4D of Baby Ockner - 19 weeks

Had my 27 week check up yesterday - we were hoping to get new ultrasounds, but our midwife says that he's getting too big by now. This one was taken at 19 weeks. Isn't technology amazing?! Sorry if it freaks anyone out - I admit that he looks like a claymation figure at this stage. We were able to listen to his heartbeat at yesterday's checkup, and it sounds totally different now! Before, it was like a distant echo, and lots of distortion - now it's a strong, steady heartbeat. We start birthing classes this weekend (Bradley method) - I'm shooting for a natural birth, keeping in mind that anything can happen. Fortunately, I feel like my caregivers truly respect my intentions, and I won't be caught off-guard or pressured into making decisions that I don't entirely understand. We've also found a doula whom we both really like, and she will help us every step of the way. Meanwhile I'm soaking up these last few months of lazy mornings, occasional yoga classes and peace & quiet! :)

Bathing beauty Mama

I'm 6.5 months and counting...still carrying pretty small but at least it no longer looks like just a beer belly! Everything is looking good - he really likes to kick a lot, especially when it's time for bed. Wouldn't it be nice if I could stay this size....aah, wishful thinking.

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Originally uploaded by js_hale

Hanging out in portland

Hanging out in portland
Originally uploaded by js_hale

Teddy squares off with a buck deer

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Originally uploaded by js_hale 

We occasionally see deer outside our house - today, I spotted the largest deer I've ever seen in real life, standing on the back patio. Teddy was ready to throw down - snarling savagely behind the window. The deer was unimpressed. I barely got a shot of his hindquarters as he sauntered off down the hill. 

Teddy got blessed!

Teddy got blessed!
Originally uploaded by js_hale

We took the dog to church yesterday and he got his annual blessing. The pregnant lady got teary.

Camping

Camping
Originally uploaded by js_hale 

Peter and I joined a group of friends for some car camping near the Santa Cruz mountains. I twas Teddy's first car camping experience. Poor thing had to be on leash the entire time (campground rules). Peter and I decided that we need to seek out more remote areas for the next trip - this was sort of a trial run, and it worked out great. Plenty of good food, great company, perfect weather and a big ol' campfire. 

Weekend brunch

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Originally uploaded by js_hale

Me at Tavern on the Green - we were staying so close, I couldn't not take him here, being a New York institution and all. Mom and Dad took us here when Pat and I were barely old enough to appreciate it. I remember sitting near the window of the Atrium and Mom, with her eagle eye for spotting celebrities, noted that Jason Robards was sitting to her left, and Norman Mailer was sitting to her right. Later that weekend, we ate at the Four Seasons and saw Robert Schuller from the Crystal Cathedral Hour of Power. The Weekend of famous old white guys...bizarre, right??
Peter and I didn't see any celebrities today at the Tavern - just lots of tourists, but the breakfast (crab quiche, omelet, side of bacon) was very good - not cheap, but very good. Weather was SPECTACULAR.

H&H bagel heaven

H&H bagel heaven
Originally uploaded by js_hale

Peter's first real New York bagel!

Cousin Doug is in town - AND....

Cousin Doug is in town
Originally uploaded by js_hale

There was lots to celebrate last night, and true to form, my cousin Douglas and wife Shari had impeccable timing. They are in town for business and pleasure, and we made plans to meet up at the Thirsty Bear for dinner. Not only did they not know that I was pregnant, but they also didn't know that we were to find out our baby's gender, as well! We are happy to announce that IT'S A BOY!!!!!

High tea

High tea
Originally uploaded by js_hale

On Wednesday, I took Patty (my mother in law) to Lovejoy's tea room in the city. She is a true Anglo-phile, and she was thrilled to discover that such a place existed. Having tea at Lovejoy's is like stepping into a fairy tale - you're 8 years old, hungry and tired, and you walk into a charming, grandmotherly little cottage chock full of lace, crocheted doilies and sweet little English trinkets.  My ex-roommate who's English has assured me that Lovejoy's scones are the real deal, and the Devon cream is fantastic.  Anyone who loves English tea time would love this place to pieces. 

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Originally uploaded by js_hale

Kerrigan, my niece

My good friend Ren is in town from Tokyo - we got together with Peter for breakfast burritos. Ren's first comment to me was, 'dude, you're not fat yet!' Sorry to disappoint! :)

Sunday Breakfast

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Originally uploaded by js_hale

Digging the backyard - Peter laid flagstone, planted foliage, and installed this cool fountain that attracts hummingbirds and gold finches. Teddy is 'nursing' on his bone-shaped stuffed animal.

Happy dog

teddy on the trail - we are getting back to the routine after lots of traveling
Originally uploaded by js_hale

Teddy and I have hit the trail every day this week - getting back into the regular routine after LOTS of traveling. Feeling a lot better now that I'm into the 2nd trimester!

Underworld

Underworld
Originally uploaded by js_hale

Mesmerizing school of fish, Monterey Bay Aquarium

at last some quiet romantic couple time. . .

at last some quiet romantic couple time. . .
Originally uploaded by js_hale

Kicking back in monterey - this was taken at Mission Ranch Inn & Restaurant (aka "Clint's place) - highly recommended!! Peter and I had dinner here last year, just a couple of days before we got married. Beautiful and romantic.

Hijinks @ Namu

Originally uploaded by js_hale

Peter, Todd & Andre were striking a pose for the camera-phone. The highlight of my birthday was finding my long-lost camera phone under the backseat of our car - it's a good thing that I have willing subjects (even if they're a little goofy) who indulge me.

Namu is a fabulous little place in the Richmond - I think it's owned by a team of young Japanese & Koreans. Very tasty, expertly prepared fusion bar cuisine - the place reminds me of some nouveau-style izakaya I've been to in Japan. We're going back!

Sailing on the bay

It was my dad's and my birthday this past weekend (clockwise: me, Pat, Dad, Peter, Pat's girlfriend Colley, Mom) - as one of our mutual birthday presents, Dad treated us to a 4-hour sail on the San Francisco Bay. We had not done it in years, and Peter had never sailed on the bay before, despite having grown up in Tiburon! Our rent-a-skipper took this picture. He did the heavy lifting, and we all pitched in with tacking and steering. Stopped on Angel Island for lunch - after a couple hours of being on the water, a burger never tasted so good! The "4-hour tour" ended up being more like 7 hours, due to high winds on our return trip - still, it was great fun.

Peter's first bento

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Originally uploaded by js_hale

I bought this bento box in Japan town recently - it's fabulous, you can use it for sandwiches, salads or anything else. The little divider that comes with it is super convenient when you're packing a meal like this. It might look like stir fry, but actually it's curry that Peter made the other night.

Having prepared it entirely from memory (an Indian roommate in college taught him the recipe), Peter did a fantastic job - but the flavor & aroma was too intense for me. My pregnancy cravings are steering me towards all things mild, white and creamy - I'm all about mashed potatoes and alfredo sauce...I even put sweetened condensed milk in my iced tea and made a version of the "Royal Milk Tea" that you can buy in vending machines in Japan!

In summary, Peter's curry is unfortunately the polar opposite of what I'm eating these days. He made enough to feed an army, and has dutifully promised to help finish off the leftovers. Hence, the bento! I'm tempted to play around with the leftovers to see if I can mellow the flavor & make it into a creamy Tikka Masala! Stay tuned...