The Aftermath

6 Weeks Post-partum 

Size of Baby: Ha! We'll find out, officially, in a couple weeks but I'm pretty sure Birdie is pushing into the 13-14lb range. Some 3-month clothing is still fitting her but I just pulled out a handful of 6-month clothing. The girl is a long one! 

Weight: Between baby, placenta, water weight, extra blood, etc, etc, I have lost 35 pounds. I'm 5 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight but I believe that's being held up between breastfeeding (up two cups sizes!) and the little tummy I still carry. 

My belly button is...err... not where it originally started. I still have a linea nigra, but I'm hoping it'll start fading sooner than later. My little pooch is littered with pink stretch marks that I HOPE will go away eventually. (Please, please, please, please, please, please, please!!!) 

Continuing Symptoms: Sinus congestion. Go figure. 

New Symptoms: My hair has slowly begun to shed, my wedding ring fits again (hooray!), swelling has gone away, night sweats are subsiding, inner mama bear has become more ferocious, and I've become more sentimental. (ie: Cannot tell Mila I love her without tearing up or read her On The Night You Were Born without a lump in my throat.) I'm also a LOT more laid back as a parent than I anticipated. 

Clothes: Since the day I was released from the hospital I've been on the go. (Ehh major surgery shmurgery) I credit that, and the fact I have to lift our turkey-bird baby all day as my workout. However, breastfeeding has been the biggest cause of my slim down. I'm. Constantly. Feeding. Birdie. The first few weeks I stuck to leggings and maternity jeans because of my c-section incision. Now I'm completely out of maternity pants and shirts. I've purchased a few new tops, a new pair of skinny jeans, and a maxi skirt. Now the challenge is to continue to slowly update my wardrobe while keeping in mind that tops must be breastfeeding accessible. 

Sleep: I'll be the first to admit that Mila is a very content baby AND easy to please (see previous breastfeeding comment) I KNOW that I'm very blessed in that department. Mila-bird does have an occasional "witching hour" that's more like "witching 3 hours." For the most part she has three predictable, long naps during the day, catnaps in the evening, and is asleep by 8:30/ 9pm. Those who are close to me know that I have a 9 o'clock feeding ever since I was born- which means come 9pm it's cereal eatin' time. Birdie has a 12am feeding that she NEVER misses. After that she (and I) sleeps in 3-4 hour stretches. Sometimes she can go as long as 5-6 hrs. 

What I'm Eating: My eating habits haven't changed that much from before. I'm definitely not eating or indulging as much as I was when pregnant. Right after Mila was born I started having gallbladder pain that really, really hurt. I cut out all fatty foods for a couple weeks and it went away, thank goodness. (Apparently that can happen when you have a c-section...?) I've discovered that Mila's little body cannot handle me eating a lot of acidic foods or lots of potato-y things. Acidic foods turn into a terrible diaper rash and too many potato-y things turns into an upset tummy for her. 

Cravings: I would love, love, love to indulge in some In-N-Out but I'm being very, very good by staying away. Partly for fat content (gallbladder), partly because it's just not that healthy and partly because of Mila's potato issues. Other than that I'm LOVING avocados... daily. 

Special Post-Partum Moments: 

There are a loooot but I'll keep it simple: 

1. The fact that my mom gets the biggest smiles out of Mila. 

2. Just watching my dad hold her. 

3. The text messages I get from D saying how sweet and pretty Birdie is, that he "misses his girls," or that he was super teary eyed when he saw her birth. I cannot tell you how much more I love him since Mila's arrival. 

4. Receiving two beautiful, vintage linen blessing dresses from Mila's "GiGi." Ironically they're exactly what I was getting ready to purchase but I didn't tell anyone besides D of my intentions. It was meant to be! 

5. Introducing Birdie girl to our favorite Bishop. He has supported both D and I individually and as a couple. 

6. The way Mila-bird sleeps: on her side, an arm flung over her face, snuggled up close to me and making little coos, sighs and squawks. 

7. The way Bogey lays next to Birdie in her swing or when she's on my bed. How Roo finds me and does her potty dance to alert me that Birdie is crying before rushing to her side. 

Shh... Baby Is Sleeping

Just when I was ready to piece together Birdie's room in Cannon Beach we learned that we had to move. So we did- to Seaside. Then we left on vacation days after moving. Having to reorganize a house at 7+ months pregnant was hard, and delayed putting together (or even unpacking shower gifts) Birdie's room. I got as far as putting together the changing table and swing. Then we received orders and had to pack and move again- to California. It's frustrating that 90% of what I planned on doing in Birdie's room I either can no longer do (goodbye vintage baby cradle, goodbye pinterest plans) or have to wait on.

I find it surreal, and odd at times, that I'm back in my parents house 9+ months pregnant with two dogs. Not only back in my parents house but back in my old room: my high school room that was converted to my niece's room that's now been reconverted to Wifey-and-Birdie's room. High school memories are tucked in between children's books, baby dolls, dog beds, a pack n play and swaddling blankets.

I have to get used to an idea in my head before I become comfortable with the real situation. I've been trying to- mentally- reconvert my new reality into ideas in my head to become comfortable and okay with them. Take, for example, the hospital. I was soooo excited to be delivering at the hospital in Seaside. They're child birthing views clicked with our own. My hospital in Clovis? Ehh... not too excited about. I really enjoy and click with my OB and midwife but the actual hospital was a major step down.

Then it hit me: all of the new situations and realities that I've been thrown into are merely a trade off. All of them, for the most part, have been for the better:

- Instead of staying in a really nice hospital room for 24 hours I get to mother Birdie in an extremely nice home AND room. (My parents have gone out of their way to accommodate us, and have rushed some home improvements, too. Hello, new closets, tv and hardwood floors!)

- Instead of navigating motherhood alone I get to be surrounded by more support than I could ever ask for.

- Heat and sun instead of rain and cold... enough said!

- Nana, Papa, Grammy and Grandpa will be able to see and experience Birdie in her infancy. They would not of had this opportunity before.

- My mom gets to experience my pregnancy and Birdie's birth at the cost of D being away. While not ideal at all, my mom didn't get to do this with her other two grand-babies. D has selflessly sacrificed a very special day in order to set up our future. We also know that 4-ish months apart is nothing compared to what other military families have to experience.

So, the crib is still in a box, our things are in storage and we haven't had a chance as a couple to experience nesting. I keep reminding myself that our next move will more than provide all of that. For now I'm pretty content with what I have been able to do and the with the generosity that my parents (and in-law's, too!) have been providing.

