Adulting: not as fun as it looks

It's been a bit of a nutty summer around here. While we are glad we bought a house, it came with a fair share of issues, which have caused me a fair share of stress, creating a whole new set of issues.

1). Stress + Christine = physical ailments/trips to the doctor! Maybe I'll get into the details in a later post. Apparently I'm fine, but do have some anxiety.

2). Shortly after we moved in to the new place we discovered that the fridge had been leaking water. It permeated the wall and the floor behind the fridge, resulting in moldy carpet and a potentially moldy wall. We worked quickly to remove the carpet and install new flooring, thanks to the in-laws. Only after most of the work was done did someone ask us about home insurance...being first-timers with a house and home insurance, it never crossed our mind. That whole situation was extremely stressful to me, and grew to an even more intense situation when we discovered a few weeks later that the cupboard next to the fridge was filled with mold and rotting away. $

That's all fixed now. I don't want to talk about it anymore. $

3). The week between mold discovery and mold removal/wall replacement the AC quit working in the middle of the night. It gets hot around here, so it was an issue. $

4). The day of the boys' birthday party, the doorknob came off in Justin's hand. It just came right off. $

5). For about a week we thought Justin might be diabetic, based on results from blood work done at his annual check up. However, after repeat blood work, we were informed he is no where near being diabetic; that he must have simply had an outstandingly sweet breakfast the morning before his first draw. Sheesh!

6). It's monsoon season in Arizona. You may have seen some pictures on various weather media showing the dust storms, also called haboobs, roll through. They're usually accompanied by thunder, lightning and rain -- intense rain -- and, of course, wind -- strong, gusty wind. There are usually flash-flood warnings because ground is so hard and so dry the rain has no where to go. You may remember the floods that devastated Mesa and other areas last year.

We've been hit by a monsoon almost every night for a week. It was so windy Saturday, the large Mesquite tree in our front yard was uprooted and fell directly on top of BOTH our cars. Yep, both. I rarely leave my car outside, but had moved it out to gain more space for painting the hutch. $

Justin's car is a work car, but we are still responsible for the deductible. $

Friendly neighborhood folk came by throughout the night to alert us to the downed tree. Another neighbor brought over his chainsaw in the morning to help free our rides, and a friend came later in the morning to help move the wood away, finish freeing the cars and clear off the driveway.

We're grateful no one was outside and we're very thankful the tree didn't hit our house. I'm even more grateful the cars are drivable and the repairs aren't enough to total our car (read: I don't want a new car payment right now).

7). To top it all off, though, my hairdryer started smoking Monday morning. $

Adulting isn't all it's cracked up to be. I guess Billy Madison was right when he said to a little third-grade boy who was eager to grow up and go to high school that he should, "Stay here. Stay as long as you can. For the love of God, cherish it. You have to cherish it."

On a more serious and important note, however, I was reminded in all this by a dear friend that we are to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work in you so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." -- James 1:2-4.

Man, oh man, did I need to be reminded of that in the midst of all these trials!

I was (ok, I am) having trouble considering all these things pure joy, but I am so grateful I serve a God who knows every hair on my head, who graciously offers a peace that passes understanding, who upholds me with his righteous right hand and who says, "fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you!" -- Isaiah 41:10.

I need all a lot of strength and peace these days, that's for sure.

With that said, we should highlight some good news:

1). As of yesterday, we are officially out of our lease in our last rental. Whew! 2). The boys are healthy, Justin and I are healthy and 3). we are blessed with amazing friends and neighbors. 4). We're thankful for family who call to check in on us, pray for us and 5). even offer to fly down and help out the day the tree fell on our car (my bro Joe is pretty neat).

In other good news, 6). Emmett's enlarged kidney has officially decreased in size to a normal range so he has officially graduated from regularly scheduled urologist appointments. Yay! 7). He also seems to have outgrown his cow's milk protein, corn, soy and who-knows-what allergies. No more bloody poop! He's eating all regular food now and we aren't avoiding anything.

