And then comes baby.

I found out I was pregnant the day before my grandfather passed away. Later, we would learn our April 17th due-date was one-day before my grandfather's birthday!

I had taken a pregnancy test, and was surprised to see it wasn't just a little-bit positive, but that it was blaring positive. I was kind of in shock and I remember yelling to Scott "Oh my gosh, I think we're pregnant!" Folks, I have never seen my husband run faster in his life. The first thing Scott said when he saw the test was "Quick! Pee on some more tests!" So, three tests later, we were pretty sure I might be pregnant.

My grandfather, Zaydie Alvin had been in hospice for many weeks, and knowing he was at the end of his life, at that moment, all I wanted to do was to go be with him, even if he couldn't talk or was even aware we were there with him. So, Scott and I drove over and spent most of the evening with my Zaydie and my family that stayed there. He passed away the next day. I made an appointment with the Dr. office on Monday, and just after confirming I was indeed VERY pregnant, I headed over to Hodroffs to be with my family as we made funeral arrangements.

I honestly can't remember if it was the day of the funeral or the day before, but I returned to the Dr. office for another blood draw. Not only was I VERY pregnant, but my levels of HCG (the pregnancy hormone) had exponentially increased and were off the charts... as in measuring at a woman who was 6 weeks pregnant. The Dr. told us that it might be likely that we were carrying multiples.

Our first ultrasound was at 7 weeks, 3 days! The nurse showed us a baby with a beautiful heartbeat, and we were over the moon! Then, the nurse said "Oh, we're not done... here's the other one!" I'm pretty sure I said "What?" about three times before it clearly went through my head that we were pregnant with twins! We were lucky enough to see both heartbeats again at 8 weeks, 2 days.

But then, tragedy struck. At our 11 week appointment, only one heartbeat could be found. The other baby was doing wonderful, but we were devastated. We had lost "Baby B" to genetic complications. As sad as we were, we were still so thankful to have a healthy "Baby A" and we moved forward as best we could during a bittersweet time. Over the next 4 weeks I was monitored very often and was on a no-anything other than sleeping, short shower, 4-6 hours of bed rest/day, and work IF I agreed to lead rehearsals sitting down. In the meantime, I learned having to slow down was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. We are currently waiting on a series of genetic tests for Baby A, but things are looking good.

We wanted to tell everyone so badly what was going on in our lives... but we wanted to wait to make sure things were going OK first. I was worried my students would figure out I was pregnant as I wore baggier, and baggier clothing as my stomach became obviously round with a baby. For the first time in my life, I prayed people would just think I had been having some stress eating.

But, the days went by, and soon enough, we were (Thank G-d!) out of the first trimester. We had a series of follow-up appointments, and with everything looking great, we decided it was time to make "Baby Yonkel" public. We decided we would tell our close family and friends first, then the night of my first concert (The Halloween Benefit Concert), I would tell students by wearing the shirt to the right. It was a pretty exciting announcement telling my orchestra students! There was a series of excited screaming, followed by hugs, and my favorite comment "You mean, were having an ORCHESTRA BABY?!!" It was such a blessing to be able to share joy in this pregnancy with others!

So, for now, we leave you with a picture of "Baby Yonkel" which we've titled "Lounging Baby" and a picture of my ever-expanding belly from almost 15 weeks!

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Our House is in the Middle of the Street.

Well, this June we are officially moving back to St. Louis Park. We just can't stay away... this will be my THIRD move back to SLP in the last 5 years!

We had hoped to stay in our amazing dream apartment for the next 5-7 years until we could buy a house. We have been incredibly happy here, but with our student loans in full effect and Scott's car being given the "lucky if you make it one-more-year death sentence" last week, we really need to be able to save up a good sturdy nest-egg. My parents (Scott's in-laws) offered us a place to live with them, and while it would normally seem embarrassing to move back in with your family when we're both almost 30, I'm actually looking forward to Shabbat Dinners, sharing meal responsibilities, and getting to spend time with Daisy (my parent's third child... er, dog.) And isn't it every Jewish Mother's dream to have her married children move back in?? (Only kidding!)

