A Taste of the South for my Northern Sister-In-Law

Oh, where do I even begin in describing my sister-in-law? She is truly one of a kind in so many ways. She's hilarious, completely impulsive, always up for a good time, extremely ambitious and a female version of her dear father. For those of you who do not know the story, the weekend I met Brian at my friend Brett's wedding, Lynnie marched up to me at the rehearsal dinner and asked if I'd be interested in marrying her brother because she could see herself spending holidays with me. Little did any of us know that two years later I would indeed be marrying her brother.
Another tidbit about Lynnie is that she is a proud Northerner through and through! She loves the blizzards, accents, cable knit sweaters and of course the beauty of New England. However, after living in Boston, CT, and NJ for almost two decades, Lynnie decided it was time to hit the South and so she moved to our neck of the woods. Bless her Northern heart....she just happened to pick the hottest summer on record in NC to join the ranks of those of us stowed away in our air conditioned homes until mid-September. She was a trooper (well, she did have her raving fits about the heat now and again) and decided she was going to give the South her all. Over the last eight weeks I've tried my best to make her a Southern belle. I couldn't wait to introduce her to the simple joys of sweet tea and good 'ole Danny's BBQ. She never caved. However, today I was able to convince her to join me at one of the cutest tearooms in the area. She was a real sport even agreeing to play dress up in the feathery hats and colorful boas. After sipping on tea, nibbling on scones and lots of lively conversation I believe Lynnie truly enjoyed her taste of the South. We had a great time!

One thing I must note, however...in two weeks my dear sister-in-law is moving back North to Massachusetts after only 2 1/2 months "roughin" it in the South. Again, this deserves another, "Bless her little Northern heart"....

Mom and Dad V are mending nicely

In my blog entitled, "Papa's Gotta Brand New Hip" I explained how my sweet father-in-law (Dad V) had hip replacement surgery a few weeks ago. Well, here is an update--he is doing GREAT! It was a very rough week post surgery for him (and for me when I had to give him shots!) but he says it is all worth it. After only 10 days with the new hip he flew back to PA on only one crutch! The surgeon is going to feature him on the video they send patients to watch before surgery. Dad V is a character so I'm sure he'll add some spice to it! He has his ole spark back and we are thrilled. He started driving again about 3 weeks after surgery and is 100% now--actually better than before!
Now, on to Mom V (my mother-in-law)who had her gallbladder removed yesterday. She was sent home after being in the hospital for greater part of the day because it was outpatient surgery. Although she's in pain today, she is mending nicely. Dad V is doing his best as her Florence Nightingale. We are just thankful all the surgeries are over and successful. Now they will be feeling spunky by the time they come down in Oct/Nov to meet their first grandchild!

Sneak Preview!

Yesterday Brian and I had our 3D ultrasound and it was amazing to watch our little guy wink, swallow and wiggle around. We could have watched the screen all day, but alas, it was over in about 30 minutes. Luckily we have some great video clips and pictures to gaze at until we see him in person in only 11 weeks. The nurses loved his chubby little cheeks and we can't wait to squeeze them:). He currently weighs in at 3 pounds, 1 ounce. The last picture is my 7 month bump. I'm sure there is a fashion rule against pregnant women wearing busy patterns, but I don't care--it's my most comfy shirt!

Our First Birthing Class

Brian and I had our first "Preparing for Childbirth" class last night and it was quite an experience! First, we show up empty handed and immediately notice that every other couple did their homework and brought two pillows and a yoga mat. I swore to Brian that no one had informed us about this, but was busted when he pointed out the instructions on our registration form. I do recall thinking when we were walking down the hall to our classroom that maybe we were supposed to bring something besides our giddy selves.

Next, we start the breathing exercises. After the teacher showed the dad's how to lead the mom's using hand motions it was time to shine. We turned to our spouses and let them take the lead. However, my poor husband was flushed and all confused. Instead of putting up the three fingers for the three "hee, hee, hee's" and then closing his fist for an exhale, he kept putting up more fingers until I thought he was waiting for a high five. Poor guy never got it completely right and we were giggling like school kids. All in all it was such a fun night although I don't know how fun it will be in labor and delivery when we realize we did not retain a single thing!

SURPRISE!!

Brian and I drove to Charlotte last Saturday for Dolly's surprise 30th birthday party. This picture says it all---she was surprised all right! Leland did a great job making sure her 30th was special (and there is more to come because her actual birthday is the 19th). We had Qdoba for dinner and Dolly's sister, Donna, made a mean peanut butter/chocolate cake as well as a key lime pie. We had a blast playing a few rounds of Mafia before the night was over. Happy Early Birthday, Dolly!

Papa's Gotta Brand New Hip!

Brian's dad (Dad V to me) had total hip replacement on Tuesday. He has been such a trooper and the entire hospital staff is in love with him. Those that know Dad V know that he is a spitfire Italian man full of energy and sparkling personality. Some of the scheduling staff even made a special trip to visit him the day after his surgery! He'll be coming home (our house) tomorrow for 7 days before heading to PA. He'll be running circles around us with his new hip in no time!

Weekend at Dolly's

What a wonderful weekend! First of all, let me say that Dolly is a domestic goddess--seriously! I walked into her beautifully decorated home Friday night to the smell of a Home Sweet Home Yankee candle not to be overshadowed by the scumptious aroma of BBQ cooking in the crockpot. Then I noticed the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies cooling on the kitchen counter-I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! After 3 cookies, 2 helpings of BBQ and literally half the pan of homemade mac-n-cheese, this pregnant girl was fat and happy! And, she didn't stop there folks, she had a pan of just made banana pudding for dessert! I had to brag on her because she is the incredible cook, hostess and wife we always knew she'd be. Leland is blessed, but then again, Dolly got a great guy too!

We had such a fun time seeing a lot of cute places in Lynchburg. Of course I loved our quality time, shopping at cute places, yummy food and pedicures. Leland and Dolly were incredible hosts and spoiled me completely--thanks guys! Oh, and the weekend would not be complete without some affectionate time spent with Laverne and Shirley (Dolly's kittens). Dolly has grown quite fond of her new pets and loves her daily mouse on a stick play time with the little rascals.

P.S.--Several people asked for an updated picture of my bump, thus the top snapshot. I'll be 26 weeks on Wednesday and growing everyday!