Lynley's Nursery

I am excited to share Lynley's nursery! I knew from the beginning that I wanted something really neutral, but I didn't know how that would all pan out. I kind of pieced together several inspiration pictures and this is the end result!

Kurt's mom was so gracious and yet again did the sewing for me. We reused Evy's crib skirt. We also recovered the rocking chair that we originally bought for Evy. The painting above the crib was in Evy's nursery and the crown came from Hobby Lobby.

I found this dresser at a craft mall/antique place here in town and painted/stained it with Annie Sloan chalk paint. It was so easy to work with and I loved the result! The two lamps came from Hobby Lobby and Kurt's mom put ruffles around the shades.

I already had the lamp and little side table, and we are using Evy's swing again.

I found these vintage Tasha Tudor fairy tale prints on Ebay and bought the frames at Hobby Lobby. I think they're so sweet!

I bought the daybed (it's actually two twin headboards and we just connected them with daybed rails) forever ago and painted in with Annie Sloan paint to match the dresser. We still aren't done with the bedding (we're adding one more Euro sham and a few accent pillows), but I love having a daybed in the room! It will come in so handy and it's also great for when I need to sleep in the nursery or when my mom/Kurt's mom are here.

I bought the hospital hanger/announcement on Etsy (you can spot it hanging on the closet door).

We're so excited for our little princess to come home and see her new room!

40 Weeks and Counting!

I went in today for my non-stress test (just monitoring for baby's heart rate and contractions) and to have one final discussion with my doctor about the game plan. The monitoring went great and Lynley looks perfect (again - I don't take that for granted and I'm so thankful!). My doctor checked me and everything looks about the same (1 - almost 2 cm and around 60% effaced).

So this means that if I haven't gone into labor by then, I'll go to the hospital on Sunday evening and the Foley catheter process will start. I might have explained this before, but I'll just write it out again for my memory. The goal is for the catheter to get me to around 3cm. During this time, I'll most likely want to stay in the bed just for comfort reasons. Once my body gets to 3cm, the catheter will fall out and at that point we're hoping my body will have kicked into labor on its own (this is all without using any drugs whatsoever). At this point I am free to move around and try to manage the contractions in whatever way I choose. If my body hasn't kicked into a good pattern, we'll probably break my water (but that's just dependent on the situation) and see what starts to happen then. My goal is to hold off on the epidural as long as I can, simply because I want to make sure my body is contracting and dilating consistently before I get it.

The biggest and most important thing that my doctor (WHO IS AWESOME) is giving me is time. She has no timeline for me, and she said that we are NOT going to hurry the process along as long as Lynley is doing well. I told her I just want the chance to try this and she said "No, you deserve the chance to try this." I'm just so thankful that my doctor and I are a team, which is the complete opposite of how I felt last time.

I've had a lot more emotional breakdowns about Evy and Liam - just all of the changes and how our days together are about to change. OBVIOUSLY logically I know that there is nothing better than welcoming a new child into the family and that change is always hard, no matter how exciting something is. I think I'm just really sentimental about what a wonderful place we're in as a family of four and I'm processing the change in that dynamic. I wouldn't even call it "worry" because I'm really not worried about it. . .I just get nostalgic about saying goodbye to any season in my life that's changing. Plus, I think everything is compounded by the fact that I'm 40 weeks + 4 days pregnant. :)

Obviously there are just a million emotions going around in my head because this situation is SO different from last time. Kurt and I have said that it's amazing how much more prepared we feel this time around - not just emotionally, but just having more knowledge and a being with a doctor that totally understands where we're coming from. I've also never dealt with contractions that were not Pitocin-induced (and I know that Pitocin contractions are MUCH stronger and difficult than natural contractions). I'm interested to see what my tolerance is (it could very well be ZERO - ha!). I'm going into this with a very flexible mindset, in that I'm not holding onto a plan so tightly that it becomes an idol. We have a goal, yes - but I feel so confident in the people surrounding me that it's easier to be calm.

So that's where we are. . .just continuing to wait! I have mixed emotions knowing that at the most I have about 4 days left. I'm so, so ready to begin this process and meet our little spunky third baby, but at the same time I'm starting to crave things staying the same. :) Thank you for praying for us - I feel surrounded by love!

Happy 40 Weeks, Lynley!