At first I wasn't completely sold on the idea... after all, we are still newlyweds. But, our משפחה (family) tends to be very close... think "Full House" or "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" ... so now we'll be close again in the same way as I grew up. And what could be more important than משפחה?

We'll also be downsizing A LOT. If there ever was a time to get rid of junk, this is our golden opportunity. Everything else (such as our kosher sets of dishes) will temporarily have to go into storage. Which is funny in a way, because I am reminded of Sukkot when I think of our "temporary storage". As we are reminded on Sukkot that our time here on Earth is only temporary, so is this living arrangement. And while a bit of a challenge, putting the majority of our belongings into storage is indeed humbling.

I'll also be able to teach privately again, which is something I have missed terribly over the past three years. I love my job as an orchestra director, and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. But I miss being able to work with students one-on-one and having individual relationships with student's families.

I don't think there is much of anything I dislike more than moving. Its just such a pain. But we are incredibly grateful to have family willing to help us build our future, and as we move once again, we're hoping, PRAYING that the next move we make after this will finally be into our own Jewish home filled with friends, family, and lots of love.

Christmas Day Post

Why Hello Big Fat Jewish Blog; Its been awhile. And I CAN'T BELIEVE ITS CHRISTMAS ALREADY!! Where did the time go?!?

Things are going well! Scott's band (Union Shakedown) had their CD release party back in November, and despite the scary snow, had a great turn out and a fun time! Scott has also gone full time at work, which is a very good thing for us financially...he will now be entitled to benefits!

Scott and I also got to watch my baby sister and her now husband get married! I can't believe Talya is all grown up! (And definitely not a baby anymore!) Here are a few photos from the snowy, but romantic weekend:

Since family came into town a few days early to help with wedding stuff, My Auntie Ann and Auntie Heidi joined me to see Scott's band at the Whiskey Junction Thursday night (the night before the "official" wedding festivities began). We even got checked out by a very drunk 60-something guy (we are HOT BABES!), and witnessed an older couple making out on the dance floor for over an hour. It was cute at first, but then....not so much. Ew. But we certainly enjoyed the Union Shakedown show!

The next night, Friday was Talya's Bachelorette festivities! A big thank you to Rachel (DINO LOVE! ROAR!!) for hosting the shindig at her apartment. So we played lots of bachelorette type games, ate puppy chow (made with special peanut butter that won't kill Talya or I), and being that WE ARE CLASSY LADIES, we took Talya to the Macaroni Grill in all her bachelorette flair where she was then serenaded to Puccini by an AMAZING singer. The video is on Facebook...you should check it out. I don't think Talya quite knew what to do! Anyways, here's a picture of the Bridal party + company taking Talya out on the town. We call this one "Jazz Hands":

The next day, Saturday, it snowed like banshee. Talya and Stephen (her fiance) had an aufruf, which is where after they are blessed for the last time as single-folk and proceeding this blessing, attendants of the service "shower" them with candy! Its supposed to be wishing them sweet blessings in their life to come! Well, since 5 MILLION INCHES OF SNOW decided to fall on MN, here is a picture of the bride herself, Rachel (bridesmaid), and my dad (father of the bride) pushing a car out of the snow AFTER epic aufruf at shabat services. Rachel and I ended up leaving our cars in the parking lot overnight after 45 minutes of attempting to dig our cars out of the massive snow that evening. Shovel FAIL.

I title this one "Mom and Mir: SNOW WARRIORS."

Talya all ready for the Groom's dinner... notice the AMAZING snow pants?? This was taken after we made 5 million flowers for the wedding in between trying to dig our cars out of the snow. HILARIOUS!

Possibly one of my favorite photos from the wedding weekend. Anyone who knows our family, knows that 1) We have a laughing control problem and 2) We are pretty weird. Rachel and I are being dinosaurs in this photo and Talya is being a Ninja Bride. This photo is EPIC.

"The Matron" and Rachel the bridesmaid.

