This December marks the fourth holiday season that I’ve said to myself, “This will be our last Christmas without a baby.” For the last four years, each time we get to this point in the calendar I have steeled my nerves, soldiered on through the holiday gatherings, and done my best to not show my sadness when answering questions about when Kurt and I were going to start our family.
Read MoreIf there is one thing that I love about this time of year, it’s the chance to wear all of my favorite cozy sweaters. There is just something about putting on a cozy sweater that makes me feel like I’m being wrapped up in a big hug - maybe it’s the warmth or the softness of the fabrics, but I certainly turn into a cozy enthusiast in the fall and winter months!
Read MoreOne of the projects that made the biggest impact on our home was building a mantel for the fireplace. I grew up in a home with a fireplace and it was something that was on my short wish list when we went house shopping over two years ago.
Read MoreOne of the parts of owning our own home that I have loved the most is getting to expand my gardening and floral knowledge. When I was a senior in college, trying to figure out what the heck to do with my life, an advisor of mine had me take a career aptitude test. The results? That I should be a paralegal or a floral designer... not exactly what my parents had in mind after four years of a private, liberal arts education! But friends, I’d be lying if I didn’t say how much I love being creative in this way! Learning how to grow and arrange flowers has been such a nice way to calm my mind and take some time to appreciate something beautiful.
Read MoreEarlier in June 2019 the New York Times released an article titled “When You’re Told You’re Too Fat to Get Pregnant”. It sparked a lot of conversation among people that I follow on Instagram - both from the patient perspective and the medical perspective. As someone who is both fat and has been navigating fertility treatments for about three years now, this article made me pause and reflect on the experience that I’ve had these years trying to start our family.
Read MoreFriends, I am back! I’m feeling refreshed - and it’s not only me! There’s a new name, look and address for this little website of mine too. When I stopped writing at the beginning of this year, it was because I felt the need to retreat for a little bit. I didn’t know how to write about what was going on in my life. There was a lot of doubt and negativity swirling around in my mind, and I worried about that pessimism pushing you away.
Read MoreWhen it comes to giving gifts at the holidays, I like to spend a lot of time planning and browsing before I do any spending. That way I can limit impulse purchases, stick to my budget, and find unique and meaningful gifts for my friends and family.
Read MoreAs I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed a difference between how I feel at the beginning of the year and how I feel toward the end of the year. At the beginning of the year there is this sense of promise and hope for what a new year will bring. There is anticipation at turning over the calendar page each month. Somewhere around August or September though, that feeling shifts from an excited anticipation to a frenzied anticipation, and by the time we hit the middle of October I feel like I’m in a full on sprint to the finish line.
Read More
I’m so glad that you are here!
I am a recovering perfectionist, an IVF momma, an avid knitter and reader, making a home in The Lenten Rose Cottage.
Welcome!
