3 Months!!!

That's us!

Wow.. time sure does go by fast! I can't believe you are already 3 months old, little OG!

Let's see what have you learned in the past month:

Cute picture break!

-first shots
-grasping
-lots of smiling
-giggling
-cooing
-looking at books and pointing, grasping at the pictures
-playing with toys
-sitting upright (almost)
-standing A LOT
-dancing
-kicking
-turning over
-*almost* crawling (sort of)
-sleeping on your own and not needing to be rocked to sleep
-YOGA!
That's right Olivia, we went to our first 2 Mommy and Me Yoga classes and they were so much fun! Mommy stretched and made funny faces at you and then it was your turn. You touched your toes and we massaged your back as your rolled around.  And you love seeing the other babies, you smiled and cooed at them a lot!

awes...

Finally, this is the week we are going home to NC to see your Aunt Dani and Uncle Joe get married on the farm. Everybody is so excited to see you! Your Aunt Krissy and cousins Macey and Gray plus Grammy and Poppy and then we will see Grandma and Grandpa Goldfischer, your Aunt Aimee and Uncle Kevin, plus all kinds of new friends! Sydney is coming along too, which will be lots of fun.  We are driving down so it will take a while but we'll take lots of breaks for you to stretch those crazy legs and play with Sydney outside.  I hope you will be okay in your car seat for so long, I know you sometimes get cranky after a long drive.

Do you know what ELSE is this month? HALLOWEEN!!! We are so excited for you to go out on Halloween, we have the cutest little bear outfit for you to wear and Daddy is going to be a hot dog! I have no idea what I'm going to be yet, but I hope to come up with something soon.

whatchu talkin' 'bout??

We have been super lucky to have such great friends who have given us a TON of clothes for you! They are so cute and you will be able to wear them proudly before passing them on to the next baby friend. There are A LOT of babies around us these days! You've met Lily, Brigid, Ayela, Summer and the 3 other babies in yoga class and there are still more to meet like Marlowe and William.

Soon, you'll be going to day care where you will meet lots of other kids and learn how to play nicely and share. I have been a way from you only 1 full day since you were born and you stayed with my mom and dad.  I thought I would be okay because you are going to be at the day care at my new job. But, the closer we get to it, the more nervous I get.  I know you will be fine, because you are the most awesome baby ever, and you take everything in stride.  Just don't be surprised if you see Mommy every 5 seconds the first week!

If it's possible, Olivia, your daddy and I love you more and more everyday.  You are truly remarkable and we could just kiss and watch you all day long if we could. You are so open to new places and people, we can't wait to wake up everyday and see your beautiful smile. And every night when we read Goodnight Moon and put you to bed with a kiss we are already thinking about what the next day will bring.

Two months

Yay!

Olivia... I cannot begin to tell you how much your Daddy and I adore you.  Everything you do is amazing! Not to mention, now that your little personality has started to come out, you are one of the coolest kids ever! Two weeks ago, when you first smiled at us, we were so excited! It was the most beautiful smile ever... until the next one, and every one after.

that's a pretty nice boat!

Last week, you started cooing, and mimicking sounds of words.  How smart are YOU! You can pretty much stand on your own, with only our hands to keep you steady.  You have the world's strongest baby legs!!! You can inchworm your way across your bedroom when you press your feet against our hands. You love tummy time, if fact, you'd rather be on your tummy than on your back.  And you continue to Houdini your way out of even the most perfectly folded swaddle. You are staring to grasp at items and you love to look at the Shapes, Color and Numbers books that we read every day.

big smiles!

I should also mention, you LOVE being out of the house.  Anywhere we take you, people always comment what a well-behaved and calm baby you are and you are perfectly happy being passed around to other people.  Because you are so interested in the world around you, home is a little boring for you, I think.

 Grammy and Grampy are coming up to meet you next week and hang out with you, they are so excited- I wonder what kind of yummy things Grammy will make for us! When you get a little older, you will be able to taste all of the wonderful cooking she does.  Then, a few weeks later, we're going on our first big trip- to see your Aunt Dani and new Uncle Joe get married on their farm!  You'll be able to meet their chickens and turkeys and their dog Sarge. (I'm going to take you to the work farm so you can practice meeting the chickens there first... Dani and Joe have a LOT more so we're going to start small.  'Course, they don't have a piggie, but meeting Milkshake will be fun!) We're going to stay in a hotel and play with the whole family.  We have a very pretty dress for you to wear and lots of great outfits to show off your fabulous style.

