Matt and I put together our changing table this weekend and for now have completed the furniture portion of the nursery. We both enjoy spending time in the nursery imagining what our life will be like when this little boy is born.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
March 27, 2010
Matt and I celebrated our dating anniversary this weekend. Nine years ago on March 27th Matt and I began dating. I am so grateful that even though I said "I just want to be friends" two times, Matt did not give up on me. The third time we talked about our relationship I said "YES!" God continues to have His hand upon our lives and bless us. I am so thankful for marrying my best friend. Each year continues to get better. I love you Matt. I am so excited to experience what God has in store for us this next year with the birth of our son.
I made GF carrot cake cupcakes to celebrate since last week we had to smell the carrot cake I was making for my school's benefit.
We went out to breakfast and enjoyed the gorgeous weather we are having.
Matt and I celebrated our dating anniversary this weekend. Nine years ago on March 27th Matt and I began dating. I am so grateful that even though I said "I just want to be friends" two times, Matt did not give up on me. The third time we talked about our relationship I said "YES!" God continues to have His hand upon our lives and bless us. I am so thankful for marrying my best friend. Each year continues to get better. I love you Matt. I am so excited to experience what God has in store for us this next year with the birth of our son.
I made GF carrot cake cupcakes to celebrate since last week we had to smell the carrot cake I was making for my school's benefit.
We went out to breakfast and enjoyed the gorgeous weather we are having.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Week 29
In the last couple of weeks Baby Bu's movements have gotten much more consistent. Sometimes I feel like he is swimming around in my belly as the movements are more fluid and not kick-lile. Matt and I have experienced him having the hiccups a few times as well. The baby tends to enjoy resting the majority of his body on the left side of my belly. When I look down at my belly you can see a round bump where his head or rear end is positioned. It looks so uneven and makes us laugh. I continue to feel great and am enjoying taking long walks with Matt. We continue to pray for this little guy and the plans God has for Him. We are grateful to be able to have this experience.
In the last couple of weeks Baby Bu's movements have gotten much more consistent. Sometimes I feel like he is swimming around in my belly as the movements are more fluid and not kick-lile. Matt and I have experienced him having the hiccups a few times as well. The baby tends to enjoy resting the majority of his body on the left side of my belly. When I look down at my belly you can see a round bump where his head or rear end is positioned. It looks so uneven and makes us laugh. I continue to feel great and am enjoying taking long walks with Matt. We continue to pray for this little guy and the plans God has for Him. We are grateful to be able to have this experience.
Trinity School Benefit
Last night Matt and I attended Trinity's annual Benefit. I volunteered to make a carrot cake to sell at the silent auction. Last year my cake went for $450. I was hoping this year that my cake would beat that price....and....it did! The cake went for $500!!! Several of my 3rd grade parents were bidding against each other. Here is my final product. It was really fun to make!
Matt and I enjoyed the Benefit much more this year. It was fun to watch all the "live" auction items and socialize with the parents and staff outside of the classroom. One of our favorite parts of the Benefit was called "Fund-a-Need." This year the money raised will go to allowing students to attend Trinity who wouldn't normally be able to afford it. We raised $105,000, which was incredible!!
Last night Matt and I attended Trinity's annual Benefit. I volunteered to make a carrot cake to sell at the silent auction. Last year my cake went for $450. I was hoping this year that my cake would beat that price....and....it did! The cake went for $500!!! Several of my 3rd grade parents were bidding against each other. Here is my final product. It was really fun to make!
Matt and I enjoyed the Benefit much more this year. It was fun to watch all the "live" auction items and socialize with the parents and staff outside of the classroom. One of our favorite parts of the Benefit was called "Fund-a-Need." This year the money raised will go to allowing students to attend Trinity who wouldn't normally be able to afford it. We raised $105,000, which was incredible!!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Sacramento with the Ellis'
Matt and I visited California's capitol for Matt to run a half marathon with Matt Ellis. Becca and I cheered the guys on and enjoyed our coffee at Peets! The night before the race we ate at a delicious Thai restaurant - that had a GF menu!! Even though both of the guys had not really trained for the distance, they finished with a good time. We are so grateful for the time we get to spend with Matt and Becca.