My wonderful husband and I after an afternoon of attempting to dig our cars out of the snow followed by making 5 million flowers for the wedding the next day:

As for work, I'm still loving my new job! So much has happened since I last posted:

SH Halloween Benefit Concert: Was AWESOME despite the power outage and underground fire before the concert, and then having to evacuate 300 people directly after the concert due to a chlorine leak/ventilation system failing. But, we raised almost $3,000 (including grants) for our upcoming NY tour!

SH Observes a Rehearsal with Osmo Vanska: Some students that attended this are still talking about it! So I'm taking that as a good sign.

Viva Latino Concert: The other SLP orchestra director and I took 110 amazing 6-12 grade orchestra students and chaperones to Orchestra hall. It was awesome. This is what almost 110 kids/chaperones looks like, since a few were off going to the bathroom:

SH Winter Alumni Concert: Was also AWESOME. Senior High Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra students played a great concert, and we had alumni from SLP 2000-2010 join us on stage!

AWESOME VIOLINISTS!! Talya (2004) and Lindsey (2000) and I (2001) after the concert:

The BATCAVE: One of our practice rooms was in serious need of a makeover. After students had nicknamed it the "Batcave", we thought it necessary to actually turn it into the batcave. Besides the fact that it turned out awesome (thank you black paint), I find myself contemplating "I would have practiced more if I'd had a batcave to practice in as a child."

Up and coming:

Concerto Concert: Senior High students seriously impress me. With Bruch and Beethoven on the docket, how could you not be impressed??

SH "Orchestra Rocks" Benefit Concert: This will be rock n' roll meets orchestra. It will be awesome. And 100% of donations will go towards our trip to New York.

Did I mention we're going to NY? I'm also taking the Junior High students to Iowa this spring from some amazing playing opportunities amongst the cornfields. I'm like a little kid: I get so excited about these things I can't sleep at night! AHHHHH!

I have been very blessed to be working back home, and I continue to feel energized in a way I have not experienced in a job before. While I've been quite happy at my former jobs, including Kennedy, at SLP I have yet to feel the Monday blues, and I'm hoping this feeling of contentment sticks around.

So, things have been busy! Scott and I want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and a rejuvenating New Year with lots of good health in the year to come!

So much to update!

So, life's been a bit busy, and thus, we have not updated our blog in quite a few months!

First of all, we have been happily living in our new apartment for almost 4 months now! We have definitely enjoyed getting to know our new community as well as taking advantage of the perks of our new place! My two favorite perks are having a washer/dryer in our apartment, and being able to fit ALL of our kitchen stuff in our kitchen! Yay for not having to store utensils and canned goods in our bedroom anymore! Oh yes, and I can practice my violin now without making our neighbors with new-born babies mad!

Here is a picture of my husband enjoying our new apartment while eating a chicken. Yes, a whole chicken!

The move went well, thanks to the *AMAZING* help of our good friends and family! Having a spinal injury means I can't really lift much without risk of re-injuring my back. One thing Scott and I have decided: Next time we move, we are hiring movers.

Here are a few pics from the eventful moving day:

Here is my mom scrapping off my hand-painted ceramic Turkish hot-plates that I got from the shopping market in Istanbul from our toaster! We had been storing the hot-plates on top of our toaster, without thinking the bottoms would melt. (They're supposed to handle heat, right? Well, it turns out only from the top!) Anyways, we still get a slight chemical smell when we toast something, but at least I have my Turkish hot-plates back!

Here are the boys moving our couch! The old apartment complex was so narrow, we had to ask the neighbors across from us if we could open their door to get the couch out of our apartment...what a sight! I'm recalling the same adventure when we were moving the couch into my apartment! You can see in this photo Mike is devising a plan to get the couch out of our apartment!

Scott and I also celebrated the first anniversary of our wedding ceremony! We took a little vacation up to the Cotton Mansion over 4th of July weekend, which was *GEORGEOUS*. It was nice to eat breakfast on the balcony and watch Lake Supperior as well as spending some time hiking the Gooseberry Falls loop. Very romantic! We're already starting to think about a new adventure for this coming summer...we'd love to backpack through Thailand, or Europe, but financially that most likely won't happen. Scott's never been to Canada before, so perhaps we will have to spend some time around the Thunder Bay area.

