Happy Halloween!

A Halloween tradition, carving pumpkins with the Bendiksen's.

Choose your pumpkin wisely. 



Even Anna got in on the carving action this year. 

What a big helper, she loved scooping out the pumpkin guts.

  

The final product.





HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to the love of my life. Today is about celebrating you. Another year passed, but so much to look forward to!  Can't wait for what is next. 

I love you very much.  Enjoy your day.

Expanding...

I love my belly.  It is ever expanding and a wonderful reminder of the miracle happening inside.  I rub and talk to it often, letting our little one know how much she is loved. Jimmy sings her the occasional Christmas tune getting her prepared for her holiday arrival and she usually enthusiastically responds with a kick or an elbow.  Not exactly sure if that is her way of communicating she likes the music or if she is telling him to stop singing...he's hoping for the former.  Regardless, every kick, punch and movement is treasured.

17 weeks

18 weeks

21 weeks



25 weeks



27 weeks



29 weeks and counting...

  

Weekend in Victoria

Last weekend we were able to get away for a few days to Victoria for a mini vacation.  We took the Clipper, saw the sights, went to the spa, ate good Guinness pot-pie, walked the town in the beautiful weather and were able to relax.  Time went by much too quickly, but it was a good get-away weekend while it lasted.

A lovely welcome.

What a beautiful city.

Jimmy's first pedicure--can you tell a difference?

A trip to Butchart Gardens.
A definite must-see.  Otherwise known as the "flower zoo."

Lots and lots of beautiful flowers.
Every variety and color you can imagine.

 

Posing for a pic in the rose garden.

The famous Empress Hotel. 
No, we didn't have high tea, but enjoyed admiring the landmark.



Night Life.





The Perfect Day

Today I had my first baby shower, a luncheon thrown by Mona Godderis, a lifetime family friend who has know me since the day I was born. 

• The setting was breathtaking...The Georgian Room at the Olympic Hotel
• The food was a work of art...lobster cakes, finger sandwiches with flare, everything had the perfect touch of elegance
• The gifts...the most thoughtful and heartfelt I could ever imagine
• The company...six amazing woman who are very important in my life

But, the best part was a surprise, the best gift of all--my Mom.

All the way from Arizona to be here for my special day. 
 I was speechless, shed tears and was oh so happy to have her here.



The setting for the perfect day.

The very special ladies: My Mom, Gretchen, Mona, Sylvia, Bunny and Julaine.
 I'm so lucky and feel so honored to have such wonderful people in my life and I can't wait for little baby Skurski to meet them all. 



The Hostess who orchestrated the perfect day. 

 Baby Skurski is blessed with a baptism bracelet, the most adorable little outfits straight from France (très chic!) and a very special doll I longed to have when I was three that my little girl will now have as a favorite friend.



Everything is "just ducky!" 
An adorable assortment of ducks for my little one from Aunt Julaine--from outfits to bath time and snuggly  friends.



Baby Skurski will be so happy looking at the beautiful hand-painted pink roses for her room  from "Grandma Gret" who's craft and artistic ability are truly breathtaking.



The "Pack N' Play" from Bunny--
can't wait for Baby Skurski to arrive so she can use this fabulous invention. 



A Christmas Baby needs a Christmas stocking. 
Baby S now has the most beautiful hand-made one I've ever seen. 
 I have a feeling Santa will be good to her this year!



The perfect ending to the perfect day. 
A sincere thank you to everyone for making this day so memorable.  I am overwhelmed with the love and generosity shown to me and my little one to be.  I can't wait for her to meet all of the wonderful women in my life who have already shown her so much love. 



Finally Live...Skurski Blog

Well, it's about time our blog is finally up and running.  With family out of state and across the world, this is something I've been meaning to do for quite awhile so I'm happy to finally be able to share what we've been up to.  Below are a few highlights with much more to come in the following months...stay tuned!

Home Improvement:

Entry way before paint and inspiration...

After some much needed pizazz...

Living room before...

After some TLC...

Jim's MBA Graduation:

Our Big Announcement:

The newest member of the Skurski family...
coming Christmas Day 2010.

It's definitely a girl!

"Goodbye"dinner for T, D, Z:

Note: Saying goodbye is not a highlight...
We love you and wish you the best in Baku!