One Year Ago What Did I Know?

I was just wandering around in my external hard drive, looking through photos and wasting time. I began to wonder what Eric and I were up to a year ago today. I found these photos, among others. I also looked back on my blog post for this day last year and looked at us and wondered about how much and how little has changed in the past year.



This time last year we had decided that we were ready to start thinking about becoming parents. We were living in Colorado and it all seemed so simple. Eric had been struggling to find work (art historians are not exactly hot commodities on the job market) and I was working at a job that I really enjoyed, but had little to do with my degree. We wanted to leave the city, but had absolutely no clue what the year to come would hold.



In the past year we have moved to Wyoming, Eric got a job, I quit my job and now we're just days away from holding our baby. I think of this year as the year that we stopped waiting and just started making the changes for ourselves. We made all of this change happen because it was just time. It's weird, because in the midst of all this change it seems that life has become more simple and more clear to us. Eric and I have found a new focus, not just in parenthood, but within ourselves. What a strange year it has been.

Looking back I am now thinking about this time next year and wondering about what tremendous change we will have had in our lives. Of course I am nervous, but mostly I am so excited and thankful.

What were you doing a year ago?

Little Things on Sunday

Today I thought I'd take a moment and cover a few of the little things that have been making my life sweet lately.

My Dad called the other day just to talk. He missed me. It made my day.

Yesterday Eric got me a vegan brownie because he knows this pregnant lady has a sweet tooth.

When I take walks with Bumblebee she is usually in the zone with her nose to the ground, but there is always a point where she comes out of her fog and looks up at me. She gives me what can only be described as a dog smile, followed by a wag and a little head butt. Then she is back on a scent.

Feeling my little girl move and knowing that soon we will officially meet her! Very soon.

Enjoying a leisurely shower because I know that soon leisure will be a hot commodity in our house (see above).

My morning orange juice. Mmmmmm

What are some of the little things making your days good?

Ball Game

Last night we went to a ball game with my parents. Our local team has been doing miserably so we didn't really expect to get into the game. Instead we focused on people watching, goofing off and conversation.




Here are a few highlights:

• A boy of about 8 or 9 was yelling at the top of his lungs behind us. He was pretty much repeating everything that the announcer yelled. It was a little creepy when he started chanting "Beer,beer, beer," but the rest of the time it was really funny.
• My mom turned her cap backwards and Eric decided that she looked like a Little Rascal.
• There was a girl nearby who was painfully awkward (reminding me of myself at that age). She was putting on quite a show. She was yelling to the mascot and zoning out doing the splits on the bleachers. The high point though was when the little entertainer was called out onto the field for a dance off and she totally froze up. I couldn't blame her, the guy she had to dance against was doing the worm. She was in such awe of the worm that she forget to play her secret dance weapon of doing the splits.
• We had a newscaster sighting. This time we saw the queen bee of newscasters. She was very tanned and had large lovely hair, just as a newscaster should be. We're on a roll here in WY.

Tale of a Former Dog Wrangler

So, I woke up this morning and lay in bed and couldn't help but think about a job I had many years ago. For some reason I just kept thinking about this silly job for no real reason. I wasn't puzzling over any part of it, don't feel like I want it back, don't have any unfinished business...but there it was floating around the front of my brain. What's that all about? So, I am just going to tell you about this job as it is (apparently) all I can think about. I had the job in 2002 during the one and only summer in Missoula that I did not take summer school. I worked at a dog daycare. My professional title was dog wrangler (I rolled my eyes a bit as I wrote that, such indignity). Anyway, many of you know that I am a huge animal lover so it seemed like the appropriate place for me to seek out employment.

One morning I stopped in and dropped off my resume and the manager took it and asked for my astrological sign. She wrote Aries across the top and sent me on my way. I was not pleased about the process. The next day they called and offered me a job, based on my astrological sign alone. I took the job.

