.My Heart is FULL--Life Update.

Life has been lovely lately.

I am 34 weeks along in my pregnancy and though I am severely uncomfortable, I am happy and really enjoying life.

 Adam snapped these photos of me and Penelope at 34 weeks before my Lynchburg baby shower. I am looking a bit tired and the truth is simple--I am tired, but it's a good tired. I love how much I look like my mother in these photos. Oh how I wonder who my little girl will look like..

(Black maternity dress and red necklace from Target)

My pregnancy sickness has thankfully gotten better during my third trimester. My body is still struggling with migraines, constipation, heartburn, and now discomforts but overall I have improved tremendously.

Little Penelope has been quite the mover! I find myself just sitting or laying down holding my shirt up simply staring at my belly. Watching her roll around and seeing my stomach contort has been an exciting (and a little creepy--in a good way!) time for me. Adam has his hands on my belly all the time and adores feeling Penny move. His smile when she gives him a big kick or roll melts my heart. He is so in love with his baby girl. We are starting to play the 'guess the body part game' with each other since Penny is doing some major growing. It is almost impossible to know for sure what we are feeling but its fun to gather from seeing and touching the different shapes. Lately we have been feeling a large circular thing pushing up and can only imagine it is her head or bottom. On the right side of my stomach Penny has continually poked out a small pointy body part which we are thinking is an elbow, foot, or knee. It truly is a unique experience, one Adam and I will never forget.

My energy these days feels as if it has been sucked dry and it's actually okay. I am no longer nannying (will write a whole post on that one day soon) so my only 'job' during the day is to rest, eat, and remember to feed and take out our dog! To say it has been nice is a major understatement.

Adam and I have been visiting with friends and family again now that my body and pregnancy have been treating me better. It has been such a simple joy to laugh again with loved ones.

The past two weeks in particular have been grand. Adam and I travelled to NJ to attend my first baby shower thrown by my mother and sister-in-law Kim. It was a wonderful shower and was fun to show off my baby belly (it is no longer a 'bump') to my relatives. I had my aunts and cousins laughing so hard when discussing other pregnancy 'bumps' that have developed...two large ones ;) You see, my whole life I always wanted larger breasts and my relatives (who ALL have them) told me consistently through the years I was lucky I did not. Welp, when they saw me and my new pregnancy body they about died! I finally have large breasts and they were right--I hate them! Oh how I love the ladies in my family and our ability to laugh together.

The baby shower hosts, my mother Cindy and sister-in-law Kim.

(Chevron maternity dress and jean jacket from Old Navy)

Two of my best friends, Caitlin and Lauren.

 My mom and aunts who attended the shower.

The rest of our weekend in NJ was a relaxing time filled with tons of food, sweets (thanks for that Mom), friends, and family. I soaked up my time with my nieces and second cousins and loved knowing the next time we would all be together, Penny would be with us! I cannot wait to introduce Penelope to her family, they all love her so much already! She is one blessed little girl..

When Adam and I came home we were greeted by his sister Naomi from MN! We started the week off with a birthday celebration for my father-in-law at Red Lobster. The rest of the week was filled with family visits, late night talks, lunches out, game nights, and even a pedicure for this momma to be (a big thanks to my mother-in-law and sister-in-law). Our week wrapped up on a high note with another baby shower thrown my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and two of my girlfriends. The baby shower was absolutely beautiful. It was such a fun mix of women who attended--my girlfriends, family members, babies, and my mother-in-law's friends from church. I was truly surprised and delighted by the turn out and love shown to Adam, myself, and baby Penny.

Two of the baby shower hosts, my mother-in-law Wendy and sister-in-law Naomi.

 The other two hosts, dear friends Hannah and Mandy.

Myself and Penny posing with Adam's sister, grandmother, and mother. 

Memorial day was celebrated with great friends and new friends. We attended a barbecue at our friends house and it was extra special because the man of the hour, Daniel, returned home after months away training at Fort Benning. It was great to have him home! Adam and I then drove to Smith Mountain Lake to hop on a boat with friends who were celebrating their one year anniversary. We had a blast cruising around the lake and I must say, Penny enjoyed her first boat ride. Our night ended at Adam's parent's house where we stayed until 1am just hanging out, talking, and laughing with his family. It was hard saying goodbye to his sister but exciting knowing the next time we would see her she would meet and hold her little niece!

The Lord has blessed Adam and I with friends we consider family and with two families who willingly make sacrifices for us because they love us. It brings tears into my eyes thinking about bringing our baby girl into this world..into our world..a world filled with love.

We have been blown away by the generous gifts given to us for Penny's arrival and feel extremely fortunate to welcome her into a home that is prepared for her. Thank you to my family and friends who hosted the baby showers and thank you to everyone who attended and 'showered' us with precious, beautiful, practical gifts. We will think of each of you as we use your special gift with our daughter.

This is why my heart is FULL. Life has been good lately, so very good.

(linking maternity dresses up here)