Goodbye 2nd Trimester!

The second trimester is coming to a close and the third trimester is about to begin.  I can't believe how fast time has gone by...already 26 weeks!  And for the first time, just a couple days ago, a stranger asked when I was expecting.  That was an exciting moment - knowing that I've "popped".  

With the end of the 2nd trimester, also comes many new and exciting changes for Jordan and I.  First of all, I quit nannying a week or so prior to our St. Louis trip and am now prepping for our big move into a 2 BR apartment.  House hunting is slow, but keeps me busy.  I even put together a "packing/cleaning plan" so that come the moving date everything is ready to go without rushing to get things done at the last minute.

Granted, life would be pretty tedious and boring if packing and apartment hunting was all I did.  Another pass-time that has brought many hours of entertainment and great deals is freecycle.  This is a website that allows people to post things they're getting rid of for free in the area.  I signed up for the Los Altos group...it's a more established and well-off part of the Bay area.  One of my first finds was a Christmas Advent Calendar.  

This project was started, but never finished by its previous owner.  So I took on the task.  I nailed, sanded, painted and assembled most all parts.  I must say, I was pretty excited with the end result.  

Each day leading up to Christmas the numbered boxes have a new ornament to add to the tree.  By Christmas you have a decked out tree: 

With the stockings I'm making and this new advent calendar, I'm feeling our home will be much more of a Winter Wonderland this year :)

Freecycle has also been the source of many great finds.  This past week, I found a Pali crib being given away for free.  Come to find out, the crib was in practically new condition - barely a scratch or ding to be seen!  (Not viewed below because it's now disassembled for the move).  After packing up the crib, the family also asked if we'd like a portable high chair.  Of course, I said yes.  And after washing it up, it's also proven to be quite a find.  Not only is it in great condition, but I was glad that it has neutral coloring!  

Jordan and I are feeling so blessed right now.  Yes, the expenses of a baby aren't too extreme, but when you think of all the little and big things you absolutely need it's sometimes a bit overwhelming.  The generosity of our friends and family in helping us to prepare for our little guy has meant so much to us.  And receiving the crib and high chair in practically new condition, for free has been the cherry on top...filling us with much gratitude.  

Lastly, I'd like to share my most recent baby project - a swaddling blanket.  Some of you may remember that I made one for my Visiting Teachee.  It turned out so cute I just had to make one for our little guy too.  You can' have too many blankets!

In case you can't tell, the back is checkered yellow and white, the front has little elephants all over that say "stomp".   

I suppose it's no wonder with following freecycle, house hunting, preparing to move, and doing baby crafts that time has flown by.  With each day and each kick from the baby I get a bit more excited for our little guy!