*BIG* Red Update

The *BIG* part of the update is my belly. I saw my sister for the first time in two weeks today and she commented on how much my belly had grown. And with good reason, I've gained 5 pounds in the past month! My midwife, Wesley, told me not to worry since my total (so far) is "only" 11 pounds. I had a month of rapid weight gain during my pregnancy with The Muffin, but I'm sure this time it has lots to do with stress and the food that Big Daddy have been enjoying to bring us comfort. We're going to try and do better.
The red part of the update is also my belly. I have a rash. Wesley mentioned it to me today and then I realized it had been blotchy and itchy since last Saturday. She told me to use a certain cream on it and to take B.enadryl if I wanted to. I may take the B.enadryl for it's sleep-inducing purposes.
As for our family situation, Big Daddy is on "temporary lay off" from his job. We do have a very BIG blessing that goes along with this, so we are not in any immediate danger. We have always tried to be smart with our money and we'll start living a little smarter to keep extra spending down. Anyone who lives in our part of the state or knows where he works knew that his sort of thing was somewhat inevitable. He truly loves the company and is so respectful of the decision to lay off some employees so that others can pick up the slack and keep working.
Of course, this impacts me and Muff and our little life. We have to figure out how to share our mornings and afternoons with Big Daddy when he used to only be around in the evenings. Since he's working towards his MBA, the library may get him a few mornings a week. And another couple of mornings we'll send him to the gym. We wouldn't want him to mess up our routine too much. I'll also be putting those few little baby purchases on hold for now. They aren't necessities and I really like saving money, so they'll wait. Hopefully, our marriage will survive more family time. ;-)
The Muffin had a great time staying with Nana and Pawpaw. She was so tired that she fell asleep in my lap after her bath. I feel so blessed to have parents and a sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew that love her so much. I think The Muffin is already planning her next trip! I slept "through the night" for the first time in three years!! I did get up to use the bathroom twice, but there was no Muffin for me to check on. No Muffin to have a crazy dream and call for music or ice cream in the middle of the night. No Muffin to walk into my room and climb into my bed to "cuddle" at 6:00. Our bed seemed so big and lonely and we're already looking forward to some family cuddle time in the morning. It's just not the same here without her. She's definitely our glue.