The greatest gift...

It's been quite a Christmas for this bombshell. I have been happily enjoying the holidays at 23 weeks pregnant (in the pictures below I am only 20 weeks, I have grown quite a bit since then haha).

Dress: Patty Boutik (via Amazon.com), Shoes: DSW

Not one second of this pregnancy has been taken for granted. I know this baby is a gift, I know many people cannot have children, I know many tragic stories of miscarriages and failed fertility treatments, which is why I thank the Lord everyday for our healthy baby. Every moment of this pregnancy has been cherished, all the way to the back pain and weight gain. It is part of the process and it is beautiful (though in all honesty some days I have to remind myself of this).

My husband and I have been married 5 1/2 years and a family has always been in our plan; however, college degrees, pursuing careers, taking vacations and building our savings has taken priority up to this point. We are so thankful for the time we had together as a couple and look forward to sharing the life we've built with our son come spring.

People often ask me if I'm excited about having a boy. I think they are a bit apprehensive that I would be into boy things, since I am such a red lipstick and pearls kind of girl. The truth is...I am THRILLED!!! We want at least a boy and a girl, so it did not matter to us who arrived first. I was convinced up until the ultrasound that we were having a girl. Old wives tales seem to be true...about 50% of the time haha

I look forward to being the only lady in the house (and pampered as such). I plan to crawl around outside making mud pies with my boys just as much as I plan to still get my hair done from time to time. It will be such an adventure and I cannot wait. I feel everything that has happened in my life up to this point has been preparing me for motherhood in one small way or another.

Oscar is quite amused by the belly/baby. He's been curious since the beginning of the pregnancy. Lately he's been rather needy. Always laying by my side and attempting to sleep with us at night (he rarely wins that battle). I think he can sense a big change coming.

I am absolutely obsessed with this Patty Boutik maternity dress. The side ruching flatters my growing bump in the best way. The fabric is stretchy without feeling cheap, though the dress itself was very affordable (less than $40 on Amazon.com). This was the first maternity item I purchased and I am forever in love with it. Already this holiday season I have worn it 4-5 times!!! Buy it here.

Earrings: Piperlime (no longer in business, sigh...)

Simple twist and bobby pin style, great for short to medium length hair, Bracelet: it was my grandmothers

My sister-in-law bought me this necklace, when she found out the news. It's made by a local gal in Prineville, Oregon. Her shop is called Tristar Custom Designs.

This holiday season has been so magical knowing we will have a little one crawling around this time next year. Of all the things the holidays bring love, family, hope for the new year, but of these the greatest is love.

Be Bold,
Be Brave,
Be Beautiful,