Count down to a Moose Free Zone!

We are getting ready to head back east. We have been counting this down for some months now. I am not sure what we miss more friends, family, dunkin donuts or living in a blue state. :) Here are a few pictures from the day to day happenings. A few moose got into our neighbors yard, we got a lot of snow, so much so that Matt had to shovel the deck because it was leaking through the garage... out the electrical socket! Matt got us a night at Alyeska for our one year anniversary and then we went snowshoeing. Oh and Brandy has been a baking mad woman lately while Matt has started brewing some more!

4 months!

Today we are four months pregnant! Brandy finally decided to retire the heals and embrace maternity wear. Matt says his pants are a little tight and he left home with a button undone yesterday :) People who we didnt tell are noticing that i am pregnant and others seem to be a little more kind. So far I am loving being pregnant! We went to the Coast Guard Holiday party on Thursday, brought a jar full of m&ms and left with lotions... sigh. You cant win them all! We have been more social the last few weeks, it is really helping us get through the 5 hours of daylight in AK and single digit weather. We have so much to be thankful for right now that the daylight and weather isnt really phasing us! Loving life!!!! Missing our family! We cant wait to be in New England in a couple of weeks!

We have registered

Honestly, this was a bit strange for us... asking people to buy things for our family. We did most of the shopping on line and the rest we picked out in-store. It is really more of a wish list and a to-do list for us to keep in mind. Please no pressure! We loved going into the store... babies are so tiny and need so much! We have a lot to learn. I cant wait!

If you go to Babysrus.com and then "find a registry" We are the only Richards in Anchorage, AK

You can also go into the store to find us.

The first of many!

We celebrated our first wedding anniversary this weekend by visiting Alyeska Ski Resort (off season of course!). We had room service and watched a movie (okay by the time we got there it was late and I was tired!). The next day we went hiking in the snow with our poles to Crow Creek pass, we did this hike in the fall, wow did it look different covered in over a foot of snow! We had lunch at this great place Chair 5 and then came home to finish up our chores. :) Today is our actual anniversary so after work we went and volunteered giving out Thanksgiving food boxes at the Lutheran church. I dont think I could have felt more in love with a man than seeing him help people put together a food box to carry home. Just when I thought it couldnt get better, we received cards from our family members today and many phone calls and messages. We feel very loved and are extremely thankful!

A little thing that brings a big smile

Well sure, there are the obvious things... we are going to be parents, my husband is super supportive and helpful, my growing amazing family and dear friends... but at the gym lately I have a new smile maker.

If you didnt know, I love to run. It is a stress releaver and it gives me time to clear my head. I have slowed the pace and mileage down since learning we were expecting. I am keeping a 9 minute mile with water breaks in between miles. I make Matt run at least the last mile with me, boy does he not like cardio!

So.... my new secret smile maker... passing military guys (or even better, lapping them) on the track! I am starting to show now and wonder what they are thinking when they see this pregnant lady passing them on the track! I hope to be wobbling around track up till I deliver. People tell me I will not be interested, we will see!

Dont worry Nervous Nellies! I have spoke to the doctor and she has cleared me for running, no marathons but a couple of miles around the track is okay!

First baby pictures!

These are from 11 weeks and 6 days. See the one where baby is saluting? Already knows respect :) Next appointment is December 8th for the 16 week u/s.

Three months and some elastic wasteband pants (for her)

Week 12, at the end of this week the first trimester will be over! We went to the doctor's this week and saw the baby's heartbeat for the first time. A strong 167 beats per minute. The little one was saluting us the entire time. Too cute! We will try to get the sonograms up as soon as we get them scanned. Mama Richards is down to her last pair of fat jeans. Elastic wasteband is in our future!

TWO MONTHS PREGNANT!

We are going to be parents!

The secret is out, we are currently twelve weeks pregnant! We will try to document the next six months as often as we can. Here are the previous three! Feel free to comment on our status, just watch the belly comments :)

Here we are NOT PREGNANT!

Ghostcakes

Cupcakes for my co-workers. I wish Matt were here to share them too! One more week!

A Pumpkin Massacre

A lazy Sunday turned into spotting this ugly scene! Imagine my suprise... in my own living room. The little pumpkin didn't stand a chance! Now its time to get ready for the holiday season! Cards, ornaments and cookies!

Where oh where is the Mr.?

Three weeks is an eternity when it means waiting for your man to get back from SARS training in Virginia. I have managed to catch up on some excellent reading (100 Years of Solitude), crafting, chatting and enjoying the 30 degree weather here in Anchorage. He will be back on November 6th. Matt says that although he is learning a lot the base is less than desirable. I did manage to find some awesome non-sweatshop clothing in Anchorage. Yay! Now all I have to do is avoid the Halloween candy I bought today.