Walking Egyptian in Milwaukee

On Monday the 7th of November Shawn's parents, his brother Jamie and we the expecting trekked to Milwaukee, WI for the afternoon. We ate at a Greek burger joint called Omega. I devoured my feta-less gyro while Shawn noshed on a Reuben and the others ate burgers. Its amazing that I can recall what we ate a month ago, but I forget what a refrigerator is called ("that machine we put milk in that keeps it from getting hot and stanky" was my most recent catchphrase-appropriate entry).

Milwaukee Public Museum

We drove around downtown searching for a parking spot that would actually fit an SUV only to park a few yards from where we initially entered the garage (isn't that always the case? no? well... moving on). Into the Milwaukee Public Museum we went. My Arizona Science Center membership has reciprocity with MPM so bang! We only had to pay the entry for one of us. Anddddd is got us discounted entry to the Cleopatra exhibit, too!

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Cleo was fascinating! I wanted to take pictures of everything, but museum employees were everywhere. Blast! In reality I was seriously impressed with their knowledge of the exhibit. I am a museum nerd for sure and could have talked with one particularly informed staff member for hours. In a nutshell, this exhibit is brand spanking new. The artifacts were all discovered and recovered from the Bay of Alexandria in the last 15 years. The objects have taught researchers even more about Cleopatra's life, loves and her reign as they were preserved for centuries underwater. Fascinating and beautiful! I highly recommend anyone in the Milwaukee area to take a tour before the exhibit moves on to it's next destination.

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The rest of the museum takes you on an anthropological tour of the world, primitive man, and turn of the 20th century Milwaukee (this being my particular favorite exhibit hall which allows you to peek into store fronts and homes of the the different nationalities who immigrated to Milwaukee). The first floor has a rain forest, dinosaurs and wooly mammoths, and a Butterfly Garden. I was hot flashin' all over the place in there with all that humidity and mist. Apparently the butterflies didn't mind that my forehead and lip were sweating and that my hair was plastered to my scalp. They came to me like forest creatures to a singing Snow White. I am the mariposa whisperer.

We dashed off to have dinner with Grandpa Charles in Menomonee Falls. I love this man as if he were my own blood relative. He cracks me up. Asking if we had decided Henry's middle name, we told him that we settled on James. Without missing a beat, he said, "I guess Charles didn't make the cut."  Love him!

The Family G

And that concludes my trip to the Midwest that I should have cleared with my doctor before embarking on :) tee hee!

Chicago Suburb Shower

On November 4th, Hubster and I boarded our flight from GSP (that tiny airport that I adore just 10 minutes from our house) to Midway (that giant airport in Chicago in a sketchy part of town wo hours from in-laws' house).

Our hour and a half flight made stupendous that pregnancy is considered a "temporary disability" by Southwest Airlines. Baby Bump was jumping with excitement as hubs and I preboarded the little plane nabbing the very first seats so we would also be the very first to exit. Suh-Weet!

I scooted to bed early, because that's how I roll - deep sleepin' on my side y'all and awoke the next morning to my in-laws house completely decked out in safari animals and yellow and green streamers. My cup runneth over with joy. Our Illinois and Chicago family and friends came in droves to celebrate the first grandchild of Hubster's parents.

I have said it before, this family can throw a party! We played several games, my favorite centered around baby food. Always a delight! I sat blindfolded as I fed jar after jar of some pretty goopy food to Shawn. Let's just say that, we know who will definitely NOT be taste testing Henry's strained peas when that day comes. He gagged on the pureed bananas, begging to know what it was claiming that I was feeding him mustard. I told him to suck it up, when he tried to quit after the first bite.Gordon Ramsey would not be amused. Older brother Jamie rocked that game out of the living room! He downed 6 jars (Shawn couldn't even compete, eating nearly 3 jars). Bravo almost-uncle-Jamie!

