the power of positive thinking

I might have to try this myself.



when to start a nursery

 As you know, baby deadline is quickly approaching. June will be here before you know it. I remember when we first found out, I foolishly thought that nine months was basically a year. Ha! The last four and a half months have flown by! Even though we are going to find out the gender of the baby, I plan on a gender neutral nursery. So really, I can start on it whenever. The problem? When does whenever start? Is it too soon? I still don't want to jinx ourselves. After hearing horror stories of late term miscarriages and stillborns that have basically ruined certain lives, I'm afraid to jump the gun. The idea of a healthy baby of our very own still seems a little too good to be true. God has been good to me my whole life. Blessings that I don't deserve seem to rain down from heaven on a daily basis. I don't know why He likes me so much.

See this? Yep. I'm gonna lay my future child down for a nap in this room! Eek!

To my understanding, this was the doggy playroom for the little lady that lived here before. The neighbor next to us said that one time she looked over here and in the window used to sit a giant cockatoo! A big white one. Just sitting in the window looking out at the yard. I kind of like that.

The problem with this room was that it had no closet. So my uncle, Saint John, built one for us. Gotta love that man.

We also repainted, recarpeted (After sterilizing the vinyl floors. Ha, you just THOUGHT that was hardwood floor! Don't ask me why the hardwoods upstairs are in every room except this one.) Now it looks like this:

Yes, I bought pink bedding. Do we have a little girl? Nope. But it sure looks like we do when you stick your head in here. I like to pretend that she's sitting around the corner in the floor playing with her books. So you probably think I'm hoping for a girl. I really can't say. I used to think only a girl would make me truly happy, but after going this long with this little baby already one gender or the other, I don't care what the gender is. I'm already completely attached to him/her (literally). I'm just ready to stop calling it an "it". Because it's not an "it". This little baby is the sweetest thing that's ever happened to us. 

Have a great Tuesday. :-) 

replacement

Just judging from this picture, how well do you think this one is going to take having someone take his place in my lap? Yeah, not good. He has no idea, bless his heart.

casting a cork into craigslist

This chair and I have been through a lot. It's lived in the last three houses with me. It is adorably vintage and the colors and fabric are to die for. However, as we make room for future baby gear, it has to go. I listed it on craigslist yesterday to give me something to do during the snow day. I listed it and not 30 minutes later I have had tons of emails from people who love it as much as I do. I have tried to respond to them all. Now I'm just sitting and waiting for the first serious taker to come forward. It's a bit like fishing.

lots of looking

It snowed six inches here last night and I have managed to make an enitre day of doing nothing but looking out the window. It's so beautiful! I have looked out of every window of our house. You are never too old for a snow day. I am just as mesmerized as I was as a child.

goodbye Christmas

It's around this time that the tree and I develop a love/hate relationship. Yesterday, I dragged her to the curb and left her there. I felt guilty as I looked out the window a dozen times to see if she was still sitting there. I secretly hoped someone would come steal her to sink her into a fishing hole somewhere so she could continue to bring joy to someone!

I have a ritual for deChristmasing. I go around the house and collect anything holiday related and put it on the dining room table. My eyes boggle at the sight of my loot. I felt a bit like a pirate that revels in the sight of their treasure. So many pretties! I have to admit, I was proud. But then, the next day, when it's all still sitting there, I hate it. I want it to go away. I begin wondering why I do this to myself every year. I begin putting my once prized Christmas treasures into the "Garage Sale" rubbermaid  bin that sits dustily in the basement.

 After the packing, the cleaning begins. This goes on for hours. I happen to really enjoy cleaning, so this is the best part for me. Then I like to sit on the sofa for about an hour and look at design books to get ideas of how to put it all back together. Various snacks are enjoyed during this time as well. Then, after I've dragged this process out all day and I'm still sitting in my pajamas and I realize that my husband will be home from work in an hour, I go through the house like a white tornado and put everything away (exactly like it looked before Christmas) and quickly get showered and dressed in actual clothes. As I finish winding up the cord on the vacuum cleaner, I hear hubby's keys rattling as he opens the door. The house looks glorious, I feel accomplished, and overall, the makings for a perfect evening are in the works.

 

Christmas is fun for a time, but the feeling of renewal that comes afterward is the real gift. I think God definately intended it to be that way. Whether it be a healthier diet, stronger relationships, cleaner living, or just a happier you in general, I hope everyone is able to take advantage of the calm that comes after the Christmas storm. I like the day after. When you're sitting in a quiet, clean house and you realize that life is good. And you have the whole year ahead of you. And all you have to do is be ready for what adventures are coming your way.

Cheers to 2011.

be back soon

 I hope you enjoy your time with friends and family. My in-laws are on the way now and I'll be taking a little break.

I plan on sitting here:

And here:

And cooking this:

And doing a little of this:

And best of all, lots of hanging out with this sweet man, who has not had a day off since November 15.

Be back soon. Merry Christmas.