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There are things I take for granted in every day life: having a healthy back, and the ability to walk, sit, and bend comfortably, just to name a few. I never took the time to appreciate how important these simple motions are, especially as an active children’s photographer and a mom to a 3-year-old. That perspective changed this week when pregnancy growing pains rendered me virtually incapacitated for two days. Without being overly dramatic, I can attest that I haven’t been that physically uncomfortable since I was in labor with Eloise. It came out of the blue, and, because of the nerves already surrounding this pregnancy, was especially scary. My doctor reassured me that this type of lower back pain is common in pregnancy, although this is my first experience with it, and predicted it wouldn’t last for the next four months. A fear that may have been irrational on my part…but one that felt extremely real while I was experiencing the worst of it! She was right, though, and thankfully, after two days of rest, heating pads, and extra-strength Tylenol, I was magically healed. I find it mildly hilarious that I’ve spent the past three weeks trying to avoid catching the nasty cold Mike and Eloise have been passing back and forth…and I ended up “catching” Dorey-the-dog’s back problems, instead! How’s that for solidarity? We made a pathetic sight, the two of us hobbling around the house this week!

*Two wonderful nurses. Mike dropped everything to take care of me and keep our household running, and Eloise was one understanding 3-year-old. I know it was scary for both of them to see me knocked out for the count, but they alone got me through it. I can’t possibly describe my love and appreciation for those two.

*Timing is everything. A fervent wish of mine since the very beginning of this pregnancy has been that I wouldn’t have to cancel any sessions or shut down the business due to severe complications again. Thankfully, even with my unexpected back issues this week, I was able to keep appointments, and am fully functional in time for this weekend’s sessions. The lucky timing of this incident isn’t lost on me, and I feel very grateful that I am feeling great now and able to continue doing what I love.

*Ahoy, Matey. To celebrate feeling better, and to shake off some of the week’s drama, I treated Eloise to a mommy-daughter lunch at Wendy’s. We were just settling down with our Frosties when she spotted a nearby biker guy wearing a bandana. She stood up on the bench, pointed, and screamed, “Look, Mom! A pirate!” Leave it to a three-year-old to restore all humor and perspective in your life.

*Heatwave. I’d like to point out the irony that it was warmer in Chicago for a few days this week than it was in Tempe, Az, where my sister lives. I know, Becky, I can rub that in now…but the laugh’s on me in just another few months!

We have gone apple picking and pumpkin picking. We have been to our neighborhood’s Apple Fest, Goebbert’s Fall Fest, Boo at the Brookfield Zoo, and have trick-or-treated on Southport. We carved jack-o-lanterns and decorated pumpkins. Our little Care Bear has modeled her costume three times already, and Halloween isn’t even until this weekend. It’s been a very fun rolling fall season for our family, and we have enjoyed every minute.

*Manis with Mom. Technically, this was a gold star from last week when Mom was in town. But I am still smiling about our fun mother-daughter morning, having breakfast out and getting our nails done, while Eloise was at school. It’s always nice to feel pampered, and it was fun to relax and hang out together. Love you, Mom!

*Another Uneventful Vet Visit. Last year around this same time, our dog, Dorey, hurt her back and was limping. Although we feared the worst, we dodged a bullet, and she was easily cured with some rest and pain medication. This week, when she started limping again, we were once again concerned. But, thank God, we again walked out of the vet’s office with meds and the comforting knowledge that while arthritis will certainly be an issue for her down the road, for now, our Dorey is still doing OK. It’s hard watching her get older. And she often gets the short end of the stick when it comes to our attention in the midst of our daily chaos. We are hugging her just a little tighter this week, and feeling so thankful for her.

*Little Kicker. Truthfully…I’ve been dreading feeling the baby kick. I’ve been worried it would send me back in time to last year when I felt like a ticking-time-bomb, obsessively counting Hannah’s kicks in order to try and save her life. The pressure was unbelievable, and although this is a different baby and a completely different situation…it’s incredibly scary to even imagine reliving that. But feeling this baby move around hasn’t been quite as hard as I imagined. Emotional? Definitely. But it’s also reassuring, and a chance for me to get to know her. So, kick away, baby girl. After all, Eloise has already asked me to “buy you both scooters once baby comes out” so you can play together. You should start training now to keep up with her!