.:Meet the Ritchies:.

You may have noticed that our banner artwork above has changed to portray our growing family!  Oh, and my new haircut!  I will post pictures of that soon, I just don’t have any right now.  I also don’t have any pictures of my rapidly expanding waistline yet, at least none besides the ones taken with my Iphone standing in front of a mirror (all of which have my head cut off).

We had our first ultrasound last Thursday, at 11 weeks along.  It was pretty awesome to see the little jumping bean, and it was definitely jumping.  Although I was wishing with all my might that we would have twins, I am perfectly okay with there just being one very healthy and active baby in there.

as Mark affectionately says, here is "junior"...

They say that you show sooner with your second baby, and apparently even if 12 years have gone by since you were last pregnant, that rule still applies.  Because I am HUGE for still being in the first trimester.

I have no complaints with pregnancy so far… Well, that’s not true.  I do have one complaint.  Breakouts.  Holy cow, I feel like I am going through puberty again with the havoc that has been wreaked upon my face so far.  But it is clearing up and I hear from a good friend that after the first trimester, you take on that “glow” that everyone talks about and you have the best skin of your life!  I am very excited (and ready) for this!  I don’t remember this detail the first time around, but I was young so I was probably used to having pimples still!

I had some queasy stomach feelings during the first 3 weeks we knew, but it never led to anything more than that.  And now the queasiness is gone, so I feel fantastic.  I am eating everything in sight.  It’s pretty crazy when I am going back for seconds and thirds, eating more than my husband.  I am trying to be good about what food I am pigging out on, since clearly I am pigging out.  I gained a ridiculous amount of weight when I was pregnant with Claire and it was from eating tons of junk.  So this time around, I am trying to be smarter.  I just make sure I have fruit and nuts and 100 calorie snack items nearby.  At all times.  Because I am always hungry.  Always.

We are super excited for our future family member!  I will update with pictures and more information as we go!

xoxo

P.S.  look for a post coming soon about our newly refinished hardwood floors!  They look AMAZING!

I finally got around to emailing pictures of our wedding to the owner of the boutique where I found my amazing dress.  Her name is Liz and her store, Xtabay Vintage on SE Clinton, always has the most exquisite selection of dresses ranging from the 20′s to the 80′s.  Just look at this beauty that she has showcased on her blog right now…

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Could you just die?

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Seriously, I’m dying.

I just said to Mark, someone has to get married in that dress!  Who do we know that is newly engaged?  I can’t think of anyone… perhaps you can?  Send them here.  It will be the best decision they’ll make for their special day.

xoxo

Sorry this post is a day late, but I took yesterday off from reality.  I sat on the couch most of the day, beat from the heat I suppose, not even a suggestion from my husband that I go shopping and buy a new dress was enough to get me motivated.  And that’s serious.

Yesterday was our first wedding anniversary and we celebrated on Saturday evening with dinner and a show.  We ate at Pazzo Ristorante, an authentically Italian joint downtown on Broadway.  HIGHLY RECOMMEND.  The entire experience was wonderful and well worth the amount of our bill at the end.  Mark had the pork chop and I enjoyed the linguini with dungeness crab.  I thought that was totally appropriate since after dinner we were attending the Deadliest Catch tour at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.  For those of you who do not watch this show on Discovery Channel every week like we do, including the reruns (what’s wrong with you?), it’s basically a documentary of crab fishermen at Dutch Harbor Alaska.  The Time Bandit is my favorite of all the ships, and the Co-Captains (brothers) Andy and Jonathan Hillstrand were there to talk and answer questions about their lives and the show.  Also Captain Sig, who is my friend Karen’s favorite, was there.  He’s Norwegian and hilarious.  They are all smokers (several packs a day I imagine), and I was wondering how they were going to handle not being able to chain smoke during the show.  But apparently they worked something out with the Schnitz, because there was an ashtray and a fire extinguisher on the stage.  There was also a mixture of alcohol and some Coca Cola for their drinking pleasure.

The crowd itself was quite a show.  It was a mixture of ages, lifestyles and sizes.  Mostly large sizes, and I don’t mean to sound like a jerk but the majority of the audience were overweight.  I don’t know if that’s because the one thing we all shared in common was the fact that we sit on the couch and watch TV or what.  We had seats in the fourth row but off to the side so we were with wheelchair bound folks.  One young man needed it because he had cerebral palsy, and it was fun to listen to his squeals and reactions to the Captains.  He was obviously a big fan!  But there was a woman next to us in a wheelchair, but I’m not sure what her reason was.  She was full of stories though, most of which made no logical sense and she insisted on telling them to the people sitting directly behind us, yelling over the top of the music playing while we waited for the show to start.  It was a bit like the twilight zone.  Luckily, once the Captains came up on stage, they all quieted down.  I got a Time Bandit t-shirt, size Large so it will come in handy once my baby bump starts to really get big.

