Coaster Rides

Nesting is in full force and emotions are running high. Projects are happening during naps and the time between is spent staring at Henry in amazement of how big "my baby" has gotten. He is seeming to linger for extra snuggles just before his naps, which gives me pure joy along with a dose of guilt for the fact that we are about to bring a major "attention stealer" into the house.

At points like that I just want to cry and I'm not really sure if they would be tears of joy or tears of sadness. Which is odd because I have felt so much connection with the little guy currently residing in my belly. That connection comes from knowing the wonder and complete world changing aspects of having a child. When I was pregnant with Henry I had absolutely no idea what I had coming to me, to us. Now we know...or at least we know what it is like to have one child.  I love the glances that Brian and I get to exchange whenever we see Henry do something amazing. Because to the untrained eye, it is very ordinary. But to us and to Henry, it's a milestone.

I am eager for labor to start because I'm just plain uncomfortable, but I also really want to cherish and enjoy the time we have left as a family of three, including the time we have to sleep 8 hours a night. (Which is often foiled by insomnia and dancing baby belly.) On Monday night we bundled up and went out for pizza at our favorite Old Chicago on the riverfront, and then made our way to the local Festival of Lights. Once we were in the park we pulled Henry our of his carseat and into the front with us so he could see better (a.k.a so we could see him and his excitement better). He squealed, pointed, and cried when it was over. Then back home for a hair cut, bath and bedtime.

My first attempt at Bokeh. 

Productivity! All the presents are wrapped. I still need to paint a rocking chair that I have for Henry, and a trike that my parents shipped still needs to be assembled, but the tape and paper part is done. The extra scraps from the stockings came in handy. I used regular kraft paper, fabric and yarn (and a trusty glue gun on some). Here are a few of my favorites.

I also finally got my hot cocoa into jars. I made yarn poms using Dana's tutorial here.

One of the things I wanted to get done before the baby came was get some pictures up on the big blank wall in our living room. Blah!

I had won a 16"x20" canvas from HelloCanvas on the blog Your Photo Tips. I finally decided on a photo and got it ordered. Then I used frames that I had collected from yard sales and painted white to highlight my less interesting black frames.

Better yes? Thanks HelloCanvas! I realize the balance of the frame spacing is a bit off, it's a work in progress. I was also using some existing nail holes because I have a phobia of putting holes in the wall. Now I need to find a different lamp.

And lastly I had bought some fabric to make Henry a flannel crib sheet a while back, only to realize it was too narrow. But it was plenty to make a fitted sheet for baby boy #2 and his cradle. Brian graciously moved a lot of furniture (including some out the door and into his parents basement) and we situated the cradle next to my side of the bed. The fitted sheet was a breeze and was started and finished in less than 45 minutes. I used another one of Dana's great tutorials.

Whew, you made it the end of the post! I'm impressed. I need to tackle a couple cleaning jobs while the cherub is napping and maybe even pack my hospital bag!

Thank you so much for reading! I know there aren't many readers, but I appreciate each and every one of you and your lovely comments of encouragement.  Hope your next couple of days are filled with joy and relaxation!

I.M.