Without further ado here's Birdie's first little nest:

 Rocking chair and swing

 Newborn & 0-3 month outfits

 Odds and ends: books, rattles, wet bag, toiletry items, etc.

Lovelies, fancy socks and shoes, and larger sized cloth diapers 

 Diaper bag is packed and ready for the hospital. Video camera is ready, too. 

Baby central: Cloth diapers and wipes, swaddlers, receiving blankets, onesies, sleepers and gowns, socks, extra sheets, changing pads and burp cloths.  

Pack n play with changing table attachment next to my bed. My mom made that pink blanket when she was pregnant with me.  

 Cute sign that used to hang on my door when I was born. Birdie's name and birth year will be added onto the backside underneath mine. 

My favorite thing to look at: Cloth diapers and fasteners on the left and wipes and diaper covers on the right. (With blue hippo that was mine as a baby) 

40+6

40 weeks + 6 days overdue

Size of Baby: Approximately 20 inches from head to toe, or about the size of a small pumpkin. She weighs in the 7-7.5lb range. (I keep forgetting to ask my OB her guesstimate.) 

Total Weight Gain: I'm up a pound again. That brings my total pregnancy weight gain to 28lbs. 

Continuing Symptoms: Nasal congestion, swollen hands and feet, and just plain hot all the time. Some days are more "comfortable" than others. 

New Symptoms: Welcome back, acid reflux! It comes during the middle of the night and, at times, almost feels like I wake up choking. Tums and a little ice water have been doing the trick. I've also begun to leak colostrum. I have in the past but it's becoming more consistent. 

Labor Symptoms: On Wednesday I was having real (gasp!) contractions! They were lasting 2, 4, 8, and 10 minutes long but the time in between was heading in the wrong direction- increasingly further apart instead of shorter. It's definitely true that you WILL know the difference between a Braxton-Hicks and a real contraction when it happens! At my weekly OB appointment yesterday I had a non-stress test. I was hooked up to a fetal monitor for about 20 minutes to monitor Birdie's heart rate and such. This shows how well the placenta is performing since I'm overdue. I had to chase Birdie-bird with the monitor as I had just eaten a lunch that she was particularly jazzed about. Turns out I was having contractions every 7 minutes, none of which phased little girl. (Whew!) I've also progressed to 2 cm dilated and, coincidently, lost my bloody show. Woo-hoo! My OB seems to think I won't make it past Saturday. Last night I was having lots o' pressure and contractions. I tied up loose ends just in case but nothing exciting happened. This morning I'm having more spotting and a little back pressure. Hopefully things will start to rev up as the day progresses. 

Maternity Clothes: Because of all the excitement last night I made a bee-line to Target to pick up a couple nursing bras to have on hand. They're technically "nighttime" nursing bras. I plan on purchasing a couple nursing camis and maybe one actual nursing bra but after my milk comes in and has settled a little. 

Sleep: Sleep is total hit or miss now. I stopped napping/ resting in the afternoons since I seem to have a little more energy. (Or maybe just trying to stay busy..?) This week I've had a couple nights of really good, hard sleep. The remaining nights have held lots of waking up, lots of short dozes, having trouble maintaining a comfortable position and hearing D's 3am text messages. (6am his time- his good morning/ check-in text.) 

What I'm Eating: My parents and I have been eating out a LOT lately. I'm eating to stay full and haven't really had any aversions to much. I just discovered Greek salads and it's probably one of my favorite things right now. 

Cravings: Chips Ahoy, zucchini, milk, turkey sandwiches, Kashi shredded wheat cereal, and Fiber One bars. 

Special Pregnancy Moments: 

1. Purchasing the LAST items on my baby to-do list. 

2. Spending the other day just enjoying things I wanted to do: haircut, shopping, lunch. 

3. Packing MY overnight bag for the hospital. 

4. D's phone calls starting with, "What's the latest?" 

5. Seeing my bloody show. Ok, ok not the prettiest but still amazing in its own way. 

39 Weeks

39 weeks!!! 

Size of Baby: Birdie-girl is approximately 20 inches from head to toe, and weighs in the 7 lb range. She's approximately the size of a mini watermelon.
Total Weight Gain: Up 1 lb makes my total 27 lbs.
Continuing Symptoms: Gosh darn nasal congestion that seems to only become worse as the air is much dryer here in the valley. (D was right- I am snoring a lot more as my parents have also become witnesses.) My hands and feet are still swollen.
New Symptoms: Small bouts of nausea at times. I've also been having some foot issues. I don't want to say it's pain but it's definitely more than just "uncomfortable." It's worse in my left foot. I'm pretty sure it's caused by the increased pressure in my whole body and the fact that I'm walking around barefoot a LOT more. (I'm technically flat footed.) I finally had some small stretch marks take their place on my growing belly. They're mostly located around what was my belly button.
Labor Symtoms: Still experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions. Some days I'll have more menstrual-like cramps and strong lower back pain. Last night I was having some decent contractions to the point that I started timing them. They were too inconsistent and eventually stopped after I showered and went to bed. As of today I'm still 1 cm dilated and still 50% effaced. My mucous plug is practically all gone. Birdie has definitely dropped lower as my OB was able to feel her little head.
Maternity Clothes: With only a couple weeks left- at the most- I'm still functioning on what I currently have. The heat in the valley is a force to be reckoned with, especially when I'm used to being pale in 55*, misty weather. (I have worked up quite the tan in the last two weeks!)  I'm mostly living in workout shorts and tanks as I get easily overheated in anything heavier. I did buy a new pair of capri leggings but mostly because my other pair is two years old and on their way out. The planner in me is anxious for Birdie to arrive so she can cross "buy nursing stuff" off her long to-do list.
Sleep: Some days I get up, get dressed, and feel like I need to go back to bed. I've been taking 1-2 hour naps every afternoon. About every other night I pass out on the couch very suddenly and drag myself to bed once I wake up around midnight. I finally figured out the best pillow arrangement for my body and it's been helping me sleep more soundly. I have to have a pillow under my belly for support anytime I sleep or sit, just because it now weighs so much! Dog-dogs and I have a new, great morning schedule that helps all of us catch up on a little more sleep.
What I'm Eating: Anything my mom has been making. Literally. I'm so lucky that she loves to cook.
Cravings: In-N-Out, Chips Ahoy cookies, yogurt, cereal, granola bars, broccoli, and meat in general.
Special Pregnancy Moments:
1. Finally getting to nest. (Post on that to follow)
2. Meeting my new OB and hearing that she supports and agrees with my birth plan. (whew!)
3. Watching my mom pack her "grandma bag" for when we head to the hospital.
4. Learning how to install our carseat and seeing it actually set up in the car.
5. Finished prepping and pre-stuffing our newborn cloth diapers.
6. The way my niece can.not.stop.touching.me. She's constantly loving on my tummy and just me in general. Love that girl.
7. Getting multiple daily phone calls from D. It's truly the highlight(s) of my day. I love hearing him remind me, each time, how I can get in touch with him when "it's time."

