Feeling the love..

My baby has already been spoiled from dear friends near and FAR. I really feel so humbled and lucky to have so many generous, compassionate people in my life. Pregnancy is totally bringing out my sentimental side, so I once again apologize for a sappy post. But I really wanted to give a public thank you to my dear OUT OF STATE friends. I think these kind, thoughtful, wonderful people deserved a public SHOUT OUT for taking the time to think of us and to SEND something.

First my darling friend Allison who lives in California, started a fabulous sling company with her sister called Mod Mum. She sent me a sling about a month ago and I'm already in love. I can't wait to use this gem for baby.

When we lived in Chicago, my work friends became my second family. They embraced me and always made me feel loved. I don't know what I would have done without them. I do know I would have hated my three years in Chicago if it hadn't been for the people I worked with.

Kathy had the job I someday I want, she was the school librarian and the coolest librarian at that! I just got a huge package from her. Some of the things included in the package were...

a bunch of clothes for the babus. All of them darling.

Kathy also took the time to sew this adorable rabbit. Seriously, is this not the cutest thing ever? You really need to check out her blog and see all the crafty things she does. She is so talented. I'm so in love with this rabbit.

I started receiving these parenting magazines in the mail and just figured I got on some mailing list and was getting them for free. Little did I know my thoughtful friend Jen, from Chicago, got me a subscription to this wonderful magazine. What a cool gift right? I've already read it front to back and can't wait for the next issue to come out.

Then my very good friend, running buddy, and confidant Lauren from Chicago got all the people I use to work with to pitch in and get a few things for baby. They got us, a hamper for dirty clothes, bath towel, some of the baby bedding and then this....

A CAR SEAT!!!! She's a real beauty.

I have no doubt Baby Walker will be completely safe in this baby. Everyone was so generous to pitch in and get us these things.

Thank you friends near and far for already making Baby Walker feel so loved!!

Oh man...

How strange does my baby bump look?

We don't have a full length mirror in our house

and I'm always surprised when I see theses pictures

at how funny/big/weird/pointy/ my belly looks.

Most Thankful for....

Thanksgiving has crept up on me this year; I can't believe it's tomorrow. I was looking at my sister's blog and was inspired to do a Thanksgiving post myself. This is one of those sappy, sentimental posts that normally make me cringe. But for some reason today, I'm feelin the sappiness and wanting to put my cheesiness out there.

Here are a few things that make me especially grateful this year...

My darling husband. He works so hard to provide for our family and comes home, happy and pleasant regardless of how tired and overworked he is.

Good health, which allows me to run, be active and enjoy life. Having Mike work in the medical field, makes me realize how good health really is a gift and something to be treasured.

Family of course. I talk to all of my sisters almost daily. I love them dearly. My parents would do anything for me and love my unconditionally. I'm also grateful to have married into such a loving, fun family. Mike's parents are some of the most generous people I know. They have always made me feel as if I was their own daughter. I adore his siblings and love hanging out with them. I also have the most wonderful extended family. I love my grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins. I'm lucky to know them well and have close relationships with them.

Temples and the promise they give of eternal families.

Dear friends, near and far.

Living in a place that has all four seasons. I'm also so grateful for the mountains. I think I live in one of the most beautiful places on the earth.

Our sweet, baby girl soon to arrive. Being pregnant has made me realize how precious life is, and how having a healthy baby truly is a miracle. Being pregnant has also made my relationship with Mike stronger than ever. Just love him.

The knowledge that there is more after this life. That there is a greater being who knows me and has a plan for me. That I can be forgiven for the mistakes I make DAILY.

(Want to know more about this knowledge and gift? Read here.)

I realize these are simple, basic answers, but with all that is going on in the world around us, these things really ARE gifts and not something everyone has.

A couple of other random things I'm grateful for:

**Airplanes. I'm glad that we have the ability to visit those we love, who are far away, in a short amount of time.

**Internet. Much of the time the Internet sucks up way too much of my time, but I love being able to be connected to people through email and blogs.

**Good people. My mom had her purse stolen a couple of weeks ago. Some man found her purse on the side of the road while riding his bike home. He very easily could have left it there and kept going but he took the time to pick it up, call my mom, and give it back to her. Love when people go above and beyond to help others.

Your turn. What are you grateful for?

Good day

Today was a good day.

1. I ran 4 miles without having to stop and go pee! Wahoo! Sadly, this is a huge accomplishment for me these days. (Any mom runners out there who have tips to help with this?)

