Retreat!

We took our babymoon this weekend! My criteria in a place was that it was not too far from home and that it could be relaxing. We ended up choosing to go to a hotel and spa on the Niagara River. 

This was our hotel. It was stunning! I am such a planner normally, but when it comes to trips, Ry and I tend to be very last minute. I think I always wait until we can see the 10-day forecast so that we don't end up vacationing during a storm. But it worked out for us this time. The hotel was sandwiched between the water and the village.

Saturday morning we ate breakfast, walked the river, and then I got my prenatal massage! That was all I wanted out of this weekend :) We then shopped at some antique stores in town, got lunch, and headed for home. We did make one pit-stop before going home... YUM!

He kept me laughing and smiling all weekend. <3 

Road to You

 Looking back at my phone pictures, I can't believe how quickly the past 33 weeks have gone. I wanted to capture the moments of my pregnancy to someday share with our little guy/girl.

We found out December 6th that we were going to be your parents. Later that week we got our Christmas tree and your first stocking. 

We told your grandparents, aunts, and uncles the news around Christmas time, when you were a tiny, eight-week-old peanut. I bought a different book for each of my siblings and parents. On the inside of each was a note from you, letting them know you are on the way! 

Our first ultrasound was at 12 weeks, and that's when we started to tell extended family and friends. I'll never forget the montage of feelings I felt during that ultrasound, when my belly was still so small and no one had any idea. It was a precious moment. I saw you do some flips, lots of moving, and saw your little heart flutter. Mine fluttered, too.

Then the planning started: 

We knew we wanted a gender-neutral nursery with a touch of retro, so we ordered mid-century modern furniture and went to second-hand stores around the city browsing for cool room accents. 

 And then the bow making obsession started, lol! 

In March, I left a job I loved for a new teaching position in a district that would be less stressful with the changes happening in our family. This is a picture from my first week at the new school. It's been a great transition and I've met many wonderful people there who, only having known me for three months, are so excited to meet you. 

We had our 20-week ultrasound appointment also in March. You gave us the peace sign and the tech and midwife said everything looks great so far. We can't wait to see more of your personality! 

I finally caved and bought a body pillow. You've made sleeping a little more difficult than it used to be. 

 And the painstaking name-choosing process really kicked in to high gear! We've settled on our final picks for you :)

In April, you got to meet the ocean for the first time in Hilton Head, SC. Can't wait to take you on more vacations!

Mother's Day is when we made the official announcement (via Facebook) that you were on your way to us in August for friends we don't see as often. 

Everyone, especially your family, is so excited to meet you! 

We've had so many things to celebrate these past several months. Just this month, your father passed his seventh licensing exam and is now a licensed architect! We celebrated with breakfast at a restaurant within walking distance that we'll take you to someday. He passed just in time for you... and house projects...

...like renovating the kitchen. 

I'm keeping busy, too, learning how to sew from grandma. Hopefully I'll be able to fulfill all your costume requests someday like she was always able to do for us. 

 And here is how you have changed over the past 33 weeks. You've changed me forever, too. 

The last one is of us today. My last day of school for the year and the first day of seven months of uninterrupted time for you. Nesting, resting, prepping for now, patiently waiting for you.  

Reasons to Celebrate- Baby Shower!!

Today, my mother-in-law threw me the most beautiful baby shower. The weather cooperated perfectly, the food was delicious and the company was the best. It was so touching for people to give up their sunny, summer weekend to spend in celebration with me, especially the people who traveled from out of town to be there. Thank you to everyone who made the day incredible! It couldn't have been more special.

 This family has serious talent. Ryan's aunt made and frosted these cupcakes, my mother-in-law made a third kind as well as other desserts, and my sister-in-law made footprint cut-out sugar cookies. 

Another one of Ryan's aunts made this adorable card! 

This quilt (left) was made my a neighbor of Ryan's parents. It is so colorful and fun, amazingly detailed. The blanket (right) was knitted by Ryan's mom's cousin. It is so beautiful and thick and almost makes me look forward to cool weather to snuggle our little babe in this. 

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 And what else did I do this weekend? ...more bows and headbands :) Made both of these yesterday. The top one is a fall-inspired, crocheted band with a lace and tulle bow finished with a button. 

Then I started getting sick of the same old cream-colored lace, so I searched the web for other DIY bows. I found this tutorial and had fabric on hand (from Hobby Lobby for a whopping $0.78). The tutorial calls for the fabric to be sewn, but I stopped using my sewing machine after three petals (who am I kidding- I'm still a complete beginner), and reverted back to my trusty glue gun.  

Renovation Sneak Peak and Random

Kitchen progress: most of the cabinets are painted, just waiting on the countertop to come in so we can get that installed and then do the backsplash! 

Tutu in progress. 

And completed.

Here's the matching headband. The band I crocheted with black yarn and the bow I made from lace and a button.  

Modeled by the beautiful Picasso the monkey :p

Last week we celebrated my birthday, Ryan's first Father's Day, Ryan passing his LAST licensing exam (!!!), and I had two showers. I don't think I could have had a better week. This ceramic berry bowl was my favorite birthday gift from Ry :) I love having a summer birthday. Now we just need to go berry picking so I can fill this with fresh berries. 

We eat outside now every chance we get. Dinner was grilled chicken tossed in a mixed green salad. Dressing was simple- a lemon-flavored white balsamic vinegar mixed with garlic olive oil. 

Perfect first official day of summer!