A Pre-Baby Trip to Italy

Being the spontaneous Euro-loving people they are, my parents decided spur of the moment to rent an apartment in Florence for 3 weeks and invited us to stay with them. Despite the inconvenience of being 7 months pregnant, Nathan and I decided to tag along because I hear bambinos don’t get too much of a thrill from seeing Italian art about until they turn about 20. So being the aspiring spontaneous Euro-loving people that we are, we decided to go.

We were in Florence for the majority of the trip but we took day trips in our rental car all over Tuscany. Plus, since Susan Westover was involved in the planning, a 2-day trip to Venice snuck its way into the itinerary. Tradition holds that my mom cries every time she enters and leaves Venice, and this year did not disappoint. I’m not sure she cried exactly when we entered Venice, but she did cry the night before when we were talking about how excited we were, so I’m counting it. I found myself getting teary upon leaving Venice as well – perhaps it was because of the pregnancy or perhaps all girls really do turn into their moms (especially when there are babies on the horizon).

Nathan & my parents were a delight to travel with. Thanks Mom, Dad, & Nathan for making me feel like I wasn’t slowing you down even though I sat on every museum bench and waited in every bathroom line in all of Italy.

And for those of you hoping to see some baby bump photos, your curiosity shall be satisfied!

A Baby!

The most important news that I have yet to announce on this blog is that we are having a baby! I am:

29 weeks along

Due on August 13th

In other news, I'm taking a break from the Romney Campaign to prepare for this baby. I've taken a long break from all social media because the campaign obviously values privacy, and all I had to report on were events happening at the campaign. Until recently I used all my energy for campaign fundraising - planning events, traveling around the country for the events, motivating fundraising committees, building fundraising teams around the country, reading Politico, etc.

It's been an amazing experience and I've really enjoyed the getting to know good people across the country who care about making a difference. But it is so wonderful having the time to think about becoming a mom and preparing for our baby.

Victory Party

On Super Tuesday Nathan had the rare opportunity to join me at a work event! Here we are at the Massachusetts victory party.

This one's for you Mom!

Our first real Christmas tree and our first real attempt at decorating.

The Cade-Man

Michael & Rachael have a new baby boy! Cade Michael Westover was born last week weighing 10 pounds (hence, the Cade-Man). My parents flew in to say hello and we just love him.
Austin & Mana are also having a baby boy in March and we are so excited! Bring on the nephews! 

The Harvard Arboretum & Other Activities

Because we always prefer to promenade on Harvard grounds.

Autumn Sunday Drive

I'm back from my long blogging hiatus! (Mostly because I'm home sick and have a rare break from work.)
I thought I would begin my catch up with some things we did this Fall.
One Sunday morning we got together with friends and took a drive to see the Fall leaves before church. We ate freshly picked apples and apple cider donuts on our way and it was glorious! We have some great friends here and we are in love with New England.

The Gov

I have not blogged in quite some time, and that is because of this:



That's right, because of Mitt Romney. Not because I'm engrossed by the media, but because I'm working for his presidential campaign.

I'm in the finance department and my boss and I are in charge of fundraising for 26 states. Above is a photo of a fundraising event that we ran on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.

I am incredibly busy but I really love it!

Clinton & Alexandria

One week after Russia the whole family got together again for none other than my brother Clinton's wedding. We were all still jet lagged, there were over 20 people sleeping in my parents' house, and it was lively and glorious.

I experienced a horde of emotions that day. Happy Clinton found someone wonderful, sad that that means I'm no longer his #1, relieved that there was air conditioning at the reception, fortunate that I could see so many old friends in one place, and excited that Clinton married a red head because he's always had major thing for them.

Tzars, Onion Domes, & a Guide Named Sasha.

A few weeks ago we went on a family adventure to Russia and it was so much fun! We took a river cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow and visited a bunch of smaller towns along the way. Many more pictures to come.