domestic reflections

Juliet's Birth Story.

2014-11-17T20:53:00.000-08:00

I just couldn't believe I had never posted Juliet's birth story. Let me fix that right up.

The story really began 9 months before her birth (HA). No really. You see, we had just closed escrow on the house we are living in now and that very week I found out I was pregnant. We had decided to undertake a major remodel before moving into the house and everyone told us it would take a year, year and a half. We had never as much as changed a faucet before, so we had every reason to believe those people. My husband, however, being who he is, decides we are going to be finished with the house and moved in before baby's arrival. And so that is what we set out to do. We made lightening quick decisions on contractors, tile choices, window placements, kitchen design and about 1,000 other matters. I meanwhile, never feeling anything but ravenous hunger during my pregnancy with Charlie, was morning sick morning/noon/night. A toddler and morning sick mama is tough, let me tell you. Plus back and forth to the new house and all that everyday. I just remember wanting to close my eyes and lay on the sofa all day long. Pretty sure that didn't happen ONCE.

Fast forward 8 months. Pregnancy is going great (nausea ended at 12 weeks just like clockwork) and house is in the home stretch, but about 50 things still going on. It was definitely not in a livable state but we could see the finish line. I had been almost 2 weeks late with Charlie and I figured I had at least until my due date, and probably after, before this baby (gender still unknown!) was born.

Meanwhile, back at our old house, our things were mostly in boxes. One afternoon at the end of my 36th week, I went in to my kitchen, squatted down to reach into my pantry to pack a few more things and a gush of water came out. This was how things started with Charlie so I knew exactly what was happening.

I burst into tears. I was so unprepared for that moment, truly believing I had another month before the baby would be here. Enough time to move into our new house, have things tidied and set up….you know, a sweet little nursery and mobile and stacks upon stacks of clean receiving blankets. Instead, I had a house full of boxes, no idea where even the car seat was, let alone a mobile and those stacks of receiving blankets. I didn't have a hospital bag packed, heck I didn't even know where a pair of clean yoga pants were. This was most certainly NOT my vision of how this baby was going to come into the world.

Luckily, my mom was around and she went into damage control mode. We ordered my dad and brother in law to move all the boxes out of the house so we would have a nice livable space to bring the baby back to, and somebody better find that car seat!! I think I took a shower and tried to drum up some courage to face what was ahead.

In Emilia's birth story, I probably went on a bit much about my doula Ann. But my experience then was colored very much by my experience with her during Juliet's birth. Here's how it all went down.

I called my doctor's office and of course, they told me I needed to come in so they could cheek the amniotic fluid. I took as much time as I could to ready myself, hug and squeeze my little boy (Charlie was just 2!), walk, stretch, chant, basically anything to get contractions started. And…the contractions just didn't come. I went to my doctor's office, of course she was out of town so I was seen by her partner. They sent me over to the hospital and told me, albeit unofficially, I would need to have the baby within 24 hours of my water breaking. (The fact she was 1 day shy of 37 weeks was of some concern to them.) So, I headed over and checked in, met Ann, and started climbing stairs. I went up, down, all around the hospital, parking lot, adjoining parking lots, anywhere we could find that didn't take us too far. It was 7 p.m. and dark by now.

I was trying to hide my disappointment over the doctor on call. She seemed competent and all, but very….Western. My own doctor had natural childbirth with her own two children and ran a birthing center years before. She understood what I wanted and what I had done with Charlie's birth (lest you forgot, I was transferred from a birthing center to a hospital but delivered naturally after a very long, difficult, dare I say traumatic, labor). I wanted so much more from this birth, and doing it without medication was super important to me.

The doctor checked me at 8 p.m. and my contractions were barely showing up on the monitor. I was so bummed, although I knew I wasn't feeling anything so I wasn't surprised. She told me they would have to start pitocin. For the second time that day, waterworks. And not happy ones. My brain went straight to negative-ville (wish it would never, ever, ever do that again by the way!!) and all I heard was unbearable pain, then epidural, then c-section. As if my body didn't matter anymore and the doctors were coming in to take over. I know some women would be all "what's the big deal? don't you just want to get that baby out?" but I can't explain it if you don't understand it. HA.

Ann asked the doctor to leave. She's good like that. She is as comfortable in a nearly-unassisted home birth situation as she is in a hospital setting. She's attended so many births at all points on the spectrum, it's as if nothing phases her. She looked at me and held my hand. I told her my fears. She said she understood but she didn't think it had to be as bad as I thought. She said I should ask for the lowest dose of pitocin possible. I'm all, "you can do that?" Of course you can. You're paying for this. If they can say yes, they will. And you know what? The doctor said Yes. We can start her on 1 unit instead of the normal 15. So we started low and I couldn't feel a thing. Yet the contractions were happening, we could see them on the monitor. I told Ann I could go higher, and then higher. She was the perfect liaison between me and the doctor.

From about 8:30 to 11:00, I had no discomfort as they gradually increased the dose of pitocin. B, my mom and Ann chatted and laughed and told stories and talked about baby names. We still didn't know the sex and we had a list of several boys and girls names we couldn't decide on. Somebody jokingly said, "how about Romeo if it's a boy?" (my mom maybe?) and then B looked at me and said, "Juliet." Yes. That would be the name if we were lucky enough to have a girl. He's good like that.

At 11:30, I had reached 11 units of pitocin and I was contracting hard. But managing. I wasn't close to asking for an epidural. I was riding the waves and in my own world. This went on for about 2 hours. My mom later told me I was having crazy long 2 and a half minute contractions with only 30 seconds of rest (it's usually flipped if you aren't being given pitocin). At 2:15 a.m. I was ready to push. With Charlie, this had been a very problematic part of the labor. I pushed for THREE HOURS, and still he was stuck. Heart rate dropping with each contraction. It went on so long and was pretty demoralizing. I was hoping this time would be different.

And boy, was it ever. Three quick pushes and down she slid. Easy peasy! And there in my arms, a girl, a baby girl. I realized at that moment I had been fooling myself during my whole pregnancy that I didn't care if it was a boy or a girl. Of course I just wanted healthy, but deep down I craved a girl. I think because deep down, I KNEW it was a girl. Juliet, I said, it's Juliet.

