Aloha!

We're back, back to the rain:( However, we had a SPECTACULAR time in Maui!!!!! We had perfect weather, sunny and about 85 everyday! We played in the sand and sun, saw so many beautiful things, and were pampered...what's not to like:) We had such a great time we're already planning our return trip next summer!

The Four Seasons was, by far, the most amazing place we've ever stayed. The resort was beautiful, someone there at ever turn to make sure we had what we needed (and even things we didn't know we did). We were greeted with leis and a personal little pineapple upside down cake. They also brought a dessert sampler as a parting gift. These two items alone, to a pregnant woman, we're absolute heaven! We sipped Chi-chis by the pool and I even talked Matt into a couples massage! It was pure bliss!

We did venture out of the resort too! We had a chance to see almost all of the island! We spent a few days up north in Lahaina and Ka'anapoli, went out on a snorkeling tour and drove the road to Hana. Maui is just an amazing place and we constantly found ourselves in awe of it's beauty! The road to Hana offered so many amazing sites, we couldn't stop to see them all! The end of that trip was our favorite place on the island, the seven sacred pools. One of the most beautiful places I've ever been!

I think Pistachio enjoyed himself as well! This is probably the easiest vacation we'll have with him:) We are excited to add some of the belly pics to his baby album for his first vacation! We can hardly believe he'll be here in just about three months! So so EXCITED!!!!!!! Mom is still feeling pretty good, a little heartburn, but nothing compared to last time. Fingers crossed!!

So we definitely had a blast and are grateful to have finally had our honeymoon! We are glad to be back home and excited to start our summer (??). Hopefully the sun makes its appearance here soon!

Happy Mother's Day!

What a fabulous weekend we had! My parents and Alex were in town for the weekend and so were my grandparents. We were able to have a great Mother's Day brunch on Sunday with everyone, including Susan, Michael, Ashley and Griffin (Blair had to work). It was absolutely delicious! It was so great to spend time with the BEST moms we know!! And of course my heart ached for Hannah, but it was also full of hope and anticipation for Pistachio and all of the Mother's Days I'll be able to spend with him.

We also celebrated Griffin's 2nd birthday on Saturday. It's almost impossible to believe he's 2 already! He had a great time, was a little overwhelmed with all the gifts, but was very excited about each one. Ashley and Blair did such a great job with the decorations, a Cars theme complete with a race way into the house and a re-fueling station (the food). Ashley and I also made a car cake, which was a little nerve racking, but ended up turning out great in the end!

We are continually moving into the new office. We've got the basics set up and are figuring out what else we may need. We are all really enjoying having the space and are feeling very productive:)

For those of you who haven't heard, Matt and I are finally taking our honeymoon!! We leave for Hawaii a week from tomorrow. We'll spend 10 days on Maui soaking up the sun, sand and surf!! I cannot wait, although we had a nice weekend, the rain is back in Portland and I'm really looking forward to 10 days of uninterrupted sunshine (I hope!).

Pistachio is more and more active each day! I feel him moving throughout the day and night, which I LOVE!! Matt was also able to feel him for the first time last week, which was exciting. His closet is starting to fill up and we've decided on a theme for the nursery.

For now, Aloha!

Half Way!!!

We are officially half way there, a little more for us since Pistachio will most likely be born before his due date! Yeah!!!

We had a doctor's appointment last Friday. We heard Pistachio's little heart beating away, that's always such a sweet sound:) We talked with Dr. Hatfield about delivery and she thinks our best option will be to do an amnio at 37 weeks to check his lung development. If they are developed, we'll go for it!We are really lucky to have such a great doctor! She is very thorough, comforting and reassuring, always taking the time to answer all of our questions, no matter how small or ridiculous!

We had quite a busy week/weekend last week! Michael, Matt's brother, turned 30 and we helped him celebrate. Kelly, Matt's cousin came in with her family from California for the event and we had a great time with everyone!

Pistachio and I are headed to Columbus, OH tomorrow for a writers convention. We are looking forward to learning a lot:) Pistachio is becoming quite the traveler! First, a trip to Chicago, now Columbus. At this rate, by the time he's born, he'll be quite the experienced traveler. Matt and Magnus will stay here to hold down the fort.

We also have some exciting news on the work front, Matt found us an office! We are all very excited to have a "home base." No more moving books from here to there and back again. It will be great to have one location for everything!

We'll be sure to share all of our adventures in Columbus with everyone next week!

May Flowers??

Is May really just around the corner?? I can hardly believe it! The temperature is on the rise and the sun visits more and more frequently and I am SO SO ready for it!! I'm really trying to stay active and it's always easier when the weather cooperates!

