Crazy Couple Days!

Sorry for the blogging silence! Starting last Friday the leg/back spasms came back stronger than ever so I was a bit "under-the-weather" (and for some reason, sitting at the computer would always aggravate them more...sooooo I've been completely out of the internet loop for the past week; emails, blogs, facebook, I've missed them all)! But today is GOOD! No spasms and I've been sitting a the computer for about an hour now!

But enough about that, lets talk about my two favorite people! Yesterday was my due date. I went to the ER at about 3am, but not as the patient...I took Dan in! He's been having some heart issues over the past week or so. (His heart races, and pounds really hard, and he gets dizzy and nauseous). So we took him to the ER because he had another "attack." His heart checked out fine, his blood pressure was a bit high, but they sent us home around 5am. He had a followup appointment with his doctor in the evening and they hooked him up to a portable EKG machine that he's been wearing and has to keep on until he see the doc again this afternoon. They're going to test his Thyroid, and acid reflex, and many other things, so hopefully we'll get more answers today. But basically he's becoming a super-hero with his power having something to do with adrenaline. He's trying to hone in on his skills and learn how to master them...then he'll decide if he's gonna use them for good or for awesome!

He's currently hooked up to 7 wires!

I'm officially 40 weeks pregnant, and baby girl is very much on the way. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and she thought she'd be here before the weekend! WE'RE SO EXCITED! (For anyone who cares, I'm 2 cm dilated, and 80% effaced). Just waiting on contractions to start. I haven't had any yet. Baby girl did all the dilating and effacing by herself! She's So GREAT!

Happy New Years EVE!

please drink responsibly, and drink one for me :)

Let it Snow!

Well, we're snowed in like everyone else in Seattle! I love snow days! Dan worked from home last Thursday and again today. I love having him here, even if he is working. Saturday we ventured out to Safeway to stock up before the next round came. EVERYONE else had the same idea; I've never seen the lines so long. It started snowing when we got there, and by the time we had left our car had a light covering. We've been locked in ever since. And I think I've started to go a little stir crazy. I'm just so thankful that we didn't lose our power!

Starbucks Outing # 1: Espresso Truffle and Chai Tea Latte

I'm playing it over safe, not wanting to venture out in fear of getting stuck in the car and going into labor! So we've been home, watched all our netflix, walked down to our Starbucks twice to get out of the house, played card games and board games, played video games and read...And then I went crazy! Last night I had a laughing attack for about 20 minutes, about Nothing! And today, I had the hardest time getting motivated to shower! But relief is on the way! Mom and Dad are going to rescue us this evening! They're gonna come pick us up in there SUV and drive us to Bellevue for dinner! HURRAY!

Starbucks Outing #2: Americano with Room and 2 pump Chai Tea Latte

BABY UPDATE: I was supposed to go to the doctor today, but the snow closed up shop, and now she's gone until Friday! I'm 39 weeks pregnant! I'm due next TUESDAY! I just can't believe it! Last week was good - very few leg spasms, and minimal back pain. The last couple days, baby girl has been trying to make more room for herself. It's so tight in there, and she's kicking and punching my insides to stretch it bigger! Since the snow came I keep telling her, "stay inside where it's warm and safe," which is completely different from the week before when I kept telling her, "Get out! Get out! Get out!"

Favorites #6: Jak's Grill

One of our favorite restaurants is Jak's Grill in Issaquah, (there's also one in Laurelhurst and West Seattle). It's the most delicious steakhouse!

The food is so amazing, the atmosphere is swanky, and the drinks are made to perfection! Some of our favorites are: The Skewers - "dusted with Moroccan spices then finished with a rich gorgonzola cream sauce." Dan's Filet Mignon last night was to die for - "the most tender cut, aged to perfection." They have these Potato Pancakes that are so fantastic, they actually blow your mind! And they make the most amazing Drinks, Cosmos, Gin & Tonics, Lemon Drops, you name it!

