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.

Sunny Six Month Mark!

There is not too much to say other than it was a beautiful weekend of playing outside and enjoying the weather. Well, except for the instant heat that generated intense allergies for just about everyone in our house!
I am officially six months pregnant and wondering where the time has gone! It feels like just yesterday I was driving Benjamin nuts taking pregnancy tests WAY too early but insisting I was, in fact, pregnant. I was getting positive tests at home even before my doctors office test came back positive, and that was only through blood work. Their "pee on a stick" tests were saying no when mine said yes! Alas, it feels like we celebrated that good news not long ago!

Miss Margot

I had the pleasure to photograph Charlotte's friend, Margot yesterday after photographing their stunning home (photos coming soon). She has such a beautiful face and boisterous personality...a real pleasure to photograph!

Bunnies + Eggs + Pearls

What a joyous Easter we had at the Racho's in Stamford! Charlotte was looking dapper as ever and the real highlight (for me) was Charlotte receiving her first strand of real pearls from our wonderful Aunt Mary. I was so thrilled with the gift that I immediately dressed Charlotte in her new baubles and I must say, she loved them.
I took so many pictures of Charlotte and we had a ball playing outside. I had my "cheapo" camera as I like to call it instead of my nice one, but the pictures are still cute!
We hit the 23 week mark of pregnancy and are looking forward to celebrating the six month mark next Saturday. I am feeling great and loving my bump! We cannot believe how time has flown by and we are thrilled to meet Baby Racho in a few short months!
We are indulging in this amazing weather lately. Dare I say it, I even soaked up some sunshine for a little tan...
Even just a simple Monday as today provided simple pleasures such as planting some new Forsythia (yes, I killed the old ones but I think I know why), reading on the porch when Charlotte napped and then spending some quality time running around the back yard with Charlotte and Frank. Maybe it is the Vitamin D or the pregnancy hormones, but I am so happy and feel so lucky to enjoy these moments! Now, I am off to roast a chicken. Happy Easter everyone!