Just the other day, you slept in your own crib, in your own room! You are growing up so fast







Ollie-by Gollie, we are so excited to see what the next amazing thing you will do. You are growing up so fast already, we can't believe that just a few months ago, you looked so small in your car seat, and now you fit in there very well. There are so many exciting things for you to see and experience- your first fall with all the pretty leaves... maybe even your first snow! By this time next year, you will be such a big girl probably walking and starting to talk, playing with Sydney and Marbles. We love you so much!!!

L-I-V-I-N'

Whirlwind

These last two weeks (and 3 days!) have been crazy, beautiful, stressful, wonderful and strange all at once.  Sometimes, I wonder how I lived 34 years without you, and others, I marvel how just a month ago, you weren't here. I'm so lucky I've been able to spend so much time with you, learning about you and loving you.  I feel bad for Daddy sometimes, because he has to go to work and misses all the fun we have without him.

see how sad he is?

Of course, I still have to be careful... I'm still having some recovery issues, but we hang out and talk, take small walks, play with Sydney (when she'll let us!).  We've also been getting so much yummy food from my friends at work! We took a short trip to the market the week after you were born and everyone loved you.  Yesterday, we took a trip to the farm & daddy's store. You slept most of the time (or so it seemed... I think you were taking it all in with your other ninja senses!) You met Milkshake the pig and Ping the duck and the turtles and the chickens too plus Uncle Nick was there and all of daddy's work friends.
We've had lots of visitors! Grandma Iline and Grandpa Mike were here for two whole weeks helping out; you've had Skype calls with Grammy Kay and Poppie Jim, Aunt Krissy and cousin Macey. Your Great-Aunt Ann and Great-Grandpa Paul (he is so excited about his first great granddaughter!), Aunt Dani and Uncle Joe and Aunt Aimee and Uncle Kevin have also seen you on live video--- you are an internet star, gorgeous!

Uncle Nick is in love!!

I can't believe how much you've changed already... you are just so beautiful, funny and smart. 

tough like your mama!

You've rolled over so many times, you love to watch the ceiling fan and one of your favorite things is to go outside and watch the trees. You are beginning to get the hang of the whole diapering thing and not crying EVERY time and you had your first big-girl bath!
All in all, you are just the most amazing person already and I can't believe how lucky I am to be your mom. I can't wait for every day we get to be together.

You're here!!!!

Olivia Grace, you arrived with much fanfare! A VERY dramatic entrance for such an amazing little person. I'm not going to go into the details; the only thing that matters is that you didn't seem to notice all the hubbub that was happening outside. You maintained a calm, cool attitude for an entire 36 hours and made your grand entrance at 9:12 pm on July 13, 2012 weighing in at 6 lbs 8 oz and 18.25 inches long.
The last 4 days have been spent learning quite a few basics about you:
1. You LOVE being swaddled! Unless you are lying on someone's chest, then you prefer skin to skin.




2. You were able to lift your head within 12 hours! Already so strong!
3. You were born with superior ninja skills! You have already figured out how to escape a swaddle that is not perfectly folded AND you rolled yourself over within 5 minutes (once)
4. Your first trip in the car and in public were met with that calm, cool attitude.




Ollie, I knew you were going to be special regardless. But, you have surpassed even my expectations. You are such a beautiful, perfect baby. You look just like your daddy and I cannot wait for every single day I get to spend with you. Everyone keeps saying how fast your life will go by, but I'm enjoying every single second so far and not thinking about what other people say.
I love you so much!

So...

36 weeks, baby!  Whoooo! I don't know about you, but Daddy and I are ready for you to make your appearance. Your room is finished, including your mobile:

Super Ninja will protect you!

We have all your stuff washed and ready to go and my hospital bag is almost fully packed.  All your grandparents are prepped to come up as soon as they hear from us that you are on your way! But, there is no rush, kiddo... you stay put as long as you'd like (well, not THAT long...)

Today, Daddy and I are heading out to Lancaster, PA:

to get some fresh honey and just to take a day trip out of town for relaxation and fun.  We are also about to buy a new appliance... a juicer! The juice aisle in the grocery store is so confusing these days and I LOVE juice.  I figure with all the healthy fruit and veggies I get from work, we should just make our own. Daddy and I have a hard time making decisions, but I think we are about to take the dive and get one.   Things are super busy around here... not only are we anticipating your arrival, but your Aunt Dani is getting married in October, and YOU will be there! She and her soon-to-be-hubby Joe just bought a farm and house in North Carolina and they are going to have the wedding there and have chickens and other animals, and grow all kinds of yummy things to eat.

