Almost There

At this point, you never know if we will be able to get a picture like this again, so here we are, at 36 weeks (me) and 37 weeks (Suzanne). The race is on! She is ready, and I am getting there, but I don't mind hanging in there just a bit longer. (We had our prenatal yoga class tonight, hence the comfy clothes).

Adam and I are painting the walls tomorrow, I am almost done packing the hospital bag, and have quite a few more things to cross off my list before this baby arrives. I am starting to feel those Braxton Hicks contractions a little more frequently however, so we will see. I am not counting on this baby being early, since Owen was 2 weeks late, but you never know!

We got the families together and barbecued tonight after yoga. I made homemade mint chip ice cream with my new ice cream maker which was a hit with the kids (and the adults I might add : ). I must have heard "I want ice cream!" from both of them for several hours at least 20 times each. We finally fulfilled their wish and here are some pics of them enjoying every last bite. They are very serious about their ice cream!

The beach

We haven't been to the beach in quite a while. It has been windy in the afternoons and I am either working or it's been too cold to go during the day, until today. Today was hot and wonderful! I finally got my fair share of Vitamin D. I needed it!

We packed up snacks, water and towels and drove 10 minutes to Goleta beach. When I turned around to see Owen, he was sound asleep. Great.

My Mom was on her way to meet us as well as my friend Tia and her son Mason. I let Owen sleep until everyone got there. I had to wake him up and get him going again, which didn't take too long. It's pretty nice to get to wake up and be at the beach already I think.

He was as happy as could be once we got there. He sat down and gobbled down his snacks (I am convinced he is going through another growth spurt right now, the only time he stops eating is when he's sleeping!). Then it was time to burn energy! He must have ran 10 miles in circles on the beach with Nana. He was so happy to play in the water. We had a great day, I am so ready for summer!

Baby Shower

Well, here we are at 9 months along and 4 weeks to go! This pregnancy is flying by so fast, I can't believe it. This weekend my amazing mother decided to throw me a really sweet baby shower. She kept it small and quaint and I made sure that boys were allowed to attend : ) I don't know why baby showers have become a women's event. This is Adam's baby too, so I think he should be just as involved in celebrating her life. (Plus, I wanted some of the attention diverted away from me, as I am not an attention seeker ; ) Owen was prepped all week and couldn't stop talking about "baby sister's shower." He walked around all week practicing saying "Thank you for coming!" (My mom told him to hand out all the favors as people were leaving : ) He even got plenty of presents to open for himself to help him feel included and not jealous. Honestly, he is just as excited as Adam and I are and I have not sensed any negativity or jealousy at all yet. He has however pretended to be a baby at times, and I am guessing it will get worse once she arrives.

My Mom made an incredible brunch with blueberry blintz's, two egg dishes, fruit salad, croissants, mimosas, the whole nine. She decorated the house beautifully and put her special touch into everything from the favors to the way the gifts were displayed! It was a perfect day, thanks Mom.

We were all so happy to see Miss Gwendolyn and her parents too of course! Suzanne is due one week before me with #2 : )Little Oliver. Our practice baby....except I never get to hold him because he is always asleep in the baby carrier or the car seat : (

Morning Walk

Just getting out of the house with a dressed 2 year old is quite an ordeal. It's nearly impossible to get Owen dressed in the morning. He LOVES to wear his pajamas for as long as he possibly can (or until we trick him into changing into play clothes somehow). Once he is in his play clothes, it won't be long before they are off and pj's are back on. I can't really blame him, they are pretty comfortable and stretchy : )

Anyway, I had a little time before work, and I was determined to get him dressed and enjoy some sunshine and exercise before I had to massage people in a sunless room for a few hours. Adam came home from yoga and we all took a nice walk on the bluffs behind our house this morning. What normally takes me 20 minutes to walk when I am in a hurry, takes about 60 when you have a toddler who loves to collect sticks along the way! He will be very helpful to have around when are camping and need some kindling for a fire. ; ) Stick collecting is not quite as helpful when I need to get to work on time.
There is a tree swing along the path that Owen loves. I had fun taking pictures of him swinging. Here are my favorites:

Mother's Day

I got to start my day with a peaceful walk along the beach while Owen was still sleeping. When I came home I was greeted with a "Happy Mother's Day" at the door from my favorite son ;). Adam started to get to work in the kitchen while I got to relax and wait for a wonderful brunch with family.

Owen and I had to run to the store for something and when I came back, our little "Zen Garden" had a separate entrance for "Mother's Only." He had relaxing music on, the fountain was flowing and there were mimosas (as well as sparkling OJ) and strawberries waiting for me and my Mom and Grandma Zena. I married such a creative and thoughtful man. Owen was Daddy's little helper and cleared our plates (by eating a lot of our strawberries) and brought them to the kitchen to be washed. We then moved on to the sunny backyard and were served 2 amazing quiches, a fruit salad and a green salad. All made from scratch by Adam I might add. He is not a cook by any means, so it means even more to me when he does stuff like this.

Once we came inside, it was time for Owen to get comfortable in his pj's and play cowboy with his hat, red bandanna and horse (or rocking giraffe).

After dishes were washed (by Adam) and everyone went home it was time for my prenatal yoga class. Ahh, I am relaxed just writing about my day! Thanks Adam for taking such good care of your West Coast Moms, I am so lucky to have you as my other half :) xo

And to MY Mom, I am extremely fortunate to have you as my Mother, and even luckier that you live so close. I don't know what I would do with out you, my best friend. All of your support and help is so appreciated. We are forever grateful to have you in our lives. I love you. xo

This is Daddy, Mommy, Owen and "Baby Sister" that Owen created with Nana ; )

Zoo date with Daddy

Unfortunately, I came down with a sudden cold this week, so Adam took Owen to the zoo for a few hours so I could get some uninterrupted rest at home. I wished I was feeling good enough to go, they had so much fun and the animals were all up close and personal. Next time.

The Gibbons are some of our favorites to see at the zoo. When they are active, they sound awesome and are fun to watch.

They got pretty close to the elephants too.

Looks like he's getting a kiss from a new Meerkat. They are so cute!Lately Owen has been all about "picnics." He lays his blankets all over the house with his books and toys and plastic plates and forks and says that he's "having a picnic." He loves to eat, and he loves to be outdoors, so it's no wonder that it's one of his favorite things to do! Adam packed up the blanket, and some lunch and had a picnic at the zoo with his favorite little guy.Owen has recently discovered and loves the giant rope spider web.

No zoo trip would be complete without a few slides down the giant "ant hill" on a piece of carboard to make you go faster!

Swim Time

Yet another beautiful warm day in sunny Santa Barbara. Time to hit the pool! Nana got Owen this funny little swimsuit/ life vest to help keep him afloat. Today was the test run. Still not sure about the safety of it all, but until he learns to swim on his 0wn, he will not be out of our arms in the water anyway.

No fear jumping in....which scares the heck outta me!I think this kid is so handsome : )

Keira's House

Suzanne and I came home from our prenatal yoga class and got to watch Owen and Keira play for a few hours. They had so much fun together. Keira is the cutest little dancer and loves to sing at the top of her lungs. Owen would just rather scream and spin in circles! I guess that's the difference between boys and girls :)

I just Love these kisses!

32 Weeks

Things are flying by. Here is a belly shot taken in the mirror of my 32nd week. Only 8 more to go! (Hopefully!)