7 days...

36 weeks....

We're soooooo close!!! Radler is due in 7 days. My how time has flown by!! Although we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Radler, Juddy and I are trying to enjoy our couples time and quiet time. You know, like watching a movie on the couch...all the way through....with no interruptions? It's so easy to spend your time anticipating the new family arrival, that you can forget to live in the moment. I think we're doing an awesome job of living in the moment. Now, that's not to say we're not excited and that labor and Radler hasn't filled my thoughts and dreams.

Radler being serenaded

In the meantime we're staying busy. I'm still working, we attended a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends, I've been working out regularly, we completely decorated our friends apartment while they were out for their birthday dinner and today, with Radler due in a week, we limbed a tree for firewood for our other friends.

7 days until due date....

That's everything. This is probably my last post as a family of 4 (that's me, Juddy, Big Happy and Little Buddy). Next time, they'll be pictures of our new addition. I wonder if Radler is a boy or a girl...I can't WAIT to find out!! I'll make sure to get pictures up asap once Radler is photographable with our camera (i.e. not through an ultrasound). Hugs and loves to everyone. Thank you SO much your support through the pregnancy. I'm sure Radler can't wait to meet you all!!

Love, Danielle, Juddy, Big Happy, Little Buddy and (soon) Radler

Less than 6 weeks left!!

My brother Tony, my dad John, me, Radler and Juddy.

My mom always said that pregnancy should be 6 months instead of 9 1/2. I get it now. While my pregnancy has been absolutely fantastic, this was the month where my comfort level changed from "I love pregnancy" to "Okay, I'm over this". Sleeping pattern changes, heart burn, acid reflux and just overall discomfort has been the name of the game. However, I'm taking it in stride and feel it's just preparing me for labor. The sleep thing is crazy. I'm a nine to ten hour a night kind of girl. Eight hours just doesn't cut it. I can also fall asleep any time any where. So, when thinking about having a child, the lack of sleep has always been one of the scariest parts for me. But this month, my body just started adjusting for me. I sleep until about 2:45am, am up for about 2 hours, fall back asleep for an hour, up for another hour and then back to sleep for an hour. I try to nap for an hour or so twice a day too. It's totally weird, but my body has taken over and that's my new schedule. CRAZY! In the beginning I'd just lay in bed in the middle of the night, but recently I got wiser and now I just get up at 2:45am and start putzing around the house; laundry, dishes, movies, you name it.

My aunt treated me to a beautiful baby shower on the 9th. I took deep breaths, taking it all in. I know I'm a lucky girl, but I was just dumbfounded by the love and support that me and Radler (and Juddy) received. It was just beautiful! I never thought about it before, but now I can't imagine bringing a child into this world and not having everyone so excited and thrilled. What a blessing! I've also discovered a new found love for handmade items. The idea that my friends and family took the time to make something for Radler, something that my child will use and play with...I know, it sounds all sentimental and mushy, but the whole thing brings on all new feelings for me. I guess I'm just maturing. Growing up. Getting wiser. HA!! Who'd a thought!

Then my girlfriends threw me a shower on Sunday, and again, I'm so grateful for everyone in my life. Friends came from all over to support me and Radler (and Juddy). We made a body cast of my torso, which people painted at the shower. Good Lord I'm big. Not as much "big" as I am wide. Oh well, it's normal, healthy and it'll all go away after Radler is born. Right? There were a number of handmade gits (such as the laundry bad I'm holding up in the picture made by Michelle at Friendly Fashions) as well as "experienced mom" gifts, a photo shoot, beautiful blankets and second hand necessities. Thanks girls!!

Now, although I've been substantially uncomfortable and lack the required sleep I'm so used to, I don't want you to think that we've completely stopped seeing live music. Yes, it's been less substantial than before and I left a show early due to how I felt, but we've still managed to see 3 shows this month and hang out with our friends in that all too familiar extra curricular setting. While nesting is my up most priority, hitting these shows adds a feeling of normalcy to my life. And honestly, I think Radler enjoys it. Every show we've seen since I've been preggo, Radler has slept through, not moving in the slightest. All except one, that is, and that would be the show I left early. Rad was NOT down with that show (sorry Lotus).

Less than six weeks to go...holy cow...

