Darla Jean Peery

So we made it....Darla is here, finally!!! I am so pleased to be past that moment in time. Our scheduled C section went as expected and pretty smoothly. We were in the hospital by 5:40am; prepped for surgery and being wheeled into the OR by 7:20am. Our little girl was born at 7:56am, weighing in at 8 lbs 2 oz and 18 inches long. She was a little heavier and a little shorter than her big brother's birth stats. However, when looking into that little face, it was like seeing Derick's scowl and squished face all over again. We spent the rest of the day visiting with family and watching our little girl. The only tough part was seeing her struggle with the amniotic fluid in her lungs. It was really hard for me to hear her choking and gaging so much. I was already worried about that aspect. But after the first 12 hours, she got it all out and things settled down for me. I don't sleep well in hospitals, and this time it was no different than with Derick. The only time we got rest was when Darla was sleeping on my chest. I was so glad to get home Saturday afternoon.


Derick has been such a loving big brother, both Jeremy and I are amazed at how tender and protective he already is. A nurse was doing something with Darla in the hospital, and he kept saying, "Don't, Don't, Don't..." just making sure that the nurse knew he was watching out for his sister. It's adorable and so sweet to watch him. He always wants to hold her, touch her, and listens for any little peep that she makes, exclaiming, "My baby sister!" We still have to watch him closely, as he likes to put his fingers in her mouth, nose, eyes....but I know it's just curiosity. Above all, he's taking this new baby sister thing all in stride. I couldn't be more proud of him.

Life with a newborn is not easy, and I have found there is alot I had forgotten. Good and not so good. My recovery from the C is going slower than the first time around, and there are new and different feelings of pain. But, after a visit to the doctor Monday, I'm accepting them and doing my best to move past that part. Breastfeeding is going well, my milk came in the day we left the hospital. What I have learned is, not all babies feed the same. Derick was a drinker, and he was FAST. Darla, is more of a sipper, and not as fast as Derick. I took a shower Monday morning, and freaked out, finding that I had some swollen lumps in my armpits. After my doctor visit, I have learned that women have breast tissue all the way into their armpits, and it can fill with milk, if your baby is not emptying your breasts fast enough! Who knew? But, a little swollen milk glands, I can deal with that.

There are so many things I had forgotten about newborn babies, that I love! I love that soft feeling of their heads, as they snuggle up against your shoulder. I love the cooing, the little noises they make, and even the way they breathe. I forgot about the swell of love that moves between the two of you when they open their eyes and connect with you. I love their adorable small toes and fingers; and that new baby smell..........well, there's really nothing like it on earth.

We took Ms Darla into the doc yesterday for her first check up. She's doing well and is just a few oz under her birth weight. We'll be back above 8 lbs by next week, for sure. The funniest moment we've had so far, occurred at the doctor visit. In order to weigh her, we had to undress Darla, including her diaper. As soon as I took the diaper off, she exploded. And, I DO mean exploded. Projectile poop, people. Amazingly, she missed hitting the other three people in the room, but left a mess on the floor. I was too amazed to be all that embarrassed. Until, as we were cleaning it up, it happened again!!! Yup, twice in a row, a shot of poop flung across the room. I had never seen anything like it before. And to top it off, as we were getting ready to take her to the scale, she peed on the table. All I could do was laugh and hope the nurse wasn't too disturbed. I'm really not sure Darla liked the doctor's much. What a moment....I'll never forget it.

As I write this, my heart is full of love for our new little addition. She's lying on my lap, sleeping in that way that only newborns do. Deeply. Today has been an emotional day, filled with lots of tears and frustration. I know the days will get better, and I look forward to the moments to come as we continue to learn how to be the best family of four we can be. For now, we are taking it day by day.

Monsters in the house!

