Delayed Anniversary Celebration

For our anniversary, I gave Keith a gift certificate for guitar lessons and Keith gave me a date in NYC to have dinner, see a show and stay the night. Now, we can see NYC out of our living room window but getting back and forth is a saga on the weekends so the hotel room was a real treat. We weren't able to make a weekend of it until a couple of weekends ago.

The weather was perfect around here - upper 60's/low 70's and that is key to an enjoyable day in the city. The smell can be strong the warmer it gets. We learned that a couple of years ago when we went to Chinatown in 90+ weather. So after some subway issues we finally arrive at our surprise overnight destination. Keith wouldn't tell me where we were staying - most likely because I would have told him it was too expensive. We stayed at the Waldorf Astoria. It is beautiful but didn't look like the movies. We made sure to have the Red Velvet cake and have to say Grandma J's has some competition.

For dinner we went to an Asian restaurant in Time Square. After having the cake before dinner (hey, remember I am pregnant!), we didn't eat as much as we are truly capable of eating. However, it was a good choice because Keith could have sushi while I could have dumplings and fried rice, trying not to drool over his sushi. We both walked away happy and full.

Finally, we attended Mama Mia which was hilarious. We were drawn to that particular musical because while in Vegas we saw many, many advertisements for it and the Mandalay Bay had slot machines that sang "Dancing Queen". The show is really funny with a cute story. My only complaint is that is suppose to be set in Greece but aside from saying that there isn't anything Greek about the musical.

The next morning we got up before the city was too busy so it was great to walk around and have some breakfast. The trip home was uneventful and we spent the rest of the day doing exciting things like laundry and watching baseball.

1/3 of the way there!

Thank goodness the first trimester is over! It wasn't horrible but everyone says it's better during the second. We both made our announcements to friends and co-workers since the last baby post. Everyone, including work, is very excited for us and that is a nice feeling. I am moving quickly from my "normal" clothes into maternity clothes or my fat pants. I am looking forward to the days where I can start eating whatever I want and in large quantities. I may feel full but it doesn't last long so I think I eat all day long.

We had our second ultrasound last week. No one warned us that the ultrasound for downs syndrome can be so terrible. The baby was moving too slow and stuck in a position that wasn't good for the picture they needed. So after two + hours of "punching" me with the ultrasound wand, drinking OJ with a walk and grabbing some dinner - it was over but not after the mom-to-be shed some tears. It hurt, I was tired and sick of the lady who couldn't speak much english. I got home after my normal bed time and that didn't help the situation. After all of that the woman didn't even take a picture we could take home so I made her take some. Unfortunately, we are dumb and forgot to take them to Target today for scanning so I will post them later.

The overhaul of the office into a nursery has begun. We have too much junk and will be making a nice donation to the local Goodwill. Anyone want about 50 VHS movies from when I was in college?? Seriously, these are the things we are getting ride of over the next month. I am a bit of a procrastinator so this needed to get started now and be done before the McClaskey's come to visit Labor Day weekend.

So here the first pregnant photo. I figure the weeks when I have a doctor's appt I will have Keith take a picture. I have always loved checking out other people's progress but now understand that it isn't fun for pregnant person. The doctor says I am doing well and amazing enough I haven't gained any weight - it's just shifting.

Friends Visit

For the first time in awhile we had visitors in Jersey City. The Scheiners drove up from south Jersey to spend some time with us. We did not tell them about the baby before the visit. When they got here and we standing in the kitchen Keith pointed to the fridge and said there's our baby. I nice little surprise for Jessica and Brad. We then tried to go over to NYC with Lauren, their 7 month old daughter. Well, the trip isn't easy for anyone with all the public transportation so a tired hungry baby was not impressed. So, before we crossed to NY we turned around and came home for a nice relaxing afternoon at our house. Lauren came with lots of stuff - definitely an eye opener for the parents-to-be. All the toys made noise and were fun for all, including Missy. Don't laugh at her, she is having issues with scratching her face so she has been wearing the cone a bunch. Her back claws will come out soon!


After a nice breakfast of homemade waffles, the Scheiners were on their way home. We ended up with some serious thunderstorms that afternoon which allowed the Johnson household to take a nice nap!

Happy birthday to Miss Jessica who turns 30 this week!!!