Countdown!

I had my 36 week appointment today and guess what...I'm 1 cm dilated! The countdown begins! I know that one can remain dilated for weeks, so I'm not worried about delivering this early, but I can't help but be excited. I had all kinds of Braxton-Hicks contractions today and thought about packing my bags, but they went away after about an hour. Andrew arrived 8 days early and I'm a little nervous that Mia may follow his example. It's my hope that Mia stays right where she is until Dec 10th or 11th - that way my Mom will be here for the delivery. So, everyone keep your fingers crossed!

34 Weeks and counting

I turned 34 weeks on Tuesday and as I now recall from my pregnancy with Andrew, this is when the goin' gets tough. I've got all kinds of pains, from my regular headachs to the much unwanted pressure on my hips. I seemed to have forgotten about this last part, the uncomfortable stage until it hit me a few days ago. It hurts to do most things: sitting, standing, walking and getting out of bed, but the good news is that it's all worth it in the end.

My Mom arrives in San Diego on Dec 9th and I cannot tell you how excited I am to have her here with me. I am so looking forward to just spending some time with her before Mia arrives, hearing her advice and just enjoying her company; something I haven't been able to do very often since she is so far away. I sure hope that Mia holds out long enough for her Grandma to get here as I really want her in the delivery with me. I am so blessed to have her and I have to get my fix before she has to fly back home on New Year's.

32 weeks - Pop goes the baby!

Well, I finally started showing at about 30 weeks. It is obvious to all that I'm having a baby as almost every stranger I run into wants to know when the baby is due and what I'm having. I gladly provide them with the information they're looking for and share any details they are willing to listen to. I'm just a tad bit excited :o)

Neil is still getting use to my belly's increasing size. He keeps bumping into it when he walks by because he's used to there being more room available. This week, we got to the point that I have to turn sideways in order to hug him - we are really blown away by how quickly Mia is coming.

I'll be 33 weeks on Tuesday; here's the belly.

Tag, now I'm it!

Apparently, Kim has "tagged" me to participate in this. You know, as a child I really didn't care for this game, however this form of tag is kinda fun. Ok, here it is...brace yourself:

1) I'm a neat freak. Well, may be it's not that bad, however I do love to clean. Dusting, vacuuming, doing the dishes and cleaning the kitchen. I know, I'm crazy. I just love a clean house. I've even helped friends clean their bathroom (Kim) and it's a pleasure to help. My Mother did an excellent job teaching me how to keep a proper Southern woman's home...thanks, Mom!

2) I too love to sing. I've been singing since I was a kid, usually at the top of my lungs, much to the disappointment of my brother. Apparently, I used to drive him crazy, singing all day and it didn't stop once I was out of the house. Wether I was climbing a tree, hanging out on top of the roof, swinging on the swing-set or frolicking in the back yard you'd hear me singing. As it turns out, just like my brother said, it does come back to haunt you; my son, Andrew sings constantly, even at the mall, grocery store, restaurant, etc. I love to sing in the house and the car (especially in the car with Kim). I just sang the National Anthem last Sunday for our Firefighter's Recognition Ceremony, that was fun. Nothing inspires emotion more than a fantastic song - you know the kind.

3) I adore old musicals! My all time favorite movie is My Fair Lady, however also on my favorites list are Singin' in the Rain, White Christmas, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Funny Girl, Funny Face, Gigi...oh, forget it - it just keeps going. I also love Les Miserables, Throughly Modern Millie and Moulin Rouge. Going right along with the musicals theme is my love of the theater. I've seen multiple shows on Broadway and I can't wait to make it back there.

4) Going right alone with the neat freak aspect of me, is my love of organization. My closet is organized by color and sleeve/skirt length. I also have them sorted by dress, business and casual clothing. My sock drawer is organized as well. Since Nov 2006 living in San Diego, I've organized the garage 3x's, Neil's office 4x's, my office/craft area about 5x's, and the closets (we have 5) probably about 3 or 4x's. I've had people ask me to organize their closets for them, and I have for about 3 friends. Can you say OCD? Really, it's not that bad! I just like to know exactly where everything is.

