Welcome Baby
Wednesday, October 7th Update:
We're doing great! Matthew Junior is healthy and strong, and he has been helping me in the photo and print studio several times a week. We've given up on taking a maternity leave, and instead, we're just working through our orders at a relaxed pace. I'm very grateful for your patience as photo and print orders have been taking a little longer than usual. And I'm pleased to report that I'm just about caught up, and delivery times are (almost) returning to normal.
We are SO grateful for all the gifts and love we've received. The clothes, blankets, diapers, food, and other gifts have been incredibly helpful! I feel so blessed and supported by the greatest community in the world. Thank you notes are coming--but in the meantime, please know how much your gifts, cards, and messages have helped.
Monday, September 7th Update:
Happy Labor Day, everyone! Baby Matthew is home! We're so happy for 24/7 snuggles.
On our way to the NICU for the last time yesterday, one of you was delivering a casserole to our door--what perfect timing and SO appreciated. I have the best creative community in the world.
We hit the proverbial ground running today and headed to the shop to work on a few photo and print jobs. I wanted to get settled in while the shop was closed, and I'm really glad I did. Matthew Jr. now has a few places to lounge, including against my chest, and he has taken over the "Classroom B" table with his changing station. It's very snuggly to have him with me in the studio (he'll stay away from the public shop side while he's so young).
He slept the entire time, but he'll still receive full wages.
Friday, September 4th Update:
Two days after my last update, on August 15th, my Little Love arrived six weeks before his due date, on the weekend before the shop’s busiest two weeks of the year! I thought that he and I had an agreement to wait until after our back-to-school rush, but his early arrival is the ultimate reminder to cherish what’s most important. And thanks to an amazing crew, all 400+ class kits were built and delivered.
Matthew Jr. has been in the NICU but is doing great. Born 6lbs. 4oz. and now about 7.5lbs., he’s a healthy boy and expected to be home sometime next week!
A maternity leave during BTS wasn't possible; I have been working continually from the hospital and home. But when Baby Matthew comes home, I’m slowing down and taking a breather. For the next several weeks, I will take my version of maternity leave. I will continue to teach on occasion and fulfill print / photo orders at a leisurely pace. Thank you for your patience as orders will take a little longer than usual.
A special thank you goes to our customers who reached out about a meal train and to Ava for setting it up! If you'd like to help my husband keep me fed during this time, you can sign up here.
Thursday, August 13th Update:
Hi friends, Kristen here 👋 I've decided to keep this page going, as a space to post updates along the way. The most recent update will always be at the top of the page.
- I had another lovely visit with my fetal specialists today (and the midwives earlier this week), and I'm happy to report that baby Matthew is happy and healthy! Likely, I will deliver earlier than the 40-weeks due date of September 27th, so we're looking forward to adding a tiny member to our shop team in mid-September.
- For the days ahead, I've turned off our local delivery service (I'm the delivery driver). You can read more about that, and other shop news, here: https://kaartist.com/pages/news. As always, we will work with you as needs arise, so reach out if you need a local delivery. Otherwise, we'll continue to offer store pickup, curbside pickup, and shipping throughout the USA.
- Once I'm on maternity leave (likely starting in mid-September), services like fine art photography and archival printing will take longer than usual. Hopefully everything will go smoothly, and I'll be back at the shop periodically for service jobs in early-mid October. I'll keep you posted!
Thank you to everyone for your encouragement, love, and support. It's truly a blessing to be surrounded by so many lovely friends and customers. 💕
Hi Everyone,
We're thrilled to announce that we're expecting a shop baby (boy), due September 27th!!
Please join us for an open house baby shower on Sunday, July 26th, here at the Artist Shop. Drop-in any time you like between 1:00-4:00pm.
We're planning a full day of games, but the specifics are still TBD, so check back here if you're curious which activities we'll be doing and when.
Kristen says your presence is the only present she needs, but if you'd like to check out her baby registry, you'll find that here.
We hope to see you soon to celebrate this new, exciting chapter at the shop!
Please RSVP here.
With Love,
The Artist Shop Team