My poor little man was really worried about monsters tonight. Daddy is out at a meeting, so it was just Derick and I for dinner and bedtime. I think we both felt like the house was too dark and too quiet without Jeremy. Winter is definitely here. I kept the music going until it was time to read stories. That helped us both alot! After getting into jammies, he told me there were monsters in the house. I told him that’s why baby bear sleeps with him, to protect him. He kept insisting they were in my room. So, we went and checked the room, just to make sure. I closed the window (it was cracked open), and told him that might be how they got in. But we shoo-ed them out, so it was safe again. I felt so at a loss, I wanted to reassure him that everything was fine, without making him feel silly or wrong for having fears. He’s been refusing to let us close the door at night time, these days. I even put a brighter night light in his room. But, it doesn't seem to matter. He still insists on having the door open. It's harmless, so I am letting it go. But I think it makes it harder for him to fall asleep, hearing Jeremy and I moving around the house. My little boy is afraid of the dark! I feel so bad......and so amazed at his growth. How did we get here so fast? Tonight, I made sure I took the moments we had together and savored them.

Photos of 38 weeks

I just thought I'd share a couple of pics that Jeremy took this morning. Peanut is 38 weeks and we are about 4 days away from her birth. It's definitely different this time, knowing exactly when we'll have her. But this super planner is taking advantage! :) Enjoy the big belly, it's not going to be around much longer!

One more week

In one week, at this time, Jeremy and I will be looking into the face of our daughter. It's kinda surreal, exciting, and nerve-racking all at the same time. I think we are pretty much ready. We just have the hospital bag and Derick's overnight bag to pack and a few little things to do. I am so ready to have my body back now. While our little peanut is growing normally, she's started to push on ribs, and twang some nerves in there that tend to make me a little more uncomfortable these days. I got to see an 8 day old baby last night, and let me tell you, he was the CUTEST thing. It made me really get excited to hold our little girl in my arms. I'm still kinda nervous about all that infant stuff...nursing, recovery from surgery, sleepless nights, Derick's reaction.....but, I know we'll make it through. This impatient mama says, "Let's get this show on the ROAD!"

From Spa Bliss to Head Cold Sickness

The last few days have been a struggle. I re-read my blog about the spa and was so bummed that I lost that Blissful feeling so fast. But the next day, I came down with one of the worst head colds I've had in ages. I am sure it's from lack of sleep. I don't think I slept more than an hour or two at a time Wednesday or Thursday nights, that week. I do know, without good rest, my immune system fails. So, it was no surprise to me to wake up so yucky. The good news is, I am starting to recover. I hope it's all gone soon, so I don't have to go into the hospital with a cold.

Things have been tense around here the last few days. Jeremy worked alot over the weekend, getting one of his teams moved from one building to another. He's phone and IT support, so alot gets done after hours. Sunday was his only day home, and we tried to spend it getting last minute things done for the baby. I had a list of stuff to bring down from the attic. Once it was all down, it filled my landing space on the stairwell!!! Bouncy seats, car seats, infant tub, nursing pillows, toys, bottles.........it's kinda crazy how much stuff goes into caring for an infant. I guess I forgot. I think all three of us kinda freaked out. The anxiety level jumped 50% for Jeremy and I and Derick picked it up like little one's do. We spent all day snapping at each other or in tears. (Well, Derick and I shed the tears) I kept thinking: I'm not sure that I really want to go through the tiny infant thing again. When I first got pregnant, I longed for the tiny baby snuggled up against me. But, now I'm starting to remember the long sleepless nights, the pumping, the feedings, the fear of not knowing how to stop the crying. I am hoping all that will go fast and we'll get into the fun stages quickly....the smiles, the cooing, the more set sleep patterns.

On top of all that stuff to get ready, we thought it would be fun to go look at bunk beds for Derick's room. Which store did we pick? Well, which one would be the busiest and most crazy one? You guessed it, we went to IKEA on a Sunday. What was I thinking???? Needless to say, it was not a good trip. We all came home frustrated and ready for naps.

I do want to say, Monday and today have been much better around here. I know all families go through rough days together. That's life. And, as I continue to feel better, that only helps. The anxiety about adding a little baby to our family continues, but we'll do the best we can once she gets here. I feel very supported by family and friends. As I get the last of things washed and put away, the final waiting games begin.

