Feliz Cumpleanos

So last Friday was my birthday and I had a great weekend! My mom and I did some shopping during the day and she bought us some last minute but much needed items for when Brooklyn gets here. We had a great mother/daughter day and I am thankful that we got to spend some quality time together as things just seem so busy these days. That night, Dom took me to a wonderful Italian restaurant, Andiamos Restaurante - food was great and the atmosphere was even better. Very quaint and how he found this place who knows. I love that about him, he always takes his time finding the perfect spot to celebrate special occasions. And, you can't really go wrong with Italian as that is the way to my heart.

Saturday night we met friends out for drinks at Cuatro's. We without a doubt were the loudest bunch there (QUIROZ!)...which just proves that we are having more fun.

If only I had pulled the camera out sooner - this was classic! Love it Brian & KQ but as the saying goes, stick to the day jobs. Thanks friends for a great night out!

Take a moment

I had a great birthday weekend and I plan to update my blog with some bday pics and details but more pressing things are on my mind today. I got a call late Saturday night from Perri and she told me her Aunt Cindy died that afternoon in a car accident. Unfortunately I didn't pick up that call as we were at the bar and it was really loud, so I had to listen to that news over vmail - and I didn't pick that up until Sunday morning. We talked on Sunday and although I feel helpless here I hope that at the very least me listening to her and providing all the support I can over the phone will help some.

Aunt Cindy was her mom's sister, and I had met her many times. She meant so much to so many people and it's unbelievable to think that on her way to out Saturday evening she'll never return to anyone. When things like this happen in life we all should take a hard look at what we are spending our time stressing over, trying to make perfect, complaining about, etc... At the end of the day I bet we all have it pretty damn good. Things like this happen in life and there is no rhyme or reason, which is how I can define the word 'faith.' This is the only thing that can somehow make sense of things, but getting through that process is always a tough road to travel. God bless Aunt Cindy, and her grieving family. I am grateful to still have my opportunity to tell those around me that I love and appreciate them - you should all do the same. Life truly is short, so take a moment and love it.

Blame it on the rain...

Something happened yesterday that hasn't happened in forever - it RAINED! We got 1.80 inches of rain in Lakeway and my power even went out. It was the most wonderful thing I have seen in a long time. Islands had been showing up on Lake Travis, our grass is brown, and everything just looks like it could use a long drink. Well, yesterday, we got one. In case you have forgotten, here is what rain clouds look like:

If I could I'd have it rain all week. It was so nice to be home with my windows open, the rain pouring down...makes me pretend to be all crafty. I wrote some thank you cards and worked on my maternity book.

Yesterday I discovered where all the Lakeway women that don't work go. Any guesses? Target. The place was packed and I fell victim to what Target does best - fills your cart up with things that you don't need. Poor husbands working to make a living and Target capitalizing on their wives boredom. I quickly got out, but only to make it over to a cute boutique called Point of Origin where I bought a wedding gift, some Tyler candles, and some cards. It's dangerous not working - between grazing my pantry and spending money on things I don't need I could get myself into some trouble!

Today I practiced some self discipline. Met Angie for lunch at Ztejas, which she graciously picked up and then I walked Barton Creek Mall and came out with nothing. I think that's largely due to the fact I can't fit my fat ass into anything cute and I'm done with maternity clothes. Saw some cute baby clothes of course but I think until Brooklyn arrives I should probably hold off a bit.

So thanks to you rain for making my week great so far, it was nice to have you - please come back and visit us!

"Vacation" day numero uno

Okay - so here we go. Countdown to Miss Brooklyn's arrival has officially begun. I am now offically on maternity leave, or as my boss calls it, "vacation". Yeah, we won't comment on that any more than I already have. Most women that I have talked to don't necessarily refer to those moments of immense pain as vacation, as a matter of fact the descriptive words are far different than those used to describe the beach, mexico, cold beer, the sun, etc...also known as vacation.

