BeautyRevealed | The Blog of Melissa J. Dillon

“Babies are bits of stardust, blown from the hand of God.”

- Barretto

Our Itty-Bitty Little Girl had her first ever party last Sunday afternoon! My sweetest Sister-in-law, Angela, and my two very dear friends, Becky and Heidi, threw a perfectly pink party for our little one. It was such a special shower! And despite a very snowy/icy day, almost everyone was able to make it.

Angela decided to use Mom and Dad’s cabin in the woods for the special occasion, and when I walked in I squealed with delight. Pink and white everywhere… it was beautiful! Fresh flowers, polka-dots, ribbons and all things sweet and pretty for this little darling. I can’t wait to show her pictures of how much she is loved and cherished already.

Angela created this sweet collage from pictures of me when I was a baby and child. If our baby girl is anything like I was, she will be c.h.u.b.b.y! Mark is hoping she will be… I’m not so sure.

I loved the diaper cake… it was full of fun things: pacifiers, onesies, diaper rash ointment, a rubber ducky, plastic utensils…

And the delicious cake! I love the little baby carriage on it… it matched the invitations. So many sweet details were thought of by these girls.

Mark and I were so blessed by all of the wonderful gifts showered upon us and our little one. We were overwhelmed by the kindness of so many family and friends. I am busy putting away gifts this week and washing clothes and blankets in Dreft. I’ve been working on her nursery, and it’s so much fun to see it all coming together. The drawers are getting organized and little dresses are hanging in the closet. We are still waiting for her crib to arrive, but her crib bedding is here and washed and ready to go. I’ve been waiting till it’s all done so I can post pictures of the finished nursery. Then I’ll show pictures of all the wonderful gifts from everyone. She received so many cute things!

Today Mark installed her car seat so we’re ready to bring her home whenever she decides to make her appearance! It’s just a little over 3 weeks until her due date, and we’re counting down the days.

Angela, Becky, Heidi and Mom ~ Thank you all for such a lovely party! I was tickled pink! Thank you for showering us with such love. And thank you to everyone who could make it on a snowy afternoon to celebrate our much anticipated “little joy” with us.

We love you all!

Melissa, Mark and little Baby Girl Dillon

“Our life us frittered away by detail… simplify, simplify.”

- Henry David Thoreau

Have you ever felt that life is spinning out of control… that life is “happening to you” or passing you by before you can get a chance to regroup? I’ve had these times all too often over the last year, and as I sit and ponder the whole of 2009, I realize that this is the area in which I would most like to change. I realize that busy seasons come to everyone… but when it becomes season after season of busyness, it begins to feel like life is passing by in a quick blur without so much as a chance to enjoy it. Jim Elliot said,“Wherever you are, be all there.” But I cannot “be all there” if I am spreading myself too thin.

So this is why I am thrilled to embark on this new year ~ 2010. This is a fresh start to live deliberately and on purpose. S.l.o.w.i.n.g things down and enjoying and absorbing the experiences in which I choose. I want to live in the moment. I want to live a simple life… basking in the sweet glow of small, simple moments. I must cut out the extra things in order to embrace fully those things which are most important: Daily quiet times with the Lord, loving my husband better, cherishing my newborn baby girl, disciplining my homekeeping, exercise, and healthy eating, and developing rituals. I am determined now, more than ever, to learn how to balance my needs in all the areas of Spirit, Soul, and Body. I don’t want to look back in many years and have regrets of not quieting myself enough to enjoy and engage in the simple and most important aspects of my life.

I know that many people don’t do New Year’s Resolutions anymore, but I still love the tradition of reevaluating our lives at this time of year and seeing what needs to change and improve. It’s a time for a fresh start. So my word for this year ~ for 2010 ~ is SIMPLIFY. And it excites me tremendously!

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” - Hans Hoffman

So my question for you is… what is your New Year’s resolution? I would love to hear what is on your list for a fresh start in 2010.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!