Cleaning up some blog stuff today and tidying the space.  Nesting here too, I guess. 

A quick V-Day craft and a few sponsor shout-outs before their pretty side buttons are put away.

Instructions:

1. Measure around your child’s head and cut lace trim a little longer than this size (need overlap to fasten Velcro).
2. Attach Velcro strips to ends of trim so that it securely fastens as a headband. Set aside.
3. Choose 4-5 white feathers (stiffer feathers take paint/glitter and stand up better). Paint just the ends of feathers pink and/or red.
4. White paint is wet, sprinkle corresponding color glitter on painted ends. Let dry.

5. Hot glue ends of feathers to the inside of headband. Let dry.
6. Voila. Bribe your kid to let you put the headband on her and smile. Cute, huh?

A few of our holiday sponsors are ending, and I wanted to give a big thank you to these great businesses who help make frequently contributing on this blog possible.

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MARIA DISMONDY, Children’s Author of these beautiful books that incorporate important morals with entertaining stories.  We have each of these, and I love the discussions that arise after reading them.

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LEVITICUS JEWELRY:  Artist Tara Levitin combines art and fashion to create her memorable pieces composed of mixed metals and stones.  Her site is full of unique and beautiful finds.

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SWEET SEAT: Washable, portable and durable booster seats and bibs in a range of retro, vintage and classic patterns. 

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HAPPY CAMPER STUDIO:  Affordable, soft, hand-dyed dresses and t-shirts for your littles.  Check out the Valentine’s Day dipped dress.

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HOLDEN ON BABY: Lauren Isobel shares her style and adventures with her little boy, Holden, on this blog.  I’ve found so many cute baby boy products and shops through Isobel, and I love peeking in on her beautiful photos and great style tips.

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THE ALBUMS:  Watch this video and sign up for the premiere of a new way of sharing your family and photos, in a boutique setting.  If blogging hasn’t worked for you, and you’re looking for an easier, streamlined way of sharing photos, vacations and family experiences, be sure to check The Albums out.

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Happy Day.

“Mom,” Lainey whispered this morning as she poked my face, attempting to wake me up. 

“Mommmmmm!  I need to get ready for school.  And I want a cinnamon bread cream cheese sandwich.  Wake up.” 

She left me alone, tangled in sheets and rubbing my eyes for all of thirty seconds before returning to make sure I was out of bed.  I’m usually the first one up, so perhaps today is a good indication that we did a lot this weekend, that I went to bed too late last night or, I don’t know, maybe there’s a nearly full term child living inside my body who sucks a little blood flow.

I finally pulled myself from bed and headed to the kitchen where I simultaneously juggled making breakfast, searching for a motherfreaking sock match and tying together a broken hair tie because it was the last one I could find.  I hurried to get Lainey ready and went over everything I needed to get done today–a “work day”–in my head.  I randomly designate certain days as “work days,” although this means absolutely nothing because every day is a work day and going so far to call a day “work day” means it will turn out to be a nothing-got-done day.  Clearly.  Regardless, I made plans and pumped myself up.  Today’s going to be good.  You’re going to get so much done.

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A blogging friend asked a group of writers a few questions at the beginning of the year to initiate some good conversation, one regarding goals for 2013.  I thought about it a moment and, without hesitation, answered a somewhat contradictory response that involved both professional goals that require time and effort as well as personal goals that require being more present for my family.  “I know these are contradictory,” I explained, “but I believe I can do both.”

Talk about balance; beat a dead horse.  We all deal with it, and even if we happen to be especially good at walking the tightrope, juggling responsiblities, rocking out the multitask, there are days when everything falls apart and we analyze how we can do it better. I don’t know why, but lately I’ve been feeling very comfortable with the dichotomy of Chasin’ Dreams Me and Raisin’ Babies Me.  Both identies exist and need to be nurtured, and just as mamas can spread their love and attention to multiple babies, I too can create and write and connect while being present for this family I so cherish.

I love the creative challenge of molding these two identities.  They aren’t opposites, and I refuse to look at them that way.  To be honest, I am more creative and productive in my dreams when I focus on being fully present for my family.  And I am a better mama and more attentive family member when I also make time to nurture my talents and interests.  We are a great many things.

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This morning, I wrote several e-mails, checked in on the fund raiser, edited photos and outlined some exciting ideas.  And when Nella dragged a baby doll into my room, held her hand out to take mine and babbled the equivalent of “Come, follow me,” I took her hand and let her walk me toward her room to play.  We stacked blocks, fed babies and pointed out things that are red in her color book.  She followed me to the kitchen where I cut heaps of vegetables for soup tonight, and I watched her pull Tupperware lids out of the cabinet while I savored the scensory experience of chopping.  The rhythmic movements of the knife; the sound of sharp metal hitting the cutting board; the scent of parsley and onions and garlic; the vibrant contrast of orange and green, carrots and celery; the cold drops of condensation formed on a leafy head of escarole.  I was present, and it felt good. 

