blogging, nesting, and the beautiful holiday

Oh wow, it has been too long. Really. I miss my blog :)

But I am happy that I have a found a place where I can blog here and there and not be too worried about it. I feel more open to blog when life allows it instead of making it something that is another item on my to-do list. Also, my blog isn't really something I want to update every day; I think of it more as a place to share my images, record large-scale movement in our family's life, and cultivate a place that reflects my aesthetic. So thanks for reading along. If you like the pace and experience of reading and looking here, then I want you here. I know I promised pictures of Piper in my last post. Those are still coming... I just want to show how grown she is getting. Such a bright, shining little girl.

The urge to nest, to cull, organize, and make my home environment beautiful and functional is a very strong instinct for me. I really do want to throw out/sell every unnecessary/unattractive item that is in our house. Simplify. I know this is part of pregnancy and everyone experiences it, but I am honestly surprised at what a driving and motivating force it is. I am thankful for it-- I am tired, my back hurts, but I have this urge to make everything right before she arrives, and it helps me stay focused. I am finishing the last of my holiday orders, I already finished holiday markets, and I am focusing entirely on my home... preparing for Christmas, preparing for Larken Winter, beautifying  Piper's room and spending time with her and Trevor. Sweet Tyler threw a wonderful baby shower for Larken, laid-back with food that tasted amazing and white decor. I was and am amazed at the generosity of friends who came together in support of our family and this new little life. It was perfect. There is still so much to do to prepare for Larken's arrival but things are starting to come together, especially now that Trevor's semester is over and he is home. His final semester of law school is coming up. I am so happy.

Our first Christmas tree is up, and Piper is so excited about it... she had a hard time falling asleep last night, and every time we went up to check on her she wanted to know if the tree was still here. I think I mentioned this before, but this is our first tree because for the five years we have been married, we have traveled for holidays. We lived in Portland, OR for our first three years, and have driven from Georgia up to SC for the last two. So this year is the first year that we have done some Christmas celebration of our own. It's so beautiful. I hope to do a post about it all, complete with Piper pictures :)

Merry Christmas. Be back soon.

xo