Baby's First Pictures

On April 1, 2010, Stephen and I got to see our baby and hear his/her heartbeat for the very first time. It was completely wonderful. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. One moment we were looking at a blank screen and the next moment this beautiful little image appeared before our eyes. I've seen plenty of ultrasound images before and usually I'm not even sure what I'm looking at ... but, this time, things were - obviously - completely different. In that moment I couldn't help but think to myself that our baby looked absolutely perfect. Of course, later, I would second guess these thoughts and wonder if there was any tone in the doctor's voice indicating a problem ... or whether I had seen any legs (yes, in my pregnant-crazy mind I worried that my baby would be born without legs). But, in those few precious moments in that tiny little ultrasound room, nothing else mattered and not a single fear entered my mind. Here are a couple of the images...

Little Baby Hansen was moving and squirming around so much the doctor could hardly get the measurements she was looking for. I didn't mind one bit, because the harder it was for her to get those measurements, the longer I got to stare at that ultrasound screen. At one point the baby threw its arms up in the air and did a little "air fist pump" - it was sooooo cute. I loved every minute of it. On the way home I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Stephen and I had driven separate cars that day and he was driving in front of me. At one point he texted me to comment that I was wearing a ridiculous grin on my face. I didn't even realize I was smiling. For days afterward, I couldn't shake that feeling of pure, absolute joy. If a simple image on a screen could leave such an impression, I just can't wait for what is in store for us next!

Easter 2010

We spread Easter over two days this year and it was so much more pleasant that way - we got to spend quality time with everyone and weren't rushing off to our next location. On Saturday we drove down to Kelso to visit with Stephen's family. Stephen and Kaitlin's boyfriend, Brian, spent the morning skiing, so Kaitlin and I drove down together and then met the boys at the house. Apparently, it was an epic powder day - I can't wait to get back up there! Kaitlin and I had a fun drive over, stopping for lunch in Olympia and just talking each other's ears off.

We arrived at the Christian's on Saturday afternoon and had an absolute blast hanging out with everyone.

Kaitlin and Brian

Deb and Jeff had a special surprise for us this year ... they were bringing back the annual Easter egg hunt! I have never had the privilege of experiencing a Hansen Easter egg hunt but I have heard plenty of stories of the fun times they used to have doing this. Needless to say, Deb was VERY excited to announce that the hunt was on...

Jeff explaining the boundaries...

Time to hunt...

Ben is soooo sweet!

I wasn't finding any eggs, so he found one for me and directed me right to it - when I opened it, it was the BIG EGG that everyone was looking for. He didn't want to take it back, but I made him trade me for a regular egg - I couldn't keep it when he was really the big winner!

I love Ben ... I can't believe he's the same little guy who was the ring bearer in our wedding - look how big he is now! Makes me feel old.

All the kids with our egg counts

Dinnertime

Jeff made a delicious dinner of lamb chops, potatoes, and vegetables - delicious!

On Sunday we went to church with my family and then spent some time at my parent's house. Although my aunt Linda and uncle Lew were out of town, Lisa and her boyfriend still joined us for some brunch. It was a low-key morning, but nice to spend time together.

Me and my girlies...

Lisa and Tyler

Later that day, we headed over to my aunt Vickie's house for Easter dinner.

Vickie has the most beautiful backyard and garden. The hummingbirds were out in full force and, even though it was raining, the scenery was stunning.

My aunt Jeri tried her first peep - I don't think she liked it very much!

Me and my dad (aka, Extremely Excited Grandpa Joe)

Sharing our happy news...

We had so much fun sharing our news with friends and family. Our little sprout will be the very first grandchild in both of our families so everyone is very excited. We loved the idea of breaking the news in a fun way, but with some of our family members we just couldn't contain ourselves and spilled the beans a little early. Fortunately, we were able to keep our mouths shut to surprise a couple of people.

Although Stephen couldn't help telling his dad and sister (he works with them and sees them every day - who can blame him!), we took his mom and aunt and uncle out to dinner with the family one night to East West Cafe. Stephen volunteered to say the blessing before dinner. He said a sweet prayer and then, at the end, added "... and we thank you for the new addition to the Hansen family who will be joining us in October". This was followed by a series of excited shrieks from Kathleen and some sweet tears from his aunt Carla. It was a wonderfully memorable moment. I was so glad we could pop it on them like that.

With my family, we couldn't keep it from my parents but decided to spring it on my aunt and uncle at Sunday brunch. Stephen got up to take a picture of our table and, instead of saying "say Cheese", we all shouted "say, we're having a baby!" ... here's the result:

We're Having a Baby!

Well, as most of you already know, Stephen and I are having a baby!

Baby Hansen is due October 7, 2010 and we are crazy-excited for this new adventure in our lives.

Here's a picture of Stephen right after he first heard the news:

This picture is priceless ... I think his face is a mixture of excitement and sheer terror.

I was at work when I found out we were expecting - this was about ten weeks ago (I realize this blog post is way way way overdue, but I've been nauseous for the last three months so,

seriously, get off my back!). I took the test in the office bathroom. I know this isn't the most romantic place to find out you're pregnant, but when you need to know you just need to know. When I took the test, I was already kind of a pro at reading pregnancy tests ... I had stared at more than a few, willing them to turn pink, for a good ten minutes. Well, apparently that wasn't necessary because this test turned pink before the pee even reached the end of the stick! Sorry if that's TMI. Needless to say, I did not get much work done for the rest of that day. I had a secret, but I wasn't telling a soul. I wanted Stephen to be the first to know.

