The Ramers' Adoption: November 2007

Happy Fall!

Diego wants to wish everyone a happy fall! He had so much fun collecting leaves in this bag with his papa! The last of the leaves have fallen, but we have had a beautiful crisp week with blue sky and sunshine, despite the cold temperatures! Happy fall everyone!

Checking out the surf

Diego checks the surf out before entering the water. At this beach in Kauai we saw a Monk Seal swim right up next to us!

Our Life in Seattle....

...has been busy! Since moving to Seattle back in July, we have been so very busy! From getting the house unpacked and organized (there are still boxes in one of our rooms, but the stack is getting smaller) to traveling and working at the hospital, to finding out we are pregnant, life has been a roller coaster! Back in August, upon my return from San Diego's final AVID Summer Institute 2007, I discovered I was pregnant - 5 weeks. That would explain my daily trips to In-and-Out and my voracious appetite! Since then, Christian has been working at various Seattle hospitals, most recently the most downtown, "urban" hospital - Harborview - as an infectious disease specialist. He is loving his leadership as fellow, but still only enjoys 4 days off a month. At least he doesn't have any nightime hospital call anymore. He is home most nights by 7 pm, just in time to see Diego to bed. I am working in both Bellevue for the school district as a consultant and for AVID Center. This will be my last couple of months traveling for AVID before the baby comes. I have been to Burlington, WA; Atlanta, GA; and Denver, CO. On Monday, I head down south to Long Beach and Riverside, CA. In February, I'll be in Mesa, AZ...a nice respite from the winter in Seattle. Diego and I have also spent some time in Yreka, CA with Abo and Aba, and Kauai with friends.

I will be 20 weeks along on Monday, and we found out just this week, that we'll be having a GIRL! Well, they're nearly sure it's a girl, but I've heard all of the stories, so we're not painting the nursery pink yet. To be honest, we have no room for a nursery, so we're not yet decided where baby will sleep once we are ready for her to move out of our room. We have some time to figure that all out. No names yet...we'll keep you posted. She's healthy, growing well, and all of my tests seem to point to an absolutely normal, healthy pregnancy so far. Whew!

Today is Thanksgiving, so happy Thanksgiving to all of my family and friends. Know that we are always so grateful for the special people and blessings in our life! Diego and I are at home today, sick....watching the Macy's parade and videos. We'll be headed for naptime soon, and then wait for Christian to be finished with work. He lost his bus pass yesterday, so we'll be picking him up from work tonight.

Diego is doing fabulously well. He is potty trained during the day...yay! He is taking gymnastics on Saturdays, and loves it. His nanny, Elizabeth, is wonderful and does all sorts of art and practicing writing with him. He is learning how to write his numbers and letters, and so enjoys playing outside, even when it is 40 degrees! His new favorite movie is Jungle Book and the other day he insisted on watching it without anything else on but his red underwear so that he could be "just like Mogley." Too cute...I had to let him.

Love to all of you, and when I can find a way to post baby Ramer's photo from our latest ultrasound, I will. Her head is finally round, and not so alien-looking, and she's waving to us from within!

Take care, much love, and Happy Turkey Day! - Lauren

Pike's Market Fun

A visit from Ita and Bobo! After a fun dinner out at Pike's Market, we spent the weekend touring Seattle. In this photo, I was just 6 weeks pregnant. We hadn't told anyone yet, and my nausea was just setting in. I had to avoid drinking wine with my father-in-law, who must've known something was up!

Home sweet home

Here is a photo of our combo living room/dining room, with its beautiful view looking out into Fauntleroy Forest. Notice the gorgeous flowers? Yes, summer in Seattle produces some beautiful flowers at very reasonable prices....and as it happens Christian's bus route passes by Pike's Place Market each day! Lucky me!

Ignore my double chin

By far one of the cutest Diego smiles you'll ever see....ignore the double chin on me, please! Cuddling in our new comfy chair, Diego is such a ham for the camera!