By the Aerial Bridge in Duluth! I think we had just missed a ship that wasn't supposed to go under the bridge for another hour or two:

Other big news is I have changed jobs! I definitely was not planning on changing jobs right now, but an opportunity to teach at the program in SLP where I came from opened up. It was definitely a tough decision, and I had to decide if I was willing to give up tenure and the students/families I had built a relationship with over the past two years at Kennedy! But, after interviewing, it was clear in my heart that I wanted to go back to my Alma Matter and teach next to my own teachers and former private students. We have a lot planned this year including a trip to New York in April! It will be a lot of work this year, but I am enjoying every minute of it!

A few days before I was officially hired, Scott and I were at his family reunion! While talking about my potential job prospects, these two rainbows appeared behind us!! Anyways, my mother-in-law suggested making a wish/saying a prayer, and it came true! G-d doesn't mess around with his rainbows! My brother-in-law took a picture for me:

The day that I was officially hired, Scott brought me some roses! I also love this photo because its the epitome of my husband!

I'm also playing violin as a sub with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra! It feels kind of like GTCYS for adults...lol. But, I am having a lot of fun having the opportunity to play with a professional orchestra! And it gives me a reason to practice new music.

Scott is getting pretty excited for the Union Shakedown CD release party on November 13th! Its going to be a pretty big deal, so if you haven't bought your tickets yet, you'd better get on that! I'll be playing with the band that night, and it sounds like most or all of the musicians on the CD will also be there in person to perform!

Overall, the past few months have been filled with nothing but blessings! Between the new apartment, the new job, and living happily ever after, there's not much more a girl could ask for!

We're moving!

Well, now that we're all settled into our apartment...we have decided to move! It came time to renew our lease, and Scott and I really had to think about if it was worth staying where were are. We do love it here, especially the location, but even with just the two of us, we're pretty squished on space. While we'd love to buy a house, we simply cannot afford a down payment yet, and neither of our job situations are 100% secure yet.

So after doing some research, we fell in love with an apartment complex about 10 minutes away from where we currently are. The four requirements we had were:

1. It has to be within 10 minutes of our parents. We are family oriented people! And we host Shabbat often.

2. It has to be close to our Synagogue.

3. It needs to have a MUCH BIGGER KITCHEN. We keep kosher, and 2 sets of dishes is a pain with only 2 cabinets. We are currently storing utensils in our bedroom...the only place there is room for them! Also, we have no counter space.

4. It needed to have an in-unit washer and dryer. Don't even get me started on how much money we spend to do a dinky load of laundry on top of having to stake out the washers and dryers at an inconvenient time.

For less than the cost of what we are paying between rent, our gym membership, and laundry, we were lucky enough to find a wonderful apartment with more amenities than we could dream of for less than what we are paying now! When we went to go look at it, Scott and I got the same kind of feeling when we first started dating: we knew it was meant to be.

Here is the layout and some pictures...

The layout is exactly how the apartment is laid out. The bedrooms are significantly smaller, but we are gaining an extra bathroom and almost 200 more square feet everywhere else. One of my favorite parts is that there is an actual designated spot for our dinner table! The deck also faces a beautiful grove of trees + a green space to play soccer/bocce ball/etc. There is a 7 mile walking/biking trail in our backyard too, which we will enjoy using! I cannot wait to sit and sip my morning coffee on the deck! And the washer/dryer unit is in the master bedroom, so no more carrying heavy loads of laundry.:

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This isn't our kitchen, but it looks just like it...but with an Island (which you can see in the layout above)! I'm *SO* excited to actually have some counter space, and a space for a drying rack in the sink! Plus, the Island gives us more storage in the kitchen. We got to pick out our paint colors, and they do all the painting! We chose an earthy/neutral brown (think carmel coffee) for the kitchen Our cabinets are white, which I admit I'm not crazy about, but the contrast of the paint really brought them up a few notches.

