final trimester

Tomorrow I will be 28 weeks which means I am entering the third trimester. The first two have gone by pretty quickly, but when I think we have to wait three months to meet this little one, it seems slower. I have an absolute ball feeling the baby move and kick and know I will miss that when she comes. I usually have to stop what I am doing and put my hand wherever her little foot or hand is to say hello.


Brady is currently taking a huge load of classes in order to finish his two and a half year program in two. I am so impressed by his dedication and ability to juggle it all. All the while he is willing and eager to talk about the baby and what I have read lately or what I may be worried about. He is currently in the process of getting an internship lined up for the summer. We are filled with anticipation to see where our very new little family will spend it. Hopefully somewhere a bit cooler?

a true act of love

I am not sure when it was that Brady and I started talking about babies. I do know that for a long time it was a dreamy way like "Someday, when we have a baby...". But as long as that has been, Brady has talked about his desire to build our baby's crib. What a sweet guy. The sweeter guy, however, is Brady's dad. When a baby become a reality, Brady shared this dream with Glen, who never turned the idea down or said it was too ambitious. As we planned our trip home for Christmas, Brady and his dad talked more and more about the crib. I have to say, it always made me smile. A first time dad and first time Grandpa making plans for our baby girl.

The plans for our crib hanging in Glen's garage.

Glen must have known all along what an enormous commitment this grand scheme was. Brady and I definitely didn't. I am so grateful for such supportive in-laws. They are so excited about welcoming this baby and they definitely showed it, especially Glen. I don't know how many hours he spent in the garage over his Christmas break, but I know we will always be indebted to him. In the end, every member of the family helped at different stages.

When we have shared with friends what we did over Christmas, I don't think they really understand what "we built a crib with Brady's dad" really means so I want to give a documentation of the process.


Unfortunately I did not get a picture of the raw maple before the project began, but you can see the wood here after planing it down.

It was amazing how much wood is shaved off in order to make the raw wood usable.

I got excited when I saw these pieces which eventually became the top rails of the crib. I could just start to imagine the end product.

Here are the 44 rungs. Which, after cutting them, sanding them, sanding them again, gluing them into place and then staining them and lacquering them (and sanding them in between) is a whole lot of rungs!

Brady and I came home one day to find Glen and Michele deep into the most difficult step: making the curved sides. Figuring out how to do this step kept Glen up many nights.

That isn't snow floating in front of the camera, just a thick sawdust cloud.

This is a side view of the top rail after it had been cut.

And again after it had been sanded carefully with a belt sander.

My favorite picture of our baby's Grandpa as he works and works to make the perfect crib.

The final steps. This is when Brady and Glen were drilling holes for placing the side rails.

Two incredible men who created a family heirloom.

If I had known how difficult staining and lacquering would be, I would have insisted Glen help us with that step too. :) Now we just need the bottom frame and a mattress (and a baby). Thank you again Glen for all your masterful work and for not dashing Brady's dream of building a crib. You are already a wonderful Grandpa!

Summer during Winter

Almost a month ago now I returned from the trip of my lifetime, and I'm already dreaming of ways to go back. A short two days after my last final of the fall semester I left for the airport with my classmates, leaving an ever increasingly pregnant wife waving good-bye at our front door. Previous posts have stated that she had been in better shape, but my excitement masked any apprehensive feelings I may have had. My MBA crew traveled for the next 24 hours and finally found itself in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. One of the wildest cities I've ever visited. It was absolutely beautiful and at the same time, a little unnerving. Following four days of local business visits and beach lounging we boarded another flight and went to Buenos Aires. I was immediately in love. The weather was incredible, the people were nice (understanding them helped my comfort level), and the architecture was beautiful. Four more days of business visits, lots of empanadas and a tango lesson later, we traveled another 24 hours to come home for the long-awaited holiday break. Instead of reading boring details, I'll give the highlights in picture form.

We stayed on Copacabana beach in Rio, this was my view from the breakfast table each morning as I enjoyed my made to order omelet.


Just around the corner from our hotel was Ipanema beach. The waves there were the strongest I've ever been in. A few times I found myself in the turbine of a wave and had the opportunity to filter through some of the sand on the bottom with my teeth.


On our final day in Brazil we visited the Cristo Redentor statue. I was told that this is one of the modern 7 wonders of the world. In the first picture you can get a little better scale of just how big it is.

On our last night we enjoyed an incredible Rodizio dinner. This picture shows the style. All the waiters have lots of meat and big knives. Sodium overload ensues.


Upon arrival in Buenos Aires, we went on a city tour that included a drive down Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest street in the world, a drive through the french architecture, a stroll through the colorful buildings of La Boca and this, one of the oldest cemeteries in the city. This is also where Evita Peron is entombed along with many other Argentine leaders and wealthy members of society.

In the center of Avenida 9 de Julio, there is an enormous obelisk. You can see from this view just how wide the street actually is.
The evenings were free during the trip and we spent our time wandering around the city. On our way to an outdoor shopping area, I found this big church tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Note my surprise.


This air return helps show my exuberance for the city.

