Date Night

A night away from poo and puke- so thankful!
Off to the outlets we went to start on Quinny's back to school wardrobe.
With #3 coming shortly, we're really cherishing every opportunity we have for alone time.
I think maintaining a friendship is key to a successful marriage- being able to find fun and fulfillment amongst the mundane 'have to' on our daily to do.
We ate Taco Bell (I know, don't judge) we talked shop, checked in with emotions, laughed a bit, loved a bunch, and got some bitchin' deals at Gap!
I sure do like this guy.
I'm (still) a lucky girl.

Recovering?

Today is Day 17 of our two ladies being ridiculously sick.
Vomit (3-10 times a day- both on zofran now, so no vomit for a few days).
Diarrhea (constant).
No fevers.
No spunk.
No fun.

They have both been back and forth between doctor appointments, blood draws, stool samples, urine collections, rehydrating sessions at Doernbechers (thank goodness for IVs), and a few vital sign checks at urgent care.

We're still waiting on their cultures to come back, but until then, we know no parasites and no viruses. They're thinking a bacterial infection of some kind- time will tell.
Until then, it is 'round the clock clean up, laundry, bleach spritzing, snuggles, and a whole lot of exhaustion (for all four of us).

Even with the entrance of this nasty nasty bug, I must keep the wheels of our GFCF lifestyle going- no rest for the weary, eh?
Thankfully our garden is producing an abundance of zucchini, so fresh zucchini bread every morning is a do-able (an inexpensive) task.

I also have been using half the sugar the recipe calls for, so the kids get the bulk without the shine (and they don't even notice).

Between the puke, heat, constant poop, endless cooking and baking, 34 weeks of baby growth bumping into everything, cleaning and lack of sleep...I might die.
Although I suppose that would be another to-do, to put on my list- so for now I will:

not wear make up
barely brush my hair
ignore phone calls
rarely leave the house
and
cry every other day.

Do forgive my hermit-ness as we finish these series of events off.

Soul Sisters

It really is amazing how everything seems to happen for a reason: how souls are brought together to impact and create a simplistic beauty between one another.

I don't think we, as humans, will ever just have one soul mate to connect with- I think there are a few wanderers on this planet that will see our truest beauty and beasts, and love all the line in between.

Watching our two ladies grow together has been a re-examination of what makes a soul mate. I used to think a hint of passion was needed to be intertwined amongst the crazy cocktail; but what was once thought as passion, I have come to realize, was intimacy: a connection of love, respect, admiration and this sight un-seen dual "i-get-you" vibe.

Our kids have just that- this mutual respect and "i-get-you", that goes beyond growing up in the same four walls.

Quinny has so many built in quirks and corners that not even her daddy and I truly understand: luckily, her baby sister has seen through the concrete barriers, and truly gets Q and her quirks.

She actually allows Quinny to be Quinny.

When most youngsters shy away from Lou's rituals and rigid thinking, Roo rolls with the straight lines and patterns- seems as though she is calmed by her big sister's operating style.
Every moment that passes, where we see their bond grow deeper, and their appreciation for one another jump a bit further- we are reminded how blessed we are to have brought these two ladies together as sisters, and soul mates.


We are SO proud of our Ladies.

Back Home: Silly Hospital

Jake and I were just celebrating how easy-peasy this pregnancy has been vs. our cooking session with little Miss Roo.
This time of gestation with Carter I was held up at St. Vincents with Gall stones and meningitis. Wouldn't you know it- I spent yesterday at our old friend- Mr. Hospital.

They had me come in with fears of appendicitis.

After an ultrasound and an MRI, they we're able to give me a 90% clear of appendicitis but were certain I had some kind of nasty bug, and had strained my round ligaments while throwing up the night before.

I got to go home (12 hours later and 3 gallons of water through my veins) and am feeling ok today. Back on zofran (anti-nausea meds.) to make sure I keep my water and food down while we weather this storm.

Even with this trip to the hospital, and this nasty, nasty, bug in my tummy, I am feeling SO blessed at how refreshing and smooth this pregnancy has been.

Week 32 (with Finnegan)
Gained: 18 pounds
BP: 100/54
Exercise: 6 mornings a week for 3-4 mile walks
Side effects: flu like bug, hip discomfort

Week 32 (with Carter)
Gained: 50 pounds
BP: 160/100
Exercise: None. I was on mod. bed rest due to pre eclampsia and meningitis recovery.
Side effects: massive swelling, pre eclampsia, high blood pressure, blah. blah blah.)

Crazy how one body can produce such different pregnancy experiences.

Summer Simples: Watermelon

Baby pool with babies eating watermelon: love.

Pickin' Time

More pickin'- cherries, this time.

The more we pick, the more Lou and Roo get into the gig- this time Quinny picked 15 pound of cherries (not kidding) and Carter Roo picked...6 cherries. She (Roo) found their drip irrigation system and spent most of her time playing in the mud.

Look at this focused kid:

Now, look at this kid:

I'm pretty sure I've gathered up the most rad kids, EVER.

Best kids.
Best sisters.
Best friends.

Olive St. Projects

Over the weekend, Jake put up a screen door on our front door.
Talk about inexpensive and fabulous project:

$5 old farm door at reStore.
$0 stain left for us from previous home owners.
$6 for screen and accessories.

Quinny got super involved: staining, Lowes going, bouncing up and down for 20 minutes once Jakers put it up.