#240 of 365~Maternity Photos

 We knew we wanted a few pictures to represent this beautiful 

story of a Husband and Wife becoming Daddy and Mama. 

Remembering Kassie's Dad, baby girl's Papa.

After googling maternity poses, we couldn't stop laughing.  

So, Nick demanded some "real life" photos.

We are so thankful to our friend-Emily from Handiwork Images-for capturing these precious moments and to the family Kassie used to work for for allowing us to use their horse farm as the backdrop.

#239 of 365~Modern Love

If you've followed our blog for some time, you know we have a sweet family who we have deemed as our "Vegan Gurus."  While this term embarrasses them immensely, we find it so fitting as they have shared their story and lifestyle with us while not being pushy or judgemental.  They answer countless questions,  give advice and recipes, while sharing dining experiences.  Here's our latest experience:

 We recently visited the local Vegan restaurant- Modern Love: 

http://www.modernloveomaha.com/
Created by chef Isa Moskowitz from Post Punk Kitchen: 

http://www.theppk.com/

Their menu changes every month and a half so, the menu is small with a nice variety that doesn't overwhelm you.  I ordered the Gnocchi which consisted of pillowy soft gnocchi, caramelized fennel, cherry tomatoes, pesto, broccolini, and topped with truffled almond ricotta.  It was SUPER yummy-it stands up to the "super swanky vegan comfort food" that the restaurant prides itself in. Nick ordered the Eggplant Parm which was made with roasted eggplant, almond ricotta, cashew cream, basil microgreens, and panzanella, with a side of pan roasted brussel sprouts. He was impressed at how "parmesany" it tasted without the real Parmesan! Due to the heat, we drank water-I know, boring. They do offer several different drink options that I would like to try.

If you visit Modern Love, make sure you save room for one of their amazing desserts.  Nick and I shared the Strawberry-Peach pie with homemade vanilla bean ice cream, candied lemon, and coconut whip.  It was the perfect blend of sweet and tangy. I LOVED the coconut whipped cream and would have licked it off the plate if I wouldn't have looked like a crazy preggo.  Our Guru's also ordered the Lemon Coconut Cream Pie made with a snickerdoodle crust, lemon curd, and coconut whip.  It looked so good! We will definitely be going back!

#238 of 365~Baseball and Babies

Since news broke that we were FINALLY expecting, I began to attend many showers for our family and Nick was feeling a little left out.  "What about the dads? Why can't we be there? This is my baby too!  In fact, I'm probably going to have to install or carry most of the things!"  He had a point.  So, with the help of a few of my good friends, we pulled off a baseball-themed cook out for Nick.

Complete with baseball themed food and a concession stand, our guests were treated to hot dogs, chips, sunflowers seeds, peanuts, pop corn, Cracker Jacks, chips, BIG Chew bubble gum, and cake.

Our biggest dream in life is to have everyone we know from all the different groups and walks of life we've gone down to be in one room-this was about as close as we could get.  Friends from childhood, high school, college, church, and work came out.

Of course there was a "baseball game" of sorts....

...and several adorable and creative gifts for the dad to be.

When it was all said and done, Nick enjoyed himself and 

"was very thankful for the gift of friends and family."

#237 of 365~39 Weeks/Final Countdown!

How are we feeling/What's up with the bump?
Oh lordie, I'm HOT as the humidity in Omaha rises and I'm pretty tired. Bedtime tends to be an invitation for mermaid-baby to put on a show.  The human body is really amazing, ya know?  I still get perplexed at how my belly can contort and move to this little ones whim and constantly yell at Nick to come see the performance.  She seems to like music and moves and grooves to certain deep bass tones.  Every night when Nick talks to her, she goes crazy!  I LOVE how she already knows his voice.

What crazy thing did we recently learn?

Well, knowing that we are having a scheduled C-Section, is actually kind of nice.  I mean, we know when Nick needs to be off work, what time we're going in, that our doctor will be there-no substitutes, and no crazy drive across town as I cry and freak out.  Now I know baby girl could try to come early, but we picked the date and time to hopefully prevent that. So, be ready to hear us around the world as we debut our miracle baby on Thursday, June 25th.

Subject I'm not ready to think about?