She was one of the prettiest babies I have ever seen to this day (and I know what you're thinking, yeah, yeah, that's a mom for you, but have you heard me say this about my other babies? Er, maybe not…..)
Anyway, pretty or not didn't matter, but she did feel other-worldly to me. Like a beautiful alien, mysterious and compelling. I had a different feeling with Emilia….knowing and familiar. (With Charlie, I was just in awe and overwhelmed by the whole experience, I think.)

She weighed 7 pounds 6 ounces, my smallest baby, but full-term size even at barely 37 weeks. This girl has always marched to the beat of her own drum, and done things one her own terms. And so began our journey with this spirited, strong, loving little creature. She continues daily to surprise us and challenge us and make our hearts ache with love. We are so blessed to be sharing our lives with her.

{my hero, Ann}

{sweet, fresh baby}

{one of the first times he held her}

Greetings From Florence.

2013-09-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

Well hello! There is so much to get caught up on. I've been busy posting some of the pretty bits of our trip on Instagram, but of course that's never the whole story. As much as I love trying to capture the beautiful, the cute, the delicious, I want to share more than that. I am a seeker of truth after all....the good, the bad and the ugly!

We came to Italy to fulfill a dream that B and I have shared since our very first conversation more than 11 years ago. The dream was living abroad, in Italy to be precise. Italy was a love of both of ours separately. Neither of us are Italian in blood, but we both feel Italian in our souls I guess you could say. We had both lived in Italy before (separately) and studied the language (he is far more advanced than I). And when we had kids, the desire to come here didn't go away, it just changed to include them. So, earlier this year, after a rather soul-crushing legal matter that B worked on (all turned out well, it was just a difficult process), B came home and said Let's Just Do It. I hemmed and hawed for about a week, because that is just what I do (it is in my blood) and then I woke up on a Tuesday and said Of Course We Are Going To Do This Thing!!

There was lots of planning and researching and trips to Italian Consulates and such, and if I was more like Design Mom, I would lay all the how-to's out there for you (heck, maybe I will do that one of these days if there is interest) but right now I just want to talk about right now. And the right now is about the kids starting school tomorrow.

Our trip has always centered around the kids attending school here in Italy. We have this (arguably overly) romantic idea of our kids loving Italy as much as we do and more importantly, speaking the language because come on how cute would the kids be speaking the language. Come on. And no, they are not going to an international school or an English language school. They are going full immersion, people. Which I love the idea of and I am terrible frightened of as well. Fortunately, they are attending a Waldorf/Steiner school here in Florence. The idea is the curriculum and style and environment will be familiar to them. And we feel good knowing they will be with loving and capable teachers.

I looked at my kids for a long time tonight after they fell asleep (it's so cute, we have them all in one room), and I felt a new feeling for them I think. I am used to feeling love and overwhelming affection and that desperate need to make everything good in their worlds (and okay okay, frustration and agitation too) but tonight, I felt, I don't know, in AWE of them. I believe they are all more courageous than I was at their ages. Strike that, I KNOW they are more courageous than I was at their ages. Their adaptivity, their honesty and insight about their feelings.....it all blows me away.

We have, of course, been talking to them about school in these last weeks. Are you excited? Are you nervous? Maybe you will make some new friends. What do you think your teacher will be like? This type of thing. Juju has cried but is intent on going. She has shown real bravery this summer playing with children who do not speak any English (she is the one that will walk right up to a group of kids) and I think she is drawing on those experiences to push herself through.

The other night, B was talking to Charlie, and he was at first quiet about the whole thing. But then he said (and I paraphrase), "Daddy, you know how people tell you something is going to be so exciting and then you are excited, but then it actually happens and you are scared? And then after you are scared, it gets fun? I was scared like that when I started first grade." And of course B told him that was how this school year was going to be and that he will feel better after a few days most likely. I am so grateful to have a son who is in touch with his feelings, can admit he is scared, and talk openly about it with his FATHER. You see, I don't really come from a family of males who talk a lot about their feelings. Anyway....

Then there's Little E. She's the only one who has been almost 100% excited to start school. (Although tonight she said, "What if I'm scared of my teacher?" and I told her the teacher is a very nice person who loves children, and then she said, "Okay" and went to sleep.) Now, I will remind you, Little E has never even been to school, so I think it's a matter of her not really grasping what is about to happen. Fortunately, so so fortunately, she and Juju will be in a class together. At least they can speak English together. Ha.

So, I guess I am here to ask for you to think of my littles tomorrow if you can....I am nervous for them (again, it is in my blood). I packed Charlie's lunch, we laid out all of their outfits, and breakfast will be set before I go to sleep tonight. Happy new school year to all! And lots of baci from Florence!

Our Next Adventure.

2013-06-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

So, there is something sort of major that I have failed to tell you guys. I'll just go ahead and say it....we are moving to Italy for 7 months. And we leave a week from Saturday!!

There are stories about how this all came about and what it has taken to get here, but I figure I'll just go ahead and share things about this adventure as they arise. I really want to blog from over there....both as a way to keep in touch with you all and to help preserve the stories and photos from our big trip.

In the meantime, we have lots of packing, planning and visiting with friends and family to do!

We will be back here in about 11 days, can you believe it??? (Follow along on Instagram if you'd like....my username is missjora.)

A Little Something.

2013-05-09T21:31:00.001-07:00

I'm pretty sure I never mentioned it, but a few years back, our family and home were featured in Riviera Magazine. We had a fun day harvesting honey and photographer Ethan Pines was there to capture it all. I can't get over how little the children were just a few years ago!

Fast forward three years, and the editor of Riviera told me she wanted to do a little something just about me and my blog in their upcoming travel issue. Needless to say, it was flattering and I said yes! This time Noa Azoulay of Feather Love Photography (whom I have admired through the years) came out to take the photos. It was strange getting photographed by myself....I really don't enjoy being in front of the camera!

If you want to take a peek, here's the little piece in this the May issue of Riviera Magazine.

{i still haven't seen a hard copy....just the online version!}

Mama Time.

2013-04-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

A mom's schedule is strange, if you ask me. The hardest work (for me, anyway) comes early morning, afternoon and evening (especially between the hours of 4 and 7 p.m.) and weekends. Basically, the opposite of a traditional (9-5) workday. I get a reprieve (in terms of freedom and flexibility) in the morning on weekdays after the older kids go to school until 1 p.m. pickup. Of course, I always have my sidekick, Little E, with me. But in general, she is pretty easy and can entertain herself for decent periods of time.

