when "thank you" doesn't even come close

Over the last two weeks, I've experienced something I never had before.  

I realized when "thank you" doesn't even come close to how extremely grateful you are for so many people.

My heart has been turned upside down, flipped about, and filled to the brim where I think it can't have any more feelings.  

We were showered with amazing love at our baby shower.  Then, my birthday was just a few days away.  That night in bed, I curled up into Daniel's arms and just started crying.  They were tears of "I don't know how to say thank you to so many people, we have been shown more love than I ever would have imagined, and right now I'm utterly in shock at the outpouring of love and generosity everyone has bestowed upon us".  Sadly, it didn't come out that way.  Instead, I just lay there blubbering away leaving my poor husband with a crying wife who couldn't say what she was crying about.  (It wouldn't be the first time!)  But truly, words can't fully express how immensely grateful we are for everyone in our lives, who are so happy and excited for us to have this baby, and have showered us with more love and gifts than we ever could've imagined.  

The shower was beautiful, and perfect, and flew by faster than our wedding.  There were so many people I wanted to talk to, hug, and catch up with.  Between my mom, my amazing friends Lindsay and Andrea, and my family that all came into town, it was adorable.  

After opening presents, I went to thank everyone for coming and was immediately overcome with emotions.  As I looked about the packed room, there standing before me were people from every walk of life who were overjoyed for us to welcome a baby boy.  This baby who we prayed for daily, who we thought would never come, who isn't even here yet-is loved by so many.  And for that, our hearts are just completely overcome with gratitude and humbleness and "thank you" just isn't enough.  

My grandma has some mad crocheting skills and made us the most beautiful blanket I have ever seen! 

snippets from our week

This past week has held so much excitement and has been filled with...

// it's official, I'm 27!  My birthday was complete with the sweetest gift card frame from my class, family over for dinner, the dessert that didn't want to cook, and our living room overflowing with love

// the first RED cup of the season.  I'm still not quite sure how I feel about this.  It reminds me that Christmas is fast approaching, which reminds me that our sweet son will be here before we know it.  

// my dear friend visiting from out of town.  Our evenings were filled with Daniel, Kylee, and I laughing and sharing life together on the couch. 

// breakfast at my all time favorite spot with our great friends, and their sweet little Sophia.  I can never get enough of Daniel with her, it's beyond precious.  

// morning runs that filled me with hope as I looked up at the most gorgeous sky.  

// tackling our never ending to-do list, including returning duplicates to Target.  We did get THE cutest outfit because we just couldn't resist, and Daniel made sure our little babe has his first Charger's jersey. 

// laying on the couch together, relaxing, and not thinking about anything other than the here and now. 

// watching a movie in front of the fire place because it is what we love.  We've decided that no matter what, every house we live in must come with a fire place. 

// baking THESE pumpkin scones.  Two words: easy and delicious!!! They are the perfect spicy, fall treat, especially with a warm cup of tea. 

33 weeks

I feel as though I've blinked and we can almost count down the weeks until our little man is here on one hand!  This is beginning to feel more and more real.  We've taken a hospital tour, we have a car seat, and are in the midst of an incredible birthing method class (that I can't wait to tell you more about soon).   

This week there has been so much excitement.  From the baby shower to setting up the nursery to organizing all of our clothes.  Our nursery is coming along nicely, and our bedding came, which I'm just in LOVE with.  This week for the first time someone made a comment that I must be due soon.  This was definitely a first.  Most of the time when I tell people I'm due on Christmas day, they can't believe how soon that is.  

Our baby boy is definitely growing and we now have a coconut on our hands.  He is moving around like crazy, and is especially in love with my ribs (ha!).  Right now he is head-down, and we continue to pray that he stays in this position.  We also can feel where his little bottom and feet are, and I absolutely love knowing what is jabbing me where. 

The back pain is still there, but I think I'm just learning to live with it.  I've noticed that it especially hurts when I work out in the morning, and so I'm trying to figure out how to balance working out without being incredibly sore afterward.  

My maternity clothes are beginning to get a bit boring to me.  You know that feeling when you open your closet just to find that amongst all of the options, nothing seems worthy of being worn?  I'm there! Our maternity photo shoot is in two weeks and I'm racking my brain about what to wear.  Right now I have no idea!  

I've decided that I absolutely love being pregnant.  This pregnancy has just been such a blessing!  Other than the tiredness that has settled back in, I love all of the changes my body has gone through.  Most importantly, I love feeling this baby boy grow and get stronger.  Right now I know he is safe and sound, and I can control that as much as I can.  I'm definitely trying to soak up all of this time where I can keep him safe and not think about delivery.  With that comes a whole slew of fears and worries that I'm trying to not think about just yet.