Abbi's Week in Photos

 Last Friday night, JP and I decided to just relax and have a date night in.  I did my nails (Sally Hansen's Salon Effects 'Out of Line,' in case you're curious), made brinner (waffles with scrambled eggs 'taco-style'), and watched Pineapple Express  for the umpteenth time.  It just put me in a good mood.

 Saturday morning was spent putting up shelves in the nursery closet.  Mia, as you can tell, was a truly on-point supervisor of the process.

 Then, in the afternoon, we tried out a new juice bar in Inman Park!  I was so happy to drink this fresh green juice; it's one of my favorite combinations.  The cafe, Kale Me Crazy, is definitely on my list of happy places in Atlanta.

Kudzu is a shop here in ATL that specializes in custom furniture, and we thought this bar would fit perfectly in the sitting room.  What do you think?
Just kidding!  You can only rent these front-half 50s' style cars for events.  They are pretty amazing, though.

We had a wonderful summer meal of scallion shortcakes with tomato salad and whipped goat cheese last week, and paired it with our remaining jalapeno sausages from Illinois (my mom freezes, then travels with them when she visits!  They are out of this world delicious.).  I can't wait to share the recipe with you next week!

There are still some beautiful hand-knit pieces coming in for the churro, and this one is from his Great-Aunt Marta in Spain.  How precious is that tag?!  Muchas, muchas gracias!  I just love it, and can't wait to see how fashionable this kid will be in just a few weeks!  We're only 31 days away now...

Abbi's Week in Photos

I've got a couple of weeks' worth of life to catch you up on!  As I missed Mother's Day when it officially rolled around, JP made me breakfast in bed on the Sunday after.  Delicious waffles with scrambled eggs, a beautiful cappuccino, lots of condiments...you can bet I was a happy expectant mom.

We went to our first Braves game!  I haven't been to a baseball game in perhaps 18-20 years, but, if we're being honest, this wasn't a great re-introduction.  The game was delayed for 3 hours because of rain, then there was a 30 minute rain delay during the middle of the game- thank goodness we were under some overhang.  All in all, we ended up being gone from our house for 13 hours that day (between 'tailgating' at a friend's house to avoid the rain, the delays, traffic, and grabbing dinner out because I was too tired to cook)!
At least we won?

 Mia is so content in a sunny spot on the couch.

JP and I had a mini-golf date night.  After starting off with 2 holes-in-one (!!), I lost by 4 strokes.  Eh, I don't mind losing to that handsome face.

On Memorial Day weekend, we spent a couple of nights at the lake house, and were treated to this sight: an adolescent black bear just wandering around the front yard!  Apparently it's breeding season, and no one in the Parks Dept. was concerned, so we just kept a close eye on Mia that weekend.
For what it's worth, this bear was cute, but had some pretty long claws.  I was definitely glad to be behind some windows.

Here's the churro at 32 weeks, when he was the size of a honeydew.

And here's a side-by-side comparison of me at 15 weeks vs. 33 weeks.  Same dress, though you'll notice that it's a bit higher in the front these days.  All is going well, although my patience for wearing pants is waning; there are a lot of dresses going on at Casa de Diego.
Next week I'm going to do a full post on how the third trimester is going.  Come back on Wednesday for an entry with way too much information!

The nesting phase is fully underway!  Our changing area is set up in the nursery, and I'm so excited to share pictures of the finished space with you once we get our crib in next week.  In the meantime, we're practicing swaddling on an old teddy bear, and stocking our old kitchen island/new changing table with diaper necessities and burp cloths.

We've also started filling up one of the 'yoga studios' downstairs!  Got the couch (Restoration Hardware) and ottoman (Pottery Barn) on major sale at the outlets during Memorial Day weekend, and the rug is a cast-off from my mother-in-law.  Obviously, it's only about 40% finished, but it's a great space to read in the afternoon; this room gets lovely light.

April 2013 Illinois Trip

Last summer, my mom invited all of our female family members to visit her in Illinois this April.  A number of us are into being walking and/or running, and the last weekend of April is the Illinois Marathon.  No, no, we did not run the marathon (although Aunt Nesi did try to convince the passengers of our airport shuttle that we had), but we did compete in the Mini-I Challenge (a 5K on Friday night, followed by a 10K on Saturday morning).  Finally, the trip was here and five of us girls were together in Urbana!  

