Belles and Beaus

Tonight was my first experience with the local bi-annual consignment sale Belles and Beaus! First, I want to say a very special thank you to my sister-in-law Katie for helping me get in at 4PM with her extra consignor's pass. I had previously signed up for the "New Arrivals" club, which would have gained me access at 7, but for a variety of reasons, I am so very thankful I didn't have to wait!
To say I felt overwhelmed and under prepared is probably an understatement. I had in mind some very specific items to get - the first goal to be finding a stroller. Retrospectively, I should have let that one go quickly, but that was the one thing I had done the most research on so it was in my 'safe' zone - despite still feeling totally out of my league. Once I was able to recognize it wasn't going to happen in a way I was 100% comfortable with, I was able to move on. I did score some other great items! For approximately $160 I came home with:
-a fisher price cradle me swing $65
-a bathtub with 2 slings $10
-an activity mat with the cross bars and some toys $15
-a cheapie bag of additional infant toys
-two sun screens for my car $5
-12 maternity shirts (most $5)
-2 pairs of pants (thought I had more but must have put one back - may check for more on 1/2 off Sunday)
-1 maternity dress ($10)

I did call Trip part of the way through for some spousal support. Poor thing is still in Texas and must think I was crazy. Thankfully he wasn't on a fire when I called (see below), and pretty much said "Do whatever" but it was still nice to feel like I wasn't alone. Although I had always planned to grab the big items at the sale, I found myself having much more difficulty with aesthetics than I initially thought. I could have easily bought a bouncy seat for $15 or less, but didn't want something that looked old. Lame. I know. Oh well, both grandmothers wanted to make sure there were plenty of items for the registry - and there will certainly be!

It was hard not knowing the gender, but that did allow me to avoid most of the clothing and focus on other areas. The next sale in March won't be quite so easy! I'll probably have a variety of big, small, and clothing items to look for. And it turned out to be a good thing I had already talked with my mom about helping us get a glider as there was exactly 1 at the sale, and I definitely didn't want it!

After the sale Katie and I returned to her house where her mom had graciously cooked dinner (while keeping Hannah). This was especially nice! I have developed a nasty cold over the last few days, and it was wonderful not having to cook after work and the sale. I came home with the intention of getting some homework done, but spent most of my time laundering the new maternity stash and cleaning up my room a bit.

Here are a few other recent updates:

• today marks 17 weeks, yay!
• I have felt Baby Tigger move, but only sporadically. There have definitely been a few kicks/punches while at work though...
• next appointment is September 23rd, but it shouldn't be anything special
• Trip has been in Texas fighting wildfire since Tuesday the 6th, and should come home on the 22nd. I CANNOT wait!
• Unfortunately, Trip has to work the weekend he comes home
• Another unfortunately, the only field crew under Trip handed in his resignation while Trip is out of town - his two week's notice is effectively over when Trip returns - which means there is the chance that Trip's work schedule is going to be AWFUL for a while
• I am taking my last class towards my LISW-CP, psychodiagnostics. It started last Saturday, and ends on Saturday the 1st of October (happy birthday to Jasper)