A couple of days later I found myself at my new job, wearing old jeans and a t-shirt, not sure of what to expect. The dog daycare was just a huge gated room with indoor and outdoor areas. I was immediately thrown in with some gloves and another worker. My first day was a bit terrifying when a pit bull/great Dane mix decided to start fights. I watched in terror as my coworkers threw themselves onto the fighting dogs, going against all logic. How could I ever do such a thing? Soon enough I learned to do just that. Serious dog fights were rare, but soon I ran toward aggressive dogs and was able to quell fights with just the sound of my voice although I also threw myself bodily into the middle of some of the larger skirmishes (which always sounded far worse than they actually were).

It was such a strange change for me to become the alpha in a pack. Although I don't think Eric much appreciated the change. I had to work very hard to leave work at work. I had the tendency, at that time, to just bark out orders to whomever happened to be around. It really did not translate well in human society.

The real highlight of the job though was that I got to spend my entire day running and playing with an ever changing pack of dogs. I wouldn't even try to keep clean. I would come home from work, crusty and dirty with dog funk. It was such fun to just get dirty and have a glorious time. Sometimes I would work nights. I would sleep on a plastic covered queen bed in the middle of the large room, dogs would surround me and radiate outward like some giant dog mandorla. I loved it and felt like queen of the dogs.

When summer came to an end and school was about to resume I had to leave my job and get serious about school. I am glad the job ended when it did, but what a unique experience. I still have remnants of it today. For instance, we were strolling about the neighborhood the other day when a dog approached. I instantly hopped in between of Eric and Bumblebee and the unknown dog with my best defensive posture, ready. Eric was horrified by this and reminded me that I am enormously pregnant and should probably avoid any potential for dog bites (sorry hubby). Most importantly I fell in love/became obsessed with adopting a dog. It was several years before it happened, but Bumblebee came to us as an indirect result of my job. So, there you have it. Who knows why that was on my mind this morning, but maybe now I can move on with my day.

Do you have a job that has stuck with you?

Nesting Gone Crazy

OK, so I am a nester by nature. Pregnant or not I am always nesting. I remember being a little girl and on sick days I would build nests by the heating vents. So, you can imagine that I am taking it to the next level at this point in my pregnancy. This week it's been extra crazy and I thought I would give you a little taste of it...

1. Yesterday I found this post asking pregnant women to share some of their crazy nesting moments. I was excited about it because I thought it might give me new ideas...it did.
2. I wrote out three weeks of menus and corresponding grocery lists. When my Mom stopped by and saw the first list. She noted how cleanly it was written and asked me if I had written the list and then re-written it to make it look nice...and I had.
3. I have spent many hours washing baby clothes, folding them, refolding them and organizing them by size.
4. I wrote out directions for my family who will be watching Bumblebee when we are off busy with the business of birthing.
5. I have been cleaning everything from windowsills to Bumblebee's ears.
6. Cleaning out the entire car and making a seat cover for the back seat.
7. Making a cover for a second hand baby swing we received. The seat had a very boyish theme and I decided to recover it with a fun bold print.
   

I could really go on and on, but I am feeling a little bit nutty as I read through the list I already have.

I will have you know that Eric has his own version of man nesting going on. He is really into assembling baby related items. Last night we spent a good hour and a half looking for a special battery for a bouncer we were given. Admittedly we were both in on this particular obsession.

So, for those of you who have gone through this before do you ave any tips?

This Morning

It's a quiet morning here at our little house in Wyoming. Eric has just gone to work. We woke up a little groggy and had breakfast (we split a breakfast burrito and had some strawberries). I was so refreshed by my morning orange juice that I actually said, "Ahhhhh, my morning elixir," after gulping down a glass.

Now though, it's calm and quiet. The animals are all asleep. The sun is just coming up over the trees and the mood is steady.

Everybody keeps telling me to really savor the quiet moments before our little one arrives (due one month from today!), but I can't help but think that there will be many many quiet moments, particularly right at first.

Either way, I am really enjoying the soft mood of this morning. Soon enough I will get to my frantic organizing (I just rediscovered Martha Stewart's organizing tip of the day) and work on my thesis. For now though I am just going to sit and breathe in the quiet morning air as it comes through the windows while I snuggle on the couch with Miss Bumblebee.

What is your morning routine?

