Showered With Well-Wishes

Here are some pics from the baby shower that my friends in the ward threw for me.

We have such a great ward here--so many really good-hearted people who are supportive and excited for us.

It was a really nice shower with lots of friends, a yummy brunch and some really cute baby things.


The shower was hosted by my visiting teachers. I have two stellar, shining-star visiting teachers--which is a lot more than I can say for myself!





Wendy came out for the shower too. She made this beautiful (and really soft and warm) blanket for Tess. It's very sweet--teddy bears on the front and pieced in blue and yellow on the back.



And, I finally got around to finishing up the baby's room. This mainly involved clearing out the closet where I had crammed everything that didn't have a place. But I also got to hang up the plates I found to match the room.

I know, everyone gives me a hard time because apparently it's not normal for china to be the first item you scratch off your baby shopping list. So, humor me.

In the Home Stretch

Ry took a couple extra days off for Thanksgiving, and we enjoyed some nice, relaxing "alone" time together.

We spent some time outdoors (as close to "hiking" as I get these days) and went out for lunch (I don't think I've ever seen anyone enjoy a strawberry lemonade that much--and yes, that's his second one!)







It's hard to appreciate how different things are going to be for us once Baby Tess arrives. We're used to alone time--we've had 7 years of it! But I think we're ready for the change.




I'm still debating whether or not I want to go through the hassle of putting up and taking down the Christmas tree this year (though I've been called a scrooge for not wanting to do it). I did make us stockings though; we'll see if I can muster up the holiday spirit to do any more decorating.

My sister-in-law Laura sent out a bunch of super-cute baby clothes, including these precious dresses (they make my heart melt!). I can't wait to get the baby here!











And finally, a picture of my family from this year's annual Christmas party. What a cute group--makes me a little homesick!

Giving Thanks

We had a really nice Thanksgiving Day with Ryan's parents. Ryan's cousin Jake and his wife Michelle came down with their three girls (Brie, Megan and Rachel) from New Jersey to spend the holiday. Wendy also invited a couple from their ward to join us for dinner. Their two little boys helped liven the party.

Dinner, of course, was delish. Though the curse of the "Holidays from Heck" tried to rear its ugly head, the collateral damage was limited to a broken kitchen spigot and a particularly off-tasting Williams Sonoma gravy (not recommended).

The turkey wasn't the only thing broiling, since we had temperatures in the mid-70's until after dinner. Then a big storm front rolled in with gusty winds that cooled things off considerably. The kids had fun outside trying to catch leaves that were falling from the sky like snow. Rachel was tickled to be caught up in a "leaf tornado."

In all, we have lots to be thankful for this year. We're counting our blessings.

Autumn Days

Just a few pics of local color for any of you who might be deprived this time of year. I love fall in Virginia--there's just nothing better!
















These are from the Occoquan River, just around the bend from our house. Dad, the heron pic is for you (he was trying to blend in clear over on the other side of water).



















Exciting news from my doctor's visit today: the doctor plans to induce me at 39 weeks! That puts us at a birth date of approximately December 14th! (I won't know the exact date until about a week before.) That gives me only 3 more weeks! My response to this news:

Hallelujah!

The hospital I have to deliver at is about 45 mins. away in good traffic (which practically never happens, and yes, we pass two other hospitals on the way), so I've been most nervous just about getting to the hospital in the first place. Hopefully the baby won't come any earlier, and I'll be able to deliver in a planned, controlled environment (as opposed to, say, on the side of I-95). The only downside is that Mom won't be out until Dec. 20th--but at least we know the baby will be here for Mom's visit. Whew!