19 week update

Lots of exciting things are happening this week! The baby's senses are developing in it's brain; smell, taste, touch, hearing, and vision. At 8 1/2 oz and 6 inches long, this little guy is growing like a weed. Our Lentil moves constantly, stretching and rolling around. Both Jeff and I can feel the movements now which make them even more special. Between weeks 16 and 20 the baby doubles in size...and so do I. Just kidding, Im definitely not twice as big as a was a few weeks ago but I m definitely seeing new changes in my body each day. As you can see, I definitely have a bump! I was so excited the other day when a lady at Jeff's work asked if I was expecting. It was the first time someone has mentioned it and I just felt all warm and fuzzy inside when I heard.

Another exciting thing to look forward to this week is our first ultrasound! In just a few days we will know if we are having a little boy or a little girl. I can't wait to find out so we can start buying little baby clothes! Aww, so cute

              

Fall Foliage

Washington has the most beautiful fall foliage of anywhere I have ever seen (yes including Colorado). When I got back from Arizona I was expecting clouds and gloom but instead have been blessed with beautiful blue skies and the vibrant colors of fall.

On a more delicious note, I'm baking this week. Caramel Apple Pie Cookies adapted from Smitten Kitchen http://smittenkitchen.com/2011/10/apple-pie-cookies/#more-7892 and Pumpkin Snickerdoodles from my friend and sister, Jess. I'm excited to let you all know how they turn out! I realized after making my grocery list for the week that I'm diving head first into fall and winter cooking with soups, squash, buttermilk biscuits, and stew. 

On Sunday, Jeff and I took a walk through a nature preserve across the street from us, stopping first at a local coffee shop to pick up some fall infused drinks (I got a pumpkin chai...so delicious). There is something so rejuvenating about October walks; the crisp air, crunching leaves, and the peaceful quiet that comes with fall. 

19 week baby update coming up tomorrow!

Brown as a Berry

Over the past few days I have been thinking about what the saying "brown as a berry" could possibly mean. I haven't ever actually seen a brown berry, in the store or in nature for that matter. The conclusion that I've come to is that whoever coined this phrase must have known my good friend Chelsea Berry. Chelsea isn't a berry in the sense that she is edible but Im pretty sure this phrase was written about her because she can tan like nobody's business. 

There are so many opportunities to be in the sun here, either at our daily visits to the pool

or during an exhilarating hike up Squaw Peak

                                                               

                                                                 (the trail is a little steep)

After being here in Arizona for almost a week I can say with confidence that I am as brown as a Berry. It will be so strange going back to the cloudy, rainy days that Washington sees so much of this time of year. Its nice to know that the sun will be here in Arizona waiting to make me brown the next time we come for a visit. 

Cold Front

Scottsdale is in the midsts of a cold snap that has the locals running for their winter clothes. With a completely cloudless sky and highs in the low 80s, people were bundled up all over town today. The woman on the right went with a light winter sweater to try and ward off the cooler temperatures:

My stay in Arizona has been awesome so far with perfect weather and lots of quality time with my parents. Here's a look at the past few days