Rhys Christopher :: We Have a Son

So, it's been quiet around here. My last real post was all about waiting, and then I left you doing just that. Well, we had our baby. Surprise! Despite what it seemed like, I was not destined to be the woman who was pregnant forever. On January 23, 2015, at 7:50 am, Mr. Rhys ("Reese") Christopher Magagnotti was born into the world, all 9 pounds, 1 ounce, 22 1/4 inches of him. 

When the doctor told us we had a son ("a real big baby, a BIG baby, it's a BIG baby boy!") Handsome and I looked at each other in disbelief. I mean, we knew that it was possible, a 50/50 chance even, but we had convinced ourselves that it would probably be a girl. We'd only ever had girls before... All one times...

Since then, these past six weeks, we've been figuring out life with two littles.  It's not quite how I expected it, but we are finding so many ... Chunks, I guess you'd say, of joy each day. I was going to say "snippets" of joy, but really they're big pieces, not small, so chunks seems more appropriate. 

Most of my day is spent juggling opposing naptimes, and keeping everybody fed. When both kiddos are awake at the same time, I'm nearly exclusively focused on keeping Riley Girl from accidentally loving Rhys to death. It's a serious concern...

These days, they are sweet, even if I sometimes forget it in the middle of everybody crying at once. They are passing quickly and slowly, as all days do. Like I told a friend, it's been 6 weeks, which is a really short time for a new person to be in this world, and a really long time to be sleep deprived.  We are learning more about our little guy's laid-back personality each day, and watching Riley love him has been completely heart-exploding (❤️💥).  I am recovered from my C-section, and Rhys is now recovered from his bout with RSV that had us both wearing hospital bracelets last weekend. It's been a doozy, but it's been good. 

And that is what I have to share, friends. I've got more words swirling around but not a lot of time :) I'm writing this via my phone, which I use to keep track of feedings, so if it works out well, I may be able to post more frequently! Here's hoping! What are y'all up to? Who's frozen out there? Catch me up!

<3 M

What I Learned in February

1.  That RSV is medical code for "common cold" and is used so that, when Mamas of 1-month-olds are freaking out over shallow breathing and raspy sounds, there is a medical-sounding explanation.  It seems much more credible to say "Oh, ma'am, your baby has RSV" instead of "Its a cold."  The treatment is the same, and the little boy is recovering quite well.

p.s. - I had a baby boy.
January 23.
I feel like I forgot to share that...

2.  That I can survive on very few hours of sleep.  I forget this, between babies.  I forget that I actually can function with (3) 1-hour-stretches.  I also learned that I don't like it.

3.  That my husband is my absolute favorite human.  The kind of person who, despite him also not having much sleep, takes time to make sure our daughter feels loved, that she feels "pechial!" each day.  The kind of person who shovels the driveway three times in one day, who is kind to his crazy, sleep-deprived wife, and who has the most impressive biceps ever. <3

Helping Dada make his post-workout shake.
She's got special jobs, all that he taught her, and she takes them very seriously.
Especially the blending.
The blending is key.

4. That this girl of mine is growing fast.  SO fast.  And that she's a mini parrot now, and correctly (and emphatically) states "Oh my gaaaaaawsh!"  And that she knows my name is "Myiah".

5.  That I need to mind my tongue now, more than ever.  See above.

6.  That I can (and will) eat as many Cadbury Milk Chocolate Eggs as are available to me, even to frightening proportions.  There's a giant bag for sale at Wegman's.  I want it, I do.

7.  Galatians, y'all.  Galations (esp. The Message) is my jam.

Free.
Yes.

8.  That two year olds don't know when its their birthday, and that is best used to an exhausted Mama's advantage.  We celebrated a little bit every day, particularly when PACKAGES (similar to Golum's "Precious!") would arrive.  Eventually there will be a year when we have to up our game, but it was not this year.  Her birthday cake?  A handful of Nilla wafers with jam.  hashtag: thats how we roll

9.  Mama needs a new camera.  iPhone photos aren't cutting it.  Again, see above.

What'd you learn, friends?  Share with me, I'm stuck in the frigid cold with two babies.

