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!

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!

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!

You are the size of an Avocado!

That's pretty cool, becasue I LOVE avocados (as you've probably noticed by the way I've been gulping them down!)

not quite ripe yet!

And, apparently, your ear bones are forming so you can hear me! The ear, specifically the middle ear, consists of 3 bones known as ossicles. Since the human body has 2 ears, there are a total of 6 middle ear bones.These bones function in transmitting sound waves to the inner ear.  Interestingly, ossicles are the three smallest bones in the body.

3 little bones are we!

What else?  Well, we've been talking about names.  If you are a boy, we have a name all ready for you! But, if you are a girl, we are having a bit of a harder time with it.  Not to worry, we won't let you go to school with no name, I think once we are closer to the time you are ready to see the world, we'll have it figured out.

I can't WAIT to get started on your nursery! I'm excited about spring because that means GARAGE SALES and I can't wait to see all the cool stuff I can pick up and repurpose for you.  I hope that you are into that idea, because I'm feeling like being pretty crafty.

Also, I am planning a nice little party for you in a few weeks.  All of our friends (your soon to be aunts and uncles) are going to be there, just to celebrate YOU! It's a tad early but we figured it would be okay due to how awesome it's going to be.  AND... as if that wasn't enough,  we are heading to our homestate for ANOTHER party and lots of family time soon after that! Of course, you are the major topic of conversation already but by then, all the family will be busting at the seams (it's a Southern thing, you'll see soon enough)!