The final touches have been made...

Ryder's room is done. Here is the finished product:

Questions to the Mamas out there...

With our due date fast approaching, I had some questions for you.

What was the the most helpful thing in your recovery from delivery (C-section or vaginal delivery)?

Was it having certain people with you at certain times? Was it a way you set up visitors coming either to your house or to the hospital? Was there a special way you contacted people after you delivered (like a phone tree type of thing...?) Or is there anything else that stands out in your memory that you would do again or would recommend...?

Was there something that you would have done differently? Would you have had more help or have your spouse take more time off...? Would you have organized people bringing meals a little differently?

Thank you so much for letting me pick your brains. Mine is completely overridden with hormones at the moment...

Thanks guys!

(Kit, Ryder and I thank you...)

yard update...

We have been a little distracted by working on all of our indoor house projects, that our yard has been completely overlooked.

(Our poor neighbors...)

So this last weekend, we (what I mean by WE is Kit, with a little help from his brother Andrew) turned our front yard from this...

To this...

(Complete with a weed protection cover, a drip system and lighting)

I brought out drinks and snacks for the guys, and sat outside so that I was part of the group, but who are we kidding, I was pretty much useless.

We are so excited how it turned out.

Andrew, thank you so much for all your help!

Kit Rae, you did an amazing job. I love it!

Updates on our favorite Ethiopian...

You've heard the phrase girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice...

Well, if there was a scientific way to get our baby girl's "composition" it would come out something like this:

80% giggles (accompanied by the famous nose wrinkle...), snuggles, playful spirit and love

6% attitude

7% "When I'm hungry, I need to eat NOW, and then I will go back to my delightful self or I will crash for a nap..."

3% lover of talking on the phone (especially to her "nina and ryder")

4% coffee (we make it mild but this sister loves her Ethiopian roots of coffee drinking)

(the famous nose wrinkle...)

my snuggler...

We could not love this little girl more and we are so thrilled that she is in our lives. We can't imagine life without her...

breech...

Well, Ryder is still breech (for the 4th week in a row)so we are going to go ahead with a scheduled c-section on April 6. Both Kit and I have complete peace and we are very calm about it. My doctor was even willing to work around our easter schedule for Kit...

We are so thankful that he is healthy and will be here before we know it! Thank you for all your wonderful thoughts and prayers through this process. We can't wait for his arrival!

eating out...

One of my favorite summer treats is home grown tomatoes. I am so excited, we just planted three of them yesterday. Making caprese salads, and sandwiches and all the good things we put tomatoes in... I can't wait!

I always go back and forth. Fall seems to be my favorite time of year, but then as spring and summer approach with it's longer days and eating outside, I realize this time of year so wonderful too.

Barnes and Noble

While my older nephew was at school, my sister and I toted the younger kiddos to several different errands and they were in the best of spirits. One of the errands was to Barnes and Noble and I realize that each time I go, I find that I could stay longer and longer, especially in the kids area. (I am sure you are not surprised...) We pull out books and sit near the stage or at the little tables or just plop ourselves on the floor and we just read together.

Reading as a kid is just such a special thing, and reading TO the favorite kids in your life...

well, it just doesn't get much better then that.

(However, our baby girl is noticing that my lap is pretty much nonexistent, so finding a good place to read can be a little tricky...)

Books!

Among the many things that we were showered and spoiled with at our baby showers was books, and you know that I LOVE children's books. There are too many good ones to post them all but I thought I would put some favorites.

This author also did "Little Hoot" and "Little Oink" in this series...

Reverse psychology at it's sweetest.

Anna Dewdney has a couple of "llama llama" books and they are all so good. Anyone who has had to put a little person to sleep will appreciate this one.

Can you believe that Harold is 50 years old!!! A oldie but goodie, that's for sure...

This new one has become a new favorite. The illustrations are amazing and the message is even better!

This book made me really excited for all things BOY that will be entering my life along with Ryder...

(not that girls can't be pirates too...)

Eric Carle has done so many good ones, but this is my favorite!

Thank you everyone for all the amazing stories...

we can't wait to share them with Ryder!

Last Hoorah! (for a little while anyway...)

My brother-in-law told my sister that she should take a fun trip for her birthday, and the first place she thought of was coming to my house. (I am very honored...) So my mom, my sister and I decided to do a fun overnight at my house. We made a fun dinner, we did a little shopping at Old Navy, we watched movies and talked and laughed and just enjoyed being together.

Then the following day, my mom treated us to a fun breakfast and massages, and can I tell you, I am still relaxed! I have never had a prenatal massage but I have to tell you that it was recommended to me and it was a wonderful experience.

We can't believe that Ryder will be here before we know it...

Thank you guys for the wonderful time together!

It's a family affair...

Last weekend we had a family shower that my sister and my mom threw for Ryder and I. It was amazing and we just got the photos back. There were so many details that went into making the day so special.

They made blocks that had Ryder's name on them, (already proudly displayed in his room...) My friend Brookie, who did the flowers for our wedding, placed orange ranunculus, in vintage vases, everywhere. The tables were beautiful! I loved it!

The meal was a macaroni and cheese with cauliflower and white cheese, so good, and I haven't gotten the recipe because I know I will make it way too much, and as I am already expanding daily, no, hourly, I thought I would put it on the back burner for now... but I will share it when I get it.

Then for dessert, they had three types of coffee and a dessert that was best paired with that flavor. (There was chocolate, cheesecake and cake with home made lemon curd...) It was so good! I didn't get a picture of the coffee bar because I was WAY too busy eating...

Thank you Katie for being the best Barista ever! I love you...

As a party favor, my cousin Melissa and my Aunt Franny made CDs for everyone, but not just any CD...

