Knocked Up East of 61st: Nesting

Now that we're in full-on prep mode for the Piglet (that's her nickname via Mondo), I'm finding myself behaving in what is apparently typical behavior for first time mothers-to-be.  I'm researching and obsessing over everything.  And right now at 5 months, my focus is on continuing to lug my tired butt to our awesome downtown gym Urban Health & Fitness at least 3 days a week and obsessing over the room that will become the nursery.  Crib bedding has been my most powerful obsession thus far.  (I know, I know, sad).

Here's what's even crazier than my obsession over crib bumpers and skirts: from what I've found, there are no baby stores on this sandbar.  We did have a cute little boutique downtown that I guess never reopened post-Ike.  Gracie's on the Strand does have some cute stuff in terms of toys, clothes, books, and diaper bags.  (I highly suggest picking up an Ugly Doll.  We picked out Piglet's first toy, Poe the Ugly Doll there).  And, I believe there's some other stuff here and there in our local shops, but for the big stuff?  It's Target & Wal-mart or bust and by "bust" I mean the Mainland.  We've done a couple of trips to the Mainland to check out the big stores like Babies R Us.  Not impressed.  Okay, maybe a bit overwhelmed is more accurate.  I mean seriously, when did everything for baby girls become powder pink?  Not a fan folks.

So, I did what any full-blown nesting and obsessed American first time mother-to-be would do:  I ordered custom crib bedding.  For shame - I know!!!  (Insert red face shame here).  I just couldn't do the light pink or cartoon characters.  I know she'll be demanding those things on her own in no time at all (I mean how does anyone truly fight that tidal wave?), but I want to spare us the insanity for as long as possible.  So, I went to one of my favorite online worlds of all time, Etsy, and found a great online shop.  Mondo and I picked the fabrics and ordered the bumper and skirt.  I'll post some pictures when it arrives but for now we're going Island colors meets vintage (sounds sufficiently Galveston, eh?).  In the meantime, I'm looking for more cool, non-big box store items.  Preferably on-Island because we've got to keep it local when we can.  What stores am I missing?

One more thing!  I do have a suggestion for readers looking for teethers (admission: I called it a "chew toy" the other day. Yikes.)  This teether is apparently the item for babies right now.  My adorable first cousins once removed (basically my cousin's kiddos) love her:  Sophie the Giraffe and yes, she's French.