Hugs, Loves, Kisses and Snuggles~

Danielle, Juddy and Radler

30 weeks...i.e. 10 weeks left!!!

Radler's vacation continued...


So although Radler is getting bigger, (s)he still likes to go on hikes and be active. And it's a good thing too!!! After our initial stay in Poipu, we headed to Hanalei Bay, where my family lives and owns a vacation rental (http://rentalo.com/64679/hanaleivacationhouse.html). Juddy and I got up early and hiked the Kalalau Trail, also known as the first 2 miles of the Na Pali Coast trail. It's four miles round trip of pretty rocky terrain. Definitely not for the weak at heart, but totally breathtaking! My family had recommended the use of walking sticks which was probably some of the best advice we received on vacation! The biggest thing about this hike is that it's not about the destination; rather it's totally about the journey. We were happy we got going early because by 9am the sun comes over the mountains, starts beating down on you and makes the already intense hike a LOT more intense! We had a blast and I was excited to show Juddy this famous trail. I REALLY wanted to kayak the Na Pali Coast, but alas, it looks like it will have to wait until next time. Kayaking would have been an all day event and completely in the sun the whole time which, I'm pretty sure, Radler wouldn't have enjoyed. Our final day on the east side of Kauai, we spent with my family checking out waterfalls, touring rich guy's properties, hiking Secret Beach, catching up, eating incredible local ice cream and just loving the time together. Radler got lots of belly rubs too.

We woke up super early to catch our flight to Maui. And when we walked outside, the most vibrant double rainbow I've ever seen was stretching the sky. It was so big and so close there was no way to get the whole thing into one single picture frame. It was absolutely unbelievable! And what a way to wake up!!


We got to Maui and headed towards my friend Michelle's house where she graciously hosted us for two nights! It was great to see her (it's been years) and her contagious, optimistic, and endless energy personality hasn't changed a bit! Radler, Juddy and I checked out Big and Little Beach, snorkeled and toured the Lava Fields with Michelle. . You know Juddy and his rocks!! I think we have as many pictures of rocks as we do of us! Michelle's husband's whole family flew in the following day so we headed to our condo. We woke up early the next day and decided to drive the legendary Road to Hana; a 50 mile or so oober curvy road right along the cliffs of Maui. We stopped at Twin Falls, about an hour into the drive and immediately discovered our camera battery was dying. AHHHH! you can't drive the Road to Hana without a camera! And no disposable camera would provide enough pictures as we wanted to take. So we re-evaluated and decided to check out this waterfall adventure I'd found in the tour book. It was off the beaten path, through a bamboo forest where you'd discover the first of four waterfalls. Each waterfall was suppose to be bigger and better than the last and required an adventurous spirit to get there. Juddy and I thought we knew the way good enough to leave the book in the car. Boy, were we wrong! We missed a couple of turns, thought too much and ended up deep in the bamboo forest. We finally came out to a large pond with a herd of cows swimming in it. It was nothing that we were expecting and honestly, quite discouraging. We made it to the road and the adventure that took us an hour to wind our way through the woods and around Cow Shit Creek, took us approximately 3 minutes walk from our car. Rather than give up we decided to put some food in our bellies, re-read the tour book and try again. This time we found the right trail! The first waterfall was easy to get to (if you didn't over think the trail). Oh yeah, I can't remember or find on google the name of the waterfalls, so I'll insert that later. The second waterfall, you had to scale a muddy, slippery rock face to get to, but it was twice the size of the first. There was a rope on the side of the rocks to help your balance and most kids could get up it if they had an adventurous spirit. To get to the third waterfall, we had to climb a sketchy homemade ladder which I have not included pictures due to the fact that I'm sure it would make the Grandmomsters nervous! Also, at that point we hid our things and just brought the waterproof disposable camera. Why you may ask? Well, besides the fact the our digital camera was now almost officially dead, the next part of the hike included bouldering for approximately a mile, a bunch of mini waterfalls and then swimming 100 yards to get to the final destination. We made it the entire way. Unfortunately, it hadn't rained in a while so the waterfall wasn't pounding but it was (again) the journey and not the destination that mattered. We had our adventure, with all it's ups and downs and succeeded. AND we'd managed to rearrange our day with the dying of our camera battery to create unique experience that we'll never forget. And just so you know, Radler's got an adventurer's spirit and loved the exhilaration of our adventure!