Spa Bliss

Can I just say, EVERYONE should spend some time in a spa, on a regular basis! I must sound dorky, but what a gift I was given today. My dear parents purchased a gift certificate for me months ago and I have been dragging my feet to get my appointments scheduled. Not sure why, but the calendar never seemed to work. Well, time is running out now, before the baby comes, and I HAD to get it done. So, I dropped D off with my parents this morning and headed to Olympus Women's Spa in Lynnwood. It's an oasis of calm, peace, and well being!!! I spent 4 hours there today, alone. Well, without someone I knew. It was the best gift ever. I soaked in the pools, splashed myself with mugwort tea, showered with wonderful soaps, read my book, got a massage, had a yummy Korean lunch, read my book some more, and enjoyed a facial!!! No crying child, I didn't have to lift a finger for anyone, and I had uninterrupted "me" time. Since the spa is just for women, swim suites and clothes are not allowed the pool areas. The first time I went, it was a little unnerving to be naked, but after 5 minutes, you realize you are built with all the same parts as the other women around you. And there are EVERY shape and size. So, the uncomfortable feeling goes away. I say all this to explain a sweet moment I had today. As I was putting my robe and things into a cubby near the pools, a woman walked by me and said, "OH! There's a baby in your tummy!!!" I smiled and said, "Yes, there is." And she said, "You are so beautiful! Just Beautiful!" I almost cried. It was such an endearing moment and a nice thing to hear at 37 weeks gestation! What a great day. I feel so calm, relaxed, and somehow more ready now for the baby to arrive.

All things Scary

As the month of October winds down, we celebrate Halloween! I do enjoy my pumpkins and the annual trip to the pumpkin patch is one of my favorite parts of the holiday. This year, the sun was shining and the place was packed, as usual. Somehow, I didn't get as much pleasure out of the trip as I usually do. I think it was just harder for me to wander the fields with my boys this year and I didn't get as many cute pics as I wanted. I did find my perfect gourd for carving, though. I like the green and orange ones best. After the patch, we all descended on our little house; stuffed ourselves with pizza, lasagna, and brownies; and created cool Jack-O-Lanterns. Fun was had by all! Here's some pics from the day.

Derick is going to be Bob the Builder for Halloween this year. I went to Value Village to get the clothes, and he supplied the cute!

I'm not sure what caused the change, but for the last week or two, Derick is having trouble falling asleep at night. I don't know if it's all the talk about Halloween or if it's just a coincidence but both Jeremy and I are unable to get him to go down easily like he used to. The routine is the same, the timing is the same......but he fights it like crazy. "Mommy, I have to go potty. Mommy, I want water. Mommy, cover my toes." When he finally runs out of things to ask for, he just cries and cries. We changed his bed location to make room for a night light. Didn't matter. We tried asking him to tell us why he didn't want to go to bed. He really can't tell us. Finally, we just started leaving his door open. That seems to be working, for now. He'll stay in his bed and drift off. Once he's asleep, we close his door so Daddy won't wake him in the morning. Pool little guy, I know the lack of sleep is getting to him, here's hoping now that we have something working we'll all get caught up.

It's a beautiful fall day and I'm feeling pretty good! A rare thing these days, I must admit. I thought I'd update a bit. We've been keeping busy. Jeremy and I spent two weekends re-arranging our computer room to make a nursing and changing station for Peanut. I now have a computer room/nursery! It's kinda crazy, but it works for now. It felt good to clean out our dump-it-in-here room and get a little more organized. Hopefully, it's just temporary until she's sleeping well enough to move her into D's room. We had our one and only baby shower last weekend. I enjoyed visiting with family and friends, some of which I haven't seen in months! Everyone was so thoughtful and generous. We now have plenty of resources to purchase a couple of items we need: a double stroller and a new baby carrier. Plus there's left over for a good sized donation to Peanut's college fund. Thanks to everyone for coming to celebrate with us! We are so very blessed.

Also last weekend, Josh and Nikanne took us to see Celine Dion in concert. I know, I can hear you groaning now. But can I just say, she is amazing!!! Legs that go on forever and a voice that is out of this world. I am still humming her tunes from Saturday's night out. It was nice to have one more date night before the baby comes. Derick stayed at my parent's house and Sunday morning was lazy and relaxing. Jeremy and I went out for coffee and treats, and made a trip to Toys-R-Us for some items on our list.

The Van is in the shop this week. As we were heading out on Sunday morning, I started the car and smoke started coming out of the dash!?! Quickly we shut it off, and Jeremy poked around the stereo a bit before we decided to let it sit and take the car. Monday morning, Jeremy took it to Renton Honda with a list of things we have been meaning to get done, plus the freaky smoke issue. It's getting lots of love: a new transmission, wing window repair, a oil change, tire rotation, and a new part that will help the oil stay cool when we are towing our trailer. They couldn't find much wrong with the dash, so hopefully that was just a freak thing. I miss my van, but Derick LOVES riding in Daddy's car. He's so into Daddy right now!

