San Diego - Day 3 (Final Day)

It's been a month since our trip to San Diego and I'm still trying to finish telling you all about it. My approach this time - more pictures, less typing.

Think I'll actually be able to keep up with this blog with a newborn? Sounds like a challenge!

Our third day in San Diego included lots of fun at Sea World!!!

San Diego - Day 2

From the trolley tour the day before, we had a coupon for a whale watching boat excersion. When we arrived at the booth to purchase our tickets, there was a sign indicating the excersion had been cancelled for the day due to rough waters. However, 15 feet away was another booth, that of a competing whale watching company. No sign about a cancellation there, so we quickly purchased our tickets. The boat was full of people. Full of what turned out to be very queasy, sick people. Without getting into a full description about the vomiting that occurred on board, I will simply share that they ran out of puke bags (like the ones on airplanes) and had to resort to handing out popcorn bags from the concession stand. But not this pregnant lady. I never even felt nauseous. The baby was moving a lot, probably trying to figure out what the heck was going on to create such an incredible swaying motion. To round out the tale of this adventure, we never saw a whale. Not one. If anyone will be in San Diego next whale watching season (Jan.-Mar.), let us know as we have two rain check passes to share.

After whale watching, or rather our attempt at whale watching, we took a pedi-cab to Seaport Village where we had a nice lunch. There was a street performer in the area who demonstrated his act of swallowing fire and swords. Yikes. It was pretty unbelievable. Supposedly he is going to be on an upcoming episode of Ripley's Believe or Not. Strange fellow. How does one ever start the process to master such an art?

We rested at the hotel for a bit before venturing out for the evening. We went to the top floor of our hotel to an open air club that overlooks Petco Park (where the San Diego Padres play baseball). At 22 stories high, it was a bit unsettling to walk along the edge of the rooftop. Not sure that serving alcohol up there is such a bright idea.

We concluded our day with supper and entertainment at the "Shout House" - a dueling piano bar. The piano players/singers were simply amazing. Hearing dueling piano players tackle a song request for Lady Gaga's 'Just Dance' was the highlight of my night! The close of another fun day in San Diego.

By the way, less than 100 days before Baby Lefler will arrive. Where did the second trimester go?!?!

Earthquake Avoided...Barely

At 25 weeks pregnant, we had a fantastic babymoon (translation = vacation prior to birth of baby) in San Diego. We made it back to Lincoln this afternoon - left San Diego just in time to miss out on the excitement of a 7.2 earthquake that originated in Baja California (Mexico), but based on the internet, was certainly felt in San Diego.

But, I digress...

Our first day in San Diego included some education for me, as we took a trolley tour around the city - twice. The first time around, we got off the trolley for several stops, including Coronado Island (to see Hotel Del Coronado and Coronado Beach), Balboa Park and the Midway (a retired naval ship). On our way to Coronado Island, we crossed the famous Coronado Bridge and were actually able to get a glimpse of the hills of Mexico (a mere 12 miles from San Diego).

Here are a few pictures from Day 1 (Thursday, April 1) in San Diego. Details on Day 2 to follow soon...

Project Painting

It's been a long time since I've posted on our blog. The good news is that it's NOT because I've been sick (knock on wood - no throwing up for 3+ weeks). It's actually because our laptop has been in the fix-it shop getting a new monitor.

Two weeks ago, my parents came for to visit. They brought their painting clothes, painting supplies and lots of energy to tackle painting the baby's room. The finished project is truly a masterpiece. We love the colors - bright green on 3 walls, with an accent wall (and window seat) with chocolate brown. I was a bit timid on the decision to do an accent wall, but as soon as I saw it, I was sold!

Here are a few pictures of the work-in-progress and the outcome:

Happy Valentine's Day!

Oh, happy day of love. We celebrated by venturing out in the snow/wind to purchase a three-shelf stackable organizer to put in the corner of the baby's room. Needed some additional storage for our future reader's collection of books.

Yesterday, we did some shopping at my new favorite store - Motherhood Maternity. Mike was a trooper and offered his opinion in the dressing room while I tried on a few things that will likely get some use in a few weeks.

Overall, we've had a nice, quiet weekend. Last weekend, however, was another story...

Making my way back to Lincoln from a work conference in Phoenix stranded me in the Denver airport for longer than expected due to a delayed connection flight. By the time all was said and done, I spend twelve hours either in an airport or on a airplane for a combined flight time of a mere 3 hours. It felt great to get home to sleep in my own bed...even if I didn't crawl in until 2:15am!

After sleeping in on Saturday, we headed to the gym for a workout. As Mike was putting on his sweatshirt to return home, he was feeling very light-headed and nauseous (usually that's my problem!), so he suggested that I drive. We did't make it far before he felt worse and started blacking out. I made a beeline for Urgent Care. They got him right in and conducted some blood tests, as well as checking his blood pressure and temperature. Luckily, he never passed out and his vision was continuing to improve. After all the tests, it was determined that his blood sugar level had crashed suddenly. The doctor recommended that he take it easy for a few days and to make sure he is drinking plenty of water and eating something before working out in the future.

On a side note, the doctor prescribed me some wonderful medicine that has been helping with my nauseousness. It helped make my work conference in Phoenix a success! I try to take it only when necessary (not every day), so as you might imagine, there have been a few episodes this past week. I ended up getting sick two minutes before I was planning to head to work on Thursday morning. Terrible timing to say the least! I figure this is just my body's way of preparing me for those disastrous mornings that tend to happen in parenthood!

Mike has continued his efforts getting the baby's room in order. He found a cute, modern print for the bedding in a neutral color. (Reminder, we're not finding out the sex until delivery!) He's managed to track down most of the accessories including a lampshade, laundry hamper, storage baskets, etc. Here's a few photos of our work-in-progress...

All Good Things Must Come to an End

After 5 Viking turnovers, what can one expect? I thought this was "the year" for the Vikings. But, all good things must come to an end. I guess this will make the Super Bowl experience just like every other year. One in which I can concentrate on the commercials, instead of the game.

Our Christmas tree was finally taken down and tucked into storage today. Again, all good things must come to an end. One might guess this is because I was feeling really good today. Wrong. I got sick at noon. However, odds have been that I've never gotten sick TWICE in one day, so I figured I better make the most of the afternoon. The couch was calling my name, but I held back...at least until the tree was out of sight.

Baby on Board!

We've got news!!! For those who haven't heard yet, we are expecting a baby on July 21st. While I've been feeling really yucky, Mike has taken the lead in getting things ready - daycare selected, crib purchased and assembled, crib bedding ordered, labor and delivery classes scheduled...and, due to "pregnancy brain", I'm sure there are several other items I've forgotten to list. I think we will be ahead of the game - six more months to wait!

As we've anticipated this exciting time in our lives, we (okay, me) have often pondered what it would be like to go grocery shopping and be able to park in the expectant mothers parking space that is close to the front - now we can experience that first hand - ha!