Vintage

I am a huge fan of vintage looks and styles. I think it mostly stems from my tendency to romanticize the past. When I dress or decorate I always look back to styles which have since fallen out of popularity rather than looking to contemporary influences. Sure, I try to incorporate some modern items into my life, but that is mostly because I don't want to look like I live in a time warp.

I love going to a thrift store or an antique shop and finding some tiny treasure, an old brooch, a scarf, a lamp. I am endlessly fascinated by the items that make it to antique or thrift stores. I always wonder why that item made it. Was it important to someone? I wish I could know the stories behind some of the things that Eric and I have gathered together over the years.

Do you like to shop second hand or antique? If so why?

Feeling Beautiful?

Hello! It's morning. I have a couple of routine doctor's appointments today (both baby related) and I have been up since very early, running scenarios through my mind. So, today I am going take this opportunity to use a tag I recently received from my friend Sophie. The tag is to share 5 things that make me feel beautiful. So without further ado:

5. Being pregnant has made me feel beautiful in a very new way. It's not about clothes or a specific look, but just feeling very full of life (literally full of life at this point).

4. I always feel my best when I am happy, genuinely happy. Maybe it's just because I am not really thinking about it and I am just busy being myself and it is enough.

3. I feel beautiful when I am out in nature. I just love feeling like I am part of something bigger than myself.

2. I feel beautiful when I look at all of the beautiful women in my family and realize that I can see a shared trait.

1. I feel beautiful when my husband really looks at me and says that he thinks I am beautiful.

What about you? When do you feel your most beautiful?

Baby Shower

Yesterday was the baby shower! I have been anticipating the event for months and months. I awoke to a beautiful day and I was so excited to go to this party. I looked at it as a time to celebrate this little girl that we are expecting in just over a month.

Aren't these flowers beautiful?

I was so touched when our family friend Kim offered to throw the shower since Eric and I are pretty new to the area. Wow, did Kim ever deliver an amazing shower! First of all she went above and beyond and created a vegan luncheon!

One of many super-delicious salads.

She had a variety of seriously delicious salads and these mouthwatering muffins. All of the guests were raving about the food!

A few of the guests...my mom is in the orange dress.

The guests were a great mix of people and everyone seemed to genuinely enjoy each other's company. There wasn't a moment of awkward silence, it was all so easy and happy.

Gifts

After lunch and some good conversation we opened gifts. I can't even begin to express how thankful I am that people were so generous and thoughtful. I am very happy to bring a little girl into such a kind and giving world!

The vegan cake!

After the opening of gifts we had some delectable vegan cake! Yum, yum, yum. I left the party feeling deep gratitude. So thankful that my mom was there being the remarkable woman she is, that all of these new friends and amazing women were there to show their support and offer their tidbits of wisdom, thankful that we are finding friends and a home here in Wyoming, thankful that my aunt drove all the way down for the day. Just so thankful.

Out to Lunch

My parents have been out of town the past week. Eric and I have been house sitting for them until recently. After a 16 hour travel day on Thursday they were back home in Wyoming. They stopped by our house supposedly to show us their pictures and see the crib before we headed out to lunch, but I suspect it was also to get a dose of Bumblebee's rampant enthusiasm. Bumblebee certainly delivered her trademark joie de vivre.

After looking through the photos of their trip we headed out to a new restaurant. Eric and I are always prepared to be a little disappointed when we try out new restaurants; not every place has many vegan options. Usually we can find something to eat at any establishment. Yesterday's restaurant was in a converted home. They served lots of fresh foods, wraps and such. Eric and I were in luck and they even had a few choices for us!

I had to start with a raspberry lemonade. I think this is the quintessential summer drink. I am in love with raspberry lemonade. Have you had it? If not, I recommend that you stop what you are doing and run in a panic to the nearest raspberry lemonade dealer.



We had a good time catching up with my parents in the quaint little restaurant.



Lunch arrived and it was the perfect size, not too much and not too little. I had a roasted red pepper, hummus, spinach and sprout wrap accompanied with a light salad. Perfect for a summer afternoon.