We charged the battery that night and tried the Road to Hana again the following day. As we passed Twin Falls, we picked up a hitch hiker who turned out to be on her way to Hana. We were listening to this monotonous CD guiding the way to Hana and offered the hitch hiker the option to A)listen to this CD with us or B)be our guide. Thankfully, she chose B. Like us, she likes the more off-the-main-path scenic views that weren't where every tourist stops. She quickly showed us Heavy Falls, another minor adventure to get to! It continually amazes me that there are all these drop dead beautiful secrets on any little pull off. You'd never know what gems lay 250 feet from the road unless someone takes the time to show you (or you have the most awesome guidebook on the island). Again, I won't go into detail about what we had to do to get there, but I know Radler is soaking up his parents lively spirit...







Opps!!! How did those get in here?!?!

After Heavy Falls, we were shown Stoner's Pool which is definitely private property. But alas due to our guide, we had the "in"! We trekked through the plentiful jungle, through stream and giant crawfish infested pools to come to our lovely destination...a calm waterfall that just had a special feel to the space. Juddy's need to cannonball was undeniable, and we hung by the pool and soaked in the tranquility.

When we finally got to Hana, we dropped off our tour guide and took her recommendation for a good BBQ joint. It wasn't good, it was AWESOME! I bought a case of their home made sauce to bring home with us! It was only 2 ish, so we ate and then headed to Red Sand Beach. Radler was tired, so we napped on the beach for about an hour before heading home. Rather then turning around, we finished off the loop which includes a long stretch of one lane, dirt road and some real stink eye from some old locals. Oh well, we pulled over anytime someone came up on our rears and I think that most of the locals were thankful for our quick reaction time. We only really got one serious stink eye.

Our last full day in Maui, we drove the other side of the island and stopped at the
#1 beach at the #1 destination in the world. All we can say is that we think that all the hotels on the #1 beach are who paid someone to call it the #1 beach. It was definitely NOT our favorite, but we're a little different from the norm.

We checked out of our condo, had lunch with Michelle and found a beach to relax on until our flight back to Kauai. We've seen so much of the two islands, I am very grateful Radler has given me the energy to hike, climb, beach comb, swim and continually be on the go. I'm' also grateful that Rad let's me know when (s)he's tired and it's time for a nap or to just read by the beach. We've had such an unbelievable time here in Hawaii. Finally, I'm so grateful to have been able to spend this time with Juddy before our lives change drastically. We have laughed constantly on this trip! He's been so understanding and helpful; truly just an amazing man. I'm reminded every day why we got married and how awesome a father he's going to be. We're heading home tomorrow, but I can safely say that Babymoon 2009 was a total success!! I recommend one for everyone!!

Much love, Danielle, Juddy and Rad

Kauai Sucks...

So Kauai sucks and I definitely recommend that no one ever come here.


Seriously though, I'm 28 weeks pregnant and after the summer we've had we felt it was time for a vacation. For those of you who remember, we headed to Hawaii for ten days two weeks before we got married. At that time, we got Hawaiian Airline Miles Cards and started to rack up our points. I hate paying an annual fee for a credit card so before this years fee, I cashed in our miles, canceled the cards and coordinated 2 weeks off from work. And yes, I do work (for those of you who are wondering how we manage to do so much)...I'm just working from my remote office sometimes! Everything supposedly changes once you have a kid, so we're enjoying Babymoon 2009: Our Last Couples Vacation. Our itinerary consists of 1 week on Kauai, 1 week on Maui and then two more nights on Kauai again before returning home.

We arrived on Thursday. Sara picked us up from the airport and we met Grant at their home. Grant and Sara are homies from Bellingham who moved here two years ago. Actually, we were leaving as they were arriving (two years ago) and we literally high fived in the airport. We dropped off our baggage and headed to Happy Hour with their Kauai crew. They've met some great friends since being here who welcomed us readily. Friday, Grant and Sara headed to work while Juddy and I went to Shipwreck Beach and started a 3 mile hike along the cliffs. It was beautiful, cool (because it was still early) and exactly what I needed to start off our vacation. The waves crashed against the rocky cliffs. The sun rose from the east. We found an awesome "bonsai" tree clinging for life on a cliff. And the naturally made cave. It was just awesome. We happened upon a few other hikers who told us about a sink whole where, just recently, archiologists had found 10,000 year old artifacts. We hiked around the sink whole, took pictures of flowers and headed back. After hiking, we hit Costco and bought food and snacks for the week so that eating out for every meal wouldn't be an issue. Then we napped and headed to the beach. After Sara and Grant got back from work, we headed BACK to the beach so Grant could catch a few waves and Sara could swim a little. Meanwhile, Juddy and I watched the sunset over the endless ocean.