2. I got my SWINE FLU SHOT. Phew.

3. And as of yesterday I'm...

Can you believe it's already been 4 weeks since this? Where has all the time gone?

***Sorry. Not the most interesting post, but not much is going on these days.

Potty stops, flu shots and belly pics are just about the most exciting thing we have going on in our lives right now.

Spoiled

Megan and Lauren went above and beyond to make my shower spectacular.

I'm lucky to have such talented, generous friends.

The food was so good and perfect for a fall evening.

Thanks again to Megan and Lauren.

Is that not the coolest cake you have ever seen?

Not only did it look amazing, it tasted amazing as well!

Thanks to Megan's sister in law Kylie who made the cake, how impressive is that?

It's been so fun to be pregnant with a few of my very good friends.

There was another pregnant girl (Mary) at my shower, she is due Feb. 11th.

I kept my promise Mary and didn't post the picture with you in it.

**Sorry Katie you missed the picture, we took this after you left!

We missed our friends far away, and those who couldn't come.

It was such a delight to get together, reconnect and visit.

I love my friends and appreciate each of them for making me feel so special.

It was a wonderful evening.

For the sister who lives WAY TOO FAR AWAY!!!!!

Because they asked:

This is for you MANDY, Beves, Liz C. my sweet Aunts, Bobbi and Patti. I wish you all weren't so far away.

Baby Walker's room is coming together and I LOVE IT. It's VERY bright and different but Mike and I couldn't be happier with how it's turned out thus far.

I finished the birdie mobile I was working on. I had to revamp the project when the hangers I was going to use to hang the birds from weren't cooperating. But I'm very pleased with the finished project. Thanks to Spool Sewing and Spearmint Baby who provided the inspiration for the mobile. Man I love the blogging community.

Her beautiful bedding. Thank you Land of Nod. I love all the color and detail.

Bookcase/toy shelf. Pictures to hang on the wall to come later. One project at a time.
A few up close details.

The comfy corner where I'm sure many, many hours will be spent.
Dresser/changing table. I love the sleek, straight lines.
My most recent project. It's amazing what a few canvases and stickers will do. We'll hang them up on the wall at some point.
There you go.

Baby Walker's room.

Still not done but we're making good progress.

Mike and I seriously love it.

We go and just sit in there all the time.

We are nerds.

SHOW OFF

It's time to show off the belly.

I'm 28 weeks and in my third trimester.

I'm starting to feel huge.

24 weeks and 28 weeks

I apologize, I look pretty hammered in both pictures. Yikes.

One more thing I need to show off.

I have no shame when it comes to bragging about my husband.

He works so hard and it's nice when someone takes the time to show appreciation and gratitude for all he does.

If you are having a hard time reading the note, click on the picture to make it bigger. Please pardon the language :)

This was written about Mike from one of the patients he worked with over the summer. It's hanging on the wall in one of the hospitals he works in and one of Mike's friends pointed it out to him and made a copy. I love it.

Thanks for the many comments below, my friends! I'm so glad so many of you enjoy sewing and were willing to share your thoughts, successes and tips! For those who were wondering where I am taking my class, it's through Community Education. If you want more info click HERE then press see our CLASS CATALOG.

3 months

3 months from TODAY baby Walker is due.
1 more week until the THIRD trimester.
Where has all the time gone?
We've gotten some things done but still have a long way to go until we are ready for the babus to arrive.

painted baby room...check
crib...check
darling bedding...check
dresser/changing table...check
bookcase...check
jogger stroller...check
hooter hider...check
rocking armchair...check

We haven't decided on any names but we would love to hear your suggestions. Also please share your thoughts on bouncers, swings, and carseats, I need all the help/advice I can get!

POP

22 weeks and loving it.

She's the length of a Spaghetti Squash.

We're so proud.

The last few weeks I've start to POP out.

Check it out.

I swear for every CM my front side gets, my back side gets five. I'm more bootylicious than ever. I'm NOT loving that, but she's worth it.

Read CAREFULLY! We've fooled many....

Yep Baby Walker is a little girl!

The appointment was awesome. I may not be showing a ton but our sweet girl is measuring exactly where she should be! Heart beat was strong and looked great. Due date is still January 3, 2010. Mike and I feel humbled and blessed that things are going so well thus far!

YAY!!! I haven't stopped smiling since we found out! Let the shopping begin.