35 Today

Birthday: I turn 35 today. After re-reading last year's birthday post HERE, I find I am in the same place in many ways. Still hoping, still wanting Child #2, still wondering if I am "meant" to have another child, or if I should try to turn off my longings and be content as a mom of "an only."

What's new this year? I have been diligent about charting my cycles. I have borrowed a fertility monitor and have been using it to determine the ultimate "babydance" days. I met with my OB in January and reviewed the few charts I had. DH and I are to continue "getting busy" on my peak fertility days each month for 6 months. I have a follow-up OB appointment scheduled for early August. If I am not PG by that time, OB will refer us for further testing (she mentioned specifically semen analysis for DH...I don't know yet what I would be involved in.) I am a little frustrated at waiting 6 more months when it feels like we've been waiting forever (we've been trying to get PG for almost 3 years now.) However, as I wasn't actively charting, taking temperature, or consistently using the fertility monitor, I can't blame doc for encouraging that route of "trying" first.

What's similar to last year? Much of why I want a baby is because sibling relationships are important to me. I want Emma to have a sibling! She wants a sibling too, mentioning casual things now and then. For example, when she didn't want to wear her Easter hairclips this week, she told me I could "keep them for if I get a Baby Sister someday." Sighs.

Showers for Friends: Baby Shower #2 went mostly well. My expectant gal-pal is PG with a boy, so unlike Shower #1 where the girly items made me nostalgic, the boy clothes and toys were unfamiliar to me...and good God were the tiny baby clothes the cutest things EVER. I am in love with the teeny-tiny socks that look like sneakers! I was pleasantly surprised to see 2 co-workers from my old school, so I ended up sitting between the two of them. It was good to reminisce and catch up...and luckily for me, this helped keep my mind from dwelling/wandering. Whew!

Spring Break Fun:
Em and I visited Fort Clinch State Park yesterday. (Ft. Clinch was an active fort during the Civil War. It's located near Fernandina Beach...about 45 minutes north of Jacksonville.) Em loved walking around the large fort, through the brick tunnels, and then visiting the nearby beach. Pics below...


Em with cannon on the roof of the fort.




Larger view of roof/cannon area.




Dining Hall


Em in one of the fort tunnels.


Laundry area.


Where soldiers could get uniforms, shoes, and blankets.


Tool shed.


Em thought it was neat to see a U.S. flag without 50 stars.



The main bunker inside the fort.


Em found a shady bench.



Splish splash girl.



Em: "Look at the parking garage I made!"


My beach girl.



Mission accomplished! She-who-hates-naps was sacked out on the car ride home!


Lastly, me with Cannon #35 in honor of my b-day. Here's to the next 35!