Saturday, Grant, Sara, Juddy and I headed to Polihole beach, an amazing stretch of sand beaches on the northwest wide of the island. We played in the waves, read, napped, tried to save a stuck family of tourists in the sand and flew a trainer kite for kite surfing. Juddy also surfed while we watched him get worked by the waves. Afterwards, we headed to one of their Kauai crew's house's for a homemade pizza party. Mama Bear can't keep up like she used to, so after we ate I headed home to sleep.

Sunday, everyone except me, went golfing. At $9 for unlimited holes, how could I deny Juddy?! I headed to the beach with the last of the Twilight series. I applied my sun block but not in the right order and definitely not enough...I cooked! Since then it has been all about moisterizing, moisterizing, moisterizing!! When Juddy got back, we got cleaned up and went to a Luau. The Luau was cool, the food was delicious (Juddy and I both went back for seconds of the Kolua Pig) and the setting spectacular. It was something that we are happy we can check off "the list" however, it's not something I would do again. There are so many cool things to see and do in Kauai and I'm not sure that the Luau trumps some of the other options. Today, Grant and Sara were back to work and Juddy and I jumped in our rental car and headed up the Whimea Canyon: the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The views were breathtaking and we hit everything just early enough before the clouds started rolling in. My sun burn was anything except minor, but I powered through it. We even went for a 2 mile hike at the top of the canyon, which with the heavy breathing and tretcherous trail (i.e. one mis-step and you could fall to your doom) kept my mind off of my unfortunate skin condition (don't worry....Radler is fine...(s)he is enjoying the slightly elivated temperature!). Juddy and Grant are playing golf now (at a different corse...this one is $10!!!) and Sara and I are planning dinner. We're heading to Hanalei Bay tonight (my aunt and uncle have opened their home to us as well), but not until after one more dinner feast with our Bellingham Homies. They have been so gracious and it's been awesome to be able to spend some qulity time with them. I'll make sure to keep you updated as Babymoon 2009: Our Last Couples Vacation continues...

Hugs, loves, kisses and snuggles~ Danielle, Juddy, and Radler

August continues...

24 weeks preggo



See, I told you I'd get the next blog up quickly. It's amazing how much you can get done in the morning when everyone else rages all night!

Thursday morning, Juddy, myself and Big Happy headed down to Bend, Oregon to see yet another concert: Ween. We got into Bend late Thursday night after test driving new/used vehicles Thursday morning and then driving 9 hours straight. We did catch one small hitchhiker on our way. Can you see him?


Look Closer....


Yes, that is a bat hanging from Juddy's handle bars. Not the safest way to travel if you ask me, but gets you where you're going. It must have been his dying wish to have his remains scattered in Bend.

When we got to Bend, we had arranged to stay with our friend Maggie, who has been living here for the last few months. Bend is a cool town in central Oregon, set amongst the mountains. We chilled all day Friday and then headed to the concert. Although we had our tickets months ago, Juddy convinced his good friend to have his bachelor party down here this weekend. Maggie, Juddy and I headed to Anthony's before the show and the rest of the bachelor party arrived over the next hour. It was great to see all the guys! I tried to make myself as scarce as possible, knowing that bachelor parties usually frown on having any women there. However, I had my ticket first and as far as I'm concerned they followed me to the show! They were all gracious, funny, and entertaining and we parted ways immediately after the show. Mama Bear knows when it's time to let the boys be boys!

The question asked by many has been, can you see Ween sober? The answer: yes, yes you can and it's still just as good! The people watching is enough of a show by itself! The venue was awesome, security was laxed (I didn't see one minimum wage worker on a power trip!) and the clouds opened up just as the show started to expose the tip of a rainbow and a yellow/orange/pink sunset. Beautiful....


