Backyard Bird Oasis

Last year I read an article about how to make your backyard a bird oasis. I went crazy with bird houses and feeders and I have loved watching my backyard transform. Now that it is spring, I am identifying more birds than ever. Here is a list of the birds that I have identified so far:
California Quail
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker
Western Scrub Jay (or Mountain Bluebird,I am unsure)
American Robin
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White Crowned Sparrow
House Sparrow
Magpie
Red Tailed Hawk
Starling

My Awesome Husband

I just had to write and share about a recent essay contest that my hubby entered. He wrote an essay on "The Role of Diversity in the Criminal Justice System" for The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). Not only did he win first prize, but he is going to be published in The Champion magazine! This is just such a neat opportunity for him and I couldn't be more proud.

It's hard to believe that Nic is finishing his first year of law school! It seems like only yesterday we were visiting law schools and wondering where our future would take us. I am so proud of Nic's hard work and determination. He is in the top 25% of his law school class and is excelling in so many areas. We are looking forward to this summer where he will be doing an internship with the Guardian Ad Litems Office. He is really excited about this opportunity and I hope he enjoys it and can gain some valuable experience there.

1st Baby Shower

I had my first baby shower on Saturday. Thank you to my sisters and Anna for doing such a wonderful job. It was just perfect! Also, thank you to everyone who came. It was nice to catch up with old friends and be able to get so many fun things for the baby.

Pregnancy Questions

I wanted to do a quick post and get your opinions and advice. Did anyone start feeling a lot worse in their 8th month of pregnancy? All of a sudden I feel like everything is changing. My feet and hands are swollen, I have a lot of stomach pains, and I am in pain when I walk. Changing positions, even from sitting to standing, has become very painful. I have been working hard to not gain any weight during my pregnancy, but I can't exercise (or even really move) when I feel like this. What have you found that helps during this time? Any tips from people who worked through their whole pregnancy and how you coped? Any sleeping tips? I don't mean to complain, its just that the last few months I have been feeling really good. Now, I feel like in 1 week everything has quickly changed. I still have 7 weeks left, do you feel like this the rest of the time?

Thanks! I just wanted to throw that out there to all you knowledgeable moms! I would love your help and advice.