Nashville Shower

It's finally time for me to post about my Nashville shower. I don't even know where to start. I've been putting off this post because there's no way I can adequately describe how wonderful it was. Beth, Allie and Jess really out-did themselves. The theme was books, and it was absolutely ADORABLE. I felt so very overwhelmed and blessed to be showered in such a way. God has placed some of the most amazing women in my life, and so many of them were there to love on me and Evelyn. I was so emotional, being surrounded by all of the women I love so much. It was very humbling, but very fun to see everyone and spend time with such wonderful family and friends. Here are some pictures, please notice how cute everything was. Even the chevron straws! And the food was, not only delicious, but it was all book themed- like "If You Give A Moose a Muffin" muffins. I'm so sentimental, and it seemed like every food, decoration, and every gift was so sweet and thoughtful. They even put together a book compilation of everyone's wishes for baby Evelyn, something I have already read and re-read. I can't wait to read it to her, along with the many other wonderful books I get to read to my baby girl, each with a sweet message inside. Ok I'll quit yapping, here are some of the photos--

Now for the pictures of some of the women there who came from from 5 different states to be there for me and show me such amazing support. I love you all!!!

Us with "Nana and Grandaddy"

   

So excited to be getting ready for our sweet girl!

(wow, I look large)

Thank you Bethy and Porter for opening up your beautiful home. Love you!!!

Oh and I made Memommy take a picture with me later since I didn't get one at the shower...

 And Dad too, although I'm lookin rough...

 Thank you for reading this long post and thank you for your constant love and prayers as we get ready to welcome our baby to this world. We feel so very blessed and know that Evelyn Ruth is already one loved little girl. There are no words to express how much we appreciate it.

30 Weeks

Last Monday, I had my 30 week sonogram! Mom even got to come with us since she was still in town, so that was really special. Evelyn was kicking a lot (like stretched out legs into my ribs), and her hands pretty much stayed up in her face. She was also doing "practice breathing" even though her lungs don't yet need oxygen. How amazing is that. Everything looked great and I just can't stop thinking about what a miracle it is to be carrying this baby. I am so blessed and am constantly reminded of our awesome God, how He created our inmost being, how He knit us together formed us in our mother's womb. I am carrying and feeling the actual evidence of that every single day, and can't help but be joyful and thankful beyond words can express.

And I know these are difficult to see, especially since they're scanned. But I just have to post these pictures of Evelyn's sweet little profile. In the first one, she has her hand up in front of her face. But I just can't quit looking at these beautiful pictures of my baby. I just can't wait to meet her. 

Baby Shower

So last weekend, my girlfriends from church threw me a shower. It was beautiful! They really outdid themselves, and I had such a good time. The food was amazing and I felt so blessed to be showered by so many of my sweet friends. I got so many adorable things for Evelyn and I just can't wait to dress her in all the cute clothes. It's starting to feel like we're getting prepared to have a baby now! My mom came in from Nashville for the shower, so we had a great visit and she got to help me organize and work on the baby room. It was sooo wonderful having her here.

Here are a some pictures of the shower that the wonderful Laura Daulton snapped for me, thanks again:)

Hostesses, oh how I love these girls. 

And I just can't say thank you enough. Don't know what I'd do without amazing friends like you!!! 

Baby on the Brain

(Oops, I thought I already posted this one...)

It took us a while to announce it to the world, but we are loving calling our little girl by her name now. So, though many of you already know it, I thought we'd make it blog official... her name will be

                                        Evelyn

The weeks are really flying by now, and it's hard to believe only 11 more weeks until our due date. At the beginning of pregnancy I remember thinking this day would never come and it seemed like an eternity till we meet our little girl. Now I'm just praying she stays comfortable until she's ready to join this crazy world and her parents who have no idea what we're in for. Now I'm feeling her kick and stretch constantly, so it's getting very real. Brandon can't ever believe how much he can feel/see her, and he's started talking to her a lot. Lots of times she'll kick back at him when he talks to her. 

I'm still feeling pretty good, but the 3rd trimester fatigue is starting to get to me. Mom comes in this weekend and I can not WAIT to see her. It's so hard being so far away at times like this. But life is really good and I can't complain. We are so excited to bring Evelyn home here and to meet all of our sweet friends. I just hope we figure out how she can see all the family pretty regularly. But let's not stress about all that yet. I'm trying to stay the calm, not-too-emotional pregnant lady:)

Here we are this week, I'm 29 weeks along!

We (ok, Brandon) also finished our crib and assembled the stroller this week, so it's all coming together very quickly! These are two of my very favorite things so far, so just wanted you all to see them. Also, I included a picture of the adorable bookshelf he made for Evelyn. I have one talented hubby, and I just know she's going to love it!!! 

Big July

Well, we've had a big month, literally and figuratively. I figure it's finally time to blog again, since it been ages and ages. Maybe pregnancy has been making me a little lazy, so sue me. But we really have been so busy. House projects, nursery projects, baby registry, family in town, and even getting over a nasty sickness a few weeks ago. But life is good. We've had a great month and I am still really feeling pretty great. I'm still having some back pain and sleeping is not currently my forte, but I really can't complain. We feel really blessed. We had a great 4th of July with friends at the park by our house. We were able to see the fireworks in the distance and it was wonderful. Brandon finished my craft closet in the office (to make room for the baby) and it looks amazing. Here's a quick pic...

