August 14, 2012

maternity pictures

About a month ago, we made the trip up to Stephenville and, in between a baby shower, buying a new car, a wedding, and seeing family, we managed to squeeze in a quick maternity photo session with Mikka Hill. She posted some of the pictures on her website shortly after, and sent the rest on a disc to us.

I am so in love with these pictures! Mikka was amazing and really knows how to connect and take awesome pictures!

Here are a few of our favorites (but I have to admit, it was really hard to narrow it down. She did such a good job!)

** Spoiler alert... If you haven't read this post yet, read it first so you know her name before you see these pictures!

I think this is my absolute favorite!



Our next family pictures will include a sweet little cuddly baby. I really cannot wait! 




August 12, 2012

Her name

We were going to keep her name a complete secret until she was born, but I just can't hold out any more!


Sarah Elizabeth Jackson to be exact. 
Sarah because I have always loved the name and we both love its meaning. 
Elizabeth is a long-standing family name on my side and the middle name of my sister who went to Heaven as a baby when I was little. 

We absolutely adore her name and what it means to us. 

And in less than three weeks, I will get to hold my Sarah Elizabeth and give her tons of sweet kisses. 
It hardly seems real!



August 9, 2012

36 weeks

I know the title of this post says 36 weeks. However, Wednesdays are my weekly turnover days, meaning yesterday was the beginning of my 37th week of being pregnant. You know what that means? That means our little girl is now considered full term! If she were to come right now, she would most likely do very well. That makes me so happy to know that she is ready, developmentally to be here. I know Eli and I are ready!

This past week, I worked really hard to finish the nursery. The only thing I have left is to finish a few decorations and get them up on the wall! Be on the lookout later this week for the nursery reveal! Today I spent the day washing all her tiny, precious clothes. Can I just say, there is no sweeter smell in the world than baby clothes washed in Dreft! Love it!

I've noticed my energy level going down lately. I'm sure this has a lot to do with frequent bathroom trips during the night and the bowling ball in my belly weighing me down. My Braxton Hicks contractions are in full swing now as well. Sometimes they are so strong that I just have to sit for a minute until they go away. I know this is just my body preparing for the real thing soon. We have a doctor's appointment on Friday where my doctor will check for dilation, effacement, and position of our baby. Hopefully we'll hear that she is moving down and getting ready to come out!

My belly hasn't changed too much, still big and about to pop!


Now for the reality check:
Sad, but true!

* * * * * * * 

Dear Little One, 

You Daddy and I are so ready to meet you. Daddy kisses my tummy every day and tells you how much he loves you. Trust me, that love is only growing stronger the closer we get! I washed and folded all your tiny clothes today. I can't believe you're going to be so little, but you'll grow faster than I want, I'm sure! We are so, so ready to meet you soon Baby Girl. Whenever you are ready, we are here with our arms open. 

We love you more than you know. 

Always, Momma



August 2, 2012

Emily + Curtis {5 year anniversary}

I wrote a brief little blurb about my teacher-friend, Emily, and her husband Curtis last week. I just wanted to post some of my favorites from their anniversary photos. This couple is so much fun to be around and I am so glad we have become such good friends outside of work. Sadly, Emily is moving to the elementary school this year, but I know we'll still continue to hang out and keep up with each other.

Emily and Curtis, I hope you enjoy your photos. It's clear you are so in love still. I really had fun taking these for you guys.


Obligatory Aggie shot :)


See, I told you they were a fun couple!