PLUS... Daddy has been busy building a cellar:

mmmm, cellar!

to cure meats and cheeses, store wine and veggies. I know, I know... you think we are crazy, but trust me baby. This is the GOOD stuff :)

What else?  Well, my hands and feet hurt due to them being swollen... but I've been able to keep my heartburn under control with some medicine.  I've been doing my yoga at home for the past few weeks because I usually try to rest on Sundays after long days at work outside. 

We just can't wait for you to come! I hope you are happy and healthy. Love you!

Mobile time!

Remember the post in which I said I was making this mobile?

Well, kiddo... I just ordered 1 ninja:

and 2 moustachios:

Why just one ninja you ask? Pshh, because we already OWN two that are just jumping at the chance to be a part of this little project! (we already own a moustachio as well, but it's too big for your mobile) Plus, I wanted to make sure Daddy was represented in your mobile and we didn't want you to have the same mobile as some other kid.

Hopefully they will arrive soon so I can get started making it for you!  This is the last thing I have to do for you and then it's just keeping everything together while we wait for you.  I hope you are as excited as you are!

Holy Time Batman!



Sheesh... time is just rushing along... we are already heading into week 34 , that means we are just 6 weeks away from seeing you! You seem pretty excited to get out.  You are pushing and rolling around a lot.  So much in fact that when I don't feel you moving, I get a little scared.  Sorry you aren't getting much sleep, heh.

I have a bit of a cold and a cough right now. I've been stressed at work and wouldn't you know it, something floated by and I got sick :( I've been drinking lots of water and trying to rest as much as possible. It seems to be getting better, but it's annoying anyway. Plus, it's gotten a lot warmer outside, and Sydney is having some flea issues so she's scratching a lot.  Seems like it's just that time of year, mid-June when things just get a little tough. 

Daddy also went through a stressful week... it was Beer Week here in Philadelphia, which means there

were at least 3 events that he and Uncle Nick did with a few restaurants in the city.  I went to 2 events myself.  Can't believe how much this week has blown up! I remember going to one of the first a few years ago and it was still pretty small.  Now there are lots of cities all over the country that do Beer Weeks. But, none that had 3,000 events..  wowza! You were super happy with the mussels we had for dinner on Sunday.  Seems like you are a seafood lover like me! Good thing :)

We met with a baby doctor (that we didn't really like) and have an appointment with another one next week (that we hope we will like) and I went on a tour of the hospital you are going to be born in, it is so nice!  I'm kind of excited to go to the hospital now! Maybe it's just because I am really excited to see you.  We have another pool party this weekend and I'm pretty excited about that as well.  Look, here's me a few weeks ago at the pool party:

swimmy!



The garden is coming along really well, looks like we are going to have a lot of tomatoes and a good amount of cucumbers and squash for us to eat in a while! I've also been stockpiling food for after you are born and Daddy and I won't have a lot of time to cook.  I made a bunch of zucchini/carrot bread and banana bread, we have a lot of soup bases and homemade chicken nuggets.  We also bought a bunch of healthy pasta and sauce (and macaroni and cheese, my favorite!).  Luckily, my job gives me a CSA share, which means we will have lots of fresh fruit and veggies throughout the summer and into November (yay!)

So, that's all the news that fits, baby! We are still thinking up names for you.  It's tough... we want to make sure you have a great name that says how much we love you and think you are the greatest.  Sydney and Marbles came with names, so we don't have a lot of practice.  It's okay, we'll come up with something amazing! I'm about to go play some music for you before I head off to work today.  Love you bunches!



It's been a while since I posted...

Doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about you constantly. Just been so busy at work and getting all your stuff built and ready for you. We are at 32 weeks baby and that means about 2 more months until you are out here in this world! You have been kicking up a storm, but differently than before, I can feel you pushing on one side or another and when I apply a little pressure, you push back! I haven't felt any contractions yet, but my heartburn has gotten a lot worse :( I'm short of breath and I feel weak and tired after my 3 long days at work. Daddy has been really great, reminding me to drink lots of water and getting plenty of healthy meals and snacks for me to eat.

