enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

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photo is from 35 weeks, but ear-to-ear grin is the same.

I had a doctor's appointment this morning to check on this sweet baby girl and things are looking good. Well, all we really know is that her heartbeat is strong and she's head down… but at this point, that's as good as it gets. I'm hoping for a VBAC and so a head down position is Step 3 of what feels like 450 steps to success. (Step 1 was stay healthy. Step 2 was stay active.) I am currently working on step 4…don't psych yourself out and then step 5…actually go into labor like a normal person. Steps 6-450 will unfold in the hospital unless I get lucky and this kid just flies out with no warning and Paul catches her from across the room football style which is my dream birth plan. 😉

In the meantime, everything and nothing is going on around here.

It's been wonderful to take a break. I feel like I have been carrying a backpack for ten years. And that backpack, for a really long time, was the best thing ever. I LOVED it. I identified with it. It traveled everywhere with me. I planned outfits around it and packed cool stuff in it. It got me through some tough times. It helped me grow as a human, mom and business owner. If they had been cool six weeks ago, I would have covered it with quirky pins because damn, I am proud of that backpack.

But you know what feels really good? TAKING OFF THE BACKPACK. And not taking it off and setting it at the foot of the bed to be picked up tomorrow morning, but taking it off and sticking it on the highest shelf in the garage. The relief is insane. Walking around without a backpack on, even one that I really loved, is wonderful. I'm learning that not only is walking easier, but running too. And dancing. And laughing. And obviously, reclining into a chair.

Surprise, surprise…in this metaphor, the backpack is blog content. Separating my life from blog content is (not surprisingly) really nice. Suddenly, everything seems possible.

And everything seeming possible? I can't think of a better frame of mind to be in as we prepare for this second little girl to arrive. I am so encouraged and excited about the upcoming weeks…not to mention the upcoming years for our family. Ellerie has blossomed these last few months. She's a flower in a toddler body and is turning into someone I am proud to raise, obviously, but really am just proud to know. The idea that we get to do this again? Watch ANOTHER human grow into themselves? It's inspiring. I'm inspired by my girls. The one I know already and the one I have yet to meet.

I'm also hugely inspired by Big Magic. I've been reading it this week and it's a good one. It's one of those ones that I checked out from the library but I know I have to go buy if only to highlight my favorite parts. It's one of those ones that as I'm reading I'm annoyed because I am scared the wisdom is coming too quickly and I'm not able to upload it into my brain fast enough. It's one of those ones that gives you permission to take a deep breath. Creativity isn't going anywhere. Inspiration isn't going anywhere. As long as we are here and we're welcoming, those guys are going to be present too.

So that pretty much sums up my life at 37 weeks pregnant with number two. I'm relaxing, resting, packing GTWBs, washing baby clothes, reading books, signing up for weaving classes, working on one more creative project, visiting with friends up in LA, marveling at my girl, taking photos, going on long walks, drinking ice water by the gallon, feeling inspired, feeling tired, experimenting with the headspace app, complaining dramatically about the Southern California heat wave, focusing on what I can control and simply, waiting.

Waiting patiently for a head down baby girl, who, fingers crossed and please God, is gearing up for a safe passage into the world.

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39 responses to “@ 37 weeks.”

  1. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    “go into labor like a normal person” not sure what that means?? I was induced with all three of my sweet kiddos and I think I am normal. All kidding aside I hope the best for your VBAC.
    Glad you are enjoying life…such a joy to read!

    Like

  2. Kelsey Avatar

    You look radiant, lady! What a lovely time of life, waiting for one quarter of your little family to arrive – how amazing is that. I’m so happy to hear that it’s all going well. Wishing you a wonderful birth, you are a rockstar no matter how this gal comes into the world.

    Like

  3. Tameeka McIntosh Avatar
    Tameeka McIntosh

    Hehe your first paragraph!! Oh Elise… I was also hoping for a successful VBAC with my 2nd, I did steps 1, 2, 3 well all the steps that I could possibly think of and ummm baby #2 came so fast he was born in our bathroom. Successful vbac! tick! To add to the humour we live on the same block as the hospital. So your secnario can for sure happen! hehe
    You are looking lovely and relaxed and I love keeping up with what your up to on instagram. Enjoy your rest!