I have to say that I cried listening to the words, but the thought that went into each one was incredible.

Melissa and Franny, I could not love you more!

So to celebrate the upcoming arrival, surrounded by women that I love, who are practically as excited about Ryder as I am (mom and cole...) made for such a special day.

Both of my grandmas were there too!

My favorite baby girl...

Then, to top it all off, among precious outfits, toys and books,

everyone got us our stroller.

Thank you EVERYONE for making such a wonderful memory for

Ryder and I.

We feel so loved, supported and SPOILED!

We love you all!

A big thank you...

Kit and I just got back from the Children's Pastor Conference in San Diego. It was such a special time to connect with other churches and pastors that are passionate about kids and families, as well as sharing the philosophy of TRU and the ROCKHARBOR philosophy of family ministry and where the Lord has lead our family ministry team.

At the conference, we connected with a family friend and Kit's children's pastor, Debbie. She and her husband have known Kit since he was 5 years old, when Kristopher became Kit. She and her husband are the ones that shared with Kit that they saw a children's pastor in him, that they felt the Lord was calling him into children's ministry. How amazing to have such a significant role in someone's life. We are truly blessed that Kit grew up with Mike and Debbie.

Thank you guys for speaking into Kit's life.

We love you both.

photos...

Last week, our sister-in-law Mallory took photos to commemorate our 36 week/9 month mark of our pregnancy. She is an amazing photographer and we have had so much fun looking through the photos that she took, realizing that Ryder will be here before we know it. I wanted to share some of our favorites.

Mal~ Thank you so much for making these special memories with us... You did an amazing job and I am so thankful that Ryder has an auntie like you.

just a little thank you...

I could not possibly thank my mom and my sister for all that they do for me. From their friendship and support to the fact they speak truth with love into my life. They want me to be the best that I can be and love me when I fail miserably and am at my yuckiest. Other than Kit, they are the people that I love to share things with, because, whether it is good or bad, they will either celebrate with me or know the right words if I am hurting. I love them so much!

They are throwing me a shower and to thank them, I wanted to make them something extra special, so I came up with these necklaces. (Note: I am not a jewelry maker, but I have so much fun when an idea hits me that fits someone perfectly...)

I chose the colors based on colors that I know they like and that went with the coin, which is from Ethiopia. (Kit just drilled a hole in it so that I could put a split ring through it...) I was so excited how they came out. I just wanted to share them with you.

A prayer of accepted tenderness....

We had a doctors appointment and an ultrasound today and we have a very healthy baby in there. He is over 6 pounds and all of his little organs are working perfectly. It's amazing that his tiny little body is growing so well. It is truly awe inspiring each time we have seen him. What a blessing and privilege it is to carry this baby.

We are a little bummed because he is breech.

(His head and one of his legs are up by my ribs and his bottom and other foot are down.)

It's funny. We have a perfectly healthy baby boy and we know that he still has time to turn, but that hasn't stopped me from dwelling on the fact that his position will lead to a c-section if he doesn't turn. I keep thinking of how selfish I can be. Our goal is a healthy baby, so how does it matter what way we get him.

I went to my prayer book and this is the prayer that I found as soon as I opened it. I wanted to share it with you.

A Prayer of Accepted Tenderness

Today, O Lord, I accept your acceptance of me.

I confess that You are always with me and always for me.

I receive into my spirit your grace, Your mercy, Your care.

I rest in Your love, O Lord. I rest in Your love.

Amen

like father like son...

Ryder and I picked up a little something for Kit yesterday...

Anyone that knows my Kit KNOWS that he is very rarely out of his Rainbow sandals. When I saw these little versions, I just couldn't resist.

Old Navy Rocks!

Showers...

I just wanted to thank my Casey for throwing Ryder and I an AMAZING shower yesterday. I feel so loved and supported as we are entering this new chapter of our lives and it was just such a perfect afternoon laughing and eating with friends.

I had to add a few pictures because the details that she incorporated were amazing!

She had mini pickle packets as the party favors (because I love pickles!)

She had everyone self address envelopes for thank you cards and then had everyone sign in on a book for Ryder, which was such a special gift to have.

The food was amazing. She had chicken salad sandwiches and fruit with mint and a green salad (that I could have eaten by myself because she put crisp prosciutto in it... yum!)

I had to put this one in. This little shirt has Kit written all over it...

She made the banner that has Ryder's name... enough said about how amazing she is...

It was an amazing party and I felt so loved and celebrated! Thank you Case for all your hard work...

Nesting...(big time!)

I had a baby shower at work yesterday and our family was so spoiled! (My mom was able to come out for it, as well as going with me to our last birthing class, and a doctor's appointment this morning. Kit is out of town for a speaking engagement with TRU in the bay area, so it was really fun to have my mom there with me.)

I spent today writing thank you notes (over 40 of them...) and washing his little outfits and organizing where in his room things are going to go. At one point I found myself sitting on the floor in his room , surrounded by his new clothes, kids books and little toys, and I was taken over with such excitement at the anticipation of his upcoming arrival. With each outfit, I found myself holding it up and thinking of Ryder's tiny little self in it. I really am trying to savor these last few days and weeks as well as all the moments that they present to me.

Putting things away in his room and unloading the car seat that we were given and figuring out how his changing table will work the best... they all made his upcoming arrival seem so close and filled with such excitement, as well as making it seem so real.

We are 35 weeks today and with each week I am getting more and more excited to be this little man's mom.

Anyway, with all of that said, I wanted to post some updates on our nursery...

We still have little details to do, but the majority is done and we are ready for his arrival!

Thank you to all my friends that made our shower yesterday so special. You are all loved and appreciated! I can't wait for Ryder to meet you!