Christmas 2008!

Mom and Dad have Baby Dunn's stocking holder all ready to go. . . next year!

Mom, Dad, Ryan and I . . . waiting and hoping for Baby Dunn's healthy arrival!

My new "mom" lounge outfit that Ryan picked out for me!

Ryan and his new "uniform" his vest!

Christmas Eve at Auntie Linda's and Uncle Mike's!

The whole Dunn, Delagnes, Muzzy, Talbott and Fathy crew!

Our cute Christmas Tree!

We had a great Christmas as we celebrated with both families. We spent Christmas Eve with Ryan's family (we switch off each year!) and Christmas morning with just the two of us and the Christmas day with my family. It was a wonderful year full of anticipation for Baby Dunn's arrival (no news yet!) and time spent together. Ryan and I truly enjoy our tradition of spending Christmas morning together, just us. We started a new tradition this year where we give each other an ornament that symbolizes the past year. We thought this might be a good thing to start when we decorated our tree and realized we have lots of bulbs but not many symbolic ornaments. It was one of my favorite presents this year as Ryan gave me a red airplane. I said to him as I opened it "where are we going?" and he said "baby Dunn is our next adventure we will be embarking on" and it was so fitting. I gave Ryan an ornament with a husband and wife snowmen and the wife is prego with an arrow pointing to her belly that says "baby" and the year 2008 on it. He seemed to like it as well!

One of my favorite perks!

As many of you may know Google has some fabulous perks, from free food to massages to workout gyms to 24/7 tech support. One of my most recent favorite perks has been the "Expectant Mother Parking" that is noted in this photo and located in the front of each building. As I finished up my last day in Mountain View on December 19th I took this photo as I parked in this spot for the last time before Baby Dunn arrives. The parking spot has been fun to use over the past few months and my team always enjoys when I ride along with them to another cafe for lunch or building for a meeting and we get to utilize this parking spot! I don't drive often but when I do, there is nothing better than pulling into this spot. I just wish all parking lots had these special spots for "expectant mothers" or "families"!

Getting Ready!

We got our Christmas Tree last week and I was so excited because it was the first year that we didn't get a "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree. It's about 6 feet and really perfect in our new living room.

We've hit the 36 week mark!!! We now go to the doctor every week and check the progress of baby Dunn. We had an ultra sound last week (I'll have to post another pic of that!) and we are measuring about 6 lbs (give or take a few ounces). It was so exciting to see and hear (love that heartbeat sound!) our little one. We could even see that the baby has hair on it's head, crazy what we learn with technology!!! We are 1 cm. dialated and 50% effanced but Dr. Green (our doctor who also delivered Madison, Jack and Chloe!) thinks that we are right on track for January. We'll keep you posted. Don't forget to fill in the "Do you think Baby Dunn is a boy or girl?" survey to the right on the blog.

Thanksgiving 2009

We celebrated Turkey day this year beginning with the Dunns over at our house for breakfast. We loved sharing some time with them before they hosted 12 people at their house and before we headed to Danville to celebrate with my family. We had a very relaxing time at Rancho Relaxo (the nickname for my parents house) and I even got the special lounge chair where I could elevate my feet and be super comfy since I was prego. My Dad did all the cooking from scratch and did an amazing job. My Mom does a fantastic job of setting the table and making sure the grandkids are entertained and that everyone has a bed to sleep in. Dinner lasted a whole 15 minutes with all the little ones and such. We missed the Fishers as they were visiting John's mom and step dad in South Carolina. We managed to squeeze in the most important part of Thanksgiving dinner which is when we all share what we are thankful for. . . this year I am so thankful for the gift of life that we have created, we are so blesssed and excited to meet this little one. We have so much to be thankful for . . . our faith, our lives, our health, our families, our friends, our homes, our jobs and the love that we share. Thanksgiving is a great time to share your gratitude, it's one of my favorite holidays!

Baby Shower #2

I'm a little late in posting these pics as this was the shower given for me on November 6th by my Mom's dear friends in Danville. It included famliy and family friends. My mom's friends, Margi, Janet, Mary Claire and Caren all hosted the shower for me and they had so many wonderful details. The food was delicous and the company was even better. I received so many generous gifts to be prepared for Baby Dunn so I think we are all set! Enjoy these pics and the link to the slideshow. My nieces even got to come hang out a the "ladies" shower while Jack (my nephew) got some "guy time" with my Dad and brothers in law.

The great grandmas!

Alice Fathy (Ryan's maternal grandmother) and Laura (Ryan's Mom)

My mom, grandma to be times 6!!!

My sisters, Ei, Liz, and Jen with Mom and Great Aunt Bethy. Mia got in too and Madison must have been playing!

Fall birthdays!

This Fall has been busy with birthdays! We celebrated Jack Farrell's first birthday on October 29th. He had a joint birthday party with Sadie Eggert and you'll just have to read Lizzie's blog post about it to get the full effect of the 1 year old's party in the pouring rain. . . here's the http://farrellfamilyoffour.blogspot.com/ make sure you scroll down to "Birthday Party Switcharoo" posting. We then had Madison's third birthday on November 14th, see photos below of her gymnastics bash with 15 of her friends from pre-school.

