To Morfar, Popmiester, and Handsome Hubby, Happy Belated Father's Day! I'm so glad that Little T and I (and the rest of the family...) were able to celebrate this special day with you on Sunday. What a blessing to have 3 generations of Father's! Thank you for the support and encouragement that each one of you provides to the others.
To my Baby Love, You had your first trip to the "Magic Kingdom" this weekend to celebrate Nana's birthday (happy Belated Birthday, Nana!), attend your meet-and-greet baby shower (where you were absolutely the perfect star of the show!), and celebrate your Papa's first Father's Day (and Popmiester's first Grandpop's day, and Morfar's first great-grandfather's day!). Even more exciting- your first encounter with the swimming pool! Your hat and your swim trunks may have been too big (notice how we had to role them up...), but you loved just getting your feet wet and spending some time outside. I know you will have many more swimming opportunities in your future...and next time we will have sunglasses for you! P.S. Happy 4 week birthday to you! :)
To Caitie-bug, Thank you so very much for coming this weekend to meet Little T! I loved catching up with you and meeting the newest handsome man in your life...Nathaniel is a sweet heart and I can't wait for Little T and he to get to know each other. There will definitely be play dates in our future!

Getting his feet wet...

Handsome Hubby and Little T

Debuting my new do! I was so ready for the change!

To my Dr. Husband, We loved coming to visit you at the hospital for lunch the other day. Little T's first hospital visit (minus, of course, the day he was born...)! It may have only been for 30 mins, and it may have only been the McDonald's at the children's hospital, but I know it will be the start of many lunch outings to visit the busy Papa! Thanks for making the time to meet us. :)
To my Little T, Boy have you grown! You had your "2 week" appointment yesterday and weighed in at a whopping 9 lbs 10 oz! I was told that at this point, you just needed to have gained enough to be back at your birth weight for them to consider you thriving. I'd say that you "thriving" is an understatement!... Hello size 1 diapers! Goodbye newborn outfits!
To the Swede, Grattis på födelsedagen (aka Happy Birthday!)!!! I know it's belated, but as your host family, we wanted to just say that we miss you and hope that you had the most incredible day. Here's to another exciting year ahead!

Despite being 3 weeks behind, we are proud to announce that Thomas Aaron arrived on his due date (with some help of medical intervention), May 21st at 9:00pm exactly, weighing 7 lbs 11 oz and measuring 21.5 inches long. It was a long delivery but Handsome Hubby did an incredible job as coach which really helped this Mama!

To my Baby Love, Happy 3 week birthday! You seem to get bigger everyday and I have loved every moment (many of them tired moments) of being your Mama!  You are an incredibly handsome addition to our little family of, now, four and it has been amazing to see your little personality already: you recognize your Papa's voice and mine; you love music, especially the Celtic women (thanks to your Nana) and the organ at church; nothing quite calms you down like being swaddled and having me sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" or "Jesus Loves Me"; its possible that Long Dog likes your Red Dog wubbanub more than you do; you sigh after you sneeze and it melts all of our hearts; you don't seem to mind bath time and love getting wrapped in the towel when your clean; you grunt all the time; and you've been able to lift your head up since the day you were born and you're getting stronger everyday! Know that you are already so loved by a whole community of family and friends...some of whom are still waiting to meet you!
To Long Dog, You have done an incredible job adjusting to life with a baby in the house and I've been so impressed with how seriously you have stepped into the role of protective big brother! I'm hoping that you continue to love Little T...even once he gets big enough to try and ride you. :)
To Granny D, Banker Boy, Weathergirl and Hurricane Hunk, Mama Ne', and Popmiester (and all the others...), Can't wait to see you this weekend! I think you will be surprised to see how much our little man has grown since the last time you saw him... we find out how much weight he has gained at the dr's tomorrow!
To the Handsome Hubby, Every time I see you holding our son, I love you all that much more. Just saying... And thank you for taking so much time off (and thank you Surgery Dept for allowing him to take so much time off) after Little T was born. You have been more help than you will ever know...especially since I changed all of about 2 diapers the entire first week of his life. :)

Proud Papa

Meeting Mama Ne' and Popmiester (aka Nana and Grandpop)

Meeting Granny D

Meeting Weathergirl

Hurricane Hunk and Weathergirl

Headed Home!

Banker Boy...a proud Uncle!