I debated whether or not I should attend after figuring out I'd be 6 months pregnant at the time, but finally decided that a. I owe it to myself to try and b. I could always finish the races by walking.  

We all arrived in Urbana on Thursday night, and hit up a frozen custard place for dessert.  Soo tasty!  I just love spending time with these girls: Amber on my left, Haley on my right.  We had a great time!

On Friday afternoon, we picked up our race packets, and listened to Katherine Switzer talk about running and changing the world.  She was the first woman to complete the Boston Marathon back in 1967, and actually entered the race using her initials because females were not allowed to race (you know, because our uteruses might fall out).  Not only did she bring me to tears, but really reminded me why it's important to do the things that make us happy and feel accomplished, even when others might think we shouldn't.  I'm getting emotional just thinking about it.  You can find out more about her here.

On Friday night, Amber, Mom and I finished the 5K!  Oh man, there was some sweat going on.

The churro's first race!  We ran the whole thing, and didn't even finish too far below my regular running time.  Which is either great or disappointing; I choose to think it's great.

Saturday morning, we all competed in the 10K, with Mom, Amber and I running it, and Aunt Nesi and Haley speed-walking.  We have our medals to prove it!
I'd like to send a little thanks to Amber, who motivated me to jog the whole race.  Without her, I would've been out after mile 4.  So nice to cross that finish line with you, Amber!

Yes, Haley, it's real.

After the race, there was free beer!  I didn't partake, but you'll notice that Amber stepped up to the plate for me.

On Sunday morning, we hitched a train up to Chicago to spend a few days in the big city.  Our first stop was the Bean, where Haley and I posed for a couple of photos before I met up with a college friend for coffee and baby talk.  So nice to catch up, Chelsea!

We did an architectural boat tour on Monday morning.  How beautiful is that skyline?!  It was a great tour, and I would highly recommend it next time you're in the city.

We hit up the Adler Planetarium for lunch.  Yes, this is a terrible picture, but look at Mom's glow-in-the-dark shoelaces!

The Field Museum is a must.  Here are Mom and Haley with Sue the T.Rex!

Thanks to my cute new matching robot ring, Mom and I won't forget our weekend.

What a wonderful trip!  I hope we can all do it again next year!

Haley's Week in Photos

This week started with an outing to the Square Grouper, where we had some delicious drinks and took some pictures for Local Behavior.  Have you ever had a Bushwacker?  It is a little like an alcoholic chocolate milkshake, and very dangerous on a Sunday afternoon at a tiki bar.

I bought this little sweater for Abbi's wedding, and love the detail on the back!  It's a very light fabric, with a pleated chiffon panel on the back, and it's so sweet and airy.  

Layla is only ever allowed on the beds in our house if its thundering outside, so summertime in South Florida is her favorite thing.  She gets frightened in storms, but we are pretty sure that she secretly looks forward to them so that she can cuddle like this while I'm on the computer.

I LOVE my new Keds!  They come with white laces, too, but why not kick in some color there?  I'm planning on wearing them around Chicago when we visit next weekend, so I've been breaking them in and wearing them all the time.  Layla approves. 

...and speaking of thunderstorms, this was the sky when I left work the other day.  Driving home through this was daunting, and very much like driving through a 10-mile car wash, but I made it home safely!  What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?

Up this weekend: one of my best friend's bachelorette party, and craft day with Nesi, Andrea, and Laura--I promise a more exciting wrap-up next Friday!

Haley's Week in Photos

Last weekend was pretty exciting!  My very very good friend, Cari, whom I met while we were studying in Ireland, came to visit for the day!  We haven't seen each other in 4 years (since we left Ireland!), and it was so refreshing to see her again; we reminisced, I showed her around Jupiter, and we had lunch at Guanabana, even though the weather was pretty wretched.  She has now officially joined the Air Force as a flight nurse, so I was really happy to be able to see her before she starts traveling all over the world, saving lives!

