a clean house and a Christmas party

Our new cleaning lady is coming today. We've only had the house cleaned once professionally and it honestly, was the nicest thing ever. Everything was spotless from the moldings that you generally would clean once a year to the sink being sparkly to the showers being 100% cleaned not just spot cleaned how I usually would do it. I actually don't mind cleaning again ever since I came back from my 4 month hiatus of anything normal... but with the baby coming, we want the house really clean and to take something off our plates.

Last night was date night. We usually are the first to make plans around lunchtime on Friday to see who is available for dinner. But last night we went to the bookstore to pick up a few more gifts and made reservations for two at a nice Italian restaurant, Bella Luna. Just Ted and I. But I made a mistake and ate way too much. When your pregnant, there is not as much room in there but I still eat like I normally would. Appetizer, Salad, homemade gnocchi, decaf cappuccino, and of course, dessert.....I literally waddled out of the restaurant, un-buttoning my maternity jeans when I sat in the driver seat. I must have said, "I'm so full" until about 11 at night. Big mistake and I need to learn how to eat smaller portions more frequently!

We have our first Christmas party at our neighbors house across the street tonight. I'm planning to go over there to help her cook and get ready for the party later this afternoon. She is also expecting, which is going to be so much fun and I know when I was early on in my pregnancy- you're a little more tired then usual. She is due in the beginning of June so I cannot wait to be stroller buddies with her! They knew my Dad and Mom from visiting us in Cincinnati. My Dad would always yell over hello and wave as they took their dog out, as Dad was watering the lawn or what not. They also hung out on the porch with my Mom and Dad one night pretty late, so late that I even took off for sleep. And it was my 28th birthday! They were so much fun and just got along with everyone. I really miss that.

So back to this bookstore....Joesph-Beth Bookstore is a classic in the Cincinnati area. It is locally owned and blows away Borders by a long shot. I could have spent hours in there but Ted was rushing me. I could have found a gift for everyone on my list (how boring they would think-books?) but there was a book for everyone! The cook, the dog lover, the mom, the traveler, grandparents.....there was just so many. And the gifts they had there were adorable; Christmas decor, journals, photo books, and the cards were out of this world and I was regretting not getting my yearly Christmas cards from there. I think I'll go back there tomorrow and spend some time in that place. We did buy Aydan this really cool book, "12 dogs for Christmas" that is also a touch and feel book where parts are fuzzy or soft and some dogs you can feel their nose. They of course had an English Bulldog puppy as one of the dogs so it was an instant purchase for me.

I'm looking forward to turning my Christmas tree lights on in my clean house tonight and to head across the street for a festive night of food, non-alcoholic spirits, friends and a little karaoke. Oh yes, they rent a karaoke machine. The Christmas season is officially here whether I want it to be or not.....