5) Daisies are my favorite flower. All the women out there want roses from their husbands, but I long for daisies. They are such a happy flower and I can't look at them without smiling. They truly make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I love them so much that I even got a tattoo of them on my lower back. Loving those daisies!

6) I am addicted to shopping, more specifically to Coach purses. There was a time that I owned 26 Coach purses. I know! It's a sickness! Even my dogs have Coach collars and I gave my doggie niece, Shayla one, too! I've sold many of them on eBay, but I still have my favorites. My collection is now down to about 10, plus I also have a Kate Spade, a Vera Bradley and a Louis Vuitton. My love of Coach is starting to be replaced by my love of buying clothes for Mia, Janie and Jack especially . Thank God for eBay.

There you have it, my quirks. I don't think I'm going to torture anyone else with this assignment. Geeze, Kim - once a teacher always a teacher!

Big Birthday Surprise!

Over the Labor Day weekend, I surprised my best friend with a visit to Maryland. Kim, who had been following the directions of her husband via secret notes, found herself driving to BWI at 9 o'clock on Thursday evening. On her way, she was hoping it was me coming for a visit and when she got to baggage claim to pick up the "package", she found out that she was right! Her husband, Josh and I had been keeping the secret since May, and it was so great to see her, Kate and the whole family again. It had been far too long.

Thanks for the wonderful time, Kim! I hope you had a fantastic birthday!

Beach trip

Much to my surprise, Andrew really wasn't very interested in going to the beach this year. We only took two trips, one with just Neil, Andrew and I and the other with my parents. Andrew made it very clear that he would not go in the water (the Pacific is very cold) and was certain that he wouldn't enjoy himself. Well, as always, once we got there he had a wonderful time and loved the freezing cold water. We had lunch on the beach and enjoyed the afternoon watching Andrew play, lying out in the sun and enjoying a good book.

Andrew having fun in the water/sand.

Dad enjoying his book.

Mom watching her favorite grandson play.

Andrew - up close on the beach.

Camping out...@ home

Neil and I wanted to take Andrew camping again before he left for the summer, however with my parents here and the little time we had left, we were not able to do it. So, we opted for a non-traditional camping trip...a camp out at home!

Saturday morning, I found that Andrew had some wild animals crawl into his sleeping bag...

Kickin'

Ever since I got pregnant I've been impatiently waiting for those first kicks from the baby. I remember loving watching my belly move around while Andrew was, as it seemed doing summersalts inside me. He would move my belly around like crazy; from one end to the other. Now that day is here for Mia. It started last night when I went to bed and she's been kickin' up a storm ever since.

Finally, I get to feel my little one!...now, when does it stop?!?!?!

This is one very active baby. I have a feeling that I'm going to have my hands full once she arrives. Man, can she ever move! I wonder what she's doing in there?

Summer catch-up

I finally have some summer stuff for you to check out. A few days after Andrew arrived, I got sick with bronchitis and missed out on some of our summer plans. My brother, Dave came for a visit and we were joined by Neil's parents shortly after. With my being sick, we really didn't do much during that time (sorry guys!) One thing I didn't miss was telling Andrew about my pregnancy. When I told him, he had this puzzled look on his face and then he looked at my belly not able to see how I could be pregnant without showing. Once he got over the shock he was overjoyed with the news! He is so excited that he is going to be a big brother, especially to a little girl!

Andrew hears about the baby!

I really wanted to go on the camping trip with Neil and Andrew, however I was too sick to go. Neil and Andrew packed up and drove to Lake Marina, about a two hour drive from Chula Vista. They had a great time together, doing important male bonding things. They went for hikes, cooked all their meals on an open fire and saw a bunch of wild life. They had a great time.