Thanks Becca for taking this picture of us. She wanted us to have a picture to remind us of how we usually spend our nights together while being pregnant - feeling Baby Bu kick. 
Matt and I visited California's capitol for Matt to run a half marathon with Matt Ellis. Becca and I cheered the guys on and enjoyed our coffee at Peets! The night before the race we ate at a delicious Thai restaurant - that had a GF menu!! Even though both of the guys had not really trained for the distance, they finished with a good time. We are so grateful for the time we get to spend with Matt and Becca.
Thanks Becca for taking this picture of us. She wanted us to have a picture to remind us of how we usually spend our nights together while being pregnant - feeling Baby Bu kick. 
Sunday, March 07, 2010
New Year's Eve 2009
This year for New Years Matt had an idea for a chocolate and cherry party! He brewed a chocolate cherry porter with some friends which became the theme for the party. He made chocolate cherry bread and we had chocolate fondue. We rang in the New Year playing games with great friends!
We are looking forward to all that God is going to do in 2010 - "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory... in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! ." Ephesians 3:20 & 21.
This year for New Years Matt had an idea for a chocolate and cherry party! He brewed a chocolate cherry porter with some friends which became the theme for the party. He made chocolate cherry bread and we had chocolate fondue. We rang in the New Year playing games with great friends!
We are looking forward to all that God is going to do in 2010 - "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory... in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! ." Ephesians 3:20 & 21.
Baby Shower in Boston
My mom through Matt and I a shower in Boston during my winter vacation. My mom did an amazing job with all the details of the shower. Aunt Flo Flo made all the baby carriage chocolates for the table decorations. I loved the colors for the chocolate. Mom made a diaper cake as a decoration! She chose soccer, football and basketballs for the center pieces. We loved all the personal touches she added to the shower including serving all gluten free food!
After eating lunch we began opening presents. We felt so blessed with all the clothes, blankets, books, and other baby accessories that we were given. The first gift we opened was a Gator hoodie, which we loved! I surprised Matt with giving him Padres and Charger onesies. Aunt Flo Flo also made us a blanket, sweater and bootie set specifically for Baby Bu. Over the years I have given so many of these handmade gifts away to friends who have had babies. It was so neat to have one made especially for our baby. Flo Flo also made several bibs. 
For dessert Katie and Patrick made GF cupcakes! They were so yummy!
Thanks Mom for all your hard work with planning the shower. We had such a great time, felt so loved by everyone and were touched with all the ways you made the shower so personal. 
We were also able to see some friends. Here we are with Joel, Rachel, Jude and Levi, our fellow Gator friends.
It was also really special because some of my students from my first third grade class, who also came to our wedding 7 years ago, came to the shower!
Lisa happened to be out in Boston visiting her family the same weekend as my shower and was able to attend. I have been friends with her since my first day of high school. She is due early April with her 2nd. It was so great to be able to see her!
We were also able to see my cousins Rita and Sharona!
My mom through Matt and I a shower in Boston during my winter vacation. My mom did an amazing job with all the details of the shower. Aunt Flo Flo made all the baby carriage chocolates for the table decorations. I loved the colors for the chocolate. Mom made a diaper cake as a decoration! She chose soccer, football and basketballs for the center pieces. We loved all the personal touches she added to the shower including serving all gluten free food!
After eating lunch we began opening presents. We felt so blessed with all the clothes, blankets, books, and other baby accessories that we were given. The first gift we opened was a Gator hoodie, which we loved! I surprised Matt with giving him Padres and Charger onesies. Aunt Flo Flo also made us a blanket, sweater and bootie set specifically for Baby Bu. Over the years I have given so many of these handmade gifts away to friends who have had babies. It was so neat to have one made especially for our baby. Flo Flo also made several bibs. 