The One Before D Leaves

Preface: Well, we survived made the 14 hour drive down to California after spending the prior week packing and moving our stuff into storage. Because I started passing parts of my mucous plug we were able to obtain permission to leave a day early- just in case. It's nice to be back near family and friends and be surround by a good support system while D is away for the remainder of the year. My parents have been super-troopers by setting things up so that being a single mama will be a little easier. Our dogs have been enjoying the perks of a backyard and weather that allows more walks.

38 weeks!

Size of Baby: Birdie is approximately 19.75 inches long and weighs around 6.5-7lbs. Things are getting pretty tight in there as I feel nothing but elbows, knees, toes, and such being tossed around all day.
Total Weight Gain: As of last Monday I was still holding a 26lb total weight gain. Today I was weighed and lost 5 pounds. This is common in pregnancy as you get closer to delivery.
Continuing Symptoms: Nasal congestion has become a little worse now that we're in a different climate. I'm still uncomfortable most of the time but you just learn to deal with it. My hands and feet have become more swollen during the days, but I think it's been worse lately because of our climate change.
New Symptoms: Slight increase in mood swings and nausea.
Labor Symptoms: Braxton-Hicks contractions are still happening like crazy. Some are more noticeable while others I can only feel my stomach tighten. Birdie has dropped more and I feel a lot more pressure on my pubic bone than ever before. Some mornings, when I wake up, I feel like I have to physically carry my stomach. As of last Monday I am 1 cm dilated, 50% effaced and Birdie is at a -3 station. I also started losing parts of my mucous plug. I'm hoping there's been more progress since then. Birdie is still head down and facing my spine- exactly where she's supposed to be.
Maternity Clothes: I haven't purchased anything new. Now that I only have a couple weeks to go I'm feeling confident that I can finish this pregnancy with what I currently have. I'm mostly preferring workout-type clothes. Because Birdie has dropped so much the band in my maternity jeans constantly falls.
Sleep: Lately, I've been taking more cat naps during the day, lasting anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour long. Nights are still interrupted by potty breaks and position changes. Some nights involve some form of insomnia. Those nights are the most frustrating but I try to use it as practice for just relaxing.
What I'm Eating: Anything, really. Anything that makes me full. We've been eating a lot of mexican food and steak lately.
Cravings: Popsicles, cereal, and yogurt.
Special Pregnancy Moments: 
1. It doesn't FEEL too special but it was exciting to have my first internal exam last week. D and I were excited to hear that things started to progress.
2. Realizing that I started losing my mucous plug- not so pretty but still pretty exciting.
3. We toured the hospital where I'll be delivering. I feel more at-ease now that I'm clear on their policies. D and I are both happy that- since he'll most likely miss her birth- they will allow us to Skype during the whole stay.
4. Tomorrow I FINALLY get to nest! Can. Not. Wait. My parents are currently installing new hardwood floors in the bedrooms so once they're complete I can FINALLY unpack, FINALLY organize and FINALLY set up Birdie's stuff.

The One Before I'm Considered Full-Term

Size of Baby: Birdie is approximately 18.75 in long from head to toe, and weighs about 5.75 lbs. (Give or take)
Total Weight Gain: Apparently I had a 9 lb growth spurt since my last OB appointment. That brings my total weight gain to 26 lbs.
Continuing Symptoms: Nasal congestion and just being over all uncomfortable.
New Symptoms: Swollen hands and feet at random times during the day.
Labor Symptoms: Braxton-Hicks contractions have increased like crazy. Over the weekend I started having cramping and sharp lower back pains- accompanying Braxton-Hicks contractions-that have since increased in volume as the days go by. While uncomfortable and noticeable, they're not strong or painful enough to stop what I'm doing for the most part. (I've had maybe 2 that really caught my attention.) A couple days ago I noticed that Birdie has dropped a little. I feel a slight increase in lower pressure, noticed her kicks don't hit underneath my ribs as much (thank g.o.o.d.n.e.s.s), and others have noticed I'm carrying a little lower.
Maternity Clothes: I purchased a new layering tank to wear underneath my shirts. It's been so warm around here that sometimes I just wear it as a shirt around the house. I grew out of another regular shirt but I still have enough left to, hopefully, finish out this pregnancy.
Sleep: Sleep hasn't changed too much. I've been falling asleep on the couch and moseying to bed around 1:30am. Hip pain causes lots of side switching. I'm pretty sure I've also mastered the art of sleeping nearly straight up.
What I'm Eating: I've noticed my eating habits have slightly changed. I go through spurts of being content with just snacking here and there. Then there are days, or times, that I'm STARVING and craving a big meal. D's coworkers eat dinner at our house regularly and love to bbq. That means this lady gets to kick back and enjoy what they make.
Cravings: Guacamole and chips, grilled cheese sandwiches, waffles, bananas, and Mexican food in general. Most random craving? Mr. Pibb soda.
Special Pregnancy Moments: 
1. Receiving a couple handmade baby blankets from D's family.
2. My LAST order of cloth diapers arrived yesterday- we're officially prepared for her arrival in the booty-care department.
3. D has been showering me with extra sweet words, foot rubs, back scratches, and hugs. I so need and appreciate every one of them.
4. Bogey has been my shadow lately, and rarely leaves my side. Makes me wonder what he's sensing...?
5. Making it to 37 weeks without complications. I'm so grateful that this pregnancy has been very, very easy.
6. I've been having more dreams about labor/ delivery and breastfeeding.
7. I keep forgetting to say that it's been about a month since I grew out of wearing my wedding ring. My grandmother, who passed away awhile ago, left me a very special diamond ring. Prior to pregnancy the ring was really big and I kept putting off sizing it. Thanks to pregnancy it now fits! I love wearing it as it makes me feel like she's apart of Birdie's pregnancy. I know my grandmother would have been the strongest and most out spoken supporter of D and I during our infertility trials. My mom and I often wonder what crazy things she would have possibly done to "fix" everything for us.

