This week we've been just another busy American married couple expecting their first baby
and we're loving it.
Lots of pictures & a recap of our latest adventures soon.
May 29, 2013
week 22
This week we've been just another busy American married couple expecting their first baby
and we're loving it.
Lots of pictures & a recap of our latest adventures soon.
May 23, 2013
Meet Ruby
There's a new Schoenfelder in the house.
Meet Ruby.
She is a 5 month old {tomorrow, she was born on Christmas Eve!}
Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier
and the newest member of our family.
Since Lola's diagnosis, there has been a lot of talk about adding another dog to the bunch...
timing, baby, Bailey & Bella...
we weren't sure when it would happen, but Ruby appeared and it was just right.
Bella still isn't sure if she agrees...
although if the way they run around the backyard is any indication of things to come,
Ruby & Bella are going to be besties.
I've got to run.
My husband just texted me from America and has boarded his last flight.
To say I'm so excited, would be an understatement.
Meet Ruby.
She is a 5 month old {tomorrow, she was born on Christmas Eve!}
Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier
and the newest member of our family.
Since Lola's diagnosis, there has been a lot of talk about adding another dog to the bunch...
timing, baby, Bailey & Bella...
we weren't sure when it would happen, but Ruby appeared and it was just right.
Bella still isn't sure if she agrees...
although if the way they run around the backyard is any indication of things to come,
Ruby & Bella are going to be besties.
I've got to run.
My husband just texted me from America and has boarded his last flight.
To say I'm so excited, would be an understatement.
May 20, 2013
May 19, 2013
five things: Sunday edition
{1}
Yesterday was my final birthing preparation class. It was informative and interesting and my mother and I bonded in some unexpected ways {practicing labor positions while she recited positive affirmations to me... she has a lot to share with Matt}.
I was outnumbered by natural birth mothers and quickly became known as the girl who wants an epidural. I was totally okay with it.
I've got nothing to prove.
{2}
4 days until Matt arrives.
WE are so excited.
{3}
so is she...
{4}
Baby McQuinn's concert count is now at 3.
May 13: The Felice Brothers & Josh Ritter
May 16: The Avett Brothers
May 17: Blackberry Smoke
That's a lot of live music in 5 days.
{5}
On Fridays the cleaning ladies come, which means I try to stay out of the house and run errands. When I returned home on Friday afternoon, I quickly realized all the doors were locked. I do not have a house key nor was I aware that there is one hidden.
My only point of entry... the dog door.
At 5 months pregnant, I crawled through the dog door to get inside the house.
In a strange way, it was a bit of a confidence booster...
the fact that I fit.
Yesterday was my final birthing preparation class. It was informative and interesting and my mother and I bonded in some unexpected ways {practicing labor positions while she recited positive affirmations to me... she has a lot to share with Matt}.
I was outnumbered by natural birth mothers and quickly became known as the girl who wants an epidural. I was totally okay with it.
I've got nothing to prove.
{2}
4 days until Matt arrives.
WE are so excited.
{3}
so is she...
{4}
Baby McQuinn's concert count is now at 3.
May 13: The Felice Brothers & Josh Ritter
May 16: The Avett Brothers
May 17: Blackberry Smoke
That's a lot of live music in 5 days.
{5}
On Fridays the cleaning ladies come, which means I try to stay out of the house and run errands. When I returned home on Friday afternoon, I quickly realized all the doors were locked. I do not have a house key nor was I aware that there is one hidden.
My only point of entry... the dog door.
At 5 months pregnant, I crawled through the dog door to get inside the house.
In a strange way, it was a bit of a confidence booster...
the fact that I fit.
May 16, 2013
Lola
Heaven goes by favor.
If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.
-Mark Twain-
Yesterday was hard.
We said a peaceful goodbye to Lola in the grass of our backyard.
She was the snuggliest dog with the sweetest disposition and a teddy bear face.
She was a member of our family.
