twenty down, twenty to go

THIS POST IS RATED PG-13 AS THERE ARE BARE BELLY PHOTOS BELOW

We are now officially half way through this pregnancy.  Baby girl should be the size of a banana, but our last ultrasound (19 weeks) revealed that she weighs 11oz and is in the 77 percentile for size.  She is currently measuring about 4-5 days early, which I don't think means much because she will come when she is good and ready!

details, fun facts, and photos

Weight

Some days I am up 10 pounds, while others it is 12 pounds, so let's go with a nice 11 pounds gained since baby girl sprouted.  When I wear my maternity pants I feel sexy and confident (who knew!?), but if I dare try and squeeze my old jeans on, it's, it's, it's sad.  Even leggings can be too tight and uncomfortable if they don't have the perfect size waist band that sits in the perfect location to cover my a** crack, but sit low under my belly. 

Eat

It has been really freeing letting myself eat what I am in the mood for...like smoothies and milkshakes.  I eat a lot of fruit, cereal, bagels, and pasta.  Since being pregnant, eating meat has been a challenge.  It just doesn't sound appealing at all.  I've been making sure to get protein from other sources and I will eat meat whenever the moment arises that it doesn't make me want to gag.  I'm trying to eat a balanced diet, but but but mac and cheese just sounds so good...mmm.

Sweat

Oh I get hot, but not usually when I am working out.  I've been doing Pilates 2x a week and trying to get out to walk the neighborhood when I can.  The pain in my butt (LITERALLY) that shoots down my legs makes it difficult to bend over or walk.  My workouts have certainly changed, but I plan to stay active for as long as I can.  However, sometimes if I have an hour, a nap just sounds better. 

Sleep

I could use more naps and more rest.  I fall asleep early and quickly, but then I toss and turn trying to get comfortable.  I have surrounded myself with pillows, but they require such specific placement that throughout the night it just becomes a mess of me and pillows.  My back, my hips, my belly all get in the way of a peaceful night.  This is why it is mid morning and I am already straining to keep my eyes open.

There has been a lot of movement.  A few jabs here and there with a couple of somersaults thrown in.  While the doctor was listen to her heartbeat this week it went like this "whoosh whoosh whoosh BAM whoosh whoosh BAM!"

Excited for the next 20 weeks.

xoxo,

r&g

the stars

Baby Girl  (we have a name! JMH) should be here sometime in March.  The current ETA is March 18, 2013.  This means she will either be a Pisces (if she comes by March 20th) or an Aries (if she comes March 21st or later).  You know me, I like to be prepared, so I did a little reading on these astrological signs to get an idea of what we are in for.   Aries is most like Geoff and I.  However, this would mean she would need to be like THREE days late.  You know me, I'm also very impatient.  

Geoff is a Virgo.  According to this sign's description, Virgos are critical and a bit picky, but its always for the good of others.  Virgo is ruled by Mercury and this God isn't one to sit still for long. (ummm...a blog about 2 people who can't sit still?)  Virgos are full of energy both mentally and physically.  You know Geoff, this man doesn't sleep!  The Virgo's element is Earth, which makes them grounded and easy-going. Virgos are compassionate and loyal.  He's the perfect partner...

I am a Sagittarius.  Sagittariuses are truth-seekers and wanderers.  We ask questions and talk to others to find our answer.  Sagittariuses look at the big picture and often like it when people agree with their point of view. (because I am always right. HA! JK! maybe...)  We Sags often speak our mind, sometimes too much.  My element is Fire which moves quickly and uncontrollably sometimes.  This could explain my impatience and my need to be productive.  You see, Geoff can be critical and then I just ask a million questions to make it even more complicated...then we go for a hike to satisfy Geoff's bundle of energy and my love for outdoor adventures.  We would be bored without each other.

Pisces vs. Aries

Pisces are known to be selfless, which I think is a admirable character. However, Aries are firey just like me, so of course I like that. Pisces are known to have lots of...feelings. I know feelings are important, but I prefer thoughts. It seems to me that Pisces are loving, caring, nurturing souls that carry the weight of others. I admire a Pisces because that's a lot to take on. Pisces is a pair of fish, which symbolizes "go with the flow". I like this characteristic because it reminds me of Geoff. He is grounded and easy going. I like this connection. I feel that Virgo and Pisces are more similar than Sagittarius and Pisces, but it sounds like it would be a good addition to our family. Either way, you know this little lady will totally be a daddy's girl.