We were not just showered with gifts, we were drenched in them! Good thing we brought an empty suitcase stuffed with empty carry-on bag. One whole suitcase was stuffed with diapers, crib and stroller toys, tiny little clothes, bath tub toys and thermometers, ointments and creams, brushes and clippers and combs, about 100 bibs, spoons and bottle brushes, a cart cover, blankies, pacifiers and so much more! Bursting at the seams with Henry's goodies.

Wish I had a photo of me carrying the diaper cake that cousin Jackie and Kelsi made, too! Waddling around the airport with a big ol' diaper cake balancing on my ginormous belly must have been a sight to be seen. A glorious hour and a half later we came home, picked up the pooch from the Pet Hotel, and watched hours of DVR'd delights.

Apple Picking Perfection

We trekked to the hills of Eastern North Carolina to Sky Top Orchard for some incredible apples. I have never been to an orchard. In Arizona and Florida we have "groves" of delicious citrus and I generally let someone else do the picking. I am not one for laboring.

However, I had the pleasure of devouring a couple of these tasty treats by coworkers who went earlier this season. Trust me, they were worth the hour drive from Greenville.

We walked down the highest hill this out of breath preggo will climb until after her baby's birth. There were only a few rows of trees that had any fruit left on them. Sure there were plenty of squashed and fermenting apples on the ground, but I craved the nature's bounty at the top!

Hubby climbed some trees after I tried to scramble awkwardly up a couple... unsuccessfully. We walked up the somehow even higher hill with our 13 pounds of granny apple and pink lady bounty. Okay, HunkaHunkaHubby carried the basket up as its wire handle kept cutting into my palms.

I try not to say this tooooo often but I cannot wait to incorporate this as a fall time tradition for our family. The animal pens, the bamboo forest, picnic tables, playgrounds and tractor-hayrides all gave us a thrill of excitement of what is to come.  

Atlanta Chili Cook Off

Yes! I finally have my camera back so I can show you a little fun we had at the Atlanta Chili Cook Off a couple of weeks ago. We took the two hour trek to Stone Mountain for some yum-time. I certainly was not blown away by any of the dixie cups of chili served. It was quite warm outside but somehow the many of the chili cups were chilly. The smokers were out in full force and the port-a-potties should have been set on fire, not exactly a super-nose's paradise.

Desperate for a good time, we made the best of it. We hunkedred down, listened to the tribute bands serenade the masses and watched various fathers chase around their scampering sons. We spent the better parts of two hours on our little patch of grass laughing and chatting. It felt so good to be with our friend, Tyler, and just being outside.

New Favorite City?

Oh Chicago, you have a contender in my heart for favorite city. You may forever be my favorite Midwest locale, but Charleston, darling, has certainly taken a jab at that top spot. Good thing I don't have to decide, there is no Chicago mobster or Charleston pirate holding a gun or sword to my head, now is there.

I will be the first to admit that I went into this past weekend with a gnarly attitude. Having lived through hurricanes, I battled Headstrong Hubby like a prize fighter into cancelling our plans and staying in Greenville. He would only respond with "We're Going." Yes that same confidence and assuredness that normally gets my motor revved really got me fired up. I may have said a few unsavory words in several arguments. We're blaming the crazy hormones for my wackadoo raging. I am also stubborn, but I also can back up my feelings with a you-know-what-you-were-right list as long as South Carolina Coast. I wave the white flag in defeat, and a happy one at that.

We shopped in Charleston's City Market. It is an open air, but roofed, market in the heart of downtown. Local vendors sell their wares to tourists for a pinch too much money in some cases and others for real bargains. Not being a big spender, Shawn and I took off on our own to enjoy the air conditioning and a big ol' bucket o' shrimp at Bubba Gump's. Yes, it is a chain, but it was also right next to our parking spot. We cooled off and then headed back into the heat walking toward Rainbow Row. It is a Omigosh beautiful stretch of houses in varying pastel shades that immediately made me think precursor to Miami's Art Deco storefronts South Beach.

