Turning 30

Well, I'm officially 30 now. I thought it would be a harder day to celebrate than any of my previous birthdays...but it wasn't. Last week, the Joys and Ali celebrated my birthday with a meal at Fujiyamas, a japanese restaraunt. Then, yesterday, Chris and I woke up and headed off to my favorite restaraunt for breakfast. But to our surprised, they were closed FOREVER. We were shocked. So, instead we went to Starbucks where I sulked for a short while, before heading off to the cinema to see Sherlock Holmes. We then came back, rested a bit, then went to Jesmond Dene House for a very posh late afternoon tea. It was wonderful! The Joys stopped by later that night for a coffee, which was a perfect ending to my big day. Now we are just waiting for the arrival of Olivia Grace. Shes due today, however, there has been no sign of her arrival. So Chris and I are heading over to our friends for some lunch, and then we are going to go for a long walk into town. Hopefully she will come soon.

Christmas 09

Well, Christmas has come and gone. It seemed to fly by this year. On Christmas Eve, our good friends Dan and Catherine joined us for a turkey dinner. It was really nice to have friends with us, as we were both sad to not be around family. We opened our Christmas eve jammies from my mom, and then went off to bed. The next morning, we enjoyed gingerbread lattes and my attempt at making monkey bread. It was ok, but not as good as my sisters. For Christmas, I got Chris a skalelectrics set, which he was super excited about. I got a casserole dish and the Julia Childs cook book. We had so much fun opening our gifts and then got ready to go over to the Woods family for Christmas dinner. It was really nice to spend it with there family and be introduced to their traditions. We really felt welcomed, and were blessed to be there. Later that evening we stopped by Steph and Simons and said hi to all their family. The day ended with some left over Monkey bread and the movie Elf. It was a really nice Christmas, given the fact that we weren't able to see the kids this year.

We are now just waiting for Olivia to come. I will celebrate my 30th today with Chris and just wait in anticipation for contractions to start. We are going to go out to breakfast this morning, and then to the movies. Later this afternoon, we are going to go to afternoon tea at Jesmond Dene house and then the Joys are going to come over for coffee in the evening. I cant wait to open my presents, as my mom sent one from Tiffanys, and Chris has a little surprise all wrapped up for me. We did have a small birthday party last Tuesday at Fujiyamas, a Japanese restaurant. Ian and Rebecca, and Ali joined us to celebrate my big 3-0, which was followed by a massive birthday cake Chris had picked out. I would definitely say this birthday has been very special so far. The best gift is our little girl, who doesn't seem to want to come out just yet. I keep praying that the Lord would bring her on a day when its not busy at the hospital...so obviously that day hasn't come yet = ). We cant wait to see our little girl!

38 weeks and 3 days!

Well, we finally made it to the home stretch. Only 11 more days to go till Olivia is due. Today is my last day at work, which is a bitter sweet moment. I will say goodbye to my last client today, and then its off to get my hair cut and relax in the evening with Chris. We even have a cleaner doing a deep clean in the flat this morning which is such a blessing. All those hard to reach spots will finally be reached! My midwife appointment is this morning at 10:30, so hopefully she will have some good news regarding Olivias progress. This weekend we are off to the Parrys for a Christmas celebration, and then the final week before Christmas will begin. We will be having a small birthday celebration on Tuesday, as we dont know when Olivia will make her appearance. Im looking forward to going out for a meal to celebrate the big 3-0! Im still sad I wont be seeing family this year for the holidays...but God has other plans instore for our family.

Surprise!!!

Yesterday my work threw me a surprise baby shower. I was completely surprised...My very first surprise party! It actually took me a long time to adjust to the idea that the party was for me. There was loads of food, and cake, and presents, and games. It was such a blessing. Now we only have 2 weeks and 5 days left. I cant wait to see our little girl.

5 weeks to go!!!