Andrew "King of the Mountain"; camping with Neil

Neil kickin' back at the cabin

A view of the lake

Debbie arrived for a visit right after the boys returned from camping. We visited the famous San Diego Zoo and also took a harbor cruise of the San Diego bay. While at the zoo, we took the bus tour and saw parts of the zoo that we hadn't before and then took the Skyfari that stretches over the entire zoo giving you an ariel view of the zoo and close by Balboa Park. It was great!

Andrew and I on the zoo's bus tour

A chimpanzee getting up close with the kids

Andrew and I on the harbor cruise

Andrew enjoying the sights

Last night, we went to our church's last Summer Night's party. Every Saturday evening during the summer after services, they have pizza, nachos, ice cream and drinks with all kinds of fun "rides". Andrew had a blast jumping, bouncing & sliding.

Andrew on his favorite ride - the slide.

It's a girl!

Neil and I found out on Tuesday that we are expecting a little girl. She is due on Dec 16th and we are naming her Mia Lauren.

Watch Mia blow you a kiss on the video!

Summertime!

I'm in week 13 of my pregnancy and things are doing well. I have finally entered my 2nd trimester and am looking forward to "showing" and buying maternity clothes. I still have my days where I'm fighting morning sickness and nausea, however nothing could bring me down right now.

It's summertime and everyone who knows me understands what that means...Andrew! Andrew arrives for his summer visit on Wednesday, June 18th and I cannot wait. I haven't see him since Christmas and I have a feeling that I'm going to burst into tears the moment I see him. My brother, Dave is flying out with Andrew on his first trip out to see me since I moved out here in Nov 2006. I am so looking forward to seeing them both.

We've got a bunch of plans for the summer, one of which is taking Andrew on his first camping trip. He is very excited about it; he told me he started packing his toys about two months ago! Also, since we live only 20 minutes from the beach we will be there every Saturday. Andrew is such a water baby! He loves going and we have to drag him out of the water even after spending the entire day.

Week 10: Exhaustion and Morning sickness

I'm SO tired! I didn't realize how tired I was until I woke up one Saturday morning and took a nap. I've never been big on sleep, so my friends & family have got to know how much that wigged me out. I take a nap almost every day when I get home from work and I've had to fight sleeping at my desk. I tell ya, I'm so ready for this to end. I can't get anything done around the house and it's driving me nutty.

Whoever came up with the term "Morning sickness" must have never been pregnant. Gee, wouldn't be great if it were only in the morning? But, no - not for me...not this time around. When I was pregnant with Andrew, it only lasted until about 11am, then I was done for the day. This time, it can rear it's ugly head at any time. It hits me right when I wake up, again around the time I arrive at work (the boss loves that!), yet again around 8:30 and so on and so on about every two hours until noon. Sometimes that's it for the day, however at times I'm sick for the rest of the day too. Thank goodness that has not happened too often. I try talking to the baby, asking him/her to take it easy on Mommy. This doesn't work (I see the family resemblance...stubbornness!). Well, the baby can get away with not listening to me in the womb, however try it once he/she's breathing on their own and we're gonna have problems.

Still, I have to count my blessings. I'm so grateful that my morning sickness has only been a feeling - never an action. I haven't gained any weight and noticed Sunday morning that I lost a pound. Don't worry, I'm eating! I feel like I never stop eating. My nausea keeps me popping snacks, but they are all healthy (Mom, that one's for you).

I'm so looking forward to my second trimester as it promises more energy and less morning sickness. Only two more weeks.

First appointment - 8 weeks

It's simply amazing - seeing the look on your husband's face when he first hears our baby's heartbeat! My first OB appointment was on Friday and we had our first sonogram. The baby is extremely small (only about an inch) and the heartbeat is a normal 166 beats per second. What a miracle babies are!


Here, the baby is on the left side of the hollow space (which is the amniotic fluid). His/her head is down (far left) and the feet are just beginning to form (on the right).


Here, the baby is flipped from the previous picture, so he/she is on the right. Head down (far right) and newly forming feet just above. The white circle just left of the baby is the yolk sak, which feeds the baby until the placenta is fully formed.