Little T and Uncle Drew

To my Dr. Bee, From my desk, I have the perfect view of the landing pad on the roof of the hospital. Since you are on trauma surgery this month, I know that those patients who arrive by helicopter are likely going to be seen by you (or at least your service). I love it, that in that moment when I see the helicopter fly by my window, I know that you are preparing for that patient. What a special reminder for me to pray for you as you go about your day! Can you believe it?...only 3.5 months remain of your intern year! Wahoo!
To Baby Boy, Just in case you're not keeping track...t minus 61 days until D day! :)
To the Yellow "Snow", You have made your annual appearance! It is nice to have you back (if only as a sign of the nice weather and beautiful flowers to come!). Even Long Dog sneezes when he goes outside. Wishing we got "snow" days from this kind of ground cover... Thank you, Lord, for the occasional afternoon rain shower that has given us some relief!
To the Kings and Queens of Inappropriate Comments, Pregnant women are still people. I am surprised by the bluntness of some of you expressing an interest in how my body has changed shape over the last several months. Although not offended myself, I would like to speak for other mothers-to-be and say we would prefer not to hear the following listed below, all of which I have actually heard. :) If you have the urge to say anything at all, tell her how beautiful and glowing she is. Even if it is alluding her that day...  It is not appropriate to say:
            "You are really bulging now!"
            "You look like you might drop that next week!"
            "Really, you have 8 weeks left?! But you are so big!"
            "Oh, it's you! I'm not used to seeing you fat..."
            "Your face is really filling out..."
Note: This is not a comprehensive list. And, in fact, I heard two of these today alone.
To my Handsome Hubby, The other day you changed the oil in my car while wearing latex gloves. Do even non-doctors do this? Regardless, thank you for this selfish act during your oh-so-infrequent free time. I am incredibly grateful! And thank you for taking off my toenail polish. I've never actually had to explain how to take nail polish off before...Thank you for such a rare opportunity! I love you with all my heart!

To all the nerds out there, Happy Pi Day!! I know, I know...what 27 year old that is no longer in school could possibly have the time or effort to remember that today is pi day (3.14 = March 14th for those that don't get it)? I do! And I'm very excited about it. So, in honor of this special occasion, and frankly because Baby Boy was craving some pie, I made Mud Pie for dessert tonight and I listed the recipe below. Enjoy! It is super easy to make and it doesn't take much skill or effort, but it does require a little patience. This was one of the favorite desserts my mama used to make when I was growing up. Contrary to the reason why we are celebrating with pie, this recipe isn't an exact science... I kinda just wing it.
To Daylight Savings Time, I am so thankful that you are here! I can now officially say that Dr. Handsome Hubby gets home from work while it is still light out (sometimes...). Hallelujah! What a privilege it has been to spend some time outside in the evenings without it being pitch black. However, I am still really struggling in the mornings... hurry, summer, so it will be light when I wake up!
To my Handsome Hubby,  The other night as we were getting into bed, you called me a "princess"...which I instantly boycotted, because I have never in my life thought of myself or desired to be a princess. In response to my protest, you said, "You're right. Only peasants sleep with that many pillows..." Thank you for always putting things in perspective.
 

Mud Pie, a family favorite

Ingredients
 
Chocolate Graham crackers or Teddy Grahams
4 tablespoons butter
1.5 tablespoons sugar
Tub of coffee ice cream
A jar of Hot Fudge topping

Flavors can be adjusted as you like. Handsome Hubby doesn't like chocolate, so sometimes when I make this for just the two of us, I use cinnamon Teddy Grahams, Butter Pecan Ice Cream, and Hot Caramel topping.





Directions

In a sealed large ziploc bag, place approximately 8 graham crackers or approximately 2 cups of teddy grahams and crush until pieces are fairly small. Add sugar and melted butter and mix. Dump crumb mixture into a greased pie pan, or an 8" x 8" baking dish. Press into the bottom of the pan to make a crust. "Incubate" :) in the freezer for approximately 15-30 minutes to allow the crust to slightly harden.


Once the pie crust has hardened (or at least cooled), dump the tub of ice cream onto the crust and spread evenly. It helps if the ice cream is somewhat softened. Again, place dish in freezer and "incubate" for at least an hour.


Once the ice cream has re-hardened, heat up hot fudge topping in the microwave (or per the directions on the side of the jar). Pour topping on top of the ice cream layer and smooth evenly over the top. It helps to work quickly...otherwise you end up with quite the marbled pie as the ice cream begins to melt and mixes with the fudge topping.


Place in freezer for several hours. I usually make this at least a day before serving so it has plenty of time to refreeze. Mama always served this with crushed peanuts and whipped cream on top. Mmmmm... Enjoy this special treat!

