An update

Hi there,

Everything out here in beautiful California is going well. The weather has been sunny and in the 60s-70s. Brian and I have resumed walking the 4.5 mile route down the Strand (on the ocean). We do that walk 4 times a week and I actually sleep on those nights - amazing how that happens!

The backyard is almost done!!! It should be just a few more weeks of workers in our yard from 7:15 am- 4 pm EVERY day except Sundays. The puppies are more than fed up and have asked Brian for a lot of grass in exchange for their patience. I think that can be arranged. So we expect the pool to be done just before we leave for Hawaii on March 14th! That is the biggest thing getting me through the semester....at this point anyways.

I finally scheduled my qualifying exam defense. That is 2- one hour sessions where I lock myself in a room with 5 faculty members and they pick on my dissertation proposal for an hour, followed by an academic paper I have written - for another hour. If it sounds scary, that's because it is. I've been putting it off but I realize that without a deadline I will never get this done before Baby George pops out to say "hello". Actually, I'm sure he'll be saying "Waahhh" - but that's neither here nor there.

When we return from Hawaii, my baby shower is the next weekend (March 29) and then Brian turns 28 in early April! What an old man! I started dating a 21 year old so I don't know how I got stuck with such an old guy. Oh well, I'll keep him. :-) He seems to get better with age anyways.

So, I know, I know. This is what you've been waiting for...pictures. We went out with the Georges on Sunday night for dinner which means I got to play with my darling little niece, Tessa. She's almost 4 months old and growing so quickly! It's amazing how big they get.

(And who can resist a picture of my other love...Thor (and Nala's back)

Here's a picture of my alien-like belly button. I thought maybe you'd find it as fascinating as I do. The line down the middle of my stomach (under my belly button) is called the linea negra. There are lots of different ideas of how that gets there, but the one I endorse has to do with the stomach muscles separating.

Finally, here is a picture of one of the strollers (the everyday stroller) and the car seat. I'll put up nursery pictures as soon as Brian hangs our photos in there. It should be ANY day now.

Life is good...

We're 26 weeks today! Baby boy is growing and very strong (I can tell by his kicks). He seems right on par with development too. I'm trying to eat healthy foods, but easily become distracted by chocolate. Now, I realize this is nothing new, but Brian bought me 2 pounds of chocolate for Valentine's Day and Susie got us dark chocolate covered peanut M&Ms which are my weakness. So, I'm going to the Dr. on Friday and we'll see what he thinks (i.e. I'll get weighed and see if I'm in any trouble).

Here are some 26 weeks pictures. Next week is the beginning of the home stretch...the third trimester!!! I can't WAIT! This pregnancy has gone by very quickly and I've really enjoyed being pregnant. In a way, I wish it would slow down (because I have a lot of work to do before the end of the semester). In another way I want it to SPEED UP! I want to meet this little boy!

Babyfit meet-up

Angie, me and Rena
Me and Boo!
Preggos enjoying chocolate!

So, most of you know that I'm pretty much obsessed with a website where I can talk to other mommy-to-bes. Today Brian and I drove down to South Coast Plaza to meet up with 2 other mommies. We had a yummy lunch at Boudin (YUM!) and then walked around the mall a little bit. Here are some pictures:

Oh yea, and I'm working on the nursery pictures. The company forgot to send us screws for the glider (WHOOPS!), so we're waiting on those...should have pictures up on Tuesday.

Belly and stuff

Hi there,

I figured that it had been awhile since my last post and I finally remembered to take a belly picture this morning - so here it is! I'm up 12 pounds and it's all in my upper region. I say "upper region" because my boobies are growing as much as my belly!

Our nursery is very put together at this point. The glider is in, so we'll pick it up tomorrow and then I'll post some pictures for you. The baby shower is being planned by Emily and Susie - so I'm very excited about that! Other than that, life is good.

New picture

Hi there,

Sorry I've been MIA. I've been so busy with school! It takes over my whole life sometimes. Anyhow, our crib and dresser arrived on Tuesday and we were able to put them together. That was SO exciting! When the glider comes in I'll take a picture of the nursery (so far) for you. I know we have a lot of stuff coming at the baby shower so I'm trying to sit tight and not buy anything else.

We realized that the lease is up on my car in 2 months so we're test-driving this weekend to order a new car for me. In the mean time, my friend Katy had her baby! Justin Thomas Cannon was welcomed into the world! Congrats to Katy and big Justin!

Here is a picture of me today. This is 24 weeks, 3 days! I can't believe how quickly time is going. Anyhow, thanks to Vicki for this cute top. I love it and wish it weren't strapless so I wouldn't have to cover it up with a sweater! I wish I felt a little bit cuter than I do...I think this is the beginning of the not so glamorous part of pregnancy....

Oh yea, and I finally figured out that I AM having Braxton-Hicks contractions. I thought the baby was just sticking his little tush against my belly really hard, but Vicki explained to me that those are contractions. So cool!