Quick visit from G'Ma & G'Pa Westrom

It's pretty strange to think about our parents as grandparents... much less put it in writing... but the weekend of June 23/24 marked the first visit with Ryan's parents (Lyle & Sue) since being pregnant. As always, we enjoyed great conversation and great food (pic taken at Bistro Campagne in Lincoln Square)... complete with some fun time reminiscing about Ryan's childhood and looking forward to what's in store for our little girl and our new roles as parents and grandparents. We trust they will continue to be great sources of encouragement and inspiration over the years to come.

Baby's First Pictures

How amazing is this thing called life! If the sickness during the first 3 months and the many physical changes were not enough to confirm a new life is growing inside of me... the ultrasound experience leaves no room for doubt. These pics - captured at 13 and 21 weeks gestation - hardly do justice to the live experience of seeing this tiny heart beating and various other organs, bones, etc. It is really difficult to even grasp the rate at which this tiny being is growing and to imagine the many pictures that will capture her in the future.

Week 13 ultrasound

Week 21 ultrasound - it's a girl!

So I'm becoming a Blogger...

As some of you may know, I'm an "approved" poster on my husband Ryan's blog... but I haven't once posted. You see, the few topics I proposed for posting were nicely rejected by the editorial director as a little too 'fluffy' or not quite what the blog's readers were looking for. I'm not good with rejection, so my participation in this blogosphere has been limited to reading his and other blogs over the past few years.

Well why didn't you just start your own blog, you ask? Afterall, that's the beauty of this blogging world. ANYONE can have an outlet.

I think the answer is I've never really felt the calling. I enjoy reading blogs and appreciate how they inform me and help me stay connected to friends/family. But I didn't know if I really had anything to contribute. I didn't feel I read or surf the net enough to have intriguing inspiration. I also didn't know if I'd have the time to keep my blog active. Honestly, I would have preferred to spend my time at the gym, baking, shopping, hanging out with friends, or just lounging on the couch over managing my blog.

So then why now, you ask?

Well... my life is in major transition. I'll soon enter into the world of motherhood and I guess I think this will provide me with enough inspiration to fill a blog. I know I still won't have much time, but I now think time invested in blogging will be well invested. I anticipate this blog being an outlet for me... a way to feel connected even during a time when life will likely feel chaotic. I also anticipate this blog becoming a family record book. I've never been good at journaling (years usually pass between entries...), but I'm hopeful the fact that others are participating in this journey with me - live - will encourage me to be a little more consistent this time around.

So here goes... I'm officially throwing my hat into the blogging world. I welcome you to join me and even encourage me on the journey.

But please don't call me a Blogger. I'm not ready for that!