8). We've been blessed with the opportunity to buy our own house and make it a home!

I suppose the good does outweigh the bad! If you think of us, please pray for us!

PS -- All things happening at once has reminded us of September 2010 when both our cars were in accidents the same week, followed by Justin getting rear-ended five days later in the rental car he was driving while his car was being repaired! Hopefully that's all for now, for later and for a long time!

Emmett's birth story

My midwife asked me, at a postnatal appointment, what I remembered most from Emmett's birth. I chuckled a bit, but took a minute to think back on the day that already seems ages ago, yet just like yesterday at the same time.

1 week

I'm so glad she asked. I could sit here and quickly type out what happened, but it's different to list off a couple moments I remember most. I think I'm even more thankful she sat and listened intently, allowing me to recant a few precious and memorable moments from the birth of my second baby. Since the dawn of time, women have been giving birth; doctors, midwives and husbands who drive too slow have been catching babies just as long, but each birth is different and each birth is special. I felt honored that she, especially being the one who was there, gave me the opportunity to tell her my story again without seeming bored or rushed. She's in the right career, my midwife.

The three things I remember most:

• Leaving massive puddles in the ER and no one seemed to care
• Me laughing when my midwife told me they deliver lots of babies in the shower
• The delivery team saying, "Here, take the baby!" to me within seconds of him being out

Now, here's the rest of the story (and there are pictures at the end):

Emmett Robert Thompson was born at 12:59 a.m. Friday, July 25th, just 59 minutes shy of sharing a birthday with big brother Rolin. He weighed in at 6 lbs., 12 oz. and 19.5 inches long. Though he has since lost much of it, his hair was dark brown, almost black, and he has dark blue-steel eyes.

As you know, Thursday, July 24th, was Rolin's birthday. He turned two! We spent most of the day at home because we had celebrated his birthday the weekend before at the Phoenix Children's Museum. I also wasn't feeling my best; I was experiencing lots of cramping and pressure, all part of of being three days away from your due date. I had made a run to the midwife's office that morning, too, because I had received a phone call from our local grocer telling me I'd purchased either peaches, nectarines or plums that were part of the listeria recall...thankfully all was fine, but I was nervous considering I'd eaten my pregnancy weight in nectarines the last month or so.

I was hooked up to monitor the baby at the midwife's office for a while because his heart rate was a bit on the low side. This is apparently is normal for how early it was in the morning, he was a boy and almost due, but we all wanted to be on the safe side anyway. Things were fine after the monitoring session; we learned the baby was still heads down and I was dilated to about 3 cm (woo! I like a head start).

Back at home the cramping continued. Some were extreme Braxton Hicks contractions, some were just from pressure of baby being so low and about due, but some were intense enough I had to focus and breathe through them. Nothing was consistent or gaining frequency, the two factors which indicate true labor contractions, though I still kept track of them, just in case.

I didn't think much of it, see, because this same cramping and pressure happened exactly three days before I had Rolin...

I took it pretty easy the rest of the day, and had let Karen take over in the kitchen by that point, especially considering it was about 112F that week. Standing in the kitchen for any more than 10 minutes made my ankles swell dramatically. After dinner we had ice cream cake, went on a walk, opened a couple more presents with Rolin and Facetimed with a few folks. I also thought to ask a few friends for last minute labor-management tips. One reminded me to make sounds like Dory speaking whale on "Finding Nemo" as low-pitched sounds helps keep you relaxed, whereas high pitched sounds result from being tensed.

Around 10 p.m. it was time for bed. Around 10:30 p.m., as I settled into my pregnancy sleeping nest, made up of approximately 86 pillows, I felt a POP-POP-POP...splush.

"Justin!?" I said, in a calm, yet alerting, manner.

"It's time, isn't it?" he answered back from the shower, having understood the tone of my voice.

"Yep. Water broke!" I said.