<3 M.

How to Wait

Hey you.  How you doin'? [Side note: Anyone else super pumped that FRIENDS is on Netflix? Anyone?]

Today I want to talk about waiting.  As in the right way to wait.  I'm not talking about waiting at the grocery store (obviously, reading magazine covers while pretending not to, duh) or for your food to come at the restaurant (what is "eating all of the bread and asking for more" Alex?) or even on your cold porch for your dog to pee in the early morning (mild cursing is appropriate here).  I mean for the big things.  Life things.

Ever waited for a toddler to open their present?
When the present is a pack of crayons?
And they "open" each. and. every. one.?
That's waiting, my friend.

Lest you wonder about my qualifications, I'd like to list them for for you here.  Throughout my lifetime, I have waited

• For my boyfriend to propose (4 years, 7 mo.)
• For my husband to get ready (all told, approximately 3.289 years of waiting in and of itself)
• To know if I got into college/graduate school/the new program
• Past my due date for a baby to arrive (5 days = 5 eternities)
• To find out the gender of our babies (both times!)
• To hear about this job/that job/his job/my job
• For Honeycrsip season to come back
• Through commencement speakers x4 (Seriously, where do they get those people?)
• In traffic jams on I-85 around Charlotte approximately 17 bazillion times

I mean, I'm not trying to brag here, but as you can see there's been some serious waiting in my life.  Even now, I'm waiting for Friday when I'll finally get to meet this bambino who has been space-sharing with me for about 39 weeks now.  And more than that, Handsome and I are waiting for other things.  For friends.  For contentment and peace.  To hear back from any of his job applications that are floating around out there.  For summer and sunshine and no more snow FOR THE LOVE.  Waiting, always waiting.

So, in an effort to not let all of this waiting go to waste, I'd like to share with you the correct way to wait.  Because obviously I've perfected it by now. hashtag: sarcasm font

1.  When waiting, be sure to not obsess about the waited thing.  Find ways to occupy your mind with something else; anything else.  While waiting for news or movement or the other shoe to drop is an excellent time to take up a new hobby.  If you find that you cannot muster enough focused concentration for a whole new hobby, at least opt for a new show to binge watch on Netflix.  Psych: Season 8 is up, just FYI, and did you read that first part about FRIENDS?

2.  Concentrate on the sure things, the good things, the knowns, rather than the unknowns.  No, you don't know if there will be a huge change coming next month, but you do know that you have peanut butter and marshmallows and bread, AND the time to make a grilled fluffer-nutter sandwich.  This should occupy you for at least a good 7 minutes (you've got to let it cool a little bit, people, lest you burn yourself!), and perhaps you can forget all of your uncertainty feelings.  Do this type of thing repeatedly throughout the day, essentially shutting off the majority of your brain.  Seek help if you choose to literally do this multiple times throughout the day, as too many fluffer-nutters can be bad for your health.

3.  Find at least one friend who doesn't mind being yo-yo'd around with your feelings, and call them at every opportunity or sway in emotions.  This friend must be able to withstand serious psychological whiplash, such as the sort brought on by "I'm sure its going to happen, and I'm so excited," "We really just don't know anymore..." and "I doubt it, and I guess it will be okay, so it doesn't really matter," all occupying the same conversation about a singular subject.  When said friend begins to suspect you of having a mental disorder, move on to the next friend, giving the first a break so that they can pretend to themselves that you're normal again.

4.  When #1 fails (and it will) obsess with gusto and also prayer.  God is the ultimate yo-yo friend, as He can survive your emotional roller coaster, and talking with Him also allows you to practice your bargaining and wheedling skills.  Be sure to offer impossible trade-offs, make promises that He cares nothing about (e.g., "If you ________ then I promise to never eat jelly beans again!" etc.) and end each conversation with a half-hearted "But Your will be done."