I know you are just rarin' to go, but you have another 2 months to get ready. No rush at all, you just keep doing your thing and we'll be here waiting for you. We're heading to a pool party on Monday, I'll post a picture of Daddy and I for you. Until then, look at this! It's a picture of me and your Aunt Jodie picking strawberries a few weeks ago!

Love you kiddo!

Woot, woot!

Baby, what a whirlwind it has been... I can't wait to get you out into the world so you can experience all the great things going on around us.  School is over, and now the real work begins. This is the week that all my work prep will come to fruition... this is the week... we start rolling out the produce truck!

I am so excited! And nervous... I hope everything is ready, I hope I have prepared as well as I can.  I have some great people working for me and I know it will all turn out okay, but here it is 2 days before and I cannot sleep a wink!!! It is a metaphor for getting ready for you, I know...  we have spent a lot of time getting ready for you and I hope we don't forget anything.  Everyone is so excited!

Speaking of work, Daddy had a BIG party on Saturday!

There were a lot of people that came out, a big truck full of yummy BBQ and a bullride!  It was so much fun.  It was so great to see how many people support Daddy and Uncle Nick!

Then on Sunday, I went to yoga in the morning and then Daddy and I went to a special class together and we learned about all kinds of good positions to be in for labor.  Daddy massaged me (which felt sooo good) and he helped me feel comfortable and focus on breathing.  We are such a good team.

I hope you know that no matter how long it has been since I've made the effort to write to you, I love you dearly... you are a big part of my life already. I have so much I can't wait to share with you.  The world can be a wonderful, beautiful place and I am so ready to share all those things with you.  I am also ready to show you all the other things that maybe not so nice, so you can be strong and fearless.  We're at 29 weeks, only 11 more to go... I'm impatient to see you, to hold you and to share you with everyone. I hope you are ready for a great life. You just keep right on kicking and moving around.  It makes me feel good to feel you being so active.

Washington DC!

You certainly have done a lot of traveling... First up to the Catskills after the wedding, down to North Carolina to your ancestral home and now, Washington, DC! I had to go for a conference and Daddy decided to come with me because he had never been before.

USDA demo veggie garden

 So, we had a lovely time, I met LOTS of people who are doing the same thing I am- helping people eat better and making sure everyone gets to eat the yummy fruit and veggies that grow near them.

I have been SO busy with work, everything has kind of fallen to the wayside at home.  I had trucks to bring hither and yon, and all kinds of Earth Day events to attend. But, yesterday I spent time doing laundry, sweeping, and scrubbing everything so that we had a nice clean house again! Finally...feels good to have a day off to just get things done! Yesterday was also my 3rd Holistic Birthing class.  In class we spoke about our fears and what we were scared about; by saying and accepting them we can overcome them.  I'm scared that I will end up having to have a C-Section... that all this preparing for you to come naturally into the world will all be for not because something will go wrong.  I'm also scared Daddy will be scared... he says he might be, but that its okay... he'll get himself together enough to help me. Being pregnant, all sorts of things have come up that I thought I had dealt with and moved on.  The Yogi said this is normal... women go through a new metamorphosis during pregnancy and in giving birth.  The physical one is the most obvious, but also and emotional one... wondering if we will be good mothers, knowing that nothing will ever be the same again.  I've been a pet mom 3 times now and I've always known that I am responsible for their doggie and kitty lives and health.  But, you... you are different.  You will grow up to be a real, live human being... someone who has to be responsible for themselves, who may have a family of their own.  I'm confident that Daddy and I will be able to instill in you all the important qualities you will need to be successful in whatever you choose.  But, it's still scary to think sometimes... I'm going to have a BABY!!!  ME!!!

Your room is almost finished being painted, just a few small touches left and we built your crib! All your stuff has been stored in the closet for now and we have this great rolling cart for all your diaper and care stuff.  We have some pictures that we need to hang up.  Some things will have to wait until after you are born because your dresser is on back order... you'll be living out of the closet for a month, but that's okay. We found out that with the crib we bought, the company will plant 10 trees in your honor! We have to wait until your born to register for it... because we don't know if you are a boy or a girl!!! We want to make sure the certificate says the right name and your birthday.  Today, we have to go to the doctor for a test and the first of my now biweekly checkups.  At the last one, the doctor was very happy to hear how active you have been.  I've been counting your kicks and you are so ahead of the game! I have to take a glucose test and I need to ask about some special shots Daddy and I may need to make sure we don't get you sick. 