For dessert Katie and Patrick made GF cupcakes! They were so yummy!
Thanks Mom for all your hard work with planning the shower. We had such a great time, felt so loved by everyone and were touched with all the ways you made the shower so personal. 
We were also able to see some friends. Here we are with Joel, Rachel, Jude and Levi, our fellow Gator friends.
It was also really special because some of my students from my first third grade class, who also came to our wedding 7 years ago, came to the shower!
Lisa happened to be out in Boston visiting her family the same weekend as my shower and was able to attend. I have been friends with her since my first day of high school. She is due early April with her 2nd. It was so great to be able to see her!
We were also able to see my cousins Rita and Sharona!
The Nursery, a work in progress
Matt and I have slowly been putting the nursery together. The first step was reorganizing our house. For the past year the nursery has been our extra bedroom/office. This past Saturday we spent 12 hours going through every room in the house weeding out and packing up some things. It felt so good to reorganize and put things in our storage unit giving us extra room in the house. We moved our office into our living room. It feels weird to be living out of 2 rooms now.
Once our extra bedroom was empty we were able to set up the glider, crib and shelves. All we need is the changing table, which is ordered and on its way. I love walking by the nursery and seeing the crib. I also love going into the nursery in the mornings, sitting in the glider and praying for Baby Bu and how our lives are going to change.
Most of the clothes we have received so far are in the bureau, but we've hung a few things up so far. On the far left is the bathrobe that my Great Aunt Florence made for the baby.
Matt and I have slowly been putting the nursery together. The first step was reorganizing our house. For the past year the nursery has been our extra bedroom/office. This past Saturday we spent 12 hours going through every room in the house weeding out and packing up some things. It felt so good to reorganize and put things in our storage unit giving us extra room in the house. We moved our office into our living room. It feels weird to be living out of 2 rooms now.
Once our extra bedroom was empty we were able to set up the glider, crib and shelves. All we need is the changing table, which is ordered and on its way. I love walking by the nursery and seeing the crib. I also love going into the nursery in the mornings, sitting in the glider and praying for Baby Bu and how our lives are going to change.
Most of the clothes we have received so far are in the bureau, but we've hung a few things up so far. On the far left is the bathrobe that my Great Aunt Florence made for the baby.
Week 27
Time is sure flying by and I am officially entering the 3rd trimester. I have been feeling Baby Bu kicking much more frequently these days. My uterus has grown so now some of his kicks are up near my ribs. Last night Matt and I felt his whole foot kicking my side. The feeling of him moving and kicking NEVER gets old. I really treasure these feelings. He seems to really like Matt's voice too, which I think is so cool. When Matt puts his hand on my belly and talks to the baby he moves. I am so grateful that I am still feeling great. Sleeping has become a little more challenging these days as the leg on the side I am lying on falls asleep. But, when I hear of the challenges that other pregnant women are experiencing, I realize that I really have nothing to complain about. Here are some of the latest belly shots.
We have begun taking a childbirth class and it has been an eye opening experience. We have also signed up to take an 8 week Bradley Method childbirth class to help us learn a more natural approach to delivery. Please pray for us as we continue to process making decisions about our birthing plan.
Time is sure flying by and I am officially entering the 3rd trimester. I have been feeling Baby Bu kicking much more frequently these days. My uterus has grown so now some of his kicks are up near my ribs. Last night Matt and I felt his whole foot kicking my side. The feeling of him moving and kicking NEVER gets old. I really treasure these feelings. He seems to really like Matt's voice too, which I think is so cool. When Matt puts his hand on my belly and talks to the baby he moves. I am so grateful that I am still feeling great. Sleeping has become a little more challenging these days as the leg on the side I am lying on falls asleep. But, when I hear of the challenges that other pregnant women are experiencing, I realize that I really have nothing to complain about. Here are some of the latest belly shots.