I guess this isn't a strange schedule when hanging with other mom friends, but I happen to have several close girlfriends who don't have kids (holla!) and their days are pretty different than mine. I guess what I'm not saying but thinking is....I LOVE MONDAY MORNINGS. I literally exhale when the weekend is finally over and I can enjoy a relatively quiet and orderly house. I relish this time. I even enjoy sharing it with Little E because she is such a joy and as anyone having three kids knows, having just one at home is. a. BREEZE. Not sure which rule of nature dictates this, but it just does.

I try to do something on Monday mornings to make that time extra nice. A real shower? A hot breakfast? A special beverage? Yes, that's exactly what I made this morning.

Mama's Monday Morning Mocha

I've been eating mostly paleo lately, and this mocha reflects that effort.....I want to post more about what and how I've been eating....another day for sure.

1/2 c. homemade almond milk
1 T. raw honey
2 T. raw cacao
dash vanilla extract
pinch sea salt

Whisk all of the above ingredients together in a small saucepan. Gently heat over medium low heat. Pour into a mug and top with a shot of espresso, if desired/needed. ;-)

I also drizzled a little coconut cream over top because I was feeling indulgent.

How do you decompress after the kids go to school?

Capturing Time.

2013-03-22T09:24:00.001-07:00

My friend Karina wrote a really nice post about trying to slow down time, and offers some great ideas for achieving the feeling that life is not whizzing by. I am always searching for ways to capture the special moments that happen everyday. I have a terrible memory for details, but it gets better when I actually pay attention and really experience those moments.

Here are some techniques that I use (but should be using more). The first two come from a trusted friend.

1. Stop and pay attention to all of your senses. Ask yourself: "What do I hear? smell? see? feel? taste?" It is amazing how that always grounds me and puts me in the present.

2. Close your eyes and "breathe" through the tips of your fingers. Draw your breath up your wrists, arms, shoulders, body, down your legs and out your toes. (This is great for awakening your senses which helps with the previous exercise.)

3. Just say no to over-scheduling. I have never been one of those people who loves to pack my day with a million things. I have no problem saying no if I don't really want to do something (non-essential), or if doing it will crowd my day too much. This really works for me. I need downtime and I need slow. Life in a family of five is fast and busy enough.

4. Go offline. Nothing makes me feel less in the moment then killing an hour on the Internet. Oh, I still do it, but that's when I feel that "time is slipping by" anxiety the most. I am not good at turning off my phone and shutting the top of my laptop, but it always works when I do find the discipline to do it.

5. Make a cup of tea. It's mental, but this always relaxes and comforts me and helps me pay attention to what is going on.

What about you? What do you do to stay in-the-moment?

photo credit unknown

Family Photos.

2013-03-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why, but I have never posted the photos that Kim took of our family last fall. She came out on a beautiful October weekend (unseasonably warm as I recall) and we took advantage by being outdoors much of the time. We ventured to the Salk Institute and Glider Port for a few shots late one afternoon. The only regret I have was that B was not able to join us so he wasn't part of those photos. Ah well.....at least we got a bunch of the kiddos in such a spectacular setting.

I'll share some of the photos of the whole family that we took at the house sometime soon!

Homemade Pantry Party.

2013-03-08T09:15:00.003-08:00

For at least a year or so, I had been wanting to have a casual party with some girlfriends to exchange homemade goodies. The idea is we all have something we are more comfortable making....some bake, some are into canning, some are experts with gluten-free goodies, some ferment, some have loads of homegrown produce that need to be turned into something delicious. The idea was to bring something you enjoy making.

So, finally, after a lot of thinking about it (and then reading this article in the NYT.....hey if all the Brooklyn hipsters are doing it, we should too!), Lyann and I hosted a little get-together in January. There were 12 of us who wanted to join in (there was no pressure if someone felt it was too much extra work), so we brought 11 items of whatever we made to share with the group. We made it a "drop in" so that friends could come at anytime and leave whenever they needed. What ended up happening was everybody stayed the whole 3 hours, drinking tea, snacking on plates of (even more) goodies that friends brought to share. It was a really, really nice time and I think everybody was really excited to take home their "loot."

{lyann brought shortbread for everyone to sample her butterscoth and muffins to sample her lemon curd}

There was a great variety of items offered: granola, kimchee, an indian cilantro chutney, ketchup, ghee, salad dressing, marmalade, a pomegranate chia seed drink, and lots more.

{scones, clementine cake and "secret ingredient" truffles to snack on with tea}

{little e's friend ida and her mom came to the party}

After the party, Desi was smart (and nice) enough to set up a blog for all of us to post the recipes we used. A really great resource. Hopefully a few more friends will add their recipes (hint hint). We are about to plan a second party in the next couple of weeks. There is so much inspiration in spring.....I can't wait to figure out what I'm going to make this time.

{one friend's basket of goodies to take home}

Have you ever done something like this? How did it turn out? We are still trying to figure out the best, most fun and easy way to do this every couple of months, so I'd love to hear your thoughts or suggestions!

Pasta With Brussels Sprouts, Chile and Pancetta.

2013-03-05T11:21:00.001-08:00

{some beautiful eggs I collected the other day...one of these poached over the below pasta dish would be perfect}

Confession: I have been terrible about taking photos of things I've been cooking lately, which is the one of the main reasons I have not been posting about food. I'm going to try to be better going forward, but I can't keep this (un-photographed) recipe to myself any longer.

Although in general, B is a very grateful and open-minded eater of whatever I put in front of him, he is hugely critical of most pasta dishes. I call him My Pasta Snob in the most endearing way possible. I have to admit, his criticisms are usually well-founded, even if I am the one who made the dish: overcooked (al dente is a religion to him), too much sauce, not seasoned enough, etc. etc. But this dish. This dish he declared one of his favorite ever. He even said it tasted just like something he'd had in Italy. Better file this one away.