This is my last pregnancy update before a BIG exciting/ stressful/ scary/ ambitious/ fast change happens around our neck of the woods. Once it's official (any day now) then we'll fill everyone in on what's happening.

Sweetness

1. can't get enough cake batter fro-yo.

2. freshly washed & organized changing table. 

3. turned on laptop to find this page open. love. him. 

4. homemade sopapillas. 

5. nap time. 

6. discovered a secret message from my favorite person. 

7. buttermilk blueberry breakfast cake. 

8. hubs' latest reading project. 

Ready Or Not

... Here she comes! 34 weeks down. 

Size of Baby: 17.75 inches or about the size of an average cantaloupe. She weighs approximately 4.75 pounds. She's also head down and facing my spine. Let's keep it that way, Birdie-bird! 

Total Weight Gain: I have a doctor's appointment next week so I'll have an answer then. I really feel like there's a basketball perma-attached to my stomach. 

Continuing Symptoms: Nasal congestion, lower back pain, unhappy feet and just plain uncomfortable. 

New Symptoms: Increasing Braxton-Hicks contractions. They, so far, don't hurt and are really random. I usually get them more in the afternoons and evenings. My legs are really starting to feel the weight of pregnancy. Sometimes it feels as if I've ran a marathon when really I just walked across the house. 

Maternity Clothes: The shirt in the above picture is new to me but it's a hand-me-down that's not a maternity shirt. I'm pretty proud/ excited that I've been able to get this far without a bazillion maternity items. Although, I was finally pushed out of my favorite pair of jeans: my skinny jeans. I miss them terribly. 

Sleep: Sleep is getting increasingly harder. I usually start out crashing on the couch and then shuffle to bed around 1:30am-2am. Usually I'm up a little after D leaves for work but lately I've been sleeping in until at least 8am. I've been shoving a pillow under my stomach when I sleep on my side which has been helping me sleep for longer stretches without being uncomfortable. Unfortunately one of D's pillows works the best and I can't always steal it from him. (Especially when I'm already occupying a minimum of 3 pillows.) I'm having to sit up straighter to get comfy when I'm on my back. 

What I'm Eating: Eating habits haven't changed much. I've been wanting more steak and veggies, or just healthier things in general. Some days I eat terribly, though. I've been eyeing the pineapple currently residing in our fruit basket. I'm excited to crack it open for the 4th of July but I have a feeling this lady will not be sharing much of it. 

Cravings: Still craving blueberries! When it's hot I still want frozen yogurt. I spent 10 minutes at the grocery store the other day trying to decide if I really wanted a box of popsicles... but I was good and walked away.

Special Pregnancy Moments: 

1.  I ordered 8 more newborn cloth diapers this past week. I'm SO excited for them to arrive! The only thing left to get in the diaper department is the actual cloth diapers. Those will arrive by the end of this month. I've washed our diaper stash that we do have and it's all ready to go. 

2. I got a killer deal at a local consignment store on a ton of outfits ranging from newborn to 12 months. 

3. I've been on a mission to find the perfect "going-home" outfit for Birdie-girl, and I found it yesterday! 

4. I've been jotting down notes to compile our birth plan. I've also been doing a LOT more prenatal yoga, sitting on my birthing ball and focusing on relaxing when I feel tense or stressed. 

5. Birdie has been moving like crazy! Some days she's all elbows, knees and feet. I've been able to catch her on video a few times. 

6. A couple of our friends have been able to feel Birdie moving like crazy. I love watching their reactions! 

7. It's so surreal to think, "Next month we will have a baby." Whooooa! 

Eight More To Go

 32 weeks and feeling large! 

Size of Baby: 16-ish inches (give or take) from head to toesies. She weighs about 4 pounds and, boy, do I feel it!
Total Weight Gain: I had gained one pound at my last OB appointment. My total weight gain since the beginning of pregnancy is 17lbs. I'm definitely feeling that weight gain in the obvious areas in addition to my thighs/ butt. (Insert rolling of eyes)
Continuing Symptoms: Nasal congestion, occasional "down" days, and back pain at the end of the day.
New Symptoms: I'm just plain uncomfortable all the time, especially as the day progresses. Iron supplements have really helped with the chest issues I reported a couple weeks ago. I can feel the symptoms of anemia coming back if I miss a pill or take them off "schedule." The past couple of days I've had pain/ discomfort in the heels of my feet. (I'm assuming from the weight of the pregnancy and me being pretty active during the days.)
Maternity Clothes: I haven't purchased anything recently, and I'm still working with what I currently own. Lately I've been preferring workout clothes for comfort, ease of getting into them, and fit.
Sleep: D says I'm still snoring at night. Ha! I'm sleeping... okay, I guess. Some night better than others but for the most part I'm just happy with what I do get. Of course I'm still up 4-6 times per night for potty breaks.
What I'm Eating: Same, normal eating habits although I've been having a stronger preference for healthier foods: avocados, blueberries, hard boiled eggs, orange juice, and oatmeal.
Cravings: Ugh I wish the craving for sweets would subside already! I'm doing much better in not indulging in every craving I get. A new frozen yogurt place recently opened just over a mile away from our house. I've been loving cake batter frozen yogurt with gummy bears on top. (For those who don't know I, usually, strongly dislike ice cream, frozen yogurt, shakes and smoothies... it's a texture thing.)
Special Pregnancy Moments: 
1. Attending a really great La Leche League meeting and being lead to an amazing breastfeeding book... one that I finally click with. Not to mention the wonderful support from all of the women.
2. I washed all of Birdie's blankets, lovies, swaddlers, (etc) as well as all of her 0-3 month clothing. It was by far the cutest and most fun loads of laundry I've ever done.
3. I'm getting more anxious for her to just be here already and find that I'm getting envious of those women who are further along than I am. I've really tried to focus on just being in the moment because there's a good chance this may never happen again.
4. D has been amazing at helping me practice my breathing during pain. (Leg cramps, back pain, etc) It makes me feel much more confident that we'll be able to handle labor together instead of both of us becoming stupidly stubborn.... which we tend to do in stressful times.
5. I can feel all 4 pounds of our Birdie girl in just about every corner of my uterus. She's becoming more wildly active for longer periods of time. She's also becoming a little bit of a night owl. (grrr...) She responses to D's voice EVERY time he's close to my belly.
6. I already know that D and I are going to be fighting over who gets to hold her. This is a legitimate fear of mine because I'm a huge mama bear. I had to wait so long and go through so much to get her I really only want her in MY arms. D has been working really hard to remind me that, hello, Wifey, he had to go through everything just as I did. I think we've come up with a little plan to give him the time he needs with her but that I don't feel like she's being taken away from me.
7. I've been besides myself with excitement to watch some of our friends turn into parents recently. I'm so incredibly happy for their new little families but also happy that it will be our turn pretty soon!