Neil and I are so excited! Seeing the sonogram and hearing that heartbeat really brought it home - we're having a baby!

Cruizin'

Neil and I didn't have a honeymoon (I know, doesn't everyone feel sorry for me), so I was so excited about his surprise. He planned a honeymoon/vacation for us - a cruise to Mexico with Carnival Cruiselines! We set sail on Monday, April 28th at 4pm and were off for a wild ride thru the Pacific Ocean toward Cabo San Lucas, a city just on the tip of Baja California, Mexico.

Our first day at sea was wonderful. It was a beautiful day with a nice, constant breeze off the ocean. We saw sea lions & even a whale off the starboard side and enjoyed our dinner on the deck watching the ocean. Tuesday, our first full day at sea was warm & sunny - not a cloud in the sky. With the ocean breeze continuing, Neil and I didn't notice that we were getting burned laying out on the desk (I used sunscreen, Dad!).







Finally, on Wednesday we arrive in Cabo. Water taxi's picked us up since the ship was too large for their pier. We were greeted by customs (that was fun) and then proceeded into Mexico where we are instant targets for the street vendors, trying to sell us their goods. We walked around the pier into the shopping district (it doesn't take me long to find these places...I have built-in shopping GPS). We met up with a nice couple from the cruise and stopped at Sammy Hagar's famous cantina, Cabo Wabo where we paid too much for drinks, chips & salsa. The weather was brutilly hot, so we headed back to the ship to enjoy a nice dinner & relax after a bunch of walking.





Friday, day 4 and we arrive in Enceneda (I was so excited to be on solid ground), a beautiful water-front city also on the Baja. The weather was great - sunny and 70 degrees with a light breeze. Neil, always equiped with his GPS informed me that we were only 57 miles from home. He didn't take me up on my offer to just rent a car and drive back to San Diego (I was still feeling a little seasick). We opted to take a shore excertion up to Rosarito & have a tour of Fox Studios, where the blockbuster movie Titantic was filmed. We toured the facility and walked into the Titantic set - it was so cool. This will be a city that we will return to!



We arrived back home Saturday morning at 9am. We had a wonderful time on our cruise and I'm so thankful to Neil for planning this for us. The food was awesome as was the service & we made some new friends, too! Neil is ready to start planning our next cruise, however I'm going to insist that we wait until the baby's born.

A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words

After only three months of trying, Neil and I are very happy to announce that we are expecting a baby Bonzi. Our parents were thrilled to here the news and we are so looking forward to his/her arrival in December. Please join us in prayers for a safe & healthy Mom and baby and also for Andrew, who I'm sure will be so excited to be a big brother (at least he is every other time he's asked) when he hears the news face to face this summer.

SO HAPPY ARE WE!

Spin the Bosley

Neil takes some time out to play with Bosley. Milo watched - he wasn't about to get involved...

Spring break (married style)

No beaches and bikini's for us this spring break. Neil and I visited his family in New England this Easter (I know, I'm a little behind). We had a wonderful visit with his parents, grandmother's & extended family members who I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time. It was a trip that was far overdue (and lets just say they we've been put on notice by Grandma Rica...great grand-baby NOW!).

The weather was brutal. We are in SO much trouble when we move back to the east coast. It was in the low 40's with bitterly cold & heavy winds and we were wrapped up in winter coats, scarfs, gloves, hats & ear protection. All the locals were looking at us like we were from another planet! Which we are, considering where we live now.

Neil and I took a hike with his Aunt Linda & Uncle Dick up Holyoke Mountain. It's only about 940 feet above sea level, however getting up there was a long hike up a fairly steep road. Parts were covered with ice and snow (we saw snow!), but we all made it up without falling on our butts. The views from the top were beautiful! It was worth the trip, however I was paying for it the next morning.





We had such a wonderful time with family. Thanks to everyone for the great visit & we can't wait to see you again.

Wacky weather

Here's a view from our backyard looking at San Miguel. It's in the upper 60's...spring is beautiful in Southern California.

That is until the hail starts! No, really...hail! In Southern California! In March!


