Christmas in California

Several months ago, we decided to spend Christmas with my parents in California. It would be our last time to go before the baby arrives! I was 31 weeks pregnant at the beginning on the trip, and 32 weeks on the way home... Flying while pregnant wasn't my favorite, but I'm glad that didn't stop us from going! I just love it here. I'm thankful for the two years that my parents have been able to be here and for the opportunities I've had to visit and see parts of the country I hadn't seen before. Natalie and Dan had a week off work and school, so they met us there. We missed Scott, Shelby and John!

One of the highlights was Walter. We just love this goofy muppet of a dog!

The day after we arrived, we went for a hike at one of our favorite spots. We didn't plan on hiking the entire trail, but I was feeling good, so we made it the entire 8 miles! I opted for the less strenuous route this time, but was proud I made it the whole way... braxton hicks contractions and all!

Another favorite thing to do in LA is shop. There are so many unique shops around in different parts of town. Everything was so festive for the holidays.

Venice Canals. Another favorite spot. It's a five minute walk from my parents' apartment, and it never gets old!

Walking home along the coast at sunset. Another favorite.

On Christmas Eve, we drove up the coast to Big Sur National Park. This is the most beautiful drive ever. We made several stops along the way ! First stop was in Santa Barbara. It was a gorgeous day.

Mom and Dad at another scenic overlook. The highway is just to the right along the mountains. 

It just kept getting prettier and prettier. 

On Christmas morning, we took a little hike through the Red Woods. I actually didn't make it very far this day, but still got to enjoy the scenery.

We walked to the water before sunset. It was gorgeous.

Every night, we played Hand & Foot - such a fun card game. We took snacks to the lodge and played by the fire. So cozy.

Before heading back to Marina del Rey on the 26th, we took a hike a few miles north of our cabin along the coast. This was my favorite part of the trip. It was so pretty! 

The drive home was just as lovely as the drive there. 

We even spotted whales! We stopped several times to watch them. 

I wish I took pictures of the restaurants we ate at. Joe's and Gjelina were the new favorites... On our last night, we went to the Getty. This museum is really beautiful. Gorgeous views and beautiful grounds. I'm not much of a museum person, but I'm glad we went!

It tuns out that this was our last trip to LA while my parents are living there. They are moving back to FL on January 15th. I'm even more thankful we went out there this time! While I'm sad to see them leave, it will be nice to have them back on the east coast, especially with the baby coming so soon! Thanks for having us, Mom and Dad! It was such a fabulous trip! 

pregnancy: weeks 28-30

Hello third trimester! It's a little hard to believe we're already to this point in the pregnancy.. Although, when I remember that I was 8 weeks pregnant in California this summer and 11 weeks pregnant on our trip to the Dominican Republic in July, it feels like I've been pregnant forever. But it really is flying by. I'm getting more and more excited to meet our little guy soon! He's growing and kicking around like crazy. At my last check up, the doctor said he was head down- let's hope he stays that way. I'm starting to feel a bit more pregnant with my growing belly and back pain. That's my only real complaint in all of this (besides clothes not fitting and gaining weight- ugh!) I have really bad lower and mid back pain and have a hard time finding a comfortable position. But when you think of all the other symptoms I could have, I have to be thankful.

28 weeks

 29 weeks

 30 weeks

This is also 30 weeks... my belly looks HUGE! 

I love these little Baby Gap bear slippers... Shopping for baby clothes is my new favorite thing.

The highlight of the week was our glider chair and ottoman arriving!! It actually arrived on my birthday. It was the best surprise. I spend my evenings in this chair after work. It's the most comfortable position for my back!

I also ordered this cute little animal map on etsy. It's so subtle and calm. I love how the animals are sketched and not cartoony. And their all in their geographical area, so it's educational! :)

I found this adorable fabric at a quilt shop with my mother-in-law when she was in town for Thanksgiving. We picked out fabric for her to make the baby a quilt (which I'm so excited about!) But I couldn't resist this fabric. I made a little burp cloth. I might make a pillow out of it- I can't decide.  

We were waiting for the chair to arrive to start hanging these shelves. I ordered a bunch of books from Amazon (a lot were recommended by Carrie who always finds the cutest books).

I can't wait for our baby to be here! I think we'll be spending lots of time together in this chair... In the mean time, I'll snuggle with this little guy!

All of these pictures were taken with my phone. Once the nursery is complete, I'll take pictures with my real camera. Which reminds me! We booked our newborn photos with a photographer! I didn't care too much to have maternity photos, but I definitely wanted newborn shots in our home.. very natural and relaxed. they're tentatively scheduled for March 2nd. I can't wait!

Thanksgiving 2013

Thanksgiving break was filled with family and friends. Carrie and Andrew stopped by for dinner on Wednesday night since they were spending the holiday with Andrew's sister here in GA. It's always so fun to have them over! 

Brian's parents and brother came down for a few days, so we celebrated Thanksgiving with them! Toby loves visitors. :)

Here we are on Thanksgiving Day! 28 weeks pregnant. Next year, we'll have a 9 month old! Hard to believe.

Our niece Meg wore one of my turkey onesies. So festive!

I love this picture of the whole family.

 Uncle Brian and the nephews!

It was a wonderful week off of work- I got much needed rest and even finished a project for the baby's room! More on that later. :)

trip to boone!

Every fall we try to make a trip up to Boone. This year we met the Neel's and Gregory's for a weekend together... With the dogs of course! Brian's 30th birthday was a couple weeks before our trip, so we decided to have a little celebration! Hats make

 

We tried a new cabin this year which was close to Banner Elk. It had a gorgeous view of Grandfather Mountain!

On Saturday morning, we took a little hike from our cabin to some waterfalls close by. 

 We made the dogs pose for a picture together on the way.

Our little family of three, almost four! 

 It was a beautiful day!

We went to lunch at Woodlands which was amazing, and then headed for a little walk at Bass Lake! One of my favorite places... Also the place where we got engaged five years ago!

Next year we will go a few weeks earlier when there are still leaves on the trees!

We walked through downtown Blowing Rock.

We picked up pizza for dinner, took it back to the cabin, and had a cozy evening in. They guys battled the freezing cold outside and hung out in the hot tub while the girls crocheted and talked in the warm indoors. On Sunday morning before heading back home, we had a fabulous brunch at Melanie's. 

We always leave this town wishing we had just one more day! Next fall will be quite different with a little one around, but I hope to continue visiting every year!