I love when I go to a restaurant and get the perfect amount of satisfaction. I had great company (although Eric and my dad geeked out and made weird jokes most of the time) and great food and of course RASPBERRY LEMONADE!

Crib Notes

Oh my, that is a terrible blog title. I just couldn't help myself. Last night was a big night. We put together the crib! When I say "we" I mean that Eric put together the crib while I hovered around and was able to help minimally. That's OK, he says that he feels manly when he puts things together. Who am I to interfere with his manliness?

I will get a good picture of the crib up soon enough, but I will tell you that Miss Bumblebee was perfectly happy with the fact that her bed had been moved. She immediately went to her bed and passed out for the rest of the night.

Finally, I have been getting tons of little informational booklets from the hospital. Some of the information is quite helpful and some of it is just entertaining. Take this image for example (Please note I added the text bubbles).

The painting is from an article on how wonderful it is to bring the baby home, but I think the artwork tells a different story. I couldn't help but laugh when I noticed that it seemed both parents seemed to be anxious to hand off the baby.

Summer

Holy guacamole! Can you believe it's already nearing the end of August? Summer is almost over. We've had a few cooler days lately and it's really been making me think about what I need/want to do before summer is over. I feel like this whole summer has flown by.

When I think of summer I always have a few memories that come to mind. I thought I would share:

• I think of dog fashion shows. One summer when I was about 8 I held a dog fashion show in the backyard. Our beagle Chloe was given pigtails and of course she won...though I was the judge of the dog fashion show. I may have been a bit biased.
• I think of going to the farmer's market in Missoula and looking for the delicious Flathead cherries, buying fresh flowers and people watching.
• I think of babysitting for Robin. I spent many summers babysitting a young girl with down syndrome.
• I think of searching for stray cats and dogs that I could bring home and beg my parents to let us adopt. I have a real skill for finding stray animals. I am sure my parents really appreciated it.
• I think of car rides and family vacations. Talking, laughing and occasionally annoying my family.

What are some of the things you think about when you think of summer?

Second Interview With Bumblebee

Earlier this year I interviewed Miss Bumblebee (read it here) and I thought it was about time we heard from her once again. Naturally Bumblebee cannot speak English so I have had to use my animal translation skills to once again decipher her whines, barks, burps and huffs. Enjoy.

Maria: OK Bumblebee it's been several months since we last did an interview and you've been through a lot of change. How are you feeling about the move to Wyoming?
Bumblebee: Frankly I am quite pleased that we decided to move here. I really enjoy seeing more of your family.

Maria: Yes, my family. Do you mind telling me why you freak out when they come over for a visit?
Bumblebee: Freak out? I don't know what you're talking about.

Maria: Ummmm, well you squeal, rebound off their bodies, run in circles and then howl. Usually this production lasts for a good ten minutes.
Bumblebee: Oh that. Hmm I believe I have the right to express myself in any way I choose.

Maria: Fair enough. That reminds me, Eric and I often say that if you were to get a college degree that you would be a theater major. Do you think that is a fair statement?
Bumblebee: Oh yes, I love the theater. I see my name in lights.

Maria: I suspected as much. Now, let's move on here. Can you tell me how you feel about becoming a big sister?
Bumblebee: Well, I am a little concerned about sharing the spotlight. I do feel better now that you've assured me that my human sibling will soon drop lots of food onto the floor.

Maria: Good. I am glad that you are beginning to accept the inevitable.
Bumblebee: I am trying to be mature about the whole ordeal.

Maria: Thank you.
Bumblebee: Let's steer this interview back toward me.

Maria: Yes of course. Now tell me about this boy dog at the end of the street. You seem to have a little crush on him.
Bumblebee: Oh yes, he's so dreamy. I can hardly keep myself from marking my territory right next to his fence.

Maria: What makes him so special?
Bumblebee: Well, he has that whole bad boy thing going for him. Do you remember that day when the garbage was strewn across the lawn?

Maria: Yes, I do. I could smell it half a block away.
Bumblebee:What a rebel. Then there's that brown patch over his eye, well how can a girl be expected to resist that?