Pasta With Brussels Sprouts, Chile and Pancetta
(from the New York Times)

Sea salt
8 ounces penne (I used orecchiette because I love it and think it was perfect for this dish)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, more for drizzling
3 ounces pancetta, diced (could substitute bacon in a pinch)
1 large rosemary sprig
6 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
1 jalapeño or Serrano chile, thinly sliced (or substitute 1 large pinch crushed red pepper flakes)
Freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons butter
Fresh lemon juice, for serving
Freshly grated pecorino cheese (I used parmigiano-reggiano)

PREPARATION

1.: Bring large pot heavily salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until pasta is just al dente (do not overcook...repeat, DO NOT OVERCOOK, or B will refuse to eat your lovingly-prepared meal).
2.: Meanwhile, heat large sauté pan over high heat and add the olive oil. When oil is hot, add the pancetta and rosemary, and sauté until the fat on the pancetta starts to turn translucent and very lightly brown, about 1 minute. Add the garlic, chile and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and sauté until garlic and pancetta turn richly brown, about 3 minutes. Add the brussels sprouts, a large pinch of salt and a splash of water to pan, and sauté until sprouts just start to soften, about 2 minutes. Spread sprouts mixture in pan and press down to flatten. Let it sear for a minute, then stir it up and repeat. This helps brown the sprouts. Add the butter, and sauté for another minute.
3.: Drain penne and add it to pan with brussels sprouts mixture. Cook, tossing, until everything is well mixed. Spoon into pasta bowls and top with a drizzle of oil and lemon juice, and plenty of cheese.

Puerto Vallarta.

2013-03-02T11:48:00.000-08:00

Last week, the kids were on break from school. We decided to take advantage and head to Puerto Vallarta. We have a friend who has a fantastic place there, just south of the town. We had been there a couple of times before, but for some reason, this trip was our favorite by far.

{she was so content down there}

{someone was building rock formations down at the beach....it reminds me of something my dad would do}

The whole family was relaxed, in the moment, and having fun. This is hard to do when you have 5 pretty strong personalities living under the same roof. At least for our little group it can be. But, as soon as we stepped into the house and got a glimpse of the view and heard the crashing of the waves, we were "in the zone."

{the view when we walked in}

If you have never been, Puerto Vallarta has a nice town, with cobblestone streets and lots and lots of really great restaurants. From fine dining all the way to taco stands, the food is a real standout. It goes without saying that the people are just lovely, but I have found that to be true for every place I have been in Mexico.

{margaritas just taste better in mexico}

{they fit right in}

{the kids were thrilled to drink sodas every time we went for tacos...also, juju ate four tacos in one sitting}

{tacos al pastor + grilled pineapple from pepe's tacos}

{b read to the kids a ton...note juju's hand stroking the side of his face as she always does when he reads to her}

{father-son sunset walk}

{plenty of naps were had by all....the roar of the waves put us right to sleep}

{cookies and cream for her, watermelon paleta for me}

{another rock formation}

{feeling "in the zone"}

{lots of digging for sand crabs and building sand castles...the usual}

{flying kites...juju was into it big time}

{serious shot}

{silly shot}

{and the ever-elusive attempt at a family shot}

{waiting to go to dinner}

{checking on puppy and her new leather purse}

{watching a movie being projected onto a wall across the street from the restaurant we ate at one night}

{i brought back some fun otomi pieces}

{my baby}

Sick Little in the House.

2013-02-13T20:13:00.001-08:00

{day one of stomach flu}

There's nothing sadder than a sick child. And being up with sick kids at night and stuck at home during the day is no bueno, but I secretly love the sweetness and snuggles that come with taking care of a baby feeling under the weather. Everything slows down, and those hugs and kisses you might normally have to steal during playtime, are now happening around the clock.

In the middle of the night last night, when I heard those fateful words, "I'm gonna fro up!!!" I ran into Little E's room and just about tore my shoulder off getting out of bed in such a haste. She had her hand over her mouth and panic in her eyes. I held a bowl up for her in one hand and her hair back with the other. That girl is so sweet, she thanked me for the bowl and then thanked me again as I was cleaning her with a washcloth and putting a new pajama top on her. I can think of a lot worse things than taking care of her while she fights off this nasty stomach bug. I sure can.

{day three: she reached around and pulled my hand over her so she could hold it.....MELT}

Favorite Things Party.

2013-02-10T20:58:00.000-08:00

A month or two ago, a group of my girlfriends and I got together for dinner at a favorite restaurant. We were lucky enough to score their private room, which means we got to be as loud and boisterous and we wanted.

It was so nice, most of all, to find time to gather and celebrate with the ladies I love during such a busy time of the year. The food and wine were wonderful as well (thanks, Olivier!). But I won't lie. The fact that we all brought a favorite thing to share with all the girls was so fun and I want to do it every year from now on.

I don't know about you, but I'm always wondering which new fantastic beauty product or Trader Joe's item my girlfriends have recently discovered, and this party was the perfect way to find out.

{krista brought apple butter from a favorite restaurant in town wrapped in one of her grandmother's cloth napkins}

{some of the loot we all made out with}

I highly recommend planning one of these parties! Mama doesn't know best....your girlfriends do! ;-)

Me and My Babe.

2013-02-10T16:22:00.000-08:00

Can I just say I am loving this last year of having my baby home with me? Being with her pretty much always feels like this.

photo by 180/360

A Juju Update.

2013-02-10T16:15:00.001-08:00

This blog is in desperate need of some attention. I though a little update on Miss Juju would make sense. :)

So much is happening with this girl. Since starting kindergarten this fall, she has really....here comes the biggest cliche ever....blossomed! Long gone is our shy, quiet doe-eyed watcher. This girl is social, chatty, flitting around like a little butterfly. She connects and bonds very quickly with new people in her world. She regularly falls asleep in her teacher Miss Laura's lap while the other teacher is telling a story. After school, I see her crawl into the arms of other parents. I never imagined her doing something like that before this school year. I like being surprised as a parent and reminded that I don't have my kids figured out.

She lost her first two teeth in the past week or so. I am pretty sure this is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to her. The look on her face when she ran up to me with her sparkling eyes "Mama! Mama!! It fell out!!!" was, well, unforgettable. I don't ever WANT to forget it anyway.

{we played with this pool and snack bar set the other day and she asked me, "What would you like to drink?'" I said "Lemonade" and she said, "Sorry, we only have cocktails."}

She continues to be a real tomboy. She tries to keep up with her brother, although sadly, he sometimes wants nothing to do with her. It's getting better though. They play together a lot more. She asks for her own Lego sets now, and sits side-by-side with him and works on them. One thing I love about her, and that is totally different from most other kids I know, as soon as she finishes putting together a set, she breaks it apart and starts working on it again. Even if it took her hours to put together by herself. She is such not a fussy, particular kid and I just love that about her.

