Sometimes the most obvious things are the most uncomfortable to address- that was certainly the case for me and my eyes. Right on the middle of my face, yet I broke into hives discussing them.
Last month, right before hospitals started to cancel non-essential procedures as Covid spread, I had strabismus surgery to correct the longtime vision and aesthetic issues it caused. There’s a highlight on my Instagram, and we documented the entire process for YouTube… see for yourself!
David and I have been quietly preparing ourselves for an emergency situation since last summer’s earthquakes reminded us just how unprepared our family was for that, or any emergency situation. Nerds that we are, we have done lots of research on what would be useful or necessary in a variety of situations that could affect our little family.
In light of the coronavirus Covid-19 that has rampaged Asia, Italy, and likely taken hold here in the United States, and how much hysteria and inaccuracy I’ve heard, I wanted to share the info we’ve learned as well as some resources. (I’ll be updating this post as new verifiable information develops, of course- most recently at 9 am, PST, 3/16.)
I have teamed up with Wells Fargo. Thank you for supporting the companies that make LoveRavayna possible.
Looking through the lens of my 34th birthday, I definitely got introspective. I don’t think it’s so much the number that’s impactful, but I think I was really reflecting in the crazy of the last couple of years. I organized my thoughts into things I’ve learned and things I’ve earned- because who doesn’t like a little birthday shopping?!
Even before our baby was born, I was a floor sitter. Rather than a chair, I’ve always been more comfortable sprawling on the floor to read, relax, or write, or do whatever. And now that I spend most of my time with a tiny human with a very low center of gravity, I spend more time than ever hanging out on the floor.
This post is part of a paid sponsorship with Ferring Pharmaceuticals, but this journey, story, and all opinions are my own.
As I shared, David and I are OVERJOYED to be expecting our first child. This pregnancy has been dreamt of, wished for, and frankly, pursued with persistence. I’m normally pretty emotional, but each moment of joy, whether getting that first positive test, seeing the little blob on an early ultrasound, telling a friend or family member, manages to bring me to tears. You see, for a long time we thought adoption would be our path to a family, that I’d be unable to have children naturally, so every pregnancy milestone celebration is exceptionally sweet, an experience I never thought I’d get to have myself. Grab a cup of tea or wine, this story starts a long time ago.
So the cat’s out of the bag, and the secret David and I have been keeping is revealed… come this fall, baby will make three!
We are so excited to finally be expanding our family, and it feels surreal to be into my 2nd trimester. I wanted to take a minute and share a bit, give y’all a pregnancy update.
It’s been crickets around here lately, due to the craziness that is our life. I’ve been updating Instagram regularly, so if you follow me there, not all of this is news to you, but I wanted to fill the rest of y’all in. So if you need a coffee of wine refill, now’s the time, before we settle in for a good old fashioned catch up.
I realized right before we left for NYC that all of the pictures David and I have had made look nothing like me- I have totally outdated hair color! Oh, unicorn life problems. Fortunately, we were able to make a little time for a date with Paige Sovic to get some updated shots taken, so I wanted to share them.
If you remember, I set 15 goals for myself last year, and another 16 this year. It would be terribly unfair if I shared only the goals, without owning my minor successes or failures. So yes, let’s review.
You’re reading here, aren’t you? So, I think LoveRavayna’s happening (#5). If you’ve been following for a while, you know that bread (#4) and braids (#2) are now comfortably within my wheelhouse. I gave notice at a unrewarding early morning position, which made for major improvement in my rest (#14) and relaxed my schedule (#7). I’ve made some new girlfriends (#8), and grown closer to others, but it continues to astound me just how hard it is to make quality friends as an adult. Perpetually in love with places I’ve never been, I visited (#6) Joshua Tree with David, Santa Fe with my college girlfriends, and fell head over heels for Barcelona.
I definitely stepped up my nail game (#1)…when they were long enough to polish, that is. Working on that in 2016. David treated me to a glitzy birthday manicure at Olive and June, and I loved it but I can’t justify the expense regularly, so have been playing with tamer nail art at home when I have time and patience. It takes me forever!
Beyond settling skincare (#9), I’m a serious devotee. I experimented with Asian skincare, and now have established a great routine of gentle and effective products (sharing my routine soon!) I’ve gotten more compliments on my skin in the last six months than I have in the rest of my life, and from this side of 30, I’ve got no complaints about that.
I took a pointed pen modern calligraphy course (#3) with Lauren of a fabulous fete. It was a lovely afternoon, and totally have gone down a rabbit hole- though I haven’t practiced as much as I’d like, I’m totally geeked out over it, and excited to continue my progress this year.