Its amazing how fast time flys. I had been looking forward to our time at the Lakes for weeks, and now it has come and gone. Chris and I were able to relax at 'Miss Potters' house last weekend. It looked just like it did in the movies. Its a little bed and breakfast called Yew Tree Farm, and was the Hill Top in the movie Miss Potter. We had such a nice time reading in front of a roaring fire, going to Grasmere and enjoying gingerbread, Christmas shopping, and dinning at a really nice local hotel. I love the Lake district! The ride home was a bit bumpy, as it was raining really hard and parts of the road were flooded. We stopped by Brocksbushes and met Chris' parents for some shopping at the Christmas market. Then we ventured out to Corbridge for some tea and shopping. It was such a nice weekend. Now the week has started back in Newcastle, and I am about to get ready for my last day of work before a little break until the 30th. Then I will only have 10 more days of work left till I go on maternity leave. Im so excited! Aunt Gloria is coming next week which should be nice... and then theres Thanksgiving...and before I know it, it will be December. I keep praying that the Lord will keep our little Olivia safe and sound within me, and bless me with a smooth delivery. I have a midwife appointment tomorrow, and Im hoping she will have the test results back from my diabetes test last week...which was not fun at all!

8 weeks to go!!

Today Lynne and I went on a nice long walk in the Jesmond Dene then out to lunch. Lynne is due in the next week with her baby girl, and I have 8 weeks left. We had such a nice time laughing, eating and walking. Its hard to believe that the next time we hang out we will have her little girl with us. I cant wait to meet baby Carr.

Fall Time

Here are some pictures of Chris and I taken in the Jesmond Dene on Sunday. We had so much fun, and laughed loads. I cant wait for our little Olivia to join our family!

The new Stroller

Last night Chris and I put together our new stroller. It was kinda complicated, but here it is with the diaper bag attached. We love it.

30 Weeks and counting

Time is flying by. I cant believe I am nearly 31 weeks pregnant. Baby Olivia Grace, the name we decided to call our precious little girl, is growing right on schedule. Her latest thing to do to pass the times is kick my ribs really hard on one side, and then punch and head butt me on the other. Although Chris finds this very amusing to feel, I am in complete pain! But only 9 weeks to go and we get to see our little girl. Im so excited.

A few weeks ago we went with our dear friends Ian and Rebecca Joy to York. We were able to visit Bettys, a really cute tea shop, and have afternoon tea ( a dream Ive had since living in England). It was a nice day, although my pregnant body was slowing everyone down, and by the end of the day I was tired.

Chris and I started our NCT, national childbirth trust, classes a few weeks ago. they are wonderful, and we really like them. There are 8 couples who attend the classes. so there is potential for some good friendships to develop out of them. Ive also been spending time with another pregnant friend, Jess Brown, who is due in 3 weeks, and Lynne Carr who is also due in 3 weeks. Jess and I had quite a fun time Christmas shopping at the Metro Centre last week... which included a long break sitting on the couches at Marks and Spencers with pretzels and percy pigs. What a site we must have been.

Im really enjoying being pregnant, but look forward to having our Olivia in December. God has truly blessed Chris and I with so many supportive friends! I am very excited to start Mums and Babies group and the other fun things having a baby brings. But until then, I will just have to deal with heart burn, and a kicking baby.

Vacation

Our vacation to California has come and gone, and now we are getting back into the swing of things in Newcastle. It seems like it went by too quickly; but both Chris and I feel relaxed and ready for the coming months. While in the States, I was able to enjoy a lovely baby shower hosted by my mom and sister, we went to San Diego with Jeanine, Nathaniel and the kids; and were able to spend our anniversary at Casa Laguna in Laguna Beach. The entire trip was really fun. Now we are on countdown till December. We cant wait till our little girl comes.

20 weeks!

Here is a picture of me at 20 weeks pregnant. We are slowly getting the nursery put together... which is sooo much fun. I love pink and am really enjoying looking at all the cute stuff there is for little girls. I ordered bedding from Target... the Shabby Chic Candy Patchwork set, complete with a canopy(my mom said I had to have it so she got it for baby parry). Anyways, then my mom saw a french toile design in pink, so we ordered that too. haha. So we will see which one is the cutest when we get to America at the end of this month. Chris and I are getting a bit carried away. Chris surprised me a few weeks ago with the cutest dressing table that is toddler size. I think she will enjoy brushing her hair at this...haha. Anyways, its been fun. We were able to see our little girl last week at our 20 week ultrasound. She was looking great, sucking her thumb and all. The dr said shes looking healthy, and the due date is officially set at December 28th. One day after my 30th birthday! Im so excited!

Its a girl!

