Loving London

I've been back for one week now, and I can honestly say that it's been a dream.  I left America feeling sad to leave family and friends (naturally), but I landed with a positive outlook...and I'm loving it.  It's the best I've felt in London in a long time.
I'm at a great place in my pregnancy...no sickness, minimal worries, still active...and it feels SO good.
D and I joined an antenatal class on Wednesday nights (which we are really enjoying so far), I joined a book group on Friday mornings with some girls I met at church, and I've started prenatal pilates classes.  I'm keeping busy with fun and enjoyable activities!

i forget how beautiful it is until i'm back

Although 'nesting' is a bit challenging since we aren't staying in London for too long after the baby is due, I'm doing my best to rid our flat of unnecessary items.  This is the first time in my life that I've ever WANTED to throw things away.  I'm a sentimental hoarder by nature.  Things are different now.  We are going to have to fit all of our belongings as well as all of the paraphernalia that comes with a baby into our 750 square ft NYC apartment.  Absolutely doable, but tricky nonetheless.

~ ~ ~

The weekend was so great having D home.  He's been super busy at work, so we relaxed as much as we could.  Saturday we went to the gym and caught up on TV shows that we haven't watched since I'd been away and then met up with T&KC for dinner in Notting Hill.
Sunday we went to the gym and church and then visited M&M and their new baby boy.  They are now happily a family of four and doing great.

bump update: last week - 25 wks

Hope everyone has a happy week.

xx

Last Hurrah (in America) Before the Babe

I was on a writing hiatus for a while.  I'm putting full blame on my first trimester.  It wasn't pretty.  The all day nausea along with early pregnancy anxieties and absolute exhaustion were mostly responsible for my lack of commitment to writing.  I was unenthused by mostly everything and couldn't find the energy to muster up even a few lines.  Hormones are CRAZY. 

Well, I'm back in action and ready to pick up (kind of) where I left off. For the past seven weeks I have been in America and it was such an amazing time.  

15wks       -        16wks       -        17wks

18wks

August 13 (our 10 year "dating" anniversary): 

D and I flew to Chicago and bused it to Milwaukee to visit his family.  We spent a week there, spending time with his parents, sisters, brother, niece and nephew, aunt and grandmom. We also celebrated L&L's engagement and my mother-in-laws 61st birthday!!! 

August 20: 

Flew from MKE to Philadelphia to see my family.  Went out to eat at Taconneli's (it's the first place I go every time I come home) and spent the next day and a half catching up, playing with the kids, and running errands. I love American errands ;)

August 22: 

D and I hopped in our car and headed to Vermont for one of my closest college friend's wedding!!! We had missed our long car rides - singing, dancing, catching up, and the occasional road rage from D - so the 6 hour drive up north was actually pretty exciting :)

The weekend was fabulous.  From the Friday night rehearsal dinner and bonfire, to Saturday getting ready with the girls and watching Beej&Pete get married then dancing the night away with friends, to Sunday's brunch at their mountain house, it couldn't have been a more amazing celebration.  So thrilled I was able to be a part of it. 

August 25:

Our 20 week ultrasound!!!!  Baby was moving like crazy, but after an hour, the tech was able to get all the measurements necessary before sharing with us that our baby is growing healthily. 
.......Andddd exhale. Phew........

Next it was to the beach for a week of fun in the sun!!!!! We rode bikes, went fishing, ate scones, mini-golfed, laid out, and swam every day.  We had the best, best, best time!!!! The sand and the ocean are so healing.  

September 2 (my parents 36 wedding anniversary):

D had to leave to go back to London :(  Spent the day hugging him tight and also saying lots of prayers for my friends A&D who experienced a sad loss that day.  

The next few weeks were spent in and out of New York (walking around our neighborhood and eating at my favorite places), quality time with family and friends, and relaxing!!!! This was a time for me to catch up with people that I haven't seen in a while and also to "live it up" at home before this baby comes along and changes things (for the better, I know). 

September 20: 

Our friends Amy&Bobby got married in Avalon! Super fun night!

 

September 21:

My baby shower!!!! Such a special and memorable day. Friends drove hours and family flew in to celebrate with me and it truly meant so much.  I was smiling from ear to ear the entire day! We are extremely grateful to have so many wonderful people in our lives. Thank you, thank you!!!!!

wishes for baby

star mobile

late night diaper notes

'all because two leopards fell in love'
(lafayette reference)

leaning towards girl, but i think boy ;)

 

The week leading up to our departure was spent soaking it all in.  I was in American for almost 7 weeks, but when the time is nearing it's end, it never feels like long enough.  

can't wait to be back in our 'hood

breakfast at sarabeth's <3

new hope with the youngest two

September 26: 

Jenna&Jim got married in Atlantic city on the beach.  You couldn't have dreamt up a more gorgeous day - wind was blowing, sun was shining, and love was definitely in the air! 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

We left on September 28th with heavy hearts! It was really tough saying goodbye knowing that we won't be back until March. But, we have a lot to look forward to in the coming months and our goal is to make the absolute most of it!

xx