Birthday Brunch

We knew this week was busy with conferences and all...and our weekend is booked, so Steve and I decided to celebrate my birthday early. We had the Granite City Sunday brunch and it was delicious! This year, my longest conference day is on the 29th. Go figure! At least we get Friday off...wahoo!

Fall Fun

Last Saturday, Steve and I were invited to a pumpkin carving/bonfire party! I can't remember the last time I actually carved a pumpkin. I chose to mark mine with a scarecrow design. To my surprise, it actually looked pretty good. I think I may have even out-done Steve, the art teacher. :) He decided to carve the score of the ISU/Nebraska game into his pumpkin. I love fall activities like this and we don't get to partake very often because we're usually on the go traveling out of state.

Steve was so proud of his "bonfire" attire. He had on Carhart pants, and his grandpa's jean coat that's insulated with flannel. Perfect.

And There's More!

Steve and I elected to pay extra to have a 4D sonogram session with little Bean. She was pretty cooperative so that was fabulous. The sonogram technician gave us literally 50 pictures! At one point, Bean had both legs and arms up by her face. We're not sure where she gets her flexibility. :) It was so amazing to see her move around and grimace. It makes everything much more real. Enjoy these few pictures of our special girl. You can see more in person the next time I see you! The photo book is always in my purse. Look at her sweet little face.

Her hand is up by her face. Precious!

You can see her legs, elbow, and then her hand on top of her knee.

The technician said she's measuring at 26 weeks which is right on track. As of yesterday, she was 1 lb. 15 oz. The woman said she also has some LONG legs! :) AND...the umbilical cord isn't around her neck anymore. I was so relieved to hear that!

More Pics of Little Bean

We had another sonogram yesterday because the doctor wanted to follow up on a few things. Everything looked great and you can tell she's grown since our last sonogram 5 weeks ago. We were lucky enough to get some 4-D pictures from yesterday's appointment. You can actually see her face! Steve and I decided we'd like formal 3-D/4-D (whatever they do) pictures of her so we go back next Tuesday to get those done. Hopefully she cooperates so we can share more wonderful pictures of her! What a little miracle...I can't stop staring at the pictures. :)

You can see the umbilical cord is wrapped around the backside of her neck. Neither the technician or doctor were concerned.

40th Wedding Anniversary

My mother and father-in-law celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this past June. We wanted to do something special for them and weren't able to do so until this past Sunday. We pulled off a surprise gathering at Steve's oldest brother's restaurant. We had them believing they were attending an immediate family birthday party for Maddie, Zach, and Brian. Neither Keith or Linda suspected anything and were stunned when they walked in the door to see their good friends, family members, and decorations galore! We celebrated with sandwiches from Hickory Park, homemade desserts, a trivia game, and a slideshow of Keith and Linda's journey together over the years. The party was a success!

Can you tell Linda is shocked?

A hug from good friends along with a few happy tears.

Maddie and Me

Baby Shower in Iowa

My mother-in-law's good friends: Sue, Linda, Leslie, and Laura hosted a baby shower for Steve, me, and Bean this past Saturday. How thoughtful of them!?!?! The shower was graciously held at Sue's house in Norwalk. A wonderful group of attendees were present including a very special friend of mine, KRYSTAL! We've known each other since the 2nd grade and I was so thrilled she could make it. She is studying to be a physician's assistant in Des Moines so the close proximity made it easy for her to come. Steve, Bean, and I were spoiled with generous, thoughtful gifts from everyone. Now we just have to get everything organized. Thank you, thank you to everyone who made this event so special for us! We appreciate and love you! Laura, Linda, Sue, Me, Leslie, and Linda (mother-in-law)

Laura is due three weeks after me and we're both having girls!

Krystal and Me!

First Baby Shower

The staff at Shoal Creek put on a baby shower for four women, including me! There was a yummy cake and we were each given a giftcard to Babies R Us. What a treat!

Me, Michelle, Kate, and Sarah

ISU Family Weekend

While I love living in KC, I do wish I was closer to my family. Six hours is a bit of a drive just for a weekend. Soooo...my mom and step-dad met Steve and I in Johnston, IA, where we stayed with my great aunt Jan, her husband Steve, and their dog Auggie. We had a wonderful time catching up and my mom was able to feel little Bean move! Mom, Ted, Steve, and I headed to Ames, Saturday night for the Army game. We love being back in the stadium, sitting in the stands. It brings back great memories! Fortunately, the Cyclones performed well and came out with a big W!

Ted, Mom, Me, and Steve. Do you see the random lady in the back? :)