Hospital Tour and Thankfulness

Rafa and I went on the Legacy Good Samaritan Maternity tour on Sunday.  The tour was amazing.  Rafa and I both left there feeling so comfortable and excited to deliver at this hospital.  The environment was relaxed and calm, the rooms were spacious and comfortable, and the staff seemed so nice.  There was a moment when I was standing in the room, recalling that the tour guide has volunteered as a partner for teen moms who had no one to be there for them, and standing in awe of how luxurious this place was.  I thought about the fact that I am so lucky to have a partner who loves me, had his arm around me, and will no doubt support me during this process.  And the fact that we have such an amazing facility to deliver at to ensure that baby and I are safe and healthy.  I quickly realized that there are so many woman around the world who are not as lucky as I am.  Every woman deserves to have the support, and every woman deserves a safe place to bring a child into the World.  I am especially thankful for my life and I have the best situation to deliver our little one.  I wish every woman had the same.

Built In Bookshelf

Another project is in the works....a built in bookshelf for Rafa's study.  The plan is floor to ceiling with shelves, drawers and cabinets.  It is a pretty cumbersome project, but I keep reminding Rafa to get cracking because the baby needs one too!  PS...That's Rafa's Handyman Hat that he always wears when working on his projects. Silly guy.

Tree Planting Sylvan Highlands

Rafa and I joined up with our Sylvan neighborhood and Friends of Trees for a tree planting event at the neighborhood school to kick off the Tree Planting Season. It was a cool and wet morning but it was perfect for all those sparkly new trees that now grace the school.  We missed the inauguration with the Portland commissioner, but we were there in time to help set up and see most of the trees go up.  Nice job to all involved! We Heart Portland <3

Chick Flick Friday!

On Friday, I spent the evening with my girls. We had salad and pizza, chatted a bit and then went to watch a movie.  It was a pretty awful and cheesy movie, but we had quite a few laughs to say the least.  Thanks ladies, it was a fun evening!

Marisa, Brooke, and Amy

Nat and Noela

Daniel and Olimpia

Brooke, Noela, Liza, and Marisa

All of the girls plus Bella!

Hearts A Beating!

Yesterday Rafa and I went in for our 16 week appointment.  The doctor wasn't there because of an emergency surgery, and we could have rescheduled, but I wanted to hear baby's heart beat again.  The little rascal was hiding so it took 10 minutes to find the heart.  When we did, I was so relieved that everything was fine and that baby's heart beat was at 154...very strong!

The next big appointment is on 11/8 when we get to find out the sex....whippeee!

Baby Bump!

Pregnancy is....

Two things this week:

1.  Taking a 3 hour nap, dreaming about Kraft Mac and Cheese, waking up to get to the store to buy it, and then eating the whole box!

2.  Bursting into tears at the dinner table, talking about being a Park Camp Host with Rafa during retirement, and saying how much Bella would love that.  Realizing in an instance when I looked down at Bella that she wouldn't be alive then.  I was almost inconsolable (thank god for Rafa!).  But who knows, I probably would sob like this not even being pregnant because of how much I love my little Bella Rhea.

Baby Love Is...

Reading to your little one before they can probably even hear you...on the rocker in the room where you will sleep and have baby dreams.  And whenever I read this one, I always end up in tears because I know how much I love you already.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog

Since reading "The Help" I have yet to read a book as moving, witty, humorous, and thought provoking as "The Elegance of the Hedgehog".  You are thrown into a story with layers of culture, class, philosophy, art, and human kindness and friendship.  And as you complete the last page, you will be asking yourself a question, but it may not be the same question as your counterpart who read it just before you.  For me, it was "What do I fear so that I am not fully living?".   And as I ponder the very question, while typing this, and wiping tears and snot from my face, I can easily tell you that this was one of the best books I have ever read.

Never Too Early!

That must be my motto, because as everyone knows, I am not late with anything, and early to a fault with everything else.  Ok, maybe I'm late sending birthday cards.  But, this time, Rafa was on board with my "never too early" and we ordered the baby room furniture.  It is a simple little sleigh set in Cherry color that comes with a crib, dresser and changing table. So far, we have only put together the crib.  But who's in a rush anyhow :)  But, we did put the glider together (in the way back).  Momma needs a comfy place to sit, or sleep!

AIDS Walk

Last weekend, we joined a group of friends for the AIDS Walk downtown.  It was a nice brisk fall walk all for a good cause.

Christmas Came Early....For Baby!

Everyone has been so generous; family, friends, work...cards, scrapbooks, books, and even a duck outfit!  And there were even a few books for Rafa and I to get us all ready for baby!  Thanks to everyone who has been so kind, especially to our little one : )

Flowers to Brighten a Day

From Rafa love, just because : )

Love Is...

Your husband telling you out of the blue that you will be a good mom.  This means so much to me and just one of the many reasons he is perfect for me.
And his silliness sure helps too :-)