Introducing Baby Winterstein...

Ryan and I went for a sonogram on Tuesday. It was so much fun. Our little baby is a wiggler, he/she wouldn't stay still through most of it! The sono tech could tell what the sex is, but we held out. And yes, it was difficult.

I am feeling the baby move on a regular basis now. I first felt it on 9/9, but I wasn't positive it was really the baby until later in the week. Now though, it is unmistakable. It always catches me off guard and I usually take a quick breath of suprise. It is most enjoyable, because now I feel like we can communicate on some level. It just makes it all seem so real. I am now 19 weeks, almost at the halfway point.

Ryan The Handyman

We removed the island that Ryan is standing behind
Demolition Man! We took out the old fireplace and brick.

Ryan's masterpiece: the bathroom tile.

Watch your fingers!

The new fireplace.

At bottom of steps looking at my new laundry room.

This pic shows off the recessed lighting we put in

throughout the basement.

As many of you know, Ryan and I have been fixing up our house since spring of '06. We started with the kitchen last summer, and as if that wasn't enough fun, we proceeded to gut and redo the basement this past spring. I am very proud of Ryan, he has done an excellent job and he continues to add to his skills. He has learned so much in the past 2-3 years.

Happy Anniversary!

Sunday was our two year anniversary. We celebrated by doing another day trip. After dropping off Kristi at BWI for her vacation, we headed over to the Eastern Shore. We stopped in Chestertown, did some window shopping, then headed north on 213 towards Chesapeake City. On the way, we stopped by hunting property that is owned by the state. It is located on the beautiful Sassafrass River. Ryan has his name in to possibly hunt it this year (they draw names by lottery). We did a little hike and I saw a wild male turkey! In Chesapeake City we had dinner at The Chesapeake Inn on the banks of the C&D canal. The food and atmosphere was excellent.

Well two years have past and I can honestly say that we are more happy today than the day we married. We have so much fun together and have many things to look forward to. I am truly grateful for our life together.



Here are a few pics from Sunday:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12491359@N08/sets/72157601940076570/

The Beat Goes On...

On Tuesday I had my four month checkup. Ryan came along this time. It's a quick in-and-out process, the doc measures the height of my uterus and listens to the heartbeat via doppler. I tell you, it is so thrilling to hear that sound. Proof of our "new little life". Last appointment the doc had to search for the sound, but this time, you could hear it right away! And it was loud!

After the appointment, Ryan and I went to Ethan Allen and ordered new furniture for our living room. The sofa and chair currently in the room will go downstairs to "The Lodge".

So back-tracking to last weekend...
On Saturday, most of the McClain's went to Southern MD for Elme's babyshower. It was co-ed, the guys hung outside while the ladies ooed and ahhed over baby stuff. The Schmale family are a talented group. Many of the gifts were handmade: quilts, knitted blankets, and of course, Uncle Bruce's beautiful crib. It was a great shower.
By 6:30pm, Mom, Dad, Grandma Ru, Ryan and I were on the road for Wintergreen.

Wintergreen was very relaxing and got me in the mood for fall. The temp was average low 70's and the sun was always shining. The house we stayed in had a "ski-out". The ground level had a room to put on skis, then you just hopped out the door onto the slope. On Sunday Dad, Marnell and Ryan played a round of golf while us women went to a wine and craft festival. On Monday, Marnell, Amy, Ryan and I went on a daytrip to Luray. We tour the caverns and came home via Skyline Drive. Beautiful scenery, and great tunes, thanks to Marnell's ipod. (he has an awesome music collection) We saw lots of wildlife, including a coyote. That evening we met the elders in Crozet at a Mexican Restaurant for dinner. Back at the house, we played cards and Dad made everyone dessert (choice of root beer float or apple pie).
Ryan and I headed home Tuesday morning after a classic "Mickey Breakfast".


Click below for a few pics from our weekend.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12491359@N08/show/