it's the holiday season

the decorations are up, the music is always playing, i've already seen my fair share of movie classics, and there are less than 7 days until the big event!

it's the holiday season, and i am loving it!

voiceless

my voice has up and left me.

it's happened before.

the last time, i was also pregnant... i'm sensing a trend.

a most unfortunate trend.

2 1/2 weeks ago, i got a measly cold.

i think i was a little run down from taking care of Camden when he was sick.

a cold is no big deal. everyone gets colds, and i can handle the sniffles, sneezes, and coughs.

then, right before thanksgiving, the cold descended...into my throat and settled in my vocal chords.

and that is when my voice left and i really started to feel awesome. (insert sarcasm here)

3 days of no talking, drinking (at least) 15- 17 oz bottles of water a day, gargling salt water, and laying down. i really wanted to give my body a fighting chance at getting rid of this.

one can only put life on hold for so long, and after the sickness remained, and the voice was still gone, i decided to get back to life.

yesterday i went to the ear, nose, and throat specialist.

after putting a camera down my nose to look at my vocal chords, she said it looked like they were covered in elmer's glue. ulgh.

she also said there are a lot of things they can do for this...but none of which apply to me, because I'm pregnant. so, she said to keep doing what i've been doing, and wished me good luck.

not incredibly inspiring, or hopeful words.

when i had this same thing while i was pregnant with Camden, my voice was gone for 6 weeks before i delivered. and (after giving birth) having respiratory therapists come in, i had a voice one week later.

i was hoping to avoid sounding like darth vador for the next 3 months.

the good news is, the baby is doing well :)

3 months really is a small amount of time in the grand scheme of things.

while it is painful, and exhausting, it could be a lot worse.

unfortunately, i really like to talk, so not having a voice is extremely frustrating.

 so, for now, i will just be thankful for texting, and listening...

how i learned about doris day, singing in the rain, and gone with the wind

every summer growing up i would stay with my grandma for a few days.

now, every time i think about her, i think of old movies (singing in the rain, anything bing crosby or doris day, shirley temple classics, and gone with the wind), lender's bagels, cheese and crackers, and push pops.

my grandma is such a sweet woman, and the only grandma i've ever known!

this year she turned 85.  85 years old! years filled with raising children, and watching grandchildren raise children of their own.  years of hard work and love.  years golfing, playing the piano, arizona summers, and friends.  years spent missing her husband, daughter, and son.  years teaching life lessons, and having impacts on many.

we got together over the break to celebrate her, and her life.

we sure do love you, grandma! Happy Birthday :)