It's actually a subject I've been thinking a lot about, one that has me always wondering. That would be the transition of a 12 year family of 2 becoming a family of 3 in a matter of seconds.  While we have tried to expand our family over a 9 year period, we have always been the only ones in this marriage.  We have worked very hard on our relationship and know whenever you add another person-no matter who it is-dynamics change. In fact, I chuckle when I think about our dog Maddie and how territorial she was with Nick and would literally act jealous when he showed me affection.  While I know a child is VERY different from a dog, I can't help but wonder how our relationship will change with this little girl entering our lives. First and foremost, we want our marriage to be an example to our little girl and I know that she will receive a wonderful example of how a man is to treat a woman from her Daddy.

What we can't wait for:
Nick: I'm excited to hold her and love on her.  I can't wait to see how much she looks like her mama. Sunday afternoon naps and finding out ways we can gang up on Kassie.

Kassie: The first touch. I have watched her grow on the screen, but want to hold each little finger and kiss every toe.  To feel the weight of her in my arms.

#236 of 365~Father's Day 2015

 

Father's Day is here again.  Last year I was dreading the day, this year I just tried to ignore the date on the calendar.  Yet, here I am at 6:30 in the morning not able to sleep.  While it could be because of the mermaid in my belly who does NOT stop moving, I find myself slowly and cautiously thinking of my dad.  His and my mom/Chris's anniversary was yesterday and then with Father's day today, it tends to be a little more raw, a little more emotional.  I miss him so much!  His weekly phone calls to gossip, the scratch of his "beard" when he would kiss us real fast, his strong stance, and giving heart.  It especially hard this year as we are finally having the child we all prayed and wished for-him especially.  I want nothing more than to have him see me as a mom and Nick as a dad.  I think he would get a kick out of it and I hurt knowing my baby girl won't know his goofy grin reserved just for babies.  However, I know that he will always be watching over us.

On another note, I am taking the time to try and focus on this guy today.  While he may not be a "Father" quite yet, this Daddy is so ready!  I can't think of a luckier baby.  She is going to be so spoiled and already has his heart.  I've never known a man who wanted to be a dad so much.  Nick has prayed and studied and just plan wept over Fatherhood and I know he is going to be amazing at it.

#235 of 365~37-38 Weeks and Counting

How are we feeling?
Pregnant. BIG.  Tired. Bored.  It's been two weeks since work ended for the school year and due to this little ones upcoming arrival, I'm not able to participate in my usual summer adventures.  Doc asked me to "take it easy" only "one activity a day."  Ummmm, he obviously doesn't know me very well yet!  It's a bit of a challenge for me, but when I do go out or do something, I find myself extremely worn out and ready to nap.  I'm still sucking down water like it's going out of style and eating fruit as fast as it can fall from trees.  There's been several showers for our family and we are SUPER blessed to have such wonderful friends, family members, and co-workers.

What's up with the bump?

Baby girl is still breech.  Head stuck up between my ribs and little feet using my hip like a gerbil wheel.  People have said their supposed to "slow down" as we get closer to our due date, but this little wee one is NOT slowing down-already taking after me? I feel there's a ninja mermaid in there! Her vitals are "perfect" and that little heart beat still brings tears to my eyes.

What crazy thing did we recently learn?

That baby hiccups are the weirdest and most annoying thing-ever. My blood pressure is a little high-time to take doc's advice and slow down?  People say the most indecent things to pregnant women.  I don't know if they think it's funny or are going for the shock value.  Whatever it is-think before you speak.

Subject I'm not ready to think about?

Well, to be honest I'm thinking about everything!  There's nothing off limits or not worth thinking about.  Sometimes I wonder if I think too much on things.  Right now, we are trying to establish what's best for OUR family of three and that requires thinking and conversing.  

Big Daddy's Take:
I'm ready to meet my baby girl.

#232 of 365~Work Shower

Today, we were blessed with a "Gift Card" shower thrown by my wonderful friends and co-workers.  With elegant touches of pink, the theme was: "Building Our Nest." The party took place in my dear friends beautiful home and she simply went above and beyond!

Little touches of pink and birds nest cupcakes that were DELISH!

Friends and Co-Workers (above

Dining room set up (below)

Terry created a "Panera Style" lunch with:

vegetarian tomato soup, turkey sandwiches, Cesar salad, chips,  and an apple.

Everyone was asked to bring a gift card to a restaurant in our area to help with meals after the baby comes.  This was such a helpful gift and Nick is really happy to not have to be in charge of cooking duties for awhile during my leave.  We received a few adorable outfits and a couple blankets as well.

The Hostess with the Mostess herself, myself, and co-worker