Painting a legacy

Late last month, Brian & I got together with his parents and Grandma to have lunch with her to celebrate her move into her new apartment. Brian brought his finished Classic Pooh-inspired paintings for Roo's nursery to show off. They're now being framed. I can't wait to see them when they're up on the nursery wall.



One of the things I love about the picture above is that you can see Grandma's hand-painted China on the kitchen soffit above the cabinets. I hadn't noticed that until after I'd taken the photo, but it's especially appropriate because Brian no doubt inherited his artistic skills from her.


I loved watching Brian point out details in his painting to his family.


Among my favorite things about the paintings are the personal details Brian added to represent our lives. The above snapshot includes four: puppy prints, Lilly's favorite Kong toy, a stack of books and a "B + L 2001" tree carving just like the one in Brian's parents' backyard. Can you spot them all? There are several other hidden images like that, making the paintings a true family legacy.


Brian's dad, mom and Grandma.

March shower

My sisters Jen & Amanda stole my heart and threw an awesome, elegant baby shower for me last weekend.

Family, friends and co-workers gathered on a blistery day (Brian had to salt and ice the driveway to welcome the guests in the blizzard-like conditions) to celebrate.

My hostesses with the mostesses wowed me with all the little details of the gifts, decorations, food, drink, etc. It was very touching to be at the center of a day like that.

Take, for instance, the creative and crafty diaper cake and baby-themed teapot my sisters made:

The beautiful spread featured assorted hot and iced teas in cute and funny teapots. (Can you spot the silly frog teapot in the picture below? What a hoot!) The menu was delicious cucumber sandwiches, hummus and crackers, mini carrot cakes and cheesecakes, strawberries and creme puffs and more.




Some photos from the event:

Mom & me

Friends Jaime, Teresa & Deb

Me with the musical learning puppy. (Photo by Suzanne)

Me with an amazing framed Classic Pooh print from Texas friend Teri. (That's my "Oh my goodness!" look.)

Brian, who didn't attend the shower, got a phone call from my sisters that he had to come over and see this print. We repackaged it in its shipping box so he could open it again.

Some of my loot, including a car seat and stroller from my Aunt Teri and Uncle Joey in Missouri. (Yay!) Baby B. will be well-appointed with new clothes, books, toys, baby gear, homemade burp clothes and a homemade First Book of Faith (thank you, Aunt Jen!) and more. We're one lucky Mommy, Daddy & kiddo!

We played several games at the shower. The crowd (and my own personal) favorite was one in which we broke into groups and wrote bedtime stories using words cut from magazines. This was my group's story, read by my friend Suzanne.

I was humbled by the thoughtfulness and generosity of the women who made this shower happen. Thank you, ladies. It was a blast, and we shared lots of laughs. I scored some fabulous gifts. But, more importantly, I feel loved and supported as I make my way through the last several weeks of my pregnancy. Could I really only have six weeks until my due date?!

Motherhood, here I come!

In stitches

I was so happy to finish my quilt top for Roo this week. I hooked up with Mom after work one night and took the project to our favorite local quilter for her to work her magic. The quilting should be adorable: a loopy busy bee pattern in honey-colored thread. Can't wait to get it back so I can sew on the binding and call it done!

Happy spring!

Brian, who has been quite the photographer lately, captured this artful image of our backyard birds. I love the blossoms on the silver maple tree.

Anyone happen to know what kind of birds those are?

Colorful kitty

Brian snapped these great photos of Meow Meow this weekend:

32 weeks and counting!

I love how Dakota had to be a part of this picture. I think he can tell a change is imminent.

This weekend marked the 32nd week of my pregnancy, which means I'm 80 percent to a full-term 40 weeks. I still feel great, albeit tired. And I am very blessed to have a husband who never complains about the extra work he continues to do around the house so I can rest as often as needed.

Brian and I had a baby appointment this morning, and the doctor said that everything is just as it should be. Baby B.'s heartbeat is strong. He did say that the baby is now underneath my ribs and that my short torso is getting crowded already. The next eight weeks should be interesting ...

Click to see my last baby bump update, which I posted five weeks ago.

Thanks to everyone for your continued prayers and support!

Whole bunch of b-day fun

Brian had the fun idea that we gather with friends and family on Saturday morning at The Donut Whole to celebrate my birthday. We counted three dozen donuts consumed -- including Butterfinger, Peanut Butter & Jelly and Maple Bacon flavors -- by the total crowd of 18.

I filled up on sugar and hugs and shared lots of laughs. See a photo of Brian and me taken by my friend and co-worker Jaime.

This birthday had no alcohol, no late night out, no dancing, no fancy clothes. But a friend of mine said it well: I'm carrying the most important gift of all. I thank God for that blessing daily. At the seven-month mark, it's still so amazing. I'm in awe of every little kick I feel. This birthday, there's no need to blow out candles. My wish already has come true.