Today I had my 40 week appointment! I can't believe it. Actually, my doctor said that she had my due date down as May 11, and I have ALWAYS thought it was May 13. Of course, a due date is only an estimate and 2 days does NOT make a difference, but I suppose I can officially say I'm overdue - ha!

When I wrote my last post, I was in a VERY difficult place emotionally. I think 39 weeks' worth of emotions came out that day and it was just really tough. However, I felt so supported and prayed for (I still do) since I wrote that post, and I am so appreciative of everyone's prayers and encouraging words. It helped me tremendously, and I was able to process a lot of what I was feeling. That evening, Kurt and I sat down and really talked about where things stood, and we decided that we will not schedule the repeat C-section for the 20th. We still feel very strongly that I need to give a VBAC my best shot. I felt better going to bed that night because we had talked it through and I felt a little less unsettled.

So a week went by and here we are today. Throughout last week, I tried several things to help labor along. I stuck with methods that are considered more effective (both by doctors and midwives) and I didn't jump on the old wives' tales bandwagon (spicy food, castor oil, etc.). I tried several things, but I focused the most on the exercise ball, Evening Primrose Oil, and walking. I was anxious to see if I had made any progress (I was 1cm and 60% effaced last time).

When I got to my appointment, my doctor checked me and said that I am much closer to 2cm and my cervix is moving down, meaning there's been definite change. She still considers me about 60% effaced, but things are happening. At this stage in the game, I'll take anything, and I was encouraged. :) After that, we did a quick ultrasound just to check things out and she looks healthy as can be (thank you, Lord!). My fluid levels look good and she's in a very normal range for size. It's always a good feeling to know that everything looks as it should be!

If I don't go into labor before then, I will go in Thursday for a non-stress test. At that time I will also schedule to go in Sunday evening to start the procedure of getting things going, and it would be safe to say that things will be in full swing on Monday the 20th. However - I'm still praying that I will go into labor on my own before then and that it will all take care of itself!

This has been a very deeply spiritual experience for me already, and Lynley hasn't even arrived. Multiple times I've woken up in the middle of the night (on separate nights) with such a clear word from the Lord. It's like nothing I've ever experienced before. Two night ago I sat up in bed and heard so clearly:

Is anything too hard for Me?

I sat there in the dark and pulled out my phone to look up the context. I was overwhelmed to see that one of the times the phrase is used is when God is talking about Sarah (in the Old Testament - Genesis 18) becoming pregnant in her old age. She had total disbelief that it was possible and that she could become pregnant. But of course, as He promised, God created life in Sarah's body and sure enough, she became pregnant at the age of 90. And then the phrase "nothing is impossible with God" is used when the angel is talking to Mary about being miraculously pregnant with our Savior, Jesus. I just shook my head as I put together the correlation that in both situations, these women were doubting their bodies, they were doubting what was possible, they were scared. They were overwhelmed. Both situations were dealing with human, emotional pregnant women who just needed reassurance. I knew in that moment that God was speaking reassurance to ME. It was so personal, like He was saying - Ashley, is ANYTHING too hard for Me? Nothing is impossible with God!

Do I believe that this is God promising me the kind of birth I'd like? No, I don't. I believe that God's will in every single situation is that He is glorified. And whatever brings Him the most glory in this situation is what will happen. If that means that this ends in a C-section but in the process I've learned to let go of control and trust Him completely, then that brings Him glory, and it was worth it! Or if I am able to have a VBAC successfully, I will give Him all of the praise for it and He will be glorified. Either way, God's will is accomplished. That gives me absolute peace of mind because with either outcome, I can be at peace knowing that I am in the center of His will.

I'm excited to see what this week brings and I am continuing to pray for patience. We're so thankful to the Lord for our little Lynley and we can't WAIT to meet her!

39 Week Update

(Quick disclaimer: I had a few people ask me why I didn't fully spell out the "v" word in VBAC in a past post about it. It's simply to avoid my blog coming up in a search result if someone were to search for that word. I'm not embarrassed by anatomy at all - ha! - I just want to avoid that sort of traffic to my blog!) 

Well, today I had my 39 week appointment and I wanted to give an update on everything. If it benefits others that's great, but mainly I just want to keep track of this journey in the birth of our third child so I can remember the details.

