37 Weeks

Today is a special day for two reasons: Our little man is now considered full term, and it's the one year anniversary of the last time I saw my dad. I'd like to think that these two things happening on the same day are not a coincidence. I believe that my dad is looking down on us right now, so excited that his grandson is about to be born. It's been a very emotional day for me, reliving the last hug goodbye.

I am feeling very pregnant right now. Yesterday, while I was at work, most of my coworkers commented that he's dropped. I am surprised they aren't all participating in a "When will Baby H be born" pool.

Contractions have also started to be a regular nightly occurrence. Last night we timed them for a while, but decided it wasn't anything to get too excited about. We must have been right, because I made it through another day at work. :P

Now that the weather is cooling off again, I'd like to start going on nightly walks through our neighborhood. I am hoping that this will help move things along. We are trying to make sure all of the last minute things are done, but it seems like a never ending task. We'll probably stop with the packing of the hospital bag, otherwise we'll drive ourselves nuts trying to get everything done.

David took this photo just after I stopped playing with Baby's foot... you can see the impression I left on my belly.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

...Our Tree is up and decorated. I struggled finding a home for a few new ornaments this year. But, they made it on, and each time I pass the tree I will be overcome with memories.

Tonight Dave and I sat down to make a list. Which stores to hit when. What to buy where. We sat brainstorming what perfect gift to give to those special to us. Then we realized we just don't know. Sure, there's always a gift card to their favorite store, but honestly - where's the fun in that? We need help, people. Throw us a bone. Or just email us a list. Either one would be better than what we've got now. :)

While normally this time of year is a joyous one in our home; this week has been extra hard. In between Thanksgiving and Christmas lies my birthday. Usually a happy day, this time around I am dragging my heels. Not because I am a year older (though that does kind of stink), but because this is the first year without a birthday call from my Daddy. I know I'll make it through the day. I'll be surrounded by friends and family, but his voice will be deeply missed.

This year we plan on celebrating the day the German way. A little shopping at the Christkindl Market followed by some schnitzel, spaetzle and apflestrudel. My mouth is watering just thinking about it... (ooh, if only they had flammkuchen. then we'd be in heaven.)

We will try to post some pictures of the decorations (and of the food) later this weekend.

Until Then.

Long, Difficult Summer

Nothing much has been going on in la casa de Ali y Dave. Things are finally calming down after a very long summer.

As most of you might know, Dave spent the majority of the summer in California for business reasons. I made a couple of trips to visit him, but for the most part we spent our time together on the phone or chatting online. Even though the time apart was stressful and lonely, it was for the best.
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Last weekend we attended our first Hoosier football game (they won, unlike our Cats. boo). It was fun to get out and tailgate - and the weather couldn't have been any better. Bloomington is absolutely beautiful this time of year.
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Heading into the holidays has been very emotional this year. It's now been 7 weeks since I last spoke with my dad. I haven't picked up my camera much since then, hence the lack of updates. Right now, I am just living life day to day. Surviving. Hopefully soon the motivation will strike, and I'll be looking through the viewfinder once again. Until then, you'll find us rocking out to GHIII.

:)

I miss you Dad.

I have almost written this post a million and one times over the last few weeks. I just found the courage to publish.

Three weeks ago today, I lost my Daddy. It's still so surreal to think about. I still expect to hear my phone ring "My Girl," an email to pop up from "Daddy."

My dad taught me so much; to have fun, to be positive, to smile, to love life. He gave me a love for music, so that with almost every song I hear, I think of him.

I talked to him the night before he left us. I had the opportunity to tell him how grateful I was, how lucky I felt to have him as a dad. That conversation still plays through my head, as I am sure it will for years to come. It brings me comfort to know that he knew how I felt, how I feel.

There are so many stories to be shared, so many memories to hold on to. I wish that he could have stuck around a while longer, but I know he's still here with me. He'll always be in my heart.

And He'll look just like this: