My birthday isn’t until next Monday (the big 3-0, baby!), but Ryan and I celebrated early this weekend! Why? Well, the answer isn’t exactly a fun one. A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that Ryan hurt his knee pretty badly during a soccer game. He made an appointment with a doctor and after an MRI, they told him he tore his ACL.
He is obviously very bummed and I feel awful for him, especially since he is one of the most active people I know! Whether or not to get surgery was never really a question and we booked the first appointment we could so Ryan can begin his recovery journey as soon as possible. His surgery is set for this Wednesday and since we’re assuming he probably won’t be up for much activity this coming weekend, Ryan decided to plan a little celebration date for my 30th birthday this past Saturday.
Ryan asked me whether or not I wanted to be surprised going into Saturday’s birthday date and when I asked him, “What do you think?” he gave me all the information. Just the way I like it! I am a planner through and through and would much rather know what’s going to happen than be surprised along the way. I know some people think that would suck the fun right out of things, but not for me! Gimme the info and I’m a happy girl!
Our birthday date didn’t begin until Saturday afternoon, so we had a relaxing morning and made sure to take advantage of the sunny weather with some outdoor playtime with Sadie. It’s been so dreary in Charlotte lately and Saturday was a wonderful reprieve from the rain!
After lunchtime, we hopped in Ryan’s car and drove to Spirit Square for a show!
Ryan knows I am a big fan of live theatre and Harry Potter and bought us tickets to see Potted Potter, a parody show that covers all seven Harry Potter books in just over 70 minutes.
There are only two actors in the show – Dan and Jeff – but their energy was more than enough to hold the crowd’s attention. The show made us laugh a lot and while it was a little slow to start, it picked up quickly (after an interactive game of Quiddich with the crowd!) and Ryan and I both enjoyed it a lot! I would definitely recommend it to those of you out there who may have kids who are Harry Potter fans. We definitely weren’t the only ones there without children, but most of the audience included families and the kids seemed to have a blast!
After Potted Potter, we walked across the street to catch an IMAX film at Discovery Place.
Neither Ryan nor I had been to Discovery Place before but the science center was absolutely bustling! People seemed to be really enjoying all of the interactive exhibits and I’d love to go back and walk around when we have more time in the future.
We arrived just in time to see Journey to the South Pacific which was right up our alley since we’re big time fans of marine life and love learning all we can about oceans, reefs and marine animals. The film made me miss scuba diving!! There were parts of it that took both of us back to scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands (<—one of the coolest moments of my entire life) which was really cool!
Once the IMAX film was over, we had about 30 minutes or so to kill before our dinner reservation and since a traditional happy hour isn’t in the cards for this pregnant lady right now, we walked to Bar Cocoa for Dessert Happy Hour: Pregnancy Style!
Ryan opted for a white chocolate pecan cookie and I picked up a few macarons to share and a peanut butter and jelly truffle. Everything was delicious!
Outfit details: Kimono: Romeo & Juliet Couture (via HauteLook) // Black Zip-Cuff Pull-On Maternity Skinny Jeans: Wendy Bellisimo (via Destination Maternity) // White Scoop Neck Tank: Motherhood Maternity // Necklace: Stitch Fix // Nude Peep-Toe Booties: Nine West – I also have them in black because they are so comfy! // Fold Over Clutch: Steve Madden (via TJMaxx)
And yes, I wore actual pants and not leggings for our date! Fancy, right!? Haha! I also threw on a new kimono that I got on sale for $30 from HauteLook that may be my new favorite piece of bump-friendly clothing! It’s so comfortable but doesn’t totally scream maternityyy to me.
After our dessert happy hour, we drove to The Fig Tree, a comfortable yet upscale restaurant located in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood.
The Fig Tree has been on our radar for quite a while thanks to your recommendations. My friend Amii has also talked it up a time or two and said it was the perfect place to go for a special occasion, so I was thrilled when Ryan picked it out for my birthday dinner!
The restaurant is located inside a 1913 Craftsman-style bungalow and gets its name from the four brown turkey fig trees located on the grounds. It’s quite cozy inside but still maintains an air of elegance. We settled into our table for two and immediately raved about the fresh-out-of-the-oven bread that our waiter brought to our table with a flavorful garlic spread and delicious olive oil. (Quick side note: The service at The Fig Tree was wonderful.)
