Monday, April 16, 2007

Baby Names

Here's what we've decided on so far:

BOY - Austin Eugene (neither of us are crazy about this middle name, but since every first born boy on his side of the family has the same middle name, including Bryan, we can't argue with tradition)

GIRL - Madison Marie

Disclaimer: Names are subject to change

It will be about another 5 or 6 weeks before we find out. I'm on the fence about finding out ahead of time. I don't really want to know, but patience isn't one of my strongest virtues and the suspense would probably drive me nuts. But Bryan really wants to know. So I willfully conceded and we're going to find out at my 20-week appointment (which I just realized is the halfway point in my pregnancy).

I just noticed that both of these names are also state capitol cities.

Friday, April 13, 2007

News

I'm sure most of you have heard by now, but I have some really exciting news to share. Bryan and I are going to be getting married (though we're not "officially" engaged as of yet)...and we're going to have a baby! I'm so happy that all my dreams are coming true. I've fallen in love, I'm getting married, and I'm going to have a family. I didn't think it would all happen at the same time, though. We haven't set a date yet. He hasn't officially proposed yet, but we know it's going to happen. But I'm due October 10. I just started my second trimester and I'm beginning to show a bit. I've been feeling great! I lucked out not to have any morning sickness. At my last appointment, we were able to hear the heartbeat for the first time. It was amazing! It was beating so fast (170 bpm). My next appointment is in 2 weeks, but it won't be anything really exciting. It's just a normal check up and they're going to run some routine tests. Everything's been going perfectly so far. Of course I'll keep you updated as we go.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Easter Pictures

Here are some pictures from the weekend:



Sears Tower Souvenier


FLW Home & Studio



Field Museum

Waiting for the El



View from the plane

















Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Easter In Chicago

This past weekend was quite a weekend. It started out really early Friday morning when we had to get up at 3am to make a 5:20am flight. We arrived at O'Hare airport around 9am and took the Blue Line into the city. We were able to check in early. After we dropped all our stuff off, we grabbed some lunch and then went to find a scarf for Bryan. Temperatures were in the low 30s and the wind didn't help either. We went to several stores but couldn't find a scarf anywhere. Everybody had all their spring and summer stuff out. My parent arrived while we were out shopping and they just happened to pack an extra scarf (along with my big heavy coat). With that, we headed back to the hotel and took a nap. Afterwords, we bundled up and trekked back outside to go to the Sears Tower. Bryan had never been to Chicago before (outside of the airport). That was the one thing he told me that he wanted to see. We picked the best day, too. Friday was fairly clear, but the rest of the weekend was mostly overcast. After the Sears Tower, we headed back to the hotel and finally met up with everyone to go to dinner. It was so nice to see everybody. Seth has gotten so big. My parents were ecstatic to finally meet Bryan. We've known each other for nearly 4 years and they have never met.

On Saturday, Bryan & I walked up and down Michigan Avenue, the Magnificant Mile. We walked all the way to the Water Tower and back. We ate lunch at the original Pizzaria Uno. Later in the afternoon, we all went out to Oak Park. Bryan & I went to see Frank Lloyd Wright's Home & Studio while everyone else went to see Amy & Adam King (Sam's friends from college). When we got to the house, though, we were too late for the last tour. We browsed the gift shop a bit (to get warm) before walking all the way back to town. When we got into town, we stopped in my favorite paper supply store. It was like being a kid in a candy store for me. I didn't buy anything, but I browsed for a lot of ideas and even signed up for their mailing list. Afterwards, we met back up with everyone and hopped back on the Green Line back to the city. We rested for a little bit before heading over to Mike & Sonia's place for dinner and to dye eggs.

Easter morning, we all met at the hotel's restaurant for their breakfast buffet before heading to church. After church we spend the rest of the day at Mike & Sonia's. We had a delicious Easter dinner. Bryan ended up cutting his finger while peeling potatoes during preparations.

For our last day, Bryan & I went to the Field Museum. We actually walked all the way there. After the museum, we started looking for a place to eat dinner. We happened upon this place called Miller's Pub (at Adams & Wabash). It was really good. I had stuffed cabbage (minus the cabbage), mixed veggies and mashed potatoes. Bryan had ribs. We shared a delicious apple pie for dessert. After dinner, we had to rush a bit back to the hotel and onto the Blue Line to the airport. We made it to the gate just as they were boarding. We ended up having a whole row to ourselves, so it was nice to be able to spread out a bit. We arrived at MCO shortly after midnight. It was such a nice getaway. I had been missing my family. I'm so glad that Bryan was able to come and meet them, finally. In 3 weeks, I get to meet his parents.

I'm sorry I don't have any pictures. I haven't had a chance to download them yet. I'll post them soon.

Monday, April 02, 2007

Not Much To Report

Well, there's not much to report from this weekend because I didn't really do much of anything. Friday we had a Mardi Gras party at work. Yes, I know the real Mardi Gras was over a month ago. I guess they just needed some sort of reason to party. It was kind of fun, except the weather wasn't too cooperative. It was kind of cool and drizzly rain. The only other big news from the weekend is that my best friend Jen had her baby on Saturday afternoon. It's a boy, Jett Brandon Harris - 6lb 4oz, 19 in long. It's a short week this week. We leave REALLY early Friday morning for Chicago and a long 4-day weekend. I should have more to report then.