And then on our way home we stopped at Wendy’s for a frosty.  It was 10pm and 80 degrees out, this is when ice cream makes the most sense.

Happy Anniversary my darling Husband, thank you for being absolutely everything I could ever want and need in a partner to spend my life with.  I love you more than candy (and I REALLY love candy, so that’s pretty huge).

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We are getting our hardwood floors refinished this Wednesday, so I will post some before/after pictures.  I am so excited this is finally happening!  It seems like forever ago that we tore out the carpet and have been living with our tired old hardwoods.  It’s going to transform our house beautifully, I can’t wait!

Stay tuned!

xoxo

Just another day at the office yesterday. Well, actually, anything but. For research purposes, a small group of us went on a hike yesterday to test some Trail product. For those of you who don’t know me, but read this blog (do you exist? I hope so!), you might not know that I work for a large Outerwear company based here in the Pacific Northwest. Because of this job, on occasion I get to go on fun excursions where we “test” product. Or “team build“. It’s one of the great perks, for sure! When the person who planned yesterday’s hike sent out an email that said “We’re heading to Saddle Mountain…5.2 miles, 1600 ft. elevation gain”, those numbers meant absolutely nothing to me since I don’t hike. But now I can expertly translate them to mean this “We’re heading to Saddle Mountain…prepare to have your butt kicked!” It was the most intense climb I have ever endured. It is a very gradual climb to the top, zig-zagging it’s way up the mountain. The views are breathtaking, the landscape is nature at it’s best. How much more cliche can I get here? Seriously, if you are any sort of outdoorsy person, I HIGHLY recommend this day hike. It took us almost two hours to get to the top. I think I was about 10 minutes behind the rest of the group, taking frequent breaks to slow down my heart rate and catch my breath. But we were in no hurry, so it wasn’t stressful at all. I wasn’t sure if I was going to make the last leg of it because it was so steep. But then I came upon an older couple, probably in their late 60′s, who live in Astoria and have admired the mountain’s peak from their home. They didn’t know what was in store for them, but they were taking their time as well. I figured if they could do it, certainly I could. Especially when the man said “you have youth on your side!” By golly, he’s right! And so I did it. I made it to the top, 3, 283 ft. above sea level. And it was well worth it.

The last leg, this was about 2 miles up, only .7 left to go but it was a steep climb! (This is about where I started to think I was completely nuts for agreeing to this)

Above the clouds, the view from the top - AMAZING!

Those are the handrails they give you at the top to help yourself up the last 10 feet, how nice...

On the way back down, the clouds finally went away and we were able to see the landscape we were climbing above...

Nature's own sprinkle of color...

One of the people in the group climbed to the top of this little rock sticking out from the mountain for a photo opp, giving us all mini heart attacks.

This is Bella, the black beagle, she came along for the hike and did great! She and I were faithfully bringing up the rear on the way down the mountain.

And this is her buddy Cooper, he kept wanting to take all the shortcuts but his Mom wasn't having it. See that tongue wagging? I felt the same way.

Should I mention that a couple months ago, someone was killed by falling on Saddle Mountain? I guess I can mention it now, since it’s after the fact and I myself survived. But I can see how easily this could happen. It is not a mountain to joke around on. He was apparently trying to get the “perfect picture” and lost his footing. So please, if you do choose to hike this mountain, or any mountain for that matter, BE SMART! My Iphone took these pictures, and I stayed firmly planted on the trail. They look pretty sweet to me!

xoxo

I had to post these pictures, because they are my most favorite from the trip.  And I will tell you why.  When we got on the ferry with our parents on Sunday afternoon, at the start of our vacation, we had planned to share the good news with them.  We were going to have them pose with the girls for a picture at the house, and say “okay, smile and say Melissa’s pregnant!”  This way I could capture their faces the very moment they found out!  But I couldn’t wait that long.  It was hard enough having to wait those couple weeks that we had already known.  So as soon as the moment was right, we gathered everyone outside on the back deck of the ferry and seized the opportunity.  After I said the exciting words, they all smiled for the camera as they repeated after me… and then Claire was like “um, hello! did you hear what she said?”  And then it was squeals and tears of joy!  A woman happened to be standing there when this all happened, and she took a picture of all of this. So here they are!  I love you Mom!!!  I’m so happy you are happy for us!  And Bill & Betty, I am so very excited and happy to be giving you another beautiful grandbaby to spoil!  Love you!

Claire: "um, hello...!" + Parents: "Seriously?!? = Priceless

xoxo

Oh boo hoo, it’s our last day on the island.  Tomorrow morning we will get up bright and early and pack up the car for the trek home.  It has been a very awesome vacation, one that we will hold many memories of.  One thing I am very grateful for is that NOBODY GOT SICK!  Last time we came to the islands, Veda and I passed around the stomach flu and were quite miserable.  She more than I, it only hit me on the drive home (which wasn’t fun for anyone!).  So we were both pretty happy this time that we avoided that business.

