Roses are Red, Violets are Blue..

Roses are red violets are blue, none of which would survive a day in my care. I am all about hardy flowers that dont fizzle and die after missing one day of watering them. I have been so busy this summer I have had no time to baby my garden but I still love my backyard! I am amazed everytime I look out my window and realize I actually have a backyard now after yrs of apartment living! Here is a sampling of the simple beauties outside that make me so happy!

This picture is for you mom- evidence that those white fuzzy plants can survive through the winter and continue to grow and grow and grow!

Girl Time!

For the past week, I have been in CHICAGO spending time with my family! Unfortunately, Dave had to stay in Seattle to go to school- dental school is unforgiving of week long vacations apparently. He didnt miss much though because the theme of this visit seemed to be GIRL TIME (and baby time too). Below is my nephew Jared- what a cutie! It was so fun to see my brother Adam, Lisa, and their little Jared who just turned one. We had a delayed B-day party and he loved the presents. He even threw a ball for the first time! I take partial credit since I gave him the beach ball :)

I got to spend time with a couple of my best friends from high school; going shopping and to the Taste of Chicago. But, most of my time was spent with best friend of all, my mom!

My mom volunteered to customize and make Elizabeth's whole nursery- how lucky am I. So we went to work picking out the theme, fabrics, and designs. As you can see from the picture above, the theme is kitties!! Its very appropriate considering my obsession with cats as a little girl. We based most of the designs loosely off of the picture below. I was so excited when we finished the nursery blanket and toy bag, but that is only the beginning. Soon there will custom pillows, bumper pad, diaper bag, curtains, and a mobile. Thanks Mom!

Grandpa Winterholler

This weekend was Grandpa's funeral. He was Dave's grandpa, on his mother's side. This beloved man will be greatly missed by the whole family. Dave and I had a special relationship with him because we lived just blocks from his home for two years while living in Federal Way. We had the opportunity to spend one weekend a month with him- he would come stay at our house for a couple days in our extra bedroom. Although his eyesight, hearing, and health was deteriorating, we had some fun times. One of his favorite activities (and ours too) was to go out for lunch for a good hamburger! Dave takes after the man in his love of meat! He always had a great sense of humor too, and was kind enough to laugh at every one of Dave's jokes- that's saying something, let me tell ya! :) We are all sad to see him go but we are happy to know that we are tied together as a family for all of time and eternity. And he is now reunited with his beloved wife whom he loved very much.

ITS A GIRL!!!!!!!

We found out today that we are having a GIRL, and we are sooo excited! Dave and I were both hoping it would be a girl. The ultrasound was very clear so we are pretty certain. Everything looked healthy except the baby's head was in the way of one measurement of the placenta so we will have to get another ultrasound in 6 weeks to see the location. She really put on a show for us though. She was kicking and moving her arms (you can see her two little hands by her face there), twisting and curling her body up....she looked pretty uncomfortable to me haha. Dave and I have already both agreed on the name......ELIZABETH ROSE STEVENS. We love all the permutations too: Libby, Liz, etc.
I am so happy to be able to plan and buy for little Elizabeth! I was up ALL night feeling anxious and excited to find out the sex of the baby so I ought to be able to sleep well tonight. This will be a bonus since we are camping tonight with the ward!

Baby or Weapon Arsenal?

This blog is to celebrate that I am finally noticably showing! I am still not too big but sometimes I catch people looking at my belly. I'm not sure if they are thinking I'm pregnant or just have a beer belly. Or, if I'm at the airport...a weapon arsenal stuffed into my hoodie pocket?
The first comment I have gotten from a stranger who noticed my tum was at the airport. I was going through security and a gaurd pulled me aside. (At the time I was wearing the same green hoodie as in the pic below. Notice the pocket right over my belly.) He looked down and pointed at my stomach and asked what I was carrying in "that pocket." I just laughed out loud and told him "A baby! I'm pregnant." Then the security gaurd turned BRIGHT red and apologized. He then muttered a congratulations as I walked away still laughing. I am so excited to find out the sex of the baby! I am 19 weeks now and one week from today is the big ultrasound. The baby is very excited too and displays these emotions by kicking and punching me at least a couple times a day. I first felt the baby move very early, at 16 weeks. Now, these kicks are very vigorous and Dave has been able to feel them already!

Squish It!

Dave and I have had a lot of family fun lately! We just got back from Chicago, where we were nearly eaten alive by giant insects. It was worth it though, especially since we got to see little Jared who is almost 1 yr old and so cute!

Just recently, Michelle and Aaron got married! (sorry no pics) It was great fun to have so much family in town. We visited the Fremont Troll, the Ballard Locks, and walked around beautiful Seattle.

Sunshine, Snow, Sunshine...Snow?

Seattle weather can sure be a teaser. This is me enjoying our wonderful 70+ degree Saturday a couple weeks ago. (I'm sure you all remember that blessed day.) I went out and bought tons of flowers, tomatoes, etc and Dave and I went to work planting.

This is Dave in our backyard, same place, exactly one week later. We solemly watched as the snowflakes fell from heaven, only to kill our freshly planted garden.

So, this weekend was great weather again but I knew better than to run out and plant more flowers because it will probably snow next week! Someone told me that you should wait until after Mothers Day to plant...? So instead Dave and I took off to enjoy the gorgeous Tulips Festival.

AAahhh..how nice it was to enjoy the stress free fruits of someone else's garden.