The Nicholsons are Having A Baby and We're Having......Wine

Having dealt with the blow that is infertility earlier this year I am happy to report that we have emerged on the other side, unscathed, but more thoughtful and focused on enjoying what is while we wait for what will be. This means we can still have wine (or champagne) while celebrating the births and birthdays of babies all around. So far this year, we've welcomed or celebrated the first year of 5 of our friends' children and look forward to meeting our new niece in December. My friend Hill will have her first baby, Scarlet, in November, and my longtime friend PID-R in Seattle will welcome Baby Rice sometime around Christmas. What a blessing for my friends and family as each one of these women is over 35 and two are well in to their 40's!

Certainly, I've learned this year that life doesn't always happen exactly as you expect. Instead things you never imagined somehow make their way into your world and you realize that just because it isn't what you thought doesn't mean it's bad. In fact, the unexpected can build character, provoke deep introspection and make you appreciate that life is happening now.....don't miss another minute! So, while we are waiting for our trip halfway around the world which will catapult us into the maze that is adoption when we get home, JSM and I are choosing baby gifts, organizing meal trains, and relaxing with plenty of wine and lots of wrapping paper. This shower I attended was for my sweet friend Hillary in Lake Oswego....what fun!

The hostess thought of everything! It was an absolutely beautiful day for a wonderful woman!

Enjoying Hillary's special day.....

Scarlet (and Hillary) got lots of loot!

A baby.....at a baby shower!

The neonatologist got a book of "safe" baby handling tips! Haha!

Oh no now!

One of the guests made this beautiful quilt - impressive!

With Hill.....she'll be such a wonderful mother!

Baby shower decorations pacific northwest style :)

Flowers everywhere - even in the windowsill!

I only photographed them....wish I could say I'd made them, too!

September Black Eyed Susans are spectacular!!

While we take a break from thinking of all things baby, adoption, birth mother, and embarking on parenthood while considering retirement (JSM is 11 years older than me after all) we have decided to enjoy the what is, the now, and the what will be by spending time together now and having fun. We recently discovered a fantastic winery just down the street in Battle Ground, WA. and we spent an evening at The Rusty Grape enjoying a glass of vino with a wood fired pizza and a local Caprese salad....yum! 

Atop the hills of Battle Ground

Oh, and before I forget! We bought a car...... for democrats. So my father says. If that's the case, it should be blue, but at any rate I'm happy to represent in my brand new red Subaru wagon. I just think we finally made a good decision when it comes to what I drive and bought something practical and fun! Thanks for my new car, JSM!