Something you'd rather not hear at 9-months pregnant

Isn’t it frustrating when things don’t go as planned—especially big things, like pretty much anything related to or involving pregnancy? We are expecting the arrival of Princess #3 around October 20^th. During the first of my weekly OB appointments today, my doctor states that she will be going to Denmark for her grandma’s 90^th birthday October 10^th through October 22^nd. Talk about poor timing for this very-pregnant momma! What frustrates me the most is that at 18 weeks when we had our last ultrasound and got the clear that everything was looking absolutely fantastic—even more “normal” than my first two princesses during that stage of fetal development—I talked to my husband about the possibility of switching to a midwife, simply because I wanted that kind of experience and who knows if I would again have the opportunity, especially with such a textbook-normal baby. After we discussed it, we decided to just stick with our current Obstetrician because after all, we know her, we like her, we trust her and she knows our history. Now, come to find out that it is likely she will not even be in the country during the prime time that the baby will come. It makes me have two thoughts:

1) Just get over it. You’ll have the doula you fought hard to get with you by your side regardless, so stop worrying and just let whoever is on call in the practice to catch the baby.

 2) This is the Lord’s way of giving you an opportunity to seek out a midwife and get that midwifery experience you’ve been kind of longing for and not feel guilty for “leaving” your OB.

I posted about it on Facebook and because I have a high number of pregnant friends, as well as birth-loving and natural-inclined mommas reading my posts, I got a lot of support and validation, which is such a great feeling. I love my support system—I don’t know where I’d be without great friends. Even though I haven’t seen most of these wonderful women for several years, being validated by them makes me feel so loved, and that’s awesome.

So, the next step is the conversation I’ll have with my husband when he gets off of work tonight. Logic does not like unnecessary change. It’s illogical, for lack of a better word. And I completely understand where he’d be coming from if that’s the way he feels. Switching this late in the game may also be an added financial burden, which simply wouldn’t go over well for anyone. Then again, it may turn out that he won’t care either way, and we end up finding a last-minute midwife that is just the rock-star we’ve always wanted! Who knows? I’ll pray about it. And pray about it some more… and I’ll keep everyone posted!

If you were in my shoes, what would you do? Let me know in the comments.

Dear Autumn, I LOVE YOU!

"It's Autumn time! It's Autumn time! The leaves are falling down. It's Autumn time! It's Autumn time! It's all around the town. It's Autumn time! It's Autumn time! There's yellow, red and brown! It's Autumn time! It's Autumn time! Bright colors can be found!"

These are the lyrics to my favorite, rarely sung Primary song that I taught my daughters last year when I was the primary chorister in our ward and both girls were in nursery together. Due to an early January birthday, P1 is still in nursery with P2  despite the fact that P1 has been ready to graduate since well before the end if last year ... But that's another topic for another time.

This post is about my happy season: Autumn. That blissful time of year when it's just the right temperature outside, and the air smells just like the sound of the leaves underfoot: crisp and gloriously invigorating. The brilliant colors-- red, yellow, brown, and my favorite color orange-- are also eye candy, especially here in the South where there are so many trees that it's positively breathtaking. And the taste of Autumn is right up there on the list, too. PUMPKIN! I heart pumpkin with every fiber of my being. I was once called the "Bubbah" of pumpkins, because just as Bubbah in Forest Gump loved every thing shrimp, I LOVE everything pumpkin! Pumpkin pie, pumpkin ice cream, the color of pumpkins, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin carving, pumpkin pancakes ... the list goes on.

Another awesome thing about Autumn is the month of October, which in my opinion is the greatest month of the year! My birthday is near the end, and who doesn't like their birthday (at least secretly)?! Of course, since marrying Logic who has a grade-school aged niece with a birthday two days after mine, it's definitely been different having to give up the attention torch. I grew up in a family where everyone had their own birth month. (I think this is a brilliant idea, by the way. Way to be smart, parents! *high five!*) Alas, unless P3 makes an appearance three weeks early, she will have an October birthday like her mommy. But you know, I'm actually okay with that because having a birthday during the best month of the year is the bomb-diggity. I hope, however, that she gives me slightly more breathing room than my niece did.

Halloween is also partially what makes Autumn time awesome. Dressing up has always been one of my favorite things. And though I abhor scary movies, I get my All Hallow's Eve fix with flicks like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, and It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. Plus, free candy is a perk... And though I've become less and less interested in that part, I can't turn down a Starburst or fun-sized pack of skittles.

And these are just a few of the reasons why this is my happy season! And it could not have come at a better time because I need some extra happy to get me through some extra hard trials I've begun facing very recently (hence the last post being nearly 20 days ago). 

How do you feel Autumn measures up when compared to the other three seasons?

Princess 2 is 2!

Oh, good heavens! My miracle baby, P2, turned two-years-old today! We have been so blessed to have her and she definitely adds a lot of fun into our dysFUNctional family. If nothing else, she has taught me more than anyone else tremendous patience. I not only need this Christlike attribute to be a successful mother ("successful" being a term that never really has a clear definition), but in  all other areas of my life. Well, at least a little more patience... I still don't consider myself a patient person. But I haven't hit 30 yet, so at least little miss fiercely independent is helping me get a jump on it early in life.

I love you, my precious girl!