Saturdays

Saturdays are my favorite....lazy mornings, lounging clothes and daddy snuggling his kiddos

A Heart Full of Joy

I became an aunt {again} today ❤

My brother texted me a picture and you could see it in his eyes......his heart had instantly doubled in size making perfect room to love his new little boy. What an amazing blessing God gives, as parents, that we get to experience a glimpse into the measureless love He has for us as his children. That's joy I tell ya!

Speaking of joy.....

these 2 fellas filled my cup this weekend. On Saturday morning we did breakfast in Ballard at Portage Bay, ran around in the grass at the Locks and drank strawberry lemonade as we cruised Shilshole Marina {daydreaming about one day having our own sailboat}. I attended a sweet friends baby shower, while Jody took Harrison for a ride in the burley. The evening weather was nice, so we grilled chicken and veggies then proceeded to stay up way too late.

We celebrated the morning of Mother's day at church and the early afternoon relaxing. We hit up the zoo after Harrison's nap and, as you can see, he enjoyed himself. Jody & I concluded the evening with some fresh shrimp on the grill {delicious}.

I will always have mixed emotions when it comes to Mother's day, since I know it is such a hard day for so many women, but this year I have so much to be thankful for. God's timing is perfect and, because of that, there are several girlfriends of mine who will celebrate their first Mother's Day {some with baby in arms and some still in the womb} who struggled with long battles of infertility. I can also celebrate the continued love and support of my own mother and my very precious mother-in-law......what a gift both of those ladies are in my life. I'm also crazy blessed to have the most amazing sister-in-laws who have given me lots of nieces and nephews to love on and continue to be great examples of how to parent well. Though not a woman, my greatest joy comes from my husband who continues to be my biggest cheerleader. He is such an encouragement in my life and is always making me feel like I have this mothering thing in the bag. I respect his patience with me, as I fumble my way through this child raising thing, and his kind words. More joy!

Of course it's not all rainbows and unicorns at the Duvall ranch.....I do have an almost 2 year old......but today I will focus on the gifts and blessings. The fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy and Peace {Galations 5:22}......and heaven knows we all need a little bit more of those things in our lives.

Oh remember those fresh shrimp we grilled? Well Jody caught them! Last weekend he went shrimpin' with a buddy of his, on Whidby Island, and they hit the crustacean jackpot. Now, I'm not the hugest lover of food from the sea, but these shrimp are good eatin' and luckily we have a freezer full. We plan on sharing our shrimp harvest with Jim & Jill {my in-laws} when they are in town next week. Why are they going to be in town you ask? Remember I'm having a baby......

next Tuesday!!!! Here's to the JOY of becoming a mother of two ❤

What A Week

It's Friday afternoon, H is down for a late nap and the weather is complete perfection here in Seattle. This week has been full.....with good and bad....but definitely full.

Monday was packed with the normal Monday stuff......grocery shopping, cleaning the house, laundry, etc. The weather was nice, so we had to head to the park {you learn to seize the moment in the PNW}.

Jody had his eye surgery on Tuesday and everything went really well. We did have to make an unexpected 2nd trip back to the surgical center, because of a reaction Jody had to the meds they gave him, but he was fine and recovered by the evening. 

Wednesday morning we went in for his post-op appointment and the doctor was really pleased with Jody's progress in just a day. The cataract they removed was atypical, so the doctor wasn't completely sure of how well he would actually be able to see.......I think we were both relieved by such a good report. The sweet ladies from my mid-week bible study were watching Harrison, so we got to have a nice quiet breakfast before dropping Jody off at work. 

On Thursday I loaded up H and we went to my OB appointment. I don't typically take him, but now that I'm going every 2 weeks the visits are short and he's usually pretty good. We made a quick Target run and then I proceeded to rearrange his entire room. This nesting is getting out of hand people. 

Today has been a bit more relaxed. We made a trip to Home Depot and I've been working on projects outside while Harrison plays with his trucks and harasses the dogs. 

On everyday of the this week Harrison was a pistol. This has been his M.O. this month and he's just had a tendency to lean more heavily on the surely side. His current demeanor tends to make situations a bit more tense then they really are, so I'm hoping this phase is short-lived. 

As for our weekend, it's forecast that this should be the most beautiful Easter weekend that Seattle has seen in years. We'll be celebrating the resurrection with friends, food and SUNSHINE! 

A celebratory weekend

We said HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my love this weekend.