It's hard to believe that Madison and Mia are already three years old as it seems like just yesterday we were in the hospitals with them or patiently waiting for their arrival. They are now both in pre-school and have the cutest personalities. Madison with her expressive hand gestures and stories and Mia with her thoughtful and kind gestures. They are only 12 days apart so on November 26th we celebrated Mia's 3rd birthday. I got to see both of them on their actual birthdays which was a special treat. Both girls were a little sick for their parties so their Mommy's were busy coming up with "plan B's" but it all worked out in the end and I know they had a great time. Here are a few recent pics!

Welcome Sawyer Delagnes Muzzy!

Ryan's cousin Claudine and her husband Mike had their 3rd child on Saturday November 15th. We were all so excited for the arrival of Muzzy #3 and couldn't wait to find out if it was a boy or girl. Mike comes from a long, strong genetic chain of males and Sawyer didn't break it, he was the 18th male born into the Muzzy family over many, many generations! He joins his brothers Jackson Ray and Hudson Leo, three boys!! Here are some cute pics of them. . . he has a full head of hair and weighed in at 7 lbs. 10 oz.

Claudine, Mike and Sawyer, just hours after giving birth!

Ryan and I meeting Sawyer for the first time!

We brought Sawyer a "Superman" onesie!

So cute!!

Red Tie Gala 2009

Some of you may remember that 2 years ago I was heavily involved with the Little Sisters of the Poor benefit Gala, the Red Tie Gala at Neiman Marcus. This year I wasn't as involved with the overall planning but still helped out in some capacity with volunteers and the raffle. We donned our black tie outfits on Friday November 7th and headed to Neiman Marcus to enjoy the food, drinks and great music. We then headed to the after party hosted by the Sangiacomos at the top of the St. Francis Hotel. I think this was my favorite part as we found a seat right away and I could rest my swollen feet! :) It's a great cause as the Little Sisters help the elderly poor who are sick and have no one to take care of them.

Emily and Ry

A little tired as this was at the end of the evening but so glad we supported this cause!

Ryan and his red bow tie and red socks to match!

Essential Reading

Ryan doing his "essential reading" . . . he wanted to add his comments to the blog!

Who knew that there were so many books to read prior to having a baby?! And each one has a different title that appears to make them essential reading. I mean, really, what "Expectant Father" is going to say he does not want the "Happiest Baby on the Block" and learn as much as he can "Week by Week" about "Our Amazing Newborn"? The sheer volume of material is somewhat overwhelming. However, we also get real, direct advice from those who know best - our parents. It is hysterical when we tell our parents we have a stroller, a jog stroller, and a snap-and-go stroller. I think their comment was "We had one umbrella stroller and you turned out fine." Kidding aside, we appreciate all their love and support. Only 8 weeks left to finish all these books!

31 weeks TODAY!

Well, we are growing. . . if you can't tell from the photos! I am feeling great and as today we mark 31 weeks. I feel blessed to be feeling good and I love feeling the baby move. The baby has some serious kicks, turns and pulses that I feel throughout the day. Ryan loves to feel the baby move and we often lay on the couch just waiting for baby to move while starring in amazement at this miracle of life.

Truthfully, I'm feeling BIG! BUT my Mom tells me that I am not BIG I'm just pregnant which somehow makes me feel better. Let's be honest, no pregnant chick wants to be told she's "HUGE" or "BIG" just tell her she looks great and she's doing a fabulous job carrying this little one! For example, I was walking up the hill yesterday and saw this lady walking her dog she was all smiles (you do get lots of strangers just smiling at you when you are pregnant) and as we were approaching each other she said "how do you feel" and I said "oh good, thanks" and she said "well you're doing great and you look wonderful". . . wow, I was all smiles the whole way home! I will refrain from sharing with you all the crazy things people have said to me as there have been some ridiculous comments. Here's the lesson, when you see a pregnant gal just smile and tell her she looks great, that's all she wants to hear! AND thank you to all of you who are cheering us along!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Happy Halloween! This was our self timer photo of our Halloween night. . . don't we look festive! We had our good friends, Stephanie, Dennis, Jack, Anne, Julie and Chris over for some dinner and pumpkin carving. We never quite made it to the pumpkin carving but it was fun to catch up with everyone! Next Halloween, we'll be joining my sisters and their little ones (and Poppo and Grammy, my Dad takes the day off work to see the grandkids in their costumes!) on Chestnut Street with our little one all dressed up. . . can't wait!

Oh the places you'll go. . . Baby Dunn!