We've been quite a few times over the years celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, Valentines, etc. We had been planning to go last night, and since the snow held out, we were able to keep our date! I was restricted from getting some of my favs, blue cheese salad, gorgonzola cream sauce, and a perfectly blended cosmopolitan, but it was still absolutely wonderful! We didn't take any pictures, but here are a couple from over the years.

2008 - My Birthday Last March

2005 - Our 3rd Anniversary

This is how I'm really doing...

My blogging comes in waves, and here's why: My pregnancy seems to be going in weekly cycles...Every other week is either good or bad, and I don't blog during the harder weeks, (which is good cause it would just come out as complaining I'm sure).

Three ago I felt huge, and I had some back pain and I was more emotional. Then the following week I felt great (which I blogged about). I felt mobile, comfy, and quite good for being 36 weeks pregnant. Then this last week came and it was BRUTAL! I had back spasms that would send shooting pain down by leg because my ligaments are so loose in preparation for baby to come. The pain was so intense it actually took my breath away. Friday was the worst! My back was seizing a couple times an hour, and nothing seemed to make it stop...

...But then Saturday came, the new week, the change in cycle. I only had one or two spasm, my spirits were up, and it was a much better day! So I'm hoping for another good week. (Well truth be told, I'm hoping baby girl just comes and ends the pregnancy all together)!

So now I wait. I have my hospital bag partially packed, I have the laundry done, and Dan and I finish wrapping all our Christmas presents this morning. And I wait. It could be today, it could be another 3 weeks. But I pray each day that today is the day I get to meet baby girl!

38 weeks - 2 weeks til she's due!

Best Morning EVER!

Dan and I had such a wonderful time at Salish for Breakfast! It was kinda our "babymoon" - big hurrah before baby comes. This was our third breakfast there, the first being on our honeymoon, and the second on our 5th anniversary.

My favorite part of the meal, is the coffee. They pour you fresh coffee (Starbucks Christmas Blend this time), and bring a tray with Chocolate shavings and Devonshire Crème as well as cream, sugar, and sweeteners. Sooooo Delicious!!! Dan got pancakes, eggs, and smoked bacon, and I got an Omelet with fruit and a biscuit! The food is just so good!

It was so great just to soak it all in. We were there about 2 hours just talking and laughing and dreaming of baby girl. We actually may have come up with her name too! (We're going to wait until we see her to know for sure, but we came up with a first and middle name that we liked a lot).

I feel so blessed to have Dan by my side, I adore him so much. And I'm excited, nervous, eager, terrified, thrilled, and overwhelmed about the year to come! I'm so glad I have God's daily grace, and Dan's daily love and support.

Oh Happy Day!

I had a Great Day! In fact, I'd say I've been having a pretty good week, and I'm excited for the next two days as well!

~ Monday: Our Movie Night Christmas Party was amazing! (There was 22 in all)!


~ Tuesday: My doctor's appointment went really well! All things are looking good, baby girl is head down and getting ready to go!

~ Wednesday: I had my weekly Bible Study with my cousin Erin.

~ Today:
* FINALLY the trucking company of the semi-driver that hit me 6 weeks ago admitted to it being his fault and they sent the appraisal guy out today so we can get the Jetta fix!!! (Such a huge answer to prayer and such a relieve).
* Had lunch with Dan at Great Harvest! (Our favorite: Hummus and Avocado Sandwich on Asiago Pesto Bread filled to the brim with veggies)!
* Ran errands with success! Did some returns/exchanges/got some fun new things for baby and I!
* Got this in the mail! (Bébé au Lait nursing cover)

* I feel good, I have energy, and I'm not too uncomfortable!
* Dan got me this as a Christmas present! (A Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag)
* I made delicious Fajita's for dinner!
* We had our last Birthclass!
* And now I'm off to bed, to dream sweet dreams, (and pee every 1-2 hours)!

~ Friday: I'm getting my haircut and Dan and I are going to see Quantum Of Solace.

~Saturday: Dan and I are going to have Breakfast at the Salish Lodge!!!