    Like

  4. Anna Avatar

    So nice to see you pop up in my blog reader! If a regular editorial calendar is a backpack, maybe spontaneous blogging is a fabulous clutch that you can pick up and take out on special occasions when inspiration strikes. 🙂 So glad to hear you’re feeling refreshed, and all the best for the next few weeks!

    Like

  5. eva Avatar
    eva

    Your blog never seemed like it was such a burden. Seemed like it was a creative outlet for you. I guess you never now whats really happening.
    Good luck with the new baby.

    Like

  6. MIsti Avatar

    So fun to see a post of yours in my feed!
    I totally get the backpack. I’ve carried it, literally, on the Appalachian and Florida Trails, and you couldn’t have picked a more perfect metaphor. You take the backpack off to filter water or duck behind a tree and bam it feels like you are walking on air.
    Enjoy walking on air these next few months! And I hope you get that successful VBAC!

    Like

  7. Ellen Garrett Avatar

    Best to you. I have enjoyed your blog and instagram. But understand about family first or other things that are important at the top. You will continue to love the toddler age and then it just keeps getting better and better. I love watching my kids being parents right now and am pleased. Best to you again. Hope that little baby girl is perfect.

    Like

  8. marcela Avatar
    marcela

    Ohhh Elise, I’m so glad you’re making these changes! It’s always good when you discover you could do better and less and still be happy. Love all your updates on inta! Fingers and toes crossed for “normal’ birth 😉

    Like

  9. Sue Taylor Avatar
    Sue Taylor

    Wishing you all the very best 🙂 x

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  10. Shirley K Avatar

    Your dream birth plan sounds awesome! If only . . .

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  11. Kerry Willard Bray Avatar

    Great to have you pop back onto the blog to share life at 37 weeks! Wishing you the best for a successful VBAC. And looking forward to when you next share news and updates.

    Like

  12. Amanda Avatar

    Was happily surprised to see a post from you in my reader! You look so happy and Ellerie looks so cool 😉

    Like

  13. Sarah Stäbler Avatar

    Those last weeks of pregnancy are such an exciting time. You look amazing, as does little E. Your dream birth plan made me laugh – I’m hoping my baby number two will come out a little faster than my son did…that 20-hour labor was exhausting. Good luck with everything!

    Like

  14. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    So good to hear from you! May the last few weeks of your pregnancy be full of more relaxing and enjoying.

    Like

  15. Lee Avatar

    I am so glad someone else can relate to the “pain” of reading a book that you have checked out from the library only to realize you need to buy it from the store after all. 😀 That happened to me with one of Brene Brown’s books earlier this summer, and as much as I like Elizabeth Gilbert, I decided to just purchase her new book from the get-go. She writes powerful stuff that keeps me reading over and over and over again.
    It was lovely to find more of your writing in my feed, but I also am glad to hear the break is doing you good!!

    Like

  16. Caroline Avatar

    Im glad that you and the baby are doing so well! Cant wait to “meet” her and hear her name 🙂
    I wish you luck with everything!
    https://carolinespassion.wordpress.com

    Like

  17. Catie Avatar
    Catie

    Best analogy! And you know how Elise loves a good clutch 😉 That gives me hope as a reader.

    Like

  18. Sandy King Avatar

    I’ve been thinking about you the last few days for some reason ( wee confession , I miss your posts ) , so perfect timing for an update. You remember me ( grandmother to my beautiful Elise ) . I’m watching from the sidelines and rooting for you every step of the way. You are such an amazing honest inspirational force in your authenticity . And BTW my physician husband delivered our second child ( the labour was less than an hour 🙂 … so you never know ;). You’re delivery will be fabulous and memorable in a new special way. All will be well. Sometimes that anticipation up the final climb before the big dip in the rollercoaster is the hardest part. Hugs.

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  19. Debbie Avatar

    Beautiful! Always love your writing. I am so happy you took that backpack off. So glad you are relaxing, resting, (and packing :)). Also having some awesome time with your girl…s.

    Like

  20. Justine Avatar

    So missing your posts, but loving the light that you’re shining feeling the weight of the blog off your shoulders 🙂 I am also LOVING Big Magic (it seems fitting for the whole creating a human being too doesn’t it?) And totally dramatic complaining about the heat! UGH.
    Wishing you and the new baby girl the safest and best delivery you can have.