 

Aries are known to be good leaders and are fearless.  They often feel comfortable in new situations and can be outgoing.   Aries are energetic and dynamic.  This also reminds me of Geoff, so I am liking this connection too.  Aries can be impulsive (impatient?) and can be blunt (talk too fast and say too much?).  Aries are bold and courageous.  They are independent and enthusiastic.  Their element is Fire, like mine!  They are eager and take action. I think Aries is a good combination of Geoff and I.  Of course, we will encourage her to be her own person, to be compassionate and strong.  No matter what her sign, she will be supported and nurtured into making her own path.

What will it be?

This was a fun exercise!  

 

Baby Bump Update- 19 weeks

I never know what to do with my arms.

xoxo,

ricki&geoff&jmh

Time

I've been thinking lately about how fast time goes, yet everything seems like it happened so long ago.  We are already half way through OCTOBER.  That is a Fall month which means we are nearing the end of the year.  I had made a list at the beginning of 2011 2012 (I actually wrote 2011 first and realized it during my review.  That's how fast time goes, you forget what year you are in!) of "to-do's" or trips that we had planned throughout the year.  When we got married, we had said this would be our relaxing-take-it-easy year, but we were obviously fooling ourselves.  I looked at this list this morning and realized I don't even remember going to Big Bear! I am sure I had a blast...  

Reviewing this list and this year reminds me of how lucky we are.  I always tell myself we need to rest and just be home, but then I think of all the wonderful experiences we have created together and on to the next adventure we go!

We have one more mini vacation planned for this year and it is the most important one of all:  our one year wedding anniversary.  We will be sleeping in a yurt on a cliff in Big Sur.  No cell service, no interruptions, just us.  It will be the perfect wind-down to our hectic, but amazing year.  

We will settle into our new home with our new baby and live happily ever after...

the end.

Ha!  Just Kidding...you just wait until next year!  We've already began planning our first trip with the baby.

xoxo,

r&g&__

P.S.  I found this while packing yesterday and then I really had a moment of holyshitwearegrownupnow! 

Casado en Colombia

Felicidades Jason y Ale!!

We spent a lovely few days in Bogota, Colombia to celebrate the union of Jason and Ale.  It was a really fun short trip and we packed it in.

First, we spent time at the Salt Cathedral with about 300 elementary school children.  It was pretty loud awesome.  The Salt Cathedral is THE main attraction around town.  and I must say, it was pretty neat.  Even the part where they made us turn all the lights off and walk through a narrow, bumpy, dangerous hallway so we could "feel what the miners felt".  The entire tour was in spanish, but I heard her say something about the canary stops singing when...

 one of many many crosses.

 Whose Holly?

 Salty?

 He is so faking!

 Reflections.

 Salt Tree and Me!

 3D Movie. In a Cave. With these People.

 Gone minin'!

 This is how the miners hold their mining stick.

 Shortly after this photo, all the kids turned their lights out and ran away!  Leaving us in the dark, confused.

Saturday was the big day!  The ceremony was in the evening and on this evening it was dark and stormy.  The ceremony was in a small old church, and that paired with dark and stormy made for a romantic exchange of vows.  The reception was at an old world country club surrounded by trees and greenery.  It was a place of elegance, that's for sure.  It was oh so fancy!

 Week 17 Bump Style.

 Rad reception palace.

 Colombians love their confetti!  

 and silly string...

Sunday we toured the old/original part of Bogota.  We visited the pres, but he was busy, so really we just roamed the "free speech" square.  There, you can find llamas, dogs, jokers, churches, guards, etc. etc. etc. 

He will make you a balloon animal when he finishes with his phone call, kid.

Checked Colombia off our list!  What's next? Bring it on world.

xoxo,

r&g

We're on a boat...

Congratulations Emily and Jon!  It was such a beautiful day filled with love and music...lots of music.  I should have expected that two actors getting married would have a wedding full of talented actors.  The whole day felt like we were in a musical and it was amazing and exciting!  At any moment someone would break out in song or dance.  Most of the time both!  The ceremony was at a lovely church in La Jolla, but then we all journeyed to Mission Beach to board the Sternwheeler William D. Evans Boat!  The wedding was classic, traditional, and unique all at the same time.  Emily, Jon, and their families were gracious hosts and we are grateful to have been part of their special day.

 and she doesn't even look nervous...

 Geoff and Jenne finding our seats!

  Tasty Cakes flown in from Philly. YUM!

I forgot to take a picture of the outside of the boat, so you'll just have to trust me that we were really on a boat!

xoxo,

r&g