Photo Book

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Stationery card

Meet Mr Blue Birth Announcement

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Nursery thoughts...

Thoughts on the nursery? I'm having such a hard time planning! There's so much to look at and I feel like I can't even start cause we'll just be moving! I'm dying to paint (or have a room painted) and decorate! I guess I'm nesting...

32?! Are you serious?

This year I spent my birthday mostly alone- I know, boo-hoo me. Everyone was working and I hurt my back. So I spent part of the day heating and stretching my back and the other part leisurely walking around the city appreciating all the Springtime flowers and views. As I told my sister yesterday (and Paige in quite another fashion), birthdays seem to be much less glamourous the older you get. I'm not sitting around planning to tell everyone I'm still 29, I'm just saying: Birthdays? Meh. My mother confirmed today that my birthday will fall by the wayside once children enter the picture: Hello Baby Martin! You're just in time for this birthday forgettin' party! Either way, thanks to my friends and family for thinking of me! And special thanks to my lil sis for the Peruvian Lillies- they mean eternal friendship and devotion. So thoughtful!

Bahamas 2012

We had so much fun at the Bahamas Atlantis resort...there was so much to do that I don't think we even discovered the entire park. It was huge! The kids traveled really well and were pretty much well-behaved the whole time. And a big bonus? The kids flew by themselves home to Chicago without a hitch! So proud!

I'm halfway there!!!

Today I woke up to kicks and punches to the gut- what an amazing feeling. The Babe was wide awake today! He continues to kick like crazy and I'm so glad- for the most part I just don't feel pregnant! I feel my belly and subtle changes in my mood, desires, and needs but on the outside I'm the same old Allison...maybe looking a little pudgy to the unknowing eye. So I thought I would reflect today- and see how far I've come. It's crazy because when I look at my picture now I look so normal- the way I've grown accustomed to seeing myself. But when I look back on this 8 weeker, I'm like "dag look at that skinny babe!!!" Let's just hope we can get me back to that look :)

My Family...

...is so important to me.

There's so much out there today that helps families stay in touch. We can call, text, skype, play games, etc. but it doesn't stop me from missing my family every single day. I think of you all everyday and it isn't always reflected in our communication. These ways that we stay in touch- no doubt awesome and appreciated- can't take the place of a hug, a kiss, or a face-to-face conversation. With my pregnancy I've spent a lot of time thinking of my childhood and idealistically dreaming about the future. When I think of what I want in my Babe's life the recurring theme is FAMILY. I desperately want each of you to be a part of his life, my life, our life as much as humanly possible. It occurred to me today that I could jump on the internet band wagon and create a blog. Who knows if I'll be able to keep up? Who knows where it will go? Although I'm not sure of these things I wanna give it a fair shot. While reading this blog entry I became inspired. So bear with me as I explore my crafty self! I love you all!!! 

**I know my choice of pics was random...the top pic is just a wonderful family photo but didn't include everyone (read: it didn't include paigey poo). The second reminds me of a wonderful time- not just my wedding but the week before when everyone I love was in one place partying. And the third- just more family together :)