happy things from a chilly wednesday in london

when i was a teenager, i got really into making "happy things" lists. i'd jot down random little joys from everyday life and loved looking back on them, especially when i was feeling a bit less-than-glad. i've continued listing happy things throughout the years at random times, and it always helps me to remember how much beauty is around me and how much there is to be grateful for.

i was a tad grumpy this morning because i'm so ready to be done with cold weather (which seems to have returned with a vengeance this week in london!) and because i have had a series of third-trimester-induced terrible night's sleep. but i jotted down a few random, small tidbits of life that were making me happy and immediately found a bounce in my step. i remembered how outrageously privileged and blessed i am and had a productive day.

i have a pile of draft blog posts in the works (holy land travel tips, thoughts on pregnancy and my transition into motherhood, a giveaway for cute maternity clothes!...) but for today i just wanted to share a few little things that are making me happy! what's on your list?!

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-one morning recently, when i came out of our front door onto the bustling street, i saw a tour guide on the corner with a few tourists. i overheard just one sentence that he said as i walked by: "...and this building is where charles dickens went to school..." tiny moments like that remind me how stinking cool of a place i live in.

-this weekend the boy and i excitedly opened up a big box that had arrived from amazon. inside was a little moses basket and stand - our baby boy's first bed. we were giddy about putting it together. we pulled the plush fabric  - which was advertised as being "cream/white" - out of the box and simultaneously asked each other ... "does that look a little pink...?" haha! we decided that our baby boy is going to rock his subtle pink bassinet! it's set up in a corner of our bedroom and pretty much every time either of us see it we freak out a little with excitement, considering there is going to be a little human - our little son! - to fill it up in just two and a half months!

-the project i've been managing at work has been evolving in really positive ways, and this week i've solidified with my colleagues how my work can best continue over the next few months and after baby boy comes. i'll be shifting my focus to an element of the project that is more schools-facing (rather than concerning the entirety of the large organization supporting the schools). this week i've presented at and participated in some really productive meetings and i'm excited for what's ahead and my opportunities to contribute.

-i have been able to stay super active during pregnancy. yesterday i relished a vigorous yoga class (which i've been doing about once a week) and held my five minute plank (which i've continued to do about three times a week). i'm really, really grateful for my health and that of baby boy, who is continuing to move around inside me so much! this week he has gotten the hiccups a few times, which is kind of a fun sensation but i hope he isn't too bothered! :)

-when we were in israel, my sister saydi sent me an email that revealed the best surprise - flight confirmation to london for both her and my sister saren! they are coming for a week and will be here for my baby shower! i am so so so so so delighted by their surprise and so so so so excited to see them and be in london with them.

-tomorrow night, we are flying to bratislava! we are going to spend a long weekend (hurray for bank holidays!) driving from slovakia and around slovenia, and exploring budapest.

-amidst our so abundant and advantaged life, i've been working on discovering different ways that we can serve more. i am so jazzed about gojanegive (in case you can't tell!) and am devising two different fundraisers using that platform (more information coming soon!). in the meantime, i'm inspired by my friend meg and my sister saydi's fundraisers. check them out, especially if you are interested in expert tips on homemade baby food or portrait photography. if you live near boston, london or salt lake city, donate to book a photo session with my brilliant sister and contribute to refugee relief at the same time. {here's her blog post about her fundraiser. she articulates so well there how i too feel about perspective and my cushy life and wanting/needing to give.}