{note the shiner on her forehead... this girl plays hard}

She has wanted to cut her hair for a long time, and I finally gave in. She wanted it shorter than we ended up getting it (I think) but she's happier now with it just touching her shoulders. She was very proud stepping down off the chair at the kids' hair place and looking at herself in the mirror. She was not, however, a fan of the glitter and bow. :)

She is still her affectionate, touchy-feely self that she has been since she was born. She crawls into bed with us every night at some point and wraps herself around me. I will miss that someday. Yes, I will.

Finally, just a little funny bit from a conversation with her the other night: I was tucking her into bed and she said "Mama, I love you so, so, so much. Like crazy. Like more than anything in the entire world." "That's sweet, baby girl, I love you soooooo much too." "But mama? I love lots of other people too. You know, like even robbers. They are just people, mama."

I call her my Wild Pony, which she sometimes likes, sometimes doesn't. But I think it suits her perfectly.

Fall Cocktail Time.

2012-11-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

I miss trying new cocktail recipes. Heck, I miss DRINKING new cocktail recipes. So I tried something different the other day. It's from the November issue of Bon Appetit. It's called a Fall Classic and it is a warming, just sweet enough cocktail that won't completely knock you off your feet (you may need two or three is that is what you are looking for.....) Try it sometime soon! It won't disappoint.

The Fall Classic

1/2 cup sugar

15 sprigs thyme

2 tablespoons apple brandy (such as Calvados or Laird's)

2 tablespoons bourbon

2 tablespoons fresh apple cider

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 dash of Angostura bitters

Dried or fresh apple slice (optional)

Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove pan from heat; add thyme sprigs and let syrup cool completely (a clear thyme flavor should come through). Discard thyme sprigs. (Leftover thyme simple syrup will keep indefinitely in the refrigerator.)

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 1 tablespoon thyme simple syrup, apple brandy, and next 4 ingredients. Shake cocktail vigorously 10-15 times and strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with apple slice, if desired.

"Sing, Cause You Don't Know How to Say It."

2012-11-13T15:51:00.002-08:00

Hi there, Internet friends. I hope life is good. For the past couple of months, I have felt a little bit like life is spinning pretty crazy. Not all good, not all bad. Just a lot of life stuff right now. The kids are growing and thriving. B and I are healthy and are enjoying the little rascals. Friends have had new babies and yet....2 people I know have passed away in the past month. One was my grandfather (just shy of his 94th birthday) and the other a beautiful 42 year old mother of a sweet and darling 6 year old girl.

It shakes one up to say the least and I have cried my fair share of tears, but I have felt oddly peaceful in these days. Sort of groundless, but OK. Does that make sense? I know I feel most connected to other people during times like these and I have witnessed some beautiful, loving gestures made to me and others. Somehow those gestures help make just a little sense of what goes on in this life.

This could be the first time that I have experienced this sort of peacefulness at a time like this. I am grateful and I hope it continues. But I have been at a loss to talk about some of these things.....not because I have been stunned or paralyzed by sadness, but more because, seriously, what is there to say about a 6 year old little girl who loses her mom to a long and painful battle with breast cancer?

I have had this song on constant repeat since I heard it on Kim's blog. I think it says and sounds exactly as I have been feeling. (I'm pretty sure you won't get the intended effect if you don't listen to it in your car by yourself SUPER loud.....just saying'...) Oh, and I dare you to not feel better after listening to it.

Because I always like having the lyrics:

There's been a lot of talk of love
But that don't amount to nothing
You can evoke the stars above
But that doesn't make it something

And the only way to last
And the only way to live it
Is to hold on when you get love,
And let go when you give it.. give it.

It's a pretty melody
It might help you through the night time
But it doesn't make it easy
To leave the party at the right time

If I'm frightened, if I'm high
My weakness please forgive it
At least I hold on when I get love,
And I let go when I give it.

What do I do when I get lonely
What do I do?
Hold on when you get love,
What do I do when I get lonely
What do I do?
Let go when you give it.

The world wont listen to this song
And the radio wont play it
But if you like it sing along
Sing 'cause you don't know how to say it

Take the weakest thing in you
And then beat the bastards with it
And always hold on when you get love,
So you can let go when you give it.. give it.. give it.

What do I do when I get lonely
What do I do?
Hold on when you get love
What do I do when I get lonely
What do I do?
Hold on when you get love
What do I do?

I know it's true, please don't think I do
Nothing that you say or do will make you love me
Forget the song, things will go on
I keep seeing you from the dark with you above me

I know it's true, please don't think I do
Nothing that you say or do will make you love me
Forget the song, things will go on
I keep seeing you from the dark with you above me

Take the weakest thing in you
And then beat the bastards with it
And always hold on when you get love,
So you can let go when you give it.
Give it.. give it.. give it.. give it.. give it.. give it.

B's Special Night.

2012-10-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

A few months back, B reached a certain *milestone* of sorts. I wanted to honor him in a way that would be meaningful and fun, and, of course, in a way that he would appreciate. I decided a gathering involving delicious food and wine in a beautiful setting with just his close friends (this wasn't my party after all!) would fit the bill. The only tricky part would be keeping it a secret from him because I knew he would say no if I gave him a choice. But I figured, hey, there are only a couple of occasions your friends will fly from all over the country and show actually show up for....and this was one of them. So I took matters into my own hands, and planned the party. (Which included making it a top priority that Kim be there to photograph the evening.)

{boulette's larder seemed an obvious choice as b had declared it his "favorite place ever"...and see that right there? that's a reflection of the bay bridge in the window... mmhmm}

{i have to catch my breath a little every time i look at their kitchen}

{the guests waiting for us to arrive}

{still can't believe he was actually surprised}

{i'm so happy alice got to come because b is such good friends with her husband james...can't you tell?}

{b's friend michael brought all of the wine....he knows b's taste better than i do.....thank you, michael!!}

{all i remember about this salad is that it had pickled ramps....it was ridiculously delicious}

{favorite part of the evening was that almost every single person gave a toast...we laughed, we cried, we loved every minute}

{night caps were had at the place of one of our very first dates}

{we may have been a little, ahem, bleary-eyed by the end of the night, but it was well-earned}

Thank you, Kim, once again for the beautiful photos!!!

Before Midnight.