At my 38 week appointment last week, I was a full 1 centimeter dilated and 60% effaced when my doctor checked me. I was really encouraged by this news, because it showed at least my body was doing something. When I had gone in for my induction with Evy (at the end of 39 weeks), I had shown no signs of progression whatsoever. So I was at least glad that I was more ahead of the game than last time.

When I went in today, I had shown no signs of change, which actually didn't surprise me or necessarily disappoint me too much. I know that dilation, etc. is a weird thing and can fluctuate/come to a standstill randomly. However, it was the conversation with my doctor that brought a lot of emotions to the surface and for the first time in my pregnancy, caused me a lot of anxiety.

I want to stop here and say that I LOVE my doctor. I specifically transferred to her because she's one of 2 doctors in our whole area who will attempt a VBAC. I respect her, trust her, and am so thankful to her for being willing to give this a shot with me. She's very sensitive and kind and is NOT out to intimidate or use scare tactics. :) After she examined me and we determined there had been no change from last week, we started to kind of discuss a game plan. She said I have two options: schedule a repeat C-section for Monday or we can go into the hospital and they would use a balloon mechanism to manually dilate me (this is used in place of Pitocin or Cervidil because of it being a VBAC and they want to avoid all labor-inducing drugs if possible). This procedure is known to be very painful/uncomfortable and not wildly successful. Well, my first emotion was absolute confusion because Monday is my due date and my doctor had assured me that she would let me go at least one week past my due date. I know I had this weird look on my face and I was asking questions like "So I can't go past my due date?" and she said "Yes that will be past your due date." I was SO CONFUSED. Then we realized that there had been a miscommunication. She meant the FOLLOWING Monday past my due date - May 20th! She didn't clarify that she meant I'd be going through my 40th week. She felt so bad and said "No wonder you had a pensive look on your face! You thought I had been lying to you about letting you go over!" It was funny - but the impending deadline caused me to start feeling a lot of anxiety.

We decided that I will come in as scheduled this coming Monday (the 13th) for my 40 week appointment and we'll see where I am. I'll also get a quick ultrasound just to check things out. Then I'll come back on Thursday so we can make a plan before the weekend. Then on Monday the 20th I'll either go in for a repeat C-section or to have the balloon procedure done to try and kick-start labor.

For whatever reason, I was a wreck walking out of that office. The minute I got to the parking lot I just started sobbing. I think it just all caught up with me. I know none of this is going to come out like I want it to, but in trying to describe my emotions......I was terrified of the balloon procedure (the pain of it) and the fact that it doesn't have a really high chance of even working. I started feeling angry with my last doctor for cutting me and making every subsequent birth a struggle (even though rationally I know we made the right decision at the time and I know it needed to be that way). I felt frustrated that I seem to be surrounded by friends and others that have had such textbook, easy inductions or births that had no issues. I questioned if this was all worth it and if I shouldn't just schedule the stupid C-section (even though I KNOW why Kurt and I are passionate about this and that it's what I really want). Feeling the insane pressure to go into labor naturally and knowing that ultimately I have no control over whether that happens...the list goes on and on. I just cried and cried in my car, because to most people, this would be such an easy decision (cut my losses and schedule the surgery). But to me, it's so much more complex and emotional and complicated.

I also need to add here that I have NOT become one of those people who thinks C-sections are evil and against God's will for women and are horrible. I have had a C-section and I could definitely do it again. But I also know how hard the recovery is and how I would just really like to not be cut multiple times. EVERYONE asks if Kurt and I have a set number of kids we would like to have, and we don't. We could be done with Lynley or we could have more. We don't know, and we just take one baby at a time, always praying for God's wisdom on when we want to add another child to our family. The principle of it is....I don't want multiple C-sections dictating how many biological children I can have. There are substantial risks in having multiple C-sections and of course I would like to avoid that.

HOWEVER. Kurt and I also fully trust the Lord and trust that He knows exactly how Lynley (and any other possible children) will enter the world. I do have so much peace in knowing that. As I've said before, birth is a miraculous and sacred thing NO MATTER how you give birth. So I want to clarify that I DO NOT think I would be "failing" by having another C-section! I don't think that at all! I have just felt such a peace about pursuing a VBAC and there are a lot of emotions that come with that. We know the Lord is in control and He will give us wisdom.

