Upturn

Life has taken a turn for the better.

Stating this makes it sound like life was awful earlier, but honestly...it was pretty rough there for a bit. Since Friday, everything seems to have changed. My attitude is positive. My mood is happy. Work is going well for me back at Lutheran. Busy at times (but, honestly, what job isn't?), but generally great. I was told by two separate coworkers yesterday how happy each was that I came back to work with them. That really builds up the soul. Also, today is Phillip's first day of work at his new job. While this isn't exactly his dream job, we're both SO pleased for him to have a good, steady position with great hours (especially since baby time is just a few short weeks away!).

The biggest influencer on my upturn in life, though, is definitely credited to this past Saturday's happenings. Not only did I have a fantastic baby shower with family (including Mom O. from Ohio and the most loving and wonderful cousin, Leslie, who FLEW IN FROM NORTH CAROLINA JUST TO BE AT MY BABY SHOWER) in the afternoon where Little One received so many necessary and great gifts, but then I was able to celebrate dear Hillary's upcoming wedding at her bridal shower, and finally end the day with a very large, great, and all-around awesome gathering of the most loving friends imaginable. I didn't expect such a great turn out or so much food, so it was overwhelming in the best way possible! I just loved celebrating our baby and, while it's embarrassing being the only one opening so many gifts, I appreciate every item we were given so, so much. I feel much more prepared as a soon-to-be mother and I'm really getting so excited and anxious to meet my sweet baby!

From Kari's instagram

Thank you, Lord, for your blessings.

Soon

It feels like a lot of change has taken place in this little life of mine lately. I moved out of my grandpa's house into my parent's house while we're still house searching. It sounds pretty awful thinking "I live with my parents", but it doesn't really feel that awful at all. I'm sure Phillip will have a slightly different feeling about it, though. :-) 

I've still been a bit on edge with little Baby O, too. My midwife informed me last week that while all the rest of my initial lab work results were normal, my progesterone is low. I was given the choice to do nothing (as many practitioners do) or supplement the progesterone. Phill and I agreed that if there is an option of something we can do to correct this potential problem, we should do it. So, starting last Monday I'm now doing twice a week intramuscular (IM) injections at home. I'm glad I'm a nurse because, no offense, but I don't think the average person could handle the drawing up of the medication, switching needles, maintaining a clean technique, and actually administering the medication. It's not for the faint of heart. The worst part, though, is my incredibly sore thigh the next day (and the day after...)! If you see me out and about walking funny, it's likely because I'm one sore lady. It's all worth it, though, if it means we'll have a healthy newborn in the end.

It's hard to remain optimistic and think of an actual newborn being the end result of all this. I feel like it's been a lot of walking on eggshells, not knowing whether all is well. When I noticed the spotting, it scared me, but I didn't get too worked up because I knew it could very well be nothing. While the same could be possible with my low progesterone, it was a much harder blow because this was concrete evidence that something was not up to par. I told my mom and Phill that I was still hesitant to buy baby things while there still seems to be some uncertainty. I'm presently 15.5 weeks along, but I don't feel as confident in my pregnancy as I would have expected at this point.

The silver lining to this all is that my long lost husband is returning TOMORROW. I've been excited all day thinking about it, but just now typing it out I got a little emotional. He's been gone for 6 WEEKS YOU GUYS! I'm not even sure what more to say other than I am so incredibly thankful to have him in my life and I'm so thankful he's returning to me tomorrow!

This is rather embarrassing, but I guess I forgot to mention that I had a birthday last Monday. Day one of the injections marked the 26th year of this old bird's life. I know 26 is certainly not old, but there's some chunk of my brain that screams "HOLY BEJESUS YOU IS OLD!". Meh. I'll get used to it, I'm sure.

Here's wishing you all a healthy and happy week before Thanksgiving!

**My apologies for the boring non-photo post. Apparently my computer is so low on memory and storage space that I can't even upload one photo. Either that (which is still totally true) or my iPhoto is screwy. Sorry!

Sugar, Sugar

Circa 2006

This has always been a favorite picture of the two of us. This is likely due to the legit smile from my now-husband. He's a reserved kind of guy. Strong emotions and Phill do not always go hand-in-hand. He's special. He's perfect for me. I miss him so badly and I cannot wait for him to return to me on November 12th!

I'm pretty sure I just entered the I-bought-Halloween-candy-just-for-me-and-now-I'm-feeling-the-effects sugar crash. Sorry baby. That was a bad idea.