And for that, we are incredibly lucky.
May 15, 2013
let's play catch up...
The past week has been a busy one...
**Matt's Birthday**
Although he had to work on his special day and didn't have any candles to blow out, I was happy to see Matt still got to celebrate. His desk was decorated and he was surprised with an impromptu construction site birthday party.
One of the sub-contractors on site gave him a very kind gift to celebrate 31, a weekend trip to Decameron Resort. We've already looked at the calendar and have a baby moon on the books for the end of June. I wasn't sure we would be able to fit in a baby moon with our schedule, so I am thrilled about the opportunity to spend some quality time together in the sun.
However this Decameron trip is bound to be a bit different than the last.
**A visit from Kathleen**
She finally made it.
Barely.
On Thursday morning, Kathleen's evening flight was cancelled. She was able to get on another flight scheduled for that evening. That flight was delayed four times. She finally boarded the flight and then had to de-board, since her pilot reached his max amount of time in the cockpit. They called for another pilot while she waited and I nearly gave up. But thankfully, another pilot was found and Kathleen breathed a sigh of relief when she was at a cruising altitude.
We had a lovely weekend together full of laughter, food, heart to hearts, and down time together. It looked a lot different than our typical weekend together, especially since we took a barre class on Friday morning, but I think we both welcomed a change of pace.
The weather in Tennessee has been cooperating just as well as the rest of the country. We had rain and some chillier temps, but also managed to find some sun and lay out for a bit.
I am so thankful for her visit and loved every moment of it.
And lucky me, I get to see her again, very soon, in just a few short weeks when Matt and I travel to Chicago.
**Mother's Day**
We had a lovely Mother's Day celebrating all the special women who have a special place in my life. We started at the lake and then celebrated with a lunch out together.
Matt surprised both my mother and I with flowers and I also received a charm for my Pandora bracelet of a baby carriage, from my mother, to remember this special time as an expectant mother.
**Music**
On Monday afternoon, my siblings and I packed up the car with my Uncle and headed to Ashville, North Carolina to see singer/songwriter Josh Ritter.
Tyler and Aly made it a special evening for baby McQuinn and purchased a onesie to commemerate his/her first show.
We enjoyed the show, although it is a bit different attending a concert as a pregnant person.
But I better get used to it. I've got a few more shows on the line up, including the Avett Brothers with Ty-Guy tomorrow night and a show when Matt is in town.
This little babe is going to have quite an eclectic taste of music from the get go.
Especially considering the musica those little ears hear on a daily basis in Cartagena.
**Matt's Birthday**
Although he had to work on his special day and didn't have any candles to blow out, I was happy to see Matt still got to celebrate. His desk was decorated and he was surprised with an impromptu construction site birthday party.
One of the sub-contractors on site gave him a very kind gift to celebrate 31, a weekend trip to Decameron Resort. We've already looked at the calendar and have a baby moon on the books for the end of June. I wasn't sure we would be able to fit in a baby moon with our schedule, so I am thrilled about the opportunity to spend some quality time together in the sun.
However this Decameron trip is bound to be a bit different than the last.
**A visit from Kathleen**
She finally made it.
Barely.
On Thursday morning, Kathleen's evening flight was cancelled. She was able to get on another flight scheduled for that evening. That flight was delayed four times. She finally boarded the flight and then had to de-board, since her pilot reached his max amount of time in the cockpit. They called for another pilot while she waited and I nearly gave up. But thankfully, another pilot was found and Kathleen breathed a sigh of relief when she was at a cruising altitude.
We had a lovely weekend together full of laughter, food, heart to hearts, and down time together. It looked a lot different than our typical weekend together, especially since we took a barre class on Friday morning, but I think we both welcomed a change of pace.
The weather in Tennessee has been cooperating just as well as the rest of the country. We had rain and some chillier temps, but also managed to find some sun and lay out for a bit.
I am so thankful for her visit and loved every moment of it.
