Cara and Casey's visit to NYC and Baby Bump 38 weeks - 7/28/12

It was such a fun night out with Cara and Casey - first stop: tasty italian food at Marinella, then onto one of Jon's favorite places the Bubble Lounge, and lastly we revisited the Brandy Library in Tribeca.

Look at how BIG my belly is standing next to Cara :)  I could pop at any moment...

Cara interviewed at Columbia and Mount Sinai for her fellowship program that would begin next summer.  How cool would it be if they ended up here for a year or longer!

 

Scarlett's Nursery - 7/29/2012

My sweet husband put all of Scarlett's furniture together - he has been an enormous help to finish her nursery.  My doctor was right when he forewarned me "you will not have the energy nor the mobility that you do in your 2nd trimester." 

Sugar Plum decor - purple butterflies everywhere                       

Must-have bow holder with every color imaginable - Scarlett is going to be girlie :)

My mom and her crafty friends hand-painted her name to match the purple butterfly theme. 



We feel incredibly blessed to have SO many family and friends support us through our preparation to become parents.  Her library to the right will keep us entertained with our future nightly routine.

Where Jon and I will sleep when guests come to visit. My mom is planning to stay with us for 2 weeks as we settle into this new role.  Jon's mom has planned to help out afterwards.  Thanks to them ahead of time for continuing to take care of their babies as we figure out how to take care of our baby :)

Baby Bump 37 weeks - 7/25/2012 and Yankees Game - 7/14/2012

I have to admit work has become harder as I inch closer to Scarlett's due date - the little things that usually don't bother me are frustrating.  I changed my commute from the bus and subway to the ferry and bus so that has helped ease my mind/commuting stress.  When I used to take the bus and subway, people were so focused on their kindle/iphone, they would not notice a pregnant lady standing.  Yes, I know it's the Northeast, but I still expected a little more courtesy.

Jon's brothers made their annual trip to visit us and attend a Yankees game.  The Yankees beat the Angels 5-3.  It was awesome to see Granderson and Cano hit homeruns!  We toured the Yankee Museum to see pictures and stoires of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, and all of the historical greats.  Since my OB said to "stay indoors with the heat this weekend," I was happy we had cloud cover for most of the game :)

Harrisburg Baby Shower - 7/8/2012

Aunt Ginny and Aunt Sue hosted a fabulous shower in Harrisburg to celebrate our daughter Scarlett's arrival - due August 12th!  Bouquets of gorgeous spring flowers, delicious food, and baby decor throughout the house made a cheery setting.

The strawberry-flavored princess castle cake and red velvet cupcakes were a hit!

White-chocolate baby-themed treats
                                

Peppermint and spearmint-flavored mints in baby shapes

Jon's mom, godmother, and cousin Lindsay before the guests arrive.

Surrounded by family and friends, we had a grand time playing baby-themed games, eating tasty food, and spoiling little Scarlett!

Cousin Nicole and Aunt Christine competing for a prize

Jon's Grammy, cousin Kathy with her daughter Gabrielle and God-daughter.  Scarlett's middle name was chosen from both Grammy's first name and my grandmother's first name "Grace."

                                          Grandma Sable (right) in her Sunday best, excited for her first great-grandchild.  She always provides us with helpful advice as we adventure into unchartered territory.

Jon's Grammy made each of us a diaper bag with many necessities found throughout the various pockets :)  She is incredibly talented with her seamstress skills.

2 year anniversary - 6/12/2012

As most of you know, Jon has a crazy busy work week that is mostly unpredictable.  Although I love planning, I've become flexible when actually celebrating special days together.  For instance, our 2nd year anniversary fell on a Tuesday this year so we agreed to celebrate the following Sunday.  Jon took me to dinner at Minetta Tavern, a NYC favorite, open since 1937. 

The Michelin-rated restaurant has not become overpriced but is hard to get into (reservations have to be made far in advance).  I tried bone marrow for the very first time...delish!

Jon surprised me with ruby earrings!  I didn't realize how hard they are to come by these days since the US has imposed a trade embargo on Myanmar (formerly Burma), - the origination/mining of these precious gems -  since 2008 for many good reasons.

Since our bond will always surpass material things, it made me think of this verse:
Proverbs 31:10-12 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."

NYC area celebration and Baby Bump 33 weeks - 6/24/2012

My dear friend Lori hosted a NYC area celebration for little Scarlett and me.  I was able to spend quality time with some of my best girlfriends in the vicinity - Kara, Catherine, Kristin, and Lori. 

Scarlett received many sweet gifts - her first swimsuit, beach cover-up, water shoes, beach bag, sun hat, sunscreen, bumbo seat, diaper disposal, bath tub, baby bathing supplies/kit, hooded kitty towel, safari gym/play mat, Sophie the giraffe teeter/toy, and some adorable outfits.  What a fun afternoon!

Baby Bump picture of 33 weeks

Really fun game we played trying to match up the celebrity parents with their kids.

Shakespeare in the Park - 6/16/2012

NYC has tons of fun outdoor events in the summer.  One of my "bucket list" items was to see a Shakespeare play in Central Park before we move out to suburbia (likely four years away but we have a lot to explore in the city while we are so close)...

We attended his comedy As You Like It with another couple and were blown away by the Broadway-caliber talent and entertainment value!  It's amazing how something written hundreds over 400 years ago translates to our modern day.  The tickets were free but our friends waited in line from 6:45am - 1pm to secure them. 

We thoroughly enjoyed the play and would highly recommend all New Yorkers to check it out at some point :)

Houston Baby Shower - 6/2/2012 weekend

The family (including godparents, godsister, godbrother-in-law, and godnephew) had a fun dinner out at one of my favorite TexMex places in Houston - Lupe Tortillas.  It's always a blast spending time with the crew back home.  We are so close that when it comes to our conversation topics, anything goes.

  

My mom and her close friends hosted a lovely baby shower in Houston for Scarlett and me.  We had cheese gritz, egg and sausage casserole,  Paula Dean's french toast casserole, and many other tasty treats.

It was a memorable day surrounded by family and close friends.

 

It's official - Scarlett Grace Swope is her name :)  Jon and I are beyond excited to become parents this August!

 

The shower hostesses' hard work and generousity was sincerely appreciated.  I felt so loved.

I was overjoyed to catch up with many close girlfriends from high school.














Sexy 6 girls - our friendship blossomed at UT and continues strong to this day.

Shopping around Sugar Land Town Center and one last TexMex stop at Escalantes with the best girlfriends a girl could ask for :)

A toast to our everlasting friendship and for many more reasons to celebrate life and friends in the future.