Sasha's Opinions

Sasha is quite sure the new baby will be a baby sister and when asked what we should name her, her suggestions are Monkey, Nemo, Betty ?!, or Butt. I guess it's Monkey Butt Smucker until we can come up with something better.

We had the first ultrasound last week and everything looked great at 14 weeks.

Fun in the Sun

After what has been the hardest winter in 40 years according to locals, we just needed to get away from the snow for a few days so we escaped to sunny Scottsdale, AZ for 5 days in mid-March. It's was so nice to just hop in the car and be in a totally different climate 8 hours later. Other than a morning at the incredible Phoenix Childrens Museum we pretty much just enjoyed the pool and playground at the hotel during the day and then drove to Old Scottsdale every night for dinner and walking around. The weather was perfect and it was so nice to spend quality time together as a family. Phil gets tired of me saying it, but I feel like every penny we spend on vactaions together is worth triple the amount because of the joy I get from anticipating and planning the trip, the bliss of the actual trip, and then the happiness we get from the memories after the trip is over. I'm still high from last week!

Basement Bliss

I've been horrible about blogging lately. As some of you know I am 13 weeks pregnant (we're thrilled!) but the last 2 months have felt like one long boatride on stormy seas. I was very sick the first time around and was dreading the onset of nausea this time around even though Phil kept reassuring me that it might be different this time. Unfortunately the old familiar feeling returned around week 6 and I felt nauseated pretty much 24/7 for what seemed an eternity. It was challenging in a different way this time. No, I wasn't working 10 hour shifts in the ER, but having to be "on" all the time for an active 2-year-old was tough. This week I am starting to have periods of relief finally so I know the end is in sight. On a happier note, I think I felt the baby move for the first time this week--it seems early, but that sensation is pretty unmistakeable.

In February we had interior stairs put into our house to connect the upstairs with the finished basement below which had previously only been accessible from a separate outdoor entrance. It's a huge meandering space with wall to wall carpet, a full bath, and little kitchen area. For now it makes a perfect playroom and spare room for guests and in the later years will be great for slumber parties, ping pong, movies, etc. Sasha has made good use of our patio furniture cushions this winter down in the basement (below).