Six.

Six years ago, I was filled with more nerves and anticipation than every 30 year old in the world on Sunday night, waiting to see if N'SYNC was really going to reunite at the VMAs.

But, unlike N'SYNC's disappointing 30-second performance, my anticipation six years ago has lead to so much more.

Vacations. Alex. Adventures. Babies. Unfathomable loss. A new home. Heartbreak. #VW3040. Laughter. Tears. Partnership. Harper.

And yet, through all of that, nothing has really changed. I still look at him the same way I did six years ago from the other end of the church aisle. Sure, there might be a few more pounds, wrinkles and sparkles of grey hair (on both our parts), but we've traveled our journey together--the best way.

If there's one thing that marriage and these last six years has taught me, it's that lots and lots of things change, and you actually have control over very little of what actually happens in your story. The one constant? The characters you choose to be a part of your story. And I'm so glad I chose THIS leading man for my story.

Happy Anniversary, my love. Damn, we look good.

Hump day, bump day (& an anniversary)!

bV is the size of a grapefruit!
At about 10.5 to 11.8 inches and about 12.7 to 20.8 ounces, baby's not just getting bigger, she's getting even cuter.

bV at 23 weeks: 
She's forming little nipples (yeah, really!) Her face is fully formed now -- she just needs a little extra fat to fill it out. She's listening to your voice and your heartbeat -- and even to loud sounds like cars honking and dogs barking. (& her brother telling her stories - more on that tomorrow!)
via thebump.com

In semi-related news, today is my Mom and Dad's 37th wedding anniversary. Listen, 37 years is a long ass time. I don't even know that I will like myself in 37 years. What I'm saying is that they're awesome -- a genuinely amazing example of love, marriage and all the hard work (and fun!) it takes to make it on this crazy adventure we call marriage.

And for the record? They're still as weirdly perfect together as ever. Dad's hair has gotten significantly (ahem) lighter and Mom's is significantly (ahem) chemically enhanced...but they're still the same lovebirds! Just with a few more years behind them, a few more grandbabies to brag about, and lots more adventures to still have!

Five.

Today is a great day of celebration: the VeeDubs are celebrating 5 crazy years of wedded bliss!

And while normally I am very tongue-in-cheek, not-so-seriously-sarcastic and adorably humorous about expressing the love I have in my heart and girlybits for my husband, I'm finding that today I just want to have a rare moment of genuine sincerity and hard core truths.

There is a love capable by humans that, quite frankly, I didn't know/believe existed until I met Joe. It's so deep and rare that it's almost unexplainable and unfathomable. And I'm not super sure that over the course of the last year(ish) that I've been all that great about truly expressing that. Because if I'm totally honest with myself and also the Internet at-large, this last year has contained far more than its fair share of suckage. It has been largely shitty, and he has carried me through all of it. All of it.

But then I slap myself right smack in the face and am reminded of all the good and all the love and all the memories and all the the moments. We laughed and traveled to new places. We held hands as our healthy, hilarious son blew the candles out on his 3rd birthday cake. We worked hard and built a home. We watched friends and family celebrate joyous occasions in their own lives. We lived.

And that's really what love is about, isn't it? It's about buckling in, holding on for dear life and riding the highs and surviving the lows--and coming out the other end stronger and better for having done it together.

There is no one else I would rather do this life with. My God, I am lucky.

The one time I was filmed for the Food Network.

Joey and I recently spent the weekend in Cleveland as part of our Anniversary getaway. On said trip, we had many adventures...front row seats at an Indians game, tickets to the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame, and many, many delicious restaurants to try. Most of them were on wheels.

She said whaaaaat?

You see, Cleveland has a pretty spectacular variety of Food Trucks - and they've grown in popularity recently due to Food Network's "The Great Food Truck Race." Detroit doesn't have any food trucks (tear), and since I have a soft spot in my heart for street vendors I was SUPER keen on trying as many as we could in our 3 days there.

So keen, in fact, that I decided to start a new quest, dubbed "30 B4 30," that is, to eat at 30 different food trucks before I'm 30. It's a lofty (and somewhat silly) goal, especially considering I will have to travel far and wide to meet this quota.

