Sami's New Specs

Sami and I had been looking for awhile for new spectacles to replace his older, very scratched, always dirty black rimmed frames. We looked with no luck. Most of what they sell in the shops all look a bit ladylike. So, on our last day in Helsinki, we were commenting on how everyone had such stylish frames. So, in the design district, we popped into a shop and began to droll over all the cool frames available. We decided to take the plunge an purchase not just one pair but two, to take back with us to the States. I told Sami he might as well have 2 that he loved since he wears them everyday of his life. Ya'l know I would have a frame in every color if I had to wear them. Unfortunaty, we did not realize that purchasing 2 frames would mean also paying for 2 of Sami's crazy expensive prescription lenses back in the sates. He needed a very thick frame, the no-glare feature, and the feature that makes the glasses thinner so he doesn't look like he has giant monster eyeballs. So, we had to space getting the prescription so we couls actually afford it. But, alas, he now has two cool specs to choose from. (or to be more realistic, I can choose from)

Baby's 1st Outfit

Here is a little preview of the baby's first outfit. It is 100% organic, of course. Since I recently saw all of the outfits me and my sisters came home from the hospital in, I decided I wanted something special for our baby as well. Hopefully she will not immediately puke or poo on it and actually make it home in the adorable ensemble.

The Garden Loved the Rain

It finally rained after about a month of dry humid weather. The garden really loved it.
The view from the driveway.
Here is a well neglected, overgrown with grass, flower garden that runs along the length of the driveway. That's what happens when you combine pregnancy, hot weather, and 6 acres to keep up with. Maybe I'll get around to it next year.

Sunflowers, zinnias, and nasturtiums.
Attack of the killer squash!

Third Trimester has Begun

Well friends, I am now 28 weeks preggers! Seems like I have been pregnant FOREVER. But I guess that is probably normal since I found out so very early (3 weeks after conception). So, we are in for the home stretch. Three more months of just Sami and I in the Butler Grover family. We are doing our best to really spend some quality time together and appreciate each other as we are now, before we become parents. So far so good. I have to say again, that Sami has been such a rock during the last 7 months. He has been so loving, helpful, and supportive. I know he will carry on these qualities into fatherhood.

Here I am at 7 months preggo. I have gained about 14 pound so far, which I feel pretty good about. If I gain the reccommended 1 # per week from now on, I will have gained 24 pounds total. Not bad considering the reccommended weight gain for pregnancy is 25-35 pounds. (sorry my RD skills are kicking in) Lilia is about 2 pounds in that belly and growing every day.

Trip to Indy

Here are some shots of our recent trip to Indianapolis. Baby shower pics will be coming soon.
Lala and I took Marmi out for a belated Mother's Day lunch at Cafe Patachou. We also hit up several baby stores while we were out. I might have made just a couple of purchases. hehe
We headed to Amanda and Stefan's house on Friday night, July 3rd to hang out with them and Jenny and JP. JP and Sami were super best buds on this evening! Hilarious.
Girlfriends. Amanda, me, and Jenny.
JP looking very Miami Vice.
Stefan spun for us this night. So many great tunes, he is one talented DJ. Here is Sami idolizing him and his amazing abilities.

Lala's Latest

Here is Laura's latest addition to her permanent body art. A tomato slice (kinda looks like a kiwi to me). Her favorite veggie is tomato, so the tattoo is a tribute.

Chickens love the Compost

Our compost piles are looking good these days. Special thanks to the chickens who keep it moving and keep it filled with poo.

Bathroom Tile is Done!!!

Thanks to Ryan and Sami, the downstairs bathroom tile floor is finished. They both did a great job! It is lovely, peaceful, and clean. Now, we just have to replace the gold fixtures and I might paint the walls, but haven't decided yet. I'll put that at the bottom of our 2 page list. :)

1979 Flashback

Here are some baby clothes (a very small portion on the giant black trashbag my mom gave us) that I wore back in the day. Will our baby be retro or what!

More Finland pics....thanks Tommi

Some more Finland Pics

Helsinki Market
Tommi
Tommi and Jenni
Lovely lake and sunset
Sami