I’ve seriously upped my outdoor time (#12). Hiking at home (Runyon or Fryman Canyon) or while traveling has become a more frequent occurrence, as have beach days. I’ve also been riding my bike instead of driving for nearby errands, and though I look like the biggest dork in my matching helmet, I’m really enjoying it. And I honestly think it’s helped me keep focused on what my body can accomplish, versus how it looks (#10), though that’s always a work in progress.
Speaking of works in progress, that’s where the last three stand. I’ll likely still be trying to mange my anxiety (#11) and perfectionist tendency (#15) when I’m old and grey, and streamlining stuff (#13) is a perpetual battle. I’m fighting it hard though- culled 40 pairs of shoes this week, in the midst of a major closet clean out.
So there’s a little accountability and authenticity for you!
loveRavayna
I almost can’t believe that this year makes a dozen Valentine’s Day I’ve spent with this sweet man. What’s that they say about time flying when you’re having fun?
Granted, we haven’t always celebrated on February 14th- we spent several years in a long distance relationship, and I don’t always get a lot of say over my pageant travel schedule. This Valentine’s Day, I’m in Dallas at a pageant with my girls and moms while he’s at home and work in LA.
Celebrating love a little early, we spent a sunshiny day with the fabulous Nicole of Nicole Renard Photography, and I just love all the sweet Valentine’s Day shots she captured. Nicole and I have several collaborations in the works for this year, so you’ll be seeing more of her around the blog for sure.
David got me this bright red scooter as wedding present, and I’ll be honest that he rides it all the time while I’m pretty wimpy about it still. I need to take a safety course before I feel road-ready solo, but I feel totally secure and love riding as his passenger…. Look Ma, no hands!
Because it seems like no Valentine’s Day is complete without at least a little sappiness, I’ve got a dozen reasons I’m glad David’s my husband and Valentine. #smugmarrieds
He’s funny as hell. Obviously, as an improvisor and comedian, making people laugh is his wheelhouse. But I have a picky sense of humor, and am very often not amused when others are rolling with laughter. Yet David cracks me up on a regular basis.
He indulges my quirks. Far from typical, I’d prefer a pet goat to a puppy. I would rather arrange my own grocery-store flowers than receive a fancy bouquet, and regularly have power tools on my gift list. Weird is my way, and he’s happy to oblige.
He believes in me religiously. Though I wish it wasn’t the case, I can be very insecure- yet it’s much easier to believe in yourself when someone else believes in me first. He always does, and never hesitates to tell me so.
Those blue eyes. Lawd- deep, piercing, practically iridescent as they change with his moods… I’m already beseeching the universe for a baby with their daddy’s eyes. (Someday…. don’t get too excited people.)
Our shared history. We’ve been together just about our entire adult lives, so there’s a lot of memories over those dozen years. There’s something special about having grown up and evolved together- and to know that he ‘knew me when” and has loved me through my worst and best.
He’s practically my personal lightning rod. He can pull me from the depths of a panic attack with a few firm words, ground me in a stressful situation with just a look or a hug. For someone as prone to anxiety as me, his ability to gauge and regulate my mood is an immeasurable gift.
He’s stellar at backing me up and bailing me out. Whether it’s sous-chefing and doing the chopping and kitchen prep, masterminding pageant schedules and invoicing, or problem-solving a crisis, I know I just need to say the word and he’s got me.
He’s so amazing with children. Watching him with our clients, friends’s babies, and even random kids in the grocery store, I’m already impressed by his patience and affection… He’s going to be an incredible father.
He’s so patient and tolerant when it comes to my whims. Whether it’s trying every flavor at the ice cream store, being a superior Instagram husband, or spoiling me with a glass-fronted display case for my shoes, he rarely puts a stop to my shenanigans without good reason.
He’s an over-the-top partner. In a world where an even 50-50 split can be a struggle, he never fails to go above and beyond, make me feel special, and spoil me rotten.
He’s a hottie. Sorrynotsorry if that’s totally shallow, but it’s true. More often than not, I find myself ogling… He’s distracting! And, like fine wine- instead of getting paunchy in his thirties, he’s getting stronger and sexier.
Our future. It gives me the warm fuzzies just to think about the lifetimes together ahead of us. What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t happened yet.
SHOP THIS LOOK: anthropologie dress, Lulu’s booties, Charles David polka dot pumps (on sale!) David’s suspenders are Zara.
“Lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again.”
– Jason Mraz
loveRavayna