34 Weeks and Counting

I swear, I don't wear this sweater every day. I just happened to get photographed only when I'm wearing it, it seems.

34 weeks and 4 days down ..... 

Hazards of the Job

Newly discovered pregnancy hazard. 

Turns out having a built-in shelf isn't really so convenient. 

Year One

Saturday, November 19th marked our First Anniversary.

We used it as an excuse to sneak away to Wallowa Lake for some much needed R&R before our little girl arrives.

Last year, on our honeymoon, it snowed - even at Seaside! So as not to break with a new apparent tradition, it began snowing as we entered Elgin and didn't let up for the next 40 miles to the lake. It made for a beautiful setting though. And by the time it finally stopped, after checking into our cabin, fairing the roads of slick and death, and sitting down to a warm, hearty and delicious dinner at the Outlaw Restaurant in Joseph, there was about 4 - 5 inches of snow in town and at least 6 inches by the lake.

It was literally a winter wonderland, complete with deer, pine trees and Christmas music (I couldn't help myself).

Dinner was delish - and being the off season for tourism there were only four other people in the restaurant - twin elderly sisters and their husbands celebrating a birthday. We sat cozy and warm by the gas fireplace, ate our clam chowder and enjoyed our first evening away.

Our cabin was the perfect cozy retreat. There was a gas fireplace - complete with a mounted buck - large windows looking out on the river and mountains. A heated massage chair. A whirpool, jetted bath tub. A kitchen with everything we needed to cook and eat for two.

We enjoyed several games of Yahtzee, college football, IBC rootbeer, Milano cookies, cuddling on the couch, and a feeling of near isolation. It was splendid and so relaxing.

Eric pleasantly surprised me with his good taste and gave me some jewels to mark Year One.

It was cold, but so cozy, so romantic and so needed. Now, onto the photos.

The view out our cabin windows.... 

I don't think Eric could wait anymore, so when we got back from dinner Friday night, he gave me my anniversary gift. Here is the necklace - it came with matching earrings, too. He told me he felt like such an adult, going to a store and picking out jewelry for his wife. And I feel spoiled! 

Saturday morning we ventured down to the lake. 

Swim at your own risk. 

Headed out for dinner Saturday night. 

 We ate at Mutiny Brew Pub. It was a relaxed place to eat with yummy food!

 Another in a seeming series of gross pictures of yours truly. Trying to show off my new accessories. 

Eric really wanted a photo of his forehead wrinkles. 

This is what marriage has done to him, he says. 

Or maybe that's just what I imagined him saying. 

We rolled out of dodge late Sunday morning. 

The sky was finally blue and it made for a gorgeous view of the lake. 

Whoa, belly. 

Whew, one down and eternity to go! 

Sweeping and Sleeping and Singing

I know it's been awhile since I wrote much of anything. We're just as busy as ever, yet there's not a whole lot new in our neck of the woods. Haven't done a thing with the nursery since we last worked on it. 

I did sweep the kitchen floor, which is noteworthy  - ask Eric. 

Oh, hey, we also went on like an actual date date last Friday! Eric had a training in Pendleton all day, so we carpooled in the morning to work and enjoyed an evening in Pendleton afterward.

 We ate out at Hamley Steakhouse & Saloon and then caught the community production of Guys & Dolls. My chicken fried steak was kind of bland, but Eric's ribs literally fell off the bone and had a delicious BBQ sauce. I only fell asleep during the show twice. And Eric learned enough of the music to send me love texts Monday with lyrics from "A Bushel and A Peck." 

It was a lovely evening.  

We're looking forward to a weekend getaway in just two days. Picture a quaint cabin for two, in the woods, by a beautiful lake, the forest just powdered with its first layer of snow, a gas fireplace, a jacuzzi tub.... We both have been so busy with school and work and life - we're both really looking forward to just being together without any distractions or a list of things to do. 

Then, of course, comes Thanksgiving. Luckily my next OB appointment is the Wednesday before, because I'm looking forward to some hearty food in the name of fattening up baby girl. 

We did find a few moments to get some pictures taken last weekend - I used Christmas cards as an excuse - but I also just wanted some nice shots of Eric & I during this kind of unique time in our lives and in our marriage. 

So, we haven't picked the picture for cards yet, but it won't be this one.... even though I love the tenderness shown here. My photographer extraordinaire didn't really love the washed out background, but I don't care. I still love this photo and thought I'd share. Because, really, we all look at blogs because of the photos, first, right? 

nesting: take one

Wow, what is happening with my face here? 

Here is my 31.5 week belly picture. In comparing this photo to my 27.5 week photo, I don't see much of a difference. But, I definitely feel a difference. It's been harder to sit up or bend over or stand up after squatting down. I'd been getting away with just using an elastic belly band to convert regular pants into "maternity" pants - but lately it's just not very comfortable! This morning I went through a bin of maternity clothes a gal at church loaned me and found some work maternity pants to wear. Much more comfortable! 

In case I forgot to mention it, at the last doctor's appointment, my doctor confirmed that I did NOT have gestational diabetes. I was very glad! Who wants diabetes for Christmas? Not this girl. 

My mom, sister and brother came up for the weekend. 

Eric was in full force performing husband, son-in-law and brother-in-law duties. But he was a trooper and big help! 

Mom and I worked on a few different projects - she's such a helpful gal. 

One was a felt mitten "garland" to put on the tree at Christmas. Riley helped with that project, too. 

I worked on some handmade little gifts for some friends. 

We also sewed a bath towel for the baby and got the nursery all arranged! We've still got some putting away of things to do and some finishing touches (like, say, a crib mattress). But, the furniture is all arranged and most of the wall decor up! 

Probably my favorite set up in the room, currently. Old milk crate as a book shelf!

Not pictured*The changing table. Currently piled high with things that need to be put away.

When things are more polished I'll post some updated photos! Preferably in the daytime so that the lighting is a bit better. It's really pretty airy, yet cozy in there. Eric's new favorite thing to do is just go sit in the "baby room."

Stay tuned.

I forgot this picture in the slew of photos from the last post.

Who wore it best?

Leave it to us to not carve pumpkins until Halloween night! 

The Barkers came over and we shared newspaper, carving tools, techniques and candles. 

Oh, and treats. I think we are determined to make each other fat! 

Holly and .... that dashing fellow with the mullet would be Eric. 

Carving pumpkins fills Burdette's heart with joy. Can't you tell? 

I'd never carved a warty pumpkin before. I learned they have very tough rinds.
Almost exhaustingly too tough. It was a good thing my pumpkin was just a little guy. 

Finished products. Holly, Burdette, Alexa & Eric. Are you spooked? 

It's hard to know what's happening here. 

Now, let's play a little game of "Who wore it best???" 

Party on!

And bring on the holidays!