Belly Pics

Here is a belly pic, finally. Can you tell which ones Abby took and which ones Jake did? I'm 32 weeks in these. I'm now in my 37th week. It is getting so close!!!

Life with Abby

Here are a few pics of life with Abby. She never fails to entertain, amaze and dazzle us.

First off, entertaining the crowd at Starbucks.






As I mentioned in a previous post, we made a trip to Croatia in early March. During that tirp we were walking around a park area (sorry, I don't remember the name) and there was a group of older school kids having some sort of recess. They were gathered in this gazebo and we could tell Abby really wanted to join them. After a day of touring Zagreb, I guess she had all the fun she could stand with just mom and dad. She seemed a little timid about just going up to them, but with a bit of encouragement she soon ran right into the group. I think the kids didn't know what to think of her at first. She was speaking a mix of German and English. Finally, one of the kids picked up on the English and recruited a fellow student as translator. Before long they were all gathered around her talking. We were so proud of her for jumping right in there.







She also spends a lot of time like this. We have tables, I promise.



We also go through assorted outfits and personality changes each day. I never know when I'll have a barking dog, hissing cat, princess, mommy or whatever else she can think up. Sometimes even combo of two or more.

Update

I can't find my camera which much be loaded with pics of all the cool stuff we get to do living her in Vienna. Or maybe is just has a few shots of what we have been up to lately. Either way, this is a post with out pictures. So here is a list of the things that may or may not be documented on my camera.

1. We made a trip to Croatia the first part of March to get our passports stamped as we are still waiting on our residence permits.
2. I finally took a belly pic.
3. We painted the baby room, pink of course.
4. Nesting is going on in full swing. Abby says, "I'm making my nest, too, Mommy."
5. We had a successful visit to the Visa office and are really close to getting our residence permits, I hope.
6. There are only about 6 weeks left until my due date. Unbelievable!!

I'll Confess

Okay, I'm gonna make a shocking (well, to some)confession right here. I like to listen to country music, especially classic country. There, I said it. I'm embracing this truth with open arms, please don't hate me. S o why the need to confess? Well, since we've arrived here in Vienna I haven't listened to it much. There are reasons for this, including but not limited to, lack of availability. Would you believe here in the land of opera and classical music, that the twang of Nashville isn't really that popular? I know, unbelievable. The other main reason for not listening too much is, quite honestly, it pulls pretty hard at my heart strings. This genre of music brings up so many memories for me of home, friends and family that, darn it all, sometimes I just can't take it. Well, today I decided to go out on a limb and que some music up. My selection today has been Don Williams. I downloaded an album of his and despite a few tugs, I'm feeling pretty good about it. In fact, I'm downright happy. Maybe tomorrow I'll really push myself with some Johnnie Cash or even John Denver. Ok, so John Denver may not be considered exactly "country", but listening to him has similar effects as other country music. John played a big role in Jake and my courtship. Have a good day and turn up the volume on whatever your favorite music is. Just tell the kids, "Its Mommy's turn for awhile." Just for fun and because I love to hear from people, leave a comment and tell me what you're listening to, or what you wish you were listening to.

The Winner

Lisa B. is the winner of the chef's hat and apron. Lisa, send me an email with your address and your choice of girl or boy fabric. Although, I think I already know. Thanks to everyone who left comments. I heart comments.

100th Post

I finally made it to my 100th post!!! Whew hoo!!! In order to celebrate, I'll have a little something for ya at the end of this post.

For Valentine's Day, Jake took his girls out to my favorite Austrian restaurant. They have the best food there. This has become our special occasion place to go. I always have the same thing, pork medallions with salami and mozzarella. Jake always has something different, but it is always good. I have been craving this place for months and finally got to feed the beast.



I made Abby a "cooker" hat and apron for her Valentine's Day gift. The poor kid had been wearing her Denver Broncos stocking cap when we cook. I think it turned out pretty cute. I would like to go on record and say that none of the following poses were coached. She's turning into such a drama girl, in the good way, most of the time. Valentine's Day isn't as big over here as in the US. There are no Valentine's parties at school or card sharing, no cute little shirts with goofy sayings on them. Flowers and chocolates are available, but I don't know how popular it is to give these to your sweetie. My sweetie did bring me some flowers, though.



One holiday that kids do celebrate at school is Faschings. To be honest, I still haven't completely figured out what this is all about. Possibly something to do with Lent and Easter, but am vague on the details. However, kids have a Fasching's party at school and dress up, sort of like Halloween. Abby dressed as Cinderella, since that's one of the costumes we had.


Part of her costume are these "glass" slippers. Abby loves them and one little girl in her class was enthralled with them as well. As we were getting ready to go the little girl was telling her mom how much she liked Abby's shoes. Abby took them off and handed them to the little girl and said she could borrow them. The mother tried to protest, but I assured her it was alright and she could just return them the next day. Abby looked at me and said, "I think that's what Jesus would want me to do, " with a big smile on her face. I was so proud of her.

Now, for the part you may have been waiting for. To celebrate the 100th post, I am giving away a chef's hat and apron set to one lucky reader. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. The winner will be chosen at random and will have a choice of either a girl or boy set. I will choose the winner Sunday evening, Vienna time and post the winner here.

Talking with Abby

Yesterday, as we were sitting down to eat lunch after picking Abby up from kindergarten, I asked a simple question......

Me: Abby what did you do at school today?
Abby: Played with Tom.
Me: That sounds fun, what else did you do?
Abby: I found something green on my finger, it was a booger, so I hid in in the couch so no one could find it.