Happy

Around here, we are happy.

Ridiculously so. Sorry.  The weather has turned into that which we dream of all year.  That meant simply one thing.  The beach.  Earlier this week, on a beautifully warm and sunny late afternoon we hopped in the car with a few sand toys and our chairs and played while watching the sun go down over the lake.

This time of year the lake is still far far too cold to tempt Josie in... so we gladly sit back in the warm sand and watch the birds, watch the few other people that had the same idea as us, and build a castle or two. 

And I'm feeling really great. A good amount of energy and happy to be working on my own projects vs letting E do all the work.  This is my latest, and while I don't know what I'll stencil next... everyone should be afraid. It's addicting!

After my first block was done, I was ammmmazed.  Imagine how it felt to get the entire closet done - and in a pretty short amount of time.  I have organizers on their way and will be happy to have it all put together, but in the mean time I enjoy the beautifully blank slate. 

Little Update

Just a quick little update.  Our Chicago visit went fantastic once again. It's still amazing to me that I walk away with no worries... thankful doesn't suffice. I specifically requested a shot like the one above.  It's tough to get both girls in the same shot, but that's what I was going for.  Baby B on the left, profile shot with her hand up in the air.  Baby A on the right with her back to us, slightly belly down (you can see her spine along the top). The strange appendage looking thing in the middle is baby B's umbilical cord. Both girls are measuring about a week ahead on all measurements and now weigh 14oz each.  Almost a full pound a piece. 

Cluttered

Due to all the rearranging we have going on upstairs these days, jj's room has seen more organized days - but I think the girl is thrilled to have the mess. It's amazing how simply moving toys from one room to another brings a new life to them. 

And while I use the nook in her room for our mini photo sessions, even more stuff overflows into her room.  But no bother, just climb over the chair to get to the bed or crawl under the bed to get to the books. 

Play, that's all that matters and that's what she does.  I love that her room is as girly as it gets - pink doll house and all.  And I love that her room gets the best light in the house - so while these pictures are random, messy and imperfect, they're some of my favorites lately.

20 weeks

Last week I hit 20 weeks and couldn't be happier about it. I am finally feeling like a human being again, albeit, a human growing two humans inside her, but I have some semblance of energy for much of the day and can say the nausea is still there but under control.  We're headed this week for our next regularly scheduled doctor visit in Chicago and will even spend the night in the city to celebrate our anniversary and to have a little getaway while we still can.  I've worked hard to make the 20lbs by 20 weeks goal for twin mamas, and we'll find out on Tuesday! 

Ed's full of motivation to get projects done around the house, and that means getting the office/guest room combined (check!), and clearing out the future nursery, readying it for my paint selection.  By the end of the week the paint should be done and we'll move on to accumulating all the other things (x's 2!) that we'll need to get the nursery in working order.

I really hadn't thought my circumference had seen much of a change in recent weeks, but by comparison to my last 16w picture, it is pretty apparent things are moving along. It's still a huge concept to grasp, this whole idea of going from a family of 3 to 5 in one swoop, but it's starting to sink in. And while many seem concerned about how full our hands will be, I say to them, "imagine our hearts." 

photo inspiration from http://www.oliviapricephotography.com/

A Friendly Visit

A last minute road trip sprung to Ed's mind one day when he had to go on one of he regular work trips to Ohio.  The timing worked out just right for all three of us to pickup and hit the road for a few days.  The biggest bonus was that we'd get to visit our good friends near Akron, stay in a great hotel (on the company), and swing by the Toledo Zoo on our way out - so while I catch up on photos, here's what we did a few weeks back.   

The Toledo Zoo, what can I say, probably the best we've visited!  It was nice to go on a week day when the crowds were minimal. The zoo is a good mix of old and new, reminding me a lot of Brookfield Zoo but with less walking and more to see.  

Getting a better look at the polar bears.... and then on to check out the baby elephant.

I'd never say I was a fan of reptiles, but their exhibits were outstanding.  Especially this turtle that so kindly obliged for a ride along.  

And the absolute best part, hanging out with our friends.  A night of pizza and silly antics made the entire 5.hour.each.way.in.a.car.with.a.3yr.old.... totally worth it.  

Tres Chic

A year ago, we were departing for Paris.  And because our trip to Spain for our 10th anniversary has been postponed for obvious reasons :), here's my ode to what an amazing trip that was - my very own taste of Paris.  Happy 10 years to my dearest (tomorrow actually)!

Here's my tres chic little girl.  The cut reminds me of a cute little Parisian girl. I remember seeing a cute little girl, a likeness striking to Josie, sitting on the Metro with almost the exact cut and asking Ed if he thought JJ would look cute with the cut. He said no (what's with dad's and long hair anyway?), but I said yes... and that's the end of that :)

The sad before... messy, unruly!

The happy after...

Now to find some macarons! mmmm.