Good Times

We just wrapped up a really nice weekend. On Friday night I went out with some work girls to celebrate a co-worker reaching her goal...Tanya West-Hutchins BSN, RNC is now Tanya West-Hutchins MSN, FNP and will be starting her new job in a week. Work will not be the same without her, but we are all very proud of her and wish her the best!
Saturday night we went to a party at our friend Brian's townhouse in Orland Park. Patrick works with Brian and he is good stuff! His place is awesome and we had a great time except for one mortifying moment when I was sitting on a resin chair and a leg broke and I was dumped on the ground! It HAD to happen to the pregnant woman, as if I didn't feel big and awkward enough as it is!
This afternoon we went out to Wheaton at the invitation of our friends, Kelli & Hugh. They have two ADORABLE children, James & Audrey, and we enjoyed a delicious BBQ! They also gave us some really great baby items/clothes that we are really happy to have...thanks guys! ;-)
I have to say that my negative views of some of these suburbs are softening the more I explore! Sadly, I carried my camera around all weekend only to forget each and every time that I had it with me until we were in the car on our way home!

Perennials

Patrick and I decided that today was the day to finally get our front spruced up for the season. We went a little crazy with the flower/plant shopping at Lurvey's in Des Plaines and the Home Depot in Park Ridge. I love the combinations we came up with! Patrick planted our garden in the backyard this past weekend and I am excited to watch it thrive. We have a ton of tomato plants, corn, green peppers, zucchini and herbs. Now we just have to do something with that patchy grass in the front lawn. Oh, and build a larger deck...anyone wanna come help? :-)

Anniversary

Yesterday, June 15th, was our 6th wedding anniversary. We've been together for 14 years. Time flies.

Sugar & Spice

Probably mostly spice, because after all, she IS my daughter! That's right, we are having a girl! We have been pretty sure for a few weeks now that it's a girl, but today at 18 weeks it was crisp and clear on the ultrasound image at work. (Thanks Dahlia!) No picture this time since no daughter of mine is going to have her "bits" posted on the internet! What does Patrick think? He's thrilled no matter what, he's just excited to have a playmate! ;-)

37 & Pregnant=Big Fun. Whoopee.

The yummy little birthday cake that Patrick got from Whole Foods.

So yeah, I turned 37 on May 29th. Birthdays are kind of anti-climactic nowadays anyway, but add to that the fact that I am knocked-up? I could see the pity in the eyes of the young hot nurses that I work with when they asked me what my birthday plans were! No martinis and dancing with 100 of my closest friends at a trendy bar downtown, no sir-ee, it was just me and the stomach creature spending a quiet day at home with the dogs and the piggy. Patrick came home from work that night with some nice treats for me. Big thanks to all of my friends & family for the birthday wishes, cards and gifts...I loved it all!

My sister and brother-in-law, Sue & Dennis, came down to visit for the weekend and we went out for a nice dinner on Friday night. I worked the weekend but it was still nice to see them even though it was too brief. Patrick's first triathlon was yesterday in Lansing, MI and he had a great time! I hope to get my hands on some pictures and post them soon.

I picked up a book about a year or so ago by Alexandra Stoddard called Things I Want My Daughters To Know. Below are 37 of my favorite points from the book:

1. Find Work You Love That Supports You Financially 2. It's Easier to Get into Things Than It Is to Get Out of Them 3. Think Positively: You Will Live Longer Than a Pessimist 4. Travel Heavy 5. You Don't Have To Prove Anything to Anyone 6. Be Grateful but Don't Expect Gratitude 7. Pain Is Inevitable; Suffering Is a Choice 8. Be More a Generalist Than a Specialist 9. Open Presents Slowly 10. Give Anonymously 11. Feel, Don't Just Think 12. Maintain Your Unique Friendships 13. Unplug Technology with No Apologies 14. When You Discover Something You Love, Stock Up 15. Listen to the Wisdom of Your Children 16. Don't Assume Anything 17. Have Your Own Mad Money 18. Move Your Feet 19. Overlook Things 20. Express an Original Point of View 21. Don't Save the Best for the Last 22. When You Change One Thing, Feel Free to Rethink Everything 23. Stick To Your Plan 24. Don't See People for How They Could Be, but as They Really Are, 25. There Is No Security Except Within Us 26. Exercise the Vocabulary of Thanks and Appreciation 27. Think of Yourself: By Being Self-Centered, You May Be Benefiting the World 28. Your Soul Is Not For Sale 29. Find a Way to Share Your Gifts 30. Embrace Change 31. Finish Up Strong 32. Love Your Own Company 33. Remember That People Are Funny About Money 34. Do Your Best and Leave the Rest 35. Be Careful What You Give Up 36. You Are Smarter and Wiser Than You Think 37. When You've Made Your Point, Sit Down