class {stories in hand}

A few weeks ago, I signed up for this free class being offered by Jessica Sprague. Honestly, the main reason I did it was because it's free. Online scrapping courses are *all the rage* these days but they are often costly and I can't say that I see the justification. So, I figured this is a way for me to dabble in this latest trend without the investment. I'm hoping I'm able to actually devote a bit of time to it over the next two weeks, though I will also be busy with other things. Of course, I'll update my progress here.

{25 weeks}

Note: Anyone else noticing how the kid in the picture keeps getting bigger but her belly doesn't??? Not very realistic. It's depressing...I'm tempted to stop using these beautiful purple-hued graphics.

Baby: 13.5 inches and a pound and a half. Big Stuff! Starting to get some baby fat that will help smooth out his current wrinkled look (though, again I note the disrepancy of the below picture because that baby looks nice and cute - no wrinkles). More hair is growing, and now it has a more distinguishable color and texture. Skin looks pink as capillaries are forming underneath it.

Mama: We've introduced a new name possibility into the mix and I'm excited to think we may be close to making a final decision! Nursery decorating will be in full swing next week so I'm very excited about that (probably much more so than Matt). Weight gain is around 14-15 pounds, though it feels like 50. I was never the epitome of grace but I'm really starting to feel awkward these days. I'm hungry a LOT, but trying to eat a little better quality stuff. Overall though, no major complaints! Our baby boy is quite active on most days, which is awesome to feel (supposedly this is the most active times since they still have plenty of room to do flips and whatnot in there). He seemed to really enjoy the Carolina game on Saturday :)

photo {spencer as catcher}

last week in one of spencer's games, he kind of got roped into playing catcher. he wasn't thrilled with the idea (he much prefers pitching) but he was quite proud of himself after the fact.

photos {spencer's halloween}

spencer was at his mom's for halloween this year and i just got these pictures.

it's been years since we've seen a *cute* costume :)
lovely face, huh?

spencer has always sorted & counted his candy on halloween.

{24 weeks}

Baby: Weighs a pound and a half, almost a foot long. Will start to plump up soon. Taste buds and lungs are developing. Nostrils are now open (though oxygen is still provided by the placenta). Face is almost fully formed, though the skin is still transparent and there isn't much fat. Poor thing is still unnamed (Matt's fault - not mine!).

Mama: Sleeping comfortably isn't the easiest thing these days. Having trouble breathing at times (usually when lying down). My belly seems to be growing at astronomical rates, but considering my uterus is now the size of a soccer ball, I guess it makes sense. I can really feel him moving a lot now, which is super cool. I had my doctor's appointment last Friday - nothing too exciting to report there. Weight gain is higher than what I'd like (14 total). In a few weeks I have to do the glucose test for gestational diabetes - fun.

photos {charleston}

i spent saturday & sunday in charleston with my mom and two sisters. we did some shopping, walked the sights, ate lots of food and enjoyed each other's company. the weather was really nice! more pictures here.

lots of beautiful homes, gardens, gates, etc.

loved this big 'ole red door!

me, mom, sherry and michelle

photos {cross country}

saturday morning, i went to my nephew's cross country meet. his team qualified for state!! he's turned into quite a runner. you can see more pictures here, but my nephew isn't in all of them. he is the one with #282 on, and also the only one in burgundy/black with black Under Armor on. Congrats Bearcats!!

photos {halloween}

Halloween was just hanging in the driveway with friends & neighbors. We had the firepit going and handed out candy. This is my friend, neighbor and pregnancy buddy, Tara (she's due 3 weeks before me). More pictures here.

photos {spencer as starting pitcher}

last week, spencer started his first game as pitcher. he pitched two innings (the limit) and did a great job! we were so proud of him. i was finally able to get some decent pictures also. more can be seen here.

{gift card holder}

as part of my mom's birthday present, i made her this gift card holder with some gift cards to a few of her favorite spots...