Maria: Well, I am about ready to wrap up this interview. Do you have any plans for this day?
Bumblebee: Why yes I do. I plan to nap for several hours, take a walk, whine obsessively while we ride in the car and I anticipate that I will receive many treats as compensation for this riveting interview.

Maria: Well, I doubt that, but I think I am ready to end this interview.

Home

I have moved so many times in my life that I am losing count. I know that I have moved more than 20 times. I also know that I am not done moving. No, I really don't have a wanderlust, life has just been somewhat nomadic for me. Since I have never really had a long term place that I call home I have just decided that the state of Montana is home for me. I blame it mostly on my father. He spent his entire life on a farm (below) in northern Montana. I spent my babyhood on this same farm, but moved away when I was still very young. Throughout my life we take periodic trips to this farm to see how things are growing.

Nobody lives in the farmhouse anymore, though the land is still in use. When we go there, at first we all see a run down old farm house. The yard is overgrown, there is no sign that anybody has lived there in many many years. However, just give it a moment and my dad will take us all back in time. He tells stories about his childhood, his parents, his sisters and suddenly the whole place is alive again. I can see the places and stories from my father's memory and I can sense his deep connection to his past and to the land.

Through him I have come to love the farm. I feel connected to my family and to his past. On a greater level I feel deeply connected to Montana as it is the only place I have ever really felt a strong sense of home and belonging.

Where do you belong or are you a nomad like me?

Little Things He Does

This blog is called Little Things are Big, as you may be aware. I was giving some thought to the little things that make my life feel so full and I couldn't help but notice how many of those little things were coming from my husband. Today I thought I would have a good old fashioned mushy love fest and share with the world some of the little things that my husband does.

• He is a good hand holder. He holds my hand, but if it's really hot he has the sense to just give me a good hand squeeze.
• When I am not pregnant he makes the perfect cup of coffee and delivers it every morning.
• He always holds the door for me.
• He lets me fall asleep on him if we're lounging around and won't move, even if he needs to use the restroom, because he doesn't want to wake me up.
  
• He gives compliments freely.
• He puts dirty dishes away.
• He knows, particularly lately, just when to rub the small of my back without me having to ask.
• He makes me laugh constantly.
• He pumps the gas.
• He has been taking care of the cat box all by himself (we used to share the chore) since I've been pregnant. This is a nasty job and it is well appreciated. He never tries to get out of it.
• He is a best friend in the truest sense.
• He has been reminding me to pack antacids in my purse. I have been having awesome acid reflux as a result of pregnancy and I keep finding myself without any relief. So, he has taken it upon himself to make sure all is well.

I suppose I could just go on and on, but I would love to hear some of the little things that the people in your life do for you. I really enjoy hearing about the good things we do for each other. Please share.

Update and A Rosy Outlook

Yesterday was the big labor prep class day. I went in bright and early and made a Norwegian connection with the nurse who was leading the class. Actually her family name is the same as mine, on the Norwegian side. Interestingly this means that we come from the same town in Norway. So, maybe we're related or maybe my great great Norwegian grandmother took a labor prep class from hers. Food for thought...or something.

Anyway, the class was long, but quite informative. Mostly it was nice to just have someone take their time to answer little questions. We all got a tour of the maternity ward as well, so I know where I will be when all of this birthing business goes down.

We did watch a video, but it wasn't nearly as graphic or horrifying as I anticipated. I was more interested in the end result when they handed the mom her baby. I noticed many moist eyes among us pregnant ladies, eager to meet our little ones. I also met some nice folks, maybe not fast friends, but it was something.

I came home from my baby day to find a package from my friend Stacy from A Rosy Outlook. I was thrilled to receive something other than bills and junk mail, but I had no idea what was in store. I opened the box to find a beautiful handmade quilt. I squealed with joy. The blanket is perfect and lovely! I recognized some of the fabric from her blogs and it was just so neat! Eric was really impressed too...and it means something when you impress a man with a quilt. Thank you Stacy we LOVE it. For those of you who are interested, Stacy is quite a multi-talented crafter, just check out her Etsy store.