I hope this instructional has helped you, and that it comes in handy if you have to wait for anything of significance.  I'm here for you.  Waiting.

<3 M.

Slow Rolling

It snowed here, people.

It snowed for real.

Like, 12 inches in 8 hours, real snow that stuck and stayed and was cold.

And the weirdest part for me?  No one cared.  It wasn't talked about on the radio, nothing was cancelled, few people commented on it past a "Still coming down out there?" "Yep."

It felt so bizarre.  I didn't expect the world to shut down the way it does in the sweet south, where the main methods of snow removal are sunshine and sweet tea.  But still, it was a legitimate amount of snow, and no one cared.  

We enjoyed it some later in the evening.  And I do mean that in the "royal we" sense, where I enjoyed it and pretty much no one else did.  Apparently Handsome doesn't love shoveling 3x a day, and RG isn't a fan of acting out scenes from The Christmas Story (picture the "I can't put my arms down!" kid... that was her).  But whatever.

Since then, the days have been cold and there's always the threat of more snow.  I get a little claustrophobic when I think about the fact that our snowy situation isn't a temporary state, but will stay for 4-5 months.  Makes it hard to breath.  So instead I focus on the beauty that it brings TODAY, and the fact that it coincides nicely with my new craving of crushed ice.  (Thank you, Lord, but I didn't need *that* much... )

We're headed into holiday territory, which for us is resulting in a frustratingly large number of 250 mile round trips, lots of food and family and hunting for more chairs, and hopefully a good measure of peace.  I have 6 1/2 days of teaching left this semester, and its hard to believe that the whirlwind of the first phase of my first job will be over soon.  I'm sinking into these days, taking them slow and deliberately, trying to make the best choices at each juncture.  Trying to rest when there is rest to be found, work when there is work to do, etc.  

Its an interesting place to be, when I'm not straining forward to see what the next step is.  We haven't been here much in the past 6 years.  There's not a "When _____ happens, everything will change again, and so we don't know until then..." looming on the horizon.  Yes, baby #2 will be here in about 10 weeks, but we'll still be in the same place, still be the same family, most of it will stay the same (although I am told that everything will also change, but we're talking different scales here, people).

I'm desiring very much to take this slow approach as we get into Thanksgiving and Christmas and the new year.  Shrugging off the inconsequential, the less-than-pivotal things, and focusing whole attention on the pieces that matter, even if they seem "small".  Like snowy mornings and mugs of hot chocolate, full to the brim of gratefulness and contentment!

<3 M.

Some Things Are Hard For Me :: Picture Taking

In the same vein as yesterday's post, I had more trouble.  This time, with getting someone to take my picture.  Not just anyone, there's plenty of friendly strangers here in the CN (Cold North), but particular people. 

The first is the photo center at my work, as I need a faculty picture.  I dressed the part, right down to the blazer, which I had to dig out of storage, because I don't do "professional" very much.  I blew out AND straightened my straight hair like any good basic white girl would.  The whole shebang.  Even contacts.

And then I got to the office an apparently my contacts were bothering me because they made my eyes red, and the lovely women who work in the office wouldn't let me get my picture taken because then my eyes would be red for all of eternity.  They care, yo.

Why would no one take my picture?
I really just can't fathom it.

So I left and tried to get a driver's license, but even though I had the 15 bajagizillion pieces of identification it takes to get a DL in PA, I found out my SC DL had been suspended due to not having insurance in SC anymore.  Even though I don't live there.  Bah.  

Whatever.  I am trying again on Monday, when hopefully all of the appropriate information would have been faxed and received and entered and recorded.  A girl can dream.  

BUT.  I want to say, that in the midst of all of this photogenic rejection, there was a bright spot.  Two, actually.  The first was Chick-Fil-A, which there's only one of in a 40 mile radius, but its near me, so its where I stop whenever Carolina is on my mind.  And I couldn't decide what to get and I was in the middle of phone errands, and I must have sounded downright pitiful, because the girl on the other end of the drive thru mic, she heard my sorrow, my frustration.  She confirmed my order, and then said "Okay, well this order is going to be on me.  It sounds like you're having a hard time.  Just pull around to the window."