We have begun taking a childbirth class and it has been an eye opening experience. We have also signed up to take an 8 week Bradley Method childbirth class to help us learn a more natural approach to delivery. Please pray for us as we continue to process making decisions about our birthing plan.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Week 22
It is hard to believe that I am already 5 1/2 months pregnant! Time is really flying by. My belly has really started to grow in the last couple of weeks. Here is a picture at 22 weeks and at 18 weeks to compare. I am still feeling great and running, walking, lifting and doing yoga. My belly sure does change throughout the day. In the morning I don't look that pregnant, but as the day goes on that changes and I look more pregnant. At night my skin feels tight like it is stretching. So far I have gained 15 lbs and if I continue to gain 1 lb per week, I'll be at 33 lbs total, right within normal weight gain. It is still weird to look down and see my belly. I am still feeling the Baby's strong kicks. Sometimes I feel something hard and round, probably the Baby's head or butt (but we're not sure which) and then he moves and its gone.
Week 18
It is hard to believe that I am already 5 1/2 months pregnant! Time is really flying by. My belly has really started to grow in the last couple of weeks. Here is a picture at 22 weeks and at 18 weeks to compare. I am still feeling great and running, walking, lifting and doing yoga. My belly sure does change throughout the day. In the morning I don't look that pregnant, but as the day goes on that changes and I look more pregnant. At night my skin feels tight like it is stretching. So far I have gained 15 lbs and if I continue to gain 1 lb per week, I'll be at 33 lbs total, right within normal weight gain. It is still weird to look down and see my belly. I am still feeling the Baby's strong kicks. Sometimes I feel something hard and round, probably the Baby's head or butt (but we're not sure which) and then he moves and its gone.
Week 22
Week 18
Here is some of Baby Bu's first Gator gear. He is definitely coming home from the hospital in these Gator baby booties (Thanks Caleb and Emily). And here is his first stuffed animal (Thanks Mark, Julie and kids)!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
20 Week Ultrasound
Matt and I had been looking forward to the 20 week ultrasound since we had scheduled the date back in the end of November. I love seeing the baby on the ultrasound. Ever since we had gone for the 3D/4D ultrasound we were pretty sure about the gender of the baby, but we were excited to see 3 weeks later if we were right. Conclusion was - IT'S A BOY!! Here is a picture of our little guy. It was so amazing all that we were able to see - his organs working, the hemispheres of his brain, his spine, the 4 chambers of his heart as well as the valves, kidneys, feet, fingers, legs etc. Measurements were taken to see approximately how big the baby is, how many weeks along I am as well as my approximate due date. The baby weighs 15 oz (almost 1 lb) so we're thinking he's going to be a big baby. Yikes!
Matt and I had been looking forward to the 20 week ultrasound since we had scheduled the date back in the end of November. I love seeing the baby on the ultrasound. Ever since we had gone for the 3D/4D ultrasound we were pretty sure about the gender of the baby, but we were excited to see 3 weeks later if we were right. Conclusion was - IT'S A BOY!! Here is a picture of our little guy. It was so amazing all that we were able to see - his organs working, the hemispheres of his brain, his spine, the 4 chambers of his heart as well as the valves, kidneys, feet, fingers, legs etc. Measurements were taken to see approximately how big the baby is, how many weeks along I am as well as my approximate due date. The baby weighs 15 oz (almost 1 lb) so we're thinking he's going to be a big baby. Yikes!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Kicking Baby and Popping Belly Button
I have been feeling the baby kick since week 17!! When Matt and I went for the 3D/4D ultrasound the technician showed us that my placenta is behind the baby....so I got to feel the kicks early. Its been amazing! Matt has been able to feel the kicking too. This has been my favorite thing so far in the pregnancy. The other day I was reading out loud to my class and the baby was kicking like mad. It was so funny to feel while teaching. I think he is recognizing my voice. The other night around 2am I felt the baby kicking me. I pushed back and he responded with another kick. This pattern continued for several minutes. It felt like we were playing a game!!
