Month 6 Begins

Well, officially in week 23 I have started the 6th month of my pregnancy. It seems unreal most days...but then the baby starts a little gymnastics routine in my belly and there is no denying there is something in there!

I feel great and have had a relatively trouble free pregnancy thus far (knock on wood). However, I have pretty much gained a layer of fat from my ribs to my knees instead of a cute little baby bump, but I am trying not to hold it against my body. My midwife tells me that it is my job to gain 25 pounds during this pregnancy, and my body's job to decide where it wants to put it. I am not sure that is a fair trade...but what can I do?

We went to Patrick's Grandparents in Murrietta, CA this weekend to tell them the baby news and hang out. His Uncle John and Aunt Patty were there...we had a great time hanging out.

Elisa's visit to Santa Barbara

This summer Patrick's daughter, Elisa, was able to visit Southern CA and spend a week with us in Santa Barbara. For those of you who don't know, Elisa lives with her Mom and brother in France, and hadn't been to visit the US in several years. We were super excited to have her with us! She got to see her Grandparents, Great Grandparents and a few cousins, and we had fun doing lots of typical Santa Barbara things.


She is 13, and tall and gorgeous (just like her Dad, of course!). She is into music and skateboarding. She enjoyed shopping, riding with her Dad on our scooter, and hanging out at the beach.


Elisa is excited to be getting a new baby sister, and we talked baby names together. Top of her list is "Lucy", but Patrick and I aren't announcing the baby's name until she is actually here, so we'll see. Elisa suggested we visit France with the new baby while I am on maternity leave, what a disappointment to tell her that women in the US don't get the 2 years of leave that is offered to women in France. TWO YEARS! What a dream to have the flexibility to give your child the care you want for his/her first two years without losing your job! Anyway...we'll definitely take the baby to see her sister in France, planning will just be a bit more challenging.

Here are some great pictures...