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I’ve returned from a whirlwind few days in New York City, and have to admit that this pregnancy has taken a much greater toll on my body physically than the previous. (Silly aging!). I was absolutely wiped out after 15 hours on my feet on Sunday, and it took nearly two days to get back to a semi-normal/comfortable state. I already feel pretty awkward and uncomfortable in my own skin, and I’m only 21 weeks in, so that does not bode well for the remaining 19 weeks. Ooof. My back is sore, my feet hurt, my neck aches and causes a headache that radiates across my forehead, and let’s not even get started about the pressure I’m already feeling in my pelvic floor. Remember the infamous frozen peas? Well that was 3 weeks prior to Courtland’s arrival not 19! Wah wah wah, someone call the WAH-MBULANCE! (Poor, sweet James – we’ve got a long road ahead of us).

Regardless, I was grateful for some time in the city, despite the resulting aches and pains, that included a baby shower, QT with dear friends, Korean BBQ, New York bagels, cheap manicures, the distribution of knit goodies to adorable littles and loved ones, and a long, albeit inspiring day surrounded by Ephs at the New York Public Library.

Kristen Anderson-Lopez (songwriter of “Frozen”) gave a talk about the need and significance of female voices in all elements of the work force, though she spoke specifically to the entertainment industry, and it had tears streaming down my face and my head furiously nodding.  I fangirled out to her so hard later that night about the hopey, changey impact that movie had had on me and my own daughters, and the courage it took for her to talk so candidly and pointedly about the bullshit lack of female voices in the entertainment industry (especially when we are the majority consumers). And while she’s likely heard it a zillion times by now, I thanked her. Because while on the surface it may just sound like princesses and fairytales and childish fluff, what happened in that movie was revolutionary. And I hope that we’ll see much more of that in the mainstream media, for the sake of all of our children. (And, daaaaaamn, it was profitable!)

While there were still issues (think Elsa’s itty bitty waist, ridiculous bust, and sultry eyes, and the complete lack of people of color), it was a step in the right direction.

So yes, New York was good. But I’m happy to be home in my own bed, with my own family, with our peaceful, quiet dirt road, and knitting furiously in front of the wood stove each evening (we fired it up for the first time this season, and it is one of the true highlights of winters in VT). This hat pattern below has become a new favorite. Such a sweet design for a little one. (And, P.S., it’s free!).

I’ve got a wedding to finish editing, Jack-o-Lanterns to carve, team Halloween costumes to execute (with the help of Auntie Kimmy), and a few holiday card photo shoots on my plate. Let’s do this October!