november

Nesting has taken over.
We're crossing things off the to-do list.
Things like Christmas shopping & wrapping,
packing a hospital bag,
{and trying to remember exactly what I brought the first time and what I wish I would have brought}
and organizing the pantry.

Fortunately there is a couple of references to trying to get some blogging done on that to-do list.

November ended with a wonderful little birthday celebration followed by a Thanks/Friendsgiving.

Lauren and I started the birthday off with donuts.

Because when you are 34 weeks pregnant and it's your birthday, this is what you do.

In the afternoon, we had a special appointment to take a peek at sweet little baby #2,
which made my birthday.


And yes, Lauren's little brother or sister resembles her quite a bit.
{take a peek yourself}

We spent the rest of the afternoon with Dad and enjoyed a nice dinner out,
possibly our last as a family of three.

We came home, excited for a dessert of gourmet cupcakes that dad brought home from our local bakery.
I was ridiculously excited.
But Bella got to them first.

I should have seen this coming.
She did the same thing on Matt's birthday.

So we substituted with ice cream.

Which Lauren was completely okay with.

With baby on the way soon, our holidays are being spent staying cozy at home.
We were lucky enough to have the Fisher's join us for Thanksgiving.


We had a lovely meal and it felt good to just spend the day together.

Lauren's favorites this year were strawberry pretzel salad and the cranberries.
She's more sweet than savory.


We spent the rest of our long weekend together doing projects around the house,
{my favorite weekend project, a manicure and facial scheduled Friday morning. heaven.}
catching up on sleep,

and decorating for Christmas.



Lauren's more interested in all things Christmas this year, which is making it even more wonderful.

At times, I look at her and think about how special this time is.
We're moments away from welcoming another little bundle into this family
and can't wait,
but these little moments with this funny, curious, sweet girl of ours
are about to change.
It is a special, wonderful, happy change as we can't wait to see her take on the role of Big Sister,
but it's still a change.


So despite the to-do list ignited by nesting,
I'm determined to be present,
to take in the moments,
and make special memories.

Because this year we have so much to celebrate.

In November...

Since I blog about once a month now*...
I thought it would be best to sum up November with some pictures.

Without further ado,

 Our November...


*Backyard Play*



*princess playing*



*a visit from Grandma*



which meant lots of Lauren time, some shopping, & projects

{Lauren's room: we went with the same nursery as Lauren's first}





{cork board niche: I've got a few of these little niches in the house and they stump me.
This solution makes me happy & if you send a Christmas Card our way, I've got the perfect spot to showcase it}


*Chiefs Cheering*

{Matt actually attended a game in November}

*Pajama Mornings*



*Thanksgiving*
This year it was just the three of us & although I made too much food, we had a lovely 'American' Thanksgiving





Big Fan of Thanksgiving.

Big Fan.


*Texas Renaissance Festival*



*Got into the Christmas Spirit*








See Ya in December.

*sad, I know. But I am determined to get better & not give up.

It's already December, isn't it?

Thanksgiving

Lauren celebrated her first Thanksgiving twice.

The first, in early November with her dad.

The second, on Thanksgiving day, surrounded by aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents and her great aunt.

While we missed her daddy, it was still a special celebration.

{Lauren also go to experience her first snow during Thanksgiving... in Tennessee!}

I was so happy to have the opportunity to introduce Lauren to her great-grandparent, Grandpa & Grandma McGuire, and her great-aunt Betty!

{four generations}

While our Thanksgiving was filled with family, laughter, and some very precious memories, what made it all the more special was realizing how much we have to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving

{Lauren at 4 weeks}

327/366

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder~

I have so very much to be thankful for this year...
A loving family I was able to share the holiday with.
Amazing friends who continue to create special memories with me each year.
A special dog who is healthy and loved.
The most incredible husband. I am so blessed to have him by my side, sharing this adventure together.

Happy Thanksgiving!