Speaking of baby: This little one has given daddio and myself quite a scare. Saturday and then again this morning I had some bleeding/spotting that quickly lightened up. I never had any cramping and it cleared up pretty quickly, but when you see something like BLOOD after using the restroom whilst carrying precious cargo...you kiiiiiiinda freak out a lot a little. After it stopped Saturday, and after doing some online research, I came to the conclusion that all was well, but if it happened again I would do something. Then came today with a repeat of Saturday's events. I called my midwife and discussed some things. Ultimately, I was able to swing by her office after work and have a little listen to Baby O. on the doppler. Welp, this little one seems to be doing just fine. Healthy heartbeat, baby moving around, appropriate uterus size...I'm feeling much better knowing that baby is alive and kicking (literally!).

I say this to ask you all to continue to pray for Phillip, myself, and little baby (who, by the way, is the size of a lemon!). Phillip has been living vicariously through me with all this baby business, home searching business, and general OUR LIFE business. It'll feel so nice to be together again and to feel like we can function more smoothly together.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Come What MAY

Most days, now, I go about my daily life thinking of baby and work and homes and friends and whathaveyou. But at least once a day, I am astounded. At least once a day I pray to God, "Thank you so much for this little baby. Please let this baby grow healthy and strong. Please keep special watch over this baby, Lord."

While these are words I'm sure many people state in prayers while pregnant, I find that pregnancy after miscarriage is a funny (but not so funny) thing. Each day I wonder. As I type this I am 9 weeks 2 days pregnant and I am looking forward to that 12 week ultrasound with a fiery passion (technically only a 11w1d ultrasound). I yearn for the next few weeks to fly right by. Since you are reading this, apparently the ultrasound went well (Praise God!). Our first ultrasound of this pregnancy was amazing. As many of you know, my first ever ultrasound in May was the worst day of my life. Therefore, this time around I was as nervous as nervous gets. The difference was this special baby had a rapid, splendid heartbeat. Remembering that heartbeat flickering on the screen brings a smile to my face.

While I can't help but be a ball of nerves at times, I also have great hope. This baby is thriving inside my belly due to love and prayer. There were no hormones, medications, or ovulation tests. I'm finding it hard to describe just how blessed I feel knowing God has given us hope. Much can go wrong with pregnancy and childbirth, but for now, I'm focusing on the good. A new life has been created! This baby is wanted so badly I almost wish the next 30 or so weeks would hurry up and be over so I can meet our little one. Our prayers have been answered and I'll continue to pray to see that this little baby continues to grow into a healthy and strong child.

**Special side note: A big THANK YOU is owed to all of you who have kept Phillip and I in your prayers throughout the past several months. So many people came out of the woodwork offering up prayers and support. It has truly blown me away and left me feeling beyond blessed. We've experienced so much up and down and I firmly believe that the thoughts and prayers of all of you have kept us strong and afloat. Thank you. Bless you.

#4

We celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary yesterday.

It didn't start so great with a literal wake up call from the hospital stating I was not selected for the job I had been interviewing for. While it really, really stinks, I kinda already knew in my gut.

It went up from there, though, with a trip to the IMA, dinner at 3 Sisters, a little stop at REI, ice cream sundaes at Ivanhoe's, and a storm to close out the night.

I love him so much. He's always been there for me and I know, with absolute certainty, that he'll continue to be here forever. He even told me last night. :-)

What A Beautiful Piece of Heartache

**In reference to the title, while this is the emotion felt from our trip and the return thereafter, you should seriously listen to Over The Rhine {specifically this album, Good Dog Bad Dog}. My absolute favorite band, even featured in our wedding.

Oh, guys. We had such an excellent time back east {how weird does that sound saying "back east" in reference to HOME?}.  From the moment we touched ground in Indiana I was giddy with excitement. I was HOME. I truly had believed that I was establishing a sense of home in Peoria, which is certainly true, but there will always be Home in Indiana. Simply thinking on it again while writing this has me reminiscing of the genuine good time spent with my incredible friends and loving family. I miss them all {you all!} already.

Wednesday was spent arriving, hugging, and smiling a lot. After family dinner and catch-up I spent some ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC time with my sisters dearest friends, Kari and Natasha. I hardly know how to put in to words how much these two ladies mean to me. They are both family....like, seriously. Both Kari and Tash mean so much to me and my entire family, including Mom, Dad, and Trey, of course.

The 3 of us fabulous friends walked the streets of Huntington to my new friend, Allie's, home where we then had more good times consuming too much ice cream and watching Harry Potter. We fell asleep on the couch and I felt as though I was back in high school staying out too late without a care. The plus being that now we are older and have evolved in our friendships and I don't get in trouble for being out all night :-)

The party on Thursday went off without a hitch. The night was complete with a surprise visit from Phill's parents and grandparents! It was SO great for them to make the inconvenient trip to be able to spend even a short amount of time with us while we were back in the Midwest. We had such a great time with family and friends over puppy chow and many drinks. Always a good time. Thank you so much to everyone who came! My heart was overflowing with love!