Anyway, word got out as we were waiting in line for some grub at a food truck by the name of JiBARO, and LO AND BEHOLD, the Food Network just happened to be there filming for a show on the Cooking Channel Called "Street Eats."

They were fascinated by my story - and intrigued that we had driven all the way from the Dirty D just to enjoy their meals on wheels. And so, they asked to interview us.

OBVIOUSLY, we said yes. Despite the fact that it was seventy trillion degrees out and I was sweating like a hooker in Sunday Mass, we totally rocked it. Joey threw out culinary descriptors that Bobby Flay himself would have envied. We laughed; we played to the camera; we were coy; we were foodies. We were brilliant.

So brilliant that the producer said the whole segment will be about us. FOR REAL. This is where I die and start signing autographs faster than Kate Gosselin in her hooker heels and too-short skirts.

The show airs on the Cooking Channel and we will be part of Season 3 which will start in April. I promise that I will shamelessly promote myself like the dude with the "Cash for Gold" sign on the street corner in Anytown, USA as soon as I know the exact air date.

Oh yes, I'm a famewhore.

As photographed by Food Network camera man.

Four years.

Four years ago today, I stood in front of God, friends and family and promised you faithfulness, friendship and forever.

Not a day goes by that I'm not thankful for every minute of my life that lead me to you. Every good decision, every bad decision, every twist and turn that got me here. I'm blessed. I'm thankful. I'm happy. I'm complete.

Thank you for building a life with me - for building our family on a foundation of faith, laughter, adventure, partnership and promise. I love you more every day.

Love Fest, Year Three.

As I may or may not have previously mentioned, Joe and I always take a trip on our anniversary weekend. I plan the odd years, he plans the evens. Since this was year tres, I did the planning...and I think I get an A+, if I do say so myself.

A few days before the trip, I printed this out and left it on his car:

If you look closely, it provides hints for the entire weekend. I know, I'm awesome.

The trip began with a HUGE adventure. A friend (Hi, Beth!) is a frequent traveler on the Megabus, which boasts fares from Detroit to Chicago for as low as $1. Yes, one dollar. I'm not a huge fan of public transportation (read: sketchy people, small spaces & funny smells), but Beth promised me the buses were clean and the ride was smooth, so I gave it a whirl.

Well, the Megabus did not disappoint. The WHOLE trip (there AND back) cost a TOTAL of $22. Exactly $9 for each ticket there, $1 for each ticket back and a $0.50 reservation fee on each ticket. I know. Unreal. The bus was clean (a double decker!), the drivers were nice and the people were (with the exception of us) relatively normal. The buses even have a potty and free WiFi and power outlets. We were there in a little over five and a half hours -- way faster than the train and WAY cheaper than flying. Awesomesauce all around for the Megabus.

Upon arriving, we checked into our suite at the Allerton Hotel (hello, Mag Mile) and vamoosed it right on over to Frontera Grill for our lunch reservations. Look, people. There's a 3 month waiting list to even get INTO this restaurant, so I really thought ahead. We love Rick Bayless, Mexican food and the Food Network in general, so this stop was really a no-brainer. In summary: far and away thee best margarita I've ever had in my entire life. And the Sopes Rancheros are still haunting my dreams. AMAZING.

After a little shopping and a little walking, we went back to le hotel to fancy ourselves up for dinner at N9NE Steakhouse. I bought a Groupon for this bad boy a few months ago and couldn't WAIT to use it. Is it sounding like all we did was eat on this trip? Because it's true.

On the way home, we stopped at the Signature Room on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Building for a drink and a lovely view of the city. Que romantico.

The next day, we had an overwhelmingly yummy breakfast at Eggsperience. Hello, portions! And following what very well could have been my last meal, ever, we went to a matinee of Shrek The Musical. If you do ONE thing the next time you're in Chicago, go see this show. It rocks. Joe claims that the ending (The 'I'm a Believer' sequence) was the highlight of his whole trip, which says a lot.