30

30 Weeks! 

Size of baby: About 17 inches from head to toes, and she weighs approximately 3 pounds. 

Total Weight Gain: I'm up 3lbs which means my total weight gain since the beginning of this pregnancy is 16 lbs. 

Continuing Symptoms: Nasal congestion, occasional mood swings (although a *little* more mild and seem to come when I'm either physically or mentally tired) Back pain by the end of the day or if I'm moving around a lot. I've had a few more cramps in my calves but I've found a way to make them pass a lot faster. While in California I was a hot mess in the nose bleed department but they, fortunately, only happened at nighttime. 

New Symptoms: I began to notice that it felt like a small child was sitting on my chest whenever I was sitting or laying back in a reclined position. It got worse while we were in California but I chalked it up to the (way) hotter environment and active, busy days. I mentioned this at my OB appointment last week and my doctor ordered an Echocardiogram. (Aka... heart ultrasound) Everything came back normal except, turns out, I'm anemic. So I'm going to add an iron supplement and increase my natural iron intake. 

Maternity Clothes: I purchased a new outfit for my baby shower- a cotton pencil skirt (which I already had in a different color and smaller size) and just a basic tee-shirt that was made extra long. I also found a really cute maternity shirt that fits now but still has room to grow. Otherwise I'm still functioning on what I already have. To date I have two designated maternity shirts and only one pair of maternity jeans. 

Sleep: It was surprisingly very hard to sleep while I was in California. I had double the pillows I normally sleep with but I think because they weren't as fluffy as what I'm used it became hard to find a good position for all of them. I'm sure the fact that it was 30+ degrees warmer than what I'm used to also had a big factor. Now that we're back home I'm sleeping a lot more comfortable. (D also reports that I've been a snoring machine lately. Puuul-ease...this coming from the boy who talks in his sleep constantly. I can't believe him until I have proof!) 

What I'm Eating: I was spoiled in California! I greatly enjoyed splurging on all of my favorite restaurants! I also loved that my dad made tri-tip... enough for me to eat for lunch the entire time I was there. Plus he made sure I always had enough milk and cereal in the house. (Love that man!) We've had D's coworkers over for dinner a lot lately which is exciting for me: they cook/ bbq while I just wait for them to call me to the table! 

Cravings: For the past couple of weeks I haven't been able to get enough corn on the cob. Up until this week we've had it just about everyday. I'm still craving sweets but I'm not indulging as much. This week I'm craving baby carrots with ranch dressing, cottage cheese, cheese it's, apple juice, and just dinner time in general. My entire pregnancy I've been DYING to have potato salad and tuna sandwiches. UGH!!!! 

Special Pregnancy Moments: 

1. Visiting my parents in California and having them see me pregnant, in person, for the first time. They both got a chance to feel Birdie girl kick and roll. My niece would not leave me alone either. She always wanted to be hugging my tummy or asking me baby questions. Let's just say we had some funny, interesting conversations that only 8-year-olds are capable of having. 

2. We were blessed with the perfect baby shower (more on that in another post) 

3. Having my father in law see my belly for the first time in person. 

4. Purchasing ALL of the stuff that we need for this little girl and, somehow, fitting it in our Subaru for the 12-hour drive back to Oregon. 

5. Birdie girl loves reggae music the best but also enjoys listening to Feist. (A girl after my own heart!) 

6. Her changing table arrived on Friday and is set up in her room. I'm expecting her swing to arrive today, more cloth diapers later this week and her crib arrives next month. I also picked up the material to start making her reusable wipes. 

7. D is obsessed with our new jogger stroller, infant car seat and our diaper bag. (All of which are pictured in the background above) He shows it off to EVERYone who comes over. He said he's going to install the car seat in the car soon because he likes the way it looks. I have to admit that he looks pretty darn hot pushing that stroller around with his Ray Bans on. Oh boy! 

8. We have our last childbirth class this week which is really hard for me to believe. Where'd the time go?! I'm SO glad we took this class and would highly suggest it to everyone. It's forced us to have conversations that we never thought of having. Plus- D cracks me up every time. 

The First of the Last

28 weeks: the beginning of my last trimester! 

Please excuse my workout clothes. 

Size of Baby: 36.8 cm or about the size of a cauliflower.
Total Weight Gain: I'm guessing I'm up about 1-2 lbs since my last Birdie post.
Continuing Symptoms: Lots of ligament stretching towards the underside of my stomach and back pain. I've had a lot of increased sinus congestion- especially at night. I think it's a combination of moving, warm weather, pollen, pregnancy, and I've been around a bunch of strong smells lately. (New house, cedar dog bed, incense, etc) I've had a few more mood swings/ down days but I think that's mostly related to the stress/ exhaustion/ anxiety of moving. I'm still enjoying some pretty clear skin... I know my time is drawing to an end in that department.
New Symptoms: Nose bleeds! Ugh!!! I've never had a nose bleed in my life until the past couple of weeks. They're very mild and only last, maybe, a couple minutes but my goodness!
Maternity Clothes: I purchased a couple new shirts within the past couple of weeks. They're just "regular" shirts that I bought a size larger. One is still working well but the other may not make it until the end of pregnancy. I think it's the fabric. It's hitting me that I'm quickly growing out of a LOT of my stuff and will have to start thinking about how to clothe myself during this last trimester.
Sleep: Still sleeping normally and accepting the fact that I wake up a LOT. A couple weeks ago my hip pain was so bad that I was starting off the night in our recliner to get some relief. This past week I've been trying hard to keep my eyes open past 8pm. I've enjoyed going to bed really early even if it means I'm ready to get up right after D leaves for work.
What I'm Eating: Still anything to keep me full. Still have to have meat at dinnertime. I can see my meal planning efforts paying off both with our budget and with making sure we're both eating properly.
Cravings: Tootsie Rolls. I polished off a whole bag over four days. (D helped, too!) I've been wanting corn on the cob lately so we've been having it for dinner just about everyday this week. I've been cutting back on my sweet intake and it's going pretty well.
Special Pregnancy Moments: 
1. A few weeks ago we started our childbirth classes at the hospital where I'll be delivering. I'm so glad we opted to do this. Not only is it fascinating but it's forced D and I to think and talk about things we would not have thought to talk about.
2. Just before we moved I finished sewing Birdie's cradle bedding. Now it's on to her crib bedding and recovering her glider chair!
3. I still LOVE when Birdie is super active. Last night it looked like she was doing about 15 seconds worth of flutter kicks- it looked like there was an earthquake in there!
4. Purchased What To Expect The First Year
5. Celebrating my first Mother's Day: D bought me flowers, made me breakfast and even bought me a new couch! I received a lot of text messages, phone calls and a few Mother's Day cards.
6. This weekend we're taking off for our last long vacation before Birdie-girl arrives!

