Baby #2 is on the way!

Another baby is on the way, coming next Spring! We are so overjoyed to be growing our family by another little baby and watch Bonnie graduate to big sister. I am currently 15 weeks, our official due date is March 28th. 

So far I have been feeling very similar to my last pregnancy. I am very lucky that for the most part I haven't had too much nausea. I definitely have felt tired, but also have a toddler this time around so napping is much more difficult. I have been missing taking my long walks, but Bonnie is at the age where she doesn't like the stroller for very long and takes about 30 minutes just to walk down the street. Baby has been growing right on track and everything looks good so far. My next appointment is at 16 weeks. I am looking forward to when I can start feeling him/her move. We can't wait to welcome this new little family member next year!

Summer fun in the Haven

We have had lots of neighborhood gatherings this summer, some planned and some spontaneous. One of the more recent events was the 'Poker run' where you visit a house, pull your first card, and mingle/eat/drink for half an hour before everyone moves on to the next house. This happens at 5 different pre-designated houses until you get all 5 of your cards. Whoever has the best hand at the end wins the pot (it's a $20 buy-in, but also includes your food/drink). 

I'm not a poker player, but it was a great way to meet a lot of neighbors we hadn't had a chance to meet before! There was a pretty substantial turnout. 

There have been lots of trips to the beach.

There have been crab boils and even a lobster boil.

Three of our neighbors went in together on purchasing a bounce house from a company going out of business. It will probably be making an appearance at future birthday parties. 

There have been birthday parties, cookouts, and just impromptu drive-way hangouts. We are thankful for such friendly neighbors that have welcomed us with open arms!

Benny's birthday!

Monday was Benny's birthday! We were so thankful he was able to take the day off work so we could spend it together. The morning started out slow with cinnamon rolls and opening gifts.

Then we took a little hike near our house. It has a short easy trail along the reservoir.

Bonnie's favorite part was the playground at the end.

After nap time, we FaceTimed with Eric's family and then went out to eat at a Mexican restaurant. It was the first time we had brought Bonnie out to eat since she was a newborn (pre-pandemic) and she did really well! She was so entertained eating ice cubes the whole time.

When we got home we had some cake and called it a birthday! We are so thankful for this guy and all he does for our family. Happy birthday Benny!

Notch returns

After months and months of complete absence, our community cat has returned! We were taking a walk down our street yesterday and happened to see her in a neighbor's yard. We weren't sure if maybe this neighbor had an invisible fence or something to keep her from wandering off, so we didn't coax her. We just made eye contact, smiled, (Bonnie waved fervently), and we kept walking - happy to see she was safe. We had come up with a lot of theories by this point of what could have happened to her to disappear so abruptly, so more than anything we were just excited to see she was still alive and well.

Well, this morning while I was brushing my teeth Bonnie started pointing out the window shouting 'Cat! Cat!' I looked out the window and sure enough Notch was walking up to our front porch. We all ran outside and had the sweetest reunion. Bonnie was beside herself she was so thrilled. The cat ended up following us inside and spent all morning letting B follow her around squealing in excitement. 

We don't know if she will continue coming around or not, we don't really expect her to. But it sure was nice to get some time with her again and see she is doing well.