31 and O' so Fun!

Truth be told, 31 has proven to already hold it's challenges (remind me to tell you about my sprained elbow in some other post), but despite the difficult week I have to admit my actual birthday was wonderful! I did a minimum amount of office work prior to meeting friends for lunch, followed by a pedicure. After that I decided taking the rest of the afternoon off was a must. I came home and enjoyed a nice little nap prior to Ella and Shaun coming home, and then Shaun took me out to dinner to Coastal Flats. They make the BEST crab cake which we both ordered and thoroughly enjoyed, followed by this yummy strawberry shortcake compliments of our waitress:)

{Coastal Flats yummy Strawberry Shortcake}

{About to make a birthday wish... so many to choose from}

So what will 31 bring? Some of my hopes are a healthy and happy little girl (name still to be determined), a good job for my husband, a new home, and getting this preggo body back into shape. No matter what 31 brings, I'm grateful for the fabulous 30 preceding years and the many blessings the Lord has brought to the Calderwood family. Thanks to all who helped celebrate my birthday via phone calls, messages, or warm thoughts. You know me, it's practically a national holiday (hence the taking half of the day off from work philosophy), so if you haven't called yet it's not too late. I'll be celebrating until June 1st:)

6 months and counting

{Ella and I today celebrating Mother's Day}

{My attempt to show my pregnant belly}

What better day to document a pregnancy update than mother's day. In just a few months (and a couple of days) we're expecting our second little girl. I'm feeling pretty good so far but have now started to enter that uncomfortable stage. Maybe being short makes it harder. I feel like I've already expanded quite a bit. I'm up sixteen pounds with who knows how much more to go. I try to be healthy but it's very difficult to have motivation when you already look like a boat. But alas, it's all worth it. My only concern is that I will swell like I did with Ella. My doctor says I shouldn't as much with my second but the fact that my last trimester will be during the hottest part of the year has me doubting him. All things considered I'm doing rather well... unless you think my interpretation of "eating for two" as eating for me and a six foot seven basketball player is problematic, that and feeling completely and utterly exhausted every night by the time I put Ella down. But I know to enjoy the consecutive hours of sleep while I can. I count my blessings every day for such a beautiful and healthy little two year old, and so far this next little one seems to be doing well too. What a blessing to be able to be a mother for some of God's precious spirits!

{The beautiful flowers Shaun got me for Mother's Day}

Happy Mother's Day to my mother, my mother-in-law, sisters, and dear friends who are examples to me whether they have children yet or not. They all have tender mother hearts and I appreciate them for their strength and their individual examples!

{Happy Mother's Day Mom/Nana!}

Grandma Ellen and Grandpa Bob

{Ella with her great grandma and grandpa Calderwood}

Last week Shaun's grandparents let us know they were in town and made a special trip out to our place to visit. We were glad they made the extra effort and enjoyed spending time with them learning a little more family history. Shaun's grandma has family history that goes back to the original hand cart companies that came west to the Utah Valley. Shaun's grandpa's great grandfather, Alexander Earl, joined the church in Scotland after falling in love with an LDS girl. He came to America and worked in the Utah Valley gaining land until eventually he sent for his love as well as the rest of her family. Alexander Earl died at a relatively young age but left a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. It's exciting to learn about this wonderful Calderwood/Carol family I've married into. I look forward to hearing more stories and continuing their wonderful legacy with our own family.

A beautiful day with the Madisons

I was bound and determined to do something wonderful and different today but after deliberating last night Shaun and I had reached no conclusive decisions on where today's adventures would take us. As it turned out I had a small errand to run in Culpeper (I NEVER go to Culpeper or head in that general direction so this was not within the norm). On our way we kept seeing signs for James Madison's Montpelier, so after our errand and a quick lunch, we decided to visit the home of James and Dolly Madison. Oddly enough even after living here most of my life I'd never done this venture, maybe because up until 2004 the home was not restored to it's historic past. It had been owned by the DuPonts who had changed it quite dramatically both inside and out. But today, after five years of renovation and 25 million dollars, it is absolutely stunning! What a gorgeous day and what gorgeous views. Set at the base of the beautiful blue ridge, Shaun and I have decided the Madisons win when it comes to views from the founding fathers homes. We loved Mount Vernon set right on the Potomac, and who couldn't love Monticello set in pristine Charlottesville with Jefferson's clever architecture, but the Madisons home has recently been restored to it's original grandeur. It is a true masterpiece. We definitely want to go back again and come better prepared with walking shoes, strollers, and friends and family. Ella enjoyed the gardens, the hands on crafts tent, and many other activities. Shaun went around with her and allowed me to enjoy the house tour. Being impromptu we didn't have our camera but Shaun took a few photos with his phone. We hope to go back soon. Anyone want to join us?

What's in a name?

Okay, so here's the low down on the name game. We've ruled out Thelma after my mom, Louise after Shaun's mom, and Pearl after the Earls in the fam (shweeh). Unfortunately, that leaves tons of names I still like. I drive Shaun crazy with my variating opinion on which of the following names tops the list of our girl names. So I turn the voting power over to you all. Let us know what you think.

They're in no particular order.

Emma

Laney

Avery

Audrey

Autumn

Reese

Sienna

Serena

Tessa

Carmen

Camille

Paige

Emilia

Amelia

Eden

The only thing I think we are pretty positive of is that we'd like to use Ruth as a middle name in honor of both of our grandmothers and my mom (it's her middle name).

The newest Calderwood

We are excited to have some of our first photos of our soon to be addition this August... our baby girl! She is healthy and doing well. All measurements indicate she is right on track and should be joining us officially around the 23rd of August. She was very active during the ultrasound and at one point I thought she was sucking on her thumb but she was actually sucking on her toe... flexible little thing. I think she has the cutest little profile in the top photo. Of course Ella has a cute little profile too so maybe they'll look similar. Or maybe this one will have green eyes like her daddy but have a personality more like mine. I guess time will tell. It's all very exciting!

We are so excited to meet her and Ella will love having a little sister I am sure. What a little miracle! Now we just have to decide on a name. Maybe we'll have you all vote to help us narrow down our top five.

Spring Break Part II Easter Fun

The second half of our Spring Break was spent visiting with good friends. One of my dearest friends, Kristin, and her little boy came to stay with us for a few days. We also got to catch up with Becca and Troy as well as Katie. We spent Friday visiting the Cherry Blossoms in DC along with every other tourist east of the Mississippi. It was very nice though. Perfect weather and perfect company. We enjoyed a beautiful conference weekend and Ella enjoyed her Easter basket complete with sidewalk chalk, hair bows, a book, stickers, and candies.

Ella and Shaun in our yard. Ella got a beautiful Easter dress from her nana and I felt it only right to get a few photos of her in it.

The stinker wouldn't smile but she's still so precious!

Ella enjoying her very lovely Easter basket

Kristin and Pete enjoying the Cherry blossoms in DC. Pete's a cutie and so sweet and mellow. We hope they come again soon:)