Mom and Pistachio are feeling great! He is now the size of a large tomato and he seems to be just as active as Hannah was. It's hard to believe we're rounding the halfway mark. We are so excited to meet this little guy! We've begun looking for decorations for the nursery and other "necessities." I'm always on the lookout for cute little boy items:)

We were fortunate to have a glimpse into our future last night, Griffin stayed the night with us. He's such a joy to be around, a happy boy! We love having him whenever we can. He now says Niki and we're working on Uncle Matt. We were fortunate to have a play-date with one of my best friends and her kids today. Jack is about six months older than Griffin and they had a blast together!

That's all from the Crose's for now!

It's a BOY!!!!!!!!!

Today we had our anatomy scan and this little one, just like Hannah, wanted to make sure we knew right from the start he was a boy! We are both very excited to have a little boy and know he will add so much to our lives. I, of course, am doubly excited to redo the nursery and have an excuse to go crazy buying baby clothes! This little guy seems to be as active as Hannah was, although I'm not feeling him on a regular basis yet. The doc said he looks great and is growing just as he should be. All very good news!

Pistachio and I had a fabulous time visiting Laurie in Chicago! And man, when they say windy city, they mean it!! The weather was amazing, though. Sunny and between 70 and 80 degrees! I think I may have the start of a tan! Laurie showed me all around the city, we ate some delicious food, and even made it to a blues club! I also had a great time just catching up and am looking forward to visiting again.

Matt and Magnus survived without me, and amazingly, so did the house (ha ha!). They had a relaxing weekend together and I think were both glad to have me home:) Matt, the thoughtful husband he is, greeted me at the airport with a bunch of beautiful flowers and I came home to a house that was spotless! He knows me well!

We are anxiously awaiting the return of the sunshine here in Portland. We hope this finds everyone in good spirits and we look forward to seeing all of you sometime this summer!

xoxo

Happy Birthday Hannah Avery!

Today Hannah would be one year old. This was a difficult day, but made easier with all the wonderful cards, flowers, phone calls and well wishes from the best set of family and friends anyone could ask for! We love and appreciate you all so much. It means the world that Hannah is loved and remembered by you all.

Matt and I spent the day together with our memories of Hannah. It always makes me feel closer to her to talk about her. It was a very peaceful day. We baked a cake for her, just like we would have if she were here.

The last year has been the most difficult of our lives. Some days it's still so hard to believe she isn't here with us. I often imagine her as she would be now, running around the house in her pigtails and looking up at me with what I'm sure were beautiful brown eyes. I also think of what a great big sister she would be. I am so grateful for Matt. He has really been my rock this year and has given me the strength and courage to move forward.

Alex wrote a poem that really touched us, and we would like to share it with all of you.

My Guardian Angel
You passed before we got to hold your precious hand,
Or look into your beautiful eyes,
Or see your smile.
You were taken away,
And we don't know why.
We don't think it's fair.
But in reality life isn't fair.
No one can ever take your place,
Or have the place in our heart the way you did.
I just want you to know I loved you,
I always will, forever.
Everyday I think about you.
I think what if,
But I just hope you're in a better place now.
I'm glad you didn't have to suffer.
I know you are my angel now.
And you will always be with me.
I love you Hannah.

We are very hopeful for all the things this year has to hold for us. We absolutely cannot wait to meet Pistachio! We are moving forward but are taking Hannah with us. We carry her in our hearts and are so thankful we had the nine months with her that we did. Mommy and Daddy love you, sweet Hannah bear!

Spring

Do I dare say spring is here?! It sure has seemed like it around here the last few weeks. We've really been trying to take advantage of it too! Matt's been golfing and I've been doing a little work in the yard and of course walking. We also take advantage every Monday and head to the park with Griffin, which he absolutely LOVES!!

I can hardly believe we are almost into the 16th week of this pregnancy! But as you can see, my belly definitely knows! Don't get me wrong, I'm happy it's moving along so quickly and smoothly. Pistachio is now the size of an apple and I can hardly wait until I can feel her/him move, which should be happening in the next few weeks.

We are looking forward to a weekend with my family, we always have a blast! Matt spent last weekend at a guys/golf/casino 30th birthday for our close friend Dave. I opted out of that one! But the first weekend in April I will be heading to Chicago to visit one of my best friends, Laurie! I am really looking forward to it, although I am a little worried about flying all alone!

We are happy to report that all four (can't forget Mags) of us are doing very well! Let's hope this weather continues!

xoxo