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!