The Glenns' visit, Memorial Day 2009

We had a lovely weekend with my mom and dad. Lots of good food, cold drinks, great company, and FINALLY summer-like weather added up to a fun time. We grilled out Friday night upon their arrival, and Saturday morning was dedicated to bonding time. Geoff took Dad shooting, and Mom and I got facials and shopped. Saturday afternoon was Geoff's and my 4th annual trek to see Garrison Keillor in Prairie Home Companion at Wolf Trap Park. We, along with Casey and Cass, have our picnicing on the lawn down to a precise science, and we have also learned to time our pregnancies VERY well in order to get the primo parking spot. (Her turn was last year, this year mine, and next year, hers again). It was warm Saturday afternoon, waiting for Garrison, but we didn't complain after the yucky spring we've had. (See pics). On Sunday, we took my parents to the Quatro Goombas' winery for another outdoor picnic, and then grilled out again for dinner. After the unseasonable cold weather and rain the South has gotten, we all felt the need to enjoy the unofficial start of summer by being outdoors as much as possible. It was a wonderful weekend, and I cannot wait to be back in 'Bama in one month's time to enjoy the lake, a baby shower, and a visit to good ol' Camp Winnataska! HOORAY FOR SUMMER!

I made it halfway!

Well, I am "over the hump" so to speak. I am officially halfway through my pregnancy, and although there were some days that seemed long at first, especially when Geoff was away, I truly cannot believe how quickly has seemed to fly. I had my 20 week appointment on Tuesday, and my nurse called me a "pregnancy overachiever." (Well, I do tend to be that in lots of areas, so why not this one too?) Everything looks amazingly good, and despite my occasional longing for a glass of wine or cold beer, I feel great! Here is a picture of me 4 and 1/2 pounds heavier than the last belly shot at 16 weeks. And here is a sweet picture of Bella and me, simply because it is precious. (She wanted to be in my belly shot, so I had to make it up to her). Love to all!

Mother's Day 2009

Today I awoke to my first Mother's Day gift ever, a lovely orchid, and a card promising me dinner and a pair of crocs (because I've been using the pair Steph left here over two months ago, despite their being too big for me)! Geoff was really sweet to do this, although I take my own mother's view of this day to heart. "If you can't tell me you love me every day of the year, don't bother on Mother's Day." Since Geoff does tell me he loves me on a daily basis, I can accept his gift without any reservation!

We also had our 20 week ultrasound on Thursday. It was not as fun as we thought it would be. First of all, I had to drink 16 ozs. of water beforehand, and then lay on a hard table for an hour and 15 minutes. Imagine my discomfort! Second of all, we didn't know this ultrasound would be all business, making sure the heart has 4 chambers, that there were 2 kidneys, that the femur measured a certain length, etc. Man that lady took a lot of pictures! This was all compounded by the fact that Baby Howard was CONSTANTLY moving. I certainly hope this is not any indication of future behavior, as we may have a serious case of ADHD on our hands. The sonographer was getting exasperated, saying (in her Indian accent) "Oh God, baby. Please, baby. Be still, baby..." over and over. I started to find it funny, but Geoff did not. He asked for a facial shot (because we saw some CUTE ones during the exam), but she only managed to take these Skeletor shots (remember him from He-Man and the Masters of the Universe?). Anyway, Baby Howard looks perfectly healthy, no spina bifida or cleft palate, thank goodness. As for the sex, Geoff asked the doctor to write it down and seal it in an envelope, which is now magnetized to our fridge. I don't know how long this secret will last, since our sonographer said she was 100% sure she was right. We're still trying to keep the sex as a surpise until delivery, but if we do open the envelope, we'll be sure to let everyone know! I go back to the doctor on Tuesday for my normal health screening, at which time I will know how much weight I've gained in the last 4 weeks (no, there is no scale in this house). I will post a belly shot and a weight update then.

News on the Howard house renovation: Geoff is halfway finished installing the dining room floor, we sold the old dining room table and chairs, and the new dining room table and buffet have been delivered. Now we just need some chairs, some crown molding, some curtains, and the grand kitchen/dining room renovation will be complete and we can start creating a nursery! FUN! Pictures will be posted!

Happy Mother's Day to all mommies, and our love to all!