Our meal began with the octopus appetizer.
I love octopus but Ryan isn’t usually a fan, so I was happy when he agreed to share this dish with me. He ended up loving it because it wasn’t “too chewy” which is his typical complaint about octopus. It was fabulous and the salty olives and buttery hericot verts that came with the small slices of octopus added so much to the appetizer!
Up next was a house salad for each of us that we had no problem polishing off thanks to a tasty dressing and crunchy homemade croutons.
For my main meal, I ordered the sautéed North Carolina mountain trout with artichoke hearts, prosciutto, lemon-caper beurre blanc and asparagus.
The buttery lemon sauce absolutely made this dish! It was wonderful and I loved the way the tangy sauce paired perfectly with the salty prosciutto.
We couldn’t leave without ordering dessert and Ryan and I decided to share the famous beignets.
The perfect ending to a wonderful birthday date night! Thank you to Ryan for planning such a special day. I loved every minute!
I hope you guys had a great weekend!!
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Looks like a fun celebration!! Happy early Birthday:) Poor Ryan – I 100% feel his pain as I tore my ACL skiing a couple of weeks ago! I’m scheduled for surgery a week from tomorrow…I hope his goes well and please keep us posted! It is so hard to go from being super active to sidelined. I’ve been doing a lot of stationary biking which helps!
The stationary bike has been his best friend right now! His doctor said he’s done a great job at maintaining mobility & following pre-hab exercises which it sounds like you have, too!! I really hope you both have fast recoveries! So sorry you need surgery, too!!
ACL tears are a super common injury (unfortunately!). I had ACL reconstruction surgery just about a year ago and I’m back up and running (not quite playing sports yet, but I have been cleared to). My best advice is to do physio afterwards and make sure you do the exercises! they help a ton. Also, I’m in Canada and my insurance covered this but if you can afford/your insurance covers it I would suggest looking into a cryotherapy unit for post-op! It is basically a cooler you pack with ice and water and it continually pumps cold water through a cuff you have around your knee so you don’t have to worry about ice packs and all that. It was amazing! I hope the surgery goes well!!
I didn’t realize you are in Charlotte, too! Fun, fun! Love Fig Tree and yes, their service is unbelievable! I’ll have to check out Potted Potter, too. My kids are too young but I love it. Glad you had a great pre-birthday celebration!
It was so delicious! We hope to go back again soon… Well, when another special occasion strikes! 🙂
This looks perfect! I also love any marine-focused IMAX movies–those are definitely the best. Also, your outfit is so cute, you look gorgeous!
Happy early birthday! I had my first baby right after I turned 30, too. You look gorgeous. Best wishes.
Your look incredible! Glad to hear the weather broke so you could enjoy your weekend 🙂
What a fun weekend! Happy early birthday! I would love to see that Harry Potter parody! I’m a huge fan!
Hi Julie! Your early birthday sounds great. Wow, two shows and two restaurant visits in one day? That’s a good one. But I’m so sorry to hear about Ryan. I hope his surgery goes well and his recovery happens quickly before baby arrives. 🙁
Looks like you had a wonderful day of celebrations with Ryan. Your outfit is so cute and you are definitely rockin’ the maternity style (no one would even know)! I’m sorry to hear about Ryan’s ACL surgery. What is the recovery time? That’s good that he is getting it taken care of before the baby is here (or you get into those late stages of pregnancy) – it will probably be nice for you both to have this time together to rest, relax, and enjoy. Have a wonderful week, Julie!
Happy early birthday! I haven’t been to The Fig Tree yet, but I’d like to go some time. Hope Ryan feels better soon!!
My fiance took me to The Fig Tree for my birthday this year and it was without a doubt the best meal I’ve ever had in my 26 years of life!
Happy early Birthday, Julie! It looks like it was a wonderful celebration! I totally love that kimono. You’re rockin’ it!
I’m sorry to hear about Ryan’s ACL–I sure hope it recovers quick after surgery!!
