baby GIRL nursery

The baby preparations have been full speed ahead around here, for a few months now.  I've made about 3 lengthy to do lists and nearly everything has been completed.  The time of "nesting" has been quite productive and I am especially grateful for the help, love, and support of Roy and my mom in preparing for our Lil' Pumpkins arrival.  One of the last projects, surprisingly, was completing the nursery.  We kept the room the same color as we had for Hudson and just added some sweet touches and lots of pink.  :)  Here are some pictures of the finished project…

I took a picture similar to this before Hudson was born.  The room is ready to go!    

The changing station.  

A fun sister plaque.  

We changed out the items on the shelf to make it more "girly," and included some of mine, as well as my mom's special toys, from when we were small.  

The sheer curtains make a delicate contribution and the rug is fun addition to the space.  

We are ready for you sweet Lil' Pumpkin.  You are loved and we can't wait to meet you!  

Howell's Pumpkin Patch

Hudson and I have enjoyed being a part of a homeschool preschool "coop" this fall.  Its been a wonderful collaborative effort with 2 other moms and 3 children.  We each take turns hosting, planning, and teaching.  I've enjoyed putting my "teaching hat" back on for a bit and also experience other moms in action as early childhood educators.  Hudson and I have been blessed!  We went on our first "field trip" on Oct. 9th to Howell's Pumpkin Patch.  This happens to be the same place we go to get our Christmas tree every year, so it was fun to experience it during the fun of fall.  It was a muddy and messy morning, but we had a fantastic time, none the less.  P is for Pumpkin and Preschool...  

Riding the horse...

The corn pit was Hudson's favorite…no surprise there.  

A group picture, minus Mr. Thomas who wasn't able to make it.  

Our handsome little guy.  Next fall baby sister will be added to this picture…can't wait.   

Nella, Levi, and Hudson hanging out on the hay rack full of pumpkins.  

So much fun!  

A Mommy and Hudson selfie…enjoying our last days together, just the 2 of us.  

There was lots to play, see, touch, and learn at Howell's Pumpkin Patch.  

Levi and Hudson watching the goats.  

thirty-four

On Friday, Oct. 3rd, I celebrated my 34th birthday.  It was a pretty typical day, with a few extra special messages, meals, gifts, and guests.  I felt loved and cared for by many and am grateful for God's abundant blessings in the past year and look forward to new and exciting adventures in the year ahead.    

We celebrated October birthdays a few weeks earlier with Ben and Clara.  Birthday buddies!  

My dear friend Andrea came down from Cedar Falls to celebrate part of the day with Hudson and I.  We had some good talk time and she treated me to lunch at PF Changs.    

Roy and Hudson prepared dinner for us…smoked pork chop, baked potato, green beans (several of my favorite things).  

They also had a few gifts for me, including a prenatal massage.  

My sweet boys made me a birthday cake…strawberry cake with white frosting and sprinkles (Hudson picked it all out at the store for me).  It was nothing fancy, but full of love, which made it delicious.    

Momma and baby at 36 weeks.  I'm excited that we will (hopefully) share October as our birthday month.    

On Sunday afternoon/evening, Roy and I had time for a dinner date and headed to Ames, one of our favorite places.  We took a walk around Ayda Hayden "lake" and then enjoyed dinner at The Cafe.  I ordered the Korean Steak and Eggs and it did not disappoint.  

It wouldn't be a "real" trip to The Cafe without getting dessert.  

Games & Gifts

I have lots of pictures I could share, but seeing a bunch of pictures of me opening gifts is probably not too exciting.  :)  The hostesses planned a few simple games to get things started...writing notes of encouragement for me to open when she arrives, a pass the gift game, and Baby Bingo.  I was beyond blessed and encouraged by the collection of gifts.  I felt loved beyond words.  I received a beautiful collection of baby girl clothes, bedding, nursery, and nursing essentials.  So excited to welcome this precious baby girl!  Thanks ladies!   

   

Baby Girl Shower Guests

Here are some pictures of the lovely ladies who celebrated with us…

Most of the group (minus Jenna, Ellsy, Afifa, Hani, Sophie, Bridgit, and Peggy). 

Peggy, Bridgit, and my mom, chatting before the activities got started.  

I have been in 2 summer Bible studies with Sophie and Allie.  I thank God for the unique way he brought them into my life and the many ways the have encouraged me.  

Nana Sue and Ellsy enjoying the activities.  

I'm looking forward to having another girl to add to our family.  

Gina and Rachel have been babysitters for the kids in our small group.  They are both seniors at Waukee High School.  

My sister came all the way from Denver, Colorado, to surprise us for the weekend.  

What a special gift, in and of itself.  

Emily B. has been a faithful friend.  She has cried with me, listened to me, and been there for me…always.  I thank God for her and was thrilled to celebrate with her.  

Another lovely surprise…my Aunt Marilyn came from  NW Iowa to show her love and support.  What a great way to make a girl feel loved.  

Baby Girl Shower

On Saturday, September 27th, a few very dear friends hosted a baby girl shower for me.  I was beyond grateful, blessed, loved, and encouraged.  I have so many wonderful pictures to share so I'm going to separate them into a few different posts.  If I could summarize the event in just one word I would say…"delightful."  The lovely hostesses included so many sweet little touches, which they know is one of my favorite parts of events such as this.  Here are a few we captured in pictures.  

beautiful pink roses...

baby banner and me with baby girl at 35 weeks...

pumpkin cookies for a guest take home treat…

mini white pumpkins with jewels...

mini quiches...

veggies…carmel cupcakes…fall trail mix...

pumpkin muffins...

The beautiful hostesses...Allie, Allison, and Jenna - YOU ARE LOVED!  Thanks for hosting and blessing me in countless ways, in and through your friendship.  I thank God for blessing me with you!  

PUMPKINLAND 2014

It has become an annual tradition of ours to go to Pumpkinland in the fall.  Its only about a 10 minute drive from my parents house and proves to be a fun outing for us.  Hudson loved it, no surprise there.   

Mimi and Hudson having fun with the peek-a-boo board.   

The giant hay bales were painted to look like pumpkins. 

He has posed for this same picture every year.  

Tall boy!  

Hudson loves all the little play houses they have at Pumpkinland.  He goes in and out of the doors, rings the doorbell, and plays restaurant, passing "food" to his customer (aka Mimi) through the windows.  

And finally another baby bump picture…34+ weeks.  

A handful of hay and a super happy boy on a beautiful fall morning.  

Buddies!  

The last thing we did was drive "Otis" the tractor.  Hudson gave it this name because he thought it looked like Otis the tractor, which is a book series we have enjoyed reading together.