Thanksgiving Week

So, clearly I'm just catching up here. But the week we went home to California for Thanksgiving was so much fun, and filled with so many great memories, that I didn't want to skip over it. There was a mini high school reunion when Colin, his wife Kerri, Mara and her husband Eric, and Scott who all came over for some delicious food, and to celebrate Mara's birthday and all the upcoming babies!

The boys had lots of scotch, and some cheese from Uncle Ed's cheese wheel. The girls shared pregnancy stories and caught up on being (gasp) old enough to have kids. Colin even ended up making us some fantastic breakfast tacos the next morning. The boys went golfing that next day while the family threw me the a fore mentioned baby shower.

Along with lots of relaxing during the week, I got to go golfing (and boy are my drives great with this extra belly weight, either that or Boden is a really good golfer already) with Steve and my parents at our favorite little course by Laguna Beach.

We got to visit Brian and Meghan's new house in Pasadena for some good old fashioned (Tom Sawyer type scenario) painting. Thankfully, I got a buy because of the pregnancy and my Mom and I went and saw Harry Potter instead.

And Thanksgiving dinner was fantastic as always. My Dad created a new tradition by making cranberry sauce - and I helped my mom with the pies. YUM!

Showers - Part Deux

Steve and I drove to my Parent's house in Southern California for the week of Thanksgiving this year. Its about a 14 -16 hour drive (depending on Las Vegas traffic) and really isn't that bad. I personally enjoy the road trip, and it allows us to bring Delilah for the week (yay!). It was a fantastic week (and I'll blog about the specifics next) But it was so amazing that my wonderful Family threw Boden another baby shower while we were there.

My Aunties, Cousin Melissa and Cousin Betty all worked together to throw another fantastic shower. Melissa, who is a teacher, thought of the brilliant idea for everyone to bring their favorite children's book. (And I'm sure most of

you already know that I am a huge book nut. I love books, and reading and children's illustrations - so this was just a perfect gift).

A tower of cupcakes accompanied the book themed shower, as well as fun games and a delicious array of food. My friend Mara, who is expecting a daughter the week after me - and our friend Kerri, who is also expecting a daughter in March - were also in town for

the fun event. I got many wonderful gifts, and handsome outfits for Boden (they are all washed and ready to go once he arrives!)

Thank you all for a wonderful and special day - again! I am so lucky to have the friends and family that I do.

Showers! Part 1

So, first off I'd like to apologize for the huge delay in writing this blog (but I did get all my thank-you notes out)!

November went by so quickly and was filled with so much fun and anticipation for our soon-to-be-born son Boden!

My bestest friends from College all got together and planned an amazing shower here in Boulder, Colorado. They each took a part of the planning and threw an incredible shower (one of the best I've ever attended). Andrea handled the logistics of invitations, rsvp etc. Rebecca was responsible for the decorations. Katie handled the food (and it was catered by a great local company called Spice of Life (yum!)). Kat handled the games and tag teamed the arts and crafts with Rebecca. With each person taking a little piece of the party - the detail, fun and planning couldn't have been any better. My friend Rachelle even made adorable animal themed cup cakes!


Some of the highlights of the event included:
Decorating Onsies (they all turned out so cute and funny - can't wait to use them).

Steve did a video (think newly weds type questions but about parenting), and I think we are going to be great parents based on the results of my quiz.

The food was all food from childhood (so yummy, and creative)! Ants on a log, pigs in a blanket, mac and cheese, grilled cheese... my favorites!


Thanks to everyone who came and participated. I felt so incredibly lucky in love to have such wonderful friends and family at the shower.

Denver Half Marathon

Anyone who lives near me (or near a race I want to run), and is relatively fit (ie: can walk), undoubtedly knows that I love to run races, and talk friends and family into doing those races. Well, this year is no exception, I finally got my Dad on board in the Spring, and he in turn recruited some of his co-workers into training for and running the Denver Half Marathon. This year however, as most of you are already aware, I got knocked up – and thus would not be participating in the run. Lucky for STEVE! Because it was my Dad’s first race in 30 years, I recruited Steve to… you know, suffer through and be a support in case there were any heart attacks mid run.

Well, I’m happy to report that Steve and my Dad finished the Denver half marathon in great spirits. There were no injuries (Steve sort of hurt his leg due to a lack of training) but in general they ROCKED IT! My Mom and I got to run around taking pictures and video (I won’t show the video because they looked so much faster in real life)… and I realized how much I really do love running half marathons – it was hard to be on the sidelines the whole time. Mr. Ed is hooked again (we have the same sort of love for training and racing) – Steve made me promise to never ever ever sign him up for a half marathon again, and plans are in the works for the Disney Land Half Marathon 2011 (so come run with us next Labor Day weekend!).

Great job Guys - I am so proud you ran 13.1 Miles!

29 weeks and counting...

After much anticipation and requests for some belly pictures - the above shows weeks 9-27. I'll upload more as we go along, but I think I'm really showing now!

We're finally in the third (and final) trimester! Yay!

I would say, that "Wow, time has really flown by!" But in a way, I feel like I've been pregnant forEVAH! As I pointed out to Steve when we went to the Rapids ( MLS Soccer) playoffs last weekend "This is the second Rapids game that the little guy has been to!"

"When else were we here?"

"The fourth of July game..."

"You were pregnant then?"

"Um... yes. Yes I was."

Now, maybe its because I've been the designated driver for months of weddings and bachelorette parties, or perhaps, its just because the seasons are changing, and it seems like we'll have been through all the seasons before we get to see our baby, but I think we're both eager to finally meet this little guy.

Although, he does still have some cookin' to do.... and some amazing showers to attend (I can't wait to see all my friends and family and celebrate!). But we're going to be good and ready by the time he arrives.

Car Trouble...

It is with the upmost regret and sadness that I write the following blog.

The Mazda has passed.

Oh zoom, zoom…. You were such a great car, and so very loved. You were the first car that I ever owned. You drove to California, to Texas, and along treacherous mountain passes. You saw me go to College, and graduate and get married. You even become the primary car for my husband, who although was slightly more abusive to your interior, loved you like his own. You went before your time. The transmission that we had eagerly replaced to save you, in January failed again.

Although the timing wasn’t great, it afforded Steve and I the opportunity to get a commuter car that was a little safer for our new arrival (plenty of baby room in back!). And I am lucky enough to work for a company that gives great perks in terms of employee discounts, and we managed to get a new 2011 Nissan Versa for the cost of some of the used cars we were looking at.

So, it is with reluctance to introduce you to the newest member of our family. Emmanuel.

Emmanuel is a Manual. I don’t know how to drive a manual transmission, but as Steve requested it, since this is his car for work etc;, I gave in. I mean, you do have to learn new things every once in a while, right? If you see us on the road, give us a wave…. If its just me – steer clear!

Might be too cold for a walk if you need this...

Not sure I'll be putting this on the registry... even if I secretly want to walk around and see people's reaction to this little invention.