The Bird Nest Grows Larger

 Birdie bump at 25 weeks. 

My belly button is almost completely even with my stomach. 

Size of Baby: 34.3 cm or about the size of a rutabaga. She's also weighing in at about 1.5lbs.
Total Weight Gain: Ha! Well... back in early March at my last appointment I was only up about 2 lbs. My OB was hesitantly o.k. with this. At my appointment last Friday my OB was really happy to see that I had gained 15lbs. 15lbs, people!!! That means I'm up 17 lbs since the beginning of pregnancy.
Continuing Symptoms: Hip paint at night, increased pressure on my pubic bone (especially when walking for awhile), sinus congestion, and lots of increased lower back pain.
New Symptoms: I got foot cramps prior to pregnancy but Birdie's presence seems to make them easier for me to get. Fortunately I've only had a couple within the last few weeks. During the day the palms of my hands are red and splotchy, but not it's not a huge deal to me. A few more stretch marks have made their landing on my breasts and a linea nigra quietly showed up recently!
Maternity Clothes: Purchased my first pair of maternity jeans and a maternity tee shirt which I absolutely love. I'm still functioning on my regular jeans and shirts as well. Over the weekend I purchased three new regular shirts in a size larger than what I normally wear. My layering tank tops are getting shorter so I'll probably pick up a couple larger ones this month.
Sleep: Oh how I love sleep! I wake up many, many times in the night to either pee, find a new position or try to relieve hip pain. I sleep pretty hot so I keep the window open during the night and my water bottle on my night stand. My body has been getting pretty tired by about 5pm everyday so I'm trying my best to rest but stay awake until bedtime- sometimes that's easier said than done. Last night I fell asleep in our sectional recliner and slept until 2am completely pain free. I'm sure I'll be revisiting that spot as I get bigger and more uncomfortable.
What I'm Eating: Anything to keep me full. I've really buckled down on our meal planning. Not only am I enjoying dinner (my favorite meal of the day) but I look forward to cooking it everyday.
Cravings: I've been toning down my sweet intake but I still crave them. I'm still loving pork, beef, crackers, apple juice, pasta, apples, bananas, and just about any vegetable. Weirdest craving: Life cereal. I've never in my life had it but apparently I really want it...???
Special Pregnancy Moments: 
1. Hearing Birdie-girl's heartbeat, finding out all of our tests are normal, and scheduling alllllll my remaining OB appointments.
2. When D rolls over in the wee hours of the morning, finds my tummy and says, "She's getting bigger." I have to say that D has been the sweetest during this pregnancy: rubbing my feet spontaneously, rubbing out my butt muscles each day before he heads off to work, supporting my nightly cravings, and just doing the small things around the house that make my days a little easier.
3. I think Birdie-girl is trying to fly. Some days she wiggles and rolls so much. She's now long enough to kick my internal organs which she tends to prefer over just my stomach. I find it extremely hilarious, entertaining and silly that she startles at really loud noises. She also seems to enjoy reggae music the best. (Definitely her father's daughter!)
4. Learning the details of Birdie's shower. (Or her "Bird bath" as D calls it) I can't WAIT to get back to our home town in a few weeks. This lady is in need of some hot, hot weather.

My most recent order of cloth diapers arrived in the mail. I have to say- just looking at the fun colors makes me happy. So far we're still "on schedule" in the cloth diaper department. I have one more "batch" to order and then I'll start moving on to obtaining the supplies for reusable wipes.

I had material picked out for our bassinet awhile ago but then we decided to sell that bassinet once D found a different one. Over the weekend I went back to Joann's to pick up a little extra material and the finishing touches to begin to make linens for her bassinet. I went back and forth on whether to reuse the material I already had or just start from scratch. Once I saw this turquoise material- and saw that it was 50% off- I just HAD to have it for Birdie. Once I got it home I found that the turquoise and mustard combo works better with the natural wood color of the bassinet than the other material I originally planned on using. Can't wait to work on it this week!

I'm One of the 7 Million

Did you know that this week is National Infertility Awareness Week? Don't worry- I didn't realize it until earlier this week... but it's true.

I've been mulling over posting about this for the past few days. I've given snippets, glimpses and snapshots of some of our infertility issues but, frankly, I've always kept it pretty darn discreet. It's hard to constantly put yourself out there to others and explain the situation for the 500 millionth time when all you want to do is run away to just curl up in a ball and cry and not talk about it.

If you have a moment please look up the word "infertility." I won't go on a tangent to describe how much I hate how a person/ couple could ever be labeled something that seems so final. (But know that I do) Some doctors give this label to couples who have tried for over a year to conceive with no luck. Some couples will be fortunate to shed that label... others won't. For those who are at the child-bearing age, over 7 million of those couples will experience some form of infertility: female, male, combined or unexplained.

In our situation the problem was me. We started trying within the first year we were married but got serious about it once D had a big boy job. After months of negative pregnancy tests, our first anniversary, an out-of-state move, a new OB, months and months and months of fertility drugs, getting D tested, and then a final month of different fertility drug it was suggested that I have a surgical procedure to explore any physical problems not showing up on ultrasounds. I was nervous, as it was my first time ever having surgery, but I was optimistic: "This is something they just HAVE to do to rule out x, y, and z... everything is really fine," is what I kept telling myself.

Wrong.

Really, really wrong.

That night I learned that I had Endometriosis. And not just a little bit, either. A lot... enough to throw me into the highest category- stage 4. The worst part(s)? There are three:

#1. I was told that I'd never have children naturally. IVF would be our only option.

And #2: I didn't hear this from my doctor or nurse. I had to hear this from my own husband. I sat there and watched my absolute best friend tell me the absolute worst thing I could ever hear.

And, finally, #3: I'll die with Endometriosis. I can never, ever, ever get rid of it because it's a progressive disease. Unfortunately I'm one that has the disease but doesn't show a lot tell-tale symptoms of it. The diagnosis was shocking as much as it felt like my own body was secretly betraying me.