Educatin' Time

OK today I have my all day labor prep class. I lost my partner, Eric had to go to work today. So I am going to take notes or something. Wish me luck. Maybe I will make a friend. I really hope nobody goes into actual labor. I will give you all an update tomorrow.

A Few Projects

I have been a little bit crafty lately. I have a lot of stuff to get done before our little lady arrives, not just the fun crafts. Here is a little taste of my pre-baby to-do list:

• Clean every square inch of the house. I will probably do this a dozen times in the next month and a half!
• Clean out the car. Currently the back seat offers a breathtaking sampling of Bumblebee's fur.
• With regard to the above issue I am sewing a car seat cover to keep the fur from taking over again. So far I have found a cool retro sheet and now I just have to sew it up right.
• Have several meals ready/frozen.
• Meet pediatrician.
• Regular check-ups. I go every other week at this point.
  
• Set up all of the baby stuff. This is generalized because it involves more steps than you probably want to read about.
• Pre-check in at the hospital.
  
• Go over Bumblebee sitting with Sam. He's the designated dog watcher while we're at the hospital.
• Child birth prep class. I go tomorrow. I don't want to watch a labor video...
• Child care class. Eric and I have been around tons of little babies, but we decided to take a class. I am not sure that there is really anything that they can tell us, but we're just excited to do baby related activities at this point.
• Baby shower! I am excited!!!!
  

I could go on and on, but that would just be a bit overwhelming. Also on my list was to make a second dog bed for Bumblebee. She has one in the living room and one in the bedroom. I finished one earlier this summer, but it took me some time to get around to the second one.

She seems to approve.

With the leftover scraps from the dog bed I made a little scarf or something, I am not really sure what it is but I hung it on the window.

What would you call it?

Finally I have started a few little pieces of art for the baby. I am not quite finished, but here is the progress I have made.

Have you been up to anything crafty lately?

Photo Booth

Yesterday Eric and I found ourselves at the mall. We were there for a quick in and out operation. I am not a huge fan of malls. Mostly because of those booths in the center of the mall that have staff who actively try and sell stuff to passers-by. I always get pulled in with phrases like, "Can I ask you a question miss?" I have difficulty being rude, even though I have no interest in purchasing their face cream or stencil sets or whatever they may be selling. When I get pulled in I tell them that they are wasting their breath because I won't buy their product. They never believe me and try anyway. So we both end up losing 10 minutes of time.

Anyway, yesterday there were no booth attendant encounters and we were able to go about our mission in peace. Actually it was really quite nice. I am just over a month shy of my due date and the protruding belly is beginning to pull out all sorts of sweet smiles from strangers. I really love that! Hopefully the smiles will stick around after this little lady is born.

Do you remember the old photo booths that used to be everywhere? I hardly ever see them anymore, but there is one in the mall here in town. Eric and I had to give it a go. We haven't had a photo booth experience in years. The poor quality of the photos doesn't matter, it's just plain fun!

Finally we had another newscaster sighting yesterday! We actually saw him twice in less than an hour. We were at the library and spotted the weather guy. We did our usual method of obvious spying in order to confirm that it was indeed the weather guy. He was in the middle of a conversation so we may have been less obvious than usual. Later, while in the mall, we spotted him in a checkout line. When I told my mom, she suggested that he was following us! I love that idea. I wish the newscasters were trying to spot us as readily as we are trying to spot them. Game on newscasters, game on!

Night Like This

Yesterday evening I suggested that we hop in the car and go for a little drive. I could see that the sunset was fast approaching and I felt compelled to get a good look at it. We buckled in Bumblebee, rolled down the windows and headed to the edge of town.

Passing deer, antelope and horses we breathed in the fresh air. The temperature was perfect the sun was just above the horizon and all was as it should be.

We talked of projects, plans, the baby. We also just rode in silence taking in the beginning of the end of summer. We still have plenty of hot summer days ahead of us, but I can tell that fall will soon be here. Along with it will be tons of change and new experiences, but last night was just about enjoying the night.

I couldn't help but think of the mantra that my dear friend Copeland taught me so many years ago. You are here and it is now. I am always busy with plans or some crazy agenda, but sometimes it seems the whole world is reminding me to just quietly appreciate the tiny moments.