Here's a few pics of recent fun moments.

Derick and I had a blast playing Lego's on Wednesday night while Daddy was at a meeting.

Random thoughts from an expecting mother's heart

Have you ever carried a child inside your womb? It's an experience like no other I have ever known. Mostly positive. But as we approach the end of this part of our journey together, I am starting to struggle. Peanut is 34 weeks now, and putting on the weight that will help her survive on the outside. (And I am putting on weight too!!) I am so much more tired now. Sleep is elusive; I toss and turn much of the night either trying to get comfortable or trying to revive a leg or arm that has fallen asleep. And if I have to get up to use the bathroom, my mind wakes enough to keep me up, solving all the problems of the world (ok, well my world anyway). Derick and I are clashing now, more than we ever have before. I think it's mostly me.....I take all his negative behaviour very personally. It's not like he means to hurt me, he's just two and a half. I just take it that way. I'm trying my best to get us out of the house and enjoy this fall weather. It's one of my favorite times of the year. But each outing wears me out so quickly now. Many times a day, I feel the tears well up in my eyes, for no real reason.......just because. Darn those hormones! It's kinda embarrassing, even for me!

Recently, I was trying to explain to Jeremy the kind of connection that mothers have to their unborn children. It was a day that the baby just wasn't moving so much and I was worried. So, I was checking in with her. I do that several times a day. I'll stop what I'm doing or take a moment to sit down and mentally go inside. I'll wait, still and quiet. Sometimes, several minutes go by. It's like I'm blind and deaf, and the only sense I have of my child is the sense of touch. It's amazing how we rely so much on all of our senses to care for our young ones. But with a unborn child, there is only one way to check on them. (without medical assistance) Those fetal movements are the line of communication between us. And as soon as I get a twitch, roll, or kick, I breathe again. My baby lives.

Here's some recent photos of this pretty October.

Derick at the pumpkin patch

Mums in my yard

Derick and I on a tractor ride

Being Outside

There's a special kind of magic for Derick and I when we spend some time outside. Today was that kind of day. The morning had been bumpy; 3 time outs before 9:30am! But, once we were outside, everything was fine. We met some friends at a local park and walked the trail, picking up leaves. The sunshine was coming through the trees and the mommy's laughter and chatting filled the space with fun and light.

After our walk, we pulled out the craft supplies and made art with our nature finds. It felt so nice to have conversations with friends in the fresh air. We watched the kids play, and enjoyed the warm fall sunshine.

Just as a cloud was coming along we all headed home for lunchtime and naps. It seemed the magic followed Derick and I home! He ate his lunch peacefully and told me he had to go poopy before any accidents happened!!! We took care of the potty needs and then curled up together to read some stories before nap. I really don't know what it is about the air outside, but I will savor these moments when they come!

Imagination and Creativity Rule in our house

Well, most of the time these days. Over the last month or so, Derick's imagination and story telling has really developed. He just LOVES to tell you a story. And his favorite topic? You guessed it: Trucks! If he's in the mood, and you sit down next to him, he'll tell you how he, "just got my truck back from the shop. And they fixed it. But it was broke. But the front tires are working. The back tires are not working. I gotta take it to the shop to fix it. It got stuck in the mud. I just picked it up......" It really could go on and on. And he loves to talk to anyone on the phone. That's when the stories get really long and repetitive. He just doesn't want to give up the phone! I love to listen to his mind and how it works. Jumping from one idea to the next without alot of filler yet. It's very sweet. And he'll repeat stories that he's overheard too, so we really have to remember he's always listening, even if you think he's not. At the dinner table, he likes to ask Daddy how his day was. "How was your Day, Daddy?" Then, he'll ask, "How was my day?" Prompting us to make sure he's included in the asking. And, he'll usually answer with a, "Well, my day's pretty good." Such a sweet boy!