That night, we had rezzies at Art Smith's Table Fifty Two. Fun fact: if you watch "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" on The Food Network, you know that it's a tippity top secret that he serves his famous fried chicken on Sunday nights only. Coincidence that our dinner was on a Sunday night? Ithinknot. The food was absolutely scrum-diddly-umptious, but let's get to the REAL point, shall we? ART SMITH WAS THERE! Like, in the flesh (Skinny flesh, mind you. The man's lost like 100 lbs.). He walked around and greeted everyone, acting like we were all old friends. And when he PERSONALLY brought over an anniversary dessert (Pecan Pie. I die.) to our table I about peed myself. Trip highlight, fo' sho.

And after we were done eating that meal, Joe dropped his fork in submission and said, "No wonder Oprah is 400 pounds." That's when I spewed the spiked tea all over myself.

On Monday, we had lunch at Grand Lux Cafe (I live for the Beignets) and took the Red Line to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs spank the Pirates (14-2). A brew or two at Harry Caray's Tavern and some late-night Cheescake at the Cheescake Factory rounded out the perfect weekend.

Here's to a million more just like it with my best friend and partner in crime.

Brew pictured is 312 Urban Wheat by Chicago Brewery Goose Island. YUM!

Also? I need a manicure.

Windy City Shenanigans.

Hi, childrens! Didya miss me? Didn't even notice I was gone? Hmmphhh.

Anyway, Joey and I have been away on a lovecation in le Windy City, celebrating three years of awesomeness.

It was glorious. Just the escape we needed. I shall review all of our adventures soon (hold onto your seats for the one about meeting Art Smith and me subsequently spewing spiked southern tea all over myself). In the meantime, please die over this adorable picture of Alex snoozing away with his Poppi, aka my Dad, for the new kids.

Giveaway Reminder.

Tomorrow's the last day to enter my giveaway.

Three great prizes are up for grabs, and right now the odds are lookin' good.

GRAND PRIZE: $10 gift card to Starbuckies and a $10 gift card to Target

FIRST PRIZE: Any $8 product from bleu soleil design, plus 6 gift tags to match the design of your choice

SECOND PRIZE: $5 McDonald’s gift card

Click here to enter!

Happy Anniversary!

Today marks the one year anniversary of this crazy little adventure known as blogging, and its just plain nuts to think of how far its come! Never did I imagine that hundreds of stalkers followers would be checking in daily on my somewhat ridiculous antics and otherwise entertaining life.

But here we are, 364 ¼ days later. My life is a lot different now. A lot better, a lot richer and a whole lot more silly. Thanks for everything, Internet peeps. Your IP lovin’ means more to me than you’ll ever know.

So, as bloggers often do, I’m hosting a GIVEAWAY! Since we’re a big fan of the number “three” here on this blog, I’ve decided to award three prizes to three very lucky readers.

GRAND PRIZE: This girl can’t live without her caffeine and her shopping. Thus, one lucky reader will win a $10 gift card to Starbuckies and a $10 gift card to Target. Le swoon.

FIRST PRIZE: I’m obsessed with paper products. I know. Shocker. As such, one lucky reader will win any $8 product of her (his?) choice from bleu soleil design. Plus, Jackie's offered to throw in 6 gift tags to match the design of your choice. Thanks, Jackie!!

SECOND PRIZE: I do love me some Mickey D’s Diet Coke. Again, shocking. The winner of this prize will receive a $5 McDonald’s gift card to get ‘cha own damn Diet Coke. Or fries. Whatever, I don’t judge.

Receive one entry for doing each of the following: (Yes, you can do them all. That’s what she said.)
- leave a comment and tell me your favorite Starbuckies treat
- become (or already be) a follower of this blog
- post my giveaway on your fabulous blog

And…drumroll please…get TWO extra entries into this giveaway by urging your blog peeps (or Facebook friends, Twitter birds, etc.) to vote for “…and baby makes 3!” in thebump.com’s Mommy Blog Awards.

That's a total of FIVE possible entries. You have until Wednesday, October 21 to enter. Get to work!

Anniversary Trip: Day Three.

