E-Lo

Look who came to visit!

(look you can see my baby bump in the bottom, right corner!!)

Eric paid us a little visit that he managed to squeeze in around a business trip to New York. We hadn't seen him in a year, so it was fun to see him again and show him our place.

He drove down from NY Wednesday night. We had dinner (take home from Chili's) and watched some hilarious TV. Then I hit the hay, and Stas took Eric down Carlisle to show him the school, and the town, and then they cruised downtown area for chicks. Okay maybe not that last part. Thursday they met me at work, and we went out to lunch together. Then we had to send Eric off to Philly to catch his flight back to SLC.

It was a quick trip, but we had fun catching up. And I'm really glad that Stas had a buddy to decompress with for a little bit before finals.

Come back soon Eric!

My Stas

Look at these two kids:Who knew that three years later (plus three months, as this photo is an engagement shot and obviously not from the wedding) we'd be expecting a little boy, living in PA, working in corporate America, nearly done with law school, and tending to the most adorable canine companion?

Well in honor of our third anniversary, I will share three reasons why I love this crazy Russian.

1. Stas is not an enabler. Through marriage I've become lazy about certain things, because I live with an expert. This specifically applies to anything in the technology or automobile arenas. So whenever I have a problem I just holler and he'll come fix it in no time flat. He is a genius after all. Well this doesn't happen all of the time. Stas does not let me abuse the privilege. If I ask him something that he expects I should know, or be able to figure out, he won't do it. He likes to help me build my self-esteem and feeling of accomplishment with these little projects. He is always encouraging me to learn how to solve problems and fix things on my own. He likes to make sure that I can take care of things, and still challenge my brain every once in a while. This is also true of when he teased me until I walked on the glass floor of the CN Tower, despite my insistence that it is totally unnatural to walk on a glass surface 1,122 feet off the ground. He doesn't want me to be a wuss either!
2. Stas is fantastically spontaneous. He likes to go on trips and doesn't feel the need to overly plan them out (like I would). He gets an idea and makes it happen. I rarely have ideas, but when I do I then spend so much time analyzing/planning/deciding that they never formulate into much. Luckily Stas has inspired in me a "just enjoy the ride" sort of attitude and we have a fantastic time exploring a new city or new event together. In the last year he has surprised me with a trip to Texas over Easter, a trip to New England, a trip to Niagara Falls & Toronto, a visit to the US Open and a trip up to State College, PA for a Penn State football game. I truly admire Stas's passion; he creates an idea and then follows through with so much excitement you can't help but want to be a part of it!
3. Stas is the funniest person I know. Hands down. I always tell him that this is his best quality. Regardless of my mood he can always make me laugh. The examples here could go on for pages, but I'll just share one. I was trying to make a PB&J sandwich (big surprise) but could not find the peanut butter. Seriously, it is very hard to loose things in our little kitchen. I had searched everywhere and was absolutely frustrated; I was about sure that I had lost my mind. Then Stas, who had been in the kitchen with me the whole time, asks me "what are you looking for?" Seriously kid, you're asking me that as your last contact with me before I plunge into insanity. As I turn around from what feels like my millionth search in the pantry I see Stas balancing the jar of peanut butter on his head. Just try to imagine that! I burst out laughing immediately and still do every time that I think of it. He's my favorite comedian.
And there you have it ladies and gentleman, three simple reasons why I love my husband.
Three years down, and eternity to go. I can't wait!!! I love you Stas and happy anniversary!!

Crash

Tonight I saw a automobile accident on the road. It was loud, fast, and scary.

It made me think about a few things like how careful are we really when we drive, why do we risk life with stupid moves, and is anyone ever really in that big of a hurry.

But mostly it made me think of Stas (and other loved ones) and be grateful that the last interaction we had ended on a positive note. I like to try to make a point of telling those I love that I love them when I get off the phone, and I try to give my husband a hug and a kiss before either of us leave the house. You just never know what could happen when you walk out that door. Please don't take those you love for granted. Tell them what they mean to you, and give them a hug. You won't regret it.

Food for thought

If you ever want a fresh donut at 7:30 pm on a Thursday evening, just know that they aren't available. At least not around these parts. Unbelievable considering the popularity of Dunkin Donuts, but even they only bake once a day.

Another one for the dogs!

Please read this fantastic article about how dogs help children learn to read.

There are so many benefits beyond just reading such as increased attendance, increased participation in class, and an escape from peer pressure. It is quite inspiring. Here are two quotes from the article, but please read the whole thing.

The philosophy is simple. Children who are just learning to read often feel judged or intimidated by classmates and adults. But reading to a dog isn't so scary. It won't judge, it won't get impatient, it won't laugh or correct if the child makes a mistake. In a nutshell, dogs are simply excellent listeners. And for shy kids or slow readers, that can make all the difference.

"It sounds a little kooky when people first hear the idea," she admits. "But if they know dogs at all, and the way people relate to dogs, it quickly starts to make sense. But you don't quite ever grasp how really lovely it is until you see it happen and you see the kids light up and you see how excited they are. You see all these changes in them that they just weren't able to make."

WOW--Look at that!

What you don't see anything?

Still nothing?

How about now?

Ta-da!

Stas and I are expecting a bouncing little bundle of joy the end of March. And we're having a boy!