Recently, we took a trip to the dollar store to pick up some craft supplies. He was being good, so I let him pick out a couple of monster trucks to take home with us. The next day, after his 30 mins of morning TV, we were hanging out in the living room. He brought the trucks up to me, held the purple one in front of my face (quite close, actually I was a little worried for my eyes) and said, "Say hello to Valerie!" So, I did. Then, he held up the yellow monster truck and said, "Say hello to Valerie's Dad!" I couldn't keep a straight face! And, to this day, if you ask him their names, they remain Valerie and Valerie's Dad. I'm not sure where he got the idea for these names, but it makes me smile every time I think of it.

Happy Birthday, My Love

Yesterday was Jeremy's 36th birthday and we had a low key, family kind of day. I thought it was a perfect way to celebrate Daddy. We started the day with an OB apt for Peanut, and all of us went. It's been a while since Jeremy had heard her heartbeat, and the Doc let Derick hold the instrument which he enjoyed. All is well in there, and we left with alot more thinking to do about whether to have a C section or try for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth after C Section).

On our way home, we stopped at the new fast food joint in the Highlands, Carl's Jr. OMG! The burgers were HUGE and really yummy!!! I thought it was like getting Red Robin burgers, to go. We are SO in trouble knowing it's there.

After nap time, Jeremy and Derick played games on the computer. It's Derick's newest obsession. I have never seen him sit so still for so long!!!

Jeremy chose Azteca for his birthday dinner out, and we had a yummy meal there together. I know alot of you know how meals go with toddlers, but I have some pictures to prove what a un-relaxing time it can be.

Just getting settled in the booth; I had to work with the waitress to even get one, she wanted to put us along a wall with open access on either side of the table. She obviously doesn't have small children.

Derick has already tried to climb over the wall to see the people in the next booth and sat in the window sill, while banging on the glass with his crayon. We still don't have coats off!!

Derick climbing on the table, and reaching for anything that he *might* want to play with!

Finally, some smiles!

After dinner, we stopped in for ice cream at cold stone. YUMMY!

Happy Birthday, Jeremy. You are such a fabulous father and loving husband. We are so lucky to have such a special, regular kind of guy in our lives!

A morning for the Birds

Derick slept in a bit this morning, so I crawled out of bed and snuck downstairs to enjoy a few moments to myself. The morning was foggy and cool. It felt like fall and I loved it! After getting some coffee going, I stood watching out the window, into the back yard. To my delight, there were a lot of birds in the yard. I got to see a rare sight at my feeder......a Red Winged Black Bird and his mate were enjoying some bird seed! Of course, as soon as I grabbed my camera, they flew off! But it was a special moment. I did get a couple of pics of a male Purple Finch feeding and I enjoyed watched the juncos and house wrens flit around the yard. It was a very peaceful way to start my day.

Procrastination Station

I think I'm one of the best procrastinators out there; just ask my parents about a little homework project called, "Nicaragua." They'll smile and chuckle, now. But it was a major oops, back in my school days. I'll never live it down! You'd think that with time, we as adults, would learn to recognize these things about ourselves and work to fix them. Not so much in this corner. However, as my belly becomes bigger, I am fast realizing that there are some things I REALLY want to do before our second child arrives. So, I made a list, got really stressed out about it (poor Jeremy gets to hear the brunt of that), and then started digging into it. With my dear husband's help, and the help of some wonderful friends, I'm starting to cross things off! Yay!!!! There's still more to do, but progress begets progress, right? Once I get started on things, it's much easier to keep going.

This weekend was all about the yard and exterior house. I've been saying how much I want to replace some plants for over a year now. So, hubby and I dug up three old and tired climbing roses. We moved a trellis: cleaned it, painted it, and re-installed it. Now it's ready for some new plants; Clematis. I can't wait to continue to make my back yard the lush and green space I have always wanted it to be. It's been 5 years (or more) since my Iris has been thinned out and cleaned up. What a JOB that was. I swear in some spots, the rhizomes were two to three inches deep. Then, the roots started!!! Oh that corner looks SO MUCH BETTER now. It's clean, and fresh and I know the plants will be much happier. And I should get a ton more flowers in the next two seasons. Since I *had* to head to Carpineto Brothers for some mulch, I just *had* to browse their bulb section. Low and behold (faining surprise, here) they had a wonderful selection and I came home with more bulbs to plant! I just love tulips, they make the sometimes grey spring so pretty. So, I added another project to my weekend list. But they are in, and I can't wait to see those pretty blooms in the spring. Jeremy was my hero this weekend. He put his painting projects on hold whenever I needed help digging or lifting. It was just like old days, when we would spend the whole weekend in the yard, together. We'd come together to help each other and then go off to work alone for a while. The only big difference was this time we both had an eye out for Derick getting into trouble! He was a trooper most of the time, enjoying the rhythm of work in the yard and being outside. After a weekend of begging Daddy to let him paint the house, Jeremy set him up on the side of the shed. Eventually, we'll be painting it to match the house. But, Sunday, it was all for Derick's pure enjoyment. I look forward to the days when he can really help us! I hope he'll want to!

