You know you're pregnant when...

You go out to dinner and the waitress doesn't bring you one glass of water, but two...and then a whole pitcher. Guess Andrew and I were a tad bit thirsty!

Andrew's First Beach Day

One of the joys of being on summer vacation is having the luxury of waking up and asking your hubby, "What do you want to do today?" Sorry to rub this in but you have to remember that teachers endure 10 months of organized chaos only to have the summer vacation to regain all remaining ounces of sanity to start the process all over again. So alas, waking up on Monday morning on my maternal clock rather than o'dark early and then making the decision to head down to La Jolla and spend a little "Kyle and me" time was a welcomed idea.

We packed up and made our way down the California coast for what promised to be a beautiful day. The weather was amazing, a cool 78 degrees, which of course, made for one very happy pregnant lady! You have to remember that La Jolla holds a certain significance to Kyle and I as this is the place of our first date together 12 years ago, as well as the location of every anniversary to follow. More importantly, La Jolla is where Kyle proposed and well, the rest is history! We visited the harbor seals and checked out the fat squirrels who beg for food almost as bad as JD. Our day in La Jolla concluded with an ocean terrace dinner at George's, the restaurant where Kyle took me the night he proposed as well. The view was breathtaking and the atmosphere was so romantic.

We then decided to move our way up the coast and stopped at the Torrey Pines State Park where we played in the sand, collected shells, and marked Andrew's first beach day with his name in the sand at sunset. It was such a fun filled day and I am so glad that Kyle and I were able to spend some time together. I have been advised by many moms not to forget hubby during motherhood so we figured we would get a head start now. It's funny how much two people can truly enjoy the simple things in life.

Is that a Baby Bump I see?

After 3 years of offering a photo shoot to me as a Christmas gift, I finally took one of my family's up on her offer and decided to do belly pics. If you live in Southern California, you know the weather has been scorching hot the last couple of days so we were thrilled that the weather presented us with a cool 70 degrees during our morning shoot. Especially at 8 months pregnant, I was elated!! Dawn is so incredibly talented and has such a great eye for scenic areas to capture that perfect shot.

So for all of you that have been asking for some belly pics, here you go! These are just a few of the great shots she took and don't worry, more are on the way!

At last! We have success!

So in our second attempt to see Andrew's cute little face, we were quickly disappointed to see that the little stinker was alas, again, face first into the comfy linings of my tummy. For 10 minutes, the ultrasound tech poked and prodded, even asked Kyle to massage my stomach (didn't know I was going to get a massage out of this deal!) But to no avail, he wouldn't roll over. We could see his profile yet again but he would place his hand in front of his face or his arm.

Threatening a third visit, the tech asked me to drink another glass of ice cold water, this would be number 3 in 20 minutes mind you, and to jump around. After a series of kick boxing movements and jumping jacks, plus a lollipop, I laid down again for another chance. And then, a miracle! Andrew showed us his face, combined with a few smiles and winks! Talk about melting your mommy and daddy's heart little guy! It was the most amazing experience and feeling getting a sneak peek at our baby!

Now, hurry up and get here so that we can have a chat about who you get to be this stubborn with. Mommy-no, Daddy-yes!! I always told Kyle that Karma has a way of making it's way back around and fortunately for Kyle, it's safe to say that, he's going to get his payback because Andrew is EVERYTHING like him!

Mmmm I like sugar! Thanks for the lollipop mom! All smiles!

Opening his eyes!

Happy Boy!

Smile cutie!

Peek-a-boo...we "want" to see you!

For Father's Day, I surprised Kyle with a 3D/4D ultrasound of Andrew. As it turns out, our little man has inherited all of his "Daddy's" stubborn genes. Lord knows that Mommy doesn't have a stubborn bone in her body! Ha!! Hoping to see his cute little face, Andrew decided he didn't want to wake up from his afternoon nap, despite the 2 glasses of ice cold water and juice. You'd think a little sugar would wake up this kid, but nope! We were only able to capture his profile and confirm that Andrew will in fact be an "Andrew!" Hooray! No need to worry about repainting the nursery...again!
It was truly fascinating to see Andrew and his facial features. Andrew definitely has my nose and Kyle's lips. He also has Kyle's sleeping habits, meaning, when he is asleep, he doesn't want to be woken up. It is quite a fight trying to get either of them to wake up, as you can clearly see by the grimace on Andrew's face when we were desperately trying to get him to roll over. But, it just wasn't going to happen and we have to come back another time. Hopefully, Andrew will feel a little more photogenic!

