our life lately // vol. 5

BABY SHOWER

Oh goodness! Has life ever been busy and wonderful lately. Its seems the closer we get to little baby's due date, the more our errands, conversations, interactions and events are influenced by the excitement over her arrival. A couple of weekends ago was no exception. On October 18th my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law hosted the most beautiful baby shower for our family and baby girl. So many of my family, family-in-law and friends were able to be there. And those who couldn't be there were so thoughtful in sending heartfelt messages, cards and even gifts in their absence. Honestly, it was a lot to process. It reminded me of the overwhelming love I felt at our wedding, looking out at all the faces in the church who had showed up to witness our ceremony and support us in our commitment. 

To be in a room surrounded by so many women I love and respect was an overwhelming blessing. As I did the gift opening, I remember saying 'I am going to have one seeeerrriously long and incredibly cathartic cry to myself later tonight because this is overwhelming'. And it was. The decorations were stunning, the food was incredible, the gifts were beyond generous and the genuine authenticity of beloved women of all ages coming together to wish us well in this new journey was a beauty all its own. 

Later that evening we met up at home. Ryan had had a long day and I was feeling that good ol' pregnancy tired that's been sneaking up on me from time to time on days when I've exerted myself more than normal. But regardless of how tired we both felt, something in us wanted to spend a little time in her nursery. So we sat on the floor while I recapped the shower for him. Slowly, in the low light of her sweet little nursery, we unpackaged gifts, read cards and reflected a bit on the magnitude of this little person joining our family and the many people already a part of our extended family who chose to shower her with love that day ... before they've even set eyes on her. We both agreed, we are so very blessed and grateful ♡

motherhood // pregnancy

Left: 10 weeks    Right: 29 Weeks

Hmmmm. How to put into words what this experience has been like so far? She'll be here before we know it and like so much in life, I imagine it might be hard to remember exactly what this felt like if I don't try and capture my feelings at this given moment. So here are the best words I can muster. 

Awe. More than anything, I'm in awe. As I type this, she's tap dancing away in my belly. Flipping around, pushing and nudging, squishing my belly up on one side and out on the other…I'm so aware of her. I keep thinking how incredible it will be when she's here in my arms. But the same little girl is here right now… just, in my belly. How absolutely amazing is that? Sure, I don't yet know the features of her face or her little body but already I'm getting a glimpse into her essence and that just has me perpetually in awe. I tell Ryan often about the little antics she's up to. Text him updates when he's out of town. Doing my best describe what I'm feeling and what our little lady is up to. He always responds with such enthusiasm and interest. His genuine desire to participate in this experience continuously warms my heart. What a joy parenthood with him will be.

I find myself thinking about a lot of the 'bigger picture' things vs. the checklists one might find in all those pregnancy preparedness handbooks. Sure those checklists warrant a thought here and there but its things like thinking about who she'll be that have my heart captivated these days. Who will she be? I look at Ryan, myself, our family and our friends. Each person so unique. No one else like them. And here comes little baby girl. Completely new and never before seen or encountered. Her face, her heart, her mind…. a little blend of Ryan and I, a little personality unique like no other. So monumental when you think about it, really. And while I wouldn't wish a moment of this time pass by faster than it already is, I'm positively beside myself with excitement to meet this little lady of ours. 

Physically, I've changed quite a bit over the last few weeks. Baby is growing so much! She moves around often and noticeably which I'm trying to really be mindful of and enjoy. Soon she won't have nearly as much room to attempt these kinds of acrobatics ;) As for overall comfort, I feel like I'm fairing pretty well. The second trimester I felt quite normal, just that I was growing a bit in the midsection. Reaching the third trimester, I would say that was the first time I started feeling quite pregnant. Baby's movements are regular and strong, sitting up to get out of bed has become a bit of a maneuver and turning around quickly to look at something has me sometimes feeling like I've pulled an ab ;) Yep, I would venture to say pregnancy is feeling rather real these days. Thankfully still gentle overall though and for that I remain grateful. 

So far, I'm loving this experience. I'm amazed by it really ♡

♡ Baby ♡

//  We're are so excited to be expecting a little girl in December!  //

Oh goodness! I've always wondered how this would feel. Physically, emotionally, the whole bit. My most favourite person in the whole world and I are expecting a little of our own! Who will she be? How will we grow? What will the three of us together (+ Lincoln :) feel like? I can only imagine the adventure it will be and it's one I know we both look forward to with overflowing gratitude and eager hearts. 

Ryan and I have been married 9 years now and together for 12. I have loved every inch of the distance we've travelled together over those years. Truly, life lived with my best friend has been the greatest blessing. To be adding a little mini to our brood is just the sweetest gift. 

Fortunately, pregnancy has been gentle on me so far. I'm about 25 weeks along (22 in the picture) and am thoroughly enjoying the 'normalness' of the second trimester. Besides for the steady growth I see in my belly I feel just like myself and for that I am so grateful. From what she tells me, my mom had rather gentle pregnancies for all four of us. So far, my experience has mirrored hers so I'm hopeful that trend will continue ;) Of course, whatever comes, I'll have to take it in stride. Thankful to have Ryan's great support throughout this experience. As is his manner, if ever I've felt overwhelmed, he's been right there to lighten the load. Words can't begin to describe how much I'm looking forward to this new adventure with him ♡