You've Heard it Before, but....

Im back! 

(I feel like Ive written that line a lot this year.) 

Our life has been a bit hectic for the past month or so and it doesnt look like it's going to slow down until about....July. But that's ok because it has been a good busy. Controlled chaos at times, but overall, good. 

Ill catch you up a bit now and go into more detail in some upcoming posts.

• Ive got a baby update post coming up soon. (It's about time, I know.) All I can say is that I simply havent had any time to sit and write, but I should have some free time coming up soon. The baby is kicking me like crazy right now, agreeing that a post all about him/her is overdue. 

• We just got back from our babymoon yesterday. We had a wonderful time in Lucerne, Switzerland and the Italian Riviera. Ive got a ton of photos that I will share with you soon. 

• Traveling at 23 weeks pregnant really wasnt bad. We made a lot of pee stops along the way, but overall, it was an easy journey. 

• I have an Italian inspired giveaway planned for later this week! I found some really great stuff in Cinque Terre and will have that up for grabs soon. 

• J is supposed to be heading back to the States for training for one month soon. That is, if this Icelandic volcano doesnt royally screw up our plans. I am leaving one week after him and staying for three weeks. To say that I am excited to go back to the States, to see my family and friends, to shop, to eat, to experience air conditioning, to attend my own baby shower at my parents, is an understatement. I am thrilled! However, it would also be an understatement to say that I am looking forward to the travel experience there and back. Ill be around 26 weeks when I leave and 29/30 weeks when I come back. Ugh. Traveling that much, that far, through that many time zones sucks enough when you're not pregnant. To be almost 30 weeks pregnant and going through that, well, it wont be fun. Please send good vibes our way though, as we really want both of us to be able to go! 

• This whole pregnancy thing has done great things for our wine collection. We are in the market for a nice wine rack to hold all of the bottles we are accumulating since Im not drinking it and J is rarely opening a bottle these days. 

• I just found out that two of my cousins are pregnant. That brings the total to THIRTY FOUR (34) people that I know who are pregnant. Seriously. 

• Our two year wedding anniversary was earlier this month! Two years has really flown by and they have been so incredible! 

Ok, I think that's enough for now. Ive got some book reviews in the works, a baby update, a one year in Europe review and travel updates. Oh, and a giveaway. So, nothing much, really. Forgive me for being such a slacker on commenting on your blogs. Ive tried to catch up, but at some point, I have to just hit the "Mark all as read" box. So if I've missed something cool, let me know! 

Where I've Been

Hello friends!

It feels like Ive been out of the bloggy world for weeks. A lot has been going on around here and the craziness will continue for another week or so. After that, I hope to have time to catch you up on what's been going on and also catch up on your blogs! Ill apologize now for my lack of posting and lack of commenting.

Here's a brief synopsis on what's been going on. Ill get into more detail later!

*I had my gender/anatomy ultrasound last week! Yes we know the gender, but no, Im not going to reveal it to you today. I want to do a whole post on it! If you follow me on Twitter then you already know. We are absolutely thrilled!

*J wasnt here for the ultrasound. He was TDY and after two delays, finally made it home Friday night. We wanted to find out the gender together, so I had to wait two days with a sealed envelope before finding out our baby's gender! I came up with a fun way for J and I to open the envelope, which I will share with you later.

*My parents plus four relatives arrive for a week long visit tomorrow. We spent the weekend cleaning and getting ready for their visit. We're taking a trip to Salzburg, Austria and Berchtesgaden, Germany while they are here.

*I had a huge scare yesterday. I woke up at 130 am sooo sick. It turned out to be the worst stomach virus that I have ever had in my life. Several of my friends also came down with it on Sunday. I suffered at home for about 3 hours, before calling labor and delivery. They told me to come in right away, which we did. I cant remember ever being more miserable. I was immediately admitted to L&D for observation, fluids and medications. After nine hours, they finally got my vomiting stopped and sent me home. I was having contractions from the dehydration which scared me to death, but thankfully they stopped after Id received a bag of fluid. They tried a couple of meds to stop my vomiting, but in the end, they had to bend the rules a bit and give me a med via IV that wasnt really supposed to be given IV. They had to do something. I was just getting worse. It worked and I am thankful. They sent me home with more meds, but Ive not had to use them thus far. This morning I am feeling somewhat human, though my body is so sore and tender. I had some cereal for breakfast and my stomach isnt quite sure what to do with that. Im hoping with some rest and food, Ill be back up and running 100% by this afternoon.

So that's it for now. Ill be back next week!
Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Catching Up

So I know I've been a terrible blogger lately, and my only excuse it that we have just been so busy. I havent felt like Ive had even a moment to sit and write. I also havent had a lot of time to read your blogs and comment either, so Ive been doing a lot of skimming. 

Our friend J left this morning after visiting for two weeks. We had a nice time, but I am looking forward to things getting back to normal around here. We spent a day in Paris and a weekend in Prague while he was here. Ill be blogging about those soon. I also have something special coming up this week: My one year Blog-a-versary! To celebrate, Ill be hosting a giveaway, so be sure to check back for more details this week. 

We find out the baby's gender in a week and a half! J & I are so excited to know if we're having a little boy or girl. I cant wait to shop for gender specific items and finally chose a name! 

My parents plus 5 relatives are coming to visit us for a week in 2.5 weeks! It's going to be a crazy whirlwind of people, traveling and fun and we cant wait. I really miss seeing my parents, so Im really looking forward to this trip. 

I should have time this week to do a baby update- Ill be 18 weeks already! 

Hope you all are having a fantastic weekend! Ill be back soon!