29 Weeks!

Just a few photos we took this afternoon in the back yard. We're at 29 weeks and counting...

More surprises!

I woke up on the morning of my 30th birthday to the wonderful aroma of breakfast floating up from the kitchen. Soon after, I was greeted with a birthday serenade from C and a strawberry waffle breakfast -in -bed! We both had taken the day off to relax and celebrate my turning another decade older. During breakfast we reminisced about all the wonderful opportunities and adventures we had in our twenties and tried to predict what was going to be the defining event in our 30s (becoming parents, of course!!).

As we ate our breakfast C casually slid another folder my way and told me to open it. I couldn't imagine what more he might have up his sleeve after the previous weekend. Inside the folder was another flight itinerary....to St. Louis. We were flying to see my family!!! I couldn't believe it and was so happy I cried! It was more than I could have ever wished for, to be with my family on my birthday and celebrate Mother's Day with my mom. Not to mention the opportunity for my family to get to see and feel my baby belly! So exciting!

I was overjoyed the entire day as we worked in the yard, ran errands, packed, cleaned, and took some time out for a relaxing couples massage.

The following morning we were up bright and early and on our way to the airport again. The flight seemed to go quickly and the best part- First Class seats! Once we got to STL, my parents and little brother were there to pick us up. Big hugs all around!! We passed the time talking and catching up until it was time to go to a nearby restaurant for dinner. We were met there by family friends Reggie and Amparo and their daughter, son-in-law, and baby grandson. A little later my big brother arrived from Springfield. Again I was surrounded by those I love and feeling so incredibly blessed. We had a delicious dinner and were serenaded by our waitress who happened to be the best waitress I've ever had!

After dinner big brother K had to go back home because of prior obligations, but the rest of us drove to R and A's house where were were to stay the night. At their house we got to have yummy strawberry birthday cake compliments of mom. Yes, I have had strawberry cake for every birthday since turning a year old...and I never grow tired of it!

Mother's Day began with breakfast followed by a shopping spree with mom! The boys kept themselves occupied elsewhere while mom, Amparo and I shopped ourselves silly. Gotta do that every once in a while! We had a wonderful lunch at a nearby Mexican restaurant and too soon had to be at the airport and on our way home.

Again I just have to say that I have the most wonderful husband, family and friends a girl could ever ask for. Thank you for making my birthday and every day so special.

Cheers to 30 years!

What a lucky girl I am. Turning 30 is not everyone's idea of fun, but I have to say my husband sure knows how to soften the blow. It began with a surprise trip to San Francisco. At dinner the weekend before I was suppose to fly down C handed me a wrapped box. I opened it to find a folder inside with my itinerary for the weekend. Not just the flight itinerary, but hotel reservations and plans for Friday afternoon with my girlfriends at Woodside, an early morning run on Saturday (the annual Woodside May Day Fun Run!), and a yummy dinner on Saturday night at one of the best vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco, Millennium. You can imagine my excitement!

On May 1st we headed to the airport and off I went. I was greeted at SFO by my MIL and we headed directly to First Watch, a yummy breakfast cafe in San Mateo. Once there and seated I was surprised with a visit from my friend, Andrea, who had driven down from St. Helena. What fun! It was so good to see her and have some time to catch up. After brunch, Andrea had to be on her way again and Janet and I had an appointment at Woodside. Each year that I have taught, Janet has come into my class and talked to the kinders about keeping their teeth healthy. It's quite a show! Usually C even makes an appearance as "Mr. Molar." This year was a little different, as she was unable to come to my class in Portland, but it was very fun for us to be able to continue the tradition at Woodside. The best part, of course, was seeing "my girls!" How I've missed them!!


After school we were "invited" to attend the TGI Friday that was supposedly happening at a nearby restaurant. Upon arriving, however, I soon found that it was a surprise baby shower for me. I have the bestest friends and family a girl could ever ask for!! What a wonderful moment to step inside and see so many friendly, smiling faces that I hadn't seen in much too long. It was a wonderful party! Fun games, yummy food, friendly faces, and lots of baby goodies! I am so blessed.

Soon after the party ended it was time for me to go to dinner at the home of one of my previous families. I was joined by Janet and three other Woodside teachers. Dinner was delicious and we had the best time!

