BabyMail is exciting stuff. We got some more a few nights ago, part deux of an internet auntie’s gift was the dust ruffle and crib sheets I’d registered for.  Perfect timing, since we JUST got the mattress, and I was so excited to get the ruffle on (there’s a phrase I never thought I’d use) that I tried to do it myself, which, not so much. Balancing a crib mattress on one’s head, while leaning (or trying to lean) into the crib, at 7 months pregnant, to arrange the ruffle didn’t work so much. I’ll need assistance to finish the job, but I have the front part straightened out right!  Looking at the crib, though, it’s so… weird.  Aside from the weirdness of the crib existing itself, and why we have it, and all of that, it’s the crib the internet built. No, really. Sheets and dust ruffle from B, sleep positioner and blanket (WITH SILKIE!) from KB, fabric waiting to be stitched into a quilt and bumper cover was purchased with the generous handoff of Joann coupons from J. (Which, HA! Now that I think of it, who ELSE would have sent those to me?) Not to mention the receiving blankets, onesies, sweet little toys, practical supplies, etc, that are in boxes waiting to be used, all from people I met because of the internet. There is more in that backroom from y’all than there is from anyone ELSE at this point. How weird and cool is that?  I’m so thankful for the friendships I’ve made over the 5+ years I’ve been interacting with most of these people, and am totally humbled by their generosity.

My shower invites went out, and I invited five friends, and felt so odd ‘only’ having five friends to invite. (And one of them isn’t that close, but a former coworker that would help ease the weirdness for Deb, who, as you remember, my SIL complained about when goodniece had her as a teacher..) But then, I look around the (total clusterfuck, currently) of a baby room and am reminded that I have some GREAT friends, they are just far away, and even despite their distance, they are still part of this whole experience for me. It’s really quite amazing. So, hey. The official word is in the mail, but thanks. Even those that don’t send STUFF, but support us through the comments and email and kind thoughts, thanks. It’s not about STUFF, in the end. The stuff I’ve received is lovely, for sure, but it truly is the thought behind it that really amazes me.