My Big Brother

Tom and Kristi after a long day of sightseeing. I look pretty tired in this picture.
However, the sunset on the beach was very pretty.

Tom, my older brother, came to visit about a month ago. I just now downloaded the pics so I wanted to post a few. We had a great time - spent a day in San Diego which included lunch at the Fish Market, a tour of the Midway aircraft carrier, a walk around Corona del Mar beach, and an authentic German dinner at German deli in Carlsbad complete with sour kraut and bratwurst.

Sofi, our ever curious beagle, trying to see what was going on.

I was very sad to see him go only after spending two days with him. I had a lot of fun playing games, chatting and just being with my big brudder. We even got to celebrate his birthday a few days late. I sure wish he lived closer.

A Shout Out for Beagles

We, as beagle owners, were very excited to see that Uno, a fellow beagle, won the Westminster dog show this week for the first time in the history of the competition. Our little (or stout and hearty) girl wouldn't have won as she isn't disciplined enough but we are sure proud to be beagle owners. Especially since we think this breed is most friendly, easy going, loving and playful one around. Did I mention cute? And we don't even mind her occasionally "Aaawrooo" bays at other dogs walking by our fence. Maybe our neighbors do.

Growing Pains

Me at four weeks. I thought I was a little chunky at this stage.

What 24 weeks can do for your perspective.

Me at 28 weeks.

All Systems Go

Yesterday was our week 28 appointment with our doctor and we are officially in the 3rd trimester, moving forward to the final stretch.  My doctor was quite unhappy with me the last appointment because I had gained 10 lbs. in December. (Can you blame me?  Lots of goodies to eat and the baby likes sweets.)  I was admonished to start watching what I ate, to start walking daily and to join an prenatal yoga class.

I am happy to say all of her advice worked!  I only gained a few pounds, passed the dreaded glucose screening test, have great stats this month and the baby's heartbeat is the strongest it has ever been.  I still eat lots but focus on healthy choices and am staying away from high sugar foods.

Even more exciting is that the doctor said that my labor will be easier for me since I am getting into better shape and I will most likely have a regular sized baby (a 7 lber or so).  If the doc was handing out gold star stickers for good behavior, I would have gotten at least five yesterday.

I only have around 12 more weeks before our little girl makes an appearance.  Can't wait!  

Just for laughs....

Our friend Scott posted some pictures on his blog that made us smile. We followed the link to the following website and spent 10 minutes laughing uncontrollably.

Good thing we saw this before the baby comes....we wouldn't want to repeat some of these mistakes!

Photogenic

Here are just a few ultrasound pics of our girl. Enjoy!

One of her first profile pics.

She has Kristi's toes.

The arrow is pointing to the female anatomy. You are looking at the "diaper" view.

Lucky Birthday Girl

I feel like I have been blessed with the best husband ever. He went out of his way to make sure I had a wonderful birthday this year. It is in the running for the best birthday ever. To those of you who know me very well, you won't be surprised that my birthday was indeed a three day celebration. Here are some highlights:

DAY 1

• Lunch at the very healthy and vegan Euro-chic cafe The Veggie Grill


• A matinée showing of Juno at the University Theater


• A small sampling of cupcakes from Sprinkles

DAY 2

• Dinner prepared by Lance - complete with grilled steaks, salad, asparagus and baked potatoes.


• Carrot cake


• Gifts including tickets to see Wicked the Musical, The Office Season 3 DVDs and my very own Wii controller


• Flowers sent to my work
  

DAY 3

• A surprise dinner with some friends at The Melting Pot

I had asked Lance *not* to go overboard so we can save money for the baby but to make whatever he did a surprise. I think he definitely heard the "surprise" part, but not the "overboard" part. I feel very lucky to have found such a guy who knows my exact likes and is willing to spoil me once a year. I love birthdays. Even if they mean I am only one year away from the dreaded big three-oh. I hope our daughter will like birthdays as well, because they are bound to be special!