Expecting week by week #30

Last week Doug said Liz should change the pose and the same smile so for you Doug.

A new pose and a new expression but the same old cute Liz!

With a little bigger belly - one of her young women saw the babies move during class - they're busy little bees.

Expecting week by week #29

Things are good with the babies - they're kicking up a storm.

The closets and drawers are full so we suspended the weekly gifts...I'm sure I'll find something they can't live without now and then.

Seriously the cutest pregnant girl - I glanced over at Liz this afternoon and thought, "What is that big thing under her shirt." Honestly I can hardly believe this dream is coming true for Jim and Liz.

- it's a wonderful thing for the whole family Raabs and Hopkins!!

Spring

Yesterday I weedwhacked the front yard - as you can see, there's still a lot of cleaning up to do but as I noticed the flowers in bloom my thoughts went to my dear friend Michelle. She is a master gardener and planted anything good that grows in our yard.

Through the years I'd look out the window and see her planting a little something here and there. She has a way of finding the perfect thing for a great value! When Jim and Liz were married she made sure there were flowers everywhere. She did this for all her friends, never wanting any glory or praise (so she won't like that I'm talking about her here).

Michelle moved to Canada and took a part of our hearts with her but when spring arrives it's as if she's here. I expect her to pop up with her gloves and garden tools. She's just one of those friends you keep in your heart and I miss her all the time but especially in the Spring.

So these pictures are for my sweet friend - thanks...

Now I need to put on my orange gloves and red gardening shoes (which Michelle gave me) and clear out the dead stuff to allow spring to continue to amaze us.

Expecting week by week #28

Things are getting snug in the baby growing department. Liz is officially on maternity leave!!

Now hopefully she'll relax and try to find a comfortable position - not easy...

Holly had the hiccups this week. Liz said last night it felt like a boxing match was going on.

They had a lovely baby shower at Aiges last week. Everyone loves Liz and is so happy about the babies. It was a fun party - now Liz and Jim are trying to find a place for everything.

The accident photos

After 56 years of being accident free Dave smashed his new mustang.

He was doing some work in downtown Oakland and a lady ran a red light right in front of him. The rest is history...

Hopefully they'll be able to return the car to it's former beauty. We're really happy that no one was hurt and that the red light runner has insurance.

Be careful out there!

Expecting Week by Week #27

The babies are kicking like crazy. We think Holly is trying to get her legs down from around her head. It brings back memories for me of babies moving around inside...what a wonderful time.

This is Liz's last week of work - she's ready to take it easy for a few weeks.

Some little winnie the pooh overalls for JD.

Happy times!!

Ano Nuevo

We're determined to get out and see more sights in the beautiful Bay Area. Today we went back to the coast, past our childhood homes to see the elephant seals at AnoNuevo State beach.

We saw lots of elephant seals and "weaners" - Babies getting ready to go out on their own.

There was lots of walking

and beach exploring. The weather was absolutely glorious!

We learned that the best time to go is the end of January through the first part of February. That's mating season so there are lots of males fighting for position. The guided tours stop at the end of March but you can still visit the park and see seals molting - that's big fun... It's a great day trip, especially if the weather cooperates.

We stopped for lunch at Sam's Chowder Shack in El Granada, overlooking the beach just a couple of blocks down from where Dave grew up. It was a perfect day!

Johnny's braces

The last Hopkins boy has started the trek to a straight smile.

Here's the before.

Note the artwork - the B has braces...very clever Johnny!

Here's the slightly blurry after - He chose green bands for St. Patricks day and Concord High colors. What a cute brace face.

Expecting week by week #26

Here they are - the Hoptwins are growing strong.

We got to sit in on the 3D ultrasound yesterday - what a treat to see Holly and JD. They are so cute! Holly has chubby cheeks and Liz' delicate nose. JD has the Hopkins nose and was happy to pose for the camera.

The white peaking out is a white t-shirt. It's all about modesty for a pregnant girl! Liz is sacrificing much of her comfort for these babies and happily so - she's already the greatest mom.

These are the cutest little shoes with a headband. I keep finding the most adorable things...I think our budget is in trouble...