the ruby Turtle hippie times

Attention Allergy Mommas...

2016-11-20T18:04:00.001-06:00

So my weekend away was great...

BUT.

I came home to two little girls broken out in hives. We have narrowed it down to a potential pumpkin allergy or a viral thing with hives as a result of getting it out of our system. That said, we've had reactions to cheese in mac and cheese before too.

We are okay with Kraft mac and cheese, but not velveeta mac and cheese. Any idea on what's in one that's not in the other?

Also, what kind of laundry detergent do you use? I can't use Tide because I break out in hives. Their entire lives they've been exposed to Arm and Hammer Sensitive, but we recently used All Free and Clear and then went back to Arm and Hammer Sensitive. Have your kids suddenly developed an allergy like that?

We have consulted our pediatrician which is why we've narrowed it down to two possibilities, but I also wanted to reach out to y'all to ask for any tips and tricks.

We are currently washing all clothes and sheets and getting rid of all things pumpkin. Everyone will be showered before nights end and we've got the girls on a diet of things we know don't bother them.

Anyone have any thoughts or experience??

I appreciate your help in advance!

Happy Sunday and Thanksgiving Week!!

Normal...

2016-11-18T16:14:00.003-06:00

Flowers and pumpkin pie from my boo...

I've been ripping lots of proverbial bandaids off here recently. It's been scary and exhilarating at the same time.

This weekend I'm spending my first night away from the girls. I know I need it. I'm certain it will make me a better mom, wife, and person period. Last night I was talking to my sisters about hurrying at eating in the car before I

BUT.

I am always, always, always, going to struggle with leaving my babies. I can only describe so much what it is to hand off your baby and to never get her back this side of heaven. It's excruciating and even now as I write these very words, hot tears are rolling down my face and it's hard for me to breathe.

Last night I was at an event and I was talking to a momma like me. She said when it came time to leave her rainbow baby, she was determined to be normal. I told her I got it, but I laid awake last night thinking about it and it's been in the back of my mind, all day. I don't know what normal is. I know there's the definition and the desire to continue to move forward.

However, for me, desiring to be normal is something I don't know I care about anymore. Don't get me wrong, there are days I wish I wasn't this girl and I didn't always feel the need to explain that not all my babies are here. I can't help it. I feel it's a discredit to her name and honor if I don't.

Brandon brought me a pumpkin pie and flowers today because he knew I would be struggling. When I saw them, I teared up because I knew he knew. I'm eternally grateful for a husband who knows who I am at the end of the day. I'm a momma to the living and to the dead. Both types of me exist at the same time. I'm not concerned with apologizing for it anymore. Maybe this is what my 30s will be like.

Who knows...? Guess we will find out together.

Happy Friday!!

P.S. My husband and parents have the girls. They're in good hands.

It's been 9 months and 8 days since my last blog post...

2016-11-16T16:20:00.000-06:00

When I started my blog I never thought I'd live to see the day when I wasn't posting regularly, but like the title of the post says, it's been 9 months and 8 days. I think life just has been busy. I also have been more on Instagram.

When I watched other mommas write about their babies, I always daydreamed about when it would be my turn. I got their birth story out and that was it. I feel more private about them in a way. Sounds silly, I'm sure, but sharing on Instagram doesn't seem so intrusive. I still want them to have their own story as much as they can in this technology age.

So all of that said, I still want to write my story about my oldest. JessiKa (from now on can we all just agree that when I write out JessiKa and JessiCa, in your head you just read Jessika with a K and Jessica with a C, which that last one really doesn't count because we call her Jessi. Okay? Okay!) pointed out to me today that I'd not written and I've been praying about writing and my new business recently. I told her to pray that I'd find balance. After I said it, I realized that I have to do my part and seek it out too. So here I am writing this lame-o dust off ye old blog post.

But hey! It's a start, right?

Speaking of The Committee (HELLO RANDOM SEGUE!) , we are all doing well. We talk on the regular and cuss and discuss all manner of things. The latest includes the Duggar wedding, setting JessiCa up on a blind date, sippy cups, the presidential election, family, and as always, the ever elusive hunt for the perfect mascara.

Brandon is good too. We love NWA and our church and we cannot get over the fact that we are parents to twins. I don't want to sound egotistical, but it really is another animal to be parents to multiples.

Speaking of the girls, they're up from nap, so I've got to skidaddle.

In closing, I hope this becomes more of a regular thing. Pray that it does because that means my book will come too and I really really really have a desire to write it.

Also, to my LipSense girls that are here because I posted I'm writing again, hey girl hey! I'm glad you're here! To everyone that's known me since forever, I have a blog. Surprise!

Happy Hump Day y'all!!