weekend doings

Saturday, we loaded the car and headed to Oneonta , where my brother has a house by the lake. The forecast called for rain every day- but we only received a few sprinkles. My sister also joined us. We shopped for groceries at Hannaford's which I so love, deciding on the meals we'd make/share/enjoy.

My mom and I had planned to stay till Tuesday or Wednesday- but Hazel wasn't feeling it. When I say she wasn't feeling it, I guess I should confess- it was me too. Having only been there a handful of times (all of them with Zach)- I missed him and missed his help I get every night during Hazel's numerous night feedings. I was just so tired and cranky- it didn't feel much like a vacation. Hazel cried down for naps and at night- even though we were trying to stay quiet as church mice- she would wake up crying. So last night I packed up our car and we hit the road mid-morning. But on the way out of town hit the Salvation Army. The next few days will be full of washing, washing washing. The worst part of any trip is the laundry and game of put away when you return. At the Sal's I found a gorgeous quilt, thick, patchwork- lined with wool. It is perfect for the upcoming cold nights. I also found a few books for H and 2 skirts for myself.

Tuesday H and I went to my favorite thrift store, where I found her 2 little tops and myself yet another, striped shirt. All the older ladies love Hazel,playing peek-a-boo and making her smile. Now we're back home dealing with the rainy, hot days. I guess it doesn't help that I am drinking hot cocoa in almost 80 degree weather.

Here are a few pictures from our little weekend. We've gotten a slow start to our week- so bare with us as things start to get more regular around here!

33 Weeks and Counting~

33 Weeks , originally uploaded by hobocampcrafts.

This morning I woke around 4am. I guess this is what everyone is talking about when they say "you won't be able to sleep much". The baby is kicking in a more uncomfortable manner and I have some serious achenes. In addition to a weird, itchy rash on my forehead! I put calamine lotion on it- so now I have a smear of pink, like a crazy birthmark.

I finished getting my shower thank-you cards in the mail- well I'll finish today. Then on the 24th we're going to Rhode Island to see my husband's family, who have graciously agreed to host a shower for us with his family and friends in the area. I'm very excited- there will be a fall theme!!
Since my husband started bringing me up to visit( a few months into dating) it has always been a little retreat-treat We go to the beach, have picnics, eat at lovely little places and sometimes go to The Blue Mitten ( a great little thrift). I love New England. As close as it is to NY- it still feels so different. The cooler air and proximity of a Tim Horton's on ever corner- just says " I love you" with a big hug New England style.
Yesterday I made a surprise trip to my parent's house. My mom and I talked politics- which is always a very calm discussion- b/c we pretty much agree on most things. She was making a meatloaf, which of course smelled good. I stole a few baked-french fries from the stove and I seemed to be OK. We went through some Rubbermaid bins in the shed full of MORE wintry clothing! Just as I thought we had finished and found it all. I am really amazed to the point of embarrassment on just how many scarves-gloves-hats we own. Zach said, "we're cute we need the accessories to go along with that"- what a supportive husband! We both spent about 1/2 hour last night organizing our new found-wintry wealth into our closets. I love seasonal unpacking- it feels like I've just gone shopping and snagged some awesome pieces- only I've freed up a Rubbermaid and haven't spent a cent!

With that I am going to get back to the hat I am knitting myself. I'll leave you with a small list of Gratitude I've been thinking on:
my husband
fall weather
a roof over my head
a nice neighborhood
the ability to work from home
changing leaf color
pumpkin butter
toasty sweaters
xo

Gratitude

All the hub and now the day has come and gone. It was lovely! No I didn't wear a Grecian gown, I wore a purple stripey turtleneck with pinky- metallic accessories. Zach and I played a little matchy-matchy, which was dorky fun. I needed to take Imodium to assure that I could leave the house, so today I am taking the day slow.

The Matchy Couple


Breast Cancer- Donation Flowers from Aunt Gorny


Crazy Shower Games!

We still have another carload of stuff at my parent's house, but between our rocking chair, 2 Frog Pods (we'll need to make an exchange),pack & play,high chair some items just had to be left behind for a pickup today.

The weather held out and even though it was a very tight, very tight mix inside the dining room, I think it was a total success! I got to see so many special people from far & near. It meant so much to me that everyone took such detail in purchasing their gifts or making them. I never thought I would get caught up in baby clothes- but there are some ADORABLE clothing choices out there and thanks to the generosity of family & friends I think I own them all! Yes, of course there was a lot of pink- the decorations were very cute and of course Miss Hello Kitty made several appearances.

Family & friends made food from baked beans-penne ala vodka (my sister's speciality),butternut squash faux mac & cheese,boiled potatoes(for me), chicken Marsala and the list goes on! Everyone had seconds, which was encouraging for the cooks. I made an apple crumble of sorts, I didn't even add the caramel sauce. There was a good amount of brown sugar- so it didn't need it. IBS & Vegan Friendly Apple Crisp It was super easy and came out delicious! I think I'll be heating a piece up for breakfast this morning.

Last night, Zach finished assembling our new rocker and now today we must figure out where it will go. Always a challenge in a small space. But I rather enjoy spinning around the furniture to achieve a new look and new nooks. The reality is setting in I think for both of us, babies have a lot of stuff! I don't think we really even registered for an over-the-top amount, hardly any clothes or toys- mostly the items we needed. Yet, I still feel overwhelmed, slightly. I think if we keep it simple and watch what we allow into the house, we might feel better in control.


One of our handmade gifts was a gorgeous, pink & white check, knit blanket set. One is smaller to cuddle baby, the other is bigger to cuddle mama. Not having come from a family of knitters (me being the only one on my side), receiving a handmade- knit blanket from a family friend (the daughter of one of my mom's best friends- who has known me since birth) just made my day. Once the rain goes away- does that happen in October? I'll take pictures.

We also received some gorgeous littles from Land of Nod. These wooden blocks we were so excited to open.In an attempt to have more durable-non-plastic,traditional toys for Hazel.

Lastly, I didn't even get a darn picture of my sister and mother who orchestrated the entire thing from decorations- games- food and presents.(In my defense- they were all over the place and hardly sat down!)

One of the most touching details was the wishing well. Instead of having everyone bring little tchochkes, my big sis, Susan( who is also a history professor) asked for books- to start off Hazel's library! From Eric Carle - 100 First Words, Hazel's collection has grown into something even more precious. We both have favorites from our childhood, that we merged together and purchased used from the library, yard sales etc. but now she'll have books with bookplates in them and notes from family & friends. Each time we read them- we can be thankful for the idea and the generosity.

Overall, I was just so touched by the generosity of family & friends. To feel that loved and to pass it on to our child is going to be a wonderful experience/adventure.
Thank you for sharing our little shower story. I'm grateful to have the friendly readers who stop by and say hello! Be well xo
M