But Mom, I'm sleepy! 

Leave me alone, I don't want to wake up! 

(The classic Kyle Wallace grimace!)

Alright, alright, I'll open my eyes!

Mmmmm maybe not, back to sleep!

School's out for summer...and fall!

So this mama-to-be is officially out on summer break and you'd think I would be taking it easy, getting a little rest and relaxation. But come on now, when have you ever known me to be "not busy!"?? Between finishing the nursery, (yes, it's almost done and I promise, pics are coming soon!!!), preparing for next year and my long term sub, and registering for childbirth classes, it seems like the To-Do List is never ending.

The end of the school year was bittersweet for me! By June of every year, both students and teachers are officially "done" and ready for summer vacation. But for me, knowing that I wouldn't be returning in the Fall was a different feeling for me. In addition to all the emotional, super-sappy pregnancy hormones, I had to bid adieu to my 8th graders who I have taught for the last 3 years. I was completely overcome with emotions, particularly during the 8th grade promotional ceremonies and the last day of school.

To put into perspective for you how awesome my students are, my students hosted a baby shower for me during the last week of school. I was blown away by the snacks, food, GIFTS, and the overall love they showered me in. I can't wait to share the stories of this fun day with Andrew so he knows how much my students loved him and were happy to be apart of this special occasion. My students ROCK and I am honored to have been their teacher! They really are a phenomenal group of students.

Made by one of my co-workers! Thanks Amy, they were simply delicious!

I was moved to tears when I received a Gift Card that my students all chipped in for. In addition, the students made me a book with wishes for Andrew. Dang these emotions!!

Two of my former students. They are called my nannies as they hope to be Andrew's nanny one day!

Surprisingly, I was able to maintain my composure during the Promotional Ceremony. Afterwards, well that was a different story. I was given the task of announcing the students names as they accepted their Certificates. Thinking back, this probably was the best position for me considering if I had to be the teacher actually shaking their hands and having an opportunity to say, "Congratulations, I am so proud of you!" then I would have probably been a blubbering mess! But don't worry, the tears came through like the great flood during the Reception. Such a sap!
But alas, the year is over and the summer is really just beginning for me! I can't believe that in 9 weeks, Andrew will be here! JD is so excited about becoming a big brother...I think! What will this pooch do once he is no longer the center of my attention? Mommy will have a new man...guess he and Kyle will have to pout together! :)

A Baby Shower...WOQT Style

So there is no need to assume that Andrew will be spoiled rotten by all of his Aunties throughout the neighborhood. My dearest friends and neighbors completely transformed Roxy's backyard into a Baby Shower extravaganza. And of course, anything that ever has a "Roxy" stamp on it, is always over the top...and then some! An abundance of laughs commenced, the food was incredible, and of course, the company-always fabulous.

With paisley prints stencils and oh-so delicious!! 

YUM-O!!

And of course, a baby shower wouldn't be complete without the famous candy bar diaper game! 

Roxy

Jennee

Tom

Kim and I

Our lives are about to change...for the better!

Judy

My neighbors are truly a remarkable group of women who have made living in my neighborhood a dream! The chemistry and dynamics within this group of ladies is spectacular and I am so thankful to call them my friends. I am so proud to introduce Andrew to Aunties and surround him in the safety and the love this neighborhood has given me. He will just love them, almost as much as I do!

Thank you ladies for such an extraordinary event! 

Andrew's first shower

So not that I wasn't already feeling pregnant with the growing belly and jabs to the gut compliments of my little guy, but after the baby shower my Aunt Cherie hosted for Kyle and I, this pregnancy officially set it in for me. Kyle and I were greeted by family that we hadn't seen in waayyyy too long! My Aunt worked so hard and had enough food to feed 100 people. She had all of Kyle's favorite comfort foods from sandwiches, salads, and soups to the hit of the shower, the chocolate fondue machine. I think Uncle Ross and Uncle Jameson discovered that chocolate goes good on anything...note to self: don't leave Andrew unattended with either Uncles. I am scared to think of what might happen and the things Andrew would learn...YIKES! :)

Compliments of Uncle JJ!

The Metcalf women!

Uncle JJ

Cousins

The Grandma's to Be

The Whole Fam Bam 

Andrew's Grandpas and Crazy Uncles

Holy Moly...look at all the loot!

The day was so much fun and I enjoyed seeing members of my family that I hadn't seen since Kyle and I got married. Thanks Aunt Cherie! This shower meant the world to us!