30 Weeks... and really hot...

as in sweaty.

Just A Summer Day in Stetten...

This is really the first full weekend we've had something that resembles Summer. We finally got around to cleaning up the front yard, pruning our rose bushes, and pulling up the biggest dandelions you've ever seen. We also ate dinner outside and sipped Apfelschorle on the patio for only the second time this year. Then we ate German ice cream sandwiches from Aldi. It was lovely.

We concluded our Saturday evening with a stroll around the neighborhood.

Now, try to ignore Chad and the dogs in this picture. I really only had him stand there so our neighbors didn't think it odd that I was photographing their homes and vehicles. Although I'm sure they still thought it odd that I walked around the neighborhood with my camera. Anyways... the point of this picture is to show you all the German flags hanging from people's cars and homes. Did you know that prior to the World Cup in 2006 nobody hung a German flag? In fact, it was considered a little taboo to own one for home use and it was difficult to even find one in the country let alone purchase one. It wasn't until the World Cup 4 years ago that Germans began waving their country's flag as a show of support for their national team. World Cup 2010 is no different and the Germans will proudly wave their flag and show their colors in hopes that Germany goes all the way (and with Italy out... it may happen).

Go Deutschland!

On another note, we got some very sad news yesterday... our dear neighbor, Helga (you can read about her generosity and kindness here) lost her husband back in April. We had not seen him around for awhile now but we also have not seen her so we weren't too alarmed. Unfortunately, he died unexpectedly a month before his 81st birthday. It goes to show you that it doesn't matter where you're from or where you've been... grief is all the same.

"Home"

You can never go home again, but the truth is you can never leave home, so it's all right.

~Maya Angelou

The following pictures were taken at Phillips Farm in Lodi, California.

Now Chad and I must continue our Saturday with a trip to Echterdingen for ice cream and a stop at Aldi Market.

Hi Grandma!♥

Make sure you take our baby gender POLL top right hand corner. And before you think I've lost my mind those are actual statements that have been made during my pregnancy. That's all...

June 21st

The first day of Summer brought little excitement to the Stuttgart area. It was cold... then hot... then overcast... then sunny... then cold. It really wasn't anything to write home about.

Today, however, was lovely. Warm and sunny. Feeling a little more like spring when the wind blows than summer but still enjoyable. I walked over to Chad's office so we could have lunch together and enjoyed every minute of it's sunshine. Except on the way back when I thought my bladder was going to explode in front of the post office. I could have done without that.

Anyways, the only good thing about being forced indoors by inclement weather is that you get stuff done. Like 3 month old 'to do' stuff.... like, 'getting ready for baby' crafts. And so I did.

(wall decals from Ikea and blank canvases painted by moi)

Besides that... Gnocchi is still drinking out of the toilet and eating her own poop, Meatloaf can never go back to dog food that's not organic, and word on the street is that my husband is getting promoted. But don't tell him I told you. We like to keep those things discreet around here... Chad's so modest.

p.s. I'm officially third trimestering it. And our baby is 3 lbs. Our doctor told us that and then he laughed. Germans get a kick out of American's big babies.

It's Father's Day...

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~Elizabeth Stone

So to the man who has been and continues to be the best Dad (in my opinion)....

and to the man that will one day have the same words uttered about him...

.Happy Father's Day.

I love you both!

home sweet home

Well, Germany welcomed me back with open arms...

after we sat on the tarmac in Frankfurt for 30 minutes because they forgot to bring the stairs to the plane. Awesome.

Anyways.

Pulling up to the house I noticed our fig tree was sprouting some leaves... about a month and a half later than usual.

Also, our roses had bloomed.

But the best part was opening the door and walking inside.

My dogs, my stuff, my messy kitchen (courtesy of Chad).

It feels good to be home.

(This post is a week late because I'm had some jet lag to contend with... I know you understand)

a long flight and a little California later...

My aunties and family friends threw me a lovely baby shower two days after arriving in California from Germany. I had such a wonderful time and it was so nice to see those who I haven't seen in what feels like a long time.

And although this California sunshine is peachy, I can't help but think of my loves back in Deutschland. I know I'll enjoy the rest of my little visit here in the USA but when the time comes I'll be okay with going home and getting ready for our precious baby come September.

Thank you EVERYONE who came to the shower, who worked so hard making it so beautiful, and for loving me even when I'm not on the same continent!

Every child begins the world again.... -Henry David Thoreau

Lastly,

Boy or Girl?