Good Things

Not the greatest week on a larger scale (to say the least)…but to keep myself grounded, I made sure to notice the little things that have made me happy.

Spring bulbs are really poppin’! The first daffodils and the first hyacinth opened at the Five Birch Perch. I can’t think of a better scent than a hyacinth…can’t wait to have one freshly cut on my table!

On the advice of a friend, checked out a local store called Classy Kids, which is essentially a nicely done Goodwill-style setup of baby, kid and maternity clothing and items. I found some perfect maternity shorts for the summer and couldn’t resist picking up a few super cheap gender-neutral onesies (like the one above). I can’t wait to find out what we’re having (ultrasound on May 14th!) so that I can go back to Classy Kids and grab some more cute things. This haul was on TOP of the great maternity clothes I acquired through a local clothing swap and from a close friend who had her baby back in January. This friend also handed off a top o’ the line stroller/car seat that is currently in the nursery and helping me feel like I’m finally starting to amass some must-haves. Next up is a diaper cover-making party and a trip to Ikea – things be happnin’!

Since I don’t know the gender yet, I’ve been focusing a lot of my energy on nursery decoration. I’m doing a woodsy/scouts theme in light colors, which will work for either. I tasked my mom with trying to dig up my old girl scouts badges from the 80’s, but no luck. Then I realized “hey, I’m a crafty chica – why don’t I just MAKE some badges?” So out came the drawing pad and the embroidery supplies and I got to work:

I’m doing 2 sets of 5 badges on each piece of fabric, which I will then frame with some cheapo wooden frames I already have. I will post pix once I’m done, along with the zig-zag baby afghan I already crocheted (but have yet to take a photo of)! As with any decoration project, I’ve found that many of the elements I need are already in the house – there is very little that will have to be purchased.

At the clothing swap, a couple of friends got me excited about my baby shower by suggesting that it could be Halloween-themed! This might sound odd to some, but I love love love that holiday, and specifically wanted an October baby so that many years of H’weeny birthday parties could be had. With the baby coming this year, I won’t be throwing my annual party, so the thought of H’ween in September sounds just spooktacular! And another friend telling me that I personally won’t have to worry about throwing the shower took a bit of a weight off my shoulders. A major part of my job during the summer is planning treks and events (this season = 30 treks and 4 events), so the last thing I want to do is organize yet another event, especially around the time that I’ll be uber-preggers and “just not in the mood.” With the very small amount of help that I got planning my wedding (which is exactly why a bridal shower and bachelorette party never occurred – I just couldn’t fathom taking on those things as well), I was very much in the mindset that if I didn’t plan the shower myself, it probably wouldn’t happen. It’s nice to know that there is some interest in helping with that!

So a few good things on the homefront…with many more to come!