Jazz notes from the underbelly

View of Heather-rise from planet Preggo-belly. For those of you who have not been in San Diego to share this crazy time with Heather and me (or have been fooled by her baggy sweatshirts and otherwise normal, beautiful appearance), here is a shot of her growing "bump." Everything is still right on track measurements-wise, and Heather is doing as well as can be expected in the third trimester. I have recently been playing John Coltrane and other jazz music for the baby, in hopes that she will come out snapping her fingers. She usually responds with an improvised jitterbug routine, which is more fun for me to feel than it is for Heather.

Christmas and Anniversary

After what felt like a very uneventful December, Heather and I spent four days in Ojai for Christmas. We had a relaxing and fun time with my family, celebrating our first Christmas with Rafa in the family and baby George in the picture. The food was delicious, the sunsets were stunning, and the rest was much needed.



We're excited to hit the trails with her strapped into our new backpack carrier!


Feeling (and sometimes SEEING) her kicks is our new favorite pastime.


After Ojai we celebrated our anniversary (some of you may remember a very snowy post-christmas event four years ago) at a beautiful cabin in Pinetop, Arizona loaned to us by Megan's family. Playing games, sleeping, and hiking were a perfect reset before starting the new year. We stopped at the Robertsons' house on the way to the mountains, where Heather had her first Guitar Hero experience. She shredded it, and had the rockstar pose to match.


Heather has been amazing, staying very active and positive even as George has taken up more space and energy. Here she shows off her growing belly on a hike in the snow.