Day 3 was very special and laid back. We started the morning with mass at the church we were married in. It was so fun to just sit there, listening to my most favorite piano player on the earth jam out some serious Jesus tunes and show off my 'lil man to the church family. Alex especially loved the green "robe" that Fr. Bert had on. :)

Then we went back to my parents' house, where we relaxed and enjoyed our favorite meal Mom makes - stuffed peppers! Mom and Dad are nearly done with the big home renovation (finally in the decorating stage) so I helped mom arrange some pictures and knick-knacky things. They gave us a fun and thoughful gift of all cotton things (2nd anniverary traditional gift) and Grandpa N. even joined us for dessert. Perfect.

Then we drove home, snuggled in for the evening and watched our latest Netflix. All in all, a fantabulous weekend. I can't wait for anniversary #50 when I'm still blogging (probably with arthritis) about our ridiculous adventures of life and in love.

Anniversary Trip: Day Two.

Day two began with a delish breakfast at Ca.Fe.Zn. (Cafe Zinc) at the H. May I just get it out in the open right here and now that I am basically obsessed with fancy things...especially dining? I was truly spoiled on this trip and it's hard to go back to my old pals Jimmy and Papa (as in Johns). Le sigh.

Continuing on...we ate our breakfasts and ordered lunch to be picked up later. Lunch was consumed at the gardens at The Grand in Essexville, because my husband is that awesome. I wish they had a website so I could show you how absolutely amazing it is, but the few pictures from my wedding will have to do it justice for now.

After lunch we popped into Target for a few odds and ends. As Joe would say, "It's not a VW vacation if momma can't get her Target time in." True story.

Then we went back to the hotel for our 3 p.m. massages. Glorious. But much to our dismay, only 1 therapist showed up. So, Joey was an ever-gracious hubby and let me take the appointment. The flip side of this coin is that they didn't charge us for my massage AND gave us $50 off the hotel bill. Score!

After a brief stint in the hot tub, we got ready for the big night out at Table restaurant. Oh. Mah. Gawd. We were definitely fish out of water for the entire experience, but it was awesome. Everyone should do something like this in their lifetime. We were waited on hand and foot by the most attentive, knowledgeable staff - my favorite was Rudi, the flamboyantly gay maitre'D who treated Joe and I as if we were royalty...amazingness.

A lowdown of the meal:

1. Amuse bouche, courtesy of the chef: a smoked salmon patty, of sorts, topped with perfectly julienned granny smith apples and a sprout salad lightly tossed in EVOO. I don't even like salmon and ate every single bite.

*enter waiter* --> total change of placesetting, fresh bread and water

2. Appetizer: an heirloom tomato salad with some type of cheese I can't pronounce and a little salad on top. It was so pretty I didn't want to eat it. This was paired with a delicious white wine. I could have stopped here and died a happy woman. But wait...there's more!

*enter waiter* --> total change of placesetting, fresh bread and water. This time, he placed a silly looking spoon next to the plate that looked like the state of Michigan, only with the thumb chopped off a little bit. Feeling retarded, we asked one of the waitresses what it was...apparently, it was a sauce spoon. Yeah. IDK either.

3. Main course: Australian Kobe beef (like a giant steak of it) atop a cheesy potato cake with shortribs. Like Joe said, I've never had meat on top of meat before, but it was uh-may-zhing. The sauce...oh, the sauce. I still have dreams about it. This was paired with a red wine that we actually wrote down to buy again because we liked it so much.

*enter waiter* --> total change of placesetting, fresh bread and water. No foreign objects this time. Dodged that bullet.

4. Dessert: I got the chocolate lava cake and Joey got the.most.amazing strawberry creme brulee I have ever had. Honestly, I ate most of his dessert...and mine, too. :) It was a "deconstructed" creme brulee, with the creamy, strawberry goodness on the bottom, then a sweet, flat filo-like cookie topped with more creamy goodness, another cookie and fresh whipped cream on top...all drizzled with dark chocolate sauce. I wish I could eat it every minute of every day. This course was paired with a dessert port wine, which I have always likened to sweetened poison. Ugh. So, the waiter brought us some "iced" wine...which is essentially a really sweet ice cold white wine. It was awesome. Way better than the port. Yuck!