Then the chaos began, just as it did with Rolin. Of course I had half washed-off mascara all over my face, I was wearing my ever-fashionable pregnant sleeping shorts (yellow with pink flamingos) and some shirt...I don't remember. I quickly threw on different clothes, made a quick trip to the bathroom to access...things...grabbed a towel, threw my slippers in our hospital bag and headed for the stairs. Justin alerted his parents and off we went.

Just as with Rolin I didn't experience any contractions en route, but it was definitely clear that my water had broke this time!

The check-in process at this hospital was quite different than with Rolin's birth. Everyone in labor, day or night, checks in through the ER. So, I waddle in, causally walk up to the counter and tell the receptionist, "Hi. My name is Christine and I believe I'm in labor?...My water broke...It's actually getting all over the floor!!" Justin brought over a wheelchair; sitting down caused more water to escape..like, a lot of water. Gallons, by my estimate. I was sitting in the wheelchair, in the middle of the ER room, giggling because I was leaving puddles on the floor and no one batted an eye. They brought me a sheet to put over my lap and continued to CASUALLY and SLOWLY ask me a series of check-in questions...WHILE I WAS LEAVING PUDDLES ON THE ER FLOOR.

As luck would have it, we had "the new girl" checking us in, so she just sat there smiling and staring at me as I breathed through contractions. I, politely as possible, asked her if she was quite finished yet when a labor & delivery nurse burst through the door. Oh, I was happy to see her. Again the check-in gal just starred as another contraction rolled through, so I asked her again if she was quite finished with my insurance and ID card so I could go. After a bit more fumbling, she wrapped it up, I think I signed something and we left. .

The ridiculousness of that whole thing is funny. Now.

Upstairs in triage I worked through a couple of contractions, was told I was at 4 or 5 cm dilated, got assigned a L&D nurse and then went to our delivery room. I opted for no epidural or IV since I knew I had done it once without, but I did sign a consent form for an epidural, just in case. Contractions were already just a couple minutes apart, so I figured (prayed, hoped and wished) it would be another quick one.

Once in the birthing room I opted to sit on a birthing ball (just a big exercise ball) at first, but then my midwife suggested standing in the shower. I poo-poo'd it at first, mainly because of how uncomfortable I was in the jacuzzi with Rolin, but decided to try it because I know warm water feels good on a crampy, achy back.

"We've delivered several babies in the shower!" said the midwife, with a smile.

"Ohh, haha," I replied, as I shuffled to the shower.

It did feel nice. Justin stood outside the shower, counting through contractions and holding my hand to apply pressure to the meaty part between my thumb and forefinger (Nurse Tom did with Rolin and it was awesome).

We stood in there about 30 +/- minutes when all the sudden the contractions changed from intense to party time. About that same time a hospital staffer came in to draw my blood. WHAT?! NOW? SERIOUSLY? was all I could think, but whatever. She asked me to sit down on the stool in the shower and I told her no. There was no way I could sit at that point. She just looked at me and blinked a few times, so I finally made an effort to sit.

Justin asked the blood-drawer to go get the midwife because it was baby time, but he says he watched her walk the opposite direction (we were not pleased with this person, to say the least).

Things had moved so quickly I was already at the point where I couldn't help but push with the contractions. I wasn't sure if I would make it out of the shower!! Justin pulled the emergency cord in the bathroom, which brought in a team of four people rushing to the shower. One of the ladies who came in running got down low as she approached and slid down in between my legs, as if sliding into home plate -- it was impressive -- to check things out (and catch the baby if necessary, I'm sure). No baby quite yet, so they helped me over towards the bed.

I made it as far as the side of the bed and decided that was far enough. As I leaned over it during a contraction, my midwife asked if I wanted to get on the bed, but all I could manage to do at that point was shake my head.

She must have said that position was just fine for delivery because that's where I stayed: leaning over the bed in a sort of standing/squat position.