So that leaves me asking you to please pray on my behalf. Pray that I go into labor on my own and that I can at least attempt what I feel is the right course for this birth. I feel very vulnerable blogging about all of this and putting it out there. I don't like calling attention to myself and making this a huge deal. But I do believe in asking for prayer when something is heavy on your heart, and so I'm asking you, as friends who have been so encouraging and loving over the years, to please lift me up during this time. In the meantime, I'm going to do everything I can to try and get things moving along - that's all I can do, along with a lot of prayer. And ultimately, we want God's will to be done above all else! We praise Him and thank Him for this little life and how she comes into the world is in HIS hands!

This is the verse I've claimed during this time. I keep reciting it (often out loud) over and over.

We love you Lynley - we can't wait to meet you!

Family Time at the Zoo!

This past Monday (when I turned 38 weeks!) we took the kids to the zoo! I knew it would be our last opportunity for awhile (we don't go in the summer when it's hot) and Liam had never been. I REALLY wanted to experience it with him before the baby gets here, so we packed up and headed out. It was a little on the warm side, but it was still a beautiful day. All of the walking also helped me make progress (which I'll share in a baby update soon), so it was win-win! It was wonderful to spend time as a family, just the four of us before we add a new little one. :)

The kids were SO EXCITED to see the elephants. They've recently gotten really into the marching song that the elephants sing in The Jungle Book (it's on one of their Disney Sing-Along shows), so they were screaming "HUT! TWO! THREE! FOUR! KEEP IT UP! TWO! THREE! FOUR!" to everyone's amusement around us. :)

We walked through the hippo area and one of the hippos did a huge turn/flip right in front of the kids! It was so exciting to catch it on camera!

 Then we saw the stingrays. It was a really neat exhibit, because you could reach in and touch them!

About the best picture of the kids I could capture all day - ha!

PETTING GOATS. IT WAS SO EXCITING. (For the kids at least.)

My personal favorite is always the penguin and puffin area, because it's ARCTIC cold in there - ha! It's always so refreshing!

The last activities of the day were the carousel and train. The kids said the carousel reminded them of Disney World!

This was the best picture we could get on the train. For some reason, BOTH kids decided they HAD to sit by Mommy (usually they easily split between me or Kurt, or Kurt is the favorite parent - isn't that how it always goes with Daddies?). I have to admit I felt loved, but it made for a crowded ride - haha!

As we drove home I felt so thankful for my little family and how enjoyable it is to spend time together. Of course we always have our "moments," but the kids are at such fun ages and I just love them (and of course Kurt) so much. That day really helped to get me in an excited place for Lynley to come, because I know what a joy it is to have children and do things like this together. I can't wait to take THREE babies the next time we go to the zoo!

My Hospital Packing List!

Photo found here.

I have really enjoyed looking over different hospital packing lists as I've been getting ready for Lynley to arrive! Based on lots of other ideas, I made my list and have started packing my bags. Several choices I made are based on my experience/preferences last time (which ended up resulting in a C-section). I'm trying to have a VBAC this time, so I know my needs could be different if that's successful, but I think my list covers me either way. Everyone's needs are different when they deliver and every hospital policy is different, but I thought it would be fun to share my list, also so I can look back on it later!

My Bag (in a carry-on size suitcase):

