An Evening With a Beatle

Last night Sir Paul McCartney was in Charlotte for a once in a lifetime (at least for Harry and me) concert. It was amazing. He filled the night with wonderful music and interesting stories.

This is Paul's original guitar played on The Beatles first album. If you look closely you can see that it was a right handed guitar that he made left handed.




"Band on the Run"



Stay tuned for "Hey Jude"... I'm having trouble uploading video now.
This one is for my mom, Judy.


The band closed the show with Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. Paul told the audience a great story about how Jimi Hendrix played the Beatles a tribute by playing Sgt. Peppers at a concert two days after the song was released. He finished the song by pulling very hard on the whammy bar; Paul explained that at the time, this made the guitars go out of tune. After the song was over, Jimi looked into the audience and asked if Eric was in the crowd because he needed his guitar tuned... Eric as in Eric Clapton. Eric was in the crowd but started to shrink down into his seat. Jimi persisted on asking for Eric until he finally came up on stage and tuned the guitar. It was such an amazing concert for so many reasons. Harry and I both agree that we no long need to think about the answer to the question, "What's the best concert you've ever been to?"

Our Nursery

Today Harry and I finally finished the nursery for Baby Girl. I know we will continue to update it after she arrives, but I finally feel like we have a completed room.

We really love the way it turned out. Now I can't wait to see her in her own room (I really can't wait to see her, period).

34 Weeks

Yesterday was the beginning of the 34th week of our pregnancy. We had a doctor's appointment and Baby Girl is measuring right at 34 weeks. Her heart rate was 152 beats per minute and she is head down ready to go.

We celebrated our 34th week of pregnancy by going to a Dave Matthews Band concert. It was really hot but I got to sit the entire concert (thank you VIP box seats) and Harry and I both really enjoyed it. I even think the baby enjoyed it... she kicked the entire way home. Only 45 days to go!

Concert on the Green

One of the great things about living in northern Charlotte are the concerts on the Green in Davidson. These concerts happen a few times a month in the summer and are absolutely free!

Our picnic consisted of fried chicken, fresh fruits and veggies, lots of humus, and beer/wine/Gatorade (guess which one I, the mom-to-be consumed).



The band, the Alabama Blues Brothers

Jessica, Siggy, and little Liam

Kate and Joanne

Harry, Baby Girl, and me

Say What?

As my pregnancy progressed and I move firmly into the "she's pregnant" from the "is she fat or pregnant" stage, strangers started talking to me. (Thankfully, they are only talking, not touching.) Over the last few months, and really the last few weeks especially, I have collected a number of phrases that should not be mentioned to pregnant women... remember, we are hormonal messes and you never know what we might do if you offend us.

First Scenario:
Stranger: Oh, you look great! How far along are you?
Me: 7 months
Stranger: Oh, I would have guessed you were MUCH further along.
Translation: You look HUGE!

Second Scenario:
Stranger: Oh, you look wonderful... any day now?
Me: No, I have 2 months to go.
Stranger: Wow, that's going to be one big baby!
Translation: You look HUGE!

Third Scenario:
Stranger: Oh, what are you having?
Me: A little girl.
Stranger: Huh, I would have guessed boy by the way you are carrying. I'm betting boy... I think they read that ultrasound wrong!
Translation: PANIC!!!

Fourth Scenario:
Stranger: Oh, how far along are you?
Me: 7 months.
Stranger: 7 months, really? Is there just one in there?!?!
Me: Yep, just one little girl.
Stranger: Are you sure? I think there's two in there!
Translation: You look huge and PANIC!

You may notice that every scenario starts with: Oh! As in, you are so cute (that is great to hear) but then moves into (you are cute but you are going to be/already look huge). My advice to all my readers (and for me to remember myself) don't ever insinuate a pregnant lady is huge.

The Big 3-0!

Today is my 30th birthday and it has started out well. Harry and I got up around 5:30 AM for a early morning swim (Harry is doing really well with his endurance swimming). When Harry took off for work I headed to Starbucks for a decaf caramel macchiato... it is delicious (but not as good as it's caffeinated counter-part). Baby Girl and I plan on spending the day working in her room, going to Target, and doing laundry. Not nearly as exciting as my day 30 years ago, but still pretty nice.

Having a birthday while being 7.5 months pregnant makes me wonder about my daughter's birthday. What day will she be born, what will she look like when we finally see her, etc, etc. Only about 52 days and we will find out.

Me at my birth

Harry at his birth

Who do you think Baby Girl will look like? Visit the poll to the right to vote!

A Swimming Morning

This morning Harry and Joanne participated in the Lake Norman 750 meter open water swim to prepare for the triathlon they are doing in August. Since we live very close to the lake, I walked down there to get some pictures.

The view from afar.

The first wave of swimmers rounding the buoys.

The start/finish of the open water swim.

32 Weeks

Today marks the 32 week mark in our pregnancy. In just 60 days we get to meet our little lady. I went to the doctor today and she is measuring exactly 32 weeks and her heart rate was 154 beats per minute. We can't wait to meet our princess.

Weekend in Wilmington, Part III

To celebrate our nation's birthday, Harry and I headed to Oak Island Beach.

Harry, Baby Thompson, and I


After the beach and a delicious rib dinner, the family played a little dominoes.



It was a great 4th even though we didn't get to see any fireworks (we did get to hear plenty of them)..

Weekend in Wilmington, Part II

Yesterday, after our shower, the family spent the day frolicking in yard. The kids played in the baby pool while the adults classed it up and sat around the edge dangling our feet in.

Surprise! Baby Shower

My family threw Harry and I a surprise baby shower yesterday since this is the first (and only) time we have been together since I've been pregnant. We had delicious food and lots of wonderful gifts to welcome the newest member of the family.

The food/present table. Our menu consisted of a southwest theme (thanks to my sister Martha who lives in Arizona). We had a bean dip/tortilla chips, taco ring, chocolate dipped strawberries, and cake.

The sweet diaper cake.

Our real cake (this was quite a hit with Madison and Luke).

Luke and Madison were my helpers during the shower.






Thank you to my mom, my sister Martha, and my sister-in-law Karen for organizing everything. Also, thanks to my friends and family that sent gifts!