*blink*

What??

That's right.  This dear, sweet girl who works in the fast food industry chose to make my seemingly difficult day one million times brighter, because she heard it in my voice, over the scratchy intercom, that I needed it.

After that pick-me-up, I gathered my druthers, ran a few more errands, and stopped in at the local Salvation Army Shop where I scored a classic Sesame Street sheet for my obsessed toddler, a book about the same, and an awesome mug to add to my collection, the second bright spot.  That chica at the Chickfila, she turned the day around for me.

Have a great weekend, y'all.  

<3 M.

Some Things Are Hard For Me :: IKEA

I've been having some trouble lately.  I don't think its excessive, possibly even the same amount of difficulty as other people experience, but we just... don't talk about it?  Well, bust me outta that mold, because I want to tell you of my difficulties.  

Today, I want to tell you about IKEA.  Ohmylanta.  I decided that I needed a couch, which seems reasonable enough.  So one morning, while Handsome was hunting, RG & I hightailed it to the 'burgh and proceeded to meet up with friends and shop through the lovely swede's store.  Took about an hour & a half, again, reasonable.  And then we got the big stuff ordered, and the small stuff carried to the check out, et cetera and et cetera.  All normal business right up until I went to check out and realized that my wallet was in my office.  In Erie.

Dang.  

Cue the panic without the disco.  So we left our stuff with the understanding check out girl, and left in a tizzy.  I pushed Riley's stroller to the car, at which point I realized that I had just stolen 5 candles, as they were in the stroller.  Whoops.  My girl & I headed to the nearest bank, praying a) that they were open past noon on a Saturday, and b) that they would accept my passport and check in order to get cashola and pay for my beloved couch.

They were.  They did.  We made it back, paid for everything this time, and were instructed to head across the street and pick up our goods.  Our merry band of two first made a "quick" stop at Steak & Shake, which took 75 minutes + .  Because that's reasonable.  We finally made it to furniture pick-up, were aided with loading but not with the strapping down of things.  "You know how to use straps, right?"  Sure I do.  It just took me another hour.   And then two hours driving back home. 

It was a doozy of a trip.  Did I remember to mention that the couch we picked out was the chaise/loveseat combo, but the couch I purchased was the chaise/couch combo, and so now we've got 21 inches to walk through into our living room.  But whatevs.  I have a place to sit that doesn't require a crane to get me back up, and for that, my ordeal was worth it.

We've already had such a good time using these cushions.
It does make it so much more homey in here!

Tell me, is this an average amount of difficulty?  Or excessive?

<3 M.

Measuring My Days

As I was pseudo-falling asleep last night (this pregnancy doesn't really allow me to *drift* off to sleep, I more just lay and will it), I started asking God to help me "number" my days.  It seemed biblical to me, seeing as its basically a bible verse ("Teach us to number our days, that we might get a heart of wisdom" - Psalm 90:12).  Seemed sound enough to me.  But what my heart was really asking, what I wanted to know, was what measuring stick I should be using for grading my days.

Children.
They have hard days.
They have long days.
But I don't know that they're ever concerned with "doing enough" in their days.
They're just excited to see the lions.
BWHAAARRG!
(that's how RG things lions sound)

Productivity: Made two bags, did one load of laundry, washed half the dishes - solid B.

Generosity: Took time on the phone with a friend who was down, even though I needed to do other things.  Stopped by Goodwill with my gently used clothes and didn't try and pawn off any of the crappy stuff... that's an A-.

Relational: Made my husband's lunch *and* listened to him talk his thoughts through about whether hunting the closest State Game Lands or the largest State Game Lands would be most beneficial for next month.  GOLD. STAR.

Spiritually: Missed reading my bible this morning.  Did remember to say grace for two meals.  Okay, one.  RG's nighttime prayer consisted entirely of "Dear Jesus" and "Aye-meyn".  Below average.

