Spring is here!

There are FINALLY little leaf buds on some of the trees here in Chicago!  The weather has been a little warmer lately and we planted some seedlings last week (indoors).  All signs that Spring is here!

I didn't want to plant too many things this year, because I don't see myself enjoying gardening while 9 months pregnant or with a newborn, so we kept it simple.  Oregano and arugula were the two main things we planted.  I also had some old strawberry seeds and wildflower seeds so I planted both of them, but I'm not sure if they'll grow - it's been a week and there's no sign of life yet. And of course our basil plant is still kickin' it from 2 years ago.  It's getting a little unruly, I think it's trying to tell us it's ready to go back outside and attempt to turn into a small tree again.

I had big sewing plans this weekend, but I seem to have come down with something so I'm trying to relax as much as possible in hopes that I will feel better and not have to miss any work. I have everything all set to make a crib skirt, a boppy cover, and a spare nursing shawl (to keep in the car and/or diaper bag). 

I also am starting to prepare my list of freezer meals that I want to have ready when the baby arrives. I can't believe it's getting so close!!  I still have just over 11 weeks to go but just the fact that I'm starting to plan meals and when we're going to make them is making it seem so real!!  There were some good deals on chicken and beef this weekend so we loaded up our freezer in preparation.  I'm getting too tired to do a full day or weekend of freezer cooking, so I'm trying to plan out several meals a week in the weeks leading up to the due date. 

Here are a few pics from our weekend!

Front window view

Tree outside the front window

My Poinsettia from NOVEMBER! I water it once a week and the thing just won't die

Smiling and happy after her walk on Saturday

Baby B's Baby Shower!

This past weekend we went home for a sweet little baby shower that my mom threw in honor of Baby B. We were lucky enough to get some buddy passes from Matt to fly for free, but that meant we had to get up super early to make sure we had the best likelihood of getting on the plane and not spending all day in the airport. (Getting up at 3:30 on Sunday morning was not as terrible as I thought it was going to be!)  Thankfully everything worked out perfect.

We arrived Friday afternoon and relaxed for a little while before heading out to dinner with my parents.  We went to Vic's Pub and enjoyed a good dinner, complete with a magician that made an appearance at our table (I wanted to ask him if he was in the Magician's Alliance but refrained from doing so - Tom and I recently caught up on all of the episodes of Arrested Development).

Saturday was the day of the shower.  We were blessed with nice weather and it was so neat to have the shower at the Country Cupboard - where we had our wedding reception!  It was so great to see everyone and I'm so thankful that almost everyone was able to make it. I felt so loved and I think Baby B felt the love too!  My mom did a great job planning everything - we had time at the beginning to socialize and catch up, followed by a buffet lunch, followed by a single guessing game about the baby (if you know me or have been reading my blog for any length of time, you know I'm not really that into games), and we wrapped it up by opening gifts. Everyone was so generous and we are so touched about the excitement for Baby B's arrival.

Baby B's cake, Some cookies made by Tom's sister Lisa, and a plate that everyone signed to welcome Baby B

Mags and Brie!!!

Willow (the flower girl in our wedding) wrote a sweet little note to Baby B!

After the shower everyone headed back to my parents house for more food and socializing. Haleigh enjoyed all of the attention and loved the fact that she didn't have to compete with Bailey this time. It was so great to catch up with everyone. I really wish that day could have gone on forever! 

Favorite Cousins!!! Me, Willow, and Sarah - Hard to believe Willow is 10 now!

I had asked my cousin Andrew's wife, Ciara if she wouldn't mind taking a few photos of us, since I don't really see us doing maternity photos here in Chicago.  I only have a sneak peak of 2 of them so far, but I love them! Love, love, love.  Ciara is so talented!!!  I'll be sure to share the rest when I get them!