    Like

  21. Anneli Avatar
    Anneli

    What a lovely surprise. I checked in here on a whim and was pleased to see your smiling photo and great words. I am about to dive into Big Magic myself (after your podcast recommendation about Magic Lessons) and I can’t wait.
    Best of luck for the VBAC, you’re doing everything right but either way you’re a wonderful Mama. Baby girl #2 is a lucky one.

    Like

  22. Leah Noble Avatar

    As someone who blogged daily for years myself, I think it was both a huge creative outlet, and maybe not a burden, but like she says, a backpack. And, they get heavy when you wear em nonstop for a while. 🙂 I don’t think that makes it a burden, necessarily.

    Like

  23. Leah Noble Avatar

    Yes!!!!! I feel the same way re: library books/having to buy them to write in your own notes. And also that feeling of “it’s going too fast! I can’t take it all in!!” LOL.

    Like

  24. mandie Avatar

    That is amazing AND inspiring to me. I’m pregnant with #2, and am hoping for a delivery similar to your second. Otherwise, I’m scheduling a csection- I went through too much last time and have NO desire to repeat that FOUR DAY scenario. 😉

    Like

  25. mandie Avatar

    Oh Elise, I love how you describe getting to know and raise your girl- I feel the EXACT same way about my little girl and am SO happy that in about 20 or so weeks, we get to start over with another babe AND watch them love each other, too. I’m getting teary just typing this. Motherhood is NOT easy, but it is beautiful and wonderful.

    Like

  26. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    Sending you best wishes from New Zealand, Elise. My, those girls are so lucky to have you as their mama. xx

    Like

  27. Sarah Milligan Avatar

    So excited for you! And glad you’ve chosen to take a break; you deserve to soak up this irreplaceable time in your life, as fully as possible. ❤

    Like

  28. dawn Avatar
    dawn

    LOVE the photo and LOVE the words you shared. So happy to see this pop up today and that all is going well. Will keep you and baby 2 in my thoughts and wishing you the best in the delivery time.

    Like

  29. Giuseppina Avatar
    Giuseppina

    Loved loved loved this. Good luck to your little family!

    Like

  30. Ronnie Avatar

    Sooooo happy and excited for you, Elise! Enjoy every moment.
    Ronnie xo

    Like

  31. Jeanne W Avatar
    Jeanne W

    I am so happy you feel relieved shelving your blog content, but I do miss you! Good luck with your new baby girl! However she comes into the world, she is already blessed.

    Like

  32. Jennifer W. Avatar
    Jennifer W.

    I’m missing your posts, but so happy that you’re loving these backpack-free weeks! Can’t wait to “meet” the newest lil’ girl. In my head, I’m planning her name…another E to match her big sister and Momma or a P to match Papa?
    Maybe something totally different with Eve as a middle name? Whatever you pick will be perfect!

    Like

  33. rowena Avatar
    rowena

    no more make&give 30? 😦

    Like

  34. Amanda Driver Avatar

    I am applauding you!! Things in your life sound so peaceful & joyful right now, like you are exactly where you need to be. And you’re giving me inspiration as I am scheduling my “maternity leave” for the near future. Sending you lots of good thoughts as you prepare to meet your new baby girl. You go, Elise! 🙂 XXO

    Like

  35. Johanna Avatar
    Johanna

    Just a VERY quick comment as it is MUCH too late here to compose anything more meaningful than: Good luck, Elise!! Thinking of you and your little belly girl! Those quick notes on VBAC we exchanged via email? Worked out for me (after induction), hope the same is true for you! And if not – healthy and happy is all that counts, right, especially as you’re not gearing up for a family of five or eight or what! 😉
    Enough exclamation marks already!

    Like

  36. Tammy Vitale Avatar

    I came over from Allowing Myself’s Big Magic page to read. It seems to be a phenomena among readers that start with a library book….or even kindle….to go out and buy the hardback to mark up and keep. That good. Nice to meet you!

    Like

  37. Jenny Avatar

    So excited for you! This is the first post I read and I love the honesty with which you express yourself… also LOVE the name Ellerie! That is so precious. =)

    Like

  38. Bethany Mitchell Avatar

    Just read this and I can’t even tell you how hopeful it’s has made me feel to know how much better your scheduled c-section was. Our stories are so similar (minus my anesthesia issues) and I’ve opted for the scheduled c hoping for everything you just described. Congratulations on another adorable daughter. Hope I can meet your sweet girls one day if you’re ever in town! Xo

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  39. Bethany Mitchell Avatar

    Oopsy I meant this for for latest post 😂

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