Life

Blessed Is She writer's retreat (for the win)

in

Exactly one week ago, I strapped a sleeping Henry to my chest in my trusty Ergo baby and headed to the airport. Little did I know that I would be heading to one of the best, most fulfilling, and most fruitful weekends of my life.

I have been part of the Blessed Is She since its inception a little over two years ago. This ministry has been transformative in my own life and in the lives of thousands of women across the world. I get choked up thinking about the lives we are touching and this circle of sisters I've been blessed to get to know. Being part of the writing team of BIS has helped me reconnect with the Word and reignite my passion for Christ. Wee! 

After knowing these women for over two years through our online relationships, we finally got a chance to meet up and get to know each other in "real" life. I cannot put into words how much this weekend meant to me. My heart is on fire. Our BIS writer's retreat was a huge success. 

One benefit to traveling with a seven-week old is that they let me zip through security and I barely had to wait at those horrid TSA lines. Whew. The plane was super full, but thankfully (you rock, Jesus) my prayers were answered and I had an open middle seat next to me for my first flight (ever) with one of my kiddos. 

Mr. Henry was a trouper for the plane rides. Only three diaper explosions but thankfully, everything was contained. He only fussed for a few minutes here and there and was perfectly content being held or bounced in the carrier. I was only slightly neurotic and lysoled my seat, arm rests, and tray. And washed my hands every two minutes, ha. 

We spent the weekend at Nell's family's lodge, surrounded by trees, a trout stream, and the open sky. It was restorative in more ways than one.

On Friday night, we shared s'mores, prayed a rosary together, and shared our hearts. Saturday we had a couple of workshops, dined together, indulged in desserts, and got to know one another on very deep levels. (Seriously, we got deep quick haha.) On Sunday, we went to Mass at a tiny local parish and took up six rows with the 30+ of us, and quite a few babies. The Holy Spirit was all up in this weekend -- it was palpable. 

BABIES!

Prints from Hatch Prints Shop and the BIS Shop 

These women are my sisters and I love each and every one of them. 

For all the fun and photos from this weekend, browse our #BISteamretreat hashtag on Instagram.

I am still digesting the fruits of this weekend. If you want to know more about this incredible ministry, start here. 

GOD IS GOOD.

 

This and that

in

This morning, I kissed Emma goodbye as she and Paul left for pre-school and work. I slowly made breakfast, sipped my hot coffee, and relished in my newfound silence. It still has not quite hit me that I will have a few days per week of toddler-free time. It's strange really. It's only 9am and I don't even know what to do with myself today. 

My two littles. They are already buddies. And clearly think their mom is weird.

Actually, I do have some plans for while I am still on maternity leave. If you aren't interested in the slightest, feel free to eXit. But if you like listening to me blather, read on. ;] 

In a week and a half I am heading on a retreat with my fellow Blessed Is She writers. I'll be taking Henry with me on a plane all by myself, so wish me luck. At the end of the month, Paul, Emma, Henry, and I are going to our favorite vacation spot - Lake Tahoe - for a week of family time. It's my favorite time of year to go to Tahoe and I cannot wait to spend time in the mountains and fresh air.

My mom and sister came to visit us this weekend and Emma was in Auntie-loving heaven.

I also hope to establish a more regular health routine. I hesitate to call it a fitness routine because it's more than that. I am going to be working on more meal planning and preparation so we stop eating so much take out. The end of my pregnancy and this newborn haze has made my eating habits atrocious and I want to focus on preparing whole foods ahead of time. Crock pot meals, here I come! I also want to get out for more walks with Henry and get back to what I love - yoga. I also want to work on quiet mindfulness while our place is quiet. 

On the practical sides of things, I will be heading back to work in October and I am looking to work more days per week. Paul and I also want to move to a new place. We are doing well in our one bedroom, but we think it's time to look for a two bedroom.

Henry has become so animated in the last week and his facial expressions crack me up.

So there you have it for now, a little of this and that while I sip my coffee and stare at a sleeping 5-week old. Happy Tuesday! 

Fireworks, Disney, Harry Potter, Oh MY!

in

Guess who's back, back again? Lest you think I've already had the baby and am taking a blog break, I'm here to break it to you. That baby is still snuggled up nice and nested between these birthing hips. Based on the frequency and intensity of my false labor, I keep thinking - any day now - but based on previous experience (cough, Emma's marathon false labor), I could still be with child for a while.

If you follow me on the gram, you will know all of this already and know that we are just "patiently" waiting for baby boy to make his grand debut. You do you, kid.

It's about 7 am right now and Emma is alternating between coloring, twirling, and reading in her corner. I am sipping half coffee/half creamer and sincerely relishing in these last few mornings with just the two of us girls. She's an early bird - just like me - and as much as I shake my fists in the air for a wink more sleep sometimes, this are our special time.

Today I am 36 weeks along (!!!!) and I'll do my official update tomorrow after my OB appointment (where I am sure they are going to tell me, yup, he's still in there, come back next week). In the meantime, I wanted to share a few of my favorite photos from our quick trip down south. God blessed us with bearable weather (not the typical 100+ Julys of my youth). We celebrated 4th of July, hit up Disneyland and Harry Potter world, and spent time with family and dear friends. It was a nice final Hoorah! before we become a foursome.

'Twas the first time I had been in the pool since, probably, last summer and oh boy, it felt refreshing. I had to fish this swim suit out of a drawer of my childhood bedroom because I foolishly brought a one-piece and HAHAHAHA it did not go over this belly. We didn't stay up for fireworks...intentionally...but we heard all the lovely neighborhood festivities until the wee hours while we were trying to sleep *eye rolls forever*. 

On Tuesday, we went to DISNEYLAND or as Emma would say, "Minnie Mouse House". We didn't stay the whole day because, hello swollen pregnant waddle, but we had a wonderful time and Emma got to see her #1 boo, Minnie Mouse.

Emma was much more engaged this year than last year and barely tolerated the stroller. Seeing her meet Minnie may be the highlight of the trip. SO much love. 

She only had eyes for Minnie.

And this marching band.

On Wednesday, my mom, sister, and I went to The Wizzarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood and I about passed out from excitement. Or pregnancy hormones. I went to the one in Orlando for my honeymoon many moons ago so this was an absolute treat. Plus, my family and I are huge HP fans so it was nice to enjoy it with them. I took photos of EVERYTHING but I'll only share a few. 

My sis and I made a new friend. He was hilarious. 

Can you taste the excitement? 

CAN YOU? 

Let me tell you, these pregnancy sweats are no joke, but a nice, cold butter beer will solve all of life's problems. I'm convinced. 

Seriously though. Amazing.

We also indulged in some (all of the) treats and had lunch at the four broomsticks.

Over all, it was a lovely trip. We got to spend time with my family, Emma was fawned over by my parents and sister, and we got to see Grace and Brian before they move to San Diego.

Side story... Emma was OBSESSED with this concrete parking pillar thing and was holding on for dear life as we tried to leave this parking lot. People were saying maybe it looks like a minion, but Emma has never seen any of those movies so I don't really know what was going on here.

And of course, on our way back up to our place we stopped for some road trip essentials.

I mean come on, twelve different flavors. TWELVE.

Happy July!