Chicago

Last weekend we had a blast in Chicago filled with fun times with family, friends, Pancreatic Walk, Cubs game and great dinners out! I drove up early on Friday night to see my good college friend and old roommate Katie Fitzgerald. Katie recently received a huge promotion in her career and is moving to Dallas at the end of the month. I was so happy to spend the night catching up with her and she treated me to an amazing dinner at Bristol. So sad that she is moving far away but can't wait to visit her in Texas:) Saturday morning I joined the Williams Family in Lincoln Park for the Pancreatic walk in honor of Grandma Williams. We couldn't have asked for better weather and it was wonderful that we were all able to share in the event together. Afterwards we had a yummy lunch at my cousin Lynn's beautiful condo and it was great to catch up with all my family and cousins - we always have a fun time together. That night I joined Greg and his family downtown at the restaurant Epic to celebrate our niece Elizabeth's 11th Birthday. Unfortunately I missed out on the annual visit to American Girl earlier that day but looking forward to carrying on the tradition with Anna:). Sunday the celebration continued taking in a Cubs game at Wrigley Field and another fun dinner at Sunda. All in all, it was a fantastic weekend!

Family Pancreatic Walk

Grace & I

Cousins

Grace & Caleb

Me, Elizabeth, Greg and Brent at Murphy's before the Cubs game

20 Week Ultrasound

Last Thursday was my 20 week ultrasound. It turned into a family affair- my Mom, Dad and Greg were all able to make it to the appointment. Unfortunately, Anna was a bit uncooperative and did not put on the best performance. As the tech told us, Anna was in 'sleep mode' pressed against my uterine wall in a breech position. It was difficult to obtain clear pictures since there was not a lot of amniotic fluid surrounding her face. However, it was still an amazing experience to see her and a relief that everything is measuring perfectly and all OKAY! One of the best moments was watching her place her tiny fist of fingers in her mouth - I think it is very soothing for her. I was just happy to know that her heart, brain, kidneys, limbs, etc. are all forming appropriately:) The MD told me she weighed 10oz (the size of a mango) and is measuring 5 days behind my due date however, they will not change my due date unless the measurements are greater than 10 days. I was almost relieved to hear this because I feel like I've been slow to reach the many milestones such as feeling her movements. She is truly a miracle and I was so happy to share this experience with my family:)

Up close profile

20 Week Ultrasound

Baby Movement

Today has been a very exciting day at work - I am starting to feel Anna's movement:)!!! I don't know if it's helped being on my feet all day but I am definitely feeling 'flutter-like' movement and pressure. Just wanted to share:) Oh and I am including a few pics from fun dinners that we've had with friends recently!

Dinner at Marco's

Greg & I, Meghan, Matt, Ryan & Megan

Our good friend Kat came to visit last weekend! Here we are out celebrating at Ambrosia with the Barretts, Seger's, Casey and her sister:) Kat gave us the cutest pink knit hat - I can't wait to take pictures with Anna wearing it - our first pink item, THANKS Kat:)!!!

House Projects

Once we heard the news that we were expecting, Greg & I have been very focused on pulling the rest of the house together! We did quite a bit of work prior to moving in three years ago and just assumed we would finish the painting, etc....and yet, here we are three years later scrambling to finish each room:)I've included a few pictures to show all Greg's hard work that he has put into the house these past few months (painting the dining room & kitchen). Not only is Greg a fabulous painter but he has also done wonders to landscaping our yard:)


It only took us two months and 20 different samples to figure out our dining room color:)


Dining Room


Before Kitchen Color...still figuring out which yellow!




Spring!

Although our "To-Do List" is still quite long we are switching our focus to the nursery. Once we found out we were having a girl, I managed to plan out the bedding, furniture and theme in one day:) So fun to shop for a little girl! I'll continue to post our progress with all our house projects.

Girls Trip to Siesta Key, FL

Last week I joined my Mom and two Aunts for a relaxing girls trip to Siesta Key, FL. We had a fun trip filled with lots of time laying on and walking the beach and going out to eat at delicious restaurants - just the kind of vacation every pregnant girl needs:) I am currently in my 19th week (almost half way there!) and feeling great! I've really enjoyed pregnancy thus far and hope the feeling continues. I haven't felt Anna move yet but I can tell that my baby bump is starting to show. Running is becoming a bit difficult due to my uterus pressing against my bladder - quite a bit pressure- however, I was still able to enjoy my morning runs on the beach in Florida! Unfortunately I did not end up with too many pics from our vacation but I've included one to show a belly shot.

16 Week Appointment

Well, I just got back from our 16 week appointment and Dr. Pease was so nice to let us have a sneek peek today at our baby GIRL!!! I was just so happy to actually see a healthy baby. Needless to say, we're absolutely estatic and cannot wait for her arrival! She has a strong heartbeat in the 150's and I am measuring right at 16 weeks. Here are a few pics- I'll have another ultrasound in a few weeks for my 20 week appointment.


She's all snuggled up


It's a Girl:)


Her fingers

Easter Weekend

What a beautiful Easter weekend - full of time spent with family and friends and MORE basketball! Friday night we joined the Barretts and Corcorans (both whom are expecting this summer) at the Stevning's new house for a cookout. We couldn't have asked for better weather and their home is gorgeous!! Thanks Cass and Chad for a yummy dinner:)


The Girls (Cassandra, Me, Molly and Jackie)

The Boys (Greg S., Bryan, Chad, Seth and Greg)

The Hosts

Sunday, we celebrated Easter at Greg's parents house. It was another gorgeous day - we enjoyed spending time with our niece and nephew, Elizabeth and Brent and of course catching up with Brian and Steph!

Greg & Brent

Elizabeth & I

Tom, Brent and the neighbor's horse


Bobbi's beautiful table