And lucky me, I get to see her again, very soon, in just a few short weeks when Matt and I travel to Chicago.
**Mother's Day**
We had a lovely Mother's Day celebrating all the special women who have a special place in my life. We started at the lake and then celebrated with a lunch out together.
Matt surprised both my mother and I with flowers and I also received a charm for my Pandora bracelet of a baby carriage, from my mother, to remember this special time as an expectant mother.
**Music**
On Monday afternoon, my siblings and I packed up the car with my Uncle and headed to Ashville, North Carolina to see singer/songwriter Josh Ritter.
Tyler and Aly made it a special evening for baby McQuinn and purchased a onesie to commemerate his/her first show.
We enjoyed the show, although it is a bit different attending a concert as a pregnant person.
But I better get used to it. I've got a few more shows on the line up, including the Avett Brothers with Ty-Guy tomorrow night and a show when Matt is in town.
This little babe is going to have quite an eclectic taste of music from the get go.
Especially considering the musica those little ears hear on a daily basis in Cartagena.
May 14, 2013
May 6, 2013
19 weeks
Matt's birthday was yesterday. This is the second year in a row we were seperated for 'cinco de mayo'. He's not near as obsessed with birthdays as I am, so he took it pretty well, especially since he worked on his Sunday birthday. He had a small gift to open that I left in Colombia and we plan to celebrate the right way when he arrives in the US in less than 3 weeks.
Even though we couldn't be together we did share a special day yesterday. At my doctor appointment on Friday, the nurse asked me if I have felt the baby move. While there have been times that I thought I felt a rumble or what might be our little darling, I couldn't say with confidence that is what it was. I couldn't convince myself it wasn't lunch.
But the past few days I began to feel more, what I thought more confidently was George. Last night, while watching a movie I placed my hand on my stomach when this movement happened and within moments I felt a kick, right into my hand.
Amazing.
I was happy to share with Matt that I confirmed a kick and he was thrilled it was his birthday.
This little peanut isn't even here yet, and he or she is already giving us amazing gifts.
Thank you little one.
May 3, 2013
five things
{1}
Last night I attended a Big Reds & Bourbons dinner at Ruth's Chris with my parents and uncle. It was a five course meal paired with selected red wines and bourbon. My role was to fully appreciate the culinary experience and drive my family home safely. Although the reds would have perfectly complemented each course, the food was enough to keep me happy.
Pan Roasted Salmon
S'mores Cheesecake
{2}
My mother finished upholstering the rocking chair for the nursery. Of course I don't have a before picture, but it was an older chair, purchased from an estate sale on Craigslist. {I believe the owner had Alzheimer's and was being moved out of her home. As my father walked out with the chair she stopped him to tell him how lovely the chair was and that he would enjoy it as she had one just like it. Bless her heart.} The wood was stained ebony and recovered with grey fabric and navy blue trim. The other night I took a moment to rock a bit and think about excited I am to welcome this little darling.
{3}
I received the following in an email from Matt. The gentleman in the red hat also happens to be our doorman.
Adore.
{4}
I had another doctors appointment this morning. Everything is going well and I got to hear out little active bundle's heart race again. I was able to schedule the next appointment around Matt's arrival, which includes an ultrasound. We can't wait to see how much our little darling has grown!
When the doctor entered the room she said, "They told me you are from Colombia, South America, but it must be South Carolina. That can't be right."
Yeah.
We get that a lot.
{5}
During our visit, the doctor discussed birthing classes and suggested that I begin looking into them as they prefer for classes to be completed by 8 months. When I returned from the appointment I looked at the class schedule and realized with Matt's visit and our upcoming travel dates, it was going to be difficult to fit the classes in. There just happened to be a Saturday class that begins tomorrow. I assumed it would be booked by now, but no. My mother and I are spending our Saturday at a birthing class.
When I spoke to the woman about class details she told me to bring pillows.
That stresses me out.