Walking along the beach front, I dipped my aching feet in a fountain and tried to catch butterflies. We played with miniature crabs scurrying on the pier next to a shrimperman (he wasn't fishing as much as he was shrimping). We sat on a trolley for 12 minutes while the driver talked animatedly on her cell phone before we walked the way back to the car. I sweated my face off, I dripped holy-lover-of-all-things-tasty Charleston Mud Ice Cream all over myself and I laughed myself silly.

It was a wonderous first day of our two-day trek to his new favorite haunt.

Le Crabe de Charleston was less crabby than moi!

The back alley by the dumpster is haunted

At least according to our Greenville Ghost Tour guide, it is. Shawn surprised us (his Mom and his Aunt) with a ghost tour this Friday evening. We started off at the Army/Navy store in The West End and walked all the way through Main Street past The Westin Poinsett to Springwood Cemetery. We circled back a bit to a couple buildings that had unfortunate mishaps occur there. Nothing spooky, nothing chilling. I was, in fact, hoping to step into a "cold spot" so I could have a little relief from the stifling heat. A cold spot is allegedly a pocket of air that has spirit activity as spirits can draw from the energyof the air, thus cooling it down, or some jazz like that. It was fun trekking through downtown listening to the guide discuss the current hauntings that permeate Greenville's most popular spots. I can't wait to do a more historically-oriented tour in Charleston one day.

The haunted back alley and this lil mama's backside since Cubs shirt rode up

Downtown Greenville at Night - no ghosts to be seen

No orbs, no spirits, no spooky anything, just pretty ol' GVL

Springwood Cemetery

Is that an "orb" or reflection from a streetlight

If I were a ghost, I could think of hundreds of better haunts than a boring cemetery

I love a good ghost story. I devoured spooky stories as a kid and continue to read them as an adult. I watch the ghost story tv shows (not the ghost hunters or the psychic mediums; those people make me uncomfortable and squirmy, and I tend to think they're all swindlers) and simply must see all ghostly movies in the theaters. I don't believe in ghosts, but I do believe in the possibility. I think God is one creative power and anything is possible, really.

Above is a quick video showing the only curious thing on the tour. A blue glass globe is moving all by itself in the gift shop of Liz Daly's store. The AC isn't on and nothing else is shaking. I will take proper credit as the person pointing it out. Hubs is the cameraman and the voice you hear is our guide.


Super excited to see The Woman in Black starring Daniel Radcliffe. Gives me chills. Yes!

Wedded Bliss

We spent a wonder whirlwind weekend in Prescott, Arizona to celebrate one of my besties weddings. I have to say that I really needed a mega dose of seeing my friends. We can always pick right up where we left off. Laughter is non-stop; a must in any relationship I am part.

Kenda, Dusty, Hubster and me after the rain cleared up

The rehearsal on Friday was spectacular! The Andersons organized a Golf Scramble for their guests at the incredible Talking Rock Ranch. Just off to the side of the putting green sat an inconspicuous BLACKHAWK HELICOPTER! The chaplain flew up from Phoenix to run through the following day's oh so important ceremony. With a roaring blast he took off, blowing all of us standing nearby about five steps backward. Happy Hubby was like a little kid. The groom was proud (he is a Blackhawk Pilot) and the bride beaming. That night us bridesmaids and Miss Natalie stayed at a "cottage" on the golf course. She said it was rustic, but her Nana let the cat out of the bag. Freakin' Gorgeous!

The wedding party, pre-party

In the morning we primped and relaxed for the night's festivities. Natalie looked gorgeous (even more glowing than her usual loveliness). A sweet perk was that I got to see my stylist from AZ! Sabrina! I truly miss her (and her considerable talents). Her talent for updos keeps getting better as evidenced by the masterpieces on the ladies' heads.

Christy helping her only daughter prepare for her Big Day

Theres a little 13 week bun in that oven

The wedding was beautiful. The photographer also did not capture for posterity my foot sliding out of my shoe as I took my spot at the altar. I was thanking the Lord for giving me some kind of balance and not letting me fall flat on my face (Nat had a nightmare that I passed out and couldn't walk down the aisle). I can see why Tyler had Chaplain Walgren officiate, he was wonderful, toughing and funny. The reception was a blast. Great music and dancing, the food was great (so, I heard. I got sick just as dinner was set in front of me. Super bummer.). Best of all, it was the happiest I have seen my friend.