One of the funniest things for me in the pregnancy was my belly button popping out. I am not sure why I never thought this would happen, but the other day when I looked down today at my ever growing belly I noticed that my belly button was popping out! Yikes! I am definitely getting bigger with each day. It is hard to believe that Friday, January 15 I will be 20 weeks - HALF WAY! Time seems to be flying by. I am so grateful to be feeling so well and to be able to do so many of my favorite things (running and lifting weights, sleeping and eating) without any complications. We'll see how much long this lasts!
I have been feeling the baby kick since week 17!! When Matt and I went for the 3D/4D ultrasound the technician showed us that my placenta is behind the baby....so I got to feel the kicks early. Its been amazing! Matt has been able to feel the kicking too. This has been my favorite thing so far in the pregnancy. The other day I was reading out loud to my class and the baby was kicking like mad. It was so funny to feel while teaching. I think he is recognizing my voice. The other night around 2am I felt the baby kicking me. I pushed back and he responded with another kick. This pattern continued for several minutes. It felt like we were playing a game!!
One of the funniest things for me in the pregnancy was my belly button popping out. I am not sure why I never thought this would happen, but the other day when I looked down today at my ever growing belly I noticed that my belly button was popping out! Yikes! I am definitely getting bigger with each day. It is hard to believe that Friday, January 15 I will be 20 weeks - HALF WAY! Time seems to be flying by. I am so grateful to be feeling so well and to be able to do so many of my favorite things (running and lifting weights, sleeping and eating) without any complications. We'll see how much long this lasts!
Friday, January 01, 2010
Baby (boy) Bu!
2010 is going to be an exciting year in the Buman household. After 6 years of marriage (3 states and 3 degrees later) we are thrilled to announce that we are expecting our first child early June!
My first trimester was rough as I was nauseous almost everyday (all day long). I was not able to run because I was so nauseous and focused on just surviving each day. I would come home from teaching, lay on the couch and then go to bed at 7:30/8:00 every night. It seemed that I could never get enough sleep. Cappuccino did not even taste good to me anymore! Now that I'm in the second trimester, I am feeling so much better. Food actually tastes good to me and I have been able to run again (which helps me feel more like myself). Matt and I have loved reading about the developmental growth of the baby each week. It amazes us how God has equipped my body to sustain another life inside me. So far my favorite thing about being pregnant has been feeling the baby kick and move. I started feeling him kick at 17 weeks since my placenta is behind baby. For Christmas this year, Matt and I had a 4D/3D ultrasound at 16 weeks to see the baby and find out the gender before our 20 week ultrasound at the hospital. It was really fun because my parents and brother and sister-in-law were in town (before our trip to Hawaii) and they got to see Baby Bu. The baby was moving all around and at the time I could not feel a thing. I loved seeing how active the baby was. Unfortunately the cord was between the baby's legs so the gender was not able to be determined. When we returned from our trip to Hawaii Matt and I went back for another ultrasound. This time the cord was not in the way and Baby Boy Bu became official. Everyone has been asking about belly pictures so here are a few. Its the best I've got as of 18 weeks. More to come as my belly keeps growing!
2010 is going to be an exciting year in the Buman household. After 6 years of marriage (3 states and 3 degrees later) we are thrilled to announce that we are expecting our first child early June!