Today, my dear friends came over and we weeded and mulched the front yard. It looks so much better. I didn't realize how much fun weeding could be! But it is when you have such good people to visit with. Tomorrow, we'll work on the back yard and that project will get crossed off my list too. I am so very thankful and blessed. Thanks girls, for helping me get that done.

So, now I am at rest, feeling really peaceful about my list and my life. I love my yard and it's getting a face lift, which makes me enjoy it even more. I feel connected with my friends and can't wait to continue to deepen my relationships. The sun is shining and I feel it's warmth on my shoulders, still. It's a good day.

5 years ago, today, I was strolling through Oahu's Polynesian Cultural Center with my new husband. It was our honeymoon in Hawaii. We were spending time together, on the beautiful island. It was a gray, rainy day, but warm and our hearts were light and full. I remember holding hands with him, talking with him, sharing the sights and sounds with him. Stealing kisses in quiet corners. Having that little smile plastered to my face all day long, a smile telling of all the little secrets I knew about him. All the loving touches we shared, the time we had to just focus on each other. I remember the love that flowed through us, as breath does, from me into him.....from him into me.

This weekend, Jeremy and I celebrated 5 years of marriage and commitment to each other by escaping away again......this time, to Victoria, Canada. We dropped Derick off with my parents (God Bless them!), and took the clipper out of the country. We were warned, it would be crowded. It would be lots of waiting through customs. It might be better to just drive. But, you know, none of that really mattered to me. I was alone, with my lover. I could stand in line behind the impatient guy who couldn't stop making phone calls and not be bothered. I could watch with peace as the elderly woman was escorted onboard before us. I could just walk orderly and hold hands with my sweetie while others rushed past us to get the best seats. Once on board, we sat quietly, and cuddled. We talked. We snacked. We read. We just watched.

Once in Victoria, we checked into our hotel and then went in search of dinner. We found a Spaghetti factory just down the street and headed in. The wait was long so we decided to eat outside. It was warm enough with the heaters above us. We watched the cars go by, ate wonderful comfort food, and listened to the crosswalk beep 100 or more times. But, it didn't matter: no one was crying, no one was chasing little feet, no one's meal got cold while attending to another's. Back to the hotel to put up our feet and veg out in front of the TV. Soft sheets, soft robes, soft dreams.......

Saturday we slept in. Ahhhhhhhh. Up and dressed by 10:30, we went in search of a little food before seeing the sights. We found a coffee shop and stopped for a quick bite. Then, we spent three hours exploring the Victoria BC Museum. The exhibits were wonderful, so very interesting! We watched an Imax film about Dinosaurs and walked through the Old Town-1920's, hand in hand. Then, we visited the inner harbor marina, Parliament buildings, and the Empress Hotel. At $50 a person for tea, we decided to just visit the outside this time around. After enjoying a hot dog and a rest (and some great people watching, too) we heading uptown into the shopping district. Lots of fun shops and pubs lined the streets. Both Jeremy and I found that it felt more like Vancouver than Victoria here. All walks of human life were there, the bums asking for change, the high fashion men and women with bags in hand, the teenagers with braces and giggling faces. We stopped to rest our feet again (well, really mine) and watched a seaplane land in the harbor. We talked about friends, family, the little life stirring inside me, and our little man back at home. We re-connected quickly. It's amazing how that happens with little or no distractions!

