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Yesterday I hopped on (two) big birds and headed out to Huntington Beach, California. I know what you're thinking, Florida one week, California the next, what a lucky gal! But to be quite honest, I'd just assume be at home.
Fortunately, between getting upgraded to first class, palm trees, views of the Pacific, and the nicest hotel I've stayed in since last summer (nothing tops the Waldorf Astoria) it's been bearable! :)
Andy was kind enough to play chauffeur yesterday morning and took me to the airport at 6:00 a.m.--what a guy! I had to first fly to O'hare (joy) and was greeted by gusty winds, icing, and snow. I'm sorry, isn't it almost April!? I guess that's Chicago for you. I was only in the airport about 45 minutes before it was time to board my flight to Orange County. I got lucky and was upgraded to first class--something that rarely happens as everyone seems to have status on the airlines these days.
After about a 2 and a half hour delay (no, not due to the weather, but rather because the little tractor that pushes the plane back from the gate was broken--amazing how at one of the largest airports in the world, there wasn't a single spare...) we were up in the air and out of the weather and on to sunnier skies!
The hotel I'm staying at is the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and is spectacular. I can see the beach from my balcony and everything is just very classy. Not to mention the tv is the largest I've seen in a hotel room.
Again, while this is all fine and well, I am very excited to be home again--and for longer than three days this time!! Though I suppose it is exciting to think of all the places Baby Gribble has already gotten to travel to! :)
Monday morning I left for a meeting in Orlando. I've been a bit busy, but found some time this morning to catch up on my blogging (hence the multiple posts).
Anyhow, the weather has been great and is getting me very excited for warmer weather to make its way to Virginia. My toes have been loving the fresh air (and sandals!)
I've got a great view from the balcony off of my room. Something about palm trees always makes me smile! I also love coming to Orlando as the people watching is fantastic! I love seeing all the families here on vacation, and the excitement in the little kids' faces as they head off for a day a the pool or better yet, Disney World!
The other great thing about coming to Orlando is that I get to see my dear friends, the Costanzas. We went out for dinner last night, and it was great to catch up with them. I don't get to see them very often, but when I do it's like we never missed a beat!
Tonight I am headed to a private event at Universal Studios. I've never been to that park, and while I won't be able to enjoy any of the roller coasters, I am still excited to see some of the "pregnant lady friendly" attractions!
While I'm enjoying the sunshine, I am missing home and can't wait to be back there tomorrow afternoon.
This past weekend, after our doctor's appointment, we packed up the car and headed down to Lake Anna for a quick getaway. We were hopeful for warm and sunny weather, but sadly the wind made the mid-50's seem more like mid-40's. But at least the sun was shining!
We did bring Wally, but sadly the closest he got to the water was the driveway, we had hoped to get him splashing around, but it was just too choppy and cold. Sorry Wally!
Liddy however, had a fantastic weekend! She got lots of running and fetching in. Andy also took her for her first swim of the season. While she was a tad hesitant at first to jump in (she probably could tell how cold it was going to be) once she jumped in, it was like she had never left the water! What a great swimmer she is!
As for me, I took advantage of the getaway and spent most of the weekend reading and dosing off for little naps throughout the day. My work week had been super hectic, and I think it all caught up with me, so baby G and I took it easy, and it was perfect! Andy made sure a fire was going the whole time, which made it even better.
We did color Easter eggs, perhaps a bit premature, but it was a good activity. Even better were the egg salad sandwhiches we got to enjoy! :)
It was a great weekend and we can't wait to go back when the weather gets warmer so that the whole family (Wally included) can join Liddy for a swim!
It doesn't really go "thump thump thump" yet, but more like a "swish swish swish." Regardless, hearing baby Gribble's heart beat on Friday was indescribable! Andy and I went in for my 16 week check-up and all is well. We actually switched doctors, and are so glad that we did. Our new doctor is great and we feel so much more comfortable with her. We go back in 3 1/2 weeks for a 20 week ultrasound, and assuming baby G is cooperating, we'll hopefully be able to find out if we are team pink or team blue. So exciting!Stay tuned...
Our very dear family friend, Rosemary, sent us one of our first baby gifts the other day. An adorable cross stitched (her specialty!) bib. It is so adorable, and I know I'll never let the baby actually use it, as this will definitely be a keepsake. Right now, I have it hanging on the door to what will be Baby Gribble's nursery.
Thank you Rosemary!!
My friend Cindy, who I've known practically my whole life, started up a small business last year creating hair clippies of all shapes and sizes. She named her company "Cranberries and Capers" and her clippies are just fabulous.
I recently special ordered several sets for our friends Logan and Amanda, who welcomed baby Lilly into the world a few weeks ago. They both attended Notre Dame, and while it pained me to order anything in navy and gold, I put aside my school loyalty and asked Cindy to whip up some "game day" clippies. In addition, we catered to Amanda's love of lavender, and I also had Cindy create a "lady bug" clippie to match her red and black themed nursery. The clippies turned out so great and I can't wait to see them on baby Lilly--who by the way already has a nice head of hair!
I've already asked Cindy to be ready to whip up some orange and maroon "Hokie" clippies, just incase baby Gribble turns out to be a girl. :)
On Saturday, Andy, Liddy, Erica, Roxie and I headed to Old Town for the annual St. Patty's Day Parade. The weather of course was gorgeous, I even made a pit stop at Gap to purchase some flip flops as my toes were dying for some sunlight!
As always the streets of Old Town were packed with families and their 4-legged friends! Dogs are a huge part of the celebration and like last year, they held another dog show awarding the most festive looking dogs with ribbons. Liddy and Roxie played it low key and just wore little shamrock bandannas, but they still got lots of love from plenty of strangers.
The parade itself was great, showcasing our armed forces, the various local politicians, and of course lots of kids groups showing off their various talents. It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning/early afternoon and Liddy and Roxie enjoyed their stroll together down King Street.
As a "Yay! You're pregnant gift" Erica gave me this great book called "Preggatinis: Mixology for the Mom to be." It is an awesome book filled with all kinds of fun drink recipes (all virgin of course) that I can sip and enjoy during happy hour.
There are all kinds of fun and creative names for them as well, including: Mamaritas, Make mine a Momjito, Cosmom, and of course a Momosa.We've experimented with a few of the recipes, which by the way for the most part include fresh juices and fresh fruit so they are also quite healthy, and they've all been great so far! They even have little tips to "De-virginize for Dad."
Here is a picture of one I made during Valentine's Day weekend (I had to improvise with ingredients so it doesn't have a name, though I suppose I could make one up...we'll call it the Orange you glad to be Pregnantini) 
Ingredients:
Orange Juice
Pineapple Juice
Raspberry flavored Seltzer Water
Fresh strawberries and blueberries
added Vodka for Andy)
Can't wait to try more of them and definitely look forward to enjoying a Momjito (or two) when the weather starts to warm up!
Thanks Erica!!
