Dollhouse

A few days ago I purchased Nadia's Christmas gift on eBay. I got her this Fisher Price dollhouse as well as some of the furniture that they sell separately. I hope it's something she really enjoys playing with over the next few years. When I was 12 years old, I made my sisters (ages 8 & 9) a dollhouse. I believe the box I used was a large Pamper's box (my brother was a baby). I remember covering it with contact paper, decorating the rooms, and creating some furniture. I also remember saving up my money to buy the people and some furniture. It was one of the most expensive items I had ever saved up to purchase. I have no idea how much the furniture actually cost, but to a child my age - it was a lot of money. Buying birthday and Christmas presents has been something I've really enjoyed doing for as long as I remember, and I remember in particular how excited I was for that Christmas to come around. After investing so much time, energy, and money (at least it was a lot for a 12 year old who received money about 5 times a year), I was very anxious to see my sisters' reaction when they opened their present. I'm not very artsy/craftsy, so this was one of the few handmade gifts I gave someone. The other exception would be that I did give my mom a few gifts that I had cross-stitched over the years. I'm not sure what eventually became of the dollhouse I made, but I do remember coming across it in a bedroom closet many years later. I look forward to playing with Nadia with her first dollhouse in less than 3 months!

The last two nights I had trouble teaching for 2 1/2 hours straight. Last night I sat in a chair for about half of the class as I felt like I was going to pass out if I didn't sit down. It was awkward teaching from that position so I sent an email this morning requesting a stool for that classroom. I don't normally sit while teaching, but it seems I need to take it easy right now. It wasn't until late in the 3rd trimester that I sat some while teaching when I was pregnant with Nadia. I am grateful I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon. It's my 24 week ultrasound with a perinatologist. I am thankful that my friend, Donna, can watch Nadia while I'm at the appt, and I'm also looking forward to having some time to visit with her.