Friday was spent traveling up to Bay View, Michigan with the Carmien family cottage {aka, one of the best places in the world} as our destination. Our weekend was so good. Board games, food, bike rides, morning walks, a run that really woke me up in the best way, ice cream, winery trips to discover the wonderful treat that is cherry wine, lovely family time, and crisp, cool weather! I was LOVING wearing long pants and sweaters. Now that we're back in AZ I'm jealous of everyone feeling legitimate Autumn right now!

The whole Carmien family, minus Jenny & Tim. We missed you guys!

Good looking family, huh? My only regret is not taking more pictures. I will have some more iPhone photos to post later, though.

Now, we're getting back into the swing of things. I'm studying for my NRP test, job searching like a boss, and cuddling with Margot. This trip was truly a heart and soul refresher.

Sedona Trip-A Happy Anniversary

I'm so excited to finally share some of the legitimate photographs taken while on vacation in Sedona. Looking through these pictures brings back those very happy times between just the two of us. My husband is so special in every way. He thinks I'm a decent golfer {I'm not} and he kept his facial hair just to tickle my fancy {even though he hates it}. I'm so blessed to be married to this man. Not only does he put up with my all sorts of crazy, but he does it without complaining...ever.

3 years? Psh. I'll take 41,284 more...but I'll just be a bag of bones by then.

PRO

Check out those white legs!

Ahhh golfing :-)

Slide Rock!

When Phill saw this he said something to the effect of "My wife and the hobo"

Phill has since shaved a bit, fyi. It's still there, but he's got a 5 o'clock shadow sort of thing going now. Man, I just cannot get over how wonderful and beautiful our trip was.

Also, please enjoy these videos from our visit to Slide Rock. Yes, I am a punk-ass wife.

A Day in the Life of Phillip & Alyssa

Our anniversary vacation starts next week!!!

Alyssa: "Remember that time we got married?"
Phill:    "Nope"
Alyssa: points at wedding picture "See? Proof"
Phill:    "Photoshop"

*minutes later*

Phill:    "This is a house of lies!"

*Phill takes tortillas out of the fridge*

Alyssa:  "Don't! Don't eat something big!" {He's a major quesadilla consumer and dinner is only a couple hours away}
Phill:      Holds tortilla up, displaying the skinny tortilla "But it's thin!"
Alyssa:  "Are you just eating that?"
Phill:     "Yes!"

LAUGHTER ENSUES. Alyssa laughs for a minute straight. {I mean seriously! "But it's thin!" haha!}. Of course I married the guy who just eats a tortilla plain. Actually, that probably is pretty normal.

Ok, I realize this probably isn't too funny reading it from a blog, but as I re-read the scenario it brings a big grin to my face. It truly was a super funny couple of minutes here.

Ahhhh true love...

Dinner & My Loves

Successful Eggplant Parmesan. Technically there was a recipe involved, but since I didn't plan on making the full dish with a 9"x13" pan I kinda fudged around a bit.

Fudged.

Apparently, fudging works out alright! It may have been well to let it cook a couple minutes longer to allow for the perfect texture of the eggplant, but it was still pretty good! Now, I'm wishing I had used an even smaller amount because I have all these leftovers and I can pretty much bet money the mister won't even try it! Anyone want some?!

Also, please look at this and feel my heart melt.

Mood-Lifting Date Night

Last week I worked Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday. Many nurses purposely schedule themselves to work their 3 days back to back in order to have their days off back to back, as well.

I am not one of those nurses.

I like breaks in between my work days. This is going to sound really sad, but I prefer it this way because then I can easily prep myself knowing I just have to 'get through' one or two days of work rather than a whole lot in a row. As much as I hate to admit it, I really am in a stage in my life where I have to 'get through' my work days.

All that being said, by Thursday I was really dreading Friday. Nothing out of the norm awful had happened Wednesday or Thursday, but I really hated the idea of going in yet again the next day. I had all but decided that I was going to call off. BUT I knew deep down that it would be silly, a waste of PTO, and I couldn't really afford another call in. Plus, Phill would not support my decision if I called off. But I wouldn't be able to leave it at that. My mentality was so out of wack that I knew by going in to work, like normal, that my attitude was in such a place that I was going to guarantee myself a terrible Friday at work!