One of the nights in Buenos Aires we were given a tango lesson. I thought I was going to be the most awkward one on the floor, however, I came in fourth place most awkward. They handed out certificates at the end.

Following the lesson we had an amazing meal and incredible tango show. I also closely examined my classmate Bill's bald spot.

In all, it was an incredible trip. I have two new countries under my belt and the travel bug scratches me more than ever. I've promised Elizabeth that we will go back, hopefully with more time on our hands to be able to experience more of the sights to be seen.

a city in mourning

The night Brady and I arrived in Tucson with his parents and all of our possessions, it was pouring rain. We drove to our new home and went to unlock it and the realized the only key we had was to the mailbox. Luckily our realtor responded to our phone call kind of late on a Friday night and said he would bring the right key to us. He said to meet him at Safeway on Ina and Oracle. We got there before he did and sat that there counting our blessings that we had made it and that soon we would be home.

On Saturday, a young man opened fire at this very Safeway killing six people and injuring 14 others. I have never before been so close to such a tragedy. We all can remember where we were on September 11th. I can remember listening to NPR all day at work following Virginia Tech. But to have been to the locations that are all over national news and to see your city on the front page of the paper for such an event is surreal and frightening.

On Wednesday afternoon we were watching the news as President Obama's motorcade passed (less than a mile from us) on its way to the hospital to visit with victims before a memorial service at U of A. There were 13,000 at the event and 13,000 more in overflow in the football stadium. I thought it was a tasteful, powerful event. The most moving part was when President Obama described each of the six people who had died.

"In Christina we see all of our children. So curious, so trusting, so energetic and full of magic. So deserving of our love. And so deserving of our good example...I want us to live up to her expectations. I want our democracy to be as good as she imagined it. All of us--we should do everything we can to make sure this country lives up to our children's expectations."

She was born on September 11th and her baby picture was featured in a book called Faces of Hope. Next to her picture there were two quotes: "I hope you help those in need." and "I hope you jump in rain puddles." I was tearful as I thought about her and her family. What a loss.

I have recognized the biggest lesson from this experience for me is to treat others kindly and with respect. To make each day count and to tell those you love that you love and adore them. Yesterday, I hadn't felt the baby move all day. I was so worried for this little one that I am carrying. At times I am surprised at how much I love and adore her. Already. But I do. Luckily last night I finally got some good strong kicks. It was as if she was saying: "I'm okay Mom." I am so glad that she is.

alone and pregnant

I've been alone a lot lately. Brady is in South America on his MBA internation trip. I am proud of myself that I haven't cried at all since he left. Well, except for when I called my mom the night he left. Hearing her voice and telling her I was on my own didn't help. Other than that I have only gotten teary eyed a few times. Like when he told me that he bought the baby a present. Or when he emailed me from Buenos Aires and ended his email by saying: "I love you very much and I promise to both of us that we're coming back to this and soon." He loves the city. I can't wait to see pictures.

The day before Brady left, I cried off and on the entire day. I was so grateful for his sweetness and tenderness as he hugged me and told me yet again that it was going to be okay. He was going to be home very soon. I blame the antics on being pregnant. I mean come on. A pregnant lady should not be left alone...and at Chirstmas! Obviously this wasn't anything Brady or I could do anything about. The baby is becoming more active and I am grateful for her little kicks. I'm grateful for the company.

To keep myself busy while he has been gone, I knew I needed a project. The original plan had been to paint our bedroom as a surprise Christmas gift to Brady. Then, after having finished the baby's room, I had had it with painting for a while. I decided instead to make a baby quilt. I just finished assembling the top last night and tonight I will get it ready to quilt while we're in Utah.

Thursday I will finally pick Brady up from the airport and we'll head home. And we can't wait. All three of us.

halfway there

Yesterday I reached 20 weeks in my pregnancy. I felt very accomplished as I woke up and had reached the halfway mark--which is funny because I don't really deserve much credit at this point, but it made me happy all the same.


A week ago, we had the mid-pregnancy ultrasound. I was really excited, but almost sad to go because I knew that once it was over, we most likely won't see her again until she gets here. It was fun to see how much she has grown in four weeks. Her little movements were more noticeable and deliberate. They measured everything and it was great to hear that she looks healthy and perfect.

our sweet little one

her baby face

and perfect profile

We are so excited to have this little one join us, but are enjoying the preparation and anticipation. It has been fun to be pregnant at Christmas time as we celebrate the Savior's birth. I find myself thinking and wondering about her as I listen to Christmas music and at other times, as I reflect on Him it makes me think about her. Merry Christmas sweet baby.

It was fun to have our first out-of-town guests come stay at our little home this weekend. Brady's sister Lindsey and her husband Ben came to visit Arizona State University in Phoenix and stayed here last night. It was great to see family and compare notes with them as they consider graduate programs. We really hope they end up in Arizona.

gratitude

Since today is the last day of November, I have to take a second to count my blessings and all that I am grateful for:

Brady

a home

our baby girl

the ability to walk

bike helmets

hugs after a long day

supportive parents and in-laws

old friends and new friends

seeing family for Thanksgiving

Christ

family