Health-wise: Ate a balanced breakfast, walked 2 miles, and didn't order pizza for dinner.  Winning! 

That's all I wanted, you see.  A measuring stick to tell me that I'm doing enough, being enough, hitting all of the high points.  Tangentially related to the way I felt when Riley was new, and I got it in my head that the goal of each day was for my baby girl to sleep an appropriate amount for each and every nap.

Let's just say, that failed.  And similarly, however I decide I am measuring my days, I'm going to fail at that, too.  I am many things, but perfect, steadfast, infallible, I am not those things.  So the deal is, whatever measure I pick, if I'm actually trying for it, I'm going to pick something I can't actually do.  Which means I'll declare my own days to be failures.  I'll fail myself, essentially.

I don't know about you, but I have enough going on.  I don't need to be failing myself on top of everything else.  I've said ti before, I at least need to be on my own team.  And what about God?  This all started with me asking Him the question.  What does He say?  How should I make my days count?  What measuring stick should I use?

How about none?

Does that sound like a thing?  I'm not entirely certain, but I've been reading (when I remember) in Galatians, and its all about how we used to be slaves to a law, we used to have to try and try and exert enormous amounts of effort in order to be good enough.  And it was never enough.  But then Jesus.  And now we are free.  F-R-double-E, free.  Free from having to measure up, from needing to do this business on our own power, free from any sort of grading system. 

To me, a recovering Type A, this is both liberating and ridiculously confusing. Yay, I'm not failing, but am I passing?  If there is no measure, how do I know if I'm doing enough?  How can I even tell when I've had a good day or a bad day?  

I don't know.  I have no answers for you today.  Today, I wore leggings as pants, to my professional job.  I swore I'd never do that.  I played Fun. radio for my students during in-class work time, nearly replied to an email with a Grumpy Cat meme, and ate copious amounts of sodium-filled fast food.  Perhaps I just want to not have to be measured because I'd fall so short today, but if I'm honest, in different ways, nearly every day could be counted as much of a fail as this one.  But at the same time, God made this day.  He made me to enjoy it.  He set me free from having to work for it.  This day is good.  Even if I can't measure it, I suppose I can declare it.  And with that, I'm headed to my weekend.  Have a good weekend, friends.  Trust me.

<3 M.

Saving Daylight

This is no secret, but in case you didn't know, I hate DST.  I also detest when it ends.  I find it an unnecessary interruption to life as usual, and I'm not a fan of unnecessary interruptions.  

So now you know. 

I've never been through this side of it as a mother.  At least, not as a mother who knew/cared about what day it was, or what time it was other than "feeding time".  RG was itty bitty last time we dealt with this, and I forgot to pay attention to it. 

When DST ended last fall, I was scared, because I couldn't stomach the thought of RG waking up any earlier than she already was.  This time around, I was hopeful.  See, I thought, for the first time in my daughter's lifetime, I was going to sleep past 8.  It was going to be glorious.  And we came pretty close this morning, so that was cool.  Except I forgot about the effect it has on bedtime.  

My girl, well, she likes her bedtime right about 5 PM.  Which 92% of the time is absolute bliss.  I'm able to get things done in the evenings, and not stress so much about getting stuff done during the day.  I like that.  I'm used to that.  It works for us.  And then good 'ole DST pops up and screws everything up.  We shot for about 5:30 the new time, which was 4:30 yesterday.  I thought it was going to work, but turns out RG thought she was just supposed to be chilling by herself for a little bit (because we've been doing #3, from this beautiful post, in the afternoon) and was soon after yelling and carrying on.

So we went for a walk.

Even though I wanted to stew, and I sat in the next room with my insides all clenched up for a moment, worried that my evenings might never be the same, I fought it off.  Before I grabbed RG from her bounce house bed, I made a quick list of a few things that I felt I would need to accomplish in order to count tonight as "Not a Waste" and we headed out to pound some pavement.  We'd been gifted with glorious light and a beautiful evening.  The 8% I mentioned above, the times when a 5PM bedtime is not ideal, is usually on nights like these, when I'd love to be outside and taking in the sunset.  

