31 Week Belly!

Major bravo to Benjamin, who took my favorite pregnancy photo of me ever, the top photo in this post. I took the others, but with his assistance, I now have an all time favorite. This has been a splendid Memorial Day. The only glitch to the day is that I forgot my camera...HOW did I let that happen? Luckily, my Dad was there and he had his camera, to which he added an even more amazing lens and now I have lens envy. There was a touching ceremony before the parade at the firehouse. A war veteran was the keynote speaker and brought many people to tears; click here. I absolutely love the parade and watching Ben march. Of course, with the pregnancy hormones, when Ben passed Charlotte,who was in awe, I teared up! I have absolutely no emotional swings with pregnancy, however, when something makes me happy I cannot hold back the tears. I am probably the happiest preggo I know and I love every single moment. I actually think the hormones make me unusually happy and full of joy...which pregnancy should do!
Time is now flying by, with our planned c-section date at the end of July!
I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather here in the Northeast!

the love of a peony

There is virtually no flower I love as much as the plump peony. I had the pleasure of photographing a home today that happened to have these beauties outside; to which I immediately took some close ups of.
I have yet to plant a peony in my own garden, as I am perfecting growing other flowers. I fear that if I were to plant it wrong I would be too heartbroken to see it die. I have been researching how to plant a happy peony and I am running out of time, but I may try this season.
My love of flowers is far and wide. Once the windows are opened in the house on a daily basis I cannot resist having fresh flowers arranged throughout the house on a constant basis. To me, there is nothing more pleasing than waking up to fresh blooms on your nightstand. They are delicate, strong and the joy they can bring is unspoken and so simple.
We have eight weeks exactly from today before our sweet Eloise arrives. Pending, of course, she does not decide to make an early entrance...

Firefighter Combat Challenge

Yesterday, Ben competed in the Firefighter Combat Challenge which took place in Marlborough, MA. There are competitions a few times a year and this was his first time competing. The day was supposed to be rainy and cloudy but we lucked out and the sun came out! Charlotte, Ben, my friend Suzanne and I made the trip up to the location, which was held at a mall. Lucky for me! They set up the course in a large part of the parking lot. This was a two day event; Friday and Saturday.
Ben had no idea what to expect. The top competitors who travel around and do this do it in under two minutes! The men who compete all "look" very fit and healthy. I don't remember the specifics as to the weights of everything, but they had to complete the course in full gear with an air pack. We saw many men drop in the last part of the course which is dragging the 175lb dummy. There was even a 59 year old retired firemen who completed it! You have six minutes to complete it.
Ben completed the course in 3:39 and we are so proud of him!

Mobile Maritime Center Uploads!

Charlotte and Ben had a joyous trip to the Maritime Center in Norwalk today while I was pampered and had my hair appointment in Westport. I usually book my hair appointments on days that Ben does not have to work so we make a little day adventure out of it. This was her first trip to the Maritime Center and had an absolute ball! We apologize for the fuzzy photos, but Ben took them with his iPhone. We were not fully prepared for a day of photos. Charlotte's favorite part was the sea lions and chose a purple sea lion stuffed animal from the gift shop.
I am now in the third trimester! I am feeling well and despite some mild dizziness, things are going well. Eloise kicks all day long and gets into some compromising positions that are not the most comfortable for me, but that is expected. Just eleven weeks until we meet this little one!

Green Baby

First off, Happy Thirtieth Birthday to me! Ben and I had the pleasure of planning a weekend trip to Boston to celebrate my birthday, which marked the first overnight trip away from Charlotte ever! While I was incredibly excited, I was also filled with trepidation and fear that at the last minute I would cling to the front door and not leave Charlotte home with her grandparents. *Above are some photos I took before our weekend away!
Luckily, that did not happen and by the time we hit the highway I was enjoying a decaf iced coffee and tapping into my inner free spirit. Well, as free as it could be toting around our sweet 27 week old bundle, also known as Eloise. We are sharing her first name and keeping her middle name a semi-secret. I say "semi" because if you ask, I will probably tell.
We stayed at the Eliot Hotel which was beautiful. After a two night stay there (and a hint to those booking a suite there...request the 8th floor as the suites are decidedly bigger and we were fortunate to enjoy that little bonus), I decided I really must have a brownstone mansion on Commonwealth Avenue...unfortunately, without stumbling into found millions, that is not in our budget.
We strolled up and down Newbury Street, shopping to my hearts content, while my dear, patient Ben actually enjoyed shopping with us! A few friends joined us which was wonderful. It was a great way to celebrate my birthday and perhaps our last little getaway before Eloise arrives. An added bonus was realizing that it only takes two hours to get to Boston door to door....leading me to want one last weekend away in June.
I am thrilled to be thirty, I must say. I felt I "left" my twenties years ago and find turning thirty very refreshing and filled with joy, as this is exactly how I hoped my life would be when I did, indeed, turn the big 3-0.