Therefore, I came up with a solution: I needed something to look forward to after work on Friday. DATE NIGHT! Throughout Thursday night and all day Friday, Phill and I never could really solidify plans, but I NEEDED something. The only thing we decided on was a Thai restaurant in downtown Phoenix, but by the time we arrived...they were about to close in 12 minutes. Sooooo...we went to Pei Wei {first time!}.

Afterwards, we were really struggling to think of something to do. *Sidebar: I realize there are 1,309,417,420 options of "things to do" in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. We, however, enjoy free or nearly-free activities!* I am nothing short of pleased with our solution, though. I, being the glutton I am, suggested we go for dessert. I was really craving apple pie. Apple pie......all-American...

LET'S FINALLY TRY 5 & DINER!!! 

And we did :-)

Apple pie {a la mode...duh} for me, and a root beer float for the mister. *2nd sidebar: Isn't he the cutest? Ok, perhaps, being the wife, I'm a bit biased. Gosh, I love him*

5 & Diner has now joined the ranks as one of my favorite places. It has so much to offer:

1. Good ol' fashioned yummy food
2. 1950's atmosphere, including jukebox
3. Friendly staff...with poodle skirts!
4. Various types of other patrons. Some were pretty sketch-tastic.
5. Open late {or even 24 hours--perfect}

I'm so glad there's a location nearer to us, too. Needless to say, my sweet husband obliged my craziness and made helped make my 3 days in a row far less terrible by taking me on this little date.

This is My Husband

The picture quality may suck, and Phillip might look angry as hell, but check it out: He's eating a carrot. Is this normal for you? This was never normal at my home. My husband takes a carrot out of the fridge, peels it, and just eats it. No cutting or shredding involved. Odd.

He's a keeper =)

New Blog Wake-Up Call

How did it become 1AM already? Shoot.


I am an emotional basket base this evening. Feeling worthless, feeling content, terribly longing to be with my family, tearing up from happiness, tearing up for hopefulness, tearing up with uncertainty.

Then again...I am a female in "that time" of the month. TMI? Get over it, I guess :-)



I discovered a new blog to adore via Danielle's blog at Sometimes Sweet. I love you to the moon is the blog-child of Amber, one seriously amazing woman. I have just now thoroughly read over the past couple months' worth of her posts and I'm blown away. She's incredibly wise beyond her years {even younger than myself}. I couldn't help but feel strongly encouraged after reading into her little part of the world. To be perfectly honest, I was somewhat annoyed, at first, when reading her posts. I was jealous and frustrated by the perfect marriage, rocking body and devotion to {ahem, love for? [I know, I don't understand it either]} physical fitness, obvious devout relationship with the Lord, and killer looks and style to boot. However, as I read further and started to really reveal the lady behind the text, I'm beginning to see that it's not about perfection {which I'm positive she would deny and, likely, laugh at}. It's about learning what the truly important things are in life and making them a priority. The highest priority.

I've been spending A LOT of time focusing on, and worrying about, the future. Uuuggggghhhhhhh it's such a bad thing! I've made many half-hearted goals to "turn my life around" or "get on the right track" or "really start things fresh" as of late, but as of tonight I'm making a strong devout promise and goal to myself. This isn't one specific goal, per se, but more a general life shift in which I'm vowing to live my life to the fullest. 

 ****************************

I will seek out the presence of God in the world around me.

I will shamelessly snuggle and play with Margot. 

I WILL TAKE CARE OF MY BODY WITH HEALTHY DIET AND PROPER EXERCISE{this may sounds shallow and/or cliche, but this is actually a very real and difficult goal for me to consistently uphold}.

I will purposefully show love and respect for my husband.

I will rejoice in the small pleasures in life. 

I will enjoy the feeling of the bright, warm sun on my face. 

I will delight in the work that God has provided for this time, and I will patiently, yet actively, pursue future options in order to advance my career where my strengths and passions lie.

I will play a more active role in my relationships with family and friends.

I will worship the Lord my God, and I will seek out and make individual devotion with Him the highest priority.

****************************

This list could go on and on, but I think I should stop while I'm ahead, or I'll have too much to handle all at once! I feel I am experiencing a great moment of enlightenment presently, but I also fear that this is all emotional and it will dissipate by the time I awake in the morning. So often the most sincere goals and plans made late at night seem much less important or necessary with the dawning of a new day. In fact, I can nearly guarantee that this will happen. My plan? CONSTANT SELF REMINDERS. This time, I must succeed. This time, I need to take this seriously. I will coast through life NO MORE.

Please, oh please, keep me in your daily thoughts and prayers. This post may all sound vague, but knowing that my well-being is being aided by any and all of you reading this will help.

