Bridal Shower

I went back to MA a couple of weekends ago (April 9-12) for Scott and Liz’s surprise bridal shower. I took a red eye, thinking I could sleep on the plane, turns out when you’re pregnant, you don’t sleep on a plane. It was nice that I got their Friday morning and Russ and Ruth picked me up from the airport. I stayed with Russ and Lauren and got to get my baby Aiden fill. He is very cute and long. He was a good baby! I got to hang with the family all day Friday and got some sleep in (don’t worry Lauren had a snoogle pillow from her pregnancy, so I didn’t have to go without for the weekend)!

On Saturday Lauren and I went and picked up cupcakes (so delicious) and went early to decorate the country club for the bridal shower. Liz was surprised and we had a nice brunch and dove right into presents. Scott and Liz got a lot of great stuff including a patio set which was used later in the day. After the shower everyone went to Scott and Liz’s house and had a BBQ and hung out. The weather was really nice out, a little on the cold side, which was perfect for me since I am hot all the time!

Sunday the girls (Ruth, Lauren, Liz and Melissa) took me out for a pedicure, which was much needed and appreciated! We then went to delicious deserts and Liz ordered her wedding cake, a layer of chocolate cake and a layer of white cake and raspberry filling, we all got to sample the cake (yummy)! Even though I can’t go to the wedding, I can at least say I had some of the cake! Then the whole family went to Jimmy’s and had lunch, Aiden slept the whole lunch, I thought that was pretty good. After lunch Ruth and Russ went and picked up Grandpa McCollem so he could see me and the baby. It was very nice to talk with him. After we settled into Russ and Lauren’s house, the family had a baby shower for me complete with chocolate cake and milk. I got all sorts of clothes, books, bibs, pacifiers etc. It was very thoughtful of them, I definitely lucked out having great in-laws.

Even though the trip was short, I am glad I got to see everyone, the next time I see them the baby will be here!

Easter Weekend

Another beautiful Arizona weekend! Saturday, while Darren and my dad went for a hike at Pass Mountain, I stayed and did some spring cleaning since we were having Easter at our house again this year. Later that night Megan, Noah, Owen and myself got a bite to eat and went to Swirl It Frozen Yogurt, which just so happens to be right down the street from my house. As you can tell by an earlier blog, I am all about Frozen Yogurt and I am sure it will only get worse as the summer creeps in on us! We then went to Jenny and Steve’s house to see Peyton. He is so little and snuggly.

Sunday morning, Megan, Noah and Owen and I went to church. It was a nice service outside. The church is currently being built, so for Easter everyone brings a lawn chair and we sit outside on the land where the church is being built.

Later Darren and I prepared for everyone to come over for Easter. John, Katrina and Bear came over first and made some of Katrina’s famous potato salad. I would have really enjoyed it, but I don’t like Bacon (I know what’s wrong with me, I get asked that question all the time.. about bacon only). Next my Mom, Dad and Coop-de-jour (i.e Cooper) came by. My mom made a very cute Easter decorated carrot cake and cupcakes. Janie and Steve showed up with a cheese ball made to look like a rabbit accented with veggies (very creative), everyone ate around the bunny face, no one dare dig into the middle. Then Rob, Nikki, Reece and Alexa came (with very cute Easter dresses) and brought some yummy pastries drizzled in chocolate and wine. Following behind them was Bryan, Megan, Noah and Owen with beer and deviled eggs (always a favorite).

For dinner Darren made a great ham, and I made mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, caesar salad, and two loaves of bread (Buddy didn’t get a loaf this year, like he snuck one off the counter last year). It was so much fun having everyone over. Easter is one of my favorite holidays because the weather is beautiful and it is not all about gifts and rushing around.

Hope everyone had a Hoppy Easter!

“The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.”

~Robert Flatt

Third Trimester – Tuesday, April 1, 2010

Wow, everything felt so slow until Tuesday when I realized I have hit my third trimester, my 7^th month mark, less than 85 days to go mark. After tonights doctor’s appointment, I start going every two weeks. We are very excited; it is definitely going to change everything we know!

Things are starting to pick up around the house as well. With all the homework Darren has on the weekends he has been fitting in a lot of time for the baby. He has sanded and painted the dresser, put in the ceiling fan in the baby’s room, patched up any holes in the room, Hung the new cordless blinds up, brought the bed down to the fitness room, which is now Ruth’s Suite (because she is coming for a month in July and will probably be the first guest to use it), he spray painted the headboard to the bed and help me move furniture around the room. He also put together the glider which just came in a few days ago, I love it, it is definitely going to get its use! So even though the room is empty with a glider, it is still a step forward to the room being complete! I am starting to feel organized around the house!

Darren has been great throughout my whole pregnancy. With everything on his plate he hasn’t forgotten how important family is. He is going to be a great dad!