5 years

Today marks 5 years since we lost my Dad. I have tried to keep myself busy, but I keep thinking about it. I miss him everyday, but the "special" days make it even harder. I know I have said that 100 times, sorry. I wish he was here to see Reagan and laugh with her and to agree with me that she is a "genius." I wish he was here to see the new studio, I know he is proud.

On a brighter note, look at what our family has done over the last 5 years:

I got engaged, then married
Beth got engaged, then married
Sarah graduated from high school and started college
I had Reagan
I bought and opened the second studio

All of this without him, but all of it because of him. Because of the guidance and structure and love that he gave us. Because of the values and morals that he taught us. But most of all, because he taught us how to laugh. I know I have said it before, but almost everyday, I am sitting in my car and an old song will come on and I can almost hear him singing in my head. It makes my heart happy, but then it makes me laugh. Because, sometimes when he would sing, he would do it in this goofy way and we would just laugh (or as teenagers, say "Daaaaaaddddd"). When he would really sing, he had an amazing voice and I wish he was here to sing to Reagan. One of the hardest parts about not having him here with me, is not getting to "hear" him. I miss his voice, I miss his laugh, I just miss him. Carol told me today that she is turning off the answering machine that has his voice on it. I know it's time, it's been time, but I will really miss calling just to "hear his voice." She made me a copy and it's in the mail, but it won't be the same. Sometimes when I would call and get the machine, it would take me a minute to realize that he wasn't actually going to pick up the phone or call me back. It's been 5 years, it's time.

A Birth Story (in Pictures)

DISCLAIMER: I have worked hard to edit out any nudity (meaning that some of the coolest pictures aren't included or have been edited to cover any peeping privates). I have still included one potentially gross picture that, in my opinion is just TOO cool to leave out - you'll know it when you see it!

And now for the moment you've all been waiting for...introducing Evelyn Elora Bunn (a photographic adventure)!

She weighed in at 7 lbs 9 oz & was 20.5 in long! Which is almost exactly the same size as Loki was at birth.

You know - it was pretty cool having Loki. And he's GREAT - but it hit me hard, once we had Elora, too. It's not just me & Whitebread & this cute little boy...we're an actual family now. In fact, we're one puppy shy of being completely "nuclear". WEIRD. And COOL.

I LOVE having a little GIRL!!! :)

And she can't wait to meet you all!

You know how I like to update...PICTURES!!!

Here is our little traveler on our way to our Summer trip!! Very excited to be flying and sitting in her own seat (not as excited as momma, sharing a seat with a toddler is a PAIN).

We arrived at Sesame Place very early, just in time for Breakfast with Cookie Monster and Abby. Reagan was very excited. I have never in my life seen so many small children.

Family photo with Cookie himself. She kept asking if he had a cookie in his hand.

"Grover, want to share my apple?" What a good sharer she is becoming.
Aunt Bear, Abby and Reagan. What a cute bunch of girls.

Speaking of girls, here is a shot of all of us. Makes me sad because that is all my dad's "girls". He used to call all of us "his girls," too bad he never got to meet the newest girl.

Reagan was NOT a fan of this ride. She rode all of the rides in the entire place, this one and the roller coaster, not a fan. But, she did it and didn't even cry.

Always a favorite, the merry-go-round.

And, we're done for the day. I don't think she made it out of the parking lot. She was POOPED! You know how I love to take a sleeping baby in the car shot!

Aunt Sarah and I took a road trip to visit this amazing pottery studio near Rockville. In their shopping center, they had a train. We wish we had a train in our pottery shopping center.

We were at my Aunt and Uncles house for dessert and Reagan started talking about how she wanted to be a ballerina, so Caroline (my cousin) went and got her toe shoes, then Aunt Pam went to get the wings and tutu and it was all over from there.

Gardening with Mimi. You wish you looked this cool when you garden. Stylin'

This crazy shot just had to make the blog, she loves corn on the cob.

First day of school. If you haven't heard the drama about her class, well, give me a call and I'll tell you how I have officially turned into "that Mom."

Very excited to be on the big kid side after 2 years of being on the baby side. This is just what she needed and she fits in really well with the other kids. I think it effected Momma more than Reagan.

Playing with her new friends. Everything is better with a sand table. This is how I left her, playing and making friends. Where has my baby gone? I can't believe that she is about to be 3.

So, that is about our summer in a nut shell. It's not as exciting as giving birth or anything, but at least I have posted pictures (cough cough cough (Howie)). Love to you all. Hope to get together soon.

Ready

So, what REALLY needs to be done before a baby arrives? Well, as I'm sure Stace can attest to - not that much... Alot of things will fall into place, even if you don't feel like you've done much to prepare. And that's kind of what happened with Loki.