After that fabulous meal, we went to the adjacent bar, Oxygen (are you beginning to notice a periodic table of elements trend at this place?) for an after dinner drink. The bartender had the personality of a mossy rock, but boy did he know his booze! We were entertained by some fascinating couples at the bar (one glued to their iPhones, the others drinking until they liked each other) and a 40th birthday party of drunken, hilarious women...they even gave Joe one of their gift bags! What can I say, he's a hit with all the ladies!

I had far too much to drink (cilantro lime margarita...my new bff) so we stumbled our sinfully stuffed selves up to the hotel room and let Jimmy Kimmel put us to sleep. Ahhh, sleep...

Anniversary Trip: Day One.

So you already know where we went, but here's a rundown of Day 1.

The Flytrap: Super fun to go to...but a tiny little restaurant. Seriously room for like 38 people, I counted. We waited for about 25 minutes for a table but it was worth it. Joe ordered what Guy ordered when he was there, I got a grilled veggie sammitch of sorts. Scale of 1-10 it was a 7, but glad we went.

Before officially heading to Midland, we walked around Royal Oak and picked up some treats...specifically from Dale and Thomas Popcorn. Lifechanging corn. Truly.

H Hotel: Um...beyond amazing. The place is super modern with fun little accents all over the place. I felt so posh.

Loons Game: We won! This is seriously the best entertainment for under $10 anywhere. I implore you to find the nearest minor league team in your area and get your friends and family together for a game. White there, I gorged on a footlong dog, a brew and some ice cream and it was muy delicioso. Oh, and it was free hat night AND Mom and Dad arranged for a "Happy 2nd Anniversary Kristi and Joe Van Wormer" message to be on the big screen. Yeah, they're that cool. They brought Alex, too, and even bought him his first Loons souvenir - a stuffed Lou E. Loon!

After the game we popped into Oscars for a drink. Yes, with Alex. "You have a baby! ...in a bar!" <--name that movie. Super fun. Super relaxing. Super long islands.

Then it was "bye bye" to Mom, Dad and Alex and "hello" good night's sleep! My super romantic husband had even arranged to have champagne and chocolate covered strawberries in the hotel upon our return.

I know. You're jealous. :)

Happy Anniversary!

Best two years of my life.

Best. Husband. Ever.

So I'm being whisked away on a surprise anniversary trip today thru Monday. I'm super dee duper excited about it! (I planned the surprise 1st anniversary trip to Traverse City last year...we've decided to switch the planning duties every year.)

Anyway, he's been giving me (ridiculous!) hints all week and finally broke down and told me all the juicy details last night. We're keeping it close to home since it's a quickie trip, but it couldn't be more romantic or exciting. Here's the rundown:

Today: Leaving around 11 to have lunch at The Flytrap in Ferndale. This place was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network (aka porn for fat people) and we've been wanting to go forever! Then we're traveling up to Midland to check in to the very swanky H Hotel. Midland is home to the Great Lakes Loons, so we are meeting my parents and ALEX for a game tonight at 7 pm. How fun is that?! Midland is like 10 minutes from Auburn (where my Mom and Dad live) so we get to meet up and see my little buddy (they're watching him). In related news, having a beer with my Dad at a baseball game is such a rite of passage. It's one of my favorite things.

Tomorrow: I plan to sleep in for an exorbitant amount of time in a deliciously fluffy hotel bed. Then, Joey has arranged for a table to be set up for lunch in the garden area at The Grand, which is where we had our wedding reception! (Wait for it...awwwwwwwww.) After lunch, we'll scoot back to the Hotel for massages...sweet, sweet massages. I get all wiggly just thinking about it! That evening we have reservations at Table restaurant, which boasts a Five-Diamond and Four-Star certified chef! I know, right?!? We're having a 3-course meal with special wine pairings. It's so snobby and fabulous I can hardly stand myself.

Sunday: I have been wanting to return to the church we were married in since Alex was born. I think it would be really special to share Alex with some of our friends there...not to mention showing him off to Fr. Bert! So, we are meeting my parents and Alex at Holy Trinity for church on Sunday. It will be a perfect, blessed ending to an amazing weekend.

Until then, childrens! :-)