It seems oddly appropriate that this is the only photo I took.
I had the best of intentions to document all the birthday love, but all good intentions went out the window with these sinful pastries.
Jody requested a relaxing weekend at home and I was happy to oblige.
We did get out of the house for a long walk in Seward Park, the weather was beautiful on Saturday, and a drive into the village.
I also made steak, green bean casserole and creamed corn.....it was delicious.
Sunday, Harrison woke up with a runny nose and congestion.
{I'm convinced the kids club at my gym is a cesspool of germs }
His cold gave us another excuse to lay low and snuggle on the couch.
I'm gonna miss this weekend......and those pastries.

Swearing In

Official member of the Washington Bar Association

❤❤❤

Reciting the oath

Signed by the Judge

Happy Lawyer!!!

Esquire

I will never forget today
and how proud I am of my husband.

Fabulous Seattle Weekend

First let me say that my husband knows me oh so well.
Friday he came home from work and told me we were going out for the evening.
It was a picture perfect day in Seattle and he knew I needed to get out of the house {which I did....desperately} for some fresh air.
We headed over to Alki Beach, strolled along the water and enjoyed the amazing sunset.
Later that evening we stuffed our face with Red Mill Burgers and watched a movie.
Perfection!!!

Saturday was filled with football and a quick trip to Ikea {if those exist}.
All our teams were victorious, which always makes the weekend more pleasurable, and the day ended with a few good naps from Mr. Harrison.


The weekend wrapped up with a productive little Sunday.
We FINALLY got all our pictures hung and the basement organized.
I also got my birthday gift......A TREADMILL!!!
It is going to be super helpful having the treadmill since, if you haven't heard, it rains a lot in Seattle.
The best part of the weekend though was capturing this precious photo.....

well actually it was a toss up between this photo and getting to go to the grocery store by myself.
I loved this weekend 

Delivery Day

I'm currently snuggling my little guy, who is in a milk induced coma, and wondering if life could get much better than this very moment.  It's been so nice being home and sleeping in our own beds.  The hospital stay was manageable, but sleep was few and far between.  I know a lot of you will have seen these photos on Facebook, but I wanted to upload them for the few that don't Facebook {primarily my mother & aunts}.  Enjoy our birth story......it honestly was such a magical day.

I was sure that I wouldn't sleep the night before my c-section, but I actually slept wonderfully and was relaxed as we headed to the hospital.  We arrived for check-in at 7:00am and I was prepped for surgery at 9:00am.  The nurse, Debbie {who reminded me of my aunt Patsy}, hooked me up to the monitor and checked Harrison's heartbeat.  My doctor came in shortly after for a quick ultrasound to make sure he was still breech, which he was......butt down.  It was so strange seeing him on the screen and knowing we would finally meet in a few minutes.  When it was finally game time I was ready......and VERY anxious.

Jody suited up and waited while I received my spinal and they prepped me for my c-section.  The anesthesiologist happened to have been born and raised in Auburn, AL so we talked football, which was a great distraction.  Once I was prepped and ready it took all of 5 mins before I heard the scream of our little guy.  Jody stepped away with the nurses to get Harrison cleaned up and cut the cord {I've purposely left those photos out....you're welcome}
I've mentioned this to a few people, but it was such a strange feeling laying there by myself waiting for Jody to come out with Harrison.  My world had just completely changed, I was experiencing a wave of emotions and the nurses were just going about their business.  I felt extremely alone, but that all changed when they laid my little boy on my chest.  I honestly felt like it was just the 3 of us in the room.....my new family.  

Since we hadn't gotten any good ultrasound photos, his appearance was a complete surprise.  The biggest shock of all was all that light brown hair!  I was certain he would come out with a head full of black hair, like his dad, but it turns out he looks a lot more like the Duvall side of the family.

I will always treasure the 2 photos above......the first time we both got to hold our little meatball.

After spending, what seemed like an eternity in the recovery room, we were able to go to our mom & baby room and get settled.  The remainder of the day was full of visitors and snuggling our, very sleepy, new baby. {How cute is his hat?}

Jody and his mom were an amazing help during the hospital stay, since I wasn't able to move around much.  They changed diapers, brought me food, snuggled baby and kept me company through all of the nurses poking and prodding.  I've had a super easy recovery and I have both of them to thank for that.

I should also thank my amazing doctor, Heather York, for a job well done.  She has given Harrison and I great care.......not to mention a very nice incision!  It will be sad saying goodbye to her at my post-op appointment next week.

Since my recovery was going so well, we got to leave the hospital a day early. Our time at home has been incredibly relaxing and has consisted mainly of eating and staring at our really cute baby.  Life is good!

My Loves

I've been uploading pictures from the last few days and trying to relive our whirlwind hospital stay.  I may not remember every single detail, but I know I will never forget the moment I realized my heart was big enough to love two men.

{Disclaimer: New baby love + hormones = sappy posts about my heart exploding.  You've been warned}

A sneak peek.....

