Preparing for Baby

For many weeks now, we've been doing little things here and there to prepare for baby. I still have an unbelievable amount to accomplish (or what feels like it) but we are on our way!

I've wanted to finish our office pretty much since we moved here - a year and a half ago... but paint was holding me back. I was unsure of which color to go with and too afraid to jump right in. So two weeks ago I just said forget it, let's go to Home Depot. I picked up a sample of yellow I thought I'd like, but then spotted a really pretty grayish green in a Behr pamphlet. I got home and the yellow looked like baby poop in our lighting. We didn't even put it on the wall, just decided to toss it. But I fell in LOVE with the grayish green color, called Scotland Road. Jon really liked it too! We spent the next hour taping off the room and picked up a gallon of Scotland Road the next morning. I had a short window of time (Kennedy had school for three hours) so I wanted to make sure it was completed before she came back. I had the room painted - top to bottom - in 1.5 hours. Not too bad for a preggo! It looked amazing too! We put up the new window treatment and what a big difference it was!

Next step? Putting together my scrapbooking desk I had sitting in boxes for over a year! Within a few days, it was set up, the top portion attached to the wall/drawers and filled with all of my stuff! This made me most excited. FINALLY... an area for me to do what I love and be able to leave out unfinished pages if necessary. It turned out GREAT too!

Thanks to my wonderful husband, our office was complete!!

A few days later, we had baby's crib put together and in Kennedy's room where they will share :) It looks awesome. We have the bedding, now I just need to pick up a mattress.

NEXT BIG PROJECT: Clean out and rearrange basement. Bring up all baby items we'll need and wash all of the 0-6 month baby clothes. I already have the special detergent... now I just need to set aside the time to go through it all. Not sure if all of this is considered 'nesting' as I am a little crazy already about things, but so glad it's getting done. I feel extremely accomplished.

Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Link!

Yesterday was a beautiful day for a wedding. The weather was just perfect outside and we were all excited to get the day started.

Hair was done by the lovely Stacy Schnurer at her salon 'The Chop Shop'. She made us all look stunning! Then we headed to the church to do makeup and get dressed. 3pm came fast and we were anxiously anticipating the walk down the aisle. I have to say, it didn't hit me that she was REALLY getting married until right before the music started and the doors opened. Brittany went first, then Giulia, and then Kennedy and I. She wanted to walk beside me while I held her basket and she threw the pedals. We got ten feet down the aisle and she looked up for the first time and almost dropped to her knees. SHE'S SO SHY. I told her she was doing a great job and not to look up... to just keep throwing pedals baby! She finished off the aisle and did an amazing job at that! I went up to my spot next to the girls and watched for Sarah. I didn't think I was going to cry... until the doors opened again and she came out. I couldn't hold it back. She was so beautiful... my little sister... a BRIDE. I was a proud big sister :)

The vows, exchanging of the rings, the sand, and a song... When I Said I Do... by Jeremy and I. It went well, I gave him a modest high five and walked back to my spot next to the bride. We prayed and they were announced husband and wife. WOOOOO HOOOOO!! They were married... it was official!! After ALL of the crazy wedding planning, they were finally married. Pictures at the church with family, pictures at the park and onto Potowatomi.

The reception was beautiful! She had it on the 2nd floor in the Tribal Room. And what a gorgeous room it was. Very cool and cozy. We prayed before dinner, his dad (the best man) said his speech and then it was my turn. I had nothing planned (so unlike me) but decided that I like it better on the receiving end when I hear a best man or maid of honor just speak from the heart. It was short, sweet and to the point... highlighting that we had a love/hate relationship growing up, got very close the last seven years and how hard it was for me to let go of my baby sister. I told her to call me anytime day or night in Japan... that I'm always there for her no matter what. She cried, I choked up and we hugged and kissed. Then we raised our glasses in a toast to the bride and groom!

Dinner was good and the cupcakes/canolis were even better! Then their first dance as husband and wife, father/daughter dance and some moving and shaking on the floor. By 9 o'clock, this mommy of one and 36 weeks pregnant with the second, was POOPED! I sent her friends with the supplies I had to decorate their hotel room at Hotel Metro and left with Jon and Kennedy.

