Felicity and The Beltway

So. Roughly two hours of my day are spent each week day driving on the beltway. You could say that the beltway and I have a love/hate, stop and go kind of relationship. Some days- it is fabulous (usually Fridays- though today disappointed), however most days The Beltway seems to say to me, "I hate you, go back home." I would happily follow this advice to go back home, but... work beckons.
When I drive anywhere I have this little mental race car game going in my head... I pick and choose a 'team' among other drivers. Sometimes a car will be on my team, but as soon as they pass in front of me without a courtesy wave- OFF my team!
On the little note of courtesy wave- Honestly. Is it a difficult thing to do to flick your wrist and wave at the car that so graciously let you cut in? I know it was a remarkable physical feat to put on the blinker as you start cutting into my lane, but for my mental health, could you PLEASE just wave? It's amazing the difference in my daily commute when a driver waves. One grateful woman even rolled down her window, stuck her entire arm out, and waved enthusiastically. Made me grin the entire rest of my drive in.
Can I just say to my fellow commuters heading home last night: It's only a broken down car getting towed, NO NEED TO HIT THE BREAKS. Blows my mind how that can create a traffic jam. It's one thing when it's a fender bender in the CENTER LANE (of 5) that decided to PARK THERE, rather then pull off to the side like all signs direct- those drivers give us no choice-we have to slam on the breaks to avoid hitting them. When I'm on the phone to my sweet husband during these discoveries of the cause of a back up, he asks if people are honking. Nope. We're all so disillusioned with it all- just keep on going- water under the bridge. I'm not quite that broken in yet- makes my blood boil (clearly) but eventually I recover... I will...
Well anyway- enough on that. Already takes up too much time in my life as it is, no use continuing in the 'ode to the 495'. One last thing to say to my old pal Beltway: Our days are numbered- I hate you too.

Maximus

Max is son to Annie and BJ. He is happy and carefree, as every 6 month old rightfully should be. He greets with smile and now lifted arms! I think his coo's are adorable- as is this picture- taken by Annie:

Purdy boy

Man, I'm fired from this blogging thing!
Life has been fun and exciting for us. Yesterday was our 22 month anniversary and Nathaniel (once again) surprised me when I came home with some red roses and some homemade brownies! They didn't turn out quite like planned, but with some vanilla icecream we'll be all set.
Last weekend Nathaniel and I drove down to North Carolina to visit his grandma Jacque, her husband Ike and many many other extended family members. Nathaniel is an instant hit wherever we go. Many a stranger (relative or not) has come up to touch his face and say "YOU a purdy boy!" At church, as I was standing amongst the women admiring my husband, one oh-so-gracious soul told me how lucky I was to catch him. uh-huh. thanks to you too lady. We enjoyed our stay there, I even got to see some remnants from Captian Blackbeards ship!
Pregnancy- well it's far more fabulous now that I'm past the 1st trimester. Tomorrow I'll be 17 weeks! On November 1 we'll find out what the baby is...we'll see how that poll holds up! At first, almost everyone I talked to thougt that I was having a girl "for sure!" and now, most people I talk to seem to think we'll have a boy. So. We'll keep you posted.

My very own 'Purdy Boy' and Grandma Jacque

Joella (1st cousin once removed or something like that...) and her crew with Nathaniel

Emily (same relation as Joella) and crew with me and Nathaniel. Please note my very first pair of maternity pants (everyone should have pants like these for the holidays and all-you-can-eat buffets).

Ike and the ever glamerous Jacque