I've enjoyed the happier posts! Even if I'm having a crummy day, it's nice to see that you're figuring out your life, you know? You've had a lot of changes this year, and a lot of exciting trips -- it's been fun to follow along. I didn't find the biking post smug at all, honestly, and I'm someone who is not making the time to exercise currently and covets the opportunity to do so. Write or don't write, but try your best not to worry too much what people are thinking of you. If they hate it, they'll stop reading, but it's your story, so record what YOU want to remember.

I look at the grocery store ad to see what's on sale/in season and go from there. Then I plan a week's worth of meals based on that, knowing I'll probably change things up or end up with enough leftovers I can skip a meal and push it to the next week or whatever. Then each day I just pick which meal to make depending on how much time I have, what sounds good, what's going to spoil first. I used to LOVE the spontaneous approach, but pushing three children around the grocery store leaves me unable to function without a list (and even THEN I may forget something.) I was really intrigued by Lauren's meal planning rotating schedule thing, too, and I hope she talks more about it and how it's working out! (Hint hint, if you're reading this, Lauren!)

I'm so happy to hear all of this. It's such a great feeling to get things JUST right. Your sleeping arrangements sound lovely!

HAAAAA that is the perfect amount of horrifying and hilarious.

Congratulations! She's beautiful, and I love her name.

Melanie, I am sure you came here with the best of intentions, and I am so sorry to hear about what you and your family have gone through. That being said, I think you're being a bit unfair to Idoia here. How would it make you feel if I read your comment and then decided I should try to one-up it somehow, reminding you of the people I have known who have fought cancer and lost? This isn't misery poker. I don't believe Idoia was asserting at all that her problems are the worst problems in the world, but they ARE her problems. Everyone has their own burden to bear, and I am truly sorry that yours has been so much heavier than most.

Idoia - I didn't have a chance to leave a comment when I read your post earlier this morning, but I wanted you to know that I think every little bit of what you're feeling is normal. I was overweight as a child and through most of college, but I managed to get myself down to a healthy BMI. Gaining weight for my first pregnancy didn't bother me too much, but the second was a lot harder. My belly popped earlier, my skin was already stretched ... it's just hard to feel good about yourself at all. Just keep on growing that precious baby and know we'll be here to listen any time you need to vent. Big hugs.

All of it. Hilarious. Right down to the last photo where it looks like the drill is going into her HEAD.

I don't comment around here enough, but your daughters are absolutely precious.