The Best Anniversary Gift

Nate and I are happy to announce that we are going to be parents! We have known for a few weeks, but wanted to wait until our first ultra-sound to break the news. Our first doctor's appointment was this afternoon. Watching the ultra-sound was so amazing. The doctor determined that I am only 9 weeks pregnant, so we didn't expect to see much on the ultra-sound. We were very wrong! The baby already has arms, legs, and a strong heart beat. It's hard see all the features on the ultra-sound printouts, but on the computer screen they were very clear! Needless to say, Nate and I are completely thrilled. We did not expect to get pregnant so quickly. This is truly a gift from God. We can't wait to meet Baby Bruck... sometime around May 9th.

Our 3rd Anniversary

Today is our third year anniversary! It's hard to believe that we have been married for three years already. Nate is working late tonight so I am home alone with Zoe. We are watching the Cubs in their first play off game against the Dodgers. Nate is so upset that he has to miss part of the game. Hopefully he will be home soon to watch the last few innings with me!

Cubs vs. Brewers

Nate and I went to Milwaukee this weekend with our friends Jon and Rachael. We went to the Cubs vs. Brewers game at Miller Park. The park is so nice, but I suppose anything is nice compared to Wrigley. The park has a retractable roof, which I thought was pretty cool. There are even gift shops, bars, and restaurants inside the stadium. The Cubs won the game 6-3. I really think there were more Cubs fans at the game than Brewers fans. After the Cubs won, we witnessed a serious fight between a Cub fan and a Brewers fan. Both people were arrested. Right now, I am watching the Cubs play the Brewers again and it looks like the Cubs will win today's game too! We can't wait for the playoffs to start. It's gonna happen!

Today is Nate's birthday. Our trip to Milwaukee was part of our brithday celebration for him. Happy 31st Birthday, Nate!

It's Gonna Happen.

Summer would not be complete without going to a Cubs game. This has become a sort of tradition for us. On Saturday, we went to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs vs. Phillies. Eventhough the Cubs lost (2-5), the game was a lot of fun. The weather was beautiful, although from our bleacher seats it was really HOT! I have a nice sunburn as a souvenir. Of course, we enjoyed all the great Wrigley Field food while watching the game. When the game finished we took the train back to our hotel, right off Michigan Avenue. We went out for a nice dinner and had a few drinks. Our mini Chicago trip was a lot of fun. We're looking forward to seeing the Cubs again when the play the Brewers in Milwaukee. We will be spending the night downtown after the game. I have only passed through Milwaukee a few times so I am excited about actually exploring Milwaukee's downtown. Go Cubs!

I just don't understand why I'm gaining weight.

Some street performers outside of Wrigley. The older guy was really talented. The little guy was just plain cute.

View from the roof of our hotel

The Super Sac Arrives!

For my 26th birthday, Nate got me a super sac! I saw a super sac last spring at a friend's house and have wanted one ever since! It's an oversized beanbag that can fit at least two people. We put it in our computer room to create a perfect reading spot or 'couch' for watching tv. It is so comfortable, I just love it! I think Zoe is convinced that we bought the super sac just for her. It is definitely her new favorite napping spot. Thanks for the best birthday present, Nate! :0)

My Early Birthday

The Birthday Girls

Kalli and Kelli

Last night I celebrated my 26th birthday with a group of friends from work. My friend Kelli's birthday was last week so we decided to have a joint party. It is also the last weekend before we all go back to work, so we decided to make the most of it! About 25 of us had dinner at Kiki B's. We reserved the patio and it was a perfect evening to eat outside. After dinner, we all came back to our house for drinks. It was such a nice night that we got the fire pit going and took our drinks outside. It was great to hang out with all my teacher friends, especially since I will be switching schools this year. I will not get to see them regularly and I will miss them. I can't believe that we are starting work again next week. It's somewhat depressing. I know, I know, no sympathy from the 12 month employees.

Dinner at Kiki B's

Anna, Brian, Jill, Regina
Melissa came!

My good friend, Stephanie, from work

Enjoying the fire pit... and a strawberry daquiri
Denise, Kelli, Anna, Kalli... the pre-k girls!

A Visit from the Hagens

Nate's sister, Sarah, and her family came to stay with us for a few days this week. Our nieces have really grown up! Alysa will be 3 next week and Brianna is 12! Tuesday night we all had a BBQ with my family, including my Uncle Nick who was in town from New Jersey. We also we went to Volcano Falls for some mini-putting. It was so cute seeing Alysa attemp to golf. She was persistant and eventually got the hang of it. On Wednesday we spent some time at the mall. Afterwords, we went to feed the ducks down by the river. I really wish I had taken my camera with us to the river. Alysa really enjoyed feeding the ducks, there were many picture perfect moments. Instead, I have the cute pictures below of Alysa and Zoe. Alysa says that Zoe is her "best friend." They like to chase eachother around the house until they get so tired that they have to take a nap together.