There is so much going on these days, baby.  I'm trying very hard to keep everything on schedule and not forget anything that has to be done.  I have a great calender that reminds me of things that are coming up (as long as I remember to put things in there!) I've been getting so much done and there is still so much to do I feel like time is started to get short and there is so much I have to do before you come. But, I know I need to take time to relax, breathe, eat right and take my vitamins. It's hard sometimes... it's very important that I do... trying to be super mom isn't good for either of us <3

You are 28 (or 27, depending on who you ask) weeks now... you have grown so much and you kick and push all the time (like right now!). I play music for you from time to time, when I'm laying down in the evenings (haven't had much time for that lately!) You like instrumental Hip-Hip, the Barenaked Ladies Kids albums and Daddy found a Pixies lullaby album which you also seem to like. You are a great combination of the two of us.  Just you wait, kiddo... there's all kinds of great music out there!  I'm warning you now... your music education is VERY important to us, no Justin Beiber or Lil Wayne.  Sorry, baby... I'm all for letting you be who you want, but that is just asking too much.

I'm going to leave you with a pretty picture of a flower I saw 2 weeks ago at a garden.  I love you!

i don't know what it is!

Plantin' and Paintin'!

Woot!  Wow baby, can you believe it was just a short time ago that we were at the beginning of this journey?  It seems to be going rather quickly, even though I am so anxious to see you and get you outside!

Funny how these fruit and veggie size comparisons are matching up with things on the outside right now.  Eggplants are ready to be planted!  Usually in this area we wait until after Mother's Day, but we've had a weird, funky winter and a dry and temperature fluctuating spring.  Speaking of planting... We prepped the "farm"!

it looks small, but you'd be surprised how much can grow!

We're planting tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, green beans, lettuce, carrots, another kind of beans, radishes and strawberries! Hopefully, the strawberries will get strong and we can pick them together next year! I kept telling myself to keep it simple this year and grow only a few things... I don't have as much energy as usual, work is going to be a bit hectic... I have a BABY coming! But, in the end, we borrowed a tiller from work, and because of all the hard work we put in last summer getting the weeds under control and putting the ground "to bed" for the winter, it was actually pretty easy (Daddy may not say that, but he seemed to like running the tiller A LOT!) In that box over on the right, I seeded in carrots and radishes. This week, we have the tomato, pepper and strawberry seedlings to put in and then a few days after that, we will plant the cucumber, lettuce and bean seeds.  By the time you are ready to see it, it will be overflowing with beautiful, tasty food which we will then can, sauce, pickle and freeze for winter and make into yummy baby food for you and tasty meals for Daddy and I.

I took my first "Holistic Birthing" class on Sunday; it's the first of 4 classes and  and the last one Daddy will come to so he will know what he needs to do when it's time for you to come.  There were about 9 other ladies there in various stages of pregnancy and we talked about our Momma Bodies and all the things that are happening inside as you are growing, kicking and getting yourself situated. I learned how to keep my lateral abdominal muscles in shape so I can help get you out when its time and also to help me get back in shape afterwards!

We also started painting your room this week:

your crib will be in this corner!

A cute little pond!

We have some detailing work to do, get the decals in place and then start assembling your crib and all the other fun stuff that will be your new home.  I hope you like it! So... VERY busy since we got home a little more than a week ago. It's been A LOT of work and some other things have been pushed aside... like house cleaning and school for me... not good things :(.  But, this is all important and I know in the next 3 months, I'm going to have less and less energy and time to get everything ready for you, so I'm getting as much done now as I can.  I'm sore all over, but happy.

Love you, kiddo!

Vacation!

We were on vacation and therefore I didn't write to you. But you were THE topic of conversation all week. Both sides of the family are so excited about you!

And, we got a bunch more stuff for you; a bathtub, changing table, a ton more clothes and bath things and a hand crocheted blankie and hat!

I wish I had kept to the blogging schedule because today I am very cranky. We had a long ride home yesterday and I didn't sleep well. I woke up to a cranky Daddy as well and I have a lot to do today to get us back in the swing of things.

But I love you dearly, baby. We are nearing the home stretch; 6 months tomorrow, yay!

23 weeks!

First, the good stuff:
Look how big you've gotten!

not only have you been getting bigger, you've been getting CUTER (how that is possible, I have no idea)!