Looks like you had a great time! That HP show looks so fun and all of that awesome food is making me hungry. The chewiness is my biggest complaint about octopus too. I hope Ryan feels better–tearing your ACL is no joke!
Looks like a great weekend!! The show looks like so much fun, I love Harry Potter! 🙂
So bummed to hear about Ryan’s knee– I hope the surgery goes well and he has a quick recovery!
Happy early birthday girl!!! 🙂 🙂 So sorry about Ryan – that really does suck. My boyfriend tore his ACL snowboarding and then tore it again about 2 years later playing soccer. He had surgery both times and is much better (still careful when he plays soccer though…) – the recovery period looked painful the first week, but with Ryan being so active, I’m sure he’ll bounce back quick! If they offer the knee moving machine (I don’t know the technical term…) – take it! It helped my bf immensely when he was confined to his bed that first week. 🙂 Good luck with the surgery!
So sorry to hear about Ryan’s knee! I tore my acl during college basketball practice a few years ago and my husband tore his a couple years ago playing adult league soccer. My best advice for him is to find a great rehab place and really be serious/diligent about it. It’s a long road but he will be back at it before he knows it! Good Luck!
What a fun way to celebrate! Happy early birthday 🙂
What a fun celebration! I LOVE your outfit- you are killing this maternity thing!
Happy, Happy early birthday! It looks like you guys had a great weekend. So funny, Scott and I went to an IMAX showing of Humpback Whales at the Detroit Science Center on Saturday. We officially need to live in the same city now to hang and do these things together. Thanks. 😉
Also, so sorry to hear about Ryan’s torn ACL. That’s a rough surgery to recover from. He’ll be in our prayers. And yes, once again… I feel you in the nurse department. Scott is getting an MRI done on his shoulder today. He already had shoulder surgery in 2011 and today he will find out if he needs the other one operated on sooner than later. These men! Geez. Hope you have a great birthday week! xo
oh gosh!!! i hope scott is okay! and that’s too funny about the humpback whales imax, too! 🙂 i love it. happy almost bday!!
Happy early-Birthday! Your date sounds like the perfect birthday! I’ll keep my eye on the Potted Potter site waiting for them to announce more tour dates!
Those beignets! YUM!! Happy early Birthday to youuuuu 🙂
Beignets are the BEEEST. Looks like a wonderful day celebrating – Ryan is a keeper!
I saw Potted Potter in Ireland and loved it! There were quite a few families there as well but still hilarious!
So sorry to hear about Ryan! I hope he heals up super fast.
Love your outfit and that dinner looks delicious! Happy early birthday to you 🙂
What a fun day! Now you can celebrate all week long. Birthday weeks are where it’s at! 😉 I love your kimono! It looks super comfy and adorable on you.
So sorry to hear about Ryan’s ACL injury! No fun at all. I tore my ACL, MCL, and meniscus my junior year of high school in a volleyball game. It was rough, so I feel for him. He seems like a strong and determined guy so I’m sure he’ll come out of it no problem.
happy birthday! My husband tore his ACL and had surgery 6 weeks ago. He’s doing great now but the first week was pretty difficult ! It took him out more than we both anticipated but will be worth it because, like your husband, he’s the most active guy I know! We are due with our first baby in July so very similar situation!! Good luck to Ryan and fingers crossed it’s a smooth surgery :))
oh wow!! lots of similarities! it really is such a common injury — I’m so glad you hear your husband is doing well 6-weeks post surgery! we have a vacation scheduled for the end of may and I’m hoping Ryan will be okay for all of that!
You look so cute! And that dinner looks AMAZING! Happy early birthday!
Those beignets look perfect! I thought they were Munchkins (donut holes) at first. 😉 I hope you enjoyed your bday!
That Harry Potter show sounds like such a fun time! What a great way to celebrate your birthday 🙂
Sorry to hear about Ryan’s surgery. Hopefully he’ll be feeling like himself in no time. I know how frustrating an injury can be!
Happy (early) Birthday!! I have a feeling this is going to be an amazing year for you! 🙂
So sorry to hear about Ryan! I have followed your blog for a long time and you guys are always such an active couple! Hopefully it will be a quick recovery process for him.
What a lovely birthday outing – and I love your leggings outfit!
