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.

June 23, 2009

So I'm in my 16th week...I think. That means I'm almost done with my fourth month and well into my second trimester. Good God, where did the time go?!?!? I'm reading lots of baby books and magazines and what kind of car seat/stroller seems to be the hot topic in our family! Juddy would rather read novels than baby books, so I've placed baby movies intermittently on Netflix. I think we get our first one tonight....

I think I felt Radler move the other night. I've heard that in the beginning the feeling can be really easy to miss. Some explain it like "you feel like you've got gas". My mom said it feels like a gold fish flopping around, which I think is the most descriptive opinion I've heard. Anyway, I was on the couch with Juddy watching a movie and I thought I felt a little "gold fish" in my belly. And then I farted. Guess that wasn't it. But then I felt it again and I DIDN'T fart! Ooo ooo!!! I felt it a couple times that evening and a few other times while lying in bed. It's so subtle, I can't be sure, but based on what I've heard and read, I think that's Radler! Our own little ninja... I can't wait for Rad to move more consistently, more ferociously and enough that Juddy can feel...

Closing of the shop is going well. Juddy sold 15 bikes in 3 days. He's now in the process of building some more bikes that he had all the parts for (it's easier to sell a bike then all it's parts) and moving the ski accessories into the bike shop. While everyone is sad to see the shop go, they are proud and excited for him to become a Dad. Also, because the need is so great to have a ski shop in Skagit Valley, Juddy is looking for a place to continue ski rental, tune, repair 3 days a week during the winter time. He's so full of great ideas, I have no doubt that he'll find just the perfect fit. I know they talk about the "glow" of a pregnant woman, but if a to-be-papa can glow, Juddy is just that! It's super cool!

Well, loves, hugs, kisses and snuggles to everyone and until next time ~MUAH

And the baby blog beings...

So I'm pretty sure as of now, most of you know that Juddy knocked me up and we're planning to expand our family. Oh boy! Id tell you that's we're not excited at all but that would be a blatant lie! We are ecstatic! Mom bought us a new bed at the beginning of March and I was pregnant within two weeks. Funny how that works, isn't it? We found out on tax day...April 15. I knew something was up when I experienced 3 zits in one month....something that hasn't happened since I was in high school PRE-Accutane! After taking the test, I gently laid it on the bathroom for Juddy to find when he got up. Some people have said "WHAT!?!? You didn't tell him right away!?!?" Well, no. And I didn't tell him because we've had conversations about discussing "important" things in the morning. See I'm a morning person, and Juddy's a night owl and things don't turn out well when I try to communicate the honey-do list before 7 am. So we've agreed to not talk about "important" things until he's up and moving...and usually out the door. So I left the test on the bathroom counter, which he cleverly noticed while taking his morning dump. Actually, he noticed the abnormal wrapper in the bathroom waste basket and then the test. After putting two and two together (no one leaves a negative pregnancy test on the counter!) he called and we celebrated on the phone together.

I am open to all types of birthing plans including midwives, birthing centers, hospitals, doctors and side of the road deliveries. While I know you can't control it, I feel it's important to get as much information as possible so they we can be as preparred for the birth as possible. We've toured a number of hospitals and a birthing center and interviewed a plethora of midwives and doctors. In the end, we settled on a doctor who was best friends with Juddy's cousin in med school. She's our age, 6 months preggo with her first child and we just knew when we met her that she was the right match for us! We also got to hear the heartbeat right then, which WHOOA does make everything way more real!!

Ooooo, and I also got an ultrasound 2 weeks later (13 weeks). I didn't really know it was happening so it wasn't scheduled when Juddy could be there (he'll be at the next one!). But boy is THAT cool! Ultrasound pictures always look like warshack tests to me, but when you go in for one, it's a video that you watch the whole time and then they snap pictures during the video. It's way easier to tell what's a head/leg/arm/etc when you're watching the little alien move around. Radler was quite active, including stretching out,




sticking out his/her tongue (must take after his mom already!)



and rolling over.



We even got an awesome Grateful Dead "Steal-Your-Face" shot!! Soooo RAD!!!



I'm approximately 3 1/2 months pregnant now (15 weeks on Monday) and the baby is due between December 6-13. Yes, a little Sagittarius to add to our family. Perfect! We like surprises so we're not finding out the sex, but we're pretty sure about the name: Radler Havoc for a boy or Radler Nikita for a girl. We just want to call our kid Rad! We've known the first name for over a year and a half and are quite excited to be able to finally use it! Am I using enough exclamation points!?!?

Juddy is in the process of liquidating the shop starting Monday. He's going to discount everything at 20% off and then progressively discount more each week until the end of July, when he'll finally close the doors. He explains it as "selling the corvette" which I feel is a phabulous analogy. What next? He's got all sorts of ideas (as always). Our August is full (two weddings, one music festival and 3 concerts including Ween and Phish) and we're planning on taking a pre-kid trip to Hawaii in September. Then we'll deal with his employment when we get back.

I'm planning on taking December, January and February off and then I'll go back to my current 3 days a week. I'll still have the ability to originate loans while on maternity leave, however Christmas isn't usually a very busy time in the home loan industry.

As of last weekend, my pants officially won't button. Any of them. And my belly is looking less and less like a beer gut and more like a pregnancy. I got nauseous for the first few months, but never puked, I get headaches and I sleep an abnormal amount but that's about all the symptoms I've experienced. I'm enjoying every minute as it is all part of this amazing experience...headaches and all!

So that's the DL for now. I'm using this to keep everyone updated, but feel free to email if you need more details. I'm pretty good at responding.

Hugs, loves, kisses and snuggles from our family to yours~
Juddy, Danielle, Big Happy, Little Buddy and (soon) Radler, our little alien