4th Anniversary

Yesterday was our 4th anniversary. We have tried in the past to plan a full day of activites for our anniversaries because Drew usually takes a day off work so we like to make the most of our one day. This year, however, we both completely forgot about it until the day before, and we didn't have any time to plan. We ended up just doing a few random things. In the morning we went to Dick's Sporting Goods to get Drew a golf club he has been wanting. I want a rocking chair when this baby comes so I opted not to have any presents and save money for my chair.

Drew ended up going to work and just coming home a little bit early so we could go to dinner. We went to Ruth's Chris steakhouse which Drew has always wanted to try. We didn't know what we were getting ourselves into and were fairly shocked by the prices we saw on the menu. Although Drew thought his steak was the best he has ever had he decided it still was not worth the money. I am too ashamed to say how much we spent! I had Drew take a picture of us outside the steakhouse with his phone, but when I saw the picture and realized just how fat my face has gotten I burst into tears and made him delete it. He insisted it was just the angle. :) When we got home we had sparkling cider and strawberries dipped in chocolate. We took another picture which wasn't much better than that first one because my makeup had been washed off from crying and my eyes were a little puffy and red. For some strange reason I will post it anyway. A post just isn't as fun without a picture. :) Happy Anniversary to us!!

Decision

I just thought I would let everyone know that I think we have decided on a middle name. It is scary to me to make a final decision because it's such a permanent thing...but it's only a middle name right? We are going to go with Darcy Ann. I know there were lots of votes for Elle, so sorry if your heart is broken over this. :) I loved Elle, but we are thinking we might want to use it for a first name in the future and I like the simplicity of Ann (without and E...so boring). Anyway, there it is. Thanks for the input. Only 8 weeks left!! I keep having dreams about her and I'm anxious to have her in my arms in real life, although I am still pretty nervous about the birth.

Quick side note: I have been feeling her have the hiccups for the last couple weeks, and two nights ago Drew fell asleep with his hand on my belly feeling her hiccups. I just thought it was so cute and I thought I would share. The End.

31 Weeks

I really can't believe I'm already 31 weeks. It has gone by so fast. She is always moving like crazy. I am starting to feel her roll around in my hips and ribs more. It still isn't hurting though luckily.

I found out this weekend from my mom that I have been having contractions already for about a month. My stomach gets hard and I thought that was the baby pushing up against the outside of my stomach but I guess I was wrong. It's really strange to me that this is happening already.

I need to mention how amazing Drew has been through this whole thing. He is really excited to have a baby girl, and I love to see that in him. He is ready to wait on me hand at foot at any moment. I try not to abuse the privilege, but it is so nice that he is always ready and willing to help.

As a side note, my friend Britney did my hair this past week and I am loving it. I don't know if you can tell in this picture, but it is quite a big darker and I love the new color.

Chicago!

This past weekend I got to make a trip to Chicago for my aunt's reception. My grandparents, my mom, my aunt, and my cousin were also there for the big event. We spent a few long days and late nights getting everything put together and then taking it all apart, but I really enjoyed the whole thing. It has taken me a couple days of long naps and attempting to sleep in to recover, but I think it was well worth it. I feel bad I didn't get a good picture with the groom in it, but make no mistake he was there! Congratulations Cortino and Karen!!

Daddy/daughter dance. Karen looking amazing dancing with the nicest Grandpa in the whole world!

My mom on the ladder, my Aunt Beth on the move, and my grandma hard at work at the ironing board (her favorite job).

The center-pieces. All of these pictures could have handled some editing to see them better, but I just didn't have it in me. The vases were lined with orange and lime slices and I thought they were soo beautiful!

Beach

What we thought was going to be a one hour trip turned into more like a three hour trip, and what seemed like a beautiful day actually ended up being a very windy day. Despite the set-backs we decided, when we got home, that it had really been a good thing after all. This is a beach on the coast of New Jersey. We went with a big group of our friends. The guys played a little game of football and the girls stood there and watched.....so fun!! :) There was a small theme park right on the beach that reminded me of Ruby Pier from the book The Seven People You Meet in Heaven. It really was fun to just get out and see something new.

Drew and I with the theme park and water in the background.

Brave right!? We had Jamie take our picture and then she had me do a little pregnancy modeling. It was just too hard to take it seriously.

Here is Drew catching the winning T.D. pass!!

Middle Name Dilemma....Again.

I think Drew and I have narrowed it down to two options for middle names. It's either going to be Elle or Ann. Drew prefers more unique names so his choice is Elle, but he would be fine with Ann too. Because Darcy is a little more unique I feel like Ann kind of creates a balance because it is so normal, however, I would also be fine with Elle. We are too indecisive and I think everyone should help us choose. Let us know what you prefer (and please don't cry if we don't choose your preference :) ).

Baby Shower

The night before we left home two fabulous ladies (Julie Zirker & Karen Garner) from my home ward threw me a baby shower. We played a really cute game that I was terrible at and had lots of delicious treats. I debated for a long time which cute baby gifts I should put on my blog, because although there were soo many that I loved, there was just no way I could have a picture of all of them. So, just to try to be fair somehow I decided I would just go with the tiny adorable shoes I can't get over and the presents from my mom and Drew's mom. Thank you so much everyone that came and everyone that was so generous to help us start getting together all the babies things we need!!

I LOVE tiny baby shoes! They just kill me. I should have put something next to these so you could see the scale. They are all just a little bigger than the palm of my hand.

These are the things my mom got me. I realized later that I mixed up the pink sweater my mom actually gave me that has brown trim with this one, but they were both so cute, and I have given my mom credit for an extra pair of shoes...lucky! :) (Notice the ruffles on the bum of the green outfit. Totally necessary!!)

Drew's mom made both of these amazing blankets. I knew before the shower about the top blanket, but was totally shocked at the shower to find out she had been sneaking around behind my back making the bottom quilt when I wasn't around. It was such a great surprise! I love it. While the quilt is still packed safely in a box, I have left the blanket out and it floats around my apartment reminding me how much I can't wait to wrap my tiny bundle in it.