Our living room reflects our busy weekend of company and sleepovers, and yes, there’s work to be done, children to be fed, homework to be finished, ideas to be manifested and a baby on the way.  Tomorrow’s a work day though, so…ya know.  It will all get done.

We push forward.  We pull back.  And we can do both.  I am excited about the coming weeks and what they hold for both this blog and our little family.  I’ve asked some beautiful women I respect and love–some who are a lot like me, some who are very different–to help me add to this blog space and give us a little cushion of family time as we prepare for and welcome our boy.  I’ll still be sharing, but there will be many layered posts in between with some new voices, good writing, beautiful photos and shared ideas.  We’ll celebrate mamahood and creativity and the balance of chasin’ dreams and raisin’ babies.  So get your drink of choice ready and prepare to make toasts.

With all that said, our weekend…

My friend Rebecca from Indianapolis, Beloved Houseguest #1 last week

My niece Savannah from Michigan, Beloved Houseguest #2 last week

And Saturday night, Heidi hosted the most beautiful, cozy, candlelit celebration for Baby Boy. I love this little village of women.  And I am savoring these last five weeks of waiting.  If I close my eyes, I can smell him already–that sweet newborn perfume you inhale when you go to kiss the top of their head where silky hair swirls into a little tuft.  Be still my baby-cravin’ heart.

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And Friends, thank you, thank you for helping us launch N3lla’s Triple Crown.   Since launched, you helped us raise $8,000.  In one day.  The train’s out of the station, and it’s chuggin’.  I can’t wait to share more next week about our mission and continue our celebration of three sweet years with our girl, our family, and this community.

I spent Friday evening talking with new friends in a cozy living room not far from our home. My friend Rebecca came with me, and while we intended to stay only fifteen minutes or so, we found ourselves exchanging hugs two hours later with people we seemed to have known for a very long time—a warm and friendly couple and their twenty-nine-year old son, Matt.

I’ve known Matt since he walked up to me at the Valentine’s Day Dance last year and pulled me to the dance floor, no questions asked. I say I’ve known him and yet really, I don’t know much about him except that he can dance, he owns a room when he’s in it, he’s thoughtful and genuinely aware of others’ feelings, and when he’s wearing his cowboy hat, he likes to be referred to as “The Lone Sheriff.” We’ve shared many dances, Matt and I, but it wasn’t until Friday night that I really learned more about Matt’s life.

Matt has Down syndrome. And that statement is the only thing many people walk away with when they see him working at McDonald’s or riding the bus home after his shift or sitting with his parents at a restaurant.

That’s what I would have walked away with three years ago, and I’m so glad I know differently today.

Friends, Nella turns three next week. Many of you have been reading since her birth, a few even before, and many new friends have joined this year to read and share and be a part of this community. Since Nella turned one, we’ve decided to use this time of year to celebrate the many ways in which we are different and to ask your help in raising awareness for individuals with Down syndrome.

This beautiful community right here raised over $100,000 for the National Down Syndrome Society in honor of Nella’s ONEder Fund two years ago. Last year, you helped us raise another $100,000 and have continued to contribute for a current $208,698 to support the efforts of the NDSS in raising awareness and advocating for the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

We are so grateful for this community and the way that you have embraced the mission our family shares with over 400,000 other families in this country alone. We want our children to grow up loved and valued. We want them to have opportunities for education and fulfilling jobs. We want the world to see their personalities, their abilities, their smile, their determination and not just an extra chromosome. Thank you, thank you for what you have given, for how you have shared.

We ask for your help again, on the celebration of our Nella’s birth. This year, we’re launching N3lla’s Triple Crown to celebrate three years of life.

Can we stretch our goal to $300,000? I think we can.

If you come to this blog to read, to look at pictures, to share—if you find something valuable in this space, we ask that you give back to a community who needs a louder voice. I pay $20 a year for a few magazine subscriptions that make me happy. I pay $5 for a tall cappuccino when it’s worth the splurge. And yes, $5 and $10 donations make a difference. You’ve proven it two years in a row. Please help us celebrate three years by donating to N3lla’s Triple Crown for her birthday this year.  Every dollar goes to the NDSS.

How much I’ve learned in three little years. How differently I see people now. I learned a lot about Matt the other night as well as some other friends, and I can’t wait to share more in the coming weeks. 

In the meantime, I am remembering where I was three years ago. Much like right now–pregnant, waiting, dreaming. Seriously, this girl rocked our world in the most incredible way.

Loving her hurts so good, and her squinty-eyed, squish-nose smile will forever remind me what an absolute blessing she is.

I hope you see the vibrant, inquisitive, gentle little girl we do.  A girl with a very bright future.

Please join us in celebrating three years.  Join us in showing the world that Down syndrome does not define our children.  There’s so much more we want you to see.

Thank you for giving, for sharing, for being part of our journey.  More to come this month!

Learn more about the mission of the NDSS and contribute to N3lla’s Triple Crown HERE.