Home sickness...

My wonderful mother in law Andrea took me to Palm Springs with her and my two dear sister in laws to enjoy a girls get-away before my sweet baby girl is born. We had a wonderful drive out here singing, talking, laughing, and reminiscing on funny stories. We got to enjoy the beautiful sunny 80 degree weather, sit by the pool and read. I was out under the stars tonight looking up at the moon and felt such an ache in my heart of homesickness I never had before. I was missing my sweet husband and little Charlotte. Chris and I have been on many many trips without one another but it felt so different this time. Chris is my best friend and I have missed him many times before. This time feels like there is such a large hole missing in my heart. Since the moment Chris and I knew we were going to become parents, I felt a piece of my heart go to our sweet baby girl who is not born yet. Maybe that is why the ache was so strong this time since I am missing more of my heart! I cannot wait to be held in my best friends arms again, to look at him and tell him how much I love him. I cannot wait to hold my baby girl in my arms and tell her how much I love and adore her. My sweet eternal family, although we are all apart tonight, I have never felt so close to you both. Sweet dreams and good night! 

Sailing the open sea...

I always knew Chris was adventurous before we got married. I just did not know the extent of it until afterwards! I never thought I would be able to just head out on our sailboat on a fall Saturday afternoon! 

This was my first time out and certainly not my last! 

It was so amazing! (and cold) We even saw a pod of about 50 dolphins swim right up to our sailboat!!

Charlotte's Baby Shower

I have been to many baby showers before in my life but when I went to my own it felt so strange and yet so natural. I was completely overwhelmed (I cried a few times) with the love that so MANY people "showered" baby Charlotte with and she is not even here yet!!! 

The outfits alone were just too precious not to share! 

And I thought I loved Target before...

Dear Target,

Why do you make such adorable baby outfits? EVERY time I am there in the baby section I find myself thinking, "Gosh, why do they not make this is my size?" or "I really wish I could find a sweater like this!" I have always loved Target for their reasonably priced and very cute adult clothes but now that I have my baby Charlotte coming... all I can say is thank goodness I am about to have a baby girl so at least one of us can enjoy items like this!!!

Happy Birthday Chelsea!!

Today my best friend turns 28. A few weeks ago I sat down with her and her family and we watched some family videos that had recently been converted to DVD. One particular segment became my favorite and is pertinent for this special day. The video is of Chelsea's 2nd birthday party, I will do my best to describe the scene.... It begins with her frantically ripping her presents open, once open she looks at them, says "wow!" (even if she doesn't know what it is!), shows it to her mom (who has the camera), and then throws it to the side to grab another. The best part is that as she opens her wrapped presents she keeps all of her new presents in the corner of her eye. If anyone even gets within one foot of them she abandons her present opening to hover over the pile of gifts and yell "Mine!" The climax of the video is when her Grandma attempts to hand Chelsea a new wrapped present. Chelsea, still riled up like a dog protecting its food, rips the present out of her Grandma's hands and yells, with fists shaking, "MINE!!!!!" Then, as if scripted, she looks over to the camera and gives it a cold, hard stare as it pans out.....
So here is to you Chelsea! You are my best friend, my lover, my strength. I thank Heavenly Father everyday for the gift that you are to me. I love you with all my heart and so look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you. So enjoy your day, rip open those presents, and don't worry... I will make sure no one touches them!

I love you!!!

Chris

Insomnia...

I keep on hearing people say to me that I really need to enjoy these last few weeks of sleep and I wish with all my heart that I could! Problem is I cannot sleep at night now! I wake up every couple of hours (even from the deepest sleep)! I am not sure if it is from the excitement and anticipation or mother nature preparing me for the lack of sleep about to come! My mind just starts racing with so many many thoughts that I teased my own mom about when I was growing up. My brothers and I would constantly tease her about how much she worried about us all. My baby girl is not even born yet and I am already worried about her all the time! I guess I am not much different from my mom in that aspect and I could not be more proud of it! So bring on the insomnia!

Baby Stuff...

We have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support we have been given since we found out the exciting news that we are having a baby girl. Between 3 baby showers, grandparents (o.k. more like grandmothers...), family, and friends we have received TONS of stuff. We are so grateful. Of course it helps that we are having a girl. Everyone wants a chance at buying an adorable outfit for her.

Adorable!

We are pretty much ready for baby at this point.. all furniture, etc. is set up and we are counting down the days till she comes. WE ARE SOOO EXCITED!!!Here are just a few pictures - we'll post more when we have some time....

Baby Bassinet 

Lots of Hand Knit Hats and Quilts! 

Just one of the very FULL drawers.

 
Diaper Cake from the Baby Shower

 Just a few of her dresses and shoes...a girl can never have too many shoes!