Winter in Chicago has been very mild so far this year, and while snow currently covers the ground, it was just last week that temps were in the 50s. Knowing that soon we wouldn't be getting outside as much (partly because of the cold weather to come and partly because there will be a new little baby) I decided we should take advantage of the warmer weather. So we took a trip to the Morton Arboretum to walk around. I posted about the Arboretum back in the Fall, and I can still say I really like this place. I am glad that we got a membership. I am looking forward to the Spring when Anabelle, baby Charlotte and I can take walks there and enjoy the gardens. For early January, it was pretty crowded last week with lots of other like-minded parents wanting to let their little ones run off some energy. It was a beautiful day!

Stopping to take a break and eat a snack.

My Mom, Anabelle, and I have been doing lots of shopping around here lately. As Anabelle is getting bigger, she is requiring some new things; step stools to reach all of the bathroom sinks and toilets, and a new potty seat. We aren't going into full potty training mode yet, I think we'll wait till after the baby arrives to really get into it. However, Anabelle has shown a little interest, so I thought I better have some supplies on hand so that she can test them out. So far it has been a fair amount of trying with no success, but she is enjoying the process and for now that's enough.

Showing off her new potty seat.

We also found an adorable outfit for Charlotte to wear home from the hospital. It was challenging to find something that would be warm enough, but was still sweet. It's hard to tell but this one is velour, which I think is a little warmer than a regular knit. And even though I love all the polar fleece animal themed outfits that they have out there, I really like something simple and sweet for a coming home outfit. This one is perfect, thank you to my Mom who got it for Charlotte!

I am still working on finishing both Anabelle's room and Charlotte's room, and while I have made some progress-like sewing Anabelle's curtains, selecting fabric for some projects, and finding things like a crib skirt and hamper - I still have some projects to complete. I hate to show you any pictures until it's the finished product-sorry you'll have to wait.

For Anabelle's room I still need to:

*finish a pennant banner I am sewing

*upholster her box-spring

*hang some artwork, shelves, and a mirror

For Charlotte's room I still need to:

*sew some curtains

*hang artwork

I am hoping to have this all done in the next week or two, but we'll see how it goes... life always seems to get in the way :)

We have also started pulling some things out of storage; like the car seat, bassinet, and lots of newborn baby clothes, diapers, burp clothes, etc. Anabelle has been a great helper, and I try to include her in all of the preparations. She is starting to understand a little more that very soon, there will be a new baby in our lives. We try to have lots of conversations about what a baby is like and what they can and can't do, and how Mommy and Daddy will take care of Charlotte. A lot of people ask me if Anabelle understands that she'll be a big sister? I find that question interesting. Yes, she can tell you she'll be a big sister, and that there is a baby inside of Mommy and that soon that baby will be coming home. But really? No. You are asking me if a 2 year old understands the magic, mystery, and miracle of creating, growing, and giving birth to a human life? Geez, sometimes I don't even understand it!