Bless his heart!!! Oh but thank goodness this happened BEFORE baby arrives so he will be healed and ready to play 🙂 Love your date night outfit! I’m with you, some maternity clothing is SO frumpy looking!!! I’m having a hard time finding cute stuff! Can’t believe the big 3-0 is coming up! Cray cray!
Happy early birthday! Mine is tomorrow! The big 27..only a few years behind ya! Your outfit is stunning, beautiful colour!
happy birthday!!!
Aw, such a sweet date!! We will have to try Fig Tree – looks delicious!
I went to the Potted Potter showing after yours. The show was a blast! I was laughing the entire show.
I have heard great things abt the Fig Tree. It’s on our list of restaurants to try. We were in the same neighborhood, we tried Bang Bang Burger instead. It’s pretty delicious!
I’ve never heard of that restaurant — we’ll have to check it out!
That’s a good IMAX documentary. I’ve seen it twice. We have an IMAX at the Omaha zoo, and it’s free to get in with a zoo pass. And Potted Potter sounds hilarious!
Happy Early Birthday to you!
Haha I’m with you on surprises – give me the info! It looks like you had a wonderful birthday date! Potted Potter sounds right up my alley. Sorry about Ryan’s knee! I hope his surgery and recovery go well!
That Harry Potter show sounds like fun. Happy birthday!
Sounds like you guys had a great time!! Potted Potter sounds awesome!
Happy birthday! Love the “dessert” happy hour. We had an ice cream parlor style happy hour at work the other day. Better than cocktails!
What a wonderful birthday celebration it looks like you had!! So fun!!
how’d i miss that your birthday is also my anniversary?? okay, so since this will only be “paper,” i suppose i was a bit crazed last year and might not have picked the date yet the year before 😛
Happy early Birthday!!! 😀
ACL recovery is long’ but I tore mine in 1996 and still did 17 more years in the military. LookA like a fabulous Birthday!
Sorry to hear about Ryan’s knee! I’ve had my left one repaired twice. My best advice is to do allll the rehab (something I didn’t do the first time around) haha but now I work in the field and highly recommend it!
Too funny you mentioned scuba diving, my husband and I are all of a sudden interested in getting certified. Picking up a last minute crazy hobby before reproducing 😉
Happy early birthday Julie! You make 30 look amazin!
Sorry to hear about Ryan’s torn ACL. I have heard they can be brutal. Hopefully he makes a quick recovery! I will be keeping you and him in my thoughts as the week progresses. On the topic of surprises, I am the exact SAME. I do not want to be surprised. I would like the details please. 🙂 That show sounds like a GREAT time.s seriously, I would have loved it.
I hope Ryan’s surgery goes well! I’ve torn both ACLs so I can definitely relate.
Happy early Birthday!
Sounds like a wonderful birthday weekend! I feel Ryan’s pain. I tore my ACL twice!! It was also from soccer. Recovery takes time, but I’m sure he will do great! Good luck and happy early bday
I love Harry Potter, I don’t know how I’ve never heard of this show! Does it travel around the US or is it only local to you?
it travels!
I tore my ACL last September and had the complete reconstruction with my patellar tendon in October. PT was pretty brutal but now I’m back to running and in training for my first full. Tell him to do EVERYTHING the PT tells him, no matter how bad it hurts…it actually really helps. Also, these two things saved my life with surgery 🙂 – although, the first one should be given to you by your doctor, and the second one you can probably buy from your PT.
https://www.activeforever.com/aircast-cryo-cuff-knee-system-with-cooler
http://www.amazon.com/Cryopak-Flexible-Blanket-Convenience-Pack/dp/B001G7QGTU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1429635890&sr=8-3&keywords=gel+cold+blanket
I never comment on these things – but do enjoy your blog!
I tore my ACL 2.5 years ago, but didn’t realize it until the meniscus flipped (whoops!) I had surgery almost a year ago. The recovery period is long, but two pieces of advice I got saved me:
1. Get a stationary bike!
2. Do your PT and stay patient! It’s a slow process, but sticking with PT as often as possible (and doing BOTH legs) helped me get back into sports as quickly as I could.
Good luck! Ice and pain meds are your friend for the next few days!