So although tonight wasn't business as usual, we did get some extra sun, some extra smiles, and eventually (please please please AMEN) we'll be back to regular bedtimes.  Now I'm off to get the remaining two things crossed off my list and go to bed, because somehow my internal clock sprang the wrong way, and I ate dinner at the new 4:30 (3:30 yesterday) and now, at the new 8:22 (7:22 yesterday) I'm completely beat, dreaming of sleep.

Make sure you save some daylight!

<3 M.

Ordinary Days :: A List

Life has been a handful around here lately.  We had my baby girl's birthday party last weekend, where we fit 24 friends & relatives into the middle 200 sq. ft. of our house (hastag: split level problems).  We had enough meatballs to feed 40 people, so we're eating a lot of spaghetti.  Sometimes we just eat meatballs and call it a day.  My pretty pretty princess can eat 5 in one go.  People say its normal, but watching a tiny human consume over 1/3# of meat in one sitting seems weird.

Its just gotten more wild from there.  We're currently experiencing Snowmageddon 2014, here in the upstate of South Carolina.  And by "experiencing" I obviously mean that we're hanging out in the 50* weather, laughing about how school is already cancelled for tomorrow, making this a 6-day weekend, essentially.  The white stuff is still in the yard, but it's not long for this world.

In our 4 snowdays in a row, we've had long days and short nights, and I can't even begin to understand the enormity of your situations, you people who have been holed up all winter.  I'm so sorry.  I'm glad I don't have to look at you, because I don't think that I could keep the pity out of my eyes.  I know you're trying.  I know you're hanging on by a hangnail that you keep meaning to trim but somewhere in the 14 hours of there's-nothing-to-do-today, you just haven't been able to get to it.  I know it's taking all you have not to lock yourself in the bathroom with the laptop and watch seasons of Downton.  Listen to me here: Whatever you're doing, however you're handling it, you're surviving and therefore you are ROCKING IT!

I've been spending some large amounts of quality time with my little meatball.  And my goodness, she's cute. She has also learned to be sassy, is no longer easily distracted from things I don't want her to have, and has razorblades for fingernails.  It's getting interesting up in here <up in here!>.  We had the heat cranked up for Great Grandma last weekend, and so RG got to hang out in just her skivvies, and OHMYGOODNESS I've missed seeing all of that baby skin!  Its just so kissable!  Dear Summer, I miss you and can't wait for your return.  Love, Mama of a Chubby Baby.

These days have been ordinary and spectacular and easy and hard.  They have had favorite moments and they have had mornings where I wish it was acceptable to reach for the whiskey rather than the milk. <For me, sillies, not the baby!  Everyone knows babies drink whiskey right before bedtime, not at breakfast.  Which reminds me, I forgot to brush RG's teeth.  Dang.>  They're just the ordinary mishmash of life, and I'm working to find the good, the beauty, the parts that redeem the day.  I have to admit, most times they're not that hard to find, so long as I look.

It also helps when I can get the dishwasher and the washer and the drying going at the same time.  Makes me feel like a boss.  What makes you certain that you are nailing this thing called life?

<3 M.

Snow Day Rules

We had a snow day.

That's right.  Here, in South Carolina, in what is practically February.  

The best part?  There was actual snow, on the actual ground!

I KNOW!

I mean, none on the roads, but there was the threat of black ice, so, our local governments did what had to be done and declared January 29th a regional holiday.  I've always liked the day, myself, and so I'm glad to see it elevated to such noteworthy status.

Since snow days don't happen down here very often, some people are confused as to the rules of a snow day, so please, let me lay them out for you.

First, it is critical that you see the snow.  Touch it.  Leave your footprints.  

Once you've thoroughly experienced and enjoyed the snow, it's time to head inside.  Gather your snow-day friends - the ones who can walk to your house, the people who have four-wheel drive vehicles, and anyone who was raised in NY or north-er.  It's time to get your jam on in the in-doors.

