Pregnancy Files {The Bump Week 38}

A blurry doctor's office selfie because I was too tired to manage anything else this week plus I blame the rain.

Best moment this week: Having only been at my new job for 4 months I don't qualify for the Family Medical leave act and I don't have a ton of paid time to take off for my maternity leave, which I wasn't too worried about because I love my job so much, but obviously it was something Drew and I had to consider since we are adding more costs with a baby. Well some of my co-workers went in and donated some of their own personal time for me out of the kindness of their hearts. I now have 2 more paid weeks of time off and couldn't be more thankful. It honestly makes me tear up thinking about the generosity of people I've known for such a short time.

Food cravings: Thanks to Anne I've been craving chocolate milkshakes. :)

Movement: He's been moving around and whenever my stomach gets tight I think...am I going to start contracting now? Is he coming soon? I hope so! Never in my life have I been more excited to endure pain. Is that weird that I'm not nervous about labor?

Symptoms: My back still hurts and my belly button can't decide if it wants to stay in or pop out. It's a little late in the game for it to be popping out right?

Nursery: I finally took some pictures of the nursery now I just have to make time to upload them and actually do a  blog post.

Prayer for Baby:
Dear Aiden,
I am so anxious for you to get here I can't even stand it. Your car seat is installed, inspected by the fire department and waiting for you. I so badly want to hold you and just look at you. Your Dad and I can't wait to meet you!!!! Please come soon.
Love,
Your Mama

Dear Lord,
I have never anticipated something so much in my life. Everyday I wake up and think, is today the day I get to meet my son? I know you know when he is coming and it's already planned perfectly so help me to soak up these last few hours/days/weeks of having Aiden kicking around inside me. Amen

Ecclesiastes 3:1
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

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4 Fall Recipes You Need to Try!

I get so excited when the season starts to change over to Fall. It is definitely my favorite season to cook and bake. Cool temperatures, crisp air and so many fun flavors! I have made and loved all 4 of these fall recipes so I thought I'd share them with you.

Lentil Chili: This chili has become my husband's favorite. There is no meat in it, which I thought we would miss because we both love a good hardy chili, but we don't miss it at all. Just trust me when I say you need to make this! I always make it with a side of beer bread and use a pumpkin flavored beer.

Rachel Ray's Pumpkin Pasta: When I first read about using pumpkin flavoring in a pasta I was almost disgusted, but then the first day of fall rolled around and I decided now or never and made it. You guys, this is surprisingly delicious. I love the flavors of the pumpkin, sausage, sage and garlic together. Please don't miss out on the amazingness of pumpkin in your pasta!

Chef in Training's Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies: These cookies have just the right amount of pumpkin in them. They are soft because of the instant pudding and are delicious! If you can't find the pumpkin pie spice instant pudding no worries...use plain vanilla instant pudding and add about a teaspoon of regular pumpkin pie spice. Problem solved!

Pioneer Woman's Apple Dumplings: This has to be my favorite fall dessert. I've made these too many times to count and everytime people ask me for the recipe. This recipe has a secret ingredient that I did NOT expect...Mountain Dew. Make these then thank me later!

What are your favorite fall recipes?

Carly + Josh's wedding day

Friday night my sister in law and now brother in law tied the knot by the light of a fall moon. It was such a beautiful day! Our day started with a bridesmaid's breakfast at First Watch then getting our hair done at the salon.

The forecast for the day was storms and rain, but the weather cleared up for pictures and in time to have the outdoor ceremony as planned. Just look at this family I'm a part of...they are all gorgeous.

My favorite detail from their wedding was this cute coffee truck that was parked just outside where they had the ceremony. The drinks were delicious and it was a fun backdrop for pictures.

My sweet husband officiated the wedding ceremony and did an amazing job and I was just excited that 1.) I didn't go into labor and 2.) That I fit in my bridesmaid's dress at 9 months pregnant.

The reception decor was perfect for fall. Pumpkins, gold and burlap touches and a fire in the fireplace.

I got this picture from someone's Instagram. I know it's fuzzy, but I just love it. So much warmth and happiness.

To top it off the day, Drew's Uncle and cousins created this moon backdrop to mirror a picture taken way back when of Drew's grandparents from a high school dance sitting under the moon together.

I was too busy stuffing my face with cupcakes and dancing to "Wobble, Baby" to take many more pictures, but it was a perfect night with so many sweet details.

Towards the end of the night Drew and I went outside and just stared up at the stars. We held hands and shed a few tears over Terry not being there in person with us, but I know my father in law was smiling down on us all and was proud that his family celebrated love in such a big way. I'm so thankful to be part of such an amazing family.

