7 Months...

Only 2 months left... time has gone by surprisingly fast. I would always hear, "I'm sooo ready for this baby to come out!" and honestly, it seems like delivery day is going to sneak up on me!! I'm glad that it has seemed to go by fast because 9 months is a long time. Some things I never expected to come with pregnancy:

• Strangers in the elevator telling me their birth stories/about their children.
• My belly being rubbed by a lot of people (which I mostly don't mind).
• People staring at my belly - at first I thought I had spilled food or something on my shirt that didn't belong. It made me a little self-conscious at first, but I'm over it now.
  
• VERY frequent trips to the bathroom (okay, I expected this, but still...)
• Aches... feet... hips... back...
  
• Exactly how much more difficult it is getting to tie my shoes.
• Knowing exactly which questions will be asked.. i.e. When are you due? 1st baby? Boy or girl? Names picked out yet?
• Anxiety - both for the labor/delivery & being a mom
• How expensive baby stuff is!!

And since I may become reluctant to post a lot of pictures of myself in the upcoming weeks, here is the monthly shot:

4 months - 5 months - 6 months - 7 months

BLM Presentation

The BLM (bureau of land management) came to Fitness Ridge to teach the hiking guides (yes, that really is my job) a little about the areas we hike in. The highlight of the presentation was the live animals that used to be native to the area (Mojave Desert).

Gila Monster
1 of 2 venomous lizards in the world

King Snake
These snakes actually eat Rattlesnakes because they are immune to the venom.

...and my favorite...
Desert Tortoise
(This one is 50+ years old!)

Another view of the Desert Tortoise
A smaller, 5-6 year-old tortoise is to the left in the background.

Vanessa's Blessing & Venice Beach

Last minute we (... I mean, I...) decided to drive to Los Angeles to visit Jeff & Jackie and to see their new baby girl, Vanessa. The blessing was on the 7th of June. My parents came as well. We don't get to see my side of the family very often so it was a nice trip and we had fun. We went to Venice Beach & also ate at Red Lobster... yum... which I much appreciated since Jesse is not a big fan of (I mean doesn't like) seafood. Here are a few pictures from the trip (thanks, Mom for supplying most of them).

Vanessa Marcely - so precious!

Jackie's mom holding her new granddaughter

Jesse played this game with David the whole trip and he never got tired of it.
Jackie's dad & brother in the background with Veronica, David & Jesse in front.

Jackie & David

My parents (Craig & Mary) with David & Veronica (such adorable kids!!)

Jackie & David on the beach

Jeff & Vanessa

Jesse, me, David, Jeff & Vanessa

Thanks for inviting us to come! We had a great time and look forward to seeing you again soon!!!

I Passed!!

So I took the nursing state boards (NCLEX) last Friday and I found out today that I PASSED!!! So I am an official Registered Nurse (RN) now... but I won't be getting a job anytime soon due to baby arriving soon...

What a RELIEF! I am DONE with SCHOOL!!!