I couldn't believe my eyes. Seeing the ground coated in white is not something I thought I'd ever see here. What the hail is going on here?!

Milo & Bosley were so freaked out by the hail that they jumped into Neil's arms as soon as they had a chance. We had to force them to go outside during the storm. They hate getting wet and didn't know what to think about all the white stuff. Just wait until they have to deal with snow! That's gonna be hilarious.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Even though I'm not Irish by birth, I am an honorary Irish person thru my friend Kim and her wonderful family - they are a second family to me. Neil was so bummed yesterday when he realized he won't be having a Guinness this St. Patty's, however I surprised him with one and he was so happy!

So, for all you out there,
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Creativeness...I'm hooked

Well, it was only a matter of time...
Today I signed up to be a Creative Memories consultant! Everyone who knows me knows that I love doing all my scrap booking projects. I've got albums for family, friends, traveling and more. It allows my creative juices to follow & totally rids me of stress. Once I'm done, I've got my story & the stories of friends & family, preserved for generations to follow.

I'm so excited about my new venture! I can't wait to get started. So, if anyone's looking for a scraping guru, I'm you're girl.

Viva Las Vegas!

Neil gave me the most wonderful birthday trip to Las Vegas! I have always wanted to go, so Neil made arrangements for us at the MGM Grand the weekend of February 15th. We left on Friday and arrived in Vegas that evening. We spent the trip seeing the sights, eating fantastic food at MGM's famous resturaunts, checking out MGM's lions (yes, they have lions) & sleeping in each morning; something we haven't done in a long time with a puppy in the house & weekday 3:45am alarm clocks. We walked thru multiple casino's; Ballys, NewYork NewYork, the Venetian & Bellagio with the help of the strip's Monorail, which travels up & down the strip up until 3am (only in Vegas, babe). An extra surprise was my celebrity sighting of Clinten Kelly, who stars on TLC's "What Not To Wear". I spotted him in our hotel near the Ka theatre & once I pointed him out he smiled & waved hello. It was so cool! Here I am living in California & I spot someone famous in Vegas. Neil surprised me with tickets for Ka, a Cirque Du Soleil performance at MGM. It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen & the stage, costumes and set were Broadway quality; totally awesome! It was a wonderful surprise (even better than my Clinten encounter)! MGM Grand The lions at MGM The Bellagio The Venetian Neil & I after the fountain show. I've always wanted to see the fountains at the Bellagio. I first heard of them when some co-workers went to Vegas on a business trip. These fountains are the reason I wanted to visit Vegas. We had such a great time and can't wait to go again.

My Funny Valentine

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

It's Valentine's Day, people! Time to get those romantic juices flowing and get down to business. Oh, yeah. Watch this great clip from Mad TV - the Flight of the Conchords signing "Business Time" for tips on how NOT to be romantic. So funny! Enjoy!

Bosley's Loss of Manhood

Poor little Bosley...Neil & I had him neutered yesterday. He was so out of it after we picked him up; only adding to his misery as he kept running into the walls and the furniture with his E-collar which, by the way he hates (but who wouldn't?).

Bosley spent most of the evening in my lap (& crying when he wasn't). Let's just say it was a long night. I have never seen him so calm or stay in one place for so long. He obviously was not his normal, lively self. However, this morning, he returned to his lovable, licking and tail-chasing antics. We love you, Bosley.

The Change Will Do You Good

Friends, family & all you surfers out there:

I've dumped the "MySpace" account for a better way of communicating, much to the satisfaction of Neil, who believes that "MySpace" is of the devil, or a nesting ground of viruses, whichever you prefer. This change is what I was looking for - a way to share the everyday of our hum-drum, SoCal lives with all of you; the snow & humidity burdened. Don't worry - this fair weather won't last long for us either as we'll be on our way back east as soon as we can (wonderful family & friends beats great weather any day of the week).

So, with that I would only ask that you save our BonziBuzz to your favorites and check in on us every once and awhile. It's a change that'll do you good!