We were still living at Whitebread's parents house when he was born. The contractors weren't even finished working on our attic. We didn't have any water and nothing was unpacked. Limbo was like an understatement.

But this time...this time is different.

This time I've got my ducks in a row. In fact, they are in so fine a row - it's almost annoying.

All of Ms. Elora's clothes have been washed and separated by size (did I mention that she has more clothes than WB, Loki & I put together?! ...thank you, Reagan!). Space has been made in the nursery for a few more "girly" things - think mermaids to compliment all of Loki's pirate stuff.

The rest of our house has really been spruced up and undergone a pretty deep cleaning. In fact, all of the art work we'd been meaning to hang since we moved in last year FINALLY got hung!

Everything is set up work wise for a few weeks off. In fact, I've had my shit so together, I've found myself almost twiddling my thumbs a few days this week. That NEVER happens!

I've been taking a ridiculous amount of herbs. I've been doing all of my pre-labor stretching and exercising. And our shower curtains have been aired out.

My toenails are painted, my hair is done, I shaved my legs (pardon their whiteness) and Whitebread hennaed my very pregnant belly!

I mean really, what else could she possibly be waiting for?

Maybe she's expecting a party?

30 Thank You's & A Countdown

I somehow feel strangely connected to all you old hens - more so, than before. Maybe it's because I crossed that threshold a few weeks ago and entered into the realm of the 30's ~ or maybe it's all the chap stick, toiletries and socks I currently own (is that what happens during your 30's? do you begin to hoard random items to be certain you never run out?) :) Thank you all for your thoughtful gifts! It was so much fun getting them!

We didn't do anything too spectacular for my birthday. My mom hosted a lovely dinner up at their swimming pool, which was fun. Barbecue and ice cream cake! I'm not sure who's idea the barbeque was - lol. As a "recovering" vegetarian, I'm not convinced it would have been my first pick, but it sure was good!

I must admit that I was a little worried about the whole affair, because my thoughtful mother had invited my in-laws the morning before all that silly stuff happened in my previous post. I was certain that the whole affair would be just awkward. But it turned out quite nice. There was no major drama to speak of.

Loki has become quite the little walker, which is VERY exciting. He's definitely getting better at it, but still often looks like "Franken-baby" with his hands out in front of him to balance. He's also starting to chat up a storm. Usually, he says things that we've said to him before, but occasionally he'll surprise us. Yesterday, he said, "Bye" to me - which really isn't that big of a deal I suppose, but it about broke my heart. I think it had less to do with the actual saying of the word, "Bye" and more to do with his realization and acceptance of our separation. Which is really just silly since I leave him all the time (at his grandparents, with his dad and now at daycare). And of course, I want him to be independent. But maybe there's a part of me that's just not OK with it! And/or maybe I'm 9 months pregnant and slightly over emotional!

Speaking of being pregnant, the countdown has begun. In fact, I'm up typing this post at 5 AM on Saturday because a few contractions woke me up. But don't worry - I'm not going into labor - YET!

We had our in home visit last Friday with my midwife. That was alot of fun. I was 3 cm dialated then and about 60% effaced. I had another appointment yesterday and I have apparently progressed, but they wouldn't check how much further for fear of accidentally inducing labor.

I think my midwife over booked herself for August. She has four of us about ready to pop. Two are Mennonite women in Virginia. Both of which I think began labor yesterday! Luckily they only live about a mile apart - but they're about an hour and a half away from here. The other woman is local here like me and was due on the 12th but not showing any signs yet of labor. But she'll surely go any day now.

Elora (which is now what we're thinking we may call her) is really down in there, though. I mean REALLY down in there. Without being too graphic, it literally feels like she's about to just slide right out - and wouldn't that make for a nice smooth labor. If only...

Well, I think I might see if I can snuggle back in bad - it's just too early to be awake!

and another

yes, another one! I am getting better and this one I would say is "sell" quality (although I'm not selling it). Notice the matching hair clip on the end of the ribbon. Too much, even for me!!

A good week

Just wanted to update everyone on the our week.

My parents arrived safely and we are having a great week. They stayed at a hotel for a few days and now are at my casa. We have the weekend planned of shopping and eating. Buca de Beppo here we come! I will be sad when they leave on Tuesday.

Sean had two interviews this week and already got asked for a second interview on one of them! YIPEE! Our fingers and toes are crossed for a job offer or two! Wouldn't that be a kicker if we two job offers in one week after such a long drought? I hope I didn't jinx it.

Kylie ate a bunch of chocolate this morning and we had to get her to vomit--fun times. The vet didn't need to see her but we are keeping a close eye on her--sneaky dog!!

Last but not least, Baby Allen is doing great. I finally have a baby bump! I have popped in the past few days. Maternity clothes--here I come!