Sweet Baby Shower

My friends did it again!  Amanda, Jenn and my mom threw me a lovely baby shower, this time they went with an afternoon Southern Tea Party theme and incorporated the colors/theme from the nursery, purple/aqua butterflies.  :)

The hostesses

Jenn and Amanda 9/22/2013

My mommy, aka JuJu 9/22/2013

There were two tables full of finger foods (prepared by my mom), passion fruit tea, sweet tea, an assortment of petits fours (pecan tartlets, lemon cakes and red velvet cake balls) and a gorgeous cake.  All desserts were prepared by my friend Erika's Cool Cakes.  In the middle of the table was a giant purple C for Carsyn.  Perfect!

Yellow cake with raspberry filling, YUM!

lemon petit four

Jenn put together the table centerpieces which added to the cozy atmosphere and Amanda created the cute sign in picture frame.  

This time they included an arts and craft table.  Everyone was encouraged to paint a little wooden butterfly and write one word of inspiration, blessing or word of wisdom for baby girl.

The hubby and I are so very thankful to have some amazing friends and family.  Carsyn received tons of super cute outfits, stuffed animals, blankets and mommy opened a gift to reveal a super nice diaper bag!  A BIG thank you to everyone for their generosity!

My grandmothers jewelry box, containing a heart necklace and bracelet
(which were originally mine and given to me by my grandmother and mom, now passed on to Carsyn)

Awesome Coach Ticking Stripe Baby Diaper Bag Tote!

coworkers Linda and Kelly

Nana and Aunt Bea

Bumps unite!  Monica

The tall ladies ;) Jennifer

Candid shots

27 weeks

8/7/2013 - 27 weeks and 4 days 
Last week of my 2nd trimester! 

How I Look -  My belly is large and in charge!  Some of my friends are surprised by how different this pregnancy is from my first.  During my first pregnancy they could barely tell I was pregnant until after 6 months.  This time around they could tell much earlier.  And I'm only gonna get bigger!

Weight :  +13.5 lbs.  

How I Feel -  Lower back aches and increased trips to the bathroom, but otherwise OK.

Symptoms -  Lately my right arm from the shoulder down has been going numb, especially my hand.  It even happens when sleeping, I'm unable to lay on my side without my hand/arm going numb.  I will definitely talk to the Dr about this development at my next appointment next week.

Cravings - Ice cream, chocolate and fruit.

Exercise -  Workouts have been dwindling.  Work has been crazy busy lately which has made it hard for me to work out.  Plus it's so hot (above 100 degrees) that I do not want to venture outside for walks.

What I'm Looking Forward To -  Scheduling maternity pictures, we have a photog friend who offered to take them for us for free!  Super excited for my baby shower in September.  I received the invitation today and they are super cute, awesome job hostesses A, J and Mom!!   Meeting my new baby girl in Oct and finally being able to sleep on my stomach again (Nov)!

Front of invite - on a white background

back of invite

What I'm Not Looking Forward To - Glucose test next week.  Last time I actually liked the orange drink, it tasted like orange crush.  I'm sure the taste won't be an issue this time either, all I'm worried about are the results.

Odds & Ends -  The nursery is painted and staged and I LOVE IT!  It turned out beautifully and I find the room very soothing.  I felt a little guilty that Ry's room is so neutral, so we went out and bought some blue paint to spruce up his room.  Hopefully we'll get to that in the next couple of weeks.  By next week I'll also need to register at the hospital.  I can't believe how quickly time is flying by, third tri here I come!

Bedding from Babies R Us (registry gift) - Nojo Beautiful Butterfly

Futon purple quilt, aqua sheets, ruffle pillow and butterfly pillow from Target

Paint in eggshell

light: valspar Iris Blossom 

dark: valspar Purple Valley

Charming Baby Shower

My awesome friends, Amanda and Jennifer, threw me an amazing baby shower this past weekend.  They based the theme on the crib bedding I picked out for the nursery, chocolate and blue with elephants and giraffes. 

The hostesses - Jenn, Amanda, Mom

When I walked into the club house I was blown away be the decor, it was so charming!  To the right of the entrance there was a long table filled with breakfast tacos, a fruit tray, homemade coffee cake (super yummy!) and various other goodies and drinks.  In the middle of the room there were 2 huge plush toys (an elephant and giraffe) as center pieces on two of the tables and a beautiful diaper cake on the third table.  On the left side of the room all the gifts were piled around the cozy fireplace. 

The amazing spread (I took a picture before all the food was put out)

plush elephant - he's so cuddly

the sweet giraffe

The beautiful diaper cake (Amanda's 1st!)

All 3 center pieces up close

My friend Erika made an unbelievable cake that was to die for!  She even managed to get the fondant color exactly right, there were chocolate elephants marching around the cake and she topped it off with some totally cool fondant booties (all home made!).  This cake seriously tasted marvelous!

The awesome shower cake by Erika

Check out that detail and the cute booties!

After brunch and some chatting we played a couple games and the winners received gifts from my friend Renee at Leopards and Lilies.  She made a block magnet frame, necklace and even created the gift bags for everyone to take home.  She is quite the crafty creator!

gift bags by Renee

Brunch

Then it was onto the cake and gifts.  Malek and I are so very grateful to have such amazing friends and family!  Baby Ryland received so many adorable outfits, hand made blankets, the crib bedding, and all sorts of baby necessities (and a couple mother necessities as well!).  A HUGE thank you goes out to everyone for their generosity, we really appreciate it!

Opening gifts

The bedding and matching wall decor

Mom and I

Emma and in-laws

Group shot at the end