Race Against Time

In the last two weeks we have been racing against time, and I'm here to say that I think we won.  We had a long pre-baby to-do list that included chores and fun, and let me tell ya that aside from a walk to get a decaf latte' on Monday morning, those suckers are checked and done.  So listen up little one, anytime.  Anytime.

With that said, I'm beginning to feel the anxiety of the unknown slowly creeping in.  Sure, sleepless nights are due to being uncomfortable with a basketball under your p.j.'s, the achey hips, and bathroom breaks every few hours, but there's also the never-ending stream of thoughts that take over.  I'm remembering how much I actually don't remember from the first 6 months or so after Roman's birth.  That's kind of a scary thought!  I love that little boy to pieces, but the blur of everything... oh boy!  Fortunately, I have an awesome partner by my side.  If only I could get him to lactate.

Moving on.  At the end of July we celebrated Cindy's 60th birthday at our house.  None of us were actually sure if it was a surprise party or not, but in the end she acted very surprised and I think felt very loved by her friends and family.  Here are a few pictures of the day:

The party got a little rowdy for this guy- clothes were optional

Awesome cake made by my sister-in-law Jackie

The after 9pm crowd...age may possibly be creeping in friends

post-party tickles courtesy of Papa

Next on our to-do list was a day at the Museum of Flight.  It just so happened that the Blue Angels were doing their practice flights while they were based there for the week.  Roman and Jason were equally thrilled as it was loud, and involved fast planes and food.  

watching the Blue Angels take off in the morning

Jason's grandpa flew this model of airplane in the military

I would like to say to everyone out there- you're all liars.  This entire pregnancy people have been telling me that I look so great and that I'm all belly.  Uh, hello...do you not see the baby growing in my butt?

watching the Blue Angels take off in the afternoon.  We're close to melt-down here as a nap is overdue.  

sweet relief

Because Jason is awesome and held true to his word of holding off any unnecessary projects after August 1st, we snuck in another day trip.  This time we went to Alki in Seattle.  I had gone once in high school, but Jason had never been, and this was Roman's first time to the beach.  Roman started out very skeptical of the sand and practically climbed my leg to be held when his bare feet touched it the first time.  5 minutes later, we knew we should just settle in because this kid wasn't about to leave this giant sandbox.  

my nonexistent lap on the ride up there

sneaking in a nap on the way up

view from our parking spot approx. 2 miles from the actual beach.  Really awesome walk if both of you have to use the bathroom.

38 weeks

what the heck is this stuff??

that was an awesome diaper change

Overall, this was one of the most memorable family days we've had in a long time.  I may not have grown up at the beach, but living by the Bay has always been a constant and a comfort.  While I love our town, the only thing that I miss is that immediate access to a large body of water.  I'm looking forward to another day there as a family of four!

Last Saturday Jason and I celebrated our 6th Anniversary.  We actually milked this one for all it was worth by going to Alki on our anniversary, seeing a movie the evening before, and spending almost 3 toddler-free days together eating out, running errands, eating out, seeing movies, and eating out.  While we missed our little guy so much, we quickly realized that we could not only sleep in, but wake up watching a movie and drinking coffee and eat like a hobbit (the hobbit being me.  First breakfast, second breakfast, snack, third breakfast, lunch...).  Each anniversary has been so wonderful and I love having time with just Jason to reflect and tell each other how much we love and appreciate one another.  I'm so thankful that we found each other and that he loves me!!  What a blessing to marry your best friend.  

39 weeks

One of our wedding presents was a gift certificate to Jak's  that we used on our first anniversary.  Since then, we've gone every year for our anniversary and are never disappointed.  If you've yet to try it out, plan an outing because it's wonderful!  

I think that about does it.  The next post you see will have a sweet little baby in it!  Enjoy the rest of your weekend and have a wonderful week!

xoxo

Catching Up

I've been neglecting a blog post for a while now and it's time to play catch-up with some pictures!  Starting with the 4th of July parade downtown:

Hard to believe that a year ago Roman was this size and watching from the stroller!

Such a fun day and I love how much the big cousins take care of their little cousin!  They all love each other so much, and I look forward to continue watching them grow up together!

Well, minus the two gates, and another coat of paint the fence is done!!  Roman is officially contained and I can officially relax (well, minus worrying about him putting something in his mouth like rocks, a handful of dirt, worms, ants, a dead bee floating in the pool... I've been told the worrying never ends.).  Here's a couple of pictures:

putting in the last panel

putting on the final boards

Yes, there is lighting. Yes, it's awesome and yes, I think my husband is a genius.

Love how the light reflects off of the concrete below. 

Here are a few more pictures of our summer so far:

munchkin looking so big in his swim trunks and big boy haircut

silly boy

Roman is super into his "choo choo's" right now.  Our friends gave us a big box of Thomas trains and track that he plays with almost daily.  With all that play comes a lot of batteries.  People always tell you how expensive kids are...it's because of the batteries.   

And now, onto the most important subject.  Food.  If I learned anything as a teacher, it's that you have to be flexible with your plans.  Pie isn't cuttin' it anymore.  The pie countdown is nixed, but not to worry, there is still plenty of baking happening in this kitchen.  I found this recipe on pinterest, Sea Salt Caramel Brownies.  They looked too amazing to not try, so I gave it a whirl and used my girlfriends at book club as my guinea pigs (they didn't seem to mind).

the caramel

While these were richly amazing brownies, I would suggest doubling the caramel.  Jason and I both felt like a lot of the caramel was baked into the brownies rather than making a nice layer in the middle.  I think doubling it would have solved that problem.  Also, something I wish I would have had but didn't, was a candy thermometer.  The caramel crystalized on me and I think it's because I didn't have the exact temperature needed and a thermometer would have solved that problem.  Regardless, I think my friend Emily would be proud (check out her blog for awesome recipes!).  

And hello frozen cookie dough ready to be baked at a moments notice

Hard to believe that in a little over 3 weeks we'll be holding our newborn!  I remember seeing Roman for the first time and thinking hands-down he was the cutest thing I had ever seen.  I can't wait to see this baby's little face for the first time and to have to have those newborn snuggles again!  Oh yes, and the sleepless nights, the diaper blow-outs, the nursing marathons, and just general blur of the first 6 months or so...but the snuggles, coos, and short-lived baby phases are 110% worth every bit of sleeplessness. 

With that, I will say goodnight.  It's past my bedtime, and I have a sweet little boy who has no sympathy for a tired mama waking up in the morning.

Goodnight and have a great week!