In the end, with all the crazy planning, details lacking, drama-filled, laid-back (missing the bride gene) sister... the day turned out just perfect. Sarah and Brandon were married and starting their lives together as one. I couldn't be happier for them ....now onto babies... in THREE YEARS PLEASE - after Japan!

I love you both and congratulations again!! :)

Maternity Pictures

Raven did a wonderful job capturing our emotions in each shot. I am 35 weeks today, but these were taken at 34 weeks. Here are just a few...

We are so blessed :)

Great Vacation

We were shopping at Walmart here. They had fun hanging out in the cart together!

Another one taken with my phone... I hate that it's a bit blurry, but Kennedy and Grace were so cute hanging out in bed coloring together!

One of my MANY finished pages. This was a favorite of mine. Thanks Sheena, the flowers are adorable!!

Kennedy and I drove down to Missouri last week to visit the Searcys. I really did have a good time, but for some reason, had a hard time just relaxing. Don't get me wrong, I did a lot of sitting, but often times, wasn't 'relaxed'. I was homesick... all I wanted to do was clean and be back in my everyday routine. I fought Sheena to let me do the dishes a few times so I could feel at home again! I hereby deem myself the WORST vacationer EVER.

Other than that though, we had a blast! Kennedy, Ethan, Grace and Taylor played extremely well together. They had their share of fights, tattle tailing and fits, but that's all expected. We visited them last summer and I really felt like the kids picked up where they left off. It was so cute seeing them play together.

I, on the other hand, came for one reason and one reason only. Ok, two reasons. I wanted to spend time with the Searcys and I wanted to scrapbook all week long. I did both and we had a lot of fun together. It was Sheena's personal goal to get me completely caught up with Kennedy's albums so I could just focus on Presley when she is born. I didn't COMPLETELY catch up, but I got sooooo much done. And I owe it all to her. She motivated me the entire week by setting daily goals for me. I never met them, but I came close! I told her I really was thankful for her nagging, even if I didn't seem like it in the moment. :)

I very thankful for the friendship I have with Zack and Sheena... and glad they live within driving distance now! Eight hours wasn't as bad of a drive as I anticipated. Can't wait to see them again!

4 year pics of Kennedy

Sarah's Bridal Shower!

It was a low-key sort of shower... very intimate, no weird games, and a beautiful bride excited for her upcoming nuptials. There was family, friends, food and laughter. Nothing better than that! Plus a few gifts to top it off ;) And what a gorgeous day it was... perfect for a shower. Mom, Brit and I decided on the Cudahy Public Library for the venue. They have a beautiful room they rent and reading is Sarah's favorite thing to do. It just made sense. About half way through the shower, Sarah presented me with my 'maid-of-honor' gift early... a Coach purse! I jokingly said I wanted a purse a few months back so she and Brandon went out and bought it for me. It's ridiculous how generous they are! Although they did tell me this was payment for everything I'm going to be doing for their wedding... too funny.

All-in-all I'd say we threw a very successful bridal shower. Sarah really had a good time and that's all that matters. Now onto the FUN part... bachelorette party next month! We'll see how a 35 week preggo can handle THAT fun task ;)

Sarah and Brandon - Engagement Pictures!

Last Wednesday, we headed down to the lake and then to Grant park for Sarah and Brandon's engagement photo shoot. It was great spending time with both of them. Because he lives so far and works crazy hours, I don't get to really ever see him. We laughed a LOT. Kennedy also had a blast. It was her first time down by the lake, so she kept herself busy by throwing tons of rocks into the water. She was pretty cute. She and Brandon became best buds pretty quickly too. That was sweet to see :)

I'm so happy they wanted ME to capture these sweet moments of them together. I'm excited for the wedding!!! Who thought I'd EVER say that?! Yes, it's been a very difficult road letting my sister go, but I know she's in good hands. I love you both very much... July 15th is coming quickly!!!!