look out etsy

After what feels like months and months of searching for the perfect lettering (that also had to meet specific height requirements and had to have a non-girly feel), artwork, or personalized goodie for above baby Eli's crib, I grew quite frustrated that I was unable to find exactly what I was looking for. So...I decided to take matters into my own creative hands! I decided to create my own gingham and brown polka dot 12 x 16 personalized canvases, using fabric, three-dimensional lettering, craft glue, and a heavy duty staple gun. I love the finished product and am super excited for Tuesday's baby furniture arrival. Slowly, but ever-so-cutely, things are coming together in our nursery!
...Look out Highview craft fair and Etsy...

a full evening of gospel

Andy's mother, father, and brother, Rick visited with us this weekend! We were so excited to spend the weekend with them! On Friday evening, Andy and I went to the National Quartet Convention at Freedom Hall with both Rick and Dotty. Listening to famous quartets such as The Hoppers and the Gaither Vocal Band was a great treat for us all. While the evening proved to be very, very long (over 5 full hours of gospel music), it was also a nice time spent with family during Rick's first full visit to Louisville!

here comes fall

While we are so thankful to have had such a wonderful Summer, I decided two weekends ago to redecorate our home with our Fall decor. While this was a little premature, I made this decision for the sheer fact that our Fall things would soon be placed back into the attic only to be replaced by our Christmas decor at the beginning of November! It appears that our family will celebrate November and Thanksgiving with the new addition of our Christmas tree and Christmas decorations this year. Because of our very special "new addition" arriving in late November, I am determined to have our Christmas decorations and presents completely bought and wrapped by the first full week of November! I feel quite certain that shopping, wrapping, and making my wired-ribbon bows will be the least of my worries after our sweet baby arrives! Let the Christmas shopping begin!

We love our new decorative addition, an antique sewing machine table that belonged to Andy's Aunt Lillian. Thanks to Jim and Dotty's handy work and refinishing, our sewing machine table looks great!

a few goodies

While I have not gotten too crazy with buying baby things, I have picked up a few special items that catch my eye here and there. One weekend ago, Whitney, Caleb, and I browsed our church's wonderful fall craft festival. We were also so happy to run into and walk around with Jessica and LeeAnn. Wow! There were so many cute, cute baby things, however; while I had to pass up the tents of hairbows, headbands, and specialty jumpers, I was able to find a few baby boy goodies. What a great morning we had exploring the crafts and visiting the bake sale with Mr. Caleb!

non-spill "sippy cup"
& baby wipes case with matching burp cloths

Caleb was so content with his delicious rice krispie treat...
I would be too!

family, football, and fun

During our long, Labor Day weekend, Andy, Carmen, and I traveled to West Virginia to visit our families and to spend a sunny Morgantown afternoon cheering on our WVU Mountaineers! With lots of yummy food, family laughs, and maternity shopping (thanks mom and dad), our weekend was just as busy and special as ever! Our little Carms still continues to enjoy her time in West Virginia and will spend her time with both my family and Andy's family for a few weeks! Andy and I are so excited to sneak away for a weekend without a worry about our sweet Carmen, for we know she is in oh-so-loving hands!

...Ruby Memorial Hospital...
Andy's medical school and intern year home

WVU's Pre-Game Crowd

"Let's Bring on the Mountaineers!"

"Where greatness is learned and couches are burned"

Thanks, Dad for the delicious soft-shelled crabs and filet! What a feast!

28 weeks...

...28 weeks and growing at Andy's Philippi home...

My, oh my! I can hardly believe that I have reached 28 weeks into my pregnancy. In many ways it feels as if time has simply flown by and on the other hand, the end of November, while quite close, is still three months away! As I continue to grow, Andy and I simply praise and thank God for our little miracle!