Grace, Gratitude, & Gift-Excitement

Thanks for "listening" yesterday. Something I've been thinking about since posting: there are similarities between ALL first-time mommies, no matter how we're getting there. Perhaps I'm struggling with "adoption brain" along with my normal new-parent worries. Perhaps most people worry about balancing their jobs with parenting responsibilities. Perhaps these recent grey & rainy days are affecting me like they usually do.

Time to give myself a little grace.

(Future post to come on what that looks like and how it's workin for me.)

I was reading in John 2 this morning about Jesus turning water into wine at his friends' wedding. It reminded me that God cares about my celebrations in life. These times can be stressful with all of the bustle and trying to make ends meet. But Jesus provides enough to celebrate fully. He sustains the joy. For that, I feel extreme gratitude.

Speaking of which, we have been the recipients of so much generosity recently! This little house is starting to look like a little girl will live here soon! Some dear friends threw me a baby shower this past weekend, and Rhet is going to be living large!

Thought I'd share with you a few items friends have gifted us with over the past several months that I can't wait to use soon:

Britax Roundabout Carseat

Super pumped about this sucker. Nice and girly for the little lady, but I can easily put a cover on it for future boy-child if necessary. Not that that matters--picking out a carseat totally reminded me of choosing running shoes: looks don't/can't matter. Everything I've read about this car seat has been positive. This is a small bonus I get to adopting a child who will be at least 12 months old by the time she comes home--no infant carrier systems! Convertible carseat was the only box to check...lucky me. :)

I know not everyone finds the need for the backseat mirror, but I am going to use one--something about not knowing what Rhet's little face looks like (is she sleeping, happy, mad?) back there is unsettling. We have an Eddie Bauer puppy dog mirror that will do the trick and will keep me in the know.

Fisher Price Space Saver Highchair

I originally registered for a super-cute girly version of this high chair. However, using a giftcard to purchase it at the store gave me the presence of mind to choose something a little more gender neutral. So thankful for that revelation of future-mindedness, as the blues, greens, & browns in this chair actually "fit" with our dining area and blend in with the background. This chair was in the "save" category, and I am loving it's simplicity.

I should also mention that I am a huge fan of all things Munchkin. They totally reel me in with their modern feel and creative ideas. Snack bowls with flexible openings for little hands, spoons that change colors when they're too hot, little mesh holders to aid in eating risky treats (like grapes) = sign me up.

We're also going to be using bottles in the morning and evening to aid in attachment to our little cutie-pie. (Posts on attachment in adoption to ensue, I'm sure. But if you're curious, check out this book and this book!) Bottle of choice: Avent. However, solid foods are on the menu for most of Rhet's day, so she's now the proud owner of some cute plates. bowls. & spoons as well.

Moby Wrap

Have any of you used a Moby Wrap? Have any of your HUSBANDS used a Moby Wrap? Carriers like this are supposed to be great for attachment, and I am very excited about how comfortable this wrap looks. However, while this was a "save," I'm wondering if we also need to purchase a carrier in the "splurge" category (Baby Bjorn or Ergo Baby) for the fact that it looks a little more acceptable for a father to be wearing it. I know I'll be loving this for home use, but I wonder if the structure of a pricier carrier might be worth it. Thoughts?

Okay, I'll end with 2 splurges and a simple save:

gDiapers

Oh yes, my friends. I will be delving into the world of cloth diapering soon. gDiapers are our weapon of choice, for three reasons: 1) Their hybrid flexibility (you can choose a flushable insert or a cloth insert), 2) Their reviews & customer service, & 3) They are so dadgum cute.

Our first shipment of Rockin' Green laundry detergent is due to arrive any day now, after which you'll get my run-down on the mysterious and intimidating world of cloth diapers made simple.

This is a splurge AND a save. Up front = splurgin' it. But in the long run, I am super pumped about doing the laundry instead of zipping that debit card over and over and over.

BOB Revolution

I see more marathons in this momma's future! I am super-psyched (yeah, I just said that) about this guy. SUPER easy to break down, set up, and roll along. In the past, I've just been a slow runner that can run long. NOW, I can can look respectable running long with a stroller--that looks hardcore! :) I'm excited to get to share my hobby with my daughter--maybe when she's big enough, she can run next to me instead!

Here comes a save that every household with a child should have:

I. Love. This. Book. It was my childhood favorite, and I'm so happy it's still around. I found it hilarious to rebelliously turn the pages as Grover warned me about the monster on the last page. At the end of the book, well, I won't give it away, but things aren't as scary as Grover thought.

I'm kinda hoping parenthood is that way, too. ;)