Happy Monday, all!
How was your weekend? Heck, how was your past week? I am feeling refreshed and excited today because I'm coming back from a week-ish hiatus (it was a tough week, which I'll get to more below), and I have a ton of fun content ideas stored up and ready to go. Looking forward to sharing with you!
Instead of a typical "weekend recap" post, I thought I'd share more of an overall "life lately" post explaining a little bit about why it's been quiet around here, what we've been doing and enjoying, and - of course - our weekly menu.
+ Pregnancy Announcement!
So probably the biggest excuse for my radio silence lately is that I've been busy (and tired!) growing a new little human! ;) I announced over on Instagram last weekend (send me a request if you'd like to follow along!), but had yet to announce here on the blog, so... here we go again! We are all so excited over here. The girls are over the moon and love looking at the sonogram pictures of their new little brother or sister. I'm feeling well and will be 13 weeks tomorrow! Almost to the second trimester already! Stay tuned for a full Baby #3 post/pregnancy update coming later this week.
+ Layla girl.
With the highest of highs inevitably seem to come some lows, and we've had a rough last few days with our sweet golden girl, Layla. Last Wednesday evening her body collapsed as she was attempting to eat dinner, and she couldn't use her back legs for about a half hour. We thought it was probably a seizure (she's had a couple of those in her 13 years, which isn't that uncommon for her breed) and she seemed ok that night. The next morning, she couldn't stand up and wouldn't eat and we knew something was very wrong. We took her to the vet that morning and their best guess at diagnosis (after over two hours of checkups and blood tests) was Vestibular Disease. It's basically like vertigo for dogs, and can be caused by a middle ear infection, old age, or something worse -- which I can't seem to stop thinking about, but I won't even go there. They did say one of her ears seemed suspicious, so we put her on an antibiotic for that and brought her home to rest. Thursday was rough, and Friday was worse. She could barely walk, we had to carry her everywhere, she wouldn't eat, and the worst part -- she just seemed depressed. It was terrible to watch. I held it together all Friday while with the girls, and then Friday night I just lost it. We felt too close to the end that day, and it all happened so abruptly.
Happily, Layla made some improvements over the weekend and can now walk pretty easily (although she's still staggering and needs to be carried up and down lots of steps), is eating her meals so long as we mix rice in, and is generally acting more like herself. I love that pup so much -- she's been by my side since I was 19. I know nobody can live forever, but I want my first baby to be comfortable and happy for as long as possible. I'll keep you updated on how she's doing! In the meantime, if you have any experience with Vestibular Disease, let me know. Thank you so much for your thoughts and well wishes for our girl.
+ Porch updates.
One of the things I first loved about our house is the front porch! I grew up with one very much like it and have so many memories of doing homework out on the rocking chairs, taking all sorts of pictures out there, and just people watching/reading/relaxing on the porch. Our porch has been sitting mostly empty for 2.5 years, but we recently added two black rocking chairs with some outdoor pillows and a fun new spring wreath for a mini makeover! This coming weekend, Steve plans to power wash which will really brighten it up. We're using the plant stand I had as a table between the rocking chairs for now, but the plan is to makeover an outdoor table we already have and use it there, and put the plant stand back by the door with either a fern (the only thing I can really keep alive) or some colorful flowers. Do you have a front porch?
+ Weekend happenings.
Besides mostly staying home and caring for the pup this weekend, C got her hair cut on Friday and the girls and I tried a new pizza place next door for a spur of the moment lunch afterward. It was so tasty! I love discovering new places. On Saturday morning, C and I left bright and early to attend one of Steve's cousin's bridal showers for a few hours, so that was fun. C felt so grown up, putting the cloth napkin on her lap all by herself and drinking orange juice out of a glass. ;) Meanwhile at home, Steve and Hadley had a Barnes and Noble date. Lucky!
Sunday we were supposed to attend my cousin's gender reveal party in New York, and I was so sad to miss it, but we couldn't all leave Layla for the whole day. So I was FaceTimed in when the announcement was made -- I'm so excited to welcome a new little nephew to our family! Other than that, we mostly played outside all day since the weather was (finally!) really nice.
+ This week's menu.
Finally, this week's menu! What's on yours? I'm always looking for tasty new dinners to try!
Sunday - Baked potatoes with broccoli, cheese, and bacon
Monday - Crockpot creamy tortellini soup
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Crockpot honey garlic chicken with rice, veggies
Thursday - Beef tacos with leftover rice, and corn
Friday - Breakfast for dinner! Scrambled eggs, tater tots, and sausage
Saturday - Out
So excited for you and your growing family!! Can't wait to follow along! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Biana! We're so excited and I'm looking forward to chatting all things baby! xo
DeleteCongrats on the new baby. I am so happy for you guys and can't wait to read along. I really hope your pup is ok. It breaks my heart with many of my blogger friends going through the same thing. I hope she makes a full recovery and is back to her normal self soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, friend! We are thrilled about the baby and heartbroken about our pup -- but she is seeming more like her old self, so that makes my heart happy. I'm sorry others you know are going through it too, it's just the worst. :( Hope your week is off to a good start! xo
DeleteCongratulations again on the BEST news! So excited for you all. And again, so sorry to hear about your sweet Layla. I'm glad to hear she's making improvements! It absolutely sucks watching pets get older. I'm sending all the good wishes that you guys get to spend a ton more healthy time together.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Alex! That is so sweet, and we're super excited too. And thanks again for your warm thoughts about my Layla. It's healing to see that she's acting a bit more like herself. Our pets shouldn't be allowed to get old so quickly. :( xo
DeleteCouldn't agree more! They're too important. xo
DeleteI am so excited for you guys, three kids is a very good number and we are so happy with our family of five! My heart breaks for your pup, I know what it’s like to have a sick dog, and it breaks your heart they are so a part of the family.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Andrea! Three feels like a great number here, too, and it's so nice to hear you've been happy with the size of your sweet family. :) Thanks also for your thoughts for Layla -- man it's been hard. But she's improving each day! I pray she's happy and comfortable for the rest of her time. <3
DeleteHugs and prayers to you regarding Layla. I know pets are family too and it's heartbreaking when they don't feel well. Congrats on the pregnancy! I love how you announced it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Terra! They really are family. She's my first baby and just such a dear soul. And thank you for your congrats -- we are so excited! xo
DeleteCongratulations on your pregnancy...so exciting! It's so tough when dogs get older, and I hope Layla keeps going strong. Thanks for linking up with Hello Monday! Tanya - The Other Side of the Road
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tanya! We're really excited. It's already flying by! Thanks so much for your sweet words about our pup. She seems to be gaining strength each day. <3
Deletecongrats on baby #3
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Adrienne! We're so excited!
DeleteAhh congratulations! So exciting!
ReplyDeletexx
Stella Cadente
Thank you so much! Lots to look forward to! :) xo
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