The Nursery

Over the past month Dan (with minimal help from me) has been working on transforming our walk-in closet into a beautiful nursery. All we have left are a few decorative touches, shelves, pictures, etc., but other than that, it's basically done!

Before
After
Everything in between

What all took place, and honorable mentions: Dan and I tore down the shelving, I filled the holes and textured the walls, Dan and My Dad installed an outlet, Dan painted, Dan installed a chandelier, Dan built the crib, I made up the crib (thank you Anne for the sheet, Mom I. for the quilt, and Mary Jensen and Kellie for the crib-skirt), Dan built the dresser, (thank you Mom R. for the changing pad and cover), I sorted clothes (thank you Sarah and Erin E. for all the hand-me-downs, and many others for all the cute new outfits), Dan arranged all the furniture, and I organized toys, (thank you Marta for the mouse/Impala and Miss Rumphius, and Erin H. for Little Miss Helpful), I made dinner, Dan and I feasted (thank you Kara for the wine).

To celebrate completion, and thank him for all his hard work, I made a FEAST last night for dinner: Crab, Cheesy Potatoes, Coconut Shrimp, and Caprese Salad. And for Dessert we shared a slice of Tiramisu and Chocolate Mousse Cake! It was so delicious!

Remember the Sabbath

We had the most lovely Sunday yesterday! Truly a day of rest and relaxation!

• Sleeping In

• Breakfast: Eggs Over Easy, Canadian Bacon, Sourdough Toast, and Coffee

• Video Games & Books: Tetris and baby reading for me, Spore and Resistance 2 for Dan

• Photo Shoot at the Park: Photos taken by Dan setting timer and running for it!
  

• Starbucks Date: Signature Hot Chocolate and a slice of Pumpkin Loaf for Dan, Chai Tea Latte and a Berry Stella for me

• Church

• Home for Potstickers and Coconut Curry Sticks

• More baby reading for me and Resistance 2 for Dan

• Watched previous night's SNL

• Off to bed, cuddle time with Kung Fu baby (she was crazy last night)!

I just had such a wonderful day!!! I can't put into words how much fun Dan and I have together, or how much I truly love being with him, but maybe these pictures will help you get an idea!

34 Weeks!!!

I LOVE This Guy!

Favorites #5: Lakeside Bible Camp

My favorite place on earth...Lakeside Bible Camp! Although I don't go there like I used to, I just love this place. We try to make it up at least once a summer by attending a Salmon Bake. It's funny, but most of our current friends are from camp, (not high school or college, but camp)! It also happens to be the place where Dan and I met!

Salmon Bake 2005

I love that my mom grew up going there and was friends with the parents of people I grew up going to camp with, (Rod Hanson, Dave Spiro, & Pete Matthews, to name a few). And I love the idea that my children will have the same experience. (For example this year, as far as girls go, our daughter will go to camp with Josée Leffel, baby girl Frost, Rosie McSharry, and many others).

Family Camp 2006

I grew up going to family camp every summer, and then when I was old enough I went to any and all other weeks I could attend. It was so much a part of my life and my families lives, and I love that it means just as much to Dan and his family too. My Grandma Irwin was the first camp nurse, my mom did staff, Dan's dad was the director for Senior Boys for like 15-20 years, and now his oldest brother Kevin does it. It's just such a wonderful place full of so many memories. I can't wait to start going to family camp with our kids!

Family Camp 2006

Favorites #4: Dangerous Segway Gangs!

Although the quality of this video is very poor, it may be one of my favorite music videos. I really enjoy Guster, and the idea of a Segway Gang is hilarious. I hope you enjoy!

Happy Halloween!

Dan and I had a blast at Bridget's Spooktacular Costume Party this Halloween! We went as Paulie Bleeker and Juno MacGuff:

Here are more pictures from the party with Pippi Longstocking, Margot Tenenbaum, Little Red Riding Hood, Nancy Drew, Dragon Boy, Gangster and Dragon Man.