Saturday morning came bright and early as we headed out from our hotel in San Mateo on our way back to Woodside for the annual May Day Fun Run, Parade and Carnival. We arrived in time to start the run, which was more of a walk for us but still very fun! After the run we had a yummy pancake breakfast and then we joined the crowd for the parade. I loved seeing so many friends and families and the opportunity to chat. The rest of the morning and early afternoon was filled with lots of activity before Janet and I headed off to the hotel in San Francisco.

After a nice Sabbath afternoon nap we got ready for our dinner out. We were not disappointed at Millennium! The food was amazing and the company even better. We were joined by Stacey M., Tracy, and Stacy C. I couldn't have wished for a better evening. What fun to be out celebrating in the city with my beautiful friends.
Sunday came too soon. Breakfast was at the nearby Starbucks, a quick shopping trip on Market Street and then off to the airport. I was excited to return home to C, but sad to leave knowing it would be a while before I got to see everyone again. It was bittersweet, but the memories still make me smile and get warm and fuzzy all over!

Happy Easter!

I hope today finds you happy, healthy, and enjoying the weekend! We have been fortunate to have C's dad here for a visit.

So far he has visited my school, gone on a field trip with my class, toured around with C, and is now relaxing with us for the weekend.Yesterday we took a brisk walk through the park to our favorite donut shop. On our way we came upon a community Easter Egg hunt and stopped to watch the kids run through the field to collect the eggs.

Later on in the afternoon we headed south to Woodburn for the annual Tulip Festival.

It was a cloudy, somewhat rainy day but we decided to brave the day and go anyway and we're glad we did.Although all the tulips haven't bloomed yet we were able to see quite a lot of gorgeous tulip fields that were quite impressive.In a couple of weeks I'm sure it will be even more breathtaking! We left thinking we will definitely have to return to see them all in bloom.Our Easter Sunday has been quiet. C made us a wonderful crepe breakfast and we have spent the remainder of the day in conversation and enjoying each others company.All in all, a wonderful Easter day. Happy Easter!

Baby Photos- 19 weeks

Springing back to life! :)

Well, it's been awhile and now it's time to catch up! :) Life is good for C and me. We are continuing to stay busy with work, squeezing in a little travel, and taking care of the house and yard. We are so excited for spring to be here and hoping that means dry days so that we can be outside weeding, clipping, pruning and planting. In January we had another huge storm which brought down a lot of branches, one of which stuck in the roof. It was too big for us to take care of on our own and once it was brought down there was another hole found that had to be patched. Somehow the branch and other debris had plugged the hole enough so that we had no leakage! January also brought visits from C's mom and Gary as well as Abby and Brandon. We weren't sure whether we would get to see them. Two weeks before they came, Grandma Gail had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. Thankfully she had improved enough to be taken to a care facility and Janet felt comfortable making the trip to Portland. C and I were able to be with Grandma for a few days as well and were happy to have that opportunity. Grandma is now living at a care facility near her home and has been working hard to get her strength back and her spirits up.
February seemed to fly by as we were both looking forward to a trip to Hawaii, which came at the end of the month. We were so excited to see and feel the sun and have a week of rest and relaxation. We flew to Honolulu and stayed the week in Waikiki. The week mostly consisted of getting up early, eating breakfast, running, relaxing on the beach, eating dinner and heading to bed! :) C was able to squeeze in a SCUBA diving trip and enjoyed it immensely. We also took a wonderful tour of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and highly recommend it if you're in the area. We came home to freezing temperatures and rain, but feeling refreshed and recharged! The Friday after we returned was our scheduled ultrasound. The experience left us both teary and breathless. To see our baby was simply amazing. We were so excited the technician was able to get great photos of the baby in various poses. We couldn't be more excited about becoming parents and welcoming this new little person into our family. As of today, I am on Spring Break and enjoying every minute of it! I was sick at the beginning, caught some kind of tummy bug, but is now feeling much better and full of energy. We had another check-up on Monday morning and were able to hear the baby's heartbeat. It sounded strong! The Dr. says everything looks good, baby and mommy are growing on target! Mommy's tummy is getting larger by the day and forcing me to shop for clothes that are a little more comfortable than the ones I'm is used to wearing. I have 11 weeks left of school and am looking forward to the summer! That pretty much brings you up to date! We'll be back soon!

San Francisco News - 1981

First reported on San Francisco's KRON news station back in 1981.  Thought I'd share this news report.

-Christian