29 years

(Kirsten in 1979 and 2008)

Today I turn 29 - doesn't seem quite possible! Neither does it seem possible I'll be meeting our little baby any time now!

I made it to my due date...

...and I can still see my toes! (barely)

Still hanging in here

Just thought I should throw up a post so if anyone is checking in on us they can find out I am still pregnant! Tomorrow's the due date and he has not decided to make his arrival (yet). So, I am trying to let go of guessing what day it will be! Got a couple pages for the baby scrapbook done today. The self-portrait one kinda freaks me out, but I think it is fun to record my growing belly. :) I'll will keep y'all updated!

We had such a nice weekend - my mom and dad came over Saturday for lunch and stayed to help with some little projects around the house, including hanging all these shelves above my art desk. I love the new set-up! Notice I'm not showing you any other part of the room, which is a bit of a disaster area right now. Trying to reorganize and clear out what I don't use anymore.

Then Bill's parents came over yesterday with our nephew for some thrilling games of "Hungry Hungry Hippos" and they helped put together the stroller and swing for baby. We also got to meet my brother's fiance for the first time as they were passing through town. Busy times, but it felt good to put a few more things in order.
One of the last touches I wanted to add in the nursery were decorative curtains. I finally got the panels and ties all sewn up. Tonight I finished sewing the last of the ties while I listened to It's a Big World, a great album of lullabies that Deb just gave me. I love their style and the lyrics are so sweet. Thanks Deb!!

recommended listening

This beautiful tulip was a gift from my sweet coworkers who had a potluck for me at lunch today. Tulips are one of my favorite flowers, so it is wonderful to have it brightening up our home a bit on this rainy day.

Thought I would share a few of my favorite podcasts - I like to listen to them while I'm sewing and scrapbooking. Now that I have a connector cord in my new car, I can listen on the road, too!

PregTASTIC - probably only interesting if you're pregnant or related to someone who is, but I've found it super informative and fun to listen to. Basically a round-table of pregnant women chatting about their pregnancies, plus guests who are experts on any given topic.

This American Life - same as the NPR weekly show, but it comes straight to my iTunes instead of tuning in on the radio. If you've never listened to this show, you should!

Scene Unseen Movie Reviews - 2 buddies, one sees a movie, the other just checks out the website and promotional materials but does not see it. Then they discuss the movie - and also everything else under the sun. Each week there is also a theme where people can write in with their movie picks. (FYI - the language is often not for mixed company) Fun listen for movie fans.

Anyone else on the podcast bandwagon? Any favorites to share?

Handmade gifts

The baby has already received so many wonderful and generous gifts already... I thought I would show off some of the fun handmade gifts that we're looking forward to using.

Rachel picked out this Itti Biti set for us. I love the sock monkey print and the idea of the little "ouchi" pack that can be used hot or cold. They are made locally (in North Liberty) by a mom and daughter.
Then Wendy found the Zadyball on Etsy and I think baby will love it - here's what the Etsy site says - "What is a Zadyball™?
A Zadyball™ is designed first of all with babies in mind. They are soft to hold and cuddle, and have lots of strings to grab and rub. Lots of babies have a “lovey” and many times the item they pick has something for them to rub – whether it’s the corner of a blanket or the nose on a teddy bear. The knotted ends of the strings are great to fulfill baby’s need for something to rub!"
Then, a few days ago, these gorgeous handmade fabric blocks appeared in our mailbox from Meredith via Sister Sue Designs on Etsy. Oooh, this shop has lots more goodies to check out, too.
Finally, here is a screenprinted onesie from the White Rabbit in Iowa City. I love this camera design and she makes so many great prints, it was hard to choose just one.

A lovely Saturday

Was it a beautiful spring day where you were today? I hope so. It was so nice to have a sunny and warmer day to enjoy. Feels like Spring might actually be ready to take hold.
This morning Shelley came over to do a "belly" photo shoot with me. I'm 38 weeks along as of yesterday, and I wanted to make sure and document how I look and feel as I'm nearing the end of my pregnancy. I have been one of those people who really enjoyed being pregnant - lucky not to have any serious complications and just full of joy anticipating meeting this little guy. Shelley is so talented and has already been whipping through the photos on photoshop today - you can see lots more of her great work here.
Then I went up to visit Wendy and the kitties. We had lunch, fed the kitties, then took them outside to play on a blanket. There are not many sweeter ways to spend an afternoon than lounging in the springtime sunshine with a good friend and 5 little bitty kitties. More kitty cuteness on flickr.
Tonight I'm watching The Queen and working on making birth announcement cards. Just hanging out. Looking forward to some good sewing and scrapping time tomorrow!