We've been getting baby gear deliveries all week... I can't wait for you to see your new home! We already have a nice stash of clothes to dress you in, a car seat and stroller so we can take you out into nature and the world, plus adorable bath stuff! I've designed the walls of your nursery; a big tree with jungle creatures and a pond with lillypads and frogs plus a nice big sky with puffy clouds.  It's going to look so great with your new crib and all the great blankies and sheets. I'm going to have a painting party when we get back from out trip home to North Carolina! I hope you are ready for all the yummy food that you get to taste while we are down there!

YUMMMY!

Now for the not so good...
It's been a tough week, baby.  You are kicking up a storm, expecially at night so I've been having trouble sleeping.  I've also devloped some serious self-image issues that I didn't take too much notice of for a few weeks, but has since come to my attention.  When I was younger, I always felt kind of awkward and weird but I was able to project confidence to the world.  Now, I am not able to... I just want to hide away in the house and not go out in public. I'm not sure if its fear of stangers touching me and making inappropriate comments or people just looking at me and thinking whatever they are going to think.  But, it's really bothering me.  Plus, I've been a little neglectful of daddy :(

Work has been very busy also, and there have been a few snafus that I can feel my emotions getting the best of me.  I feel weak, I can't lift as much as I used to and I am out of breath after one flight of stairs.  I'm having a hard time just letting people do things for me that I was able to do myself just a short time ago. I feel tired and a lack of the energy I'm usually so full of. I'm also scared about labor and delivery.  I know that my body is built to be able to handle it, but I'm scared that something bad will happen.  You move around so much, I get scared that you will get tangled in your umbilical cord and choke, or you'll start being born the wrong direction. All taken, just been a brain monstery week.

Scary :(

However, baby I want you to know, NONE of this is your fault.  These are just my old demons being dredged up and I have to be strong and fight them back.  I want to prove I can do it, so if it comes up for you later in life, I can help you fight them too. I'm not sure why it's all coming up now, maybe so I can beat them all down and be ready for you when you come.  I'm sure everything will be fine and you will be the most beautiful, smart and amazing baby this world has ever seen. I just have to be a good mom and be strong.

baby, baby baby oh baby

Well, we certainly had a whirlwind week! Most of it was spent making sure everything was ready for the baby shower and working. You were kicking up a storm earlier in the week, but it seems you have tired of the poke, poke you kick game... I keep trying, but you don't seem interested.  We've been playing music for you, which makes you swimmy!  Friday, Daddy and I went to school and picked up a bunch of plants to give out to our friends and family to thank them for coming.  We also walked around Philadelphia putting up posters for the beer store.

Not looking my best, but Batman doesn't seem to mind

 Before we knew it Grandma Iline  and Aunts Dani and Aimee had arrived and we were off to one of our favorite restaurants for dinner. Chef Robert made us a delicious Pastrami burger, but you and I had already filled up on amazing pork belly and octopus fried rice! Apparently, all the foods we are introducing you to will help you be a good adventurous eater.

Saturday, Daddy and I were getting the final preparations for the party; he stayed up late to get the pork smoked just right, we orbdered buffalo wings and all the items Jodie and I bought were brought up to be placed out. But... we were so ready... we had lots of time left over! So, Grandma and your two Aunts and I had some time to sit and relax, we made signs for the soda and beer and soon, people starting arriving.

Baby, you are such a lucky kid... we have the BEST group of people who are so excited to meet and play with you.  Everyone commented on my pretty dress that Aunt Dani gave me (so comfy!) and how good I looked and what an awesome kid you are going to be.  Your daddy and I are so proud to have such good friends who love and support us. Oh, and we got so many amazing gifts! You are going to be the most stylin' kid!

Soon, Jodie and Erica and I will start painting your room... it'll probably take two days, but it will be really great.  I already have it planned out; big blue sky with puffy clouds and a big tree and a pond with lots of animals. Makes me want to paint something fun for Daddy and I to sleep with too!

It's mom's birthday!

Hey baby!

Just wanted to share that it's my birthday today and my greatest gift ever is you and Daddy. I hope you enjoyed the massage this morning and our new "tap tap, kick" game that we are playing.

