The Russo's

Well, we have made it to 33 weeks or the 8th month. It seems like the time is crawling by these last 2 weeks. My niece, Leilynn pretty much summed it up when she said, " Hudson is making that belly big!" We are both growing and growing. Just when you think your belly couldn't get any bigger...it does! I thought by having an April baby that I would avoid the heat of the summer. Today we reached 80 degrees and I wore flip flops and gauchos. LA weather is crazy. I have to say, gaucho pants are really comfortable even when pregnant.

Josh and I went to Natchez on Friday and Saturday for a quick trip. We enjoyed getting away and had a good time together. Natchez has a lot of history because it is one of the oldest cities in the South. We stayed at the Eola Hotel, the oldest hotel in Natchez. We walked around town and down to the river. We ate at King's Tavern, the oldest building in Natchez. It dates back to the 1700's and has been a fort, post office, tavern, inn and post office. While we ate, the inn keeper gave the history and told us about the ghost that supposedly haunt it. The atmosphere was authentic and we even drank out of tin cups. On Saturday, we shopped a little and saw Longwood. It's a unique plantation for the area. The design is very different and it was never completed.

The furniture and bedding are in his room. Now, we are working on accessories and some personalizing.

We went to the doctor yesterday for a check up. These are the latest pictures of Hudson. We figure he does not like his picture taken and when you try to get him to move, he jerks back and keeps his head down. At one point, he had his arm over his face. He weighs 4lbs 2 ounces, his heartbeat was 141. The bubbles are his cord, which she said is a big cord and that's why he is growing so good. We are both doing very well and I go back in 2 weeks. This is showing some sprigs of hair on his head.

Josh and I spent the day together on Saturday. We shopped and had lunch. Saturday night we went to a couple’s banquet at church and had a fun time. There was a newly wed type game with questions for us to answer and see how many matches we could get right. Well, we came in next to last…I’m hoping it does not reflect the state of our marriage. In fact, I know it doesn’t…we have a great one! February has three holidays for us to celebrate: Valentine’s Day, my birthday and our anniversary. So, this weekend we are going to Natchez, MS to celebrate them together. I also got to see two little loves in my life - Leilynn and Emerie.

Giada de Laurentiis, the host of Everyday Italian wished me good luck with my pregnancy. Not personally, but through my brother Dillon . He works in New York for Food Network. We were talking on Facebook and she told him to relay the message.

My office gave me a shower yesterday. We got some really good stuff such as the stroller/car seat system, a forward facing car seat, an umbrella stroller, portable vibrating rocker, bath center, cute clothes, and much more. I feel blessed to have such generous co-workers. It's starting to feel real as we get all the baby gear. stroller system My good friends Calyn and Brittany My mom was a special guest at the shower.

Over the weekend, we used our patio for the first time. Friends came over to grill and sit by the fire. Here are some pictures with it all cleaned up. We have all mismatched chairs and tables for now. I'm looking for a dining set to put out there. In baby news... I think Hudson is responding to music. He was active during worship in church on Sunday and at a youth service that night. I'm praying he gets some musical talent from the Russo side. If he doesn't get it naturally, I'm sure his Dad or Papa won't mind teaching him. Josh has started putting together the furniture for Hudson's room. It's all starting to come together. Sometimes, I still can't believe that we are getting ready for a baby. 65 days to go!

I'm understanding one meaning of the old saying. I tend to swell...it's not everyday, but it's getting more frequent. Some days are worse than others. Swollen, hot & sweaty feet means no shoes for me. I had a check up yesterday, going every two weeks now. Things are looking good. Hudson is real active these days. He is doing more than kicks, I can feel him roll and move. I'm 30 weeks today. Time is passing by fast... 30 weeks seemed so far away and now it's here. normal foot swollen foot

The building is over for the carport and patio. There is still more to do. We have to paint the carport and stain the rafters for the patio. Josh is already enjoying his firepit. I believe he will be spending a lot of his time out there.