2012-10-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

{before sunset}

I think I may have squealed out loud when I read that Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy just finished shooting the second sequel to Before Sunrise in Greece this summer. I love love love those movies. B and I watched Before Sunset in the early stages of my labor with C-Man (before things got tough HA!). There is something so compelling to me about a story that checks in with two people every 9 years...don't you think? This time they will be in their early '40s. Love it.

The locations of all three films have been fantastic. The first movie was set in Vienna and the second in Paris......but this one in Greece? Be still my beating heart.

{before midnight}

Back to School (a Few Weeks Later).

2012-09-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

"It is aliveness that must be the guiding principle.
Joy and happiness in living, a love of all existence,
a power and energy for work, and imagination, a sense of truth and a feeling of responsibility...These are the forces which are the very nerve of education."~ Rudolf Steiner

Well hello there. Where have I been? Hmmmm. I suppose we have been busy wrapping up summer activities, starting school and beginning our fall rhythm. (That and spending too much time on Instagram! You should join me!) But I wanted to be sure and check in and reflect a bit on the journey we have been on with C-Man over the past month.

C-Man started first grade this year, which is a big deal at his school. He was in the so-called Early Childhood part of the school for several years.....which is a lovely, nurturing, homelike environment. "The Grades," as they are called in Waldorf Schools, mark a big change for the children. This is the first time they sit in desks, raise their hands, have traditional schoolwork, etc. They have a main lesson teacher and at least 2 special subject teachers (French, Music, Handwork, Games and Eurythmy) each day. They play on the "big yard" with all of the older kids. They are much more independent and there's a lot more work to be done.

The school does a really lovely job of marking this transition with the children. During the summer, all the new first grade families joined together for a Bridge Ceremony on the big lawn at the school. The families sit with their children together facing a wooden bridge covered in flowers. Each child is called up and the family walks them to the bridge, gives hugs (tears are shed by certain mamas and papas) and the child crosses over to meet their teacher for the very first time. She greeted each child with a handshake and a few special words for that child, and then she took them to their classroom for the first time. Parents aren't allowed to join in this part.....it really is part of the first bonding that takes place between the child and the teacher and the class as a whole. (In Waldorf Schools, the main teacher stays with the children all the way through eighth grade, so the bond will become very deep.)

Then, on the first day of school, there is an Assembly for all grades. The main focus is to introduce or present the incoming first graders to the rest of the school. A high school senior met each new first grader, gave him or her a rose and walked to the front of the auditorium where the child again met the new teacher. It was truly beautiful and very moving to see C-Man go through this process with confidence and ease.

I wish I could say everything since then has been seamless but after a few days, C-Man started having some tears and anxiety before school (a first for him, so that made it a bit harder). He has worked through it now and runs from the car each morning with a "Bye mom!" (or dad)....which is a relief to hear. After thinking a lot about what could have been bothering him (he could never identify to us what it was), I believe he was sort of mourning the end of his days in the cozy cocoon of Kindergarten and Nursery. He was facing work and structure and discipline (all in a very nurturing Waldorf environment, of course!). This was the end of an era for him and I believe my little man knew it.

Last night B and I got to go to a class meeting with his teacher and the other parents and we got to sit at his desk and look through his book of classwork and see his paintings and drawings and his little basket where he keeps his things and participate in the morning circle activities and it was so lovely. He is learning to oil and care for his wooden flute and is sanding his first pair of knitting needles. I am happy for him (and very grateful) that he gets to spend his days in a beautiful and natural and nurturing environment with teachers who love and care for him and give thoughtful instruction. I meant to get some photos of the room and the beautiful little details but forgot. Another time.

I hope all of your transitions back into the school year went well. xoxo

{first day of first grade}

Summer Night.

2012-08-22T07:45:00.002-07:00

I love the summer. The energy, the heat, the activities, the swimming, the time with friends and family. The other night I do believe I had the quintessential summer night experience. It was nothing extraordinary: no celebration, no out of town guests, just a Sunday evening with nothing but all that is special about life in the summer. We had dinner with best friends. We call them the Trifecta Family....as in: the moms love each other, the dads love each other and the kids love each other (their three love our three and vice versa).

The kids swam, the parents drank cherry margaritas, we ate homegrown tomatoes, grilled steak and shrimp. Then after the gorgeous sunset and tiny, perfect moon rose, we went down to their lower yard and had a bonfire and roasted marshmallows for s'mores.

{these kids have known each other their whole lives....i hope that never changes}

{sweetest girls}

{the kids wanted a water slide....so they got one}

{amazing sunset and night swim}

I hope you find some special ways to enjoy these last weeks of summer.....I know I will be!

Israeli Couscous Salad.

2012-08-16T12:40:00.001-07:00

So, I need to tell you about this salad. It is so good and I think you should make it this weekend, if not sooner. I first had a version of it at a brunch a few years ago. The woman who made it told me it was a Mark Bittman recipe. I have since modified it a bit and it is just to my liking (taste and simplicity of method). In fact, it is the only thing I have eaten in almost 24 hours. :-)

Israeli Couscous Salad With Pine Nuts, Capers, Almonds and Moroccan Spices

1 bag Trader Joe's Harvest Grains Blend (or 16 oz. Israeli couscous)
1/2 c. olive oil
1/4 c. sherry vinegar
1 t. cumin
1/4 t. cinnamon
s & p to taste
3/4 c. currants
1/4 c. capers
1/2 small red onion, sliced thinly
1/3 c. slivered almonds (or pine nuts)
1/2 - 1 preserved lemon, finely diced
1 c. chopped flat leaf parsley
goat cheese (optional)

Cook grains according to package and set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.

Make the dressing: in a large bowl, whisk oil, vinegar, spices and salt and pepper to taste. Add warm grains and currants and stir gently to combine. When the grains have cooled a little more (maybe 20 minutes or so), add the rest of the ingredients (except cheese). Let sit at room temperature for about an hour or in the refrigerator overnight to let flavors develop. Serve, with crumbled goat cheese on top, if desired. I also like to squeeze a little lemon and maybe drizzle a little more olive oil on top. Enjoy!

C-Man's Birth Story (After 7 Years!)

2012-08-15T23:19:00.001-07:00

I want to tell you the story of C-Man's birth. It started 7 years ago today. (I warn you that it is long and might not be what you expect.)