To the Belly Hog (I mean that in the sweetest way possible), I am overjoyed that you are growing healthy and strong...but it's amazing how long it is taking my stomach to adjust to giving you more room. Gone are the days of second trimester when I was hungry all the time and had room to fit everything I eat. Now, I am instead hungry all the time, and very much limited in the amount of space I have to put that food. Not to worry! Your papa and I have started the daily half-dozen or so after-dinner-laps around the surgical center by the house to help with getting the food moving. Only, Long Dog gets confused and tries to go back to the house every time we pass it.
To Hobby Lobby, After searching high and low for the perfect nursery decor for our little guy's room, I came across your selection of metal planes. Hallelujah! What a relief to find exactly what I was looking for...and 50% off too! I bought all 3 models you had. I am so excited to see this precious room come together. ("Before" pictures are below..."After" pictures to come, whenever the nursery is finished...)
To the Snake in the Yard, You gave me quite a startle yesterday while I was weeding. Thank you immensely for not being any bigger than you were. We don't want Baby Boy to come this early! And thank you for the reminder that no matter what my yard looks like, much of God's creation is still able to enjoy it!
To Weathergirl, Let me just quickly say that sometimes when I call you in the evenings and you are sitting down to eat the exact same meal I just ate, I wonder if it is unintentional ESP. Did we unconsciously communicate earlier that day what we would be having for dinner that night?! :) Mostly, this just makes me feel like you don't live so far away. I wonder, are you having pregnancy cravings as I have them?

To my Hardworking Hubby, After quite a long day on Trauma surgery, you came home yesterday and decided to cut the grass. It took several (dozen) tries to wake the lawn mower from hibernation, and even then it didn't seem happy that you gave it such a difficult job to do on it's first day back to work. ;) I'm proud of you and your persistence...even in the complete dark I thought the yard looked so much better.

Before picture 1... this room, once Handsome Hubby's office, has never been so clean! :)

Before Picture 2

Before Picture 3

To my Sweet Baby Boy, You're getting so big! Your Papa and I were so excited to see you at the ultrasound appointment last week (To Hubs, What a treat that you actually made it!). What did we find out while we are there?: 1. You love to keep your hands near your face...which makes good pictures a little hard to take; 2. You are still breech, with your head in the center of my rib cage and your feet on top of my bladder (but I'm told there is still plenty of time for you to turn); and 3. You look just like your Papa! My dream come true! :) 29 weeks down, 11 more to go!
To the Nursery, You are finally starting to come along! I thought it was progress when we had a completely empty, cleaned out room, but now... the crib is put together, the rug is down, and some of the other furniture is in. I know there is still a lot to be done, but part of me feels like now we are just waiting on a baby! Thank you to all of our friends and family who have already generously given to us and shared in our excitement. Our cup is overflowing with blessings!
To the Fritz Four, I loved our impromptu afternoon together on Saturday. Who knew that Me + Handsome Hubby at the store with a crib box that didn't fit in our SUV = an incredible afternoon with friends! Thank you for your willingness to serve and help out some poor pitiful parents-to-be and bring a truck to rescue us! We had a blast with you all...moving furniture, hanging out at Target/Babies R Us, eating Mellow Mushroom for dinner, and hitting up your favorite yogurt place for dessert. This pregnant lady crashed when she got home... :)
To Handsome Hubby, I have finally reached that point... you know, the point where I can no longer comfortably cut my own toe nails. Thank you for your willingness to help me. Believe me, having your husband clip your toes nails is very humbling. And thank you also for helping me clean up the spills in my lap that I can no longer see. Sometimes I feel like an invalid! So, thank you in advance for all the toenail clipping, mess-cleaning, back rubbing, foot messaging... I am so blessed to have you as a husband and I am grateful for all that you do!

