Life in the Third Trimester and Autumn Love

Life is slow and easy for me right now, as I enjoy these final weeks of pregnancy. Well...OK...let's be honest...I don't enjoy every bit of it. It's astounding the clumsy and exhausting gymnastics I have to do to wash dishes (I have to literally lean with outstretched arms because my belly is in the way), put on socks, shave my legs, or cut my toenails. Actually, I've given up on cutting my own toenails. Ramon had a go at them, which gave us a good laugh, but didn't do much for my toenails, which are now shorter but also very crooked. My back aches, my feet are sore, I snore, and take about 2 minutes to get up from a sitting position. (Am I pregnant or 90 year old?)

But yes, I am enjoying parts of being 8 months pregnant. It has forced me to take everything very slowly, and to prioritize things (anything that has me bending down to pick something up off the floor is no longer a priority). I have fully succumbed to daily naps and encourage the same from the dogs, who seem to be alright with this new laziness. I make a big pot of Third Trimester Tea every morning and drink cups of it throughout the day. On walks with the dogs, I move at a snail's pace without meaning to. But I don't beat myself up about it. It's just the way it is right now.

While waiting in line for the butcher at the farmer's market yesterday, my sister-in-law told me that, after Rafael is born, I will feel so incredibly light. Just the thought of that made me sigh. Light! I can hardly imagine! Right now my footsteps sound like a huge ogre's, and my walk can really only be described as a waddle.

But again, all of these 'uncomfortable' things are teaching me a lot. Acceptance, for example, and sacrifice. If this is what I have to go through to be united with my son, I'll take it all, and gladly!

It's funny how August always has me thinking of September. While most people are hanging onto Summer and soaking up every bit of it they can, my mind is already drifting towards sweaters, fall foliage, pumpkins, and cocoa. It's not something I am proud of, because I think it's always best to live in the moment and revel in what the current season has to offer. But what can I do? I am utterly smitten with all things Autumn.

With all of this free time I have, being pregnant and all, I spend quite a bit of time on the internet, and as some of you already know, one of my favorite places on the internet is etsy. I've had some fun putting together cozy, autumn-themed treasuries these past few days. Here are some of my favorites. Click on the treasury title to go to it and be able to browse the handmade and vintage items.

'My Heart Belongs To Autumn'

'Woodsy'

'Loved'

'Pale and Slate'

'Weekend Pleasures'

I'm alone this weekend...Ramon is on a business trip until Sunday evening. I'll be making soups and chicken paprikash for the freezer, maybe some muffins and cookies too.

But all very, very slowly. :)

Latest Treasury Collection

It's been raining, raining, raining. So besides walking the dogs and running errands, I am at home, cleaning, napping, and surfing the web (aaaah, the luxuries of being lazy in your third trimester!). I've been having some fun putting together etsy treasuries, collections of handmade and vintage items that I find beautiful or intriguing. 

I'm happy to say that the vast majority of gifts and baby items I've purchased over the past year have been through etsy. When I'm looking to buy something, whether it be a baby blanket or a birthday gift, my first move is to go onto etsy and see what I can find there. There are so many unique, marvelous, interesting, and even reasonably priced items. I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again: Buy handmade! It's so awesome to support people in their craft. Your dollars go to an individual and support their dream of being a self-employed artist or crafter. It's such a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

OK, enough etsy praise. Here are some really wonderful things waiting to be admired and, hopefully, bought.

Click HERE to view and buy from this treasury.

Click HERE to view and buy from this treasury.

Click HERE to view and buy from this treasury.

Click HERE to view and buy from this treasury.

Thank you all so much for your feedback on getting Boston operated. I was really relieved to read so many messages in support of our decision. I'm making an appointment today!

Treasury Share

When I have a free 1/2 hour, I like to sit down with a cup of something warm and create what's called a 'Treasury' on etsy. Treasuries are collections of beautiful items from different etsy shops, and it's become somewhat of an addiction of mine. I love finding things that seem to fit perfectly together optically, and blending colors to form a gorgeous compilation.


I thought I would share a few of them with you once in a while. 


Click on the image to see a larger version, and click on the title to go to the Treasury on etsy where you can order an item you like, or discover the shops where they are from.


September Simple :

Farmhouse :

Saffron & Rust :

Instant Vintage Collection :

Kiki Hearts These :

So many wonderful, talented etsians!


I hope you enjoyed these. Which Treasury is your favorite? Which items are calling your name? (They really like to do that, don't they?!)


Oh, and TGIF! The sun is shining here....the dogs are being mischievous...birds are at the feeder. I'm about to hop into the shower and get this glorious (albeit busy) day started.

xoxo country girl