Happy Memorial Day

I want to say thanks to all the men and women who gave their lives in service of our country, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

I know that I am thankful for the fact that I am able to live how and where I want, read what I desire, buy what looks good to me and watch my little guy grow knowing that there are brave men and women who are willing to protect all of these luxuries that I enjoy.

I want to say a special thanks to my DAD, my late brother, MATTHEW and my step-brother JON for their service to our country.

This TRIKE rocks....or should I say rolls?

I have to share an experience that has made me a believer in yet another German-engineered product. Many of you know I have a small VW affliction....well I am now a huge fan of Kettler. They make all kinds of bikes, parts, furniture and on the go goodies that increase the quality of outdoor life.

Santa brought Matthew a Kettler Go Green tricycle for Christmas and he loves it. Lately he has taken to driving it up to the end of the driveway and gliding back down to the garage. Riding his trike is a DAILY occurrence (and one that helps in the retention of my sanity).

Last Saturday, Matthew and I hopped in the car to run an errand and as I started to pull away I felt something....well, it was one of the rear wheels on his beloved trike. I tried to act normal even though I was screaming inside wondering what in the world I was going to do. We got our errand done and came back and I tried to bang the wheel back into shape to no avail.

As most of us do these days, I then turned to the internet to see if I could get replacement parts. I was skeptical until I ran across Kettler's website http://www.kettlerusa.com/and apparently they are known for their customer service and parts availability. On Monday morning, I called the wonderful people at Kettler and for a mere fraction of the cost of the original trike, I had a new wheel and bearing on my front porch Friday afternoon.

HIP HIP HOORAY!!!

I feel like I have so many bad experiences from a customer perspective and it is refreshing to come face to face with actual EXCELLENT customer service!!

13.1 miles down......

In marathon measurements we are 13.1 miles through this race also known as pregnancy. I officially hit the 20 week mark and definitely LOOK and FEEL pregnant..........

We go to the doc today for a check-up. Here is how our baby is growing.....

Your baby is now practicing breathing and swallowing on a regular basis. Your baby continues to grow and fill out, with the head becoming slightly more proportional to the rest of the body.

Your baby's skin is becoming more complex at the end of pregnancy week 20, forming different layers. The epidermis, or surface of your baby's skin now has four layers that contain ridges for fingertips. The layers that form in your baby's palms and feet will provide him with his own unique fingerprint later in life.

We found out last week that the baby weighs around 11 ounces. I am feeling a lot of movement which is super cool!!

Almost 20 week ultrasound.......

So today we got to sneak a peek at our new little team member.

First off I have to say that technology rocks, especially in the hands of a capable and communicative ultrasound technician. Here are the highlights that we got to see for ourselves.....

* All four chambers of the heart beating (really neat to see by the way).

* The nice long spine.

* The head and abdomen.

* Some of the cutest little feet I have ever seen.

* Ten little fingers right up be her/his mouth.

* The blood flowing into and out of the placenta.

* A sweet little face.

* And the highlight....a strong little heartbeat (which never fails to take my breath away).

We are super excited and cannot wait to meet our new little one in just a few short months.

Here are a few pics....

My favorite...the heartbeat

The little noggin.....

Baby Face

The already active little foot.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.....

I woke this morning to the sweet sound of birds chirping happily in our many trees.

Today I am off to enjoy my birthday present......a long awaited day at the SPA!!!

For the girl who used to get monthly massages in her working outside the home days....I have been looking forward to this life a child looks forward to Christmas morning.