Marisa dancing

I'd like to say I influenced her in these dance moves but dancing is not my strong suit even though I love it. She's been dancing around recently with all sorts of moves that I haven't a clue where she learned them. This is one of them. Enjoy!

Midwife

One of the first things that came to mind when I found out I was pregnant, was that I needed to find a midwife. I had great experiences with my midwife in both of my births and although both births were not without complication or unexpected events, I felt confident that my midwife not only supported my opinions but advocated for me every step of the way. Because of my history with complications during Elena's birth, I felt it was important to deliver at hospital and with a midwife again.

As it turns out there is only one hospital in all of central Texas that allows midwives to assist in births, thankfully that place is here in Austin. It took a little research to find out about it and it is in north Austin (we are south), but I am thrilled to have found a place with a birthing approach that coincides with mine. What relief and peace it brings me this early in pregnancy to know my opinions will be valued.

Almost home

After seven full days without the girls we missed them dearly and were ready to make the drive south to pick them up at Grandma's. Our flight from Denver arrived in San Antonio and we headed to Brownsville upon arrival. We stayed the night and managed a quick trip to South Padre Island only 20 minutes from Omar's mom house. It made me wish we actually lived that close to the beach.










Another belly shot--16 weeks


I purchased these pretty lollipops at Hammonds Candy factory in Denver. It was a great distraction for the 7 hour ride home to Austin.

Colorado

Mt. Evans, Idaho Springs, CO

We're back! We enjoyed a nice long stay in CO. Omar had a conference in Denver and we arrived a few days early to have a vacation with some of his cowokers in Vail. I shopped a little, explored a little, dined a lot! (my favorite pastime these days) and just relaxed. I tried to bike ride through the village with Omar, but the elevation, hills, and pregnancy got me winded pretty quickly. After that I decided to take it easy while the rest of the crew went mountain biking and white water rafting. No fair! Nonetheless, I enjoyed beautiful views, admired nature, and just rested.

The best part of the trip was the detour we took on our way back to Denver. We headed to Mount Evans which has the highest paved road in North America. The views were absolutely breathtaking but not without a cost. I am afraid of heights and was terrified for half of the ride up. There were drop offs with no guard rails for miles below. The higher we got the closer we got to the clouds, and I literally felt as though we were in the sky. Sometimes I really didn't even look below me if I knew I could see straight down. It was totally worth it though and do highly recommend it. Once at the top it was just amazing and I wasn't as afraid on the drive back down. LOTS of pictures below.


VAIL

From the hotel balcony
One of the villages where I shopped. :) while Omar rafted

A view from Lionshead Village, the village we stayed in.
On a gondola to Vail Mountain
On Vail Mountain
View of Vail Mountain
A creek in Vail village


MOUNT EVANS



A lake half way up the mountain
You can see for miles
Goats and a view
A mama goat and her baby

When we were on top of Vail Mountain the white on the mountains looked tan. I didn't believe it was snow until we got to the top of this mountain and realized it was really snow!
View of the cars below us
Cars headed up the mountain
Can you see why I was scared?
Cars headed to the summit. See the dome?
I'm on top of the world
look closely for the hikers headed to the summit
The "almost" Summit. The real summit is 1/4 mile hike higher. See pick above.
View from the summit

DENVER

An enormous blue bear looking into the convention center where Omar had his conference. I thought of the girls here and how they would enjoy seeing a giant blue bear.

Omar's company held a function at a restaurant and had these as center pieces. I thought it was cute.
One night on the way to dinner we ran into this group of girls. It was a bachelorette celebration for the girl in green who was dressed as a nurse because she was studying to be a midwife. Her friends pretended to be pregnant with balloons under their shirts. I thought it was funny and thought it would be fun to pose with them.
And at only 16 weeks along I'm already showing.

4th of July

We spent most of the 4th outside in the backyard. Omar grilled, the girls played in the pool, ate at will, and I relaxed. What more could I ask for?

The following day we got a surprise visit from my parents and my brother. We kayaked on Lady Bird Lake while the girls stayed home with my parents. It was refreshing. Tomorrow I'm joining Omar on a business trip to Vail while the girls stay with Omar's mom and sister. We are looking forward to a little vacation sans kids, maybe our last before the baby arrives.


A grilling husband

A relaxed pregnant mama
watermelon
more watermelon





Los abuelos
Swans and their babies
My brother Manuel on Omar's kayak