Here is the outdoor pool...there is an outdoor pool, and indoor pool, and a fitness center! It will be nice to just walk across the street to work out each day!:

We also get heated parking + a bay wash area! This will be so nice on early mornings when I have a meeting or rehearsal and in the winter, we can give it a wash-down. There is also a party room in which we can host Passover and such, which will be nice!

So, as you can tell, we are both pretty stoked about moving in a month or so! Until then, its concerts, graduations, weddings, and packing!

It's been awhile!

Well, Spring is finally here, and it is well over-due to update our blog!

December through March has been so action packed, it all seems a blur.

First and foremost, Scott completed his Masters of Arts in Counseling! He finished his thesis with flying colors, and as of two weeks ago was offered a job as a Personal Advocate at an insurance company! He just finished his first week of training and is ready to take on his role to help people.

As for me, life has pretty much been one giant rehearsal between work and side-gigs! From December until now, we've had eight orchestra or chamber performances, 4 field trips, 2 guest conductors, 1 string festival, and a Solo/Ensemble competition. Of all those, the String Fest pretty much took over my life for three months...and involved more planning than our wedding last July did. We had almost 700 people attend!! I never imagined I would be responsible for that many people when I finished my music degree! The string fest made it into 3 local newspapers, and we were extremely honored to have our assistant superintendent as a guest speaker. We also were joined by the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, and both high schools attended a professional rehearsal the weekend before, and then performed a combined piece together! The logistics were definitely a feat of their own: trying to fit 110 people on one stage and feeding 100 elementary/middle school students pizza in a timely fashion without injuring any instruments was quite impressive, thanks to my fabulous students and parents. I was so proud to see my students in action as they took ownership and responsibility...it made my job easier to just be in charge of knowing who had to be where in the building and when.

Now that both the String Festival and the Disney Pops Concert are over, I actually had a moment to sit down with Scott today and plan our anniversary weekend this July! I've been working hard doing extra violin gigs on the side to pay for a weekend getaway (amongst other things!), which will make our weekend that much sweeter. Since we started dating, we've always wanted to take a weekend and stay in a Bed and Breakfast. We've also been meaning to hit up Duluth for awhile.

After a surprising short search for the perfect B&B, we discovered and fell in love with the Cotton Mansion:

(sorry, picture is so small!)

Its a *beautiful* Italian Renaissance mansion (we both adore classic vintage!) that was built in 1908 that has been converted into a bed and breakfast. We decided to go all out, and after having a hard time deciding in which room to stay in (they are all so beautiful and romantic!), we went with the room that has a private terrace overlooking Lake Supperior. We debated whether or not to stay in the Carriage house, but we thought for our first stay, we should stay in the main mansion. It will be so nice to take time out of our crazy schedules for a romantic weekend to relax on focus on each other. Although months away, it is something exciting to look forward too!

Here's a picture of the room:

While we're there, we're hoping to also spend some time on the shores of Lake Superior, and perhaps even take a drive up the North Shore to Grand Marais. It should be a beautiful weekend!

Well, lots of love to all! I hope spring is treating everyone well!

Chappy Chanukah

Hello Friends,

Scott here.

It has been a while since I have updated so I thought I would give you all a little peek through the window into our life.

We have been busy little bees these days. I just finished my internship at Pride Institute and I recently finished my thesis. Now all I have left is the oral exam, which will take place on January 18th at 9:00 am. Finally I will have this degree! Other than that I have been playing in the band and playing gigs with them. We recently performed at The Fine Line. The band has been working on our first e.p, which is due out sometime soon, we are just in post-production on it.

In the meantime, I have been on the job search, which has yielded a couple of interviews, hopefully I will find something real soon. Does anyone want to hire an unlicensed therapist and offer him free supervision hours? Any bites?

Miriam has been busy with work. It is really true that an Orchestra Director's day is never done. Sometimes she leaves for work at 6:00 am and gets home at 10:00 pm. I'm really proud of her, but I hope she gets to rest.

Tonight is the first night of Chanukah! So for your viewing pleasure, I have included a fun picture for you to look at. Enjoy!

Happy Holidays,

Scotty