Week 35

This was taken pretty close to Sunday December 28th. People have been commenting on my pregnancy glow and I didn't really take it seriously until I saw this. Wow. Must be all those vitamins I'm taking. :)

It was really surreal leaving the PA family homestead this weekend and realizing that it was the last time I'd be visiting without MY child. Perhaps one or two tears were shed as a mixture of "What!", "Wow!", "Oh my gosh!" were going through my head for awhile afterwards. I am really, really looking forward to the newness.

Week 34

Special treat today...a double photo session. Yeah - we started being really bad about getting these up. So this is from December 21st. Sorry - I tried saying "enhance, enhance" in a really good computery voice but it did nothing for the bad hair day I was having.

Bad hair day but good baby day.

Things we did over Christmas

Read some books...especially about FDR.

Opened REALLY exciting presents.

Took a walk with Pop-Pop.

Took lots of naps, especially with kittens.

London - Report 4

Just to recap the London trip so far (make sure everyone is up to speed)

Great hotel
Russian mob
Food
Sleeping in late
Cold
Hyde Park
Food
Coffee
Cold
More Coffee
More Food
Private Bus Tour (wasn't kidding about that)
Lights
Sights
Cold
Awesomeness

Ok - now we're ready to wrap it all up.

Narrator: "The sudden realization that, yes, they did already pay for daily breakfast at the hotel gets Jon and Emily up and ready to go early the next day. But, not wanting to change their accustomed schedule TOO drastically, Emily decides to nap for a bit after they eat. She awakes to find Jon on the phone."

Jon (on the phone): "Uh-huh. Ok. Yep. Great. Bye." (hangs up) "Great news! David has taken some time off today, he'll meet us soon for a walking tour of London's hotspots!"

Emily: "Last one to the 'Tube' pays for dinner!"

Narrator: "So they dash off to the subway and meet up with David, in the POURING rain at Oxford Circle."

David, embracing the true London spirit, needs no umbrella. But it is seriously pouring. In this picture it looks like it's raining snowflakes and giant balloon snowmen...but it's not...just plain rain.)

Narrator: "The trio brave the rain through town stopping (in a cafe of course) to wait for the clouds to clear. They are rewarded with some dramatic views of Big Ben, Trafalger Square, a market, and a crazy window (ok...maybe the last one wasn't really a reward)."

Narrator: "When evening comes the trio meets up with David's lovely wife Jodi. They take in the city lights for a bit, before dining on Dim Sum with friends."

Emily: "This was such a lovely day. Now we've seen the whole of London. The only thing left to do is meet with the Queen!"

Narrator: "So they did. But the woman posting the pictures of the trip got lazy...so you'll have to tune in one more time to get the REALLY (I'm serious) final segment in the London adventures."

Congratulations Jon!!!

Another semester done.

Another excellent job

pushing through to the finish of papers and test.

You are so brilliant and always inspire me with your dedication

(even when the classes are boring).

Great job this past semester. It's all downhill from here and you'll soon have a little partner to stay up with you on those late nights of reading (while I'm a bum in bed).

I love you and am so proud of you.

London - Report 3

On Monday Jon and Emily woke to a bright London morning. Too bright perhaps.

Jon (checking clock): "Ummm...Emily? It's 11:30."

Emily: "gasp!"

Narrator: "Wasting not another moment, and full of energy from sleeping 12+ hours, Jon and Emily bundle thmselves together and wander down to Hyde Park..."

"It wasn't long though, before someone (or thing) started grumbling. To appease their hungry tummies Jon and Em stopped in a nearby pub for some breakfast...er..brunch."

Jon: "I feel ready to take on the world after my coffee and meat pie! Let's be adventurous and explore the neighborhood!"

Emily: "Trailblazers!"

Narrator: "So they braved the freezing temps again and walked through the rich, and beautiful neighborhoods of Notting Hill..." (see below map for reference.)

"...and took refuge in another coffee shop to thaw."


Jon: "And now, my dear, a special surprise."

Narrator: "And he wisked her away to a private night tour of London on a double decker bus."

But first...some meat pies at Victoria Station and a little cheese shopping (if you please). Gotta love the Stinking Bishop.

The lights were blazing...

...the sights were amazing...

It was almost magical...in a cold, rainy sort of way.

One last report coming...a day with David Taylor and a date with the Queen!

I love pears

Probably too much. Is this a pregnancy thing? I brought a pear to work today, thinking I would save it for an afternoon snack. But then I thought about it. Once it was in my brain, the idea of a juicy, delicious pear would not leave.

The poor thing couldn't even make it through a photo shoot.

