Oahu....and waiting

I am now staying in Honolulu waiting for the baby to come. I've already been here 10 days and atleast I can say time is going by fast. Richard went back to Lana'i last Wednesday and he will be doing the blog post our weekend together.

The question I get the most is, "What are you doing with all your time?" Well, I can say I am definitely trying to keep myself busy, otherwise time will go slow. So, here's a list of things to pass the time:

* I brought the baby blanket I've been working on. I have to finish before she gets here.
* I have 3 doctors appointments a week.
* I try to walk everyday
* I got my haircut...thank God! It's been almost a year.
* I got a manicure and pedicure.
* I'm reading a lot. Thanks Mom for the books, they will come in handy.
* I've been taking a nap almost everyday, definitely a luxury.
* Once my car is here I have maintenence that needs to be done on it, plus I'll be able to finish the shopping I need to do before baby gets here.

I guess that's about it. Baby is doing great. We still think she is going to come early, but she has to wait until Richard gets back over here next week. I'll keep you posted.

Week 33

I'm kind of in shock at how fast time is flying by. I'm already at 33 weeks and I still have 7 more weeks to go. It's going to fly by, but I know I'm just going to get more uncomfortable. I can't imagine how big my belly is going to get. Here's the latest pics...

Thanksgiving Pics

I wanted to post a few pictures from our Thanksgiving dinner. We didn't pull all the stops, but did a pretty good job for just two of us. The turkey came out great! It was beautiful. Richard made his mom's sausage stuffing, and it was delicious! We had left over for days...



Here's Richard carving the turkey. Yummy!!


We decided to show you all what piggys we are. Richard had the two plates on the right.


Happy Thanksgiving again!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

First, I wanted to say a few things I'm thankful for...
* My wonderful Richard, who is my soulmate and best friend, and who allows me to be me
* Our baby girl who is healthy and will bless our lives in less than 2 months
* Our health, aside from the random cold here and there
* Our families, who continue to support us as our lives keep changing
* Our friends, who help keep us sane and keep us laughing

We would both love to be with our families this year, but that's not possible. Hopefully, next year we will be able to share this holiday with one of them. We wish you all good health and great happiness. Enjoy the food and the company. You will all be in our thoughts tomorrow. Gobble, gobble.

Polihua and LPSC

Another one of our days off, way back in April, we went down to Polihua beach and then went to Lanai Pines Sporting Clays (LPSC).

Polihua is on the North side of the island and is usually very windy. That's why we just went down for a little while.

Here's Richard having some fun running up the sand...


King of the Hill!!!


Just like all the other beaches on Lanai, Polihua is gorgeous. It was a pretty calm day and the views were great.







Then we went up the LPSC for some more fun. We did some archery and then sporting clays. We had a great time and I can say that I SUCK! Richard kicked my butt in clays.

I recommend doing sporting clays if you ever have a chance. It was a blast!!

30 Week Ultrasound

Richard and I went to our last ultrasound appointment yesterday. Thank God! It was great being able to see the baby again, but the best part was finding out that she's okay. She grew into her kidneys, so there is nothing to worry about anymore. I'll post more info about her on her own site, so check that out.

After that appointment, we met with Dr. Ponder, my OBGYN. Everything is still going great with my pregnancy. I am 30 weeks and measure 30cm, as the Dr. said, "perfect". My weight gain is fine, even though I haven't gained anything the last 7 weeks. (It's hard to believe I've only gained 15 pounds and I'm that huge.) She reminded me that the baby will take whatever she needs from me. The biggest news from this appt, was that she wants me to be on Oahu at 35 weeks. This means that my last day at work will be Dec. 15 and she wants me over there on the 16th. I'm not too happy about this, since I will miss the holidays with Richard. But I am also understanding. Some of you may know my history of high blood pressure...that's why I have to go over so early. At any time, it can get high and that puts baby and me at risk. Plus, I will feel a lot better being over there, since we have no idea when she will actually come. Everyone thinks she is going to come early, including me.

So, to put things in perspective. This is the timeline...my last day of work is in 4 weeks and I leave for Oahu, and in another 2 weeks Richard will be over there with me, then the baby is due 3 weeks following that. It still feels so far away, but time is going to fly from now on. I'll keep you posted.

OBAMA -- OUR NEW PRESIDENT

OMG! This is a night for great change. We have a new president, and that's not all...we have our FIRST black president! I'd say our country is shouting that it's ready for change, especially since Obama won by a landslide. I am so very excited and relieved to have him for a president. I think he will do a fabulous job. And I think the USA will be back on it's feet in no time.

