Seaworld!

Missi and I joined Matt, Lauren, Noah and Micah for a day at Seaworld. All night long the night before Noah just kept asking and asking "Where's Elmo? Where's Elmo? Donde esta el Elmo verdadero?" When we finally got to Seaworld the next day we found this picture and said "There, there he is."

Actually, to Missi and my surprise Seaworld has really stepped up a Sesame Street theme. We got to see all the regular characters boogie on down. If you check out their show you'll see Ernie really pop-it and lock-it.

Later, we found duckies. Noah may not have noticed them cuz I kept asking him to look at the camera.

Below is brother Micah with Auntie Missi.

And, here I am with mommy and daddy and some random people after the big drop on the Journey to Atlantis ride.

We had a great day at Seaworld except I forgot to get a huge waffle-cone strawberry sundae. Rookie mistake, that waffle cone sundae is probably the best deal in the park. Next time.

I can hear your heart beat...for the very first time!

Okay, okay, unless you are in the right mood, you probably didn't read my title in a sing-song voice like I did (try it again...it's clever, right?)

Yesterday, we had another checkup and got to hear OP's heart beat for the first time. We had seen OP's heart beating on the ultrasound's before so we knew it was there and pumping away, but there is nothing like actually hearing it. It was a fast little swoosh, swoosh heart beat-nice and strong. Occasionally, we would hear a thump in the background-my heart beating. OP's is super fast compared to mine.

Other than that, no big updates to report. The belly is continuing to grow and is starting to become a little more noticeable (especially in my work clothes). We'll have to get a picture up so you can judge for yourself.

More to follow soon!

Family Easter Hunt 2008!

The Easter Egg Hunt was especially intense this year. With Noah making his first appearance the other kids were especially alert to grab their share. And, as you'll see, the family was especially weary that the Easter Bunny would come back with a vengeance to reclaim his eggs.


Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

Mickey & Mulan's Easter Hunt for Doggy Cookies

"'C' IS FOR COOKIES! 'C' IS FOR COOKIES!" - was the doggy chant heard as Mickey and Mulan waited for us to finish hiding their delicious peanut butter doggy cookies. This was Mulan's first Easter Cookie hunt, and she was a natural. Mickey appreciated that unlike previous years he couldn't casually chew his cookies, and instead swallowed them like a mad-doggy.

Mickey and Mulan wish everyone a Happy Easter!

Happy Anniversary to Ken & Laura...Chinese Style!

Missi, Sarah and Emie threw their padres a 30th Wedding Anniversary party. The party had a Chinese theme to it (note the hats), and we had authentic Panda Express to fill all our tummies. We confirmed the authenticity of the Chinese food by consulting our good friend Chris- who agreed that yes indeed orange chicken is a genuine Chinese dish.

As we speak Optimus Prime is transforming.

By the way, Missi would probably want to make clear that the Transformers is not going to be a theme for our baby.

Anyway, here is some more proof that things are progressing very well!

And Baby Makes 5

After weeks of eager anticipation, we are officially announcing that a Baby Bustarde is on the way! Baby Bustarde (aka Optimus Prime aka OP) is expected to grace our presence around September 28.

These photos are OP's first photo shoot from Week 7. OP is the little white fuzz inside the black bean shape. We have a more recent ultrasound, but haven't scanned it in yet.

Mommy and OP are doing much better now that we're basically through the first trimester and aren't sick as a dog anymore. (Mickey and Mulan do not understand the concept of being as sick as a dog-they say that they feel great as doggies...)

More updates and photos to come!