All Caught Up

Whew!  It's been a busy few weeks getting all caught up on the adventures of our lives but I did it and I'm so glad I put forth the effort.  This will be my last entry until baby arrives.  Due to my high blood pressure (yes, if you weren't already aware, I was diagnosed with high BP at the tender age of 25 - it's great, let me tell you), I am scheduled to be induced at 39 weeks.  Or, as I like to say, this Sunday, June 3.  Audrey was induced too so this is familiar territory.  It's kind of nice having it planned but of course, baby could still decide to come early.  We've been frantically getting ready and I think we're finally there.  Not sure that we're mentally ready though!  My biggest concern is making sure Audrey is okay through the transition of having her little world turned upside down.  It's going to be interesting when it doesn't revolve solely around her.  I actually think it's going to be hard for me too.  I like doting on her and making her feel special.  Not that that's going to change, it's just going to be different.  I never want her to feel left out or second best.  I'm sure this is a completely normal parent feeling but it's new to me.  I want my baby girl to always be my baby girl.  :)  So, only 4 days left.....I'll see you on the other side.

Ice Cream Man!

My dad was visiting over Mother's Day when we heard the familiar song of the ice cream truck a few streets over.  Audrey had never stopped the ice cream man before so we thought it was the perfect time.  She waited patiently and looked over her options, finally landing on the Sno-Cone!

Happy Birthday, Bill! - May 5, 2012

My man, my handsome, sexy husband, turned 35 this year!  He had requested dinner at his favorite restaurant in town L'Albatros, so I called ahead and arranged for us to have their 6 course tasting menu.  What we didn't know was that they'd prepare a special menu just for the two of us.  When we sat down, they handed us small printouts (see below) of what they were going to prepare.  We looked around and realized that we were the only ones who had these.  After that, the sommelier came by to discuss wine options with Bill as he was planning on having a pairing with each course.  I asked the sommelier to have their mixologist prepare me a surprise mocktail.  I was given the yummiest ginger, rosemary and strawberry drink - a combination I never would have thought of.  It was delicious!

If you count the amuse bouche, we really had 7 courses and by the end, Bill really had 8 glasses of wine because the sommelier threw in an extra glass before the cheese course!  I had to drive home and what you can't see in the picture above is that I was wearing 3" heels and Bill's car is a stick!  Oh well, we made it alive.

The amuse bouche was foie gras terrine over brioche toast with rhubarb compote and edible flowers from their garden.  Not to take away from the other courses but it was quite possibly the best few bites of the whole night.  For the fromage course, a cheese plate - and by "plate" I mean rolling butcher block cart - was brought to our table and a server went through all of our options.  I think there were about 10-12 different varieties to choose from.  They had your mild cheddar all the way to your super stinky blue.  We opted for a creamy cheddar, a goat and the super stinky blue.  It was paired with toast points and fig jam as a palate cleanser.

Throughout the meal, we wondered how we were lucky enough to be enjoying such indulgence.  Life is definitely good and we are definitely spoiled.

Let's Go Tribe! - April 27, 2012

We took Audrey to her first major league baseball game after getting tickets through the Urology department at the hospital.  We had great seats and Audrey was very interested in the action.  Now, whenever we drive by the field, she points and tells us that's where she saw her first baseball game!  Even better, Cleveland won!

Here Comes Peter Cottontail! - April 2012

It's Easter again and it's the first time Audrey will be getting a visit from the Easter bunny and participating in an Easter egg hunt!  Bill's parents came in for the weekend so they could take part in the activities.  Our street organized an egg hunt that included breakfast for the adults.  They did such a nice job.  The kids were divided by age and given certain yards to hunt in.  They also capped the number of eggs a child could find at 12 so everyone would be equal.  I was actually relieved to learn both of these things - 1) because Audrey weighs a whopping 23 pounds and I was terrified of her getting bowled over by the bigger kids and 2) because I was terrified she wouldn't get to any eggs in time and end up empty handed.  Obviously all was well and she had so much fun looking for her eggs.

All the candy!!

We also decorated eggs for the first time!

The Easter bunny (and family members sending gifts!) also treated her well this year with a large basket full of goodies.

And finally, looking pretty for church.

Naples, FL - February 2012

My family, both immediate and extended, have been vacationing (and eventually living) in Naples, Florida for over 30 years.  My parents, brother and I went down for two weeks every year from the time I was about 2 until I left for college.  My grandma purchased a condo when I was little and upgraded to a villa when I was in high school.  After she passed away, my mom and uncle got the house.  It's nice to have a home away from home in sunny, beautiful Florida.  (Shamelss plug - the house is available for rent when family isn't using it. Let me know if you want details! ;) In fact, Bill's and my first vacation together was to Naples and at the time, he said it was the best vacation he'd ever had.  :)  My first plane ride was to Naples and this February, it became Audrey's first plane destination too.  We had SUCH a good time.  The weather was fantastic so we were able to get to the pool everyday, hit the beach, zoo, play putt putt (mini golf for those not from Ohio) and just relax and enjoy all the fresh seafood we could stuff ourselves with.  We knew this would be our last vacation for awhile, for sure until baby arrived, so we wanted to make the best of it.  I believe we succeeded.

Ready for takeoff!

 At the docks.

 At Tin City.

Riding a camel at the zoo....not sure what I was thinking since I was wearing a sundress!

 Eating ice cream for like the 4th night in a row.

 We discovered that Audrey loves Gatorade during this trip.

Audrey's first time at Naples Pier!

This is how we started - she was all into it.....

 And this is how we ended.....

These horses - Mustangs, actually - are at the entrance to our subdivision.  I forget the story behind them but taking pictures in front of them has always been huge so it only made sense to make Audrey stand out in the blustery day so I could get a photo.  :)

Last story to share.  On the flight home, the flight attendant asked if it was Audrey's first time flying.  When I said it was, she said she'd go get her wings.  I turned to Audrey and said, "Audrey, you're going to get wings!"  She asked, "Will it hurt?"  :)

Cupcakes! - January 29, 2012

In honor of Audrey's favorite book at the time, If you Give a Cat a Cupcake, we decided to make our own cupcakes!  Someone, I won't name names, was a tad heavy handed with the sprinkles, while someone else got to experiment with her different frosting tips!

Family Photoshoot - January 21, 2012

I've been wanting to get family photos of us done for a long time so we finally went.  I was 20 weeks pregnant and I think the photos turned out beautifully!  I couldn't be more thrilled.