The next year was the hardest. More doctors, more treatments, more procedures, more medications and the worst part... waiting. Just waiting.

Laura Bush, who has dealt with infertility herself, has said: "The English language lacks the words to mourn an absence. For the loss of a parent, grandparent, spouse, child or friend, we have all manner of words and phrases, some helpful and some not. Still we are conditioned to say something, even if it is only "I'm sorry for your loss." But for an absence, for someone who was never there at all, we are wordless to capture that particular emptiness. For those who deeply want children and are denied them, those missing babies hover like silent ephemeral shadows over their lives. Who can describe the feel of a tiny hand that is never held?"

The bulk of 2011 felt like I was standing in a deep, deep hole looking up at everyone else passing me by. The hole was dark, lonely, and extremely scary. It was hard to breathe but the air that was available was laced with what Laura Bush describes above.

What I've revealed about my own personal journey with infertility above is where I'm going to stop. Most of it is still too painful and fresh to go there. The rest begins to fade into Birdie-girl's story... which is only hers to tell. But I want you to consider one thing: watch your words.

Watch.
Your.
Words. .... to anyone (anyone) that's of child-bearing age.

Resist the urge to ask others when they're planning on having children. (Or when they're planning on having more.) Just. Don't. Ask... no matter how good your intentions are or how nicely/ politely you word your question. It's not your business... EVER. For those who have never walked in our shoes you have no idea how hurtful and invasive that question is.

However, if you do know someone who is trying to expand their family and having some setbacks please consider, carefully, the following:

1. Don't tell them to relax. If all it took to get pregnant was to relax I'd have more children than the Octomom. I really feel like I should receive a medal for not punching people in the face whenever they told me, "Oh you just need to relax." Seriously. Not only does saying that dismiss a person's feelings and the situation but it actually causes more stress and anxiety... especially in women.

2. Don't minimize the problem. Don't tell a childless couple that you envy how they get to sleep in, be more spontaneous or have more time to themselves. It's not comforting. I know many a couple or woman who would sacrifice every luxury in their life for just a SHOT at becoming a parent.

3. Don't say there are worse things that could happen. Every person has at least one thing or situation that would be the absolute worst for them to deal with. For as many as 7 million couples infertility is one of them. What's the worst for one person may not be for another.

4. Don't say they aren't meant to be parents. To me this is just plain cruel, especially if a person/ couple shares their infertility issues openly. In my opinion this phrase is the word equivalent of being punched in the face. Infertility is not a punishment.

5. Don't ask why (or if or push for) they are/aren't trying IVF or adoption. There are couples that are open to both options to building a family, some that favor one over the other and others that don't have enough information to consider either. Don't taint their perception or thoughts about one alternative route over the other. Much like the act of conceiving a child naturally, both IVF and adoption are equally personal ways to create, or grow, a family. Also like conceiving naturally- adoption and IVF carry their own unique set of risks, highs and lows.

6. Don't be crude or gossip. It should go without saying but don't joke about infertility. It's rude and inappropriate to tease someone in a very vulnerable position.

7. Don't complain about your pregnancy. This was one that I hated the most. When you're dealing with your own personal infertility issues just being around those who are expecting or have kids is hard enough. Infertile's are trying their best to figure out how to function around these types of people in general. While we understand that pregnancy has discomforts and raising children is tough you should still never, ever vent your feelings to a person with infertility and expect them to comfort you. Again, I know many a person who'd give up every single thing to have a SHOT at a gaining a pregnancy stretch mark, or pull an all-nighter with a sick kiddo.

8. Let them know you care. While we only revealed to close friends and family what we were dealing with I so appreciated every text and phone call on days when I just had a simple blood test or shot. A simple "good luck today" or "thinking of you guys" or "you got this" goes a looooong way. (And to all those who did that I cannot thank you enough!) Or send a small gift to let them know you care: my cousin once sent me a beautiful card and meditation cd to let me know she was supportive. Did it cure everything? No. Not even close. But, I love her to death for the gesture and I enjoyed using what she sent.

9. Remember them on Mother's and Father's day. For me this was the worst day of the year. It was always the longest, hardest day to get through. Let them know they're not forgotten or ignored.

10. Support their decisions. Plain and simple. If you can't support them then don't say anything or politely excuse yourself from the conversation. The last thing infertile couples want to deal with is how to make everyone happy. Their happiness comes first over anyone else's.

D and I both know how extremely lucky we are to be able to drop the "infertility" label. How our little Birdie-girl finally made her way to us is equally a miracle as it is comical. Every day that I struggled with infertility I always tried to figure out why we had to go through this. To this day I still don't know. Was there a reason? Was it just a challenge that life hands you? Did we need to gain something? Who knows.

I do know that I will always silently cry for those who are struggling with infertility. I do know that I appreciate every kick I feel, every back ache, and every stretch mark. I do know the strength of my marriage to D. And... I do know how deep my love for our little girl goes.

You're 22 Weeks, Birdie Bird.

22-week birdie girl! 

Size of Baby: 28 cm long or about the size of a spaghetti squash

Total Weight Gain: My next OB appointment is at the end of this month but I'm going to go out on a limb and say I'm up 3-4 lbs, at least, since the beginning of pregnancy. 

Continuing Symptoms: "Ouch" has been the word of the last couple of the weeks. Who knew that your hips widening and muscles stretching could hurt so bad? I'm still experiencing hip pain at night, increased sinus congestion, and lower back pain at times. 

New Symptoms: Hot flashes at night time. The weather has been super, super nice this week so we've been sleeping with our window open at night. I've also had a slight increase in mood swings, a couple painful leg cramps, and I can feel my feet softening/ widening to support my frame. 

Maternity Clothes: Same old, same old. D suggested that I start looking in to getting some maternity pants. He read my mind as I'm wondering how much longer I'll be able to survive with what I have. My shirts are still fitting but some are hitting me a lot shorter than before. 

Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty well at night considering I wake up a lot to change positions or visit the bathroom. In the mornings it's pretty easy for me to fall back asleep, sometimes as little as a couple minutes. I've had some crazy dreams, too. (D as well- he told me one night, while he was asleep, that if I was good he'd buy me a new DSLR camera. I vaguely remember responding back with an, "okay.") 

What I'm Eating: At this point- anything to keep me full. I'd rather eat a meal than have a bunch of snacks. Dinner is still my favorite meal of the day and I'm still wanting some type of meat with it. 