My first trimester was rough as I was nauseous almost everyday (all day long). I was not able to run because I was so nauseous and focused on just surviving each day. I would come home from teaching, lay on the couch and then go to bed at 7:30/8:00 every night. It seemed that I could never get enough sleep. Cappuccino did not even taste good to me anymore! Now that I'm in the second trimester, I am feeling so much better. Food actually tastes good to me and I have been able to run again (which helps me feel more like myself). Matt and I have loved reading about the developmental growth of the baby each week. It amazes us how God has equipped my body to sustain another life inside me. So far my favorite thing about being pregnant has been feeling the baby kick and move. I started feeling him kick at 17 weeks since my placenta is behind baby. For Christmas this year, Matt and I had a 4D/3D ultrasound at 16 weeks to see the baby and find out the gender before our 20 week ultrasound at the hospital. It was really fun because my parents and brother and sister-in-law were in town (before our trip to Hawaii) and they got to see Baby Bu. The baby was moving all around and at the time I could not feel a thing. I loved seeing how active the baby was. Unfortunately the cord was between the baby's legs so the gender was not able to be determined. When we returned from our trip to Hawaii Matt and I went back for another ultrasound. This time the cord was not in the way and Baby Boy Bu became official. Everyone has been asking about belly pictures so here are a few. Its the best I've got as of 18 weeks. More to come as my belly keeps growing!
Christmas in Hawaii, 2009
My parents and Patrick and Katie flew into SFO on Saturday afternoon. The girls went to get pedicures, while the guys watched football. Afterwards Matt and I took everyone to experience our Christmas present to each other. Our Christmas present was to have a 4D ultra sound of Baby Bu. I was 16 weeks at the time and we were eager to find out the gender of Baby Bu before our 20 week ultrasound, but the cord was between the legs so nothing could be confirmed. The images of Baby Bu were projected on an hundred inch screen so my parents, Patrick and Katie could also see the baby. Although we were not able to find out the gender, Baby Bu was moving around a lot and that was so cool to see.
Between my mom, my brother and I, we took a TON of pictures - 1,742 to be exact!
Day 1 (12-20-09): Our trip began very early in the morning as the shuttle service showed up 15 minutes early and we were frantically running around the house hoping to not forget anything. We flew Hawaiian Airlines from San Francisco to Honolulu and then got on another plane and flew to Lihue. When we landed we got our rental cars and drove to our house in Poi'Pu. We spent the drive to the house amazed at the lush green and gorgeous scenery around us. We pulled up to the house and were so excited about the view. There was even a whale there to greet us. Once we unpacked, we went to get something to eat since we were starving after traveling all day. After dinner we went to the only grocery store open to get a few things. We laughed at the prices of things - $9.00/gallon of milk was our favorite.
After returning from the helicopter ride we headed to Baby Beach, a 5 minute walk from our house. Without even knowing it and living thousands of miles apart, Katie and I ordered the same bathing suit. It was quite funny to discover that out in Hawaii. I guess we have great taste huh?!
Later that night we went to dinner at the Beach House restaurant timing it perfectly to catch the sunset while we ate.
After dinner we walked to a plaza not far from the house and enjoyed some ice cream.
Day 3 (12-22-09): Matt, myself, Patrick and Katie got up early and kayaked on the Wailua River, hiked to a water fall and swam under the water fall.
One of the funniest things about Kauai was there are a lot of roosters and chickens running around wild everywhere. Here we are at Poi'Pu Beach and caught this rooster running by us.
Another first for my family was having professional pictures taken. Matt found this great photographer, Nathan Sebastian on the island and he took us to Shipwreck Beach for pictures just as the sun was setting. I loved how they came out.
Here is Patrick grilling our dinner and Matt enjoying a beer on the deck after a fun day.
Day 4 (12-23-09): The girls went to the spa for the morning while the guys (minus Matt) played golf. At the spa we each got a massage, swam in the lap pool, worked out in the fitness center and took a yoga class. It was so relaxing. I got my first ever prenatal massage.
We went for lunch at Waimea Brewing Company. It was on a plantation and they had amazing purple sweet potato fries! Matt loved the beer! Patrick got a Blue Hawaiian.
After lunch we explored Glass Beach. This beach was right next to a bottling company and the sand is tiny pieces of glass.
On our drive back home we stopped off to explore the coffee plantation and we bought some Hawaiian espresso beans. We were able to sample all the coffee flavors too.
That night we went to a dinner theater and saw a live production of the musical South Pacific.