It was a really busy week, but one of the highlights was getting to play with these guys

Baby chicks!

 aren't they adorable?  you will get to meet some chicks someday too, baby.  I also planted lots of potatoes at my friends farm and had a lot of meetings.  I'm getting pretty busy and so these posts are hard to get to sometimes, but I'm making the time now for it.

It is so beautiful outside, I wish you could see it.

our Magnolia tree

This is the first year I haven't been sick on my birthday in quite a while, so I'm quite happy about that. I hope you enjoy dinner tonight, and I'll talk to you soon.

20 Weeks!!!

It's a milestone baby!!! We are halfway there :)

You are the size of a cantaloupe!

Everything is as it should be according to the doctor, although you were pretty stubborn; curling up and turning your back on the ultrasound technician while she was trying to measure you, tsk, tsk.

That top right picture looks like you are planning something...

Anyway, the rest of this week's post is going to be pretty pictures I took during a trip to Morris Arboretum. I was playing with some filters on my digital camera, and I think they came out rather interesting. 

                

                  Cornus officinalis Japanese cornelian cherry

Metasequoia glyptostroboides Dawn Redwood

Crocuses

Mermaid with Scarf and Mittens

 

I can't wait to take you there!

And now for the weather...

You are the size of a Mango!

A-lo-ha!

How fortuitous, because this just happens to be the week of the Philadelphia International Flower Show and the theme is Hawaii! See? Already, you are right there with the trends!



I am feeling you kick! Or rather poking at me! Especially when we play music or Daddy taps a rhythm on my stomach.  It mostly just feels like "poke, poke" but it's still reassuring, and now I can tell the difference between gas and a kick. We have another ultrasound in a week, and we cannot wait to see how much you've grown. I definitely have a "bump", but since I am still wearing jeans and sweatshirts, it's not too obvious to the general public.  Which is nice, because I am NOT looking forward to perfect strangers offering me unsolicited advice and touching me without permission!

Seriously...

Also, as you may or may not know, we bought a new (to us!) car-- a 2004 Honda Element! Perfect for hauling babies, plants, beer supplies and animals around. We are counting down to Baby Shower here with our adopted family and then the trip home, I know I will need the refresher before the Markets start up at the beginning of May... so excited about that!  I have worked out a leave of absence from work and hopefully afterwards, Daddy and I will be able to take turns taking care of you while also taking care of the brew store, the markets and all our other responsibilities! We are also still thinking up names... we've FINALLY made a list and will be whittling it down (ooh, whittling! Can't wait to teach you how to whittle, squee!)

Anyway, just a quick(ish) update on all that is happening.  I know I haven't been updating, but there isn't as much to tell the Internet world as there was in the beginning... things are just moving along at a nice, steady pace... which does not make for interesting blogging!

Update!

Last week, we spent BOO-Koos of time in a baby store looking at all the stuff we are supposed to buy for you.  Cradles and toys and books... whew!  I don't know... you seem pretty happy just floating around with skin cells and some music.  We picked out a car seat and stroller, a beautiful crib and a pack and play so when we go visit the family down south, you have your own little place to be.  We are leaning toward a jungle theme for your room... hope you like monkeys!

That's your monkey counterpart! But, your bed won't be hay... probably

 We are going to go to thrift stores and garage sales to find you some books and toys (ones that can be cleaned and are safe, course!).  The best news? I found MY baby blankie and teddy bear!  Hopefully you will love them as much as I do.  One of my co-workers is going to make you a blankie as well!  SOOOOO many people are excited to meet you!

I felt you kick the other day! We were talking about names and we came up with a really silly one... you kicked, what I can only decipher as, your disapproval. 

Grandma Iline sent us a package of home-made cookies which you seemed to like... which is great because cookies are delicious... but not too many!  Speaking of food, you seemed REALLY happy with the pho I had for lunch one day and the crab feast we had on Thursday! Yay! Pho and seafood are two of my favorite things. Grandpa Mike can teach you how to use chopsticks (he taught me AND your two Aunts!) and as soon as you can manage crab legs and all the tools you need to crack 'em, we'll be sure to take you.  There is a WORLD of yumminess awaiting you, kiddo! :)

it's YOU sized!

 That's about all that's been happening outside. I'm glad everything has been going so well.  I'm proud of how you are growing and getting your bones formed and all your parts in the right places.  We don't know if you are a boy or a girl, but it doesn't matter.  You are a special baby, and Daddy and I love you very much.  We'll see you again in a few weeks and we are excited to see what else you've managed to grow.