Nani Leah.

After finding out that we were expecting a little boy, my cute friend Chelsea (from Creative Mommas) sent me some adorable burp cloths for Alexander. She is so creative and crafty and comes up with the cutest things! Anyway, I just found out that she opened up her own Etsy Shop. Definitely click here (Nani Leah) to check it out!

(I should have taken these pictures during the day instead of using a flash...but in any case, you get the idea. They're CUTE!)

Baby Bump: 32 weeks.

32 Weeks.

Tuesday (22 Feb. 2011) I went in for my 32 week appointment. Dr. Smith said that I was measuring right on and that Alexander's heart beat has been pretty consistent the last few weeks...right around 136. Everything looks good.

I have to admit that this week some nervousness has been kicking in. I know that can be a natural part of 3rd trimester, as the due date draws nearer, but I think beyond that I'm a little unsettled about how the actual birth will go. Last time almost everything seemed all lined up and went really smoothly. Within two hours or so of going into labor "my crew" was there to support me (Bry, my Mom, Aunt Elaine, Rach and Em) and they were there the whole time! They were AWESOME! This time around I have several people lined up to come help with Alexander's birth, but the only two people I know will be there are Bry and Kate. Ashley will be en route from Springfield for several hours (BLESS HER HEART for being willing to make the drive!) and then it depends on when Alex decides to comes and who's in town. Em might be there...my Mom could...they both might be. Needless to say that that whole part has been making me a bit anxious. BUT, thanks to awesome friends and some "pep talks"...I'm feeling better. It will all work out one way or another and the Lord will be with us. No matter what happens, it will be OK and it will be for the best.

Today has been another "feeling especially pregnant" day. Brie and I had several errands to run and my tummy seemed a bit heavier and tiring. I've also been having some cramping here and there (my Dr. said it was nothing to worry about unless there is a pattern, so we're good). I'm guessing that my body is just getting ready for when it actually goes into labor. Thankfully Brie's napping and I can just take it easy.

Anyway, 8 weeks to go! I'm excited to meet Alex, but am grateful that he has this time to develop, grow and put on some fat! His birthday will come soon enough :0)

Baby Bump: 30 weeks--mini maternity shoot.

Last week (11 Feb. 2011) I asked if Kate would do a mini maternity photo shoot for me. Here were some of my favorite ones...

Baby Bump: 31 weeks.

31 weeks.

I was feeling especially pregnant today. My round ligaments decided to hurt while I walked so I was waddling around a bit. Waddle, waddle :0) Then came some braxton hicks' (sp?). Such a weird sensation. I haven't typically gotten these much so they throw me off guard a bit. On top of that, this little guy has been so active the last few days. Definitely reminds me that I'm expecting...and I love knowing that he's alive and well!

Nine weeks to go. Crazy, crazy!

Love Never Fails.

Where there is great love, there are always miracles
~ Willa Cather

Saturday night (12 Feb. 2011) Bry and I went to our stake's Couple's Conference and Sweethearts' Ball. I'll post more on that later, but I just wanted to mention one of the points that was brought up. Sometimes we treat the love in our marriage differently than we do with our other relationships...striving primarily for romantic love. Although it's important to keep the romance alive, our marriages need to be rooted in a Christlike love. Serving each other. Forgiving each other. Overlooking faults. Assuming the best.

I've been thinking a lot about love lately and I've been touched to see that the times when I feel the greatest love for others is when I've put my self interest aside and served them in ways that I probably would not have chosen to serve them otherwise.

Although it may sound insignificant, a few months ago I was with a child who had a cold and a really yucky runny nose that needed to be wiped every few minutes. It honestly grossed me out and I wasn't wanting to wipe it, but I knew that I needed to. When I decided to show a little compassion for this child I felt of the Savior's love and compassion...because I was where the Savior would be, doing what He would be doing, showing the love that He would be showing. It really touched my heart and helped me realize to a greater degree the unselfish and sweet love He has for all of us. His is true love. His is love that is everlasting.

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
~Based on I Corinthians 13:4-8

How grateful I am for His pure example. I am grateful for opportunities to seek His love and to share it with others.

In any case, Happy Valentine's Day to each of you! How truly grateful we are to have been blessed with such wonderful family and friends...for the ways you enrich our lives... for your love and support! We love you and send our love from St. Louis :0)

Week o' Love : Day 7.

Love doesn't make the world go 'round;

love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

~ Franklin P. Jones

Week o' Love : Day 6.

Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.

~Barbara De Angelis

Week o' Love : Day 5.

Friendships are what our dreams are made of. We hold onto each other with its binding love. We stand close to each other, hand in hand, showing each other we understand. Some friends may come and go, but you are the truest friend I know.

~Anonymous