Home is where the belly is

I have been putting this post off for a while, there has been so much going on that each time I sat down to write, I just had no idea where to start.  In the last 20 days I have gone from the Dominican Republic to Kentucky (via a hellacious pregnant travel experience) where I got to spend some amazing time with my brother, my nephew, and their fun lady friend.  We carved pumpkins, dressed up as various Asian fighters for Halloween, rode horses, painted a masterpiece, and so much more. 

From Kentucky I went to Alabama to spend time with the In Laws, which I feel is a term that carries a horrible connotation.  Can't there be a term for your husband's family when you get along really great with them, like parents/sisters/brothers by marriage?  Hmmmm.  Anyway last minute surprise, and I got to spend those few days with our other two nephews!  I was also able to go to the Alabama LSU football game with father by marriage and brother by marriage, and a former Alabama player.  Not just any player, 1979 defensive captain and national champion under Bear Bryant.  Pretty cool.  The tailgating was amazing:huge flat screen tv's, 8 gallons of gumbo and jambalaya, all the sweets this pregnant lady could want, trash talking between fans, and excitement one could touch.  The end of the game was a let down, but it was a once in a life time experience I will never forget.

From Alabama I finally made my way to Colorado!  It feels so amazingly good to be back here.  The air is just so crisp, the skies so blue, the mountains so majestic, and the faces so familiar.  It has been nice to get settled in to where we are going to bring our baby girl home to.  My dad and I built her crib, and mom and I have gone through boxes of old clothes, toys, blankets etc... to deck out here makeshift, temporary nursery.  All this nesting has me really missing my hubs though.  As nice as it is to be with mom and dad, Patrick and I should be doing this together and it makes me so lonesome for him.  Also, as I am now able to focus on her upcoming arrival, I am more and more anxious that he will not get here in time.  She is getting so big in there, I feel like any day could be the day, and he won't be back for a full month longer.  Actually a month minus one day.  I am slowly starting to seek out things to fill me days: I dropped off some fliers advertising my tutoring services at my old high school, getting back into my exercise routine, and seeing old friends.  Still though, if it weren't for our baby's health, I would gladly trade all the wonderful things this place has to offer for the bugs and heat and dirty of the DR if it came with my husband. 

29ish weeks

32 weeks

 OK!  now that that's over with, my top ten!!

1.  My parents' dog, Aggie gets the paper every morning like its her job.  Its just too cute, and all too rare these days.

2.  Friends that made it not at all weird to be the VERY pregnant girl at the party.  You have no idea how nervous I was about that.

3.  Baby consignment stores!  So many adorable, clean, and CHEAP things for our baby! Does a wallet good.

4.  Non oppressive sunshine.  I love basking in the sun and it being a relief from the chill. 

5.  People that follow traffic laws!!!  It is so relaxing to drive here, downright enjoyable!

6.  Skype!  Not the same as face to face, but oh so much better than a phone call!

7.  Bagels.

8.  Still not having cravings.  I was so sure I would be a pickles and ice cream kinda girl, but so far I just want berries all the time. 

9.  Spending time with the folks.  Its not ideal living at your parents' house as a 27 year old married mother to be, but its still nice.

10.  Modern ultrasound machines and technicians!  I got to see my girl's chubby little face and sweet little lips, and gain total reassurance that she really is fully formed and perfect.  I also found out that she is sort of large, probably going to have a 9 pounder!