If I could I would...

...Decorate the boys' room (I love saying that) with these decals. But since I can't paint or do anything to the walls, I'm not convinced they would look good. Still, a girl can dream.


I'm also fond of these canvas wraps, and IF we ever have a girl, it would be fun to decorate with a set of these. Window shopping on Etsy is probably not the best way to pass a long busy-season night. :)

35 Weeks and Happy

Pregnancy monopolized my thoughts and conversations the first time I went through it, but this time around, it hasn't played center stage—blogging included. But this baby deserves another post devoted exclusively to him!

• First of all, I'm feeling more confident about a name choice. Ryan suggested it just a few days ago, and my mother's intuition is telling me it might be precisely the right name for this baby. Are you in suspense?
• I'll be 35 weeks (out of 40) this Wednesday. I cannot believe it! I won't be sorry to say goodbye to some of the annoyances of pregnancy, but at the same time, I love this stage. For me at least, nurturing a child inside the womb is a lot easier than nurturing him once he's out! :)
  
• I haven't bought one new item for the baby. Poor guy! (It's your daddy's fault! J/k) I have, though, washed and set out Trenton's newborn items.
  
• My nesting instinct has been fierce this time around! With Trenton, I just remember being eager to get his room ready. This time, I'm a bit compulsive about getting the whole house ready! I feel the need to have every closet organized and the whole house in the order I like it by the time this little one arrives. I thrive on giving stuff to DI and knowing exactly where everything belongs!
• Throughout this pregnancy I've wondered whether I'll be able to handle this. I suppose it's just Satan trying to tell me that I'm not up for the task. I've worried (and I'm actually not a big worrier) about how Trenton will deal with me nursing all the time, or how Trenton will handle going on fewer outings, or how I'll handle outings with the two of them, etc. etc. I finally decided to put those fears behind me, do what I can to prepare, and just have faith that the Lord will help me. I want to enjoy motherhood. I don't want to miss the great moments because I'm focusing on the hard ones. (I know, I know, you mothers of many are probably rolling your eyes, but hey, I'm just starting out on a big road. It can be a little overwhelming!)
• So, for the remaining 5 1/2 weeks, I'm just going to be grateful for this little life and anticipate his arrival. We can't wait to meet you, sweet boy!
  

China Beach

Ryan works like crazy a lot of the time, but it's not uncommon for him to take random days or afternoons off, in exchange. He seems to thrive on the flexibility. (I, on the other hand, thrive on predictability, but I guess that's just what keeps our marriage interesting!)

On Wednesday afternoon we drove into San Francisco to visit a beach we recently stumbled across. China Beach is a small beach near Golden Gate Park that has a phenomenal view of the Golden Gate Bridge. We bundled up because it has been storming here all week. But you-know-who (and I don't mean Ryan) was desperate for a little physical activity, and we were happy to oblige. As soon as we hit the beach Trenton was giggling nonstop. ("Ha ha ha, ha ha!")





The waves were huge, the rain held off for us, and the whole afternoon was therepy for my soul! I love you, boys!

Rachel's Wedding

Trenton and I just returned from seeing my little sister get married in Salt Lake City. The wedding and reception were absolutely beautiful, and it was a privilege to be part of the preparations and actual events. I was especially honored to accompany my sister as she went through the temple for the first time, and I was reminded of how central the formation of families is to our Heavenly Father's plan for each of us. I'm so excited for Rachel and Chad at the commencement of their road together as a family.

The reception was at the lovely Devereaux Mansion in downtown SLC. Our family supplied the food, arranged the flowers, made the boutiniers, and baked and frosted 350 gorgeous cupcakes. My mom even made the wedding cake! We could not have pulled it off without so many wonderful family members helping nonstop!

Go Team Cupcake!

The happy couple! Rachel was a gorgeous bride!

Trenton's adopted parents for the weekend!

I couldn't post about the wedding without thanking Gregg and Julia (Ryan's parents) for watching Trenton for TWO nights! I haven't been away from him for more than 4 hours since his birth, and all the sudden I was baby-less for almost 3 days! With Trenton in tow, I would have been more of a hindrance than a help with wedding preparations, so I immensely appreciate their willingness (eagerness, really) to help. AND I missed him! (The chance to miss your child every now and then seems like a pretty darn healthy occasion for a mom. :)

Ta-Da!

He usually reserves this pose for when he has conquered climbing something, but I guess climbing into my shoe counts.

So glad I caught it on camera.

Just Because