the past three weeks in photos

here's what's been going on around here (you know, aside from me being insanely pregnant with a giant baby who weighed over 6 pounds two weeks ago):

rachel's birthday party at gymboree - emre sat next to his good friend willow for the meal

chef emre, hard at work on his laptop

this building has become a sort of landmark in ankara, since construction was never completed and the crane on top has been there for 20 years

the president finally insisted it be taken down, and last week it actually was, much to our amazement

the crew performing the job began by sacrificing two sheep at the site (a sort of supersticious act which is intended to make the operation go safely & smoothly, which worked)

the crane required for the job weighed 244 tons - the crane on the top of the building was 14 tons.  it was a huge operation that, clearly, fascinated us for a few days!  it's definitely weird to drive by the building now and not see a crane on top - it will take time to readjust.

blueberries!

emre has been 'working hard' in baby brother's room.  he really wants to help prepare for the baby, and spends time in there every morning now, working away.

tools of the trade

it's beginning to come together - i will post more pics soon, but essentially it's complete with carpeting, wall sconces and some furniture

emre's room got new carpeting & a dresser, too.  he's enjoying the extra space!

this is how he rolls

last week i made two pies for our friend's annual bbq - cherry & peaches n' cream.  they both turned out great, if i do say so myself!

chillin' with some morning cartoons

latest favorite activity:  getting undressed & dressing himself...

...and hanging out in his underwear

a celebrity sighting at sunday brunch

last sunday ozge hosted a lovely baby shower for me - the food was incredible, and it was a lovely afternoon spent with some very good friends

the adorable cake (that's right, baby boy's (middle) name will be kaan!)

ozge cutting the cake

jenny & lisa

emre & i made pizza this week, he rolled his own dough & made his own mini pizza with black olives (it was his idea to wear the apron & hat & use his own rolling pin)

kid loves his veggies!

keeping busy busy busy

we're now in full baby preparation mode & counting the days!