andrew's birthday trip

Dear Andrew,

Today is your birthday. I wish that you didn't have to work because I'm sure that doesn't feel very celebratory. All day I've been thinking about what I'd do for you, for your birthday, if I had all the money in the world.

And I decided that I'd take you to New York, our most favorite place to be (until you take me to Europe, of course).

I think I'd like to stay at The Plaza this time, because it's right by Central Park and that feels very "New York" to me. And because that's where they always go for drinks on Friends. They're always like, "Let's go to the Plaza!" and "Let's have drinks at the Plaza to celebrate!" I want to be able to say something like that to you. Just once.

>

I don't have many plans - I just want to walk around with you, like we love to do when we're in a new place. We like to take it all in without being touristy. I love that about you. We'll probably find a bench at some point to just sit on and talk and do some people-watching. You'll make me laugh, I bet.

Then I think we'll need a snack. So you know what we'll do??

Just kidding! That's for my birthday trip :)

I'll take you to some cool coffee shop, someplace non-Trump Towerish, so you can have some of your beloved espresso.

I'll ask them to put a heart in the foam because I looooove you.

Then, we'll need to go back to the room and change because I have a surprise for you! We're going to dinner somewhere swanky, but not like that one place we went on our honeymoon. Boo. I haven't figured out the exact place yet, but we're going somewhere with a lot of character. There will be steak and seafood and lots of beautiful culinary displays. We'll really enjoy it. And then?

Les Mis! Because I know you love it and you want me to love it, too. I'm sure I will.

After the show, we'll probably go have a glass of wine somewhere. And we'll stay up late because we love the city so much that we don't want to leave it.

I hope you have fun. You do so much for me on a regular basis - all I want to do is make this day special for you. You are the greatest gift and I'm so thankful for the life we have together.

Happy Birthday. I love you!

unloading my iphone pics (pt2)

Remember this post? I decided it was time for round 2!

This is Rudy. He has a squishy face.

Beach day! Shortly after Andrew left for Groton, I treated myself to a day in the sun. And a pedicure :)

And then I went to the bookstore and bought some reading material for our boy. Who we didn't know was a boy at the time...

From the plane on my way to see Andrew up north. Pretty, eh?

Dinner in Newport. Ohhhh, lobster.

The sweet necklace that my honey bought for me while we were there.

Ice cream in a coffee mug. It's more fun that way.

Did you know that he's part kangaroo?

Farmer's Market bounty.

My garden's bounty. Not quite as impressive, but it sure was good.

Flowers for my birthday!

Opening baby gifts from some sweet ladies at Andrew's home church.

Oh, that's just our new ride :)

Reeaaally cute sailor knot headband.

Aaaand another cute puppy picture. I was changing the sheets on our bed and he was too lazy to get out of my laundry pile.

The End!

26 weeks!

I told Andrew that we're 14 weeks away from the due date and his eyes bugged out of his head. That seems to be a common feeling around here these days. When did time start moving at lightning speed?

This week, we've got a little hothouse cucumber-sized baby on our hands! At least that's what babycenter.com says. Also:

• The network of nerves in his ears is better developed and more sensitive than before, so he probably is able to hear a lot from the outside
• He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs
• He's fattening up!

Gotta love those fat rolls on little baby legs, amen?