Woke up when Dom left for work, but didn't actually get out of bed until about 10:00 a.m. Ate some cereal and tried to watch the View. Hmm.....5 women around one table all competing to talk just really sounded like noise more than anything interesting. Made the bed, started some laundry, got on the treadmill for half an hour, then Dom was home for lunch. We made lunch, hung out, and he left - I took a bath, read some in my book and got on the computer. I can do this! Oprah starts in an hour, what the heck is there to complain about.

Last day of work tomorrow!

Last day of work is tomorrow, I can't believe it! It's so awesome to know that next week I can do whatever the hell I want to, assuming B doesn't decide to come early. I plan to get organized, although I have been 'nesting' and I don't know what else to do. The kitchen was cleaned out and rearranged, closet has been done, her room is completely done - clothes are in order I swear the hangers are an exact inch apart. What is that? It's temporary - because I know once she's here we will never see her closet as straight as it is now. I'll have to post some pics of her nursery soon, it turned out to be so beautiful, and soft.

The crazy part about being done with work is that I have that sense of OMG she's almost here. I'm not sure if any of you mom's out there felt this way (I'm sure you did), but suddenly I have these waves of excitement, and of apprehension. Apprenhension defined with nerves, not regret. Mike D was nice enough today to send me an email from one of his friends that just had a baby, naturally, and said it was the worst pain EVER. Thanks friend. I know the epidural option is available but I am at least going to attempt this natural thing. If I don't make it - so what. So there is anxiety about that but really more than anything it's this feeling of vulnerability knowing you have this little life that you are now responsible for. I know it will all fall into place as it should but 'whew' the unknown can be overwhelming. Dom has been pretty cute, I think the reality has set in for him recently and freaked him out a bit too. Today he ordered her some Jets onesies for football season. When they start to suck mid game I'm sure he'll change her clothes immediately, but it will be cute while it lasts. Daddy's little girl? I'm afraid so.

So, time to close the chapter of work life w/out kiddos. Next time I arrive at that office I will have a whole different set of priorities. Talk about perspective. Farewell Small World Labs, for a few months. I won't miss you.

Blog list!

Check out my blog list! I know that it's short compared to others but it seems like this thing is becoming contagious. There are still some of you skeptics out there but at the end of the day it's fun and it's a great way to keep everyone in the loop as we all lead our crazy lives. So, welcome to the club Carrie - http://soonerlovinglonghorn.blogspot.com. We wish you the best of luck this football season, if it gets out of control I'm sure I can find something for you to do, clean, cook, diaper to change, etc...at my house.

So people, I am hitting the wall. My last day at work is this Friday, August 15th and I am counting down. Time is standing still for me this week and I just am trying so hard to not do the downward and to the right glance at the clock on my computer. But it stares at me and haunts me. Maybe I'll just change the settings so that it reads like it's Friday and pack it up and go home. Most of you are probably cussing me at this point because YOU still have to go back to work that next Monday. Alright, I'll be quiet. Mentally I am just drained and I want to think about nothing but my baby girl, Dom, and all of the other things that make me happy. Not client issues, project schedules, emails to answer, etc...I only have a few weeks left of this pregnancy, assuming she goes 40 weeks, and I just want to soak it all in. Since I left my parents house I have never not worked - most people haven't - but I don't know what it's like to just wake up and turn on the TV, workout, eat, meet friends for lunch, run an errand, watch Oprah, etc...I'm totally okay playing the housewife role too, dinner on the table at 6 - sure! Once Brooklyn arrives I doubt those luxuries will exist but I plan on enjoying them for the next two weeks or so. Oh - and blog! I left that off my list. Not sure if I'll have interesting things to talk about every day but I'll try.

Thanks to my girls!

Had my shower on the 26th - it was a great time and a big thank you to my girls! KQ had Gracie in one hand, 10 HEB bags in another and managed to get everything set up in a couple hours. Carrie, Audrey, and Perri helped out too and it looked awesome. We got most everything we need - now just waiting on Brooklyn. I'm 35 weeks now and counting down, if she decides to come early that's fine with me. Last day of work is August 15th and assuming she's not here I'm looking forward to doing not much of anything.

A little fun fact for you - Austin has broken the record of most consecutive 100 degree days since 1925. Super.