When I got home from work I put out a pregnancy book I bought that day and two positive tests in a spot I knew Stephen would see as soon as he walked through the door. Then I made myself a spot on the couch and, with camera in hand, waited for him to come home. When he opened the door, this is what he saw:

"Are you serious?!?!"

And so, our journey began ... it's already been a bit of a bumpy ride. I have not had the easiest first trimester (although I'm sure it could have been worse). I was constantly nauseous for the first 12 weeks and food was truly my nemesis. Stephen can attest to that - I needed to eat every two hours and never knew what I wanted. Let me just say, I wanted to commit murder when my husband refused to go to the grocery store at midnight on a work-night to buy me sugar-free popsicles (ok, in fairness to Stephen, he did eventually go to the store to buy popsicles for his crazy wife). There was just something about the coldness of those popsicles that I desperately needed! I wish I could say that was an isolated incident, but I can't. What I have learned by now is you never, ever, EVER stand in the way of a pregnant woman and what she wants to eat. I'm pretty sure Stephen has learned that too.

Kim & Mike's Wedding at the State Capital

February 20, 2010

Kim and Mike tied the knot on a beautiful sunny day at the Temple of Justice

We showed up a little early to enjoy the scenery before the wedding and were glad we did because we got very lost. We ended up wandering the halls of the Legislative Building where a tour was taking place. The shorter we got on time the more I realized I was going to have to swallow my pride and interrupt that tour to ask the guide where in the heck we could find the Temple of Justice. Well, when I finally did, it turned out the "tour guide" was actually a security guard who had opened the building for a touring group a little early. Their tour guide had yet to arrive, so I didn't feel quite so bad stealing the security guard - we'll call him Tom - away from them. Tom took us on our own little tour through the legislative building, back out into the grounds, to the Insurance Building (which he mistakenly told us WAS the Temple of Justice), and ... finally ... to the Temple of Justice.

And here it is....

Here is the Legislative Building - literally right across from the Temple of Justice

The wedding was beautiful. Kim's uncle - a district court judge - officiated the ceremony and introduced Chief Justice Alexander who was there to sponsor the wedding. Very exciting!

Such a beautiful place to get married!

The reception was held at the Water Street Cafe in Olympia. We had fun visiting with Angela and Jon, Becca and Jourdan, Melissa, and, of course, the bride and groom.

A Lovey-Dovey Day in Seattle

We spent this Valentine's day filling our bellies with deliciousness. We enjoyed Sunday Brunch at Salty's on Alki. I've always heard that Salty's has the very best brunch in Washington, and I've been dying to try it but we've never gotten around to it. So, I was thrilled when we got a reservation for Valentine's day. The brunch was amazing ... tons of fabulous food and delicious treats ... but I do have to admit I was a bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong, the brunch was great, but I think I actually prefer Shenanigan's buffet. It might not be quite as big as Salty's but the atmosphere is better, and the food is maybe too. That said, I love a good brunch and this one was one of the best I've had ... I just don't think we'll be making the drive again when there's a great place right here in little old Tacoma :)

I am so blessed to have this man as my Valentine.

After brunch we enjoyed a romantic walk along Alki beach. There is simply no better spot to take in the Seattle skyline ... and an added plus ... the weather was great. With the sun shining down on us, we got a little a glimpse of spring - what a lovely, lovely day.

What we've been up to lately....

I usually dread the coming of January and February. With the cold weather, limited things to do, and the kind of "hungover" feeling after the holidays, I usually get a little stir-crazy. This year, though, the slow down has been a welcome respite after the holidays. Stephen and I have taken the time to embrace our "New Year's resolutions" and just enjoy the down time. It's really been great.

My resolution was to learn to cook ... or, at least, learn to cook more things. I have been having such a blast with this. I've come up with new ideas for dinners, tasty treats, and breakfast foods. I am amazed at what you can find on the internet ... there are so many great food blogs and websites. I've even gotten some help from my fellow blogger friends (this is a shoutout to Kristal - THANK YOU!) Below is a picture of one of my favorite dessert recipes. "Key" lime pie. I dream about this pie. It's one of the many Pioneer Woman recipes I've tried - I adore the Pioneer Woman's recipes, but I do think I'm going to have to limit my use of them or risk a coronary (she uses a LOT of butter).

Stephen has resolved to get in shape this year ... unfortunately, he will not let me post any pics of his "before" body (I'm not sure when we will be at the "after" body) so all you're going to get is a photo of the program he's using ... P90X. I've been impressed by his diligence - I've joined him a couple of times and the program is TOUGH

We've also been enjoying our new camera. I absolutely adore it. We've been doing lots of playing around with it and trying new things with it. Here are some pics we took one afternoon on a walk at Chamber's Bay....

And here's a fun night shot we took

And of course, we've been doing plenty of skiing. The snowy white mountain is usually the only way I get through these dreary months. This year it's been fun to have Ashley join us on the mountain a few times as well :)

Superbowl Sunday

Here are some fun pictures from the Superbowl. Angela and Jon had us and the Hundles over to watch the game (and the commercials) and chow down on some delicious food. We had a great time.

Ella kept us very entertained as usual

this is how i feel today....

... or maybe it's more like this.

Husband, why must you wake up so early? This new found zest for mornings is not good. not good at all.

New Year's Eve - It's 2010!