Hannah and Liam

Today was the day the East Coast got to experience Tropical Storm Hannah. Since we knew it would be a day inside we decided to spend the day getting a lot of work done organizing the nursery.

About lunch time I noticed that something was not right with the pregnancy. After calling my nurse/midwife and explaining what was going on, she said to go straight to the hospital. Apparently that was all I needed to hear because I hung up on her at that point and we got up to the hospital ASAP. (Sorry again for hanging up on you, Darlene!!)

This is when it really pays to live 5 minutes from the hospital. Luckily the winds from the storm were only around 35-40 mph when we drove up and we got here very quickly.

The good news is that Liam appears to be fine and there are no signs of early labor. I have been admitted for at least 48 hours for observation and to get some steroid shots in to strengthen Liam's lungs if he decides to come this early. I am looking on the bright side . . . since I don't have to pay for the AC, I have set the room to 65 and I feel comfortable for the first time in a long time. Of course, the diet of ice chips is not quite as positive . . .

If there are no complications I will head home Monday and am looking at 4-5 weeks of bed rest.

Survivor - Parenthood

Part of the fun of preparing for a baby is getting a chance to celebrate the arrival with family and friends. Traci organized a BBQ and Baby Shower for us. She based the theme on Survivor.


Coming up the front walk were several tiki torches. On the show 'Survivor' once a person's torch has been extinguished, they have to leave the island immediately, followed by the words 'The tribe has spoken.' In this case the things that had left the island were: sleep, spontaneous travel, free time, crumb-free cars, extra money, lazy Saturdays, etc.

There was also a box for 'Tribal Counsel' which allowed everyone to pass on wisdom regarding parenthood. We got lots of good advice. Some of our favorites were

1) Buy a good book on training a dog. Skip the choke chain but follow everything else.
2) Remember, it's person, partner, parent . . . in that order.
3) Schedule date night from the beginning . . . Drink often!

Nesting

Since we are now in the final stretch it's time for the nesting efforts to get going in earnest. To has been working very hard to get yard work done since we have never really tackled the outdoor landscaping. He has put in 4-6 hour work days each Saturday for the past 2 weeks in peak summer heat. I have tried to help but can only make it about 1-1.5 hours. So most of the work here is To's hard work!! We still have a ways to go, but this is a good start.

Before - Side of the house last Autumn
Boxwoods and brick borders, side bed with grass

Work in progress - new stone border, tamed boxwoods


'Bias taking a much needed break from the heat
Side flowerbed planted

Front of house with new stone border, tamed boxwoods, tied glads, and Mediterranean heather

FanDANG-go

Today we celebrated out 11th wedding anniversary. We had to joke a bit at how different 11 years is then the first year or so. Our idea of the great day was sleeping in (till 800), working around the house, and exchanging presents - - which this year consisted of ceiling fans and a wheelbarrow. Kind of gives new meaning to the phrase 'hot and heavy'.

'Bias spent most the day assembling ceiling fans, only to have our existing ceiling fan ('the jellyfish') blow out when he was installing the fan in the kitchen. (I should note that 'Bias had nothing to do with the fan breaking. He was responsible, as always, and had the power turned off in the section of the house in which he was working.) Our theory is that it was fan envy. After being the only fan in the house for 5 years it couldn't handle the younger competition. The good news is the light in the fan still works and it has a life time warranty.

We also decided to cook lobster at home this year instead of hitting our usual haunt for anniversary celebrations, The Trellis. Once again we were comparing our choice of menu selection with what the executive chef at the Trellis might select. We went with our usual appetizer of Fritos, followed by Lobster with edamame, tater tots, and champagne. Not sure Gordon Ramsey is going to pick us up any time soon, but we sure enjoyed ourselves.

Size does matter

Ever wonder what a 'Bias-sized flowchart looks like? (There are so many reasons I don't make a living as a business analyst. The fact that this flowchart is still rolled up on one end is only of them!!!)

Cupcakes and Cousins

This weekend we went to Boston to celebrate Win, Wes, and Charlie's 1st birthday. We had a great weekend with all the cousins in one place. The triplets got their 1st personal cupcakes to celebrate the day! Ann and Abby were glad they shared.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOSTON BUNN BOYS!!!
(and congrats Rob and Ginger on surviving the 1st year . . .and seeming to enjoy it)

Winston loves kisses from his daddy!!

Mission Work in the 21st Century

Raymond is working again with Virginia Baptists in Congo. He is working on a well project and providing pulpit supply at the International Baptist Church in Kinshasa.

On his last trip he did not have a laptop of his own. This time he does and we made sure he was equipped with Skype before he left. Today was had a 'Sunday call' with Raymond in the Congo . . . complete with video. Of course, 'Bias had a brainstorm at lunch today and figured out that he could run the camera, laptop and sound via the receiver and TV so we could all talk and be seen at one time. Below is a picture of the family 'chatting' with Raymond today.

How times have changed! What if Lottie Moon had had this?!