On Homemade Things

I am lucky to have some very creative people in my life.  I (and my family) truly benefit from their talents.  Take a look!

Tom and I have been working on finishing our basement since we moved into the house.  Once the walls, paint, floor, and trim were in place, we loaded the room with furniture and more kid toys.  Then we hung up some wall decorations.  But there is a lot of wall space down there and it needed something else.  So, we asked Tom's sister, Christine, to make us some canvas wall hangings.  She did that....and more.

Thank you, Christine.  The basement now looks complete!

For Colleen's birthday, I received a special gift from my mom.  A cloth timeline with the text messages that were passed back and forth between my family members while I was in labor.  What a neat way to remember a day that will forever be so important to me.  And, to be able to see it through the eyes of the people I love makes it incredibly special.  In addition, my mom also made a beautiful quilt that you can see here.

Thanks, mom.  I read it often!

My best friend Jennifer is one of the most talented people I know.  She is the type of person who, when she can't find a Christmas tree topper she likes, spends an afternoon making one herself.  I love this about her.  In her recent package she mailed me for my 30th birthday, she also sent a pair of slippers she made for Colleen.  Colleen hasn't worn them much yet as they are a little big, but I can't wait to see her walking around in them.

Thank you, Jen!  I miss getting together to be crafty!

Tom's mom has made several sewn gifts including a toy bag which we use each day taking items to and from daycare.  She also has made Colleen two taggies.  One before she was born that is gender neutral and then the one pictured below that is a bit more girly.  While this picture is from a few months ago, she still likes her taggie and is sleeping with it tonight!

Thanks Andrea!  I know Colleen loves these!

While this picture doesn't do it justice, take a look at the afghan that Tom's Aunt Mary Ann made for Colleen.  I can't imagine the hours she spent creating it.  But it's the perfect crib blanket and Colleen loves each night when Tom tosses the blanket over her face and she laughs as she pulls it down.

Aunt Mary Ann, it's beautiful.  Thank you!

These aren't the only homemade gifts we've received.  And I want to thank everyone who has gotten us gifts-homemade or store bought-they are all greatly appreciated.  It is so nice of you to think of us!

On Weaning

No more bottles.  No more pump parts or pump bags.  No more hiding in my classroom for thirty minutes three times a day to pump my milk.  No more nursing.

It's been many weeks since I last nursed Colleen.  It all went by so fast.  I felt like I thought about the weaning process longer than it actually took.  I don't miss washing bottles or pump parts and I really don't miss pumping.

But, I do miss nursing.  It didn't require much.  Just Colleen and myself and perhaps a quiet space.  It was time for her and I to be together.  Something that I could do for her.  And it seems so bizarre now.  How much of a part of my life it was-an entire year.  But now I'm done and it doesn't seem like it was that long.  When I was nursing and pumping, I often thought about all the "extra" time I would have once Colleen was weaned.  And while I notice that I don't have a pile of bottles that must be washed when I come home from school, I don't feel like I've gained a lot of time back.  My planning at school still feels short and nighttime routine now requires a nightly bath and brushing teeth instead of nursing.  I kind of surprises me how nursing so quietly became a part of my life and then how quietly it slipped away like it had not happened at all.

But, I'm glad I did it.  I know that nursing isn't for everyone-like cloth diapers or having an epidural.  I am lucky to have supportive friends and family that encouraged me to stick with it in the beginning when I was struggling.  So for that, thank you.  And I hope that I find, in the years to come, more things that I can do for Colleen, just her and I.

On Turning 30

This year, I turned thirty.  To celebrate, we decided to head to Ohio so I could celebrate with family.  My parents were nice and offered up their house for the party.  They spent many weekends getting ready including taking the time to make some beautiful decorations.  Mom sewed the sweet garland that they hung inside the kitchen since it rained on the day of the party.  Cupcakes were made by my sister and brother-in-law and were a big hit!

 These puff balls were made by my sister as well.  The orange and yellow ones now hang above Colleen's crib.

Pictures of me growing up.

Some yummy food including...

 berry salad

 tuna, chicken, and egg salad

and sangria!

I had lots of guests.  Actually, I think we might have had thirty people there!

 Colleen taking a nap with my best friend's mom, Karen.

Even though it was rainy, we still went outside to play some ball.  The field looks great Dad!

To all you twenty-somethings, don't worry, turning thirty isn't so bad.  Especially when you have family and friends to share it with. Thanks so much for sharing the day with me!