1 year

It’s hard to believe it was 1 year ago. It flew by really. 1 year of wedded bliss. Well bliss might be a little over kill but very close. To the man who checks on my friends and their babies when I’m out of town, picks up my 10 pairs of shoes that I leave around the house, sings the wrong song lyrics in the car, works 12 hour days every week and never complains...I adore you more every day of the last 365 than the day before. Gag away people, after a year married to me he more than deserves this post.

Are you ready?

Tonight, Cowboys...and the Monday night game. I’m hoping that they look better than they have the last 2 weeks. Pick Princess Romo needs to get it under control.


I have one love on the Cowboys, and I happened to get a great picture of him when we were at a pre-season game a few weeks ago. DeMarcus Ware.


I have to say, the staduim is something you just have to see. The jumbotron can’t really be described. Many have tried, but simply put you have to see it to believe it. It’s ridiculous.

Quick Update

We landed back in the big D late Monday night, and I'm leaving tomorrow for a work recruiting trip to the exciting campus of the University of Virginia until Saturday. So I can't give a full update, but I'll probably do that from the hotel over the next few evenings. I know, I'm so exciting...I mean I look at these undergrad faces and think "Oh My, I've gotten old" They just seem so young. In my head I think, I can hang...I've still got it. Um yeah, Megan this is 1999 calling, and you so don't have it.

My brother, Rob, has decided to become a firefighter. He has actually wanted this forever, but decided to take life by the shorts and go for it. He has finished all of his classes and is all certified. Now comes the hard part of applying to various cities, and it can take months to get on somewhere. We are all praying that it happens soon. Rob had a mini graduation from his program last week, and his son came dressed for the occasion.



Emily had her baby!!! This is very exciting. I love Em. We both agreed that if you would have told us at my wedding that she would be pregnant and having a baby within the year she would have made me take a drug test. Yet, here he is. Baby Tripp. Short for the fact that he is a something the third. I have feelings about the something, so we will just say that Tripp is freaking adorable and I am so proud of Em.


The updates on San Fancisco, Napa, and Tahoe will come in the next few days but to sum it up I LOVED IT.

8 Years

I can't believe it's been 8 years...9-11 was 8 years ago? It will be an event that people born afterwards, or too young to remember will ask us "Where were you"?

I was getting ready for work in my new apartment. I had moved to San Diego the month before and just started a new job. My mom called hysterical, and told me to turn on the news. I did and they were just reporting on the first plane. I listened and watched as I got ready, and headed into work. I was glued to any kind of news I could find.

I happened to work in the tallest building in downtown San Diego, and it was VERY close to the Airport, as well as in the flight pattern. Half the people were not in the office, and the rest of us were very quiet. We were on the 24th floor, and were used to seeing planes every 2-3 min and that morning we saw nothing. At about 10am we were all evacuated, the sound of the fire alarm caused many people to cry...and as we walked the 24 flights down the stairs I was terrified. The building was listed as a "potential target" by the military and we were sent home for the day.

I just wanted to hear the voices of the people I loved, so I made calls and, sat watching news on TV unable to really do anything else. I also had the courage to finally make a call, using a number I'd had for weeks but never used, to someone that had left me, suddenly without much warning months before. It was devastating and yet I needed to hear his voice...so I called completely unsure of what to say, and when I heard the familiar voice say "hello" on the other end...I couldn't speak. The voice said "Megan"...and I hung up. I realized at that very moment that I had nothing to say. Life was too short to try to make someone love me that didn't want too. That moment the healing started for me. On the worst day in history, I started to heal.

Like everyone else, I will never forget that day but for more than just one reason.

Who's funny?

"Mr. Gaines is one of the funniest men in the world."

I love Chris more every day, but this statement made me laugh. Coming from this adorable face, it's just so dang sweet. This kind of thing makes me want to have kids...not soon, but eventually...probably.

I remember when my family first met Chris and they thought he was great, but they weren't sure he was funny enough to fit in with us. I was thinking last night as I listened to him and my brother speak in movie lines that we've come a long way baby.

Street Foodie

We're going back to CA in a few weeks for our 1 year ANNIVERSARY! Or as Chris is calling it "our honeymoon". So sweet. I've been planning a few things because our time is limited in Napa and SF before we head to Tahoe. Food is very important in vacation planning. I'm not sure Chris knew that until he met me. I don't like any kind of trip itinerary...unless it involves food or concerts/shows.