I was channeling Dory big time by this point. It was definitely go time.

Justin was on the other side of the bed so we were head to head. He was encouraging me and holding my hands/arms as he continued to count me through contractions and pushing.

It's in the pushing phase where fear kicks in; fear of delivery issues, fear of the pain, fear about the condition of the baby, fear about not being able to do it. You do get to a point where you think you won't make it, that you can't do it. But you do. If it wasn't for my husband, my midwife, her assistants and the grace of God, I would have let the fear take over.

"Don't be scared, Christine," I remember my midwife saying.

I wondered how she knew I was suddenly fearful.

It's because she's a rockstar of a midwife, that's how.

It was in the middle of a push when my midwife encouraged me to keep pushing because if I maintained that would be the last push. I remember saying/grunting out loud, "I'm not sure how I can...," but strength came from deep within...I remembered Nurse Tom from Rolin's birth telling me, "You can do this; your body was made for this!" and then...

Boom. Baby.

Sweet relief. Euphoria. Emmett was born.

Total time from water breaking to baby in my arms was 2 hours, 29 minutes.

Remember I was standing? As soon as he was out, the delivery team told me to look down at the baby and take him.

"You want me to hold him now?" I asked, legs shaking furiously.

They handed him to me and I said, "I think someone else should hold him for a minute!" That wasn't possible, though, because they hadn't cut the cord yet and wouldn't for a while. They helped me up onto the bed and began cleaning up baby, right there on my chest.

Our first thought was that he looked nothing like Rolin. We didn't think he looked nothing like anyone in the family, which was so strange because Rolin came out looking EXACTLY like my brother Matt.

Anyway, more on that later!

After you deliver the baby, you have to deliver the placenta. This brings back some contractions. It was a little more intense of a placenta delivery than I remember after Rolin (something people just happen to fail to mention -- afterbirth pains are more intense with each subsequent birth. Wheee.) I actually looked at the placenta this time: it is smooth on the side facing the baby, bumpy on the side where is attaches to the uterus. The amniotic sac was still attached to it too, and my midwife showed me how it stretched to encompass baby. A beautiful miracle all in and of itself. Thank you, placenta, for helping create little Emmett.

As soon as placenta was out, my midwife said, "You are officially unpregnant!"

Justin and I were then proud owners of two babies. It's really crazy if you stop and think about it.

Fresh from the womb!

We thought he didn't look like Rolin, but he does look a lot like Rolin in this picture, haha!

My awesome midwife!

Proud daddy.

Look how little!!!

Happy and proud papa.

Sweet Emmett.

Ready to go home!

I felt so much better after this delivery than I did with Rolin. I think having done it once helped, but I didn't have a great need for ice packs (if you know what I mean) this time around either, which makes a HUGE difference. I chalk that up to the position in which I delivered and the patience the team had with the pushing portion of delivery.

Next up: Rolin meets Emmett (sorta).

More Vacation Fun

A few more shots from our family vacation on the Oregon Coast: 

"Makin' a cake!" with daddy.

Sandy boys.

Beach bum. 

Never a dull moment with this kid!

Proposal Rock

Rolin wasn't much up for standing in the giant shark mouth. Can't say I blame him!

Breakfast at The Cafe on Hawk Creek. 

Sea stars at the aquarium. 

Magnet fishing at the aquarium.

Hurricane simulator at the aquarium. Rolin was...well...confused:

We had packed a picnic lunch, but, in true Oregon-Coast style, it was pouring rain during lunch time. We made the best of it in the car!

On our way back to Washington at the end of the week, we stopped at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Ore. It's a HUGE complex, made up of several buildings. The Spruce Goose is there, along with quite a bit of air and space exploration paraphernalia. It took us about three hours to get through what we could before they were closing up shop, but it would be easy to spend an entire day or two there, if you're really in to aviation and space (like any wife and mom of two boys should be, I (now) understand). 

