Happy thoughts

So apparently I had a major case of the blues last week when I wrote my last blog. Lots of people told me that I made them cry - and to each of you I am sorry. Therefore, this blog is dedicated to all things happy. And while I'm at it, this blog is also dedicated to all things NOT baby. I used to say I would not be one of those moms who only talks about my kid(s) - although now that I am getting ready to have one of my own I don't see how that's possible. But, looking back over the last 6 months it seems that that is the only thing I have been talking about. So Grady when you read this mommy loves you, but I need to talk about other things too.

After over a year of pleading my case, the hubs finally gave in and we (I) bought a "big girl" camera. I'm so excited about it and haven't been able to put it down since I bought it. And no, I did NOT venture out on Black Friday for an insane deal. (But I would have if it weren't for this HUGE belly I'm rocking these days!) I researched myself to death (sidenote - right now Meghan and Sarah are laughing out loud because I am overzealous when it comes to researching and planning.) One might even call me a control freak. Anywho, after copious amounts of research and pining over what camera was better, etc., I finally made my decision. Drumroll...... I bought the Canon Rebel T2i 18 MP. I LOVE IT! Here's some fun pics of the men in my life whom I absolutely adore.

Not too shabby! I took these down at the beach behind our house. Don't you just want to squeeze Porter? I can't believe he's going to be 9 in two months. He still acts like a spring chicken though! Dave has his classic "I hate when you make me do this" expression in this pic, and I can't stop laughing.

Back to all things happy, here's my top 10 things that make me happy list (in no particular order):

1.  Dave and Porter

2.  I can drink wine again very soon

3.  Family and friends

4.  Girl Scout Cookies

5.  My new Camera

6.  I can drink wine again very soon

7.  Christmas movies on TV all of the time right now

8.  Where I live - I'm such a water baby

9.  I can drink wine again very soon

10.  Looking at old albums, especially from the college days. Can't help but laugh out loud every time I do (and I can drink wine again very soon!)

Come back and see what I've been working on... CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS!

XOXO,

Court

31 weeks and counting, a lot

Well I finally reached 31 weeks. Seems like a random time to be extra excited about right? Well I am very excited because I am finally in the single digit week countdown - only 9 more to go (60 days to be exact).  And you know how I kept bragging about how good I was feeling and how much energy I had... well that's starting to change. Little things like running to three stores on a Saturday is not as easy as it once was. I think I get up at least 3 times in the middle of the night having to pee so bad I wonder how I didn't wet the bed only to sit on the toilet and hear "drip ... drip" - I mean come on! And putting on shoes - that's just plain mean. Luckily I married a great guy because he helps me with everything!

Last weekend we drove to Wilmington, NC for our good friends Will and Claire's engagement party (and a baby moon). What a fun weekend. I am damn proud of myself for staying out until 1:00 a.m. - but boy did I pay for it the following day and week. I think its time for me to slow down and take advantage of lazy Saturdays and Sundays. But, Im still not complaining. Every little new thing in this pregnancy is worth treasuring and I still wouldn't wish it away.



Dockside



Grady is slowing starting to run out of room. Well son, you're going to have to get used to it for the next 9 weeks and we're in it together because I'm not feeling so comfortable myself. He gets the hiccups alot and I feel so bad because there is nothing I can do for him, and I also feel bad because it makes me giggle.

I don't get to see him again until December 29 (Dave's birthday) which is my next ultrasound. By then I will be 36 weeks and I doubt I'll be able to see much. As I type this, I,m thinking to myself that I may just beg my doctor this week to do a quick 30 second US so I can peek at this little guy. I mean it can't be that big of a deal - the machines are in each exam room. Just sayin!

The holidays are around the corner and for the first time I am feeling really homesick. We cancelled on going to NC - I think the drive to Wilmington ruined me. Its hard when you have to stop every hour to pee and then my legs cramped up, back starting really hurting, blah blah blah. I hate not seeing my family for Thanksgiving and I hate it even more that I live 5 hours away. Its starting to hit me that I won't have my mom around the corner when Grady is here to help me out and play. Its starting to hit me that I won't have tons of visitors in the hospital lined up waiting to meet Grady. Its starting to hit me...

Enough tears, here's a pic of me at 31 weeks - look out!

Come back and visit soon!

XOXO

Courtney

Baby Shower - Round 2

And the generousity continues - this time fom my Maryland family. It is crazy how loved we really are. And even more crazy how loved Grady is and he's not even here yet. My two year old nephew, Ryan, can't stop talking about baby Grady. Although I think he'll be less impressed with baby Grady when he's actually here versus in my belly.

My sister-in-laws Katie, Ali, and Rhonda, with the help of my mother-in-law Lora, threw me a fabulous baby shower on October 29 in Annapolis. Its safe to say we are ready for Grady (moms, try not to laugh too hard right now, k?) Here's some pics of the shower...



My baby bump buddy!



Onesie decoration - so cute

Love my whale cake!

I wish Rhonda could have been there :( I forgot to take pictures of the favors, but they were little blue whale cookies (of course) and they were precious. I forgot to take a picture of the alphabet book Ali put together. She had all of the guests color in pictures that represent each letter of the alphabet. (Some were left blank for my family to color in). Cutest idea, and she did it all free lance. Ali, I think you missed your calling girl!

Thanks to all of my hosts - you made my baby shower so special. And thanks to everyone who trucked out in the snow - it meant the world to me. I still can't believe it snowed. Nothing stuck to the ground, but it was coming down pretty good for a while and it was pretty to look at. But, I really am not ready for snow.

XOXO

Courtney

Baby Shower - Round 1

It is absolutely amazing to me how blessed we are to have such a support system. Our family and friends are insanely generous and we cannot express how appreciative we are to have each and every one of you in our lives. Grady is one lucky little man already!

On October 22, my mom, sisters, and dear friend Carson threw me (well us) a baby shower in Raleigh. WOW! I knew my mom was good at crafts, but this is beyond good. This is get yourself set up with an Etsy account ASAP good. She made the invitations, banners, diaper cake, cupcake toppers, etc. Every little detail was perfect and these hostesses went above and beyond. Here are a bunch of photos from the shower. They don't do it justice, but you can see how loved we really are ...

Thank you so much to all of you who traveled to be there for us, especially Aunt Barbie and Annie all the way from Florida! And a special thanks to my sister Meghan. No you haven't gone mad, she is not in any pictures because she was sick as a dog. She worked so hard (no more or less than my other hosts - just sayin!) and couldn't enjoy a minute of it because she was so sick. I love you and thank you for trying so hard! Its so hard to thank everyone separately so Im going to send one big thank you hug and kiss to everyone!