Merry Maids Please!

After a long relaxing weekend in Florida, we have come home to the longest To-Do list ever. Like the kind that compares to Santa's Good and Bad Names List. Of course add on top: getting a cold/flu this week, a baby that drives how my day goes, and our already hectic fall working lives. We will eventually feel as though we will catch up, but with Todd away at a tournament today... Merry Maids Please! I just don't think Lucy is really going to help me with that laundry pile. :)

Maternity Clothes and a 4 month belly :)

I was very fotunate to get some gift cards and money from family to use for maternity clothes for my birthday. I don't think anyone ever let me on to the secret of how AMAZING maternity clothes feel. Trying on my first outfit, I was in heaven! The most cozy comfy pants I had ever pulled on in my life. I was in love, and from here on out, you'll be sure that I will be taking advantage of my maternity clothes as much as possible. Now, if I only had Phoebe's maternity Santa pants from Friends, I would be good to go for the Holidays. :)
Not the greatest pictures, but here are two of my new maternity outfits I wore to work this week. Todd leaves too early, so had to make do with the camera timer. My 4 month belly is popping out, and I think it's safe to say I am not going to be one of "those" ones that will get to have just a little tummy in the front, and I am perfectly okay with that. Baby can bring on all the extra bloating and puffiness he/she wants to. :) I'm only up 5-6 pounds, but boy is he/she bringing on the puffiness!

YUMMY!

My mom went all out on the birthday treats! Just look at how delicious these cupcake shaped sugar cookie cut-outs are and adorable too. And the gooey chocolate brownie with warm oreos layered on the inside and the perfect scoop of cookies and cream ice cream to top it off. The brownies are made with ice cream and hot fudge in them too. Need I say more. :)

A Florida Visit

This past weekend Todd and I took a 4 day trip down to my parents in Florida. We had such a great time and were so not ready to come home. It was a great break for us, Todd and I actually got to spend some time together. :) As well as, I finally got to see my parents new house and the dream life they are living. As soon as we walked in I felt like I was at home, because for some reason your parents always feels more like home than your own home. (maybe just for me) Most of the trip was driving around in the golf carts and taking in everything The Villages had to offer. We even attended one of their rockin' neighborhood socials. We are so excited for my parents, it truly is awesome. Todd is ready to pack his bags and move now. Until reality sets in and we have to realize: baby on the way, secure jobs, a house that wouldn't sell... Well maybe someday.
My brother Drew decided to come down and join us for the weekend, so it was great to get to see him too. The guys did some golfing, my mom and I did some shopping, and a picture framing project. The whole weekend was relaxing, and Todd and I definitely needed it. It was the perfect way to get to celebrate my birthday. We can't wait to go back!

In need of Camera and Photography advice...

My masters will be done in December, and I'm already thinking of my next set of classes. :) For a long time now, I've been wanting to take a photography class or lessons and now that baby is on the way I'm even more motivated to squeeze that in soon. I'm hoping maybe someone will have some advice for me on a good SLR camera to purchase (one that is good quality for a newcomer to photography and not too high priced) or if anyone has any suggestions on places to look or people to refer to for a class or lesson. My friend Kristin is interested as well and we are hoping to get started in a class or lessons this winter. Thanks for any advice you may have! xoxo



I'm also hoping to get into a sign language class too (it's about time for me finally!) Poor Todd has had to deal with me not always being able to communicate the best for the longest time. Fortunately, he is such a superb lip reader and a trooper. I'm sure baby and I will be learning together and baby will probably pick it up faster as he/she gets older and will learn sign much quicker than me.

Too cute not to post! - Aidan's 1st Day back to Preschool

Here are my adorable nephews Aidan (4) and Liam (1 1/2) posing for Aidan's first day back to preschool! He looks so excited and Liam looks excited too (even though he is not going :) Aidan looks like such a big boy, I can't believe it. Happy back to school day Aidan! Love, Zaza