28 Weeks

HELLOOOO

Feels like forever since I've updated y'all with whats new. From the pregnancy to another change in location, I have much to say- but first, let's talk about Alabama.

I didn't have my camera out enough for our trip back to Ev's hometown. Lesson learned. Thankfully, Uncle Skip brought his talent to the baby shower "Big Mamma" Deb threw for us in Birmingham for Ev's father's family. It was so beautiful! The stars were out, the fire pit was blazing, food was exactly what I was craving and my favorite part, good people all around.

We had a lovely time with the Mathis family. The next day we drove 4 hours south to Fairhope, where Ev's mother's family, the Baumhowers, were finishing the final details on another baby shower. WE ARE SPOILED. Sweet home made chili, corn bread and a fresh salad to start the night off right. We played some baby shower related games and Taboo. Which if y'all didn't know, Taboo is Ev's middle name. Competition to the max. The video I posted in the last update was a clip of Ev and I receiving Ev's baby foot print. Deb gave the clay imprint to her brother Bob when Ev was only 2 and has since held on to it. Twenty-eight years later we have it hanging in Lee Ila's (potential) nursery. 

The next day we spent enjoying more great southern cooking and a mini road trip of all the beautiful sights to see & hear in the south. Theres miles upon miles of Pecan farms, moss drenched lives oaks, white as white can be sandy beaches, chirping down by the creek, and the use of "ma'am" or "sir." I pulled my camera out for a few shots that day, they are posted to the last update, but here are two more. 

 Papa, Ev & Thor

Beautiful Aunt KK on the beach

We drove back to Birmingham, watched the National Championship game (ROLL TIDE) and went to sleep for our full day of travels to come. 

Back to Arizona. 

Finally. Not that I'm complaining about this amazing life I have, able to enjoy my family for two weeks then his for another, but I was ready to unpack our suitcases & moving boxes once and for all. We spent three days cleaning and organizing in Arizona before flying to California for my mothers birthday.

Mom turned **! I'm sure most of y'all know but she doesn't want me reminding anyone of how young she is. We celebrated in the little-ist of ways. 

On Saturday I was fortunate enough to have been invited to a gifting suite by my good friend Bryce. We collected bags and bags of cool stuff. Including The Baby Bullet & Nap Nanny. We even received a pair of scrubs Ev can wear during labor that say "I'm the daddy!" on the back. Thanks Bryce!

A short pleasant trip with a long drive home. YES, I have my car back! My first baby, my silver Prius. I loved loved loved driving back to Arizona up until about.... Indio, California. Three hours in and I was ready to give up. "You know pregnant woman shouldn't drive after 5 months." I held in my thoughts but was trying to come up with a good enough argument for Ev to squeeze behind the wheel and take over for the next 4.5 hours. BUT I DID IT! With one 45 minute break so I could eat and relax a bit, but that was it! I'm proud, just not proud enough to call it easy and willing to do again. Next time we will be taking Ev's car there and back. He can drive the whole way ;)

After unpacking the car and making a mess of our fresh clean home, I went upstairs to take a reality break. A 20 minute bath, candles and all, helped ease my mind with a simple birthing plan.

Our birthing plan has always been to have the baby at home, unmedicated with support from a midwife. Before my "realization" we planned on using the midwife we found in Los Angeles that was willing to drive to Camarillo for the birth at my parents home. For many reasons, this seemed complicated. To start we would have to drive out to California every two weeks for our bi-weekly appointments. Then we would have to live in California from 36 weeks on for safety of the labor and our weekly appointments. And to make it all just a little more difficult, Ev has to report back to work by April 16th (theres wiggle room so he can stay for the labor, but has to leave next day.) Baby and I would need to meet him out there once she and I are approved for take off. It's just a complicated mess and didn't make much sense,especially since Ev needs to work in Arizona 6 days a week. 

Our NEW & IMPROVED birthing plan is to stay in Arizona for the labor. We found a midwife already and she is just wonderful. Now, all of our problems disappear. My mother & father will help once Ila is born till we have to move. Ev's mother will help us move into our new home (still have no idea) once we are approved to fly. Now, we nest.

This whole nesting thing is fun :D But work... plenty of work. Initially planning and sadly attempting on painting the babies room & patio on my own, I gave in and hired someone. Nursery is painted and patio is almost done. Once the carpet is (being replaced) we will start decorating. The patio needs a few more pieces but is looking great. The rest of the house in still in cahoots but getting there, once piece at a time.

If y'all have any suggestions on decorating ideas or want to suggest your favorite kitchen appliance, please let me know! I'm in need of your thoughts, I'm running dry.

Aww.