Rolin got to ride solo -- meaning by himself and as the only one on the ride -- in this neat airplane ride. They had the area roped off as there was a field trip happening, but upon seeing little Rolly, the older gentleman in charge of guarding the area offered to let Rolin in for a little fun. He was all smiles the whole time!

We ended our week at Justin's grandma's house for an early Mother's Day celebration. It was fun to finally see everyone all in one place!

Visitors

Whew! We had a busy end to January, which flowed over into February.

One of the hardest things for me when we moved the first time was knowing all my family was together celebrating at most holidays, birthdays, nice weekends, Cougar games or simply just because, and I wasn't there. That was how I grew up -- we always got together with family. I was shocked to learn that what we did wasn't really the norm when little country mouse (me) went to the "big" city (Pullman) and met lots of different people. I couldn't understand why their mom didn't make spicy cheese dip for tortilla chips when an aunt, uncle or cousin would come by, or why they didn't sit out on the patio for hours after the sun went down, eating that dip and chatting. I thought everyone did that??!! You don't play nerts with everyone at Christmas until it's almost the day after Christmas??! You don't you all live about a mile away from family??!!

When we moved to California, we didn't know anyone. Well, save for a couple people in San Francisco, but that was like a two hour drive away, even though it was only about 25 miles away. Our first New Years was spent in a cheap hotel with cheaper pizza and the cheapest champagne. Our first California Easter was just the two of us and too much ham (again). Same for 4th of July, Halloween, birthdays, Christmas...I can't even remember what we did that first Christmas. It must not have been very exciting because, according to this blog, I just made Elf Yourself videos and never even blogged about Christmas.

This repeated itself over a few more holidays, but then we found the Bracketts and our lives changed forever. It still feels weird not to celebrate a holiday with the Bracketts. But I digress.

What I'm trying to tell you is we had a lot of family come visit this January and February. More than ever came to visit us when we LIVED IN WASHINGTON. Go figure ;)

The best part? They all came at once!

The worst part? I really failed at taking many pictures.

Plus, most of the pics were taken in the early-morning time frame when no one should be photoed.Also, the weather wasn't as warm as it had been or as it is right now, but those visiting from Chicago thought anything was better than -6F and the "polar vortex!"

Drew was the first to arrive, though it was just for dinner. He was in town for a business trip, so he came by to say hi and treat me to Jimmy Johns :) WOOT!

The Olmsteads were also here in their RV, but on the other side of Phoenix. Rolly and I made a trip over for an afternoon outing where he went swimming with Rah Rah for almost an hour. He loved being in the water, especially after we took off that dumb rash-guard shirt that made him freeze.

Rahrah and Rolly swimming.

Next came some of the Rabes and the rest the Chyterboks, sans Drew this time. Maggie brought her two little bugs, James and Owen (who was just 2 months old at the time). Mags and the boys stayed here while the Rabes stayed at a hotel a few miles away. I was excited to see Rolin and James together, especially because James is a year and two days older than Rolin. They got along pretty well for the most part, especially considering Rolin kept swiping James' toys, which more or less forced James to share his goods without being asked. He was good about sharing his trains, the most prized possessions of them all. In short, we've since purchased a couple Thomas the Train trains for Rolin as they've been the latest requirement for nap time (wheee).

Pajama pals cleaning up after breakfast.

What Rolin is really saying here is, "James, take this awesome duster..." So I can go play with your train by myself.

Dinner time!

Hugs!

Rolin was also really interested in baby Owen. He kept a close eye on him and made sure we remembered he is, in fact, a baby. "Baby! Baby! Baby!"

 Rolin making sure Owen knew he had a nose. "Nose!"


Making sure Owen's swing was swinging and playing music...

Cousin Laura joined us Friday night, after driving about seven hours to get here (wowza!) and stayed at our house. Maggie's friend Maggie, her husband and baby girl came down from north Phoenix for an afternoon at the park -- we were going to hit up the train museum and farm-themed park, but opted for the park in our neighborhood for logistic and food reasons, ha! Kids have a way of derailing (no pun intended) the best laid plans from time to time, right?!