Pregnancy Files {The Bump Week 37}

Best moment this week: The best moment of the week was being part of Carly and Josh's wedding day. I was a very pregnant bridesmaid and was just so glad not to go into labor on or before their big day. Drew officiated the wedding and was a groomsman so we were kind of important to their day and I would not have wanted to miss it! I will post pictures this week.

Food cravings: Nothing new. Chipotle still tastes good and I really don't think it will ever get old.

Movement: Still moving around in there, but he is head down and in the ready position, which is just crazy!

Symptoms: Super crampy and my back hurts. My lower abs are just sore, which I've read means he's starting to descend. AH!

Nursery: I finally decided it was time to set out the rug and I love how it looks. Our friend Alex came over and installed a light fixture and fan so I'm super pumped to have more light in Aiden's room! 

Prayer for Baby:
Dear Aiden,
This week your Aunt Carly and Uncle Josh got married. It was a beautiful day! Thank you for deciding to stay put in my belly until after their wedding. During the reception the DJ played the song "Wobble, Baby" just for me and since I hate missing out on anything even while being 9 months pregnant with you I danced the night away and had the best time. You are one lucky little fella to be joining this family. There is so much love to be shared. You are allowed to come any time now although your Aunt Carly would really like for you to wait until she is back from her honeymoon.
Love,
Your Mama

Dear Lord,
Thank you for family. Thank you for love. Thank you that I am part of a family who puts others above themselves. I am so thankful that Aiden will have such wonderful people in his life to love him the way he is meant to be loved. Amen. 

1 Corinthians 13:13
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

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Our Maternity Photo Shoot

I had a picture in my mind of what I hoped my maternity pictures might look like. I swooned over pictures taken in a field with that soft, dreamy lighting. Thanks to my talented friend Jacqueline, I now have these very images to call my own. I love these pictures and am so glad I will have them to look back on after Aiden gets here. These were taken when I was 35 weeks and I couldn't be happier with the emotions they captured...

Pregnancy Files {The Bump Week 36}

{I'm almost caught up on these posts, but am still a week behind!}

Best moment this week: I have two best moments of the week. First, getting to see Aiden at our ultrasound! He's a little peanut and is in the 29th percentile for size so I've gotten to see him two weeks in a row, but he's happy and healthy in my belly so I'm not worried. It was so fun to have an excuse to see him again. He was opening and closing his mouth and his eyes and it made me so excited to hold him soon.

The other best moment was spending time with my sweet family at my last baby shower. It's only fitting we had it at a restaurant called Grand Finale. That's definitely what it was...the perfect ending to a string of amazing showers!!

Food cravings: Do I even need to say it? Chipotle.

Movement: He's still moving around, but mainly only for me. When people want to feel him move he just doesn't, but my sister was able to feel him hiccuping the other day!

Symptoms: I'm an emotional wreck. I cry way too easily especially now that I'm tired all the time too due to restless sleeping and frequent bathroom trips. What a great combination. I cried several times at my last baby shower just because and then when my sister left to go back to Indiana I sobbed. I love her and all, but wow. Thanks hormones.

Nursery: My sister was here visiting this week and assembled all our baby accessories while Drew was at work. She even changed out all our door knobs in the bedrooms that have been sitting in the Lowe's shopping bag for weeks. We are now officially as baby ready as we are going to be around here.

Prayer for Baby
Dear Aiden,
You could come any day now and I just can't believe it. We are so ready to meet you! Your Dad assembled your stroller this week and I love seeing it out and ready for you. The cats might not be ready to share their new room (your nursery) quite yet, but I know someday you will be the best of friends. We are all excited for you to get here!
Love,
Your Mama

Dear Lord,
Please prepare me for what you have in store over the next few weeks. It has been so sweet seeing a few of my dear friends become moms over the last few weeks and I can't wait to see Aiden's story unfold. Give me energy to get things done this week and feel ready for when he comes.
Amen. 

Psalm 23:4
"...For you are with me."

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Hello October, Aiden's BIRTH month

I have a feeling that this month might just end up being my favorite of the year. I am so excited for all the things that are going to happen this month I can't even contain it.

Hello October, Goodbye September.

Hello month I get to meet my precious little boy.

Hello to Drew's favorite holiday, Halloween

Hello assembled baby accessories, Goodbye boxes.

Hello colorful leaves.

Hello getting our maternity pictures in the mail, Goodbye checking my mailbox daily.

Hello chili and crock pot meals, Goodbye wasting time cooking.

Hello favorite season of mine.

Hello to getting a new brother in law (officially) and being a very preggo bridesmaid.

Hello boots and scarves, Goodbye flip flops and painted toe nails.

Hello to little baby Jacob aka Aiden's future BFF.

Hello Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix, Goodbye Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire.

Hello to being a Mom. Whoa.

What are you saying hello to this month?