The New Chubster in Town

Here's my 29 week pregnant photo, even though I'm already 31 weeks along - my computer pooped out, so I've been a little slow in the technical arena these days....actually, I've been a little slower in EVERY arena these days...must be the 23 extra pounds I'm lugging around. For a good laugh, I'll have to get Dru to take and post a video of me walking up the flight of stairs to our apartment, legs splayed wide for balance, waddle, step, pause, waddle, step, pause - it's quite entertaining.

I'm now seeing my OB every two weeks, and so far everything is progressing right on target. The baby, who we've decided to call Fin (short for my maiden name, Findley, and meaning fair-haired warrior) is extremely active in his comfy little home; his new favorite pastime is playing kickball with my ribs and/or bladder, whichever is most uncomfortable to me at the time. If you watch long enough, you'll see my belly visibly shift and pop out as he moves - Dru thinks it's hilarious. While I'm not certain if I'm 100% ready to take on the awesome responsibility of motherhood, I'm anxious to meet our little man, see his little face and kiss the little feet that have been wreaking havoc on my ribs. Dru and I have been taking a 5-week childbirth education course - it's been very informational for both of us and Dru has not yet fainted, not even while watching the video of a Russian midwife deliver her own baby in a water-bath (I'm serious - it was amazing, terrifying, and moving.) So, we're feeling a little more prepared for his arrival now. Also, the folks at work threw me a surprise baby shower, which was wonderful. We got some adorable froggie themed items to decorate his little nursery with, and some very helpful, practical items as well.

My Grandma Findley passed away this past week, and while I'm sad she won't be able to meet Fin, I'm thankful for the cycle of life and am thrilled that I get to honor her in carrying a piece of her on to the next generations. She bore eight children into this world; hopefully I'll take some of that strength into the delivery room with me.

29 weeks

Our FIRST Anniversary and Mother's Day

In order to celebrate our first (!) anniversary and my first (almost!) Mother's Day, Dru and I took a 4-hour trip down to Connecticut. I had found an "Orchards in Bloom" Spring Getaway package through a bed-and-breakfast in Madison, CT. The package included 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, and 2 picnics - one at an orchard and one at a vineyard. The apple orchards in CT are spectacular the 1st two weeks of May, and we both love picnics, so away we went. We had an incredible time! When we got to the B&B, the hostess had very kindly left a bottle of sparkling cider (she knew I was pregnant) so Dru and I had a toast to our anniversary when we first arrived.

The next morning, we got ready and ate a sumptious breakfast of fresh fruit, muffins, and french toast. Our hostess was a brilliant Greek cook - the food was delicious and she presented it in fresh and original ways.

Then it was off to the scenic drive that would eventually end at the orchard and our picnic. We drove through beautiful historic parts of Connecticut and a few other orchard blossoms.

Our picnic was set up by a lake about 500 feet from the orchards.

Next we walked out along the orchard blossoms - the smell was intoxicating! I even tolerated the bees in order to enjoy the blossoms...

After enjoying the scenery and the orchards, we headed to the shore for a few hours enjoying the ocean and the ocean "cottages" along the shore.

After enjoying refreshments back at the B&B, we headed out for our anniversary dinner. The humorous part of the night was Dru handing me a piece of the "cheese" that came with our bread - a triangular square of what looked like white cheddar. As soon as I popped it in my mouth, I thought "why is this cheese so OILY??" - because it was BUTTER. Ugh! But dinner was delicious other than that.

Back at the B&B, we opened our gifts to each other. Dru outdid himself for this new mom-to-be; he got me a spa package for a massage, facial, and pedicure, lots of yummy goodies, and a romantic, thoughtful card that made me cry. Dru got a personalized Bible from me and a homemade card highlighting our first year together.

The next day, it was sunnier so we went to more orchards to enjoy the smell/sights.

Then we drove 30 minutes away to a lighthouse about 5 minutes from Yale University - sweet!

Our last stop was at the vineyard for our final picnic at the vineyard. We got a free wine tasting - I had to "swish and spit" - but how sweet to taste alcohol again for the first time in 7 months! :)

A GREAT GETAWAY! Happy Mother's Day to all you mommies out there!