Daddy and Rolly at the park.

Laura had to leave early Sunday to get back home, but we're so glad she made the trip to see everyone! The kiddos were glad to have a non-parent adult around to play with them, that's for sure!

One of the early-morning shots before Laura hit the road. 

Sunday afternoon was the Super Bowl, and Team Thompson hosted a viewing party. Everyone brought snacks, we enjoyed a chili bar with all the fixin's, and finished with football cookies and these cute "Seahawk Nests" Maggie and I made.

Seahawks nests for the Big Game. 

It was a great game, and having everyone here made Seattle's victory that much sweeter.

Thanks to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Lou, Mags and I were able to sneak away for (desperately needed) pedicures and some time to ourselves. It was a great treat! My parents got in late Monday, then everyone hit up the aquarium Tuesday. James and Rolin loved it, particularly the "water spot" on the floor, made by projectors, smoke and mirrors. We could hardly get them away from it. The underwater tunnel was also a hit.

Swimming in the "water," aka "the spot on the floor."

A little hesitant about stepping out onto the water!

James and Rolin checking out the shark mouth!

"Swimming" in the tunnel

The Rabes and Chyterboks left Wednesday, but mom and dad were still with us for another five days, so we weren't going to be all alone all at once.

Another early-morning shot before the Rabes and Chyterboks left for the airport. 

All the visitors kept our schedules packed, and I loved every minute. Mom and Dad's trip included a weekend getaway to Sedona, by way of Prescott, which we'll save for another post.

Stay tuned for more!

January so far

January has been busy so far, and I didn't really expect it to be so. That's better than boring, right?

Rolin had a really runny nose for about three weeks -- I mean really runny. We'd wipe it, turn around to throw away the tissue and then within seconds it'd be running past his chin again. I tried to pretend it was no biggie for a while, but when it showed no sign of clearing up, and he spiked a 101+ fever for a few days, we went to the doc. I had my suspicions of a sinus infection, and the doc agreed. I went home with a prescription for amoxicillin...Rolin barfed up the first dose -- I mean really barfed it and all of his lunch. Wheee! 

The next day his nose stopped running. Hummm. Would it have cleared up on it's own the next day anyway? Probably, considering my luck.

The rest of the dots are hard to see on his torso and legs, but they're there :(

Anyway, a few days later he started getting red spots on his torso, then legs and then his face. I asked a couple friends and my neighbor for their thoughts and expert parent thoughts, and then called the doc to see what they thought. By the time we went to the doc his "rash" was all over his body. It didn't appear to bother him and he was acting normal, but the poor thing had red blotches and dots all over :( We stopped the medicine and gave him some Benedryl, which seemed to help clear things up in about three days. He more than likely has an allergy to amoxicillin/penicillin. I also suspect roseola. But I'm no doctor.

He's fine now!

I've also been to a doctor or two myself because my body is building another baby! Yes, I'm pregnant; about three months along. Holy moley!

Best BIG Brother Ever, it should say... couldn't find a shirt that just said Big Brother. 

"B2T2" about 12.5 weeks baked.

This new little peanut is due July 27. For those of you who need a reminder, Rolin's birthday is July 24; our wedding anniversary is July 26; Joe and Brianna's anniversary is July 23; two other family birthdays are July 22. We always thought it would be nice to space our children about two years apart, but we did not intentionally plan them to be exactly two years apart! Nor did I really intend on spending another Christmas season laid up on the couch with the first-trimester ickies. All the same, I'd do it again, of course. I mean, look at that adorable profile:

All in all, this pregnancy has felt much the same as the first. I've been starving out of my mind, felt blergy from the moment I woke up until about 1 p.m. and I lacked energy or desire to do much of anything. Thank goodness for "Dinosaur Train," granola bars, apples & cheese, Costco trail mix and a husband who is happy to help. I'm in the second trimester now and things are much better. It really is almost like flipping a switch...I'm still hungry most of the time, but feel much better and have a bit more energy. 

