Here is a picture of me 27 weeks pregnant! I am bare foot in the picture, but that is just coincidence. Kitchen shown behind. :)

My sister asked me a couple of weeks ago “Do you sometimes wish you could just lay an egg?” After busting a gut laughing, I told her that the pregnancy has been really rewarding for me. Sure, I have had moments of being exhaused and cranky. But overall, being pregnant has been wonderful experience. I still feel great (although I am getting a little front heavy). I have a healthy appetite and have gained 18 pounds. Mom (and sometimes Dad) and I walk about three or four times a week and I have been getting plenty of fruits and vegatables. Overall, I have been extremely lucky and am very grateful

Mary Jane (Matt’s Mom) was having an absolute fit last week about not knowing whether I am having a boy or a girl. For me, I would highly recommend the suspense if you can stand it. After all, this is the last time in my life I will not know if my first child is a boy or a girl. LB kicks and I think “I wonder if that is my little boy or little girl”. And while it has made shopping for clothes a little harder, it is a neat reality to live in. Either way, I am just thrilled and have really grow into the whole idea of a new addition to the family. There’s really a baby coming! And in only three more months!!

Last week ProLaw accounced that they have been bought by WestLaw. I have to admit that this came as a pretty big shock to me, but the more I learn about it the better it sounds. Basically, we have the same company we had before with more cash flow to make things work. My job stays exactly like it is now – I can work from home and still do what I am best at. Also, we don’t have to switch health insurance until the new year so I can keep the doctor and hospital that I am already working with. Honestly, from Chicago things look pretty much the same which I think is the whole point. We also had our stock bought out – just in time to go shopping for the baby! All in all it looks like a pretty good deal for everyone. I’ll keep you updated as things progress.

August was a big month for me – I was busy every weekend and the time just flew by! Aug 5th I went to the Lake County Folk festival and had a great time listening to music all day and sampling the “local” cuisine – like pizza and ice cream. The weekend of August 10th my family flew to Knoxville to watch Dr. Alli finally graduate with her PhD. Hooray! I tell you, I was just bursting with pride. My little sister the doctor!!! The weekend after Alli had a graduation party at Mom and Dad’s house. We also celebrated Sheila’s 33rd birthday in style - it's not every day that you turn a third of a century old!! I also discovered one of the "hidden" perks of living at home – because all the parties are here, I get firsties on all the leftover ice cream cake and other assorted goodies! WhooHoo! I spent a long weekend last weekend in Portland, OR visiting the Steins (you know, Jeri and Jason!). They are such happy little lovebirds! It was great to see them. Jason left for Canada very early on Saturday and Jeri and I headed for the beach. It was my very first trip to the Pacific Ocean (Cannon Beach) and we had the best time watching the babies and dogs play. It would be a very fun little town to rent a cottage in during the summer - I'll have to add that to my "list of things to do before I die" list.

I spent Labor Day weekend in Detroit visiting my granddad, aunt and cousins. We always have the best time… My next big adventure (and last before the baby comes) is a two week excursion to Albuquerque 9/27 to 10/14. I hope to see some of you then.

Until next time, be well and live BIG!