And we saw so much more wildlife this trip, it was super cool!  In fact, our evening brought a little visitor into our yard…

taken from inside the house, I didn't want to disturb him...

We spent our last day on the island just taking it easy and enjoying what the village of Eastsound had to offer on a sunny Saturday.  There was a market happening in the middle of town, and it was cool to see all the local vendors out showing their stuff.  There were the cutest little felt animals, and they have an etsy shop if you want to check them out.  And my favorite store on the island was probably Boheme, which sold clothing made by local designers Two Drews (their website says coming soon! so I guess you have to wait).  It reminded me of home!  The girls picked up little toy souvenirs for their brothers, and we also got a sweet little perch with owls on it to hang on the wall of the nursery.  Claire is convinced we will have a “cool and modern” nursery for the baby, with a touch of vintage.  I’ll bet she’s right!   We also got a cool little something for our buddy Drew, who has been graciously house/pet sitting while we have been gone.  He said he loved coming home to the dogs every evening, that unconditional love of someone extremely happy to see you is pretty sweet.  I must admit, we are missing our pets and can’t wait to get home to them.  Although, I’m sure that will wear off the first time we have to clean up cat puke and vacuum up dog hair.  But you know, we do love the little stinkers.

We also went to a couple pottery places on the island.  The one I liked the best is Orcas Island pottery.  They have a tree house that the girls thought was pretty awesome, apparently it has bunk beds in it!  Here are some pictures that Claire took…

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giant sized chess pieces!

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I want to carve one of these out of wood and hang it on the side of our house... I'm serious.

We are sad to see vacation end, but also happy to return home and sleep in our own beds!  The island has been wonderful to us, we are very thankful.  We have eaten like Kings!  I am pretty sure at my doctor visit on Monday that I will have gained five pounds since my first checkup a week and a half ago.  But our mantra this week has been “it’s cool, we’re on vacation!”  And I’m sticking by that.

I hope you have enjoyed our daily updates.  I hopefully will not drop off the planet now, as far as the blog goes.  I plan to update with things happening to me as we embark on this new awesome journey.  But give me a few days to get life back on track at home!

xoxo

Day six:  a full day at Friday Harbor.

I mean, how appropriate right?  Go to Friday Harbor, on a Friday?  It made sense to us.  We took the car over on the ferry.  Another ferry was docking as we got there, so we parked next to it where they proceeded to allow the walk-on passengers to de-board.  They then made all of us in vehicles wait until the other ferry had let all of their foot and traffic passengers off, then loaded with everyone who was waiting to board.  Then they had to pull over to the spot where the other ferry had been docked so that we could drive up off the ferry!  We waited for at least an hour for all of this happen.  It was kind of lame, but we made lemonade out of lemons and worked on a puzzle that was at one of the tables on the ferry.  There are 2 or 3 of these, just random large puzzles, at tables so that people riding the ferries have something to do to pass the time.  It was fun, and we made good work of that puzzle in the amount of time we ended up waiting!  Another man, who wasn’t as patient, was walking laps around the ferry.  It was a little annoying but apparently he doesn’t know how to make lemonade.

We ate some yummy lunch at Dos Diablos (best fish tacos I’ve had yet! and don’t worry, it was mahi mahi which is listed on the “lower mercury” list for pregnant ladies).  Then we took a drive over to see what interesting things we could find on San Juan Island.  We walked out at American Camp and found a cool little beach, where we were promptly greeted by the cutest little black chihuahua dog ever!  He looked like he was pretty old but he was very friendly.  He made us miss our doggies : (  There were jellyfish all over in the water, and the water was nice and cold.  It was a very hot day today, so that was welcomed on our toes!

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Then it was off to Lime Kiln Point where sometimes you are able to see Orcas, as they swim right up to the rocks.  But no such luck today, which we figured would be the case.  There were some porpoise swimming around and Mark saw a harbor seal come up and take a peek, but then he was gone.

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Veda standing next to a life-sized replica of Ruffles fin, which was one of the Orcas we saw on Tuesday! He is 60 years old and his fin is taller than Mark! It was wild to see it come out of the water!

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When we fell in love with Orcas Island, which was our visit for Spring Break 2009, we took this wonderful picture of the girls sitting on a Madrona tree at Lime Kiln.  So today we were in search of that same tree so we could take another picture.  We found one that Mark said was it, but of course I didn’t agree.  But he was exactly right, and I’m glad he persisted so we got this picture captured!  See how much a year and a half changes them!  I love this, and we plan to take a picture there at that tree each time we visit here.

Spring break 2009 (it was much colder!)

Summer vacation, today! Veda even remembered she had a big cheesy grin, and did it again!