In more doctor-related news, some of our friends in California have also seen their fair share of doctors after a series the triple Bs: blood clots, back surgeries and babies. After a long period of extreme back pain, our friend ended up in the hospital with blood clots; just days later, the need for emergency back surgery became apparent. A few days into recovery, his wife found herself in labor and soon delivered a precious baby boy. There has since been a second round of back surgery, and the recovery continues.

Team Thompson against painful and troublesome backs.

via

For their family, it's been a scary, emotional and trying time -- but it has been accompanied by the elation and pure joy a new baby brings a family. We thank God for watching over our friends and for his continued healing. We thank all of you who joined us in praying for their family, too!

In other January news, Rolin had his first haircut. If it were up to me we would have waited another couple months or so to cut it, but others beside just Justin thought it was looking a little shaggy. It was just hard to say ok to cutting off his baby curls!

Flowing locks.

Justin we tried to give him one at home, but we didn't have any hair scissors to give it a finished look (plus, it was a bit crooked, but that's just my opinion):

Then we ended up at a kids' hair cutting salon to make it look a little better:

Afterward, Rolin had his very first ice-cream cone that was all his own. He's had ice cream before, but never his own cone to eat by himself:

He looks like such a big kid with his new 'do.

Eating the entire cone himself proved to be a bit much as he vomited half of it up after gulping down a cup of milk at dinner. Ha! Gross.

As for the rest of January, we look forward to welcoming a lot of family visitors! Some are now in the vicinity in their motorhome, others are coming at the end of the month. Then my mom and dad come in early February. We're going to host a Super Bowl party at our house for everyone because the Seahawks made it! I can't wait to see everyone, even if it's really the 77 degree weather in Phoenix that was more of a reason for their a vacations than the Thompsons ;) (just kidding!). 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and yours! Team Thompson did not send out Christmas cards this year, simply because we just didn't. Also, the pic below is the only one I have of the three of us taken in the last couple months where all of us are recently showered and wearing more than just yesterday's mascara. However...

We send our best and pray for blessings and joy for you all in 2014. We wish you a wonderful, merry Christmas, wherever you may be and with whomever you're celebrating. 

We're entertaining Justin's parents this Christmas, and are excited to reinstate some of the traditions we started as a young married couple during the years we spent Christmases all alone in California.

Merry Christmas!

31

My parents came down for my birthday weekend. This was probably the strangest birthday for me, mentally...I've always been pretty pumped about my birthday...I used to create countdowns and hang them in my locker at school. I think I was always so excited about them because my parents did a great job celebrating us. Whether we had slumber parties, family parties or just pizza after a soccer game, our birthdays were always made special.

I can only hope to do the same for Rolly and other kiddos.

But, as I said, this just felt different for me. I kept forgetting my birthday was coming. I kept forgetting it was October. I think the weather had something to do with it. Maybe it's because, while I still am important to myself, there is someone much more important that I think about all day long. Little Rolin!

However, mom, dad and Justin still put on a fun celebration, we gave Rolin his first taste of real ice cream (because he could have dairy at that point) and I scored a bicycle, some artwork for the wall and some other sweet gifts.

On my actual birthday, we went to breakfast before I took mom and dad to the airport. The exterminator came to spray our house later that afternoon and life went back to normal. Thanks to all who sent birthday messages! It's so nice to be remembered on your birthday :)

Riding the new bike!

Rolin with Grandpa and Gigi at breakfast.

Rolin was cleared to have diary shortly before my birthday, so my dad requested to be the first to give him a taste of real ice cream. It took a few licks, but he loved it!

Rolly and momma. Thanks for the earrings, mom!

We also went to a concert in a nearby park. Rolly got his groove on: