OK to go!

We went to the OB doctor today to have an NST test done to be sure that Karen isn't having any contractions and can fly tomorrow. She passed with flying colors, and we even got to take one last look (in Istanbul) at the little guy. Dr. Erkan has been a great doctor, and all three of us will miss her!

We'll write you from the other side! To all of our friends in Istanbul, we'll dearly miss seeing you, but we'll definitely be in touch. Please pray for safe travels and calm nerves as we leave Turkey. God bless you and keep you!

33 Weeks

So here's the bump at 33 weeks. He sure is growing! A couple of things about the bump my husband lovingly pointed out:

1. Apparently I look like I've swallowed a watermelon.
2. This particular top especially emphasizes that fact.

Also, can you see my belly button?
Take a closer look - my inny is now an outie.

Moving Day

Well, the day has finally come to pack up our worldly possessions and head on back to the good 'ole USA. The movers spent yesterday and today boxing up our stuff and hauling it off to get on the slow boat to America. It's a very weird feeling. Our apartment feels so lonely and empty.
Ernestine was a very good pup during the move. She'd been pretty stressed as we were organizing and cleaning things out in preparation for the move. But when the day came, she put on a happy face. I did manage to catch her in this shot feeling a little sad as she watched one of the movers pack up her favorite chair from our bedroom.

Morning Cuddles

So every morning Byron and Ernestine start their day with a little cuddle. Byron eats his breakfast and reads emails while Ernestine cuddles up for a morning nap in his lap.

Surprise!

Last Thursday I returned home from work to a big surprise - my girls surprised me with a baby shower! It was so much fun! They had all brought delicious food and planned fun games. I was totally surprised! Byron had known all along and kept the secret - he's so sneaky. I am really going to miss these ladies when we leave - they are a very special group.

Laura, Mallory, Virginia, Jodi and Ernestine, Mandi, Me with the diaper cake, Rindy, Bess, Jana, Anna

Only in Turkey

So last week we returned home from work one afternoon to find the following sign posted in the entry hall of our building. Do you see the humor in it? Take a closer look......
Yes, it's true. The heating system was on in our building until 20 May. You may be asking yourself about the weather in Istanbul this time of year. Let's just say that it's not heating system weather.

The Bump Goes to France

We recently took a glorious trip to France. We spent 4 days in Normandy touring the D-Day sites and then 4 days in Paris. Karen's parents met us in Paris on the day we arrived, and we spent a great week traveling together. Here are a few pics from our trip.

The Denneys at Pegasus Bridge in Normandy.
The Denneys at Mont St. Michel in Normandy.

Karen and Grandma-to-be Mitchell at the Eiffel Tower.

The Denneys at the Eiffel Tower.