*Deck the Halls*

My obsession love for Christmas is no secret. Christmas music, movies, and decorations all make their appearance well before Thanksgiving. I just can't help myself! I still feel the "Christmas Spirit" I felt as a child & find so much joy and comfort in all the traditions. My excitement has only grown with the impending arrival of Baby Girl! Oh the plans I have! 

This is our first Christmas in our new home, and let me just say, this house is a Christmas lover's dream. The decorating possibilities are endless. Not one but TWO fireplaces, open stair rails, and lots of columns serve as a blank canvas for garland, lights, and ornaments galore. My collection is far from complete, but I certainly have a solid start!

Next up: Christmas trees # 1, #2, and #3...'Tis the Season:)

25 Weeks!

We are moving right along! I get more and more excited by the day!

Nursery Update:

 I painted the walls "Bubble Bath"-a light lavender & Aunt Liza is going to stencil a Damask design in a darker shade of lavender on to an accent wall to create an ombre effect. My MIL took us antiquing to find a vintage dresser & we stumbled upon just the right piece! It's currently sitting at Grandma L's house awaiting its Chalk Paint makeover....pics to come later:) We spent hours registering at Buy Buy Baby-quite an overwhelming process for 1st time parents, even with my extensive research and detailed list! We also picked out a crib {the most expensive one in the store, of course}. I'm going to take a brief hiatus from my Nursery purchasing to ensure there are some Christmas presents under the tree, but next on the list.....FABRIC! My favorite.

Progress:

I continue to get fatter by the day & am feeling lots of movement from baby girl. I came down with a terrible, could not breath at all cold last weekend. Pregnancy is not the time for a weanie like me to get sick. I depend on medicine to cure even the slightest ailment. A few sleepless nights and miserable days later, though, I was on the mend. I haven't experienced many cravings lately. I'm still enjoying my runs, although 5 miles has turned into 3. I'm convinced that anybody who claims to "like" being pregnant is a big fat liar, but I know it will all be worth it:)

My Best Friend's Wedding!

My dearest friend of nearly 20 years tied the knot last weekend in a beautiful ceremony right on the marsh in Murrell's Inlet. It was a beautiful, laughter-filled weekend with great friends. Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Cain!

22 weeks down, 18ish to go!

I'm actually 22 weeks & 3 days pregnant now! 

And let me just say I look every bit of 22 weeks pregnant. I haven't exactly had the "embrace your new pounds" kind of attitude, and I certainly don't feel the "glow"everyone speaks of. After multiple meltdowns following attempts to squeeze my 5-month-pregnant self into my regular clothes, I decided it was probably time to go shopping. My husband was generous enough to hand over his debit card {although he probably should have specified a limit ahead of time}, and I came home with these new additions.

I've yet to buy anything "maternity", just bigger sized shirts and belly bands for my pants. On a more positive note, I've been feeling pretty good aside from some minor back pain! I can make it through the day teaching and summon the energy to workout 3-4 times a week. We have decided on a name {secret, of course!} and I am totally consumed with ideas for Baby Girl's nursery. I have a feeling my perfectionism and attention to detail are about to reach new heights!