In my research I found this guide to Street Food in San Francisco. Come to momma. Street food?! Yes please. I mean how can one go wrong at a crème brulee cart or crepes a go go. There's even one called Toasty Melts, and look at the menu of the day I pulled up: Original Toasty Melt (3 cheese), ABC Melt(apple/bacon/cheddar/sourdough),+ StrawberrySweetMESS (cream cheese/nutella/strawberries)

Needless to say we are 3 weeks away, but I'm counting down.

Avery and the new do.

The Troegle family has a new arrival this morning. Avery Addison was born around 7:55am, a few weeks earlier than she was due...but planned because of some complications. She weighed in at 4lbs, 15oz and 19 inches long. All are recovering as we speak. Due to totally over scheduling myself as usual...Chris and I can’t go to the hospital until Friday. No photos until then. Pray that both Christy and Avery are complication free and can go home soon.

We called last night to see what they were up to less than 24 hours before life changed forever. Christy was already in bed and Brandon was having some wine to calm him so he could sleep.

In other news...I'm now a RED head. I keep telling myself it’s not that big of a change but the reaction I get seems to indicate that it might be bigger than that. When the starbucks barista and the doggy day care lady notice I guess it’s not so subtle. I like it, Chris on the other hand says “it’s not my favorite color” so who knows if this will be permanent or just a phase. The stylist said that choosing red was very "non-Dallas" of me. Since when have I ever been "Dallas"? Hopefully the answer is never.

New Look

Not for me, although I do have a much needed hair appointment next weekend. New blog look sort of. I changed the template a few weeks ago and updated the blog roll as well. With the changes I figured I would introduce who’s on my roll.

The Allen’s are Jen and Patrick and baby Charlie. Patrick and Chris went to SMU/MBA together. The Allen’s live nearby and we almost bought the same house, they won the bidding war. Jen is an identical twin, and her twin sister just had triplets, 2 of which are identical twin girls, and the other a fraternal twin boy. Bananas.

The Troegle’s are Brandon and Christy, another SMU/MBA couple that we love. They're expecting baby girl, Avery, any week now to join the family. They moved outside the friend zone (Plano) last year but we still see them often...even though Christy is an Aggie.

Kerri T is a friend that I have known forever, like forever ever. We were in brownies together, lived down the street from each other, and were home schooled together. All until I moved to Nevada City. She’s a writer, a mommy blogger, and a breeder of beautiful show boxers.

Lincee, or the infamous I hate green beans writer. When I first moved to Dallas 5 years ago I got on this email list with bachelor recaps, from Miss Lincee herself. Well then she got all famous and went to a blog, then a website and now she is practically bff’s with Chris Harrison. We are blog friends and she is HILARIOUS.

Jen is a Dallas friend that I met my first week literally. She was the HR manager at that first job and I was a little scared of her. Accept I knew a secret, she was living with (as friends) Robin (see below) another employee and that was not public knowledge. So I think she befriended me just to shut me up and ended up liking me after all.

Kerri B and I go way back, roommates in college, planning her wedding 9 years ago. She has lived everywhere and done a million things, and goes on all kinds of exciting adventures. She’s in her perfect job working with Denver brides and loving it, as well as Benjamin’s mom and a grad student. You think she’s a little busy?

Robin (see Jen above) also met the first week and I knew we would be friends when the day we were all "let go" she called worried about me because I was new and didn’t know anyone. Awww. Since then I've seen her date Mike, marry him, and she just added mommy to the list with baby Miller this year. She’s also a pop culture genius. I’m not kidding.

Lydia & Tim I met thru Elizabeth (below). Lydia and Elizabeth were roommates for a while, and still have this ornament exchange party every year that is off the chain. I know you wish you could come. Lydia married and moved to Arlington, so I don’t see her unless it’s a big occasion...like Elizabeth’s upcoming 30th birthday. She’s having her first baby in December, a boy!

Sonia is a friend from high school. We were cheerleaders together, go ahead and laugh. I lasted only 2 years in the “sport” but we’ve been friends ever since. She married a guy that I adore, and have 2 beautiful kids. They live in my hometown in CA and own gym. Her husband is a former NCAA gymnast from OU so he has the cred.