My whole life, I knew I wanted to experience a natural childbirth. I grew up hearing my mother's birth stories....2 home births (one unassisted and breach, no less) and 2 birthing center births. I think she had all four of us kids in a grand total of about 18 hours of labor. I just assumed I would have a similar experience. I figured it was a mind over matter thing and that if you really wanted a natural and peaceful (and easy!) childbirth, by golly, you could have it!

I (we) took The Bradley Method classes....which were interesting (all 12 weeks of them....pretty sure B still hasn't forgiven me for that haha). I read books like crazy. I met with doulas, interviewed hospital employees, quizzed my doctor, wrote a birth plan, took other birthing classes, toured birthing centers, yadda freaking yadda.

Thanks to my most excellent research, I decided to switch care from my doctor (whom I love and respect to no end) to the midwifes at a local birthing center that was located within a hospital...because I thought that environment would fit my idea of what a birthing experience should look like (and because there was only a 1/6 chance I would even have my doctor on call if I were to stay with her).

So there I was on August 15, 2005, almost two weeks past his due date. I was going in for daily stress tests and amniotic fluid level checks. The baby looked big, the hair was getting long, and it was time for him/her (we didn't yet know the sex) to come out. Otherwise, I was looking at pitocin city and I figured that meant I would surely end up with a c-section. I was very all-or-nothing, you see.

Someone referred me to an acupuncturist to get labor started and I went in at about 11 a.m. as I recall. That afternoon at about 3:30, as I was walking out of the old courthouse downtown, next to all the crazy guys with signs yelling about god-knows-what, my water broke. I was wearing a skirt, so it went right down my leg and I am fairly certain no one heard me gasp (thanks super loud yelling crazy guys!). Of course, I called B and the doula and family right away and everyone else on the "short list" and went home. And waited. And checked my bag for the umpteenth time (yep, the organic cotton baby gown was there, just as it had been for weeks!). Ate and drank a little, as my doula instructed. But no contractions. At about 8 that night, B put in a favorite movie of ours (Before Sunrise) and opened a very special bottle of wine we had brought back from our honeymoon in France (I only had a sip!).

Around 9:30, I started to feel some small contractions, but they weren't painful and I could still watch the movie without a problem. We decided we should try to get some sleep, and B proceeded to crash right out (how do dudes do that??). I couldn't sleep, AREYOUKIDDINGME??? By 11, the contractions were hurting, I took a shower, a bath, walked around the house, etc. At 1, I wake B up and tell him he needs to start timing my contractions. He does and writes everything down on a yellow legal pad (which he still has to this day.....so cute). By 5:30 in the morning, we decide to head in. My contractions are about 2 minutes apart and are lasting almost a minute. Plus I am in pain. Plus, I could be getting close....did you hear about my mom's one hour and a half labor? Total?

We drive the half mile to the birthing center (which I am sure is the longest car ride I have ever taken) and I have to make a couple stops walking from the car to the door of the hospital because the contractions are that intense. We finally manage to get up to the fourth floor where the birthing center is and I am relieved to find out it is pretty empty. I get one of the biggest and nicest rooms all to myself and they begin preparing the birthing pool for me. They ask me if I want them to check my dilation and I'm like "Hell yeah, give me the good news!" I don't know if I was more shocked or disappointed when they told me I was at a giant three and a half centimeters. I was sure I was almost in transition! I had been laboring for almost 9 hours! And this had to go on for another six and a half centimeters??

I got over it I guess and got in the pool, which felt fantastic. It was there that I really got into that "zone" that women will sometimes talk about. I didn't hear or see anyone else, I didn't want anything or anyone, I know I was making weird, loud, primal sounds, and I couldn't care less. It was then that the midwife on call said they had tested my amniotic fluid and the teensiest, tiniest amount of meconium was present and I would therefore have to be transferred to the Labor and Delivery floor of the hospital for the remainder of my labor.

WHAT? I went through all that effort to switch from the doctor I love to come here, only to be transferred to a hospital with a doctor I have never met? The irony was about to make me cry. Actually, it DID make me cry. Like a lot. But the good news? I was told the midwife on call would stay with me for the duration of my labor. But do you want to know the terrible news? The midwife on call happened to be a man named Steve who almost never even worked in births anymore (apparently a bunch of midwives were sick or something).

Now, I don't want to ever be accused of being a sexist, but I just don't understand why a man would become a midwife. Especially a short, pudgy one with stringy hair and bad breath. Yep, that was my "midwife" that day as luck would have it. My first encounter with him was him trying to get me out of the tub and transfer me to Labor and Delivery. If you have ever been in active labor and someone tells you you need to do something like this, you may as well be told you have to climb Mt. Everest on your hands and knees in the middle of a blizzard. There was NO WAY I could get out of that tub, dry off, put some sort of robe on, then make the trek down two hospital floors. I was having crazy contractions every 2 minutes (or less!). So Steve pulls me up out of the water (I'm sure I looked like a drowned rat....with a huge belly) and faces my naked wet self to him, holds my hands and says "Just breathe" (as if I hand't heard that's what you're supposed to do) and then started taking exaggerated breaths in and blowing his onion/coffee breath in my face. Like his demonstration was going to somehow help me.

Anyway, needless to say, I made it down to my new room eventually. It was a little after nine in the morning. The room was probably about 15 feet square with no windows and there was construction going on what seemed to be next door (BAM BAM BAM BAM). And guess what happened then? I stopped dilating. I'm sure it had everything to do with the fact that I didn't feel comfortable or safe or peaceful. I had been at about 5 and half (I think) and then I stayed there for what seemed like forever. At one point Steve comes in and says they need to put an intrauterine device to monitor my contractions because my "contractions just weren't working." Hint: don't say that to a woman who has been laboring hard for hours and hours. It will make her feel like a failure. He then places the device inside, I start having a contraction and then Jora loses her mind for the one and only time during any of her labors. It hurt so F$%#(&% bad I screamed to TAKE IT OUT AND TAKE IT OUT NOW. And his response? "Where I put that, there aren't any nerves, so that couldn't have hurt." Men: take note. Do not become a midwife.

After that he made one very off-color remark that I don't even want to share here and my doula begged me to let her go demand that another midwife be called in. Thank goodness she thought to do that because I was in no place to even think of that option. Happily, another midwife came in sometime thereafter and eventually, after one very long afternoon, at about 6 p.m., I made it to 10 centimeters. When that finally happened, I almost couldn't believe it. I had spent hours that afternoon in a haze (I still had had no sleep) going in and out of contractions, almost in and out of consciousness, not believing that I could take a moment more. The baby's heart rate was dropping too.....something everyone else seemed more concerned about than I was (which is unusual because I am normally such the worry wart about health issues). I was told several times that I needed a c-section, but I would beg for more time and each time, the doctor agreed for some reason.

