Shining through the Sorrow

Disclaimer:  I'm writing this so I can remember all these details.  And the details are way TMI.  So, you've been warned.  If you're of the male species, especially a family member, you should probably head on over to Buzzfeed now... How I spent hours this week - Bouncing So, today I'm 40 weeks 3 days along.  Never in a million years did I think I'd still be pregnant.  I didn't think I'd ever see my due date, not to mention pass it.  Being way pregnant is so not fun.  I didn't have to experience the last month (plus) of pregnancy agony with my boys, and I'd highly recommend that to anyone.  This stuff isn't for the weak - not sleeping, having Braxton Hicks contractions night and day, swelling hands and feet, and earning your sausage fingers.  Not to mention how difficult it is on you emotionally - thinking everyday is the day, thinking your water could break at any second every time your head hits the pillow at night, having false alarms w

Dearest Ruby Mae, I love you.  I really do.  In fact, I love you so much, that I'd actually like to see your face, and hold you in my arms.  It's time.  Time to come out.  Time to exit.  Head on down, love. Yes, I'm technically 39 weeks and you could decide to continue baking for seven to 14 days.  Believe me, people keep reminding me of that.  But, sweet Ruby, I beg of you - do not attempt that.  It won't be fun for anyone involved.  You're getting bigger, and what's worse - I'm getting bigger... and possibly more emotional.  Maybe.  You see, your big brothers both entered the world at 36 weeks, so even though it's completely crazy and irrational (see, I admit it!) - I tend to feel "overdue" by the time I'm in my 37th week.  So, everyday since then, I think "Today might be the day!"  And I go to bed weary, and wake up even more upset that nothing happened in the night. I was the same way with your big sister, and I vowed I

Sometimes I come across an article or a video, (in in the case - BOTH) that does a much better job than I at explaining something.  Today's post is one of those times.  I would like to encourage you to check out the short article HERE , and to take the 15 minutes to watch the video attached. The speech is called "Beyond Closure" and is from a TED conference.  Nancy Berns does such an amazing job of explaining that joy and grief can coexist in the same person, in the same space, at the same time.  She beautifully explains how our culture wants anyone grieving to have closure , but that it is not only not possible, but it's not best. Seriously.  Great video.  Check it out. I recently experienced this question in real life - Can joy and grief coexist?  It was this past Saturday.  Kyle was away all morning helping a friend move, and I was home with the kids.  There was a lot of excitement in the air, because Joel knew his 5th birthday party was later that day.  (Pau