(above: me at 17 weeks, taken yesterday before we found out the news)

We are very pleased to announced that we will be having a baby girl this December. Both Chris and I were very excited to find out...and very happy to see our little baby again yesterday at the ultrasound appointment. We cant wait to meet our little girl this December!

A Fun Day Out

Today Chris and I went to town to search for some much needed maternity clothes. I was able to get 2 dresses, which weren't maternity, but will fit my ever changing body. We then discovered an American 50s diner in Fenwicks. So we stopped for a afternoon snack, as we had already had lunch. It was fun having milkshakes, onion rings, and cheesy fries... complete with pickles (although they didn't taste like American pickles). We had such a fun time. Tomorrow we have our ultrasound to find out if we are having a boy or a girl. I'm super excited and cant wait!!!

Tea Time

On Saturday I catered for a womens day held at a local church. There were 35 women and it was to be a tea party. I was very excited for the chance to bring out my best china for the event. I baked carrot cake, chocolate fudge cake, and lemon drizzle cake. We had scones, jam and clotting cream. And of course tea. It was such a fun time. I am so thankful for Chris who helped me the entire day...I could have never done it without him.

Getting a Bump

(13 weeks)


(Nearly 15 weeks)

Here are a few pictures of me and the bump taken at 13 weeks, and then at nearly 15. Chris and I are getting really excited, and cant wait to start buying all the baby stuff. We find out in 2 weeks if we are having a boy or a girl. I cant wait to find out.

Changes

It is nearly 1 am, and I cannot sleep. I keep thinking about american food...haha. My tummy has been rumbeling, so I decided to get up, call my mom, and have some bread. Alot has happened over the past couple of weeks. We said a sad goodbye to Benjamin Bunny last weekend. We both knew we needed to find a new home for him since the baby was on the way. He had been acting out alot lately, mainly because I didnt have the energy or time to spend with him due to morning sickness. We also knew that once the baby was here, we would have to focus on the baby and not Benji. So, a very nice couple who already had a rabbit, Flopsy, adopted Benji. It was a very tearful goodbye (I actually cried for a few days, and felt very lonely in the house without Benji). Last Wedensday, we went to visit him in his new home. He was so happy with Flopsy, it actually brought tears to my eyes. His new home is perfect, and hes getting all the love and attention we havent been able to give him. We do miss Benji loads, but know we did the right thing.

Were Having a Baby

Chris and I are very excited to announce to the world that we are having a baby! Baby Parry is due at the end of December. We cant be happier! God has truly blessed us. So far we've seen the baby at 5, 6,7, 11, and 12 weeks... and already the baby is a cutey. We will find out on July 13th if its a boy or a girl... Very exciting!!!

Our New Set of Wheels

Today Chris and I went to our local Ford dealership and purchased a 2006 Ford Fusion. We did loads of research on this car, and found that it was going to be the best one for us. Atleast my clients will stop laughing at me everytime they have to walk around and let me out of the driver door ( the door broke a few weeks ago, and you have to either roll the window down and stick your hand out and open the door from the outside; or if the window is being tempermental as it often is, then someone has to walk over and let you out). Our current car also sounds like a motor boat, which has been repeatedly fixed with no avail. Anyways, the Fusion will be picked up on Tuesday and then we will drop off our old car. It will be sad parting with old blue, but his time has come. Hello Fusion.

Our New Home

Here are some pictures of our new home at the Verger Flat.

At the Hops

This weekend we were able to venture down to Chris and Jen Hopkinsons house in Sheffield. We always love a visit with them, as they are such dear sweet friends of ours. We arrived after a long battle with traffic, on Friday evening and was able to enjoy some of Jens incredible homemade lasagna. I always love Jens cooking, as I know its from local farmers and made with some of the best ingredients. Her cooking is an inspiration to me. On Saturday, we woke to Chris making amazing omelette's... I haven't had one so yummy in such a long time. We then all went to Bakewell, where Bakewell tarts come from, for a really neat farmers market. I actually have never seen on like it, and only wish I could find one similar in the North East. There was so many different types of locally produced cheese, meats and goodies. We bought some yummy cheese, buffalo burgers (yes, buffalo. There is a heard I believe in Derby? Anyways we couldn't resist), flour which was milled locally, and a smoked garlic bulb. We also got 3 tubs of homemade ice cream...oh my was that good! We all shared it back at the Hops later that afternoon after a nice nap and before a game of settlers. We had such a nice time... I cant wait till the next visit with them.

