Week 40

New Years Resolution: to see my feet again.

-growing-

I haven't done a great job of documenting my pregnancy so far and people keep telling me that I'm going to want to look back and see what I looked like, show my kids, compare to later pregnancies etc.

Ehh...I can't see myself wanting to remember much about how I look, especially this last month of pregnancy, but I figured I would take their word for it and document a little.

My belly pictures are mostly embarrassing bathroom selfies from my iphone sent to friends and family who don't live in Raleigh, so enjoy a good laugh!

*When it all started:

On May 2, 2012, in a Target bathroom chatting away with my friend Sarah, this showed up:

We met Ben for lunch immediately after our Target run and showed him the test. I'm not sure any of us said much during that lunch - we were all in shock, excited shock, but still shock :)  

*Belly Progress: 

14 Weeks 

19 Weeks

20 Weeks

28 Weeks 

30 Weeks 

34 Weeks 

36 Weeks 

38 Weeks 

Stay tuned for the big 4-0! 

::so loved::

our family and friends have been so generous in the way they have surrounded ben, baby, and I with so much celebration and love as we wait for his arrival. we have been able to celebrate baby boy with just about everyone i've ever loved in my life :)

my mom and sisters organized a shower for us in november that was so special because so many members of my family were able to be there that i normally never get to see.

mom, caroline, and jamie did such a great job hosting and have been so intentional about making me feel loved throughout this process. they included so many sweet details and took the time to plan fun games, decorations, and food that they knew i would appreciate. thank you all for loving me so well throughout a hormone charged 9 months!! i love y'all!

the next shower was hosted by a handful of my mom's best friends. it was such a special day and every detail was BEAUTIFUL.

baby boy and i were once again spoiled! it was chaos in the best way to be celebrating with so many of my best friends and family. thank you to each one of you, you are so special to ben and i - thank you for being a huge part of our lives! we can't wait until the day we get to introduce you to this baby! 

4:: Annual Christmas Picture

Merry Christmas from our little family:

18:: give each child a new ornament that represents something important they did that year

Pretty important...can't wait to meet you baby boy! 

15:: potluck christmas dinner party with friends

Our first annual Christmas dinner party was the best night. Julianne and Smith hosted and provided the most delicious turkey soup and chocolate chess pie ever created..ahhh dying just thinking about it!  The night was so festive and fun - it represented the start of this new phase of life where chaos and babies are the norm instead of cocktails and small talk. I loved every second of it. I am so thankful for these 3 couples! They truly feel like family and I am so excited to live life with them!

3:: christmas movie night with seasonal treats

Ben and I got to check this one off a few weekends ago with Matt, Linds and their newest addition, baby Wrenn! It has been so fun and so surreal to watch our friends become parents. Holding little Wrenn made it hit home that we are going to have one of our own so soon! 

In the midst of taking care of a brand new baby, Martha Stewart Winters made us the most impressive spread of fruit, cake, pretzels, marshmallows and chocolate fondu you've ever dreamed of. Obviously we killed it...every last bite...while watching Elf. Best combination ever!