33 Weeks...

The days are passing by way too quickly....I cannot believe that I only have 47 days to go! I had a doctor's appointment yesterday...baby's heart beat was nice and strong and I'm still measuring right on track for my October 18th due date. Doctor's visits are every 2 weeks now. Thankfully, I'm still feeling great....but starting to get quite tired at the end of the day. I'm sure that has to do with the fact that I'm 33 weeks pregnant, it's still 100 degrees outside and I'm working like crazy! Work is absolutely nuts right now, which is also making the days pass by way too quickly. Over the past 2 weeks the nursery has made HUGE strides. It's almost done....just waiting on a few more little details! Pictures coming soon...promise! My besties threw me a lovely baby shower on Sunday. I had so much fun and felt tremendously blessed! I will post pictures from the party as soon as I have time. Josh and I are still discussing names for baby Rives. No decisions yet for boy OR girl, which is really stressing me out! I'm starting to think that our baby will remain nameless once it's born! I have officially lost my belly button and waddle quite gracefully! :) Baby is a wiggle worm...all of the time! Still, such an incredible feeling and sweet reminder of God's handy work! We are so excited to meet our little one soon!

{33 Weeks}

Happy First Day of School!

The cutest and smartest 1st and 3rd graders EVER at Austin Elementary!!! Kalie and Cole had a great morning and are super excited about the school year!

{Kalie: 3rd grade / Cole: 1st grade}
{Yes, I'm slightly obsessed with my niece and nephew!}

A good Friday laugh....

I've just been introduced to the comedian, Jim Gaffigan. He is absolutely hysterical and doesn't use foul language every other word! I can't stand that about some comedians...it totally turns me off even if they are funny.

We watched one of Jim's shows with the Rectors and Simmons last Saturday night. I was laughing so hard that my belly literally hurt. This particular part of his show was my favorite....

Ironic thing is....Josh and I love Hot Pockets! {Embarrassing, I know.}

A Rite of Passage...

Assembling the baby's crib is a rite of passage that all first time dads-to-be must take...Josh did it flawlessly, of course! Directions were followed to a tee and all screws were tightened extra tight!

Proud (and absolutely adorable) papa to be...

It's a bit strange (but very exciting) to have a crib in our home now! We're getting closer and closer to being prepared for baby's arrival...or as prepared as we can be!

{♥ A very special thanks to my Dad and Corinne for purchasing the crib for Baby Rives! ♥}

31 Weeks...

63 days to go...CRAZY!! We are busy, busy (nesting, I think they call it) getting ready for baby's arrival. The wall paper went up on Thursday...it's adorable! This weekend, Josh assembled the crib (he did a great job...making sure to follow every direction perfectly) and we worked on putting some of the furniture in place in the nursery. The bedding, curtains, chandelier, glider cushions and love seat I'm having recovered should be ready in the next week or so...thanks to my fantastic mother for helping me with all of these details! We also worked on cleaning out closets and cabinets...it felt so good to purge of all the stuff we just don't need. I love being organized, but it's amazing how quickly things can get unorganized! Hopefully we'll finish up the cleaning out/organizing next weekend. Next weekend is pretty much my last free weekend I have until baby comes (I have weddings every other weekend).

{31 weeks}

Baby Rives....we love you so much and can't wait to meet your sweet, little face soon! We are having so much fun preparing for your arrival. You are constantly on our minds and hearts. May you always know how much you are loved by your creator and your mom and dad.

Squirming around...

Yes...that big, round thing is my belly....and there is definitely a baby living inside it! I tried to edit the video down a bit, but couldn't figure it out. Around the 25 second mark, you'll see baby Rives start squirming! It's so weird...and completely amazing!

Happy 1st Birthday Owen!

On Sunday, we celebrated Owen Grey Simmons 1st birthday!! Marina and Chris threw the best 1st birthday party I've ever been to! Happy birthday Owen....it's hard to believe that it has already been a year since you entered the world. We love you!!

Adorable decorations...

Yummy cake!

Silly Aunt Liz with Owen's Giraffe...

Party Favors...

Me, Liz, Jenni and Marina...

The boys (and college roommates)...Justin, Jordan, Michael, Josh and Chris

Josh and Owen hanging out...

Owen LOVED his cake!

How cute are these birthday hats?!

Owen pushing the truck we gave him...

Handsome little guy! Happy 1st Birthday Owen!!

29 Weeks...

And we're back to the normal belly shots in the dinning room now that Josh is home! Here I am at 29 weeks (and a few days). I'm feeling great...my only complaint is the heat. Triple digit temps are not fun when you're pregnant! I had a doctors appointment on Monday. We got to see Baby Rives on the big screen which was really fun...although it was hard to tell what was what. Doctor says baby looks nice and healthy and that I'm right on target for my October 18th due date. I also had my glucose test. I was dreading the drink you have to drink before you have your blood tested (lots of friends said it was horrible)...but I actually liked it! It tasted like really sweet Gatorade. Not bad at all! The nurse said she would call me if there was a problem. Hopefully we won't hear from her!

We're busy working on the nursery! Tonight Josh and I are starting to clear out the guest bedroom to make room for baby! My dad is coming up this weekend to paint and deliver a few pieces of furniture that I had him paint. Next week the wallpaper will be hung and hopefully Josh will have time to put the crib together...his first assembly project of many to come, I'm sure! Baby bedding and curtains are in the works too! I'm not going to post any pics until we're completely done with the nursery. Hopefully it will come together within the next month or so!

Cutest Donut Ever...

This is my super-fabulous, 8 year old niece, Kalie Marie. She is at camp this week at Pine Cove Towers. On Sunday night the theme was "Hip Happenin' Hidden Holidays." Kalie chose to dress up for National Donut Day, celebrated on the first Friday of June each year. How creative and cute is she?!!

Eleanor Michael Rector...

Karen and BJ welcomed Eleanor Michael Rector into the world on Saturday night at 9:57pm. She weighed in at 7lbs, 11oz and measured 20" long....absolutely perfect in every way! She's a beauty and the best baby at the hospital! Both mom and baby are doing fantastic!

Happy Birthday!!!

Proud daddy...

Beautiful mommy!

Crazy Uncle Josh...

Eleanor is giving a little wink! I LOVE her!!

We're so glad you're here, sweet Eleanor!! We love you so much and can't wait to watch you grow up! You'll either have a new best friend or future boyfriend in October!