Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Garden Beauties and a Life Update

You'll never guess where I'm writing this.  Well, actually you probably will.  I'm in Texas!  I was supposed to fly home on August 8th and stay for three weeks.  But as the birth of my first grand baby approached, the possibility of not being here for the birth took over my thoughts.  All signs point to this baby coming early and I had to get here.

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England



So after changing my flights and getting off work early, I flew from London to Dublin to Chicago to Austin.  It was a long travel day made much better by an upgrade from Aer Lingus.  My first eight hours in first class has completely spoiled me.  How will I ever go back to economy?  #firstworldproblems

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Because no one should have their Mother in Law move in for five weeks, I'm staying in a little apartment just around the corner from Jessica and Johnny.  Close enough that I can walk over but far enough that they have plenty of space.  I get to stay for five whole weeks and I couldn't be more thrilled.  Matt will be joining me in a few weeks.  

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Jessica is doing great considering she is in her last few weeks of pregnancy.  She looks fantastic and is in good spirits (mostly).  I was so worried that I wouldn't get to see her pregnant and feel the baby move inside her.  I can't keep my hands off of her belly.  He's a big active boy and it's absolute joy to be a part of this. 
 
Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England
Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

I was able to join her at her latest appointment and I love her doctor.  Things are progressing along and we hope to meet little Michael within the next week or so.  We are all ready.

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

In the mean time, we're trying to stay busy and distracted.  In one 24 hour period I went to Target twice and Walmart once.  Reverse culture shock is a real thing.  I just walk up and down the wide grocery aisles in awe.   And I drove a car for the first time in years.  It's been over 100 degrees every day since I've arrived.  I also see some pool time in my future. 

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with family and friends.  I'm also looking forward to more blogging time.  I'm hoping to get caught up a bit.  I'll try to get out and show you a little bit of Texas on my Instagram feed. 

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

It feels good to be in Texas and it feels wonderful to be with Jessica.   I'm going to be a grandma!

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

Grim's Dyke Hotel, London, England

These photos were all taken in the gardens of the Grim's Dyke Hotel just outside of London.  In my next post I'll tell you all about my Afternoon Tea and weekend getaway at this beautiful country house.  

 Have you experienced reverse culture shock?



8 comments:

  1. Congrats Selena! I hope everything goes smoothly. Reverse culture shock is real! I couldn't believe all the STUFF everywhere. We survived years of not buying in bulk but soon enough we bought into the mentality and now I'm swimming in cans of canned tomatoes. Ha!

    Congrats to all!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! It's incredibly exciting although the waiting is difficult. She is so ready to have this baby. The reverse culture shock is starting to wear off now. I'm enjoying the over the top customer service. xo

      Delete
  2. How wonderful an opportunity to spend 5 weeks with her!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We so needed the time together. I love seeing her pregnant. However, baby can come any time now. We're getting very impatient. xo

      Delete
  3. Such an exciting time for you all Selena! I can totally hear your excitement in this post and it's so sweet and considerate of you to get an apartment so they still have their own space! Good luck with the next few weeks and I have a feeling we will be hearing some exciting updates from you soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! We're still waiting. Lots of walking. We'll get to meet him soon. xo

      Delete
  4. Were you crying while writing this? I feel like there might have been some happy tears there. :) Beautiful pictures, beautiful words.
    Say Hi to Jess!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There might have been a few :D Still waiting. So excited to meet him!! I'll tell her. xoxo

      Delete

Thanks for commenting. I love to hear from you!