Our New Address

Just to let everyone know our new address...
It is:
Jesmond Parish Church
The Verger Flat
Eskdale Terrace
Jesmond
Newcastle Upon Tyn
NE2 4DJ
England

Our Rooftop Garden

After some hard work, Chris and I feel we have come to a point of truly appreciating our little rooftop Garden. Some people may laugh, but I find our secret garden quite relaxing and rewarding. We have planted some potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, herbs, blackberry's, roses, and other various flowering plants. It is complete with a swing, table and chairs and benches. Tonight after all the dishes were done, Chris and I slipped out onto our rooftop and had a nice cup of tea while swinging on the swing. I love being there, as it is so peaceful. The view of the stain glass windows of the church is priceless. We love our new home at Jesmond Parish Church.

Bye Bye 95 Stamfordham Road, Hello Jesmond Parish

We have moved!!!I can hardly believe how fast time has flown, and how little I have written. But Chris, Benji and I have moved from our little flat in Fenham, and into Jesmond Parish Church... Well sort of. Chris has taken the verger post at the church, which is sort of a care taker. While Benji and I will assist him. In exchange , we are able to live in a flat on top of the church roof. It is very nice and peaceful, and we thank God every day for His blessings. We see what a great ministry the Lord has given our family, and hope we do it to the best of our ability. I will post some pictures of the flat as soon as I can. Things have been a bit hectic getting 95 Stamfordham road ready for the girls , Amy and Claire, who moved in nearly 2 weeks ago. I know it will be in good hands. Things are now beginning to feel like home at the church flat... we had our first dinner guests over tonight. Besides a bit of smell from the new oven... things ran smoothly. We are ready for some visitors now!

Be My Valentine

This Valentines Day was the best ever. It began on Friday the 13th. Chris had told me he had everything planned for the 14th, so I surprised him with a lovely 3 course meal from Marks and Spencers. It was lovely, and because it was pre-made, wasn't too much work so we were both able to enjoy the evening with little to clean up afterwards. The next morning we had to wake up early. So, I made some yummy lattes and bagels...we exchanged gifts and then we were off. Chris told me then we were going to the Scottish border to ride some horses on a farm. It was beautiful. The scenery was breathtaking. I was on Larry and Chris was on Sally. We had such a fun time. Afterwards, Chris had packed a lunch. So we pulled off the road on the way back home, and ate our yummy picnic. Because I was sore from the ride, we decided to rest abit before our next outing. Around 5:30, Chris told me to start getting dressed up as a taxi would be at ours at 6:30 to take us to our destination. After a few photos, the cab arrived, and took us to the Fishermans Lodge in Jesmond Dene. It was incredible. Officially it was a 5 course meal, however, there were 2 more courses included. I felt like a princess, with my prince. The food was superb. Ive never had a sorbet as a pallet cleanser before. I would definitely recommend the restaurant to anyone who wants a fine dining experience. This years Valentines Day was the best ever. I love Chris so much and am thankful for him and his thoughtfulness.

To the country

After a visit from the Hopkinsons, Chris and I headed down to Patrick Brunton, which is near Richmond, to a 5 star bed a breakfast. We had received a buy one get one free night away from Tropicanna Orange juice and needed to use it by March. so we chose the Mill Close Farm. It was beautiful, with a 4 poster bed, spa bath, and lovely breakfast in the morning. When we arrived, the B&B owner offered us some amazing cake and tea. We then went to the Friars Head, a restaurant built in an old priory for dinner. It was incredible! The next day, the breakfast was complete with freshly made croissants. We went on a nice walk in the country side, relaxed then went back to the Friars head for Sunday lunch. The desert was the best part...so I had to add a picture. We were both sad to leave the farm. I definitely would recommend a visit to the Mill Close Farm to anyone wanting a relaxing couple of days away.

The Juice Joint

Last night some of our friends gathered with to celebrate Chris' 26th birthday. This year we decided to do something different. We had a murder mystery party called Murder at the Juice Joint. It was a 1920s theme, which Chris loved because he got to dress up as a mob boss. Everyone had a great time, with loads of yummy food (Baked ziti and 4 cheese lasagna- thank you Martha Stewart), great acting, and unique costumes. We will definitely do a murder mystery again.