10 bits of interest from the Myers home this week:
1. I had a midwife appointment today. It went really well! I am measuring exactly where I should be and Ryan had no trouble finding Hazel’s heartbeat on the dopplar. She moved quite a bit once he found her (as she has proven that she is prone to do!), but she sounds healthy and happy and we are just pleased as pie!
2. My appointment was in the exam room. The one where my midwife told us that Evie had passed. I knew that someday we’d probably have to go in that room again, but I didn’t expect it today. It was hard, but not as hard as I thought it would be. It helped that some of the furniture had been moved around. It also helped that the appointment went so well with lots of good news. I have so many memories from the short time we spent in that room. Time helps. Furniture rearranging helps. It still hurts though.
3. We set up Hazel’s crib last week. Pretty early, I know. We set it up in an effort to make it feel more real that this time a baby is actually coming home. I’m very used to being pregnant – but I’ve only ever brought one baby home. I really have a surprisingly hard time remembering sometimes that this pregnancy is actually going to end in a living, breathing, crying, eating, healthy baby! It’s not just going to end and be over. This time it’s just the beginning!
(sorry the lighting isn’t great –
I just took the photo a few minutes ago and it’s dark here at 4:38…)
4. Setting up the crib was exciting. We even put some tiny clothes in there and one small diaper – it’s fun to see these little things and it really helps me focus on our Hazel.
5. I also completed my quilt this weekend! Can I just shout out a serious thank you to all of y’all who helped me out with tips and suggestions and such? Seriously. I’m so grateful! It went well and I have to say that maybe my favorite part was the hand stitching on the binding. It was really satisfying!
6. I made a book wreath this weekend too using this online tutorial. Yes, this does mean I destroyed two books (I chose The Great Gatsby and Dr. Zhivago). But, feel like maybe “destroy” is too strong a word. Shall we say, “repurposed”? Anyway, I didn’t want some trashy novel wreath hanging on my wall. This way, you can actually look at the wreath and remember bits from The Great Gatsby! (I’ve never read Dr. Zhivago – I just had to use it because I rand out of TGG and needed another book the same size.) It was a fun project!
7. When I tried to feed Oliver ravioli at Buca di Beppo last night he emphatically reported, “I do not like rock-n-rolli!”
8. A friend of mine asked me to make two more Ragamuffin Skirts for her nieces for Christmas. I had to say yes (partly because they’re adorable!) and I’m enjoying the fun project. Brings back fond skirt-making memories. :)
9. Ryan is in the kitchen making dinner while I write this. I believe he’s making Lemon Chicken Piccata from Ina Garten’s cookbook. I married a pretty good guy!
10. We are LOVING getting into this Advent season. We’ve had fun this year digging into older or lesser known Advent traditions and giving them a try. For example, we are celebrating for the first time this year Klopfelnacte or “Knocking Night”. On the 4 Thursday evenings during Advent our family will be going from door to door visiting our friends and neighbors in a sort of opposite of Trick-or-Treat manner giving gifts, food and such away. Tomorrow is our first night and we’re really looking forward to it!
Digging into these older traditions has been a really fun way to help prepare ourselves and our hearts for Christmas and to keep our focus where it should be this season.
Alright, that’s my 10 bits!
Oh, and for a bonus, here I am on Sunday at 25 weeks!
Can’t see much of the belly with my cardigan on, but you can definitely tell it’s there!)
>YOU ARE GORGEOUS and GLOWING!!
i too have a hard time remembering that this pregnancy is going to result in a live, breathing, screaming, pink cheeked, baby! it is so hard to remember that some days. i told my husband (also named ryan ;)) just the other day, that i don't think it will feel real until he is here, at our house.
i'm so glad your appt. went well. i know what you mean about how just a room can bring back so many memories… i start going to the dr. every week now… i'm glad they are keeping a closer eye on me. we get to have another u/s on monday to do a weight ck on our precious little corbin. i can't wait to see his face again!
>Love your 25 week picture! I love your quilt and man you just go from one project to the next. The book wreath is great. I would love to see some of the skirts you are talking about. Glad your dr. appointment went well. I still just love the name Hazel.
>Love the quilt and the room color. I can't wait to see it in person. Glad the appointment went so well!
>So happy to hear things are going well!! Your quilt is beautiful! I wish I had the talent and patience (and time) to make something like that for my daughter. Thank you for the update!!!
>love, love, love, LOVE the quilt! It turned out great!
we also set up the crib early this time. it did help with remembering that we were actualy going to have a baby to bring home and put IN it.
AND, I love the wreath idea. That is so neat.
>Hey girl, I still have a certain gown waiting at my house for your snail addy. Am I bugging you too much??
thebogarts@earthlink.net
>You look great! I'm so glad you like that dress. It served me well.
And I agree with everyone else, the quilt looks fantastic. Well done, you!
Also, I will find it hard to forgive you for tearing up TGG, my all-time favorite book. It helps to ease the pain knowing that it went to such a lovely wreath. Helps just slightly.
Love to you and your boys! I hope knocking proves to be fun and fruitful.
>You look wonderful!
I love the book wreath…what a neat idea!
Rock-n-rolli is so cute!
>I love the quilt! It's so colorful!
You look fantastic!
>You're one of those pretty pregnant people! lol Not me. I looked like I ate the old me and a watermelon!
I did the book wreath too! It was fun to do. I made a few mistakes and now know what NOT to do on the next one.
Your quilt looks amazing!
>Everything looks great! Love, Mom
>I've been reading your blog for awhile and just wanted to comment about a couple things!
First, the book wreath…I am SO doing that!! I'm all for inexpensive, yet classy home decor! Can't wait till after Christmas to try it.
Second, one year ago I had an ectopic pregnancy, and 2 weeks ago I had a miscarriage. I don't have any children (on this earth). I just wanted to say a big CONGRATS to you, and also say that it's such an encouragement to see someone pull through so much. On those days I don't think my heart will ever recover, I look to those of you who have come through the storm. My faith is shaken, but on the rebound. :) Thanks for your incredible story and for sharing it with me. It helps. God bless you and your beautiful family!
>Is that a thick-bottomed moose on your sofa shelf?
>You're a doll–what a cute pic! I'm deblurking to say how excited I am for you guys and sweet baby Hazel!
Blessings–
Bonky's Mama
>Love, love, love the quilt and the felt shoes! Can't wait to meet Hazel! Thanks for finding my blog.