Lexie Makes Lasagna

Saturday, Lexie offered to make us homemade lasagna. We kind of like her, and we love lasagna so we took her up on the offer.  It did not disappoint! Zach made a delicious salad and vinaigrette and toasted garlic bread. We feasted like kings that night and had to waddle away from the table with over stuffed bellies. Thank you for the perfect Saturday night, Lexie, and the best lasagna I have had in years!
Happy Friday everyone!

Baby Shower

Two sweet ladies from Church hosted a baby shower for me and little Anna. One of them is featured with me below showing off our 7 and 8 month bellies. I completely forgot to take any pictures while everyone was visiting so it looks like I was just alone with all this delicious food but I promise I had an exciting group to laugh and eat all of this with. It was so much fun to talk to all the wonderful women who had already experienced becoming mothers and feeling their support. The biggest piece of advice I walked away with was essentially this, I was born to be a mother, I will be helped along the way and I am capable of raising Anna. In the end of all the tips and tricks I was given I was reminded to take what I could use and leave the rest and to not get overwhelmed by everyone else's opinion, mine is the only one that matters. Thank you ladies for helping me feel more empowered and excited than ever!

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La Palapa

Friday night after a solid work week, we went out to this lovely place for a delicious Mexican dinner. We enjoyed our meal in the East Village with some of our favorite people in the city, Lexie and Mark. Zach got the duck tacos and I enjoyed the fish tacos. It was really good even though the place was so loud you could barely hear yourself shout across the table. To celebrate the summer solstice we went to the West Side and devoured some frozen yogurt at Union Square. My new all time favorite, is definitely dark chocolate with pretzels. Basically anything sweet with a touch of salt. Fabulous!
 

Week 36

One month left. One month until her due date, that is. We are anxious to meet her and wish we knew for a certainty which day she would come. To be honest, I'd be grateful is she came a little early.

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1 Whole Year

We have officially lived in New York City one year.  To celebrate we enjoyed delicious burgers at the Pipers Kilt. It seemed only appropriate as we went to another Irish pub in Midtown when I first got to the city. This pub is only 7 blocks away from us, and with a menu we love, it has become one of our favorite places. Happy anniversary NYC, we sure love you!

 

A View of New Jersey

Saturday afternoon, our little family enjoyed a walk around the neighborhood. The pre-summer weather was perfect. Everyone was out and enjoying the parks but it was nice to look at at this people-less view. The Hudson was reflecting the clouds beautifully and the breeze was wonderful. We love living so close to this view.

About a Bump

I finally got a picture of the sign that went up outside our bathroom offices, no joke, the week after I stopped my morning porcelain goddess ritual. Thankfully I can still see my not so swollen feet. I can still walk fine and my appetite isn't raging 24/7 like I thought it might be. My dairy cravings have gone down, though I still enjoy nothing more than an ice cream cone or a container of fresh strawberries.  I am incredibly grateful for the easy pregnancy I have been blessed with. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they all go so well.

Getting Crafty

A few weekends ago we made the trip to Michael's to get some art supplies. We ended up with a beige foam board and black paint.  We turned it into the first piece of art (and now theme) of Anna's room. We use the word room very loosely as we live in a studio apt. Basically her crib nook is her "room". We are definitely in the nesting spirit and because we can't go painting a whole wall it felt pretty good to paint and hang the foam board. We are just a tad excited, if you couldn't tell.

Week 35

 

Anna is nearing 5 lbs this week. She is 2 weeks shy of full term and is working hard to grow tons of brain cells. No more amniotic fluid will be added to her pool and it is becoming very apparent as her movements become sharper and more distinct. She loves keeping her back on my left side and stretching out her legs on my right side. Judging by her jumpy legs I'm predicting a Volleyball player. 

Pizza Night

I know I haven't posted about pizza nights in a while. Living in New York has provided us with so many restaurant choices to try out we have not been as faithful in our weekend homemade pizza nights. We did make it happen this week though and while Trader Joe's whole wheat pizza dough wasn't our favorite crust yet the toppings truly made it delicious. We have to make sure Anna is acquiring a taste for pizza as this will be a weekly part of her childhood. ha. 
Happy Monday everyone!

Barcelona Got a Good One

Today is this lovely ladies first day in Barcelona, Spain. She will be serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the next 18 months. She is one fun loving blonde and I am sure she will make countless friends and connections. We are pretty proud of her and can't wait to hear all about her adventures.

Week 34

 

Here are some pictures of Anna at 33 weeks.  These will be her last pre-birth photos. She had her hand up so it was hard to get a clear shot of her face but she is in position and looking good. Seriously, can you see those huge lips? I have no idea where they came from but I hope they stick around. You can really see her Allen nose in the picture below. We are absolutely in love with this little lady.

Tuesday Night Touring

On Tuesday I got to tag along as Zach showed some of his co-workers, from the Salt Lake office, around down town Manhattan. We did our favorite ferry ride to Staten Island at sunset and then walked around the 9/11 Memorial. Zach has become quite the tour guide. 

Week 33

We had our last ultrasound on Tuesday. Anna is 4 lbs 9 oz. That puts her in the perfect and healthy range. It was so good to see her round belly and chubby cheeks. She is starting to put on weight and now has the most adorable pouty lips. We are so smitten by this little girl. Our doctor let us know that by next week she will be developed enough that If I went into labor they would gladly help get her here. So, we have anywhere from 1 week - 2 months to go, all depending on when she wants to come.

Donald Noble Howland

On Sunday we made our first trip out to Connecticut to see brand new baby, Don. Zach's second cousin and our good New York buddies had their little boy last week and this Sunday Zach was invited to participate in the baby blessing. We love Patty and Caleb and their adorable little guy, who is not so little.