Oh, I almost forgot. Radler is a ninja, right?! So I get to feel him/her practice his/her moves all the time but every time I put Juddy's hand on my stomach, karate time is over and nap times begins. Juddy's only felt Radler once! But yesterday, finally, I got Juddy's hand in the appropriate place just as karate practice began. And one. And two. Roundhouse. Double punch. Judo roll. Juddy got to feel it all! It was really great to be able to finally share the entire experience with him.

Hugs, loves, kisses and snuggles, J, D and R

PS. When I mentioned Meltdown in my last post as a "B rated music festival" I meant that only in that many of the bands you are probably not familiar with. It is not what many of you would call "mainstream music". The event itself is an "A" event: beautifully put on, environmentally friendly, introduces one to great new music and one of my highlights every summer.

24 weeks down...

So, it's been a fun filled month, there is no doubt about that!! We started off with a Seattle Sounders game versus Barcelona (Barcelona ran circles around us!). It was fun though and my first time at Quest Stadium. Then it was off to George, Washington for a two night run of Phish. We were blessed enough to stay at our friends property and not at the campground/parking lot on site at the Gorge. Our friend has about 150 acres on the water as close to the Gorge as you can possibly get and we were surrounded by good friends from Jackson Hole, across the street and some new friends from Seattle. The weather was exceptional; last time we were at the Gorge we saw Pearl Jam in 115 degree heat. Phish was 85 to 90 degrees and dry. Absolutely perfect! It makes all the difference when you can jump in the water 5 times a day. And the view...I'll just say after discovering our buddy had this property I am totally jaded for life and will be surprised if I ever attend another Gorge show and NOT stay at his place.

Now, sober shows are a whole new experience for me. Juddy was going to stay sober for most of the weekend with me, but after a few hours I was like, "Honey, this is weird...you should be drinking." He lit up like a kid who's just been released from being grounded two weeks early! And it was all down hill from there.! But we both had a wonderful time and I think some of my friends found a new level of impressiveness for me. I just kept reminding everyone that this is karma at work and it's about time that I was the person in the group with my shit together!! The shows were exceptional, so I'm told. They were my first Phish shows so I had nothing to compare them to. I had a very nice time, but can definitely see where a couple of drinks could make Phish more enjoyable. The light show was amazing! And you just can't beat the scenery at the Gorge! The second night, I relieved myself of babysitting duties (that's babysitting adults, not children) and snuck into our friends box. I enjoyed the entire second set there with the company of some amazing people...love you guys.

We had two days off and headed to Seattle to see another Mariners game with my dear friend Alanda, who was in from New York. We talked through the first 10 innings (yes, that's ten) and still managed to get our money's worth by paying attention for the last 4 innings. Most of the normal starters were out and I was more than slightly annoyed that the bench-riding-designated-hitter-who-replaced-Griffey-and-who's-only-job-is-to-hit-the-ball-when-he-gets-to-bat-one-out-of-every-ten-games couldn't connect with the ball. At all. The score was 0-0 through the entire game, but it was some of the best baseball I've seen live. The bases were loaded multiple times, by both teams, and still no one could score. I called Lunchbox in Alaska and complained about the designated hitter in the top of the 14th and how Griffey would have brought someone home by now. Lunchbox said he'd make a call. We must have manifested the event, cuz sure enough, we got on base and instead of the DH they put Griffey in. He missed the first pitch, but got a solid double with the second bring our guy home. It was awesome! It's only the second win I think I've ever seen live at Safeco...the energy the crowd puts out is incredible!