Day 5 (12-23-09): Matt and I went to Spouting Horn. Then Patrick, Katie, Matt and I drove to the north side of the island. We explored Hanalei Bay (yes, Puff The Magic Dragon song), Tunnels Beach, Kee Beach (the furthest point north that you can get to on the island without hiking), and saw surfers surfing 15-20 foot waves.
While we explored the north shore of Kauai, Mom and Dad went to the botanical gardens. Here are some of my favorite pictures they took from the gardens.
Traditionally for Christmas Eve dinner my Mom makes veal and chicken parmesan, but this year we did something different. We grilled up steak, fish and pineapple sausage along with sweet potatoes, salad and zucchini. We ate out on the deck and enjoyed the sunset. It was delicious. After dinner Patrick and Katie had a few small gifts for us to open. They gave us stackable cups for Baby Bu and some adorable Nike socks (Gator colors too!). Then we all watched a Bing Crosby movie called Holiday Inn.
Day 6 (12-25-09): Christmas morning was spent on Shipwreck Beach swimming, reading, boogie boarding and laying out. We went to a Luau for Christmas dinner.
Here are a few of the Mai Tais that were drunk at the Luau.
Day 7 (12-26-09): Shipwreck Beach was one of our favorite beachs so we headed there again.
We did a lot of reading and relaxing on this trip too. I was into the Twilight Series and Matt was reading about being a Dad.
In afternoon, we went snorkeling in two inlets within walking distance from our house. The variety and colors of the fish we saw were awesome. We saw turtles (one was 80 yrs old), a Spanish dancer (type of fish), an octopus, an eel and much more. I was so proud of my parents for being adventurous and doing the first part of the snorkeling with us. Thank goodness for the wetsuits we were given to wear because by then end of the 1.5 hours in the water I was freezing.
For dinner that night we grilled out again and celebrated Dad's birthday with GF gingerbread cake, whip cream and strawberries.
Day 8 (12-27-09): We were all very sad when it was time to fly home. We had an amazing week in Kauai and will never forget all the fun memories made.
My parents and Patrick and Katie flew into SFO on Saturday afternoon. The girls went to get pedicures, while the guys watched football. Afterwards Matt and I took everyone to experience our Christmas present to each other. Our Christmas present was to have a 4D ultra sound of Baby Bu. I was 16 weeks at the time and we were eager to find out the gender of Baby Bu before our 20 week ultrasound, but the cord was between the legs so nothing could be confirmed. The images of Baby Bu were projected on an hundred inch screen so my parents, Patrick and Katie could also see the baby. Although we were not able to find out the gender, Baby Bu was moving around a lot and that was so cool to see.
Between my mom, my brother and I, we took a TON of pictures - 1,742 to be exact!
Day 1 (12-20-09): Our trip began very early in the morning as the shuttle service showed up 15 minutes early and we were frantically running around the house hoping to not forget anything. We flew Hawaiian Airlines from San Francisco to Honolulu and then got on another plane and flew to Lihue. When we landed we got our rental cars and drove to our house in Poi'Pu. We spent the drive to the house amazed at the lush green and gorgeous scenery around us. We pulled up to the house and were so excited about the view. There was even a whale there to greet us. Once we unpacked, we went to get something to eat since we were starving after traveling all day. After dinner we went to the only grocery store open to get a few things. We laughed at the prices of things - $9.00/gallon of milk was our favorite.
Here is the house we stayed in for the week.
Day 2 (12-21-09): Everyone woke up early due to the time change. It was not hard for Matt and I since we only had a 2 hour difference, but everyone else had a 5 hour adjustment. We sat out on the deck to star gaze and listen to the waves crash against the rocks. We ate our fresh fruit, omelets and Hawaiian coffee on the deck as the sun was coming up. The first thing we did on Kauai was to take a helicopter tour so that we could get an overview of the island. The island was amazing and the Napali Coast was stunning.
Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our helicopter ride.