London - Report 2

I need to set a little context before the London adventure story begins. Jon and I are going to London for a GLI meeting that is to take place Friday, November 28th until Sunday, November 30th. (Well, actually at first Jon is just going to go - but I wheedle my way in and we decide that it will be our last big vacation before Whn arrives.)

Enter Jon and Emily - stage right.

Emily: "After the meeting is over let's just stay in the city a few days to play!"

Jon: "That sounds like a great idea! You are a GENIUS and beautiful to boot!"

(I swear that's almost exactly how it went down)

Exit Jon and Emily - stage left. Image of a plane flying across the ocean.

Narrator: "So, with extra full suitcases to last us for the week, we decide to stay an additional 3.5 days. How fun."

Now - Jon apparently has connections because he found us an awesome hotel just north of Hyde Park. We stay just about where the yellow #1 star is on the map.

This is what our hotel looked like when we arrived on the scene.

Enter Jon and Emily. A group of well dressed men are whispering in Russian in the corner and light piano music plays.

Emily: "Jon! This is extravagent! But I feel slightly out of place around this much high-society. And are those men in the Russian mob????"

Jon: "Don't you fret my dear. I know how to handle both the rich AND the Russian mob. Stick with me and you'll be safe."

Emily: "Oooooo. Handsome, brave, AND suave."

Narrator: "To prove his suaveness, Jon takes Emily down the street to a small Greek restaurant for dinner (At the blue #2 star on the map)."

And this is what that looked like.

Part Two: Hyde Park, a Pub, some Coffee, and a Private Bus Tour of London.

Tune in soon!!!

Week 32

Sorry about missing week 31 - we were in London and couldn't find the perfect background.  Speaking of London...I know, I know. I've been a slacker.  Something about having blogger's block.  It's dreadful.  But I promise to post some fun news from our trip soon.

In sad news...dear Bijou passed away today.  She was a spunky, funny troublemaker who ALWAYS greeted us with jumping and a wagging tail.  

She will be missed.  

London in pictures

Hi everyone,

Since internet is so expensive here and we'd rather be out touring than typing, here is a quick photo montage of our adventures so far.  We'll chime in later with some stories to let you know that background of what you're looking at.

Needless to say, we're having a great (albeit it cold) time in London.  Still, it's been a blast.  We're off to see the Queen today and have tea, so we'll let you know how she's doing later.

All the best!

Jon and Emily

P.S.  Happy birthday to my mother!!!!  

London - Report 1

Can you find Jon and me in the sea of faces?  

It seems a little bit of an understatement to just say that the first part of our London adventure - the GLI meetings - was amazing.  These people all represented GLI groups from all across Europe, the US, the Caribbean, Mexico, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.  I can honestly say that being there was like being home.  

(Can't wait to hear more about the rest of our London trip?  Check back soon.  Great food, night tours, walking, and fun all included.  Jon is prodding me out the door as I type!  Gotta run!!)

Not sure what GLI is?  Check out the website here.

Happy Thanksgiving... from across the pond!

Yep, that's right... Emily and I are in London for Thanksgiving this year.  While we won't be stuffing ourselves on turkey (I would get the dark meat), mash potatoes, and the rest of the good stuff... we may just be enjoying a fish-n-chips Turkey day.  

Here are a couple pics of us on the plane...

While it was a little tiring, the flight was good overall.  We grabbed a quick nap at the hotel and now we're ready to hit the town with some friends.

We'll be keeping you updated!  All our love to you and hope you're all having a great thanksgiving!

Jon & Emily

Week 30

Here is the week 30 picture. Wow - very surreal to think that we are at the 10 week countdown.

Jon and I had a wonderful early Thanksgiving with some friends this weekend - which was awesome. Why the early meal you ask? (No...it's not because I just want Turkey twice - even though that is true.) It's because we're going on a little trip on Wednesday to someplace where they don't celebrate Thanksgiving!

Stay tuned...we'll be posting pictures of our adventures.

News from the Front: Assassination Attempt!

I write to you today with a thankful heart for some fast thinking by our security forces.  Apparently upset with my on-the-ground and incisive field reporting, the BE Brigade special forces sent an assassin to silence me.

As you can see from the fuzzy picture below, this image was captured either shortly before or after my coffee cup was poisoned.  

 

While I normally plunged head-long into my vital morning cup of joe, our friendly and vigilant security forces were able to prevent the plot from being successful.  

While it is difficult to fully describe the situation, you can see a similar reenactment in the video below.

The Office - Fax to the Future | Movies & TV | SPIKE.com

Grateful to still be reporting to you here on the front.  

HPV Field Reporter JP

Week 29... and growing...

We are at the end of week 29 and now in the home stretch... just 10 weeks to go!  Let's see how he's doing...