Last week, Ryan and I had a great 29 week check up with our Doctors (Dr. Musci (ultrasound dr.) Dr. Laurie Green (ob/gyn)) last week. We had another ultrasound to check the placement of the placenta (it was a little low last time they checked) and it has moved!!! This was great news as it reduced the chance of a scheduled c-section. The baby has grown and is weighing in at 3 lbs. 6 oz as of now. We were really surprised at the growth but felt blessed that everything was on track. The doctor asked us how much we both weighed at birth I thought he was kidding as I didn't think that mattered, BUT it does!! Ryan was delivered by c-section at a glorious 8 lbs. 9 oz and I was 2 and half weeks late (Mom and Dad had just moved to California from DC with my three sisters under the age of 3!) so I waited for them to settle in. . . arriving at 8 lbs. 13 oz. YIKES!!!! If these genetics matter we are looking to have a good 7-8 pounder! Regardless, we had a great visit at the doctors and felt so good about the growth of our baby. They now have ultrasound in 4D (it's so amazing we love the pics) so here is our little angel's leg and foot. . . oh the places you will go Baby Dunn! :)

Kid's Night Out. . . or was it Margaritaville?

KDO 2008!

In our family we have a tradition of not giving each other Christmas gifts but putting money into a pot and planning a night out together. Each year the planning duties rotates between couples, somehow the bar is always raised year after year. This year it was the Dunns turn to plan but everyone was busy after the first of the year with new babies (Jack and Chloe) and Eileen was prego with Reese. Once Eileen had Reese (in May), shortly after, we told everyone we were expecting Baby Dunn so we've basically postponed our KDO (kids day out) for many months now. Until, Jimmy Buffett came to town!



We all were able to go to his concert on a Tuesday night and we had a blast. We had great seats (thanks Mom!) and Baby Dunn enjoyed the concert too.

Love this pic!

I had the privileage of meeting Jimmy Buffett on Thursday as he made an appearance at Google (I'm on the authors@Google team!). He was awesome, super personable and invested in technology so Googlers and Parrotheads alike, loved him. Here is my favorite photo with him (this will definitely be Baby Dunn's photo album)! He wished me good luck with the Baby and I told him we'd bring up our baby listening to Jimmy Buffett tunes, he loved that!!!

Jamie and Bret's wedding!

Jamie and Bret's chair dance!

On October 12th Jamie and Bret got married at the beautiful Old Federal Reserve building downtown SF. The Burnstein's (Jamie's family) grew up around the corner from the Dunns and they have been great family friends ever since. Ryan and Bret have gotten to be good friends as they are both in the biz of the law and love sports. It was a fabulous celebration and so much fun! Here are a few pics. . .

A beautiful black tie wedding, it was fun to dress up prego and I was actually comfortable.

Jesse and Emily

Jamie is an event planner as well so I had to take some photos of the details for her, it was stunning!!




The Dunns. . . Ryan always including baby Dunn (holding onto my belly!)

Baby Dunn's beautiful shower!

A few Sundays ago my sisters (Liz, Eileen and Jen), my sister in law (Emily), and my very best friend from high school (Megan) gave me the most beautiful baby shower. Jen hosted it at her house in Cole Valley (San Francisco) and it was just perfect. They decorated in blue and pink and even had baby pictures of Ryan and I! The invitations were adorable, the food was delicious, the decor was festive, and the company was the best. I felt so blessed to be surrounded by such good friends. I had friends fly and drive from near and far to make it, I was so appreciative of them. I had girlfriends there that I've known since 6th grade, to high school friends to college friends to City friends and family. It was wonderful! My Mom and Laura (Ryan's mom) were there to celebrate as well. I want to send a big thank you to my hostesses as it was the perfect shower, thank you!!! Baby Dunn is so lucky to have all of you to meet!

Baby Dunn's Nursery!

We are nesting!!! We ordered Baby Dunn's crib and changing table several weeks ago and got the phone call that it had arrived. So Ryan and I enlisted the help of our parent's vehicles and made our way to Lullaby Lane to pick up the furniture, what a project! We had an impromptu "putting the crib together" dinner at our house with my Mom, Dad, the Dunns, and the Fishers. John Fisher helped Ryan carry the changing table up the stairs and unpack it. Thank goodness it came assembled but that just made it extra heavy up the stairs. As you can tell from the photos there was lots of moral support for Ryan and Fish who were focused on putting piece A and bolt Z in the right places to make the crib safe and secure. After a few beers, a couple of hours we had a complete crib and changing table! Thanks Fish and Ryan!!! We love the "antique white" as it matches the molding in our house. Baby Dunn's room is certainly coming together and are getting used to having furniture in that room. More pics to come but enjoy the slide show!

Due in January!

My new favorites tee that Liz and Mark gave me, it says "due in January"! It's so comfy and tells people exactly when I'm due!

We are growing!

and growing!

We had a great 26 week check up at the doctor this past week. Ryan couldn't make it (court appearance) so I invited my Mom to join me. She got to hear the baby's heartbeat and it was quite a moment! Ryan wanted the full minute to minute update from the doctor's visit. We are right on track and doing well. I think this has been my biggest growth spurt yet. . . but I'm sure there is more to come. We now feel the baby move all the time and sometimes I feel the baby move just under my ribs and then near my hips at the same time which means the baby is getting bigger in size.