Tree lined road
Hanalei Bay
Napali Coast
Wetest spot on earth
After returning from the helicopter ride we headed to Baby Beach, a 5 minute walk from our house. Without even knowing it and living thousands of miles apart, Katie and I ordered the same bathing suit. It was quite funny to discover that out in Hawaii. I guess we have great taste huh?!
Later that night we went to dinner at the Beach House restaurant timing it perfectly to catch the sunset while we ate.
After dinner we walked to a plaza not far from the house and enjoyed some ice cream.
Day 3 (12-22-09): Matt, myself, Patrick and Katie got up early and kayaked on the Wailua River, hiked to a water fall and swam under the water fall.
One of the funniest things about Kauai was there are a lot of roosters and chickens running around wild everywhere. Here we are at Poi'Pu Beach and caught this rooster running by us.
Another first for my family was having professional pictures taken. Matt found this great photographer, Nathan Sebastian on the island and he took us to Shipwreck Beach for pictures just as the sun was setting. I loved how they came out.
Here is Patrick grilling our dinner and Matt enjoying a beer on the deck after a fun day.
Day 4 (12-23-09): The girls went to the spa for the morning while the guys (minus Matt) played golf. At the spa we each got a massage, swam in the lap pool, worked out in the fitness center and took a yoga class. It was so relaxing. I got my first ever prenatal massage.
We went for lunch at Waimea Brewing Company. It was on a plantation and they had amazing purple sweet potato fries! Matt loved the beer! Patrick got a Blue Hawaiian.
After lunch we explored Glass Beach. This beach was right next to a bottling company and the sand is tiny pieces of glass.
On our drive back home we stopped off to explore the coffee plantation and we bought some Hawaiian espresso beans. We were able to sample all the coffee flavors too.
That night we went to a dinner theater and saw a live production of the musical South Pacific.
Day 5 (12-23-09): Matt and I went to Spouting Horn. Then Patrick, Katie, Matt and I drove to the north side of the island. We explored Hanalei Bay (yes, Puff The Magic Dragon song), Tunnels Beach, Kee Beach (the furthest point north that you can get to on the island without hiking), and saw surfers surfing 15-20 foot waves.
While we explored the north shore of Kauai, Mom and Dad went to the botanical gardens. Here are some of my favorite pictures they took from the gardens.
Traditionally for Christmas Eve dinner my Mom makes veal and chicken parmesan, but this year we did something different. We grilled up steak, fish and pineapple sausage along with sweet potatoes, salad and zucchini. We ate out on the deck and enjoyed the sunset. It was delicious. After dinner Patrick and Katie had a few small gifts for us to open. They gave us stackable cups for Baby Bu and some adorable Nike socks (Gator colors too!). Then we all watched a Bing Crosby movie called Holiday Inn.
Day 6 (12-25-09): Christmas morning was spent on Shipwreck Beach swimming, reading, boogie boarding and laying out. We went to a Luau for Christmas dinner.
Here are a few of the Mai Tais that were drunk at the Luau.
There was also some rum tasting that we (minus me) did before the Luau.
Day 7 (12-26-09): Shipwreck Beach was one of our favorite beachs so we headed there again.
We did a lot of reading and relaxing on this trip too. I was into the Twilight Series and Matt was reading about being a Dad.
In afternoon, we went snorkeling in two inlets within walking distance from our house. The variety and colors of the fish we saw were awesome. We saw turtles (one was 80 yrs old), a Spanish dancer (type of fish), an octopus, an eel and much more. I was so proud of my parents for being adventurous and doing the first part of the snorkeling with us. Thank goodness for the wetsuits we were given to wear because by then end of the 1.5 hours in the water I was freezing.
For dinner that night we grilled out again and celebrated Dad's birthday with GF gingerbread cake, whip cream and strawberries.
Day 8 (12-27-09): We were all very sad when it was time to fly home. We had an amazing week in Kauai and will never forget all the fun memories made.
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