November??

In the middle of September I remember looking at my calendar and eagerly anticipating the arrival October, which I expected would be a calm and far more low key month than the ones before it. Inevitably my calendar filled up with work responsibilities, an ever growing personal to-do list as we're preparing for the baby, and mid-week social engagements as we've been trying to get more connected in our community here. And now we've turned the calendar page into November and I can hardly believe it!

November holds a lot of exciting dates for us and I'm so glad it's finally here! Here are the highlights:

This weekend: a mini-vacation from the chaotic work schedules we've both been managing - our last chance for a little getaway as a couple before the baby arrives and life becomes wonderfully different.

Nov 14/15: our 2-day intensive prenatal classes (I'd be curious if this qualifies as an "exciting event" for Tony...I think I'm speaking for myself on this one!).
Nov 18 - my last day of work!
Nov 19 - maternity leave begins! I've got big plans for the following 2 weeks before my due date - lots to get done!
Nov 26 - not just Thanksgiving, but also the day my Mom arrives in Edinburgh!
Nov 28 - my original due date, which I'm still attached to even though I know it will most likely come and go along with my new date of Dec 2.

And then we're into December which holds a whole other bundle of exciting events - my dad coming for the last part of my mom's visit, my sister, brother-in-law and niece coming for Christmas, and most definitely the arrival of Baby Bolos (hopefully earlier in the month than later)!!

Beyond the routine responsibilities that have been keeping us busy this last month, we've managed to have a lot of fun. I've been thoroughly enjoying the autumn season and all the beautiful colors and crisp, cool air that come with it. We enjoyed having a weekend visit from a friend studying down in London. We've been spending time with new friends and settling into our new home church by joining several groups. And we've been mesmerized by the active little baby that now has the ability to shift my entire stomach from one side to the other as it moves around! Life is full and I'm grateful for the connections we're finally starting to make after being here for a year.

A few picture highlights from recent events:

A recent walk through The Meadows

Our new Moses Basket for the baby, kindly lent to us by my manager at work

Tony's hands on my ever-growing belly!

A gorgeous autumn sunset in Edinburgh
(this is our neighborhood, by the way! I still love all the chimney stacks around here...)