Somehow, SOMEHOW, I got through that pain and uncertainty and not believing I could do it (but I WAS doing it, I just didn't know!) and got to the other side (and by other side, I mean the point that I could finally start pushing).

So then, I start pushing. I was sooooo happy to be doing something besides laying there through contractions wondering if anything was even working. And I pushed and I pushed and I pushed. I was given a mirror so that I could see the baby's pretty brown hair. I am still in Labor Land as it turns out because I have no concept of time or what is being talked about in the room. Finally, the midwife that had been called in to replace Steve, who I like very, very much, takes my hand, looks in my eyes and says, "I'm sorry, but you are going to have to have a c-section now." It turns out I had been pushing for 3 hours (I had no idea) and the baby's heart rate kept dropping each time I had a contraction.

Then the tears came again. I believe my words were: "Now? After all this? 21 hours of labor? Pushing for 3 hours? And I can see my baby's head? Can't you just pull the baby out? Don't you have forceps or something?" And with that I was told that they would try the vacuum. As if they hadn't thought of that option? Still not sure about that....

So, the fluorescent lights go on, the pediatric specialists come in to wait at the side "just in case", the resident doctor, the attending doctor (it is a teaching hospital), a bunch of nurses, a couple of midwives at that point, plus others. Not the intimate, personal birth I had imagined, that's for sure! The doctors put on these goggle/face mask things and then they go to work...I guess suctioning the baby's head. I am given the green light and on the next contraction I push like crazy and then I hear the whole room gasp, blood sprays on the the doctors' masks (I am not exaggerating) and the two of them almost fall back. At this point, poor B, who is not squeamish one bit and had been by my side the whole time (except when I didn't want him there HA) ran to hide in the corner. He was convinced the baby's head had come off or something like that. The doctors had lost suction, but I suppose they didn't really know what else had happened (if anything). They got the suction back in place and my midwife tells me this is it. My last chance. I have to give it everything I have.

And you know what? I don't think there was a woman in the last million years who pushed harder than I pushed at that moment, and finally, praise everything, my little babe slipped out at 9:30 p.m. on August 16, 1005. He was pink and round and screamed almost right away. And the awesome thing was the doctors and nurses and everyone remembered to not announce the sex but to let B and I see it first. I remember crying "It's a boy, it's a boy....." because that is what B secretly wanted and I wanted that for him because I didn't care if it was a boy or girl. C-Man was perfect and healthy in every way (but for a very sore spot on the top of his poor head!).

And I remember this feeling of exhilaration and energy and connection and strength and power washing over me (which is what I see in that picture above). I wanted to hold my baby and chat with everyone in the room about everything that had happened and I'm pretty sure I asked my brother-in-law if he would please go get me some In-n-Out. It was not the birth I had planned, or even hoped for, but the end result was spectacular. A beautiful baby and new connection to all the other powerful moms that have ever gone through childbirth.....especially challenging ones.

I read this quote tonight and wanted to share it because it perfectly expresses how I feel about childbirth:

"Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers -- strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their strength." (Barbara Katz Rothman)

(If you're in the mood, Little E's birth story is here and here!)

Monday Mess.

2012-07-30T10:57:00.002-07:00

I'm thrilled that Trina from La La Lovely asked me to participate in her Monday Mess series. Hope on over and check it out!

Dancing Queens.

2012-07-23T21:59:00.000-07:00

Juju was in Dance Camp week before last. This was a first for her. She was the youngest (most girls were at least 2 years older than she is). It was so cute to see her come alive during the performances. She is usually pretty shy and doesn't like the spotlight (I thought, anyway). Although she seems to have forgotten most of the moves to the different songs, they are still fun to watch. In the video below, Little E joined her for the first time. (Fave part is Juju doing The Sprinkler in a completely casual, nonchalant way....)

What I've Learned Recently.

2012-07-23T21:50:00.002-07:00

Hi. (Is anyone still out there?) Well, we got home from our trip safely and happily. However, after adjusting to jet lag, unpacking, and otherwise tackling Re-entry, Little E managed to develop a severe infection in one of her mosquito bites. (Mosquitoes ate our children alive in Venice and I still haven't forgiven those nasty buggers.) The infection was bad, as in Real Bad. Sadly, test results confirmed it was MRSA (which the doctor had predicted). If you have to google that to find out what it is, don't read too far.....it can be scary.

Thankfully (seriously so much thankfulness going on over here) she has pulled through, and a week ago the doctor declared her 90% better and that her healing had been "remarkable" and "wonderful." I really think he was surprised that she was able to turn things around like she did. She is now essentially back to normal.

Here's what I've learned:

1. Get off the Internet (at least after you've managed to figure out the basics). Nothing ever, ever good comes from reading discussion boards about horror stories of random Internet people.

2. Follow your mama bear intuition. I doubted myself a couple of times, but I ended up having the correct first instinct in a couple of critical periods.

3. Talk to real people. I spoke with a few moms who have had first had experience with MRSA infections, and those conversations were invaluable.

4. Get off the Internet.

5. Don't ignore a bug bite or cut that looks a little weird (or that is painful). These infections move quickly and can be very dangerous. Early treatment is key. I really had no idea. I'm so glad I took her into the doctor within a day of it first appearing.

6. Don't overuse antibiotics. They think she responded so well to the antibiotic treatment in part because she has never been on them before. Also, antibiotic overuse/misuse (also, all of the anti-bacterial soaps/gels/cleaners) is probably what lead to the development of MRSA in the first place.

7. These infections are affecting kids and healthy adults a lot right now! It used to be something that people got in hospitals or nursing homes, but now the bacteria is all over the place and can affect anyone.

8. For all the talk out there about how terrible our health care is, I am so grateful for the doctors (and nurses) who helped us. They were attentive, patient, thoughtful, and gave us independent advice (not just canned "protocol" type recommendations). I have no complaints at all...just thankful we live in a place with these types of health care professionals.

9. Lastly, get off the Internet. Ha.

So there you have it. That's what we've been dealing with over the past couple of weeks. Hopefully, I can get through our photos from the trip sometime soon and get a post up!