Cravings: Oh boy. Easter has been a bad influence. I've been craving/ eating waaaaaaay too many Smarties. You know it's bad when you start eating it out of your Easter basket before Easter. Then move onto your husband's basket. Then you buy more to replace what you ate but then just end up eating half the bag at the beach later that day. Tootsie Rolls haven't been much different, either. Otherwise I'm craving lots and lots of apple juice, cereal, and just sweets in general. 

Special Pregnancy Moments: Birdie girl has been moving like crazy! (Sometimes I know it's related to the sugar I ingested from the Smarties.) We've enjoyed having our first family visit since moving back to the PacNorWest AND becoming pregnant. I LOVE that my little bro-in-law tries so hard to feel my stomach to see if she's moving. Birdie got majorly spoiled with TONS of cute clothes by her Nana, aunt Steph, aunt Nikki, and one of her great-grandmother's. D finally felt her kick the other night- she kicked him three times in a row pretty hard. We also had a lot of fun on Easter by surprising our parents with Birdie's name. (But it's a secret to everyone else.) 

Half-Cooked Birdie

20 Weeks, baby! 

Size of Baby: 16.5 cm or about the size of a small cantaloupe (Yum!) 

Total Weight Gain: I'm going to say about 3lbs since the beginning of pregnancy. 

Continuing Symptoms: Some days I have mild hip pain and others I don't. Experiencing more nasal congestion this week but I think because the weather has been changing back and forth between sun and rain too much. That always messes me up. 

New Symptoms: Not so much new but resurfacing: lower back pain and some abdominal pain/ discomfort. Birdie is definitely requiring some more room in her little nest. 

Maternity Clothes: Still sporting the belly band everyday I'm wearing jeans. Otherwise I'm just making due with the clothes I have. 

Sleep: I've been staying up later at night (currently typing this at 11:20pm on Saturday night) but my body sure does shut down when it's absolutely done... like falling asleep while I'm in the middle of eating some late-night cereal. True story. I've slept pretty well these past couple of weeks despite the fact that we've been keeping the thermostat up higher at night. 

What I'm Eating: Birdie has been increasing my appetite as the day progresses. Thankfully, I want to cook and I've been trying out a lot of new recipes. I've been getting distracted during the lunch hour so I'm going to work at making myself stop my day to eat better lunches this coming week. 

Cravings: Normally I'm okay with eating meat for dinner a couple times a week...if that. Not so much the case anymore- I HAVE to have meat at dinnertime, with beef being the preferred choice. Still loving fishy crackers to snack on, peanut butter toast, rice, bananas, grapes, and balsamic glaze sauce on ANYthing... and sometimes a spoonful by itself just because. This week's craving has been vanilla pudding. 

Special Pregnancy Moments: Birdie moves for at least 10 minutes at the very minimum of once per day. She wiggles first thing in the morning and sometimes for over an hour between 8pm and 10pm. Once I caught her moving at 2am when I rolled over in bed. Her kicks and punches are strong enough to see through my bare stomach but not yet strong enough for D to feel. Hopefully soon! I finally got her room very organized in its most basic, plain form. It helps that we're expecting visitors in about a week. I hope to really get a start on all of her bedding/ linens during the next couple of weeks. I love watching my belly grow, and I'm still in awe at how my body just knows how to do things. 

D and I LOVE searching/ finding second hand items that are in great condition and that have a decent price. Actually, there are only a few pieces of furniture... as in three items... in our home that are brand spanking new. Everything else has been handed down, craigslisted, or purchased from a yard sale or second hand store. There's a great second hand children's store in a neighboring town that I love check occasionally. Today was my first time in since finding out we are having a girl. 

Clockwise from top: Denim jumper with matching bloomer, floral pink dress, four unused (yes!) receiving blankets, two piece swimsuit and a lavender onesie with matching pants. My total price for all of this? $20. ($20!!!) ... I can't stop looking at the bathing suit. It's sooo tiny! 

This, That & Some Things

 I got a really ridiculously good deal on fabric from JoAnn's. When I got it home I realized that the saleslady measured out the fabric incorrectly so I received 15 yards of fabric for $19! 

 We've been redecorating our living/ dining/ kitchen area, trying to get away from a country Pottery Barn look and going towards something we actually like. First thing to change was the curtains. 

In addition to these curtain panels I made two valences for the smaller windows in the same rooms. (And still had TONS of fabric to spare!) 

 The next day I moved onto making a maxi skirt. Keep in mind the curtains above are the first things I've sewn in eons. I looked over a few online tutorials for the skirt but ended up just winging the whole project. It's definitely NOT perfect, I learned a lot through my mistakes, and I now hate working with jersey material... but I didn't give up! I just need to shorten the length a tad and- ta-da!- I'll be wearing it in no time. 

Yesterday D and I went to a first birthday party. I spent the days prior whipping up this little outfit. I also crocheted a matching beanie. I've found a new love for double-sided interfacing and it has made my onesie projects waaaaay easier and faster. Birdie bird already has a few mama-made onesies. Was is it about hot air balloons that make me smile? 

Speaking of Birdie girl... I picked this lovely up the other day.  

Here's the- free- dresser that we scored for Birdie. It's going to get all new drawer pulls and a new color. I'm so happy I found a piece in great condition, with good lines, and will double as her changing table.  

D found this vintage cradle at a local consignment store for an astonishingly low, low, low price. We've decided to sell the other one that we already had and use this one instead. Not only is it sturdier but it's also bigger than the other bassinet. This, too, will get painted and I'm going to add some simple linens to it.  

We've had a crazy spring so far: lots and lots of rain but even more snow! Unfortunately the snow decided to melt at the same time it decided to pour for three days straight. This meant that the rivers flooded BIG time and prevented D from getting to work and me from my favorite day: grocery shopping day.  

We took a risk and drove through 3 feet of water to get into town. Scariest. 3. Minutes. Ever. Our car survived, thankfully, but there were many that didn't.  

Our new addiction: raspberry cheese danishes. It kills me to look at this picture and know I currently don't have any in the kitchen.  

I always forget I'm just not a long-haired person. I try and try but it always ends up in a bun unwashed for days and very damaged. After years and years of wanting to I finally took the plunge....

 A pixie cut and 7 inches of hair later... gone! I. Love. It. SOOOOOOO. Much. 

A good reason why D should never be unsupervised at the Goodwill store- he comes home with a powder blue polyester suit. Sigh.  

Finally- I caught this sweet, sweet moment between D and Roo yesterday on our walk. It was SO nice to feel the sun on our skin. Love these two together.