I can't wait to see the entire album!!!!

willowbeephotography

Happy Father's Day

You are going to be the best Dad!
♥♥♥

Case of the Pregnancy Mondays

Monday started out rough. 

I could feel it the minute I woke up and knew something was off. 

I've loved being pregnant and, besides a few minor aches and pains, have enjoyed every minute of it. 

With that said, Monday was the first day that pregnancy seemed to be too much. 

I starred at myself, and this foreign body, wondering who this person was in the mirror. 

I understand this is a common feeling for many pregnant women, but every morning before I gazed in amazement of my growing belly and thanked the Lord for such an amazing gift. 

Not this Monday.....I felt trapped in this new body and was soon covered in an overwhelming blanket of fear and uneasiness......what if this whole having a baby thing was a really bad idea?  What if I didn't have what it takes?  What if, what if, what if? 

I went to work on the brink of tears and knew that the slightest push would send me into a fit of water works. 

Sure enough, an e-mail from Jody was all I needed to turn into a blubbering pregnant mess. 

The cry turned out to be quite cleansing and just what this hormonal human baker needed to find some clarity. 

The e-mail confirmed that I'm not in this alone, that life is full of stress but God had equipped me with an amazing partner to help pick me up when I can't do it myself. 

Sometimes we just need to be told we are loved to bring things back into prospective. 

Little Pillow Nest

This, ladies & gents, is the best thing that's happened to sleep in the past 31 weeks.  Yes it takes up over 1/2 our queen size bed, but a certain husband just knew it would help me catch some Z's.  Seriously, Jody surprised me with this large jewel last Friday and I've slept better than I have in 5 weeks.  The only exception is that I've been having a lot of nightmares lately, which this pillow doesn't help.  My latest dream involved a very kind co-worker of mine being attacked by a wolf as I watched from the safety of a company truck.......sad.  

 In growing baby news, I had a Dr.'s appointment yesterday and my belly is measuring 2 weeks ahead of schedule.  This could mean 1 of 2 things.....1. My little womb renter may turn in his keys ahead of schedule, or 2. He's gonna be a BIG boy!!  At this point I'm rooting for option #2.  I'm not opposed to him coming early as long as we have an agreement that July 26-28 are blackout dates.  

One last thing--Jody and I went to our first child birth class this evening.  The class confirmed that my uterus is a pretty incredible muscle and that we can make it through a birthing video without laughing like we're in middle school.  Because of this great accomplishment, we treated ourselves to ice cream.  Good night!

31!

Happy Birthday to my love, best friend and baby daddy♥You are a child of God, his treasured possession. He created you in his own image. He chose the day for you to be born. He has a plan and purpose for your life. ♥
XOXO

Breakfast for my Valentine

Heart shaped eggs in a basket & turkey bacon

I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine. - Song of Solomon 6:3

The answer is Yes!

My husband has always been a terribly hard person to argue with. Add almost 3 years of law school to his natural ability at persuasion and he can pretty much talk me into anything. Case in point........I have an 800lb motorcycle in my garage. With that said, I've stood my ground for 5 years that we are a "no gaming system" family and today I caved.

What can I say......when it comes to the hubby I'm a big softy.

Merry Christmas Husband!

With Love,

No Good Rotten Monday

Sometimes life gives you lemons and instead of making lemonade you just want to be peeved that you got lemons......ya know what I'm sayin???

Then you come home with those lemons and that sour face and your husband says he loves you and that he wants to take you on a movie date.....

and that's when you realize that he makes lemons bearable.

My Favorite soon-to-be Attorney

The mister is back from HERE and I'm so glad he's home.He looks so naturally lawyer-ish behind that podium.....♥♥

My Better Half

I hate when Jody goes out of town. It's not that I can't keep myself busy or that I'm super co-dependent but I just feel off when he's not home. We've always joked that we are one fully functioning adult and when one part of the equation is missing things go pear shaped pretty quickly. Luckily I have a dog friend that doesn't mind when the hubby is away.......lots of couch naps and snuggle time in this pups future.

With Love,

Ouch....

Last night I tweaked my back and at 4:30 in the morning I woke up to the most intense spasms I've ever felt. I tried to get out of the bed only to fall to my knees in agony. I've spent the day lying on frozen peas and trying my best to be still and not make things worse. As terrible as this experience has been {and let me reiterate that it has been TERRIBLE}, it's reconfirmed that I have the most amazing husband in the world. Not only did he scoop me up off the floor at 4:30 but he carefully positioned me back in bed, cuddled me while I was sobbing, surrounded me in food, water and electronics, checked in on me all day and brought me lunch.

I LOVE HIM, I LOVE HIM, I LOVE HIM!!!

......the end.