Washington D.C.

Grace's March Madness Weekend Mania Top 10:

10. Having the whole family together for the first time since Christmas and the only time before the baby is born
9. Getting up at 4:45 am for a 6:10 am flight - having the whole day to chill with Ben and mom
8. Staying at a hotel located within walking distance of absolutely everything
7. The White House, Lincoln Memorial, Veteran's Memorial, World War II Memorial, Washington Monument, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian National Museum of Air and Space, Smithsonian National Museum of Art...
6. Finding a bathroom after visiting all of the above
5. Getting up early and exploring the neighborhood with Mike - happening upon the local farmer's market and discovering a pub equipped with 15+ flat screens to watch futbol and basketball
4. The beautiful blue skies and sunny 75 degree weather
3. Watching Kemba Walker tear it up LIVE
2. Witnessing an amazing finish to an amazing upset between Pitt and Butler

AND

1. 2-night sleepover with Luke, Lily, Ben and Mike in one comfy, cozy hotel room

Mike's March Madness Weekend Mania Top 10:

10. The Weather
9. Watching Grace "waddle" around DC
8. Seeing all the touristy things (reference Grace's Post)
7. Eating out
6. Sleeping on a bed, rather than in a closet
5. Flying as a family for the first time (Grace, Baby and Me)
4. THE John Coleman Tour
3. Farmer's Market
2. Watching Manchester City v Chelsea in a Pub-Like Bar in DC

AND

1.Watching Pitt v Butler & Cincinnati v Connecticut

March Madness

I love family traditions. Last year, it was a super short, but very sweet trip to the final four in Indianapolis, IN. Mike, Ben, my mom, dad and I flew into Chicago Saturday morning and then hopped into our rental car for the 3 hour trip to Lucas Oil Stadium. We made it with just enough time to buy final four shirts and snap a few pics outside the buzzing stadium.

Inside we watched Butler barely squeeze past Michigan State in a final of 52-50 and Duke knock off West Virginia with great ease, 78-57. Despite the great distance between our seats and the court, we had an absolute blast.

After the games, we headed back to Chicago for a brief overnight before catching our early morning flight.

Last year was tons of fun but this year will be even better considering the whole family will be there AND we get to stay more than 24 hours :)

Verizon Center here we come!

27 Weeks

Oh the joys of being pregnant...sore throat, cough, congestion, chest ache, ear ache...and all I can take is sudafed :( Wide awake at 12:30 am then again from 3:30 am to 6:00 am...tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable and secretly hoping Mike will wake up...

Ahhh oh well. As long as I feel better by the weekend because Washington D.C. here we come!

I am so excited - I have never been there before. Ben, my mom and I leave Friday morning; Mike and my dad Friday night and then Luke and Lily get in late Friday night. March Madness games Saturday and site seeing all Sunday! If anyone has any good ideas - sites to see, restaurants to eat at, fun places to go... - please send them my way!!

Recent Cravings:
A 5-mile run
The beach
Sun!


Recent Irritations:
My thoughts running wild and getting the best of me at 3:30 in the middle of the night!

26 Weeks

Such a busy week!

(1) Mike has officially been an Associate Reimbursement Analyst now for 3 hours :) SO proud of him! We packed him a lunch last night, ironed his new ralph lauren polo outfit and I sent him out the door this morning lookin like a gee!

(2) I just got back from the doctor's office ~ passed my glucose and hemoglobin tests with flying colors! The nurse said that my hemoglobin levels were even better than a non-pregnant lady's and my glucose levels couldn't have been more perfect. She told me to keep doing whatever it is that I am doing :) The baby had a heartbeat of 142 and was measuring at 28 weeks! May baby anyone?! I am now an expert on all the signs and symptoms of preterm labor and will visit the doctor every 2 weeks from here on out until week 36 when I start going every week.

(3) Tomorrow marks the first night of our 5-week prenatal course. Mike and I are both very excited despite the fact that we have to go all the way to Maplewood :)

(4) Lent starts Wednesday which means a trip to Cafe Latte is in order for Tuesday if I am going to give up pop and sweets for the next several weeks! This will, however, be great news for Ben who chastises me every time I crack open a can of pop...

(5) And speaking of Ben, I can't wait for him to come home this weekend for Spring Break! Who needs warm weather and beautiful beaches when you could spend an entire week with your favorite pregnant sister amidst a snowstorm in freakin' cold Minnesota!?! Now if only we could convince Luke and Lily to come home for Spring Break too... :)

Recent Cravings:
Apples 
Clementines 
Frozen thin mints


Recent Irritations: 
My 7:00 am alarm!