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Well, that's the truth.  Even I'm feeling him on a daily basis now as he kicks and moves around... especially in the morning.  He doesn't appear to have much patience when it comes to getting fed.  

Hmmm, I wonder where he gets that from.

Sorry, no familiar weight equivalent for you guys today... it's either cuz I'm lazing or can't find anything - I can't tell.

have a great weekend!  - JP

Week 29

There was a slight delay posting this picture (taken on Sunday believe-it-or-not!) because I have been neck deep in studying for the GREs.  But...the great news is that I took the test tonight and did well enough to be happy.  It's over!  Whn was really happy when it was over too...I got REALLY hungry during the last part of the test and I think it made him mad.  :)

Look how low that little puppy is stitting in there.  We had a great doctor's visit last Friday and she mentioned that he is carrying low.  Can you believe we're almost 7 months??

News from the Front: Infiltration

The past week has seen significant successes in the FSDB campaign.  With the Office crew pushed to their limits in manpower and logistics, the 'upper management' was able to call in a key third party to provide air superiority support.  Code-named "MR. ORKIN", this well-known mercenary came in under cover of dark to surprise the BE Brigade with an attack that resulted in ghastly damages.

However, it appears they may be regrouping.  Latest iPhone intel imagery has spotted reconnaissance elements surveying our most precious instruments.

They were identified attempting to tap into our communications...

Potential saboteur activity was seen attempting to cut our power lines...

They've become so bold as to enter into our command post (unfortunately for this fellow, he was not able to transmit his gathered intel before meeting an untimely demise).

The biggest question remaining to our commanders is whether these infiltrators are just the sole survivors of the MR. ORKIN assault or the indicators of a much larger, reinforced BE Bridge offensive.

HPV field reporter JP will be here to bring you the latest updates as they happen.

Week 28... and growing...

Our little guy is growing more and more.  You can see from Em's pictures that she's begun showing much more over the past few weeks.  

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world. (pregnancy.com)

Again, not so sure what a Chinese cabbage is, or how it is significantly different from any other cabbage.  But let's try to view this in 'man' terms...

At 2 1/4 lbs, he weighs about as much as a baseball bat...

Pretty surprising to me too, and pretty cool. - JP

Enjoy the moment

Sometimes you need to take time out to feel the baby stttrrettcching.

How often do you get to do that, huh?

Why it's good to be a cat

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Weekend Update

This weekend Jon and I visited the PA side of the family and got hit with a double whammy of parties. On Sunday my mom, sister, and sister-in-law took me to Cafe Chocolate in Lititz. We had taken Trish there for her baby shower last year. It's awesome.

All four of us got the house salad (with oranges, artichoke hearts, and walnuts with a dark chocolate raspberry viniagrette) so that we'd have room for this...

Yeah...that's only a dark chocolate fondu. See how the white bowl of chocolate seems to glow with all the chocolatey goodness?

Trish and I shared a pot of organic chocolate-mint tea. It was nice and minty with a hint of chocolate smell - really nice.

Afterwards we went back to my sister's house where the guys were supposed to be babysitting. It was a surprise baby shower!!!!!!!!

What do you get when you add.....

With this....

And this... (notice the hockey player...baby's first collectable Flyers figure)

One wonderful, overwhemling family baby shower. It was quite a day.

Week 28

Week 28 and the belly is glowing...er...growing.  Well - in this picture - both.

Check back tomorrow for some shots of the VERY eventful weekend.  Think birthday party mixed with baby shower mixed with lots of fun family time.  

News from the Front

FlySwatDemBugs Patriots...

HPV field reporter JP reporting in.  The past 24 hours have yielded some promising gains for the FSDB warriors.  Though we've been under intense siege, our newly employed "LightsOut" operation has seen some reversals to yesterdays advances made by the Bravo-Echo brigade.  

A warning to the weak stomach, the latest imagery below is graphic.  War is ugly, my friends. 

Viewer discretion is advised. 

Sgt. R (names are protected to maintain our intel officer's identities) claims this is one of the B-E brigades field generals.  If this proves to be true, it could be a significant blow to their cause. 

Our ground troops have been fortified from central command with more advanced weaponry...

While all this is promising, latest intel imagery suggest we should not be over-jubilant in our outlook...

Yes, that is correct... they have brought in the dreaded mercenary Stink Bug.  Doubly dangerous due to its reinforced armor and its well-known toxic bio-chemical warfare gas that is released upon death.  This development could turn the tide in the B-E brigades favor.

However, our generals are planning their own counter-attack... view our secret weapon!

That's right, the namaqua chameleon!!  Victory is ours!!!

That is all... for now.