Well, its Saturday evening, approximately 4 days before I have to be packed and completely ready for our trip. We leave for Curacao first thing (6:00am flight...uugh) Thursday morning. I am a procrastinator at heart. Always have been, always will be. So I'm trying to wrap my mind around the fact that it really is time to start getting things ready. I just have no clue where to start! Tonight I'm exhausted and tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday with somewhere in the neighborhood of 40-50 people coming over, so realistically speaking, I'm not going to touch a suitcase until Monday, probably at 1 o'clock when Bennett goes down for a nap.
Right now I'm at about 70% excited, 30% apprehensive for our 10 day trip away from Bennett. I feel so blessed to be able to take a trip like this in February and can't wait to bask in the sun and ocean and reconnect with my husband but that is a long time away from my baby boy! Both sets of grandparents are going to take wonderful care of him and will be great replacement mommies and daddies for the week but sometimes a boy just needs his momma! I hope those moments are few and far between and short lived while we're gone.
So far I think we've only had 2 nights in a row away from him. If anyone has any tips or advice, I'd love to hear it! I bought him a couple presents to open while we're gone and I'd like to record a short video of Jon and me talking to him to email to our parents so they can play it for him. Oy vey, I need to start a list. That always clears my mind!

the best deli in town

This is a random post but two people now have asked me what DR Deli is since my sister and I have both mentioned it in a post (and maybe people have asked her too, I don't know). But its so delicious, it definitely deserves a post!! Its actually in the Valley West food court. Shocking, I know, since its eons better than Taco Bell, Panda Express and Sbarros or whatever else your heartburn inducing fast food choices are.
We started eating there years and years ago becuase Bethany worked there (I don't even remember now how long ago) and still remain loyal patrons. They slice all there meat and cheese and every sandwich you order can be grilled to deliciousness. That's why I love it. I hate cold sandwiches but love hot melty ones. Anything on flat bread is amazing. My two faves: Hot turkey, bacon, cheddar ranch and Hot ham, swiss and honey mustard (a really sweet one, not mustardy). They also have homemade (yes homemade!!) desserts and their famous chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick. So anyway, I won't bore you anymore (although hopefully your mouth is watering by now!) but go check it out and support a local fave!
Man, I can't write about food like this. Makes me hungry. I seriously can't stay full for more than 10 minutes. I think I literally ate something every hour yesterday and would have eaten more if there were more options in my house. I'm going to the grocery store today to stock up!

mommy's baby

So I told Bennett I have a baby in my tummy and he's already all over it. He lifts up my shirt, sticks his finger in my belly button and says, "hi baby" and he gives it kisses. I was standing over him in his stroller today and he started going for my shirt, saying, "mommy's baby, mommy's baby". Its the cutest thing in the world.
So far my biggest pregnancy symptom is my insane appetite. I just ate DR Deli (oh so delicious) an hour ago and am thinking about my next meal already.

We're expanding

We got a huge surprise this week. Yes, baby #2 is on the way. It was quite a shock since I've had no symptoms. Absolutely none. I even took two tests to be sure and I always laughed at people who took more than one test!! Turns out I'm 7 weeks along. And yes, that puts me a month behind my sister. I got a little sad and jealous when she announced her unexpected news and I should have learned from the first time! I was pregnant all along. If she ever announces a third, I'll just go home and take a test right away :) I don't know why I ever doubt God's timing, even for a second.

I'm beyond thrilled, although definitely disappointed to miss out on scuba diving during our upcoming vacation. Its a price I'm willing to pay though. I wish Bennett could understand because I know he'd jump for joy. He's crazy about babies right now and loves rocking them in their car seats. He's going to be the sweetest big brother.

my first post

This is officially my first blog post. I've known I wanted to start a blog for quite some time for several reasons. Firstly, I LOVE reading other blogs of friends and family and figured others would enjoy reading mine. Second, its such a great way to stay connected and feels much more personal than facebook (not to mention some of my friends aren't even on facebook but I'm sure would check my blog!). Third, and perhaps the biggest reason for me, I always loved writing. Not in a way that I would have considered pursuing a profession in the field for one split second, but I like to do it just for my own general enjoyment and satisfaction. Not to mention I have the Ottley bug for reading, editing and striving for grammatical correctness (feel free to point any errors out! I find this appealing, not annoying!!).

My husband and I are very much simpletons by nature. We're not complex human beings. Therefore, you will not find any deep philosophical thoughts or ramblings on this blog but just highlights from our day to day lives which we strive to fill with love, laughter and lots of fun (Which is not difficult with a 19mos. old boy in the house).

From our family to yours, enjoy.