Back in Action

Well, the past couple of weeks has been a little bit on the busy side, but now I am back into the routine for a couple of days. How have you been? I feel like I've been in a fog or something.

We had a great visit with our friends Andy and Anne. They just left 10 minutes ago. When I closed the door after a goodbye Miss Bumblebee gave me a look that seemed to say, "Well, I guess it's back to just us." Then she sighed and is now napping on the couch.

Here is a little update of what I have been up to:

Yesterday we went to a daycare and watched Andy give a performance. We had so much fun. The children had a blast. I can certainly see why Andy has been able to find such success in this field. My cheeks are still sore from all of the smiling we did. Above is a photo of the performance.

We spent most of the day with Anne and Andy. We went out for lunch, took walks and chatted with each other. It was much needed and so pleasant!

Eric and I took a little detour to the doctor's office for a regular checkup on our little girl. She is doing very well. The appointment was thankfully uneventful and all is well. I am getting really excited about this little lady!

What have you been up to?

Andy Mason

Yesterday we got our very first company since moving to Wyoming. Our friends Andy and Anne are in town for a quick visit. Eric and I first met Andy many years ago when we first started college in NM. Time passed, we moved away and yet we've managed to maintain a very real friendship for all of these years.

Andy is a musician. He's kind of got two musical personas. He makes great albums that Eric and I have been listening to for many years. Then, a few years ago he started making children's albums and touring. He has been very successful in both ventures, for good reason. Today, while he is in town he is going to play a children's show. It will be the first time that Eric and I get to see one of his kid's shows and we are really excited.

Additionally, Eric and I are busy at work making a bunch of music videos for him, which he will be releasing in the not too distant future. I will keep you posted. Eric and I love his music, adult and children's music alike. I highly recommend that you check him out! Here is a link to his website. Enjoy!

Old Love/ Another Reason to Think I am Nosy

Living in a neighborhood one tends to become aware of their neighbors and their lives without really making much effort. Comings and goings are noticed, barking dogs are frowned upon, simple greetings are shared---it's just part of living in a neighborhood. So, we weren't exactly spying on our neighbors when we noticed that there was a little love brewing in the neighborhood. Let me explain...

There is an older woman who lives just a bit down the street from us. She has long white hair and seems to hang out with a sister. She spends time in her yard and at night she turns on white Christmas lights. Until yesterday this was my limited knowledge of her.

Eric and I were sitting in the living room, where we have a direct view of her house, and noticed that an older gentleman in a truck had pulled up. Eric mentioned that he thought they were dating. This piqued my interest (I am nosy) and we both kept a casual eye on her house. He got out of his car and was dressed up cowboy style, very clearly to make an impression on his lady love. We watched as she exited her house. She was dressed up in a long pink dress, her white hair pulled back. Her gentleman caller opened the car door for her and they were off for a night on the town. Later we saw him smilingly walk her to her front door, a perfect gentleman!

Anyway, I was just so happy to see a new love between these people. It's always wonderful to watch people who seem to be genuinely in love and even better to be reminded that there is no age limit.

Pregnancy Photo and the Term Baby Mama?

Yesterday evening Eric and I were discussing the fact that we need to get a few good pregnancy photos for the archives, now that I finally look pregnant. We have been struggling with the pregnancy photo issue. We really want to take some pictures that are unique and different. Pregnancy photos are tough, because they are pretty formulaic by nature. The whole point of them is to focus the viewers attention on the belly and there are a few tried and true methods for doing such a thing. I must note that we didn't want to do anything too pretentious or artsy (because we can certainly do that), just simple and joyful.

Thankfully Eric is a great photographer and he worked well within the established cannon of pregnancy photography. Here are the results of his efforts.

Exhibit A) Here we have the classic belly gaze. I think this type of photo is just a requirement for any pregnant lady.

Exhibit B) Next we have the belly grasp and smile. This style of pregnancy photography is all about showing how happy the woman is to be pregnant in spite of all of the discomforts and it's true pregnancy is really amazing.

