.Oh, baby baby... the littlest nursery!

For littlest baby girl, I obviously wanted to create a different space than her sister's when it came to feminine and playful, without being too literal or traditional.  What we ended up with was a bohemian and off-beat nursery that just feels fresh and fun.

Less than two weeks until this next adventure begins, and I'm definitely starting to feel more emotional as I reflect on the last stages of what could very well be my last pregnancy, as well as the end of my sweet girl's reign as only child.  While this pregnancy has been more exhausting and physically tolling, I have to give due credit to doctoral school and work stress, and that wild toddler of mine for her contributions, and be grateful that so far littlest baby has been trouble-free.

.Transitions.

About a month or so ago, Dylan started having some real sleep trouble.  It brought back terrible memories of our sleep training experience and I worried if this was a regression to expect with the impending arrival of her little sister.  She just all of a sudden hated her crib and was not going to sleep in it.  After a few stressful days of fighting to even get her to nap, we wondered if she was just ready for the freedom of a toddler bed.  It's crazy to think your baby is ready to just sleep and rise and get into things whenever they choose, but we were willing to try (luckily, we could watch her close on the camera).  The first few days after the transition, she ended up falling asleep on the floor (so sad!), but luckily she caught on quick and it's made all the difference.  She may play a little before bedtime, but always makes her way to bed when she's ready, and in the morning plays for up to an hour in there before calling for us.  It's bittersweet to see her becoming more independent.

Here a few fun screen grabs we've caught on camera!

And yes, she insists on putting all those babies in the bed with her.

Yesterday, we tried our first night without the pacifier.  Yikes! After only four hours of sleep all night, we survived?  Hoping for each day to get easier for her (and us), in this latest transition.  Next up: potty training! 

.Lucky Me.

A day spent eating, reading, dancing, playing, and just laying in the sun made for a pretty terrific Mother's Day.

Lucky me.

* 36 weeks!

.Southern living.

Though I don't walk until August, in celebration of the end of my schooling, we went away for the weekend to Dauphin Island and stayed at a family friend's house.  All I wanted to do to celebrate was rest.  Just some time out to relax (as much as possible with an active toddler) and not think about any work or obligations.  

Dauphin Island was perfect for that because as a small barrier island off of Alabama, it is quiet and feels secluded, almost like being cut off from the rest of the world.  Exploring, getting rained in, grilling, playing in the sand and sun, reading a few books... it was a perfect few days on our last trip as a family of three.

A few explanatory captions: Coconut popsicles make this one and her mama very happy. Brunch at a cute spot in Historic Mobile.  She alternates between wanting lots of cuddles and wanting to run wild.  35 weeks along.  Curly bedheads.  She liked the beach a lot more than last time.  The only nap she succumbed to all weekend.  A lot of the island reminded me of Beasts of the Southern Wild.  Always curious.  Loving the water until the tide came up and then she'd run away yelling, "Oh no! Oh no!! Oh no!!!"  Our sweet and beautiful almost-two-year-old.  Everything these days is on speed "fast."  The most handsome cook.

.Be soft.

Be soft. 

Do not let the world make you hard. 

Do not let the pain make you hate. 

Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. 

Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, 

you still believe it to be a beautiful place.

.I Wrote This For You.

.On the unknown.

I've talked before about my control issues.  I have always had a life plan.  A plan for my career, and a plan for my personal life.  And so far, life has fallen in line with that plan.  I know this is not all from my own accord, but I have spent a great deal of effort following the plan.

Well as of last Tuesday after my dissertation defense, my committee stated, "Congrats Dr. Tyler," and I realized that the plan was done.  And now, I'm faced with the unknown.  Getting my doctorate by 27 was it.  It always seemed so far; I never thought about the after.

So, what now?  What do I want the rest of my life to look like?  What are my goals for the next several decades?  What is important for me to spend my time doing?  Of course, focusing on my young family is a top priority.  And sure, there is the work that accompanies this degree.  But what about the rest of my identity in the coming years?  I was good at being a student, on pushing forward;  I fear stagnation and how it makes me feel.

But as I prepare for this new season, I'm looking forward to discovering a sense of calm in the stillness.

The fulfillment of living in the present, instead of moving from deadline to deadline.

What kind of hobbies will I take up?  What kind of activities will I enjoy?  G has only known me as an academic, and even he has questioned the person I will be now that it's over.

I am so excited to uncover this next mystery.  Because so far, life has been very calculated and designed. 

This start of something new is exhilarating.

P.S. Taken this weekend at 34 weeks.

.Our dessert party.

 Since we're having a darling little girl just two years younger than her sister, we decided to throw a dessert party en lieu of another baby shower.  Hosting our friends and family at the yogurt shoppe was stress-free and fun as we indulged in cake, frozen yogurt, cheesecake, fresh fruit, candy, and a paint station (which only the most adventurous dared try!).

What a fine way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

P.S. Hello 33 weeks!

P.P.S. Happy birthday brother!!