Beach Day

 Well, we tried to go to the beach last Saturday to sun, swim, do the general beach trip. Where we live, it was sunny, hot and perfect beach weather. Where we went, Pacific Grove, was engulfed in fog. More so than the usual amount of fog that seems to just live over there. We made do though, Opel was with us and beside herself at the sight of the ocean. We ended up having a pretty good afternoon, though we did not achieve suntans!

Ciao!

A Kicker in my Belly

 It's Saturday, and the flag pole isn't up yet. It took two trips to get a pole and then mount. I think Daniel is avoiding the obnoxious display of the Michigan flag I recently purchased to hang proudly throughout this season; it is the first season in almost four years that I am able to watch in real time, and not at an un-Godly hour. I try not to nag about things, but I'm thinking I'm going to have to on this one. Michigan is currently playing Air Force... and they're holding their own... kind of. The drop from 8th to 19th in rank seems appropriate this morning. Though I will reserve final comment until the end of the game.

Our son is kicking up a storm this afternoon! I enjoy sitting and watching my belly jump and jive every so often, knowing that I have a little man growing and thriving in there. The feeling never gets old, every movement a reminder that he's there and that things are alright. Blessedly, I am much calmer with this pregnancy, so I take much more enjoyment in these times. He's a different baby that Grace, I can already tell. When I get stressed or anxious, he quiets, and stills. As I relax, he will adjust, move, punch, almost in response to the hormones swirling around in there. He also keeps different hours, waking easily in the morning when I get up, but also having a party between 9 and 11 pm every night! I have entertained the idea that I may have two very different sleepers when he arrives, Grace being an early to bed, early to rise little girl, and this guy being the opposite. Lots of coffee for me I suppose! He's used to it already anyway.

 I'm tired, sore, and worn out, but happily enjoying the craziness of life right now. Grace is absolutely high on life; not sleeping, running, playing, talking, lecturing, jumping and counting. It's thoroughly entertaining, though wearing. Work is still enjoyable, and I am constantly reminded how blessed I am to have a good job as we pay for flight after flight to make family events. I am thankful for Amanda, our friend and neighbor who looks after Grace while I sleep, and whenever else we need childcare. She's an answer to prayer. Daniel is continuing with his classes, cramming as I write this for his quarterly finals. Eighteen months is not a long time to get a Master's degree and it's showing a bit by the pace of this program. He's doing well though, and enjoying the time we have together as a family.

 Our last trip is coming up next week... we're headed to Delaware to see my Elly get married! I can't wait to be part of their weekend, it'll be a great time!

 Have a good weekend everyone! GO BLUE!!

 Ciao!

Grace and I posing in front of a Mustang at Laguna Seca Raceway