Paint (and Many Thanks)

Bed is calling my name.  But I have a bit of time before my head hits the pillow and I feel like writing a little.  Plus, I just slapped on my first coat of "Big Apple Red," ninety-nine cent nail polish (you know, the N.Y.C. brand).  And unless I want to wake up with cat fur and sheet imprints decorating my manicure, I best let it dry.

So, I type...

This week was busy.  Good busy.  Tired busy.  But at the end of the day, I-feel-accomplished-busy.

I like that kinda busy. 

Monday night, Steve and I headed out to paint some pottery for baby girl's room.  We've been talking about making a date of it for months.   

The piggy bank I was hoping to find was out of stock, so I went for a heart-shaped plate.

And Mr. went with a vase.  I had to kindly talk him out of a giant cat figurine he was eyein' up.  Yes, this crazy cat lady said "NO" to the pottery cat monster.  It was scary and quite hideous.  Trust me.

It's always so relaxing - painting.  I kinda lose myself while I make a mess and let colors bleed into one another.  I don't take it too seriously and it makes it that much more fun.

I don't think Steve and I said more than ten sentences to one another the whole time we sat there. 

I like those moments - where silence speaks so much more than words.

My favorite part was signing the back of the plate.  I painted on the date and "To our sweet (baby girl's name)."  Showed Steve.  And had one of those silent moments again, where we looked at one another and smiled big teary smiles.

We're looking forward to picking them up this week and putting them in the nursery.

 We ran into my brother during a little snow shower, before we painted and grabbed a few slices of pizza.

My mom knows when I'm in need of coffee.  Even though it's decaf, I can still pretend.

Nicholas and I had breakfast together.

Friday snow...

We didn't get the huge storm I was hoping for (I'm one of the crazies who loves snow).

But it still was enough to make for pretty drives.  Especially on "country" roads.

Perhaps, it wasn't the best day to go car shopping, but

  our Mountaineer was about to blow up.  Well, the gasket actually did.  And mama and baby girl needed something safer and more reliable.  My Civic has been so good to me all these (dozen) years, so we decided to add another Honda to the family...Steve Dad will be driving "Old Betsy" once baby comes and I'll be totin' Little Miss in the Pilot.

"the mama mobile"

The title of my last post could easily be fit for this post as well.

Kind and generous are just a few words to describe some of the friends I've met through blogging. 

I have so much gratitude for the thoughtful gifts we received this week.

Last week, I went to my mailbox to find a gift from my friend, Brittany.  I "met" her last year through blogging and was instantly drawn to her happy spirit.  I loved reading about her journey to motherhood - all the excitement and joy in each one of her posts is refreshing and inspiring.  She's a beautiful new mama and her son, Bear, is adorable (and one lucky little man).

She was so sweet to think of baby girl.  In the box, was Sophie, the giraffe...my friends all swear by "her" and for years, I've been hoping I'd need good ol' Sophie.  It's times like these, I find myself so overcome with emotion.  The realness of it all sets in again and again. 

And then, a ladybug bath mit and teeny, precious socks.  

She was so thoughtful to think of me, too.  Makeup!  In colors I adore.  I tried it all out right away and walked around the house with one eye made up and bright pink lips.

Made my day.

Lora, a reader of my blog, sent a box of goodies.  Kitty treats, a calendar and candy.

I was literally telling Steve how I felt bad I forgot treats at the grocery store for the fourth time in a row the night before.  So, when I opened the box, I smiled so big.  So did Twinkie!  What a wonderful and perfect gift for this crazy cat woman. 

She made baby girl a gift, too.  I was so touched that someone I've never truly met made her something.  

When I opened this gift and card from Tami, it made me teary instantly.  Tami is one of the few bloggers I know that lives in PA, too.  It was awesome when we found out we know of and have been to a lot of the same places.   She sent us a pretty baby shoe ornament.  I can't wait to put it on our tree next year. 

Thank you, ladies.  So very much.  I am so grateful for your support and thoughtfulness. <3

My cousin, Ashley, came over tonight for a visit before she heads back to college. 

 Steve joined us for a feast while we all caught up.

Let's see...how many times have I brought up cats in this post?  Not enough.

Ashley got baby girl sweet and cute outfits that scream "I love cats" (she's another crazy cat lady... it runs in the family).

And these newborn-sized booties - I.cant.take.it.  They fit my thumbs.

31 week (okay, a day shy of 32 weeks) bump shot 

Okay, my nails have been dry for at least twenty minutes.  Time for bed. 

I'll be back next week.  I've got a lot of "special" nights of writing coming up.

Wishing everyone a relaxing and happy Sunday! <3

Thankful, Weekend Lovin',