Dog Days of Summer

August has been a great month for us, and despite being 7 months pregnant I've enjoyed the late arrival of summer. The humidity and days in the 90s are not very popular with most Philadelphians, but this transplant LOVES it. We've travelled a good bit, made some good progress getting ready for the baby, and continue to enjoy the life we've made here.

We spent the early part of the month at the cape with Scott's parents and Amy, Michael, Katie, Anna, and John. We had a such a wonderful time and everytime we are together I wish we could see them more often. Here are some of the highlights... as you will see, our nieces and nephew are adorable!

We were up there just in time for my dear friend Susan's newest edition, Quinn, to be born and were able to stop by New Haven on our way home for a visit. Isn't he sweet!!

Finally, we had a great trip to DC last weekend for my goddaughter's 2nd birthday. Kyra is so precious and we had a fantastic weekend reconnecting with Jen and Colin.
I just love the expressions on the kids' faces. Now when do I get to sink my teeth into CAKE!!

In the coming weeks, I'll try to post some pics of the progress on the nursery. The fall semester begins in one week and will be very hectic, but I'll do what I can!!

25 weeks and a new nephew!

A lot has happened over the past couple of weeks. Noah was born on July 19th and he and his momma are doing well. We love having them so close by.

I continue to grow and seeing Noah makes me that much more excited.

Just 15 more weeks to go...

Girls weekend!

Cocktails (and mocktails on the deck)

Mommy's sippy cup!

Sweet ladies...

Pregos!

Some of my most precious friends in the world visited last weekend for a double baby shower. Goebs and I are just 10 weeks apart, so we were showered with love, presents, and parenting advice. I'm so grateful to have such wonderful women in my life. Good times!

Cousins

Michelle's baby shower was this weekend, which gave us an opportunity to take a belly shot. She's due in 4 weeks and I can't wait to meet our newest nephew. We had a great time and I enjoyed getting to know her mother, aunt, and 3 sisters. It is so nice to have family in town!

I've also included some pictures of our trip to the cape last weekend. Fun times!

Shameless

I love June 18th. In fact, it is one of my favorite days of the whole year. I don't care that I shamelessly promote myself today--afterall--it is is my BIRTHDAY!

Despite the fact that Philadelphia is currently experiencing cold weather in the middle of June, I'm having a great day. One of my colleagues, Megan, made some delicious cinnamon swirl bread, there were signs and cards waiting for me when I arrived, and I'm going shopping with another colleague, Robin, after work (Maternity pants, here I come). I'll top it all off with an evening at Bindi, a yummy indian restaurant in Philly, with Scott and some friends.

I feel so blessed to be alive, to be pregnant, to have wonderful friends, family, and colleagues in my life. I've received so many wonderful messages from the people that I love today it just makes me feel incredibly grateful.

I love y'all!!

Update on Karson

Karson is scheduled to get a PET scan this week to make sure the cancer hasn't traveled anywhere else and start chemo next week (June 25th). Despite this difficult news, she and Jason are upbeat and ready to fight. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Prayers for Karson

My dear friend Karson, a survivor of breast cancer, has been delivered some very upsetting news. Here's what Jason, her incredible hubby, has to say on the CaringBridge site: "Karson has two masses (2cm & 4cm) on the right side of her liver. The doctor indicated that the masses are "concerning for metastatic breast cancer." This is not a good sign." http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/karsonbeaty

I'm so upset about this, and would like to ask for your prayers, and ask you to spread the word and prayers for her. She is one of my favorite people--one of the sweetest, most positive individuals you will ever meet. She has been an incredible trooper over the past 2+ years and I know she can fight this too--whatever it is.

Thank you!! Kars--we love you!!!