FOCUSING ON THE LITTLE THINGS

Sometimes when I get overwhelmed thinking about the huge, impending change that is coming our way, I find it helpful to focus on the little things.

Perhaps at times I tend to focus on ridiculously insignificant things, like finishing these fake cacti planters (tutorial coming soon) that have taken an inordinate amount of time to finish, but that's besides the point.

The other weekend, we spent time working on the nursery.  I shared the before view a few weeks ago here.  These pictures show the progress we've been making, and it's even further along now thanks to all my mom's sewing skills.

It seemed like an insurmountable project at first to do the nursery.  I have very little patience for these longer projects that span several weeks and tend to want things done right away.  But it's been a nice area to focus on, slowly chipping away at this room that will soon be occupied by a very special resident.

Two of the bigger projects we worked on that have made a huge impact in the room were painting this black dresser my mom found at the thrift store for a steal and replacing the dark ceiling fan with a white one to brighten up the room.

Here's my dad and Wade installing the new fan.  The box said it would take 5 minutes to set up.  The box lied, but it was worth it.  At least to me anyway (who didn't have to actually do any of the work).

Giving a final coat of coral to the dresser.  It's amazing how adding a fresh coat of paint and new hardware made this dresser look like a million bucks.

Crib sheets finally decided on!

All the heavy lifting has been done in the room and now I'm just decorating it and adding special touches.  I can't wait to share the finished room soon here.  Whenever I feel those crazy pregnancy hormones come out, I go in the nursery and instantly feel calmer.  Rocking in the glider, working on little headbands has been my favorite activity as of late.

I've gotten all the supplies for a photo book to document this part of our lives as we wait for Roo, but still haven't tackled it yet.  I have all these moments I want to write down that I swear I will remember, but know how easily the years sweep these memories aside with new ones.

I want to remember this time of excitement, of anxiousness as we wait for baby.  Since I know things will be changing soon, I seem to more in tune with the present.  You've probably noticed that I haven't written much in this space.  While I wasn't doing that consciously, the more I think about it, I realize that it's because I've preferred being in the moment when I'm at home.  Taking time to piddle around Roo's room or go for a walk with Wade.  Then coming home and watching TV.  I'm enjoying the simple things...and the quiet, without much regard to keeping up a schedule outside of work.

After my mom and I painted the dresser and were waiting for it to dry, we drove to pick up pizza and brought it back home to eat with my dad and Wade.  I relished just hopping in the car with my mom and talking about everything we had done that day and about things still to do.  As we ate the pizza with my parents, knowing that our double dates would soon be changing, I found myself trying to soak it all in.  Trying to capture the feeling of excitement and exhaustion as we talked and laughed.

Later, my mom and I walked up to the nearby ice cream shop for a little desert.  We've been taking trips to get ice cream and treats since I was a little girl, and I remember thinking to myself to hold on to this moment.  The evening was clear, the mosquitoes were just starting to come out, and I had a feeling of utter contentment as we spent this time together.  Soon we'll add another little girl to our walks, but I'll always treasure these times alone with my mom.

Writing this all down makes me realize even more how I really need to start on that photo book.  I want Roo to be able to look back at it some day and see how much love and attention went into welcoming her into the world.

Some changes happen in an instant and others we aren't sure will ever actually come to fruition.  Then there are changes like this one where we know it's coming and when (at least we have a ball park timeline).  These types of changes allow you time to look around you and soak everything in. 

Talks are a little deeper, Laughs are a little lighter, and hugs are a little longer.  And I love all of it.