Summer fun

I love the summer time...morning walks, laying out, beach vacations and of course cooking out with friends!  

This was the first year that I didn't get to attend the Gibbs annual beach trip.  Mike and I were planning to head to our family's beach house, but after my doctor's appointment and a sore lower back...we didn't feel like an 8 hour car ride was a good decision.  Since I was in a state of depression, Mike suggested we still take Friday as a vacation day and just spend the day relaxing.  We went for a long walk on the greenway in the morning and then spent the rest of the day at the pool!

That evening, we headed to the Martin's house for a fun cookout with friends.  Everyone brought a delicious side and Chris did a great job grilling the meat.  The weather was perfect and I really enjoyed catching up with all the ladies!  The men occupied themselves throughout the evening with beer, soccer, cornhole and ladder golf.  I had a great time watching all the cute kiddos play and asking all the mom's for advice on what the heck I have coming.  

photo bomb at it's finest

Saturday morning we met the Pugh's at a restaurant right around the corner from our house.  It's a weekend tradition that we try to do as often as possible.  It's so fun for all of us to walk over to the restaurant, sit outside and enjoy an early breakfast together.  The rest of the day was spent running errands and laying by the pool.

Sunday afternoon we headed to the Pugh's house for a big Father's Day cookout.  Everyone swam, hung out, ate and played with more babies.  The Pugh's are such great hosts and we always have such a great time at their house.

I was sad I wasn't with my family at the beach, but thankful we got in some good friend time. It also helped that my sister was great texting updates and pictures all weekend long!

Operation: Anderson's nursery

A few weeks ago, my sister and parents came into town to help me get Anderson's nursery ready.  I have been so slack about "decorating" his nursery and pretty much non-committal.  My creative and organized sister was having none of it and generously offered to come take charge. Mom, dad, O'Malley and Em arrived on Friday night after dinner.  It was SO GOOD to see our dog who is still living with my parents.  O'Malley was a little confused about the new house but quickly dealt with himself.  

Mom and Em both came bearing gifts for Anderson but I have to say that Em went WAY overboard.  Among many other things, she bought a diaper caddy/organizer and filled it with all her favorite items along with a bag full of other useful items.  Most of these things I need but would never know to buy.  I'm so thankful she went through all of this before me!

Saturday everyone was up bright and early...dad was already at the car place doing things to my car and Em's car. Love you Dad!!  Mom, Em and I watched the Today Show, chatted over coffee and breakfast then headed out for a long walk on the greenway (and to let O'Malley swim)!

Once we returned, we cleaned up and headed out for our 5+ hour shopping spree.  I was wiped out when we returned home, but thankful we got so much accomplished.  All the credit goes to Em and mom for making me commit to the colors and a design.  Don't get any wild ideas, the room is still pretty simple (plain) but that's what I wanted.  We're still waiting for his bookshelf and wall shelf to arrive, and then it will be complete!

Here's a sneak peak...

That evening, we all showered and got ready to head to dinner.  While I was getting ready, my sweet sister organized EVERYTHING in Anderson's room (including his closet)...amazing!  We all headed to one of my favorite restaurants on the water, Lakeside Tavern, and had a delicious dinner.

Sunday morning we all went to breakfast at the Gourmet Market before they had to head out of town.  It was definitely a productive and fun weekend with the fam but we missed having Bones with us!  Can't wait until my whole family is all together again once Anderson is born!

Sucker for cake

It's not a secret that I'm a cake lover...anything vanilla/vanilla wins me over every time. Carrot and Strawberry are close seconds!
Yesterday, Mike's team threw him a baby shower with gifts, well wishes and this amazing cake. It was one of the best strawberry/vanilla cakes I have ever eaten. It would have been better with Yosef on it, but I decided Ramsey would do.
After parenting class, I enjoyed a nice big piece and savored every bite!




Heading to the doctor later this morning to check on the little nugget...and to get cleared to travel next week. We'll see if that piece of cake made him gain a pound or two. As of last week, Anderson had a large head and small body- love my little ET!
Happy Friday!
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Don't ask me...

If I am retaining water yet and/or all swollen. Seriously people, why is this a question you ask women that are pregnant?

Yes I am huge and have gained weight, but I don't need to be reminded that I might start retaining water any day.
Let it be known that my wedding rings still fit and I haven't developed cankles yet. I am aware that the temps are in the 90's and things can change over the next 3.5 weeks.
So please, be nice and don't ask me that question.
My pregnancy rant is over now.


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Worst Blogger

I am so behind with just about everything, including the blog! I have been working 12-14 hour days at work and it's killing me. There is just so much to get done before Anderson arrives and I'm out of the office for a few months.

I am hoping to get caught up on life this weekend before I make 1 final trip to Charlotte! Yep, heading to Charlotte for a final work commitment while 37 weeks pregnant.

Until I can actually upload some pictures and write down all that has been going on, I will leave you with this...


My sister came into town (aka- came to the rescue) 2 weeks ago. She had way too many gift for Anderson but this was by far my FAVORITE! Everyone knows I'm in love with bow ties. Is it not the cutest little bow tie you have ever seen?!?
This bow tie will certainly make a first appearance during Anderson's newborn photo session.


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Parenting Class

Mike and I joined a "parenting class" through our church because let's be honest...we are clueless and will take any help we can get!  We joined the class for multiple reasons; we want to meet other new parents, seek wisdom/advice from our older leaders, learn how to establish a strong parenting foundation based on biblical principles and strengthen our marriage as we know it is about to change drastically.  Our leader was a family psychologist and  is one of the leaders of our Sunday School class, so he is full of great wisdom.

The class is also reading Shepherding a Child's Heart  and seems to be a pretty good book thus far.  We are reading it and will decide what items we want to take away and apply to our family.  We are trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible over the summer and decide what we want OUR family legacy to look like.

Our life will change dramatically in less than 5 weeks and we are trying to prepare ourselves.  I have been a bit (or maybe a lot) emotional about our "party of 2" life ending so soon.  It has been so helpful to be able to talk about it with Mike and other soon to be parents.  Knowing that these feelings aren't completely irrational certainly helps.  Change is coming whether we like it or not!  We are spending the last 5 weeks soaking up as much together time as we can, and praying for wisdom as we begin this new journey as a family of 3!

Cutest little man

Last week I got to FINALLY meet baby Austin for the first time.  He was born at the end of March and is doing really well.  Whitney was my first friend when we moved to NC and have been friends for over 25 years...crazy!   

I could not wait for the work day to end, so I could hang out with Whitney and Austin.

I headed up to their new house after work and got to hang out with Whit and Austin for a few hours.  I was not surprised that Whitney looked as fit as ever, had a hot meal cooking and a cute baby for me to play with.  

I got lots of snuggle time with Austin and enjoyed holding him while Whit and I caught up on life.  I'm so thankful she has gone through all of this before me.  I asked her a million questions and will continue to over the next few months.  It was so fun to see Whit as a mom and gave me confidence that I might be able to do it as well.

It was a short visit but I was so thankful we got to hang out.  No matter how much time passes, we can always pick up where we left off.  It warms my heart to know that Anderson and Austin will grow up being just a few months apart!

Good job Whit & Justin- you sure did make one cute kiddo!!!