stop the merry-go-round

I want to get off!  The last few weeks of my life have been busier than I have wanted them to be and therefore, my posts have been less regular.  We have really been enjoying the warmer weather and longer days.  Fresh air feels so good.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to do a little PR for my childbirth classes.  An adorable new store (the only of its kind) opened up here in town and I was invited to be there to hand out flyers.

It is the kind of thing that I am entirely uncomfortable with...you know, making easy and relaxed conversation with perfect strangers, promoting myself.  You never know how someone is going to react when you encourage natural birth. I read and article in our local newspaper last week that stated over 60% of women elect for an epidural at our hospital (that doesn't count Stadol or other narcotic drugs "to take the edge off") Natural Birth Nuts are clearly in the minority.  Everyone seems to have an opinion on the subject and I think they should, I just get nervous stepping out in a group of strangers like that. Thankfully, no one threw rotten tomatoes at me. None the less, it turned out to be a beautiful store and I was drooling over all of the merchandise.

Those cute Petunia Picklebottoms diaper bags are not helping me make a rational decision about having another baby!

In other news, I did some fun sewing and some awesome thrifting on Sunday.  I am running out of time for today though (hey didn't I say I wanted off this merry-go-round?)  Come back tomorrow and the next day to see the products of both.

a little side note

I have that itch.  It is back.  It doesn't ever seem to quite go away.  As Laurel approaches her 2nd birthday, it has become more intense.  Another baby for us?

(Laurel Baby when she was actually a "baby")

I am not good at big decisions.  I can handle little ones with ease.  This morning I made the decision to have oatmeal instead of waffles.  Then, at the gym I decided to skip the third set of shoulder presses. After lunch it was time for the girls to nap but I made the decision to do one more puzzle with them.  But another baby?  That is big. 

   

(Emma the morning after she was born.)

I quite like being pregnant, and I actually like giving birth.  Being a Douala and childbirth educator I am constantly around "baby bumps".  I keep thinking that it might be time to get one of my own.  My husband is not quite on board yet, er- maybe that is putting it lightly.  I have some reservations of my own but they all seem so trivial in the grand scheme of things (gaining weight again, another year or more of nursing, reduction in "me" time).  Really, when it comes down to it, I have the rest of my life to be completely organized, to have a spotless house, to enjoy hours on end crafting/shopping/exercising/doing whatever I want.  This time (you know before my uterus shrivels up) is so short.  This is me hearing my clock ticking for the first time. 

(Hannah at birth)

I love being a Mom, challenges and all.  After 3 girls and 7 years of parenting, it feels like I am just hitting my stride. In fact, there are even times when I think I know what I am doing!  A big family seems so warm and jovial, so fun and lively.  So, I guess I will go on having this internal discussion with myself.  Babies are the best- how do you ever get over them?  How do you know that your family is complete? 

good grumpy morning!

I was called into a birth last night.  I always love this in the moment!  The excitement, the tenderness, the emotions are all over the map.  The couple was sweet, the birth of their daughter Olive was too.  I always come away thankful to have witnessed such a special moment in time.

That being said, I slept for approx. 2.5 hours last night....with my own daughter tossing and turning at my side.  So, here I am- a bit grumpy.  Today I am the recess monitor, I teach childbirth class tonight, my Holiday Traditions Swap package is to be mailed out today, Christmas cards to address, 5,000 gifts yet to make...and on and on.

Good thing I have such a great group of helpers :).  Cute too!

Good Grumpy Morning!  Happy day to you!