Elizabeth, lizard, rat...she tends to go by all 3, but I stick with the traditional given name. Dallas friend went to Boston but came back to us. She plays a mean game of kickball, likes dark nail polish and you can usually find her at Capitol Pub on Sunday afternoons. She has a ton of fun, and we all live a little vicariously thru her.

So that’s the blog family. I will tell you I’m dying to add Allison (sister in law) who has a blog and has KEPT IT A SECRET. What? Yeah, that’s what I said...and what Rob said. But I won’t because it’s something she does with a few of her best friends, and I think some things are better private. I would add Heather but she hasn’t updated hers in a year, and I think Celeste and Colleen need to start one. Agreed?

We keep growing

This past weekend we added a new "in law" to the mix. Crystal (Chris' sister) was married last Saturday to Joel. So welcome to the family!! She looked beautiful, as always, and the wedding was a lot of fun. John took a million pictures, and had 2 video cameras going so I'll have some better images to add later. All I have for now are a few from my phone.


Joel works for the band Fly Leaf, and all members were in attendance...it was very cool to have a rocker edge at the wedding. Complete with converse, tattoos, and some crazy hair. I was also able to meet most of the Manning crew so that was an added bonus.

Everett

I haven't gotten my Auntie fix this week...but I will this weekend! Until then Allison sent me these from last weekend to tide me over.

Dreaming

With this Texas heat I find myself dreaming if a front porch I can actually sit on for more than 5 min without developing pit stains. Specifically, I have wanted a porch swing like this forever...I think it only works for summers on the coast but a girl can dream.

PS rather than a book I think I would have a fresh watermelon mojito in my hand...they are my current obsession and they are so YUMMY!

My Special Friend

I can't even find the words or know what to say accept that I love you and am a quick flight, or a phone call away. Anytime, anyplace I can be there. I have a very special group of people praying for you and am hugging you from a few hundred miles away.

"The beauty of his grace is that he can put the pieces back in place"- Matthew West

Home at last

Parents are here...matching outfits off the plane and all. They thought it would be a funny way to embarrass me. Nice.

My dad packed his #1 Grandpa shirt, and can’t wait to wear it. Rob, Allison and Everett came home from the hospital yesterday afternoon as well. So I had airport pick up, dinner pick up, and of course had to see the baby again. He just smells so good and makes the cutest sounds, and squeaks like a toy when he cries. My parents brought him a shirt from Ireland that reads “I’ll have a pint, of the white stuff”. Hilarious.

Everett was swimming in the newborn outfit that Chris and I picked out. A collared shirt and plaid shorts...the kid will be the ultimate prepster. If they had boat shoes you know I would have grabbed those as well.

It's times like these I look at the house for sale 2 down from Rob & Allison and think “let’s move!” Chris usually shakes his head because we do love Dallas, but I think I will probably ask a few more times :)

Introducing Everett Karl

He's here!! We got the call to head to the hospital yesterday evening. We had to go pick up the other "babies" from pestmart and take them home, but arrived at the hospital by 10pm. At 12:32 am Everett Karl Heinrich was born. He weighed in at 7lbs,7oz and 21 inches long. Labor didn't go according to plan, these things usually don't. Momma was a TROOPER. She adjusted to all the changes and pushed right thru. Rob looked like he was in between terror and excitement most of the time.



He came out to the waiting room to make the announcement while holding a video camera to get our reactions. It was a boy and he is perfect! We waited thru the first feeding, and got home around 3:30am. So I am delirious but couldn't be happier. They're going to be in the hospital overnight tonight as well, and the Heinrich Grandparents will arrive tomorrow afternoon, so it will be a busy few days.

The Final Countdown

4 days till the due date and not much progress. The heat here is killing all of us, but I can’t imagine how it feels to someone 9months pregnant. Poor thing. I’m trying not to call them every day to see how things are going because I would be annoyed if everyone did that to me. Instead we are keeping the cell phones fully charged by the bed at night just in case.
I keep thinking that I want to write something to this baby, for this baby etc. I’m just having trouble putting it into words. I think I’ll be able to come up with something better once we meet, and it has a name and a perfect little face. We’re having some interesting family stuff this week but I won’t allow that to overshadow this baby, because this is the first baby and therefore the most special. There is only 1 first baby. The title comes with a lot of people just sitting around staring at you, lots of gifts and special attention...and crowded sidelines for all of life’s events.
As we anxiously watch the phone this week I am overcome with the fact that we haven’t had a baby in the family for 28 years...and like the song says “a baby changes everything”...and this aunt can’t wait.

