san diego babymoon

Brady and decided to take a little get away to San Diego for part of his spring break. I thought it would be fun and our last chance to go somewhere just the two of us for a while. It ended up being just what we needed. I didn't realize until we were there how much I had missed Brady during his cramped and busy semester. I was so so happy to have him to myself and have his undivided attention for a few days. The weather was nice, although we shared a laugh as we drove out of town, since it was in the 80s in Arizona and low 70s in San Diego.

While we were there, we spent a day at the beach. Although, lounging on the beach on a towel is quite a bit harder (and a tad bit less enjoyable) when you are eight months pregnant. Then we went to dinner and a movie. The next day we went to the San Diego Zoo and that was the highlight of the trip. The first exhibit we saw was the Koala Bears. When we got there, they were all sleeping. They were each curled into the tightest little balls, perched in the branches. I couldn't get enough of it and kept telling Brady "they look just like the baby!" We haven't had an ultrasound since 20 weeks and I have wanted so badly to see her little body and I guess seeing them helped fulfill that desire. We stayed for quite a while and did swing by the exhibit again on our way out of the zoo.

Towards the end of our day at the zoo, we went to the hippo exhibit. From where we first stood, we could just see the snout sticking up out of the water. We started walking around the side of the exhibit and got a much better view looking through glass where we could see the hippo below the water and as she stuck her head out of the water, we could see that too. We watched for a bit and then I realized that it wasn't a rock right next to her face, it was her baby! The mama hippo was standing there, holding her baby in place and they were just resting. The next thing we knew, that baby scooted around her and ventured into water that was way too deep. It's mama followed right behind and would nudge the baby with her nose and then push it up to the surface for some air. Each time the mama would round up her baby and push her up the ramp to safety, the baby would squeeze away from her and start the cycle again. We stayed for quite a while. Clearly, babies are on my mind and I can't get enough of them (even if they're a different species).

weeks away

Our little lady is due to join us in five and a half weeks--although, it could be a little longer wait than that. I try to remind myself that May may come before she does. We are both very excited to meet her and we take turns feeling nervous, excited, and a little overwhelmed at the fact that we are going to be parents. We can't wait for the adventure and to cuddle our little one.

A few weeks ago, Brady took my place behind the camera and we set out to document my belly. He did a wonderful job. Having taken pregnancy pictures of other people, I am happy that we were able to spend some time together capturing mine (and it was Brady's idea).


We found some beautiful spots on campus and Brady was patient as I directed him on some ideas. He took pictures of that, too. I am sure he will have his only take and blog post on our experience including some less flattering images of me pointing him to where to stand.

As I sit here feeling the baby squirming and watch my belly move all around, I know I will be among those who miss being pregnant. It has been such an incredible experience and I have enjoyed every step off the process. But the idea of looking into her little face and really getting to know this little person will surely be even sweeter.


Thank you, Brady, for wanting to take these pictures; for coming to doctor appointments with me; for listening to me talk incessantly about the baby and wanting to feel my tummy when she has the hiccups. Thank you for choosing me and for starting this journey with me. I can't wait.

welcome news

Yesterday was a great day! Brady was offered a summer internship with Deloitte and Touche! We are so thrilled. Searching for an internship has been such a long and arduous process that basically began when Brady started his program last fall. This coming summer has been a big question mark. I am so impressed by how hard Brady worked, how many contacts he made, how many applications he submitted. Another obvious kink, especially for me, was trying to stay calm and be patient while not knowing where we would spend some of the first few months with our new baby.

We're going to Los Angeles! As Brady was considered for the position and he was told that it would be in L.A. we were a little hesitant and not sure how to feel. There have been internship possibilities taking us from Chicago to D.C. to Boise to Phoenix. As we moved to each city in our minds (and on google maps) we would get excited about the different possibilities and what each city would mean and what it would be like to maybe live there. All along, I told Brady I was behind him and would support him to go anywhere. Mostly, I just wanted to know where. And now we know and it feels really great!

The pieces are falling into place. Brady doesn't start until June 27th; two months after the baby is due. I was happily relieved that she will be more than just days or weeks old when we go. We will have some real bonding time for our new little family and time to go to Utah and relax with family and dear friends. I had wanted to plan a time to go home and bless our baby girl and now that can happen too.

Prayers are answered and things work out. It can be a very stressful, frustrating experience not knowing how or when. But I am so grateful that yet again, we have been taken care of. Hollywood, here we come.