Rainy Mornings in Vegas

We've woken up to a couple of drippy, overcast mornings. A couple is perfect - a novelty in the ubiquitous dryness of the Southwest. The trees perk up, the dust washes away, and Remy gets to splash in puddles.

In other news, I had an ultrasound yesterday. I hoped that we would find that Beau was done with his extraordinary growth spurt (a four month long "spurt"). Not so. A month ago he was almost two weeks ahead of his projected growth and now he is almost three weeks ahead, and they estimate his weight at over 5 lbs. To weigh 5 lbs at 31 weeks gestational age is pretty remarkable. I have been nervous ever since my OB mentioned that sometimes big babies warrant a c-section but my wonderful online friends have been reassuring me that their big babies were not so hard to deliver. So breathing deep (figuratively speaking - there is no deep breathing with a 5 lb. baby under your ribs) and just giving thanks for my big healthy boy! Just eight weeks to go!

Blowing Bubbles

What would I be doing with myself at 8 am on Monday morning if I didn't have this guy to keep things magical?

What's Up

• I took these pictures Wednesday morning and it was the last normal day. By that night Remy was complaining of a headache and the next evening he had a fever and was throwing up. I am so ready for this brutal cold and flu season to be over - between the three of us we have been sick over a dozen times. Poor Remy is so sweet - he tries to be cheerful even when he is sick, but it is a glassy eyed, frenetic, short lived happiness that usually ends in tears and hugs. We did LOTS of hugging this weekend. Today he heads back to school so fingers crossed that it goes well!
• I'm 31 weeks and 2 days pregnant. This week I go in on Thursday for another ultrasound. So excited to get to see Beau again and hoping for good news on the growth front (like that he isn't going to be a Hulk baby after all.)  
• I've become obsessed with Joss & Main. I think it has something to do with my nesting instincts. It is just all so darn purdy. And they are evil geniuses over there, they present their "collections" for a limited time and are always adding new stuff so you feel like you need to buy quickly and come often. Currently I'm awaiting some "Summer Verbena" towel detergent, and new bath towels and bath mats to go with it. 

Valentine's Roses

Ross got me a dozen red roses for Valentine's Day. It's so nice having fresh flowers in the house, even if I do have to watch out for Piper's omnivorous tendencies.

What's Up

• Once again, my butt is being kicked by a cold virus. I'm achy, cranky, snotty, and exhausted. On the bright side, I get to spend a lot of time in bed with the cats, scouring the Roku for interesting shows. 
• (Warning: If you are thinking of checking out The Americans on Amazon Prime, have the mute button at hand for the frequent and noisy sex scenes! It's kind of like a darker, R-rated version of Alias without all the goofy, mystical stuff.)
• The weather has been gorgeous. High of 75 forecasted for today. Too bad I am too sick to enjoy it. *grumble, grumble*
• Valentine's Day at school is not like I remember it. Remy came home with bag STUFFED with candy, a book, cards, cheap toys, pencils, erasers, stickers and 2 plastic drinking cups.  Needless to say, he was thrilled with his booty!  
• Ross brought me some lovely things for Valentine's day but even sweeter is how he takes care of Remy so well while I am sick. He is a special guy!
• 30 weeks pregnant as of yesterday. Ten weeks is sounding like a REALLY long time.  

Grace upon Grace

...Yellow and gold as the new day dawns 
Like a virgin unveiled who waited so long 
To dance and rejoice and sing her song 
And rest in the arms of a love so strong 
No one comes unless they’re drawn 
By the voice of desire that leads em’ along 
To the redemption of what went wrong 
By the blood that coveres the innocent one 
No more separation 
Between us. 

So lift your voice just one more time 
If there’s any hope may it be a sign 
That everything was made to shine 
Despite what you can see 
So take this bread and drink this wine 
And hide your spirit within the vine 
Where all things will work by a good design 
For those who will believe 

And let go, of all, we cannot hold onto 
For the hope, beyond, the blue 

Said I let go, of all, I could not hold onto 
For the hope, I have, in you

-From "Beyond the Blue" by Josh Garrels

What's Up

• As of yesterday, Beau and I are in the third trimester. (Well, Beau might have beat me to it by a couple of weeks, he is such a show off.)  I don't remember the third trimester being particularly pleasant, but last time I did this we had to pack up and move across the country in my 7th month. I don't see any airports or cardboard boxes or cat carriers in my near future so this time should seem like a cake walk, right? There is also the comfort of knowing that with each day, Beau is getting stronger and more prepared for little things like eating and breathing and that sort of thing.  
• Remy read his first sentence the other day; "Clean your carpet better than the pros!"  
• Yesterday we celebrated Mommo's bithday.  I cooked one of her favorites, and mine too! Here is the recipe if you are looking for a nice, easy slow cooker recipe:
• 1lb skinless boneless chicken breasts
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 4oz cans fire roasted green chiles 
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 lime
• fresh cilantro to taste (1-2 tablespoons)
• 2 cups of long grain white rice
• Put the chicken in the slow cooker and coat with half the taco seasoning. Pour in green chiles and tomatoes (undrained) and top with the rest of the seasoning. Cook on high two hours, low two hours (or low 8 hours.) In the last 15 minutes cook the rice, squeezing in the juice of one lime and fluffing in the chopped cilantro at the end. Shred the chicken in the pot and serve the mixture over the rice. Top with favorites like Mexican cheese, sour cream, lime, and cilantro. Yummy!