And then the girls just got silly climbing trees!

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It was another fun day on the island!

xoxo

We are still having a great time on the islands!  Yesterday we ladies went island hopping over to Friday Harbor for a little shopping and toured the whale museum.  We had a  yummy lunch and then some even yummier (is that a word?) ice cream!

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While we were over doing that, Mark and Bill were seeking out a good fishing hole.  They ended up just touring the west side of Orcas island and then had lunch in Eastsound.  The parents left bright and early this morning, headed back to the homeland.  We are so happy they were able to join us, the girls especially had fun talking them into souvenirs every time we turned around!  Thanks parents, you’re awesome!!

Today it got up to 84 degrees and it was the perfect day for going to Moran State Park and lounging by the lake.  We took a picnic lunch, rented a couple pedal boats and enjoyed ourselves!  The girls swam in the lake for a bit, while I exposed my poor pasty white skin to the sun (shock!) and came out a little lobsterish on the tops of my legs.  Whoops!  That’s okay, it will fade fast and I’ll go back to pasty again : (

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We rented a couple movies from the market and our bellies are full from BBQ burgers back here at the house.  I keep seeing an eagle fly by, and earlier there was a porpoise playing out in the sound in front of our house.  Ahh, sweet vacation!  I’ll leave you with some pretty awesome pictures that Claire took the past couple days.  She captures some great shots of the wildlife here on the island!

Claire on Mt. Constitution, at the top of the tower!

Mt. Constitution tower, Veda taking a picture with her Holga camera, a japanese toy camera that she has been using to capture her favorite moments!

There are deer everywhere on the island, and they love people!

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The flag on our Whale Watching boat...

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a couple of Bald Eagles, hanging out...

Until tomorrow!  xoxo

HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY CLAIRE!!

Today we went on a Whale Watching cruise courtesy of Grandma Trudie and it was more wonderful than we could have ever imagined!  Captain Pete and his crew were awesome and very knowledgeable.  They couldn’t guarantee that we would see Orca whales today because there was a group of them moving north up to Canada and another group coming south towards us, but still pretty far away.  So we took off on our 3 1/2 hour tour (cue music), hoping that we had enough “good will karma” to see some marine mammals.  And we certainly did!  It was amazing and something we’ll never forget!  What a wonderful birthday treat for Claire!  Here’s our day captured in pictures…

the girls making birthday cupcakes...

Her new shirt, shades and necklace...

and some new kicks...

Before the cruise...

Getting briefed by Captain Pete...

All aboard!

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Waiting for Ruffles & Granny, the Orcas, to make an appearance...

The birthday girl...

In the distance, one of the Orcas giving a little tail slap!

And this one is doing a "spy hop" where they actually look around to see what's going on, whales can see just as good out of the water as they can underneath!

And here's another tail slap, a little closer...

Happy Birthday Clairebear! xoxo

Another day on this beautiful island!  This morning after a yummy breakfast, we headed off to tour the island and it’s history.  First stop was the Historical Museum in Eastsound, but unfortunately it was closed on Mondays.  So we headed towards Moran State Park again, to tour a very beautiful estate called Rosario.  It was built by a man named Robert Moran in 1906.  He was the mayor of Seattle during the great fire that burned the city to the ground, and was responsible for rebuilding it and improving the city’s water system.  He also owned a shipbuilding company and built the first U.S.S. Nebraska that was part of the Great White Fleet.  He was told that he was ill and would only live for another year, so he settled on Orcas Island and started to build Moran Mansion, which is now Rosario Resort.  But he went on to live another 38 years!  The house is amazing, the history is everywhere and I loved picturing the women walking along the grounds in their floor length gowns and big hats of that era.  We were told we could give ourselves a self-guided tour, which was really something special!  Here are some pictures from that!

Rosario

Mr. Moran's office

Music room - an Aeolian Pipe Organ from 1913

a model of the USS Nebraska

The pattern on the wood floors is beautiful, I wish we could this to our floors at home!

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Then we drove up to Mt. Constitution, to see the Observation Tower which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1936.  Coincidentally, Mark learned recently that his grandfather was part of the CCC in Oregon!  If you are not familiar with the CCC, I recommend you look it up.  We caught a documentary on OPB one evening about them, and it’s a wonderful story!  We stopped along the way to eat a picnic lunch and enjoy the view…

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And then we continued our way to the top of the mountain!  The sun came out and the view was A M A Z I N G!

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Observation Tower, see those little people clear on top? That's Mark and the girls...I stayed safely on the ground.

It was still early in the afternoon so we decided to drive over to Obstruction Pass and hike in to the sweet little rock beach we found last time we were on Orcas Island.  It was still the same, a little slice of heaven!

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Oh, and finally…

AN ANNOUNCEMENT!

Coming in February…

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We’ll be welcoming one more to our little family…  Yay!!

xoxo