Jarod's Grandma in Omaha Paper

Jarod's grandma Estelle had a story written about her today in the Omaha paper with a picture of her then and now. Unfortunately, I can't get the picture on my blog but at least I can put the article on here. Both of Jarod's grandfather's and Estelle were in World War II and I am always fascinated hearing the stories so I thought I would share.

Estelle Leinen
Age: 86
Town: Dow City, Iowa; grew up in Chicago.
Service: U.S. Navy W.A.V.E.S. from 1942 to 1945, reaching the rank of storekeeper first class.

In the war: After 11 weeks of boot camp in the Bronx, New York, Leinen worked in storekeeping at Great Lakes Naval Station near Waukegan, Ill., for the duration of the war. She maintained supplies for the cooks and bakers in the station's 11 galleys. There she met a sailor from Iowa, Lavern Leinen, who was a cook on an aircraft carrier. They married after the war and he took her back to Dow City, where they raised six children.

In her words: "My job as a storekeeper wasn't a very strategic one, but I thought that I would try to do my part. Some of the guys didn't appreciate us women coming in, however, because then they got put on ships and sent off to war."

Baby Shower in California

While I was in California, Jarod's cousin Amy and Aunt Dee threw a baby shower for me. I had such a good time! I had friends come in from San Diego, LA, Palm Springs, Big Bear and Redlands. It was great to see everyone and we got some great gifts that I cannot wait to use!

Without even noticing I always have my hands on my belly. Elish took this picture of me while I was talking and I love it!

Aunt Elish and the baby communicating. The entire time I was in California we would sit with Elish on one side of me and Rob on the other with their hands on my belly trying to feel the baby move. It was so funny! She is trying to get the baby to wake up here.

Sure enough a little rub from Aunt Elish and some cake woke the baby right up!

Two of my favorite people ever! I feel so blessed to have both of them in my life . I am so close to both of them. Thank you so much for throwing me such a wonderful shower.

The Jessica's. It was so good to see Jessica and her girls! I miss you guys!

Most of the crew. We are missing a few of the kids and my friend Tricia and her kids showed up after this picture.

I dreaded taking this picture since I look so huge next to her!! But I am glad we did and pretty soon she will catch up with me! I can't wait to raise these babies together.

Thanks everyone for coming in from all over to my shower!! I had such a good time and it was great seeing all of you!

Labor Day back in So Cal

Jarod flew from New York and I flew from Chicago to meet up with Elish and Rob in Southern California for Labor Day. I can't believe that I didn't take more pictures than this but oh well!
Anyway, we wanted to get one more trip in before the baby came. We had a great time! Elisha and Rob are expecting as well. We are so excited! They are a couple months behind us but it has been so much fun going through all of this together. It seems like we have done all of the big things that way. Elish and Rob just moved from San Diego to Big Bear so we went to Big Bear for a few days and then it was on to the OC. We spent the weekend in Dana Point and had a great time at the beach.

Jarod and Rob playing in the surf. It was difficult for Elish and I just to watch but pretty soon we will be back out there with them and the babies. Crazy!

Embracing the bump!! I have tried and tried to find a cute maternity swimming suit and have came to the conclusion that they just don't exist. They are not flattering at all and I feel huge in them so we still go to the beach in the bikini. I never thought I would be one of those pregnant moms in a bikini but seriously I have to look cute or I need to stop being so vain- one or the other.

Anyway, a prego picture of me at 7 months. Getting big!!

Jarod and I at the beach- our favorite place to be! We can't wait to take our little one. I just hope the baby enjoys it as much as we do.

Yankee and Red Sox Game

As all of you know Jarod and I are big Cubs fans along with Jarod's brother Connor but some how it skipped a generation (or they picked it up from the Leinen side because Jarod's grandma never misses a Cubs game) because Jarod's dad has always been a Yankee's fan. This is the last year for Yankee Stadium because next year they are moving across the street to their new stadium so Jarod really wanted to take his dad to a Yankee game since he had never been to New York or a Yankee game at Yankee Stadium. So that is what he did for Jim's Birthday this year. Jarod and his dad met up in New York for three packed days of fun in New York including the last game in the old Yankee Stadium for the Yankees vs. Red Sox.

Jim at his first Yankee game.

This is the house that Babe built. There is so much history there that I hate to see it go but I was really glad that Jim got to experience it before it was gone.

Jim taking in the game and what a game it was! It came down to the bottom of the ninth and the Yankees won on a Giambi hit!

They look like they are having such a great time!

They went to the game early and were one of the last people to leave. They had such a great time! Once again, Happy Birthday Jim! We hope you enjoyed the trip!

One last shot of Yankee Stadium...