We headed back to the hotel for an afternoon rest before our Seafood Dinner Feast. After a check in with home, we were sad to learn that Derick was having a hard time. We think he was mommy sick, mostly. It was hard to hear him crying for us, but I knew he was in good hands. I learned that he was quickly distracted after the phone call and all was better again. So, we headed out to a seafood restaurant called Pescatore's. Jeremy had salmon with a mango salsa and I had salmon wellington. YUM! After dinner we walked the marina, took pictures of the buildings all lit up, and watched a street performer. Then we headed back to the hotel for more Jeremy and Jill time. It was a beautiful day!

I highly recommend all couples allow themselves some couple time. Esp those with kids. I love my family, and I wouldn't change it for the world. But this weekend was a huge reminder to me that my marriage suffers when it's not nurtured, just like the kids. We won't be able to take weekends away like this one all the time, but date nights are a must! Having time to focus on just each other without the house, kid, or work getting in the way was so healing. I am so very happy to be so in love with my partner. I feel lifted up, supported by his love, his touch, his thoughts. While we did exchange gifts (wooden items,for those who are wondering), the biggest gift I received this weekend was him. Thank you, babe, for the wonderful weekend together; I love you!

All my heart, wifey.

30 Weeks, and counting

I can't believe it, but Peanut is now 30 weeks old. Which means we have about two more months to go. It's coming so fast now, and we are so not ready. Jeremy and I can't decide how to set things up for her (and me). We'll need a changing station and nursing chair somewhere outside Derick's room, at least for a while. The idea is to have them share a room once peanut is on a regular sleeping schedule. We keep tossing around ideas on what to do, but nothing has happened yet. I think we both are procrastinating a bit because it will require quite a bit of cleaning up and moving stuff around!

Wednesday, we went for our 3D/4D ultrasound. We did this with Derick too, but this time, we went to a different place and the photos turned out SO MUCH BETTER!! What an amazing thing to be able to see your child while they still are in the uterus. The 3D technology allows you to see an image of her face, skin instead of bones. Our little girl sure looks like her Daddy!!! She has his forehead and full lips. And Attitude!!! When we first started the session, she had a foot up in her face. That quickly moved, but she was reluctant to show her full face, just like her brother!!! She kept bringing her arms up and covering her face. With a little jiggling from me and the skill of our technician, we did get a few good pics. It was so nice to spend a little time on her, watching her move around and feeling it at the same time. Now I know what some of those pokes and bumps are! Now I am feeling even more impatient for November to get here!

Bird Nerd Alert

So, a very good friend of mine recently reminded me that my life is not always ALL about my kids. Sometimes, she wants to hear about me. It took me a while to think of something that's really just about me. Sad, huh? But, I do put so very much of me into my son and soon-to-be daughter. I think that's pretty common with stay-at-home moms. Healthy, maybe not so much. But common.

Anna's male hummer, in our Cherry tree

Something that I am into right now: Birds! How I love my feathered friends. And humming birds are really my favorite. There's just something magical about those little flying jewels. I love to watch them zip in and out of my yard, stopping for just seconds to feed at the feeders or staying minutes to rest in the branches of the trees. Their colors are amazing!!! I love to catch a flash of red or magenta moving through the air at crazy speeds. And, what's even cooler is they can stop on a dime and just hover in mid-air! We have two varieties that populate our yard, Anna's that stay all year round, and Rufus that come in early spring to mid-summer. The Rufus birds are fun because you can hear the males moving in the air. They make this buzzing sound with their wings. So, I always know when they have arrived. And they are VERY aggressive, chasing away other birds from the territory they think is theirs. All hummers do dive displays too, usually to warn other birds that they are claiming certain feeders. They fly WAY UP HIGH into the air, then stop, turn, and make death defying dives straight towards the ground. And

they'll do it two, and three times in a row. It's amazing to watch.

Last year's feeder with Pine siskins
I also love songbirds. We had a couple of bird feeders in our yard that got destroyed by squirrels and rats last season. YUCK. So, I just recently purchased a new feeder, hoping this time to keep the squirrels out of it. So far, I haven't seen them on the feeder yet. What's totally frustrating is the BLUE BIRDS or BLUE JAYS. They are the prettiest birds; bright blue feathers and big too. However, they are LOUD and obnoxious and keeping all the other song birds from coming to feed. They make a mess of the seeds....tossing most of it to the ground to get to what they want. Grrrrr. If anyone else out there knows of how to gently send these blue birds packing, I'd love to hear it!

Here's the pesky "Blue Jay"