Time for a nap yet?! I don't think so. After the game we came home, slept and then got our act together to head to Darrington for the four day musical festival of Meltdown. Meltdown is located at the base of Whitehorse Mountain (you can barely see it in the background of this picture) and kind of a B rated musical festival that we've been attending for years. Most of our friends who didn't make Phish were here, and of course a few that did too. Now for those of you who think that I'm Superwoman going to festivals and sleeping on the ground, think again. Papa Bear Juddy bought a blow up air mattress and masterminded an elevated sleeping area in the back of the truck. So when there was a torrential down pour the first night of the Meltdown, Mama Bear was dry as the Sahara desert. I held my own throughout the festival and just headed to bed earlier than the others. Juddy did remarkably well keeping his act together, as did many of our friends. I think we're all just growing up. We saw and rekindled relationships we'd made at Phish, enjoyed old and new music alike, rocked out with some of our friends parents and enjoyed another remarkable place. The Whitehorse Amphitheater is located on 80 acres with a beautiful river running through it. Although the weather wasn't ideal it did get progressively better throughout the weekend and by Sunday bikini weather graced our presence! For those of you who haven't ever been to the Meltdown, and enjoy attending a music festival, I highly recommend this one! It's by no means your typical hippie-fest. This one is quality, very family friendly, and exposes you to all sorts of music that you wouldn't normally see. And of course Flowmotion, the band that puts it on, consistently puts out a great show.

I got this cute picture with Le Femme de Strand. And not to be outdone, Juddy and her brother made sure to get a pregnant picture of them as well. Oh, so sexy...


















So we've been having a grand old time this August, as we always do. I have some more "pregnancy pictures" for Week 24, but they'll have to wait until next time. Oh, and I celebrated my 29th birthday. Yeah me! Another year down. Juddy and our fabulous neighbors made me dinner and I was frequented by many friends, flowers and love notes throughout the day. While it started a little rough (I'll blame it on the pregnancy) it ended with a bang. The next day we made our way to Seattle for a bachelor/bachelorette party and then headed to Port Angeles over the weekend for the actual wedding. Our friends wedding was beautiful and reminded me of Juddy and my special day. Congrats Megan and Mikey!

Until next time~
Hugs, loves, kisses and snuggles~ Juddy, Danielle and little Rad

20 Weeks and counting...

Well, as many of you know this summer sucks. Awful weather full of "no fun activities". We've not enjoyed BBQ's nor Mariner games nor any outings outdoors. Pretty boring over all. :)

So I have a confession to make. That last picture of me, in week 16, I was pushing out as FAR as I possibly could! I know that's not really fair, but I just wanted to look more pregnant. I almost posted both of these pictures...

Week 16, totally normal


Week 16, pushing out as far as possible


I know, I know...I decieved you all, but I'm coming clean now! Currently, I don't think it matters if I suck in or push out; I'm pretty much one size. I am super happy though, I'm past the "man-that-girl-in-the-bikini-could-manage-to-lose-a-couple-pounds" and on to "I'm-pretty-sure-that-chick-is-pregnant" phase. It's a good place to be. Not that I care what random people think...it's more about being so involved with the preganacy that you wanna look pregnant. I'm sure, however, that in a few months I'll be done wanting to look pregnant and on to the "get-this-ameiba-out-of-me". Juddy and I were discussing our fabulous timing by having a winter baby. I get to be comfortable during the summer and be all bloated, retaining water in the winter. Also since there is nothing to do in the winter except hibernate, we will have ample time to figure out what to do with the little creature. It would be much tougher having a newborn now, as we're being pulled in 18different directions throughout the summer.

What else can I babble about? As of July 3rd, I had gain zero (that's right NONE) pounds! I'm pretty excited about that! Trust me, it's not from a lack of eating but rather being on a stringent cardio routine. I prefer to think that based on my exercising (and lack of alcohol intake)I lost those pesky ten pounds and then gained them back in baby weight putting me right back where I started and perfectly on track. I'll find out tomorrow, but I'm guessing I've gain 4 pounds since the 3rd, which is just what all the "experts" say is healthy.

In the last week, Radler has been movin' and shakin' more then ever before. It's so cool! I'm convinced that (s)he is practicing his/her ninja moves: round house kicks, head butts, ninja rolls, you name it! It's been fun for me and I'm sure that the time is quickly approaching that Juddy and others will be able to share in the sensation.

Finally, Juddy is in the last week of the bike shop. That's right, doors close on Friday. There's a lot to do between now and Friday, but I know it'll all get done. It's been good ride and we're both very excited to see where the next steps take us! I'm also excited for him to sit back and relax for the next two months, along side me, and just enjoy this epic summer we're having.

I think that's it, for now at least. Hugs, loves, kisses and snuggles to all of you~
Juddy, Danielle, Big Happy, Little Buddy and our ninja-in-training, Radler.