29 1/2 weeks

Where is the time going? You would think that I would be able to keep up with this blog now that I am off of work for a few months, but I seem to be feeling busier than ever! I am hoping to slow down a bit in the next few weeks, so I can really buckle down and prepare for Baby Grant Holden's arrival! I am feeling the need to "nest"; in other words, I need to clean everything out and up, organize my entire house, and complete (or begin) a few sentimental projects I want to do for him before he arrives! The last few weeks have been super exciting though because we have begun having baby showers.  We feel so incredibly blessed to have such wonderful family and friends that are excited for Brad and I and can't wait to help us welcome our sweet baby into our lives.  He is going to be so loved and blessed to have such amazing people in his life!  Here are a few pictures from the showers...there were so many wonderful ones of all our great friends...I just picked a few.

As the date grows closer of actually getting to meet him for the first time, I am overwhelmed with emotions! I am so excited and feel so lucky and blessed to be his mom! I cry a lot thinking about him and how much I already love him...it is really amazing! I can't wait to see Brad hold him for the first time; what an awesome relationship they will have! God has blessed me beyond my imagination and I am truly grateful and humbled by the pregnancy and the thought of meeting Grant! My God is a great God! I know my future as a mom will be hard, but I know the blessings God has in store for me will always out weigh the hard times! I will praise Him all the days (even days when I need a little reminding)! Thank you Lord for baby Grant and all my wonderful friends and family...the love I feel is amazing!

Sweet surprises

As the Southern summer heat rises...so do my ankles! I officially have cankles...ha ha! I was not very happy about the look of my legs today and was really not enjoying coming home and elevating my ever swelling feet.  I wanted so badly to be outside in the heat, walking, playing in the yard with my sweet dog, or going to the gym for a spinning class; however, the mom in me thought it would be best to rest (even though I hate sitting still). I might have been throwing myself a small pity party...lol! As I sit with my feet elevated, the door bell rang and to my surprise there was a huge package at the door for me.  My sweet mother-in-law made our cradle bumper pad to go in our living room.  Not only did she make baby Grant his first bedding, but she also sent some sweet "pick me ups" for Grant and I.  It is amazing how God works through those that love us.  The small gifts and sweet letter was the perfect reminder of the miracle growing inside me and the great Blessing he already is to Brad and I and our families.  He is already so loved!! The "lovely" swelling is such a small sacrifice for such an amazing gift...it brings tears to my eyes!  My God is great and I love Him! I pray that Grant's heart yearns for God and he lives his life to serve his creator!  I also hope that one day Grant and I can be that "someone" that God uses to lift someone up or blesses someone through us (just as Nancy did for me today).

 I will post some recent pics....and hope to post a new belly picture this weekend. My belly is growing daily and I am loving (one of my favorite things ever) feeling him move inside my belly.  He makes me smile, laugh, and tear up daily through his sweet little kicks and punches. Being a mom is already amazing!



My cradle from when I was a baby. New bumper pad Nancy made to match living room




Brad is going to refinish the cradle and make it black.




Sweet book that Emily-Anne gave Grant and Nancy's sweet story about our precious baby!



Travel toys and bottle warmer for car!



You know you are a mom when...you go to NYC and this is what you come back with! ha ha



Nursery before painting





Nursery after painting with new chair and ottoman..still waiting for furniture to come in!



Early Summer Fun

Can't believe I am 27 weeks this week...one more week and I will be 7 months! The past month has flown by and I am sure my summer will go even faster! I am so blessed to have the summer months off of work so I can finish preparing for our sweet boy's arrival. I am already feeling the need to "nest" by cleaning out all closets, drawers, etc. The preparations will have to wait a little bit longer because I have one more week of work (extended contract) and then my mom's "Sixty in the City" birthday weekend! The past weeks have been filled with family fun and a wonderful trip to New York City. 

Memorial weekend I went home to spend time with my family. It was so much fun to get all the kids together. Grant is going to have so much fun with his cousins! Here are some pics of the weekend...somehow, I never got a picture of sweet baby Ava (sorry Wes and Candace). I think I had my camera out prior to their arrival.

Nora and SK watching cartoons after playing outside all afternoon.

My baby Murray!

Granna with SK and Nora

The twins wrestling over a cup! This was so funny to watch!

                                    

So, I am so sad that I won't be making a beach trip this summer; however, I did get to go on a mini-vacation with some friends to New York City.  I loved the city and can't wait to go back again! You can see my baby bump in several of these pictures (27 weeks).  Grant loved the city too! He especially loved the plane rides, he kicked the entire time!