Courtney's Bridal Shower

This past weekend a few of Courtney's friends and I hosted a bridal shower for her at my parents house.  We had so much fun planning all the details of the party and everything turned out beautiful.  I can't believe their wedding is in a month but I'm looking forward to all the festivities between now and then.  Enjoy the pics!

When you walked in the front door...

Delicious spread!  We had a tortellini salad, rosemary skewers, bruschetta and cheese and crackers...

A close-up...

We served peach Bellinis :)

 

And fresh fruit tarts from La Madeline

 The bride to be with her beautiful mother and sister...

Courtney and her friends...

Courtney and I.... can't wait for her to officially join the family!

All the gifts :)

And lastly, a picture of Courtney with all the hosts...

It was such a fun day and I'm looking forward to these next few weeks!

Weekend at the Beach

This past weekend we loaded up and headed to the beach with some of our friends.  We rented a house in Port Aransas for the weekend and we were looking forward to getting out of town for a few days.  The boys wanted to spend some time golfing at a new course down there and the girls wanted some time in the sun.  Some of us arrived Friday afternoon and Ryan, Tyler & Mark were able to get in a round of golf.  Alison and I rode along as well and enjoyed the scenery.  I think I overestimated my ability to be out in the heat that long as I didn't feel so great but I will say the ice cold mango towels they had out every few holes definitely helped!

That night we ate in town and called it an early evening.  We're definitely not the same crazy bunch we were back in college but I don't think anyone minds :)

The next morning the guys got up early for another round of golf and Alison, Nicole and I headed down to the beach for a walk and to set up chairs and an umbrella.  We laid out for a few hours and then came in to cool off and to figure out our lunch plans.  We ended up grabbing burgers at a local spot and had lunch once all the guys came back to house.  We then set out for an afternoon on the beach!  We lasted a few hours but I couldn't take too much time in the sun and everyone was ready to head in at that point.  We enjoyed some time on the patio of the house with a few snacks and then all got ready for dinner.  We ventured over to a nice seafood restaurant in town and enjoyed waiting out on the back porch for our table.  We had quite a view of the boats and enjoyed watching everyone come in.

Later that evening we hung out at the house, listened to music and played a little poker.  Again, not a crazy evening out on the town but I think everyone was content.

We headed back home this morning but I think we all agreed that it was a nice break from the norm and we all had a good time.  May even be a new tradition we'll continue year after year.  Hopefully with some babies in on the fun next year ;)

I also wanted to mention that today is Benny's 4th birthday!  I can't believe he is 4 years old already and he has truly been such a great dog to us.  He stayed with Ryan's parents this weekend and they celebrated this milestone by giving him a special treat this morning with a candle!  We received a text with this picture and it  made me smile.  Glad to know he is in such good hands :)

25 Weeks!

This past Saturday I hit 25 weeks and it's hard to believe not too much longer and I'll be in the third trimester.  So far pregnancy has been going very well and I really don't have anything to complain about.  I know things may change as we get closer to the due date so I'm trying to soak it all up now and enjoy this time.  A few highlights...

• Bedding and furniture have finally been decided and ordered!  I know Ryan was sick of me asking his opinion on colors, fabrics, etc. but we've finally decided on something and I'm really excited about.  I haven't set anything up yet but I will share details and pictures as we get closer.  
• Running is no longer a part of my exercise routine.  I just wasn't comfortable anymore and I have since moved to walking.  Ryan and I have been able to take longs walks on the weekends with the pup and I really enjoy this time together.  I wasn't able to carry on a conversation during our runs anymore so this has been a welcome change.  I'm still going to my cardio classes at the gym though and I think I'll be able to keep this up for some time. 
• Shopping for maternity clothes is fun.  Yet my wallet has taken a beating... I am still struggling with finding clothes for work though as there seem to be so many cute options for casual weekend wear.  I'm trying to find items that I can wear for both and of course the items I do find tend to be pricier.... 
• Shopping for baby clothes is even more fun.  I have quite a few cute items already that I can't wait to dress our baby boy in...
• Prenatal massages are a must during pregnancy!  Ryan gave me a gift certificate for our anniversary in June and I just used it last week.  I had a 90 min prenatal massage and it was pure bliss.  I think I'll definitely be making another return before November. 
• Weight gain has slowed down in the last few weeks.  I'm actually a little surprised as I find myself eating large cookies in the afternoon at work but I guess I should be thankful for now.  I hear that about this time it can really pack on so I'm sure my time is yet to come.  Let's just hope it holds off for another few weeks since we're going on a beach trip with our friends and I am still hoping to wear a swimsuit without completing scaring everyone...

25 weeks :)

And just because I haven't shared a pic lately of this cute guy... Regardless of the heat he still wants to be outside playing with the ball!

Have a good week!

