Week 31

I figured it was time for two new pics: one from the front, one from the side. Hard to believe I'll get any bigger; I'm starting to feel huge. :)

Pregnancy and the global community

I was sharing with my OB (whom I LOVE) several weeks ago what various people (whom I do not know) have said to me regarding my pregnancy. I get either one of two responses: "You look great! All your weight is in the belly" or "Are you carrying twins?! You are HUGE!" My OB insighfully remarked, "There is something about pregnant women and the global community at large--they think they own pregnant women and can touch them and give them advice at anytime." I have found this quite true. Not too many people rub the belly without permission, but most will comment about my size. My OB said at times like these she wants to say, "Are you a doctor? Do you know how I should be progressing right now?" Yesterday, I measured 31 inches at 31 weeks (perfect); my weight gain is great--all according to my OB. She told me a story about her and a good friend of hers (who is also an OB and was pregnant at the time). They were in Starbucks and the barista took the order, then when giving them the drinks focused on the pregnant friend and remarked, "Can I ask you something? You really shouldn't be drinking that, should you?" in a matter-of-fact manner. The OB actually went off on this woman, telling her that it was quite fine to have some caffeine during pregnancy, that she was in-fact an OBGYN and this woman should mind her own business. Flustered, the barista backed off.

Now, I'm not sure I'll be quite that menacing when responding to the next person that gives me an unwanted opinion or asks an unwelcome question, but I'll just remember that I trust my OB and all is fine with me and bebe M.

Bebe M!

We can affectionately call her this because her last name will be McKay, so we are not giving anything away about her first name. :)

Last Friday before we flew to PV, we had a 3D sonogram done of our little girl. Here are some of our favorite pics. She had her arms up near her face for most of it and we were able to watch her yawn a few times...it was wonderfully adorable!! Oh, and the only thing we can tell from these pics is that she has thin lips...like both her mama and dad.

Only 10 more weeks to go!!

Puerto Vallarta

We spent a 4 day weekend in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico this past weekend at an all-inclusive resort. It was in celebration of our 4 year anniversary at the end of this month and it was also our last getaway before our bebe is born. We did get a smidge of weather from Hurricane Lane, but overall, it was actually quite nice. The days were cool and a bit overcast, but that didn't stop us from getting outdoors and lounging at the pool (and getting some sun through the clouds!). We read books, had great talks, watched a few movies we brought (specifically "United 93," "Akeelah and the Bee," and "Lucky Number Sleven"), ate some decent food, and just vegged. I even wore a bikini and got lots of looks with my preggo belly sticking out...it might just be one of the only times in my life that I have been totally confident in a bikini because it's OK that my stomach was big. :) Our time was relaxing and rejuvinating and this was great because Aron has been working like a horse for almost 2 months in his new position at work. I could really tell that the R&R refreshed him.

Here are two pics: one of a gorgeous sunset we saw (reminded us of CA) and a more candid one of us.

Knitting Fiend

Recently, I have re-discovered my knitting and LOVE it more than ever. In fact, I just finished my first baby blanket (for a friend--it was a year in progress). I will publish a picture of it soon. I had gotten frustrated with the pattern on several occassions and it had been sitting in my knitting basket for oh, about 6 months. Once I picked it back up, I finished it in about 4 weeks. It is so soft and was so easy! Then, over this past weekend, Aron and I had to laid low because we both were fighting nasty colds. On Sunday, while re-watching Season 1 of "24," I knit Aron a beanie--my first one! Then, I knit myself one on Monday. They take about 2-3 hours each. Guess what alot of friends will be getting for Christmas... :) I am currently working on a blanket for bebe McKay and the yarn I bought is FABULOUS. I went to a yarn store in Dallas and bought the most amazing stuff...it's like butter and it's machine washable! Once done, I will post a picture. Along with re-discovering this wonderful craft, I have learned new aspects of knitting--decreasing stitches, fixing dropped stitches, creating a mattress stitch to sew seams, and creating stripes effectively. I love this hobby! You must try it.

When I'm 65...

...I hope to be doing what these ladies were doing at the Arboretum. It was actually their first day out in the "open air" doing their painting on location. Their work was quite lovely. I hope I have friends that I do artsy things with all my life.

The Dallas Arboretum

How could we have lived here over 2 years and never stepped foot into this sanctuary? I spent the morning at the Arboretum exploring the beautiful gardens and the stunning Tree House Exhibit on display with my friend Patti, her son Grayson, and their friend Kris and her son Nicholas. I actually couldn't believe I was still in Dallas. The weather couldn't have been more astounding--it felt like fall! There were myraid flowers, as well, but I didn't take many pictures of them. The first picture posted here is actually of real people, posing as statues for a photo shoot of some kind. They looked amazing! The picture of the giant water can was one of the 17 tree houses on display.

If you ever visit Dallas, you must visit this place. From a pumpking patch in October, to Christmas in the park, tulips in spring, concerts on Thursday nights, this is a haven from touristy places.

Laurie and Jonathan Visit

Our friends, the Boldens, drove through Dallas Sunday night on their way to Palo Alto, California. Jonathan will be starting his MA at Stanford in a few weeks. Laurie's mom flew out to help with Elise as they drive from Atlanta to NorCal. We enjoyed dinner together Sunday night and some good conversation. It was fun to finally meet Elise and to get to spend more time with JB. I can't believe E is already 10 months old. La and I were able to go to Starbucks for about 2 hours on Monday morning to catch up. We enjoyed the atmosphere the rain provided as we sipped our warm drinks.

Pictured here is Elise: She loves her bear and is all smiles.

And they're off!

S&S packed up their shipping container on Thursday night. With the help of several able-bodied friends, the job was smooth and done in about 3 1/2 hours. My contribution to the night--I vaccumed their house. :) The dreaded armoire turned out not to be as heavy as originally thought, which was a good thing. With the sale of several of their larger possesions to the new owners (dining room table, barstools, washer/dryer, and fridge), they only packed half the container and saved money in the end.

Friday was Shan and my last Starbucks date and unfortunately, I had pinched a nerve in my neck the night before, so I was feeling pretty rotten. Shan was sore and exhausted from the day before, so we were both a bit out of it as we sipped our last Chai (me) and Java Chip Frap (her). After a few afternoon errands in prep for their 7am Saturday departure, we headed to the Firewheel Town Center and got lovely and much-needed pedicures at a day spa. It was a real treat and I think both of us were able to relax. We later came home for naps, grilled burgers for dinner, then headed to our favorite Irish pub in downtown Dallas for some drinks and dessert.

Bright and early this morning, after one last walk-thru of their home, S&S drove away in their Toyota Forerunner. It was bittersweet because it's the end of an era, yet I know we'll be seeing them soon, especially as we are moving to OC in mid-October (and they are only 8 hours away).
Aron and I went to Starbucks later for a morning date and enjoyed some reflection time, good eats and drinks, and the morning paper.