Room by Room- Sunroom Clean Out

With the due date looming, I've been going around the house thinking of how each room can be more purposefully used with a newborn. We don't have any baby stuff outside of the nursery at this point, but know that it will be coming soon. 

First room to rearrange is our sunroom. We had done these projects in there when we first moved in with free, hand-me-down furniture. It was perfect because we had a space to fill, and the desk and storage unit served as our mini office for stamps, envelopes, some books and random other office supplies. Now, one was at the curb (until our neighbor asked if she could have it :)) and the other going to the basement. 

That room is prime baby space! And the desk and bookshelf that used to store those items has been consolidated to a box and a stationery stand:

This makes me beyond excited. I'm such a nerd when it comes to any paper product (ask my family- they buy me Post-its for Christmas), and having everything organized in one space is about as scintillating as it gets. 

Space being limited, we have to maximally utilize the minimal storage that comes with a 1920s house. We're off to a good start, considering that one shelf of the built-ins next to the fireplace now houses what essentially took up a whole room before. 

We've got lots of exciting plans for the sunroom that we hope to get started pretty soon!

Recent Creations

 I bought the clay to make this pendant before Christmas and just finally got around to making it! Complete with a leather chain and clasp, this is my first piece of homemade jewelry! I followed these directions. 

I'm going to miss my cousin's baby shower next week, but still wanted to crochet a little something to go with her gift. She's having a boy, so I decided on a pull toy (pattern here). And, yes, that's the Spanish edition of Are You My Mother as another part of the gift :) 

Fresh veggies chopped and ready to go into Greek pitas. 

Roots

Ryan and I are both so blessed by our families. Being Memorial Day, I got to spend time with my dad, sister, brother-in-law, cousins, and my G who is a veteran of World War II. He is such an example of love and self-sacrifice that it's no surprise all four of his children live within 5 miles of him.

The weather could not have been nicer for our three-day weekend. We got to spend a lot of time outside! Ryan's family is originally from Italy, and one of the richest parts of their heritage to be passed down is a love for growing plants. Each year, Ryan handles almost all outdoor yard and garden work and I am constantly learning from him that which he has learned from his family. One of his prides is his fig tree, which was an offshoot of one from his grandma, with the original tree being from Italy. He successfully multiplied the plant last year, and this spring started two additional plants.  

Last week at our birthing class the welcome question was: What are you most looking forward to about having your baby? The room stayed silent for a few uncomfortable seconds. Doubtful that people had nothing to say, I'm sure we were all narrowing down our long lists to something shareable in a minute or two. 

My response was teaching our child how to read and surrounding it with rich language. As a linguist and a language teacher, that's what hit me first. But as the week went on, Ryan and I kept thinking of other things we could have said. What are we excited for? 

Well (among other things): 

Counting ten little fingers and ten little toes

Seeing our baby smile and hearing his/her laugh

Spoiling our baby with love, positivity, and encouragement

Doing our best at being godly parents who instill faith and values

Family vacations

Experiencing nature together

Watching Ryan be a father

There's a quote I love that goes like this: There are two last bequests we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings" (Hodding Carter). 

What am I most looking forward to? To sum it up, I'm looking forward to giving our baby roots. 

Random Things from this Week

All of these materials are literally garbage. The netting is from a clementine box, the fabric from a bouquet of flowers received long ago and the ribbon probably came on an invitation or attached to a clothing purchase. But I had all of them sitting in my drawer, and they happened to be the only red materials I had to work with. I figured if whatever I came up with was hideous, I wouldn't feel bad about wasting materials that most people would have thrown away in the first place. 

This is how it turned out and I think it's pretty cute. The real test will be putting it on baby (if it's a girl). 

I received this handmade baby blanket in the mail yesterday from a former coworker! I was so touched by her thoughtfulness and the time she put into making this for our baby. Plus, I had a rainbow baby blanket as an infant that's still in my possession.

The first rose buds have appeared!!! YAYYY

Resemblance

For someone who has a very hard time with surprises, my mind can't help but wonder about the very things we'll know for sure in a few short months. Am I carrying a boy or a girl? Will the baby arrive safely? On time? Early? Late? Will he/she look more like me or Ry, a combination or neither?

 Here are some baby pictures of us. It's all I've got to go on for now :) Can't wait to meet the little one and have all of the answers. 

Rosy Hues

 It's been a while since I sat down and made a card. I guess the last one was for my cousin's baptism in February. I had time aplenty, as Ryan's studying for his last architecture exam!! I wrote the text with my Cricut markers, added some ribbon and came out with this baby girl baptism card: 

 While I was up in the attic, I took a stab at some more bows, this time made from tulle. No- I will NOT be disappointed if we have a boy, but I WILL be ready if we have a girl! They're fun to make :) 

Smoothie season again! I love coming home from work and sitting in the sun. A berry smoothie makes that even more enjoyable.

Friday was rough. It took me over an hour to get to work because of flooding and then I spent the afternoon grading state tests. While that part may sound like a break, it gets old real fast. I got home and went straight to take a nap. When Ry got home he had these to cheer me up :) I'm truly blessed by my husband! 

Reasons to Celebrate- We're Having a Baby!

We are thrilled and blessed to announce that we will be welcoming a new addition to our family in August! 

So in love with this man and couldn't ask for a better dad to our little one! 

Happy Mother's Day, ladies! 

Round Two of Mother's Day

We got to spend time with both of our moms today, as well as two grandmas. It was a beautiful, sunny day and so wonderful to relax around family. 

My mom is the best. I know everyone says that about their own mom, but I am so grateful for her example of a strong, loving, selfless woman. 

Three out of four. Missing the oldest. Love spending time with the sibs! 

Round One of Mother's Day

Since we will be celebrating with both of our moms and grandmas tomorrow, we spent today just the two of us. We started with a picnic, then we went to feed the birds (yes, it never gets old to us), and ended with Abbotts on the canal. It was pretty perfect.

Our picnic spot.

Right near where we ate is one of Ryan's firm's projects. I love hearing him talk about the different parts of the building he worked on, and it's so cool seeing his work go from drawings to construction. 

Can't beat it. Mmmmm.

One of Ryan's gifts to me- so we can capture the tiny little baby feet. Looking forward to so much! 

Ready for Baby

Here's the view from the baby's nursery this morning. Loving spring!

Nursery is gender neutral. I'll be posting more pics as it gets more complete, but here is the plush area rug we searched endlessly for!

If we have a girl (we're not finding out) I want to be prepared! It started with a rainy day and a flight delay in Hilton Head and turned into a slight obsession. I've been crocheting bands and then making lace bows like there's no tomorrow. I have parted with some of these as gifts to the cute girls in my life. 

My little cousin always asks me to french braid her hair when we're together. Another thing I'd love about having a daughter. 

Our great friend (and matchmaker!) sent us this awesome onesie a few months ago. She's an architect, too! The most exciting thought about having a son is that he might be just like his dad. Love picturing that scenario- me and two boys to love on. 

One week ago at 26 weeks! Prayers are always appreciated for a healthy pregnancy and baby.