Book reading is a highly recommended activity.  Position of the book is not important.  Chilling out is primary.

Sweet treats are also a fabulous way to pass the time.  Want to choose just one?  Why?  It's a snow day - you can eat all the sweet treats you want!  Pudding and cookies?  Sounds like a snow day plan to me.  Above all else, no matter where you go or what you do, do not, under any circumstances, change out of your pajamas.  Pajamas are the inherent right of a snow day.  Even if you (hypothetically) go to Applebee's to meet up with friends.  Hypothetically.

Bubble baths are the only exception to the pajama rule.

We have had a fabulous time on this snow day.  We have snuggled and laughed and eaten and visited and got our snow on and really just lived it up. And we didn't.  We kept quiet, we enjoyed and rested (or didn't rest, depending on if you embrace or fight naps *ahem*).  I hope you're staying warm and safe and getting your snow day on, whatever manner of snow day you prefer.  And if you're warm, well, I hope you can send some of that sunshine my way!

Also - thank you for humoring me using this blog as a diary of our days.  Sometimes, there's rockin' content, you learn things you didn't know, you see things you didn't know existed, you're inspired. Sometimes its written for you.  And sometimes, it's for me.  Today - it's all mine ;)

<3 M.

A Fortunately Lovely Day

Unfortunately, today started earlier than anticipated.

Fortunately, RG fell back asleep while laying on me.  *bliss*

Unfortunately, she is a sweatbox when sleeping.

Fortunately, I don't mind at all.

Unfortunately, I had to go to the office today.

Fortunately, Daddy & Riley got to hang out while Mama was gone.

Unfortunately, RG decided to start to climb ALL OF THE STAIRS when Daddy stepped out of the room.

Fortunately, RG is chatty when she's feeling adventurous, so Daddy knew to come back in and supervise.

Unfortunately, there are no more unfortunately's today.  Because

Fortunately, its 64 degrees here.  You can say its only 18 (Celcius) if that makes you less jealous. 

Fortunately, the sun is shining and we're going on an out-of-doors adventure here shortly. 

Fortunately, my MIL had the brilliant idea of a plexi-glass baby gate, and so I can bring you these beautiful photographs to complete your Monday.

Her newest face she likes to pull.
We call it the Jaba.

Oh yes, this magic is happening right now.

We know.
We're already saving for braces.

In what ways are you fortunate today, friends?

<3 M.

Surviving December

It seems lately that every other blog post I read is about somebody having a handful of hectic days, the lovely mixed in with the chaos, and surviving it.  I thought you all should know, I'm surviving it too.  The lovely, the chaotic, the busy, the tired, the mess... it's wonderful and exhausting and, best of all, survivable.  I think it's something to do with this time of year, the mix of beauty and difficulty.  But always survivable.

This picture is from when we went out for Handsome's birthday dinner.
It was a great time.
As an aside: I lack the capability to wear a decorative scarf.
Totally can't pull it off.
Don't try and help either, I'm beyond even wanting to learn.

Believe you me, I'm going to need December to be survivable.  That wicked handsome husband of mine?  He's got his work cut out for him this month.  Hours upon hours of clinicals, rounding out an already full-to-the-brim schedule.  Oh, and all in the first 20 days of the month, since we're planning to tempt fate/trust the Almighty, whatever you want to call it, and drive 650 north when I'm 34 weeks pregnant.  And then 650 miles south when I'm 35 weeks.  Because that's how we roll.  We have to take my car, though, as the Hubs has decreed that I will not go into labor in his truck.  He will deposit me in the snow beside the road if he has to, but I will not give birth in his precious truck.  Maybe on the tailgate; that is still up for debate.

Oh, and speaking of my handsome husband... well, he's looking a little cartoonish these days.  See, the 'stache is back, much to my chagrin, and he looks... I won't scandalize you with an actual photo, but here's one that someone drew of him...

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