• Socks - I like to take both the super soft "fuzzy" kind and just the plain cotton kind.
• Belabumbum Gown and Robe - This is the set I'm taking (the robe isn't shown, but it's a pretty grey color). It's not too low-cut (keeping it appropriate for when visitors are there) and it's nursing-friendly. I only wear gowns after delivery - absolutely no pants (you never know if you'll have a C-section and you're always being "checked" anyway). Gowns are the easiest and most comfortable thing to wear.
• "Gownies" hospital gown - Our hospital policy is that you have to wear the hospital-issued gown during delivery. However, I bought a Gownie for after delivery because it has more coverage than the regular hospital gown and it's a lot cuter! It's also nursing-friendly. This is the pattern I bought.
• Flip Flops/Flats 
• Pads - I've only had a C-section, but I've heard from everyone that it's a necessity to have these on hand. Some people love the ones the hospital gives you, and others have recommended bringing your own, so I figured I'd bring some along.
• Underwear - I mentioned this in another post, but the one thing I learned from last time was that I HATE the mesh underwear from the hospital! I didn't realize until I was changing to go home how uncomfortable I had been in them. However, several friends have told me that they loved them after their births (that weren't C-sections) because there's a lot going on down there - ha! Regardless, I'm definitely taking my own (I know they need to be cheap) just so I have that option if I want it. 
• Headphones/Speakers
• Toiletries - Toiletries are obvious, but it's easy to forget things like shower gel. Otherwise you have to use the hospital bars of soap. NO thanks.
• Brush, hairdryer, straightener
• Towels - I'm taking big, fluffy towels for me and Kurt. The hospital towels are TINY and scratchy. I just want that feeling of "home" after a shower.
• Makeup
• Nursing Bras - This is another learning experience from last time. I'm taking several brands to try. Last time, I only took maybe one nursing bra and I realized quickly what my preferences were. I have several different styles and brands that I'm bringing so it's one less thing to stress about.
• Going home outfit (maxi dress and tank top) - Again, no pants for me! I'm taking a super comfortable (and very casual) maxi dress to go home in.
• Chapstick
• Lotion
• Headband/ponytail holders

Lynley's Bag (in a carry-on size suitcase):

• Blankets - Yes, the hospital provides blankets but I just love bringing our own!
• Gowns - Just like for me, I only use gowns during the newborn stage. They're so easy and convenient for the CONSTANT diaper changes. I'm taking around 6 gowns, simply because I like having choices and you never know how many diaper incidents you'll have. :)
• Onesies 
• Socks and Baby Mittens
• Going home outfit
• Hats - I think the hospital kind fit the best, so I found some that are the hospital material but have  cute little bows on them.
• Baby book - I'm only taking this so we can have the handprints and footprints done in it. 
• A few diapers

Other Bag/Items (probably packed in a backpack or carried in as needed):

• Photo Camera and Charger
• Video Camera and Charger 
• Phone/iPad chargers
• Snacks and drinks - Another lesson learned from last time. I got so hungry late at night and I'm looking forward to having my favorite snacks and Fruit Punch Gatorade (another favorite) handy! I've packed all of this in a Thirty One Large Utility Tote.
• Pillow (with non-white pillowcase) - I love having my own pillow, and it's a good idea to take a colored or patterned pillowcase so it doesn't accidentally get left behind or taken to the hospital laundry by mistake. 
• Nursing shield, nursing pads, Lanolin cream - All of my nursing essentials!
• Clothes and toiletries for Kurt
• Nursing Pillow - I used the Boppy pillow with Evy, but I'm trying the My Brest Friend pillow this time. I think I'll like that it has a little more support (although it's nice to have the Boppy at home if I decide to go that route again). 
• Febreze Set and Refresh air freshener - I am absolutely obsessed with the smell of Gain, and when Febreze came out with this air freshener (in the "Gain" scent) I was in heaven! I'm excited for our hospital room to smell like home! 
• Laptop and iPad
• Announcement door hanger
• Notebook and pen
• Big Sister/Big Brother gifts - These will be given to Evy and Liam by "Lynley," and we'll just keep them in the car until they arrive to see her. :)

I'm enjoying getting our bags together, but it doesn't compare to how excited I am to meet our Lynley! 

Chicago!

Each time we've added a baby to our family, Kurt and I have taken a trip to celebrate and to just spend time together before all of the inevitable changes happen. This has been so wonderful for us, and I'm SO thankful we've made this a priority. Now that our sweet Lynley is about to arrive, we decided to go to Chicago to celebrate! It's not too far of a drive from where we live, and neither of us had been. It was so much fun!

Our first views driving into the city:

Navy Pier:

We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott on the Magnificent Mile. It was a great location and I definitely recommend it!

We saw that the famous Garrett's Popcorn was right next to our hotel, so our first morning out we stopped to try some!

There was always a line out the door!

I got the Cheese Corn and Kurt got the Caramel Corn. AMAZING!!!

We ate at a place called Big Bowl for lunch. It has Thai and Chinese food and we loved it!