28 Weeks...almost 29

OMG! and Whoa!! I'm now almost 29 weeks, in the third trimester, and my belly is getting huge. But from the last picture to now, I haven't gained any weight. She has just gotten much bigger. Now she is probably almost 3 pounds and close to 15 inches long. We all think she is going to be really long and probably a big baby. It won't be long until we know in person. :)

Day Light Savings

This post is just an FYI to everyone. Hawaii does not change times for day light savings. So, we are now one hour closer to you all. Central time is now 4 hours ahead and Eastern time is now 5. I'm hoping this makes talking with everyone a little easier. Happy Sunday!

Horseback riding and Awalua

One day back in April, before I was pregnant, Richard and I had a fun filled day. We went horseback riding...this was Rich's first time on a horse...and then we went camping down at Awalua.

Here's a few of the great views from the mountain where our ride went.





Here we are before heading out. We look pretty official, don't we? I sure did love that helmet! And the others are at the stables.

After the ride, we went back home to get Izzy. Can't forget her, especially when camping. The next few pictures are on the way down to Awalua.

Richard throwing out the shocka...

The views are gorgeous. The red dirt contrasts so beautifully against the blue of the sky and ocean.

This was our set up at the beach. This beach faces North, so we knew we'd see the sun set.

We moved over to the fire to relax and cook some food. We were just hangin'.



The start of the sunset...

These next are examples of how beautiful the sunsets are here. It was amazing.

The next morning Isabelle was running around the beach. We didn't wake up early enough to see the crabs coming out of the sand, but we have a picture showing how many there were...tons!

We had a great time the day before, but were exhausted. So we went home late morning and relaxed the rest of the day.

Iowa and SNOW!!!

It snowed a bunch in Iowa before we got there. I think it snowed a few inches in Chicago while Richard was there, but there was much more in Iowa. It was such a great time being with my entire family before moving to Hawaii. Rich had a chance to meet them all. I didn't get a chance to take a ton of pics, but the ones below are so much fun. We went SLEDDING!!!

Here I am riding down Bowman Woods Hill in a saucer. It was such a nice day. The sun was shining and the kids were having a blast...big kids too.



Here's Eric walking back up the hill with a sled. There's no other way to get back to the top.



Below is Brian with Sean. I think Sean had enough by this time. He was getting a little tired.



I loved taking this picture. Nick is making a snow angel. He was also eating snow, but I didn't post that one. (You know you did it too)



We were at our elementary school, so there are swings, jungle gyms, and merry-go-rounds to have fun on. Below are David and Nick playing on the merry-go-round.



I can't really remember what David was doing here...



Richard had never held a baby until spending time with my family. He had a chance to hold both Lauren, 3 months (my mom has that picture so I couldn't post it), and Sabra (below), 7 months. In just a few short months, he'll get a lot of practice and I can't wait.



Here I am with Sabra, spending a little time before I leave. They grow up so fast, I just got a new picture of her and she has changed so much. I wish I had a few of Lauren, but they're on Mom's camera.



I know I didn't put these in order. So, here's a few more sledding. Here's Brian pulling David and Nick up the hill. What a workout!



We knew we wouldn't see snow for quite a while. We had to take advantage of it. I love this picture!



And here's Mom...taking a break from all the fun.



Richard and I had a great time. We can't wait until we are all back together again. And next time, there will be another baby to join in the fun. Like they say...the more the merrier. :)

Leaving Chicago

We started the drive to Iowa with a fantastic breakfast at this tiny diner a block from my apartment. We drugged the animals, packed them into the Uhaul, and were on our way. I said goodbye to the city as we drove West on I55.



Isabelle and Jaxson were high on meds to help them cope with the drive. It was kind of like animal Xanax. They sat on my lap most of the way. How cute, huh?



A lot of the scenary along the way on I80 through Illinois and Iowa is farm land. Rich took a bunch of pictures of the farm houses. He's never been West of Indiana. I think it's the most country he's ever seen. Below is one in IL. I still think it's pretty...open land, gorgeous.



We crossed the Mississippi River to get into Iowa.

"The people of Iowa welcome you" We were now in Iowa, good ole IA. It's a great place. You all should visit some day.

Now here's something to boast about...the largest truck stop is on I80 in Iowa. And it is huge! What a landmark.

Ah...another farm...I kinda miss seeing these.

Then we finally get into downtown CR. It's about a 4.5 hour drive from Chicago to Cedar Rapids. It's a blue collar town and it's called the City of Five Seasons, but my dad likes to call it the City of Five Smells because of the 5 factories in town.

Here's one of the factories...Quaker Oats. I always loved when they were making Peanut Butter Captain Crunch...YUMMY!!!!

Here I am drivin' gansta style...almost home...