My Husband Rocks

My husband rocks pretty hard core at this internship bizzzzzznasss. He may not blog like I do, but he thought maybe a video blog could be the answer. Therefore, NEW VIDEO BLOG UPDATE!

{I was going to put the video right here, but YouTube is being stupid}

 Yep, he's the best

♥

Cheba Hut...and a Dead Dog

Yesterday we ate lunch at...the Cheba Hut. Yes. For reals. It was super tasty, but I was anticipating a police raid at any moment.

This is not a joke

Tasteful wall mural

Bahahaha. Can you see why I was afraid to encounter a cop?!

 I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, though. They had several veg options and they have Koolaid. I may not have drank the Koolaid, but how freakin' sweet is it that they serve it?

I'll tell you: It's freakin' sweet. Thanks, Phoenix. Thanks.

We're watching Henry again this weekend. After much play and inappropriate air humping, Margot is finally starting to tucker out. Here she lies motionless while Henry looks on.

=)

I'd also like to give a shout-out to my super-fantastic husband. I woke him up last night to talk about things {I'm a girl, duh} and not only did he oblige, but he eased my worries and made everything better. He's wonderful and I'm the luckiest girl in the world.

Also, I find this video super-fantastic. I have no idea what the purpose could possibly be, but it never fails to make me bust up into laughter.

Also, I enjoy this video in response to little Miss Rebecca Black's recent video

:-)

Have a Happy Friday Everyone

=)

Lazy Monday Evening

It's been a weird day. Did your Monday go as normal or was it funky like mine?

• I slept in like crazy, but never felt very well rested 
• To accompany the unrest, I had a funky not-severe-but-still-annoying headache
• My emotions seemed muted. I really didn't care too much what happened today.
• After deciding not to do, well, much of anything, I got dressed and...did things: Stop by church, revisit our soon-to-be-new-home complex, drop off recycling to the landfill that closed 20 minutes before I arrived {annoyed}, return items to library, pick up dishes from our friends {we brought them dinner last week since they just had a baby!}, drop off clothes at Goodwill, & make dinner 
• After dinner we watched some TV  
• After TV...nothing. There was mention of watching a movie, but after no decision on a film was made neither of us made a real effort and I just continued to surf the blogisphere while Phillip fell asleep

 Weird.

Margot pillow

I love that little face to pieces

He fell asleep like this...at 8:30PM

Yes, I looked this 80's all day. Yes, I completed the look with leggings. Whatever. The hair resulted because I had already made the executive decision NOT to wash my hair. Therefore, the bangs had to go back in the scarf and the rest in a pony.

Tonight, I find myself wishing I lived somewhere where I could truly enjoy the beginning of Spring. Here, we're basically just transitioning from Spring to SUMMER. It was refreshing, however, to have a cool, rainy weekend. Aaahhhhhh I loved it sooo! 

Here, my lack-of-Springtime-therapy:

{ <3 }

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Ahhhh....Spring.....

Date Day, Date Night

It was so nice to spend yesterday with my husband on his day off and actually DO something!

{Please excuse the photo editing. I'm tired and I really just want to go to bed}

Phillip & Alyssa's Day-to-Night Date:

• Alyssa's ass gets handed to her by Camelback Mountain. Apparently I just can't handle hiking right now. This was a very embarrassing, humbling, rude-awakening sort of experience. I am lame.
• Head home to freshen up
• Hit up downtown Phoenix's cute little boutiques and outdoor shopping {without buying a thing}
• Eat dinner at one of the best restaurants ever: Seasons 52. We went to one on our honeymoon and discovered yesterday that there is one RIGHT HERE WHERE WE LIVE! So we took our old Olive Garden gift cards from Christmas {they take 'em at Seasons 52 because they're owned by the same company} and treated ourselves to some niiiiice food and real conversation with each other.
• Super tasty gelato where we, ironically, saw our friend Luis and his girlfriend, Tiffany. This was only my second time meeting her, but I'm pretty sure we should become bff's...even if only because she was wearing some supa fly pants {forgiving the fact that Luis is constantly berating me for being a vegetarian}.
• After dinner movie, discounted with our BuyWithMe coupon, at the swankiest theatre I have ever seen. See Phill reading that menu? Yeah, that's inside the theatre. Each seat has a little call bell that you can press to ring an employee if you need something. There was a bar in the movie theatre and, according to Phill, sometimes they have showings that are 21+ where they serve alcohol during the showing. Crazy! It was all a little weird, though, because the theatre wasn't nearly as packed as I would expect a super-awesome theatre to be.
• Head home and regret staying up so late because I have to work in the AM

=)

Much Love