The Blessed Couple

I wish you a lifetime of happiness, Nat and Tyler!

How Now, Girl-Who-Feels-Like-Cow?

It was brought to may attention this past weekend that I have severely been neglecting this blog-diggity-dog. My sincerest apologies. Also, I offer my advance apologies for the next six months as I start defining my life in WEEKS, rather than months, days, years, whatever measure of time normal, non-preggos use. It will probably get old, but hey I'm excited for the little bun in the oven.

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Let me tell you about the anxiety of job searching while pregnant... it makes me anxious. Told ya. If they see my chub will they think I'm preggo and not want to take the risk of me leaving after hire or will they see the chunky and then immediately see that my waistband on my work pants may or may not be buttoned (I rigged up a rubber band contraption to keep my moon in check). Being too big for mt regular clothes and small (thank the lawd I am too small for something!) for maternity pants.

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The sudden onset of nausea in my 11th week of being in the family way (tee hee hee) didn't help matters either. I kept thinking as I would position myself as close as possible to the nearest restroom, "If I squeeze through the giant man and the three inches between the chair behind him and then clothesline his grandma, I might be able to barf in the bathroom instead of on my own chest." On Hubster's Special Day of Getting One Year Older (aka his 30th Birthday), I flew through a German restaurant faster than a bowling ball hurtling through a vacuum tube, and made it le toilet before Mt. Saint Mo's mushroom appetizer made an encore appearance... twice. Don't worry friends, I regained my appetite the following Tuesday (as this was Thursday, over a wedding weekend, I was somewhat okay with that).

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I discovered that chicken, yes that incredible, edible bird that I cook five days a week officially gives me the creeps. I just got a shiver up my spine. Blech! A few weeks (there I go again) ago I realized that I haven't eaten my feathered friend in a while...hmmm... odd. I made hot wings for dinner with my other love, Frank's Original Red Hot Sauce, and could barely choke it down...strange. BBQ chicken breasts with corn on he cob... I only ate the corn... bewildering. Then I noticed that I eat massive quanities of ground beef. Chili, burgers, meatloaf, stroganoff, salisbury steaks, tacos, burritos, nachos (really like Mexican food, okay). I have replaced bird with cow. Who am I?!

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One of my besties got married!!! The wedding was incredible! Natalie looked especially gorgeous and Tyler so handsome. (I felt like the aforementioned cow, but managed to have a great time before and after getting sick in the country club's restroom during the dinner that received rave reviews). God provided a light show in the form of far-off lightning storm, too. More on this beautiful occasion to come in another post, promise!

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Oh yeah, while at the rehearsal I received my job offer at The Children's Museum of the Upstate. Blessed Be! I am once again gainfully employed! I started Tuesday (the day after we got back to Greenville). I looooove watching the children get excited to enter the museum. The jump up and down and tug on the mother's shirt hems and say, "please, please, please" when their eyes see the kaleidoscope climber. This is a great step in the right direction for me and my growing family.

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So there it is. The last few weeks of my life. Weeks weeks weeks. Finally things worth blogging about :)

Viva la Bride

Memorial Day weekend was one for the books. We celebrated Natalie's bachelorette party in Puerto Penasco, Mexico (Rocky Point to all you Arizonans). It was a great sun drenched weekend filled with laughter; perfect to usher Nat into her wedded life. Congrats, love! I can't wait to see you in July for the Big Day!

When Natalie met "Ricardo"

I want to make this a postcard, "Welcome to Rocky Point, Mex."

Beautiful Sunset

Cheers to the Bride

My weekend beverage, everyone wanted some. Tastes so good!

For all the other ladies

Steph took "Ricardo" swimming and Roxie played lifeguard.

Gifts, a little raunchy a little racy all in good fun