Matt and his brother and friends are starting a company, Local Behavior, and they just got their first order of shirts in.  We went down to the river to do a photo shoot, in beautiful weather, and the photos turned out pretty good, if I do say so myself!  So proud of Matt!

Here is part of something that I made, Apple Sharlotka, that I forgot to take finished pictures of, because I was so excited to just EAT it!  You basically fill a springform pan with apple chunks, then pour a batter over it to fill in the cracks and bake it!  It's delicious, and I'll have to make it again, so I can post the recipe. Darn.

No really, I love this thing.  

My breakfast spot this morning--I really can't complain.  

Layla very sweetly supervised me eating breakfast, to be sure that I did not drop some poached egg or toast.  She is so helpful.

How adorable are these napkins that Mommi made Matt and I for part of my birthday present!  Each one is different, and they match our place mats so perfectly!  Thanks, Mommi!!

Haley's Week in Photos

Well, Abbi posted all of the exciting pictures from last week.  But I will say that we have a fabulous time--even just killing time at Starbucks was fun with Mommi and Abbi!  We had so much fun trying on wedding dresses, and going through Abbi's baby stuff, and eating.  Lots and lots of eating.  Abbi and JP really know how to show a girl a good time and help her gain a couple extra pounds.

How cute is this picture??  John Paul had just felt the Churro kicking like a ninja, and it had hurt his hand.  This was at a ceviche restaurant on Canton Street (I think), and the food was delicious!  JP and I both had Mexican Mules (a tequila, citrus, ginger drink), which just may be my new summer drink!

Mia is so alert!  This was on our way to walk around Roswell Park. 

My birthday dinner was something else!  Here are all three people who contributed to the steak and collard greens and sweet potatoes and wine and peanut butter cake!  They are so sweet to me.

How adorable is this happy birthday cake plate that I got to use?!  This cake was delicious, and we may or may not have had it for breakfasts, snacks, and additional desserts.  Only Mia knows the truth, and she ain't telling.

So, Abbi mentioned that we went to Sweetwater, but she did not tell you about the line to get in.  No joke.  But it was totally worth the wait, as this was the one thing that I truly wanted to check off my list while I was in Atlanta (besides finding my wedding dress, of course!).  

I leave you with a glimpse of my Easter outfit from Sunday.  Mommi gave me the beautiful scarf for my birthday, and the gold (and spiky!) earrings are from Abbi!  They know me so well...

Wedding Weekend in Atlanta 2013

Last week and weekend was consumed with talk of white fabric and baby kicks.  We laughed at goofy Mia antics, we teared up at Haley in gorgeous wedding dresses, and we cooed over teeny onesies.  It was a really good time.

Last week's bump photo: 8.5 inches and 1.2 lbs.  (This week he's up to 1.5 lbs, and kicking his mom awake at 6am!)  This might be my favorite photo in this series yet.

Now, I obviously can't post photos of the wedding dress extravaganza.  It is a sacred and secret experience.  However, I can post a few details!  It should be noted that everything was stunning on Haley, and she will be an absolute vision walking down the aisle next March.  Also, none of these dresses is THE dress, which we did find and fawn over.  Mission accomplished.

This dress on Haley was absolutely exquisite.  Trust me when I say that it draped beautifully.

The crystal belt on this one really emphasized her tiny waist.  Plus, it made her engagement ring really sparkle!

Just look at this veil!  It completed the bridal look perfectly!

We went on some great walks around Roswell Area Park, which identifies all the trees found on the trails.  This one in particular is my favorite.

Haley teased Mia by swinging very high one morning; she was concerned about her aunt's well-being.  

How cute is this view?

 On Saturday, Mom departed, and JP and I took Haley to Sweetwater Brewery.  She was less than enthused (just kidding!).  They do tastings for a couple of hours, and Haley was very excited to try out Sweetwater Blue on tap.

See?  I wasn't lying about her excitement.

I was really impressed by their tap water.  Cheers!

My husband is really patient.

By Easter Sunday night, JP was worn out.  The negative of having a black dog is that she blends right into dark photos, but Mia is curled up next to him on the far side of the couch.
This photo was taken at 9:30pm.

It was a great long weekend trip!  We couldn't have had a better time.