So, I am not entirely sure I should admit this, but I'm going to.  I was pulled over this morning on the way to work for talking on my cell phone. 

Now, before you jump to any conclusions, I wasn't driving like a crazy person, swerving or being erratic.  I just happened to be on the phone in a school district.  Uh, I'm not sure when that became law, but I definitely missed the fact that you can't be on your cell phone, at all, while driving through a school district.  Which is why I was brazenly chatting away with my sister while a cop drove right by me.

He did an impressive U-turn and my stomach started to sink.  Yup, he was coming for me.  Oh, crap.  I dutifully pulled over into a parking lot.  Cheeseburger and I were being detained by Johnny Law.

He came to the window and it was Cheeseburger's time to shine.  The police officer, it turns out, is a new parent himself.  It went something like this:

Me:   Good morning.

JL:  Good morning ma'am.  I saw you with your cell phone up to your ear.  Were you aware that you cannot talk on a cell phone in a school zone?

Me:  (honest gasp)  No...no, I didn't.  I'm so sorry.

[As I was reacting, I saw JL's eyes magnetically go straight to my fuschia-clad belly, which is now officially the size of a watermelon.  It was as if CB was waving hello while his inept carrier -- me-- apologized for totally and completely breaking the law like an idiot.]

JL:  [Looking back to the inept human carrier -- me]  Well, I'll just give you a warning, given your condition and all.  Uh, do you have your license and proof of insurance?

Me:  I am so sorry.  Thank you.  I was just telling my sister that I could go into labor at any time.

JL:  (eyes wide)  Ma'am,areyouinlabornow???

Me:  (realizing that he was about to go all lights and sirens and escort me to the hospital)  No, no.  I am not.  I just wanted her to be prepared for when it happens.

JL:  Okay, okay.  I'll be right back with that warning.

One warning later, I learned that JL's son is eight months old, day care is a germ factory, and that he wishes CB and I the best of luck when the big moment arrives.  I drove away unscathed, but with a crystal clear understanding that I need to drop the cell in the school zone.  And a sneaking suspicion that I should probably take Oprah's new no cell in the car pledge.

Upon further inspection of the warning when I got to work, I saw that under "Notes," he had written: 
"Gave warning.  9 months pregnant."

So, it's official.  I fought the law and Cheeze won.

Hope this finds you well.
--Heather

Cheeseburger, Your Nursery Awaits!

Durel and I find it cute, and funny, that we are literally tearing the house apart to prepare for the arrival of a perfect stranger.  I know, I know -- Cheeseburger isn't a stranger, per se.  But when you don't know someone's sex, name, or what they look like, they kind of are...

So, we've done our best to create a bedroom that our little stranger will love.  It's gender neutral, inspired by trees and ABCs, and pretty darn cute, if I say so myself!

We are loving the green/gray accent wall, the hippos on the crib bedding, and the awesome crib.

All set up for rocking and cuddling in the quilt that was handmade by Grammy Davies!

A tree grows in Austin...in the changing station, no less.  Note the awesome flowers on the ceiling -- souvenirs from my baby shower!

Some cuties await the arrival of a Cheeseburger.

One of my favorite components -- a piece of art designed by Enna, an artist in Hannover Germany!  Oh, how I love etsy...

Ready, set, go!

We Have Much to Learn...

But I am pretty sure that we have these lessons down as we prepare for Cheeseburger's arrival.  Of course, they are too good not to share:

Though, can't you see Durel in the hoodie, coaching Cheeseburger to "feel the burn"?

No Irish jokes, please.  Or New Orleans jokes.

Though I do love a good gab fest over coffee with an infant who can barely hold up their own head.  Ah, well, I'll survive.

Hope this finds you well.  Happy Friday!

--Heather

Babies Need Lots of Things...

But I am not sure this is one of them.  My sister, in her infinite humor and craftiness, sent me this link.  Let's just say that we won't be taking the "cheeseburger" theme quite this far:

Though, with all due respect to the creators of this culinary-inspired cushion, available at http://kraftomatic.blogspot.com/2010/01/heres-beef.html, it is really creative.  And it might even be making me hungry.  Or sleepy.  Or both.

Hope this finds you well.
--Heather

Showered with Goodwill and Goodies

Durel's amazing supervisor and coworkers hosted a baby shower for Cheeseburger this afternoon!  They thought of everything, from adorable decorations to a delicious cake.  (I might add that the cake was chocolate, filled with chocolate mousse.  Oh, goodness...)

We are so lucky to have such supportive friends and colleagues.  We can't wait to introduce Cheeseburger to his or her extended family -- all of whom have waited patiently and supported us so thoughtfully during the past nine months.

Hope this finds you well.
--Heather