one year ago...

July 13 we celebrated one year in our house. A lot can change in a year and I never expected that we would be about to have a baby one year later. One year later, Gabe has shifted careers for the better. One year later, we have met many great new friends through a great small group at church. I'm sure there's much more that's changed in the last year but those are the ones that come to mind.

As far as our house--almost everything has changed from before we moved in. With the help of super interior designer and best friend Morgin, the house is looking amazing and so much more inviting if I do say so myself. Eat your heart out HGTV! Do you think finishing all these house projects counts as nesting? I'd say yes. Gabe is hoping it ends soon and "honey-do" list gets back to a manageable level.

The dining room before:


And after...



The living room before:
And after...


The kitchen before:
And after:

The master bedroom before:



And after...

The loft/landing area before:

And after...

The guest bathroom before:


And after...

Let the blogging begin...

So, after much thought, discussion and wonder, I finally decided to start a blog. In the past I've thought maybe I don't have too much to discuss in a blog, but now that we have a little one on the way, my life is about to get much more exciting (not that it hasn't been already). This blog will be about the things I love--family, faith, cooking, creating, and living life

Speaking of the babe, we are down to four weeks and counting before he is scheduled to make his arrival. August 27 is the due date and I am planning on working as close to that date as I can bear. The most common question these days (and throughout the pregnancy) is "How are you feeling?". I think I'm feeling pretty good considering I'm 8 months pregnant and it's been in the 90's outside for the last week! No, but in all seriousness, I am definitely getting somewhat uncomfortable but I guess that means things are progressing and I'm getting closer. I have trouble getting up from the couch or bed and Tums has become my best friend and constant companion. All in all, I can't complain, it has been a wonderful pregnancy. We are both getting more and more excited by the day to meet our Elliott. Although I feel my excitement level increase, I still don't think it has hit me that there will be a baby in our home soon.

In my final week at home, I've enjoyed relaxing and checking a few more things off of the "before baby" list. I think we have everything that a baby would need and a few things that his parents just thought would be fun. I made cute iron on decals on Photoshop Elements (PSE) and put them on some onesies for E. I also made stickers to document his progression each month. I've been a PSE addict this summer. Using PSE I finished out 2009 photo book, made a baby memory book, made a photo book for my friend Morgin's little girl, and designed E's birth announcement. Maybe something about being maternal brings out your creative side. Who knows! I figure I need to get all of this done now while I have time!