Hot Chocolate and Beignets at Cafe' Du Monde

To February, I blink, and you are almost over! What happened?? I think the weekend organization overhaul/nesting projects and going to sleep earlier has made time fly so fast! Here's to cherishing even the little moments and not being caught up in the craziness of preparation before this little one arrives!
To my Baby Boy, You are definitely getting bigger! A whole 2.5 lbs already and you still have 12 weeks to go...eeek! We have an ultrasound on Wednesday (plus my first childbirth class at the hospital), and I can't wait to see you. You will be so much bigger than the last time we got to take a peak!
To Caitie-bug, I loved getting to see you at your baby shower a few weeks ago! I'm just loving that your little Baby S and my Baby Boy will be so close in age! Hang in there...only about 4 weeks to go!
To Weathergirl and Hurricane Hunk, It's a little late, but thanks for a wonderful time in New Orleans a few weeks back. I really enjoyed traveling with you two, eating amazing food, and celebrating at the wedding.  Thank you to you both for putting up with the ever-hungry pregnant woman...To Elizabeth- your wedding was BEAUTIFUL!! Thank you for including us in your incredible celebration! 
To the Papa-to-Be, Even after all you do at the hospital, you have been the most supportive husband a girl could ask for. Thank you for spending your free time helping me check off things on my to-do list, especially with all your help registering for baby things yesterday! I can't wait to be a parent with you to mini-Aaron. ;) From the kicks to the ribs I have been getting pretty regularly, I think he might be a great soccer player like his papa! P.S. It's funny that you are helping me eat the Valentine's day chocolate...who would have thought that you would ever enjoy chocolate truffles?! :)

Weathergirl and I (and Hurricane Hunk) out to breakfast at the Ruby Slipper. It was wonderful!!

To the newly married couple- you looked so happy! :) Many wishes for a future full of blessings!

With friends at Caitie-Bug's baby shower

Baby Boy and Baby S "meet" for the first time! :)

To Weathergirl, It's a little late, but I'm so glad that we were able to celebrate together our 27 years! Thanks (and thanks to all the rest of the fam too!) for making the trek eastbound for a very special weekend. To Weathergirl and Hurricane Hunk, Can't wait to travel to New Orleans with you this weekend for some fun wedding festivities! Thanks for letting me be the third wheel on what could have been a romantic weekend for the two of you. And, here's to the last big trip before Baby Boy arrives!
To Joe Paterno, I first saw you on the sidelines of Happy Valley while on a college visit to Penn State as a high school student. There we were...Popmiester, Weathergirl, and I, sipping away on our hot chocolate out of our souvenir/commemorative Nittany Lions mugs right there in Beaver Stadium. What a wonderful experience at our "family school". I have no recollection of whether Penn State pulled off a win that day, but that wasn't the point. I'm glad I got to see the "Legend" in action. Maybe Aunt Louise (Penn State's biggest fan...the women who would only have made it to my wedding if Penn State had a bowl game close by) is finally meeting you in person as we speak. May you rest in peace.
To Long Dog, After what seemed like several weeks of you pushing around your food in your bowl instead of actually eating it, we decided to invest in a different kind...what a change! Not only do you eat happily, beg for more dog food (and not people food), and eat with more gusto, you seem all-around happier. But alas, I have at least 10 lbs of opened "old" dog food left. My idea? Mix in a little old with the new... You pitched a fit this morning when the old food was touching the new and wouldn't eat anything until I provided a new, washed out bowl, filled only with "new" food. The things I do for our "first born"... What a character!
To the Augusta Groupon (for today), 53% off Justin Bieber singing toothbrushes... part of me thinks this is ridiculous and the other part of me (the part that realized that many mom's of teenage daughters that I work with were actually buying this groupon) thinks that this might actually be a money maker! Maybe the US government can get out of debt by selling Barack Obama singing toothbrushes...Did anyone else know that he could sing like that?
To My Handsome Dr Husband, Sometimes you have to get up too stinkin' early. But sometimes, we get mornings like today's when our alarms pretty much go off at the same time. So glad that I was able to share a little extra time with you this morning...makes for a nice morning, even when it is still VERY dark outside.

To my Blogging Time Off, Who would have thought that a holiday hiatus from blogging would have lasted so long? What started off as a week or two break turned into the silent treatment from St. Lucia Day (Dec 13th) through the Chinese New Year! To my readers, thank you for your patience! To our wonderful family and friends, we had a blast getting to spend so much time with you!
To 2012, (Better to say late than never) Welcome! You made it! Thank you for delighting us with your presence.  And for the skeptics, we are all still here. :) I'm looking forward to the many blessings and transitions that await us this year...the biggest of which will be Baby Boy!
To Baby Boy, It has been really awesome to feel you move over the last couple of weeks. Your flutters have gradually gotten stronger and I now really notice that you are flipping around in there. You move the most when I sing along with the radio. :) Your papa was even more excited that I was to finally feel you move! Keep growing bigger and getting stronger...you have a lot more "baking" left to do! 119 days left until your due date! 
To Handsome Hubby, You are an early riser once again! After having some incredible time off during the holidays...and again at the beginning of January, you have returned to work...and very long hours to boot! I know it is hard, but I'm so proud of the commitment you have to your job and to your patients.