Last night I attended a Big Reds & Bourbons dinner at Ruth's Chris with my parents and uncle. It was a five course meal paired with selected red wines and bourbon. My role was to fully appreciate the culinary experience and drive my family home safely. Although the reds would have perfectly complemented each course, the food was enough to keep me happy.
Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Orange-Ginger Beurre Blanc
Festival of couscous, roasted red pepper coulis
Bulleit Mint Julep
Spring Mix, Roasted Pear & Bleu Cheese Salad
Spiced pecans, balsamic vinaigrette
Sterling Vineyards Pinot Noir, Corneros
Pan Roasted Salmon
Horseradish whole grain mustard sauce, bacon onion jam
Bulleit Rye
Southern BBQ Mixed Grill
Southern BBQ Mixed Grill
Filet Mignon with bacon BBQ butter,
New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp,
Peach Glazed Stuffed Chicken Breast
Southwestern Mac N Cheese
BV BeauRouge Red Blend, Napa Valley
S'mores Cheesecake
Toasted marshmallow, chocolate graham cracker crisps
Bulleit 10 year, small batch bourbon
** I forgot to take a pictures of dessert before I dug in...
{2}
My mother finished upholstering the rocking chair for the nursery. Of course I don't have a before picture, but it was an older chair, purchased from an estate sale on Craigslist. {I believe the owner had Alzheimer's and was being moved out of her home. As my father walked out with the chair she stopped him to tell him how lovely the chair was and that he would enjoy it as she had one just like it. Bless her heart.} The wood was stained ebony and recovered with grey fabric and navy blue trim. The other night I took a moment to rock a bit and think about excited I am to welcome this little darling.
{3}
I received the following in an email from Matt. The gentleman in the red hat also happens to be our doorman.
Adore.
{4}
I had another doctors appointment this morning. Everything is going well and I got to hear out little active bundle's heart race again. I was able to schedule the next appointment around Matt's arrival, which includes an ultrasound. We can't wait to see how much our little darling has grown!
When the doctor entered the room she said, "They told me you are from Colombia, South America, but it must be South Carolina. That can't be right."
Yeah.
We get that a lot.
{5}
During our visit, the doctor discussed birthing classes and suggested that I begin looking into them as they prefer for classes to be completed by 8 months. When I returned from the appointment I looked at the class schedule and realized with Matt's visit and our upcoming travel dates, it was going to be difficult to fit the classes in. There just happened to be a Saturday class that begins tomorrow. I assumed it would be booked by now, but no. My mother and I are spending our Saturday at a birthing class.
When I spoke to the woman about class details she told me to bring pillows.
That stresses me out.
May 1, 2013
nursery update... again
We've been busy crossing nursery projects off the list and we're getting close.
{Let's be honest, my mom's been busy crossing projects off the list, I am simply an assistant in the actual execution}
Here's a few updates of our latest nursery additions.
We've got a crib. My parents asked if they could purchase little George's crib as a gift, so my mom and I have been looking online for some time and spent the past few weeks exploring the local baby stores, both big and small. There's been a lot of pictures taken and sent to Matt to get his daddy two cents. After a lot of looking and narrowing down, we found the one at a local store here in Knoxville.
After it's arrival, the room has a nursery feel.
I love it.
Curtains are sewn and up.
My parents bought this dalmatian rocker. His name is Lucky. Besides rocking, Lucky barks and shakes his tail when you press his ear. As of right now, Bella is still under the impression that Lucky is a life sized toy for her. I see the potential for a theme here... Bella believing all the toys in the house, baby or dog, are for her.
We also finished the dresser, which will also work at the changing table. After sanding, we took out the middle drawers and made a space for baskets, painted it blue, and added some mercury glass knobs.
So that's how we've been spending our week nights around here. The last big project is the rocking chair which is almost finished.
Then the fun really begins... the details... art, bedding, decor.
Can't wait...
although it's times like this that I think knowing Baby M's gender would be really convenient.