After lunch, we headed to the Art Institute of Chicago. We didn't have a lot of time, but there were some key things we wanted to see. The highest priority for me was the gallery of Thorne Miniature Rooms! Ever since I was little, I've been fascinated by "tiny" things - I loved books like "The Borrowers," and I ADORED my dollhouse. This was an entire gallery of shadowboxes, designed by Mrs. James Ward Thorne, that showed different period rooms, mostly in early English and early American settings. Of course I was in heaven, because I LOVE early American design and the evolution of English design as well. And everything was TINY so it was even better. Kurt and I said this actually ended up being a highlight of the entire trip for us, because as you were looking into these little boxes, you seriously expected little period-dressed people to walk into the scene!

I was so excited to see the Georges Seurat painting A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, not only because it's a masterpiece, but because the musical Sunday in the Park With George is based on the painting (it's how I really became aware of the artwork in the first place).

Of course I'm always drawn to the Impressionist room in any museum!

Beautiful Monet paintings.

We got to see the iconic American Gothic!

We didn't have much time at the museum because last minute, I discovered a company called Chicago Private Tours, and we had scheduled a tour of Chicago with them! As we were driving into the city the day before, I stumbled upon their reviews on Trip Advisor (my go-to site for trip planning) and was floored at how everyone was raving about them. Kurt and I had just decided that since I was so late in pregnancy, it just wasn't going to be the type of trip where we walked miles all over Chicago seeing everything there was to see. I can hold up pretty well, but this late in the game, I have my limits! However, as I was reading about the company, something that jumped out at me was that you're in a private van with a driver and tour guide, and they can minimize or completely eliminate walking. On a whim, I called them and they had an afternoon tour open! We decided to give it a shot and I'm SO GLAD we did!

The main thing I was nervous about was getting car sick. My dad and I have the worst motion sickness known to man, and I've just learned that certain scenarios are best to avoid. The thought of being driven around in the city for 4 hours made me nervous, but I took Draminine and hoped for the best. We were picked up by our guide and driver at the museum, and I was so relieved when I saw that the van was roomy and really nice. They instantly asked how they could make us (correction: me, the pregnant girl) more comfortable. I just told them to keep the air conditioning going for me! :) George, our guide, asked us how he could customize the tour for us, and we ended up deciding to focus on the history of the city, architecture, and the Mob (past and present). I didn't end up with a ton of pictures (I was intently listening the whole time!), but it was the best choice we could've ever made for our trip. We were able to see SO MUCH and we never could've done it as efficiently on our own. We HIGHLY recommend this company!

We stopped in Greek Town for a snack (I felt like I was in My Big Fat Greek Wedding!).

This is one of the most exclusive clubs for the mob. Kind of creepy.

Of course we had to see Wrigley Field!

I LOVE these pictures of us in front of the skyline - thanks to our guide who knew the perfect picture spot!

There's the Obama family's house!

We drove through beautiful neighborhoods, learned amazing things about the city, and took in so much information in our 4 hour tour. We were amazed at how much we were able to accomplish by going with a professional company - and the best part was that it was just us!

That evening we ate at Lou Malnati's to try authentic Chicago deep dish pizza. YUM! 

The next morning we had an early lunch at the Soup Box, which was awesome!! The premise is simple - 12 cauldrons of homemade soup, grilled cheese, and salad. It doesn't sound like much, but it was SO GOOD. We absolutely loved it!

We got on the road right away and headed to Oak Park, IL to see the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. I studied FLW a lot while I was studying interior design in college, and I've always been fascinated by his concepts and ideas. He was based in the Chicago area, so we knew we really wanted to learn more about him.

What's so interesting is that he was designing at the turn of the century, when fancy, ornate Victorian-style homes were all the rage (and the norm). FLW went totally against that model and his designs stood out like a sore thumb. I think what fascinates me the most is picturing women in large, bustled Victorian skirts and gowns walking around in a FLW-designed home that looks so MODERN. His home and studio are so distinctive:

We took a tour of the home and studio and learned SO much about Frank as an architect and person. Then we took a self-guided walking tour of the nearby streets featuring some of his work.

The homes below aren't FLW, but it was just a beautiful neighborhood of different homes.

This shows you the HUGE difference in design. On the left is a Frank Lloyd Wright home, and on the right is a typical Victorian of the era. Can you believe the difference? And both were built at the turn of the century!

After our time in Oak Park, we headed back into the city and ate at Keefer's for dinner, which was delicious. The next morning we headed back home and were so excited to see our two little lovebugs. It was a wonderful weekend, and I am always so thankful to spend time with the BEST husband in the world!