Spring in Wilmington

Spring has officially arrived in Wilmington. With it, we Wilmingtontonians get to enjoy the beautiful blooming azaleas and dogwoods. Here is a picture of the nice arrangement that Chris picked from our yard this week.

Unfortunately, spring in Wilmington also means that everything outdoors (cars, decks, sidewalks, etc) are covered with a film of yellow dust--otherwise know as pollen. I never minded the pollen too much before. Ugly, but I'll take it with the warm weather. But since I've been pregnant, I have had sinus trouble like I never did before. I get bloody noses, headaches, and general sluggishness from stuffy sinuses. I have heard a few other pregnant women complain about this, but I understand it's not an extremely common symptom of pregnancy. Today I realized that I am suddenly sensitive to pollen, along with just about everybody else. Here's a picture of our front porch covered in it. The porch is usually dark brown.

One more note of interest. I finally found time to stop by the natural baby store in the Cotton Exchange today. I had learned about it at the Holistic Maternity and Family Fair a few weeks back, when I spoke to the owner who very patiently showed me the various types of cloth diapers that are now available. She actually made them seem usable, using her child in a sling on her hip as an example. She explained that cloth diapers have come a long way, baby--they are fitted, much more absorbent, and easier to clean than in the old days. I know that they may not work at all times in all situations, but I hope to use them in addition to disposables. The savings in cost and to the environment just make too much sense not to try them.

This quaint little store in a historic shopping area offers registries, but not on-line. They do have a web site, and people who are looking for a "green gift" can e-mail or call them for my registry. Which brings me to my favorite thing about this store--the name, "You Are My Sunshine". My mom always sang this song to me when I was younger, and she even cross-stitched a wall hanging for me with a rainbow and that phrase. Have I mentioned how much I love my mom? I love you mom!