37 Weeks & Counting

Hello last few weeks of pregnancy! (At least I hope.) Don't get me wrong, I want my little girl to stay in there as long as she needs to be healthy and strong but I am READY to not be pregnant anymore. I'm thinking the crazy hot weather has a little something to do with it coupled with the fact I cannot breathe, remember what it feels like to have feeling in my fingers or not have fluid sloshing around in my swollen feet and ankles.

All that to say, I will take my blessings in whatever form they come. Can you believe that large belly below does not have one single stretch mark?!? The human body really is an amazing thing. Every day I look at it in the mirror and marvel at the fact my skin can stretch that much. Just another daily reminder of how awesome our God is to create the female body in such a way that it takes on such different shapes to help bring life into the world.

Anna Ruth's Nursery

Welcome to Anna Ruth's room! With the help of my mother, we were finally able to finish up her nursery this weekend. I loved the way it turned out, so soft and girlie. Yes, there is a lot of pink, but that's exactly how I wanted it. It is ready and waiting for our little lady!

Look what came this week

Our crib was finally delivered on Monday. I have been anxiously awaiting its arrival because it has been on back order since May. We got a MAJOR deal from Pottery Barn Kids using credits and coupons and were able to get this "petite style crib." I had read many great reviews from mothers who were short like me and they all loved this one. It is the same depth inside as a regular crib but just has shorter legs so I won't have to strain my back reaching down when it's placed on the lowest setting.

 Her room is starting to come together but we are still playing around with placement of the furniture since the room is on the smaller side. Can't wait to get it all complete!

Making Progress

Remember this?

Here is what it looks like now! Isn't my husband wonderful?

I love everything about how the walls turned out. The color is just what I wanted, a soft pink. It's called: White Dogwood from Sherwin Williams. Now to begin adding furniture and decorations...

Blowing Rock, NC

I got a call from my cousin Margaret that she was going to be traveling my way and wanted to know if I was up for a quick trip to Blowing Rock. Having never been and only heard wonderful things about the area, I quickly said YES! (And also because I knew I wouldn't be able to just pick up and go like that once our little lady arrives.)Who knew this piece of heaven was only 1.5 hours from me?!? This is why I love East TN so much.

We spent Wednesday through Friday exploring the sweet little town but most of all just taking in the gorgeous views of the mountains. I can see how it would be absolutely breathtaking in the fall. Maybe Clint and I will be able to sneak away for a weekend after Anna Ruth gets here to check it out.

Thanks Margaret for an always fun cousin trip!

Knoxville Baby Shower

I was so blessed to be given a baby shower by my 3 best high school friends: Lindsey, Jessica and JD. They gave me a wedding shower 5 years ago so I knew this one would be wonderful. But, I had no idea how perfect it would turn out to be...everything from the decorations to the food to the beautiful ladies who attended. With the exception of a few close friends, all of my best friends were there to help celebrate Anna Ruth's arrival. How many times in your life do you get to have all your friends from different parts of your life (elementary school, high school, college and career) in one place?!? I would have loved to have spent more time with everyone who came. Their presence at the shower was gift enough to me. I am so grateful for each of you, thank you for being a part of my life!

Lindsey defiantly out did herself with all of the decorations...and of course, all PINK!

 The monogram tile at the back of the table was Lindsey's gift to Anna Ruth, it will be perfect in her nursery!

Adorable diaper bear

Napkins!

 "Wishes for Anna Ruth"-everyone filled one of these out...I have already cried twice reading through them

My beautiful hostesses: JD, Lindsey and Jessica

4 generations: My Nanaw, Me (w/Anna Ruth) and my Mom (Mimi Suz)

Sorority sisters, College Roommates and Best Friends: Sarah and Bridget

My best friend from kindergarten Rachel with her sweet mother Deborah who drove all the way from Jackson just to be there with me!

With the women in Clint's family: Brooke, Mandy, Ryann and Lo (Nana)

With my sister, Jessica

She is excited about her "first, first cousin"

Every little girl needs a tutu!

30 Weeks

Sew Not Easy

For Christmas I asked for a sewing machine in hopes of learning how to sew. After I got it, it sat in the box for a few months until we finished moving and unpacking. I knew that now would be a good time to learn the basics before I became overwhelmed with motherhood. So, Lo gave me a few lessons and we learned how to use my new machine. And now for the past couple of months, I have been taking lessons once a week with a sweet lady who is a friend of the family.

It has been a bit overwhelming. I never knew there was so much to learn when it came to sewing. But, she is wonderful teacher and has been extremely patient with me. We are currently working on an outfit for Ms. Anna Ruth. It's finally starting to take shape and I cannot to see what it looks like when we are finished.