Bump Update

WOWSERS!  Here is the belly at 8 months.  I'm 34 weeks tomorrow, so just 6 more to go.

And to compare last month....

7 months vs. 8 months

Mom and Dad's Visit... plus more Nursery Pictures

Mom and Dad booked flights just a couple weeks ago because they wanted to come see us (and my growing belly).  We'd left a key out for them on Friday and they were waiting for us when we arrived home from work.  We went out for a yummy dinner at Bacari Grill nearby.  Saturday we lounged around with the New York Times, coffee, and biscuits and then it was time to get to work.  That's right - the boys had a crib to assemble and the girls had some shopping to do.  Mom bought me a LeSportSac diaper bag that I wanted and we got some fitted sheets for our used little bassinet (thanks Liz and Mark!).  That afternoon we all went for a nice neighborhood walk and then lounged by the fire, watched football, had some baked chicken, smashed potatoes and salad, and caught part of the hilarious movie It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.  Today we drove to the Palisades Medical Center so Mom and Dad will know how to get there when and if (fingers crossed) they can make it for Charlie's arrival. 

 After that we drove into Hoboken for a delicious pizza lunch at Grimaldi's.

We've had sunny but very cold weather for their trip.  What a great visit it's been!

I can't believe they head home tomorrow!  :(

Now for the latest nursery pictures:

Cute little mobile:

The Europa Baby crib with our Carter Bumble bedding:

 Belly shot (I'm wearing green to support the Jets!)

Mom and Dad also helped us set up my little window treatment.  I'm going to pick up a second burlap drape for the right side. (also, check out the icicles outside!)

 New blinds too:

We still need to get our glider, but it will go in the corner by the window here:

Cute little musical bouncer I put together today:

 Pat and Dad hung up these little canvases I picked up:

The dresser/changing table has 3 drawers and a little cabinet with two shelves.  I picked up two of these little baskets to use inside there.

My Hoboken street find lamp from a few years back:

Some of Charlie's adorable wardrobe is hanging up, but still needs to be washed.

It was so nice to have Mom and Dad's help.  We're getting there!

Floor and More

I really like how the nursery floors turned out.  It's a darker stain and matches the hallway perfectly. 

 We got a small rug from Pier 1 that's in there right now, not sure if it will work out or not, but maybe.

Now that the paint is all dry, we got the changing table/dresser in there and up against the wall.  I'm not sure where I'm going to hang the little canvases or display the CM initials yet (too bad I couldn't find a Q for middle initial).

New lamp

This is a table Maura and Mike were getting rid of that we happily accepted.  I think it looks pretty good in there. 

We're going to get the crib assembled this weekend (when my parents come to visit - YAY!!)

Pat getting some kindling ready for another afternoon fire.

 I don't think he knew he had an audience but he sure did.

I hope everyone has a nice week!

Winter Weekend

We got about 6 inches of snow during the day Friday and when Pat and I got home from work an unknown nice neighbor had cleared our driveway for us.  There was still snow on the ground from the previous snow storm, so it's quite the winter wonderland outside.  I spent yesterday morning working on some more thank you notes while Pat retouched the nursery base boards. They had been discolored by the hardwood floor guys...I'll try and post a picture of the floors in the next day or so, they look great.  After some yummy chicken salad sandwiches, we headed out for a nice walk and I brought my camera.

 A little stream along the way.

At the bottom of the hill is where we catch the train each morning.  Evidently it's quite the popular sledding spot!

We got home from our walk and Winnie was sitting in the living room, practically begging us to start a fire.  Yes, we happily obliged.

Kind of looks like she is plotting an evil plan right now, right?

We had a great Saturday evening of burgers and roasted asparagus (seemed healthier than burger and fries) and football.  How 'bout them JETS?!?!

Today we're taking down the Christmas tree and putting away holiday decorations.  Lots to do, lots to do.

32 weeks

We go back to the Doctor on Wednesday morning and from here on out it's appointments every 2 weeks and then every week at the end I believe.  We have an appointment on Friday morning with a potential pediatrician, so we'll see if we like the office and doctor.  Our due date that used to sound so far off is getting closer and closer...

People at work used to say things along the lines of "are you sure you're 5 months along?" but now it's more like "are you sure you still have 2 months to go?"

Happy Saturday!

PS Lawyer Sister, will you please help us set up a simple will?

Amaryllis

Hi folks!  Not too much to report here, just getting through the week.  Though, Pat and I did have a fun date night last night.  I'd been wanting to see the musical Billy Elliot for a while now, so Pat got me tickets for Christmas.  It was a great show and I was so impressed by the 12 year old lead.

My mom had been talking about how her amaryllis (a gift from Gail I believe) was in bloom and oh so pretty.  I wanted to see it and got my Dad to send me a picture.  Lovely!

PS I think I have my first bit of pregnancy swelling.  I have "cankles" and I don't like them... I'm off to prop my feet up and read some of our latest book club book, Freedom. 

Christmas Cactus

My mother in law Kate gave this to us a little over a year ago (back when it was fuller and pretty).  Sometime over the summer I kind of forgot about it and figured it was a goner, but didn't get rid of it.  The other week I noticed it actually had a little bud on it!  And it even bloomed!

You can see how little I've cared for it because there is some dust on it, so I need to give it a little wipe down. 

It's kind of a dismal day, misty and damp outside, but we might try and go for a walk.  It's also a good day for me to continue working on thank you notes (for baby shower), scrapbook, and watch a movie...and make chili!

**Sadly, right after I took the pictures, Winnie (bad girl) jumped up on the table and knocked off the bloom!  Hopefully there will be more to come. 

2011

Last year I had a couple resolutions and I have pretty much stuck to them = success.  This year I don't really have any new resolutions, I just want to be a great mom, wife, daughter, friend, and person.

2010 Highlights:

• Topping the list - finding out I was/am pregnant
• Finding out I am going to be an AUNT!! (I have not revealed that on here yet, but Pat's older sister Maura and her husband Mike are expecting a little girl a couple months after we're due - can't wait!!!!)
• Friends and Family getting married
• Pat passing CFA Level 2
• My getaway to Bermuda!
• Visits from family here in NJ and trips to TN and MA
• Feeling comfortable and happy at my new job - I've been there about 8 months now, wow.

Pat and I rung in the new year at home just like last year which was really nice.  We decided to go with fondue again, but just as an appetizer this time because we also had some steak.  We sat by the fire, played cards, watched some movies, and just talked about last year and the upcoming year.  And I did stay awake until a little after midnight and got a nice smooch from my hubby right at 12.  :o)

The fondue might not look too appetizing, but it was quite yummy.  It's a "healthier" version made with chicken stock and a little white wine - recipe found here.  (hmm, this recipe is slightly different than the one I had printed the other week because it says apple juice instead of white wine.  I just noticed that this recipe and the one I have call for a TEASPOON of dijon mustard instead of a Tablespoon, oops, no wonder...oh well!)  Someday we'll learn that fondue is meant to be shared and there is no way 2 people can or should finish it...

Wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Enjoy the weekend.

And because I'm excited about it, here is a picture of a treat I got myself with a Bloomingdales gift card (thank you, work!!)  I actually got a nude/tan color, and it's a little crossover Rebecca Minkoff bag which I envision wearing while I push a stroller with a diaper bag.  This way I can keep my wallet and cell phone close and easy to access, but not have to deal with a diaper bag plus a normal sized purse.  Who knows, I may be wrong about how much use it will get, but I am going to enjoy this little guy for now!