23 Weeks and A Baby Shower!

This past Sunday Ryan's sisters hosted a wonderful baby shower for us!  Everything was amazing and we feel so blessed with everything we have received.  Before I get to the details though I want to share a bump picture before the shower at 23 weeks.  I feel like my belly is growing everyday now and I continue to be amazed that there is actually a little boy kicking around in there :)

On to the shower... I must admit I was a little nervous at first as I really am one of the first of my good friends to have a baby and I haven't been to very many baby showers.  I was afraid I would not know all the baby lingo and not even know what some of the gadgets were that I would be opening but in the end it all worked out.  At least I'd like to think that I fooled everyone and looked like a natural "mom to be" that has read all the baby books...

Ryan's sisters had really outdone themselves and all the details were great.  They had cute onesies, socks and hats hanging from the mantle, a cute diaper cake on the table, baby pictures of Ryan & I and even cake balls that looked like little baby rattles!

It was fun to mingle with all the guests and we enjoyed a delicious lunch before opening gifts.  All of our nieces and nephews were there and I had a ton of little helpers :)

I couldn't believe how generous everyone was and feel so blessed with all the gifts we received to welcome this new baby into our family.

My Mom, Grandmother, Courtney and myself 

Ryan's sisters 

With my Mom and Ryan's Mom

Since we are trying to sell our house we decided not to bring everything back to our little two bedroom home and my wonderful mother offered to hold onto it for the time being.  I hated that Ryan wasn't able to see all our things so my mom snapped a few pics of everything.  Now, I just need to remember what we all received in case anything happens to go missing.  I know she already has a stash of baby items for her house and I think I heard her mention at the shower that she needs her own pack and play, towels, clothes, etc....

It was a wonderful day and we're so thankful to have such amazing family and friends in our lives!

Recent Happenings

What's going on with our lives?  I feel like a lot actually.  Between trying to sell our house, building a new one and getting organized for this baby on the way we haven't had much free time lately!  I can't say I would change anything but it definitely seems like the days are flying by.

A few weeks ago Ryan and I met a decorator at the design center to start picking out everything for our new home.  We spent nearly three hours with them and barely picked out the kitchen and master bath details.  It was a little overwhelming at first but I'm really excited to see everything come together.  Ryan and I actually have pretty similar taste and while we like the traditional look we like to pull in things a little more contemporary as well. We may not have picked things that will fit everyone's taste but I think it will really look good.  Here's a sneak peak of the kitchen details....

We've also been busy lately trying to keep our house clean for any showings we may have when we're not home.  This is definitely a challenge with a black dog that is shedding like crazy right now but for the most part  we've managed to keep up with keeping it clean.  We  haven't had any offers yet but hopefully we'll see some movement here pretty soon.  I'm not sure how much longer I can keep up with keeping it clean!  I've been complaining lately on how much my it hurts my back to sweep and then mop and clean the wood floors.  I'm hoping he'll suggest we get a temporary maid but he hasn't quite picked up on my hint.  Either that or he's just ignoring me...

On the baby front we've been busy finalizing our registry.  Ryan's sisters have offered to host a shower and we're having it this Sunday!  They planned it on short notice so one of his sisters could be here since she will be in town and I'm glad it all worked out.  The invitations they sent out are super cute and I can't wait to see what they have put together and to see everyone...

Ryan's sister also brought with her two huge tubs with lots of baby gear and little boy clothes!  I'm pretty sure he is going to be the best dressed little baby in town.  My mom and I have also been stocking up on a few things as well.... :)

Lastly, we've been preparing for my brothers wedding which is only two months away.  A few other girls and I are hosting a shower for Courtney and I can't wait to post the details.  The invitations are so cute and I think she is going to love it all.  More to come on this...

Like I said, we have lots going on right now but I wouldn't change any of it!  Hope you're having a good week :)

20 Weeks!

Halfway there!  Hard to believe that in just a few short months we'll finally get to meet the newest member of our family :).  This week we have our big ultrasound and I'm anxious to see him again and make sure we have a healthy baby boy in there.  A few highlights of the past few weeks...

• I think it's safe to say "I've popped!"  I'm no longer able to hide this growing belly of mine and mostly wearing maternity clothes.  I still have some tops that I'm wearing that are "flowy" and some dresses that I can pull off but most pants/shorts are now maternity.
• Baby Rudy is kicking away! I felt him a few weeks ago for the first time but the kicks are getting much stronger now.  I can't see anything from the outside of my stomach but definitely on the inside.  It's such a crazy but great feeling.
• Ryan and I had our first trip to Babies R Us to start taking a look at things we like/need, etc. It was obvious we were first time parents as we strolled down every aisle questioning what everything was for and how it works.  I think we spent about 15 minutes trying to open and close one stroller...  We somehow managed to pick out a few things and called it a successful day.
• I've been looking at bedding and nursery furniture but we haven't been able to decide on anything.  As for a crib, I always thought I wanted white and Ryan is leaning more towards espresso.  We did find one we both really liked though and was a compromise for both of us.  I'm not sure we're going to go with it but it's in the running!

• On another stop on our baby shopping day we came across a life size Benny.  Wouldn't this be cute in the nursery??  Haha, I don't think we'll need another black lab hanging out at our house (even if it is stuffed) but I had to snap a picture since we had so much fun playing with him.  

20 weeks :)