Exhibit C) The two handed belly grasp. Yep, we pulled out the big guns here. You can only mean business with the two handed belly grasp.

Bonus Story that is probably only funny to Eric and I:
Yesterday Eric and I were out running errands and decided to stop and have a cup of coffee. On our way to the coffee shop we were joking around and Eric said that he was going to order a coffee for his baby mama. I knew he wouldn't say such a thing because it's just kind of a dumb thing to say. Anyway, I triple dog dared him to do it.

We went into the coffee shop, which had a fair amount of customers all standing within ear shot. I gave Eric the look in order to taunt him about the dare, not expecting him to do it. When the coffee guy came over in his skinny jeans with perfectly coiffed, slightly messy hair and just the right amount of practiced distance in his eyes he asked what we wanted. Eric responded by saying," I'll have a house coffee and a decaf for my baby mama here." He also pointed to my pregnant belly for emphasis. The coffee guy was utterly unimpressed, but the gal behind us was amused. Ahh the power of a triple dare, they're never really that funny but they always hold power.

Painted Family Tree

Last night I continued on with my family tree project for our little girl. We put on the soundtrack to The Breakfast Club (which is really not as great as one might think) in honor of John Hughes who passed away yesterday. We talked about art, our baby and plans for the future. All in all it was a calm and relaxing night. For us at least, our daughter was once again on the move. I am also at that stage in pregnancy where we can try to identify her body parts (Is that her leg or her arm, head or bum?).

I think I am nearly done with the painting (in acrylic by the way), but I can't share the completed project with you until after she is born because I have her name on it as well.



What did you do last night?

Into the Archives: 1999

Today I thought I'd take a dive into the archives. A decade ago I had just graduated from high school. Eric and I were essentially an old married couple, we'd already been together for a year and a half and at that age it was equivalent to one million years. We took a little trip that ended up being incredibly influential. We did some weird jobs to save up for the trip including: helping a male model move, painting a baby's nursery and scraping the paint off of my parent's house. I should also mention that we had a lot of help to make the trip happen.

Anyway, we found ourselves in Europe. We couldn't believe it, we felt so instantly cultured. Ha ha. Also, in case you are wondering, YES Eric was indeed listening to a lot of Depeche Mode at this point in time (his style gives it all away). We tried to jam pack the entire trip (which was with an artist group) into one mini-tour of Europe. While we missed a lot we hit France, England, Holland, Germany and a few other little drive through situations that don't really count for much.

In preparation for the trip we tried to get ourselves prepared for some of the history and art history we were planning to encounter.

Here is a picture of me spotting my first Van Gogh. I remember feeling so aware of what I was looking at, a feeling I try to recapture each time I look at a master's work. The seed was planted on that trip and when I started college in the fall I signed up for my first art history class. It was love.

Here is a great shot of Versailles. Eric was just beginning his love affair with photography, which he eventually shared with me. Now, not one moment of our lives seems to go undocumented....not sure if that is really a good thing, but it started on that trip.

Here is one of many classic tourist poses we took on that trip. When we returned home we felt like something had changed. Sure, we felt more cultured and more adult. Very important for young folk about to start out on their own. We also felt more connected to a global community and our future career paths were also in the beginning stages. I should also mention that on this trip we had the first seeds of vegetarianism (and eventual veganism) planted, which has since become a huge part of our life.

Some other (less formative)highlights of the trip were:
1) When Eric was chased through Montmartre by someone yelling "Hey fashionable man!"
2) When I tried to buy some shoes in London and they laughed at me when they realized that I have giant sized feet. One man told me they didn't carry my size in the UK and that I would have to special order. It stung a little when he had his shoe buddies come and take a gander at my Sasquatch feet, but mostly it was funny.
3)When a street artist was trying to entice our friend into sitting for a portrait he yelled, "You're not that ugly." She was very pretty by the way.
4) A bus driver that got into 3 minor accidents between Paris and Versailles.
5) Another bus driver named Pascal who sang Wild Thing because he felt as though it impressed us Americans. We later named Eric's parent's cat after him although Eric's father cat quite get a handle on the pronunciation and calls the cat Pasquall.