A blotter from home

I couldn't resist this one...in my hometown newspaper the title above this police blotter entry was "rude boyfried"

Thursday, 6:25 p.m. — A caller from the 700 block of Lindley Avenue reported her boyfriend was hurting her feelings.

Spa Weekend

About 2 weeks ago Christine and I spent a few days in Austin....doing nothing at all really and loving every second of it. We took 2 days off work and made spa reservations, stayed at the Hilton (of course) and when we weren’t relaxing we were eating. Perfect weekend or what?

We started the weekend at the Hula Hut with a strong Mexican martini for Christine and fresh mango margaritas for me. Yes, plural...that’s how I roll. We squeezed in some sushi, shopping and spent 5 hours at the spa getting facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. We also had dinner with my newly transplanted family in Austin, found the cupcake stand in an air stream trailer, and had vino at Hotel San Jose.

I think the highlight above all that came early one morning while dining at Einstein’s, a high class establishment of bagels and schmear...I saw someone in line and had to hold myself back from squealing out loud. You know one of those teen “I almost touched a Jonas Brother” kind of scream. It was...Aaron Piersol!! Who you ask? Well if you follow swimming and the Olympics you also would have known immediately. If you are normal, like christine, and only remember the big guns like Michael Phelps...this name may perhaps escape you. I have added the pics because you will probably remember the face.



He's hot! I gave Christine permission to take him home immediately, not that she needs it...but she fully agreed that he was great breakfast eye candy. He was cool, casual and eating a ton of carbs as he had come from the Longhorn Swim Club and seemed totally unaware that he might be someone that people recognize.

He Won

Of course he did. He came, he rode, he conquered. That's Lance. Levi came in third, also a great showing. The sleepy town of 3K, had about 15-20 thousand spectators. My parents had a great time and I'm so excited that he might have raced his last ever race in the US in my hometown. Who knows, though...how many times did Jordan retire? He might just be back again.

If you can handle the terrible sound quality, this video was taken on the motorcycle alongside the riders in the race, and also shows how what a beautiful town NC is.

Here comes Lance!

I'm not sure everyone knows this, but I’ve been watching the tour de France for...well a long time. It probably started when I spent a summer in France when I was 12, and saw the tour as it passed thru. I even got Jen hooked and now she watches every year. Cycling has all the good drama of a soap opera. Drugs, people changing teams, countries that hate a certain American rider, insane fans that run in the streets and bloody crashes etc. No one in cycling ever generates as much interest as Lance, love him or hate him I think everyone would agree that he is cycling.
In my small hometown the oldest bike race in the history of California occurs every Fathers Day. It's called the Nevada City Classic. In the past Greg Lemond in the 80’s, Lance in 1990, and Levi even in 1998 among others have participated but generally it's a low key event with only die hard cycling fans making any special trips. Not this year friends because Lance himself, along with Levi (who I adore) and Chris Horner...all amazing American riders announced yesterday that they will be riding in it! Lance tweeted it actually, and of course I follow him because I'm psycho. This is probably the most exciting thing to happen to Nevada City since a Hallmark Christmas movie was filmed a few years ago. My parents are already staking out their seats and I’m forcing my mom to make a sign for me. I can’t believe I’m going to miss this one...for budget reasons I cannot hop a flight to CA this weekend. To quote Levi “This is one party to come watch".

Almost Time!!

I had to post the link to Rob and Allison's maternity photo shoot because it is so freaking adorable. I'm sure they will kill me for this but you all know and love them so I figured you would want to see it as well. A)It's totally not fair how tiny she still is at 36 weeks in these pics, and B) look at those dogs! I love the baby room of course. 4.5 weeks to go until baby H. Chris and I are so excited we already have shirts to wear to the hospital when we get the call. Mine reads Aunt Sassy, his reads Uncle Cap.