I've been nesting and cleaning and organizing everything I can think of. Except my pantry and my refrigerator- next on the "to do" list- yikes. Brandon's parents were in town for a couple of weekends, so we got so much accomplished. Brandon and his dad painted the baby room, installed lights in the closets, fans in the office and baby room, not to mention about a zillion other small things. And his mom helped me organize in my kitchen so that there's room for some baby stuff. We had a great time with them, but also got sooo much done. 

Brandon's work threw us a shower with John and Bobbi. It was fun meeting all his coworkers and they had a big potluck for us, which was so sweet. 

Then my dad came through town for a *very* quick visit, so it was really fun to see him. 

Also in July, I survived an outdoor Rangers game. Yes it was hot. Yes I stayed hydrated. Yes we had a great time- it's Brandon's most favoritest thing ever. And even though we lost, it was fun seeing Yu Darvish pitch. But that's about the last of the outdoor games I'll be attending anytime soon.

A few weeks ago we also celebrated my 28th birthday. Holy moly, that doesn't even seem right. But I had a wonderful birthday here with friends. It was perfect. Then, last week, Brandon's catalytic converter was stolen AGAIN out of the parking lot. He's been less than thrilled about it, considering this was the 3rd time this has happened in Dallas. Don't get him started or he'll give you an earful.


Now we're just in baby mode thinking about baby colors and that kind of fun stuff. I'm 27 weeks along, so that's kinda crazy to think about. And this sweet little girl is kicking like CRAZY! She sometimes wakes me up at night, and I'm feeling her throughout the day, not just in the evenings anymore. It's maybe my favorite thing ever. Also, I had my appointment yesterday where I took my Glucose Test and already learned today that I PASSED!!! I was really kinda anxious about it, because if you know me, you know I love my sweets. But Dr was very pleased with everything and we're just truckin along! Much more serious questions now from the Dr since we're getting close to the 3rd trimester. And these days I'm getting lots of comments- guess there's no more mistaking the fact that I am preggers! There's not a single day that goes by that one of the nurses at work or one of the old folks doesn't tell me how big I'm getting. But I'm taking that as a compliment (since my Dr says I'm right on track), and I just politely let them know "Yeah, I'm growing a baby- that's what's supposed to happen!"

Here's me at 24 weeks and again today at 27 weeks.

Half Way There!

I can hardly believe I'm 20 weeks pregnant. It's such a good feeling to know we're half way there (as of yesterday). I am really enjoying this phase of pregnancy and feel so blessed to be feeling good. I daydream all the time about holding my little girl and what she'll look like and what she'll act like and what her laugh will sound like. I can't wait to see Brandon become a daddy. I am so so excited for that. And I can't wait to see our parents become grandparents and our sisters and brother-in-laws become aunts and uncles. But I'm also loving just being pregnant and feeling the (occasional) sweet little kicks in my belly. I'm definitely looking pregnant now and this whole we're-gonna-have-a-baby-thing is getting more and more real everyday. We are getting into more of the planning phase, but it's pretty overwhelming. So for now, we're just going to take it slow and enjoy it.

Vacation

At the beginning of our vacation this year we got to go to Atlanta for a few days. It was so nice to spend a couple of days with Brandon's parents. We even got to spend some time with Brandon's cousins while they stopped through town. My one request while we were there was Stone Mountain. I grew up going to Stone Mountain and nothing makes a summer night more fun for me. We had a great time. Here are a few of the pictures we took while we were there.

 

 

After a few days with them, we headed to the beach for a few days with my family. We had a wonderful relaxing week with lots of good food, good games, good shopping, good movies, and lots of good books. It was such a relaxing week and I'm already ready for next year.  I couldn't stop thinking all week about how next year will be a lot different with our little girl and I just can't wait!!! We didn't take many, but here are a few of the pictures we did take.

 

Miss you all already!!!

The Big Reveal

This has been a crazy month. Maybe I'll go back and catch up some time. It's been a great month with friends and  We've been busy and productive, but also I've been a little lazy and tired. But our little baby keeps growing and time has flown by. Last week I started feeling kicks, which was really amazing. Yesterday we had our 18 week appointment where they did the anatomy sonogram. We were so excited
and anxious to find out what we were having, and the sonographer told us she's 100% sure... 

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!  

And she's very squirmy and very healthy. We feel so very blessed and excited to become parents to this precious baby girl. Here's a few pictures from telling our friends on Wednesday night at Small Group at our house. They were so sweet and excited for us. Now, lots to do. Time to paint the baby room!!!

 

Women's Retreat

Last weekend, I went to our Women's Retreat with some of my best girlfriends. The retreat was wonderful- very uplifting and challenging to continue striving to do God's work in this world. And I can't help but feeling extremely blessed and surrounded by the most wonderful group of women. I never thought I'd have a group like this to confide in, pray with, laugh with, serve alongside, encourage and be encouraged by. They have truly blessed my life. Love you girls!

Guess Whhaaattt?

So it's finally time to make the official announcement- we are going to have a baby!!! 

I'm am almost 12 weeks along, and we'll be welcoming Baby Craddock sometime around the beginning of November. We are so very excited and we feel very, very blessed. We have felt so covered with love and support from our family and closest friends and can't wait to meet our little one in a few short months!

(The pictures were taken at 8 weeks)