show since they were going to go to waste anyways.


Monday, J& I went with my parents to see the Hyatt Lodge in the McDonalds Corporate Building in Oakbrook....absolutely gorgeous.  I was in love as soon as I saw the room.  It feels like you're in a treehouse.  Floor to ceiling windows around 3/4 of the room and all you see is trees & lake.  There's also a big fireplace in there and a huge outdoor terrace where your guests can hangout (its also where you can have your cocktail hour).  Its so private and SO beautiful.  We're going to go back on Friday when there's an actual wedding going on so we can see what it looks like set up.  They are also doing a complete renovation of the facility, so everything will be brand new in a few months which makes it even more appealing.  We still have several other venues to look at before we make a decision, but this place is at the top of my list for now.

We still got it....

Just came back today from an amazing visit with my future hubs.  We had such a great time.  Nothing too special-- Tuesday night we just watched "my shows" (yes that's how great he is-- he actually watched Quints by Surprise & Millionaire Matchmaker with me)....and just joked and laughed and snuggled.  Like 2 teenagers on the first date.  It was such a blast.  Last night, we got takeout from Olive Garden and watched Top Chef.  This used to be our ritual Wednesday night date when we were in college.  Such a simple, cheap date...but it was great.  We are so connected right now--more than ever.  I don't know if it's the engagement or just the fact that we have grown into ourselves and truly enjoy each other.  But we laughed and flirted and held hands....the whole bit.  I get butterflies just thinking about it. Here's a blast from our past pic below.  This is us at our first prom-- 2002...almost 10 years ago :)


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Dresses.

Last night, my buddy Jaci filled me in on some GREAT designers for wedding dresses/bridesmaid dresses that I hadn't seen before.  Enzo Ani & Watters.  Some great stuff!  I'm excited to try some of these on, since until now, I've only like Maggie Sottero.  I probably will still end up with a Maggie but at least I have some others to try out!  Enzoani makes some gorgeous bridesmaid dresses.  


Right now- depending on the venue, I'm planning on doing either:


modern-- mostly white, a little black with some green accents
  OR
formal/romantic-- cream & blushes


After we pick a venue, I'll know which way to go and then it be able to pick out all the fun details.  Exciting!

Wish list....love!

Wish list:  Such a great skirt:

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Wish list....love these!