Just waiting

Perfect split.  Living room on left, tiny kitchen on the right.    Gotta love 60s architecture.

 My sister made this beautiful autumn wreath for me last year.  I left it up all year, and it's held up nicely.  Can't believe Fall is already here again. 

 Photo/ art arrangement that I'm quite happy with.  It's nice to finally get a "look" you like.  Seems to take me a lot of time and a lot of cringing to end up with an outcome I like. 

                                                                     Tranquil bedroom

 Serenity, a.k.a. "Kit"/ "Serenity Mon Jennity" (don't ask... Vasi came up with it), "Fatty mon Jatty", etc., etc., guiltily peering from her cozy spot in... drumroll please:  The Baby's co-sleeper.  YEP.  She sneaks into it any chance she gets.  There she is, her Royal Fatness, curled up on the quilt I made for New Baby.  That's right, Cat, just make yourself at home.  I made this bed up just FERYOU!!!  I've scolded and removed her too many times already-- I've given up.  Once the Baby comes, I'll get really mean.  Just you wait, Kit. 

 Updated front entry way.  Being that our house has a mid-century, split-level design, this little hallway makes for an unsuspecting focal point of the house.  We pass through this area often, as we hike up/ descend down two sets up stairs, and rush through as we head out the door.  Naturally, it's the first thing we see when we arrive home; the first "room" that greets family, friends and visitors.  It once was home to a Dollar Tree adhesive key-ring hook, a thrifted mirror and a sorry little coat rack.  Not to mention lifeless white walls smudged with wee handprints.  I never assumed this area could aspire to much more, until I drew inspiration from DesignSponge "Best of Entryways" photo collection.  I may not have a complete mudroom with room for a charming bench and cubby holes for shoes, but that's okay. 
 I shared my wainscoted vision with my dad, the DIY mastermind!  He put in the bead board and the molding.  My mom helped me with the glossy coats of white paint.  Job even cheerfully pitched in and helped me paint the remaining walls a happy yellow.  New light switch panels and a  proper child-friendly coat rack were installed by Dad (already in good use, as you can see), as well as a key ring.  Now I plan to add some framed art, some icons and a nice mirror to finish it up.  Oh yes, the wainscoting supposedly needs a second coat of paint (hence, the blue painter's tape), but it's almost done.  Ack.  Excuse the trashy "Baby Bratz" stroller-- hahaha.  I really need to cover up that dumb "Bratz" character with fabric.  we've had that thing for nearly five years now.... I guess it trumps any "classiness" I'm going for with this home improvement.  Ha!  Oh, how kids keep you humble... :)

And here I am, working on waiting.... growing bigger, bigger by the day.  I think I have a dismorphic view of my body... I look down at my belly and I don't "feel" huge, but then I see pictures or look at my reflection and wonder who that large pregnant lady is.  Trying to enjoy these last days/ weeks of pregnancy instead of begrudge them.  Trying not to play too many mind-games on myself and convince myself I'm going into labor after one or two Braxton Hicks.  Trying, trying to finalize a name.  It's hard, though, when there are so many wonderful Saints and Feast Days in September... kind of makes me want to stay flexible and wait to see what day she's born on (Saints Faith, Hope and Love, perhaps?  St. Euphemia?  Could I have a Stavroula on my hands, here?  :D).

And just to update you, my sister had her baby a week and a half ago!  She was the one who waited to find out the gender, and she gave birth to a sweet little GIRL!  We were all so delighted and shocked-- we were convinced she'd have a boy :)  So that makes three girls, one down and two more to "go"!

Just wanted to share some of these pictures.  This September afternoon light is so gorgeous, and I love the way it fills the house.  I hope you are well!  Thanks for reading, and please continue keep me and Baby in your prayers!  I can't wait to meet her...!  :D